Dr. Carolyn Behrman, associate professor of anthropology, was honored with the 2011 University of Akron Outstanding Teacher award.

Dr. Behrman's nominator spoke of her dedication to the success of UA students as well as her skill in the art of teaching. The nominator lauded her innovative teaching, scholarship of teaching and learning, and the opportunities she provides undergraduates to conduct their own research. 

For more than a decade, Behrman has been recognized as a leader on campus and in Ohio in the development of Community-Based Research and Service-Learning (CBRSL). She has earned nine internal and several external grants to support the development of three highly-innovative CBRSL courses, including a 2007 NSF grant of $150,000 to create and now co-direct the Active Research Methods Project and Lab.  In addition to CBRSL, Behrman's research interests include urbanization, urban education, the intersections of gender, health and poverty, as well as research methods.

Colleagues recognize her student-centered classes, which provide opportunities for students to explore new ideas, discover the answers to questions, and work with peers and a faculty mentor to develop into graduates who are prepared to succeed and contribute to their communities.

Dr. Michael J. Shott, chair of the Department of Anthropology and Classical Studies remarked, “With active scholarship that engages students, teaching lies at the core of the University's mission. Professor Behrman long has excelled at this central task; in the process, she has combined the qualities of intellectual curiosity, engagement with the community, knowledge of globalizing trends, along with patience, empathy and humor, all for the benefit of her students.”

 Watch a video about Dr. Behrman's work