Fostering a Love of Learning
CAS Prof Schulman named Methodist Scholar/Teacher of the Year
By Edward A. Brown
BU Forward spoke with Schulman about the joys and challenges of teaching and what it means to engage students. Click on the slide show above to listen.
Last month, Bruce Schulman, a College of Arts and Sciences professor and director of graduate students in the history department, began a normal day of teaching with a few less-than-normal communications. First, the department secretary told him to call the provost’s office immediately. Then his wife called his mobile phone, relaying the same message. Then his office phone rang.
“Congratulations,” Provost David Campbell said to him. “You’ve won the United Methodist Church Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award.”
The award, established by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, recognizes faculty members for their dedication and contributions to the learning arts and to the institution. It is conferred at colleges and universities historically affiliated with the Methodist Church and includes a $2,000 unrestricted stipend. Schulman, who has taught history at BU for fourteen years, was formally presented with the award at the BU Faculty Assembly on October 31.
Jillian Primiano (COM’09) says that Schulman is the most personable and engaging teacher she has ever had. “He’ll do anything to keep his students interested — wear costumes, play music, emulate voices,” she says. “You don’t forget that you’re learning; you just remember what it’s like to enjoy it.”