Sonoma State University wine business professor Liz Thach, MW, is this year's recipient of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education award.
"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by peers, colleagues, and associates," said Thach. "I spent years as an executive at Fortune 500 companies and there's no greater validation than doing right by my students. They put forward a high level of effort and excellence each day, and I share this award with them."
The annual Chamber event brings members of the business and education communities together to recognize the contributions of area teachers at all education levels.
In addition to teaching, Thach has visited and researched the major wine regions of the world in more than 25 countries. She has published over 120 articles and six wine textbooks, including "Wine: A Global Business and Wine Marketing & Sales." A fifth generation Californian, she earned a Ph.D. from Texas A&M and Master of Wine (MW) from the Institute of Masters of Wine in London, England.
"We congratulate Liz on this important distinction. It's always gratifying when one of our faculty members is recognized for their leadership," said William Silver, dean of Sonoma State's School of Business and Economics. "This accolade is another example of our commitment to being the global leader in wine business research and education."
The School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University is the first institution of higher learning in the U.S. to offer undergraduate and advanced degrees focused on the business of wine. It is the first school of business in the world to offer an executive-level wine degree.
"I appreciate that the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce takes time each year to recognize the teaching and teachers charged with helping our students develop essential skills for rewarding lives and successful careers," said Thach.