Delaware Valley University Faculty Recognized for Helping Students Succeed
Delaware Valley University recently honored two faculty members with awards and promoted eight faculty members for the 2018 to 2019 academic year.
“These promotions and awards recognize dedicated service to students and the University community,” said Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “Our faculty know our students by name and take the time to serve as both teachers and mentors. I am grateful to all of DelVal’s faculty for the positive impact that they have on students every day.”
About the Award Winners
Bill Viel, co-chair of the Department of Business and Information Management
Bill Viel was chosen for the 2018 Distinguished Faculty Member Award, DelVal’s most prestigious faculty award, for his outstanding performance in teaching, student support and campus involvement. The award includes a stipend and professional development funding.
Viel became a full-time DelVal faculty member in 2013. Before joining DelVal, Viel served as a vice president at BASF Corporation. He frequently brings real-world examples from his career into the classroom. Viel mentors business students outside of the classroom through the Student Business Association and hosts “Pizza with the Professors” evenings to provide additional academic and career advising support for students. Viel’s community involvement includes the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and Future Business Leaders of America. Viel founded the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center, a partnership between DelVal and New Britain Borough, that opened in 2017. The Center provides support for local small businesses and entrepreneurs. DelVal students gain hands-on experience at the center by helping to craft business plans for startups.
Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen, chair of the Department of Psychology
Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen was awarded a two-year professorship in recognition of her proven teaching ability, research, and overall contributions. The professorship includes an annual stipend.
Dr. Buskirk-Cohen teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, specializing in classes on lifespan development and research methods. Dr. Buskirk-Cohen’s research focuses on how interpersonal relationships influence academic success and well-being. As a faculty mentor, she regularly co-presents with students at professional conferences. She has published research in peer-reviewed journals and served as the editor of the 5th and 6th editions of the textbook, “Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Lifespan Development.” She also serves on many committees and the Board of the International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning. Her leadership has helped grow the psychology department at the University.
The faculty members who earned promotions for the 2018-2019 academic year include:
Library
Elise Georgulis – Promotion from Instructor to Assistant Professor, Library
Marian Schad – Promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, Library
The School of Business and Humanities
Dr. Anthony LaSalle – Promotion from Associate Professor to Professor, Department of Education
Dr. Jessica McCall – Promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, Department of English
Dr. Michael Stamps – Promotion from Associate Professor to Professor, Department of English
Bill Viel – Promotion from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, Department of Business and Information Management
The School of Life and Physical Sciences
Ronald Petruso – Promotion from Instructor to Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Elizabeth Skendzic – Promotion from Instructor to Associate Professor, Department of Biology