Moon Township, Pa., July 21, 2008 – Robert Morris University (RMU) has promoted Valerie Powell, Carl Ross and Robert Skovira to university professor, the highest academic rank the University can bestow. Only six other RMU faculty members hold this distinction.
“University professors achieve this highest faculty rank only when they have continued beyond the already substantial requirements for full professorship to show truly exceptional research, teaching, and service contributions, sustained at the highest levels over several years,” said RMU Provost David Jamison.
“We're very proud of our entire faculty, but especially proud of these leaders among peers," said Jamison.
Powell, a professor of computer and information systems, has taught at RMU since 1990. She earned both a master’s and a doctoral degree in German language and literature from the University of Texas at Austin, and a master’s degree in computer science from East Texas State University. Her bachelor’s degree is in German and philosophy from Wabash College. Powell is an expert in health care information systems and a registered X-ray technologist.
“It is exciting to receive this distinction as I am about to embark on my 50th year of university-level teaching. I am glad to receive this advancement as an affirmation of interdisciplinary involvement in both information technology and health care,” said Powell.
Ross, a professor of nursing, joined the RMU faculty in 2005. He is director of International Activities in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and is director of the school’s Test for Success Program. His master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing come from Duquesne University. Ross is an expert in international health care. He has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Penn State and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.
“I feel very honored to receive such distinction among my colleagues,” said Ross. “I have committed to a life of being a teacher-scholar. The force behind my enthusiasm and motivation to be an excellent teacher is a result of the many students I have taught nationally and internationally throughout the years.”
Skovira, a professor of computer and information systems, has taught at RMU since 1984. He earned master’s degrees in both classics and information science at Pitt, and a Ph.D. in the foundations of education at Pitt. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Vincent College.
“I want to thank all who made this possible, especially my wife. It is all about the journey. When the sky is blue, the mountains are happy,” said Skovira.
RMU’s other university professors are Denis Rudd, hospitality management; Alan Smith, operations management; Jay Carson, English studies; Ann Jabro, communication; Fred Kohun, computer and information systems; and Connie Ruzich, English studies.
RMU also recently promoted five faculty members to the rank of professor and nine to the rank of associate professor. Those promoted to professor are A.J. Grant, English studies; Maria Kalevitch, science; Jill Maher, marketing; Kurt Schimmel, marketing; and Larry Tomei, education.
The new associate professors are: Daniel Barr, history; Gregory Holdan, mathematics; Valerie Howard, nursing; Darlene Motley, management; Brian O'Roark, finance and economics; Stephen Paul, psychology; Kathleen Perozzi, nursing; Jon Radermacher, media arts; and Louis Swartz, legal studies.