Jeffrey Zacko-Smith, coordinator of the leadership minor and assistant professor, Creative Studies, was invited to contribute a chapter on “Social Reconstruction and Education” to the internationally-recognized Encyclopedia of Diversity in Education (James A. Banks, ed.; Sage Publications).
George T. Hole, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, Philosophy, co-authored with Sisi Chen, a recent graduate, a chapter in the new book College Sex—Philosophy for Everyone: Philosophers with Benefits. He also published a review of Breakfast with Socrates in the most recent issue of the Journal of Philosophical Practice.
Ryan Stilwell, a junior health and wellness major, was invited to present his poster, “Individuals and Access to Dental Care,” addressing two recent objectives of Healthy People 2020, to the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine on January 30. Stillwell’s semester-long project in HEW 411W: Critical Issues in Health and Wellness, under the guidance of Barbara Olivieri, health and wellness lecturer, investigates barriers to dental care and primary prevention methods that can be implemented to overcome such barriers. Stillwell also discusses the connection between oral health and overall health. Through his research, Stillwell met M. Chin Kit-Wells, clinical assistant professor of pediatric and community dentistry at UB, who invited him to present to the freshman class. Stillwell, who hopes to attend the UB School of Dental Medicine after graduating from Buffalo State, also presented his work at the first intradepartment Health and Wellness Student Creativity Presentation on December 1.
Michael Johnson, associate professor of modern and classical languages, presented his paper "Silence in the Iambs: Sappho's Pain and Bottom's Gain" at the 6th Biennial International Conference on Image and Imagery, "Silence and the Silenced," held at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, October 28–29.
Rachel Link, data research analyst with Institutional Advancement, presented the session "One by One All Day: Getting Started with Portfolio and Research Metrics" at the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement-Upstate New York's (APRA-UNY) fall conference, held on October 28 at Niagara University. The conference attracted research professionals from the Northeastern United States and Ontario. Link also serves on the APRA-UNY executive board and coauthors a quarterly column on advancement and research topics. She joined the Advancement Services staff in January 2008.
Lloyd Elm, associate professor of elementary education and reading, received the New York State School Boards Association 2011 President’s Award at the association’s 92nd annual convention, held October 27–30 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Elm was recognized by association president Florence Johnson for his significant contributions to public education in New York state for more than 40 years. Elm has been a teacher, building principal, and college professor, and he was instrumental in the formation of the Native American Magnet School 19 in Buffalo. Elm has twice won the National Education Association’s Leo Reano Memorial Award for Human and Civil Rights. In addition, he has taught at an ivy league university, led three Native American schools, and worked for the U.S. Department of Education. His American Indian name means “he stands with the children,” fitting for a man who has transformed the lives of countless students through his compassionate quest to ensure that all children are treated equally.
Stephen Vermette, professor of geography and planning, is the winner of this year's (2011) Virginia Figura Award, given by the New York Geographic Alliance in recognition of his distinguished service to geographic education in New York State.
Sue Baldwin, assistant professor of health and wellness, published the article "Professional Development through Planning for and/or Participating in Accreditation" in the journal Health Promotion Practice (in press), with coauthors Sharon Thompson, Jim McKenzie, Holly Mata, Ellen Capwell, Denise Seabert, Michael Barnes, and Lydia Burak.
Lisa Hunter, associate professor of music and assistant dean of intellectual foundations; Susan McMillen, professor of mathematics and director of faculty development; and John Draeger, associate professor of philosophy and humanities and coordinator of the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, delivered a panel presentation titled “The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the Professional Development Landscape for General Education” at the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 20–23. The session considered the benefits and challenges of focusing professional development on teaching and learning in general education classes. The presenters also outlined a need for more scholarship of teaching and learning research in general education classes and programs.
Landrum Beard, assistant director of alumni affairs, was named a Buffalo Niagara 360 spotlight professional for 2011–2012. Chosen as one of 10 of the region’s best and brightest, Beard will be featured on the organization’s website and in its marketing materials, and recognized as part of the kickoff celebration on Tuesday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Larkin Center of Commerce. Each spotlight professional was given a disposable camera and asked to illustrate with a single photo the reason that he or she remains in the Buffalo Niagara region and why our region is the best place to do business. Beard said the region’s cultural institutions are what make it great, and he plans to shoot a photo that focuses on the arts. Beard joined the Alumni Affairs Office in May 2010 after working in enforcement and education with the Internal Revenue Service.