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BRISTOL, R.I. – Every semester, the Student Senate bestows the Professor of the Semester Award to one educator from six of the university’s schools for their unwavering dedication to their students and commitment to academic excellence. 

“Giving these professors awards allows students to recognize the strongest of our faculty,” said Ryan Lukowicz, a member of the Student Senate’s Academic Affairs committee. “We get to hear positive stories about how students have succeeded as a result of the faculty around them.”

Nominated by undergraduates, the faculty who received the Spring 2025 awards are recognized for supporting, inspiring, and challenging students to succeed academically and personally. 

Cummings School of Architecture

Karen Hughes | Adjunct Faculty

One student wrote: “[Karen Hughes] is not only constantly pushing me to succeed, but giving me the tools necessary to do that. She gives us an agenda and plan to help us stay on track of our workload and be on time with assignments. She is very articulate and will take the time to help explain something if there's any confusion. I would choose her as my professor for every studio course if possible, and I thank her for this.”

“It is a great honor to receive this award for Professor of the Semester.  My students inspire me every day, and it means a lot to be recognized by them in this way,” said Karen Hughes, an adjunct faulty member in the Cummings School of Architecture.

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business

Benjamin N. Carr | Professor of Marketing

One student wrote: “Professor Carr loves teaching and goes out of the way to make class enjoyable. He makes a personal connection with everyone in the class and for his last semester as a professor I think he deserves this award.”

Another wrote: ‘“I know I am not the only one that has been impacted by his kindness and reassuring words. He is an engaging and charismatic professor that wants the best for every person.”

“Being awarded Professor of the Semester brings a smile to my face as I walk off into retirement,” said Benjamin Carr, a Professor of Marketing in the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business.

School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management

Matthew Stein | Professor of Engineering

One student wrote: “Professor Stein devotes himself wholeheartedly to the success of his students, committing countless hours outside of class to working through homework, extra help, and research projects. In class, he is engaging and always keeps students on their toes. I have learned a great deal through Dr. Stein and greatly enjoy being in his class.”

“As I approach retirement, I have become increasingly concerned that I am losing touch with students,” said Matthew Stein, a Professor of Engineering in the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management. “This particular award, this particular semester, was a great reassurance that this is not quite happening yet!”

Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education

Amiee Shelton | Professor of Public Relations

One student wrote: “[Amiee Shelton] consistently advocates for her students to ensure she can provide them with countless opportunities to suit their needs … Professor Shelton has an extraordinary ability to motivate and inspire her students. Her classes are more than just lectures; they are transformative learning experiences. She creates an environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, challenge ideas, and think critically.” 

“I’m truly honored for this award,” said Amiee Shelton, a Professor of Public Relations in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education. “I’m passionate about setting my students up for success – whatever their dreams and aspirations. I want to thank the PR students for reinvigorating the spark I have for teaching.”

School of Justice Studies

Sean Gorman | Adjunct Professor, Assistant Director of Justice System Training & Research Institute 

One student wrote: “[Sean Gorman] made his class interesting and fun to go to, and he will do anything he can to make his students succeed. The assignments he has in his class are so incredibly unique and hands-on; one of them was to create a fake crime scene. He is also the Assistant Director of JSTRI, which he always offers to his students as a work study opportunity … He also genuinely cares about his students…” 

“Being recognized as the Criminal Justice Professor of the Semester at RWU is an incredible honor,” said Sean Gorman, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Justice Studies and Assistant Director of Justice System Training & Research Institute. “It's a reminder that the time and dedication I invest in teaching, mentoring, and helping students bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications truly matters. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to shape the next generation of justice professionals.”

Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences

Victoria Heimer-McGinn | Assistant Professor

One student wrote: “Dr. V is an incredible and energetic professor. Her passion for neuroscience makes the difficult subject fun and easy to learn. Dr. V's kindness and compassion for her students makes her class a stress-free and comfortable environment. She is also always looking for ways to help her students find new opportunities to expand our knowledge in neuroscience.” 

Another wrote: “She works hard for her students and is truly dedicated to her work as a neuroscientist. She has singlehandedly built up the neuroscience program here at RWU.”

“The award means so much to me, especially considering a surprise knee surgery mid-semester,” said Victoria Heimer-McGinn, and Associate Professor of Psychology in the Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences. “Students are my number one priority, so I got extra creative and flexible and did everything I could to maintain a high standard of education while minimizing student anxiety. It is heartwarming to see that the students recognized and appreciated that.”