President Rob Valli has announced the appointment of Professor Rosie Hackett and Dr. Andy Rost as Sierra Nevada University’s new deans of faculty. They bring strong roots in the SNU community and broad experience with interdisciplinary hands-on learning to their new positions.
Rosie Hackett teaches classes in interdisciplinary studies, outdoor leadership, wilderness ethics, service learning and senior portfolio. Rosie was the recipient of the 2018 Nazir and Mary Ansari Excellence in Teaching Gold Medal Award. She has also been recognized with SNU’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2011 and the Distinguished Advising Award in 2015. She has served in many roles at SNU, most recently as the Faculty Council Chair for the 2020 academic year.
Rosie has dedicated the past 20 years to field instruction, curriculum design, environmental stewardship, and leadership development, and is a fervent believer in the power of outdoor adventure education to change and enrich lives. Her wide-ranging field experience includes teaching and guiding sailing, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and outdoor leadership, for schools and organizations all over the world. Her mission is to empower her students to become “growth” junkies, passionate leaders, competent outdoor professionals, and lifelong environmental stewards.
Dr. Andy Rost is returning to SNU as a full-time faculty member in addition to his appointment as dean of faculty. This is a testament to his confidence in the culture and direction of SNU, as well as the students, faculty and staff. Andy received his doctorate in hydrology at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he studied stream algae. At SNU he has taught undergraduate courses in the earth sciences, ecology, and environmental sciences. His teaching emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives, immersive field experiences, and the mentoring of undergraduate research projects. These practices earned him the 2019 Nazir and Mary Ansari Excellence in Teaching Gold Medal Award.
During Andy’s tenure as department chair for the Science and Technology department, he was able to secure external funding to support the department. He collaborates extensively with researchers and educators both within and beyond SNU to improve undergraduate science education. Throughout these experiences, Andy has stayed rooted in and inspired by the rivers, ranges, and landscapes that are central to his professional life.
The Dean of Faculty Search Committee was led by Noreen Brittenham, Chair, with members Katie Zanto, Justin Spees, Rick Parsons and Rose Wehby. There were multiple qualified external and internal candidates. After interviews and review of the qualifications of each candidate, two applicants were recommended by the Committee. President Valli, considering the responsibility of the position and the quality of each academician, chose to name both educators to be Deans of Faculty. Dr. Valli thanks Noreen and her colleagues for the energy and time they put into this all-Important process.