RateMyProfessors.com released its annual list of Top University Professors today, charting the best teachers in higher education based on student reviews.
These 25 professors were noted for accessibility, clarity, and ability to cultivate a discussion, among many other traits. They come from a variety of subjects and from schools all over the country.
The top professor — Penny Livermore, a classics professor atLoyola University Chicago — is genuinely adored by her students. One wrote, "Penny is seriously an angel embodied in human form. She sees the best in everyone and will work with students in every circumstance."
#1 Penny Livermore, Classics, Loyola University Chicago
"Penny is seriously an angel embodied in human form. She sees the best in everyone and will work with students in every circumstance. She is the next Mother Theresa! She feeds you, tells you stories, and gives you As!!! I was blessed to have the honor of meeting her!"
"Penny (as she would like you to call her) is the most wonderful woman. She is so inspirational and a breathe of fresh air. She sees us as PEOPLE (who happen to go to school) instead of just students. If you take her class, go talk to her and you will feel so good about life. Her class is awesome! Take her!"
#2 Devon Hanahan, Spanish, College of Charleston
"By far my favorite professor at CofC! Very laid-back and funny. Will find fun ways to help you learn the material including Jeopardy games and fashion shows :) She has the best ratings at CofC for a reason. Will give study guides for exams and the oral interview (all you have to do is chat with her!) TAKE HER!!!"
"Love her!! Her teaching is crystal clear and she will explain something until you get it! She invites you to her house and to hang out with her outside of class! She moved one of our tests because she didn't feel like we were ready yet! She really wants to see you do well! Study guides, a friendly face, and a good attitude! Take her!"
#3 Kenneth Anderson, Music, University of California San Diego
"There is no bad word to say about Ken. I went really intimidated by the fact that I can't sing, but then you realize everybody else can't sing either and we're in there for the same reason - to get rid of the fine arts req. He manages to get 300+ people to sing BEAUTIFULLY. It is so much fun in his class. How could I not recommend it? 20 thumbs up"
"I love this class! Professor Anderson keeps rehearsals lively and entertaining. He's got a great sense of humor and you actually end up learning a lot about the origins of gospel music. The concerts are a lot of fun to participate in, especially while singing with the phenomenal vocalists he invites to solo for us."
#4 Rosalind Hall, Music, Brigham Young University
"Next to my mother, Sister Hall is my favorite woman on the planet. She truly loves her students and is loved in return. She is extremely helpful and provides many opportunities for students to grow and learn. She is THE BEST."
"Absolutely amazing teacher. Hands down one of the best professors at BYU, and one of the best people you will ever meet. If you ever get the chance to take choir from her do it. You will become a better singer and a better person."
#5 Kevin Raiford, Business, College of Southern Nevada
"Very awesome! You will only fail if you don't do the work! Group projects are great in his class, and he always know how to explain his material. He is devoted to his classroom and his students. If you need help with ANYTHING, he is there! One of the BEST instructors at CSN!"
"you would be a fool not to take his class. by far one of the best teachers i have had.he the real deal. his resume and actual work experience in the field of managerial accounting make what he teaches real. He goes out of his way to help his students. If he taught underwater basket weaving i would take that class too."
#6 Debra Farrer, Education, California University of Pennsylvania
"Extremely nice teacher. She is excited to teach and will help you with any questions you have. The class is really easy as long as you go and turn your work in. I didn't use the textbook much-her powerpoints are wonderful."
"Dr. Farrer is a great professor. She is very clear on what she wants from her students. The tests come from your notes and they are relatively easy. We did a lot of fun projects in her class such as learning centers, making our own books and learning about fun activities to get children involved in. I would definitely take her again if I could!"
#7 Bridget Middleton, Mathematics, Santa Fe College
"I have a very hard time understanding math, but the way Mrs. Middleton explains it, it makes so much sense. She shows us different ways of solving and let's us use the method that's easiest for us. She tries to give us immediate feedback as much as possible so we know what needs improvement."
"I have never had a teacher that actually goes out of her way and care the way Mrs.Middletondoes, she is very nice, understanding, and hot! definitely recommend her class over any other hands down!!!"
