Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Michael Robinson, named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for April 2022. Robinson has been at the College since the beginning after being hired as an adjunct instructor in 2008.
“‘Building a plan in mid-air’ was a catch phrase used during the first two years CWI was open. That phrase is etched into my DNA,” said Robinson. “I remember our first graduation and the satisfaction I felt being part of a new college.”
Prior to CWI, he taught at the University of North Texas, San Jacinto College, University of Houston, and Augustana University.
“I started teaching in graduate school and loved it from the start. The opportunity to discuss philosophical concepts with students (and get paid for it!) is truly a blessing.”
Teaching Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 101), Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 103), World Religions (PHIL 111), and Political Philosophy (POLS 230), Robinson is grateful for the opportunity he has to make a difference in the lives of students and prepare them for the future.
“I love teaching philosophy because it raises fundamental questions/problems everyone contemplates – What is a good life? What is truth? Is there life after death? My favorite part of teaching this subject is creating an inclusive environment for my students in which we can discuss philosophical ideas and engage in healthy critical thinking (while having fun, I might add). Philosophical knowledge is beneficial in that it teaches people how to think, not what to think. This type of thinking is a life-long skill that increases analytical and creative problem-solving.”
“Mike is quite literally the best professor at CWI,” said Associate Professor of Accounting, Joe Welker. “He cares very much about his students and their success. His students absolutely love him and his approach to teaching a challenging topic like philosophy. He has nearly 90 ratings on the time-tested website, Rate my Professor, and 100% of the students say they would take a class from him again or refer him to another student. It is beyond my comprehension why he isn’t winning this award every month.”
Robinson grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. He and his wife have been married for 33 years and have two adult children. Outside of the classroom he enjoys reading, hiking, and golf.
