Criminal Justice Professor Matt Hassett Earns UNC System Teaching Award

Dr. Matt Hassett’s classroom is more than a place of learning — it’s a space where students find inspiration, mentorship and the confidence to challenge the world around them. That dedication to student success has earned him the 2025 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of the highest honors in North Carolina’s public universities.

An associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at UNC Pembroke, Hassett is known for his dynamic teaching style and deep investment in his students. He pushes them beyond textbooks, helping them connect coursework to real-world applications that shape their careers and lives.

Only 17 faculty members across the UNC System receive this prestigious award each year, which recognizes exceptional teaching, mentorship and academic contributions. “Professor Hassett exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence and student success,” said Provost Diane Prusank. “His passion for education and innovative teaching approach have profoundly impacted our campus community. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of our faculty.” Hassett’s passion for criminal justice is deeply personal.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, he was surrounded by law enforcement officers, including his grandfather, Donald Kudla, a veteran Pittsburgh police officer. Though he never saw himself wearing a badge, he felt drawn to the academic side of law enforcement, studying criminology and research. “I fell in love with research while earning my master’s degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania [IUP],” Hassett said. “Studying the legal system and criminal justice allows me to serve my community differently, just as my grandfather did.” After earning his PhD from IUP, Hassett joined UNCP’s faculty in 2018. His teaching philosophy is simple yet profound: “I’m not here to tell students what to think — I’m here to help them think critically.”

For junior Aiden Stewart, Hassett’s approachable style made the classroom a space where students felt valued and heard. “He’s one with the students," Stewart said. "Even though he’s an authority figure, he makes it easy to talk to him about anything.” When Stewart faced a personal hardship, Hassett didn’t just offer support — he ensured she could complete her coursework online without additional stress. “That left an impact on me,” Stewart said.

Dr. Hassett put real thought into every assignment, providing feedback that helped me improve. “His constructive criticism showed me that my work mattered — I wasn’t just completing tasks for a grade. I was genuinely learning and building career skills.

For senior Katie Aguilar-Manueles, a first-generation college student, Hassett was a source of reassurance in an intimidating new world. “He made me realize it’s ok to make mistakes and learn from them,” Aguilar-Manueles said. “College felt rigid and overwhelming at first, but he reminded me that we are here to learn, not to be perfect.” Hassett’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping students into critical thinkers, engaged citizens and future leaders. His commitment to mentorship and academic excellence isn’t just a hallmark of his career — it’s a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of UNCP students.