Lisa Assante
Nothing is more important to Lisa Assante than to provide every single one of her students with the knowledge and experience necessary for professional success. And nothing is more important to many of Dr. Assante’s students than to earn her commendations for a job well done. Theirs is a very sincere partnership built upon mutual respect. Many of Lisa’s students say they appreciate the time she has taken to get to know them on a personal level and to encourage their unique interests and help them find a place for such passions in the real world. And for Assante, the textbook is just the beginning of learning, and she is constantly looking for new ways to help students gain professional, hands-on exposure to the service and travel industries. An integral faculty member in shaping SUU’s Hotel, Resort and Hospitality Management program, Assante’s friendly yet professional personality has been an asset in establishing professional partnerships that provide internships and even careers for many of SUU’s students. As one of her students aptly put it, “Dr. Assante is the best!”
Gerald Calvasina
Gerald Calvasina, professor of management, works diligently to advance his field, this University and the work of his students and peers. A prolific researcher, Calvsina’s work involves both applied and pedagogical research in
the area of human resource management, and over the past five years, he has published 17 journal articles, 18 presentations and seven case studies. Most importantly, he strives to continually improve his teaching methods and subject matter within the classroom, and his students appreciate the expertise Professor Calvasina brings to their queries and class discussions. Beyond the classroom, Gerry serves as a faculty advisor for the SUU chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, is president-elect of the the faculty senate, and oversees the maintenance and accreditation process within the School of Business to ensure its offerings are relevant to academic trends, industry demands and student interests. In his own profession and in the efforts he makes to support the work of his students and peers, Dr. Calvasina truly is an exemplar colleague, mentor and scholar.
Mackay Steffensen
To the surprise of many of his first-time students, Chemistry Professor Mackay Steffensen consistently tackles challenging subjects with ease, making what to many begins as a dreaded subject both relevant and accessible. His students credit this to his tenacity within the classroom, explaining that he never gives up on any of his students, oftentimes holding study sessions to help those who are struggling prepare for exams. And for those students of his who rely upon Steffensen’s classes to prepare them for graduate work in the medical and dental fields, though they all agree that his classes are a challenge, they also all leave feeling more confident and prepared for the academic and professional challenges they’ve yet to face. In short, he gives just as much as he asks of his students, and again and again, they respond with praise and success.
Mark Miller
According to one of his students, History Professor Mark Miller “cares to know more and to give more.” An apt summary of a teacher dedicated to making history relevant to the individual circumstances of his students’ lives and interests. Miller accomplishes this by getting to know each student and by finding new ways to engage them—even when they’d rather blend into the background. He is enthusiastic in his lectures and his energy is infectious. In fact, many of Miller’s students have commented on their surprise at their level of retention and comprehension at the end of a semester with Professor Miller, and they all credit this to the collaborative, open and creative environment he fosters within his classroom.
Richard Eissinger
Richard Eissinger may work with more students in one semester than any other faculty member at SUU. This last year alone, Richard assisted nearly 4,500 students in information literacy and library resource courses that supplement various writing and research classes across campus. Eissinger provides support to professors across campus who rely upon his expertise to improve their students’ research skills with the help of the latest academic technologies. This expertise extends far beyond term papers and search engines, however, and as a lead user and developer of eLearning courses, Richard works with his peers to help shape their own online classroom resources. A committed professional, Richard is well-respected among his peers for both his knowledge and his stalwart commitment to student success.