At the University of St. Thomas opening day celebration, three professors were distinguished with 2020 faculty excellence awards for teaching, service, and research.

Dr. Christopher Evans, VP of Academic Affairs, said, “UST has top-tier faculty, making the selection process especially challenging. It is a pleasure to recognize our three award-winners for setting and exemplifying an academic standard of excellence that keeps us proud.”

St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award
Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta
Associate Professor of Theology

Multiple student nominators highlighted Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta with extremely positive remarks about his genuine desire to help students succeed, his “above and beyond” lectures, his challenging-but-engaging coursework, and his great skill at sharing the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Joseph M. McFadden Excellence in Service Award
Dr. Elham Mousavidin
Associate Professor of Management
Chair, Department of Management and Marketing, Cameron School of Business

Among the comments by one nominator were: “Dr. Mousavidin exemplifies the qualities … of a selfless mentor and service provider… Her passion and devotion to student success, her hardworking and meticulous personality, and her thorough and organized approach to administrative work have made her a unique service provider in our school … she participates in many committees … represents the University at various programs and actively engages in student recruitment activities … an excellent contributor to UST’s mission of educating leaders of faith and character by engaging in many volunteer activities in the Houston community.”

St. Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award
Co-honorees:
Dr. Catherine Barber
Associate Professor, School of Education and Human Services

Dr. Janet McCollum
Director of QEP and Core Assessment

This year, the Faculty Awards Committee of the Faculty Senate recommended the joint recognition of Drs. Barber and McCollum for their years of “outstanding collaborative work and fine achievement.” The two exemplify “excellence in scholarship” and were celebrated for their focus on “bolstering teacher preparation programs and improving academic writing.” Barber and McCollum have several joint publications, including their most recent, and “exponentially important” book, The New Roadmap for Creating Online Courses: An interactive workbook (Cambridge University Press, 2020).