Griffiths brings policy,
research, administrative expertise as new SILS dean
Five employees of distinction
honored with Chancellor's Awards
Two outstanding managers
earn awards
Beza, key player in Odom
Institute, dies Aug. 10
Griffiths brings policy, research,
administrative expertise as new SILS dean
José-Marie
Griffiths, an internationally acclaimed policy expert, researcher
and university administrator, has been named dean of the School
of Information and Library Science (SILS). The appointment,
approved by the UNC Board of Trustees, was effective Aug. 23.
"José-Marie Griffiths brings
to Carolina a wealth of experience and knowledge as a leader
and scholar in information and library science and American
higher education," said Chancellor James Moeser. "Her stellar
qualifications make her a fitting choice to guide our nationally
recognized School of Information and Library Science. I have
confidence in her efforts to lead our school to an even greater
level of excellence on behalf of the people of North Carolina,
the nation and the world."
SILS is home to about 280 graduate students,
50 doctoral students, 65 undergraduates and 22 full-time faculty
members. The school prepares students for diverse forms of information
work with libraries, archives and computer information systems
and networks. The school offers master's of science degrees
in information science and library science, a doctor of philosophy
in information and library science, an undergraduate major in
information science, an undergraduate minor in information systems
and a certificate of advanced study.
Griffiths will come to Carolina from the
University of Pittsburgh, where she has served as professor
and held the Doreen E. Boyce Chair in Library and Information
Science, that university's first endowed chair in information
science, since 2001. She was also an associate with the Learning
Research and Development Center and the first director of the
university's Sara Fine Institute for Interpersonal Behavior
and Technology. Under her leadership, the institute received
external funding for several major research projects and has
taken the lead in developing new academic programs in instructional
technologies as well as leadership and management.
"I am delighted to be joining the
distinguished faculty, researchers, leadership and students
of UNC," Griffiths said. "I am enthusiastic about the opportunity
to build on the accomplishments of the school and work with
faculty not only to retain UNC's position among the elite of
information science and library schools, but to have us be the
school that defines and shapes the cutting edge of education,
research and service in our field."
An internationally recognized researcher
and scholar in information and library science, Griffiths has
had two presidential appointments, one to the U.S. National
Commission on Libraries and Information Science (1996 - 2002)
and the other to the President's Information Technology Advisory
Committee (2003 - present). Her numerous federal, state and
local government appointments include projects or positions
with the National Academy of Sciences, the National Research
Council, the National Science Foundation, the Internal Revenue
Service, the National Institutes of Health and the United States
Departments of Defense, Education, Energy and Labor.
Griffiths has led or participated in information
and library science projects in more than 35 countries, including
work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization , the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the
United Kingdom's National Health Service, the International
Development Research Council and The British Library. She has
also worked extensively with the corporate community on information
and library science issues including IBM, Apple, Dupont, Ameritech
and AT&T Bell Labs.
Her research focuses on the design, analysis,
integration and economics of systems to create effective and
valuable information exchange between people, recorded knowledge
and technology. Griffiths' work also covers information retrieval,
information system and service evaluation, economics of information,
information technology use in higher education, scientific and
technical communication, diffusion of information and information
and library science education. She has received three awards
from the American Society for Information Science and Technology
in recognition of her significant contributions to the field.
Before her appointment at Pittsburgh,
Griffiths was university chief information officer and professor
of information science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
(1996 - 2001). She led efforts to develop and implement strategic
information technology plans for the university that included
partnerships with the private sector.
At Michigan, Griffiths also was executive
director of the Information Technology Division and of Information
Technology Central Services. She was founding director of the
Collaboratory for Advanced Research and Academic Technologies,
which brought together faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines
to work on advanced technology applications. She was named one
of the Top 25 Women on the Web in 1999 by San Francisco Women
on the Web and an Outstanding Leader by the university in 2000.
Griffiths has also served at the University
of Tennessee as director of the School of Information Sciences
(1992 - 1996) and Center for Information Studies (1990 - 1995).
She led efforts to restructure the master's degree curricula,
developed distance education programs in three states and created
a joint doctoral degree program with communications. In 1995,
the university named her an Outstanding Faculty Member, and
her research was recognized by the Special Libraries Association.
Griffiths also spent a decade as vice president of information
systems planning, design and development for King Research Inc.
in Rockville, Md.
A native of London, England, Griffiths
received a bachelor's degree in physics in 1973 and a Ph.D.
in information science in 1977 from University College London.
She has taught graduate classes at several British and U.S.
universities on topics including leadership, organization development,
information technology integration and digital libraries.
Griffiths succeeds former dean,
Joanne Gard Marshall, who resigned June 30 and will return to
the faculty as an alumni distinguished professor. Paul Solomon,
associate professor and associate dean in the school, has served
as interim dean.
