Austin Yarger receives Jon R. and Beverly S. Holt Award for Excellence in Teaching

Austin Yarger, teaching faculty in computer science and engineering, has been honored with the Jon R. and Beverly S. Holt Award for Excellence in Teaching by the College of Engineering. The award is presented to faculty members who demonstrate outstanding teaching skills, including curriculum planning and dedication to students.
Since joining the faculty in CSE, Yarger has made significant contributions to the development of the game design program at U-M. As the primary instructor for EECS 494: Computer Game Design and Development, Yarger has transformed the course into a highly regarded capstone experience. The course provides students with hands-on experience in game development, covering topics such as design patterns, project management, and the use of industry-standard game engines. His dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment has earned him high praise from students and colleagues alike.
Yarger has not only excelled in teaching existing courses but also in creating new ones. He has developed EECS 440: Extended Reality for Social Impact and EECS 498: Game Engine Architecture, which equip students with the skills needed for developing games with social impact and understanding the lower-level aspects of game development. He also spearheaded the creation of the recently announced course EECS 298: 3D Technical Art and Animation, which will teach students how to design 3D characters, objects, environments, animations, and more. In addition, he is actively involved in advising the WolverineSoft student organization, where he guides multidisciplinary teams to successful launches of games on platforms like Steam.
“His passion for teaching and his commitment to student development are unmatched,” noted one student. “Austin Yarger has single-handedly created a world-class game development track at the university.”
A graduate of U-M himself, Yarger holds an MSE in Computer Science and Engineering and has received multiple accolades for his service and impact at U-M. Beyond his responsibilities in the classroom, Yarger engages deeply with the broader educational community. He co-chairs the Ann Arbor chapter of the International Game Developers Association, which unites over a thousand members for lectures, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. His initiatives have positioned U-M as a leader in game development education, comparable to prominent programs nationwide.