Proust Questionnaire with UVA Legends: Interview with Daniel Willingham

Meet Daniel Willingham, a well-known psychology professor at the University of Virginia. He’s been teaching at UVA since 1992 and is famous for his work on how people learn. He attended Duke for college and got his Ph.D. from Harvard. His early research looked at how the brain supports learning and memory, and later he focused on how science can help teachers and students do better in school. He’s written books like Why Don’t Students Like School? and The Reading Mind, and he’s great at making tough ideas easy to understand. He is ranked among the Top 200 ‘Most Influential’ Education Scholars in the nation at number nine. His work has been featured in national media and continues to shape how people think about learning. He’s not only a leader in his field but also a beloved professor at UVA, known for his engaging classes and thoughtful mentorship.

He recently answered a list of questions we provided based on the Proust Questionnaire format. These questions are designed to be answered briefly, but with depth, offering a more personal and meaningful glimpse into the person behind the profession. We’ve adapted the original format to focus on UVA life, traditions, and experiences. These responses give us a sense of Professor Willingham’s personality, values, and what makes UVA special to him.

Now, let’s get to know him a little better:

1. Favorite UVA memory: I was married in the garden of Pavilion I, so….
2. Fun fact about Charlottesville: How close it is to beautiful small towns with fun things to do.
3. Favorite UVA tradition: going arm-in-arm for the Good Old Song. 
4. Go-to activity: People-watching on the downtown mall. 
5. Favorite season: Spring in Charlottesville is our reward for all the hard work we did during the academic year.
6. Overused phrase: The same phrase that’s overused by every psychologist: “That’s an empirical question.” 
7. Proudest achievement: Whenever I think I can get away with it, I take some credit for the marvelous people my children have grown up to be. 
8. Favorite writers: Anton Chekov. A great, great psychological writer.
9. Changing the mascot: I will not report you to the authorities for asking this question, but don’t let it happen again. 
10. Essential course: I don’t think any class is essential, but probably the most useful class is the one on public speaking.
11. Best piece of advice: Be proactive about your education. You will never again have access to so many people who know so much about so many things, and who are here to teach you. You will learn much more if you take an active part in constructing and supporting your learning.

Professor Willingham’s answers show that even though he’s a well-known expert, he values the personal moments that make UVA special. From getting married on Grounds to enjoying spring in Charlottesville, it’s clear he cares deeply about this place and the people in it.