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Pareena Lawrence is the poster professor for what the University of Minnesota, Morris, aims to offer its students—the highest-quality undergraduate education and instructors who care deeply about their students.

But Lawrence manages to exceed even that lofty mandate. While her classes in the popular economics and management discipline are broadly considered to be among the most challenging and difficult, student demand "seems at times insatiable," says a colleague.

Students say Lawrence is a gifted teacher who deftly mixes "upbeat lecture" with practical daily exercises. She "conveys complex material in a clear and concise manner" and has a great respect for her students, says an alumnus. She expects excellence from those students and is eager to challenge them beyond the classroom, whether through research, internships, or organizations. Lawrence has worked with students through both the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Morris Academic Partners (MAP) program.

Lawrence is also a highly sought-after adviser. There is "a constant stream of students" in her office, and she makes time for everyone, whether academically gifted or academically fragile.

And the regard Lawrence has for her students appears to be a shared sentiment. Says one former student, "I have heard countless students say, ‘I just want to do well for her.’ People respect her that much."