The GWS Outstanding Faculty Award for 2018-19 was awarded to two faculty members for their mentoring and teaching.  Professor Ruth Nicole Brown was acknowledged for inspirational work with undergraduates in GWS 201, Race, Gender and Power.   One student noted that Dr. Brown had changed their outlook on their future by helping them unlock their potential as a student, thinker and artist.  Another student praised Dr. Brown for creating an open learning environment where "students connected more deeply than I have experienced or observed in another class at...the University."  Other students echoed this sentiment, noting that Dr. Brown continually challenges her students to explore "new mediums of analysis, critical thought and expression."  

Professor Ghassan Moussawi was awarded the GWS Outstanding Faculty award for helping graduate students develop as scholars, teachers, and activists.  Students cited his mentorship of graduate students in general and queer feminist of color in particular, and noted that he actively guides them through the process of submitting papers for publication, providing "valuable feedback at every stage, right from conceptualization of the research article to the revisions."  In the classroom students appreciate that Dr. Moussawi provides a safe and engaging space where students can openly reflect on the connections between classroom readings and their own experiences. 

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award went to Erin Grogan, who was taught the discussion sections for GWS 202, Sexualities.  Students singled out Grogan for guiding students through difficult readings and topics, and for helping them develop their individual interests into viable research projects.  Gabriella Guerra received the GWS Outstanding Student Award for her exemplary written work and her insightful participation in the classroom.  Gabriella, who graduated in May, was also active in social justice work through her social media outreach internship at the Women's Resource Center.