May 22, 2008

Cervantes named new Humanities Department Chair

Active in campus activities and an avid supporter of Cowley College events, Marlys Cervantes was recently named the school’s new chairperson for the Humanities Department.

Cervantes replaces Dejon Ewing, who spent the past 13 years as the Humanities Department Chair at Cowley College. Ewing will continue teaching Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communications and Theatre Appreciation at the college.

“I really wanted to focus on teaching,” Ewing said. “It has been an absolute pleasure to serve with a wonderful group of people. Sheree Utash was the embodiment of servant leadership; it was an honor to work with her and the other department chairs. My group made my job very easy.”

At Cowley College, Cervantes is a member of the outcome’s assessment team; she also serves on the AQIP council number 7, Enhancing Cultural Diversity. She is the college’s Endowed Chair and was the recipient of the 2004 Tiger Booster of the Year Award.

She has twice been a presenter at the NISOD International Conference, the Pop Culture Conference, and the conference for the National Association for Developmental Education. She has won the Master Teacher Award and is the co-sponsor of the Multicultural Scholars Program.

“I expect her to be a leader for the department and a facilitator for all learning opportunities,” Cowley College President Dr. Patrick J. McAtee said. “She has been active in every aspect of the institution and is a hard working member of the Quality Council.”

Cervantes, who teaches Creative Writing, Literature and Composition courses in the Humanities Department, is looking forward to serving as department chair.

“The Humanities Department is made up of a great group of people, I hope to keep the department moving forward,” Cervantes said.