Nominations for Diversity Subcommittee – Fall 2014
Received 4/14/14
JEFFREY HOVERMILL - Jeff.Hovermill@nau.edu
Associate Professor of Mathematics Education Graduate Operations
Committee Chair Department of Mathematics and Statistics Northern
Arizona University Campus Box 5717 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 o - (928)
523-6897 f - (928) 523-5847
I would like to self-nominate for this vacancy please.
As an Associate Professor in Mathematics Education, I am an actively involved with Equity in
education, especially in mathematics and science education. I value Diversity and feel that I
could learn from and contribute to the UCC Diversity Curriculum Requirement Subcommittee.
Please let me know if you would like any more information.
Thank you
Jeff
Received 4/15/14
BENNING WENTWORTH-TIEKE Benning.Tieke@nau.edu
It is with pleasure that I nominate Benning Tieke from the Department of Global Languages and
Cultures to this committee. Benning would be a valuable addition to the committee and bring a
global perspective to the committee’s work. I have spoken with him and he is willing to serve on
the committee.
Gracias, Karina Collentine
Dear Diversity Requirement Subcommittee members,
My name is Benning Tieke and I am a Lecturer of Spanish with the department of Global
Languages and Cultures. I am interested in filling the Faculty-at-Large vacancy on the Diversity
Curriculum Requirement Subcommittee of the University Curriculum Committee (UCC).
I feel that I can represent the committee and diversity goals for myriad reasons. Although I am
not the face of diversity - I am a caucasian male in my 40's - I come face-to-face with the
problems faced by our diverse student population every day. For one, my wife, the Lecturer of
Arabic for the department of Global Languages and Cultures, is Moroccan and confronts the
difficulties inherent in today's American culture of embedded beliefs around Muslim cultures and
the Arabic language in general. We constantly work to develop ways in which to engage students
to educate them not only about what is Muslim culture, but the diverse cultures found under the
broad umbrella of said culture. I tackle the same issues every day through teaching the Spanish
language and the various cultures associated with the language, striving to educate the students
as to how the diverse cultures are interweaved into the language and vice versa. Finally, I have
lived abroad in Germany and Mexico and travelled extensively, having visited almost all 50 United
States and 17 countries. I have seen first-hand just how diverse and wonderful our world is.
I feel that I can bring these experiences to the Diversity Curriculum Requirement Subcommittee
and help to ensure that courses taught at NAU incorporate a strong message of diversity, to not
only represent our diverse student and faculty populations but also the populations around the
globe as well.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Benning Wentworth Tieke
ANN FUTTERMAN COLLIER, PhD - Ann.Collier@nau.edu
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Northern Arizona University
NAU Box 15106
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5106
(928)523-4124 FAX (928)523-2442
I would appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Diversity Curriculum Requirement
Subcommittee of the UCC. I think I have unique qualifications for this role, and I am deeply
committed to issues relevant to globalization and diversity. First, at the University of Wisconsin,
Eau Claire (UWEC), where I worked previous to my employment at NAU, I served for 1.5 years as
a University Research Fellow. Part of my responsibilities in this role was to provide leadership
for the University-wide Global Diversity committee, a group of faculty across the campus that
worked to develop a similar protocol, i.e., determine exactly what the criteria were for
designation as a global diversity course. Second, I was the program evaluator for two projects at
UWEC, one to evaluate the "Dismantling Racism" program, and the later to evaluate Culturally
Congruent Pedagogy and Response to Intervention. Third, I am committed to working with health
disparity issues in indigenous people, both internationally and in the Southwest. Over the past 18
years, I have worked and consulted internationally, as an educator (e.g., I taught at University of
Otago in New Zealand as well as Palau Community College in the Republic of Palau), a researcher,
and a clinician. At NAU, I have continued an active program of international research, e.g., under
Dr. Leslie Schulz's MHIRT grant (of which I am a co-investigator) I am conducting an obesity
intervention in Micronesia. The MHIRT specifically brings Native American students to
international locations, e.g., Micronesia, teaching them how to conduct international research on
health disparities. Fourth, I have consulted internationally both in the Pacific Rim as well as in
Lebanon, on a wide-range of psychological issues and mental health concerns. Finally, after
working on the Globalization committee at UWEC, I challenged myself to create a course to put
these principals into practice. The course, titled Global Issues in Women's Mental Health, was
offered through both the Women's Studies and Psychology Departments and met the criteria for
designation as having a globalization and diversity focus. I plan to offer this course as a capstone
in the Psychology Department in the coming years. Overall, I think my international experience as
an educator and researcher, as well as my experience in developing a similar protocol at
UWEC, will provide me with very practical expertise in assisting this NAU committee.
