Advice for Becoming a Great University Professor

Lessons from a study on the characteristics of the best college professors

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A veteran university professor reflects on the advice he received years ago about how to be a good professor - love your students, accept them as they are, and try to help them improve. He also discusses the key findings from the book "What the Best College Professors Do" by Ken Bain, which studied 70 outstanding professors over 15 years. The research identified six main characteristics of the best professors, including deep subject matter expertise, a strong focus on teaching, high expectations of students, and creating an environment for critical learning.

Why it matters

This article provides valuable insights for both current and aspiring university professors on how to excel at the craft of teaching and mentoring students. It highlights the importance of balancing scholarly expertise with an emphasis on pedagogy, student engagement, and continuous improvement - all of which are crucial for producing the best learning outcomes and preparing students for success.

The details

The author recounts a conversation years ago with a prestigious professor who advised him that to be a good university professor, one must "love your students, accept them as they are, with their strengths and weaknesses, and above all, try to help them improve, building upon their virtues and positive qualities." This advice has stuck with the author throughout his teaching career. The article then delves into the key findings from the book "What the Best College Professors Do" by Ken Bain. The book, based on a 15-year study of 70 outstanding professors, identified six main characteristics of the best professors: 1) They know their subject extremely well and can simplify complex topics; 2) They place great importance on their teaching; 3) They are demanding of students but tie objectives to career prospects; 4) They create an environment for "natural critical learning"; 5) They are frank, open, and kind with students; and 6) They continuously evaluate and improve their teaching.

  • The book "What the Best College Professors Do" was published over 15 years ago.
  • The author reflects on advice he received from a prestigious professor years ago.

The players

Ken Bain

The director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at New York University and the author of the book "What the Best College Professors Do", which was based on a 15-year study of 70 outstanding professors.

José Miguel Ponce

A veteran university professor who is reflecting on the advice he received and the lessons from Bain's book on becoming a great professor.

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The takeaway

Becoming an outstanding university professor requires a multifaceted approach that balances deep subject matter expertise with a strong emphasis on pedagogy, student engagement, and continuous improvement. By embodying the key characteristics identified in "What the Best College Professors Do", professors can create an environment that fosters critical thinking, motivates students, and produces meaningful learning outcomes.