Kristy Doran, PhD

2025 Margaret M. Briehl and Dennis T. Ray Five Star Faculty Award

Announced by the W.A. Franke Honors College, the award is the only student-selected award that recognizes excellence in teaching across the University of Arizona. Funded by Dr. Margaret M. Briehl and Dr. Dennis T. Ray, the award comes with a cash prize.

“Profe. Doran's energy, passion, and dedication to her students is apparent both in the classroom and across the community. Her love for learning and her curiosity for the world is unmatched. Our students are incredibly fortunate to have her expertise, and this award is very well deserved!” said Andrew Pongratz, a member of the 5-Star Teaching Award Committee.

For six years, Doran served as Director of the Spanish Basic Language Program, overseeing one of the nation’s largest programs with over 6,000 students enrolled annually. She led innovative changes that advanced student success, supported program employees, and modernized the program through the introduction of Universal Design for Learning principles in the curriculum.

Doran received numerous nominations from students:

“Dr. Doran is by far the most supportive teacher and mentor I have ever encountered. She is clear with her expectations, but is also understanding and supportive when unexpected situations occur. She encourages out-of-the-box thinking and using creative ways to think critically. She has accomplished being the perfect balance of structure, support and engaging,” one student wrote.

“She has become my role-model for how I want to be as a professor one day. As my thesis mentor, she has helped me brainstorm project ideas, taught me how to create a timeline, introduced me to new resources, and supported me every step of the way. She not only values my work academically, but also respects me as a person. She has even gone above and beyond for me by going out of her way to help me resolve a problem I encountered outside of our direct work together,” wrote another.