Two Auburn University professors are among the top in the country according to "The Best 300 Professors," published by The Princeton Review early this month.
Economics professors Randy Beard and Macy Finck received the honors.
Both received emails from The Princeton Review several months ago, but said they didn't think much of it.
"I didn't really reply to them," Beard said. "I was just kind of hoping that it might go away."
Finck replied and accepted their request for an interview, but all he knew was that The Princeton Review was collaborating with ratemyprofessor.com on a project about college professors.
"Only very recently did I discover that they were using the reviews as a basis for determining the quality of the instruction provided and that the subjects of the interviews were rated the top 300," Finck said.
Beard and Finck said they are honored to have made the list, but remain humble about the recognition.
"I know that I put maximum effort into my classes every semester, but I have no way of knowing how my best effort compares to the efforts of other professors around the country," Finck said.
"This recognition is more a reflection of the eagerness, thoughtfulness and consideration of the students that I have had the privilege of teaching over the last 11 years than of any special talents that I possess."
Beard said because professors vary in style, it is hard to judge the top in the country.
"I am not a big fan of ranking things," Beard said. "I think the relationship between professors and each other and between students should be a collaborative one rather than a competitive one."
Beard began teaching at Auburn in 1988. His father was an economics professor at Louisiana State University for 35 years.
Finck had an interest in business when he started at Bellarmine University his freshman year, but had not decided on economics. His adviser was an economics professor and placed him in a microeconomics class his first semester.
"She thought I would really enjoy the course and the professor and it worked," Finck said. "I declared economics as my major before the midterm and never looked back."
Finck came to Auburn for his graduate work and took classes under Beard. When he finished his degree he began teaching at Auburn in 2001.
"I liked (Finck's microeconomics) class a lot because he relates to students so well and makes himself available outside the classroom," said Morgan Bandy, senior in radio, television and film.
Beard is also well-liked among former students.
"It is unbelievable to see how he has mastered the material he teaches," said Nick Romero, senior in economics. "He also keeps us engaged in class with the occasional humorous comment."
Beard and Finck said they have great respect for each other and were glad to see the other receive the honor.
"Macy is a rare individual because he is so effective at teaching the larger sections, which is a real challenge," Beard said.
Finck said he admires that Beard is such a unique thinker.
"He and I have only briefly congratulated one another," Finck said, "but we are very happy to have the two honorees from Auburn both come from the Department of Economics."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
