Two UTA professors earn top UT Regents’ teaching honor

Two University of Texas at Arlington faculty members—Karen Magruder and Mohsen Shahandashti—have been named recipients of the 2025 UT Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards, one of the highest honors for educators in the UT System. The awards celebrate faculty whose innovation, mentorship, and classroom excellence make a lasting impact on students.

“The Board of Regents is proud to recognize these educators for their dedication to the core values of teaching excellence and student success,” UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife said. “We are truly grateful for the role they play in preparing and inspiring the next generation of Texas leaders and innovators.”

Magruder, an associate professor of practice and program director for UTA’s doctoral social work program, is known for mentoring students long after graduation and bridging theory and practice in her teaching. Shahandashti, a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, has built a career developing innovative courses, hands-on learning experiences and industry-facing programs that prepare students for professional success.

“Every Maverick deserves excellence, and that’s what Dr. Shahandashti and Dr. Magruder deliver for our students year after year,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “UTA faculty know who we serve and why it matters. I’m genuinely appreciative of their exceptional efforts in the classroom.”

Each of this year’s 12 recipients will receive a medallion, a certificate and a cash award of $25,000 in appreciation of their positive impact on students and their institutions.

“I am thrilled Dr. Magruder and Dr. Shahandashti have been recognized by the UT System for their exceptional contributions in the classroom,” said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “For the second consecutive year, two UTA faculty members have earned this distinguished honor. I am grateful to the Division of Faculty Success for their ongoing efforts to provide support and resources that encourage our faculty to reach their full potential.”

Bridging theory and practice

For Karen Magruder, the most rewarding part of teaching future social workers is that the relationship extends beyond the classroom. She makes herself available to mentor and guide students long after they graduate.

“Watching their confidence and professional identities grow over time is one of my favorite parts,” she said.

Magruder joined UTA as an adjunct professor in 2017 and transitioned to a full-time professor in 2019.

In the classroom, her teaching philosophy centers on bridging theory and practice through creativity, innovation and care.

“I view effective teaching as a balance of subject matter expertise, sound andragogy and authentic connection,” she said. “I am committed to excellence in online education, integrating technology, experiential learning and open educational resources to enhance access and quality.”

Magruder says she is deeply honored by the recognition from the UT System and credits the support she’s received at UTA for making it possible.

“I’m so thankful for the support and guidance that got me to this point,” Magruder said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without encouraging mentors, helpful teaching resources and trainings, guidance and assistance from the Center for Distance Education instructional designers, examples of great professors I had, and honest feedback from my students.”

Integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications

For Mohsen Shahandashti, teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a lifelong calling. From guiding future engineers through hands-on projects to mentoring students as they enter the industry, Shahandashti has built a career defined by curiosity, care and innovation in the classroom.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized with this award,” Shahandashti said. “Teaching has always been at the heart of my professional life, and this recognition by the UT System Board of Regents is a powerful affirmation of the work I have dedicated myself to—supporting students, innovating in the classroom and mentoring the next generation of engineers and leaders.”

Shahandashti has developed and taught 10 graduate and undergraduate courses, created industry-facing professional certificates and built the curriculum for UTA’s new

ABET-accredited Construction Management program, which serves nearly 600 students. Beyond the classroom, Shahandashti has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students—many of whom have earned awards and secured outstanding professional placements. His teaching integrates cutting-edge research with real-world applications, helping students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

“This award affirms that my teaching philosophy—blending innovation, research integration and mentorship—has made a lasting impact,” Shahandashti said. “It reflects my commitment to meeting students where they are, challenging them to grow, and ensuring that all students, not only the top performers, receive the attention and support they need.”

He expressed gratitude to those who made the recognition possible.

“I am grateful to the UT System Board of Regents, UTA leadership, and my colleagues and students who inspire me every day,” he said. “This award is not mine alone—it is shared with the many students whose energy, creativity and perseverance motivate my teaching and research.”

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.