Communication lab director named lecturer of year

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By: Kimberly Lien

Posted: 3/7/07

Beth Von Till, communication studies lecturer and director of the communication studies lab, received the San Jose State University Outstanding Lecturer Award for 2006-2007.

"When President Kassing called me, I thought, 'Oh, no. There's a problem with WASC,'" Von Till said.

WASC, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is visiting the San Jose State University campus this week to evaluate the progress the university has made in areas such as enrollment management, educational effectiveness and student support programs.

Von Till took over the coordination of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges last year after the previous WASC coordinator went on sabbatical leave, according to a memo from university President Don Kassing.

"Her work on the WASC committee for the past two years has been so impressive that she was selected to spearhead the WASC team visit in March 2006," Kassing said.

The process of selecting an outstanding lecturer for the award includes: letters of nomination, submission of a dossier from the candidate and a committee review process.

Emily Mollino, a senior majoring in communication studies, volunteers at the communication lab that Von Till heads.

"I had her a few years back as a professor and I think it's well deserved," Mollino said.

Mollino had taken a basic interviewing class with Von Till and is now volunteering in the communication lab as part of her senior project.

"She has concern for the students to process and understand what she is teaching," Mollino said. "She actually has a passion for teaching and for students to be able to see how what she is talking about can be applicable to the real world."

Von Till was also the first lecturer to be appointed to an Academic Senate committee. She currently sits on the curriculum and research committee.

"The biggest thing about juggling so many pieces is that most of it is so worthwhile," Von Till said. "Doing things that improve things for students is really important."

Along with her involvement in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and Academic Senate, Von Till also provides support for faculty members in professional development through the center for faculty development advisory board.

"If you're doing things that are worthwhile with good people, that takes a lot of the stress out of it," Von Till said.

Aside from being excited and honored as the recipient of such a prestigious award, Von Till said she is particularly grateful for being given the opportunity to become involved at such a high level at the university.

"I think San Jose State University is really unusual," Von Till said. "The lines of demarcation with lecturers aren't as defined here as they are with other places."

Von Till said she appreciated the ability to be part of a shared governance, where she has been able to get to know most of the administration personally.

"It's a real privilege," Von Till said. "I feel honored by the award, but I feel more honored by the inclusion."

The award for Outstanding Lecturer will be officially presented to Von Till during the Eighth Annual Faculty Service Recognition and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 1, in the Student Union Barrett Ballroom.