Laura Kalin (Linguistics; Humanities Council) and Seth A. Perry (Religion) are among four Princeton University faculty members who received President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching at Commencement ceremonies Tuesday, May 28.
Kalin is an associate professor of linguistics in the Humanities Council. She has taught at Princeton since 2016. Her research focuses on “the syntax and morphology of understudied and often endangered languages.”
Described by one student as “the most dedicated professor I’ve had at Princeton,” Kalin is known for her passion for her field, her inspiring energy, and her commitment to her students and advisees.
“What truly sets Professor Kalin apart from the rest is her unparalleled enthusiasm. No matter whether explaining the topic of the day, or exploring an impromptu tangent uncovered by a student’s question, she approached every problem with a vibrant energy that was nothing short of infectious,” one alumnus said.
Perry is an associate professor of religion. He has taught at Princeton since 2014. His scholarship focuses on American religious history and religious authority.
Perry has served as director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Religion for five years, during which time he revised the department’s junior colloquium, chaired the committee that revised and updated requirements for the major, and proposed the course of study to create a minor in religion.
Said one former student, “His passion for intellectual inquiry, unparalleled gift for teaching, and genuine care for students epitomize all of Princeton’s highest ideals.”
The awards were established in 1990 through a gift by Princeton alumni Lloyd Cotsen of the Class of 1950 and John Sherrerd of the Class of 1952 to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching by Princeton faculty members.
