Academic Affairs Awards and Recognition
2026
Department Chair / Program Director Term Completions
Thank you to the following faculty who have completed their appointed term and have dedicated the last three years as department chair or program director.
Bruce Campbell
Jeff DuBois
Emily Esch
Jessica Harkins
Emily Heying
Derek Larson
Kingshuk Mukherjee
Alicia Peterson
Joint Faculty Senate Chair Term Completion
Christi Siver
Corey Shouse
Shannon Smith
Steve Welch
Elizabeth Wengler
Dr. Christi Siver served as the chair of the Joint Faculty Assembly (JFA) and Senate in a manner that will be hard to replicate but easy to admire for her leadership, stewardship and dedication to issues that allow us to be better colleagues, friends and mentors. Christi first came to CSB+SJU back in 2010 and immediately became an active member of the political science department, educator and supporter of students participating in the Washington D.C. internship program or debate events.
She won the Sister Mary Grell Teacher of Distinction Award in May 2014 and held the Joseph R. Farry Professorship in the McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement from 2019-2022. Her interests and scholarship span the globe but always include students and their endeavors. As JFA chair she shepherded the post-tenure review process, was active in the selection of the next provost, advocated for issues related to faculty morale and started discussions related to the evolution of faculty governance.
Thank you is clearly not enough but rest assured that her colleagues have thought so highly of Christi and her talents that she has been named chair of the political science department starting with the 2026-2027 academic year.
Christi, we are all grateful for your service!
Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor
Tenure
Heather Amthauer
Brittany Merritt Nash
Colin Hannigan
Bradley Miller
Jennifer Peterson
Promotion to Professor
Jeff DuBois
Emily Paup
Ellen Block
Jonathan Merritt Nash
Emily Heying
Tony Yan
Justin Zanchuk
Inclusive Pedagogy Practitioner Certificate and Badge
This annual recognition honors faculty who demonstrate a sustained commitment to inclusive, equity-minded teaching each academic year. To receive the certificate and badge, participants attend at least three eligible Center for Teaching and Learning events and complete brief reflections that show how they have applied their learning and supported their ongoing growth as inclusive educators.
The 2024-25 recipients of this Inclusive Teaching Practitioner and Certificate award were:
Ann Backes, Instructor of Nursing
Eric Belt, Instructor of Exercise & Health Science
Ellen Block, Associate Professor of Sociology
Carol Brash, Associate Professor of Art
Kate Cary, Assistant Professor of Biology
Erin Donohue, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Amanda Jantzer, Professor of Psychology
Derek Moore, Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing
Sucharita Mukherjee, Professor of Economics
Jonathan Merritt Nash, Associate Professor of History
Emily Berg Paup, Associate Professor of Strategic Communication
Elisheva Perelman, Associate Professor of History
Annette Raigoza, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Jen Schafer, Professor of Biology
Megan Sheehan, Associate professor of English
Christine Shikutwa, Assistant Professor of Global Business Leadership
Christi Siver, Professor of Political Science
Yvette South, Associate Professor of English
Erica Stonestreet, Professor of Philosophy
Vijay Srinivas Tida, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Christina Tourino, Associate Professor of English
Kari-Shane Davis Zimmerman, Professor of Theology
The 2025-26 application is still open through May 30, 2025 and those recipients will be honored May 2027.
Special Acknowledgement of Amanda Jantzer
The Inclusive Excellence grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) brought together CSB+SJU faculty from a wide range of disciplines to build practices and programming around inclusive teaching that enhances the success of all students. Dr. Amanda Jantzer led the initiative throughout its development, proposal, and administration phases. The Inclusive Excellence Program assembled 104 institutions around the country in an innovative, collaborative model. While HHMI abruptly ended the $60 million HHMI Inclusive Excellence grant program in 2025, the impact of this work continues at CSB+SJU through the faculty development that it provided and the programming that it launched.
Thank you, Dr. Jantzer, for your work in the Inclusive Excellence grant and for your sustained commitment to making CSB+ SJU a more inclusive and equitable community.
