Ben Gorvine is being honored with the 2023 University Teaching Award. The annual recognition is given to professors who demonstrate excellence and innovation in undergraduate teaching. Gorvine is a professor of instruction in the department of psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from University of Michigan. Gorvine is also in his fifth year of serving as a faculty-in-residence for the southwest quadrant of campus.
“Driven by a commitment to teach at the highest levels, this year’s University Teaching Award honorees have greatly enhanced our students’ learning experiences,” said Provost Kathleen Hagerty. “These awards recognize the impact of these efforts for our students as they prepare for success in dynamic fields of work.”
The driving force behind Ben Gorvine’s teaching is his commitment to supporting students’ “intellect and humanity,” his nomination states. Gorvine explains that, to him, “quality teaching is as much about making human connections with students as it is about specific content.” By combining rigorous content with authentic teacher-student and student-student relationships, he aims to foster meaningful, impactful learning experiences for students. His chair adds that “students appreciate how often they are applying the knowledge they have gained” and “emphasize the way he has engaged them intellectually and personally.”
Gorvine aims to create a classroom environment that fosters productive conversations, “allowing students to share their ideas openly and grapple honestly with the subject matter.” As a student writes, “Professor Gorvine expertly led us through a complex and emotionally charged topic with sensitivity and compassion. He created a safe and inclusive environment for all students to share their thoughts and feelings, and he encouraged us to think critically and empathetically” about the content. Gorvine frequently reminds students that “learning is a process not a product,” requiring time for rethinking and revision. His success in doing so is apparent in students’ comments that Gorvine creates a “community in his classroom” and a “culture of intellectual curiosity.”
The recipients of the 2023 University Teaching Awards were nominated by the deans of the schools or colleges in which they have principal appointments. Honorees were selected by a committee chaired by the provost and made up of senior faculty members, University administrators, the President of the Alumnae of Northwestern University and a student representative.
The award includes a salary stipend for the next three years as well as funds for professional development. The term begins at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, in Guild Lounge on the Evanston campus, the awards ceremony also will be livestreamed.