Academic Affairs

New professors hired at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

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The newly named College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) has hired two new professors, Dr. Wan Yang and Professor Joe Askren.

Dr. Yang was born and raised in Beijing, China and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management from Fudan University in 2006. After graduating from college, Dr. Yang came to the United States and obtained a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“I’m passionate about teaching and research because teachers make a difference in the lives of their students and researchers make a difference in our society,” said Dr. Yang.  “I’m very excited to be joining the distinguished faculty in the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at USFSM. I look forward to bringing my international background and doing all I can to contribute.”

Professor Askren has served as the Lead Hospitality Instructor for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, AZ for the past five years and also has experience as an Executive Chef for several resorts in Arizona.  He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and holds an Associate of Science in Culinary Management from Florida State College.  Professor Askren’s Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Hotel and Restaurant Management is from Colorado Technical University.

“I’m very excited to bring my hotel and restaurant knowledge to USFSM,” said Professor Askren.  “There is already such a great foundation and history in the college. I’ll just be adding a culinary perspective, which includes my past and present interests in food trends, nutrition, marketing, and management of hotels and restaurants.”

These two new faculty members will begin teaching courses this fall.  “I am very happy that we attracted two amazing individuals to our College,” said Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu, Dean of the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership.  “Professor Askren brings years of executive level of industry and teaching experience to USF Sarasota-Manatee. He will lead the food and beverage curriculum at the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Similarly, Dr. Yang comes to us with impressive hospitality research and teaching skills. She will be heading the research activities and work with our undergraduate and graduate students.”

Newly named College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership announced at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Effective July 1, 2012, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) announced the newly named College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership.  Formerly titled the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the name change reflects the addition of the Information Technology program to the college.  Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu, who has been serving as the Dean of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, will serve in the role of Dean for the College.

“Dr. Cobanoglu’s international tourism research in on-line security provides an opportunity to blend hospitality and IT for our students and faculty,” said Dr. Bonnie Jones, Regional Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at USFSM.  “I envision our hospitality program ranked in the top 10 nationally within the next 10 years, and our IT program to grow exponentially as a STEM field.”

The formation of the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership will provide students access to unique programming and coursework.  “It is exciting to see two industries that are key in this community join together under the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership,” said Dr. Cobanoglu.  “I am honored to be the founding Dean of this unique and very promising college.  We will create a synergy of these fields with the support of our outstanding faculty and produce leaders who will make a large impact for the area.”

Dr. Sunita Lodwig, Instructor of Information Technology, has been appointed as the Faculty Lead for the Information Technology program inside the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership and will be responsible for the daily management of the program.  “The move to a new organization focused on professional services, like Hospitality and Information Technology, makes a lot of sense, especially under the stewardship of Dean Cobanoglu, who is a recognized leader in both fields,” she said.  “We are particularly excited for the emphasis on IT Security, which will help establish Information Security as a cornerstone of the IT program at USFSM.”

The formation of this new college is one of the many growth initiatives currently in progress at USFSM.  “We are very excited about the announcement of our new College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership,” said Dr. Arthur Guilford, Regional Chancellor at USFSM.  “We continue to move forward to ensure that we are understanding and meeting the needs of our students and the local community, while maintaining a high level of academic excellence that will lead to success for our graduates.”

More information about the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership can be found online at www.usfsm.edu or by calling 941-359-4330.

USFSM Alums hired at local schools

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Six alumni from the College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been hired by local schools.  Heidi Keegan, a 2012 graduate from the Masters in Educational Leadership program has been hired as an Assistant Principal at Sallie Jones Elementary School in Punta Gorda.  Dave Masony, a 2011 graduate of the Masters in Educational Leadership program was hired by Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, also as an Assistant Principal.  Neil Armstrong Elementary School hired Grace Shepard as an Assistant Principal.  Grace graduated in 2012 with her Masters in Educational Leadership.  Valley Hayes, a 2012 graduate of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, was hired to a full-time teaching position with Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port.  Manatee High School has hired Melissa Gagnon as Assistant Principal.  Melissa graduated in 2009 with her Masters in Educational Leadership.  Lastly, Amanda Semrinec, who graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2011 was hired to teach 6th grade math at Manatee School for the Arts.

“We are so proud of all of our graduates,” said Dr. Terry Osborn, Dean of the College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee.  “I think it speaks volumes about our program to hear that students who graduated two and three years ago are reconnecting with faculty as they look for jobs and that the faculty are more than willing to be references for these students.  A University level education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom.”

USF Sarasota-Manatee to host Master’s Degree information session on July 11th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will be hosting a Master’s Degree information session for anyone interested in learning more about the available programs this fall.  It will take place at USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota on Wednesday, July 11th from 6-7pm.  The event is free and open to prospective students and their guests.

The session will include information about the following Master’s degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, Hospitality Management, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Reading Education, Teaching in Elementary Education, Teaching in Exceptional Student Education, and English Education.  A brief overview of admissions processes, financial aid, and other services will also be available. Attendees will be given a campus tour and will have the opportunity to meet with Academic Advisors who will discuss prerequisites, transcripts and other pertinent details.

Registration can be found by visiting www.usfsm.edu/admissions and clicking on the event link.  Questions about USFSM can be directed to 941-359-4330 or kjander2@sar.usf.edu.

