In Their Own Words.

  • “She is a teacher in the purest sense…. It is not only in her own students’ and colleagues’ lives that she makes an imprint, but a ripple through her students’ students, their families, friends, and communities.”

    Kendra Winchester, Consultant

    BA, Whitman College ‘18

    MA, University of Wisconsin - Madison ‘23

  • “Dr. Hayes is an exemplar of inclusive teaching, mentorship, and community in a way that has uniquely impacted each one of us…she is awe-inspiringly good at what she does.”

    The Collective of Students from RHMS 203, Fall 2022

    Lewis & Clark College

  • “The newness and nuance that Heather professes invigorates my peers and self alike. Listening to her speak makes the world feel bigger, freer…. Heather’s classrooms become spaces of possibility—a learning space for all.”

    Natalie Q. Godfrey, Artist & Educator

    BA, Whitman College ‘18

    MA, University of Washington ‘24

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Scroll through to read what students say about learning with Heather.

  • “Heather is world class. Her intense passion for teaching is what makes her an amazing educator! She led discussions about difficult topics, she pushed us out of our comfort zones and taught us how to engage critically in conversations... Additionally, her lectures were always informative and captivating. I learned so much about myself, my peers and what a discussion-based space has the potential to do.”

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Spring 2017

  • "Dr. Hayes sets the standard for leaders in higher education. She has single-handedly made my experience in college a positive one. She shows her students an immense amount of trust and respect, and that is reciprocated…learning with her is both challenging and engaging."

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Spring 2022

  • "[Dr. Hayes' workshops and classes] are the first time I’ve been able to learn, and engage, fully. It’s the first time I’ve felt included in community discussions about issues that matter to me, about my life and about people around me. I wish Heather could model discussion-based learning and community building for all social and community spaces; it’s been revolutionary for me and my family in our everyday lives."

    Anonymous Teach Out evaluation | Spring 2022

  • "Dr. Hayes is quite simply an incredible educator that perfectly embodies the type of professor I imagine all students deserve. She asks intentional questions that contribute to a comfortable learning environment and to a community. She makes everyone feel welcome, even if you are shy, or concerned you won’t speak well in seminar, or you’re intimidated by her (she’s really smart). She’s uncompromisingly tough and also always leads with kindness and accepts every student on their terms and on their path. I’m a better student and person because of her mentorship."

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Fall 2021

  • "Heather didn’t just change how I think about the world, through our courses together, she changed my life. I believe in myself. I believe I have a future. I believe I can do things I never believed I could, in more than twenty years. Transformational. That’s the only word I have for being her student."

    Anonymous Teach Out workshop evaluation | Summer 2021

  • "Dr. Hayes is wonderful…she is engaging, she gives lots of feedback, and prioritizes time to meet with students. I always felt prepared while striving to reach my goals. Overall, Heather is an example of preparedness, vision, passion, and care for her students and everyone around her – she is the best!"

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Fall 2019

  • "Dr. Hayes is one of the best teachers we have encountered at the college level."

    Colleague letter of support for national higher education teaching award | 2023

  • "I had Heather as a high school freshman for the first time. Then, I had no hope of ever attending college. Her work, her dedication, her methods of teaching, and her belief in me - which was relentless - is part of why I am a successful attorney today. She is, in summary, a force of nature in the classroom, a brilliant researcher that I still consult from time to time today, and one of the kindest humans I have the privilege to know."

    Former student letter of support for regional teaching award | 2022

  • “Professor Heather Hayes is an incredible professor and anyone who learns from her values her presence. She is in absolute command of her subject matter, she leads with confidence and authority while still always being encouraging of every student. She goes above and beyond. Her focus on race is especially relevant in today’s society, where issues of race and social justice could not be more timely or important. Her packed classes and talks as well as years of devoted students are the sign of her great work; the popularity she enjoys on any campus she teaches only reflects what an incredible, rare professor she is.”

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Fall 2014

  • “Professor Hayes is one of the most affirming professors I have ever met. Even when questions and comments from students may not have been as well formed as we would have liked, she listens intently and always draws some relevant information. She is always available and present...The classroom was a comfortable place for challenging, fascinating discussions, which made coming to class so enjoyable every week. I cannot wait to take another class with her in the future.”

    Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Fall 2016

"Heather makes sure everyone is standing at the same starting line and has the tools they need to move forward…She leads with compassion, inspires reflection, and generates a sense of community in everything she does.”

Anonymous student evaluation of teaching | Fall 2022

“Heather is the Michael Jordan of professors.”

— Justin Hope, Lewis & Clark College ‘24