University Faculty Recognized for Excellence

Nine University of Scranton faculty members were honored with Provost Faculty Enhancement awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service. The Office of the Provost and the Provost Advisory Group selected the recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by academic deans and department chairs.

Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. Dr. Boyle, chair of the Accounting Department and director of the DBA program at Scranton, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. He is the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

Paul Datti, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Diversity in Learning Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose efforts to integrate diversity in the curriculum have enriched the students’ learning experiences. Dr. Datti, professor of counseling and human services, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University, and his master’s degree from The University of Scranton.

LeeAnn Eschbach, Ph.D., received the Faculty Senate Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates dedication to teaching graduate students in a manner that creates an encouraging and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and learning. Dr. Eschbach, associate professor of counseling and human services, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1986. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Washington State University.

Virginia Picchietti, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award, which recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated noteworthy academic leadership in integrating international issues/perspectives into the curriculum and through whose efforts, students have acquired the competencies, attributes and insights required to meaningfully and successfully participate in an increasingly interdependent world. Dr. Picchietti, professor of world languages and cultures, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1995. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rosary College and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the Indiana University.

Charles Pinches, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates noteworthy academic leadership in promoting and strengthening cross-disciplinary or interdepartmental teaching and learning endeavors. Dr. Pinches, professor of theology ad religions studies, joined Scranton’s faculty in 1990. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Notre Dame.

Rose Sebastinelli, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award, which recognizes the efforts of faculty who make extraordinary efforts to introduce that sustainability into the curriculum. Dr. Sebastinelli, professor of operations and information management and Alperin Professor of Business Administration, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1988. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the Pennsylvania State University.

Lori Walton, Ph.D., D.P.T., received the Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award. This award honors a faculty members whose special efforts ensure that students have a keen understanding and appreciation of the realities of the world, including pressing justice issues in a local, national and global context. Dr. Walton, professor of physical therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Andrews University, her D.P.T. from Creighton University and her Ph.D. from Nova Southern University.

Jill Warker, Ph.D., received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who make extraordinary efforts to enhance student learning and who practice teaching as a form of scholarship. Dr. Warker, associate professor of psychology, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Bucknell University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois. 

Patricia Wright, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Wright, professor of nursing, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from College Mistericordia and her Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.