SHU's University College Presents Faculty Excellence Awards To Professors Pavone and Grant

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Left: Dr. Shirley Pavone, Rt: Tanya Grant

FAIRFIELD, CT (05/27/2010)(readMedia)-- Dr. Shirley Pavone, a professor of Psychology, and Tanya Grant, a first-year instructor of Criminal Justice, were honored at Sacred Heart University on Commencement Sunday with special recognition for faculty excellence. Their awards were presented at a University College brunch on Sunday, May 16.

First presented in 2004, the award recognizes members of the faculty who have gone "above and beyond" their expected duties. University College students are invited to nominate professors who demonstrate a genuine interest in their students and their subject matter; use an active teaching style in the classroom to encourage greater participation; make good use of technology to enhance learning; and in other notable ways stimulate a heightened interest in the course work. A University College committee then screens the nominations to recognize two professors.

Rosa Rodriguez, a part time student and University College staff member cited Dr. Pavone's expertise and guidance "Dr. Pavone is an excellent professor. She teaches with such enthusiasm and makes her class a joy to attend. She is an inspiration to her students. I enjoy her class and would love for her to receive this award, she truly deserves it."

Currently, Dr. Pavone's interests are in service learning, volunteer programs and community based non-profit organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Child Guidance Center and chair of the fund-raising donor and supporters committee. At Sacred Heart, she is an advisor to Kappa Delta Sorority (formerly, Nu Epsilon Omega), PAWS and advisor and participant in service trip for Habitat for Humanity, and the Post Katrina – Mississippi Recovery and restoration trips. Dr. Pavone invites her students to get involved in other community based projects.

University College offers educational opportunities for working adults who must often balance family and career responsibilities with pursuing advanced education. In recommending Ms. Grant for this year's faculty excellence award, one student, had this to say, "I have had Prof. Grant now for four different courses; she has given me a wealth of knowledge and the tools necessary to succeed within the criminal justice field and in life in general. She has a gift to be able to connect with each of her students and to help us all find ourselves. Our coursework in all of her classes has given us hands-on experience so we can really see what the field is like in so many different aspects. Her teaching and coursework has helped me decide which way to take my career path and she has provided me with a vision of the type of person I could only hope to become in the future."

Dr. Pearl Jacobs, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice spoke about Professor Grant. Prior to her academic career, Professor Grant worked in the field of domestic violence for 15 years. She advocated for victims, educated communities about domestic violence, worked on legislation to protect domestic violence victims and their children. She has also worked in the field of juvenile justice.

Dr. Pavone is a resident of Stratford, Connecticut and Ms. Grant resides in Waterbury, Connecticut.