��������

SUNY Fredonia has appointed Dr. Beez (Lea Ann) Schell as the founding director of its Professional Development Center, to be launched upon her arrival to the post in June. Concurrently, she will hold the faculty rank of professor in the Department of Sports Management and Exercise Science. 

Currently an associate professor and Graduate Program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology at Sonoma State University, Rohnert, Calif, Dr. Schell is a member of the national Professional and Organizational Development Network and three disciplinary associations. She was once a player in the Independent Women’s Professional Football League. 

At Sonoma State, she also chairs the department’s Professional Development Subcommittee, is a member of the New Faculty Orientations Planning Committee, and a faculty associate in the university’s re-accreditation process. 

“She brings to this director position her experience as a talented faculty member, as an organized and energetic collaborator, and as an engaging leader,” said Dr. Virginia Horvath, vice president for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Schell earned a bachelor’s in Advertising/Professional Writing from Wheeling Jesuit College, Wheeling, W.Va., a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, Pa., and a doctorate in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University.

She has extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has given presentations and written articles that reflect a broad range of subjects, such as teaching and learning styles, fitness, disability, women athletes, coaching and physical activity in counseling. She has directed grants on instructional technology and currently directs a major grant designed to promote active lifestyles in students.

In her new role at Fredonia, she will plan a wide range of professional development programs for faculty and staff.