Suzanne Sukhdeo Named the Barbara Munson Goff Teacher of the Year 2024 by the Rutgers Chapter of Alpha Zeta

Dr. Suzanne Sukhdeo, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, was named the 2024 Teacher of the Year by the Rutgers Chapter of the Fraternity of Alpha Zeta, the national honor and service fraternity for agriculture and environmental studies. The award was named in memory of Barbara Munson Goff, former director of the Cook General Honors Program and an Alpha Zeta alumna, who was an extraordinary teacher and mentor at the school. The award reflects the high standards of teaching exemplified by Dr. Sukhdeo and the qualities of leadership, character, and service that are synonymous with the ideals of the fraternity.

Dr. Sukhdeo teaches a number of very popular courses including the Evolution of Animal Behavior and Introduction to Ecology and Evolution, along with essential courses such as Principles of Biology and Portals to Academic Success. She has been a member of the Rutgers community since 1989 and has taught thousands of students in her time here. Dr. Sukhdeo is also a SEBS first-year student advisor and coordinator of the student success initiative. Suzanne has received numerous teaching and service awards, including most recently the SEBS Teaching Excellence Award in 2020 and the Faculty Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in 2023. Peers have described Suzanne as an extraordinary teacher who is among the best at communicating how learning in college is connected to the real-world experience.

During the presentation of the award, Carlie Johanning said of Dr. Sukhdeo "Though she is a woman of few words, she will never fail to make her students laugh and will always make sure to go above and beyond for each and every one of her students."

June 2024