The American Society for Quality Awards Dr. Beth Cudney The 2025 E.L. Grant Medal
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) has awarded Maryville University professor Dr. Beth Cudney the 2025 E.L. Grant Medal. This prestigious international award recognizes Cudney’s exemplary leadership in developing innovative educational programs that empower students with cutting-edge skills for today’s data-driven industries. Dr. Cudney, who is a professor of data analytics and program coordinator for data analytics at Maryville University’s John E. Simon School of Business, was formally honored during the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Denver, Colorado, earlier this month.
The E.L. Grant Medal is a rare and distinguished honor, presented to only one individual internationally each year. In some years, no medal is awarded, underscoring the extraordinary level of achievement required to earn this recognition. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding leadership in the development and presentation of exceptional educational programs in the field of quality. In awarding this medal to Dr. Cudney, ASQ recognized her innovative approach that is revolutionizing how students and professionals engage with quality principles by blending traditional quality management practices with data analytics.
Dr. Cudney was recognized by ASQ “for exemplary leadership in designing and delivering curriculum to meet evolving educational needs and preparing students with Quality 4.0 skills to excel in data-driven industries through flexible, project-based, and competency-based learning.”
Dr. Cudney’s groundbreaking work has reshaped how students and professionals engage with quality principles. Blending traditional quality management approaches with emerging technologies like data analytics, her program prepares learners to tackle challenges in industries undergoing rapid digital transformation.
Her dynamic leadership has introduced project-based and competency-based instruction, enabling students to develop real-world problem-solving skills and adapt to the complexities of modern global industries. By focusing on hands-on learning and practical applications, she has elevated the educational experience and ensured graduates are equipped to lead in today’s innovation-driven economy.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region. https://www.maryville.edu/
About the E.L. Grant Medal
Established to recognize outstanding leadership in developing and presenting a meritorious educational program in quality, the E.L. Grant Medal is one of ASQ’s most coveted honors. It celebrates unique, impactful contributions that set new benchmarks in education. With no obligation to award the medal annually, ASQ ensures that only individuals of unparalleled achievement and influence are recognized.
About ASQ
The global leader in quality management, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) is advancing excellence through quality. Transcending industries, ASQ’s established quality processes and continuous improvement resources help individuals, Fortune 500s, and family-owned organizations worldwide to drive process improvement, ensure quality, and advance reliability and sustainability in an ever-evolving marketplace. With a diverse network of 40,000 professionals in 130 countries, ASQ provides expertise, knowledge, networks, and solutions to help its members make the world a better, safer place. Founded in 1946, ASQ is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. www.asq.org