Hevina Dashwood, a professor in the Department of Political Science, has been recognized for teaching excellence.

Hevina Dashwood has been given a prestigious honour for teaching excellence.

The political science professor won the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) Award for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes educators who excel at unlocking the potential of Ontario’s young people.

Luke Speers, Brock University Students’ Union vice-president nominated Dashwood for the award after taking her third-year class on international political economy. Speers recalled one seminar in particular that he said was of the best learning experiences he has had because it allowed students to open up and debate the issues. Based on conversations Speers had with other classmates, he said that Dashwood was making a similar impression on them as well.

There are nine member schools in OUSA and each school has the privilege of awarding one deserving educator each year with the award. Dashwood, who joined Brock University in 2002, said she was touched by the nomination.

“It was totally student driven. It was really special for me because of this as it is a true reflection of my work,” she said.

Dashwood added that she enjoys being part of a community of support for students and that many professors are accessible to students in and out of the classroom, assisting them with their chosen career paths and offering guidance.

Speers presented Dashwood with the award at a banquet held last month in Toronto. Brock President Jack Lightstone and Glen Murray, minister of training, colleges and universities also attended.