CSUSB names its outstanding faculty for the 2017-18 year
Golden Apple
The university’s highest award for teaching, the Golden Apple Award, was given to Kathie Pelletier, professor of management.
“The Golden Apple Award recognizes outstanding teachers who are highly effective at their craft and who have a significant impact on our students,” said President Tomás D. Morales. “Kathie has really been an exceptional leader on this campus.”
The nominating committee highlighted comments from faculty colleagues who have observed Pelletier’s classes. They describe her as a “gifted instructor” and emphasize her “effectiveness” in the classroom.
Pelletier, who has been teaching at CSUSB since 2008, earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in psychology (industrial/organization) from CSUSB, and a Ph.D. in psychology (organizational behavior) from Claremont Graduate University.
Outstanding Lecturer
Kathleen Devlin, a full-time instructor in the College of Natural Sciences, was named CSUSB’s Outstanding Lecturer.
“She not only is an outstanding teacher who really connects well with her students,” said President Tomás D. Morales, “but she has taught an incredible range of courses here at CSUSB.”
Devlin, who has been teaching at CSUSB since 1997, began in computer science and, over the years, has added courses in biology and physics. Many of her courses are high enrollment, and she routinely teaches over 500 students each quarter.
Devlin graduated from CSUSB with her bachelor’s in business administration and accounting as well as her MBA, and she will receive her M.S. in biology this year.
Outstanding Scholarship, Research And Creative Activities Award
Gisela M. Bichler, professor of criminal justice, was the recipient of the biennial Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activities Award.
Bichler began teaching at CSUSB in 2000 and has spent the last 18 years building a sterling reputation that extends regionally, nationally and even internationally in the field of criminal justice. She teaches a wide variety of both undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors both undergraduate and graduate students, and serves as the coordinator of the Crime Analysis Program (with over 100 majors) as well as the director of the Center for Criminal Justice Research.
Her research and scholarship have produced a significant number of published books, articles and conference papers — 42 scholarly works and 40 technical reports, in addition to numerous presentations.
Bichler received her bachelor’s in criminology from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and her master’s and Ph.D. in criminal justice from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark.
John M. Pfau Outstanding Professor of the Year and Outstanding Faculty Advisor
History Professor Cherstin Lyon was the recipient of two CSUSB Awards: the John M. Pfau Professor of the Year and the Outstanding Faculty Advisor.
In its selection announcement for the John M. Pfau Professor of the Year, the nominating committee stated, “Dr. Lyon is an excellent example of a faculty member whose presence at CSUSB has made a difference for the students and the university.”
“What makes this very special is that this award is really based on feedback from students and from her colleagues who have nominated Cherstin,” said President Tomás D. Morales. “It is the consistency of her excellence in teaching, research and service to the campus which led her colleagues to recommend her for this award.”
For the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, one student nominator described Lyon as “one of the most dedicated educators of her profession” who “continues to inspire her students in ways that only truly gifted teachers can.”
Lyon, who co-established the Public History program at CSUSB, was awarded both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Arizona.
