Henry Bignell was recognized at SEBS Baccalaureate in May with the 2025 “Dr. Barbara Munson Goff Teacher of the Year” award. Photo: OPOC.
Henry Bignell, teaching instructor in the Department of Animal Sciences, was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Rutgers Chapter of the Fraternity of Alpha Zeta, the national honor and service fraternity for agriculture and environmental studies.
The award was named in memory of Barbara Munson Goff, former director of the Cook General Honors Program and an Alpha Zeta alumna, who was an extraordinary teacher and mentor at the school. The annual award reflects the high standards of teaching exemplified by Dr. Goff and the qualities of leadership, character, and service that are synonymous with the ideals of the fraternity.
Henry Bignell is recognized as the 2025 ‘Teacher of the Year’ at SEBS Convocation by Brian Schilling, director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. SEBS Executive Dean, Laura Lawson, is at right.
Bignell teaches five Animal Science courses to more than 500 students each academic year and oversees and coordinates the Animal Nutrition Laboratory sections, where he mentors Graduate Teaching Assistants. He’s passionate about providing students with experiential learning opportunities and prizes being the instructor of the Academic Mentoring class for first-generation students and serving as a first-year and transfer student advisor for Animal Science students.
Bignell loves his students – and it shows. Alpha Zeta students have highlighted his impact on their SEBS education, and these quotes from students highlight why he was selected for this particular teaching honor, which earned him recognition at both SEBS Baccalaureate and Convocation.
“Professor Bignell is the kind of professor every student wishes they could have every year. He genuinely wants the best for his students and constantly goes above and beyond to help them, whether he’s offering academic guidance as an advisor or giving emotional advice like a father. His dedication, warmth, and unwavering commitment to his students make him truly deserving of this title.” Sabrina Kim
“Professor Bignell was an amazing professor right from the start. He’s engaging in class and gives so many opportunities for students to succeed. He’s approachable both in and outside of class, I’m so happy I started Rutgers at the same time as Professor Bignell, I don’t think my Rutgers experience would have been the same without him.” Jackie LaChow
“Professor Bignell always goes above and beyond to make connections with his students. I had him for “Intro to Animal Science,” and even though there were 200+ students in the class, he remembered me when I had him again two years later. He takes a genuine interest in students’ goals and always pushes us to be our best.” Kelsey Iuliano
Bignell humbly credits his growth and success to his departmental colleagues, especially his grad school advisor, mentor, and friend, Professor Carol Bagnell.
Prior to his teaching role in the Department of Animal Sciences, Bignell had an 8-year tenure as a Cooperative Extension Agent at the University of Florida, Cornell University, and Rutgers. But, by far, his most fulfilling roles are teaching undergraduate students and mentoring graduate students.
