Two IU Fort Wayne faculty members have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to teaching and student success through the 2026 Indiana University Board of Trustees’ Teaching Award.
Carly Bennett from the IU School of Health & Human Sciences and Amanda Wyatt from the IU School of Social Work were selected as the 2026 recipients.
The Trustees Teaching Award recognizes faculty who have completed at least three years of full-time service at the rank of lecturer or higher and who demonstrate outstanding excellence in teaching. The award, which includes a monetary prize, is one of the university’s most prestigious teaching honors.
Nominations are submitted by peers and through self-nomination and are reviewed by a campus committee made up of previous award recipients. Final recommendations are presented to the vice chancellor and dean.
“These awards highlight the incredible dedication our faculty bring to the classroom and to our students every day,” said Deborah Garrison, Inaugural Vice Chancellor & Dean of IU Fort Wayne. “Dr. Bennett and Professor Wyatt exemplify the kind of teaching excellence and student-centered mentorship that defines IU Fort Wayne.”
Bennett serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Health Sciences at IU Fort Wayne. She was recognized for her strong emphasis on student engagement and experiential learning. The review committee also highlighted her leadership across academic events, research initiatives and community partnerships.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Trustees Teaching Award,” Bennett said. “Teaching at IU Fort Wayne is incredibly meaningful because of the close connections we build with our students. Seeing them grow into confident professionals and leaders in their fields is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
Her dedication to student success has helped two students become Student Senators and led to the creation of a new student organization for Health Sciences majors.
Wyatt, a Social Work Lecturer at IU Fort Wayne, was recognized for her excellence in teaching across both undergraduate and graduate programs. The review committee also noted her leadership in guiding students through intensive practicum experiences and her contributions to curriculum development and professional associations.
“Receiving this award is truly an honor,” Wyatt said. “I’m grateful to work with students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Supporting their learning both in the classroom and in their practicum experiences is a privilege.”
The faculty members will be formally recognized during the IU Fort Wayne Recognition Celebration on April 7, where their names will be added to the campus’s permanent Trustees Teaching Award plaque.
Members of the 2026 Trustees Teaching Award Review Committee included Kristin Bassett, Melanie Gall, Maria Hines, Jamie Rausch and Staci Schory.
