UTA Celebrates Faculty Achievement at ACUE Pinning Ceremony

Faculty members from across the university were recognized for completing nationally recognized professional learning focused on effective teaching and student success.
Certificates and award pins displayed on a table before an event presentation.

ACUE Pinning Ceremony and Recognition Luncheon

On October 20, 2026, The University of Texas at Arlington and CRTLE recognized faculty commitment to teaching excellence during the ACUE Pinning Ceremony and Recognition Luncheon on October 20, 2026. Hosted by the Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence (CRTLE), the event honored faculty members who completed an ACUE teaching certificate during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The luncheon brought together faculty honorees, university leaders, academic administrators, ACUE representatives, institutional partners, and guests. The gathering created space not only to present certificates and pins, but also to recognize the sustained investment required to complete a rigorous professional learning experience while continuing the daily work of teaching, mentoring, and supporting students.

Recognizing a Significant Commitment to Teaching

Completing an ACUE teaching credential represents more than participation in a single workshop. The faculty members recognized at the ceremony devoted time to professional learning, reflection, and the consideration of evidence-informed teaching practices. Their achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening learning experiences for UTA students.

During the ceremony, individual faculty members were called forward for recognition, pinning, certificate presentation, and commemorative photographs. Dr. Jackie Fay, Interim Vice Provost of Faculty Success in the Division of Faculty Success, led the pinning portion of the program. The agenda also included remarks from Dr. Fay and Dr. Shanna Banda, Assistant Vice Provost in the Division of Faculty Success, along with updates from the ACUE leadership team.

By celebrating this work publicly, UTA affirmed the value of faculty development as part of the university’s larger commitment to teaching excellence and student success. The event also highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships and support from university and college leadership in making sustained professional learning visible and meaningful.

A Program Centered on Celebration and Reflection

The program began with lunch and informal networking among faculty members, administrators, and ACUE representatives. Welcome and opening remarks from CRTLE emphasized UTA’s commitment to teaching excellence, student success, and the institutional partners who support faculty learning.

Following remarks from ACUE and UTA leadership, the central portion of the event focused on faculty recognition. Honorees were invited forward individually for the pinning ceremony and presentation of certificates. Faculty reflections then provided an opportunity for completers to speak about the experience and its impact on their teaching practice.

The luncheon also recognized participants in Effective Teaching 101 and shared information about upcoming ACUE and CRTLE opportunities. The program concluded with final congratulations and group photographs, capturing a university-wide celebration of faculty learning and achievement.

Faculty Honorees

UTA recognized the following 2025–2026 ACUE teaching certificate completers, representing a wide range of colleges, schools, departments, disciplines, and faculty roles.

Faculty Member Title Department/School
Jean M. Fernandes Adjunct Assistant Professor Art and Art History
Dr. Tiara Anice Okoruwa Assistant Professor of Practice Social Work
Dr. Kirsten Amy Drake Clinical Associate Professor Nursing-Graduate
Dr. Laura E. Kunkel Clinical Associate Professor Kinesiology
Dr. Cathy J. Brown Clinical Associate Professor Nursing-Grad
Dr. Ariadna Reyes Sánchez Assistant Professor Public Affairs and Planning
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Assistant Professor School of Social Work
Dr. Anil Singh Clinical Professor Information Systems and Operations Management
Dr. A.C. Sahoo Professor of Practice Computer Science and Engineering; Information Systems and Operations Management
Terry-Ann Rodriguez Assistant Professor of Practice Teacher and Administrator Preparation
Dr. Thomas A. Dombrowsky Clinical Professor Nursing-Grad; Nursing-Undergrad
Mr. William R. Venable III Associate Professor of Practice Marketing
Dr. Matthew Fujita Professor Biology
Dr. Yi Liu Associate Professor of Practice Information Systems and Operations Management
Heather Hewer Lecturer Mathematics
Dr. Tyler Douglas Garner Clinical Assistant Professor Kinesiology
Michaela Mora Assistant Professor of Practice Marketing
Marylin D. Rozario Graduate Teaching Assistant Public Affairs and Planning
Dr. Subhra Rani Patra Clinical Assistant Professor Information Systems and Operations Management
Jennifer LaPrade Associate Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice
Dr. Grace Brannon Associate Professor, Advanced Certificate Communication
Dejan Terzic Adjunct Assistant Professor Marketing

Looking Ahead

The recognition luncheon celebrated an important milestone while also pointing toward continued opportunities for faculty learning. The program invited participants to remain engaged with ACUE and CRTLE through future professional learning and teaching initiatives.

Through ACUE, Effective Teaching 101, and other CRTLE programs, UTA faculty have pathways to continue exploring practical approaches to course design, student engagement, assessment, and inclusive teaching. These opportunities support reflection, connection with colleagues, and the continued development of teaching practices across disciplines and course formats.

CRTLE congratulates each faculty honoree and thanks the university leaders, academic units, ACUE partners, institutional supporters, and guests who helped make the event possible. Their collective support reinforces a campus culture in which faculty learning and teaching achievement are recognized as central to student success.

Learn more about ACUE opportunities and faculty development through CRTLE.