Thank you for your consideration,
Ann
Received 4/16/14
JEAN ANN FOLEY, PhD – jeanann.foley@nau.edu
Associate Professor
Northern Arizona University
Department of Teaching & Learning
P.O. Box 5774
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-6998
I would like to put my name forward to fill the Faculty-at-Large vacancy for the Diversity
Requirement Subcommittee. I have been on the University Curriculum Committee (UCC) for the
past three years and served as the UCC representative on the Diversity Committee for two.
Since my term with UCC and the Diversity Committee ends this spring 2014, I am interested in
continuing my membership with the Diversity Subcommittee as Faculty-at-Large. Over the past
two years, I have become well acquainted with the criteria for coursework that earns the U.S.
Ethnic Diversity and Global Diversity designations. My research interests are in social justice
education, critical pedagogy, and culturally relevant curriculum. This is an important subcommittee that supports my dedication to diversity education that provides lenses for
understanding beyond the western tradition.
Thank you for submitting my nomination. Jean Ann Foley
Received 4/17/2014
THERESA ALARID - Theresa.Alarid@nau.edu
Librarian, Document Delivery Services/Reserves
Cline Library
Northern Arizona University
928-523-6841
As a minority and a first generation college student, I support the fact that diversity
requirements are necessary for all students earning an undergraduate degree. It provides a
platform for understanding various cultures and it will definitely enhance and broaden the
learning experience for all students whether or not he/she is a first generation college
student. The importance of learning about all cultures and the human experience plays a vital role
in the classroom and in the future of our graduating students. During fiscal year 2012/13, I
participated as a committee member on the First Generation Faculty Development Group and it
provided me with an opportunity to share my experiences growing up in a Hispanic family and the
challenges I faced along the way during my academic experience as an undergraduate and
graduate student. It was helpful to hear from other faculty members in the group that shared
similar experiences. As a group, we strategized on specific topics and ideas that would be helpful
to make the transition process seamless for future first generation students. I have 25+ years
of Library experience working at UNM, DU and now at NAU which all support a diverse college
population. I’m currently scheduled to work a few hours per week at the Research/Help Desk at
Cline Library which provides me with an opportunity to meet face to face, via phone and chat with
NAU students providing instruction on how to utilize Cline Library’s resources.
I look forward to hearing from you once a decision is made.
Thank you,
~ta
KAREN A. PLAGER, PhD, RN, FNP-BC - Karen.plager@nau.edu
Professor
Northern Arizona University
School of Nursing
202 E. Pine Knoll Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-6341
I am a Professor at Northern Arizona University School of Nursing since 1996. I am a family
nurse practitioner (FNP) currently practicing 2 half days a week at a small clinic in a homeless
shelter. I teach/have taught courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, including
health assessment, nursing care of families, family nursing theory, family primary care, and
advanced practice roles. I received my FNP (1989) and PhD (1995) from University of California
San Francisco where I studied family nursing, primary care, and hermeneutic phenomenology. I
am involved in international nursing education and community-based primary health care through
work with Global Health Ministries since 2004 and affiliated work in Madagascar and Tanzania
since 2005. I currently serve in the School of Nursing as the Global Learning Initiative (GLI)
coordinator. I am involved in developing study abroad opportunities for nursing and other health
professional students, including collaboration on the development of a public and environmental
health field study course in Kenya. I have done qualitative research and published on work done
both locally and internationally. I frequently review journal manuscripts related to family
nursing, international nursing education, and international nursing leadership development. My
current passion resides in community-based development in low resource countries that builds
capacity and sustainability in communities as well as development of nursing leadership capacity in
low resource countries.
Diversity and cultural competence have been a long time and ongoing interest of mine in the
courses I teach and in my international work. Years ago I served on the Diversity Committee for
the CHHS although the purpose of this committee was quite different from the UCC
subcommittee on diversity. I was a member of the University Task Force on Global Education and
consequently led the GLI to integrate the global learning themes into SON nursing programs
across all levels: undergraduate, masters, and doctoral. I am currently working on an exchange
semester for nursing students with a university in Netherlands which we plan to pilot for spring
2015.
Based on the above information, I believe that I would be a good fit for the Diversity
Subcommittee of UCC and, therefore, am self-nominating for serving on this committee. Please
feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Received 4/21/14
CARISSA TSOSIE – Carissa.tsosie@nau.edu
Academic Programs Librarian
Thank you for considering the following self-nomination for the Diversity Requirement
Subcommittee vacancy. My name is Carissa Tsosie, I am an Academic Programs Librarian at Cline
Library.
I my time as Academic Programs Librarian I have developed a strong interest in curriculum that
reflects ethnic, gender, and racial diversity in positive and meaningful ways. My interest and
commitment to diversity in education is represented by research I have conducted on connecting
with Native American students who use Cline Library while completing their degrees at Northern
Arizona University. I also served as Co-Chair of the Commission for Native Americans from
2011-2013. The commission considered university policies that directly affected Native
American students, staff and faculty on our campus. Among those policies, curriculum was a
priority. Additionally, in my daily work with the College of Education, I routinely use curriculum
mapping to inform my work with faculty and students in this college. Participating in the
Diversity Requirement Subcommittee is an excellent way for me to use the background knowledge
I have gained from previous work and my current job duties.
