SHU Honors Faculty With 2026 Academic Awards
Annual awards celebrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, advising, and mission
Key Highlights
- Sacred Heart University announced its 2026 Academic Affairs Annual Awards for faculty and staff
- The awards recognize excellence in teaching, scholarship, academic advising, service-learning, and mission-driven contributions
- Recipients will be honored at faculty convocation this fall
Each year, Sacred Heart University recognizes faculty whose work shapes the student experience and advances the University’s mission. The 2026 Academic Affairs Annual Awards, presented by the provost’s office, honor exceptional achievement in teaching, scholarship, advising, service-learning, and commitment to SHU's core values. Recipients were honored at faculty convocation.
The awards span the full range of academic life, spotlighting the mentors, scholars, and educators who help students grow and succeed.
Teaching Excellence Award
The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching through thoughtful course design, engaging pedagogy, and connecting with students to support their learning. This year’s honorees were psychology professor Lauren Bryant, education professor Katie Cunningham, and economics professor Nic Pusateri.
Excellence in a Scholarly or Creative Work
Two awards recognize faculty whose scholarship and creative work contribute to their disciplines and demonstrate a commitment to continued academic inquiry. Catholic studies professor Charles Gillespie received the award for recent work, honoring a full-time faculty member who has completed a peer-reviewed or juried piece within the past 18 months. Accounting professor Mahfuja Malik received the award for a sustained body of work, recognizing a distinguished scholar who has produced an impressive record over the course of a career at SHU.
Academic Advisor Award
The Academic Advisor Award recognizes faculty and staff who make a meaningful impact through student advising and mentorship. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to open communication, individualized academic support, and helping students navigate University opportunities. The awards recognize excellence in three areas of advising: management professor Monique Ryan for freshman advising, speech, language & hearing sciences professor Caitlin Zimyeski for undergraduate advising, and occupational therapy professor Stefanie Seanor for graduate advising.
Service-Learning Award
The Service-Learning Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in incorporating service learning into the academic experience. The award highlights meaningful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with service, while encouraging reflection and a deeper understanding of their experiences. This year's honoree was psychology professor Jonix Owino.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio Award
This award honors a faculty member who demonstrates a strong commitment to the University's mission and core values through teaching and service. The award recognizes faculty who encourage students to make a difference in the lives of others and integrate the Catholic social justice tradition into their teaching and practice. This year's recipient was nursing professor Jennifer Bauer.
Jennifer Bauer
Adjunct Faculty Award
The Adjunct Faculty Award recognizes part-time faculty members for excellence in teaching and their contributions to the student learning experience. The award highlights effective course design and delivery, engaging pedagogy, and the ability to create an open and supportive learning environment. This year’s honorees were communications professor Beth Koscinski and music professor Irena Portenko.
Nominations for each award were reviewed and selected by committees drawn from previous recipients and, in select categories, appointed by the provost. Together, these honorees reflect the depth of talent and dedication that defines the SHU academic community.
“These awards recognize faculty members whose work exemplifies the very best of our academic community,” said Amanda Moras, vice provost. “Their excellence in the classroom, and dedication to their students help create an environment where learning, and personal growth flourish.”
Photo: From top left, clockwise, are Caitlin Zimyeski, Charlie Gillespie, Stephanie Seanor, Jonix Owino, Mahfuja Malik, and Katie Cunningham.
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