The National Alumni Board has just announced Dr. Maureen E. O’Brien as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Teaching Excellence Award, a nod to her influential role as an educator and mentor. Dr. O’Brien, carrying forth the legacy of Christian Brothers University (CBU) as an alumna herself, has devoted two decades to nurturing minds at her alma mater, where she is presently an Associate Professor of Psychology.
Dr. O’Brien’s academic journey began with a BA in Psychology at CBU, followed by an MS from the University of Memphis and a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has spent 20 years in service, shaping to build a curriculum that engages with topics like research methods, human sexuality, and the psychology of persuasion. Her commitment to simplifying complex statistical concepts so that they resonate with her students has made her a notable figure on the campus.
According to a statement released by CBU, her teaching philosophy is one that transcends the conventional classroom boundaries. Former student Jalissa Fredrick ('13) spoke to this effect, saying, "She didn’t just teach psychology, she lived it. She created room for truth, for complexity, for healing," per Christian Brothers University. Dr. Caitlin Mills ('10), now Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, also highlighted O’Brien’s dedication: “Maureen is genuinely excited about what she teaches, and she channels that passion into helping students develop not just content knowledge, but deeper thinking about how to ask and answer important questions," according to Christian Brothers University.
This year's Alumni Weekend BUCtoberfest, set for September 20, will serve as the backdrop for Dr. O’Brien's formal accolade ceremony. Her research, delving into prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, channels her academic vigor into crucial societal conversations, encouraging her students to firmly grasp and critically engage with these topics. Dr. O’Brien's honor underscores the pivotal role educators play in not just imparting knowledge, but in inspiring to forever change the landscapes of their students' minds.
