LEWISTON – William Corlett, a professor of political science at Bates College, offers a lecture, “Public Stakes, Private Education” at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. It will be presented in the college’s Keck Classroom (Room G52), Pettengill Hall, Andrews Road.

His talk inaugurates the college’s Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Series. It is open to the public at no cost.

Corlett of Sabattus received the 2006 Ruth M. and Robert H. Kroepsch Award for Excellence in Teaching in January. He was nominated for the honor by students and alums who described his classroom as a “town meeting” where the moderator respects all viewpoints.

“Teaching is about community building,” said Corlett. “And community building teaches students and professors the importance of possessing a generous spirit.”

Corlett’s courses address the history of political thought and contemporary theory and activism, while his writing and research reflect a commitment to social justice and economic democracy.

Corlett said the Kroepsch award embodies the generous spirit he tries to instill in his students.

The honor, which carries a $5,000 award, recognizes a faculty member’s ability to stimulate student interest in the subject, foster desire for further learning, help students understand subject matter in a broad context and encourage a high level of student performance, among other criteria.