Jean Brierley Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2025
College of Liberal Arts
Henn has been a dedicated part of the UNH psychology department since 1984, first as a graduate student and now as a principal lecturer. Over the course of more than four decades, Henn has touched the lives of thousands of students, and his enthusiasm for teaching remains as vibrant as ever.
Henn’s classes are unforgettable. Walk past one of his classrooms and you might see him climbing on tables, dramatically yelling “yes!” in response to a student insight, drawing connections between course content and that day’s headlines, or even lying on a bed of nails. His teaching is dynamic, engaging, and deeply human. He challenges students to think critically, stay curious, and be better citizens. He embodies the very best of what college teaching can and should be.
With at least 14 different course preparations under his belt, including topics as diverse as statistics, social psychology, belief in the paranormal, behavior modification, and behaviorism, culture, and contemporary society, Henn – a Fulbright Scholar – brings extraordinary breadth and depth to his work. He generously shares his expertise with students and colleagues alike. His advice is always thoughtful, grounded in evidence-based practice, and generously offered.
About this Award
The Jean Brierley Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes excellence in teaching by a faculty member over the course of a long-term distinguished career at UNH. A bequest from the estate of Jean Brierley, Class of 1930, established this award. Professor Brierley established the endowed fund in 1973 to recognize teaching in any field or discipline at UNH. The recipient will give a presentation at an annual event sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to help celebrate and promote good teaching. UNH benefits-eligible faculty members are eligible, except those who have received this award within the last five years.
