by Courtney Winterberger
Two faculty chairs and one professor have been awarded endowments and will be honored as part of the Celebration of Excellence series.
Dr. Alexander Pantsov, a professor of history, has been awarded The Edward and Mary Catherine Gerhold Chair in the Humanities.
Dr. Pantsov’s appointment coincides with the publication of his latest book, Mao: The Real Story, which has been reviewed as “[a] comprehensive, authoritative new study that challenges the received wisdom regarding Mao’s relationship with Stalin and the Soviet Union” according to Kirkus Review.
Dr. Pantsov will be giving a lecture about his book on Wednesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. in the Bridge of Learning.
“Capital University really is fortunate to have outstanding international scholars on our teaching faculty. I hope students will attend this exciting event,” Richard Ashbrook, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, said.
Dr. Kerry Cheesman, professor of biological and environmental sciences has been awarded The Robert M. Geist Endowed Chair in Biological Sciences.
Dr. Christine Anderson, assistant professor of biological and environmental sciences has been awarded The Merl and Margaret Primmer Distinguished Professorship in Biological Sciences.
“I am extremely humbled and excited to receive this award. I thoroughly enjoy offering student-centered research opportunities at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center,” Dr. Anderson said.
“Specifically, we have begun to study the biodiversity of the small mammal community as well as the amphibian community focused using field techniques. I look forward to expanding this work as well as pursuing new student-centered laboratory projects on the population genetic structure of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and wood frogs (Lithobates sylvatica).
“The latter is of conservation interest due to infection by the chytrid fungus. I also plan to develop new supplemental instructional activities based on this work and future work conducted at Primmer. This is an amazing opportunity,”
Each professor was appointed by the president and officially named by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the appropriate faculty, academic dean, and provost.
This selection demonstrates the high standard of excellence that each of the selected faculty has exemplified in their tenure here at Capital.
According to the Endowments and Scholarships page of Capital’s web site, “Endowed funds are donor established investment accounts created to offer lasting financial support to Capital University students, faculty, schools, departments and programs.”
Almost 300 endowed funds have been established at Capital.
Interest from the endowed gifts may be used for the “salary support and other expenses related to the chair-holder or professor’s research and teaching.”
The Edward and Mary Catherine Gerhold Chair in the Humanities endowment was established to “promote peace and human understanding through higher education,” according to the endowments page on Capital’s website.
The Gerholds believed that learning in the humanities is central to all education. The chair-holder is expected to “take an active role in general education pertaining to the humanities, and foster research and service in the humanities at Capital.”
The Robert M. Geist Endowed Chair in Biological Sciences is named after Dr. Robert Miller Geist, a 1923 graduate of and professor at Capital.
The chair-holder of this award is expected to “bring to the position a mature record of outstanding scholarship, distinguished academic credentials and a history of excellence in teaching.
“The individual is expected to engage in research leading to publication, and candidates should be prepared to pursue this research singularly and with colleagues and students,” explains the web page for the endowment.
The Merl and Margaret Primmer Distinguished Professorship in Biological Sciences was established in appreciation of Capital’s distinguished heritage and in recognition of Capital’s service to society through training students to become proficient in their fields and effectively instilling the tenants of Christian faith and life.
Endowed individuals may be engaged in research leading to publication, and is expected to develop courses in botany, zoology and ecology, and to design student internships centered in research and study at The Merl and Margaret Primmer Outdoor Learning Center.
“Through generous gifts from benefactors, Capital University is fortunate to have endowed professorships and chairs. The holders of these distinguished positions signal Capital University’s strong commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship,” Provost Ashbrook said.
Students are encouraged to attend the Celebrations in Excellence Endowed Scholarship Lectures taking place on both October 10th and April 3rd, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the Bridge of Learning.
cwinterb@capital.edu
