Clifford P. Coppersmith has been named dean of integrated studies at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Coppersmith had been assistant dean of integrated studies-liberal arts. He assumed his new responsibilities Aug. 18. He will lead the School of Integrated Studies, which includes departments for communication and literature, mathematics, media arts, natural sciences, social science and humanities, and other studies.
Born in the West Indies, Coppersmith calls Olean, N.Y., his hometown. He began his employment with Penn College in June 2004. Prior to joining the college administration, Coppersmith taught history and anthropology at the College of Eastern Utah, spending his final year there in an interim appointment as vice president for academic affairs. He also served as an intelligence officer with the CIA from 1988-91 and as an officer with the U.S. Army Reserve from 1987-98.
Coppersmith holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from St. Bonaventure University and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He has published a variety of articles and book reviews on American Indian history. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies and the Western History Association. He also has been honored in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers."
"We are delighted to have someone with Cliff's talent, experience and administrative abilities to lead the School of Integrated Studies," said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. "With his well-rounded background as a teacher and administrator, he is ideally suited to the task."
"I have appreciated Cliff's work as an assistant dean, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity as he competently leads the school into a successful and productive future," said Lizabeth S. Mullens, vice president for academic affairs/provost.
"It is an honor and privilege to take on this assignment," Coppersmith said. "I look forward to working with the faculty and staff of Integrated Studies as we all move forward into a future that presents both opportunities and challenges for our programs, as well as general education."
Succeeding Coppersmith as assistant dean of integrated studies-liberal arts is Edwin G. Owens, assistant professor and head of the mathematics department. Previously, he served as interim assistant dean and acting assistant dean for the school. He has been the mathematics department head for 15 years.
Before coming to Penn College, he was a math instructor at Susquehanna University for two years; a teacher, department head, computer coordinator and assistant principal in public school for 14 years; and an adjunct faculty member at Penn State Altoona and Lycoming College.
He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Lock Haven University, as well as a master's degree in mathematics education and certification in administration from Penn State. He received an Excellence in Teaching Award from Penn College in 1995 and was listed in "Who's Who in American Education" in 1992-93.
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