Cal State Faculty Honored for Influence on Students, Community

Earlier this year, members of the Cal State East Bay Faculty Affairs Committee reviewed nominations of various faculty members and recommended the following seven professors to receive this year’s “Faculty Awards.” Those honored received monetary gifts ranging from $250 to $1,500.

Jed DeVaro, Outstanding Faculty Researcher (tenured)

An internationally recognized expert in human resource management, DeVaro, a professor and chair of the CSUEB economics department, has published more than 17 scholarly articles in top-ranked business journals since accepting a position with CSUEB in September 2008. He has examined hot-button subjects like the effect of self-managed teams on productivity, the impact of performance-based pay on worker health, and gender bias in police traffic stops.  

Matthew Atencio, Outstanding Faculty Researcher (untenured)

Associate professor Atencio writes about skateboarders, angry moms and the Scottish physical education system as part of his work at CSUEB. He has been the lead author or collaborator in more than 24 peer-reviewed articles and chapters since joining the university in 2013. A paper written by Atencio that explores the intersection of race, dance and recreational programming, was recently recognized by the international journal “Leisure Studies” as one of the “best ever published from 2007-2014.”

Buddy James, George and Miriam Phillips Outstanding Professor

James, a professor and chair of the music department at CSUEB, consistently receives reviews from students saying he is a “role model who has changed their lives through his dedication to teaching and his passion for music,” said Linda Dobb, interim associate provost. He is also active as a singer and guest conductor in the Bay Area and is one of the founding officers of the National Collegiate Choral Organization.

Farnaz Ganjeizadeh, Outstanding Mentor to Students

Whether she is helping graduate students publish their work or encouraging freshmen to pursue careers in engineering, Ganjeizadeh’s students say she is reassuring, supportive, a role model and a cheerleader —  particularly for women and minorities. She has been a sponsor of students in the CSU Research Competition and an advisor to several student clubs.

Amy June Rowley, Outstanding Contributor to Community Evolvement

An American Sign Language speaker since birth, Rowley is an activist who encourages her students to get involved in their communities. She is active with the Parodi Charitable Trust, which funds activities related to deaf students, and she serves as chair of the ASL Teachers Association Evaluation and Certification Committee.

Duke Austin, Outstanding Scholar on Issues of Diversity, Social Justice and Multiculturalism

In his short time at CSUEB, Austin has “had a remarkable impact on students, faculty, staff and his community,” Dobb said. His students say he makes them think and is not afraid of “difficult conversations” about diversity and social justice. He recently produced a paper with colleagues called “Building an Inclusive, Accessible, and Responsive Campus at CSU East Bay,” and has spoken nationally about urban ethnography and immigrant children.

Denise Fleming, Sue Schaefer Award for Faculty Service

Fleming is being recognized with the Sue Schaefer Award for Faculty Service for her distinguished service to CSUEB and the California State University system. A member of both the CSUEB Academic Senate and the CSU Statewide Academic Senate, Fleming joined CSUEB in 2001 and “demonstrated a pattern of dedicated service to committees and working groups,” Dobbs said.