The Patriot

Issue date: 1/8/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Iris Slade Cowles

RateMyProfessors.com has announced that Dr. David Cowles, professor of English, was ranked No. 38 nationally in a top-50 list of the highest ranking professors.

RateMyProfessors.com, a Web site sponsored by mtvU, allows students to rate and comment on their professors anonymously.

"Had him for 112, 200, 300, 302 and plan to take him for more English courses," one student commented on the Web site. "He's great and very insightful. You will learn more than just English in his classes!

"He is very helpful and understanding. He really cares about his students and is laid back!"

Cowles was described as the "best English teacher on the campus" by a student from his English 112 and 200 classes.

"He is very down to earth and has a great sense of humor," the student also said. "If you don't like this guy, there is something wrong with you."

Other students also consider him to be the best English professor.

One student's comment described Cowles as the "prime rib of the English Department."

Students also use the comments as a chance to leave a message for their professor.

"Rock on, Dr. Cowles!" one comment stated. "You're da bomb!"

Dr. Samuel Howell Jr., assistant professor of art and coordinator of Bachelor of General Studies and Art History Programs, taught an honors colloquium with Cowles last spring.

"(Cowles is) an excellent teacher and an excellent listener," Howell said. "He's very knowledgeable and takes into account students' reactions."

Howell also described Cowles as not too stiff or structured in his teaching.
Students rate professors according to easiness, helpfulness, clarity and rater interest on the RateMyProfessors.com. At press time, Cowles had received 40 ratings and had a rating of 4.0 for average easiness, 4.9 for average helpfulness, 4.9 for average clarity and 4.9 for overall quality.

To determine which professors made the top 50, RateMyProfessors.com used the standardized scores and a weighted score system. 2005 was weighted 15 percent, 2006 counted for 25 percent and 2007 was weighted at 60 percent. Only professors with at least 30 ratings were included.

RateMyProfessors.com also created top-50 lists for schools with highest ranking faculty, as well as more trivial matters, such as the hottest professors. While Cowles did not make the hottest professors list, he has a hotness rating of seven on the Web site.

For professors who did not make the top-50 list, RateMyProfessors.com is accepting nominations. The Web site is encouraging students to rate their professors.

"We challenge you to get the (professors) who've changed your life on our next lists," the Web site stated.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools