The mission of the UNC Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars is to promote excellence in teaching at Carolina and in the community. The Academy fosters both short-term and long-term educational and scholarly initiatives; provides advocacy and support for teaching; develops financial resources to encourage teaching excellence; and engages in outreach beyond the University.

In 1996, the Chancellor’s Intellectual Climate Task Force Report recommended several initiatives to promote classroom teaching and enhance the teaching mission at Carolina. One of those recommendations was the creation of a teaching academy to support teaching initiatives on campus and in the community. As a result, in 2000, the Provost created, and provided funding for, the UNC Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars, and he appointed a Steering Committee of faculty members recognized as leaders in teaching at UNC. The Steering Committee developed the bylaws and mission of the Academy, and invited eligible faculty to become members. In the fall of 2000, the full membership elected officers from a slate of candidates. The Provost and Chancellor continue to provide enthusiastic support to the Academy.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill