David Henry Nikkel
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
David Henry Nikkel, currently in his tenth year at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, serves as Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion. Having taught religious studies for over twenty years, he previously held a full-time faculty position at Hastings College, Nebraska, as well as holding adjunct positions at various institutions.
Professor Nikkel received his BA from Yale University, majoring in mathematics, an MDiv (Master of Divinity) from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a PhD in Religious Studies from Duke University. After completing college, Dr. Nikkel went to seminary planning to work in some kind of pastoral ministry. However, in his first quarter at seminary he fell in love with Theology and hoped to have the opportunities to go on for a PhD and some day teach in Religious Studies. With the very tight market for professors of that discipline, Dr. Nikkel is grateful for the opportunities he has had, especially for his position at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Professor Nikkel's passion for teaching stems from his continuing fascination with the subject of religion and from the satisfaction of kindling interest and learning in his students. His enthusiasm for his subject and for classroom teaching creates an atmosphere conducive to learning. He also strives to convey a personal sense of caring for his students, which not only directly facilitates learning, but can create windows to help students succeed in other areas of their lives. For example, one of Professor Nikkel's former students noted his personal caring, in remembering her from an Introduction to Religion class from many years before she returned to major in Philosophy and Religion and in keeping tabs on her father when he had suffered a major illness.
Because of the diverse skills and contents that his classes attempt to inculcate and the diverse learning styles of his students, Professor Nikkel utilizes a wide variety of pedagogical methods, strategies, and techniques, especially looking for ways to foster active student engagement. With expertise in the relationship of Religion and Science and in the thought of Paul Tillich, he has been able to bring his scholarship in those areas into many of his courses.
Professor Nikkel been able to successfully integrate high quality learning experiences into his classroom in a way that makes learning fun for his students. It is not uncommon to see students engaging in the subject matter before and after class; students extol his teaching virtues to visitors as well. "Dr. Nikkel is great!" one student commented. Such high praise is not an easy achievement for a professor. Professor Nikkel is an intentional teacher very deserving of this prestigious award.