2025 Haskell Award Winners
At UMass Lowell, outstanding teaching changes lives. That’s why we are proud to celebrate Bradley T. Mingels and Michelle Veilleux as the recipients of the 2025 Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Each year, students in UMass Lowell’s Division of Online & Professional Studies nominate faculty members whose online teaching has made a lasting impact. This award honors educators who not only deliver exceptional course content, but who also motivate, inspire and create meaningful learning experiences in the online environment.
Established in 1986, the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching is named in honor of the late Professor William Haskell, a beloved UMass Lowell educator known for his dedication to students and excellence in the classroom.
The award is presented annually to faculty members who teach online and is based entirely on student nominations and feedback. Recipients are selected for:
- Excellence in course content and organization
- Engaging instructional style
- Ability to motivate and inspire students
- Commitment to creating opportunities through online education
About Professor Michelle Veilleux, Legal Studies Faculty Member
Professor Michelle Veilleux
Professor Michelle Veilleux has built a reputation for creating engaging, structured and highly supportive online learning environments for students studying legal concepts and research methods.
Students consistently praise her thoughtful course design and commitment to helping them succeed, especially in the online format.
One student who completed Intro to Legal Concepts with Professor Veilleux notes:
“My two online classes with Professor Veilleux were truly enjoyable, especially because of the well-organized Weekly Discussion Posts… This interaction helped me better understand the course content, and any questions or confusion I had became clearer through these discussions. Overall, the structure of the discussions greatly supported my learning and made the online format feel more connected and collaborative.”
Another student in Legal Research Methods commented on the value and quality of her teaching:
“Professor Veilleux is very knowledgeable and patient with her students. She made the online classes thorough and consistently provided detailed feedback on every assignment… she is a joy to learn from, and I have gained so much in her course. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned about legal research as I begin my paralegal career.”
Through detailed feedback, clear organization and a collaborative online classroom experience, Professor Veilleux ensures students feel connected, confident and career-ready.
About Bradley T. Mingels, Engineering Faculty Member
Professor Bradley Mingels
Professor Bradley T. Mingels is recognized not only for making complex topics accessible but also for the personal encouragement he offers his students, many of whom are working professionals and adult learners balancing multiple responsibilities.
Students in his Engineering Economics course describe a classroom experience that is both engaging and transformative. One student shared:
“Professor Mingles makes the class fun, understandable and ready to help anyone who is struggling. He makes you want to learn and know more as the course progresses… He’s one of the best professors I’ve gotten to know and learn from in my years of learning.”
Another student reflected on the personal impact of his mentorship:
“Professor Mingels is a fantastic teacher. He is involved with the students and makes difficult subjects fun and a great learning opportunity… I was considering discontinuing college and not finishing my degree, and I reached out to him. He encouraged me to continue… As a returning student, that is not the average age of a college student, this meant a lot to me. I have applied to and was accepted into my BA program thanks to his encouragement.”
Professor Mingels exemplifies what the Haskell Award represents: teaching that goes beyond the syllabus to truly change lives.
Celebrating Teaching That Transforms Lives
For nearly four decades, the Haskell Award has recognized faculty whose online instruction opens doors and transforms futures for UMass Lowell students. Online education at UMass Lowell is built on more than flexibility and convenience. It’s built on faculty who are deeply committed to student success.
Please join us in congratulating Michelle Veilleux and Bradley T. Mingels on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to excellence continues to elevate the learning experience for online students.