Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Angela Ward • Assistant Professor of Instruction
Angela Ward was selected to participate in Leadership Austin’s Essential 47 class. Through the program, Ward will join other Central Texas leaders in exploring issues affecting the region, building relationships and strengthening their capacity to lead across organizations and communities.
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
Mylon Kirksy • Assistant Professor of Practice
Mylon Kirksy published his first book, “12 Foundations for Improving Intercultural Competency,” a practical guide designed to help readers strengthen their intercultural awareness and communicate, collaborate and lead more effectively across differences. The book offers frameworks and actionable strategies for developing self-awareness, empathy, perspective-taking and conflict-navigation skills. Kirksy is assistant vice president for Housing Programs and Services at UT Austin.
Bridget Farr • Doctoral Student
Bridget Farr, a first-year doctoral student in the Educational Policy and Planning program, published an Education Week opinion article titled “Teacher Observations Shouldn’t Feel Like Babysitting.” Drawing from Farr’s experience as a public school principal, the article examines how schools can make teacher observations more purposeful and professionally meaningful.
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education
Nick Enge • Senior Lecturer
Nick Enge was named the National Dance Society’s 2026 College/University Master Dance Educator of the Year. Enge teaches and researches social dance and was previously recognized with the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education’s Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Brian Farr • Clinical Professor
Brian Farr was inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame, the highest honor presented to a member of the association. The recognition honors Farr’s longstanding service, professional achievements and contributions to the advancement of athletic training. Farr serves as director of UT Austin’s Athletic Training Program and has led the program since its establishment in 2002.
Jan Todd • Professor
Jan Todd received three honors recognizing her contributions to sport history, physical culture and mentorship. She received the Alvin Roy Award for Career Achievement, was inducted into the Greater Austin Sports Foundation Hall of Honor and received the North American Society for Sport History Mentorship Award. Todd is a pioneering scholar in the history of exercise, strength and physical culture.
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
Researchers at the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes recently published two studies examining the experiences of deaf individuals in higher education and beyond. Institutional Supports and Access Inequities for Deaf College Students explores how institutional resources and practices influence access and success for deaf students in postsecondary settings. A second publication, When Education Pays Less: Psychological Well-Being, Financial Strain, and Social Support Among Deaf Adults, examines the relationships among educational attainment, financial well-being, social support and quality of life for deaf adults. Together, the studies contribute new insights into equity, access and outcomes across education and workforce pathways for the deaf community.