Jason Schlude
Special Appointments
Blecker Chair Director of Humanities Institute
The Michael Blecker Professorship of the Humanities which recognizes a CSB+SJU senior faculty member for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service was named for the former Saint John’s University president and professor of history. I am pleased to name Dr. Jason Schulde the Michael Blecker Professor of the Humanities.
Dr. Schlude has served on the CSB+SJU faculty since 2014. Prior to coming to CSB and SJU he was on the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, Santa Clara University, and Duquesne University. He received his undergraduate education from Macalester College and his MA and PhD from University of California, Berkley. Dr. Schlude brings humanities to life for our students. He is a gifted teacher whose passion for his subject is infectious. He is a conscientious teacher who focuses on his students.
Dr. Schlude is an active scholar and widely published presenting his scholarly work to national and international audiences. Additionally, he is a public scholar, making his work accessible to broader audiences through public media. In 2019 he was awarded a Getty grant.
In the role as the Blecker Professor, Dr. Schlude will direct the Humanities Institute, which will promote seeking meaning and purpose through story, fostering imagination through interdisciplinary inquiry centered on the human experience, and supporting community-engaged creativity. To those ends, the Humanities Institute will provide Seminars for Life which are interdisciplinary courses, a Humanities Lab to support development of humanities programming, a guest professor program, and various programming to highlight and enhance the humanities at CSB+SJU.
Congratulations Jason!
Academic Advisor Award
The Academic Advisor of the Year Award was established in 1985 It is awarded to two faculty and/ or professional advisors who have distinctly contributed to the advising program, as well as to individual student development and growth throughout the academic year Faculty and professional advisors at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are eligible for this award
The 2026 Advising Award recipients are Dr. Julie Fisk and Dr. Steve Welch.
Julie Fisk exemplifies what it means to be a great advisor. One advisee states, “Julie is wonderful to talk to and has been incredibly welcoming from our first interaction. As a Bennie studying business, having Julie is wonderful as a resource and outlet to talk and relate to. She is extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.”
Another advisee states, “She genuinely cares about what happens to her advisees after they spend four years here. She does everything she can to help her advisees become the people they want to be and supports them in following their dreams.”
Dr. Steve Welch led the Accounting and Finance department through a very challenging year. One of his advisees states, “Steve took on an incredibly difficult role this year. After Boz's tragic death, Steve took on many of Boz's advisees and supported us throughout the year. He did this while mourning the loss of his friend and serving as the department chair. This was a difficult year for the entire department, but Steve's leadership and guidance helped everyone through it. He personally supported me in more ways than I could possibly deserve.”
Another advisee states, “Steve knows everything He knows the classes inside and out He has saved me so much stress and worry Best advisor I ever had If it is not Steve Welch, I don’t know who else it could be ”
Julie Fisk
Steve Welch
The Sister Linda Kulzer Gender Educator Award
The Gender Education Development Award was established in 2008 and was later renamed in honor of Sister Linda Kulzer, OSB This award recognizes a member of the CSB and SJU faculty who has contributed to students’ gender education through curricular leadership, courses taught, scholarship, and/or mentoring students independent of normal classroom teaching Sister Linda, CSB’s Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1977-85 and a Professor Emerita of Education, was a pioneer in the colleges’ earliest efforts to integrate gender into the curriculum The 2026 Sister Linda Kulzer Gender Educator Award recipient is Dr Jacob Jantzer
Dr Jake Jantzer’s work has had a truly transformative impact on gender education at CSB+SJU Jantzer’s teaching lies at the heart of gender education at CSB+SJU He teaches core courses in the Gender Studies program, including the foundational course, GEND 101: Introduction to Gender Studies, as well as multiple Sociology and Anthropology electives that both sustain the program and recruit students into it. Across department chair commentary, student feedback, and letters of recommendation, a consistent theme emerges: Dr. Jantzer’s exceptional ability to engage resistance in the classroom and present gender issues in thoughtful, compelling, and accessible ways. He skillfully uses dialogue, collaboration, and self reflection to help students wrestle with complexity As one student noted, “The way he teaches gender studies and sociology has genuinely changed how I see the world ”
Dr. Jantzer’s leadership extends far beyond the classroom. He has played an important role in educating the broader campus community by serving on panels addressing timely and challenging issues, including sexual assault, campus culture, and men as feminists. He also contributes to faculty development through co‑facilitating a Gender Studies book group and presenting on gender related pedagogy. His efforts consistently reflect his commitment to fostering a more inclusive, just, and informed campus
Dr. Jantzer’s scholarship further demonstrates his dedication to gender justice. His research on campus safety and on underrepresented students’ experiences in academic disciplines is timely, impactful, and grounded in collaboration across campus constituencies Importantly, Dr Jantzer integrates students into this work, offering high impact learning experiences that deepen critical thinking and shape students’ understanding of identity and belonging. Student letters describe how his mentorship fundamentally reshaped their concepts of self, giving them language, confidence, and affirmation
Finally, Dr. Jantzer’s leadership in gender curriculum development has been essential. As a member of the Gender Studies Steering Committee since 2018, he has been deeply involved in maintaining the program, curriculum revision, assessment development, and leading the department through program review His sustained commitment, expertise, and generosity have been vital to the success and long term sustainability of the Gender Studies program.
