M E M O R A N D U M May 10, 2012 To: Members of the Board of Trustees From: Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor Subject: Appointment of Distinguished Teaching Professors Action Requested The proposed resolution appoints the faculty members listed below to the rank of Distinguished Teaching Professor at the State University of New York campus indicated. It also appoints Professor Martin Lecker as Distinguished Teaching Professor as an honorific distinction at Rockland Community College. Resolution I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution: Whereas the State University of New York Board of Trustees has proudly established a historic tradition of acknowledging and honoring extraordinary faculty achievement through appointment to Distinguished Faculty Rank; and Whereas the appointment to Distinguished Faculty Rank at the state-operated campuses is both a system-wide distinction and a promotion in rank; and Whereas the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor Zimpher and the State University’s executive leadership wish to extend SUNY’s highest tribute to the Community Colleges in recognition of the extraordinary contributions and achievements of faculty in this sector; and Whereas the SUNY Board of Trustees has the authority to bestow system-wide distinctions; now, therefore, be it, Resolved that each faculty member listed below be, and hereby is, promoted to the rank of Distinguished Teaching Professor at the state-operated campus indicated, effective May 10, 2012: Professor Joseph Sprague, SUNY Cobleskill Professor George Vas, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Professor Julie Newell, SUNY College at Fredonia Professor Beth McCoy, SUNY College at Geneseo and, be it further, Resolved that the faculty member listed below, hereby is, appointed as Distinguished Teaching Professor as an honorific distinction at the campus indicated, effective May 10, 2012: Professor Martin Lecker, Rockland Community College Background The Distinguished Teaching Professorship recognizes and honors mastery of teaching. For this prestigious tribute to be conferred, candidates must have demonstrated consistently superior mastery of teaching, outstanding service to students and commitment to their ongoing intellectual growth, scholarship and professional growth, and adherence to rigorous academic standards and requirements. Further, to be eligible for nomination, a faculty member must have attained and held the rank of full professor for five years, have completed at least three years of full-time teaching on the nominating campus, ten years of full-time teaching in the System, and must have regularly carried a full-time teaching load as defined by the campus at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level. The following encapsulates their accomplishments: Joseph Sprague – Dr. Sprague is a professor of Chemistry in the Natural Sciences Department at SUNY Cobleskill and he consistently surpasses the criteria for excellence in teaching, as measured by his skill in teaching techniques, representative materials, his scholarship, professional growth, service to students, mentoring of faculty and service to the campus community. In addition, he sets high academic standards, clearly conveys course requirements to his students, and evaluates student performance using a variety of methods. He is known as a superb lecturer with a talent to relate chemistry to practical applications in language that everyone can understand. George Vas – Dr. Vas, a nationally recognized educator in the field of clinical neurophysiology, joined the neurology faculty at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 1975 and has provided dedicated service to the students, residents, fellows and patients for the past 37 years. Professor of Clinical Neurology, Dr. Vas is recognized on a national scale for his expertise in the interpretation of electroencephalograms (EEG’s) and evoked potentials, areas in which he has published in classic textbooks. Acknowledged twice by the American Academy of Neurology with the A.B. Baker Award for his teaching contribution, his enthusiasm for neurology is contagious and is in large part responsible for many of his students pursuing careers in neurology. Julie Newell – Professor Newell joined the SUNY Fredonia faculty in 1990, and she currently serves as professor of voice and as coordinator of the Opera program. Professor Newell has consistency gone beyond the call of duty in providing services to students in venues such as the Hillman Opera, the Student Opera Theatre Association, and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. Known for her exacting academic standards and profound concern for individual instruction, Professor Newell has developed a host of innovative programs for students, including international studies in Japan and Italy. Beth McCoy – Professor McCoy joined the SUNY Geneseo faculty in 1997. Both students and other faculty extol her generosity as a mentor, and note that what they learn from her stays with them long after they leave her classroom or office. Professor McCoy teaches African-American literature, as well as a Humanities core requirement, and sections of a required first-year writing class. She is highly skilled at bringing everyone in her classroom into the conversation regardless of their background or inclination to tackle difficult questions. Professor McCoy sets a high bar and assists her students in achieving beyond their own expectations. She has been successful in adapting this model to campus-wide teach-ins, which she introduced as a method of engaging the Geneseo community in national and local issues related to race, identity and privilege. Martin Lecker – Professor Lecker has been a member of the Rockland Community College Business Department since 1985. He is known for innovations in the areas of course and program development, educational technology, and student mentoring. Dr. Lecker has left his mark on the College by teaching over eighteen courses across four disciplines. His leadership propelled the creation of an A.S. in Business Administration degree and his course development serves as a model for web-enhanced and online courses. Dr. Lecker is an exceptional teacher who has profoundly shaped the lives and careers of scores of students. He has published numerous articles in both national and international journals including, Journal of Business Ethics, Research in Ethical Issues in Organizations, Insurance Ethics for a More Ethical World, Teachers College Record, Review of Business, and Colleague. It is my pleasure to present the faculty members named in this resolution to the Board for its approval. A copy of the President’s letter is attached. The letter highlights the individual’s teaching and major career achievements, and provides the campus rationale for recommending appointment. The full dossier is available in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. Attachments Board Resolution -2- May 10, 2012 Board Resolution -4- May 10, 2012