History professor earns teaching award

The University of Texas at Austin Friar Society awarded Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor of History G. Howard Miller, the 2008-09 Friar Centennial Teaching Fellowship. The $15,000 award is the university’s largest for undergraduate teaching excellence. In keeping with tradition, the Friar Society interrupted Miller’s 10 a.m. class with a trumpet parade by the Longhorn Band. Miller is known for his popular religious studies courses, including, “Religion in U.S. Popular Culture” and “Jesus in American Culture,” which is now available online in full-length video recordings at http://www.laits.utexas.edu/jc/. Founded in 1911, the Friar Society is the university’s oldest and most respected honor society. Students across campus nominate their favorite professors for the award, and a committee of Friar Society student members selects the award recipient.