Faculty and Staff Recognition Program 2020 - 21

PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
SERVICE TO THE COLLEGE

DEBORAH A. SILVERMAN, PH.D.
Deborah A. Silverman, chair and associate professor of communication, has
exhibited superb performance as chair of the one of the largest departments at
the college, fulfilling multiple assigned duties while taking the initiative to spearhead several important
new projects.
Silverman developed the college's popular new master of science degree in public relations and its
online form. This was a labor love as she shepherded the program from proposal through various stages
of approval, revising and rewriting the curriculum along the way based on guidance from reviewers.
She is also responsible for the creation of the Communication Department advisory board, mandatory
student portfolios, and updates of the department strategic plan and diversity plan. In addition, she
led the department through a recent national accreditation process.
She is the embodiment of flexibility and willingness to adjust to the institution's needs as an
enthusiastic volunteer on campus-wide committees and major initiatives such as the merger of the
School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Natural and Social Sciences. She seeks a variety of
voices and opinions and makes decisions by consulting all of those who are involved in the outcome.
Her calm, professional demeanor and excellent human relations skills allow her gain consensus, even
in highly opinionated arenas.
Silverman's tireless efforts extend beyond the campus with her professional work in the public relations
field and her volunteerism with the national Public Relations Society of America. She is a strong
advocate for students and constantly seeks internship and job opportunities for them. She has been
the principal adviser for more than 40 master's theses in public relations, nearly 20 undergraduate
independent study projects, and nearly 10 conference presentations. True to the mission of the
college, she is committed to helping students succeed inside and outside of the classroom.
Nominator: Annemarie Franczyk, Associate Professor, Communication
Faculty and Staff Recognition Program 2020

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