Celebrating Excellence: Students Honor Professors for Going Above and Beyond

December 11, 2024By Jordan J. Phelan '19

BRISTOL, R.I. -At the heart of Roger Williams University lies a commitment to academic excellence, and nowhere is this more evident than in the dedication of its faculty. Through the Professor of the Semester Award, one educator from each of the university's six schools is celebrated for going "above and beyond" by inspiring, supporting, and challenging their students in meaningful ways.

Led by the RWU Student Senate's Academic Affairs Committee, the selection process invited undergraduate students from the Bristol campus to anonymously nominate professors who exemplified these qualities. Chosen from more than 100 heartfelt nominations, this semester's honorees embody what it means to go beyond the syllabus, transforming classrooms into spaces where ideas flourish and futures take shape.

"Recognizing professors who prioritize real-world application of academic concepts is essential, as their work helps students see the true value of our education," said RWU Student Senate Academic Affairs Chair Sam Carter. "We take pride in spotlighting how our faculty create lasting and meaningful impacts on our lives."

Whether through real-world applications of complex concepts, creating a dynamic and engaging classroom, or offering unwavering support outside of class, these professors leave a lasting imprint.

Cummings School of Architecture

Tyrone Yang | Adjunct Professor of Architecture

"[Professor Yang] is always smiling and more than happy to help you. His energy is positive, and he is very good at giving constructive criticism that betters your projects."

"Very caring of the needs and wellbeing of his students while expecting and encouraging our best work."

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business

David Jorgensen | Assistant Professor of Management

"Fitting the entrepreneurial spirit, [Professor Jorgensen's] curriculums are innovative and thought provoking. He takes time to speak with students individually whenever possible about ideas, concerns, any academic / business ventures, and course feedback. As the Entrepreneurship major and minor have just been rolled out this year, there has been overwhelming engagement from all students, even those outside of GSB."

"Every day [Professor Jorgensen] welcomes people to challenge his opinions and create a very open discussion for classes no matter the topic. He also has made plenty of time outside of class for students to come in and speak about the simulation we are running and provides incredible insights from a strategic perspective."

School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management

Koray Özer | Professor of Mathematics

"[Professor Özer] goes above and beyond to help his students succeed and comprehend the material. He hosts weekly recitation sessions, which is an hour out of his time weekly, and also after each topic he posts a recitation video to help students further understand the material and does example homework problems as well."

"Always works to keep his class engaged with exciting lessons, mathematical history, and real-world applications of mathematics concepts. He takes the time out of every week to host extra review sessions for each of his classes, making sure students understand all of the material they need."

Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education

Denielle Emans | Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Communication

"[Professor Emans] works diligently inside and outside the classroom to ensure we get the best learning experience and to make sure we get the most out of our education. She even makes herself readily available to ask questions and seek guidance. For example, the night before I was scheduled to pick my classes for next semester, I had a last minute question and she got back to me right away with guidance on what I should do."

"Professor Emans is very passionate about the support of us as students, whether it be in our academic, professional, or personal lives. She does everything in her power to make sure we have a positive and productive time in the design program and keeps pushing it forward through the development of the work study program, summer Japan trip, and continuous program reforms."

School of Justice Studies

Richard Rose | Lecturer for Legal Studies

"This professor provides both academic and emotional support when necessary. [Professor Rose] never fails to create a safe, engaging, and joyful classroom environment."

"Honestly the best professor I've had. He's always making everyone in the class feel heard and seen. He makes the classroom feel like home."

Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences

Laura L. Turner | Associate Professor of Psychology

"Dr. Turner clearly puts a great deal of thought into the lessons she brings to class, and one concrete example of this was during our unit in which we listened to podcast episodes about ICWA adoption system, she was constantly sending us additional articles and resources that she came across that she was eager to share with us, if we were interested in learning more. She has made herself available as a resource outside of class, for psychology discussions, class questions / discussions, or even just a chat about college life. She is dedicated and cares that you come and participate in class. [She also offers] fun assignments such as reacting to the past game she has done for years."

"This professor is always kind and attentive during class. She is incredibly understanding and open to discussion about just about anything. She always allows the students to lead discussions and form our own opinions about our work, and she always asks for feedback and how to improve her teaching."