Joyce Kaufman has sparked intellectual dialogue about political science in her Whittier College classrooms for more than 30 years. She's inspired students with her passion, cultivated dedicated scholars through her curriculum, and served as a role model for young Poets.
So when Kaufman was recognized at Spring Honors Convocation, with the 2016 Nerhood Teaching Excellence Award, a colleague said he was stunned that it had not happened sooner. Named for Professor Emeritus of History Harry W. Nerhood, the award honors educators who set high academic standards, stimulate enthusiasm and creative thought, create a quality environment for learning in the classroom, and are readily available for dialogue and counseling with students.
"I am thrilled and honored to have received this award," said Kaufman. "This is the highest honor that can be awarded to a faculty member and during my time at Whittier, it has truly gone to some of the most respected members of the faculty. I am humbled to now be one of that group."
Charles Eastman, director of the College's writing program, described Kaufman as a "popular and masterful advisor and mentor" who cultivates class after class of outstanding, dedicated students. Year after year, she sponsors Whittier Scholars student projects, which Eastman said are consistently among the College's best.
When Faith Govan '14 found out that Kaufman was nominated for the award, she sent her roses. Kaufman had become one of Govan's "most treasured mentors," the alumna said. "It was because of Dr. Kaufman that I decided to apply to the Whittier Scholars Program and ended up designing my own major. It was because of her guidance and direction that I received the absolutely life-changing opportunity to work abroad in South Africa."
Kaufman traveled there as well, her work having led her to places like Sarajevo and Northern Ireland. Always interested in war and peace, Kaufman became especially invested in the effect war has on women and has spent many years researching the subject. She earned her bachelor's at New York University and her Ph.D. from University of Maryland. After working on NATO nuclear policy for the Department of Defense, then working for defense contractors, she came to teach at the College in 1985.
Although she began as an English major, Kaufman was led to change course by a particularly impactful political science professor. She supposes that "it was the impact of a professor like him who so inspired [her to serve] as a role model, as well as a reminder of the impact a faculty member can make."
She had just that effect on a Poet, who has taken multiple courses from her. The student described how Kaufman shaped their education "immeasurably, by pushing me to work harder and think deeper on all levels. Her ability to inspire her students is in part due to the fact that her enthusiasm for the subjects she teaches is infectious."
Another Poet, who took her International Relations course, said Kaufman changed their perspective and path of their education for the better. Besides her passionate approach to teaching, Kaufman "injects so much energy into each class and presents each and every detail and explains every concept to the fullest," the student said.
In her classroom, Kaufman described how students have led discussions and taken classes in interesting directions with their questions, such as in her International Relations and American Foreign Policy courses. Eastman noticed, and he described how Kaufman gives the impression "of having worked out to the minute what she and her students ... are going to do, yet I know she has built into each painstakingly planned lesson space for epiphanies, for her students to take the discussion into directions their new understanding of the material impels them."
One of Kaufman's current students said they appreciate Kaufman's immense availability, as well, noting how the approachable professor is always willing to work with a student's schedule and replies promptly to emails.
Kaufman's tireless efforts have also built the College's Center for Engagement with Communities, which promotes life-long learning and civic engagement.