#8 Claude Mark Hurlbert, English, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
"Hands down best professor. I learned more than I could have ever asked. Most caring, personal, intelligent professor ever. He connected our class through personal tragedies and triumphs and I feel so comfortable with everyone and consider every single one of them friends. He really cares about his students and is ALWAYS willing to help!"
"He's very helpful. Makes you write a 15pg single spaced book,but gives you almost all semester to do it. Sounds hard, but it's really easy. Parts of the book will be due at different times, and the class reads different pages of your book and gives you feedback. It doesn't sound fun, but in the end, you'll love it! he's always willing to help!"
#9 Dr. Kimora, Criminal Justice, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
"I had Dr. Kimora for two classes and they were both amazing. She will teach her lessons in a step by step well-organized manor and will always answer any questions you have. If you ever take her for a class it is worth it because you will enjoy it and will also find out about your mistakes if you made any."
"Professor Kimora is one of those professors that can change your life and view on topics. She is an excellent mentor & I HIGHLY recommended taking a course(s) with her. She is very enthusiastic about teaching & loves to do it, she speaks crystal clear & loves helping people. she is extremely fair & gives you the grade you deserve. She's the BEST!!!"
#10 Warren Schultz, Education, St. Joseph’s College
"He is the best professor in the child study department. He gives us the information we need to know to be successful teachers and always does an arts and crafts project before the end of class with us. Its only a midterm, final, 2 lesson plans, and a literature presentation. Take him."
"What can you say about Mr. Schultz? He is a great Professor...He's caring, always available to help out students, and has funny stories that tie into the class. Highly recommend that you take his classes if you can."
#11 Myra Bloom, English, Oral Roberts University
"It is a very good class and Professor Bloom is most helpful. There is a lot of information but you do not get bored about the library. The video was amazing. The trial searches Professor Bloom designed were excellent and taught me how to search with the best terms and strategies."
"That was amazing, so many resources that are so easy to use. Prof. Bloom is funny and she knows the content. Wow."
#12 Sarah Satterfield, Music, College of Central Florida
"Awesome class. She really covers the milestones and highlights of the history of music extremely well, very easy to follow along as long as you take down notes. Overall just one of the nicest professors I've ever met."
"Great person, excellent teacher, and really loves her field! She's kind and loves helping students and makes class very enjoyable. Lectures get a bit long at times, but the dull moments are bearable. I recommend her to anyone - music majors, art majors, even math majors who need the humanities credits."
#13 Raj Bose, Business, University of Phoenix Hawaii Campus
"Mr Bose is an outstanding instructor. He is very easy to understand and relates his marketing experiences through his teachings and apply it to the real world challenges."
"Raj kept the discussions interesting and relevant by always posting articles and you tube videos that went with answers and comments in the discussions. He helped bring real life facts to the text. It made the concepts easier and more fun to learn."
#14 Andrew Russakoff, Computer Science, St. John’s University
"MOST AMAZING PROFESSOR AT ST JOHNS! he is the greatest. class never lasts longer than 40 minutes, he tells you exactly what you need to know and never tries to trick you. easy A and you learn a lot! i wish i could take his class over and over again"
"This Professor made class fun, he played the bagpipe on St. Patricks day. Easy to understand and very lenient. On exams he even gave hints to what the answer is. Must go to class though or you'll miss out. Talk to him after class for help or just to joke around or electronics. Very understanding"
#15 Karen Turner, Business, University of Miami
"Best teacher I've had at UM. Genuinely cares about students and makes sure students are immersed in the subjects. Brings in real life examples and applications. Gives great life long legal advice as well. Surprised she doesn't work full time as a lawyer because she's that good. If you try very hard, you will do well."
"Excellent teacher, extremely nice. She can break anything complicated down into something very simple. She's very open minded about grading on quizzes and exams, and she's extremely helpful with them as well as the paper. She's also more interesting in lectures than most for the subject."
#16 Pietro Lorenzini, Criminal Justice, Governors State University
"This was a terrific class. It was filled with information which is useful but was based on theories and jurisprudence. Great class with a refined and highly intellectual professor. I recommend it to all who are interested in criminal justice, political science and law school."
"For me this was a hard class but the professor made it worth the effort. He is smart, articulate, knows his subject real well and seems to care about students. He is very attractive too. Believe me, take Lorenzini if you can cause he's worth it!"
