|
Aug. 24, 2009 -- Mathematical Sciences Professor H. Joseph Straight has been named a Distinguished Service Professor — the highest system tribute available to instructional faculty — by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.
Dr. Straight is one of 10 individuals statewide to receive the honor this year. The designation is conferred on faculty for extraordinary service over a number of years to their campus, SUNY, and their community and beyond, drawing from scholarly and research interests to issues of public concern.
Dr. Straight, also a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, has been a faculty member since 1977 and was chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science from 1998 to 2004. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Secondary Education in 1973 from Fredonia and master’s and doctoral degrees from Western Michigan University.
“This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Dr. Straight,” said President Dennis L. Hefner. “Joe has consistently been and remains among the most passionate and dedicated of our faculty, repeatedly advocating for students and the quality of the education they receive on this campus. He also remains vigilant in helping us ensure that the graduates SUNY Fredonia places into society have met or exceeded the stringent criteria this university has established for and expects of its graduates. He has shown us time and again just how much he cares for SUNY Fredonia and its students.”
“The genius of SUNY faculty lies not only in their intellectual capacity, but also in their surpassing excellence in teaching and in their ability to apply their scholarship and research in service to the campus and larger community in which we all live,” noted SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Carl T. Hayden, regarding this year’s honorees.
“SUNY faculty who receive appointment to the rank of Distinguished Service Professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and scientists of the highest academic distinction,” said SUNY Vice Chancellor and Officer-in-Charge John J. O’Connor.
Dr. Straight has taught dozens of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and has served in a variety of leadership positions, including the Academic Affairs Committee, Dean’s Advisory Council, Faculty Student Association Board of Directors, and the University Senate, which he chaired in 1987. He is the faculty advisor to Fredonia’s Mathematics Club, has served on the Board of Governors for the Mathematical Association of America, and has attained Fellow status within the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. In addition, the Mathematical Association of America honored him with its Meritorious Service Award.
He lives in Arkwright, N.Y., with his wife, Wendy Woodbury Straight, ’73.
