Each year, the UCSB Academic Senate recognizes a select few teaching assistants for the “vital role they play in enhancing the teaching mission of the University” and their “contributions to the teaching and learning process of UC Santa Barbara.” One of the recipients of this year’s awards is Stuart Gray, Ph.D. candidate in political theory. The Senate will honor this year’s recipients at a special meeting of the Faculty Legislature on April 26, 2012.

Gray was nominated for his extraordinary ability to keep students interested and involved throughout a series of very difficult and demanding courses in political philosophy. His professors note that as the result of his efforts, “the students improved dramatically in both their writing and the quality of their analysis and argumentation.” At the same time, the students themselves fully share their appreciation for Gray’s talent and hard work. His course evaluations consistently praise his enthusiasm, his mastery of the material, his skill and patience in answering their questions, and his ability to prod them on to further insights of their own.

Gray is one of a series of political science teaching assistants who have received this award. Others so honored in the last 10 years include: Mario Guerrero, 2008-09; Jessica Timpany, 2005-06; and Colin Young, 2003-2004.