A professor who has dedicated her career to research on immigration and international development has won Mississippi Valley State University’s Humanities Teacher Award.
The honor was given to Dr. Chandrouti Persaud, an assistant professor of sociology, coordinator of the sociology program, and coordinator of university academic assessment at Valley. She was commended by the university for her abilities to incorporate a “significant degree of humanities content into her teaching.”
Ricardo Holliman, a senior sociology student, said Persaud has deeply affected his life.
“Persaud is one of those teachers that make you think outside of the box,” Holliman said. “She taught me how to appreciate other cultures. A lot of people are scared to step out of their own culture. She taught us to get away from that.”
Larry Chappel, a professor of political science, introduced Persaud at the award presentation Wednesday. He said she was a great professor because she’s a questioner, is attentive to detail and above all, genuinely loves teaching and learning.
Persaud presented a lecture, “New Trends, Ancient Philosophies From India to Europe to the New World,” at the ceremony.
“She’s trying to bring cultures together,” Holliman said. “She wants to bring the best out of each of us.”
Persaud has had experience in the British, Canadian and midwestern United States education systems. She is fluent in French and Spanish and often incorporates media into her teaching methods.
As part of the award, Persaud will receive a $500 honorarium and certificate to be presented at the Mississippi Humanities Council Awards Dinner in February 2010.