Congratulations Jake!
Jacob Jantzer
Linda Mealey Faculty/Student Collaborative Research and Creativity Award
Peter Ohmann
The Teacher/Scholar Award was established in 2000 and is given annually to a faculty member who exemplifies demonstrated excellence in scholarship as well as teaching, conducts student/faculty collaborative research or creative work, and excels in the mentoring of students. In 2004, following the untimely death of Dr. Linda Mealey, Professor of Psychology and 2002 recipient of the award, it was re-named the Linda Mealey Faculty/Student Collaborative Research and Creativity Award in her honor. Linda believed that “learning is fun” and that simple pleasure was the driving force behind her considerable efforts to involve students in research.
The 2026 S. Linda Mealey Faculty/Student Collaborative Research and Creativity Award recipient is Dr. Peter Ohmann.
Dr. Ohmann has intertwined his roles as an educator, advisor, and researcher, resulting in an impressive array of collaborative projects over the past several years. Working with faculty and students from computer science, nursing, and communication, Dr. Ohmann has had a hand in creating educational tools such as “SynpleTest” to teach coding, “The Women's Legacy Collective” to teach about the historical contributions of women, and “Maestro” to assist students learning to administer medications. He has served as advisor and committee member to numerous student theses and collaborated with 25 students on various research projects. His commitment to empowering his students particularly those who are under-represented in Computer Science is impressive. One former student writes, “Giving Dr. Ohmann this award would honor someone who truly lives the values Dr. Mealey believed in. He does not just teach students; he works alongside them. He does not just do research; he uses it to make education better. He does not just open his office door; he opens doors for students who need them most.” For all these reasons, Dr. Peter Ohmann richly deserves the Linda Mealey Collaborative Research and Creativity Award.
Congratulations, Peter!
Catholic Benedictine Educator Award
The Catholic Benedictine Educator Award recognizes creative engagement between the Catholic Benedictine tradition and teaching throughout the curriculum. This award affirms a CSB and SJU faculty member whose exemplary teaching successfully integrates the Catholic Benedictine tradition with courses in their academic discipline and/or the Integrations Curriculum.
The recipient of the 2026 Catholic Benedictine Award is Kathryn Droske.
As a French professor, Kate Droske has integrated the Catholic Benedictine tradition into her teaching with unusual creativity, depth, and pedagogical care. In FREN 312, she devoted the five weeks of the semester to a sustained exploration of hospitality, weaving together French language and culture, literary study, Scripture, the Rule of Saint Benedict, lectio divina, and direct encounters with monastics. As Kate explains, the French word hôte can mean both “host” and “guest,” inviting students to reflect on “positionality within acts of hospitality and to reciprocity in the relationship between guest and host.” Her course design translated this insight into transformative practice: students read across multiple genres, met with Benedictine monastics, planned and carried out their own acts of hospitality, and then reflected on those experiences in oral presentations and creative final papers. The result was a sustained and seamless integration of them into the very fabric of the course. As one student’s final paper expressed, “Hospitality is much more than just offering a meal. It’s creating an atmosphere, sharing experiences, and feeling connected.” Through this imaginative and deeply student-centered pedagogy, Kate brought a central Benedictine value vividly to life while advancing students’ learning in French language, literature, and culture.
