Established by alumnus Ken Gwinner (BArch '79), the Dean William L. Fash Award for Excellence in Teaching honors the legacy of Dean Fash, whose vision and leadership established the foundation for the College of Architecture during his tenure as its first dean (1975–1992). His belief in architectural education as a catalyst for critical inquiry, creative exploration, and public impact continues to shape the School of Architecture today.

Selected annually by the Chair of the School of Architecture, the Dean William L. Fash Award recognizes a faculty member whose teaching advances the ambitions of the School through excellence in design education, mentorship, and intellectual leadership. The award celebrates educators who challenge students to think deeply, make boldly, and engage the complex questions facing our cities, communities, and environments.

More than recognizing outstanding instruction, this recognition affirms the School's commitment to teaching as a transformative act as one that connects research, practice, technology, and design while preparing the next generation of architects to lead with imagination, technical rigor, ethical responsibility, and a profound sense of purpose.