Kristi Govella

Kristi Govella is an assistant professor of the Asian studies department in the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. Govella is committed to engaging students through mentorship and supervision of independent research. Each semester begins with students writing a personal letter of introduction, allowing her to refine her teaching methods with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and gender differences to better engage, support and customize lectures to incorporate students’ interests. A student wrote, “before you know it, her classroom becomes a learning village with students asking questions of one another as well as of Professor Govella.” This creates an enlightening space for learning in a discipline that tackles controversial current issues in ethnic and cultural studies, geopolitics, economics and security. Colleagues find testament to her teaching excellence in the burgeoning numbers of students on her wait-listed courses, her many grants and publications, her poise and professionalism, and her dedication to cultivating excellence among her colleagues as well as her students.