Diplomacy Faculty Receive Three of Four University Teaching and Research Awards - Seton Hall University
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Each year, Seton Hall University recognizes exceptional work by its faculty with the Teacher and Researcher of the Year Awards. This year, three professors from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations received University awards highlighting their achievements. Seton Hall University named Dr. Yanzhong Huang, professor and director of the Center for Global Health Studies, as the 2022 Researcher of the Year awardee. Further, Dr. Ann Marie Murphy, professor and director of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies, received the University's 2022 Excellence in Teaching 21st Century Skills award. Purnaka L. de Silva, Ph.D., received the 2022 University Adjunct of the Year award.
One faculty member had this to say regarding Dr. Huang’s award, "I was pleased that the Diplomacy faculty nominated Prof Huang for Researcher of the Year out of a very competitive field. His book was published by one of the top academic presses and received broad critical acclaim. In addition, Prof Huang also had three pieces published in Foreign Affairs, one in Foreign Policy, and also op-eds in Time, Washington Post, and the New York Times (twice!) In short, it was an exceptional year, so it was no surprise at all that he won the University-wide award."
Dr. de Silva was honored as the Seton Hall University Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year. In his nominations, students highlighted the learning environment he creates being particularly helpful, with his own teaching philosophy of "guide on the side" vs. the more typical "sage on stage" approach. One student praised de Silva’s extensive knowledge of UN and global affairs, calling it "a unique experience that’s challenging but ultimately highly rewarding." Though relatively new to the School of Diplomacy, Dr. de Silva has already had a tremendous impact on the students, with many saying that his teaching expertise and field knowledge is among the best they have ever seen.
When asked how he felt about receiving the award, Dr. de Silva said, "It is truly
a great privilege to teach at Seton Hall University and to have been awarded the University
Adjunct Faculty Teacher of the Year. I am humbled by the faith placed in my teaching
and pedagogy by graduate students and faculty at the School of Diplomacy and International
Relations. It really does mean a great deal to me, and I put my heart and soul into
engaging with students in a meaningful manner that prepares them for the world outside
of academia."
She utilized online discussion boards prior to in-class discussions to preemptively correct student mistakes and encourage the sharing of differing perspectives, building student confidence, and fueling class participation and rich debate. By doing so, Dr. Murphy's approach supported diversity, equity and inclusion, by encouraging greater participation among international, minority and female students who are often hesitant to participate. Student evaluations confirm Dr. Murphy's respect for diverse thought. She also mentored students to ensure that their personal needs were met, fueling their academic success, through regular well-being check-ins and adding small assignments to make each class assignment less weighted in case students couldn’t complete one due to Covid or family concerns.
In addition, the School honored Dr. Zinaida Miller as School of Diplomacy Teacher of the Year for the second time, with student nominations praising her teaching style, the diverse materials that she addresses in her classes and the rich discussion that arises from that material, as well as her care, mentorship and coaching.
Categories: Education, Research