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Mark Branner

2021 Regents’ Medal for Teaching Excellence

Mark Branner

Mark Branner is an assistant professor of theatre and dance in the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. He approaches every professional task with vision, energy and compassion, “traits that define him as a superlative teacher,” according to one of his colleagues. To Branner, the best teaching, theatrical directing and leadership all pose the question: “How can I benefit you and help you succeed?” and then offers everything it knows in service to that. Students view him as the heart and soul of Theater for Young Audiences and they strive to meet the challenges he sets, earning many awards, fellowships and positions in the profession. A colleague stated Branner creates bonds that allow students to trust him implicitly, an essential trait to creating great art. “He rallies others around an idea and vision, with great strength of conviction, tempered by a true caring of people. His students then go forward to create their own stellar projects, unhindered by the obstacles they face. This is the epitome of why he is an outstanding teacher.”

2021 Teaching Awardees