By: Anthony Breen
Congratulations to Professor Jeannine Morber for being selected as the 2024 recipient of the Rose Dawson Excellence in Teaching Award! Outside of Rockland Banquet Hall, a plaque reads 鈥淭he 逗奶视频 Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to recognize innovative and energetic faculty who exemplify the art of teaching as mentors and scholars鈥︹�� Anyone who has interacted with Professor Morber knows she fully embodies the spirit of this award.
Professor Morber is known across campus for her infectious energy, dedication, professional level photography, and unmatched support for students. She goes above and beyond in her position as the BSOBL Internship Director to ensure all students can find an internship before they graduate. Not only is she fully committed to helping students secure internships, students just love being in her classes.
Her vibrant and kindhearted personality really shines in the classroom, making students feel supported, motivated, and seen. She credits this to her philosophy of 鈥淭he energy you bring is the energy you get back鈥� and Professor Morber really brings the best energy.
As such an accomplished and energetic person, it is hard to imagine that Professor Morber was once in the same shoes as many students. Professor Morber describes a time she felt lost, with no direction as a young adult, she wished she had a mentor to guide her through hardships. From the moment she began teaching, Professor Morber made a promise to herself 鈥淲hen I start teaching, I鈥檓 going to be the person I wish I had.鈥� This promise has assisted countless students overcoming self-doubt, securing internships, and launching meaningful careers.
When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Professor Morber without hesitation responded 鈥淚t鈥檚 seeing students push past doubt, especially the ones who are afraid of doing an internship or going to a career fair, then they come out of it proud of themselves. That moment never gets old.鈥� It was immediately apparent during the interview how much she cares for her students, there were even times when she was emotional reflecting on student鈥檚 successes. She wanted to share with students that it is completely normal not to know what you want to do, and nobody has it all figured out, especially not in college. This comes from a place of empathy with Professor Morber, but she reminds students they must push past doubt and fear.
Professor Morber was shocked and humbled when she received this reward at the faculty luncheon, but what stuck with her the most was knowing that those nominations for the award came directly from students. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what makes it really special,鈥� she shared.
Professor Morber received the Rose Dawson Excellence in Teaching Award because she has brought energy to the University every day, believed in students when they could not, and reminded us that it is okay to not have it all figured out. Thank you, Professor Morber, for being the mentor that younger you wish you had.