Top 10 Santa Clara Professors

From a combination of course evaluations, awards and student recommendations, The Santa Clara counts down the top 10 professors you must take a class with.

Eddie Solis Jr.THE SANTA CLARANovember 6, 20141) Laurie PoeMathematics professor Laurie Poe is academic royalty. She was listed among the “Best 300 Professors” in the U.S. by the Princeton Review. She strives to present the material as clearly as possible so no student feels left behind. In math, it can be easy  to fall behind in the race, but Poe makes sure that her students cross the finish line together.  2) Dr. Stephen Carroll

If you want to become a better writer, take a class with Carroll for guaranteed improvement.

“Stephen Carroll will rip your writing apart and force you to stitch it back together,” said senior Kathryn Hackett. “His Grant Writing class is everything you need to be successful. (It was) one of the hardest classes I’ve taken and I hated it while I was in the class, but by far one of the most fulfilling classes I’ve had at (Santa Clara).”

  3) Michael Lasley

Talk to anyone who has taken  a Critical Thinking and Writing class with this English scholar and they’ll tell you, “Lasley is the man!” He’s got a friendly attitude that really comforts first-year students and encourages them to embrace the college experience. His positive attitude and geniune interest in his  students lets them know that college is a team effort and he’s on their roster.

  4) Sam Conedera, S.J.

Conedera’s passion for medieval history is infectious. Take one of his classes to see what true passion looks like.

“(He) made me ecstatic to learn about the crusades for hours at a time when I had previously not ever given them thought,” said senior Ryan Mahoney. “That’s the mark of a real genius, he took a core class we were ho-hum about and turned it into the best class I’ve taken at (Santa Clara).”

  5) Michael Zampelli, S.J.

Zampelli was one of the first faces students were introduced to during their freshman orientation at Santa Clara, and rightly so. This professor is an outstanding representation of our university’s spirit. Zampelli is energetic, rambunctious and passionate. In addition, he holds the firm belief that all Jesuits aim to convey to their students: educate the whole person.

 6) Dr. Sally Vance-Trembath

Theology professor Vance-Trembath encourages students to think about their own experiences with religion and what practices they wish to embrace. As a mentor, she shows a care for her “companions,” as she likes to call her students, that is practically unrivaled. She has a genuine care for her students that she takes to every class. Vance-Trembath enjoys learning from her students as much as she likes teaching them. She believes education is a two-way street that should always be taken.

 7) Dr. Lawrence Nelson

With Nelson, it’s either his way or the highway. No ifs, ands or buts in his ethics classes. With all the class assignments, you’ll question why you ever wanted to earn a college degree. But once finals are over, you’ll look back and realize that he was challenging you because he knew you could do it. He recognizes his students’ potential and pushes them to be their best.

 8) Aldo Billingslea

Tao breaths anyone? This theater professor has been responsible for turning many students toward the thespian life. His Acting for Non-Majors class is fun and energetic, but demands students to fully participate and put themselves out there — an important lesson for college and life.

 9) Dr. Francisco Jiménez

Spanish professor Francisco Jiménez let the world into his heart and his life when he wrote his autobiography, “The Circuit.” A fellow Bronco, he is the embodiment of the “Three C’s” — competence, conscience and compassion. His struggles in life have created a professor who knows the value of education, hard work and love for those around you.

 10) Dr. Anthony Hazard

This history professor strives to be a true source of knowledge for his students. His dedication to his field is a lesson that any Santa Clara professor could learn from.

“Beside being able to talk football with him at any time, he opened up my eyes to the diverse world we truly live in,” said student Will Mittenthal. “Great professor in his own right.”

Contact Eddie Solis Jr. at esolis1@scu.edu .