University Faculty Recognized for Excellence

Eleven University of Scranton faculty members were honored with 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.

Darla Germeroth, Ph.D., and Margarete Lieb Zalon, Ph.D., 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. Germeroth, professor of communication and media, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1989. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Denver. A member of Scranton’s faculty since 1988, Dr. Zalon, professor of nursing and director of the online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program, earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from New York University.

Renee Hakim, Ph.D., and Roberrt McKeage, 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. Hakim, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1996. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her Ph.D. from Temple University. Dr. McKeage, associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship and director of the Business Leadership Honors Program, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1974. He earned his bachelor’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Lehigh University and his Ph.D. from Temple University.

Jennifer Kaschak, 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. Kaschak, associate professor of education, joined Scranton’s faculty in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Bonnie Markowski 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. Professor Markowski, a faculty specialist in the English and Theatre Department, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton. 

Jessica Nolan, 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. Nolan, professor of psychology and director of the environmental studies concentration, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, her master’s degree from California State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Ismail Onat, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Onat, assistant professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Turkish National Police Academy and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.

Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., posthumously received the Magis Award for Excellence in Adapting Classic Principles of Jesuit Pedagogy into the Curriculum. This award is intended to recognize a faculty member who makes specific, sustained, and creative efforts to adapt classic principles of Jesuit Pedagogy in his or her own courses. Dr. Reavy, associate professor in the Department of Communication and Media, who passed away Feb. 2 of this year, joined the faculty at the University in 1998. During his nearly 25-year tenure at Scranton, he served on numerous committees and governance bodies, as department chair and as the faculty adviser to The Aquinas. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.

In addition, Barbara Bossi, adjunct professor of health administration, and Eric Hosie, adjunct professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship, were honored with the Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Professor Bossi, senior director of network management and development at UPMC Health Plan, has taught as an adjunct professor in the Panuska College of Professional Studies since 2016. A Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Marywood University and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton. Professor Hosie, a certified financial planner and  vice president at M and T Securities, Inc., has taught as an adjunct faculty member in the Kania School of Management since 2008. A graduate of The University of Scranton, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1988 and his MBA in 1993 from Scranton.