Robert Weech-Maldonado, Ph.D., received the Academy of Management Health Care Management Division’s “Excellence in Teaching Award.” The award recognizes innovative and outstanding teaching in the classroom and provides an opportunity to encourage, recognize and reward the work of dedicated and inspiring teachers.

Weech-Maldonado is a professor and L.R. Jordan Chair of Health Administration in the School of Health Professions. He is nationally-known for his research in health disparities, cultural competency tools for healthcare organizations, racial and ethnic differences in patient experiences with care, and long-term care. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in health care management, strategic management, diversity management, organizational theory, quality and outcomes, health care finance, and research methods.  He has also been actively involved in mentoring doctoral- and master-level students, serving in numerous dissertation and thesis committees.

The award is based on the success of the teacher in developing effective teaching methods, courses, and/or teaching materials that generate student learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and/or research. Nominees must exhibit a commitment to teaching health care management; stimulate active, continuous learning; inspire excellence in students' achievements; promote independent learning; and create an environment for the development of critical and open thought.