I have worked with a number of dedicated academics and administrators during the last decade, both via the Earth Charter Initiative and the United Nations mandated University for Peace. Barbara Thorngren truly stands out for me as someone who puts her students first and everything else flows from that.
During my years of collaborating with Barbara, I have witnessed how her commitment affects all aspects for the educational programs she runs. From the quality of the readings she chooses, the assignments she crafts that allow both space for reflection but also academic rigor, the care with which each field visit is selected, to thinking through the never-ending logistics of planning international trips. This care does not go unnoticed and I have observed that several of her students see her more as a mentor than as a professor.
Personally, I feel fortunate that I have had the opportunity to work so closely with Barbara. I have been inspired by seeing her in action and feel like I am a better educator myself thanks to our working relationship, which I look forward to building upon.