At the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) State of the College event held in September, Dean Steve Goodwin announced that Professor James Allan is a recipient of the CNS 2012 Outstanding Advisor Award.
Allan was recognized for his five-year term as the graduate program director (GPD) in which his efforts led to a revised and revitalized CS graduate program. During his tenure as GPD, the number of graduate student fellowships has increased, the time to degree has decreased, and the quality and satisfaction with the graduate program by both the faculty and students have increased.
"James did a superlative job as graduate program director. This is a well-deserved tribute for the great improvements he has made in the way our graduate program runs, and the individual help he has given to literally hundreds of students," notes Professor Neil Immerman, awards committee chair.
Also at the CNS State of the College ceremony, Jean Joyce was recognized as a recipient of the CNS Award for Outstanding Staff Support. Joyce serves as Administrative Director of the Center for Intelligent Information Retrieval, produces the Significant Bits newsletter, coordinates the CS industrial affiliates program, and manages events for alumni and friends of CS.