The D'Amore-McKim School of Business undergraduate Class of 2026 has awarded Associate Teaching Professor Loredana Padurean with the Best Teacher Award. Each year, graduating students vote to determine the winner and finalists, and the awardee receives a Husky Bowl in recognition of their accomplishments. The college announced the award at its celebrations at Leader Bank Pavilion on Tuesday, April 28, and Assistant Teaching Professor Nikki James accepted the award on Padurean's behalf.
Padurean, who teaches design thinking and innovation, says the recognition was unexpected, given her reputation for high standards. She says the vote affirmed something important about her students: “It shows me that you're not here for comfort, but you're here to learn to grow into the best version of your authentic self.”
The award reflects an approach to teaching that Padurean has long held at its center. “My life goal as a professor has always been to teach my students critical thinking skills that can help you navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly of this beautiful, insane world of ours,” she says.
Senior Academic Specialist and Executive Professor Leonard Glick and Teaching Professor Joseph Marks were finalists for the award and also present at the celebration.