Connections—March 2009
Connections is a publication of the Hubbard Center for Faculty Development. In this issue, the Hubbard Center would like to highlight three of our 2008-09 retiring faculty members. We bid a fond farewell to all of those retiring!.
Featured in this issue:
According to David DeHart his proudest moment at Appalachian State University was in July of 1983 when he joined the Library staff, which he will miss dearly upon retirement. In his career David has most enjoyed helping students with their information needs, discussing their personal interests and plans, and letting them know how important they are to the University. After twenty-seven years here, he plans to remain in Boone and explore possibilities for volunteer service including disaster relief and recovery efforts.
Language, Reading and Exceptionalities will miss their trusted Chair for ten years, Richard Culatta. Twenty of his thirty-nine years teaching have been spent at Appalachian State University. He has particularly enjoyed Appalachian's focus on students, the LRE office staff, and being able to set his own research agenda during his career here. His favorite course to teach has been Introduction to Communication Disorders because he is able to help students make career decisions based on the content of the course. Rich's most rewarding moments were being named Reich College Teacher of the Year and Reich College Researcher of the Year. After retirement, he will just let the plans come to him!
Emeritus faculty member, Virginia Branch is retiring after 33 years of librarianship, with 28 of those years spent at Appalachian. She will greatly miss her supportive colleagues and her interactions with them and the students that she loves to help. Not only was Virginia a librarian, but she also enjoyed teaching, especially Clinical Applications of Dreamwork for graduate students in the department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling. Her proudest moment was when she realized how much she had to offer the students here at Appalachian. In her retirement, Virginia plans on a variety of activities such as knitting, reading, gardening and service to the community.
Additional 2008-09 Faculty Retirees:
Larry Bond, History
Ralph Hall, Leadership and Educational Studies
Ken Jenkins, Leadership and Educational Studies
Hal Keiner, Economics
Larry McRae, Economics
Michael Osborne, Health, Leisure and Exercise Science
Tom Rokoske, Physics and Astronomy
Dragan Stefanovic, Government and Justice Studies
John Alexander Williams, History
Retired or Retiring Faculty Achieving Emeritus Status:
H. Larry Bond, History
Virginia Branch, Library
Patricia Farthing, Library
Daniel German, Government and Justice Studies
Ralph Hall, Leadership and Educational Studies
Thomas Rokoske, Physics and Astronomy
George Schieren, Economics
Stephen Simon, History
Ron Stidham, Government and Justice Studies
David Sutton, Government and Justice Studies
Wilber Ward, English
James Winders, History
What does it mean to achieve Emeritus Status?
According to the Appalachian State University Faculty Handbook:
“Emeritus faculty status may be awarded to honor a retired faculty member who has had a distinguished professional career and has made significant contributions to Appalachian State University. Successful candidates for consideration to the Emeritus rank will have:
(1) Permanent tenure and at least ten years of full-time employment at Appalachian State University prior to retirement. The emeritus rank is that held at retirement.
(2) A consistent record of quality performance as demonstrated by one or more of the following:
(a) A substantive record of scholarly achievement commensurate with national and international standards within the specific discipline.
(b) A recognized record of outstanding teaching and educational contributions.
(c) Evidence of significant service to the University and to the respective discipline."
(Section 3.4.4, p. 40)Approval for this distinguished honor is required by the department faculty committee, the department chair, the dean, the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees.
The Hubbard Center electronically publishes our newsletter, Connections, three times each semester. Please contact Kathy Isaacs, editor, with any comments or questions.
