Feature Stories
Dr. Scott Stabler
Dr. Scott Stabler, Ph.D., is a professor of history and social studies at Grand Valley State University and the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Educator Award. Alumni nominate a faculty member who has had a significant impact on the careers of alumni, and the Grand Valley Alumni Association presents the award annually over Homecoming weekend.
Dr. Stabler feels privileged to teach a wide variety of students and subjects for GVSU, including “alternative admit students” in his history classroom, student teachers in their own classrooms, science majors in Ghana, and student-athletes off the field. He takes an especial interest in helping young teachers find job placements, citing his biggest professional joy as guiding twenty-six students to move to Houston, his hometown, to teach in primarily Title 1 schools.
“Although I absolutely had some amazing faculty at GVSU that had an impact on my life, I can confidently say none of them helped me more with my personal and professional development than Professor Stabler,” said Julie Catanzarite, ‘05.
Praised as being a master at building relationships, Dr. Stabler is well known for not only helping his students launch their careers but for also staying in touch many years after their last class together. Countless students are honored to call him a mentor and a friend.
“Just as important [as the content he teaches] is Professor Stabler's ability to build relationships with his students. I can't emphasize how meaningful this is for someone, especially a first-generation college student like me, to feel seen and understood — to know that someone is truly invested in your success,” said Kim Anthony, ‘09.
Dr. Stabler teaches within Grand Valley’s Faculty Mentorship Program. Facilitated by the Laker Academic Center, the program pairs student-athletes with a faculty member within their major course of study. He also is an Oliver Wilson Scholars Faculty Member. This Grand Valley program ensures students receive additional access to free resources such as tutoring, academic coaching, and specialized courses to help make their academic and personal goals a reality.
“Professor Stabler is one of those rare instructors you never forget. His passion, teaching excellence, pedagogy, and overall concern for the wellbeing of his students — both current and past — leaves an indelible mark on alumni,” said Kevin D'Alessandro, ‘07.
In addition to his teaching at Grand Valley, in 2011 Dr. Stabler was a visiting professor of history and Fulbright Scholar at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. In 2012, he was a visiting professor of history at the University of Education Schwaebisch Gmuend in Germany.
Furthermore, and despite the great amount of time he invests in his students, Dr. Stabler has remained an active scholar of history, with peer-reviewed publications, the role of co-editor for the Encyclopedia, conference presentations, and more.
Other recognition of Dr. Stabler’s profound influence on his students includes the Mel Miller Mentor of the Year Award from the Michigan Council for the Social Studies, the Inspirational Historian of the Year Award from Grand Valley’s History Department, and the Celebrated Faculty Member Award from Grand Valley’s Housing and Residence Life.
Dr. Stabler earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Baylor University, a master’s degree in history from the University of Houston, and a doctoral degree in history from Arizona State University.
Interest Area(s)
History, Social Studies
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