Q&A: Meet Professor Howard Eissenstat
Get to Know Your Mentor
Laurentian Associate Professor of History Howard Eissenstat is dedicated to helping students uncover the connections between history and the contemporary world. With expertise in the modern Middle East and hands-on experience in public policy, he brings current events into the classroom, fostering discussions that challenge perspectives and encourage critical thinking.
What’s your favorite course to teach, and why?
One of my favorites is my First-Year Seminar, What is the University For? It’s a unique opportunity to explore how a university experience fits into larger political, cultural, and economic debates, and also how it can serve to launch a student into their chosen field. Beyond the classroom, I love helping introduce students to alumni who can share practical insights about leveraging the liberal arts into successful careers.
How do you make your history courses engaging?
In my Middle East classes, we integrate current news into our discussions, connecting scholarship to real-world events. As a historian with experience in public policy, I strive to show students how history shapes the challenges we face and the solutions that are possible. By linking the past to present-day policy, students see history as a dynamic and relevant discipline.
What do you value most about your students?
St. Lawrence students bring a hunger for learning to every discussion. They’re not just attending class—they’re ready to dive into research, wrestle with big ideas, and contribute unique perspectives. I especially appreciate when they incorporate ideas from other courses or their own experiences, as it makes our learning environment more collaborative and rich.
What’s a particularly innovative aspect of your teaching?
In my First-Year Program, I bring in St. Lawrence alumni—many of whom were my former students—to share their stories and offer advice to new students. It’s magical to see this connection between generations of Laurentians, and it reinforces the value of community and mentorship.
What’s been a proud moment for you at St. Lawrence?
My real pride comes from former students writing back, long after they graduated, telling me how something they learned in my classes or that I said to them over coffee still has resonances years later. I take tremendous pride in the successes my students achieve after graduation.