BACK
TO TOP
Five employees of distinction
honored with Chancellor's Awards
It
could be said that their collective specialty is preservation.
DISTINGUISHED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Chancellor James Moeser (center)
stands with his choices for 2004 Chancellor's Awards.
They are (left - right) Charlotte Williams, administrative
assistant at the Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence;
Barbara Patterson, binding specialist with Academic Affairs
Library; Yuki Aratake, lecturer in the Curriculum in Asian
Studies; Joel Witherow, HVAC technician with Facilities;
and Gloria Alston, housekeeper with Facilities. |
One works to make an old Carolina building
presentable for its numerous public performances. While she
keeps the surfaces shining clean, another puts his expertise
to work behind the scenes to maintain the campus's HVAC systems
in excellent order.
Another works literally to keep the aging
books together in University library collections.
A fourth brings her ancient culture and
language to life for her eager students.
And what can be said about the fifth,
who would put her life at risk with the hope of preserving another?
They are the recipients of this year's
Chancellor's Award for Excellence:
Gloria Alston,
Housekeeping;
Yuki Aratake,
Curriculum in Asian Studies;
Barbara Patterson,
Preservation Department, Academic Affairs Library;
Charlotte
Williams, James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence;
and
Joel L. Witherow,
Facilities Services.
The five were recognized for meritorious
or distinguished accomplishments in the categories of devotion
to duty, innovations, public service, safety/heroism, human
relations or other achievements. Recipients also become Governor's
Award nominees.
The winners, who receive a monetary award
of $1,000 and a special leave award of 24 hours, were recognized
with framed certificates at an August luncheon with Chancellor
James Moeser. Larry P. Alford, deputy University librarian,
served as the chair of the Chancellor's Award Committee.
Alston
Alston is a housekeeper on the first floor of Hill Hall. As
her award citation reads, "She cleans a building that is a part
of the public face of the University. She makes sure that it
is a welcoming environment not only for the students and faculty
but also for the public to attend concerts and other events
in the building. ... She is truly one of those people who work
behind the scenes of this great University to make sure that
it functions well for the students, faculty and public we serve.
... Ms. Alston is a rare bird and a gem."
One nominator summed up Alston's contribution
by writing, "I seek recognition for the superb work she provides
the music department and the grace-filled manner in which this
work is carried out."
Aratake
A lecturer in the Japanese Language Program in the Curriculum
in Asian Studies, Aratake's classes always receive enthusiastic
ratings on students' written evaluations, and the retention
rates in her class are very high, but it is her outreach work
that garners the most praise. Aratake devotes much time outside
the classroom to organizing activities for students in order
to increase their understanding of Japanese culture, including
"on one particularly memorable occasion, she held a workshop
in Cobb [residence hall] on Japanese flower arranging (ikebana)
for about 50 students."
As one nominator wrote, she "has worked
tirelessly to connect students of all ages in North Carolina
to Japan through education, informal exchange, study abroad
and host family experiences."
Patterson
A commercial binding specialist, it was written that Patterson's
work matters "not just to the current generation of students
and faculty, but also to future generations by helping preserve
the record of human culture and achievement for learning and
research. ... She exemplifies excellence."
In addition to her work at Carolina, Patterson
and her husband give loving attention to their own "future generations,"
which include not just their children and grandchildren but
all the children for whom they've served as foster parents over
many years. "Her willingness to devote time to serve her community
as a foster parent and in so many other ways," it was written,
"has made our community a better place for all of us to work
and to live."
Williams
Williams is an administrative assistant at the Johnston Center
where she has given 19 years of loyal service to the University.
"She plays an essential role in making many amazing events happen
on this campus -- events that contribute enormously to the intellectual
and cultural life of the University."
However, it was written, Williams has
had occasion to ask a question few of us are confronted with
in our lives: How far would you go to save another person's
life? When she learned that a member of her church needed a
kidney transplant, she stepped forward to be tested as a match.
And when she found out that she could be a donor, she answered
that question by giving her kidney to try to save another person's
life.
One nominator wrote, "Her willingness
to give of her time, and so literally of herself, is a testament
of her faith, her spirit, and her character."
Witherow
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, Witherow
is known for his willingness to jump in and get the job done.
He is described as a dedicated and resourceful person always
willing to complete his daily tasks as well as to assist other
in completing theirs.
One of Witherow's nominators wrote that
he noticed that employees in one unit were wearing sweaters
and wraps to keep warm. "Even though a service call had not
been made, he realized there was a problem and immediately took
steps to take care of the situation. He is clearly conscientious
and dedicated."
Many comments were made about Witherow's
integrity. He was also described as trustworthy, humble, hardworking
and dedicated. "Rarely does one get the opportunity to know
a person of such high integrity and moral values," one co-worker
wrote. His supervisor said, "Joel is genuine and represents
all that is good about the University and humankind."
