Teaching is a collaborative art and it has to be driven by curiosity, both on the part of teacher and student, and when it works well, it produces understanding and joy.”
Dr. Steven Gamboa has been a faculty member in the philosophy program at CSU Bakersfield since 2005. In his teaching, he aims to balance a commitment to the virtues of critical reflection, open-minded inquiry, intellectual humility, and respect for difference, with an equal emphasis on the value of passionate engagement and intellectual honesty. Dr. Gamboa has mentored dozens of students, more than 20 of whom have gone on to earn graduate degrees in philosophy and other fields. He has also worked with students as the adviser for the Philosophy & Religious Studies Club. The Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award honors faculty for contributions made to their students, academic disciplines, and campus communities.