Faculty at a graduation reception for Asian American Studies majors. L-R, Professor Alan Aquino, Dr. Williams-León, Glen Becerra and Edith Chen (Photo: Ryan Purugganan)
Congratulations to Professors Teresa Williams-León and Glenn Omatsu
The Asian American Studies Department's own is pleased to announce that Dr. Teresa Williams-León received the 2007 Outstanding Faculty Wward and Professor Glenn Omatsu received the Extraordinary Service Award from the Faculty Senate Office.
Outstanding Faculty Award - Dr. Williams-Léon
Professor Teresa Williams-Leon, who joined the Department of Asian American Studies in 1996 and is currently serving as Associate Dean of the College of Humanities received the 2007 Outstanding Faculty Award.
University president Jolene Koester introduced Dr. Williams at the award ceremony on May 18th, 2007,
"Dr. Williams-Leon believes that there is no more noble profession than being an educator. Being the first in her family to go to college, she feels a singular connection to the large number of students with whom she shares a similar personal history. She believes in a culture of civil argumentation in her classroom, wherein all positions have the right to be heard and defended.
She has served as the first woman chair of the Asian American Studies Department. She was recognized by the Hapa Issues Forum, the multiracial Asian-based educational/civil rights organization with their “Prism Award” for her pioneering academic contributions to Asian-American multiracial identity studies. She is recognized in her field as one of the leading pioneers and scholars, with the UCLA Asian American Studies Research Center listing her in their 35 Notable Accomplishments and Milestones for AAS at UCLA as one of the most “remarkable individuals it’s graduate program has trained.”"
Congratulations to Dr. Williams-León on behalf of the department.
Professor Glenn Omatsu with students at a department open house.
Extraordinary Service Award - Professor Glenn Omatsu
Professor Glenn Omatsu, a Lecturer in the EOP Bridge Program and the Asian American Studies Department received the 2007 Extraordinary Service Award.
University president Jolene Koester introduced Professor Omatsu at the award ceremony on May 18th, 2007,
"Professor Omatsu’s motto of “shared leadership” and his own words in which he states that “…I feel that anything I have done is only meaningful in a collective context” very eloquently speak volumes about the person and his contributions.
Professor Omatsu uses brain research, learning theory, and his personal experiences with community-based education to implement learning strategies for the EOP Summer Bridge Program. He incorporates the concept of “mentoring on the run” in all of his student interactions. Professor Omatsu’s work on “activist pedagogy” provides him with an opportunity to apply his direct experience in social justice movements. Through his work he is able to connect the needs of the community to the power and use of education. He also brings this connection of education with social justice into his work to develop and nurture the Department of Asian American Studies. As a writer and scholar, he has written and edited many books and articles that are often cited by other scholars.
Professor Omatsu’s outstanding record of service and scholarship spans a breadth of areas which all center on quality education for students. His various approaches to his professional and personal goals bring diversity and understanding to the University and promote the highest of ideals."
Don't miss the opportnity to check out Professor Omatsu in action for Spring 2008, AAS 390: Asian American Studies Field Practicum, Tuesdays, 4:20-6:50pm, Ticket #14358.
A Proud Record of Faculty Accomplishment
Photo on the home page: Asian American Studies Faculty at the 2007 graduation reception. From L to R. Glenn Omatsu, Alan Aquino, Maria Turnmeyer, Gina Masequesmay, Eunai Shrake, Phil Hutchinson, and Edith Chen (Photo Credit: Janaki Bowerman)
In addition to Dr. Williams-León and Professor Omatsu, the department is also proud to announce that during the 2006-2007 school year, Professor Alan Aquino received his fourth Polished Apple Award from the University Ambassadors, an award given for outstanding teaching, and Professor Maria Turnmeyer was nominated for the Don Dorsey Excellence in Mentoring Award.
These are just some of the diverse and outstanding faculty that make the Asian American Studies Department one of the fastest growing majors at CSUN. Check it out for yourself this spring!