here would be no great classes without great teachers. The following is a listing, in no particular order, of just a few of the accomplished professors at Dartmouth College. We do not claim that this is an exhaustive list—unfortunately, no single person on our staff has studied under every professor. And we are not so arrogant to claim that these are the “best” professors. But they are damn good ones—and we’ll challenge anyone who says otherwise.

Professor Susan Ackerman

Chair of the Religion Department

As Professor Ackerman lectures on the prophets of the Hebrew Bible, her voice loud and clear, her carefully chosen words imbued with academic inspiration, you might think she is a prophet herself—such is her power over the classroom. Ackerman would undoubtedly reject this mixing of biblical scholarship and religiosity and caution her students to study more closely the nature of prophet-hood and prophecy. Her students, however, can’t help but think that this extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor of Religion is somehow exalted.

Professor Terry Osborne

Adjunct Senior Lecturer in English and Environmental Studies

The creator of what he refers to as “the intimate education,” Professor Terry Osborn firmly believes that there is more to teaching than relaying the pertinent information of the course to his students. He instead strives to allow for individual interactions between himself and each of the members of his class. Through these interactions, Professor Osborn gets to know who his students are, not just how well they can write an expository essay, and the students have the privilege of discovering what an interesting and talented professor they have for the term. Professor Osborn’s focus is on environmental and ecological literature, and he has personal relationships with some well known authors of ecological writing. One of them, Terry Tempest Williams, actually came to Dartmouth to participate in a fascinating discussion with each of his classes recently.

Professor George Edmondson

Assistant Professor of English

Excited about the romantic tales of the Middle Ages? Or worried about what could be dry and somber lectures about equally dry and somber times? However you feel about medieval English, you’ll quickly discover that Professor Edmondson’s course on the subject is the most colorful way to get into the so-called “dark ages”: a misnomer that discredits the importance and beauty of medieval literature. Professor Edmondson shines a light on this era and engages the class in intense discussion. By asking the right questions, Edmonson facilitates both psychoanalysis of the texts and conversations about gender, language, history, government, religion, and more. His wit, liveliness, passion for literature, and genuine interest in students’ opinions make for a superb classroom experience. Professor Edmondson really listens to students, and is often available for discussions about papers. His commentary and criticism are constructive and insightful. Plus, he really cares about the improvement of his students’ writing. Thanks to Edmondson, students feel prepared for more upper level English classes. And even if medieval literature just isn’t for you, be sure to check out Edmonson’s other classes, including those on literary theory.

Professor Laura Conkey

Associate Professor of Geography

Professor Laura Conkey is more than an instructor to her students. Her classes, mostly seminar in format, are often spent not in reiteration of information covered in the reading done for the class, but instead in discussions concerning the students’ personal reactions to the material and its application to their lives and experiences. One takes away from her class a sense of growth, not just in factual knowledge, but in one’s comprehension of one’s place in the world. In addition, she is known to have her class out to her beautiful ranch in Lyme, New Hampshire for a dinner discussion, as well as to the Hanover Inn for an x-hour over lunch.

Professor Richard Ned Lebow

James O. Freedman Presidential Professor of Government

Govy majors, don’t miss Government 5 with this professor, this fall. Lebow is one of the most respected and prolific government professors at Dartmouth, and he isn’t going to be on campus often in the next few years. If you’re lucky enough to get into a class taught by him, Lebow’s incredibly rich lectures will keep you at the edge of your seat. Each lesson is accompanied by at least one zany story or anecdote that doesn’t merely entertain, but serves to drive his point home. You will appreciate the depth of perspective he provides in every class, masterfully weaving history, psychology, and IR theory together to illuminate the subject at hand.

Professor Benjamin Valentino

Associate Professor of Government

A young up-and-comer in the Government Department, Valentino offers IR-track classes that explore intricate theories and issues with rare clarity. He’s running the Honors Program this year and not offering courses, but this just means you’ve got a year to take the pre-requisites and look forward to International Security (53) and Genocide and Mass Killings (85.16). Valentino’s brilliance is his ability to make difficult subject matters graspable, while still presenting a full and intellectually challenging course load. He’s also extraordinarily knowledgeable and approachable outside of class, so take advantage of his ability and willingness to explain when you a take a course with him.

Professor Samuel J. Velez

Associate Professor of Neurobiology

One of the most loved professors in the biology department, Professor Velez is as energetic as he is knowledgeable. And he is very knowledgeable. It is true that his exams are among the most challenging in the department. However, Professor Velez’s clear and detailed lectures make difficult material more than manageable. Most importantly, the information one learns from his class will fascinate even the most cynical humanities major.

Professor Mary K. Coffey

Assistant Professor of Art History

Young, enthusiastic, and bespectacled in super hip mod glasses, Professor Coffey is probably one of the cooler teachers you’ll have in your Dartmouth career. Whether lecturing an auditorium-packed introductory art survey or leading a discussion seminar-style, she commands attention with her eloquence, organization, and sophistication. Coffey cares about her students, ready to blitz them in depth responses to their last minute exam worries and available during office hours to chat with her devoted fan base. If you’re an Art History major, get with the program and sign up for a Coffey class toute suite. If you’re not, do the same—and get rid of that art requirement in style.

Professor Michael Bronski

Visiting Lecturer in Women’s and Gender Studies

Michael Bronski is an amazing professor. His courses tend to be discussion oriented, with the classes conducted in a circle so you get to face each other. They usually get quite intimate. His topics tend to revolve around contemporary queer/GLBT issues and pop culture, which may be a neat summary, but hardly does justice to the depth of material covered. He consciously sets up times that he is available to meet with students, and people sign up to meet him. He is an extremely intelligent, patient, and kind man. Those who take his courses all agree that he is wonderful.