Award for Excellence in Teaching by Adjunct Faculty for Scott M. Ferson

The Award for Excellence in Teaching by Adjunct Faculty is given to a part-time faculty member to acknowledge the invaluable dedication and expertise that adjunct faculty bring to our classrooms and to recognize the impact they have on our students' lives. Stonehill College is proud to bestow the Spring 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching by Adjunct Faculty on Professor Scott M. Ferson.

Scott Ferson exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence and student engagement in his role as an Adjunct Professor in Political Science & International Studies. His approach to course design and pedagogy is innovative, immersive, and deeply grounded in his extensive professional experience. Drawing on a distinguished career in politics—including serving as press secretary for Senator Ted Kennedy and founding a political consulting firm—Scott enriches his teaching with real-world insights that make course content immediate and meaningful for students. His classes are anchored by experiential learning, such as semester-long simulations of political campaigns and Congressional proceedings, which challenge students to collaborate, strategize, and think critically.

Scott’s commitment to continuous improvement and instructional excellence is evident in his dynamic teaching methods and his responsiveness to student needs. He crafts opportunities for students to develop their intellectual capabilities while also fostering a classroom environment rooted in energy, passion, and mutual respect. His pedagogical practices are not only models of creativity but also serve as a source of inspiration for colleagues.

Going well beyond standard expectations, Scott invests substantial time mentoring students both in and out of class. He consistently meets with students before class, stays connected with alumni, and leverages his professional networks to secure internships and employment opportunities for them. He has brought prominent political figures to campus, and his participation in co-curricular programs like All Things Politics speaks to his engagement with the broader academic community.

Students speak of Scott’s impact in glowing terms, describing him as “the most influential professor” they’ve had. His teaching style, blending storytelling with student-driven inquiry, leaves students not only more knowledgeable but more curious and confident in their ability to shape the world. Scott Ferson’s teaching reflects a passion for learning and a commitment to student success that embodies the spirit of this award.

And so, with deep pride, we confer the Spring 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching by Adjunct Faculty to you, Professor Scott Ferson, for your tireless service, consistent example, and exemplary contributions to Stonehill College.

Given this 23rd day of April, Two Thousand Twenty-Five

(Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C., President    

Peter Ubertaccio, Vice President for Academic Affairs