Criminologist Named to UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers

Dr. Alex Piquero, Ashbel Smith Professor of criminology and associate dean of graduate programs in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas, will be inducted as a Fellow in the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers at an April 6 ceremony in Austin.

In 2012, The University of Texas System created the academy to recognize outstanding educators throughout its academic institutions. The academy, which published the The Little Orange Book of teaching tips and reflections on classroom learning, serves as an advocacy group to foster classroom innovation, promote interdisciplinary educational perspectives and catalyze the sharing of best practices.

Piquero will be one of three inductees this year to the 28-member academy. Two other UT Dallas faculty members serve as Fellows: Dr. John Sibert, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Dr. Karen Huxtable-Jester, a senior lecturer in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

“The academy is delighted to have Dr. Piquero join us in April,” said Dr. Beth Brunk-Chavez, interim dean of Extended University and associate professor of rhetoric and writing studies at The University of Texas at El Paso who serves as president of the academy.

“He brings a wealth of research, administrative, and most importantly, teaching experience to the group. His dedication to his discipline, engagement with students, and creativity with his pedagogy will be great assets to our group. We look forward to celebrating his induction with him.”

Fellows are selected through a campus-based nomination process. Nominees must have received a Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Piquero received the award in 2014.

“The foundation of my academic career lies squarely on teaching and mentoring students. It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to work closely with undergraduate and graduate students to help them realize their dreams,” Piquero said. “Seeing my students attain their own rewards and recognitions in the academic and public sectors serves to further fuel my desire to work even harder at what I do.”

Piquero, consistently one of the most cited scholars in his field, said his teaching philosophy involves being engaged with students, encouraging class discussions, making class enjoyable and learning from students.

“Membership into the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers may very well represent the most meaningful recognition I have ever received in my academic career. I am truly grateful to the many hundreds of students I have taught, mentored and collaborated with in the past and the ones that I look forward to working with in the future,” he said.

Zachary Powell MS’15 said Piquero has been a mentor as he worked toward his PhD in criminology. Powell, who expects to graduate in May, said he appreciates the time that Piquero dedicates to his students.

“Professor Piquero keeps an open door for any and all students who walk by. Having an open door to someone as well connected and successful as professor Piquero is a gift to those who accept it,” Powell said. “I have spent hours talking to professor Piquero about a wide range of subjects related to my own personal development.”

Powell said Piquero’s assistance has been critical in helping him prepare for his next assignment: He has accepted a position as an assistant professor at California State University, San Bernardino, that will start in September.