Annual Report 2012-2013 - (Page 1)

B U F FA L O S TAT E 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T IN MEMORIAM Buffalo State mourned the passing of Dr. Aaron Podolefsky, our eighth president, who died on August 8, 2013, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was 67. "We are profoundly saddened by the loss of this cherished member of the Buffalo State family," said Buffalo State Council Chair Howard Zemsky. "Dr. Podolefsky was the embodiment of the welcoming, engaging, and collegial campus culture that defines Buffalo State. His wit, wisdom, and kindness will be immensely missed." Dr. Podolefsky began his tenure at Buffalo State on July 1, 2010. A bold visionary and advocate for public higher education, he selected "Celebrate, Serve, Imagine: The Promise of Buffalo State" for his inaugural theme to demonstrate his commitment to preserving an affordable and accessible college education, expanding the college's role in community service, and transcending the economic challenges of the time. Dr. Podolefsky said in his inaugural remarks, "No matter how much we have grown in enrollment, expanded in mission, created new programs, and transformed how we teach and research, our core purpose remains: Buffalo State continues to be 'the people's university,' to serve the public, and to act in its best interest." He remained true to those words throughout his ambitious three-year tenure, fostering a culture of caring and respect across campus and beyond. Before joining Buffalo State, he served as president and professor of anthropology at the University of Central Missouri (2005-2010) and provost and vice president for academic affairs (1998-2005) and dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (1990-1998) at the University of Northern Iowa. He also taught and was department head in Western Kentucky University's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work (1986-1990); associate chair and tenured associate professor of anthropology at West Virginia University (1979-1986); and research associate for the Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research at Northwestern University (1978-1979). He was a three-time graduate of Stony Brook University, earning master's degrees in liberal studies (1973) and anthropology (1976) and a doctorate with distinction in anthropology (1978). Dr. Podolefsky also held a bachelor's degree in mathematics from San José State University (1968). The author of numerous scholarly works, including books, textbooks, and articles, Dr. Podolefsky was a fellow of the American Anthropological Association. His graduate field studies in anthropology took him and his family to the highlands of Papua New Guinea in the 1970s, an experience he often recalled fondly. Beloved for his friendly personality and approachable manner, he is survived by his devoted wife, Ronnie, and his two sons, Noah (Molly) and Isaac (Laura). 1 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Annual Report 2012-2013

Annual Report 2012-2013

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com