Faces of UNC Asheville

Ann Weber

The word “boredom” is never used in the same sentence with Psychology professor Ann Weber.

“I thought I might major in Psychology, and after taking my first class with Dr. Weber, there was no turning back,” said Liz Poole ’06 (Psychology) of Morganton. “She is such a dynamic and energetic professor. And she’s funny. She makes potentially boring topics very interesting.”

“Dr. Weber finds a way to relate the class material to students in a way that is much more fun than any other professor I’ve had,” said Adam Branks ’05 (Psychology) of New Zealand. A faculty member since 1978, Weber is an expert on interpersonal and social psychology. She teaches introductory and higher-level courses ranging from consumer psychology to the psychology of religion. Students and colleagues praise her thoughtfulness and desire to integrate the many dimensions of the learning experience.  “Ann’s classes are an experience,” said Tracy Brown, Psychology Department chair. “She brings such vigor, energy and creativity that it’s impossible not to get involved in the material. The result is a highly engaging classroom experience, rich with insights, which leaves ideas ricocheting around in one’s mind for days.”

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Catholic University of America, Weber holds master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She received the 1998 campus Distinguished Teaching Award and is the author or co-author of 20 books. “With every novel I read, every joke I hear, every movie I watch—I’m thinking about how to weave it into my classes to make the material more interesting to my students.”