Three outstanding professors received the 2019 faculty excellence award in the categories of teaching, service and research. Honorees receive their awards at the University’s Opening Day Celebration.

"These awards serve as peer-to-peer recognition of outstanding work and of a habit of excellence in the areas of teaching, research, and service.," Cr. Chris Evans, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said. "The three recipients this year are certainly deserving of such recognition. Their hard work and service to the community are appreciated."

St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence Award in Teaching

Dr. Kristina Leyden, assistant professor of nursing, received the St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence Award in Teaching. Students nominate their professors for this award.

• A student nominee wrote, “I have known Dr. Leyden since the beginning of fall 2018 and in that short time, she has influenced my life in a way that I didn’t know I needed. Leyden has provided unending support and care for me and my peers. It is evident that she is personally invested in my overall success and continues to push me to set goals that I never thought I would achieve.”

Joseph M. McFadden Excellence Award in Service

Dr. Lucindra Campbell-Law, professor of nursing, received the Joseph M. McFadden Excellence Award in Service. The nominee wrote, “Dr. Campbell-Law exemplifies servitude in her personal and professional life. She is not one or the other but embodies it.” Examples of her selfless service include:

• Dr. Campbell-Law founded the honor society for the nursing student by working on the nomination for UST to be a chartered member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
• She started the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Peavy School of Nursing.
• She conducts mission work traveling with students to Kenya, Haiti and other countries in need.
• Dr. Campbell-Law is passionate about the mental health and well-being of veterans.

St. Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Randall Smith, professor of theology, received the St. Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award. His faculty peers’ nominations bestowed this award.

• His accomplishments include a book entitled Reading the Sermons of Thomas Aquinas: A Beginner’s Guide. This work is a profound and original contribution to research in the field of Medieval Theology and enjoys the endorsement of leading scholars in the field.