From the Provost

Spring 2008

Return to Table of Contents

Iam pleased to introduce another issue of Hofstra Horizons. Evident in this issue is the timely research of our faculty. Considering our ever-changing society, our faculty are tackling very important social issues such as offshoring, obesity and understanding cultural diversity in and out of the classroom. Endeavors such as these keep Hofstra at the forefront of scholarly excellence.

In May 2006 a formal faculty exchange agreement was signed between Hofstra University and Claflin University, a historically black college/university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Daniel Sciarra, professor of counselor education, was chosen as the first Hofstra professor to participate in the exchange program. In his enlightening article, Professor Sciarra recounts his “immersion” experience and discusses racial identity attitude development across races with students at Hofstra and Claflin. His bold and honest approach to teaching and discussing race with students sparks introspection with students and enriching conversation in and out of the classroom. It is worth noting that during my visit to Claflin in April 2008, almost a year after Professor Sciarra’s semester at Claflin, many faculty offered laudable comments regarding Professor Sciarra’s visit and his contributions to Claflin and to the Hofstra/Claflin exchange program.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Amy Masnick authored the second article in this issue. With collaborators from Carnegie Mellon University and Grand Valley State University, she examines how children and adults understand and evaluate data. This research has expanded to an area that few psychologists have explored by examining directly how characteristics sway theoretical knowledge.

Shawn Thelen, assistant professor of marketing and international business, addresses a topic of current national interest. Professor Thelen, along with his colleagues, has embarked on three research projects exploring consumer feelings toward offshoring. His research and survey give a voice to American workers and consumers regarding this important political issue.

Beth Levinthal, director of the Hofstra University Museum, writes an informative article regarding the many exciting changes that have taken place at the museum – both aesthetically and educationally. In her nearly two-year tenure at Hofstra, Ms. Levinthal has been instrumental in creating relationships between the museum and various Hofstra departments. Classes have been invited to the museum to experience the many different programs and exhibitions it has to offer. We can look forward to many more dynamic and instructional events as Ms. Levinthal expands her commitment to meeting the needs of the University and the surrounding communities.

The last article addresses the issue of obesity in children and young adults. Assistant Professors of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Katie Sell and Brian Clocksin explore the latest technology in video gaming – the physically interactive video game (PIVG) – and its impact on the level of physical activity in a child’s daily routine as well as the use of PIVGs as an educational tool. Their research has led to a collaborative project with Uniondale’s Walnut Street Elementary School. This project, CHAAMPs, focuses on third- through fifth-grade students and encourages academic, athletic and social development.

I am proud to present the research and opinions of our accomplished faculty in Hofstra Horizons. I hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as I have. Please join me in congratulating our authors for their fine work.

Sincerely,
Herman A. Berliner, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs