University Faculty Members Honored for Teaching, Scholarship and Service

Jul 14, 2015

Twelve University of Scranton faculty members were honored recently for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service. One part-time faculty member received the Provost Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and 11 full-time faculty members received Provost Faculty Enhancement Awards. The Provost, Associate Provost, and Provost Advisory Group selected the recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by academic deans and department chairs.

Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., and Donna Witek received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who enhance student learning. Dr. Grettano, an assistant professor of English and theatre, joined the University faculty in 2009. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama and her doctorate degree from Illinois State University. Witek, an associate professor of the library, joined the University faculty in 2008. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Tisch School of the Arts and her master’s of library and information studies degree from Long Island University.

Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., and Julie Ann Nastasi, O.T.D., were the recipients of the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Gougeon, distinguished professor of English and theatre, has worked at the University since 1974. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Halifax and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Nastasi, faculty specialist in occupational therapy, joined the University faculty in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, her master’s degree from Tufts University, and her doctorate of occupational therapy degree from Boston University.

Kristen A. Yarmey and Michael D. Friedman, Ph.D., received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award. This award recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. Yarmey, an associate professor of library, has worked at the University since 2008. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and her master’s of library studies degree from the University of Maryland. Dr. Friedman, professor of English and theatre, has worked at the University of Scranton since 1991. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, and both his master’s and doctorate degrees from Boston University.

Robert Willenbrink, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award, which honors faculty members who cross boundaries between disciplines and departments to create innovative pedagogies that enhance students’ learning and prepare them for real-world challenges. Dr. Willenbrink, assistant professor of English and theatre, received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Tulsa and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He began to work at the University in 2009. 

Shuhua Fan, Ph.D., was the recipient of the Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award, presented to faculty members who integrate international issues and perspectives into the curriculum. Dr. Fan, associate professor of history, earned her bachelor’s degree from Sichuan Normal University, her master’s degree from Jilin University, and her master’s and doctorate degrees from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began working at the University in 2009.

Susan Carol Mendez, Ph.D.; Abhijit Roy, D.B.A.; and Michael Edward Allison, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award. This award honors faculty who address issues of faith and justice continuously, vigorously and increasingly. Dr. Mendez, associate professor of English and theatre, has worked at the University since 2006. She received her bachelor’s degree from Pace University, her master’s degree from Fordham University, and her doctorate degree from the University of California. Dr. Roy, professor of management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, joined the University faculty in 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Allahabad, his master’s and master’s of business administration degrees from the University of Arizona, and his doctorate of business administration from Boston University. Dr. Allison, associate professor of political science, serves as chair of the Department of Political Science. He received his bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Florida State University. He joined the University faculty in 2006.

Amye Archer received the Provost Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has taught courses in Composition, Business Writing, and Creative Writing for five years and also serves at the Writing Center coordinator at the University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and her M.F.A. and M.A. from Wilkes University.

Faculty members attending the award ceremony at the University are pictured with University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

(pictured above) Michael Edward Allison, Ph.D., and University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

(pictured above) University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Amye Archer

(pictured above) University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Shuhua Fan, Ph.D.

(pictured above) University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Michael D. Friedman, Ph.D.

(pictured above) Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., and University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

(pictured above) Susan Carol Mendez, Ph.D., and University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

(pictured above) Julie Ann Nastasi, O.T.D., and University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

(pictured above) University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Abhijit Roy, D.B.A.

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