Susan Cannon Harris, Professor, English Department and Gender Studies Concurrent Faculty
We are delighted to honor Dr. Susan Harris’s extraordinary skill and commitment as a teacher with the 2019 Marian Mullin Hancock award for Excellence in Teaching Gender Studies.
As Professor Harris’ department chair notes in the letter of support he sent to the award committee, “Susan is a dedicated, rigorous, and successful teacher at all levels, from the University Seminar to doctoral seminars.” Furthermore, it was clear to the award committee that Susan’s success as a teacher rests on generating enthusiasm, passion, and dedication among her students. One of her students describes her “student-centered and student-driven” approach to teaching and learning. Another describes how Susan’s own enthusiasm for the subjects she teaches ignites and sustains student interest. And another refers to Susan’s “perfect balance of contributing to and directing discussion, while making sure everyone’s voice is heard.” These are, of course, central tenets of feminist and other liberatory pedagogies. They’re also the traits of a master instructor, one whose effectiveness in the classroom is rooted in the ability to teach while simultaneously getting out of the way of the students’ learning.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Harris on this honor, and in thanking her for her years of exceptional service to Gender Studies undergraduate and graduate students.