Andrew Houston, recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award, 2019

Communication Arts

Professor Andrew Houston is widely known in the Department of Communication Arts as an “inspiring mentor”, a “gifted teacher” and a “generous collaborator”. Students have described Professor Houston as “warm, welcoming and eccentric”. They also appreciate the “consistent care, compassion and support” that he provides them with; which follows them well beyond graduation. His dedication and passion for theatre arts has had lasting impacts on several of his former students; including those who have since moved on to pursue occupations in different fields. Additionally, he uses his strong network of contacts to provide them with opportunities to further their careers. It is noted by many students that his most outstanding quality is his ability to engage diverse learners in his lessons. As one student commented: “He makes sure to teach each concept by explaining it in multiple different ways, so that everyone understands”. One of his peers noted that his dedication to collaborative pedagogies “enriches and strengthens the department, the work of his colleagues, and the university as a whole”. Houston is highly regarded by students, alumni, colleagues and local artists in the community.