International Affairs Professor Named Teacher of the Year

by Mara Sleeter BA ’19

On April 18, Elizabeth Bennett, assistant professor of international affairs, was announced as Lewis & Clark’s Pamplin Society of Fellows 2018 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from a pool of seven finalists. Bennett recently received tenure and will be promoted to associate professor in the fall.

Each year, Lewis & Clark’s Pamplin Society of Fellows determines the Teacher of the Year based entirely on nominations and selection by the Pamplin fellows. The award honors one faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences that goes particularly above and beyond the requirements of their position to enrich student learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I have so much respect for the faculty here. I see how much they care, how hard they work,” said Bennett. “To be identified in this cohort of incredible teachers as someone who serves students well is a tremendous honor.”  

Bennett holds a PhD in political science from Brown University, and a master of arts in law and diplomacy with a focus on political economy and development from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

“Any student who’s taken a course with Professor Bennett will tell you that her classes aren’t easy—but these students, myself included, will also tell you that she is one of the best professors they’ve had in their entire school careers,” said international affairs major Mara Sleeter BA ’19, who presented Bennett with her award at the ceremony. “She very obviously considers her students’ education to be her highest priority, and it shows in the way she interacts with us.”

International Affairs

Pamplin Society of Fellows