Purdue University Teaching Academy announces 11 inductees for 2026

The Purdue University Teaching Academy has announced 11 inductees for 2026 in recognition of their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs. Candidates were identified by their individual department or college/school based upon evidence of excellence in teaching, innovation in teaching methodology, teaching-related service, and scholarship in teaching and learning. 

The new Teaching Academy fellows are:

• Mindy Anderson — Veterinary Medicine
• Ximena Bernal — Biological Sciences
• Abigail Engelberth — Agricultural and Biological Engineering
• Abrar Hammoud — Technology Leadership and Innovation
• Alex Isaacs — Pharmacy Practice
• David Nolte — Physics and Astronomy
• Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe — Chemistry
• Rachel Tiefel — Nursing
• Natasha Watkins — Human Development and Family Science
• Jamie Woodyard — Pharmacy Practice
• Michael Zoltowski — Electrical and Computer Engineering

Inductees will be formally recognized in the fall at an event hosted by the Office of the Provost.

The Teaching Academy at Purdue strives to bring together the best teaching faculty and graduate students across campus to create a collective voice for teaching excellence. In partnership with the Office of the Provost and the Center for Instructional Excellence, the Teaching Academy sponsors a variety of programs and activities fostering educational creativity, innovation and effectiveness both in and outside the classroom.