Kean University Hosts First NJ Computer Science Higher Education Awards
Union, N.J. - Kean University hosted a group of computer science department chairs from throughout New Jersey and New York on Wednesday, August 17, for the first annual New Jersey Computer Science Higher Education awards. The awards were given to college and university educators in recognition for excellence in teaching. First hosted in 2013 by Dr. James Geller at NJIT, the group convenes annually to discuss national and local trends in computer science. The organization is dedicated to advancing education in computer science, one of the primary fields driving economic growth in the NJ/NY area.
New Jersey Computer Science Higher Education awards recognize excellence in computer science education. Nominated by a panel of their peers, this year’s award recipients include: Brian Kernighan, Ph.D., Princeton University, for Outstanding Impact on the Profession of CS Education; Professor Junilda Spirollari, NJIT, for Outstanding Performance in CS Education at a Ph.D. Granting NJ Institution; and Deborah Knox, Ph.D., The College of New Jersey, for Outstanding Performance in CS Education at Undergraduate and MS Granting NJ Institutions.
Jeffrey Toney, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kean, welcomed the attendees and discussed how technological advances are impacting education. Gregg Edwards, New Jersey’s Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, addressed attendees at the event. Edwards provided a strategic overview of the importance of higher education, particularly in the STEM fields. Brian Kernighan, Ph.D., spoke on applications of technology to the field of digital humanities. Each award recipient was recognized for outstanding teaching. Kernighan received a special honor acknowledging his impact on the profession.
“Computer Science education is vital to our region and the United States,” said Geller. “This is an outstanding way to acknowledge the talented educators we have in our area, and recognize them for their accomplishments.”
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University’s six undergraduate colleges offer 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctorate degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable, accessible and world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
Danielle Ford