Spartans of UD: Christine Darr
Mar 21, 2018 | University Relations staff
Spartans of UD highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus. Christine Darr is an assistant professor of Christian ethics and director of the Scholar-Leader Honors Program. She has been a Spartan since 2014.
CHRISTINE DARR
Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics l Director of the Scholar-Leader Honors Program
1. Why did you decide to become a UD Spartan?
“I was drawn to the diverse and vibrant student body at UD as well as the friendly and supportive staff who teach and serve here.”
2. What do you enjoy most about teaching college students?
“Teaching college students is incredibly rewarding. I love being in the classroom and wrestling with new ideas together. I love getting to know my students one-on-one. Seeing my students grow in their passion and skill is one of the biggest rewards of my life.”
3. What is your teaching philosophy?
“My approach to teaching is structured around my commitment to curiosity and playful openness to new ideas. I never expect my students to agree with everything they read—in fact, I plan out my classes so that they are certain to disagree with one thing or another! But I always ask every one of my students to play with new ideas, turn them over, ask questions, and test the ideas against their own intuitions. Being curious and playful are habits that I hope my students can apply to every part of their lives.”
4. The UD Scholar-Leader Honors Program allows high-achieving students to sharpen their communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. As director of the program, what do you hope students will take away from their experiences in the program?
“I hope honors students graduate feeling confident that, because of the ways they have been stretched and challenged, they are capable of overcoming any obstacle. I also hope that the habits of critical thinking and curiosity are ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
5. Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“My favorite quote is 'I have no special talent, I am just passionately curious' – Albert Einstein."
