MESA Undergraduate Education Award

The Undergraduate Award Committee is pleased to present the 2023 MESA Undergraduate Education Award to Professor Carole Woodall (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs). Professor Woodall has shown a multi-disciplinary focus in her teaching, and the breadth of pedagogical focus in her work is impressive. 

 

She has developed history courses and teaching modules in subjects as wide-ranging as the Making of Modern Istanbul; The Late Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic; and Mass Consumption in the Middle East. Professor Woodall has taught courses on women, including Women and War; Women’s Voices from the Margins, and Middle East Women in Film; and classes on Islam and the West, and on Modern Turkey in the Age of Political Islam and Twitter.

The diversity of original teaching methods in Professor Woodall’s classes ranges from reflection exercises with texts from writer Orhan Pamuk to collaborative podcasts.

Professor Woodall has also mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students. The committee was impressed by the written testimonies of 33 of her former students who all spoke about the intellectual impact of Dr. Woodall’s innovative teaching, and her extraordinary dedication as a mentor. According to an alumna, “During my time at UCCS [University of Colorado, Colorado Springs] I have had many great professors who support and nurture the intellect of their students. However, Dr. Woodall goes above and beyond for her students. She is a kind and compassionate soul who utilizes her role to encourage student engagement and student success.” Another student of Professor Woodall pointed out that “Professor Woodall sets the standards for professionalism in the world of higher learning.” 

 

The MESA Undergraduate Award Committee appreciates the opportunity to unanimously award this recognition to Professor Woodall for her exceptional contributions to pedagogy and the teaching of the Middle East.