Chancellor's Council Announces Outstanding Teaching, Research Awards

Two faculty members received the Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching and Research Awards.

The Distinguished Teaching Award went to William Westney, Horn Professor of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The Distinguished Research Award went to L. William ‘Bill’ Poirier, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“These individuals epitomize the high standards we set for academic instruction and research at our universities,” said Chancellor Kent Hance. “The impact they’ve had on their students and colleagues in their respective fields of study helps explain why Texas Tech’s reputation is growing, not only in Texas, but all over the nation.”

This is the eighth year for the Chancellor’s Council to present the awards. The winners receive a plaque and a $10,000 cash award. The Chancellor’s Council raises funds for student scholarships, faculty recruitment and support, and other programs.

William Westney

Westney joined Texas Tech in 1978 and is the Browning Artist-in-Residence and professor of piano. In 2001, he received the highest faculty honor the university can award, that of Horn professor. Westney’s student evaluations are consistently among the highest in the School of Music. His unique performance workshops have been presented world-wide and profiled twice in the New York Times and his book, “The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self” has been reviewed internationally. He has won the Spencer A. Wells Award for Innovative Teaching at Texas Tech and the university’s Faculty Book Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Queens College, City University of New York and his master’s degree and doctorate from Yale University.

L. William ‘Bill’ Poirier

Poirier joined Texas Tech in 2001. His research focuses on the emerging field of quantum mechanics applied to large systems. His work uses the correct laws of nature at the molecular scale in computer simulations. He has published extensively in top journals in his field. Poirier has twice received an Outstanding Faculty Award from Texas Tech’s graduating seniors, received the College of Arts and Sciences Tribute to Teachers Award and an Early Career Award from the U.S. Department of Energy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his doctorate from the University of California Berkeley.