John Ishiyama, University Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Political Science, was named a 2017 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor for his impact as a teacher. He is one of 10 faculty members from Texas colleges and universities recognized by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation.

Since 2010, he has directed UNT's summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Civil Conflict Management and Peace Science, which is funded by a National Science Foundation grant and provides intensive research experience to students from other universities and from UNT.