Dedicated Professors Engage Students in Deeper Debate, Shaping the Mind

Willamette’s reputation as a national leader in liberal arts education is attributed in larger part to our celebrated professors. They prepare our students to think critically and act constructively to understand and influence the issues of our world.

Courtney Stevens, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has gained a reputation among students and her colleagues as an engaging professor with high expectations for her students. She takes her teaching seriously.

“My students inspire me,” says Stevens, “Where else do you get to interact, debate and conduct research with intelligent and motivated young adults on topics that help us better understand our world? I don’t know of a better job.”

Having a classroom filled with high-caliber students is something that Stevens has come to recognize as normal at Willamette. “Willamette students are unique – they are intelligent, hard-working, and most importantly, they care about the application of class material to real-world issues. Willamette’s ability to recruit and admit such students is impressive. My fellow professors and I strive to provide students with meaningful educational opportunities that will develop their skills and prepare them for life after leaving Willamette,” says Stevens.

Alumni support allows Willamette to recruit and provide funding for faculty endeavors. Stevens explains, “Having these resources provides our students with collaborative research opportunities, to expand our teaching skills and engage students in the debates in our fields.  It is of incredible value to me as a professor. I recognize that many of these opportunities are made possible by the generosity of our alumni and I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say thank you.”

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