Robert Weech-Maldonado, Ph.D., professor and L.R. Jordan Chair of Health Administration in the UAB School of Health Professions, received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” from the Academy of Management’s Health Care Management Division. 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 nationally known for his research in health disparities, cultural competency tools for health-care 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 also has been actively involved in mentoring doctoral- and master’s-level students, serving on 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.