By Laken Franchetti, Editor-in-Chief
Thursday’s faculty meeting began with President Bob Iuliano thanking the staff for their help with the Class of 2027’s Orientation. He specifically thanked Associate Professor of Economics Rimvydas Baltaduonis for his speech at convocation and Assistant Professor of Political Science Lindsay Reid for her speech at the first-year walk.
Iuliano then highlighted faculty members that had recently made headlines. English Professor Melissa Forbes and Professor of Health Sciences Josef Brandauer have compiled resources to assist the college’s transition to teaching in a generative AI world. This work was discussed in an article from The New York Times: “How Schools Can Survive (and Maybe Even Thrive) With A.I. This Fall.”
Iuliano also mentioned that five faculty members were featured on NPR’s “The Academic Minute” to discuss aspects of their academic research.
Provost Restructuring
Provost Jamila Bookwala introduced herself and spoke of her excitement for the academic year. In the Provost office, Bookwala is joined by Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Jeanne Hamming and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Michelle Schmidt. Both were present and introduced at the faculty meeting.
Bookwala thanked the search committee for their efforts in restructuring the Provost office.
Faculty Recognition
Bookwala recognized faculty who had been promoted to full professorship. She then acknowledged faculty with 25 years of service at the college: Professor of Psychology Daniel McCall, Chair of the Religious Studies department Deborah Sommer, Associate Professor at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music Robert Natter and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Susan Russell.
The Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Professor of History Timothy Shannon.
Bookwala then recognized the twenty new faculty appointments.
