Minot State University announces two faculty sabbaticals
David Fuller, president of Minot State University, recently announced two new sabbatical projects. Linda Olson, chair of the Division of Humanities and professor of art, will receive sabbatical leave for fall semester 2011, while Patti Kurtz, associate professor of English and director of the Writing Center, will receive sabbatical leave for spring semester 2012.
Olson will engage in rock art research activities. Specifically, the Drake native will obtain additional training to become more proficient with three-dimensional imaging and software currently in use for documentation of rock art sites. The sabbatical will enable her to continue her research and documentation of petroglyphs and pictographs.
"As an engaged artist, scholar and professor, Linda Olson models the qualities we hope our students emulate," said Conrad Davidson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of communication arts. "In addition, her sabbatical proposal addresses themes of place and preservation of artistic, historical and cultural heritage, all core values of Vision 2013."
Kurtz plans to revise, research, edit and refine the manuscript of "Dark Enough to See the Stars." A young-adult historical novel, "Dark Enough to See the Stars" focuses on events before and immediately after the May 31, 1889, flood in Johnstown, Pa., which killed more than 2,200 people. In addition to finishing this manuscript, Kurtz will acquire increased skill and knowledge of the process of composing a historical novel for teens. She will take the skill and knowledge into her writing classrooms.
"Dr. Kurtz has steadily produced quality scholarship in the areas of writing pedagogy and literary biography," Davidson said. "She has also published creative writing as well as served as a literary editor."
The objective of Minot State University’s sabbatical program is to support faculty, professional development and scholarly research. The program contributes in new and powerful ways to students, faculty, the university and Vision 2013. The sabbatical proposals were reviewed and evaluated with three criteria categories: demonstrated teaching excellence, advanced professional development within a faculty member’s discipline and contribution to Vision 2013.
For more information about the program, contact Selmer Moen, interim vice president for academic affairs, at 858-3310.
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Published: 12/15/10 |