By Valerie Orleans
June 16, 2005

A veteran faculty member who has served four previous terms as head of the Academic Senate has been named to an unprecedented fifth term.

John “Jack” Bedell, professor of sociology, was reelected May 26 as senate chair. He previously served in 1976-77, 1988-89, 1989-90 and 2004-05.

During the current academic year, Bedell has focused attention on reviewing and updating university policies, enhancing faculty recruitment, and increasing and nurturing civility on campus.

Bedell will continue to focus on these areas in the upcoming year, as well as faculty retention, affordable housing for faculty and staff members, and improving students’ writing skills.

In addition to his role as senate chair, Bedell has served in several capacities, including department chair, head of the statewide Academic Senate, acting associate vice president of academic affairs and acting director of the Faculty Development Center. He served as acting associate vice president for the CSU from 1984 to 1986.

A member of Cal State Fullerton’s faculty since 1969, Bedell also is an active member of the community, serving as one of five board members of the Orange County Board of Education, as well as vice president and president-elect of the Fullerton Civic Light Opera Board of Directors. He is secretary-treasurer of the California County Boards of Education, the umbrella organization of the 57 county school boards in the state.

Joining Bedell on the 2005-06 Academic Senate Executive Committee are: Jane Hall, professor of economics, vice chair; Ellen Junn, associate dean of the College of Health and Human Development, secretary; and Robert Emry, emeritus professor of human communication studies, treasurer.

Members-at-large serving on the committee are: Joanne Gass, professor of English, comparative literature and linguistics; Reyes Fidalgo, associate professor of modern languages and literatures; and Scott Hewitt, professor of chemistry and biochemistry.

CSU Statewide Academic Senators are: J. Vincent Buck, professor of political science; Diana Guerin, professor of child and adolescent studies; and Barry Pasternack, chair and professor of information systems and decision sciences.

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