Four University of Saint Thomas (UST) Houston professors were recently recognized during beginning-of-year ceremonies for their ongoing contributions to the university and their tireless service to the student body.

The honorees were Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, Dr. Elham Mousavidin, Dr. Catherine Barber and Dr. Janet McCollum.

Rosales-Acosta, an associate professor of theology, received the St Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award, a release issued on the university's website said. He was nominated by multiple students for his efforts that have gone “above and beyond” in helping his students to succeed.

Mousavidin, an associate professor of management and the chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, was honored with an Excellence in Service Award, the release said. Her nomination named her not only for her work with students, but also for the example she sets in her own engagement in volunteer activities.

Barber, an associate professor at the School of Education and Human Services; and McCollum, the director of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan and Core Assessment; were co-honorees for the Saint Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award, the release stated. The pair were recommended for joint recognition by the Faculty Awards Committee of the university’s Faculty Senate because of their history of collaboration, including several joint publications, such as their recent book, “The New Roadmap for Creating Online Courses: An interactive workbook.”

Beyond their capacity to work so well together and with others, the release also noted that the pair are known for their excellence in scholarship and their efforts to improve programs intended to assist educators in preparation and academic writing.

“UST has top-tier faculty, making the selection process especially challenging,” Christopher Evans, vice president of Academic Affairs, said in the release. “It is a pleasure to recognize our three award-winners for setting and exemplifying an academic standard of excellence that keeps us proud.”