2025 Teaching Awards

Tulane honored dedicated faculty members with university-wide teaching awards during the Unified Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Caesars Superdome.

By: Barri Bronston

Summer 2025

Randy Sparks. Photo: Kenny Lass

Randy Sparks

Clement Chambers Benenson Professor in the Department of History in the School of Liberal Arts
President’s Awards for Excellence in Professional and Graduate Teaching

A member of the Tulane faculty for 25 years, Randy Sparks has advised dozens of graduate students, brought clarity and insight to difficult topics and published extensively. He also oversaw a complete revitalization of the history graduate program. One student described him as “a tremendous lecturer, a studious scholar and a most supportive advisor” who “provided a warm and welcoming environment.”

Katherine Raymond. Photo: Kenny Lass

Katherine Raymond

Senior Professor of Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the School of Science and Engineering
Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Undergraduate Education

Receiving the Weiss award marks a full-circle moment for Katherine Raymond. In 1999, she was among the bachelor’s degree graduates when Tulane held its inaugural Unified Commencement ceremony. She ultimately earned her PhD from Tulane and joined the faculty of her alma mater. One student noted that “Dr. Raymond has made such a positive impact on every single student.”

Catherine O’Connor. Photo: Kenny Lass

Catherine O’Connor

Professor in the School of Social Work
President’s Awards for Excellence in Professional and Graduate Teaching

Catherine O’Connor is lauded for putting her students first, building cross-disciplinary collaborations with faculty from other schools and creating opportunities for experiential learning and leadership. A doctoral student cited her “vibrant approach to teaching” and “the emotional support she provides without hesitation.” A former student and recent graduate wrote: “I have received and continue to benefit from [Dr. O’Connor’s] excellent, rigorous and compassionate teaching and mentorship.”

Jacquelyne Thoni Howard. Photo: Kenny Lass

Jacquelyne Thoni Howard

Professor of Practice in the Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science
Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Undergraduate Education

An interdisciplinary scholar whose expertise stretches from history to data literacy, Jacquelyne Thoni Howard impressed the selection committee with her pedagogical engagement and her dedication to meeting students’ needs to achieve better learning outcomes. A faculty colleague wrote that “she goes above and beyond consistently for students.” A student wrote: “Every member of the Tulane community is indebted to wonderful teachers like Dr. Howard.”