PSFA E-CONNECT - August 2009

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Over the last few weeks the atmosphere on campus has changed from the slow-moving, relatively peaceful tranquility of summer semester to the hustle and bustle of back to school. Students have come to campus to map out their daily routes and buy their books, while faculty have returned to engage in last-minute planning and

As we begin fall semester 2009, PSFA is fortunate to be able to welcome two new faculty members to our College. We look forward to watching them make their mark in their respective areas.

 

Exercise and Nutritional Sciences

Nicole Smith, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Dr. Nicole Smith has joined SDSU as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, with emphasis in physical education teacher preparation. Her work has specifically examined factors that influence student school success, physical activity opportunity, and physical activity behavior in school settings. Dr. Smith served as Vice Chair of the Nevada Council for Fitness and Wellness, helping guide the development of a statewide clearinghouse for fitness and wellness programs. In her spare time, she enjoys participating in leisure physical activity and officiating basketball.

 

Journalism & Media Studies

Hongmei Shen, Ph.D., University of Maryland at College Park

Dr. Shen is a former journalist who has been involved in international relations, new technology, health campaigns, and media relations. In addition to her Ph.D., Dr. Shen also holds a graduate certificate in measurement, statistics, and evaluation from the University of Maryland. Her areas of interests include strategic management of public relations, relationship management, international public relations, corporate social responsibility, crisis communication, health communication, organizational psychology, and quantitative research methods.

Military Science

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Arnold, M.A., Tufts University

LTC Arnold assumes his position as Professor of Military Science after various deployments all over the world. He obtained his MA in Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and an MA in Military Arts and Sciences at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has served as an assistant professor at West Point and most recently is returning from a deployment in Iraq. Welcome back, Mike!

Joyce M. Gattas, Dean
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts

In the News

SDSU Opens Global Training Center for Meetings and Business Events

SDSU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is collaborating with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to open its first training center in North America. Scheduled to open in January 2010, Global Training Centers for Meetings and Business Events will offer a broad range of educational content specific to the meetings and events industry, including a certificate in Meeting Operations. Fourteen training centers are planned world-wide over the next two years. SDSU was selected for its top-ranking programs in hospitality, international business and entrepreneurship.

 

Alumni Highlights

Ash Hayes Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Asahel (Ash) Hayes (Kinesiology, ’49) was named a winner of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award by The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS).  Dr. Hayes, former executive director of the PCPFS, has worked vigorously to advocate physical activity and the importance of an active lifestyle during his six-decade career.  The award is presented to individuals whose careers have greatly contributed to the advancement and encouragement of physical education.  Dr. Hayes is a role model for a healthy lifestyle, and continues to promote physical activity in his work as a Physical Education, Physical Fitness and Sports Consultant.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

 

Rod Wood Retires From City Management

Roderick J. Wood (Public Administration, ’73) retired from his position as Beverly Hills City Manager earlier this month. Wood enjoyed a distinguished career in city government. His career began in 1972 with the City of Escondido, and over his 38-year career Wood contributed to the management of many cities in California, culminating in his latest post in Beverly Hills, which he held for over five years. He was also one of only 14 city managers among the 9,000 members worldwide selected to serve as a Legacy Leader of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), one of the highest tributes awarded to city managers around the world. Wood and his wife, Gina, plan to spend their retirement years in the Palm Desert city of La Quinta.

Student Spotlight

Upperclassmen Volunteer to Mentor New Students

This fall, a new student group is connecting PSFA’s upperclassmen with freshmen and transfer students. Over 80 students volunteered for this new group, AMPLIFY PSFA. The members of AMPLIFY (which stands for Aztec Mentorship Program Loyally Involved For You), are committed to mentoring three to four new students via phone, email, or personal meetings during the first three weeks of the school year. PSFA Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Randi McKenzie envisions the program creating a “culture of caring” that will result in a win-win for the mentors and mentees.

Faculty Focus

Cultural Envoy Liebowitz Tours Philippines

Dr. Marian Liebowitz, School of Music and Dance, toured the Philippines this summer as a Cultural Envoy for the U.S. Department of State. She performed the Norman Dello Joio "Concertante" for Clarinet and Orchestra with the FILharmoniKA as part of the Filfest 2009. She also taught classes in and around Manila before continuing to Cebu City to offer management seminars to non-profit corporations. Dr. Liebowitz has traveled on behalf of the U.S. State Department throughout Latina America and Asia annually since 1997, when she won the Artistic Ambassador Competition. An article in The Philippine Star described her performance: “She fascinated listeners in the Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. Her tones were consistently fluid, flowing and masterfully controlled, and sensitively expressive in the long notes. Liebowitz remained unfazed even in the most complex passages."

Lieutenant Colonel Kent Rideout Retires

Lieutenant Colonel Kent Rideout, Military Science, celebrated a distinguished career in military service and teaching at a retirement ceremony held on August 8, 2009 at Mount Soledad. Commissioned in May 1987 as an Armor Officer and Distinguished Military Graduate from Oklahoma State University, Rideout rose through the ranks, earning the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, two Bronze Star Medals, six Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other awards. Famous for being the man who saved $780 million in cash discovered by military personnel in and around Saddam Hussein’s palaces during the Iraq War in 2003, Rideout came to San Diego later that year, and became the Professor of Military Science for the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps in July 2005. PSFA appreciates all of LTC Rideout’s contributions to the Department of Military Science, SDSU, and our country. Keep rolling along!