“Switching to online learning had actually spurred more class participation, and allowed Professor Awudu to ask more questions and encourage participation to a larger degree than in the physical classroom,” Ryan Smith’20 said of the transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. “He had the most seamless transition out of all my classes, and really tried make the students’ lives easier as we all struggled through this difficult time.”

Outside of the classroom, he continues to put his students first, Smith said.

“He always makes himself available to students — whether it be after class or during office hours, and provides clear and concise reasoning behind his answers when asked questions which really helps students like me to really understand concepts and course teachings,” Smith said. “Every other student I talk to always have good things to say about him, and I think that is mainly because Professor Awudu is the kind of teacher that inspires you to be the best you can possibly be in his class not only for a good grade, but because you know the skills that he is teaching you are invaluable and will make you a better student and professional.”

For his efforts, Awudu is being honored with the university’s most prestigious faculty award this year, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Service to Students’ Excellence in Teaching award.

“My passions are influenced by an over-arching principle of positive impact whenever possible,” Awudu said. “Not only do I strive for my students’ academic success, their professional success and their pursuit of higher degrees are dear to my endeavors and discussions with students.”

Awudu, who recently began his seventh year at Quinnipiac, said he highly values the sense of community the university offers and feels it is more than just your typical workspace.

“I have always wanted to teach. I started teaching as a volunteer before I earned my bachelor’s degree,” said Awudu, who still continues to volunteer as an educator in various roles throughout the community.

Awudu said the award is not individual accomplishment, but rather a community effort from all of his peers at the university.

“This is a collective effort and a result of the teaching guidance and mentorship I receive from my colleagues in the School of Business, in particular, and Quinnipiac, in general. The award is dedicated to everyone who teaches at Quinnipiac and decides to light a candle in a student's life than curse the darkness,” Awudu said.