February 7, 2008 - Provost Office - Grand Valley State University

Provost Office
February 7, 2008

Congratulations to our 2007 and 2008 Milestone, Pew Awards for Excellence, and University Awards for Excellence winners!

	25 Year Award Phyllis Gendler, Ph.D. Professor of Nursing	1982 Assistant Professor of Nursing 1984 Acting Coordinator, Bachelors of Nursing Program 1992 Associate Professor of Nursing 1998 Director, RN/BSN/MSN Program 1999-present Professor of Nursing 2000 Acting Dean, Kirkhof School of Nursing 2001–2007 Dean, Kirkhof College of Nursing
	25 Year Award Dellas Henke, M.F.A. Professor of Art and Design	1982 Visiting Instructor of Art 1985 Assistant Professor of Art and Design 1992 Associate Professor of Art and Design 2006-present Professor of Art and Design
	25 Year Award Ellen Pool, M.M. Associate Professor of Music	1982 Visiting Instructor of Music 1983 Assistant Professor of Music 1998–present Associate Professor of Music 2002–present Choral Conductor 2002–present Director of choral activities
	30 Year Award Barbara Roos, M.A. Associate Professor of Communications	1977 Adjunct Faculty in the William James College 1978 Faculty in the William James College 1983 Associate Professor of Communications
	30 Year Award Laura Vander Broek, M.A. Associate Professor of English	1977 Assistant Professor of the Developmental Skills Institute 1983 Assistant Professor of English 1998–present Associate Professor of English
	35 Year Award Doulatram Chattulani, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education	1972 Assistant Professor of Education 1975–present Associate Professor of Education 1996–2000 Director, Teacher Education
	35 Year Award Carol Garey, A.M.L.S. Senior Librarian	1965–1967 Catalog Librarian 1974 Librarian 1989 Associate Librarian 1992–2007 Senior Librarian (retired)
	35 Year Award Harold Larson, Ph.D. Professor of Engineering	1972 Assistant Professor of Physics 1976 Associate Professor of Physics 1984 Professor of Physics 1988 Professor of Physics and Engineering 1994–present Professor of Engineering 1990–1991 Acting Director of Engineering 1997–2005 Assistant Director of Engineering
	35 Year Award Faite Mack, Ph.D. Professor of Education	1972 Assistant Professor in the Urban Studies Institute 1974 Associate Professor of Education 1979–present Professor of Education 1979 Coordinator, Graduate General Education Program 1985–1986 Acting Director of the School of Education 1986–1987 Coordinator, Early Childhood/PPI Program 1988–1990 Coordinator, Early Childhood/PPI Program
	35 Year Award Jitendra Mishra, Ph.D. Professor of Management	1972 Associate Professor of Business 1977–present Professor of Management
	35 Year Award Melvin Northup, Ph.D. Professor of Natural Resources Management	1972 Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences 1977 Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences 1983 Associate Professor of Planning and Resource Management 1984–present Professor of Natural Resources Management
	35 Year Award Stephen Rowe, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy	1972 Assistant Professor in the William James College 1983–present Professor of Philosophy 1989–2002 Chair, Department of Philosophy
	35 Year Award Beverly Seley, M.F.A. Professor of Art and Design	1972 Assistant Professor of Art 1978 Associate Professor of Art 2000–present Professor of Art and Design 1975–1978 Chair, Department of Art and Design 1983–1985 Chair, Department of Art and Design 1997-1998 Acting Chair, Department of Art and Design
	40 Year Award Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, B.F.A. Professor of Music	1967 Lecturer of Music 1969 Assistant Professor of Music 1974 Associate Professor of Music 1975 Acting Chair, Department of Music 1984–1996 Chair, Department of Music 1997–present University Carillonist 2003–present Professor of Music 2004 Interim Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 2005 Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award John Gabrosek, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Statistics Joined Grand Valley in 1999	Dr. Gabrosek makes the abstract theoretical content of statistics come to life for his students who learn to appreciate the relevance of this subject in their lives. His many scholarly publications attest to his strong commitment to the discipline and his dedication to keeping his teaching current and effective. Dr. Gabrosek's record of service to assist our students, our institution and the community is extraordinary.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Frank Hughes, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Joined Grand Valley in 2002	Associate Professor Hughes blends current criminology knowledge with a teaching style that features humor, intrigue, and personal stories. He maintains frequent contact with law enforcement entities and volunteers in support of local needs, and both, along with his scholarly publications and presentations, are evidence of his enthusiastic commitment to his discipline and the community. He clearly captures his students’ interest, prompting this response from one student: “His classroom is like watching COPS or CSI, but this is live and true!”
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Parag Kosalge, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Management Joined Grand Valley in 2003	Dr. Kosalge nurtures his students' intellectual curiosity by using a vibrant mix of theory and his extensive industry experience to keep his courses current and relevant. He is dedicated to insuring student learning, as evidenced by his ready availability for consultation, prompt and detailed feedback on assignments, and advanced use of technology and real-life business problems in the classroom. Among the multiple effective approaches to teaching that Dr. Kosalge uses are innovative business games and other creative project assignments.