Congratulations Kate on being awarded the 2026 Catholic Benedictine Educator Award.
Kathryn Droske
Jennifer Galovich Service Award
Claire Haeg
The Jennifer Galovich Service Award recognizes outstanding faculty service to CSB and SJU. The Service Award was established in 2020 and is given annually to a faculty member who exemplifies demonstrated excellence in service to the institutions at both the departmental and institutional level. The award was named in honor of Dr. Jennifer Galovich, Professor Emerita of Mathematics, who demonstrated strong and exemplary service to the institutions during her 28-year career. In addition to her service to the mathematics department, she served as JFA chair and also served on numerous faculty governance committees. Her service as chair of the Faculty Handbook Committee is legendary
The 2026 Jennifer Galovich Service Award recipient is Claire Haeg
During her time at CSB and SJU, Dr. Claire Haeg has worked tirelessly to advocate for faculty, staff, and students. As a part of faculty governance leadership, governance committees, ad hoc committees, and departmental service, Dr. Haeg has always served where needed to make sure that faculty and students had a voice through significant institutional, national, and global changes.
Dr Haeg served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Faculty Senate from 2020-2022 As the world was struggling with the covid-19 pandemic, her term began as she served on the Fall Covid Scenario Planning Group in Summer 2020 She and her colleagues met daily to figure out how the campus could reopen safely and faculty and students could resume classes She also served on the search for the interim Saint John’s President As Chair, she worked to ensure there was a faculty trustee on the main board and that faculty representatives on the board committees had a vote, a crucial accomplishment after the removal of voting privileges from faculty on the board in 2017 She also served on the search committee for the first joint CSB and SJU President
Dr Haeg has often been selected for special service on ad hoc committees In 2017 the Joint Faculty Senate asked her to serve on the Shared Governance Task Force This Task Force included the CSB and SJU presidents, the provost, representatives from both boards, students, and faculty The task force worked for two years to establish the different and overlapping roles of faculty, administration, and trustees in shared governance, aligning the AAUP Statement on Governance of Colleges and Universities with the institutions’ expected practices In 2023, the JFA elected Dr Haeg to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Integrations Curriculum Over two years, Dr Haeg worked with fellow committee members to survey faculty, discuss and evaluate possible revisions to the curriculum, and understand the nuances of learning outcomes and goals
Dr Haeg has also offered invaluable service to her department as department chair and as a co-director of the Washington, D C Summer Study Program She is a fantastic mentor to junior faculty and advisor to students We are all so grateful for your generous service Thank you, Claire and congratulations!
Sister Mary Grell / Robert Spaeth Teacher of Distinction Award
Sister Mary Grell served students on both campuses for more than 35 years with intelligence, skill, dedication, and genuine affection She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 1933 with a baccalaureate degree in Botany and Chemistry. She did research in Germany on a Fulbright Grant in the 1950s and continued to do productive research on cells during the rest of her career here and at St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire. Following further study in biology and cytogenetics at St. Louis University and Fordham, she returned to our campus and began her remarkable teaching career. She served as president of the college from 1963 to 1968.
Bob Spaeth was many things to many people, but in all things, he was a teacher, first at Saint John’s College, Annapolis, where he taught the full range of the Great Books, and then, from 1979 until his death in 1994, here at Saint John’s in Collegeville, in the departments of Philosophy and Mathematics. He also taught in the Christian Humanism program, as well as Senior Seminar and First Year Symposium, and was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1979 through 1988. Both as dean and through his own teaching, Bob sought to inspire our learning community and was dedicated to the quality of our teaching faculty.
We celebrate the difference Sister Mary Grell and Bob Spaeth made at CSB and SJU through our recognition each year of a member of our faculty who represents the best of teaching and learning here at our colleges The 2026 Sister Mary Grell/Robert Spaeth Teacher of Distinction Award recipient is Dr Emily Heying
Dr Heying demonstrates incredible dedication to her students She writes, “I am the faculty member whose office students find their way to not just with questions about coursework, but with questions about life, about their schedules, and about whether what they saw on Instagram about seed oils is true or not ” Her commitment to student success permeates every aspect of her teaching. Dr. Heying’s student-centered approach can be seen in her introductory Nutrition courses, where a flipped classroom model helps students understand and apply difficult concepts. Of special note, she used her sabbatical to become licensed as a Registered Dietician in order to help her students succeed in their certification. Finally, Dr. Heying connects classroom material to real-world questions about food insecurity and justice. One former student sums up the impact such a teacher can have: “Dr. Heying’s influence extends far beyond academics. She genuinely cares about her students’ well-being. She offers guidance through personal and professional challenges. She is not only a teacher and mentor, but also an advocate whose work has a meaningful impact on the CSBSJU community.”
