2025 Faculty Merit Award Winners

Dr. Corinne Bocci exemplifies what it means to be a teacher-scholar at a Jesuit institution. Since joining Saint Joseph’s University, she has developed two new upper division courses for the department’s curriculum and routinely teaches Intro to Microeconomics. In addition to this, she has been the internship director for the past several years. Through her course offerings, she demonstrates her contributions to the economics curriculum, the environmental science curriculum, GEP curriculum, and various interdisciplinary programs at the University, along with a commitment to DEI in teaching.

Her peer evaluations glow with praise. “She is an instructor who cares for [her] students’ learning.” Her class presentations make “it easy to relate theory to its application.” “Her teaching method is very effective, as are her excellent and enthusiastic communication skills.” She has found ways to engage her students in relevant current event discussions and papers/projects, and her “great and enthusiastic communication skills are contagious.”

Dr. Bocci is eager to learn more about pedagogy and try new methods, including the ethical use of AI, always with an eye to providing students the tools and materials that they need to be successful.

Since joining the faculty of Saint Joseph’s University as a member of the Department of Economics in 1986, Dr. Fox has been known for her commitment to engagement in the classroom. She strives to make her students excited about economics and provide them with the skills to think like an economist throughout their lives. In addition to teaching core courses in economics, Dr. Fox has taught in the Honors program, the Freshman Seminar program, and the Service-Learning program. She is well known for her innovative teaching methods and creating courses that are rigorous, interesting and timely. As a former student writes, “Dr. Fox is the epitome of what it means to be a Jesuit educator. Her classes are thought provoking, dynamic, intriguing and most of all, incredibly needed. She loves her students deeply and this is shown through her respect and acceptance of the needs of all. Truly a star.”

During her time at Saint Joseph’s, Fox has served in a variety of capacities including as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and as the academic director of the Faith-Justice Institute. In these positions, she spearheaded programs that exemplify her commitment to the principles of Jesuit education. Dr. Fox was awarded the Lindback award for excellent teaching in 2024.

Dr. Nikoloutsos Konstantinos started at Saint Joseph’s University in 2010 as an assistant professor of Classical Studies within the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, and adapted into the Department of History in August 2023. The shift required that he design and teach entirely new courses, as well as add new approaches to previously existing ones. Throughout this transition period, Dr. Nikoloutsos has worked tirelessly to make sure his courses meet the needs of the university and its students.

His peer evaluations speak to his achievements in the classroom. “It was evident in HIS 150 that Dr. Nikoloutsos has very high and clear expectations of his students. What was really fabulous to observe is that the students rose to his expectations. They were excited to participate in a class where their ideas were seriously considered and respected.” Dr. Nikoloutsos works closely with students to mentor their development as researchers, helping them revise papers and submit them to the Classical Association of the Atlantic States’s annual conference. Their papers were accepted and Dr. Nikoloutsos joined them to present at the conference in October 2024. Dr. Konstantinos Nikoloutsos has clearly demonstrated excellence and high quality in teaching.

Dr. Elizabeth Lee has made impressive contributions to the teaching practices at Saint Joseph’s University since joining the faculty in 2019. Her research focuses on how low-income, first-generation, and/or working-class students manage inequalities while attending selective colleges and this work intentionally informs her engagement with students and colleagues. She has led curriculum changes within the Sociology department, helping to design and teach a series of one credit classes that provide a safety net for students who are struggling academically. She also promotes Summer Scholars, research experiences, study abroad, and internship opportunities to our strongest students. Dr. Lee helped bring “The Discussion Project” workshop to campus and has also brought a number of influential social scientists to campus to help us understand the unique challenges that first-generation and low-income students face in trying to navigate college life.

Dr. Lee’s students and colleagues think very highly of her innovative teaching methods. Faculty and students in the department describe her as an engaged and thoughtful professor who cares deeply about creating a classroom culture where all students feel their voices can be heard.

