Associate Professor Robert Spencer Receives 2024 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching
The faculty member was honored at Academic Convocation 2024.
Note: During Academic Convocation, Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio read the following citation bestowing the Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching upon Associate Professor of Business Management Robert Spencer.
The Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching is given each year to a full-time faculty member whose teaching has had a marked influence on the lives of Stonehill students. The Committee on Excellence in Teaching selects the outstanding professor from those nominated by students and faculty members. The award is named in honor of one of Stonehill’s most accomplished teachers and the recipient stands as a symbol of the entire faculty’s commitment to teaching and academic excellence. At this 2024 Academic Convocation, Stonehill College is proud to bestow the Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching on Professor Robert Spencer, Associate Professor of Business Management.
It is with great pleasure that I now share the ways in which Professor Spencer has demonstrated his outstanding commitment to teaching excellence and student success.
Professor Spencer’s energy and passion for teaching are outstanding. He brings an infectious enthusiasm to every class, making complex topics accessible and engaging. His ability to connect with students on a personal level, sharing his professional experiences, and lessons learned, fosters a learning environment where students feel supported and inspired. His humility and willingness to share his own mistakes create a space where students can learn and grow, ready to face the challenges of the real world with confidence.
Professor Spencer exemplifies excellence in teaching through his dynamic and immersive Policy and Strategy course at Stonehill, where students are engaged in real-world business challenges from a C-Suite perspective. He has expertly designed a curriculum that integrates the extensive knowledge business majors acquire, applying it in consulting projects with local companies. Under his guidance, students collaborate in teams to analyze complex business issues, present their strategies, and receive valuable feedback, culminating in presentations to company management. This hands-on experience, made possible by Professor Spencer’s strong network, prepares students for real-world success.
What sets Professor Spencer apart is his dedication to continuously evolving his course to meet the needs of his students. He brings current, real-world examples into the classroom, creating an environment where students assume professional roles and tackle real business problems. His openness to feedback and commitment to refining his teaching methods ensure that his students receive the most relevant and impactful education. He encourages active participation and adapts his lessons to the unique dynamics of each class, making the learning experience both engaging and practical.
Professor Spencer’s dedication to student success goes beyond the walls of a classroom and is evident in his willingness to invest extra time and effort to ensure that his students are well-prepared for their future careers. He continually provides career advice tailored to each student’s aspirations, offers personalized feedback on resumes, helps to prepare for interviews, and contributes to Beta Alpha Psi events.
And so, it is with profound pride that today, Stonehill recognizes Professor Robert Spencer for his outstanding teaching in service to our students.