Many online programs offer convenience, but the University of Missouri offers something more: distance learning with the same award-winning instructors who teach classes on campus.
One such instructor is Alexandra Socarides, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of English. Socarides recently received a William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.
“It is difficult to anatomize the qualities of such an extraordinary teacher, but certain themes recur: her talent for leading discussion and asking questions, her innovative methods of teaching literature and writing, the inspiration students experience in her courses, and her kindness,” says David Read, chair of the MU English Department.
Socarides has designed more than 20 new courses, has served on the Honors Council and the Campus Writing Board, and is currently the department’s director of undergraduate studies.
In addition to her duties on campus, Socarides teaches Survey of American Literature: Beginnings to 1865, a popular class in the online bachelor of general studies program.
She has created programs including a “coffee with majors” series to help students interact with faculty, a mentoring program for incoming English majors and multiple “careers in English” events.
Read the full Kemper Fellows profile of Socarides here.
The William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence is awarded each year to five outstanding teachers at the University of Missouri. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend.
The 2016 Kemper fellows are Socarides, Mary Beck, Sarah Bush, Robert O’Connell and Earnest L. Perry Jr.
Want to complete your bachelor’s degree on your own schedule? Look into our online bachelor of general studies (BGS) and online bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies (BA) programs today!