OCTOBER 26, 2021 — Two UTSA faculty members have been selected to receive the 2021 Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA) from The University of Texas System. Gina Amatangelo and Luca Pozzi are among 14 educators from across the UT System being recognized by the Board of Regents for their exceptional teaching performance and innovation.
“Congratulations to Dr. Pozzi and Professor Amatangelo for receiving this prestigious award,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “They are true examples of the esteemed cadre of faculty at UTSA who play an integral role in our students’ success through their outstanding contributions, accomplishments and innovations in teaching and outcomes on student learning.”
UTSA faculty members Gina Amatangelo (left) and Luca Pozzi (right) are among 14 educators from across the UT System being recognized by the Board of Regents for their exceptional teaching performance and innovation.
On November 8, they will also be inducted into the UTSA Academy for Distinguished Teaching Scholars, a group comprised of ROTA winners that provides institutional leadership and guidance at the university through activities such as mentoring new faculty or developing seminars on teaching excellence.
Amatangelo is an assistant professor of practice in public administration in the College for Health, Community and Policy. Her courses focus on civic engagement. In 2020, she was recognized university-wide for her teaching by earning the Richard S. Howe Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.
"I have had such extraordinary students, mentors and partners at UTSA,” Amatangelo said. “I look forward to joining the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars to share what I have learned and contribute to the culture of teaching excellence at UTSA."
Pozzi is an assistant professor of anthropology in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts who specializes in the study of evolution. He received the UTSA President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Core Curriculum Teaching in 2020.
“To be recognized is an honor in itself, but knowing the award arises from the support of my peers and my students makes it really special,” Pozzi said. “I genuinely love teaching students and being recognized after such a difficult year during which we all have worked so hard to provide the best possible learning environment even in the online setting, it is a wonderful feeling.”
The University of Texas System Board of Regents established the annual Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards program in 2008 to honor excellence in undergraduate teaching. It is the pivotal teaching award within the UT System and widely regarded as one of the most prestigious teaching awards within higher education.
The award comes with a monetary prize of $25,000. A video announcing the award winners will be live-streamed at the November UT System Board of Regents meeting.
Amatangelo and Pozzi join a total of 53 UTSA faculty members who have received the award. A list of past recipients is available on the UTSA Faculty Awards website.
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