When Brandon Arvesen was hired to teach in the Baltimore City Public School System, a colleague warned him not to smile before December if he wanted to succeed. 

But for Arvesen, authenticity is key — which means being approachable, a bit goofy and sometimes unconventional in his approach to teaching literature. 

That approach has certainly served the assistant professor of creative and professional writing well since he joined the Colby-Sawyer faculty in 2022. 

Arvesen is the recipient of the 2026 Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching — the college’s highest faculty honor. As the winner, he'll deliver the Commencement keynote. 

“I'm proud and humbled to receive this recognition," Arvesen said. "Every year, Colby-Sawyer gives this award that says teaching matters because learning matters. I think that speaks volumes about the priority the college places on preparing students for life after graduation.”  

Award nominations submitted by students highlight a variety of ways that Arvesen’s teaching matters: 

I’ve become an effective writer and communicator in ways I never imagined and have gained an unmistakable newfound confidence because of his encouragement. 

I am nominating Professor Arvesen for this award because of his unique ability to integrate humor and professionalism into each class in an extremely captivating way that makes me want to attend class every time. 

Brandon is my G.O.A.T. 

He is the ideal professor in many ways. His input and dedication to each and every student displays a joy for being an educator. 

Professor Arvesen holds his students to high standards while providing assistance throughout the whole course. He is amazing! 

He sweeps everyone into discussion with interesting concepts and questions that allow breadth for students to engage thoughtfully in. 

Presenting literature so that it’s engaging and relevant to students — including those who took the course to satisfy a graduation requirement — pays off. For students and for Arvesen. 

“I've had a couple of semesters when a student emailed and said, ‘I think I like reading now.’ Mission accomplished,” Arvesen said. “They found literature.” 

Arvesen’s own experiences in school bolster his ability to meet his students where they are. By conventional standards, Arvesen said he was not considered an exceptional student. 

“I liked school, but I wasn't good at it. I didn't have the attention span. I didn’t have the stick-to-itiveness,” he said. "And, so, when I did well, it was because a professor saw past the stereotype. That really informs my teaching approach.” 

Arvesen is also actively involved on campus outside of class, including as faculty advisor for the field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. He was recently honored as Faculty Rep of the Year at the Department of Athletics annual Chargies Awards ceremony, which showcases the successes of Colby-Sawyer's student-athletes. 

Arvesen holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from Goucher College, a master’s in writing from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s in English, with a concentration in secondary education, from Goucher College. He’s the founding editor of 3cents Magazine and previously served as managing editor of true magazine.

Arvesen is married to Lisa Lance, executive director of marketing and communications at Colby-Sawyer. They have two dogs, Macy and Vincent. 

When delivering his Commencement remarks, Arvesen will be his authentic self — engaging, perhaps a bit goofy and glad to share a few lasting, last-minute lessons with graduates. 

“Life will happen. You may find yourself exactly where you thought you were supposed to be,” he said. “You may find yourself in the craziest place you never would've thought, but no matter what, you have Colby-Sawyer, and you have this education and you have the tools to succeed."