CSWS faculty affiliates Erin Beck, associate professor of political science, and Theresa May, professor of theatre arts, have received 2021 Distinguished Teaching Awards—UO's highest teaching honor. The Office of the Provost selected a total of six outstanding faculty members to receive the prestigious awards.

Beck received a Thomas F. Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy, which recognizes expertise in a particular field or instructional setting. May received the Herman Faculty Achievement Award, which is given to only one outstanding recipient per year.

According to Around the O,

Beck has credited both her “rock star” graduate teaching fellows and students with helping her teaching evolve by being willing to engage in deeply emotional class discussions about gender and politics.

 

“I believe that even though it was a really challenging year, it was also one of immense growth for me and for many of my colleagues that will ultimately benefit the students and the university in the long run,” Beck said. “To me, the award is a reminder to continue taking risks and pushing myself out of my comfort zone as a teacher.”

 

May’s long track record of excellence in theater arts and contributions to student learning earned her this year’s faculty achievement award.

 

“This award does not represent the labor of one individual; the idea of individual achievement is overrated in academia, actually,” May said. “I share this honor with my students first and foremost, honoring their curiosity and courage, their gumption and heart.”