Dr. Philip Varghese, the Stanley P. Finch Centennial Professor in Engineering and aerospace engineering professor at The University of Texas at Austin, received this year’s Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching. The award is given to a UT Austin engineering faculty member who dedicates time and energy in abundance to teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
In his quest for feedback on his teaching, after each class Varghese conducts informal class surveys. Practiced since he arrived at the university in 1983, the daily critiques became a chief reason he earned the admiration of his colleagues.
“Of all the faculty I know who are active researchers, Philip is by far the most dedicated teacher. From my perspective as an associate professor, I frankly find it astonishing that someone who is as senior as he is, someone who is as active in research as he is, remains so concerned about improving his teaching on a daily basis,” says Noel Clemens, an associate professor of aerospace engineering.
Students appreciate the opportunity to voice their opinion about his classes, he says, and he appreciates their honesty. It’s evident from his students’ comments and his extremely high instructor survey ratings that his method works. A Varghese’ student best describes the benefits of his unique approach:
“After 18 years in the College of Engineering, he still prepares his lectures before every class. After every lecture he learns from his students, gauging their comprehension and the success of his teaching by collecting questions. As a result, his classes are constantly improving, his style constantly evolving, and his own knowledge constantly expanding. Dr. Philip Varghese certainly has a brilliant mind, and his research accomplishments are admirable, but his commitment to the student is second to none.”
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The Cockrell School ranks among the top ten engineering programs in the United States and aspires to move into the top five. With the nation's fourth highest number of faculty members elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the Cockrell School's more than 7,000 students work with many of the world's finest engineering educators and researchers. This environment prepares graduates to become engineering leaders and innovators working for the betterment of society.