LANG Faculty Recognized with Teaching Awards of Excellence

The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics introduced its Teaching Awards of Excellence in 2018 to honour the exceptional contributions of instructors. These awards were created to recognize instructors’ strong commitment to student learning and support. Over the years, the awards have grown into a meaningful symbol of excellence among the teaching culture at LANG, celebrating innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and recognizing the personal investment instructors make in their students’ success. 

This year, LANG received several outstanding nominations, highlighting the commitment of instructors to creating supportive, inclusive, and challenging learning environments. The submissions reflected the many ways faculty members act as mentors and role models, inspiring students to achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Through these awards, LANG celebrates the educators who elevate the student experience every day. 

It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2026 Teaching Award of Excellence recipients. The MacPherson Teaching Award of Excellence is awarded to a LANG faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning. 

This year’s recipient of the MacPherson Teaching Award of Excellence is Tanya Barzotti, Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies. 

Known for bringing real-world business challenges into the classroom, Dr. Barzotti has transformed traditional assessments through industry partnerships, live case competitions and applied learning opportunities that prepare students for today’s rapidly evolving workplace. Her recent collaborations with organizations including Samsung Canada, KOHO and The Co-operators have provided hundreds of students with hands-on experience, tackling authentic business problems while developing critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills. 

Students and colleagues alike recognize Dr. Barzotti for her engaging teaching style, dedication to mentorship, and ability to connect academic concepts with practical application. Her approach provides students with opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways while building skills that support career readiness. 

Reflecting on the importance of experiential learning in a changing business landscape, Dr. Barzotti shared, “Marketing is changing rapidly, and as AI reshapes entry-level roles and career paths, we need to prepare students to adapt and succeed. Experiential learning and industry partnerships allow students to solve real-world business problems, exercise judgment, and communicate with confidence. This award reinforces my commitment to creating learning experiences that prepare students to contribute meaningfully in the workplace.” 

One of her students had this to say in their supporting letter: 

“As a student in Dr. Barzotti’s Marketing Strategy (MCS4370) course, I was consistently engaged through hands-on, applied learning. Her use of case-based discussions and interactive in-class activities required us to actively apply course concepts rather than passively learn them. This approach fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to communicate clearly, skills that I believe are essential in any professional setting.” 

The student also highlighted the KOHO case competition, which engaged more than 130 LANG students and challenged participants to develop and present strategic solutions in a high-pressure, team-based environment. 

The Casey Cosgrove Teaching Award of Excellence is awarded to a sessional instructor who demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning. This year’s recipient is Jenny Wang of the Department of Management. 

Dr. Wang is known for creating dynamic, student-centred classrooms where real-world examples, active learning and experiential activities bring management concepts to life. From supporting the development of the new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace course to incorporating simulations, case studies, guest speakers and collaborative learning activities, she helps students connect theory with practice while fostering critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. 

Students consistently praise Dr. Wang’s approachable and supportive teaching style, dedication to accessibility and inclusion, and ability to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, heard and empowered to succeed. Her impact extends beyond course content, inspiring students to become thoughtful, compassionate and engaged future leaders. 

Dr. Wang reflected on the collaborative nature of teaching and the impact of her students and colleagues: 

“Teaching is a collaborative journey—one shaped by the incredible students who inspire me to build inclusive, engaging learning spaces, and the dedicated faculty who have mentored me along the way. I am honoured to receive this award; it truly fuels my passion to continue crafting meaningful, transformative experiences for my students.” 

In a group letter, her students shared: 

“It is rare to find a professor as caring and as passionate as Jenny Wang, and we feel lucky to have had her as our lecturer. My four peers and I unanimously believe Professor Wang’s teaching style to be very engaging, enlightening, and motivating while creating a very welcoming and productive environment for her students to learn in.” 

The students also highlighted Dr. Wang’s use of open-floor discussions, guest lecturers and real-world experiences to deepen learning and encourage critical thinking. 

Congratulations to this year’s award recipient and nominees and thank you for the dedication and commitment to providing outstanding learning experiences for LANG students.