Congratulations to the recipient of the 2018 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching
Stetson University congratulates Megan O’Neill as a recipient of the William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching, Stetson University’s highest honor celebrating exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student success.
The McEniry Award honors educators whose influence extends far beyond the classroom, recognizing faculty members who inspire intellectual growth while fostering meaningful connections with students and the broader university community.
In her McEniry Convocation remarks, Professor O’Neill reflected on the transformative power of listening and curiosity in education. She challenged students to view learning not as the passive absorption of information but as an active process of asking questions, engaging with differing perspectives, and remaining open to changing one’s own assumptions. By embracing conversations that are difficult yet meaningful, she argued, students develop not only academically but also as thoughtful and compassionate members of society.
She also shared a personal classroom experience in which genuine dialogue with a struggling student transformed frustration into understanding, illustrating her belief that effective teaching begins with empathy and a willingness to learn alongside one’s students. This commitment to listening and mutual growth exemplifies the spirit of the McEniry Award and the enduring impact of outstanding educators.
Please join the faculty, staff, and students at Stetson University in congratulating Professor Megan O’Neill on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued dedication to teaching, mentorship, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Dr. Megan O’Neill, Associate Professor of English