SUNY Fredonia Philosophy Department Chair Neil Feit has been named the 2011 Kasling Award Lecturer, and will give a presentation titled, “Consequences of Narrow Mindedness,” on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. in Rosch Recital Hall.
In addition, College of Education Professor Kate Mahoney will receive the campus’ William T. Hagan Young Scholar/Artist Award that same day.
Dr. Feit earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts in 1996. He specializes in Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language, Metaphysics and Value Theory. Feit has taught at SUNY Fredonia since 1999 and is currently the Chair of the Department of Philosophy. He was also the recipient of the Hagan Young Scholar/Artist Award in 2009.
Dr. Mahoney is an assistant professor in the Department of Language, Learning and Leadership, where she teaches courses in educational research and teaching English as a second language. Her current research addresses the validity of using achievement and language proficiency test scores for English Language Learners (ELLs), language minority program effectiveness through meta-analysis, and evaluating policies and practices concerning ELLs in Arizona and nationally.
The Kasling tradition has been held continuously since 1973. The lecturers are selected each year by invitation to explain the methods, purposes, and results of research or creativity in their field, which has earned them national reputations. The lecture is named for Robert W. Kasling, a Fredonia professor of geography from 1946 to 1966 who was known for his integrity and high standard of scholarship.
The Hagan Award, initiated in 1987, is given during the Kasling Lecture to a member of the teaching faculty who has made outstanding achievements in his or her professional career. This award was named in honor of Dr. William T. Hagan, who specialized in the history of the American Indian.
SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner, Vice President of Academic Affairs Virginia Horvath and College of Arts and Sciences Dean John Kijinski will also participate in the Oct. 18 ceremony. To learn more about the 35th annual event, contact 716-673-3323 or public.relations@fredonia.edu.
