Dr. Salena Brody has been named a 2026 Piper Professor, a prestigious award recognizing ten exceptional educators in Texas each year. This honor celebrates her passion for teaching and outstanding achievements in academia.
Her journey wasn’t always smooth. When she sought a recommendation for graduate school, a professor told her, “I can’t write you a letter; I don’t know who you are.” This moment made her realize the importance of connections between students and faculty. Now, as a professor of psychology at The University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Brody aims to ensure that her students never face similar struggles.
Dr. Brody, also the associate director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), believes in innovation. “Small changes can lead to big impacts,” she says. By fostering relationships with her students, she helps them achieve their academic and career goals.
She emphasizes that teaching is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one student might not work for another. The CTL serves as a hub for faculty to share ideas and create effective learning experiences. Dr. Brody engages her students with thoughtful assignments that encourage deep analysis before class discussions. This approach not only prepares students but also helps her know them better, which enriches classroom dialogues.
Outside of class, Dr. Brody tackles what she calls the “hidden curriculum”—the unwritten norms that can confuse students, especially those who are first in their families to attend college. She organizes lunch sessions, “Get in the Knowdy with Dr. Brody,” where she offers insights on building relationships with faculty and navigating university life. “It’s tough to know what you don’t know,” she notes, as she guides students through vital skills not covered in textbooks.
Dr. Brody also spearheads a short-term working group program, partnering faculty with students on collaborative projects. This initiative has resulted in 73 projects and about 700 student participants, enhancing the educational experience for all involved. Faculty have formed new connections, fostering a sense of community that benefits everyone.
A Richardson native, Dr. Brody feels a strong connection to her neighborhood and UT Dallas, where she studied as a child. She holds degrees in psychology from Boston College and a PhD from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Before joining UT Dallas as a full-time faculty member in 2018, she taught at Collin College for over a decade.
“UT Dallas is part of my DNA,” she shares, appreciating its diversity and vibrant community. “This campus fosters creativity; I can dream big and watch those ideas come to life.” With her dedication, Dr. Brody shows how impactful educators can shape both academic journeys and personal growth.
For more insights into Dr. Brody’s work, you can follow her on her [UT Dallas profile](https://profiles.utdallas.edu/salena.brody) and learn about the [Center for Teaching and Learning](https://ctl.utdallas.edu/). \