#17 Donald Franks, Mathematics, California University of Pennsylvania
"Dr. Franks is definitely the best professor I have ever had. I hate math, but he made it enjoyable. He is smart and hilarious! I didn't mind coming to class at all. It was a privilege having him for class. :)"
"Worth getting up for an 8 AM Class with him. Awesome professor and still talks to you even when the semester is over and is always willing to help!"
#18 Paige Baltzan, Business, University of Denver
"Ms Paige is a gift and I would not have been able to remain in school while working without her encouragement. She believed in me and that made all the difference for me."
"Paige strives to go beyond just teaching and insists that you learn and can apply the material before leaving her course. She cares that you learn - a new experience for me. Plus, she is really easy on the eyes."
#19 William Hoston, Political Science, University of Houston – Clear Lake
Courtesy of William Hoston
"Good teacher & very helpful. Research paper, 3 reading critiques & two exams. Overwhelming at first but he does a good job organizing class & keeping students up to date with assignments."
"My favorite professor took the LSAT prep course got accepted into 3 law schools. Hopefully starting in the fall. Awesome prep, revises your personal statement and writes everyone a letter of rec."
#20 Garry Merritt, Languages, University of North Georgia – Oakwood
"I was so afraid to take Spanish but Mr. Merritt was the best teacher ever...I really enjoyed his class he made it fun for all and was always willing to help!!! My first spanish class ever and I made an A!!!"
"Professor Merritt is an AMAZING teacher! He loves what he does and he makes class VERY fun! He put extra credit on all the tests and quizzes. I don't think I have ever enjoyed going to a class so much in my life! I would recommend him to anyone and everyone! :D"
#21 Margaret Jordan, English, Wayne State University
"Dr. Jordan is the only professor I know who can not only introduce you to a text but can also take you within it and make you feel like you are experiencing exactly what the author intended for you to feel. It's okay to be wrong, because in her room no one is wrong. She welcomes dialogue and puts everyone at ease. This is my second class with her."
"Professor Jordan was an amazing professor. She was great at giving complete information. The class discussions always made class enjoyable. She just did not lecture but rather we all as a class were involved in teaching."
#22 Kevin Kreider, Mathematics, University of Akron
"Probably one of the nicest professors I've ever met or had for a class. He's extremely helpful if you need the help. Also, he is willing to work with you if a situation arises in that you have to miss class (i.e. missing a week of class in an 8-week summer session). I wish all professors were like him."
"Two words: must take! His passion for teaching shows in the quality of his lectures and he's really helpful when you see him at his office hours. He's well liked amongst the students because he actually cares about your success. I wish every professor was like this guy. Dr. K is the man!"
#23 Jessica Damian, English, Georgia Gwinnett College
"I'm a first year college student and this professor has no idea how much she has inspired me. She is without a doubt the best teacher to take!! As long as you attend classes and work hard, you won't have an issue. AMAZING PROFESSOR!!! AND A BEAUTIFUL PERSON!!!!!"
"Best teacher I have ever had. Amazing grasp on learning and focuses on class discussions over busy work.She focuses on each student individually and cares a great deal about all of them. Her goal is to help you succeed not only in her class but in the rest of your life. To top it all off she is gorgeous too! TAKE HER!!!!"
#24 Susan Young, Mathematics, University of Akron
"Mrs. Young is an amazing professor. She teaches the course in an organized, straight-to-the-point fashion. She provides sample quizzes and tests, so you're never surprised by an exam question. Plus, if you're bordering an A or B in the class, she'll bump you up if she knows you've put in effort."
"Mrs. Young is an excellent math professor. She is articulate, explains concepts well, and her teaching style engages the student as she frequently poses questions and solicits for students' responses/feedback as she gives a lecture. She also updates Springboard (online website used at Akron) in a prompt manner. Highly recommended!"
#25 Anna Bass, Management, Southeastern Louisiana University
"I really adore going to her class. She is so enthusiastic about teaching and so well at teaching the materials that you want to learn in the class. Not only does she have experienced with what she is teaching but she also brightens your day and make you laugh and enjoy her class to the fullest."
"Awesome teacher! Knows her stuff and very easy to learn from. Gives a different quote every class and talks about the author of quote. Very willing to help with anything. I would highly recommend her."
