Four honored with Warrington’s teaching, advising awards
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Warrington College of Business recognized faculty members Dr. Brian Ray and Dr. Liangfei Qiu along with advisors Bernadine Thomas and Gus Kreatsoulas as its 2017-2018 Teaching/Advising Award winners.
Brian Ray: Dr. Ray is a Lecturer of Leadership and Ethics, as well as the Co-Director of the Poe Business Ethics Center. Prior to his role in the Poe Center, Dr. Ray served as the Associate Dean and Director of the Heavener Schools of Business. He received his Ph.D. in University Administration from Florida State University (FSU), his Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, his MBA from the University of Central Florida and his undergraduate degree in finance from Stetson University. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from FSU, the C. Arthur Sandeen Award from UF Student Government, the Mort Wolfson Faculty Service Award from UF and the Teacher of the Year award from the Warrington College of Business. In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Ray serves as a Colonel in the Army Reserve. During his military career, he has been recognized many times for exemplary leadership, including being the recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, the Lowry Award, and earning a Bronze Star Medal for his service in his most recent tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Liangfei Qiu: Dr. Qiu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management at the Warrington College of Business, University of Florida. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. His current research focuses on location-based social networks, economics of information systems, prediction markets, social media, and telecommunications policy. His research has appeared in leading academic journals such as Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Production and Operations Management, Journal of Management Information Systems, and Decision Support Systems. His work has been featured in the Bloomberg Businessweek, Conversation, and ScienceDaily. He is a recipient of 2017 Management Science Distinguished Service Award, 2017 Production and Operations Management Outstanding Reviewer Award, and 2015 Judy Fisher Teaching with Technology Award. He serves on the editorial board of Decision Support Systems as an associate editor.
Bernadine Thomas: Bernadine Thomas, a Chicago native, joined the Heavener Academic & Career Coaching team in 2012. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from Chicago State University and her master’s degree in Adult Education from National Louis University. Bernadine has over 10 years of experience in Corporate America, having worked for the Vice-President & Regional Manager of Kelly Services before her career change to higher education. She worked as Assistant Director for the School for New Learning at DePaul University for four years, then an additional four years in Student Affairs as Assistant Director for the Office of Adult Student Affairs. In 2016, she earned her certification as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). This month, Bernadine accepted the position of Associate Director for Business Career Services within the Heavener School of Business continuing to do what she loves, working with students!
Gus Kreatsoulas: Gus Kreatsoulas joined the UF MBA team in 2009 and is currently an Academic Program Specialist. He serves as the academic advisor for the MBA programs, serving over 900 professional students. He works with many offices around campus to ensure MBA students have what they need for their courses. He also works with faculty to verify grades are entered accurately each term, as well as ordering all course materials for each cohort. Gus is a valuable resource to UF MBA students, helping them manage their obligations within the UF MBA program and making sure students have access to all the resources they need to succeed.
