NBEA Bestowes 2025 Best of the Best Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Business Education Association Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Cincinnati, Ohio – [Month] [Day], 2025 – The National Business Education Association (NBEA) proudly honored exceptional educators and leaders in business education during its 2025 National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. This year’s awardees represent excellence, innovation, and service at every level of business education.

Secondary Business Teacher of the Year – Jessica Crabtree

Jessica Crabtree of Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, has been shaping the future of business education for more than a decade. Through her leadership of the school’s internship program and her active involvement in Business Professionals of America, she helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Recognized early in her career as Rookie Teacher of the Year, Crabtree has continued to innovate and serve at the state, regional, and national levels. Her dedication inspires students and colleagues alike to see business education as both a pathway and a purpose.

Secondary Business Teacher of the Year – Jennifer Drey

Jennifer Drey of Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania, empowers her students to lead with confidence and competence. Her classroom comes alive through financial literacy initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures, and career-readiness projects that mirror today’s business world. A respected mentor and advocate for equity in education, Drey has earned state and national recognition for her work. Whether advising Future Business Leaders of America, writing curriculum, or presenting at conferences, she embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation in business education.

Collegiate/University Teacher of the Year – Dr. Chadwick Springer

Dr. Chadwick Springer of Auburn University is both a scholar and a pioneer in business and marketing education. Known nationally for his research, publications, and leadership—including service as Southern Region President of NBEA—Springer equips his students with industry certifications and workforce-ready skills. His forward-thinking course on Generative AI exemplifies his commitment to preparing graduates for the evolving demands of business. Dr. Springer’s blend of academic rigor and real-world application has made him a model for excellence in higher education.

Best Member-Written Forum Article Award – Dr. Tatyana Pashnyak

Dr. Tatyana Pashnyak, Professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Bainbridge, Georgia, received the 2025 Best Member-Written Forum Article Award for her piece, “Harness the Power of AI to Create Engaging Business Case Studies.” Her work offers practical, innovative approaches for educators seeking to integrate artificial intelligence into classroom practice. The award recognizes her contribution to advancing both pedagogy and technology integration in business education.

CBTR National Leadership Award – Professor Saundra Thompson McFarland

Professor Saundra Thompson McFarland of Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in advancing business education and research. As Chair of the Council for Business Teaching and Research (CBTR) and Coordinator of the Business Education Research Conference (BERC), she has guided both organizations with strategic vision and purpose. A department chair and practicing attorney, McFarland exemplifies dedication to scholarship, service, and mentorship. Her advocacy led to the creation of NBEA’s postsecondary educator track, expanding opportunities for business educators nationwide.

BERC Best Paper Award – Dr. Min Xu

Dr. Min Xu, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Detroit Mercy, received the 2025 Best Paper Award from the Business Education Research Conference (BERC). Her paper reflects deep insight into finance education, corporate ethics, and organizational behavior. With a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, Dr. Xu continues to advance meaningful research that bridges financial theory with the ethical and educational dimensions of business.

Business Education National Hall of Fame Inductee – Dr. B. June Schmidt (Posthumous)

The late Dr. B. June Schmidt devoted her career to advancing business education across all levels. A teacher, scholar, and mentor, her work shaped curriculum development and educator preparation for generations. Over her career, she delivered more than 60 national presentations, authored 50 publications, and developed 15 instructional guides. A past NBEA Collegiate Teacher of the Year and John Robert Gregg Award recipient, Dr. Schmidt’s legacy continues to inspire excellence in teaching and research.

Business Education National Hall of Fame Inductee – Dr. Judith J. Lambrecht

Dr. Judith J. Lambrecht is recognized for nearly four decades of distinguished leadership, scholarship, and innovation in business education. Her groundbreaking research on technology integration and digital transformation reshaped the discipline long before it became mainstream. Author of more than 80 publications and recipient of the prestigious John Robert Gregg Award, Dr. Lambrecht’s influence extends through her students, colleagues, and the profession itself. Her induction celebrates a career defined by vision, mentorship, and enduring impact.

About NBEA:
The National Business Education Association (NBEA) is the nation’s premier professional organization for business educators, dedicated to advancing business education at every level through research, professional development, and advocacy. Learn more at www.NBEA.org.