Hendricks, Rüedi Ray recognized for leadership

BOWLING GREEN, O.—“Tireless” was just one of the many terms used to describe the co-winners of the Chair/School Director Leadership Award.

Dr. Cindy Hendricks, director of the School of Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Katerina Rüedi Ray, director of the School of Art, were honored by the Bowling Green State University Faculty Senate March 29. Each received a $1,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque.

Hendricks has served as director of the School of Teaching and Learning since 2007. In her nomination letter, Dr. Nancy Fordham, an associate professor of education, called her a “mover and shaker” with an “unconventional style fueled by a passion for our School, College and BGSU.”

In addition to teaching classes each semester and serving as the Graduate Reading Coordinator, Hendricks has spearheaded many innovative programs for the school. She initiated a partnership with Fostoria Schools, ensuring a practicum site for graduate students in reading, and developed a number of new programs and courses.

“I believe that her efforts have been guided throughout her term by a strong belief in the talents of our faculty, and with a clear desire to help us shape our future,” said Dr. Marcia Rybczynski, assistant professor of education, in her nomination letter.

“Simply stated, Katerina has been the best thing to ever happen to the School of Art,” said Charles Kanwischer, professor of art, in his nomination letter.

Nominators say in her 10 years at BGSU, Rüedi Ray has increased the visibility of the School of Art, improved its internal operations and most importantly, cultivated partnerships between the school and the rest of the University.

“The benefits of this attitude for the school and the University are nowhere more evident then in the construction of the Wolfe Center for the Arts,” said Kanwischer.

Rüedi Ray, in collaboration with Dr. Ron Shields, chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, and Dr. Richard Kennell, former dean of the College of Musical Arts, worked on every aspect of the construction from selecting an architect to curricular planning.

“As measured by our growing enrollments, student and faculty success and the regular attainment of ambitious goals, the School of Art is thriving,” wrote Kanwischer.

###

(Posted March 30, 2012 )