Martinez appointed Dean of Experiential Learning

Terry Martinez, formerly director of conferences and leadership programs at Wells, was promoted to the position of Dean of Experiential Learning effective August 1, according to Wells President Lisa Marsh Ryerson.

In her new role at the college, Martinez will work with the campus community to maximize student access to experiential learning opportunities that enhance a liberal arts education. Wells currently offers students these experiences through internships, community service, study abroad, off-campus study, and undergraduate research.

"The degree to which the college connects experiential learning with the curriculum is unusual and innovative," said Martinez. "I look forward to working with faculty and staff members to develop and implement systems that will create even more possibilities for our students."

Martinez joined the Wells student affairs staff in 1991 as director of residence life. In 1995, she was promoted to associate dean of students. In 1997, she was named director of conferences and leadership programs and designed a broad range of learning experiences for girls and women of all ages.

Before coming to Wells, she was interim director of counseling and career services at St. Joseph's College and residence hall director at the SUNY College at Old Westbury. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from the SUNY College at Buffalo and her master's degree in counseling and applied psychology from New York University.

"Terry's vision, energy, and commitment to excellence will help Wells move forward with this important initiative," said Ryerson.

 August 1999

An award and a website

Wells College Professor of Music Crawford R. Thoburn received a tribute from his alma mater last June when the Alumni Association of AlleghenyCollege awarded him its Gold Citation honoring his professional achievements in music.

In addition to recognizing his academic career at Wells, the citation focused on Professor Thoburn's published body of choral music. To date, over 100 of his compositions, arrangements, and editions have beenissued by a dozen different firms. Professional and student ensembles have recorded his work, and his music has been performed throughout the UnitedStates as well as in Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Alumnae of the Wells Concert Choir and friends of the Wells music programcan now visit Choral Music by Crawford R. Thoburn on the web: http://home.att.net./~langburn. The site contains reviews, performance highlights, repertoire suggestions, public information, and a completeclassified works list. This visibility on the web has immeasurably broadened the reach of Professor Thoburn's music. In a year ofexistence, the site has drawn over 2,500 visits from around the world.

Crawford R. Thoburn joined the Wells faculty in 1960. He earned his B.A.in music from Allegheny College and his master's degree in music from Boston University.

August 1999

Wells College ranked #1 for "Best Profs at Teaching"
by The Princeton Review college guide

Wells is ranked #1 nationally among top colleges for "Best Profs at Teaching" in the new edition of The Princeton Review's annual guidebook, The Best 331 Colleges, published by Random House.

Using rankings based on candid student views of the college, the guide describes Wells faculty members as "'amazing," "extremely intelligent," and "approachable." Wells professors are also praised for their genuine interest in students' lives.

Wells College President Lisa Marsh Ryerson said, "Excellent teachers are central to learning in a liberal arts environment, and Wells has a long tradition of attracting extraordinary scholars committed to teaching. I am gratified The Princeton Review has brought an awareness of our mission and our outstanding faculty to a large audience."

In preparation, The Princeton Review surveyed 59,000 college students at the nation's top colleges and universities. At each institution, a random sample of students (about 175 per campus on average) answered 70 questions about their school's academics, campus life, and student body, according to Jeanne Krier, a spokesperson for The Princeton Review.

The survey is done exclusively for this book (annually published since 1992). The 331 colleges in it represent less than 10% of the nation's four-year colleges.

The Best 331 Colleges also has praise for Wells' liberal arts curriculum: "The reportedly 'excellent' academic experience here includes a core curriculum and a required thesis or senior project. 'Discussion-oriented' classes are small, 'women-centered,' and amazing 'alumnae connections' await students upon graduation."

The book contains 60 categories and ranks the top 20 schools in each area. Wells received high marks in a number of categories including positive town/gown relations (#2), access to professors (#3), interaction among students from different racial/class backgrounds (#3), beautiful campus (#6), comfortable residence halls (#7), and happy students (#16), among others.

August, 1999

For more information on campus events call Wells College Public Relations at (315) 364-3209

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