Provost's Message - January 17, 2018

A Message From Provost Jersky

Welcome back to not only a new semester – but a new year as well! I trust everyone had a wonderful break with enough refresh and renew time to start the year off right. I wanted to highlight some changes to our campus as well as celebrate some accolades.

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Provost Brian Jersky

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Scott Apel

As many of you know, Vice President Mary Stephens retired last December. I am excited to welcome Scott Apel, former Associate Vice President Human Resources Management, as our new Vice President of Administration and Finance. He comes with critical institutional knowledge, as well as new, innovative ideas to elevate our campus. He is a wonderful addition to the executive team, and I personally look forward to partnering with him. I would like to thank the selection committee for their time and dedication to hiring the best person for our campus. 

It is my pleasure to welcome Norbert Schurer, Academic Senate Chair, back to campus this semester. I’d also like to publicly thank Vice Chair Jessica Pandya, Dave Stewart, Ryan Fischer and Rob Frear for helping us manage Norbert’s absence so effectively. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.

I am also sad to let you know that Andrea Taylor, the long-serving Vice President for University Relations and Development, has recently announced her retirement. I wish her well in her new phase and am grateful for all she has achieved in development, alumni relations, communications and government relations for our community. I look forward to the new person who will join us later in the year.

With the start of the New Year, we are introducing a dynamic Academic Affairs calendar (PDF). Each college has put its semester events in a shared calendar location. We hope this will become a useful resource for faculty and staff to know comprehensively what is happening in Academic Affairs. We will be providing a pdf of the calendar in each monthly Provost’s Message.

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Michiko Takeuchi

Continuing on the good news side, I want to congratulate and commend Dr. Michiko Takeuchi on her recent National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Award. Professor Takeuchi’s award was based on her project titled: Early Coalitions Between Japanese and American Feminists, from World War I to the U.S. Occupation of Japan.

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Todd Marsh

I would also like to congratulate School of Art faculty member (and CSULB alumni) Tony Marsh on recently being named a 2018 United States Artists Fellow. As one of 45 selected from all aspects of creative expression, Dr. Marsh receives a $50,000 unrestricted award.

I continue to be impressed by the talent and research expertise of many of our faculty. Congratulations to Dr. Takeuchi and Dr. Marsh!

As you are all probably aware, the Governor’s recently released proposed budget did not provide the funding requested by our Board of Trustees. We must all proactively help him and the Legislature see the value of fully funding the CSU in the next few months. Meanwhile, the Executive Team will develop plans for managing the university in all circumstances.

Lastly, I hope you all appreciate the brief period of quiet before our plunge into the spring semester. I look forward to all a new year brings – and embarking on it with you. 


News

Professor Michiko Takeuchi is awarded a National Endowment of the Humanities Award (PDF)

Textbook & Course Material for Students Has Gone Down 22% Since 2011

Faculty, the Univerity Bookstore, and numerous campus entities have partnered to save students money. These efforts include the widespread utilization of lower-cost course materials such as rental and digital books, Open Educational Resources (OERs), course packs through the Campus Copy Center, and pricing transparency via BeachBookCompare.com. Additional details and statistics may be found on the 49er Shops’ faculty resources page.    

School of Art Faculty Member (and CSULB Alumni) Tony Marsh Named a 2018 United States Artists Fellow

30th Annual CSULB Student Research Competition - Friday, February 16, 2018

Faculty in the News

In Memoriam

Dr. Jack Munsee, from the Physics and Astronomy Department passed away December 16. Jack's innovative and dynamic approach to teaching physics and astronomy encouraged students to approach problems rationally and to better understand our universe. He chaired and served on numerous committees on campus, always working to ensure the rights of students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. David Hood from the History Department passed away January 11. David was a beloved colleague and professor, as well as a respected scholar in the fields of ancient and medieval history, ancient literature and early Western civilization. He served on numerous department, college, and notable university positions.

Publications and Grants

  • Christopher Lowe. Bioenergetics, Movement Behavior and Temperature Ranges of the Poorly Understood Pacific Sleeper Shark. North Pacific Research Board (NPRB).
    CNSM. Biological Sciences. Total Award: $82,134. (September 2017 – August 2019)
  • Kim Vu, Human Systems Integration: Collaborative Human Factors Research to Improve the Safety, Efficiency and Reliability of NASAs Aeronautics and Space Missions. NASA via San Jose State University.
    CLA. Psychology. Total Award: $200,000. (July 2017 - June 2018)
  • Joy Goebel, Increasing Palliative Care within the Latino Community. CSUSM Corporation.
    CHHS. Nursing. Total Award: $10,000. (November 2017 - November 2018)
  • Frank Fata, Language Training Center. DOD /IIE.
    CLA. Comparative Literature & Classics. Total Award: $46,831. (August 2017 - July 2018)
  • Thomas O' Brien, METRANS University Transportation Center. USC - METRANS via USDOT (PSR).
    CCPE. Center of International Trade & Transport. Total Award: $300,000. (October 2017 - September 2018) 
  • Forouzan Golshani, Boeing Research & Technology Projects. The BOEING Company.
    COE. COE Administration. Total Award: $214,488. (January 2017 - December 2018)
  • Stephen Mezyk, Effects of Alpha and Gamma Radiation on Complex and Metal Loaded Solvents for Advanced Extraction Processes. The Regents of the University of California (Irvine).
    CNSM. Chemistry and Biochemistry. Total Award: $75,000. (October 2017 - September 2018)
  • Mara Bird, Familias Unidas (United Families): Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment. Trailhead Institute.
    CHHS. Center for Latino Community Health. Total Award: $50,000. (August 2017 - July 2018)

Grant Abstract Information

Academic Affairs News

 

The next Provost’s Message will be published on Wednesday, February 14. Items for the upcoming message should be submitted by Friday, February 9, to aa-communication@csulb.edu.