Don Fussell, Department Chair and Professor of Computer Science, has received the prestigious CNS Rom Rhome Leadership Award from the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin. This award celebrates his outstanding contributions to the field and exemplary service as an academic leader.

Fussell's pioneering work in developing Option III programs has made education more accessible and affordable, bringing high-demand skills to the public. He has also played a vital role in faculty recruitment and retention, particularly among Professional Track Faculty, strengthening the department and enriching the academic experience for students.

Fussell's has expanded access to computer science courses, ensuring knowledge in this critical field is readily available to a broad audience, both within and beyond our department. He has fostered important campus-wide conversations related to computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning, contributing significantly to UT Austin's intellectual ecosystem.

Fussell's innovative spirit is exemplified by his successful launch of new AI offerings, including a large-scale open-access course introduced in record time.

The Rom Rhome Leadership Award recognizes Fussell's exceptional contributions to education, faculty development, and interdisciplinary dialogues, which continue to shape the future of computer science and inspire generations of scholars and researchers.