BACK
TO TOP
Two outstanding managers earn
awards
Beverly
"Lee" Allen, clinical supervisor in the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology's Horizons Program in the School of Medicine,
and A. Wayne Pittman, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy,
are recipients of 2004 Excellence in Management awards. The
awards are presented annually to two University employees in
recognition of meritorious and distinguished accomplishments
in management.
MANAGING TO SUCCEED
Nancy Suttenfield (center),
vice chancellor for finance and administration, poses
with Excellence in Management Award winner Beverly "Lee"
Allen (left), who works in the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology's Horizons Program. Also pictured is Allen's
supervisor, Connie Renz. Not pictured is A. Wayne Pittman,
associate professor on the School of Pharmacy, who also
earned the award that recognizes meritorious and distinguished
accomplishments in management. |
They were recognized at an awards luncheon
in August at which presentations also were made to the Chancellor's
Award winners. Each winner receives a monetary award as well
as a framed certificate.
Allen
Those involved with the Horizons Program work with clients who
are pregnant and/or parents of small children, but who also
have numerous challenges to overcome that might include substance
addiction, effects of physical or emotional abuse, unemployment,
poverty, health problems or handicapping conditions.
Allen began her tenure with Horizons in
the fall of 2002 and has made a significant impact in a short
period of time.
She supervises five clinicians, and she
engages in on-the-spot, creative problem solving and creates
a collaborative work environment. Besides serving as a model
for a strong work ethic, she sets high standards for herself
and her clinicians regarding ethics in working with clients.
Those who nominated Allen remarked that
she manages her staff with grace and careful thought. She makes
the challenging, emotion-laden work they do easier to face and
conduct by creating a positive, supportive and pleasant environment
for the clients and staff.
Pittman
As a faculty member in the School of Pharmacy, Pittman has achieved
excellence in handling his full schedule of clinical practice,
student instruction and advising, and professional service.
But his recognition for excellence in management was based on
a critically important role he also plays: managing the school's
construction and renovation projects.
He guided the school through the multiple
Beard Hall renovations and the design and construction of Kerr
Hall. He currently is involved with the design and planning
of the school's space in the Genetic Medicine Research Building.
It was noted that his ability to balance
costs, aesthetics, scientific and instructional resource needs,
personal preferences and long-term space flexibility are remarkable.
He has also exhibited a constant ability to think creatively
and a tireless devotion to build consensus.
All permanent employees serving in a managerial
capacity were eligible to be nominated for this award.
BACK
TO TOP
Beza, key player in Odom Institute,
dies Aug. 10
Angell
Beza, an integral part of the Odum Institute for Research in
Social Science for more than half of its history, died Aug.
10. He was 69.
Beza
|
Born April 7, 1935 in Nashua, N.H., Beza
graduated from Dartmouth College before he began working as
a research assistant at the institute in 1959 while pursuing
graduate work here.
Since joining the University staff in
1962, Angell played key roles in the institute's evolution --
from supervisor of the Social Science Statistical Laboratory
to two stints as acting director in 1987-88 and 1996-97. In
1980 he was named senior associate director, the permanent position
he would keep until his death.
Ken Bollen, the institute director, said
Beza's loss will be deeply felt by colleagues who will remember
him not only for his many contributions but for his kindness,
wisdom and unfailing grace and humor.
"Angell Beza was a devoted, long
time staff member of the Institute," Bollen said. "This year
the Odum Institute is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Angell
Beza has been at the Institute for 45 years, more than half
of the Institute's existence. His gentle manner and caring attitude
set a tone at the Institute that I hope we never lose.
"Angell's intelligence and diverse
skills meant that he could provide help to a broad range of
students, faculty, and staff. We are sorry to lose him and grateful
that we had him as an essential part of the Institute for over
four decades."
In the citation for his 1999 C. Knox Massey
Distinguished Service Award, it was said of Beza: "Nurturer
of the talented institute staff, nurse of the institute budget,
champion of the institute's reputation, he is recognized by
faculty researchers whom he advises as a friendly source of
insight, wise counsel, problem-solving instinct, and encouragement
when frustration stumps the scholar.
"His door is open to all who need
him. His heart and ear are sympathetic to those who seek him
out. His knowledge is broad and reliable, and he is a keen-minded
guide to avoidance of needless mistakes and pitfalls. Many a
researcher has credited him with help in averting research disaster."
He is survived by his wife of 48 years,
Jacqueline Bowen Beza; two daughters, Kathy Richardson of Richmond,
Va., and Lisa Dyment of Apex; two grandchildren; and a brother,
Sterie Beza of Reston, Va.
A memorial service is to be held Sep.
2 at the Wesley Foundation Center at 214 Pittsboro St. Donations
may be made to the American Cancer Society.
