Professor Clare Carroll has been fostering an intellectual and encouraging environment for students at Queens College for the past 35 years. Carroll teaches in the Comparative Literature Department and cites her “absolute commitment to the students” as a deciding factor for her stay at QC. Over the years, her approach to teaching has evolved, understanding that the principles ‘less is more’ and ‘listening is more’ have influenced the lessons and experiences she has shared with her students.
Carroll describes comparative literature as an important field that is applicable in every area of study, emphasizing that criticism should take place on a global scale. She highlighted the broader impact of the field in relation to its political and social connection, noting that comparative literature challenges disciplinary boundaries. Caroll’s commitment to encouraging discussions that explore past and contemporary cultures has had a significant impact among students at QC.
“I want everybody who reads this article to know that people in literature contribute to the big questions in the world and the environment,” Carroll told The Knight News.
Carroll’s impact on students goes well beyond their stay at QC as many of her students have reached out decades later. The sentiment of aspiring to become a teacher like Caroll has been expressed from former students, some of which are now educators themselves. She finds it very rewarding and meaningful when students continue on the path of academia.
In the coming years, Carroll will transition into a phased retirement, teaching for one semester each year. She will begin teaching a course on the history of the book to students of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, a subject she is passionate about and hopes to possibly continue teaching as an adjunct.
Discussions with students is something Carroll says she will deeply miss, as she finds classroom discussions enriching. One of her students even provided the epigraph for a book she is currently writing. The bond between Carroll and her students is rooted in mutual respect and understanding, with both sides having a significant and positive impact on one another and the world.
Earlier in her career, Carroll played the piano, and her love for it has led to her to take up lessons again. She is also passionate about hiking and fishing with her husband, retired QC Professor Dean Savage. She is excited to go in September, which she believes is the best time to go.
Carroll hopes more students can enjoy their education. As a teacher, she encourages her students to find joy in the process of reading. Though, she acknowledges the difficulties students face in doing so, especially if they have to work 30+ hours a week. Through activism and advocating for the rights of CUNY students, she hopes to see a future where students have an accessible education without overwhelming financial burden.
“CUNY is the engine of social mobility,” Carroll said.
Carroll’s distinguished career has been shaped by the students she has guided and who have guided her in return, as well as by her colleagues in the comparative literature department and beyond. Carroll’s career at QC is an inspiration to both students and all who know her.
