Zach Agioutantis, Mining Engineering Foundation Professor and chair in the Department of Mining Engineering, is a 2026 recipient of the Great Teacher Award from the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.
Nominated by students Benjamin Diddle and Zachary Wedding, Agioutantis will be recognized in February with an engraved award, a stipend and recognition on the Rupp Arena floor during a basketball game. Now in its 65th year, the Great Teacher Award honors UK faculty nominated by students for their outstanding teaching and commitment to student success.
About the Great Teacher Award
Each year, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association recognizes six professors for outstanding teaching and honors them with a plaque and a cash award at a recognition luncheon or dinner. It is the oldest, continuously-given award for teachers at the University of Kentucky.
The six recipients of the award are announced at a luncheon or dinner, attended by students, other faculty and past recipients of the award.
Since 1961, when the program was started, 325 faculty members have been honored. Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the UK Alumni Association's Board of Directors and representatives of the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa.
