PLATTSBURGH — Dr. James Liszka's admiration for his older brother, a math teacher, inspired him to become an educator.
"He was the first one in the family to go to college. I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
On July 1, Liszka, currently dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, takes over as Plattsburgh State's provost and vice president for academic affairs at $180,000 yearly.
"In his interviews, I was especially impressed with the fact that he is outcome driven and has a history of using data to help programs engage in improvement," Plattsburgh State President Dr. John Ettling said. "That sort of continual development is very important to us as we keep evolving to meet the needs of our students and the community."
Liszka started his career as a high-school math teacher after obtaining a bachelor's degree from Indiana University. A passion for philosophy pushed him to earn his master's degree in philosophy from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate at the New School For Social Research. He became a university professor in 1978.
"I've enjoyed being in the classroom," Liszka said.
He taught ethics and logic, among other topics, and spent much time on critical-thinking. Liszka relished the challenge of reaching students at all levels of preparedness.
Taking on the role of president of the faculty senate at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, gave him a taste of administrative work. He thought his talent could be useful as an administrator and wanted to help build an institution.
Prior to becoming dean, Liszka served in a variety of roles, including interim vice provost for research, interim director of graduate programs and chair of the department of philosophy.
While serving as dean, the College of Arts and Sciences' revenues increased by 31 percent, eliminating a deficit. The school also experienced a 4.8-percent increase in freshman retention rates.
Also as dean, Liszka was a visiting professor at the China Youth University for Political Sciences in Beijing and helped establish cooperative relations with Chinese universities, creating a Confucius Institute at his own school. He led a university-wide program evaluation process, initiated efforts to use e-portfolios, worked with the College of Education on a grant to improve teacher training, helped increase educational opportunities for Alaskan native students, strengthened the Alaska Native Studies program and instituted an Alaska Native arts emphasis in the fine arts program.
Liszka has been published extensively, including "The Semiotic of Myth, a General Introduction to the Semiotic of Charles S. Pierce," which was called "definitive" and the "single best work" on the subject by the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy.
His numerous honors include an Excellence in Teaching award for pioneering service-learning and distance-learning courses at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
As provost, Liszka sees himself as a translator of the academy's values to the world outside, as well as relaying the community's educational needs to the university. He's a facilitator, striving to encourage and enhance the institutional quality and leadership and is responsible for the management of Plattsburgh State's academic offerings.
"My first task will be a 360-degree look at the campus, talking to as many people as I can and visiting programs," Liszka said. "The last thing I want to do is come in and impose my ideas on the university."
His wife, Dr. Genie Babb, will serve as a visiting professor in the English department. She's chair and associate professor of English at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and has served as faculty senate president and co-director of women's studies.
"My wife and I are very excited," Liszka said. "Plattsburgh is a very friendly place and a very lovely place, and what a wonderful institution. It has a very strong liberal arts tradition and very strong professional programs."
E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
Md. 911 Dispatcher Caught Sleeping on Job
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Iowa Man With Zebra, Parrot in Truck Gets DUI
Egyptians Pick New President in Free Election
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
