Hillsdale College English Professor Brent Cline Named Professor of the Year
Cline was chosen as professor of the year by the class of 2026.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College faculty member Brent Cline, associate professor of English, was named professor of the year by the College’s 2026 graduating class. The award was announced during the President’s Commencement Dinner on May 1.
“Dr. Cline brings insight and wonder to his teaching that enable students to experience familiar texts in a profound way,” said Provost Christopher VanOrman. “We are grateful to have him as a colleague, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor from the class of 2026.”
“Dr. Cline brings insight and wonder to his teaching that enable students to experience familiar texts in a profound way.”
Brent Cline received his B.S. in English education from Taylor University, his M.A. in English from Idaho State University, and his Ph.D. in English from Western Michigan University. He began teaching classes part time at Hillsdale in 2010 and joined the English faculty full time in 2021 as associate professor of English.
Besides Great Books I and II, Cline teaches classes on Cormac McCarthy, Ernest Hemingway, and 20th-century American Literature. He also serves as the faculty advisor for the Orthodox Student Fellowship.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from the graduating class,” Cline said. “It is a joy to share my love of great literature with my students and to watch as they are formed and even transformed by the things they read.”
“It is a joy to share my love of great literature with my students and to watch as they are formed and even transformed by the things they read.”
To be named professor of the year, professors must demonstrate character and teaching excellence in the classroom, availability and generosity in their work with students outside the classroom, and community support through involvement with college organizations and activities. Professors are nominated by members of the senior class through signed letters of recommendation. Seniors then vote among the top four nominees.
As professor of the year, Cline will speak at Fall Convocation in November.