Appointments, honors and activities

• Appointments and promotions:

- Patrick E. Connolly has been appointed associate dean for undergraduate programs and learning innovation in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Connolly will provide leadership and vision in support of the undergraduate learning transformation currently underway in the college. He will work directly with Gary Bertoline, dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, to develop and execute the transformation plan with academic department heads, faculty and staff. Connolly will serve as coordinator of accrediting activities and initiatives, and provide leadership for activities related to student services, student rights and responsibilities, and matters related to the undergraduate curricula in the college. He will also serve as the secretary of the Polytechnic Institute faculty, coordinating the operation of the Polytechnic Faculty Senate and matters of governance in the Polytechnic Institute.

• Faculty and staff honors:

- History Professor Randy Roberts’ co-authored book Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhamad Ali and Malcolm X has been named the best 2016 monograph in the field of sport history. The North American Society for Sport History recently made the announcement honoring Roberts and co-author Johnny Smith. Smith is an assistant professor of history at Georgia Tech. The authors will split a $1,000 honorarium from the society. 

• Notables:

- The Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Small Animal Hospital was reaccredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for another three year term. AAHA is the only organization that accredits companion animal veterinary practices in the United States. Practices are evaluated based on a tour of the facility, an assessment of various hospital specialties and a review of protocols, standard operating procedures, log books and medical records.  Approximately 12-15% of veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada hold the AAHA-accredited designation.