Arkansas State promotes three to key Academic Affairs and Research positions
JONESBORO, Ark. – Three members of Arkansas State University’s faculty have been appointed to key administrative positions, Dr. Lynita Cooksey, university Provost announced Thursday afternoon.
The three are Dr. Andy Sustich who will serve as vice provost for Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Gina Hogue to associate vice chancellor for Academic Services and Dr. John Pratte to dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics.
“Dr. Sustich has a rich history of administrative experience at Arkansas State, stated Dr. Cooksey. “I am confident he will bring stable leadership and vision that will support the continued transition of ASU to a research-intensive institution.”
Dr. Sustich will combine duties for oversight of Research and Technology Transfer, the ASU Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI) and the Graduate School. He joined the ASU faculty in 1991 as professor of Physics and has served in several administrative appointments, including associate dean of what once was the College of Arts and Sciences, July 2002-January 2003; the interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, January-June 2003; the interim dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, July 2004-June 2005; interim associate vice chancellor for Research and Technology Transfer, April-December 2005; and interim dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, Nov. 2008-June 2009.
He has been the dean of the Graduate School and the Honors College since 2005. In June 2012, Dr. Sustich accepted the duties of interim associate vice chancellor for Research and Technology as well as serving as interim executive director of ABI.
He and two associates recently traveled to Little Rock for the release of a major study regarding innovative entrepreneurship and job creation that was commissioned by the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA).
“I've thoroughly enjoyed my work with the Office of Research and Technology Transfer and ABI personnel over these past six months and am delighted to be able to continue working with them in the future,” said Dr. Sustich. “I have been afforded a variety of opportunities to help shape the evolution and growth of Arkansas State University up to this point, and I am excited now about my new challenges in helping to move the institution into a more research-intensive level while still maintaining our traditional dedication to student learning.”
Dr. Hogue served as an interim associate vice chancellor following the elevation of Dr. Cooksey to the position of Provost. Having previously served as the chair and associate professor in the Department of History, Dr. Hogue has been a member of the ASU faculty since 1997. She completed her doctoral degree in history at the University of Memphis and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social sciences at ASU.
Her teaching specialties are social science education and U.S. foreign relations and her research interests include the use of technology in teaching and enhancing historical thinking skills.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and staff in the role of associate vice chancellor for Academic Services at Arkansas State University,” Dr. Hogue commented. “Serving in an interim role this semester has allowed me to observe the dedication and commitment of the faculty and the staff in all academic areas. I am proud to serve with these individuals as we work together to provide a quality educational experience for students at ASU.”
Dr. Hogue is the recipient of the 2008-09 ASU “You Made a Difference” academic advising award. This award is entirely student-nominated and student-selected and the criteria includes understanding of university, college and departmental regulations, policies and procedures; use and dissemination of appropriate campus information sources; interest in working with advisees; availability to advisees; mentoring to encourage academic achievement; and effective interpersonal skills.
“Dr. Hogue is an outstanding addition to Academic Affairs,” continued Dr. Cooksey. “She not only brings superb leadership skills to this position, but also a contagious exuberance for excellence in academic programming, student success initiatives and other areas under her supervision.”
Dr. Pratte performs research on post secondary science pedagogy. In particular, he is investigating the effect of online learning on science and civic engagement. He was named a 2008-09 SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) National Leadership Fellow. Fellowships honor educators for their exemplary leadership and commitment to the improvement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and provide opportunities for honorees to continue their efforts. While teaching a variety of classes, the course for which he has primary responsibility is Energy and the Environment.
“Dr. Pratte’s progression to this position, from department chair, associate dean and interim dean positions, has contributed to his understanding of the complexity of the College of Sciences and Mathematics placing him in an ideal situation to provide strong leadership to this college,” said Dr. Cooksey. “I feel that he, too, will contribute to the continuing growth of ASU’s academic and research programs.”
“I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead the College of Sciences and Mathematics,” Dr. Pratte said. “Andy Novobilski and Andy Sustich, the two previous deans, have done an excellent job of steering the college in the right direction and have placed it in a position where it is poised to do great things. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues at ASU to continue to give our students the best educational opportunities available.”
