Kay Rex Tolchin, Ph.D.

These are excerpts from letters written by colleagues in support of Dr. Tolchin’s nomination for a university-wide teaching award in 2015 at Florida Gulf Coast University:

“Kay Tolchin is an amazing teacher.  She’s intelligent, dynamic, and really, really funny.  If you combine those qualities with her encyclopedic grasp of the material, you find yourself completely immersed in Kay’s presentation.  It’s almost like suspension of disbelief in a novel; however, with Kay you forget that you are in a classroom and find yourself transported to a parallel universe where what she is teaching comes alive, completely… I loved the way students responded to Kay, how they smiled and spoke confidently, evidently so aware that whatever they said would be honored and valued by their teacher and classmates… After listening to Kay, after hearing her wise counsel about Nabokov, I felt challenged as a teacher.  When I thought about my own classes, I wanted them to be like hers’.  She is excellence in teaching.  I was humbled, delighted, and star-struck…”

-Prof. Jesse Millner, prolific and award-winning poet and Creative Writing Faculty

“I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with Kay as a colleague and collaborator for much of the past ten years…  Her passion and care for students, dynamic approach in the classroom, and creative and collaborative nature make her an exemplary example of what a professor should be… The experience of developing, teaching, revising, and teaching [a course on creative nonfiction storytelling and performance] again has been one of the most rewarding ongoing professional experiences I’ve ever had.  Student response to this course has been positive with palpable impact.  Kay has been the perfect co-teaching partner as the yin to my yang… Dr. Tolchin is a revelation in and out of the classroom… Accessing the encyclopedic reference library in her brain, from novels to essays to poems, helps Dr. Tolchin provide fascinating and thoroughly insightful learning opportunities for her students…” 

-Prof. Dean A. Davis, award-winning retired Communication Faculty and Program Leader and Adler-trained coach

“Dr. Tolchin possesses a love of learning that drives her to continually improve her craft.  She embraces the notion of life-long learning and is not content with the status quo in her approach to teaching.  She strives to find ways that can better support the learning of her students and help them to be part of a community of learners.  I have seen Dr. Tolchin present to the faculty… The workshop was an excellent example of Kay’s teaching style… clear presentation, many concrete examples, open and warm presentation style, humor, and time for discussion… It’s been rewarding for me to see her in action and she is very worthy of this (excellence in teaching] award.” 

-Dr. Linda Serro, Education Professor Emerita and Founding Director, Lucas Center for Faculty Development

The following is a note from a high school senior Dr. Tolchin assisted with her personal essay for admission to college:

“Kay helped me refine and polish my college essay which helped me get accepted into the school of my dreams.  It was amazing to have professional feedback on my thoughts, which gave me confidence about my application. Kay helped me organize my ideas and express myself in the most eloquent and creative way. Thank you for your help and brilliant input on my work!”

-College student from Boulder, Colorado

The following are excerpts from 25 years of student evaluations.  They range from undergraduate college courses, to masters degree courses, to adult continuing education workshops, spanning from 1996 to the present day.   

“I wish her class was every week for the rest of my life…”

“Gem of a teacher…”

“What a great and growth-promoting class!”

“I have never been more inspired in a subject before this class.”

“I feel like I have gotten so much from my classes with you.  I don’t know if professors are ever told what they really have done to help a student’s career,  but I wanted to take the opportunity to do so…” 

“Tolchin was an excellent instructor, and I loved how wonderfully her professionalism and compassionate instincts helped each of us students, as the subjects and topics in memoir writing are historically quite difficult.  Her warmth and expertise were what made the class discussions and work therein so powerful and productive.”

“Tolchin was organized, lovely, great sense of humor.  I [would] take her class again in a heartbeat.”

“Kay made excellent use of writers’ essays to illustrate the key parts of memoir, eg. plot, theme, universality, etc…  The discussions were lively and useful.  Kay made sure that she stayed on task…  Very stimulating!  She is a great addition to Lighthouse North.  I look forward to taking more of her classes!”

