Alice Dehghanzadeh
Opinions Editor
At UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), there are plenty of wonderful, impactful professors ranging from the STEM world to the humanities. Each plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s education. But what makes a particular professor stand out, especially with the different teaching styles and attributes? For UCSB students, it’s not just teaching at a professional level — it’s about accessibility, connecting with students, and showing passion for what they do. The Bottom Line interviewed various UCSB students to ask about their opinions on what makes an impactful professor.
For Kiana Woods, who is in her second year at UCSB studying English, a standout professor is someone who is “kind, understanding, and genuinely interested in teaching their students.” She explained that the best professors aren’t interested solely in broadening their research but in sharing their powerful knowledge with students. This includes making accommodations, whether that be through emails or discussion before or after class. Woods also believes that “offering nuanced discussions in lecture” adds a layer to coursework that otherwise may be limited.
Lizbeth Mendieta, a sophomore studying history of public policy and law, shared that professors who go the extra mile to get to know their students stand out to her. This is through things such as learning students’ names, opening up lectures for student participation, and holding different types of office hours, such as “walk and talks” in addition to regular office hours. This creates more approachable and engaging opportunities for interaction. Personal touches make students feel valued and appreciated.
Mia Griffiths, a second-year student studying sociology, highlights the importance of genuine care from professors. She said, “A good professor is one who doesn’t just want us to get a good grade in their class but wants us to thrive and gain [something] from their knowledge.” This goes beyond lecturing and includes mentoring, checking in on students, and creating a supportive learning environment.
Ryan Chavez, a second-year biology major, points out enthusiasm as a standout quality of a professor. He recalled Professor Wilton, who he took Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology 1B with, sharing that “his enthusiasm for the course made the difficult content more bearable.” Chavez also recounts how, after class, this professor would stick around and ask students how they were feeling and how he could help. This demonstrates that commitment to both effective teaching and student support goes a long way in impacting a student’s experience in class.
Impactful UCSB professors go beyond simply delivering the course content. A standout professor guides students in meaningful ways, whether that be through learning student names, increasing accessibility, or exhibiting their passion. Their dedication to ensuring a positive environment for students not only allows students to thrive academically but socially, personally, and professionally as well.