Phillip Reese, a Sacramento State journalism professor, was voted “Best Professor” in The State Hornet’s third annual Best of Sac State poll.

Reese has been teaching at Sac State in the communication studies department for two years. He currently teaches two upper division journalism classes and a lower division introductory journalism course.  

“I’ve always loved teaching,” Reese said. “It sounds kind of vague but it’s fun to pass down the things I know to other people and watch it click.”

Prior to his time at Sac State, Reese gave lectures and workshops on data analysis at various colleges across Northern California. Reese still works part-time as a data reporter for The Sacramento Bee.

Reese earned his master’s degree from North Carolina State and completed his undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Reese said his favorite part about teaching is watching students become better at journalism throughout their college experience.

“I’ve had students who started in my Intro to News Writing class and within a year they were getting published by professional news organizations,” Reese said. “That is really validating and feels great.”

Journalism major Nick Pecoraro said he appreciates Reese’s attentiveness to each of his students.

“He takes the time to work with you one-on-one if you need help and he’s willing to help outside the classroom too,” Pecoraro said. “He’s one of my favorite professors I’ve had at Sac State.”

Lorenzo Verduzco, a student in Reese’s data journalism class, said Reese is always good about explaining material and taking questions from students.

“I thought he had been teaching for at least five years, so knowing this is his second year shows the quality of him as an instructor,” said Verduzco. “Wherever he came from before, he’s bringing the good work here too.”

For a full list of 2019 Best of Sac State results, click here.