President’s Sabbatical Awardees Named

December 7, 2023 / Message from the President

I am delighted to share that the Personnel Services Committee has recommended three faculty members for the President’s Sabbatical, and that committee’s recommendations have been accepted by my office. Congratulations to the following outstanding NOVA faculty:

  • Professor Robyn Russo (English), who will be conducting interview-based research with professional writers and faculty experienced in implementing public writing and using this research to create a website with findings and assignment samples for NOVA faculty.
  • Associate Professor Stephen Wissing (Physics), who will be writing a professional lab manual for NOVA’s Physics program that will be provided free to students and will make planning easier for our students, faculty and staff.
  • Associate Professor William Woodard (ESL/History), who will be writing a level-appropriate historical novel for students in ESL-52; available as an eBook, it will include exercises for developing vocabulary, comprehension and research skills.

The PSC reviewed 12 outstanding applications, and I join them in expressing appreciation to all faculty applicants for the strong and thoughtful work that went into these submissions. I also thank PSC Chair and Associate Dean Donna Minnich and the committee members for their diligence in the review and recommendation process.

Again, congratulations to those awarded the President’s Sabbatical! Their projects will add much to NOVA and to the success of our students.

Best, Anne