Dr. Susan Liebell is recognized for her innovative, high-quality teaching, as well as her deep commitment to the intellectual and personal growth of students. Her teaching consistently demonstrates an in-depth understanding of political theory and legal principles, and she communicates complex ideas with clarity and passion. Dr. Liebell exemplifies the teacher-scholar model: her teaching is deeply informed by her research on critically relevant issues in political theory, including the right to bodily autonomy and gun rights in relation to the second amendment. She encourages students to engage in close reading of original texts in ways that engage current events to help students become more engaged citizens. She regularly organizes civic education events and film screenings on complex and timely political themes for the SJU community. Dr. Liebell’s teaching promotes intellectual rigor in an inclusive learning environment in which students discuss political concepts, voice their ideas, and learn from one another.

Dr. Tim Swift is an outstanding teacher by all measures of teaching performance, and a strong advocate for our Jesuit educational mission. Dr. Swift is a talented, dedicated, and impactful teacher. His courses are well-designed, rigorous, and engaging. He is a clear and effective communicator, and a subject matter expert who connects well with students. He is a versatile teacher in a range of modalities and in courses offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels. He has also regularly taught service-learning courses and courses that fulfill the ethics overlay requirement.

Dr. Swift’s pedagogical range is brought together in the Honors section of the undergraduate capstone in business which he teaches each Spring. This culminating course places an emphasis on business ethics and corporate social responsibility, applying cutting edge moral theory to case studies in business. Dr. Swift’s teaching is well-informed by his experience in industry as an executive at AT&T prior to beginning his academic career. Students value his experience and appreciate his ability to explain the practical applications of management theories and frameworks.

According to the Faculty Handbook, Research Merit Awards are presented to faculty “who have demonstrated outstanding achievement,” and this undoubtedly applies to Dr. Kazuya Fukuoka, the Chair of the Political Science department. Dr. Fukuoka’s scholarly expertise covers the field of nationalism and memory studies, especially with respect to the study of Japan. Dr. Fukuoka’s scholarly publications over the past three years include: “Judging the Past: Memory, Others, and Intergenerational Responsibility Among the Japanese Youth” (Memory Studies); “Redesigning What is National: The Politics of Education and the New Moral Education Initiative in Globalizing Japan” ( Contemporary Japan); and “Teaching How to Love Your Country in Schools? A Study of Japanese Youth Narratives on Patriotic Education” (National Identities). During this period, Dr. Fukuoka also contributed the chapter “History Education” to the peer-reviewed Handbook on the Politics of Memory (Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2023) and gave multiple invited conference presentations. Dr. Fukuoka’s ambitious research agenda, which includes several forthcoming works, indicates that he will maintain this highly productive rate of impactful scholarship in future years.

Adam Gregerman’s scholarly contributions to the field of Jewish Studies and Christian-Jewish relations have been outstanding. Dr. Gregerman has produced eight publications over the last three years, six appearing in scholarly journals and two in literary volumes. For the international Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian Relations, Prof. Gregerman wrote extended entries on the central topics of the “Land of Israel” and “Covenant.” He also published a chapter titled “Biblical Law and Early Christian Interpretation” in the Cambridge Companion to Law and the Hebrew Bible. In 2022, Dr. Gregerman played a lead role in designing the survey instrument for his co-authored paper “American Catholic Attitudes Toward Jews, Judaism, and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.” This study found that American Catholics were favorably disposed toward Jews primarily because of their positive interactions with Jewish co-workers, neighbors, and friends. Following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and the events that followed, interest in Dr. Gregerman’s research escalated. In 2024 he published two additional papers, “How the State of Israel Became the ‘Jew’ Writ Large” appearing in the journal Fathom and “Unfulfilled Promise: Pope Francis and the Israeli-Hamas War” published in Tablet. We recognize Dr. Gregerman’s exceptional work advancing the knowledge base in Jewish Studies and Christian-Jewish Relations.

Dr. Martin Kim is a highly productive scholar whose research spans financial accounting and reporting, auditing, ESG and sustainability reporting, and accounting education. Between 2021 and 2024, Dr. Kim published six peer-reviewed articles in competitive journals, including the Journal of International Accounting Research, the European Accounting Review, the Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, and the Journal of Accounting Education. His 2023 article on understanding the information environment of less-regulated OTC markets received the Best Paper Award from the Journal of International Accounting Research.

