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University of Bridgeport Professor Recognized for AI Teaching Innovation

The University of Bridgeport (UB) is celebrating the remarkable achievement of Dr. Christpher Szpryngel, an assistant professor at the Ernest C. Trefz School of Business. He has been recognized as the recipient of the ACBSP Best of Region 1 award by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This prestigious accolade underscores Dr. Szpryngel's commitment to enhancing business education through innovative AI-focused teaching methods.

Award Highlights

Dr. Szpryngel received this honor after presenting at the ACBSP Region 1 conference, held in Nashua, New Hampshire, in November 2025. His session, titled "Classroom Engagement and Accountability in the Age of AI," garnered significant praise from conference leadership for its practical insights and contributions to the discourse on the integration of artificial intelligence in educational settings.

As the Best of Region 1 winner, Dr. Szpryngel is set to represent the New England region—including New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico—at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, slated for June 2026. This opportunity allows him to showcase the innovative teaching strategies he has developed to navigate the challenges posed by AI in business education.

Integrating AI into Business Education

Dr. Szpryngel's session explored various strategies for effectively incorporating AI into the classroom. He discussed ways to enhance student engagement and accountability in an era where AI is increasingly becoming a part of educational practices. Key strategies highlighted in his presentation included:

• - Utilizing technology to foster engagement: Dr. Szpryngel emphasized the importance of creating technology-enhanced learning environments where students are encouraged to participate actively.
• - Implementing performance assessments: He proposed methods to strengthen accountability among students through performance-based assessments that align with real-world expectations.
• - Fostering collaboration and communication: The session included approaches to build essential professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and presentation abilities among students.
• - Preparing for a tech-driven future: Dr. Szpryngel highlighted the need for graduates to be adept at functioning in an AI-augmented professional landscape.

A Vision for AI in Learning

Dr. Szpryngel articulated his vision for how AI can complement, rather than replace, traditional learning methodologies. He stated, "At UB, we want our students to view AI as a tool that supports their learning, not as a substitute for critical thinking and personal engagement." His goal is to design educational experiences that preserve a focus on communication, collaboration, and creativity—traits that are essential in today’s dynamic business environment.

Tim Raynor, DBA, the Executive Director of UB's School of Business, commended Dr. Szpryngel's recognition as a testament to the school's innovative and student-centered approach. He remarked, "Dr. Szpryngel's recognition by ACBSP affirms the innovative teaching happening every day at the Trefz School of Business. We are incredibly proud to see his work honored on both regional and national stages."

UB's Commitment to Excellence

The Ernest C. Trefz School of Business at the University of Bridgeport is deeply committed to delivering industry-connected, experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Szpryngel's recent award reflects the institution's emphasis on preparing students for the evolving demands of technology-rich workplaces.

As the university anticipates Dr. Szpryngel’s upcoming presentation at the ACBSP Annual Conference, it continues to bolster its dedication to integrating emerging technologies within its curriculum. UB congratulates Dr. Szpryngel for this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his future contributions to the field of business education.

For more information about the University of Bridgeport’s Ernest C. Trefz School of Business, you can visit bridgeport.edu.

About the University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at personal and professional development. It fosters an environment of academic excellence and commitment to service, preparing graduates to excel in an interconnected global landscape. The institution prides itself on its independent and non-sectarian approach to education.