Each year the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars (ADTS) honors University of Florida’s exceptional teaching and scholarship accomplishments by inducting into its membership faculty members who have demonstrated sustained innovation and commitment in both areas. Please join me in welcoming the 2024-2025 inductees:

Sandra Wilson, Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Mark Bishop, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions

These teacher-scholars were selected based on portfolio submissions that provided strong evidence of the integration of superior teaching and research and a record of distinguished scholarly accomplishment that has garnered recognition at the national and/or international level.

To assist them in advancing their vision for scholarly excellence and faculty enhancement at UF, these Academy of Distinguished Scholars inductees will serve for three years on an advisory board for the Provost’s Office. In this capacity they assist in developing programs and promoting policies that enhance the professional careers and experiences of faculty. Academy members also promote a university-wide discourse on key issues surrounding the integration of teaching and research at the University.

After completing their three-year terms on the advisory board, members will retain the title of Distinguished Teaching Scholar and continue to be a part of the Academy.

 Dr. Sandra Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida (UF). She completed her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Delaware, her Ph.D. from Clemson University and conducted postdoctoral studies at Clemson University and Chiba University, Japan.  Her research focuses on characterizing the invasive potential of ornamental plants and native plant propagation and production.  Complementary to this, she teaches courses in plant propagation, native landscaping, and annual and perennial gardening.  

 Dr. Mark Bishop is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Florida. He received his professional training in Australia and worked in Australia and Canada before moving to the United States. He currently teaches in the entry-level and post-professional physical therapy programs at the University of Florida, as well as the post-professional research program. Dr Bishop’s primary research focus is the management of musculoskeletal pain and his research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health.