Dr. Kim’s scholarship examines timely and complex issues in the accounting profession. His work explores the impact of ambiguous language in financial reports on market outcomes and the effect of cybersecurity breaches on auditor-client relationships. In ESG, he examines how firms respond to climate disclosure regulations and how ESG performance relates to audit fees, providing critical insights into how companies navigate new regulatory and stakeholder expectations.

In addition to his research publications, Dr. Kim has presented his work at major academic conferences, including the American and European Accounting Associations. Dr. Kim is actively engaged in several ongoing research projects. These working papers explore critical areas in corporate environmental policies and audit pricing.

Dr. Adejare is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at SJU. Dr. Adejare has made extensive contributions in medicinal chemistry research with a focus on design and synthesis of novel drug molecules to probe neurodegeneration. He has authored several publications, book chapters, and numerous conference presentations. He has also been awarded five patents and received funding from NIH and pharmaceutical industry grants. Dr. Adejare serves as Editor-in-Chief for Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, maintaining the publication’s trademark and securing new printings under the university's umbrella. He has graduated several PhD students and mentored multiple undergraduate students, and also developed a new course integrating drug discovery into the curriculum. Dr. Adejare’s accomplishments in the field of pharmaceutical sciences are exemplary of our Jesuit educational mission.

Dr. Angela Bingham’s research portfolio showcases originality, impact, and quality, reflecting her expertise and leadership in critical care pharmacotherapy, clinical nutrition, emergency cardiovascular care education, and professional development. Dr. Bingham has authored 14 published manuscripts in the last three years, including nine original research articles in high-impact journals. Notably, one publication stems from research funded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, highlighting the relevance and applicability of Dr. Bingham’s work. 

As the sole pharmacist on the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guidelines panel for nutrition support in critically ill adults, she played a pivotal role in shaping the standard of care. Dr. Bingham's research has been cited 825 times since 2021, and she has presented her work as the first or senior author at 20 poster and oral presentations, most of which feature original research. Her scholarly reputation has led to 31 invited presentations worldwide, including her program at the Science Beyond Limits Forum, attended by over 6,000 pharmacists in China. Dr. Bingham’s unwavering commitment to mentorship and collaboration is evident as she has guided 21 learners and junior colleagues as co-authors of manuscripts and assisted an additional 56 with presentations. In 2023, she was recognized as a research mentor for the ASHP Nutrition Support Patient Care Impact Program. Dr. Angela Bingham embodies Saint Joseph’s University's mission and values through her dedication to scholarship, mentorship, and community engagement.

Dr. Jessica Sautter joined the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department in the summer of 2022 after working at the University of the Sciences for most of her academic career. Dr. Sautter’s interactions with students are always characterized by cura personalis. She empathizes with the unique circumstances that each of her students face, while pointing them in the right direction to solve their problems. Dr. Sautter formally advises around 50 students and is looked upon for advice by countless others. In the last two years, Dr. Sautter published articles with SJU and UScience students, supervised Summer Scholars students, secured funding for student research, sat on a dissertation committee, and selflessly supervised independent studies that helped her students meet their professional goals. Dr. Sautter’s understanding of the UScience and SJU curriculum, combined with her commitment to make sure our students are served properly, has greatly reduced anxiety among legacy UScience students. Dr. Jessica Sautter is an exceptional academic advisor.

Since 2015, Dr. Greg Tanzola has made the SJU experience better for many of our students. Dr. Tanzola exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, empathy, and excellence in student advising. His multifaceted efforts have significantly impacted students’ academic, professional, and personal growth, making him a significant part of our institution’s success.

Dr. Tanzola is an advisor to 30 students, offering personalized guidance to each one. He ensures that first-year and second-year students meet with him in person to discuss their academic schedules, reinforcing a personal connection, and offering tailored support. In addition to the traditional advice on curriculum planning, midterm grades, and study habits, he guides students on other issues such as resume preparation, internship/job selection, and networking techniques.

