USC Price faculty recently read their course evaluations on camera and reacted to student feedback that highlighted a student-centered classroom, positive reinforcement, and strong learning outcomes.
These moments, captured in real time, show how college professor ratings and comments influence how instructors teach, mentor, and refine their courses to better support students. Their reactions reveal genuine gratitude as faculty connect their daily work in the classroom to student success. It is the first time they read out loud how their daily preparation, patience, and presence land with students.
Deborah Natoli’s compassionate and comfortable classroom culture
After working for 10 years as a public high school teacher, Professor Deborah Natoli dedicated her passion for teaching to support the success of students from underprivileged communities. She began her USC career as the Director of Faculty Development at the Marshall School of Business in 2006. Now, at USC Price, she teaches in the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy (BSPP) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Natoli’s commitment to creating a welcoming classroom culture sets her apart as a leader of faculty development and student-centered learning. She reframed her model for teacher development into a leadership framework, where she grounded her findings in psychodynamic, depth psychology, and neuroscience principles. This model equips students with both academic and emotional knowledge, and helps them thrive in the real-world.
[Professor Natoli] taught me that good teaching begins with seeing the student as a person worthy of patience.
USC Price Student
More than methods: TJ McCarthy’s student-centered classroom
Professor TJ McCarthy’s expertise lies in applied econometrics. His research translates to real-world applications of concepts like economics of education and health economics. He teaches courses in the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy (BSPP), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and the Master of Public Policy (MPP).
McCarthy won the 2024 USC Academic Senate Distinguished Faculty Service Award, an honor that recognizes service extending beyond typical research, administrative, clinical, and teaching duties.
He is dedicated to creating a student-centered classroom, investing in the success of his students.
I haven’t had a professor devote so much time to making sure his students understand concepts and are able to succeed in his course.
USC Price Student
Nailing thoughtful curriculum development with Kate Nelischer
Kate Nelischer joined USC Price as an Assistant Professor in 2024. Her research interests center on the governance of planning, design, and development processes, including citizen participation. Her work explores these issues through the lenses of public-private partnerships, smart cities, and gender and planning.
She teaches in the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development (BRED), Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development (MRED), and Master of Urban Planning (MUP). She teaches a variety of courses, including a capstone class on planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her robust skills in a variety of fields inform her innovative approach to curriculum development and teaching style. One student wrote, “The class was innovative, fun, structured, and a blast to be a part of. Kate Nelischer is a treasure of an instructor to have at USC.”
Kate, you are awesome! This is the most enjoyable class. I appreciate the thoughtful course curriculum, lectures, and interactive sessions.
USC Price Student
Neeraj Sood prioritizes student success and learning outcomes
Neeraj Sood is a Professor at USC Price, and also holds appointments in the USC Keck School of Medicine and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. His expertise covers numerous aspects of healthcare, from infectious disease to medical innovation and regulatory policy.
He teaches courses for the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy (BSPP) and the Master of Health Administration (MHA). Even with his research-heavy approach, Sood’s commitment to an engaged classroom culture is apparent in his students’ learning outcomes.
One of his recent students said, “I appreciated Dr. Sood’s thoughtful and challenging feedback. He also fostered an environment where we all engaged in each other’s research ideas.”
Students learned how to critically think. Thank you for being so attentive and present for your students.
USC Price Student
Student feedback and course evaluations strengthen student success at USC Price
Course evaluations are more than a routine end-of-semester requirement. They provide a space for students and faculty to reimagine curriculum development and strengthen the classroom culture. Faculty use college professor ratings to continue striving towards a transformative educational experience through USC Price’s academic programs.
And let’s not forget that student feedback also reminds professors just how meaningful and impactful their work in the classroom truly is.
