Along with its drastic physical transformation, Fairfield is undergoing change within one of the core elements of the institution: the faculty.
More professors are joining each department on campus, enthusiastic and ready to kick off a new semester.’
‘Students’ can’ expect’ to’ see’ many’ new’ faces’ in’ the’ classroom and’ to’ have’ new’ courses’ in’ new’ areas’ of’ interest’ appear’ in’ the’ curriculum,’ said Robin Crabtree, dean of the college of Arts and Sciences.’
Crabtree herself is starting her first year as dean and says that she is ‘thrilled to become Dean of the College at such a stimulating time and to shepherd implementation of the University Strategic Vision at the College level.’
‘Along with my amazing staff, there will be opportunities to think in new ways about advising, and to further our Living and Learning initiatives, which have been increasing in exciting ways over the past couple of years,’ said Crabtree.
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, many professors are being added according to growing student and institutional interest, especially within the environmental programs.
As the new associate professor of politics and a global environmental policy expert, David Downie – formally of Columbia University – ‘will show a great deal of synergy between what’s been developing at Fairfield over the past few years, and what Downie brings to our campus,’ said Crabtree.
The English department welcomes Cynthia Gannett, associate professor and the new director of core writing.’ She will be particularly focusing on the English 11 and 12 courses, and, according to Crabtree, will be ‘working across divisions to produce integrative learning opportunities for students in these classes.’
Michael Pagano and Rhonda Trust are joining the department of communications.
Pagano, a new assistant professor, ‘has expertise in organizational, interpersonal, and health communication, along with extensive experience in the health care industry,’ according to James Shanahan, chair of the communications department.
Trust, a visiting instructor, is currently completing her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut, and ‘her research interests focus on health communication from a media and interpersonal perspective,’ said Shanahan.
Many new faces are joining the Residence Life program at Fairfield. Karen Donoghue is the new Director of Residence Life, taking the place of Gary Stephenson, who is no longer at Fairfield. About the change, Donoghue said that she ‘can not comment on the majority of employment decisions’ to respect her former and current co-workers’ privacy.
Thirty new RAs have joined the Residence Life staff, in addition to new area coordinators. Kamala Kiem is the new associate director, while Charlie Sousa and Ophelia Rowe-Allen are the assistant directors.
‘I expect with all of these new people, Residence Life will be able to make an impact in our communities and, not to mention, contribute to the strategic plan of the University,’ said Donoghue.
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