Commencement 2024: Dr. Brian Reed celebrated for teaching excellence with annual award
Dr. Brian Reed, a seasoned and beloved professor of English at Mercyhurst University, is the recipient of the 2024 Teaching Excellence Award, which recognizes one extraordinary faculty member who has contributed significantly to the intellectual life of Mercyhurst.
A Mercyhurst faculty member for 22 years, Reed is the first director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, a former dean of faculty, and currently chair of the Department of English.
“At a school like Mercyhurst, where excellent teaching is so highly valued and there is such a wealth of excellent teachers, I am humbled to be chosen for this award,” said Reed upon learning the news.
In recognizing Reed, the Office of Academic Affairs noted that those who nominated him agreed that he is the quintessential liberal arts professor—a true example of what it means to be a teacher-scholar, and one who transforms the lives of his students.
His colleague, Dr. Phil Belfiore, professor of Special Education, couldn’t agree more and offered the following:
In Robert Pirsig’s book, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” the author and his son, Chris, are nearing the end of a road trip. Chris is sitting on the back of his dad’s bike when Pirsig asks:
“What’s the matter?”
Chris says, “It’s so different.”
Pirsig asks, “What?”
Chris: “Everything. I could never see over your shoulders before.”
“Brian never forgets to provide his students the opportunity to look over his shoulders and always challenges them to see beyond what is in front of them,” Belfiore said. “He orchestrates a class where he teaches, but also learns; where students learn, but also teach. Brian’s classrooms are an optimistic space for students to feel safe to engage with the course content.”
In the words of English Professor Dr. Christy Rieger, “Brian has the gift of inspiring his students to do their best work, as evident in the many students who have won awards for literary writing produced in his classes.”
Dr. Jeffrey Roessner, dean of the School of Humanities, described Reed as “unfailingly patient, kind, and thoughtful in his response to students, while also consistently challenging them to consider new ideas and ways of seeing the world. Indeed, few can draw students into an intellectually rewarding discussion with such skill.
“A passionate advocate for the liberal arts and deep reading, Dr. Reed is also known for his staunch support of our study abroad programs—particularly in Dungarvan, Ireland. With his adventurous and joyful spirit, he has led a number of such trips, helping to broaden the horizons of many, many students. He is an excellent teacher by all measures and richly deserving of this award.”