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Golob named Professor of the Year

Jun
18
2024
June 18, 2024
Brandon Golob

Students’ choice fourth year in a row

Brandon Golob, professor of teaching in criminology, law and society, is the School of Social Ecology’s Professor of the Year for the fourth year in a row.

The honor is bestowed by graduating students who nominated Golob. He received the highest number and most enthusiastic nominations. 

“My students are an unparalleled bright spot during dark, divisive times in higher education,” Golob said. “They motivate me to teach from a place of authenticity and receptivity. I’m honored that they find value in my courses but what I learn from them is far richer; it could never be distilled into a lesson plan.” 

Among the student nominations were these excerpts:

  • “Professor Golob creates a safe and engaging learning environment and also teaches critical thinking skills especially with contemporary analysis of current events.” 
  • “Professor Golob has been the best research advisor this past year and encouraged me to conduct my own research even when I was feeling unsure. Also, as an LA for some of his previous classes, Professor Golob always created a very welcoming environment in the classroom and was always ready to address any questions or concerns within the teaching team. Finally, Professor Golob was very supportive while I was applying to grad school and was more than happy to help me during the application process. He provided me with an amazing letter of recommendation and I will always be grateful for all of his help! :)”
  • “Professor Golob's lecture is crystal clear and students can easily follow all course content. He is patient with answering students' questions and always supports undergraduate students' learning by mentoring their research projects. Even if the topics of those research projects do not align with his specialization, he is still willing to support students.”
  • “Professor Golob has been a highlight of not only this academic year, but my entire time at UCI. After having him as a professor for multiple courses and as a research advisor, Professor Golob has encouraged me to pursue academic excellence in criminology while also broadening the lens through which I understand social justice and criminal justice systems. His teaching style is innovative and interactive, incorporating real-world examples and current media to make complex concepts accessible and engaging. As a research advisor, he has been a consistent support as I have worked to understand what it means to work interdisciplinarily and independently. When personal issues arose, he was always approachable, understanding, and accommodating, prioritizing my well-being and fostering a supportive learning environment. Beyond that, Professor Golob has been instrumental in pushing me to pursue opportunities and the success of my consideration for graduate school. He is also great to talk to about anything, and everyone I’ve met who knows Professor Golob only has positive experiences with him. Overall, his knowledge, passion, and dedication to his work and students have been incredibly inspirational to me as I have formed my academic and professional identity. He is definitely the best and most well-rounded professor I have had, and I would not be the scholar I am today without him!”
  • “In my two years here at UCI, I feel that Professor Golob is the only professor I’ve encountered that actually tries to make a connection with his students. … He makes sure to keep his student ENGAGED and his method of teaching is probably the most effective way I’ve ever seen anyone in all my years of school actually teach kids. I actually LEARNED in his course. Professor Golob deserves this award simply because every professor should want to be like Professor Golob. He isn’t Professor of the Year, he is THE Professor of UCI.”

Golob accepted the award at a ceremony June 14. Watch his remarks on YouTube.

The School’s Professor of the Year award isn’t the only honor Golob received this month. Students in the Master of Advanced Study (M.A.S.) in criminology, law and society also chose Golob as the M.A.S. Professor of the Year.

Golob joined UCI’s faculty six years ago. His research and teaching focus on the ways legal concepts are communicated to non-lawyers. 

He received his dual B.A. in rhetoric and interdisciplinary studies from UC Berkeley, his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in communication from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. 

Past Professor of the Year recipients:

— Mimi Ko Cruz

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