April 2024 - This year’s recipient of the prestigious Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching epitomizes the pinnacle of knowledge and proficiency in the subjects being taught. In the words of William James, often considered the father of American psychology, ‘The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.’
As a seasoned faculty member, not only have you mastered the depth and breadth of your subject, but you are also continually refining and studying to stay at the forefront of the field. Your commitment to advancing your subject’s knowledge is evident in your engaging lectures and experiential learning travel studies. Students consistently praise you for your ability to distill complex concepts into accessible frameworks, fostering a deep understanding among learners.
What sets you apart is your unwavering dedication to employing creative and innovative approaches in teaching. You seamlessly integrate diverse teaching methodologies, from interactive workshops to multimedia presentations, transforming classroom experiences into dynamic learning environments. By encouraging experimentation and exploration, you inspire your students to think critically and apply psychological principles creatively. Your emphasis on experiential learning not only enhances academic achievement but also cultivates invaluable skills that your students can carry forward into their careers.
We celebrate you today for your ability to nurture interest and enthusiasm for psychology among your students. You possess a rare gift for sparking curiosity and igniting passion within your classes. Your engaging teaching style and genuine enthusiasm instill a lifelong love for the field. Many of your former students credit you for shaping their career paths and inspiring them to pursue further studies in psychology.
Being open to diverse perspectives and ideas, you foster an inclusive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to express differing viewpoints and engage in respectful dialogue. By valuing and integrating diverse perspectives, you enrich the educational experience, broadening your students’ understanding of psychology within a global context. Your receptiveness to alternative viewpoints encourages critical thinking and underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the study of human behavior.
Dr. Kelli Stiles, your commitment to openness and inclusivity is a model for effective teaching and inspires your colleagues and students. You embody the very essence of our commitment to fostering exceptional educators who impart knowledge and inspire and shape the future. It is my sincere honor and privilege to award you, The Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.