Distinguished Faculty Award

2025 Distinguished Faculty Award  

Faculty is the heart of a Hood education and their influence and inspiration often stays with us for a lifetime. This award is designated to recognize and honor a retired faculty member who truly demonstrated a commitment to the four pillars of Hood College: Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy through their advising, teaching, mentorship, and support of Hood students. The recipient is honored during the annual Hood College Reunion Weekend.

Dr. Joseph Dahms

Dr. Joseph E. Dahms is a distinguished educator, mentor, and leader whose career at Hood spanned 33 years, including nearly a decade as Chair of the Department of Economics and Management. A deeply respected professor, Dr. Dahms, or "Joe" as he is fondly known, was renowned for his erudition, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his students and colleagues. His dedication to the transformative power of education—coupled with his resilience as a legally blind individual—has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students.

Dr. Dahms’ contributions extend beyond the classroom. He was a tireless advocate for quality academic programs and helped shape the business and economics curriculum at Hood. Under his leadership, the undergraduate business program flourished, and he played a pivotal role in the introduction of the Social and Ethical Issues in Business course, a forward-thinking class that would later align with global sustainability frameworks. He also championed the internship program, personally visiting every site to express gratitude to those hosting students.

Joe’s passion for global economics was evident in his research and teaching, particularly in his classes on transitional economies and his involvement with study abroad programs in France and Germany. His international experience, including living in China, England, France, and Germany, enriched his perspective and influenced generations of students to think critically about economic policies and their global implications.

A generous mentor, Dr. Dahms made himself available to his students and junior faculty, offering guidance, wisdom, and, on occasion, a helping hand in more personal matters—such as coming to a colleague’s aid during a plumbing emergency. His mentorship extended far beyond academia; Joe's kindness and compassion made him a beloved figure both at Hood and in the Frederick community, where he actively served in various leadership roles, including as Finance Chair at the Glade Valley Church of the Brethren and as a Board Member at the Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village.

Dr. Dahms' legacy reflects Hood College’s core values of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation, and Democracy. He not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in his students the belief that education has the power to change lives. With deep respect for his intellectual rigor, human warmth, and enduring impact, Hood College is proud to honor Dr. Joseph E. Dahms with the title of Beneficial Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics.