Visiting faculty program fosters academic diversity

  • Published
  • By Capt. Miranda Baldwin
  • Department of English and Fine Arts
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The Academy's Dean of Faculty organization consists of 542 faculty and staff members, including 16 visiting faculty from senior government posts, nationally and internationally known scholars, and renowned scientists who come to teach here as part of the Visiting Faculty program. 

Seven visiting faculty positions are funded by the Endowed Chair program, which is based on major philanthropic gifts intended to attract distinguished educators from industry and the private sector. 

The Visiting Faculty Program began in 1975 with two participants. This year, 11 of the 20 academic departments are hosting visiting professors, who typically spend one year at the Academy before returning to their home institution or organization. 

Dr. John Sherfesee, director of civilian faculty programs, explained the program's importance by saying, "These eminent civilian educators bring a vital expertise to the Air Force and take back to their permanent positions a broadened awareness of the Air Force Academy environment." 

They transfer to our faculty members their knowledge of teaching techniques and advising philosophies. "They enrich our faculty development initiatives through our faculty's exposure to their individual academic skills, by assisting with our scholarship and publishing efforts, by providing us with valuable contacts at civilian colleges and universities, and by broadening the understanding and appreciation of the Academy's position as an institution of higher learning in the eyes of the outside academic community." 

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Academy's institutional accrediting agency, views this program as a vital contribution to our educational mission. The accrediting team highlights reciprocal sharing of information between visiting faculty members and our faculty and how it infuses the Academy with unique teaching methodologies and truly enhances the academic mission and instructor development. 

Brig. Gen. Dana Born, dean of the faculty, and her husband, Tim, hosted the Visiting Faculty Appreciation Reception at the Heritage House Oct. 14, attended by the visiting faculty and spouses, endowed chairs and spouses, and Dr. Claudia Ferrante, the Dean of Faculty's newest full professor. Entertainment was provided by Cadet 2nd Class Phillip Mills with background music on the keyboard, the cadet vocal group In the Stairwell led by Cadet 2nd Class Alexander Choi and a special appearance of our Academy mascot Aurora, courtesy of falconers Cadets 1st Class Patrick Arkwright and Corey Lohmiller. 

The reception provided attendees an opportunity to meet one another and share experiences and observations. Visiting Faculty bridged departments and met those in other academic disciplines and from other institutions to share teaching philosophies and thoughts regarding student learning. Their wealth expertise, experience, and sage advice will continue to benefit the Academy throughout their stay.

Visiting faculty for the 2009-2010 academic year are:

Dr. Juanita M. Firestone, Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas - San Antonio
Dr. Richard J. Harris, Behavioral Sciences, UTSA
Dr. C. Michael Lindsay, Chemistry, Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, Fla.
Dr. David M. Cole, Civil Engineering, ERDC - Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab
Dr. Edel R. Cortez, Civil Engineering, US Army Corps of Engineers - CRREL
Dr. Randall Bower, Computer Science, Jacksonville University, Fla.
Dr. Edward Anderson, Engineering Mechanics, Texas Tech University
Dr. Frederick T. Kiley, English and Fine Arts, National Defense University Press
Dr. Carmen Ferrero, Foreign Languages, Moravian College, Pa. 
Dr. John L. Stimpert, Management, Colorado College
Dr. Brian Winkel, Mathematical Sciences, U.S. Military Academy
Dr. Julia A. Barnes, Mathematical Sciences, Western Carolina University
Dr. John Barkdull, Political Science, Texas Tech University
Dr. Anthony J. Carey, Philosophy, St. John's College, N.M.
D. Michael Reinert, Political Science, U.S. Department of State
Steven Fulton, Computer Science, National Security Agency

Endowed chairs for 2009-2010 include:

Dr. Elias A. Bensalem, Foreign Languages, The ARDI Chair in Arabic Studies
Jesse D. Carter, Philosophy, The William Lyon Chair in Professional Ethics
Dr. Joseph J. F. Liu, Physics, The Holland H. Coors Chair
Retired Gen. James P. McCarthy, Political Science, The ARDI Professor of National Security
William W. Saylor, Astronautics, The General Bernard A. Schriever Chair in Space Systems Engineering
H. Wayne Sidebottom, Economics, The William A. Anders Chair in Economics and Geosciences of the Defense Industrial Base
Retired Brig. Gen. Alan R. Klayton, Aeronautics, The Philip J. Erdle Chair in Engineering Sciences