Congratulations to the University of Michigan-Flint Faculty Awarded Tenure and/or Promotion May 15, 2008
Posted by Jack Kay in : Uncategorized , add a comment15 May 2008, Music Room, Henry Ford Estate, Dearborn, Michigan:
Tenure of university faculty represents the extraordinary commitment of an institution to its faculty members, acknowledging that the accomplishments of the faculty member awarded tenure is such that a lifetime commitment to the faculty member is warranted. The tenure process is highly rigorous and begins with the judgment of the faculty member’s colleagues, both in his or her unit and in her or his discipline.
Promotion to full professor, the highest academic rank, demands extraordinary accomplishment by the faculty member and is also rigorously reviewed by colleagues of higher rank and by external reviewers from the faculty member’s discipline.
Today, upon the recommendation of the appropriate unit faculty, the school or college faculty and Dean, the Provost, the Chancellor, and the President, the Regents of the University of Michigan, at their May meeting held on the Dearborn campus of the University of Michigan, approved tenure and/or promotion for the following University of Michigan-Flint faculty:
Judith Ableser, School of Education and Human Services (promotion to Associate Professor of Education with tenure)
Ananthakrishnan Aiyer, College of Arts and Sciences (promotion to Associate Professor of Anthropology with tenure)
Jacob Blumner, College of Arts and Sciences (promotion to Associate Professor of English with tenure)
John Ellis, College of Arts and Sciences (promotion to Associate Professor of History with tenure)
Jeffrey Kupperman, School of Education and Human Services (promotion to Associate Professor of Education with tenure)
Mehrdad Simkani, College of Arts and Sciences (promotion to Professor of Mathematics with tenure)
Fataneh Taghaboni-Dutta, School of Management (promotion to Professor of Management with tenure)
Jessica Tischler, College of Arts and Science (promotion to Associate Professor of Chemistry with tenure)
Becky Rodda, School of Health Professions and Studies (promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy)
CONGRATULATIONS!
About Me—Installment Three May 13, 2008
Posted by Jack Kay in : Uncategorized , add a comment13 May 2008, Flint, Michigan:
Blog readers have encouraged me to provide periodic information about myself. An incident that happened today leads me to share some information about my father. Two weeks ago I spoke at a Holocaust Remembrance event sponsored by the Flint Jewish Federation. I talked about my father’s experiences in the Warsaw ghetto, at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, and his passage to the United States. Several people who saw me speak at the event or who watched me on television asked me what impact being the child of a Holocaust survivor has had on my professional life. Since the mid-1980s I have studied the communication strategies of hate groups, particularly those groups who advocate white separatism and anti-semitism. My studies as a professor of communication have led me to understand the tremendous power of language and naming, and the implications of silence.
As to the power of language and naming, I simply present a revised childhood ditty:
Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will really hurt me.
Think about the unthinkable (genocide, murder, confinement, extermination, gassing) that has occurred as a result of the names assigned to groups of people (barbarians, imbeciles, vermin, chattel, etc.). As to the power of silence, I refer readers to the oft-cited words of Pastor Richard Niemoeller:
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Jew.Then they came for the communists
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a communist.Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a trade unionist.Then the came for me—
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
The words of Dante speak to silence as well:
The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.
What saddened me after my talk about the heroism of my father who survived the Buchenwald Death Camp was reading emails and postings from people who claim the Holocaust never occurred and is merely a propaganda technique of Zionists.
Shown below is a photo of my father’s Buchenwald Concentration Camp uniform, which until this weekend I had never seen. My father suffered greatly, as did millions of others. We must never forget.
School of Management Delivers Letter to Mayor Williamson from Sister City Mayor of Togliatti, Russia May 12, 2008
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12 May 2008, Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, Flint, Michigan:
Professor Mark Perry of the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management recently returned from Togliatti and Moscow, Russia, where he accompanied 14 MBA students. Togliatti, a city in the south of the Russian Federation, is a sister city of Flint and is known as the capital of Russian car industry. The city is the second biggest city in the Volga region. Mayor Don Williamson had sent a letter of congratulations to the Mayor of Togliatti upon his election. The Mayor of Togliatti, Mr. Pushkov, prepared a letter to Mayor Williamson and asked that Professor Perry personally deliver the letter.
The photo above shows, standing from left to right: Greg Allar, Jack Kay, Mayor Donald J. Williamson, Mark Perry, Dean Jack Helmuth, David Lossing, Larry Ford (Flint DDA).