It is with enthusiasm and a commitment to diversity education that I submit a self-nomination
for the Diversity Requirement Subcommittee vacancy. Thank you again and have a good day.
Carissa J. Tsosie
Cline Library, Building #28
PO BOX 6022, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Northern Arizona University
928/523-4345
Carissa.Tsosie@nau.edu
Education
2003
B.A., Anthropology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
2003
B.S., History, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
2011
M.A., Library Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
2014
M.A., History, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona (projected graduation date May
2014)
Professional Experience
2012-present Academic Programs Librarian, Cline Library, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
2008-2012
Library Specialist, Cline Library, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
2006-2008
Visitor Services Assistant Manager, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona
2004-2006
Library Director, Ava Ich Asiit Tribal Library, Mohave Valley, Arizona
2000-2004
Archaeologist Technician I, Navajo Nation Archaeology Department (Northern Arizona
University Branch Office), Flagstaff, Arizona
Awards and Honors
Gold Axe Award, Northern Arizona University, 2003
Mesa Field Services Award, Northern Arizona University, 2003
Award of Appreciation, Ava Ich Asiit Tribal Library, 2005
Professional Memberships
Society of American Archivists
American Library Association
Arizona Archives Alliance
Arizona Library Association
Presentations
2014
“Assembling Your Outreach and Advocacy Toolkit.” Panel discussion chair. Arizona Archives Summit,
Tempe, Arizona.
2013
“Help Me Help You: Libraries, Archives, and Partnership in the Digital Age.” Co-presented at the
Arizona Library Association’s Annual Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona.
2012
“Ya' at' eeh! Serving American Indian Students.” Co-presented at the American Librarian Association’s
Annual Conference, Anaheim, California.
2012
“Connecting Culturally with Native American Students in the Library.” Co-presented at the Joint
Conference of Librarians of Color, Kansas City, Missouri.
2001
“The Navajo Nation Archaeology Department Student Training Program at Northern Arizona
University—The Program and Issues of Importance to Native American Archaeologists.” Co-presented at
the Thirteenth Annual Navajo Studies Conference, Flagstaff, Arizona
Publications
2013
Hughes, Amy and Tsosie, Carissa (2013). “Connecting Native American Students to Cline Library.” In
Carol Smallwood and Kim Becnel (Editors), Library Services for Multicultural Patrons (pp.57-65).
Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press.
LISA CHIEN – Lisa.chien@nau.edu
Physics and Astronomy
I give my strongest possible support to Dr. Lisa Chien's nomination to the Diversity Curriculum Requirement
Subcommittee. As you can see in her statement, she has unique qualifications for such a position. We are very fortunate
to have Dr. Chien as a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at NAU, and I'm sure you will find her
superb on the subcommittee. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Stephen Tegler
(letter from Professor Chien below)
DAVID VAN NESS - David.Van-Ness@nau.edu
Northern Arizona University
School of Art
928-523-8313
I would like to submit my name for application for the vacancy in the Diversity subcommittee. I
am the Coordinator of Foundations for the School of Art. In my position I interact with a wide
array of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Before coming to Northern Arizona
University I worked at a few different colleges and universities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.
This included a community college on the edge of the metroplex that drew from a rural
community and also a urban community college with a high population of first generation and
minority students. I would bring my experience of working with people from all sorts of different
backgrounds. In addition, participating on the committee would give me the opportunity to learn
even more about different cultures and help improve my own courses and research. As an artist
and as an educator, I believe that it is important to get broad and meaningful exposure to
different cultures and experiences. To me diversity is giving the opportunity for everyone to
express their individuality and learn about the cultures and histories that shape their world. I
have worked with several faculty in helping develop their syllabi and currently oversee a team of
10-15 faculty per semester and coordinate 30 to 40 courses.
NICOLE D. PRICE, PH. D. – Nicole.price@nau.edu
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Department of Global Languages and Cultures
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 6004
Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Tel. 928.523.6352 Fax. 928.523.0963
I would like to nominate myself for the Faculty-at-Large vacancy in the Diversity Curriculum
Requirement Subcommittee of the UCC. I have previously held this position and would like to
serve on this committee again. I found the work of this committee extremely stimulating because
it gave me an opportunity to see how many different perspectives there were on the concept of
diversity. The work of this committee is very important because it strives to assure that NAU
offers courses that expose our students to cultural perspectives other than their own. Because
the work of this committee works so well with my own teaching and research as a Spanish
professor in the Dept. of Global Languages and Cultures, I believe that I will be an asset to this
committee. Therefore, please consider my nomination for the position. Thank you for your time
and consideration.