For Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) Lecturer Ben Dangl, bringing real-world experience to the classroom has given students opportunities to question their assumptions and expand their perspectives, in an inclusive learning environment. His previous and ongoing work as an investigative journalist, author, researcher, and social movement scholar has helped him deliver an innovative, practical, and compassionate approach to teaching. Dangl was honored for his excellence in undergraduate teaching and service to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), by receiving the 2023 Joseph E. Carrigan Award. 

As a journalist, Dangl covered political, cultural, and social issues throughout Latin America and the U.S. He was an editor for international news, analysis, and activism publications and has reported for media outlets such as The Guardian, The Nation, Al Jazeera, Asia Times and Utne Reader. Dangl is also a published author of several books and book chapters; in 2023, his most recent book was published and entitled, "A World Where Many Worlds Fit". He speaks fluent Spanish and has lectured at universities in Bolivia on the history of Indigenous movements, and at other universities in the U.S. and Canada. 

Courses that Dangl taught over many years in CDAE cover the gamut of public communication, such as strategic writing, the fundamentals of journalism, and writing for news media. Plant and Soil Science Research Associate and Lecturer Victor Izzo is an interdisciplinary major advisor for CALS students. He frequently advises students outside of CDAE who are interested in Dangl's courses. Izzo stated, "These students, without fail, return to our next advising session inspired by Ben’s courses and actively seeking ways to continue engaging with his work." Izzo continued, "This is further evident in the glowing feedback he consistently receives on course evaluations." 

Students evaluating courses Dangl taught—on average—rank his overall performance as exceptional. Highlights from their comments reveal his dedication to learning that maintains a high standard of academic achievement and empathy. A student wrote in a 2022 class evaluation, "Ben is a great professor who is approachable, reasonable, and clearly so well versed in this field. He encourages discussion and is always available to help students in and outside of the classroom. When I experienced hardship in the earlier stages of developing my project, he assured me of the flexible nature of it and gave me space to redesign and rethink the elements of what my group worked on. He is pragmatic and accommodating and I highly recommend any of his classes to my peers." 

Another student was genuinely sad after completing the last course they would be taking with Dangl. They wrote, "I had him for CDAE 024 my freshman year, and he's part of the reason why I ended up becoming a PComm minor and ultimately a PComm major. He's a great guy, really helpful with students, and is willing to take the time to check in on you and see if everything is going well in class or in life, which is great. I wish I had space in my schedule to take another class with him next semester; he has so much knowledge and life experiences to share that you can never get it all in just one course. I'd recommend a Dangl class to anyone, from any major, just because of the energy and expertise he brings to the field. He's one of the top five professors I've taken a class with at UVM.” 

In Dangl's own words, "My teaching philosophy centers around creating an empowering classroom culture and accessible learning experience, emphasizing learning by doing, and teaching for a more just and equitable world." He values service-learning so students can work with nonprofits, businesses and media organizations on outreach and communication projects. Dangl's aim is to also "inspire students to be lifelong learners and have the skills to make positive changes in their communities." 

CDAE Chair and Professor Jane Kolodinsky considers Dangl to be the consummate teaching faculty and stated, "In the 2022-23 academic year, Ben taught 180 students in six different courses. His writing class was nominated best class at UVM. Not only do his students provide positive feedback on student evaluations, they took the extra initiative to nominate Ben for more formal and informal university-wide awards. When the faculty goes the extra mile, students follow suit." 

The Carrigan Award recognizes outstanding effort and achievement in undergraduate teaching, student advising, and undergraduate education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The recipient of this annual award has his/her name engraved on a commemorative plaque, receives a personal cash award of $2,000, as well as an additional $500 to support continued improvement and innovation in his/her teaching.