For more than a century the Basilian Fathers and St. Thomas have truly valued faculty members who display exceptional dedication to bringing its classrooms to life through engaged partnerships with students.

To honor those whose commitment to and investment in teaching has had a demonstrable influence on the intellectual development and lives of Eagle scholars, an annual award has been created to celebrate the kind of excellence in instruction that is at the heart of Basilian mission.

This distinction seeks to recognize the most significant contributions among the exceptionally talented St. Thomas faculty who consistently inspire students across disciplines to become compassionate and culturally competent leaders.

Presented at the 2017 St. Thomas Academic Assembly, the inaugural Teacher of the Year, nominated and honored by her peers, is dean of English Judy Granberry, J.D.  Her spirit of innovation in advancing the pedagogy of learning has provided a measurable impact on the academic experiences of St. Thomas students and the Eagle community.

“I love what I do so to have this kind of acknowledgment is icing on the cake,” Granberry said.  “What was particularly moving was the (favorable) reaction of the students.  I love these kids and for them to have that kind of respect means the world to me.”

Granberry (above with president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB) was selected among eight nominees including Mike Adair, Beth Breuer, Dan Green, Michael Lynch, dean of social studies Brett Mills, dean of fine arts Mike Nebel and Laura Thornton.

Granberry was described within the nominations as “the person who has pushed, developed and helped shape me into the teacher I am today” … a “consummate professional exemplifying excellence in teaching the core values of goodness, discipline and knowledge” … “informative and inspiring. If I were to grow up to be the teacher I want to be, I would be the embodiment of a teacher who is caring, consistent, entertaining and effective – I would be (Granberry).”

Throughout her nine years at St. Thomas Granberry has thrived within “a great place to work … surrounded by great people to work with.  Just a phenomenal environment.  Engaging these young men every single day makes me hopeful for our future.  They’re highly intelligent, appreciative, enthusiastic, all with a great sense of humor.”

The announcement generated rigorous traffic and reaction on social media, including a series of comments on Facebook which included …

  • Ms. Granberry is one of the best teachers (if not the best) that I had at St. Thomas. She not only built a foundation for my high school career, and my college career, but for the rest of my life.
  • Congratulations!  It’s a great school, full of amazing teachers and administrators.
  • She’s a great teacher! My son just loves her! Congratulations Judy Granberry!
  • Judy Granberry was a fabulous teacher for my son at STH … the best!
  • Congrats Judy! Well deserved.

Granberry, Green, Mills and Thornton were also recognized among the Master Teacher Chairs, St. Thomas faculty members who exemplify exceptional content mastery, classroom creativity and teaching excellence while also deeply committed to Catholic education and the school.

The Master Teacher Chairs for the 2017-18 academic year include Phil Gensheimer, campus ministry director Marty Matulia, dean of theology Jenny McConnell, Joan McNatt, dean of science Pete Nordloh, Ph.D, and Darrell Yarbrough.

Catholic.  Basilian.  Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.