HPU Presents Dr. Nathan Hedman with Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award

High Point University recently presented The Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award to Dr. Nathan Hedman, associate professor of English and director of the Honors Scholars Program. Pictured from left are HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein, Hedman as he held the award and Provost Dr. Daniel Erb.

HIGH POINT, N.C., May 15, 2024 – High Point University recently presented The Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award to Dr. Nathan Hedman, associate professor of English and director of the Honors Scholars Program.

Since Hedman arrived at HPU in 2014, his service to the university and its undergraduate students has been both exceptional and wide-ranging. In addition to directing the Honors Scholars Program, he launched an honors student tutoring program that serves pre-K to high school students at four local public schools.

Hedman is an award-winning instructor and mentor whose innovative, interdisciplinary courses engage theatre, English and Honors Scholars students. He also translated, adapted and coordinated the premiere of the theatre production, “Topsy Turvey,” at HPU.

“I’ve witnessed the remarkable teaching work of my HPU colleagues,” said Hedman. “I’ve learned so much from them that to be deemed worthy of the Slane award by those same colleagues makes it an honor beyond my best hopes.”

One of Hedman’s nominators described him as a “model teacher and university servant,” said HPU Provost Dr. Daniel Erb.

While Hedman has been involved in many areas at HPU, much of his focus and teaching expertise centers around the Honors Scholars Program. As part of the Honors Scholars committee, he was instrumental in developing the new Honors Scholars curriculum. When he became director of the program, he had the responsibility of implementing and revising the curriculum. This curriculum includes many high-impact learning practices, such as project-based learning, collaborative teaching, undergraduate research, ePortfolios and a living-learning community.

According to his nominators, Hedman delivers a holistic learning experience for students while collaborating with and learning from faculty and administrators across campus. Many nominators said Hedman’s greatest strength is his ability to connect with and mentor students in and out of the classroom. He creates academic experiences that are rigorous, intellectually stimulating and engaging to students. He motivates his students to see the value in the work they are doing, and his courses are considered among the most popular in the Honors Scholars Program.

“Some of my most special and sentimental memories in college thus far include Dr. Hedman,” one student wrote in a nomination letter. “The joy that Dr. Hedman brings to those around him through his thoughtful creativity is truly unparalleled.”

 Hedman has also developed creative, fun and valuable co-curricular events for students. Whether it is story time during midterm exams or discussions with faculty, students often comment that his events are their favorite part of the program. Students gain valuable insights from his mentorship, and he exemplifies HPU’s mission of providing an inspiring environment with caring people.