UPEI’s Dr. Greg Doran named a top teacher by AAU

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) announced the recipients of its region awards for excellence in teaching and education leadership. Among the honourees was Dr. Greg Doran, chair and associate professor of English at UPEI and coordinator of UPEI’s theatre studies program.

Dr. Doran received the 2018 AAU Distinguished Teaching Award recognizing outstanding teaching over a number of years. From the award citation:

Dr. Greg Doran has influenced and inspired countless students with his energy, enthusiasm, and passion. Anyone who knows him knows that what he believes about his work – that his ‘success as a teacher lies in the success of [his] students’ – is precisely true. Despite the glowing comments his students make about him as a teacher, and even though a number of his students have gone on to prestigious theatre programs, Greg humbly disavows doing anything other than leading students in the right direction. But, of course, he does much more than that.

In Dr. Doran’s fourteen years at UPEI, he has developed, revised, and taught an impressive number and range of courses in both the English and Theatre programs. As the sole member of the Theatre Studies Program, he is responsible for all theatre education at the university, and his excellent student productions are highlights of every academic year. And, as he himself says, his experience directing student actors has influenced his teaching as well: ‘Just as no two actors can be directed the same way,’ he says, ‘I try to find the best ways to encourage the success of students, which often means being very flexible and trying different approaches in the classroom.’ This flexibility is one of the qualities most often praised in his student evaluations.

“I congratulate Dr. Doran on receiving this prestigious award,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Greg is a wonderful example of what we strive to be as professors. His enthusiasm, passion, and creativity, along with his tireless commitment to improving learning for students, are to be commended. The entire UPEI community is extremely proud to see him recognized in this deserving manner.”

Congratulations, Dr. Doran!

The AAU (www.atlanticuniversities.ca) represents the 16 universities in Atlantic Canada and serves as an advocate for the important role Atlantic universities play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation and in contributing to the economic prosperity and quality of life of the Atlantic region.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.