Lauded by his colleagues as “a terrific scholar,” Boston University professor Herbert Mason was recognized nationally last month when he was named this year’s United Methodist Scholar/Teacher of the Year.
Mason, who said he is “very appreciative” for the award, teaches in the University Professors Program and is the William Aurelio Professor of History and Religion, a chair position he received last semester.
Mason is “one of the most widely interested, eclectic members of the department,” according to history department Chairman Dietrich Orlow, adding Mason’s areas of expertise range from Irish to Islamic history and mysticism.
The United Methodist Church gives the award to professors who demonstrate excellence in teaching at United Methodist-affiliated universities.
Boston University was originally founded as the Newbury Biblical Institute, the first Methodist seminary in the United States, and is home today to the United Methodist-affiliated School of Theology.
Claudio Veliz, director of the University Professors Program, praised Mason’s teaching. “He should get every prize available,” he said.
“[Mason] is a man of many parts,” Veliz added. “He moves with great ease from Ireland to the Middle East.”
Mason currently teaches in both UNI and the College of Arts and Sciences. As professor of the required Introduction to Literary Study course, he is a familiar face to UNI students.
“He’s great,” said Laura Meyer, a UNI freshman. “He’s very good at improving writing and offering good constructive criticism.”
“Professor Mason has an ability to make connections from literature from all around the world,” said UNI freshman Carl Woog. Mason demonstrated “what it means to find passion in literature.”
Literature is only one of Mason’s fortes. His translation of “Gilgamesh, A Verse Narrative,” was a 1971 National Book Award winner.
He also translated the four-volume “La Passion d’al-Hallaj” in 1983.
Mason serves as vice president of the Institut Louis Massignon in Paris, where he conducts research in Islamic and near-Eastern studies, as well as ecumenical studies. He does most of his work via computer in the United States, but travels to Paris twice a year.
“I find researchers of merit to do textual studies,” Mason said. “I’m finding Americans [to recruit to the Institute] so these works can be translated.”
Mason holds an equitable role in the history department, where he teaches Islamic History and the History of Ireland.
“This is a much deserved honor,” Orlow said, noting Mason’s popularity among his students. “We are delighted as a department that he is recognized for his teaching ability.”
In addition to teaching undergraduates, Mason directs the graduate studies program, something Veliz said Mason is dedicated to. And though he spends much of his time teaching and advising students, Mason continues to write and publish his writing.
“I have a book of essays, tentatively titled ‘Conditions,’” he said. “I’m also working on a book of fiction entitled ‘Seasons in Maine,’ which is four novels in one large work.”
In addition, he said, “I’m doing a book of Arabic mystical poetry, something I’ve worked on for a long time,” as well as an upcoming book on Ireland.
Although his translation of “Gilgamesh” earned him a national award, the myth is not Mason’s favorite work.
“I’d say various works that I’ve done on Islamic mysticism are just as important,” he said.
Referring to his vast expertise, Mason explained the subjects are “things I’ve been interested in for a long, long time,” saying they represent his “many interests over the years.”
But regardless of what subject Mason is teaching, his students are near unanimous in their praise.
“He’s very passionate about what he teaches,” said Jacquelin Merrill, a UNI freshman. “You can tell he loves what he’s doing.”
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