Edmund Pries chosen as Laurier's 2019 Teaching Fellow

May 1, 2019
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University has named Edmund Pries as its 2019 Teaching Fellow. Pries is an assistant professor in Laurier’s Global Studies and Religion and Culture programs, the coordinator of the university’s Social Entrepreneurship Option and the academic director of C3 Innovation Labs.

“Edmund’s described teaching philosophy is both vibrant and reflective,” said Kathryn Carter, associate vice-president: Teaching and Learning. “His teaching exemplifies a thoughtful and deeply committed approach to pedagogy with a strong focus on student transformation.”

Laurier’s Teaching Fellows embody the highest ideals of teaching and leadership and work to encourage the success of all students. The Laurier Teaching Fellowship program honours faculty members who demonstrate exceptional contributions to teaching and learning and who have established an exemplary record of achievement in educational leadership. Teaching Fellows pursue individual programs of activities designed to enhance teaching quality and promote teaching excellence.

“My passion for teaching comes from seeing students develop in their learning capabilities and grow as individuals who will eventually take on global challenges,” said Pries. “My job is to teach them how to think critically and engage creatively.”

Pries’ Laurier Teaching Fellowship project will measure the learning outcomes and student impact of two experiential learning program options offered by Laurier’s Faculty of Arts: social entrepreneurship and community engagement. The results of the project will provide a deeper understanding of the impact these options have on students’ learning, lives and careers.

“As a fellow, part of my role will be to promote good teaching – something that takes many forms,” said Pries. “From lectures to intimate seminars, or experiential learning, all three approaches inspire ideas and help students learn in a meaningful way.”

Pries will be recognized during Laurier’s Teaching Excellence Awards reception, taking place May 31 at 11:45 a.m. in the Senate and Board Chamber on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by May 27.

Previous Laurier Teaching Fellows include Bruce Gillespie (2017), Ken Maly (2015), Gavin Brockett (2014), Deena Mandell (2014), Eileen Wood (2014), Steve MacNeil (2013) and Mercedes Rowinsky-Geurts (2013).