Inspiring Minds: The Impact of Devika Hazra in the Classroom and Beyond

Devica Hazra OPA

Dieter F. Uchtdorf once stated, “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life story will develop”.  Professor Devika Hazra, the 2025 Outstanding Professor embodies this truth firsthand, taking a leap of faith and walking into one’s purpose. Growing up in India and later spending several years in Texas. Devika Hazra’s ability to adapt to different cultures and changing circumstances prepared her for her current role as professor at Cal State Los Angeles, College of Business and Economics.   

Diving headfirst into the field of Economics, Professor Hazra at first glance was hesitant and began to struggle in the field. She recalls, “I had to push myself to find the beauty of discipline”. It wasn’t just about retaining knowledge but about discovering the beauty within it. Devika professes “it felt like solving a jigsaw puzzle”.  Before long, the pieces began to click.  With every bit of knowledge gained, she identified the beauty and capacity of understanding complex systems to foster innovative solutions to societal challenges, revealing the patterns in human behavior and resource allocation.   

This passion ultimately led Professor Hazra to the classroom, where she stresses the need for curiosity and dialogue. Establishing an environment of comfort among students, often reminding them that “real learning happens through interaction and engagement”.  Professor Hazra is committed to dispelling myths, revisiting foundational concepts and reinforcing learning through repetition and practice. Her ultimate goal is to create an inclusive classroom where students not only master the material but also develop critical thinking skills and genuine curiosity for discovery.

Ever evolving, she shifted her focus to issues with lasting impact- gender discrimination and gender-based violence. Knowing that her research can contribute to real change has been profoundly meaningful. Economics Department Coordinator, Betzahida Verdugo states, “I am inspired and influenced by her passion for addressing gender discrimination.” Similarly, her colleague Economics Professor Gokhan Kumpas reflects “Professor Hazra is a rare combination of brilliant scholar, inspiring teacher, and compassionate leader. She makes complex economic ideas accessible to students while advancing research on important issues like gender-based violence and inequality. The Outstanding Professor Award is a well-deserved recognition of her impact on our students, college, university and the broader community.”    

Before becoming a professor, Devika always had a thirst for knowledge. A self-proclaimed nerd, she discovered academia to be the one field where curiosity is not only encouraged but more importantly, rewarded. The ability to create new knowledge, the continuation of pushing boundaries, questioning assumptions and challenging existing belief systems, fueled her passion and ignited “the nerd within”.

As higher education continues to evolve with the rise of AI and a shift to more practical, creative and data driven approached- Professor Hazra embraces these changes. She emphasizes applied learning that connects theory to practice through data, real world examples and career relevant skills. In her classes, dialogue is key, creating opportunities for students to not only engage deeply by also walking away with transferable skills that prepare them for their future.  

As education evolves, so too must educators. For Professor Hazra that means continually learning the ins and outs of her discipline, recognizing that each field has its unique way of conceptualizing ideas, and challenging herself to find new ways to remain relevant and engaging.  

To her students, Professor Hazra thanks them for their tenacity, which has in turn taught her resilience. They have overcome obstacles to beat the odds and inspire her to pour the same passion into her work. Through empathy and flexibility, she has found the privilege of nurturing every scholar who enters her classroom helping bright minds find the support they need to shine even brighter.  

As Professor Hazra looks towards the future of academia, both individually and collectively here at Cal State LA, her mission is clear. She is committed to building stronger bridges between academia and the community, addressing the heightened awareness of gender-based violence. By raising awareness around domestic violence and sexual abuse, she seeks to improve programs and outreach that support both students and the wider community. Lastly, fostering belonging and community for her colleagues in the form of mentoring, creating safe and brave spaces for dialogue and building stronger communication to navigate and thrive together.  

Equally important to her is fostering belonging and connection among her colleagues. Through mentoring, creating a safe and brave space for dialogue, and strengthening communication Professor Hazra’s works to ensure that faculty and students alike can navigate the challenges and thrive together.