Cindy Young named ӰԺ recipient of UT Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award
PULASKI, Tenn. — Cindy Young, instructor of education at the ӰԺ, has been named the campus recipient of the 2026 University of Tennessee Alumni Association Outstanding Teaching Award (UTAA), recognizing excellence in instruction and commitment to student success.
Established in 1966, the UTAA awards program honors outstanding faculty across the University of Tennessee System. ӰԺ began participating in the program in 2023.
Faculty are nominated by students, with final selection determined by campus leadership. In nominations, students consistently highlighted Young’s dedication, accessibility and impact on their academic and professional development.
Students described Young as “kind, patient, respectful, resourceful” and credited her with providing consistent support throughout their academic careers. Several noted her guidance during Praxis exam preparation and clinical experiences, emphasizing her role in helping them build confidence as future educators.
Young reflected on the recognition and the impact of her work with students.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the ӰԺ Teacher of the Year award,” Young said. “I am grateful to be part of such an incredible community of educators. Most importantly, I am thankful for my students as they are my ‘why.’ They inspire and challenge me every day to grow and do this work with purpose.”
“What truly sets her apart is her accessibility and compassion,” one student wrote. “She is consistently willing to go above and beyond to support her students, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unsupported.”
Young is a dedicated educator, having spent 29 years in K-12 education before joining ӰԺ full-time in March 2023 as the Grow Your Own Coordinator. During her tenure in K-12, Young taught kindergarten, served in leadership roles in Giles and Fayetteville City Schools and led partnerships with local industry. Young has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Grissom School of Education since 2017.
Young will be recognized at the UTAA Board of Governors meeting in June in Knoxville. As part of the award, she will receive a $1,000 stipend, along with travel and event accommodations. The recognition reflects ӰԺ’s continued emphasis on high-quality instruction and student-centered learning.