Congratulations, Emily!
Emily Heying
Retirements and Special Rank
Professor Alumnus Michael Heroux
Michael Heroux’s career in computer science began at Saint John’s University, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics in 1983. He went on to complete his M.S. (1986) and Ph.D. (1989) in Mathematics at Colorado State University, specializing in applied mathematics and scientific computation. His earliest exposure to computing came even earlier, during a formative 1982 research project at Saint John’s using an Apple IIe to automate chemistry experiments an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for computing.
Mike began his career at Cray Research (1988–1998), serving first as a numerical analyst developing high performance numerical libraries and later as a group leader overseeing scalable computing and capability prototyping efforts. His work supported major Cray computers architecture, including the T3E, T90, and SV series. In 1998, Heroux joined Sandia National Laboratories, where he advanced from principal member to distinguished member and Senior Scientist. His work includes leading major scientific software initiatives such as the Trilinos libraries, the Mantevo performance modeling project, and the HPCG benchmark. He also contributes to strategic planning, program committees, and standards activities.
In 2017, he assumed an additional national leadership role as Director of Software Technology for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Exascale Computing Project, overseeing the software infrastructure required for next generation supercomputing platforms and leading the E4S (Extreme scale Scientific Software Stack) effort.
Since 1998, Heroux has also served the Department of Computer Science at Saint John’s University as an adjunct faculty member and, beginning in 2004, Scientist in Residence He taught courses including Numerical Analysis, Parallel Computing, Research Methodologies, and Software Engineering, while advising undergraduate research in parallel computing Most recently, Mike’s focus has been teaching the department’s capstone course, Senior Research in Computer Science His broad knowledge has been of great use here, helping students find projects fitting their interest and evaluating them
In addition, Mike has been an excellent resource to the department and the institutions, of late with the growing and rapidly developing use of AI We will dearly miss Mike’s presence but wish him a well-earned retirement from teaching
Thank you Mike!
Professor Alumnus Paul Marsnik
For over 30 years Dr Paul Marsnik has been an integral part of the Global Business Leadership Department (formerly Management) at CSB+SJU Paul’s career-long mantra, Embrace the Ambiguity, became the foundational lesson for every student who ever walked into his classroom Paul pushed his students to find comfort in the unknown He didn’t just want them to find the right answer; he wanted them to build their own He is the Founder and Academic Director of the Entrepreneur Scholars (E-Scholars) Program and the driving force behind the creation of the Entrepreneurship Minor, a program that is currently growing at a record pace He saw that the entrepreneurial mindset wasn't just for business majors—it was for the artist, the scientist, and the philosopher Because of Paul, the McNeely Center has become a cross-disciplinary hub where "what if" becomes "what’s next " His Big Idea competition and Entrepreneurship Annual Awards has become events for the entire CSB+SJU communities and reach well beyond the boundaries of our campuses
Paul’s classroom had no borders He understood that to lead in a global context, you had to see the world first-hand He personally designed and directed 15 plus Business Study Trips to Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam, opening eyes to the scale of Asian markets; 15 Business Study Trips to Silicon Valley, putting students in the same rooms as the world’s most disruptive venture capitalists and innovators and over 60 student ventures in past two decades Perhaps Paul’s greatest achievement is the "Army of Alums" he inspired Paul didn't just graduate students; he cultivated a lifelong community Today, that network is the backbone of the McNeely Center His former students don’t just move on; they move back serving as mentors, board members, liaison officers, and donors, ensuring that the bridge between the classroom and the boardroom remains strong for generations to come
To his colleagues in the Department of Global Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program, Paul is more than a professor; he is a strategic planner with an infectious positive energy Paul leaves behind a legacy of student ventures from Clemens Perk and Johnnie Java to JGoods, Square One, Entrepreneur (E) Club, T Spot, The Schu and Extending the Link
Paul’s love for baseball is well known, and he authored a wonderful book in recent years, Baseball Road Trip
Paul, you taught us that the best structures are made of ideas, courage, and the willingness to embrace the ambiguity You will be missed by the McNeely Center, the GBUS department, and every Johnnie and Bennie who ever dared to dream of launching a venture Thank you Paul!
