IU South Bend professor Dr. Mohammad Merhi has received Indiana University’s oldest teaching award.
Merhi is a professor of decision sciences. He is also the coordinator of graduate programs and assessment for the Judd Leighton School for Business and Economics. He received the Frederic Bachman Lieber Memorial Award at a ceremony March 25.
Indiana University established the award in 1951 and first presented it in 1954. The university recognizes honorees for their dedication to helping students reach and expand. Awardees also advance their field and teaching.
“Your dedication to education has significantly contributed to Indiana University’s global standing as a beacon of academic excellence,” IU President Pamela Whitten wrote in a letter to Merhi. “Our institution’s international reputation is the direct result of individuals like yourself who have a clear vision of what education can and should be.”
A review committee looks for individuals who have a sustained impact on student learning and demonstrate leadership in teaching. Honorees support a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to drive innovation.
“Receiving the 2025 Frederic Bachman Lieber Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence from the president is both an incredible honor and a humbling recognition of the work I do with my students,” Merhi said. “It reaffirms the importance of my commitment to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment.”
Merhi said he encourages students to think critically, take risks and engage meaningfully with the subject matter.
“He models lifelong learning through ongoing professional development and continuous improvement of his teaching and has won multiple other teaching awards,” Jill Pearon, IU South Bend executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said. “He truly is a gem.”
Merhi said the honor motivates him to continue improving as an educator.
“The award is a reminder of the responsibility I have to continue growing professionally and to keep seeking out new ways to engage and support my students,” Merhi said.
