Economics professor honored for teaching

Wed, May 13, 2009 |

Dr. Jaishankar Raman, associate professor of economics, has been named recipient of Valparaiso University's prestigious Caterpillar Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Caterpillar Award is presented annually to a committed and effective Valpo professor who displays proven excellence in engaging and empowering students, in using innovative methods of teaching and in enhancing the personal, intellectual and spiritual growth of students.

Other nominees for the award were Dr. Zuhdi Aljobeh, associate professor of civil engineering; Dr. Martin Buinicki, assistant professor of English; Craig Clark, assistant professor of geography and meteorology; Elizabeth Gingerich, associate professor of business law; Dr. Ken Luther, associate professor of mathematics and computer science; Dr. Nola Schmidt, associate professor of nursing; and Dr. Nelly Zamora- Breckenridge, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures.

Dr. Raman and the other nominees were recognized as models for exemplary teaching at a recent reception.

Dr. Raman serves as adviser to Valpo's chapter of Students in Free Enterprise, which recently advanced to a SIFE USA National Exposition competition on efforts to promote free enterprise for the second consecutive year. His research has focused on economic liberalization programs in emerging markets such as China, India and Mexico, as well as the economic development of regions and international economics.

This spring, Dr. Raman was a featured presenter at the international conference "Organizational Effectiveness in Economic Slowdown," co-sponsored by Valpo and the Institute of Management Technology in India. He discussed the causes, impact and potential remedies for the worldwide financial meltdown during 2008 at the conference in New Delhi.

He earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Notre Dame, his master's degree from Fordham University and his bachelor's degree from Ramnarain Ruia College in Mumbai.

The University's Committee to Enhance Learning and Teaching selects the recipient from nominations made by students and other members of the campus community.