Faculty Excellence Awards 2025

Each year, University of St. Thomas honors the faculty members who exemplify the school's mission and values and model excellence in the classroom, in their interactions with students and within the community at large. This year's winners were named and honored at the 2025-26 Opening Day ceremony among their peers.

St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award Sıdıka Gülfem Bayram, Ph.D.

Dr. Sıdıka Gülfem Bayram, is a ten year associate professor of finance. She's recognized with a St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award for her exemplary commitment to student success. With more than two decades of teaching experience and notable finance scholarship, she consistently fosters challenging, transformative and supportive learning environments where students feel valued. Since joining the UST Cameron School of Business in 2011, Dr. Bayram has taught corporate finance, international finance and personal finance management across multiple programs.

Her research - focused on behavioral finance, fintech, AI applications to finance and market efficiency - has been published in reputable academic journals and presented at national and international conferences. Beyond academia, Dr. Bayram has served as an expert practitioner in both for profit and nonprofit corporations.

St. Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award Richa Chandra, Ph.D.

Dr. Richa Chandra continues to demonstrate outstanding excellence in her research achievements and their lasting impact, which have sustained a distinct impact on our UST students, campus community, regional and national communities. Her long-term student research, mentorship and community building through the Sustained Alumni Network Initiative nurtures undergraduate students research and publication by developing student coauthors. Her research excellence is further embodied through her distinguished student research mentorship philosophy that centers on giving students ownership of their research projects.

Her remarkable accomplishments and impactful research, particularly on cardiovascular disease, strongly resonates with students' clinical interests, motivating a considerable number to collaborate with her. Dr. Chandra's outstanding commitment to research excellence, teaching, mentorship and community building, both on and off campus, truly embodies UST's values and mission.

Joseph M. McFadden Excellence in Service Award Martin Lockerd, Ph.D.

Dr. Martin Lockerd has provided a model of service to the University community through administrative positions. In his three years at University of St. Thomas, Dr. Lockerd has served as Associate Division Dean of Liberal Studies, the Department Chair of English, the Department Chair of Communications, the Director of the Core and Division Dean of Core and Centers for Excellence, among other roles.

Dr. Lockerd has promoted the University's Catholic identity by serving on several hiring committees and supporting new faculty through leading the Formation Program. He has collaborated with Lori Gallagher at the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, for which he will serve as director beginning in this 2025-26 academic year. He has remained a dedicated professor and courteous colleague to those whom he serves.

Presidential Service Award for Outstanding Stewardship Dr. Beena George

Dr. Beena George has been the UST Chief Innovation Officer, Chair of the Assessment Committee for the Cameron School of Business, and a professor at the same school.

Dr. George has shown extraordinary dedication to the University, her role spanning various critical areas within the University, demonstrating her profound commitment to UST's academic and strategic goals. As Chair of the Office of Institutional Assessment and Effectiveness,

Dr. George has been pivotal in advancing the University's mission, values and strategic initiatives. Her tireless work, especially in preparing the SACSCOC accreditation reports and assessments alongside a talented team, attests to her unwavering commitment. This often required extending her efforts for the University into nights and weekends of intense work. This dedication has been most crucial for maintaining the University's accreditation and ensuring its continued growth.

Congratulations to our esteemed faculty on this celebrated annual awards.