Promoted by the division of Academic Innovation, the Faculty Champions Program is a dynamic community of practice at UTSA, consisting of a College Point of Contact and a faculty representative from each department. These liaisons serve as vital links between their peers and UTSA leadership, fostering communication, promoting academic innovation, and participating in pilot initiatives. Together, they drive the adoption of best practices and collaborative growth in teaching, learning and digital transformation across the university. 

Our Faculty Champions are a role model for the implementation of effective teaching practices and emerging technologies. Their role has been pivotal in supporting the transition to online teaching during the pandemic, implementing the new Canvas Learning Management System in Fall 2023, and advancing key initiatives such as adopting Simple Syllabus. These faculty are also at the forefront in exploring generative AI in the curriculum; piloting and disseminating best teaching practices enhanced by generative AI. 

Point of Contact: Laura Sheehy | laura.sheehy@utsa.edu

Associate Director of Educational Technology

The Alvarez Faculty Champions provide a vital collaboration between faculty and leadership. By promoting evidence-based instructional approaches and sharing innovative teaching practices, we collectively enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Through active collaboration and communication, we drive instructional transformation and foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in an ever-evolving landscape. 

Point of Contact: Heather Trepal | heather.trepal@utsa.edu 

Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success | Professor, Department of Counseling

The COEHD Faculty Champions are a team of leaders who mentor college faculty peers and students in best practices for academic innovation and provide a shared forum for questions, discussion, and problem-solving. We prioritize student success and the sharing of information and resources. 

Learn about COEHD's Faculty Champions

Point of Contact: Arturo Montoya | arturo.montoya@utsa.edu  

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs | Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management 

At our college, the dedicated team of faculty champions collaborates to share and discuss best teaching practices within their academic units. They identify industry needs and survey students and faculty to foster discussions around curriculum changes, ensuring our students are prepared to excel in the modern workforce. Additionally, they support faculty in utilizing state-of-the-art educational tools and collecting data to assess student learning outcomes. This collaborative effort significantly enhances the quality of education and ensures our graduates are well-prepared to lead and innovate in the built environment, scientific community, and technology sectors. 

Point of Contact: Johnelle Sparks | johnelle.sparks@utsa.edu 

Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Success and Administration | Professor Department of Sociology and Demography

The HCAP Faculty Champions support teaching innovation with colleagues in their department and across the college. We work to create a shared vision that fosters inclusive teaching practices, integrates technology into classroom instruction, and offers an extension to what is taught in the classroom to experiences with internships, professional development, and community partnerships.

Point of Contact: Seok Kang | seok.kang@utsa.edu     

Director of Digital Initiatives | Professor, Communication  

The COLFA Faculty Champions support faculty across nine departments by providing expert technical assistance and instructional guidance for using learning management systems and new pedagogical tools. COLFA Faculty Champions are dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning experiences by ensuring faculty have the right resources and experience needed to effectively integrate technology into teaching. We strive to foster an environment where faculty can excel in instructional roles and contribute to students’ academic success. We constantly improve teaching with innovative technology by brainstorming and offering better solutions through support. 

Learn about COLFA's Faculty Champions

Point of Contact: Terri Matiella | terri.matiella@utsa.edu

Assistant Dean for Instruction, Assessment, and Faculty Development, Integrative Biology | Professor of Instruction and Assistant Department Chair    

We are the COS Faculty Champions, a team that includes a faculty member from each department in the College of Sciences. We meet regularly to discuss successes, challenges, and best practices in teaching, and how to help faculty in the classroom. Please reach out to your faculty champion or any one of us if you have questions or need resources. We can find answers or help point you in the right direction. We send out weekly teaching tips , participate in panel discussions for the COS Teaching Workshops, and let faculty know about professional development opportunities throughout the semester. You can find previous Teaching Tips and COS Teaching Workshop recordings linked here.  

Learn about COS's Faculty Champions

Point of Contact: Alegra Lozano | alegra.lozano@utsa.edu  

Director of Director of Academic Counseling and Faculty Member

The Honors Faculty Champions support faculty within the Honors College, as well as those with joint appointments across all colleges. They leverage their expertise in experiential learning, along with Academic Innovation’s expertise in digital literacy, to promote best practices in student-centered teaching and learning. Through their efforts, they contribute to making UTSA a model for teaching excellence. 

Point of Contact: Rebecca Schroeder | rebecca.schroeder@utsa.edu

Associate Dean of University College and Professor of Instruction, Multidisciplinary Studies and Academic Introduction and Strategies

At University College, our Faculty Champions are dedicated to fostering a student-centered learning environment that supports academic success and interdisciplinary collaboration. By sharing best practices, mentoring peers, and integrating innovative instructional strategies, we empower faculty to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Our champions represent a diverse range of disciplines, ensuring that every student benefits from high-quality instruction, critical thinking development, and real-world applications of knowledge. Together, we cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for academic and professional success.

For information about the Faculty Champions program, please contact AcademicInnovation@utsa.edu.