Love of the Classics earns Jennifer Sheridan Moss national recognition for outstanding teaching

For Jennifer Sheridan Moss, the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations always fascinated her.

Their literature, art, politics, language, philosophy and more set in motion Moss' love of the Classics during senior year of high school. After all, the two cultures did lay the groundwork for much of today's Western civilization.

"When I got to college, I studied more of it and was hooked," said Moss, associate professor in Wayne State's Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. "One of the things I love about the Classics is how it translates into current life and society."

Moss' passion for the subject recently earned her national recognition for outstanding teaching and commitment to the Classics. She has been given the Excellence in the Teaching of Classics at the College Level award from the Society for Classical Studies (SCS) - one of the most prominent international Classics organizations. Moss will be honored on Jan. 10 in New Orleans during the SCS' annual meeting.

"This is an important accomplishment to me because it shows I'm doing what I've set out to do - help make a difference," she said. "This is why I came to Wayne State."

Moss arrived at WSU 20 years ago, primarily because she wanted to have a career at a public university that helped underserved populations. Although the award is a reflection on her collegiate teaching career, she said it's her pupils who make her a better professor.

"I couldn't be me without Wayne State students," Moss said. "They are the most amazing people in the world. I'm in awe of the way they function. They beat all the odds."