Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Prairie State College (PSC) professors Melanie Eddins-Spencer, Sarena Lee-Schott, David Naze, and Andrew Schott recently received tenure, effective fall 2009.
The granting of tenure confirms that faculty have achieved the college’s expectations of commitment to student success, collaboration with their peers, and dedication to the college’s mission and core values.
“Tenure is an auspicious occasion and an exciting time for the college,” said Eric C. Radtke, PSC president.
Eddins-Spencer, mathematics, has made many contributions to the math department and to the college during her three years at PSC. In addition to teaching a wide range of developmental and college-level math courses, she currently serves as the co-faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s honorary society. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from Alabama State University, and an M.A. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, both from the University of Alabama.
“Melanie cares deeply about the success of our students and is always very eager to help them both inside and outside of class,” said Craig Mulling, her academic dean during the tenure process. “She has created a classroom community where students feel comfortable, safe, and respected.”
Lee-Schott, English, deserves special commendation for the quality of her teaching. She teaches in a lively manner in the classroom and relates well to both individual students and the class as a whole. She has taught all levels of English composition and has developed new courses. Lee-Schott has a B.A. in Professional/Technical Writing from Chicago State University, and an M.A. in Writing Theory and Pedagogy from DePaul University.
“Sarena’s students describe her as very engaging and very good at driving discussion in innovative and thoughtful directions,” said Susan Solberg, dean of arts and sciences. “She is cheerful, helpful, and knowledgeable.”
In addition to his fine teaching, Naze, communication, has made a number of important contributions to the college. He has worked intensively with the college’s award winning forensics team and played an increasingly important role organizing and teaching in the Summer Speech Camp. He has also served on a number of curriculum committees and is active in the Illinois Speech and Theater Association. Naze earned an A.A. from Rock Valley College, and a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from Northern Illinois University. He recently completed his course work at Indiana University for a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture and American Studies.
“Dave is an exceptionally effective teacher who has a knack for connecting with our students,” said Solberg. “He is energetic and passionate and has a gift for making difficult concepts easier to understand.”
Schott, Assistant Professor of Political Science, has made significant contributions to the institutional strength of the college over the past three years. He initiated the formation of a political science club, which has been instrumental in involving students with the statewide Model Illinois Government. Among his colleagues, he is a highly respected collaborative partner, serving on a wide range of committees. He has also worked closely with Student Affairs, hosting an annual reading of the United States Constitution. Schott earned his A.A. from Carl Sandburg College, a B.A. in Political Science/Legislative Process, an M.A. in Political Science/International Studies from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and an M.A. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University.
“Andy is a terrific instructor and mentor for our students,” said Mulling. “His students appreciate his energy and passion for teaching, his ability to make ‘political science come alive’, his openness to student opinions and ideas, and his intellectual and informative presentation style.”
PSC Offers Free Fafsa Workshop in February
Submitting a completed and accurate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step in obtaining financial aid. By completing the FAFSA in the spring, students will be able to meet the required financial aid deadlines. Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting a workshop to help students and parents file the FAFSA online. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Room 2645 of the Student Success Center, located on the college’s main campus at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
The workshop is free and open to the public, and advanced registration is requested by calling (708) 709-3735 or by completing the registration form online at prairiestate.edu/finaid/workshops.html.
In order to complete the FAFSA, applicants will need to provide a completed or estimated 2008 tax information (parent’s and student’s 1040, 1040A, and/or 1040EZ federal tax applications and W-2 forms); the student’s driver’s license and social security number; the parent’s social security number and date of birth; records of untaxed income (welfare, social security, AFDC/ADC, or veterans benefits); current bank statements; current mortgage information for properties other than the family’s principal residence; records of businesses, farm (if not the family’s principal residence), and assets (stocks, bonds, and other investments); and a calculator.
An additional FAFSA workshop will be held on Monday, April 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.
For more information on the FAFSA workshops at PSC, contact the college’s Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at (708) 709-3735.
Erratum: Professor Andrew Schott’s department was corrected on 2/19/09. The original story indicated that he taught history per information provided by PSC. We apologize for the error.
