DANNY HAYES

BEST PROFESSOR

Runners up: John Sides, Alexander Dent

 

It’s no wonder the professor we like best is a media and politics buff.

 

Danny Hayes, an associate professor of political science, is a contributor to The Washington Post’s “Wonkblog” and co-author of “Influence From Abroad,” a book about how foreign leaders influenced U.S. public opinion before the Iraq War. But to students, Hayes is best known for his engaging lectures sprinkled with pop culture references.

 

In an email, Hayes said he strives to explain material in unusual or creative ways as his favorite college professors did.

 

“Sometimes I’m successful, and sometimes I’m not. Fortunately, students are good at pointing it out when you drop the ball, so you can try to fix it the next time around!” he said.

 

Though weekly reading quizzes sound unappealing to even the biggest political science nerds, Hayes’ high expectations translate to a dynamic classroom experience. He plays a song picked by a student before every class, and let’s not forget the marathon runner’s chili pepper on RateMyProfessors.com.

 

- Jeanine Marie