“Start where your student is and go from there.”

Those are the words that have inspired Dr. Mitzi Lowe’s career in higher education for the past 22 years. In fact, those are the words of her mother, Mary Whitaker-Lowe, who was a longtime educator herself, teaching until well into her 80s.

Lowe is taking the words of her mother to heart as she heads back into the classroom this coming fall 2021, after eight years in administration, first as interim associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services in 2012 and then later, as associate dean. Lowe also spent a year as special assistant to the provost and interim associate vice president for Academic Advising which was a joint appointment between Academic Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs in 2017.

Lowe will return to faculty, as a professor in the Department of Social Work Education, where she initially got her start in 1998 as a lecturer.

Read more on the College of Health and Human Services blog.

Dr. Daniel Cunningham, lecturer of Mathematics, published his latest book, "Real Analysis: With Proof Strategies," on Dec. 14 by CRC Press.

Book description: Typically, mathematics undergraduates view real analysis as one of the most difficult courses that a mathematics major is required to take. The main reason for this perception is twofold: Students must comprehend new abstract concepts and learn to deal with these concepts on a level of rigor and proof not previously encountered. A key challenge for an instructor of real analysis is to find a way to bridge the gap between a student’s preparation and the mathematical skills that are required to be successful in such a course. This text provides a resolution to this "bridging-the-gap problem." The book not only presents the fundamental theorems of real analysis, but it also shows the reader how to compose and produce the proofs of these theorems.

Administration and Finance is pleased to announce that our dear colleague, Kathleen Scott, was selected as the Vice President for Leadership Development and Partnerships with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington D.C. While this is a wonderful opportunity for Kathleen as she embarks upon this new chapter in her career, it will be very hard to say goodbye to such a valued colleague and friend. Kathleen's last day on campus is Friday, Jan. 15.

Kathleen joined Fresno State in 2012 as an administrative manager in the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance before serving in her current position as the director of Organizational Excellence and Administrative Operations. Our campus community has benefited from Kathleen’s expertise and passion for professional development. Kathleen, in partnership with other campus colleagues, has been instrumental in facilitating and implementing key initiatives such as the President's Leadership Academy, Administrative Academy, Creativity and Innovation for Effectiveness (CAIFE), President's Showcase of Excellence, Workplace Quality Taskforce and our Principles of Community. As many of you know, she excels in facilitating workshops such as Dare to Lead, Situational Leadership and Principles of Supervision. Most recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathleen created a series of virtual learning workshops for managers and chairs as well as a series on Lessons from our Leaders.

"It has been a honor to work closely with Kathleen since she joined Fresno State. Kathleen has been instrumental in leading and growing the broad-based portfolio of professional development opportunities for which our campus community has greatly appreciated and benefitted from. She has made many lasting contributions that will continue to be hallmarks within our Organizational Excellence program. Her mentorship, expertise and care to ensure 'the best' for Fresno State has touched many of us for which we are extremely grateful. I am so proud of what she has accomplished and wish her continued success as joins the senior leadership team at AASCU." — Debbie Adishian-Astone, vice president for Administration/Chief Financial Officer.

We are all going to miss her and wish her all the best. If you were not able to join us for Kathleen's virtual farewell reception last Friday, please reach out to her to wish her well.

Dr. Bhupinder Singh, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, has been named founding program director of the Department of Physical Therapy at Manchester University. He begins March 1. During his time on campus, he received the Fresno State Outstanding Advisor Award and the Promising New Faculty Award, among others.