ASSP names 2025 Outstanding Safety Educator

Ibukun Awolusi, Ph.D., a widely respected educator in the environmental health and safety field and member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is the Society’s 2025 William E. Tarrants Outstanding Safety Educator.

Awolusi is an associate professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). He is also the university’s division leader of Construction Science and Management. He teaches construction safety, an upper-level undergraduate course, and construction safety planning and management, a graduate-level course, in addition to other classes.

Awolusi is highly rated by his students and peers. He conveys his passion for workplace safety and health through innovative teaching methods and diverse presentations. Awolusi incorporates practical examples and realistic challenges that help students prepare for construction safety careers. He blends experience-based learning with case studies, site visits and guest speakers to expose students to industry best practices.

“Dr. Awolusi is a brilliant academic and selfless manager who has become an essential and well-liked leader and mentor,” said Arturo Schultz, Ph.D., fPCI, fTMS, director of UTSA’s School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management. “I have closely observed his outstanding teaching skills, commitment to research and leadership acumen, which all make him stand out among his peers.”

As a researcher, Awolusi has conducted high-impact studies and used cutting-edge technologies and innovative safety management strategies to save lives, prevent injuries and illnesses, and protect the construction workforce. In recent years, he has expanded his research to include interdisciplinary investigations aimed at solving complex safety challenges in the construction industry.

Within ASSP, Awolusi is an active member of the South Texas Chapter, the Blacks in Safety Excellence (BISE) Common Interest Group and the Construction and Engineering Practice Specialty. He has published more than 100 scholarly articles and presents his research at international conferences.

“Dr. Awolusi’s leadership in bridging academia and industry is greatly valued,” said Emmanuel Winful, CSP, MPH, administrator of ASSP’s BISE Common Interest Group. “He fosters partnerships to develop and host career fairs and other professional development events, creating internships and job opportunities for students. His dedication leaves a lasting impression on the next generation of safety professionals.”

In addition to his academic work and research, Awolusi collaborates with corporations, associations and agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to deliver professional development. He has trained more than 400 construction employees on heat stress prevention in the construction industry.

Awolusi will be honored at ASSP’s Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, held July 22-24 in Orlando. The global event will bring together thousands of safety professionals to learn about best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations in the workplace safety and health field.

Each year, ASSP honors a member who demonstrates outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health education. These top instructors help students reach their full potential and become results-producing safety professionals. ASSP’s Outstanding Safety Educator Award is named after William E. Tarrants, a pioneer in safety education who was an ASSP Fellow and president (1977-78).