DBU Honors Dr. Christina Chen as Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year

Dallas Baptist University is proud to celebrate Dr. Christina Chen, who was recently recognized as the Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year for her excellence in teaching, scholarship, and servant leadership. A devoted educator, researcher, and follower of Christ, Dr. Chen has made a lasting impact on both the academic and spiritual lives of her students.

Originally from southern China, Dr. Chen now proudly calls Texas home. Her journey to DBU began as an international student, but it was here that she not only found her academic calling but also discovered her faith. "During my first week on campus, I was introduced to the Lord by Dennis Linam, former DBU Vice President for External Affairs," she shared. "He guided my spiritual growth step by step and welcomed me into his home every Christmas with a father's love. I will always be grateful for his kindness and the way God used him to bless my life."

Dr. Chen earned her undergraduate degree in China before coming to DBU to complete her master's degree, where she was actively involved in the Chinese Student Christian Fellowship and worked in both the International Office and the Office of External Affairs. She later pursued dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Texas, one in Higher Education and another in Statistics and Measurement. Her academic excellence earned her several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, and Multicultural Scholar Award.

Today, Dr. Chen serves as a full-time professor in the Carter School of Business, where she teaches a range of courses, including Managerial Statistics, Business Intelligence and Data Mining, Chinese, and AI Techniques for Data Scientists. Over the years, she has also taught at the doctoral level in DBU's Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs and has prepared students for GRE and GMAT success.

"What excites me most about my career ahead is the opportunity to equip students with the latest knowledge, technology, and data science skills so that we can serve our Lord with intelligence and diligence," said Dr. Chen. Her commitment to research excellence was recently recognized on the global stage when one of her projects received the Best Paper Award at the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI. "God truly performed a miracle," she said. "The timing of this award aligns perfectly with our Carter School of Business campaign, STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. No one could have orchestrated all of this except God."

When reflecting on the meaning of servant leadership, the heart of the Piper Award, Dr. Chen shared, "To serve is to be Christ-like: willing to serve others wholeheartedly and to 'love your neighbor as yourself.' To lead is to have courage, wisdom, strength, perseverance, and the power given by God to inspire and motivate others to move forward."

Dr. Chen and her family are active members of First Baptist Church Keller, where she serves with the international student ministry and frequently opens her home for fellowship. Through her testimony and teaching, she continues to share the Gospel with students from around the world. "Recently, one of my graduate students accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized," she said. "Even the mother-in-law of one of my students came to know the Lord and was baptized at DBU."

With deep gratitude, Dr. Chen expressed thanks to God, her family, and her DBU community. "My thankfulness cannot be expressed by words. I am so thankful for God, who is making the impossible possible; for DBU, which provides a warm and positive environment to teach and serve; and for our university leaders and professors, who model true servant leadership. To God be the glory!"