Blase Scarnati

Faculty Development Program names acting director

Blase Scarnati, associate professor in the School of Music and director of the First Year Seminar Program, has been named acting director of the Faculty Development Program for the fall while director Linda Shadiow is on sabbatical.   

The Faculty Development Program creates opportunities for faculty to convene to discuss their teaching and scholarship at NAU.

“Blase will bring very special qualities and experience to this role,” said Susanna Maxwell, vice provost for Academic Personnel. “I am looking forward to the valuable perspective he will add to faculty development.”

Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, credits the program for giving faculty, students and administrators new ways to share ideas, progress and challenges.

"We are indeed fortunate to have a program that promotes such rich interaction," she said.

Over the past year, more than 800 faculty members from 66 different departments and programs attended Faculty Development Program sessions, with topics ranging from problem-based learning to culturally responsive university teaching.

Next fall's sessions are being organized around three central themes: broadening students' course experiences, developing a scholarly agenda and teaching large classes.

For information, visit the Faculty Development Program's web site.