University of Dallas faculty receive high honors

by PegNews wire

The University of Dallas announced that it has honored seven distinguished faculty as part of its 50th Anniversary Christmas Celebration. Two faculty members – Dr. Eugene Curtsinger, Jr., and Dr. Louise Cowan – have been lauded for the significant roles each has played in service to the University. In addition, five faculty members were honored who have been integral to the University’s development and its programs for at least 40 years: Father David Balas, Lyle Novinski, Leo Paul de Alvarez, Judy French Kelly and Robert Scott Dupree.

“These visionary individuals have been instrumental in setting and maintaining the course of the University over the last 50 years,” said Dr. Frank Lazarus, president of the University. “They represent the heart of this institution and are why the University of Dallas is intellectually and spiritually second to none.”

Dr. Curtsinger, associate professor of English, served as the first Academic Dean of the institution, beginning his work in the summer before the school opened in the Fall 1956. A specialist in American literature, published novelist and legendary teacher for 50 years, Dr. Curtsinger was influential in establishing the basic aims and curriculum at the University.

Dr. Cowan co-founded the doctoral program in politics and literature and established the University’s renowned English curriculum after joining the institution in 1959 as chair of the English Department. An authority on Southern literature and the Russian novel, sought-after lecturer and teacher, she is a past winner of the prestigious Frankel Award in Teaching presented by the White House (now called the National Endowment for the Humanities award) and co-founder of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture. Cowan also was honored for her extraordinary teaching and influence on the University’s intellectual life and reputation at a December 19 celebration.

The five additional honorees who have made substantial contributions to the University (listed in the order in which they joined the faculty) are:

• Professor of Theology David L. Balas, O. Cist., whose scholarship and teaching, particularly focusing on the Fathers of the Church, brought the Theology program to national recognition;

• Professor of Art and Art History Lyle Novinski, well-known painter, lecturer and liturgical designer who developed the University’s acclaimed art program and designed its most successful campus spaces;

• Professor of Politics Leo Paul de Alvarez, whose widely appreciated translations of Machiavelli and insights on Shakespeare’s plays have attracted students from around the world;

• Professor of Drama Judith French Kelly, Emmy-award winning video artist and department chair whose love of literature and drama have developed programs that produced superb graduates; and

• Professor of English and Director of the Library and Research Robert Scott Dupree, whose multiple talents have been essential to the development of the English, Language and Music programs, along with technological advances throughout the campus.

Source: Catholic PR Wire