Congrats to Ted Cory, PharmD, PhD, and Roland Dickerson, PharmD, who were awarded the UT Health Science Center Student Government Association Executive Committee’s 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award for the College of Pharmacy.
A second congratulations also goes to Dr. Dickerson, who received the Distinguished Service Professor Award from the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, a UT system-wide recognition for excellence in classroom and/or clinical instruction.
Students who nominated Dr. Cory cited his ability to make difficult topics accessible and interesting, his love for bowties, and his dedication to student learning. As SGAEC leader and pharmacy student Piper Olivet mentioned at the award ceremony, “I can personally attest that this professor’s passion for his subject matter makes even the most daunting topics seem not only understandable but exciting. Through his tireless dedication, unwavering enthusiasm, and commitment to teaching some of the most complex topics in our curriculum, this award is deeply deserved.”
“I’m humbled to receive the SGAEC Excellence in Teaching Award,” said Dr. Cory. “Teaching future pharmacists and watching them grow into future colleagues is one of the things I love most about my job, and being nominated for an award from my students means more than I can possibly describe.”
Students described Dr. Roland as a true student advocate. He is praised for his ability to balance his outstanding research and clinical work while being student-focused in the classroom. He holds students to a high standard and encourages continuous improvement. He sets clear expectations and provides all of the necessary tools for students to meet them. “When you leave his lectures, you leave feeling prepared and supported. Dr. Roland Dickerson is a true expert in his field and a beloved professor,” said Olivet.
“Recognition by the students for excellence in teaching is the biggest teaching honor that educators can receive,” said Dr. Dickerson. “This is the first time in my career that I have been honored by the students for my teaching. My heart is full.”
A huge round of applause for Dr. Cory and Dr. Dickerson on this well-deserved honor!