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Our Outstanding Faculty
Each spring, Honors Students submit their nominations for an Honors Faculty member who exemplifies the ideals of Honors instruction. The Honors Faculty Award recognizes faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to Honors, providing exceptional educational experiences to our Honors Students.
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2023 Winner: Professor Alex Holznienkemper, Senior Lecturer in German
Honors Students say:
"I always felt challenged to be more creative and thoughtful, and I'm a better critical thinker as a result. He pushed students to reach their fullest potentials and always went the extra mile to help us succeed."
"His passion and energy were inspiring, so much so that I wish this class was required for everyone."
2022 Winner: Professor Leslie Curren, Biological Sciences
Honors Students say:
Dr. Curren “wants us to leave class having challenged our previous beliefs. This class has changed my outlook on college in general, for the better."
Her course “makes me look forward to coming to campus, creating a very enjoyable learning experience for me at the university."
“It is sometimes hard for me to talk in class and get the words out, but Dr. Curren always encourages us to finish our thoughts. I’m better at that now.”
2021 Winner: Professor Janet Polasky, History
Honors Students say:
“Easily one of the most engaging and animated professors of my academic career. She encourages students to share their insights and fosters a welcoming environment. It is clear she wants everyone to succeed. She has made an online class feel like I was taking it in-person, and she is the only professor I have had that has been able to do this.”
“Such an amazing professor—so kind and supportive. I loved when she took our class out to dinner! One of my favorite Honors Program memories.”
“Professor Polasky is easily one of the best instructors I've ever had. She's both passionate about her subject and understanding of her students. I appreciate the freedom she grants her students and the support she provides. More teachers should learn to be like her.”
2020 Winner: Professor David Richman, Theatre
Honors Students say:
"Not only has Professor Richman?been an absolute role model, but he has taught our class exceptionally well and bonded us together through experiences that I never would've dreamed of having outside of this class. I've met some of my closest friends through the opportunities he's given us to work together, and he does all of this, as well as teach us and many others the beauty of theatre, with a humble heart. I've never been so grateful for a professor who has shown such talent in his or her field and been able to teach it to the degree he does. I've grown so much in such a short period of time, and I couldn't thank him enough."
"David has been nothing but kind, insightful, and just. He is constantly encouraging?critical and evidence-based thinking, which is a skill that is vital far beyond the confines of this course. Additionally, he is always willing to provide feedback and accommodate for his students’ needs. I did not know him prior to taking this course, but he is a professor I will always remember."
2019 Winners: Professors Xuanmao Chen, Biology and Nicholas Smith, Philosophy
“I felt really flattered to get the award. The Honors faculty are all so inspiring and devoted to their craft, and I appreciate being part of their community so I can put to work all of the things I’ve learned from (stolen from?) them. ?It takes a village to give these students the education they deserve. I was especially happy that Sonja presented me with the award and shared her heartfelt thoughts about the course—the things about my course that she described as most valuable are exactly the things that I work to provide, so it was so reassuring to hear those words from such a wonderful student.” -?Professor Nicholas Smith
“I liked this event very much, a lot of discussion, and very good ideas to improve the program. [Honors] is very important to the success of UNH because they are all good students. We should treat the students very, very well…. to help them achieve academic success.”?- Professor Xuanmao Chen