“Dr. Tolchin is the best teacher I have ever had.” 

“Hands down the most incredible class I’ve had the privilege of taking.  The class was so powerful and captivating; it influenced me to assess my goals and life direction…  Dr. Tolchin was like a motherly figure, and I have never had that type of relationship with a professor. So profound.”

“You can really tell Dr. Tolchin has a passion for what she does! Great class!”

“Dr. Tolchin is a great, dynamic teacher!”

“The warm, loving atmosphere that was created in the class and the bond that was formed with my classmates [are] irreplaceable.”

“By far the best class I have taken at Florida Gulf Coast University… The class provided students with a rich environment where they could learn and be comfortable around one another to be creative and expressive…”

“An enthusiastic teacher, providing students well chosen and valuable reading materials...”

“The comments upon my work showed extremely close attention to all aspects of my writing.”

“She was vibrant in class and spurred discussion.  She really cared about the students, each one individually, and then writing…  She showed belief in me and my writing—She’s a wonderful teacher!”

“She was always interested in us and furthered our intellects and skills.  The class discussions were great, and I believe her attitude and personality caused a part of that.  She genuinely respects us and listens to our ideas, and always was a beacon of light.  Her creativity was appreciated!”

“Perhaps her strongest point is her immense enthusiasm.  How could we resist becoming enthusiastic as well?  She encouraged us to see her or call her as often as we wished and was able to relate and help us with our difficulties.  ”

“You’re an amazing teacher.”

“I really enjoyed this class.  I am sad that it ended.  Dr. Tolchin is a great instructor.  She really engages the class in the material.  Very friendly and intellectual.  An all around great person.” 

“Dr. Tolchin’s energy is very positive and helps to create interest in Literature.  She makes the class as fun and energetic as she can, and I would recommend her to other students.” 

“She is a really fun and informative teacher.  She is willing to work with you whenever you need it.  She is always willing to go more in-depth if you did not understand something.  Made class fun with stories and attitude.” 

“One of the best teachers I have ever had.”

“I will miss this class!!! Dr. Tolchin is the best professor EVER.”

“She is Fabulous.  Very funny and entertaining while still providing good education.” 

“You’re a lovely person, and I enjoyed the time spent in your class.” 

“Dr. Tolchin was readily available to help me with assignments both via email and telephone.  The assignments were thought provoking and challenging and helped me discover new, great writers.  I would highly recommend this course and this professor.” 

“Ten out of ten.”

“The professor is always prepared for class and I am always impressed by her extensive knowledge of the subjects she teaches.” 

“This course taught me a lot and Professor Tolchin is the reason for that.  She is always engaging and interesting during class.  Her teaching style makes it easy for me to learn and understand any subject.  I would most definitely take her again and recommend this course.” 

“I absolutely love this course!  I thought it was going to be my least favorite, but it turned out to be the exact opposite.” 

“I love your passion for the subject; it definitely shows in your lectures!  I am very happy I took your course as an elective before graduation this spring! You are so funny during class and keep my attention well.” 

“She is a great teacher, very knowledgeable on the subject, and you can tell she truly enjoys coming to class every day.  Cares about her students, and is fun and bubbly when it comes to presenting.” 

“I love this class.  If I could take it again, I would.” 

“I can honestly say she is by far the best English professor I have ever had throughout my life and I would highly recommend her.” 

“I appreciate all the kindness and passion you have for the subject.  It makes it more entertaining to learn from someone like that.” 

“I really loved having you as a teacher.  I always left class in a great mood because of your positive, happy attitude.”

“This was a great course and I enjoyed it more than I expected to.  It was different than I expected, but in a good way.  I learned a lot more than I thought.” 

“Fabulous professor.  I would recommend or take any of her classes again.  She presents a relaxing atmosphere; I’m always excited and looking forward to her class every week.” 

“Dr. Tolchin is an excellent professor, and truly wants every student to succeed.” 

“You’re just a badass professor! No explanation needed.”