MC Coghlan, senior lecturer and associate director of the MS in Global Innovation and Leadership through Engineering program in the Center for Leadership Education (CLE), has been selected as this year’s winner of the Robert B. Pond, Sr. Excellence in Teaching Award. Coghlan teaches courses in leadership, innovation and design, and improvisation.
The Pond Award recognizes faculty for their “commitment to and excellence in instruction in the Whiting School of Engineering, success in instilling the desire to learn, and dedication to undergraduate students,” according to the Whiting School of Engineering’s website.
“I have spent time in MC’s classroom, and I continue to be amazed at the ways she engages with students and offers the appropriate balance of challenge and support,” said Bill Smedick, associate teaching professor in CLE. “I often hear from students who take MC’s classes that they find her to be engaging and caring. MC’s care for Hopkins students and accessibility often continues when the students become alumni.”
Arabella Pompay, an economics undergraduate, said that Coghlan’s high expectations, paired with her dedication to her students, created a transformative learning experience. “She immediately became a role model for me and the kind of leader I aspire to be in the future. She expects a lot from her students in terms of the thought and effort they put into her assignments. At first, I found this intimidating. However, taking nearly all the classes she offers was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Before taking her class, writing was my least favorite subject, but she pushed me to my creative limits on every assignment to the point where it has now become one of my favorite things to do.”
Maggie Tidings (KSAS ’24) spoke to Coghlan’s lasting effect on her students, which lasts long after graduation. “MC’s teaching extends far beyond the classroom. She supports her students academically, of course, but her steadfast commitment to our holistic success is what truly stands out to me. Even now as an alum, MC is one of the first people I reach out to for advice, counsel, and to share exciting news,” Tydings said.
Coghlan’s contributions in the classroom further the CLE’s mission to support students as they translate their education from the classroom and lab to the real world and effectively transition from academic to professional life.
“It is rewarding to see students shift from seeing leadership as a title to understanding it as an action—one that is based on building relationships. That shift boosts their confidence as individuals and deepens how they relate to classmates. The classroom provides the theoretical frameworks, reflection, and discussion, but their teams outside of class become the laboratory. Watching them evolve into leaders who understand the value of influencing and guiding individuals and teams toward common goals by defining and achieving a common vision energizes me and my colleagues the CLE,” Coghlan said.