Mikkelson, Church Receive Promotions at Plattsburgh State

Richard Mikkelson has been promoted to SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Art. Dr. Nancy Church has been promoted to the rank of SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing and Management.

These prestigious ranks are awarded by the SUNY Board of Trustees and recognize those who have achieved national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation in a chosen field.

"By approving these designations, the SUNY Board of Trustees is affirming that each of these individuals has made extremely valuable contributions, not only to the SUNY family at large but to their students and their communities," said SUNY Chancellor Robert L. King.

The Distinguished Teaching Professorship honors outstanding teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional levels.

Since arriving at Plattsburgh State in 1969, Mikkelson has built an exceptional record and reputation as a teacher-artist. He was promoted to associate professor in 1975 and professor in 1984.

Dr. John Clark, interim president of the College, said that Mikkelson's students regard him as an exceptional teacher who has had lasting impact on their lives.

"He is viewed by peers and students alike as an innovative, student centered, thorough, creative, energetic, passionate, demanding and supporting teacher," said Clark. "His commitment to excellence as a teacher is paramount."

Mikkelson served as chair of the Art Department from 1992 to 2002. Through his steady leadership, the department flourished, curricular offerings expanded, new faculty were hired and a BFA program was developed and successfully implemented.

Mikkelson received his bachelor of arts from Concordia College, and a master of arts and master of fine arts from the University of Iowa. He has received numerous fellowships and grants through the years including a Winkel Development Grant, UUP Individual Development Award and an NEA Grant.

Ever the artist, Mikkelson continues his own artistic output of painting, watercolor and ink drawings. His works are held in public and private collections and he routinely submits and has accepted works in juried art exhibitions locally, regionally and nationally.

The Distinguished Service Professorship honors consistently extraordinary service contributions to the community, state or the nation.

Church joined the Plattsburgh State faculty in 1977 and was promoted to professor in 1996.

"Her commitment and skill as a teacher, scholar and citizen of this institution are well known and respected by colleagues locally, statewide, nationally and internationally," said Clark. "Students and peers regard her as a role model, leader, organizer and creative problem solver."

In the last few years, Church has taken on several new challenges away from the School of Business and Economics. She has filled the role of acting director of Canadian Studies and International Programs and Student Exchanges and most recently interim director of International Education.

She has been highly successful in garnering support for her international programs including a FIPSE-North American Mobility Grant for $200,000.

Church has received numerous awards for her teaching and service and has actively published in peer review journals and business and trade publications.

She received her bachelor's from SUNY Albany, an M.B.A. from Marist College and her Ph.D. from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. 
 
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