College of Liberal Arts and Sciences names 2007-2008 Teachers of the Year

NEW PALTZ – The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the State University of New York at New Paltz has selected its full- and part-time 2007-2008 Teachers of the Year.

Pauline Uchmanowicz, an associate professor of English, was named the full-time Teacher of the Year. John Palencsar was selected as the part-time Teacher of the Year.

“No one who knows Professor Pauline Uchmanowicz will be surprised about this latest honor,” said James Schiffer, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Her passion, energy, intelligence and skill in the classroom are extraordinary. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty.”

Uchmanowicz, who has taught at New Paltz since 1996, is also coordinator of the English Department’s Composition Program. In 2002, she received a SUNY New Paltz Athletes Faculty Appreciation Award and, in 2004, a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Uchmanowicz is also a writer, with articles appearing in such publications as “College English,” “Writing Program Administration” and “Writing on the Edge.” Her poetry and essays have appeared in such literary magazines as “Ploughshares,” “Crazyhorse” and “New American Writing.”

“I am honored to be recognized for my teaching at SUNY New Paltz,” said Uchmanowicz. “I also am grateful to the Department of English for nominating me, as well as for supporting my pedagogical endeavors for more than a decade. Colleagues from all across the campus community also have inspired my teaching over the years and, likewise, deserve heartfelt thanks.”

Palencsar has taught history at New Paltz for five years. In addition to teaching survey courses, he has developed and taught several upper level courses. He was in the financial services field for 30 years before coming back to teach at the college level.

“John Palencsar has had an inspiring impact on his students in a variety of history courses,” said Schiffer. “He is among our most talented, creative instructors – part-time or full.  It’s great to see him recognized in this way.”

In honor of their achievements, Uchmanowicz and Palencsar’s names will be added to the Teacher of the Year plaque located in the Jacobson Faculty Tower lobby. Both recipients will also receive $1,000 to be used for professional development.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences hosts departments and programs in the humanities and social sciences, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines. It is the largest of the six schools on campus with more than 2,600 declared majors in the spring 2008 semester.

For more information about the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit www.newpaltz.edu/collegelas.