On Saturday I had the privilege of listening to Professor Perry and the MBA students who went on the trip. They met with many key business leaders in Russia and earned much about economics and marketing in Russia. The group talked about the many things they learned about business and culture in Russia.
Blog Stats Update–Still Seeking New Blog Name May 11, 2008
Posted by Jack Kay in : Uncategorized , 1 comment so far11 May 2008, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan:
“Great Times at the University of Michigan-Flint” blog is now a little under 5 months old and has attracted over 5000 unique viewers. A couple of weeks ago I called on readers to suggest a new name for the blog as a transition from Interim Chancellor back to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The Provost is the chief academic officer of the university. Therefore I need a name for my revised blog that captures the academic accomplishments of the University of Michigan-Flint. Please use the “add a comment” above or email me at jackay@umflint.edu should you have suggestion.
“Great Times at the University of Michigan-Flint” has been visited by 5,027 unique individuals from 47 countries who have viewed 14,122 pages and have left 74 comments. The blog has received visitors from:
ARMENIA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRIA
BAHAMAS
BRAZIL
BULGARIA
CANADA
CHINA
COSTA RICA
DENMARK
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GUAM
ICELAND
INDIA-
INDONESIA 
IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF
ISRAEL
ITALY
JAPAN
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
MALAYSIA
MEXICO
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
PAKISTAN
PHILIPPINES
POLAND
ROMANIA
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
SINGAPORE
SLOVAKIA
SPAIN
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TAIWAN
THAILAND
TURKEY
UKRAINE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
VIET NAM
The Incredibly Beautiful University of Michigan-Flint Campus May 10, 2008
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10 May 2008, University of Michigan-Flint Campus, Flint, Michigan:
On Saturday afternoon, amid perfect weather, I had the rare opportunity to spend 45 minutes between events during which I wandered the grounds of the University of Michigan-Flint campus. Our campus is stunningly gorgeous. Please—when you see a member of our Grounds Department, thank them for the great job they do. The photographs speak volumes. Thank you members of the Grounds Department for taking great care of our campus.
University of Michigan-Flint 2008 Student Art Exhibition May 9, 2008
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9 May 2008, Greater Flint Arts Council, 816 S. Saginaw St., Flint, Michigan:
The patrons were serenaded by the University of Michigan-Flint Jazz Trio as they viewed a year in the life of University of Michigan-Flint art students and faculty. The walls were adorned by photographs, collages, paintings, drawings, sculpture, and more. Several patrons expressed to me how powerful the exhibit was and how it demonstrated superior accomplishment by the collective artists. I personally selected two favorites, awarding the Provost’s Award to Derek Mohamedally for Guardian Angel, a Silver Gelatin B&W Photograph, and awarding the Chancellor’s Award to Brandee Perigo for her graphic design Dr. Mr. President. These works will hang in the Provost’s Office and the Chancellor’s Office for the next year.
The awards were presented by Darryl Baird, Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication and Visual Arts Department. Best of Show went to Rhonda Patterson; Juror’s choice went to Anna Schuler; Artist’s Voice was presented to Taylor Confer; Honorable Mentions were earned by Francine Rock, Laura Luongo, Kathryn Pritchett. Todd Solgat, and Alisha Smith; the Dean’s Award was presented to Shannon Balanowski; Purchase Awards from the Annual Fund Grant were presented to students whose work was selected for display in the Michigan Legislature, Travis Larkin and Courtney Cook; the Patty Morello Memorial Award was earned by Stephanie Dubbs.
Congratulations to all who were exhibited and thank you to those who attended The evening was most pleasant. I enjoyed viewing the great work that has been accomplished this academic year.
CNN Terrorism Analyst Peter Bergen Speaks at the University of Michigan-Flint May 8, 2008
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8 May 2008, Northbank Center Ballroom, University of Michigan-Flint campus, Flint, Michigan:
Peter Bergen, CNN terrorism expert, was the final speaker for the 2008 Frances Willson Thompson Critical Issues Forum. Bergen, who interviewed Osama Bin Laden in 1998, gave a compelling lecture to a sold out Critical Issues Forum. Speaking without notes, Bergen gave a fact-filled address that had the audience spellbound. He assessed the threat of Al Qaeda during the next five tears, warned of future threats from bio-terrorism, and provided evidence of the continuing threat of global terrorism.
Bergen is a journalist and author of Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden (Free Press, 2001) the The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of Al Qaeda’s Leader (Free Press, 2006). Bergen is also adjunct lecturer at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He has a website at www.peterbergen.com
I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Bergen for “Collegetown News,” a program that will be submitted to Comcast for display on the public access channel.
