The University of Illinois Springfield’s Harry and Deborah Berman Sabbatical Award has been presented to Mohammed Mohi Uddin, associate professor of accounting, economics and finance in the College of Business and Management. He will receive $3,000 to support research during his sabbatical leave.

Uddin plans to use his sabbatical to investigate how non-profit organizations, such as BRAC in Bangladesh, and social enterprises, like Grameen Bank, have successfully utilized social business to fund their social services through the surplus generated from business activities.

Uddin also plans to use this study to fill existing research gaps by investigating how social businesses navigate the tensions between social impact and economic viability.

"This research will not only address gaps in the accounting literature but also provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers," he said.

Faculty who are awarded sabbatical leaves may apply for supplemental funding to assist with sabbatical expenses. Awards are granted through a competitive review and selection process.

The award was made possible thanks to the generosity of Harry and Deborah Berman. Harry served as a gerontology professor, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, provost and interim chancellor. Deborah served in a variety of central administrative positions at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.