“Always attentive to her students’ needs, Dr. Dykman works continually to make herself a more effective teacher,” said UST President Robert Ivany. “Her award is a testament to her teaching and research skills, and is a great honor for the University.”

To bring recognition to outstanding achievement in the teaching profession in colleges and universities in the State of Texas, a program of Piper Professor awards was established by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation in 1958.

Currently, the Foundation honors 15 professors with a $5,000 honorarium for their dedication to the teaching profession, and for their outstanding academic, scientific and scholarly achievement.  

Selection is made on the basis of nominations submitted by each college or university in the State of Texas. The selection committee seeks out the well-rounded, outgoing teacher who has made special impact on his or her students and the community.

“My students have been my inspiration throughout my teaching career, and I feel privileged to have been a part of their lives,” said Dykman. “Because teaching excellence is such a high priority at the University of St. Thomas, I am both delighted and humbled by this award.  I am particularly pleased to bring this recognition to the Cameron School of Business, and I am honored to represent the University of St. Thomas as a 2009 Piper Professor.”

Dykman is an authority on the management of technology and international business management.

Dykman received a doctorate in Business Administration majoring in management information systems from the University of Houston, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston with a concentration in organizational behavior and management, an Master of Arts from Michigan State University in economic history, and a Bachelor of Science from Saginaw Valley State University in economic history.
Dykman was a Fulbright Fellow in Panama in 2005, and is the current president of the Houston Chapter of the Fulbright Association. She is author and editor of numerous articles dealing with information technology and international business management and coauthor of two books. Dykman has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Systems Management, was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Systems Management and Woman of Excellence Award from the Federation of Houston Professional Women. Dykman’s recognitions for outstanding teaching include the St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award at UST (2006), the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Program (2005), and the Outstanding Faculty and Teaching Excellence Awards from Houston Baptist University.

Previous Piper Professor Award recipients include Professor of Biology Ruth Ann Bagnall, Emerita Professor of History Virginia Bernhard and Emerita Professor of Philosophy Jean Kitchel.

Shown above, UST  President Dr. Robert Ivany presents Dr. Dykman with the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Award.