College of Dentistry professor honored with teaching award
Dr. Shaun M. Logan, instructional associate professor in the biomedical sciences department at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, is one of 10 recipients of the 2024-25 Texas A&M System’s Provost Academic Professional Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. The award was bestowed March 5 at a ceremony in College Station.
The award, presented annually by The Office of the Provost and the Center for Teaching Excellence, highlights the impact of effective teaching and the importance of student-centered learning. Logan and other recipients each received a $5,000 stipend for teaching projects and support initiatives. She will use the money to support her teaching approach and for professional development, which includes Logan’s longstanding attendance at the Texas A&M University Transformational Teaching and Learning Conference.
Logan is dedicated to designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.
“My goal is to foster a dynamic, student-centered classroom where learners are not just absorbing information but actively engaging in the learning process, building connections and developing critical-thinking skills,” she said.
Dr. Lynne A. Opperman, a professor of biomedical sciences, nominated Logan and praised her empathy and rapport with students.
“Her fairness makes her invaluable as a constant beacon for the students to use to calibrate themselves as they move through the challenges of the dental education program,” Opperman said. “Even with her large load of teaching responsibilities, Shaun has managed to sustain a productive research program.”
Logan joined the dental college in 2010 as a postdoctoral research associate and became an assistant professor in 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in biology from Jackson State University and a doctorate in pharmacology and neuroscience from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth.
“We take great pride in her achievements, and she is truly worthy of the award,” said Dr. John K. Neubert, biomedical sciences’ new department head.
The award was established in 2019 through the help of the Marie M. and James H. Galloway Foundation.