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The Daily OrangeESF | In from the West
New environmental studies chair arrives from Wash. with agenda for collaboration
By Tom Auchterlonie
Posted: 10/23/07, 10:43 PM EST Section: News
Last month, David A. Sonnenfeld, a Fulbright Scholar who has taught in four different countries, was announced as the chair of the department of environmental studies at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Until this past summer, he had spent 14 years teaching in various capacities at Washington State University. Before departing for the East Coast, his last position was as an associate professor in the department of Community and Rural Sociology.
"As I'm beginning to know Syracuse, I'm enjoying it very much," he said. "It's filled with history, it's in a beautiful setting and the people I've met so far are very engaging."
Syracuse University sociology professor and friend of 15 years, Steve Brechin, is excited to have his friend at the adjacent university.
"I have known David a long time," Brechin said. "I'm thrilled to have him here. He's active and productive. … Another sociologist on our combined campuses."
Brechin became friends with Sonnenfeld when both were members of the American Sociological Association. He said Sonnenfeld "hosted and organized a number of professional sessions" while working with the association. Sonnenfeld is also a member of the International Sociological Association.
Their time spent working together helped Sonnenfeld to get hired, as Brechin was a member of the committee that selected a new environmental studies chair for ESF.
"He's known for being a very organized person," Brechin said. "Very, very organized, which is important for an administrative job."
This endorsement for Sonnenfeld is echoed by ESF Provost Dr. Bruce C. Bongarten, who has the final say on new hires.
"Dr. Sonnenfeld was a particularly interesting choice to me because I saw in him very strong organization abilities," he said. "He's an environmental sociologist, and we needed strength in this area."
Until this past summer, he had spent 14 years teaching in various capacities at Washington State University. Before departing for the East Coast, his last position was as an associate professor in the department of Community and Rural Sociology.
"As I'm beginning to know Syracuse, I'm enjoying it very much," he said. "It's filled with history, it's in a beautiful setting and the people I've met so far are very engaging."
Syracuse University sociology professor and friend of 15 years, Steve Brechin, is excited to have his friend at the adjacent university.
"I have known David a long time," Brechin said. "I'm thrilled to have him here. He's active and productive. … Another sociologist on our combined campuses."
Brechin became friends with Sonnenfeld when both were members of the American Sociological Association. He said Sonnenfeld "hosted and organized a number of professional sessions" while working with the association. Sonnenfeld is also a member of the International Sociological Association.
Their time spent working together helped Sonnenfeld to get hired, as Brechin was a member of the committee that selected a new environmental studies chair for ESF.
"He's known for being a very organized person," Brechin said. "Very, very organized, which is important for an administrative job."
This endorsement for Sonnenfeld is echoed by ESF Provost Dr. Bruce C. Bongarten, who has the final say on new hires.
"Dr. Sonnenfeld was a particularly interesting choice to me because I saw in him very strong organization abilities," he said. "He's an environmental sociologist, and we needed strength in this area."
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