Dr. Tanzola’s dedication to student advising goes beyond meeting expectations; he creates meaningful connections, empowers students to achieve their goals, and fosters a supportive and enriching environment. His efforts profoundly influence the lives of current and future students.

Dr. Martha Ritter serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Hunan Normal University Partnership Program in the Teacher Education Department. In the 1+1 joint degree program, graduate students from China earn a PreK-4 Education from Saint Joseph’s upon completion of a year of SJU coursework offered in Changsha, and a year of coursework on the Hawk Hill campus. Dr. Ritter advises the 58 students in the two current cohort groups. Joining Saint Joseph’s from Cabrini University in January 2024, Dr. Ritter taught courses in Changsha in spring 2024 and is currently teaching a second semester at Hunan Normal University. Dr. Ritter brings international experience of teaching in India, Bolivia, and Zambia, as well as teaching in elementary school and in higher education in New Hampshire, Maryland, and California. She loves working with the students in the HNNU/SJU cohort groups and appreciates the rich exchange that is embodied in the program.

Dr. Ritter presented with a group of students at the AAC&U Global Learning Conference in October 2024; “Cultivating Joy: Working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Changsha and Philadelphia.” As an advisor, Dr. Ritter works to support students in reaching their goals and supporting that broader goal of working together for educational environments in which we all thrive.

Dr. Shannon Haar is a dedicated and compassionate advisor who empowers student pharmacists to achieve academic and professional success. She provides comprehensive advising that extends beyond coursework, guiding students in leadership development, career exploration, and professional growth. Through personalized, one-on-one mentorship, she helps students set and achieve meaningful goals, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers. As Chair of the Training Beyond the PharmD Committee, Dr. Haar has played a key role in enhancing support for students pursuing postgraduate opportunities, including residencies, fellowships, and graduate programs. Under her leadership, the College’s postgraduate placement rates improved, with residency match rates surpassing the national average in 2023 and 2024. Beyond the College, Dr. Haar is a committed mentor both locally at the Cooper Rowan Clinic, and nationally through her active role in the Trainee Engagement Committee for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Adult Medicine Practice and Research Network where she provides guidance to trainees across the country.

Dr. Haar is known for her student-centered approach, treating each individual with respect, empathy, and a commitment to cura personalis. Her advising style is characterized by patience, encouragement, and accountability, creating a supportive environment where students feel both empowered and challenged to succeed.

As a faculty and program director, Stephanie Hentz provides exceptional advising to students enrolled in our pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN to BSN programs at the Lancaster campus. Her commitment to the students and program are evident in her engagement in formal advising events such as Admitted Student Days and school and program orientations. Most recently, Ms. Hentz worked with her colleagues to develop a half-day orientation program for students entering the BSN program at Lancaster. 

Along with her work in Lancaster, Ms. Hentz serves as the faculty advisor for forty students in the inaugural class of the BSN program at Hawk Hill, providing in-person and virtual advising sessions. In collaboration with her colleagues, Ms. Hentz developed group advising sessions for BSN students. Her work was instrumental in providing a foundation for faculty advising within the program during the critical first year.

Ms. Hentz’s work as a faculty advisor is guided by a desire to create a sense of community and a culture of success. She seeks to assist students with their academic journey and in the transition to practice as new graduate nurses.

Saint Joseph’s University proudly recognizes Dr. Amber Abbas, Associate Professor in the Department of History, as the recipient of the 2025 Faculty Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the university, its students, and the broader academic community. Dr. Abbas has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the Jesuit mission. As Director of the Nealis Program in Asian Studies, she revitalized the program, forging partnerships with student organizations, expanding course offerings, and organizing campus-wide events that celebrate and deepen understanding of Asian cultures. Her leadership has strengthened international education opportunities at SJU, including securing scholarships for students to study abroad and supporting new global partnerships.

