GALVESTON, Texas – The University of Texas System Board of Regents awarded University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston faculty members with the top teaching prize in the UT System: the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award.

Faculty members undergo a series of rigorous evaluations by students, peer faculty and external reviewers. The review panels consider a range of activities and criteria in their evaluations of a candidate's teaching performance, including classroom expertise, curricula quality, innovative course development and student learning outcomes. The regents’ award is among the nation’s most competitive teaching awards, and each recipient will receive $25,000 and will be honored at a dinner hosted by the UT System Board of Regents in Austin.

“These amazing educators are responsible for helping to prepare the next generation of great leaders,” said Paul Foster, Board of Regents chairman. “With a total award of more than $1.9 million dollars this year, no other university system in the nation is making this kind of an investment in rewarding outstanding faculty. The efforts of these faculty members significantly enhance the educational experiences of our students and the UT Board of Regents is pleased to have this opportunity to honor them.”

Congratulations to the UTMB 2015 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award recipients:

Dr. Kimberly Brown

Associate professor in the department of surgery, director of surgical simulation surgery clerkship, associate program director for the general surgery residency, medical director for the physician assistant studies program and holder of the James Edwin Thompson Family Distinguished Professorship for Surgical Simulation; with UTMB for four years.

“It’s truly an honor to have been selected for this prestigious award,” Brown said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I have at UTMB to help shape the healthcare providers and teams of tomorrow.”

Lisa Cain

Associate professor in the department of neuroscience and cell biology, director of medical school enrichment programs and assistant dean for faculty affairs; at UTMB for 22 years.

“I am humbled and elated to win this distinguished award,” Cain said. “The interactions with my students over the years has been one of the most rewarding components of my career.”

Dr. Mark Holden

Professor in the department of internal medicine, vice chair for undergraduate and continuing medical education, director of general internal medicine and holder of the Edna S. and William C. Levin Professorship in internal medicine; with UTMB for 27 years.

“I was just ecstatic to receive the notice,” said Holden. “It’s such an honor to be recipient, especially to be included with the prestigious company of those who have won in the past.”

Dr. Susan McCammon

Associate professor and vice chair in the department of otolaryngology, residency program director, scholar in the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine and holder of the Jehu Matthew Robison Distinguished Professorship in Otolaryngology; with UTMB since 2006.

“I am honored and humbled to be included in this group of teachers,” McCammon said. “In my teaching and clinical work I wear many hats: cancer surgeon, clinical ethics consultant, medical humanist and palliative care physician. With my students. I explore what it means to identify with these different perspectives and how to negotiate their synergy and occasional conflict.”

Victor Reyes
Professor in the departments of pediatrics and microbiology and immunology; with UTMB since 1992.

“I feel honored to have been recognized for this prestigious award since the nomination comes from students and peers,” Reyes said. “Also, being included among an elite group of individuals known for their dedication and contributions to the educational mission of UTMB is indeed an honor that I value immensely and encourages me to continue improving my skills as an educator. “

Carolyn Utsey

Associate professor and Chair in the department of physical therapy and holder of the Jeanette Winfree Professorship in Physical Therapy; with UTMB for 25 years.

“I love seeing the development and growth of our students from when they enter the program until the culmination of graduation,” Utsey said. “And then to see them as new professionals and continue that growth through years of lifelong learning is so rewarding.”

Click here for a photo of Kimberly Brown.

Click here for a photo of Lisa Cain.

Click here for a photo of Mark Holden.

Click here for a photo of Susan McCammon.

Click here for a photo of Victor Reyes.

Click here for a photo of Carolyn Utsey.