Dr. John Gonzalez, professor of psychology, co-authored the sixth edition of “Multicultural Psychology: Understanding our Diverse Communities.” The textbook examines multicultural issues and diverse perspectives found in the psychology field including differences in world views, communication, cultural identity, racism and immigration.
Dr. Sean Wachsmuth, associate professor of professional education, co-authored “Exploring Extracurricular Activity Participation, School Engagement and Social Competence for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorder” with colleagues from the universities of Missouri and Florida. The study examines the relationship between participation in extracurricular activities, the development of social skills and school engagement.
Sherry Holloway, professor of human performance, sport and health, received the Minnesota Society of Health and Physical Educators’ (MNSHAPE) George Hanson Developmental Adapted Physical Education Award at November’s MNSHAPE State Conference in Lakeville. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the adapted physical education profession.
Dr. Eric Forsyth, professor of human performance, sport and health, co-authored “A Mixed-Methods Approach to Identifying Coaches and Officials Issues Pertinent in Interscholastic Athletics” in the Journal of Contemporary Athletics. The article investigates pertinent issues for coaches and officials in interscholastic sports and the importance and implications of those issues for athletic administrators.
Dr. Ana López-Aguilera, assistant professor of languages and Indigenous studies, co-authored “Mujeres y Naturaleza,” an anthology about environmental issues and links between women and nature.
Dr. Jim White, professor of human performance, sport and health, was elected to the board of directors for Northern Dental Access Center, which provides oral health care to disadvantaged populations in northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. It serves more than 25,000 patients annually.
Trisha Hansen, instructor of criminal justice, was named the Minnesota Corrections Association’s Person of the Year at the MCA’s Annual Training Institute in Nisswa. The award is given for outstanding contribution in the field of corrections in Minnesota by an individual including clergy, judges, legislators, group home parents, corrections professionals and others.
Dr. Miriam Webber, assistant professor of music, received an artist fellowship from the Region 2 Arts Council. The award is given to artists who have received recognition for their work and been selected for solo exhibitions, commissions, presentations, readings or performances.
Dr. Donna Pawlowski, department chair and professor of communication studies, presented “Mentoring Model Workshop: Reuniting Faculty Through Addressing Mentoring Needs” at the Communication & Theater Association of Minnesota conference in Marshall. She also was named president-elect for the association, which combines the interests of communication and theater teachers and professors across Minnesota.
Michael Herbert, adjunct professor of criminal justice and statistics, published his first manuscript, “Faculty Motivation for Open Educational Resources (OER) Textbook Adoption and Future Use,” in the academic journal Innovative Higher Education.
Dr. James Bowyer, associate professor of music, was named conductor of the Bemidji Chorale following the retirement of long- time conductor Pat Mason, who had led the group since 1997.
Dr. Season Ellison, associate professor of humanities, directed Justin Maxwell’s play “I Met Sasquatch in the Uncanny Valley and We Totally Made Out a Little Bit” at the Mid- America Theatre Conference in Minneapolis.
Dr. John Perlich, associate professor of communication studies, was elected to the National Communication Association faculty advisory board at the NCA Annual Convention in New Orleans in November. Perlich is one of only five faculty members nationwide who serve on the board.
Dr. Jennifer Olson, assistant professor of music, released a CD of vocal works titled “Cantos y Cuentos.” Olson received a $3,000 Minnesota State Arts grant in 2021 to record the album, which features Latin American songs inspired by European, Indigenous and African cultures.
Dr. Kelly La Venture, associate professor of business administration, was given a Fulbright Specialist Program award by the U.S. Department of State for promoting entrepreneurship in Cambodia.
Dr. Stephen Carlson, professor of music and Dr. Cory Renbarger, associate professor of music, released a version of “Winterreise,” or “Winter Journey,” by Austrian composer Franz Schubert. Originally composed in 1827, the production consists of 24 songs that tell the story of a young man who journeys into a winter landscape to cope with the pain of a lost love.