CHESS Faculty Finalists for the Bank of America Teaching Award
The Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence is one of the most important and prestigious traditions at UNC Charlotte, recognizing excellence in teaching. This year, two faculty from the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences have been named as finalists for the award. The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Sept. 5.
Jeanette Bennett, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychological Science
Bennett is a respected educator and researcher best known for her student-centered approach to teaching biological and health psychology. She emphasizes student engagement, empowerment and creating an environment where students can academically evolve and thrive. For Bennett, education is not a job but a passion.
“To be an effective teacher, I purposefully focus on the course environment created by my tone and communication style,” said Bennett. “My classroom provides an environment that is open to questions and a safe place to process new information. Ideally, my course will intellectually stimulate students and be meaningful to their future careers and applicable to their own lives. My approach meets students where they are.”
Mark West, Ph.D., professor of English
West is an amazing, accomplished teacher and scholar who inspires his students year after year. He has established himself as a leading expert in the field of children’s and young adult literature and as a professor whose classes are in high demand.
“For me, teaching is a calling; it is a core part of my identity,” said West. “Whether I am teaching a large lecture class or a small seminar, I often tell stories to my students. I have found that when I incorporate new ideas and information within a narrative structure, it helps my students better understand the new material I am covering in the class.”
Kathleen Nicolaides, teaching professor and director of the legal studies minor, criminal justice and criminology, was also recognized with an honorable mention for the UNC Charlotte Award for Teaching Excellence.