Several faculty members and two doctoral students at the University of Houston – C.T. Bauer College of Business have been honored with Teaching Excellence Awards, continuing to prove the high standard of excellence for faculty at Bauer.
Each year, the University of Houston Teaching Excellence Awards honor outstanding faculty making an impact at the university with cash awards of $8,000 for faculty and $3,500 for teaching assistants.
“It is no surprise to see Bauer faculty recognized each year for the impact they make inside and outside the classroom,” said Latha Ramchand, Bauer College dean. “We often say that we are in the business of transforming lives, and our faculty take that role very seriously.”
Three faculty members at the Bauer College of Business have been recognized with the award: Saleha Khumawala, professor of accounting; John Lopez, assistant professor of finance; and Dusya Vera, associate professor of management. Two graduate students were also honored with the award: Phil Jolly and Ashley Salaiz, both Ph.D. candidates in management.
Khumawala is an accounting teacher who also serves as director for SURE, the Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship program. The program provides local business owners from underserved communities with assistance through education in financial and entrepreneurial skills. She is also an active member of the American Accounting Association, currently serving as president of its government and nonprofit section.
Lopez earned his BBA and MBA in finance at Bauer College while it was still known as the UH College of Business Administration. After earning his degree, Lopez went on to work for several major international firms, retiring early and moving on to teach financial planning at Bauer. During his tenure at the school, Lopez helped create the Financial Planning Track, an education program registered with the CFP Board, which allows students to take the CFP Exam upon completion.
Vera is the recipient of this year’s 2017 University of Houston Distinguished Leadership in Teaching Excellence award, given to just one person each year with a record of teaching excellence and a commitment to improving the lives and academic success of students.
Commenting on the honor, Vera said: “I am grateful to all my Bauer College and UH colleagues, and our professional staff, who are always very generous in sharing their wisdom with me and from whom I continuously learn.”