From the Chair
With the start of the new academic year, there is much excitement in the Department. Our undergraduate enrollments are at a record high with nearly 100 majors. We have a promising cohort of new graduate students that always ushers in new curiosity and enthusiasm. Young scholars and students make the Department an exciting place to be, even though we face some difficulty challenges with the budget. The economic recession is taking a heavy toll on higher education across the nation and Iowa State is no exception.
At the Department level, we continue to explore ways to be more efficient and not sacrifice quality of our undergraduate and graduate studies. I am pleased that the faculty and staff have rolled up their sleeves and are dedicated to making the best of the difficult choices we face. At the all day planning retreat on August 21, the faculty explored ways that we can stretch our limited resources and continue to make strategic decisions that contribute to our long range goals and visions.
Our academic advisor, Autumn Cartagena is busy with a new Learning Community that will add a new dimension to student learning among our majors. Jill Pruetz is our new Director of Graduate Education and she will add excitement to graduate training.
I am very pleased to welcome Christina Gish Berndt as a one year lecturer. Christina has a joint appointment with American Indian Studies.
Professor Hsain Illahaine resigned in May to accept a position at the University of Kentucky. Hsain had been on our faculty for nine years, and had most recently served as DOGE. This new position will be a better fit for his professional and personal interests, and we wish him the best.
Professor Matt Hill was promoted to associate professor with tenure effective August 1. Matt is the Professor in Charge of the ISU Archeology Laboratory, a facility that provides an important service to the state and hands on experience for our students.
I am sad to report that Professor Nancy Coinman has announced her retirement effective December 31. Nancy will be moving to New Mexico where she maintains a second retreat home. Nancy has been a stalwart member of the faculty and we are going to miss her greatly. Later this fall, we plan to celebrate Nancy’s retirement. Please watch for future announcements as plans are finalized.
Marti Steelman, office assistant has announced her resignation and she will be moving across campus to the Department of the Community and Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture.
In spite of the faculty turnover, and the budget challenges, we have a vibrant set of young faculty who are dedicated to student learning, discovery and engagement. While we are a small department, we continue to rank very favorably in terms of productivity. If you happen to be visiting Ames or ISU, we welcome you to stop by and get acquainted with our faculty, staff and students. I am confident that you will be impressed by the wide array of activities underway in the department. In closing, I want to thank all of the donors who have made contributions to the Department. Contributions from friends and alumni are important source of support for maintaining a strong Department.