Faculty, Staff Recognized for Efforts During Crisis
As Cal State San Marcos faculty and staff continue to go above and beyond on behalf of students and the campus community during the COVID-19 crisis, we’re pleased to highlight some of the campus heroes as nominated by students and colleagues.
Know someone who deserves special recognition for their efforts? Email details to publicity@csusm.edu and we’ll include them in an upcoming edition of this ongoing series.
Christopher Bickel, associate professor, sociology
Bickel has gone out of his way to ensure that students are aware of critical resources, showing them how to apply for unemployment, how to make a mask, even how to grow their own food.
“Professor Bickel has been extremely helpful, kind, understanding, and overall an amazing professor to have during this pandemic,” said the student nominator. “I can say with complete certainty that Professor Bickel is one of the most humane professors that I have had.”
Char Booth, associate dean, library
Booth was instrumental in ensuring a smooth departure from the library building for faculty and staff, even remaining on site to make sure library staff and faculty got everything needed to work remotely.
"They exemplify grace and courage under pressure," the nominator said. "They find ways to get the work done (and done well) in a timely manner, especially in these uncharted waters!"
Susan Eldridge, senior instructional developer, IITS
Eldridge has “been an absolute lifesaver” for faculty during the transition to virtual learning, responding promptly to all questions with detailed information so that faculty know exactly how to proceed.
“I know that Susan is there to support me, and as a result, I have very little anxiety about virtual teaching,” said the nominating faculty member. “I imagine that Susan and the rest of the IITS team are incredibly overwhelmed by emails and phone calls during this time of COVID-19, but you would never know it from Susan's prompt and patient responses.”
Holly Hampton, head of user services, library
Hampton has worked tirelessly to ensure that students and faculty have been able to continue to access the library materials they need despite not having access to the physical space in the library.
"I can say without a doubt that Holly puts students first ... always!" the nominator wrote. "For that, and so much more, I am proud to call her a colleague."
Lauren Magnuson, head of collections, delivery and access, library
Magnuson quickly led a major expansion of the library’s digital collections, making a huge amount of content accessible through free, open-access resources and by working with publishers and vendors.
"Through her tireless efforts and outstanding leadership, Lauren has provided access to online academic materials needed to support the campus’ successful transition to virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic," said a nominating staff member.
Barbara Taylor, director, Academic Technology Services
Even before all the details related to virtual instruction were determined, Taylor was providing training and visiting departments in preparation. She continues to be available around the clock to address questions and concerns.
"She responds so quickly to questions," the nominating faculty member said. "She is super helpful and never seems frustrated when we have the most basic tech questions."
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314