Faculty
Amy Chanmugam appointed chair of the Department of Social Work n
Associate Professor Amy Chanmugam is the new chair of the Department of Social Work. Chanmugam joined the department in 2009. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work in 2009 from the The University of Texas at Austin. Her teaching and research are informed by clinical practice and nonprofit administration experiences in Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C. Chanmugam often teaches Human Behavior in the Social Environment and practice courses, such as Advanced Practice Methods with Children and Families. She has received several teaching awards, including the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching and the inaugural Social Work Department Professor of the Year Award. The Social Work Alumni Group recognized her in 2015 as their professor honoree with “most impact on our journeys as social workers.” She was also inducted into the 2017 Class of Fellows of the Society for Social Work Research. Chanmugam replaces Martell Teasley, who will assume the role of Dean of the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. Teasley served as chair of COPP’s Department of Social Work for five years, and during his tenure, he strengthened the program by demonstrating a commitment to preparing students for advanced culturally competent social work practice. His efforts have resulted in the achievement of a national ranking of the program.
Public Administration selects Veronica Elias as assistant professor n
Assistant Professor Veronica Elias joins the Department of Public Administration in Fall 2017. She previously taught at Eastern Washington University in the Department of Urban Planning, Public and Health Administration. Elias has taught both in Argentina and the United States and also has more than 10 years of experience working within the public sector. She has worked in the Planning, Research and Development Office at the Akron Police Department. Her research focuses on public administration theory, political theory and thought, public organizations, ethics in the public sector, community dynamics and qualitative research.
P. Johnelle Sparks selected as chair of the Department of Demography n
Associate Professor P. Johnelle Sparks, chair of the Department of Demography, joined the department in 2006. She earned her Ph.D. in Rural Sociology and Demography from Pennsylvania State University in 2006. Sparks brings in significant experience as a graduate advisor and a strong record of research. Her research largely focuses on disparities or inequalities inherent in several population processes. She has examined disparities in maternal and child health; mortality and morbidity; and early childhood and higher education. In 2014, she was a nominee for the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in University Service. She has been a part of the Department since early in its inception. Sparks replaces Professor Joachim Singelmann, who led the department over the last six years. He has increased the visibility of the demography graduate program and built international ties with universities in Mexico. Singelmann will continue his role as professor in the department.
R E C E N T P R O M OT I O N S Byongook Moon Promoted to Professor, 2016 Criminal Justice
Richard Hartley Promoted to Professor, 2017 Criminal Justice
Social Work Senior Lecturer earns President’s Award for Teaching n
Social Work Senior Lecturer Derek Plantenga received The UTSA President’s Distinguished Award for Teaching Excellence. This award recognizes, encourages, and awards superior classroom teachers who possess pervasive caring, communication skills, and commitment to the learning process. Plantenga acknowledges his responsibility in motivating his students and assuring the relationship of the subject matter and attitude toward the total development of the student. “Derek exemplifies the highest standard that all social workers should be held to,” said James Pobanz, MSW and a former student of Derek’s. “His professional demeanor mixed with humble style of teaching sets the tone for the program.” “During my time as a student, I had multiple interactions with Derek regarding projects or student issues during which his passion to help students achieve success reflected his guidance and leadership,” he added. “If there is a face of the MSW program, it is Derek Plantenga.” Plantenga is a licensed clinical social worker and senior lecturer for the Department of Social Work. He has worked with the department since 2011 and has been teaching since 2015.
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