Faculty sabbaticals announced at Minot State University
David Fuller, Minot State University president, recently announced three sabbatical projects. Laurie Geller, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and associate professor of mathematics, and Ernst Pijning, professor of history, will receive sabbatical leave for fall semester 2012. John Girard, professor of business administration, will receive sabbatical leave for spring semester 2013.
 Laurie Geller |
 Ernst Pijning |
 John Girard |
"Improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels is critical to the educational and workforce needs of the state and the country," Geller said. "During sabbatical leave, I will design, develop, and enact a strategic plan for the North Dakota Center for Graduate STEM Education, including a draft of its new STEM professional offerings, graduate certificates and a new master’s degree program in STEM education based on need and best practice as identified through national research."
Girard will participate in the Institute for Shipboard Education’s spring 2013 voyage with Semester at Sea. He will join 600 students as they circumnavigate the globe onboard the MV Explorer. During the 106-day voyage, he will combine teaching, global comparative education and academic research while traveling to 14 countries. Semester at Sea is an innovator in global comparative education in which international study concentrates on the world’s people, patterns, traditions and cultures. Faculty members teach three three-credit-hour classes and lead six faculty-developed practicums.
"The voyage provides a unique opportunity for academic research. Building on the theme of global comparative education, I plan to conduct an analysis of leadership in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, South Africa and Ghana," Girard said.
Pijning will finish his book manuscript for "Controlling Contraband: Economy, Mentality and Society in 18th Century Rio de Janeiro" and finalize its publication with Louisiana State University Press. The book is about smuggling of gold, diamonds and other products in Brazil, and how this phenomenon became part of Brazilian society.
"The book manuscript is based on my dissertation for which I did two years of archival research in Brazil, Portugal, France, Great Britain and the Netherlands," Pijning said. "The dissertation is already widely used by Brazilian historians and in graduate classes, and historians have been asking for its publication."
The objective of Minot State University’s sabbatical program is to support faculty, professional development and scholarly research. The sabbatical proposals were reviewed and evaluated with three criteria: demonstrated teaching excellence, advanced professional development within a faculty member’s discipline and contribution to Vision 2013.
For more information about the program, contact Lenore Koczon, vice president for academic affairs, at 858-3310.
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Published: 01/19/12 |