Among the Best

UT Tyler’s Gangone Recognized for Outstanding Teaching in UT System

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Gangone, associate professor of civil engineering, who earned a 2020 UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award for his excellent contributions to undergraduate student success. Learn more about the professor and why he enjoys teaching.

Can you share a little bit about yourself?

I have been in academia since August 2012 when I first started at UT Tyler. I have many duties here. Aside from teaching and being involved with research, I’m also the faculty advisor to our American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, the Civil Engineering Honor Society and I am the ABET coordinator for the Civil Engineering Program.

What area(s) do you teach?

I have taught in many different sub-disciplines of civil engineering that include structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, materials, hydraulics and our Leadership, Assets Management, Public Policy and Business Practices classes. Currently, I teach courses in structural engineering, materials and fluid mechanics.

Why do you enjoy teaching?

Teaching is a very rewarding profession. I enjoy engaging with students both in and out of the classroom. To think that you are having a positive impact in helping someone achieve a goal of earning their degree and then using that degree to go out into the world to impact the lives of many is very humbling. It is about making a difference in the lives of others. Teaching is one of those professions where you get to do that.   

Why do you like working at UT Tyler?

There are two primary reasons why I like working at UT Tyler. The first is the value that the University puts on teaching excellence, and the second is the people. 

UT Tyler wants faculty to excel as educators and expects that faculty achieve a certain standard in teaching. At many universities, the primary focus is on how much research dollars you bring in and how many publications you are putting out each year and less is on the students. While research is very important at a university, it is equally, if not more important, to deliver a quality educational experience for our students. I believe the experience that students receive here at UT Tyler will set them up for success in their careers. 

Second, the people – faculty, staff and students – make UT Tyler a great place to work. We have a faculty and staff that are supportive of each other.  In the civil engineering department specifically, when we hire someone, we not only look for people who will do well but also fit our culture. We are a department that cares about one another and our students.  We get to know our students and they get to know us. We want to see them all succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to help. Dr. McGinnis often will use the word “community” to describe our department, and I think he is exactly right. We have a great community. That is attributed to the great leadership within the department and college and the team of faculty and staff that work together for the betterment of our department, college, University and, most importantly, our students.

What does this honor and being recognized by the UT System Board of Regents mean to you?

To be recognized by one of the premier higher education institutions in the world for teaching excellence is very rewarding. From day one, I have set out to ensure that I’m providing the best quality educational and student experience I can for our students. It is very meaningful to not only see the positive impact I’m having on our students, but to also have these results recognized by the Board of Regents is a great feeling.

Learn more about the professor.

Press Release: UT Tyler Professors Recognized for Outstanding Teaching

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