The Faculty of Arts has recently recognized Chad Wriglesworth, PhD as a recipient of the Arts Award for Excellence in Teaching. Wriglesworth is an associate professor in St. Jerome’s University’s Department of English.

“Outstanding teaching is foundational to the mission and identity of St. Jerome’s University. This recognition of Chad Wriglesworth by the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts affirms what we in our community have already known for many years – that he is a gifted teacher and scholar, and that he is unwavering in his commitment to his students,” noted president and vice-chancellor, Peter Meehan. “The entire St. Jerome’s community rejoices with Chad in this welcome news!”

Established in 2012 by then-dean of Arts Doug Peers, the Arts Awards for Excellence in Service, Teaching and Research recognize exceptional contributions made by faculty, staff, and students in the Faculty of Arts. In recognition of exceptional teaching, the Faculty of Arts presents up to four Arts Teaching Awards each year to faculty members (tenured and tenure-track professors, staff instructors, and definite term or continuing lecturers), sessional instructors, and graduate student instructors.

St. Jerome’s University congratulates Wriglesworth for his achievement and his dedication to serving his students and the mission of the University. “It is wonderful to see that Chad's reputation at St. Jerome's as an educator who creates spaces for students to truly appreciate the life of the mind and as a well-respected scholar and colleague extends "across-the-creek" in the Faculty of Arts more widely,” noted vice president academic and dean, Carol Ann MacGregor. “Chad's former students speak about the transformative impact he has had on their thinking and on their lives and I only wish we could find a way for every student to have a class with him.”

The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes exemplary teaching within the last 5 years, demonstrated teaching effectiveness, consistency in teaching excellence at different levels and course sizes, implementation of new and varied approaches related to course development, structure, and delivery, as well as promotion of better teaching through the mentorship of colleagues and graduate students.

Wriglesworth’s 2024 award marks the first time a faculty member from St. Jerome’s University has been recognized with a Faculty of Art award since the awards were established in 2012. 

"I’m so pleased to be recognized with an Arts Award for Excellence in Teaching. I came to St. Jerome’s thirteen years ago because I was committed to the idea of teaching at a Catholic liberal arts university that aspires to educate the whole person,” noted Wriglesworth. “I’m still committed to that vision and am constantly learning new ways to express the meaning of those values. I’ve always believed that the best teaching happens in collaborative environments, with people who are guided by their various intellectual traditions and commitments, even as they are taking some exploratory risks. I’m grateful to all the students, faculty, staff, and administrators who’ve supported my style of teaching along the way."