The annual Fairfield University Alpha Sigma Nu chapter's Teacher of the Year awards celebrate two faculty members annually, one undergraduate and one graduate, for their dedication to the teaching profession and for their support for students. Nominations are made by students only and are based on scholarship, loyalty, and service: the three pillars of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit honor society.

Patrick Brooks, MFA, assistant professor of visual and performing arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named this year's undergraduate Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year, and the graduate honoree is Jie Tao, DSc, associate professor of information systems and operations management in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

“The Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year honor, for both undergraduate and graduate faculty, is truly special, as it is a direct indication from the students of outstanding teaching and care by our faculty,” said Mark Ligas, PhD, vice provost for undergraduate excellence. “Although this honor is only able to go to two colleagues each year, it serves as a reminder that our faculty is committed to the principles and mission of teaching at a Jesuit institution.”

In one students’ nomination for Professor Brooks, they said, “Prof. Brooks is far and away one of the best teachers I have ever had. (…) He does so much for the film community at Fairfield, and is always looking for ways to innovate and provide the best opportunities for students.”

A student who nominated Dr. Tao said, “Dr. Tao has shaped me to who I am in terms of how to think like a data analyst and how to code. From taking 'Intro to Python' to 'Deep Learning' he has been my biggest supporter.”

Congratulations to Professor Brooks and Dr. Tao for their contributions to the success of our students.