Clinical Professor and Levenson Family Professor Susannah Washburn was recently honored with the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by the Office of Undergraduate Studies Programs.
Critical thinking is a highly sought-after skill valued by today’s employers. Recognizing its importance, Washburn has made it a cornerstone of her teaching approach. “Prof. Washburn's influence extends far beyond the classroom, leaving an impact on me that will last into my career and future,” recalled one of Washburn's students. “Her dedication to fostering a culture of critical thinking and collaboration instilled the importance of lifelong learning and active citizenship.” To ensure her students thrive in today's ever-changing job market, she cultivates these skills—and experiential learning is the key to achieving this.
With a background in academia and public service, Washburn started integrating real-world experiences into her teaching to provide students with a holistic understanding of leadership and social change. One student-favorite activity, "Brief your Boss," was born from Washburn’s experience as a policy analyst. This activity challenges students to research and present policy issues to simulated bosses, honing their research and communication skills.
As College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program Director, Washburn oversees hands-on public service projects that combine theory and practice. These projects, like making grants to area nonprofits, allow students to apply their knowledge of leadership and social change in a real-world context and cultivate their critical thinking and collaboration skills.
"Students in the College Park Scholars program are incredibly bright and motivated – they have very high standards for what is worthy of their time,” explained Washburn. Receiving the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching was particularly meaningful for her because it came from such a discerning group of students. She noted, “Being recognized for excellence from this pool of students is a high reward.”
Washburn also emphasized the significance of the award being named after Donna Hamilton, former associate provost for academic affairs and dean for undergraduate studies, whose vision played a critical role in creating opportunities like the Carillon iGIVE program, which initially brought Washburn to UMD. “I am thrilled to win an award in Donna’s name,” said Washburn. “...It is such an honor to teach at UMD and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without Donna Hamilton.”
Washburn highlighted the importance of empowering students to enact meaningful change in their communities. "It boils down to students' awareness that a problem exists, … the root causes and the role public policies play in addressing or exacerbating the issue,” she explained. Through inspirational examples and self-reflection, students learn to leverage their skills and networks to make a positive impact.