USF Sarasota-Manatee to host Open House June 27th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will be hosting an open house for anyone interested in learning more about the available programs offered.  It will take place at USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota on Wednesday, June 27 from 6-7:30pm.  The event is free and open to prospective students and their guests.

The open houses will include information about Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, Certificate programs, and a brief overview of admissions processes, financial aid, and other services. A tour of campus will be available along with the opportunity to meet with Academic Advisors who will discuss prerequisites, transcripts and other pertinent details.

Registration can be found by visiting www.usfsm.edu/admissions and clicking on the event link.  Questions about USFSM can be directed to 941-359-4334 or kjander2@sar.usf.edu.

USF Sarasota-Manatee application deadline approaches

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The fall application deadline at USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) is Monday, July 2, 2012.  Fall term begins Monday, August 27, 2012.  Campus tours are available by calling 941-359-4334 and the application can be found online by visiting usfsm.edu/admissions.

A wide variety of programs are offered at USFSM, including but not limited to: Elementary Education, History, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Business, Hospitality Management and Applied Science.  These programs are comprised of diverse coursework, study abroad opportunities, internships, on campus student clubs, access to professional organizations and hands-on experiences.  USF Sarasota-Manatee students enjoy the privileges of the USF System with access to student athletic tickets, Alumni networking, USF System events and more.  Students at USFSM also enjoy a 15:1 student to faculty ratio, providing access to and personalized attention from world class instructors.

If you have questions about the application or setting up an appointment with an Academic Advisor, please call 941-359-4334.

Florida Legislature to continue providing matching funds for First Generation Program

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) has received confirmation that the Florida Legislature will once again provide matching funds for the Florida First Generation Program, one of the few remaining tuition funding programs that match donor contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  It is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, are enrolled in eligible participating postsecondary institutions, and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate or higher degrees.

“There is no more important mission for USF Sarasota-Manatee than to be able to provide opportunities for universal access to higher education and the Florida First Generation Matching Grant Program goes a long way in helping us realize that goal,” said Dennis Stover, Regional Vice Chancellor for Advancement at USFSM. “It allows us the chance to serve those highly motivated, talented students who are limited by financial resources and have, historically, been underrepresented in higher education.  To be the first person in your family to attend college sends a powerful message and creates a ripple effect that benefits not only the individual and their family, but the community as well.”

For the 2011-2012 year, $90,500 was donated and, with the match, $181,000 was awarded to USF Sarasota-Manatee students meeting the criteria for this scholarship.  Those interested in learning more about USFSM, scholarship and grant opportunities, or giving opportunities may visit www.usfsm.edu or call 941-359-4334 for more information.

Outstanding Arts & Sciences students recognized at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hosted a banquet to honor its outstanding students for the Spring 2012 Semester. 

Outstanding Undergraduate students were Ana DeShields (Information Technology); Bryce Evans (History); Kyle Jacobs (Criminology); Jennifer Perez Lopez (English/Literature); Melissa Nieliwocki (Psychology); Krista Schrock (English/Business & Technical Writing); and Laura Tanksley (Interdisciplinary Social Sciences). 

 Arts & Sciences students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee were honored at an awards banquet for outstanding achievement.  L to R: Krista Schrock (English/Business & Technical Writing); Melissa Nieliwocki (Psychology); Jennifer Perez Lopez (English/Literature); Kyle Jacobs (Criminology); Ana DeShields (Information Technology); Bryce Evans (History); and Laura Tanksley (Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.) 

Graduate level information session at USF Sarasota-Manatee on June 2

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Students with a Bachelor’s degree interested in pursuing a Master’s degree are invited to attend an upcoming information session about graduate level programs at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

The session will cover Graduate level degrees in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Educational Leadership, Reading Education, Business, and Hospitality Management and will be offered on Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 at 9:30am in the Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  The session includes an introductory information session, an Alumni panel discussion, breakout sessions with faculty and program specialists, a financial aid workshop, campus tours, and a cookout in the courtyard.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the event, please contact Katrina Anderson at kjander2@sar.usf.eduor 941.359.4334.

Three faculty members awarded for excellence at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Three faculty members at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been awarded for excellence. Nominations were solicited from a variety of people for each award, including students, deans and faculty members.

Eleven nominations were submitted for the Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Associate Professor of Information Systems/Decision Sciences in the College of Business, was selected from those nominees by the Faculty Senate’s Awards & Rewards Committee for his diligence, creativity, and his ability to successfully teach some of the more difficult courses offered at USFSM.  Dr. Agarwal was also recognized for his assistance to other faculty members looking to strengthen their own teaching.

The Excellence in Research Award nominees were selected by USFSM faculty members and deans.  Five faculty members were nominated and Dr. Jim Unnever, Professor of Criminology in the College of Arts & Sciences, was selected based on his extensive body of research, the fact that his research has been cited by other researchers over 1300 times, his publications in the top journals in his field, and his ongoing research work.

The Excellence in Service Award encompassed service to the university, service to the academic discipline, and service to the community. Nominations were solicited from all of the members of the USFSM community for this award. There were eight nominees for this one and Dr. Elizabeth Larkin, Professor of Childhood Education in the College of Education, was selected by the committee for her extensive contributions to USF as a faculty governance leader, her consistent service as a journal editor and reviewer over the years, and for her work with children in the local community through Schools and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization.

The awarded faculty members were announced at a Faculty & Staff Recognition event held on campus.