Named after the founding dean of the College of Fine Arts, the E. William Doty Award is the most prestigious recognition offered by the College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. It is granted to individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary professional achievement and/or have demonstrated dedication to the College of Fine Arts.
The college created the Doty Award in 1995 when James Michener was selected as the first recipient. The award was given during the college’s spring commencement program until 2013, when the college hosted the first E. William Doty Alumnus Awards program honoring Austin philanthropist Ann Butler. In 2014, in honor of the college’s 75th anniversary, the E. William Doty Distinguished Alumnus and Young Alumnus awards were added.