Saint Mary's Newsroom / Campus Notes
Winona Campus Newsletter
Faculty spotlight: Josh Pankratz
An enterprise IT architect at Mayo Clinic, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, and a Saint Mary’s University alumnus himself, Josh Pankratz effectively integrates real-world, relevant conversations in his classroom. A course-contracted professor for School of Business and Technology graduate programs, Pankratz teaches Public Health Analytics, Intro to GIS, and Data Visualization.
In his career, Pankratz specializes in advanced analytics, enterprise architecture, and integration strategy. His primary goal is to focus on developing new analytics capabilities for Mayo Clinic using Google Cloud Platform.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various information technology capacities — from epidemiology research to advanced analytics — all of which I strive to leverage in the classroom,” he said. “I’m grateful to be able to connect with so many students who are seeking similar career paths, and I aim to foster conversation that is insightful and relevant.”
We recently had the opportunity to connect with Pankratz to learn more about him both professionally and personally.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I like hearing the various perspectives that students bring to each class, as well as working through assignments that combine both technology skills and creative thinking.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Outside of work and teaching, what is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’ve recently gotten into woodworking as a creative outlet.
How can students contact you?
Students can connect with me on LinkedIn.
Call for applications: Teaching Fellows program
Saint Mary’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) is pleased to invite applications for the Teaching Fellows program. The Teaching Fellows program is designed to provide selected course-contracted faculty the opportunity to actively develop, invigorate, and expand their teaching repertoire and build community through a series of seven virtual workshops. Participants will engage in research-based practices, strategies, and tools grounded in the Lasallian tradition of excellence in learner-centered teaching. To learn more about the Teaching Fellows program and to complete an application, visit the CELT website. The application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Reminder: Cabinet meet and greet
Dear Saint Mary’s colleagues,
We want to extend an invitation to join us in welcoming our newest members of the president’s cabinet with an upcoming meet and greet on the Twin Cities Campus Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2 to 3 p.m. in the University Center.
- Mr. Leon Dixon, vice president for inclusion and human dignity
- Dr. Matthew Gerlach, vice president for character, virtue, and ethics and endowed director of the Hendrickson Institute
- Mr. Gary Klein, vice president for advancement
- Ms. Kelly Shannon, vice president for marketing and communications
Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to welcoming Leon, Matthew, Gary, and Kelly to our community with you.
Sincerely,
Andy Dirksen
Chief of Staff
Ann Merchlewitz
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Changes to Chrome River user interface
The Business Office would like to notify all Chrome River users that there will be some minor updates to the dashboard of the Chrome River application. These updates will take place starting today, Tuesday, Sept. 14. When users login to create or approve an invoice or expense report, the dashboard will have a new look including logo updates and a new top navigation bar. Chrome River will also update all of the documentation found in its Help section to reflect these changes at that time, as well. Get a quick look at the changes.
For other Chrome River guides and instructions, visit the Business Office page (under Services) at community.smumn.edu. Contact Cindy Ostrem at costrem@smumn.edu with any questions.
Saint Mary’s and Winona State professors collaborate to publish textbook
Lori Charron, Ph.D.
Professors Lori Charron, Ph.D., (Saint Mary’s University) and Tammy Swenson Lepper, Ph.D., (Winona State University) collaborated with authors from around the United States to write a textbook entitled “Communication Ethics: Activities for Critical Thinking and Reflection,” published by Kendall Hunt. Charron led efforts for a chapter on communication ethics in the workplace, while Swenson Lepper managed the chapter on social media and communication ethics.
“It was a joy to work alongside other communication ethicists who have a passion for teaching communication ethics in creative and meaningful ways. Although we each took ‘ownership’ of one chapter, the entire book was vetted by each of us. It was a true collaboration,” said Charron.
The textbook was pilot tested last spring in California and North Carolina universities with rave reviews from students.
“This textbook demonstrates collaboration between scholars in Winona and across the country,” said Swenson Lepper. “The work was made more difficult because of the pandemic, but we are pleased to provide an important resource for those studying communication ethics.”
Psy.D. faculty member’s manuscript on suicide trends accepted for publication
Kathryn LaBore, Ph.D.
Kathryn LaBore, Ph.D.’s manuscript “Trends and instigators among young adolescent suicide in the United States” has been accepted for publication at the journal Public Health. The manuscript uses archival data to identify characteristics of adolescents associated with history of suicide ideation and suicide attempts. Results emphasize the importance of interpersonally laden experiences as both protective and risk related factors.
In the news
The St. Paul Pioneer Press featured former course-contracted faculty member Sandra Kilde, certified registered nurse anesthetist. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology presented Kilde with the Agatha Hodgins Award during its 2021 Virtual Congress.
Winona Health CEO, CMO to present Healthcare in a Time of Crisis
Dr. Rachelle Schultz, chief executive officer of Winona Health, and Dr. Mike Donnenwerth, chief medical officer of Winona Health, will visit the Winona Campus to take part in a discussion titled Healthcare in a Time of Crisis.
Topics covered during the discussion will include leadership challenges and opportunities, masks and vaccines, protecting vulnerable communities, community health, and employee engagement.
The event will be in the Common Room of Saint Mary’s Hall from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17.
The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership is sponsoring the event.
Free Mississippi River boat tour tickets from SAC
On Saturday, Sept. 18, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) is taking a trip to the Mississippi River for a boat tour. Tickets are free to all students, but there is a limit to how many people can participate. Reserve your spot!
The boat tour starts at 2 p.m. The shuttle bus from campus leaves at 1:30 p.m. Please meet at the Gazebo to hop on the bus to the tour.
Questions? Contact studentactivities@smumn.edu.
Mass of the Holy Spirit and Winona Campus blessing Sept. 22
Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Bishop John M. Quinn, Diocese of Winona-Rochester; Father James P. Burns, president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; and the priests of Saint Mary’s University will celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit in Saint Thomas More Chapel on the Winona Campus at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22. At 5 p.m. in the plaza on that same day, we will have a brief prayer service before departing to bless all buildings on campus. All are welcome!
Eucharistic procession this Sunday
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is present body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Blessed Sacrament. We’ll bring the presence of Christ to the whole student body by processing, accompanied by songs and litanies, to various parts of campus.
All are welcome to pray with us in this ancient ritual after the 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, Sept. 19.
Jesus Jam this Friday
Join Campus Ministry for a night of music in the plaza this Friday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. The event will feature student bands, the Sons of Thunder and The Tommy More Band.
Stay on top of your courses
Stay on top of your courses this semester. Sign up for a peer tutor or peer learning assistant.
Don’t have the Knack app on your phone? Download Knack in the App Store or get it on Google Play.
If you need help with writing papers, contact the Saint Mary’s Writing Center.
Create habits this semester that keep you on top of your courses.
© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Site Feedback/Changes | Accreditation