Date: October 27, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, October 27, 2006 – The school year begins with educators bringing innovation and expertise to the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University in University Park.
In addition to the appointment of a new dean of the college and acting chair of the Liberal Arts division, six new professors have joined the faculty adding their expertise in research and teaching in a wide variety of subjects and interests to the university.
Dr. Eric Martin of Frankfort was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in July. Previously, Martin was Associate Provost and professor of English at GSU. He earned his doctorate from Illinois State University.
“My focus as dean will be to strengthen existing programs and to seek new opportunities through academic and community partnerships, expanded use of technology, and a renewed the emphasis on international programming,” said Martin.
Dr. James Howley of Joliet was recently named Acting Chair of the Division of Liberal Arts. Prior to this appointment, Howley served for three years as Director of Career Services at Governors State University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“I am excited to serve as Acting Chair in Liberal Arts, and I see it as the perfect coupling of my administrative skills and my life as a faculty member,” said Howley. “Given my previous work with community organizations, I am pleased to share with people the value of our liberal arts education.”
The recent addition of six new faculty members from around the world and from a variety of curricula areas supports Martin and Howley’s efforts to broaden the college’s foundation and reach.
Dr. Xiaovong Chen earned his doctorate in Australia and brings his expertise in plant ecology to the classroom and research as an assistant professor of biology. Chen currently lives in Richton Park.
Bastien Desfriches Doria of Chicago is originally from France where he studied philosophy, art, photography, and communication. He continued his studies at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he earned a Master’s in Fine Arts. He joins the GSU faculty as an assistant professor in photography and digital imaging.
Dr. Rosemary Erickson Johnsen of Steger will teach English literature and a variety of electives in both the graduate and undergraduate programs as an Assistant Professor of English. Johnsen earned her doctorate from Michigan State University and her book, “Contemporary Feminist Historical Crime Fiction,” was recently published.
Professor Sang Hoon Lee joins the GSU faculty as an assistant professor of media communications. Lee of Vernon Hills studied philosophy at Sogang University in South Korea and completed his graduate studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. He is also an independent filmmaker, producer, cinematographer, and editor. He recently produced the independent feature film, “Second Moon,” which is currently in post-production.
Scott A. Martin of Bourbonnais brings his expertise in mathematics to GSU following his recent relocation to Illinois from Arizona State University. Martin is serving in a full-time, temporary position to assist the college in implementing its new mathematics programs. Martin earned his master’s degree in statistics from the University of Illinois in Springfield.
As an assistant professor in computer science, Dr. Dingbang Xu of Richton Park, will teach class and continue to focus his research on intrusion detection techniques, security data management, and privacy-preserving techniques. Xu earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in China and his doctorate at North Carolina State University.
For more information about the personnel and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University, call (708) 534-4101 or visit www.govst.edu/cas.
