Tara Grealis ’01/G’09, professional educator of accounting, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing a full-time faculty member who models instructional excellence, employs innovative teaching methods, and makes significant contributions through cocurricular engagement and mentorship. The winner is selected through a process that includes nominations, community support statements, and review by a committee of faculty, students, and alumni.

A full-time faculty member in the College of Business since 2015, Professor Grealis brings more than 15 years of industry experience—including service as CFO of a publicly traded bank—to her teaching. She is known for blending real-world insight with classroom instruction, preparing students to thrive in a competitive job market.

Beyond the classroom, Grealis is an active mentor and advisor, working closely with students in academic competitions, the accounting association, Beta Alpha Psi, and various career-focused initiatives. Her students and colleagues praise her for creating an engaging, supportive learning environment that inspires confidence and critical thinking.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Grealis. “Supporting our students as they grow into confident professionals is the most rewarding part of my role.”

Grealis was formally honored at the 2025 Commencement ceremony.