Professor of English Mary Theresa Hall named inaugural DHI Professor of the Year

Posted May 04, 2022 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- The Thiel College Dietrich Honors Institute Student Advisory Board recently named Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D., as the recipient of the inaugural DHI Professor of the Year Award.

The award is meant to celebrate professors who embody the DHI mission of advancing student inquiry, reflection, and growth. Members of the DHI surprised Hall with the news of her selection on Wednesday, April 27.

“Everyone associated with the DHI deserves an award for stellar teaching and leadership of classes and theses and exemplifying camaraderie and care, both in and out of the classroom,” said Hall. “I’m so honored to receive the plaque, balloons, flowers, and a lovely speech, all of which I accept with gratitude and pride for who we are and what we do together for and with our students each day.”

A native of Pittsburgh, Hall graduated from Seton Hill University in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in English, a secondary certification in English, and a minor in French. She taught high school in Pittsburgh for several years before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in literature from Carnegie Mellon University, and then she taught at her alma mater, Seton Hill, for several years while working to earn her doctorate from Duquesne University. She began teaching at Thiel College in 1999.

Hall previously served the College as the faculty chair and as associate academic dean. Her work has been published in academic journals and presented at academic conferences. She was also named the Thiel College Professor of the Year for the 2021-2022 academic year, which is a distinguished award given to professors who exemplify service and hard work both in and out of the classroom.

The Dietrich Honors Institute inspires and enriches Thiel College’s inclusive community of life-long learners with programs that foster inquiry, reflection, and growth. Students are challenged to make discoveries and apply knowledge in new ways, which prepares them to be responsible and purposeful leaders. The DHI Professor of the Year Award will be presented annually to a professor selected by the DHI Student Advisory Board based on nominations and votes from DHI students. All Thiel College professors are eligible for nomination and selection.