PUC's Finest: 10 Professors from whom You Should Take a Class

Posted on 24. Sep, 2009 by Various in Culture

Obviously, we can’t include in a single article every excellent professor that works at PUC.  These ten are representative of some of the best of the best, but certainly do not comprise the only professors of stellar quality.

Alex Carpenter (Art) – Jonathan Pichot (Senior: History, French)

In only his second year on campus, Alex Carpenter has already made an impression.  Already well known on the Internet as the primary blogger for Spectrum Magazine (spectrummagazine.org) [Full Disclosure: Alex and I work together on the site.], he has developed a reputation as an innovative thinker and passionate teacher.  A graduate of the Berkeley Graduate Theological Union, Alex studied the convergence of religion and visual culture.  Before graduate school, Alex spent a few years in Bollywood, getting parts as an extra in Indian films.  Despite being a new face on campus, Prof. Carpenter is already actively and passionately involved in many student organizations.  Even if you never take a class from him, make sure to track him down for a few stories about India.

Hilary Elmendorf (History) – jp katz (Senior: English, History, Music)

If you think history is just dates and names, take Prof. Elmendorf’s classes. Not only will you learn more about a given period of history than you never knew you wanted to know, you’ll learn to look at history as something that matters. Prof. Elmendorf’s classes are enthralling and engaging—not to mention rigorous. She demands effort, but what you get out of the class is well worth your time. Think history is boring? Think again.

Chuck Evans (Exercise Science) – Scotty B (Senior: Physical Therapy)

From the dawn of PUC, Chuck has been around, first getting educated here, and now educating others. If you’re looking to either learn a sport or become more proficient in it, then you need to take a P.E. from Coach Evans. You are made to learn more than just how to do something, but also why you need to execute it that way. Or if you’re just looking to either slim down or bulk up, Coach will work with you one-on-one to develop a plan based on your individual needs. So if you’re going to be spending any time down in the gym, make sure you get in with this guy!

Aubyn Fulton (Psychology) – Ariane Gregory (Senior: Social Work, Music)

Dr. Fulton enjoys startling his students into learning. His class—should you decide to take one—will challenge you academically. But beyond bolstering book-learning, Dr. Fulton edges you out to think for yourself, and he doesn’t mind being unconventional in that process. It is impossible to take psychology from Fulton and experience continual boredom. Now, how does that make you feel?

Linda Gill (English) – jp katz (Senior: English, History, Music)

Dr. Gill may actually end up making you like English, but even if she doesn’t, she will certainly make going to class entertaining. Her lectures have actually been heard from outer space, and she is known to reach levels of excitement that would kill a grown elephant, even over things most people view as mundane. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Gill cares, and it shows; she spends painstaking hours virtually rewriting an entire paper, just to help you learn that much more. Amusing? Definitely. Brilliant? Assuredly (though she’ll never admit it). Passionate about learning? Absolutely.

Tammy McGuire (Communications) – Marissa Gomez (’09 Alum: Communications, Music)

When you walk into Dr. Tammy McGuire’s classroom, you may feel intimidated by her poise, but do not fear—professionalism is her way of showing respect for you, the student. Her dry sense of humor and interest in extreme outdoor activities (she’s done a few wilderness survival stints and often bikes the back 40) will win you over to the delights of paralanguage, being a Central Negative among your friends, and other such communication concepts. She’ll see right through your late-night concoction of a paper, so be wary and submit quality to fully tap into her brilliance as a scholar.

Asher Raboy (Music) – Matthew Reeves (’09 Alum: Music)

Asher Raboy has a unique talent of being able to take any subject, no matter how boring it might be, and bringing out the wonder of it. His wealth of knowledge in myriad areas adds a level of richness to the material that is rarely paralleled in other classes. Because he comes from the professional world rather than the academic world, he brings a fresh perspective to the material. His approach is always practical, yet also focuses on the underlying philosophy in a meaningful way. His charisma and passion make any subject that he teaches enjoyable. Plus he has a cool accent.

Jean Sheldon (Religion) – Melissa Totton (Junior: English, Music)

Dr. Jean Sheldon is a professor in the Theology department located below Graf Hall. She teaches a wide variety of religion classes, including some that you might have to take in order to fulfill your general education requirements. The great thing about Dr. Sheldon and the reason why I highly recommend you taking a class from her is that she knows so much. She has the the policy of answering questions in class right away and will help you understand the subject material so that you will be prepared for the tests. Also, her test preparation is awesome. She always gives out a study sheet if you ask for it that covers most, if not all, the material that you will be tested over. All in all, any class from Dr. Sheldon is sure to be a memorable one, and will make a lasting impression as you start your college experience.

Steve Waters (Mathematics) – Andy Riffel (’09 Alum: Mathematics)

Dr Waters is an amazing professor. His lectures are clear and easy to follow, his class structure is consistent and well-balanced, and he carries a calm, easygoing spirit about him. It’s easy to sense his excitement about mathematics the moment he begins teaching. If you ever need help, he’s available during his office hours to provide a direct beam of clarity to whatever concept you may be struggling with. I recommend him to anyone wanting a solid collegiate learning experience.

Aimee Wyrick (Biology) – Jaylene Chung (’09 Alum: Biology)

For those who are brave enough to take on Biological Foundations, the even braver will encounter Dr. Wyrick in Spring quarter. I didn’t even take Biological Foundations from Dr. Wyrick, but I tremble when I think about it anyway. I did, however, take an upper division course from her, and while I worked harder for that class than I did the entire year, it turned out to be the favorite of my entire college career. She’s open-minded, incredibly intelligent, and has that “rockin’ at being the only female in the Biology department” thing going on. If you’re not easily intimidated, you will be greatly rewarded by having your brains blown out. In a good way.

Tags: best, professors