Peter Ward of the LBJ School of Public Affairs has been named the Outstanding Graduate Adviser and Lisa Moore of the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts has won the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award from the Graduate School at The University of Texas at Austin.
Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Victoria Rodríguez will present the awards at a banquet co-sponsored by the University Co-op on May 18.
As a graduate adviser, Ward has created a strong sense of community among doctoral students while acting as champion for resources and opportunities for them. He has taken an interest in the goals and progress of each student and has been instrumental in revitalizing the doctoral program at the LBJ School.
“Students need faculty members who stand with them and help them navigate their course work, independent research and the job market. The graduate adviser plays the most crucial role, and Peter Ward plays it extraordinarily well,” said Robert Hutchings, dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
The hallmarks of excellent graduate teaching go beyond classroom teaching to include mentoring students, supervising research and writing projects and preparing students for future careers.
“Lisa goes above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of her graduate work,” said Elizabeth Cullingford, chair of the Department of English. “Most crucially, her students go on to enhance the reputation of The University of Texas at Austin by building strong academic careers. Her graduate teaching performance is exceptional.”
Hailed as a professor who constantly thinks about pedagogy, Moore is known for her “holistic approach to teaching, mentorship and professionalization of graduate students,” and her “smart, kind and tough criticism” of their work, according to her former students.
Previously, the Graduate School announced the winners of the Outstanding Graduate Alumnus Award, Abhijat Joshi from the Michener Center for Writers, and Outstanding Graduate Coordinator, Chris Mazzucco from the Department of Psychology.
