Excellence in Teaching, 2022
History
Nicky Gullace is the first one to chat with you about the latest British royal intrigue or a particularly juicy episode of Downton Abbey. And while she’s at it, you’ll learn a great deal about the historical context of both. Gullace is a scholar of modern Britain and European cultural history, and a public historian known for bringing rigorous historical analysis to popular culture with a light touch and thorough enjoyment.
Enthusiasm and humor are the first things she also brings to her classrooms. It’s part of her teaching philosophy: If students feel relaxed, trusting and engaged, Gullace has created an environment for the free expression of opinions, even unorthodox ones. This is when the serious work happens, as students exposed to new ideas are compelled to wrestle with their implications.
Gullace brings particular skill to teaching Discovery courses, judging from stellar student evaluations. Yet her range is equally impressive, with well-received course offerings at all levels of the curriculum, including a combined undergraduate/graduate seminar on LGBTQ+ history about which students rave, praising, for example, her deftness in handling the diversity of voices and material in the course.
Also a revered mentor, she has helped many a former student navigate academic waters and prepare for a fulfilling life beyond UNH. Notes one: “As she does for all of her students, professor Gullace has constantly filled me with the confidence and belief that I can succeed in all facets of life if I continue to work hard.
About this Award
Each year, the University selects a small number of its outstanding faculty for special recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service. Awards for Excellence in Teaching are given in each college and school, and University-wide awards recognize public service, research, teaching, and engagement.