Professor Emerita Theresa Johnson
The Education Department celebrates the career and accomplishments of Dr. Terry Johnson. Terry exemplifies excellence in teaching. She has inspired many students as they pursue a career in the field of education. Throughout her career, Terry has extended deep care, kindness, and support to students and faculty alike.
Terry’s journey as an educator began at CSB+SJU. She earned a teaching license and went on to teach social studies, history, religion, and language at several Catholic schools. Terry earned a PhD in Social Studies Education at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the CSB+SJU Education Department in 2008, Terry inspired future social studies teachers at Purdue University, Hamline University, and the University of Minnesota.
Terry’s work at CSB+SJU is characterized by her tireless dedication, compassionate leadership, and love of learning. Her teaching sparks students’ interest and excitement for social studies education, Indigenous histories and cultures, and children’s literature. Terry possesses a unique talent for assuring that all her students feel valued and supported. Former students frequently seek her out to express their gratitude for her influence. Terry has served on numerous campus committees, including the Faculty Senate. She has published and presented her research on children’s literature and social studies education.
Terry served as the Education Department Chair from 2017-2020 and 2024-2026 She successfully led the Education Department through multiple program and unit accreditation reviews, facilitated the redesign of the education programs, and streamlined data collection processes Terry leads with concern, empathy, and understanding She has fostered collaboration and teamwork to meet the everchanging demands of external accreditation
Terry has earned several grants, including a Minnesota Humanities Center grant to redress Native American boarding school injustices, a Fulbright-Hayes grant to study languages and cultures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a Central Minnesota Community Foundation grant for diverse books and professional learning
Terry thoroughly enjoys athletics and loves cheering on Bennies, Johnnies, and the Minnesota Lynx Terry has a deep love of children’s literature and takes great joy in sharing books with students
Thank you for your exceptional contributions, Terry! We wish you a retirement full of joy and great books!
Professor Emeritus Shane Miller
Dr Shane Miller joined the faculty at College of St Bendict and St John’s University in 2007 Throughout his career at CSB and SJU, Shane taught a wide range of courses spanning rhetoric, public speaking, gender studies, and courses for the integrations curriculum. His teaching portfolio reflects both disciplinary depth and a sustained commitment to helping students think critically about power, voice, and social change.
Shane also made contributions as a campus leader He served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Communication Department from 2017-2019 and the Gender Studies program from 2012-2017, Director of the Integrations Curriculum from 2019-2022, and Co-Chair of the Presidents’ Advisory Council in 2021-2022, where he helped guide institutional conversations related to curriculum, equity, and campus climate
Shane’s scholarly work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as Text and Performance Quarterly, Men and Masculinities, and Argumentation and Advocacy, and he presented at national and international conferences over the course of his career
Shane has also been active in service, mentoring students, advising programs, supporting faculty governance, and contributing to professional organizations within communication and men’s studies. He has served as a faculty advisor for the Institute for Women’s Leadership since 2011 and faculty advisor for the Men’s Development Institute since 2014 He also served as an Executive Board Member for the American Men’s Studies Association from 2012-2019.
We are grateful for Shane Miller’s contributions to the department and to CSB and SJU and wish him all the best in retirement Thank you Shane!
Professor Emeritus Jim Read
Dr. James H. Read joined the faculty of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 1988 as a Professor of Political Science He earned his Ph D and M A. in Government from Harvard University and his A B from the University of Chicago Over nearly four decades at CSB+SJU, he has been widely recognized for his thought-provoking teaching, celebrated scholarship, and deep engagement in civic life.
