AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. George Forgie, an associate professor of history at The University of Texas at Austin, has been given the $12,000 Friar Centennial Teaching Fellowship, the university’s largest award for undergraduate teaching excellence, by the Friar Society.
Forgie, who teaches undergraduate history classes, has been recognized by hisstudents and peers as an outstanding educator.
The Friar Centennial Teaching Fellowship Selection Committee, university administrators, faculty, past recipients and Friar Society members interrupted Forgie’sclass at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, to present the award to him.
“He is one of the most sought-after professors on campus,” said Paul Navratil, co-chair of the selection committee, who added that Forgie is “an innovative professor who truly wants his students to learn.”
One history student wrote, “Dr. Forgie is without a doubt the best professor I’ve had at this university. He is excellent at explaining and communicating difficult information in an interesting way. More than that, He cares about each student’s individual success.”
Other students’ comments included:
“Dr. Forgie’s ability to communicate with his class is exceptional! I wish all my professors were as concerned with my achievements as Dr. Forgie is.”
“Forgie’s format of teaching is highly unique. He makes each class interesting.”
“Dr. Forgie isn’t afraid to change the teaching schedule to ensure that each approach to history is taught.”
The Friar Society, established in 1911, is the oldest and most prestigious honor society at the university. Its members, who include many of Texas’ most prominent business persons, academics, attorneys and public officials, contributed the funds necessary to endow the Centennial Teaching Fellowship and obtain matching centennial funds from the Board of Regents, resulting in a $200,000 endowment, the annual earnings of which compose the Teaching Fellowship.
The selection committee recognized six outstanding professors who were finalists for the award: Henry Dietz in the Department of Government, Toyin Falola in the Department of History, Michael Harney in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Sharon Jarvis in the Department of Communication Studies, Lawrence McFarland in the Department of Art and Art History and Melvin Oakes in the Department of Physics.
For more information contact: Brian Haley, 512-471-3166.
