Faculty Champions Program
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.
Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Architecture | David Matiella |
Construction Science and Management | Ibukun Awolusi |
Biomedical Engineering | Jingyong Ye |
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Vikram Kapoor |
Electrical and Computer Engineering | Johnathan Votion |
Mechanical Engineering | Randall Manteufel |
Need a point of contact at the college level? Contact: Arturo Montoya |
Alvarez College of Business
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Accounting | Linda Vaello |
Economics | Shakira Flores |
Finance | Candy (Sikes) White |
Information Systems and Cyber Security | Terri Davis |
Management | Bruce Rudy |
Management Science and Statistics | Kim Massaro |
Marketing | Daniel Davied |
College of Education and Human Development
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Bicultural-Bilingual Studies | Gilberto Lara |
Counseling | Donghun Lee |
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies | Vanessa Sansone |
Educational Psychology | Ian Thacker |
Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching | Vittorio Marone |
Clinical Teaching & Field Experience | Jennifer Swoyer | Sam DeJulio |
Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexual Studies | Sonya Alemán |
Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Architecture | David Matiella |
Biomedical Engineering | Jingyong Ye |
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Vikram Kapoor |
Construction Science and Management | Ibukun Awolusi |
Electrical and Computer Engineering | Johnathan Votion |
Mechanical Engineering | Randall Manteufel |
College for Health, Community, and Policy
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Criminology and Criminal Justice | Kellie Lynch |
Kinesiology | Alberto Cordova |
Nutrition and Dietetics | Lance Whitlock |
Psychology | Brenya Buchalski |
Public Administration | Gina Amatangelo |
Public Health | Erica Wallace |
Social Work | Rebecca Juarez |
Sociology & Demography | Tamara Casso |
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Anthropology | Luca Pozzi |
Art and Art History | Dane Patterson |
Communication | Ryan McPherson |
English | Sue Hum |
History | Andria Crosson |
Modern Languages and Literatures | Nelson Hernandez |
Music | Drew Stephens |
Philosophy and Classics | Carlo Bottone |
Political Science and Geography | Nazgol Bagheri |
College of Sciences
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Chemistry | Victoria Dougherty |
Computer Science | Linda Rutherford |
Earth and Planetary Science | Janet Vote |
Integrative Biology | Jessica Beckham | Eddie Hernandez |
Mathematics | Cindy Roberts |
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | Aanu Adelani |
Neuroscience, Development, and Regenerative Biology | Eddie Hernandez |
Physics and Astronomy | Dina Drozdov |
Honors College
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Honors College | Hector Aguilar |
University College
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.
Faculty Champions | |
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Department | Faculty Champion |
Academic Inquiry and Scholarship | Aaron Galiher |
Air Force ROTC | Jennifer Hurt |
Army ROTC | Stephanie Boatman |
Multidisciplinary Studies | Karen Daas |
Writing Program | Victoria Miller |
For information about the Faculty Champions program, please contact AcademicInnovation@utsa.edu.