Honoring Excellence in Teaching, Research and Service

April 23, 2026

The Hankamer School of Business (HSB) continues to set a high standard through the work of its faculty, whose impact extends across teaching, research, service and leadership. Each year, the HSB Faculty Awards recognize those who exemplify excellence in these areas while advancing the school’s mission.

“One of the great privileges serving the Business School is the opportunity to recognize the remarkable work taking place across HSB every day,” said David M. Szymanski, the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean. “Our faculty model the very best of what it means to pursue excellence in scholarship, invest deeply in students, serve our community and thoughtfully integrate their faith into their work.” 

The 2026 HSB Faculty Awards highlight achievements across several key areas, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing principled leaders and advancing meaningful research.

HSB Teaching Excellence Awards

Faculty recognized for teaching excellence demonstrate a commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom, creating impactful learning experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges.

  • Ann Mirabito, Department of Marketing – Teaching Excellence Award (Tenured)
  • Cari Edison, Department of Accounting and Business Law – Teaching Excellence Award (Clinical/Lecturer)
  • Betty Xing, Department of Accounting and Business Law – Robin and Mark Howard Early Career Teaching Award (Tenure-Track)
  • Lee Grumbles, Department of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation – Robin and Mark Howard Early Career Teaching Award (Clinical/Lecturer)

HSB Service Award

The Service Award recognizes faculty who contribute meaningfully to the life and reputation of the Business School through leadership and engagement.

  • Steve Green, Department of Economics – Distinguished Professor Award

HSB Scholarship Excellence Awards

Research plays a central role in shaping business practice and thought leadership. The following faculty members were recognized for producing impactful scholarship that advances their fields.

  • Kellen Mrkva, Department of Marketing – Habicht Early Career Research Award (Tenure-track)
  • Daniel Chen, Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics – Brent Clum Outstanding Research Award (Tenured)
  • Sophie Yang-Sun, Department of Management – Robert and Robin Nitsche Outstanding Research Award (Tenured)
  • Hope Koch, Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics – Research Advancement Award
  • Rachel Woods, Department of Management – Global Engagement Award

HSB Global Engagement Award

The Global Engagement Award recognizes faculty who extend the reach of the Business School through international impact and perspective.

HSB Christian Faith Integration Award

The Christian Faith Integration Award honors faculty who thoughtfully incorporate faith into their teaching, scholarship and service.

  • Johnny Bhojwani, Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics – Christian Faith Integration Award

“These awards reflect the high standards we hold as a business school and the purposeful calling we share to educate and develop principled leaders,” Szymanski said. 

As HSB continues to grow its impact, these award recipients serve as a reminder of the dedication, excellence and purpose that define the faculty community. Their work not only strengthens the student experience but also advances the mission of the Business School far beyond Baylor’s campus.