August 30, 2012
In an annual tradition celebrating those who shape the academic
experience at St. John’s, the University introduced its largest
number of new professors in recent years and honored current
scholar-teachers on August 28 at its 2012 Faculty
Convocation.
The Convocation, held in the Taffner Field House on the Queens, NY,
campus,
welcomed 44 new professors to five of the University’s schools and
colleges. The number represents a steady increase over the past
three years: The University hired 38 new faculty in 2011 and 18 in
2010.
The University added 12 new professors in St.
John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; eight in The
School of Education; nine in The
Peter J. Tobin College of Business; 11 in the College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; and four in the
College of Professional Studies.
The scholars joined a University community that is widely
known for outstanding teaching. This year, for example, five St.
John’s faculty members were featured in The Princeton
Review’s“The Best 300
Professors.”
As in the past, the Convocation honored scholar-teachers who have
completed 30, 40 and 50 years at St. John’s. In addition to
recognizing those granted the title Faculty Emeritus by
the Board of Trustees, the University also presented professors
with the Academic Service-Learning Faculty Award and the
President’s Medal.
“The Faculty Convocation and the New Student Convocation held
earlier in the day set the tone for the beginning of the new
academic year,” said St. John’s President,
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. “They introduce new members of
the University community to our tradition of excellence, set
expectations for the year ahead and, in a real way, show how
faculty and students together are at the heart of this
institution.”
“The Faculty Convocation is always very special,” said
Robert A. Mangione, Ed.D., R.Ph., Interim Provost of St. John’s
University. “We recognize and honor current and emeritus
faculty members for their significant contributions, and we
introduce and welcome our new faculty colleagues who are beginning
their careers at St. John’s.”
Robert Fanuzzi, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, received the
Academic Service-Learning Faculty Award. The President’s Medal was
presented to John Greg ’62C, Ph.D., Associate Professor of
Rhetoric, Communication and Theatre.
“This,” said Dr. Mangione, “is a wonderful time — to reflect upon
the past, share our excitement about the present and look forward
to new endeavors in the future as we begin the academic year.”