Brian A. Bremen Presented with Burnt Orange Apple Award for Outstanding Teaching

Brian A. Bremen, associate professor in the Department of English, College of Liberal Arts, has been presented the Marilla D. Svinicki Burnt Orange Apple Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing teaching and learning and for his commitment to UT Austin students. Dr. Svinicki, a professor in educational psychology, initiated the award to recognize faculty members whose teaching has positively impacted the lives of their students.

Recipients of the Burnt Orange Apple Award have provided lively and memorable learning experiences for their students, as suggested by seven rigorous selection criteria:

• 10 or more years of service to UT Austin.
• A profound commitment to student learning.
• A demonstrated leadership in advancing teaching and learning through scholarship, presentation, and collegial collaboration.
• A demonstrated respect for students and what they bring to the learning environment.
• The development of innovative teaching methods or materials.
• The use of alternative or creative teaching and assessment methods to serve students with diverse learning styles.
• Fostering a love of learning and academic achievement in students.

Judy Ashcroft, dean of Continuing and Innovative Education, presented the award. Dr. Ashcroft recognized Dr. Bremen as a faculty member who demonstrates a strong passion for teaching and learning, saying, “Excellent teaching is not a magical process, although it often yields magical results.  Excellent teaching is a continuous process that demands dedication, research, innovation, and collaboration. It also demands passion. This year’s recipient knows how to manifest his passion for English…into effective teaching and learning for students and colleagues. He does more than just teach; he inspires, he empowers, and he enlightens. It’s almost like magic.”

For more information about Dr. Bremen and his work in the College of Liberal Arts, visit his Web site.

For more information about the Marilla D. Svinicki Burnt Orange Apple Award, contact Rob Bruce at rgb@austin.utexas.edu or call 232-5152.