January 2006

GW’S Matthew O’Gara Named DC “Professor of the Year”

Matthew O’Gara, adjunct associate professor in honors and associate professorial lecturer in international affairs, was named the “2005 District of Columbia Professor of the Year” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Nov. 17 at the CASE conference in Washington, DC. O’Gara was selected from among nearly 400 top professors in the United States.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award because it serves as a reminder that quality teaching is important and appreciated,” said O’Gara. “I’m also extremely grateful to GW for giving me the opportunity to realize my potential in this regard, and for cultivating an academic environment conducive to excellent teaching.”

O’Gara joins four professors from GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) who previously received the DC Professor of the Year Award: Professor of English and American Studies James Miller in 2002; Associate Professor of Physics Gerald Feldman in 2000; Benjamin Banneker Professor of American Civilization and History James O. Horton in 1996; and Professor of Media and Public Affairs Jarol Manheim in 1995.

“I think Professor O’Gara’s love of teaching undergraduates, his participation in honors co-curricular, community-building activities, and his dedication to individual students both in and outside of the classroom are what make him a model and someone most deserving of this recognition,” said Donald R. Lehman, executive vice president for academic affairs.

Both the US and State Professors of the Year nominees are judged based their on dedication to undergraduate teaching, contribution to undergraduate education in the institution, community, and profession.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu