Professors
Philippe Wells and
Erin Vicente are the winners of this year’s Excellence in Teaching awards.
Each spring, Brandeis International Business School recognizes faculty members who demonstrate passion, commitment and outstanding contributions through teaching. The awards are based on the popular vote of students and presented by
Dean Kathryn Graddy.
Graddy said both Wells and Vicente inspire students and bring passion and dedication to their respective fields.
A senior lecturer, Vicente teaches undergraduate business communication and focuses her research in education. Graddy said Vicente has played an important role in the continuing development of the undergraduate
Business Program.
Students commended Vicente for her passion, optimism and kindness, with one student stating: “I've never met a professor so accommodating to her students’ needs while also pushing us to become the best speakers we can.”
“Erin brings enthusiasm and excitement to every class,” said Graddy. “She cares deeply about her students and is dedicated to helping them succeed — often going above and beyond to help individual students build their business communication skills.”
According to students, Wells is an “absolutely amazing” professor with deep knowledge in finance and entrepreneurship and a talent for blending theory and real-world examples into his coursework.
Wells is also the faculty director of the
Asper Center for Global Entrepreneurship. In this role, he oversaw the inaugural
Asper Student Startup Prizes pitch contest and the
2023 Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship, which was given to CEO, best-selling author and Emmy Award-winning “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec.
“Philippe was the driving force behind some of our most popular on-campus events this year,” said Graddy. “In addition to giving students access to world-class entrepreneurs, he is a talented professor with a knack for explaining complicated concepts in compelling, easy-to-understand ways. Students also appreciate Philippe’s approachability and commitment to creating a supportive learning environment.”
