UT System Honors Professor Perla Ábrego

The University of Texas Permian Basin faculty member receives a prestigious teaching award.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration of a leather-bound folio and pen on a wooden desk, symbolizing academic excellence. — The University of Texas System awarded associate professor Dr. Perla Ábrego the Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award for her commitment to student success. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Dr. Perla Ábrego, an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Texas Permian Basin, has been honored with a Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award. The award recognizes her commitment to academic excellence and student success within the UT System.

Why it matters

The award highlights educators who utilize innovative methods to foster student engagement. By recognizing these faculty members, the university system reinforces its long-term dedication to high-quality instruction across Texas campuses.

The Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award includes a $25,000 cash prize, a medallion, and a certificate. The program has been active since it was established by the UT System Board of Regents in 2008.

The players

Perla Ábrego

She is an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

University of Texas System

This is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, overseeing multiple academic and health institutions.

The details

Dr. Ábrego was selected for the honor based on her ability to demonstrate teaching excellence through effective engagement strategies. The award serves to distinguish faculty members at the University of Texas Permian Basin who prioritize student success and instructional innovation.

The award program was established by the Board of Regents in 2008.
Dr. Perla Ábrego received the teaching award in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This award aligns with the broader institutional push toward recognizing high-impact teaching in higher education. It highlights a shift where large public university systems place equal value on instructional innovation alongside traditional research metrics.

Students at the University of Texas Permian Basin benefit from having nationally recognized faculty leading their language programs. This achievement reflects the institution's ongoing investment in providing high-quality instruction to the West Texas region.

The takeaway

The recognition of faculty members helps students identify instructors who prioritize innovative learning techniques. Future students can look for these award-winning faculty profiles when choosing their course schedules to ensure high-quality classroom experiences.