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Aaron Lowen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Economics Joined Grand Valley in 2003	Dr. Lowen's economics courses are both challenging and engaging. He promotes active learning in his classroom where students are often involved in games and hands-on activities, discussion and presentations. He is able to make the abstract theories of economics clear and concrete through frequent, effective use of current events and related issues. Dr. Lowen provides continual challenges to his students to hone their critical thinking skills along with the development of their disciplinary knowledge.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Ross Reynolds, Ph.D. Professor of Physics Joined Grand Valley in 1990	Professor Reynolds’ infectious love of physics and his fresh and reflective perspective on his teaching engages his students as partners in learning. As a result of his belief that teaching contains elements of theater, his classes feature frequent demonstrations of physical principles that bring his subject alive. Student evaluations comment on his effective use of many different teaching techniques as well as his humor and the classes’ hands-on activities.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Darren Walhof, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science Joined Grand Valley in 2003	Associate Professor Walhof believes in the importance of the student-teacher relationship and tailors his courses to address the specific needs of his students. To stimulate students’ critical thinking, he requires that they read political arguments from primary sources and use them as a basis for constructing and writing their own arguments. In evaluations, students praise his ability to connect political thought with today’s world, his sensitivity and accessibility, the comfortable in-class atmosphere and the open discussion it engenders.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award Ellen Yezierski, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Joined Grand Valley in 2003	Among the multiple, innovative methods of instruction that Dr. Yezierski uses are inquiry-based laboratory work and group assignments. Her seamless use of technology to support instruction and her continual reflection on the effectiveness of her teaching result in a classroom atmosphere highly conducive to learning. She is a strong role model who stimulates her students' intellectual curiosity, leading many of them to become excellent chemistry teachers. Her numerous publications and presentations demonstrate her commitment to her field.
	Pew Teaching Excellence Award for Part-Time Faculty Tom Ebels, M.A. Adjunct Faculty in the College of Education	Tom Ebels is a student-centered teacher whose 40 years of experience in the field provide him with a wealth of knowledge to share with his students. He strives to keep his teaching current and interesting, using evolving creative assignments that he calls his “magic suitcase” as a means of doing so. He is a strong role model for his students, and maintains contact with his former students as they develop their careers in education.
	Pew Excellence Award for Library Faculty Doug Way, M.L.I.S. Assistant Librarian Joined Grand Valley in 2002	From Government Documents librarian, liaison librarian, Head of Liberal Arts, and now Collection Development librarian, Doug Way has provided leadership all along the way, helping to move the University Libraries forward. An extraordinary colleague, he serves as a good humored-guide and collegial motivator as the library incorporates the latest technological trends and best practices in the profession.
	Outstanding Advising and Student Services Award Mary Schutten, P.E.D. Associate Professor of Movement Science Joined Grand Valley in 2003	Associate Professor Schutten is an excellent teacher, mentor, advisor, and the “go to person” in her department whenever there are questions from students or faculty regarding advising. While her colleagues strongly supported her nomination for this award, her students were even more deeply appreciative of her work. From her availability to advisees, other students, faculty and staff, to her mastery of institutional policies, and her monitoring of student progress toward career goals, Dr. Schutten is truly an Outstanding Advisor.
	Outstanding Community Service Award 2007 Recipient George Grant, Jr., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Social Work Joined Grand Valley in 1996	Dr. Grant, as one of his colleagues writes, “exemplifies the kind of benevolent and humane citizen needed in the broader community.” His efforts toward peace, justice, and advocacy for vulnerable citizens have benefited from the integrity, even-handed commitment, self-effacing leadership, patience, and creativity that Dr. Grant exemplifies. Those characteristics helped him create the first African-American counseling agency in Grand Rapids in the 1980’s. Other agencies have recognized his talents as well. He serves on the boards of Christian Counseling Center, Mary Free Bed, Adoptive Family Support Network, and the Grand Rapids Urban League (in the latter role he was re-elected to an unprecedented third term as its chair); in addition he serves on important committees for the Grand Rapids Public Schools and several human services organizations across West Michigan.
	Outstanding Community Service Award 2008 Recipient John Shinsky, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education Joined Grand Valley in 2001	A partial list of organizations in which Dr. Shinsky has assumed a major role include both state and national Associations for Exceptional Children, Emotionally Disturbed Children, and Children with Learning Disabilities: Area 8 of Michigan Special Olympics; Autistic Citizens; Literacy Coalition; Caring About Kids; Michigan Institute for Educational Management; and Education for Humanity in Thailand. He has been recognized with honors and awards from Michigan State University, Boy Scouts of America, Orphanage Hall of Fame, Phi Delta Kappa, and Special Olympics. In recent years, Dr. Shinsky and his wife Cindy built the City of Children orphanage of Matamoras, Mexico, where he applied his vision, his exceptional skills in leadership, commitment, and persuasiveness to the project. Now in phase 3 of construction, and eventually providing 75 children with a home, safety, medical care, education, and vocational skills, the orphanage is a remarkable achievement. He is, as his colleague writes, a true “servant-leader,” a perfectly suited recipient of this award.
