At Bemidji State University, the liberal arts and career development go hand in hand. Offering 70 undergraduate areas of study and nine graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select pre-professional programs, our expert faculty prepare students to lead inspired lives in a global society. When not in the classroom, these academic professionals are committed to participating in national and international dialogues about their discipline.
Dr. Eric Forsyth, professor of human performance, sport and health, had an article published in the Encyclopedia of Sport Management. With over 330 entries, the Encyclopedia compiles entries authored by scholars and practitioners in the field.
Dr. Donna Pawlowski, professor of communication studies, authored a chapter that was published in the Mentoring and Communication: Theories and Practices in May 2021. Dr. Pawlowski’s chapter outlines the informal and formal mentoring of faculty at undergraduate teaching institutions. The chapter provides perspectives for members seeking out mentorships as well as institutions that wish to strengthen their mentorship programs.
Dr. Thomas Dirth, assistant professor of psychology, co-wrote a chapter about social psychological factors that can bolster well-being for persons with disabilities. The chapter spotlights social belongingness while establishing a social identity approach to health that identifies sources of life satisfaction. Further, the chapter explores how to expand strategies to improve life satisfaction and well-being for persons with disabilities, especially those that empower social change to disrupt ongoing structural disparities.
Dr. John Perlich, associate professor of communication studies, was invited to present at Nebraska Wesleyan University by the communication studies department and Lambda Pi Eta, a communication studies honor society. Dr. Perlich’s presentation, titled “Game Over!: Virtual Reality, Communication and the Real World” took place on March 3. It focused on the opportunities virtual reality environments have for communication research, particularly as an aid in the reduction of communication anxiety and a practice space for real-world encounters.
Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of languages and Indigenous studies, has launched a new book titled “The Cultural Toolbox: Traditional Ojibwe Living in the Modern World” where he tells stories of one Ojibwe family’s hunting, gathering, harvesting and cultural traditions. The book follows the seasons of the year and the Ojibwe seasons of life, demonstrating the enduring power of culture and identity.
Dr. Gabriel Warren, associate professor of business administration, was selected as one of nearly 30 higher education professionals from across the nation to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The AASCU focuses on leadership development for those aspiring to move into higher education leadership roles and has over 400 member institutions, comprised of public colleges, universities and systems.
Dr. Sonia O’Bryan ’95, alumna and associate professor of professional education, published her first children’s book, “Heavenly Father, Will You Be My Daddy?” As a literacy specialist who has taught children’s literature in the classroom, the creative achievement fulfills part of O’Bryan’s professional development plan.
Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling around 5,000 students, Bemidji State offers 70 undergraduate areas of study and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select pre-professional programs. At Bemidji State University, we educate people to lead inspired lives. BSU’s Shared Fundamental Values include civic engagement and leadership, international and multicultural understanding, belief in the power of liberal arts, and environmental stewardship. BSU is a Minnesota State university. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on your favorite social media networks.