Dr. Kristin Foster, a professor at Marquette University and Evanston Township High School alumn, recently received a Teaching Excellence Award, the highest honor bestowed upon Marquette University faculty members. Recipients are nominated by their colleagues and students for demonstrating excellence as teacher-scholars.
Dr. Foster’s use of film clips, music and literature during her lectures give students a deeper look into the complex web of personalities, realities and intangibilities that drive historical events. She has “cultivated a dynamic learning environment, never relying on any one type of teaching strategy, but instead utilized an array of strategies to create an environment that was conducive to spirited historical scholarship,” said a former student.
“I like to think that my father passed along his love of both learning and teaching to me, and that in some small way, I have tried to mirror his tremendous commitment to the well-being and education of anyone who dares to open themselves fully to the process of learning,” said Dr. Foster.
She counsels students to discern a path that they may not have previously considered. Her enthusiasm for the subject not only sparks students’ interest on the topic, it has inspired many to pursue careers in history. “Whatever students choose to pursue in life, I want them to embrace and fearlessly question the world around them. I want them to remember to ask ‘why,’ and to choose the search for truth and meaning as often as they are able. In this way, their lives will be richer, and the world will be a better place,” said Dr. Foster.