Terry Gilmour, professor of government and political science at Midland College in Texas, has received the 2026 American Political Science Association Distinguished Teaching Award. The annual award honors outstanding contributions to the undergraduate and graduate teaching of political science at two- and four-year educational institutions.
Dr. Gilmour has been a Midland College faculty member since 1993. She is director of the community college’s honors program. In honor of her outstanding teaching and mentorship, Dr. Gilmour has received Midland’s Teacher of the Year Award three times. A dedicated advocate for undergraduate political science education, she focuses her research on the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly critical thinking, teaching during difficult times, community college student research, and forming partnerships between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
Alongside her work at Midland College, Dr. Gilmour currently serves as co-chair of the Status Committee for Community Colleges, secretary and treasurer of the Southwestern Political Science Association, and vice president of the Texas Community College Teachers Association. She has held several leadership roles within the American Political Science Association, including president of the political science education section.
Dr. Glimour holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from West Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in political science from Texas Tech University.