Three Sociology faculty members - Brandon Bosch, Kelsy Burke, and Lory Dance - were awarded College Distinguished Teaching Awards in 2019. The College Distinguished Teaching Awards recognize excellence in teaching. Up to 15 awards are available each year across the university. The three awards to these Sociology faculty members acknowledge the commitment that the Sociology Department has to excellence in teaching and learning.
The nominators for each award noted the excellence and dedication to students. Below are brief snippets of the nomination letters for each of these award-winning faculty.
Brandon Bosch, assistant professor of practice, sociology and political science: “Dr. Bosch exemplifies excellence in teaching. His courses are designed with students in mind, guiding them to engage with a variety of perspectives, and to apply those perspectives to their coursework and beyond. This pedagogical approach develops flexible and transferrable critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, hallmarks of a liberal arts degree. In addition, Dr. Bosch’s attention to helping students “make the most” of their internship experiences contributes to their future successes.”
Kelsy Burke, assistant professor, sociology: “Dr. Burke creates a welcoming class space and helps the students develop their “sociological lenses.” She has high expectations and extensive support for students to meet those expectations, meaning that students can obtain an outstanding education in her courses. Students not only learn theories, concepts, and empirical evidence, they get to practice using what they learn to interrogate what they thought they knew.”
Lory Dance, associate professor, sociology and ethnic studies: “Dr. Dance excels in providing a safe classroom environment for students to discuss often sensitive and controversial topics. Dr. Dance's students describe her as engaging, relatable, and creative."
Congratulations, Dr. Bosch, Dr. Burke, and Dr. Dance on this notable accomplishment!
