School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Dean Authors Book Chapter on “Academic Program Initiatives”

Honggang Yang, Ph.D., dean and professor of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) authored a chapter in the book, Academic Administration: A Quest for Better Management and Leadership in Higher Education, edited by S. Chen.

The book provides a comprehensive view of academic affairs administration related to the threefold institutional mission of teaching, research, and service. Yang’s chapter is entitled, “Academic Program Initiatives.”

Yang is professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and is the editor-in-chief of the journal, Peace and Conflict Studies.

SHSS Faculty Presents Keynote Address at Armour Family Therapy Lecture Series

Paul Gallant, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Family Therapy (DFT) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) was the keynote speaker at the 11th annual Armour Family Therapy Lecture Series at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Ga. on Apr. 13-14.

The theme of this year’s lecture was, “Postmodern Practice: Applying the Skills of Narrative Therapy in Work with Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults.” The skills of externalizing the problem, scaffolding, and rich story development were demonstrated and explored by Gallant who also used videotaped examples of narrative therapy.

Gallant is also the coordinator of the Consortium for Narrative Research and Practice at SHSS. The Consortium is a collaborative effort of the Departments of Family Therapy, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. The Consortium is designed to provide multiprofessional training and educational opportunities in the areas of clinical practice, conflict resolution, community projects, social justice, and multicultural research. The Consortium is committed to developing and maintaining partnerships with its sister schools and community agencies by providing a focal point for people to meet one another in an inclusive learning and communal context.

For further information about the Consortium for Narrative Research and Practice, please contact Gallant at 954-262-3039 or via email at pgallant@nova.edu

SHSS Faculty Presents at ASFMA Educational Seminar

Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (DCAR) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) was among the guest speakers at the Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators (ASFMA) Annual Educational Seminar that was held on Mar. 13 in Ft. Lauderdale. The theme of the seminar was “Creating Solutions that Work.”

Georgakopoulos’ presentation was entitled, “The Mosaic of Communication and Diversity in the Mediation Process.”

SHSS Faculty and Students Present at Niger Delta University 2010 Conference

Mark Davidheiser, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (DCAR) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and DCAR and doctoral student Andrew Ovienloba, M.A., presented their papers at the Niger Delta University 2010 Conference in March in Nigeria. The conference theme was “Natural Resource, Security, and Development.”

Davidheiser’s presentation was entitled, “Demobilization or Remobilization?: An analysis of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.” Davidheiser’s co-presenter was Kailee Nyiayaana, Ph.D., a past DCAR Fulbright Visiting Scholar. Ovienloba’s presentation was entitled, “Engaging the Nigerian Oil Policy and the Niger Delta Conflicts.” Conference papers will be published in an edited volume.

SHSS Faculty and Alum Present Workshops in Washington DC

Neil Katz, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (DCAR) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) presented two workshops to members of the National League of Cities in Washington DC on Mar. 13-14. The workshops were in conjunction with their Annual Congressional City Conference which has several thousand mayors and other civic leaders in attendance.

The workshops were entitled, "Managing Communication Style Differences" and "Dealing with Difficult People: Managing Conflicts and Differences" Katz was assisted by DCAR doctoral graduate, Thomas Matyok, Ph.D. Matyok, also a former DCAR adjunct professor, is an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

SHSS Alum Becomes Instructor at the University of British Columbia

Samantha Carrington, M.S., graduate of the master's program in the Department of Family Therapy (DFT) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences has been named as an instructor in the Family Studies program at the University of British Columbia.

Student and SHSS Faculty Present Training to Law Enforcement on Conflict and Crisis Communication

Judith McKay, J.D. Ph.D., chair of the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies (DMS) and Director of Community Resolution Services (CRS) in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) recently presented "Conflict and Crisis Management for Law Enforcement," at the Lauderhill Police Department. Participants came from four Broward County police departments and the session was part of their hostage negotiation training.

McKay was assisted by Kyle DaCosta, a student in the Master of Arts in Cross-disciplinary Studies (MACS) program. Da Costa is also a practicum student in CRS.

CRS offers training and workshops, as well as mediation, facilitation, conflict coaching, and consulting services to individuals, families, groups, and organizations to resolve conflicts on the NSU campus and out in the broader community. It is a provider of Continuing Mediation Education (CME) units. CRS is especially committed to providing access to conflict resolution services for our underserved community members and partners with many community agencies and groups. CRS provides services and training to NSU employees at reduced rates.

For further information about CRS, please contact CRS Coordinator Erika Freeman Sauer at (954) 262-4237 or efreeman@nova.edu or CRS Director Judith McKay at (954) 262-3060 or mckayj@nova.edu.

MACS is one of the programs offered through the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies in SHSS. MACS invites students to co-create their program of study from a variety of courses offered in SHSS and across NSU through partnerships with other schools and departments. For further information on MACS, please contact Judith McKay at (954) 262-3060 or mckayj@nova.edu.