HPU’s Dr. Martin Kifer Receives Slane Distinguished Teaching Service Award

High Point University President Nido Qubein, left, presented Dr. Martin Kifer, chair of the Department of Political Science and director of HPU’s Survey Research Center, with the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award on April 1.

HIGH POINT, N.C., May 17, 2022 – High Point University recently presented Dr. Martin Kifer with the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award. The award is named for Meredith Clark Slane, a friend to the university, and has been given annually since 1973 to recognize excellence in teaching.

“It is humbling for me to receive an award like this when I look around and see so many colleagues teaching with passion and serving this institution with such energy,” said Kifer. “I try to think of my teaching and service as a single project whether it takes place in an HPU classroom, in our Survey Research Center or during an off-campus study program.”

Kifer is the chair of the Department of Political Science and director of HPU’s Survey Research Center, which produces the HPU Poll, a statewide public opinion survey. He’s been with the university since 2009. Kifer’s research and teaching interests include U.S. foreign policy, political campaigns and new media, survey research methods, and American political opinion and behavior.

“As his colleague, it is truly difficult to overstate the contributions Dr. Kifer has made to this university,” said Dr. John Graeber, assistant professor of political science. “I know of no other faculty member on campus who brings more energy, enthusiasm and dedication to this university and its students than he does. Dr. Kifer is truly the model professor and an inspiration to all who have the pleasure to work with him.”