New associate dean, interim library director named

Pitt-Bradford has named a new associate dean and interim library director as well as two program directors.

Dr. Stephen Robar, associate professor of political science, has become the new associate dean of academic affairs. Previously, he was the chairman of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. He is the director of the environmental studies program and directs the “Perspectives on the Environment” seminar series and has served as both president and vice president of the Faculty Senate.

He holds a doctorate in political science and environmental policy from Northern Arizona University and was the recipient of the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association Teaching Excellence Award in 2010.

Following the retirement of Trisha Morris as director of the Hanley Library, Marietta Frank has been named the interim director and instruction librarian. She received the 2010 University Library System Faculty Excellence Award. Frank holds a Master of Arts degree in children’s literature from Hollins University and a Master of Library Science degree from the State University College at Geneseo (N.Y.).

Dr. Wayne Brinda, assistant professor of education, is the new director of teacher education, taking over from Dr. Donna Armstrong Dombek, associate professor of education. Brinda will oversee both the elementary and secondary education programs.

Brinda’s teaching and research has focused on adolescent literacy, theater and Holocaust education. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Prime Stage Theatre in Pittsburgh, which brings works of literature to the stage. Before coming to Pitt-Bradford in 2008, Brinda was an assistant professor in the Duquesne University School of Education, taught English and theater at The Oakland School and Sewickley Academy, and is a Museum Teaching Fellow of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

He has a doctorate in education in educational leadership from Duquesne and recently earned a certificate for teaching English as a foreign language.

Dr. William Schumann III, assistant professor of anthropology, has been named the director of Freshman Seminar, taking over from Dr. Mark Kelley, instructor of sport and exercise science. Freshman seminar began several years ago as a way to assist new students with the transition into a college lifestyle. Freshman seminar is a required course for all freshmen at Pitt-Bradford, and a wide variety of topics are offered as part of the program.

Schumann earned his doctorate in anthropology from the University of Florida in 2005. In 2010, he joined the faculty at Pitt-Bradford, where he has led students in a research project to gauge local opinions on turning the area into a “hot spot” for trail areas. His focused area of study is on the Appalachian and Welsh regions and their economic development.

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