Eve Waltermaurer, director of research & evaluation at the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) and associate professor in the sociology department, will speak Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Honors Center in College Hall. Her talk, “Out of the Ivory Tower and into the Community: Putting Research to Work,” is presented as part of the second annual Faculty Excellence Speaker Series, given by recipients of the Provost Awards for Excellence.
Waltermaurer is a 2013-14 Provost Awardee in the category of Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activity. The award is given to faculty who demonstrate a strong record of publications, exhibits and/or creative activities that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field and are integrated into the practice of teaching.
While Waltermaurer has produced considerable scholarship in sociology, criminology and social epidemiology (including her recent role as lead editor of “Epidemiological Criminology: Theory to Practice”), she is also recognized for research and evaluation performed and facilitated in partnership with regional governments and organizations through her work with CRREO.
Recent and ongoing CRREO projects have been dedicated to helping state and regional governments, community service agencies, educators and health providers collaborate and communicate more efficiently. “You can see the impact of this work in real-time, which is rewarding,” Waltermaurer said.
Her talk will highlight the importance of devoting College resources, especially faculty and student expertise, to applied research projects that serve regional organizations and governments. Many of the agencies CRREO conducts research for have a great need of guidance, assessment and proposals for reform but lack the resources to do this work in-house.
Though she acknowledges the pressure felt by many college and university professionals to research and publish for academic audiences, Waltermaurer advocates for the value of connecting SUNY New Paltz faculty with regional organizations that stand to benefit directly from their talents and efforts. “Our goal is to get more academics involved in this applied work, because it is fulfilling and it makes a difference in the region,” she said.
About the Provost Award for Faculty Excellence
The Office of the Provost at SUNY New Paltz makes five annual Awards for Faculty Excellence intended to recognize the outstanding achievements of faculty in fulfilling the College’s educational mission. Awards are given for teaching excellence, professional service, scholarly and creative activity, and outstanding achievement by pre-tenure faculty.
Faculty Excellence Speaker Series events are presented by the Division of Academic Affairs. All presentations will be followed by a Q & A and discussion.
