Rate My Professor Dennis Taylor

Taylor's initiatives have notably enhanced student outcomes in foundational chemistry. Recognizing the need for better preparedness assessment, he led the creation of a dedicated chemistry placement exam to identify skill deficiencies among incoming students, moving beyond the previous reliance on the mathematics placement exam. This effort facilitated the resurrection of CH 1040, a preparatory course addressing gaps in basic chemistry knowledge, thereby helping students avoid failure in CH 1010 and build stronger foundations for subsequent coursework. These innovations support timely academic progress and reduce dropout risks tied to full-time enrollment requirements. For his profound impact on teaching and learning, Taylor received the College of Science Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer Award in 2023. He was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2025 and celebrated 20 years of service to Clemson University that year. Taylor also contributes to college committees and maintains research interests in single-site catalysts for olefin polymerization and precious metal compounds.