Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
Three professors at the University of North Dakota (UND) were recently recognized with one of the institution's highest honors. President Andy Armacost and Provost Eric Link surprised Rebecca Rozelle-Stone, Rachel Navarro, and Diane Darland in their classrooms to announce their selection as Chester Fritz Distinguished Professors.
The Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor award is given to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and service. Recipients are chosen by a nine-member panel led by the provost, which evaluates nominations from deans, students, and colleagues.
President Armacost congratulated Rozelle-Stone during his visit. "Let me offer my congratulations! You might not know this, but you were one of the first professors I met when I came here 4½ years ago. I’ve admired your work ever since." Rozelle-Stone expressed her gratitude humorously: "I’m really flattered," she said with laughter. "I don’t know how I’m going to be able to teach after this."
Caroline Campbell, a professor of History & American Indian Studies at UND, praised Rozelle-Stone's academic contributions in her nomination letter. "She is a brilliant intellectual," Campbell wrote, highlighting Rozelle-Stone’s expertise on French philosopher Simone Weil.
Brad Rundquist, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, commended Diane Darland for her dedication to student mentorship and innovation in his nomination letter. "Dr. Darland routinely takes the initiative to create, enact, improve and inspire," Rundquist stated.
Upon receiving her award, Darland acknowledged her colleagues' support at UND: “I have really appreciated UND as an institution,” she said. “It has given me opportunities to grow and connect with people in a meaningful way."
Shelbie Witte from the College of Education & Human Development emphasized Rachel Navarro’s impact on research and service within the university community. Witte noted Navarro’s role as a mentor for early career faculty members and committee chairperson advancing college research efforts.
Daphne Pedersen also supported Navarro's recognition: “What I know of Dr. Navarro’s record and by working with her reinforces that she is more than deserving of this recognition,” Pedersen wrote.
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