Temple College Names Biology Professor Chad Cryer as 2025-2026 Barnhart Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Chad Cryer, Associate Professor of Biology, has been named Temple College’s 2025-26 Claudia and W.T. Barnhart Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Cryer began teaching in the Division of Natural Science at Temple College in 2020. During his six years at the College, Cryer has taught at three campuses – Temple, Hutto and Taylor. His classes include General Biology I and II, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Research Methods in Biology.

Prior to his work at Temple College, Cryer served as an adjunct biology instructor and tutor at Austin Community College.

“Chad’s ability to draw his students into a world of scientific interest and discovery is without measure,” wrote biology colleagues Dr. Jeff Troy and Dr. Honey Golden in their nomination letter for the award. “Perfecting the art of teaching, Chad utilizes a diverse array of skills – including teaching by guitar serenade – to lovingly compel his students to foster questions, comprehend scientific principles, and ultimately enjoy the pursuit of knowledge. His goal is that all of his students, no matter what their background or previous educational experience, succeed and excel.”

The Barnhart Award includes a $2,000 stipend and the honoree becomes Temple College’s nominee for the Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award, which recognizes outstanding educators across the state. Cryer will also be honored during the Temple College commencement ceremony in May.

Cryer said he learned he’d been nominated for the award, but he was surprised when a group of faculty and administrators, including Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce and Provost Dr. Susan Guzman-Trevino, walked into his classroom to make the announcement.

“I have to say that the sincere applause that instantly erupted out of my students will remain an all-time highlight of my career,” he said.

In their nomination letter, Troy and Golden wrote that Cryer is known for “showing genuine care and concern” for his students.

Cryer said caring is key to his teaching.

“I've always known that students don't care what you know, until they know that you care,” he said. “So, in my classes I try to do things that surprise them and let them know I’m paying attention to them even when they don’t realize it.”

For example, to build comfort and rapport, he said he occasionally has fun by dressing like one of his students for a day.  

“It is a total guess on my part, but I’ve nailed it twice and students really seem to like it,” he said, adding that students, in turn, have shown up to class dressed like him!

Since 2022, Cryer has mentored 23 students through summer research projects. Seven of those students have presented their data at the Texas Academy of Science annual conferences, covering topics such as:

• Ultraviolet reflectance of lichens incorporated into ruby-throated hummingbird nests
• Cannibalistic tendencies of freshwater planaria
• Lichens as biological indicators of air quality in Central Texas
• Varroa mite levels in feral bee colonies in Central Texas

Five students Cryer has mentored have graduated from Temple College with Biological Honors.

Currently, Cryer’s student research teams are attempting to build an online lichen density of map of Central Texas using the iNaturalist app in combination with their field research. This will help illuminate air quality levels in association with things like urban sprawl or agricultural practices, Cryer said.

“Partnering with the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) program has greatly increased the opportunities I can offer my research students,” he said. “Without access to the professionals I’ve met through the TMN program, I would not be able to mentor as many students as I do.”

Cryer received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Taylor Rotary Club and a NISOD Teaching Excellence Award. He also received the GRIT Distance Learning micro grant and a Best Practices of Teaching micro grant.

Cryer earned his Master of Science in Biology from Texas State University; Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Mary-Hardin Baylor; and Associate of Applied Science from Blinn College.

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 99 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premier institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.