Penn-Goetsch receives Exemplary Teacher Award

Professor of Art History Christina Penn-Goetsch received an unexpected honor at Cornell College’s 2018 Commencement ceremony when she was announced as the recipient of the Exemplary Teacher Award. 

“I was nothing but surprised and honored to receive the teaching award. This day will always stay with me, as teaching students has been my passion,” Penn-Goetsch said. “I am one among an extraordinary group of teachers.”

Dean of the College Joe Dieker made the decision for this award based on a recommendation from the Divisional Council and in consultation with President Brand.

“Chris is one of Cornell’s most dynamic and beloved professors,” Dieker said. “Students love her energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge of art history. She brings art history alive for her students both in classes on campus and classes that she teaches in places such as Florence and Rome in Italy.”

Professor Penn-Goetsch is committed to teaching the love of art through the examination of material culture from various peoples and periods. She is dedicated to research and most of her research focuses on gender studies and the art and architecture of early modern Europe, as well as questions of identity in contemporary art. She often lectures and publishes on depictions of women from the 14th through the 20th centuries and continues to present her research on the lives of nuns as patrons in 17th-century Rome.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church offers the award for its affiliated colleges. The recipient receives a $1,000 award from the college.

 

Previous Recipients:

2017: Associate Professor of French Devan Baty

2016: Professor of Psychology Carol Zerbe Enns

2015: Associate Professor of Theatre Jim VanValen