Professor Corlett values teaching, as opposed to just lecturing. He desires, in part by way of sharing his experiences and expertise, to assist in the intellectual and moral development of his students.  One of his former students remarked: “Dr. Corlett is by far the best professor that I have taken in my college experience. He is real, he cares, and unlike a lot of the other professors, he knows what… he is talking about. I would take any and every course he offers. After taking his class, I actually care and have an interest in what's happening in our society. I know that I walked away from this course a more knowledgeable person.” As evidence of his commitment, Professor Corlett has been a finalist for the SDSU Favorite Faculty Award six times (2003-4, 2005-6, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014) and has also been selected as the 2011 outstanding undergraduate philosophy student’s most influential faculty member.

Professor Corlett is often quoted as saying: "With all due respect to other university students throughout the United States and the rest of the world, my SDSU students are special to me and I genuinely love teaching them. We have bonded strongly over the decades. Teaching SDSU students is like teaching no where else in the world." "However," he adds, "many faculty and administrators at SDSU are disrespectful of the full range and rights of academic freedom both for faculty and for students. They respect neither established law nor SDSU policy on academic freedom; they cannot respect that of which they are importantly ignorant."

Good afternoon fellow Compact graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff. It is my honor to present to you today the winner of the Friend of the Compact award.

No amount of words can describe why Professor Corlett deserves this special recognition. Not only is he one of the finest professors here at San Diego State University, but he is also a true inspiration. I have had the pleasure of being a part of various courses taught by Professor Corlett and each is so much more than just another class: it’s a memorable experience. This professor is truly amazing. One does not merely sit and stare at the clock in Professor Corlett’s class. Instead, students are actively engaged in interesting and real-life topics that affect the world. After each and every session, I walk away with a new outlook on the world around me. Not only does he provide an actual learning environment, but he genuinely cares about each and every one of his students. He is extremely approachable, kind, and open. Even walking into his class and being greeted with a warm “hello” separates Professor Corlett from many others. Most importantly, Professor Corlett is dedicated to molding his students into fine scholars. Not only has Dr. C broadened my way of thinking, but he has also prepared me for my future beyond my undergraduate years here at San Diego State.

On a more personal level, Professor Corlett was a source of motivation, inspiration, and aspiration for me while I was going through the rigorous process of applying to law school. To hear the words “You’re a fine student Sabrina, and I really think you have what it takes for law school” when I told him I planned to apply meant so much. It was beyond amazing to know that someone I look up to so much could think so highly of me. I don’t think Professor Corlett knows, even today, how much those words affected me. Naturally, when I found out I had been accepted, I was eager to tell him about it!