“I am energized by the classroom experience and the teacher-student relationship,” Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., says.
Since Cabrini College offered a challenging academic environment, and a mission of service and engagement in with Gingerich’s own values and interests, he decided in 2005 to join the faculty.
“I think that Cabrini is a great place for a student to not only receive an education, but also to become a more thoughtful and responsible person,” says Gingerich.
He says Cabrini’s value lies in the fact that it is a small community where faculty, staff, and students can work together to analyze major global problems and brainstorm potential solutions.
The core of his teaching philosophy is creating an environment where students feel energized and more fulfilled through their personal learning experiences.
“Teaching should engage students in a way that makes them want to learn, rather than just getting through the course,” says Gingerich.
Gingerich earned a bachelor’s of science in social work from Eastern Mennonite University, a master’s of arts in sociology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Gingerich has had several pieces published on peace, urban communities and the Philadelphia Mennonites. Additionally, he has given a number of presentations on these topics.
His research and academic interests include corrections and punishment, race and ethnic studies, criminology, restorative justice, and conflict transformation.
Gingerich volunteers with two programs in the surrounding region: the Graterford Prison Think Tank and the Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel.
The Graterford Prison Think Tank consists of a group of imprisoned men and a visiting group mostly comprised of college professors and students. The Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel is a monthly meeting with local adjudicated youth who are first-time offenders in Norristown.
A native of Parnell, Iowa, Gingerich lives in Norristown, Pa.
Contact Information:
Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Sociology
Dean for Academic Affairs
Grace Hall, Room 165
610-902-8302
jeffrey.p.gingerich@cabrini.edu