(KAIR)--A professor in the Department of Theology at Atchison-based Benedictine College is named the 2025 Distinguished Educator of the Year.

That award, described in a release from the college as "the highest honor a faculty member at the college can receive," was presented to Dr. Jeremy Sienkiewicz during the college's Honors Convocation held April 30.

Sienkiewicz, in the release, calls a teacher "one who is inspired by the beauty of the gift of reality from One Who Loves," a reference to God.

The Distinguished Educator of the Year award has been presented for 30-years. Nominations are submitted anonymously by students, faculty, and staff, with one faculty member, when nominating Sienkiewicz, calling him one who "educates students both inside and outside the classroom.” One student's nomination letter called Sienkiewicz "the best teacher I have had," with the student saying they would not be the person they are today without him.

Sienkiewicz, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, resides in Atchison with his wife, Catherine, and five children.