Georgia Southern University STEM Institute Names Affiliates

October 17, 2012

Georgia Southern University’s new Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education recently named its Affiliate Faculty, a group of 67 faculty representing six different colleges across campus.  Affiliate Faculty act as a liaison between their college and the institute while receiving support from the institute as they work to further STEM teaching, learning and research.

Faculty members were nominated by the Vice President of Research, College Deans and Associate Deans, the STEM Institute Advisory Board, Department Chairs and STEM Institute Fellows. These faculty were then asked to apply and their applications reviewed by the Advisory Board and Faculty Fellows. Of the 67 faculty members named, 13 are from the College of Education.

The mission of the STEM institute is to establish collaborative interdisciplinary programs committed to excellence in K-20 STEM teaching and learning. A key component of this is through unique partnerships across academia, business, education and research centers in the Coastal Plain.

Affiliate Faculty serve a three-year term and will be able to renew their affiliated status.  The institute offers these faculty support in all aspects of STEM grant writing and administration, and in any work they may undertake in establishing partnerships with schools, business, external research organizations and campus groups.

Affiliate Faculty from Georgia Southern University’s College of Education include:  Olufunke Adefope, Missy Bennett, Katie Brkich, Greg Chamblee, Karen Chassereau, Marlynn Griffin, Lee Grimes, Jonathan Hilpert, Chuck Hodges (also a member of the Advisory Board), Thomas Koballa (COE Dean), Jason LaFrance, Kent Rittschof and John Weaver.

In addition to the College of Education, other colleges and departments represented include: IT/Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, History/Museum Outreach, Public Health, Mechanical Engineering, Health and Kinesiology, Writing and Linguistics, Psychology, Art and Civil Engineering.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. In 2012, the University was named one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.