Published November 19, 2014
Dr. Joshua Stockley—associate professor of political science and director of the ULM
Honors Program—takes on many roles at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Called
a marvel in the classroom; the professor, director, and mentor has been awarded for
his dedication to his students and his field with two teaching awards this year.
Today, Stockley was named an Outstanding Educator in Ouachita Parish at the annual
Accent on Excellence ceremony, hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. The program
seeks to honor outstanding educators and educational programs in Ouachita Parish.
“I am honored and humbled to have been named an outstanding educator. There are so
many innovative and excellent teachers at ULM, to have been nominated and selected
by my colleagues and my university is one of the highest achievements imaginable,”
said Stockley.
This is Stockley’s second teaching award of 2014. In August, he was the recipient
of the 2014 ULM Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Stockley is committed to intertwining innovative teaching methods, technology, social
media, and participatory discussion techniques into his daily lecture and lesson.
He spends time motivating students in the classroom, in the Mock Trial Room, and as
the Honors Program Director. His students have spoken about his passion for teaching,
his encouragement, and his mentoring.
When asked about his teaching philosophy, Stockley mentioned his approach as one that
is diverse and engaging.
“I am driven by the belief that critical thinkers are the most successful individuals
and make the best citizens,” he said. “Therefore, I do not approach teaching as simply
or solely the passive dissemination of factual knowledge via a series of rudimentary
lectures; rather, I approach teaching as the use of multiple learning strategies designed
to engage every single student. This entails the use of social media, simulations,
discussions, in-class activities, and weekly writing assignments.”
Stockley says his diverse learning strategies recognize that students possess diverse
skills and talents; that students have different learning styles; and that students
learn more when they can engage their professors, their colleagues, and the materials.
He said, “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to education is no longer an effective approach.
All of my strategies are done in the context of the contemporary political world,
as current events allow concepts to be more easily mastered and allow students to
see how classroom concepts apply to their everyday lives and shape the world around
them.”
Stockley is also teaching his students to be better leaders with his willingness to
speak to the media about local and national political issues. His political insights
are sought out by media outlets from across country and his opinions are respected
as those which are unbiased and well researched.
Stockley says, “Teaching political science is a rewarding experience; however, the
central reward of teaching is that it is an opportunity to forward to others the contributions
and lessons my teachers, professors, and mentors gave to me, in an effort to encourage
them to pursue lifelong learning, and productive citizenship. I hope to spread my
passion for government politics and, perhaps, cause students to become difference
makers in their communities in the future.”
Stockley has served ULM since 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
and History at Oklahoma Baptist University and his Ph.D. in Political Science at the
University of Oklahoma. He is also the holder of the L.M. McKneely Endowed Professorship
in Humanities at ULM.
