Framingham State University is pleased recognize the winners of the 2020 Distinguished Faculty and Librarian Awards in the areas of Teaching, Scholarship/Creative Work, Advising, and Professional Service.

"I know our entire community joins me in congratulating these faculty members on their noteworthy achievements and in commending them for their many valuable contributions to the university and to our students," says Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ellen Zimmerman.

The Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching went to Dr. Patricia Sánchez-Connally, assistant professor in the Sociology Department and a 2001 graduate of Framingham State. Dr. Sánchez-Connally sustains high standards of excellence for herself, her students, her colleagues, the University, and for the social movements she helps to lead, according to her fellow faculty members. Her deep commitment to preparing her students extends well beyond their time at FSU. A key feature of many of her courses is the links she establishes with professionals in the field, particularly those who are alumni of FSU. Dr. Sánchez-Connally was named the 2017 Faculty Member of the Year as voted on by the students, and is a 2019 recipient of FSU’s Women Making History Now award.

The Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship/Creative Work went to Dr. Satish Penmatsa, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. Since 2014, Dr. Penmatsa has published 12 peer-reviewed papers, all as first author. This is an excellent record for any scientist, but an exceptional one for a faculty member at a teaching-focused university. Dr. Penmatsa's research is focused on parallel and distributed computing systems, grid computing, high-performance computing, wireless networks, game theory, science and engineering applications. He has a sustained record of excellent research publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at professional conferences, and extensive work as a peer-reviewer.

The Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Advising went to Professor Pamela Sebor-Cable, Chair of the Fashion Design and Retailing Department. On any given day, Professor Sebor-Cable of the Fashion can be found in one of the apparel design or textile labs surrounded by mountains of fabric, dress forms, sewing machines, historic garments and, most importantly, students.  She seamlessly mentors students and colleagues by example. As department chair, she advises many students over and above the regular load and is always looking for ways to celebrate their work. She also maintains communication with alumni and industry partners who regularly support the department and students through donations such as fabrics, dress forms, samples, and supplies.

The Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Professional Service went to Dr. Jon Huibregtse, Professor of History and Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship and Service (CELTSS). During his lengthy tenure as History Department Chair (2005-2013), Dr. Huibregtse oversaw the recruitment of many new full- and part-time faculty, spearheaded a departmental program review, and developed the History Department's first learning outcomes assessment plan. Beyond the History Department, Dr. Huibregtse's service to FSU include serving on the University Curriculum Committee, CELTSS Steering Committee, Student Affairs Committee, the Re-Imagining the First Year Initiative, and Graduate Education Council.

All of this year's Distinguished Faculty Members will be honored during the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony, which has been delayed until May 2021, due to the COVID19 Pandemic.