Chowan University proudly announces Dr. Gregory Taylor as the esteemed recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award during its 165th commencement ceremony. This prestigious accolade, considered the highest honor for faculty members, is bestowed upon an individual who is chosen by their fellow colleagues on the university’s faculty.

The selection process for the Excellence in Teaching Award involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. These include the recipient’s unwavering dedication to the teaching profession, their commitment to nurturing and guiding students, their effectiveness as an educator, their continuous professional growth, their accessibility to students, their active involvement in extracurricular activities at the university, and their harmonious relationships with colleagues and partners.

Dr. Taylor, a Distinguished Professor of History, has been an integral part of Chowan University since 2006, dedicating eighteen years to shaping the minds of students. This is not the first time he has been recognized for his exceptional teaching abilities, as he previously received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. His commitment to education has also been acknowledged through various other honors, including the McDowell Columns Scholar Award in 2011 and 2021, the Alpha Chi Teacher of the Year Award in 2008, and the title of Distinguished Professor in 2018.

Beyond his remarkable teaching career, Dr. Taylor has made significant contributions to the field of historical research. He has authored five books, each shedding light on different aspects of North Carolina’s history. Notably, his latest work, Central Prison: A History of North Carolina’s State Penitentiary, published in 2021, received the prestigious 2021 Ragan Old North State Award for Nonfiction. This recognition, presented by the North Carolina Literary and Historical Society, honors the best nonfiction work about the state.

Dr. Taylor’s current research focuses on the International Labor Defense (ILD) and its impact on American society. Through his exploration of the ILD, he uncovers the organization’s role in defending Communist Party leaders, activists, and other individuals supported by the CPUSA. Notably, the ILD’s efforts led to landmark Supreme Court cases that expanded the fundamental freedoms protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Gregory Taylor stated, “I am deeply honored to be so recognized by my colleagues on the Chowan University faculty. Their acknowledgment means more to me than I can say, and I will be forever grateful.”

Chowan University takes pride in honoring Dr. Gregory Taylor for his outstanding contributions to teaching and research. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the university and its students, inspiring future generations of scholars.