Dr. Read’s work connects political theory with the challenges facing modern democracy. In the classroom, he has inspired generations of students through courses on American political thought, justice, and political theory. Over the years, Dr. Read helped students grapple with the ideas that shape democratic life. He also served twice as chair of the Department of Political Science, co-directed the Washington, D.C. Summer Study Program, led study abroad programs to Austria and Bosnia, and was an active and thoughtful participant in faculty governance
Dr. Read is the author of four books, countless articles, and book chapters. His most recent book, Sovereign of a Free People: Abraham Lincoln, Majority Rule, and Slavery, received an Honorable Mention for the 2025 Presidential Leadership Book Award His prior book projects include Majority Rule versus Consensus, and Power versus Liberty His book, Doorstep Democracy, related what he learned on his journey running for office.
Jim has long been active in civic life. When not teaching or writing, he participates in community and political organizations, working on political campaigns and even running for office twice He has modeled for students the ideals of the liberal arts, including thoughtful inquiry, public engagement, and a deep commitment to democratic citizenship.
Jim is known to us all as a caring and committed professor and colleague whose thoughtful teaching and exceptional scholarship informed his engagement in civic life He is also well known for finding himself in hilarious situations. When you get the chance, ask him to share his study abroad anecdote about the cow, a mountain trail in the Austrian Alps, and a helicopter ride. We will miss Jim’s wisdom, collegiality, and quirky sense of humor around the department, and we deeply appreciate the impact he has made on all of us. Thank you Jim!
Special Rank
Professor Emeritus Posthumous Warren “Boz” Bostrom
Boz was a proud Saint John’s University alumnus and earned his Master of Business Taxation from the University of Minnesota. He began teaching in the Accounting and Finance Department at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 2004, bringing with him nine years of Big Four accounting firm experience. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 2020. Boz formed lasting bonds with his students, serving not only as a professor, but also as a mentor and a friend. He cared deeply about his students and knew them as whole people. His love for teaching and his commitment to students were evident in the way he continued to teach even while facing significant health challenges.
Boz was a fixture at CSB and SJU and a familiar presence at campus events throughout the year. Rarely does a day pass without spotting a student, staff or faculty member somewhere on our campuses wearing the iconic “Accounting” t shirt a lasting symbol of his impact. A passionate supporter of Bennie and Johnnie athletics, Boz attended as many games and competitions as he possibly could, and even served as announcer for some games.
Beyond the classroom, Boz was a sought-after speaker on ethics and leadership and the author of three books: A Legacy Unrivaled, chronicling the life of legendary head coach and close friend John Gagliardi; I Believe, a memoir co-written with SJU icon Bill Sexton; and The New Start, a novel following a young auditor navigating an insider trading scandal.
Boz was also deeply engaged in the accounting profession. He was active in professional associations and widely known and respected among his colleagues. For six years, he served on the Minnesota Society of CPAs Board of Directors, including as board chair during the 2024–25 term. In that role, Boz worked to ensure every voice was heard, to foster shared understanding, and to build meaningful connections. He also devoted himself to providing continuing professional education for CPAs.
As Linda Wudel, President and CEO of the MNCPA, wrote:
“Boz’s legacy is like a ripple in water: it will continue to expand and shape our profession for years to come. His passing leaves a deep void, but his impact remains steady, generous, and enduring.”
The same is true for the CSB and SJU community.
Boz is missed every day his smile and laugh, his walks across campus in his signature “Accounting” shirts and sweatshirts He was truly one of a kind, and CSB and SJU are better places because of him
In Memoriam Frank Plachecki
Dr Frank Plachecki began teaching in the Global Business Leadership Department at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in 2022 He came to our institutions with extensive work and teaching experience in the field of business Frank graduated from the University of Minnesota earning a B S. in Education; M A in Marketing and Ph D in Education He taught courses in leadership and management development, performance improvement, and human resource management, with a particular focus on supervisory and frontline manager development. Frank was an accomplished keyboardist and successful local musician. His innovative approach to education, which incorporated live musical performances into his classes, created high-energy, memorable learning experiences that inspired and engaged students throughout his career.
Dr. Plachecki lives on through the students he mentored, the organizations he helped strengthen, and the lives he touched with his music.
Frank made CSB and SJU better places. We were blessed to have him as a member of our community.
