Dr. Samantha Bennett Receives William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching

Presented annually, the award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and engagement both inside and outside the classroom.

For Bennett, the recognition is less about individual achievement and more about the collective work of students, faculty, and staff across campus.

"This award represents the work that all of us do every day," Bennett said. "Teaching is never done in isolation."

A first-generation college student herself, Bennett's own educational experiences continue to shape her approach to teaching and mentoring.

As an undergraduate student, Bennett once missed a final exam-not because she lacked ability or commitment, but because she had not yet learned how to navigate the expectations of college life. Rather than viewing the situation as a failure, a faculty mentor took the time to help her understand not only the course material, but the skills and strategies necessary to succeed as a college student.

That experience left a lasting impression.

"I try to meet students where they are and help them move forward," Bennett said.

Today, Bennett brings that same philosophy of empathy, support, and accountability to her own classroom, recognizing that students often arrive with different experiences, backgrounds, and levels of preparation.

That approach is particularly important in criminal justice education, where Bennett encourages students to consider the human side of their future professions.

"You're working with people on some of their worst days," she said. "Empathy matters."

Bennett challenges students to think critically about the complex issues facing communities and to approach those challenges with compassion, open-mindedness, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Her investment in students extends beyond the classroom as well. Bennett serves as an advisor for the John and Annie Glenn Fellows program alongside Chaplain Derek Wadlington, where she mentors students as they develop leadership skills and prepare for their futures.

She believes meaningful relationships and mentorship are essential components of student success.

"When we invest in students as people, we invest in them as learners as well," Bennett said.

Colleagues and students alike describe Bennett as approachable, supportive, and deeply committed to creating an engaging learning environment. She emphasizes active participation, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for students to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.

As the recipient of the William Oxley Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching, Bennett joins a distinguished group of Muskingum educators recognized for their impact on students and their commitment to the University's mission.

For Bennett, the work remains centered on helping students discover their potential and equipping them to make a difference in their communities.

"I want students to know that growth is always possible," Bennett said. "The moment we believe we've learned everything is the moment we stop learning."

With Reporting by Auggie Niner '27