Winter 2025-26 Best in Class Faculty Award Winner: Austin Dowdy
Faculty Spotlight: Austin Dowdy
Winter 2025-2026 鈥淏est in Class鈥� Faculty Award Recipient
National American 麻豆传媒集团 proudly recognizes Austin Dowdy as the Winter 2025-2026 Term recipient of the
鈥淏est in Class鈥� Faculty Award.
This honor recognizes faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, student engagement, academic leadership, and dedication to student success. Austin was selected based on his ability to create a positive and transformative learning experience while fostering an inclusive, caring, and supportive environment for students.
Colleagues across the university highlighted Austin鈥檚 enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to helping students succeed.
鈥淔rom 鈥榤eeting鈥� him virtually in our faculty training course to helping him with course admin questions and procedures, all my interactions with Austin have been genuinely delightful. He approaches everything with great energy and enthusiasm. I am so glad to have him in our faculty corps, because I know that he is having a positive impact on our students!鈥�
鈥� Dr. Brigit McGuire, Dean of Academic Affairs
鈥淔rom the moment I met Austin at his interview, I knew we had found an excellent candidate in our applicant pool. He has since proven exceptional in every interaction and every piece of feedback he provides to students. His passion for helping students is not only evident, but also contagious.鈥�
鈥淚 was thrilled to see him invite his students to 鈥楥offee Chats with Professor Austin鈥� to get to know them, answer questions, and collaborate on a plan for their success. His commitment to being available to help students, providing resources and guidance, and maintaining a positive learning environment is appreciated by everyone on the leadership team at NAU. Austin, as you say all the time to your students, Bravo!鈥�
鈥� Natalie Garling, Associate Dean of General Education
Student Reflections
- 鈥淎ustin kept me engaged and he was really helpful.鈥�
- 鈥淎ustin provided very good feedback on all assignments.鈥�
- 鈥淎ustin taught the course in a way that I could understand.鈥�
Austin鈥檚 dedication to student learning and his passion for supporting learners inside and outside the classroom continue to make a meaningful impact within the EN courses and across the NAU community.
Watch Austin Dowdy鈥檚 Winter 2025-2026 Best in Class Faculty Spotlight recognition.
