Beacom School of Business Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff
Every year, USD’s Beacom School of Business presents four awards to commemorate the outstanding achievements of faculty and staff.
The four awards cover a breadth of faculty and staff contributions: faculty excellence in teaching; faculty excellence in research and scholarship; faculty excellence in service and engagement; and staff excellence.
Beacom School of Business Faculty Excellence Award – Teaching
Chad Birger, M.S.
The excellence in teaching award honors full-time faculty for outstanding achievement in teaching, curriculum development and innovations, student mentoring and other contributions to student success.
Birger is a seasoned educator and professional with expertise in mathematics, computer science and business analytics.
Birger spent 10 years as a faculty member at the University of Sioux Falls, teaching a wide range of undergraduate courses in both mathematics and computer science, where he also contributed as a research fellow.
Following his first stint in academia, Birger transitioned to work in health care, human resources analytics and consulting for six years. In the fall of 2020, he returned to full-time teaching at the Beacom School of Business at USD.
Birger’s service to the university includes roles such as Beacom School of Business Teaching Innovation coordinator, Beacom e-Learning coordinator, and USD — Sioux Falls Digital Accessibility faculty mentor. He has been an active member of the USD — Sioux Falls Student Engagement Committee and serves as the Beacom representative to the Information Technology Advisory Council.
“Beacom is full of tremendous students and faculty," said Birger. “I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to work with these talented individuals daily.”
Beacom School of Business Faculty Excellence Award – Research & Scholarship
Chet Barney, Ph.D.
The award for excellence in research and scholarship recognizes a faculty member for outstanding research, impact in scholarship and other contributions to their academic discipline.
Barney is professor of management at USD’s Beacom School of Business, where his research interests include leadership and organizational behavior. He has published on a wide range of subjects ranging from digital storytelling in the wine industry, to advocacy and truth in management scholarship and measures of management productivity.
Before entering the world of academia, Barney worked in technology positions in both the private sector and state government.
Originally drawn to South Dakota for the abundant opportunities of outdoor recreation, Barney cites the welcoming and friendly appeal of his students, colleagues and community as the reason he now calls USD home.
Beacom School of Business Faculty Excellence Award – Service & Engagement
Elizabeth Manser Payne, DBA
The award for excellence in service and engagement recognizes a faculty member for their contributions to the Beacom School of Business and USD through service and engagement with communities, the region, and the State of South Dakota with positive societal impact.
Payne is an assistant professor of marketing at USD and serves as co-chair for Coyote Business Consulting. Her research interests include artificial intelligence, mobile banking, omnichannel and retail.
“I believe in the power of education to foster sustainable growth, strengthen businesses and inspire students to lead with purpose and integrity,” said Payne. “Through initiatives like Coyote Business Consulting, I have the opportunity to mentor students, collaborate with faculty, and support local businesses — making a tangible impact that reflects Beacom’s dedication to excellence.”
Beacom School of Business Staff Excellence Award
Kyle Schoenfelder, M.A.
The Staff Excellence Award is presented to a staff member for outstanding performance and distinguished service to the Beacom School of Business.
Schoenfelder is a senior academic advisor to the Beacom School of Business, where he is responsible for advising undergraduate students, teaching the First Year Experience course business section, coordinating events for New Student Orientation, the Student Organization Fair, and the Excellence in Academics & Leadership Recognition Event, managing the Peer Advising program, and directing the Global Immersion program.
“Staff play an integral part to the success and recognition the Beacom School of Business receives,” said Schoenfelder. “We provide a high-quality transformative learning environment, and it is an honor working with the outstanding faculty, staff, and most importantly, students of the Beacom School of Business.”
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