Barghothi Receives UW Alumni Outstanding Faculty Award

April 29, 2010
Professor and student looking at book
Political Science senior Grete Zimmerman of Laramie, right, nominated University of Wyoming Assistant Professor A.J. Barghothi for the Alumni Outstanding Faculty Award. The award recognizes faculty members who have made significant impacts in the lives of their students. (UW Photo)

A committee of Wyoming Student Alumni Association members has selected A.J. Barghothi as this year's Outstanding Faculty Award recipient. The award recognizes faculty members who are dedicated to student success and make significant impacts in students' lives.

An assistant professor in the UW Department of Political Science, Barghothi researches American politics and political institutions at both the national and state levels. Within this framework, much of his work is directed along two distinct lines of inquiry: The relationship between branches of government in terms of the separation of powers and the impact of candidate characteristics on election outcomes.

"Dr. Barghothi clearly sees his role in the classroom as a facilitator of student learning," says nominator Grete Zimmerman of Laramie, a senior in political science. "He makes it clear that his office door is always open for students who need additional assistance."

Students refer to Barghothi as a helpful guide and interpreter, who smartly uses lectures to clarify and discuss the challenging reading assignments required for his classes. Not only is his commitment to student learning evidenced by his support of students, both during and outside class, but through his expectations of them.

"What really makes Dr. Barghothi stand out as a professor is not just that he is able to keep students interested in lectures, or provide additional guidance for dealing with challenging material, but the simple fact that he expects his students to reach high levels of learning and critical thinking," says Zimmerman. "Barghothi has a sincere dedication to pushing students to perform at the outer limits of their academic abilities."

Barghothi received his Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina in 2009. He received a B.A. in history and M.A. in political science from Appalachian State University. Before beginning his doctoral work, Barghothi worked in local government as town manager of Troutman, N.C.

Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)