Winter Commencement 2009
James MacLeod, Professor of History, to speak at Commencement
The University of Evansville is proud to announce that James MacLeod, professor of history, will be the University's 2009 Winter Commencement speaker.
MacLeod, who has taught at the University since 2001, was chosen after receiving the 2009 Outstanding Teacher Award at UE's May Commencement ceremony. The award is given each year to a member of the UE faculty who demonstrates excellence in their ability to bring their subject to live in the classroom.
The ceremony will be held Wednesday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Student Fitness Center.
"Dr. MacLeod is one of the best teachers or professors I've ever encountered," one student wrote in nominating MacLeod. "He makes whatever we are discussing relevant and important to our lives; he teaches with humor, thoughtfulness, and morality. "I looked forward to coming to his class every time."
MacLeod has been a part of the University of Evansville community since 1994, when he joined the faculty at Harlaxton College, UE's British campus, as an assistant professor of history. He came to the UE campus in August 1999 in the same role, before being promoted to associate professor in May 2001. He since has been promoted to full professor. During his time at UE, MacLeod has been recognized several times for his excellence in the classroom.
In 2002, he received the UE College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Teaching Award; then, during the 2003-04 academic year, he earned the United Methodist Church's Exemplary Teacher Award.
"Honestly, it is hard to believe this was the first time Dr. MacLeod was named the Outstanding Teacher, so high is his reputation among the students and University community," said Susan Calovini, UE's dean of arts and sciences. "And, in addition to being a valuable and inspiring classroom teacher, James is a fine scholar - with numerous publications and presentations to his name - as well as a dedicated professional and colleague at the University.
"He is clearly very deserving of this highest teaching honor."
MacLeod received his MA in history at the University of Edinburgh in 1988, and followed that with his PhD from the same institution. His thesis was in nineteenth century Scottish history, entitled "The Origins of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland." It is because of his ability to translate a passion for that subject, and for the rest of history, that MacLeod's students hold him in the highest esteem. For that reason, he is the University of Evansville's 2008-09 Outstanding Teacher.
"Dr. MacLeod has a unique approach unlike any other I have experienced," another student concluded. "It allows us to better understand the concepts - not just the facts - of history."
For more information on the 2009 Winter Commencement ceremony, please contact UE Director of News Services Joe Atkinson at (812) 488-2562.
- Plenty of seating is available for family and friends to attend Commencement and Baccalaureate.
- The Baccalaureate Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time on Sunday, December 13, 2009 in Neu Chapel on the University of Evansville campus. Chaplain Tammy Gieselman will be the speaker.
- There also will be a Commencement Lunch at 11:15 a.m. in Eykamp Hall.
- Student Robing is at 12:30 p.m. in the Carson Center Large Gym
- Faculty Robing is at 12:45 p.m. in the same place
- Trustee Robing is at 1:00 p.m. in the same place
- Commencement ceremonies will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Student Fitness Center.
- Please refer to our campus map for the location of Neu Chapel (#27) and the Student Fitness Center (#44).