Hamilton Dam Campus Conversation May 7, 2008
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7 May 2008, Michigan Rooms, Harding Mott University Center Building, University of Michigan-Flint Campus, Flint, Michigan:
Much discussion is taking place about the Hamilton Dam located on the Flint river in the middle of the University of Michigan-Flint campus. Today approximately 40 campus faculty and staff met to learn more about future hopes and plans for the dam. The City of Flint has commissioned a study to explore removal, restoration, and replacement of the dam. Suggestions for the Hamilton Dam range from replacement at its existing location with a walkway over the dam, replacement with a more natural dam that will permit a kayak park or run, to a new dam that will permit electrical generation. Although no consensus emerged from the discussion, there was strong support for the campus embracing the river and promoting its clean up and return to a natural riverbank where possible. Do you have thoughts on this subject? If yes, please add a comment.
Speaking at the Wayne State Debate Banquet May 4, 2008
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4 May 2008, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dearborn, Michigan:
I was honored to serve as keynote speaker for Wayne State University’s 74th Annual Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha (DSR-TKA) Awards Banquet. DSR-TKA is the national honor society for debate and speech activities. I participated in debate and speech activities as an undergraduate at Wayne State from 1970-74, and then coached the team from 1975-1979. It was great to see so many alumni at the banquet and to meet the current students who had a great year.
After dinner speaking is not my best suit, but I came through and delivered a speech that seemed to entertain and delight the audience. I talked about the coming of age of debate and speech in our contemporary entertainment media–movies such as The Great Debaters, Listen to Me, Rocket Science, Debating Robert Lee, and Thanks to Gravity, all movies depicting debate teams. I shared some of my debate stories and told the audience how important my involvement in the Wayne State speech and debate program was to all that I have accomplished since leaving the program 34 years ago. I spoke of the tremendous support and mentoring given to me by George Ziegelmueller, the legendary debate coach and director of forensics who gave so much to me and remains a true friend. Finally, I urged the audience to continue to support the Wayne State program and to do all they can to establish and support debate and speech programs in our middle schools, high schools, and universities.
A Run for the Roses: Promoting University Outreach May 3, 2008
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3 May 2008, Flint Golf Club, Flint, Michigan:
Kentucky Derby fans from Flint who were not able to join the likes of Chelsea Clinton, Hugh Hefner, and Bill O’Reilly down in Louisville, Kentucky were able to attend Flint’s own Derby party at the Flint Golf Club. In addition to watching the Derby on big screen television, party goers got to stand close to University Downs and bet on Powertrain (GM Goodwrench), Appleseed (Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar), CARS 108 (CARS 108), Printer’s Delight (Riegle Press), Hard Hat Hussy (Sorensen Gross), Sparkles (Medawar Jewelers), C Marie (Connie and Robert Armstrong), Goyette Brings the Heat (Goyette Mechanical) Freddie Loeb (Stella & Frederick Loeb Charitable Trust), La Crazy Salle (Wade Trim), First at Four (ABC12), Scoop (The Flint Journal), We’ve Got the Plus (HealthPlus of Michigan), The Magic Man (Karen’s Carpetmax), Stingray (Paragon), and Star City (Marie Stewart).
The award winning hat shown above makes clear that the tradition of wearing festive hats continued. Go Blue!
The event benefited the University of Michigan-Flint Center for Applied Environmental Research (CAER), a multidisciplinary center within University Outreach. CAER programs include Green Arts, Greenlinks, and Southern Lakes Community initiative. A special aspect of this year’s “A Run for the Roses” was going green. The event was environmentally friendly by using locally grown foods, serving tap water instead of bottled water, decreasing throw away items, and wrapping gift glasses in a reusable tote that was made from recycled material.
Jim Koan, owner of a farm and orchard in Genesee County that emphasizes organic methods gave a wonderful address that helped the audience understand the importance of organiz farming. Pork from pigs on his farm was served, satisfying the taste buds of all those who selected that meal. Jim holds degree from both the University of Michigan-Flint and University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Go Blue (think green)! Jim is shown below with University of Michigan-Regent Olivia Maynard.
Special thanks go to the “A Run for the Roses” Committee: Susan Shaheen (chair), Kathleen Crosby, Tenley Himes, Kim Landaal, Tinsi Koski-Olds, Paula Medawar, Martha Sanford, Adrienne Wells, Shannon Easter White. The evening was spectacular.