Beyond her role in Asian Studies, Dr. Abbas has played a vital role in fostering critical dialogue on campus, particularly in response to complex global issues. Following the 2023 conflict in Gaza, she co-organized a faculty panel and developed the "Listen to Learn" series, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary program designed to create a safe, structured space for faculty, staff, and students to engage in nuanced discussions on difficult topics. Her commitment to thoughtful, inclusive dialogue exemplifies her dedication to student learning and the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. Dr. Abbas’s service is a model of academic excellence and community engagement.

Dr. Garcia has demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment through a multifaceted approach, including curricular/program development, student mentorship, faculty engagement, and community outreach. His leadership of the PCP DEI Task Force, his active role on the SHP Dean’s Advisory Team on DEI and Belonging, and his clinical service, all illustrate his dedication to transformative and sustainable change for students, faculty, and patients in pharmacy education and healthcare. In the classroom and as a mentor, Dr. Garcia’s work has broadened intercultural awareness among students, and created tangible opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive. He helps students amplify their voices, and plays an active role in shaping an inclusive campus culture.

Dr. Garcia has been instrumental in faculty development, recognizing that meaningful DEI efforts must be embraced at all levels of the institution. By facilitating conversations and training sessions, Dr. Garcia empowers faculty members to engage more effectively in DEI work. Beyond the academic setting, Dr. Garcia actively works toward health equity in his clinical practice, where he provides care to underserved patients in the health-system’s HIV clinic in Camden, New Jersey. In terms of research, Dr. Garcia serves as Co-Medical Director for an HIV-based pharmacy testing grant awarded through the Philadelphia Department of Health. Throughout all of his work, Dr. Garcia continuously models inclusive excellence and leadership within our institution and across the broader healthcare landscape.

Dr. Lemisch continuously demonstrates a genuine and resolute promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SJU, and she leverages her expertise in accessibility to model inclusive excellence as a teacher, practitioner, and mentor. As one of the founding members of both the Samson College and the Occupational Therapy Department DEI Committees, Dr. Lemisch is a dedicated advocate for DEI across all aspects of her work. She frequently connects colleagues across departments and within the broader Philadelphia community that result in creative outcomes for increasing accessibility, all while honoring their diverse personal and professional perspectives. In the classroom, Dr. Lemisch’s students note that she designs engaging learning experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and learn direct, concrete ways to promote accessibility. Her service contributions have significantly impacted DEI initiatives within our community, including faculty training, community partnerships, and strategic planning.

Dr. Lemisch also developed the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity student chapter, championed a cultural humility curricular component in her department, and advocated for and consulted on inclusive assessment with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Additionally, Dr. Lemisch’s was featured in SJU Magazine’s Inclusive Spaces and the People Who Make Them Accessible (by Emmalee Eckstein), and her research includes presentations (“Effects of Occupational Engagement on LGBTQ+ Youth”) and published articles (“Social Justice and Social Distancing – Walking a Few Inches in Another’s Shoes”). Her colleagues say it is an honor to learn from Dr. Lemisch’s unwavering commitment to building inclusive communities for students, staff, faculty, clients, and practitioners.

This year’s recipient of the Faculty Award for Justice is Dr. Jenny Spinner, Professor of English, Faculty Director for the Writing Center, and Adviser to Sigma Tau Delta. Aligned with Fr. Kolvenbach’s call for Jesuit education to “address the actual world as it unjustly exists,” Dr. Spinner meets the injustice of food insecurity as it exists among our members of the SJU community. Dr. Spinner has been a leading member of Hawk Hub, a student, faculty and staff initiative to address food insecurity on campus. Dr. Spinner’s efficiency in operations and community outreach has led to collaboration with local food banks, the SJU Community Garden, Einstein’s Bagels, Trader Joe’s, and Aramark, among others. Her efforts have helped HawkHub pantries to expand to all three university locations.

HawkHub’s presence has elevated the very real conversations about food insecurity among our SJU community members and what it means to care for the whole person. There is no academic excellence for all students if there is no HawkHub. As Jimmy Janco, BS ’25 says, “Dr. Spinner has a superhuman capacity for helping others. The dedication, the effort, the commitment is completely unparalleled. She really is a kind of a force of nature.”