The American Institute of Architecture Students has recognized a University of Tennessee, Knoxville, professor for his excellence as an educator.

Brian Ambroziak, an associate professor in the UT College of Architecture and Design, recently received the AIAS Educator Honor Award.

The student organization honored Ambroziak based on its criteria that the recipient must provide outstanding contributions to the formal education of architecture students, be exemplary in teaching about architecture and the built environment, and provide contributions to the academic and career counseling of architecture students.

Ambroziak’s UT students nominated him for the award.

“His first concern is for the well-being of his students and their development as critically minded individuals,” said Annie Stone, a UT architecture student and one of Ambroziak’s nominators. “He is devoted to helping each of us define our own artistic consciences–what moves us to draw, to write, to speak, and to act.”

Scott Poole, dean of College of Architecture and Design, called Ambroziak “an institution builder.”

“In addition to the excellence of his teaching, innovative approach to creative research and well-respected scholarship, he is dedicated to service of the college and university, generously committing time and energy to building a better institution,” he said. “He leads by example and is a superb mentor to our students as well as his peers.”

Ambroziak also led the UT, Knoxville, AIAS chapter to receive additional honors. The student organization was given an honorable mention as chapter of the year, and architecture student Amanda Gann was granted the Chapter President Honor Award.

“The numerous awards won by his students are a testament to his ability to create exceptional learning environments where students are nurtured, inspired, challenged and introduced to the serious responsibility and enduring value of architecture,” said Poole.

“The prestigious recognition that accrues from awards of this caliber continues to elevate the stature of our college and the University of Tennessee at a national level.”

Ambroziak earned his Master of Architecture from Princeton University and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. He has served as a faculty member at the UT College of Architecture and Design since 2002.