Haywood Named Professor of the Year

By Purnell T. Cropper | June 24, 2013

For more than 20 years, Dr. Geoffrey Haywood has made an impact on Arcadia students through engaging lecture, relevant syllabi and unbridled enthusiasm. At the conclusion of this past academic year, students and faculty recognized his tenure by naming him Arcadia’s 2013 Professor of the Year.

An associate professor of history and international studies, Haywood is an expert in modern Italian political history and 20th century European history. He is known for continually updating his syllabi and reading lists to constantly challenge himself and his students, and as a result of his dedication and effort, students regularly enroll in his classes just for the opportunity to sit in on his lectures.

“Dr. Haywood has for more than 20 years displayed extraordinary qualities as a teacher, scholar, friend and mentor,” said Dr. Steve O. Michael, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Anyone who knows Dr. Haywood knows the unparalleled passion and energy he brings to his teaching.”

Born and raised in New Zealand, Haywood earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Auckland University before earning a doctorate in modern European history at Columbia University in New York. Students have praised him for his ability to share his expertise in a way that is fresh and relatable.

“The mark of a fantastic professor is knowledge, enthusiasm and a rapport with students,” said one student. “Dr. Haywood has all three. He has been an invaluable asset to my education.”

The U.S. Professors of the Year Awards Program, jointly sponsored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizes educators on university, state and national levels. Winners are chosen based on criteria including their impact on and involvement with undergraduate students and their scholarly approach to teaching and learning.