	Outstanding University Service Award 2007 Recipient Beverly Seley, M.F.A. Professor of Art and Design Joined Grand Valley in 1972	For 35 years, Professor Seley has been a central figure in many of the university community's activities. Among her contributions, are her service as the Convocation and Commencement Platform Officials Marshall for 13 years, consultant to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1988, and an elected member of the NASAD Commission on Accreditation. She was a member of the former Arts and Humanities Division Personnel Committee, the Career Services Advisory Board, the University Reorganization Committee and the 2000 Presidential Search Committee. Professor Seley is always willing to serve when asked and brings an even-tempered, cheerful, thoughtful, and pragmatic perspective to every task.
	Outstanding University Service Award 2008 Recipient Neal Rogness, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Statistics Joined Grand Valley in 1994	In the words of his colleagues, Dr. Rogness is “a powerhouse of energy and creativity,” and his work, “is a model for any faculty member wanting to make significant and long-lasting contributions to Grand Valley.” Bringing total commitment, a high level of productivity, and an infectious sense of humor to each of his service endeavors, Dr. Rogness has indeed contributed much to the University. He has been Chair of the University Assessment Committee; Assistant Dean in the former Science and Mathematics Division, and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; creator and long-time leader of the annual Student Scholarship Day; proposer of the SMART Center; developer of the Michigan Statistics Poster Competition; founder of the Statistical Consulting Center; proposer and coordinator of the Death and Dying Theme in General Education; and Principal Investigator of a $270,000 National Science Foundation grant that established the Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program at Grand Valley. He currently serves as an active member of the North Central Association (NCA) Steering Committee and is the President of the Grand Valley LGBT Faculty and Staff Association.
	Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award 2007 Recipient Ashok Kumar, Ph.D. Professor of Management Joined Grand Valley in 1992	Professor Kumar enjoys a worldwide reputation in operations, quality, and supply chain management. His individual and collaborative research with other renowned scholars in North America, Asia, and Europe has resulted in top-tier contributions to his discipline that set him apart among his peers. He has published over 60 well-received articles in top journals, served as an editor for six prestigious journals, organized and served as program chair for the International Conference on Mass Customization, designed 11 new courses for the Seidman College of Business, and has won numerous awards for his research and teaching. He serves as a collegial, strong role model for others as he continually works to develop his courses and scholarly contributions in his ever-changing field.
	Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award 2008 Recipient Stephen Rowe, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy Joined Grand Valley in 1972	Dr. Rowe has published numerous articles and several books that deal with the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophy and thought. One of his books has been translated into Chinese, another into Japanese. Dr. Rowe has made six presentations to scholars in Japan and China, most recently in 2005. Also among Professor Rowe’s books are Wandering, a collection of his philosophical verse written in dialogue with Dr. Peimin Ni’s calligraphy; The Vision of William James; a collection of his own poetry called Leaving and Returning; and Old Hopes for a New Place: The Legacy of Arend D. Lubbers, an edited collection of Lubbers’ speeches. A tireless thinker and writer, Dr. Rowe has a new book, Is America Dying: From Moral Disease to a Democratic World, coming out soon, and a video on the life and work of theologian Huston Smith is in progress.
	University Outstanding Teacher Award 2007 Recipient Star Swift, J.D. Associate Professor of Management Joined Grand Valley in 2000	Associate Professor Swift focuses her publications and teaching on meditation and arbitration and teaches courses in labor employment law. She has also served as Chair of the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Students and peers note how skillfully she uses her life experiences to effectively present material and concepts. In their very favorable critiques, students describe her teaching as well organized and planned, creative, and challenging -- challenging enough that one of them created a group, "We Survived Swift and Love Her for It." A tangible measure of her teaching effectiveness is the many students she has motivated to pursue a career in law.
	University Outstanding Teacher Award 2008 Recipient Gayla Jewell, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Nursing Joined Grand Valley in 1986	Dr. Jewell is a skilled motivator who thinks of herself as a “co-learner” with her students. Her teaching is constantly evolving to meet the new challenges of a rapidly changing field. The organizer of student service trips to Nicaragua, she has always seen her teaching in a broad, societal context, and she encourages students to look at issues from multiple perspectives. She promotes strong critical thinking skills and is known for providing “life-changing” experiences for her students that instill in them a great sense of purpose and responsibility. Seen as a role model by her students, she has positively affected the way they practice nursing and live their lives.

Last Modified Date: February 20, 2009

Grand Valley State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution