Creative Writing Program at Antioch University Los Angeles, was recently named President of
the Board of Directors for The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). The
organization is an international, nonprofit literary organization for creative writers and teachers
of creative writing. Founded in 1967, AWP has grown to a membership of about 40,000, serving
academic creative writing faculty and students, independent writers, and writing centers and
conferences. Heller previously served as Vice-President
“I attended my first AWP in 1980 when I was a graduate student,” Heller said. “The keynote
speaker was poet Richard Hugo, who claimed that creative writers were destined to become the
keepers of the literary canon, even if all we wanted at the moment was to expand it, replace it, or
do away with it altogether. Hugo was right. Today I direct one of the most progressive writing
programs in one of the most progressive universities in the world. And yet in pursuing our
program’s special focus on community engagement and social justice, my MFA colleagues and I
still read–and recommend that our students read–books because they are artfully written.
Writers who also teach not only create literature, we help our culture to preserve literature and
treasure it as part of our heritage. It’s an honor to serve as President of the organization that
taught me not only the rights but the responsibilities of a writer in the world. And it’s a pleasure
to teach at Antioch, where the role of the writer is recognized and supported.”
Heller was elected President just prior to AWP’s annual conference one of the biggest and
liveliest literary gatherings in North America, features more than 400 presentations: readings,
lectures, panel discussions, and forums plus hundreds of book signings, receptions, dances, and
informal gatherings. This year’s conference, held in Chicago, attracted more 11,000 attendees,
including 9,600 registered participants.
“As outgoing president, I could not be more pleased to see such a capable, people-smart person
step into the leadership role for AWP’s Board,” says Dr. Denise Low-Weso, AWP president
2011-2012, who teaches at Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies.
“Creative writing continues to show growth as a major field for students. AWP leads the way for
writers as new forms of media expand. Heller’s experience with online education, on-the-ground
education, and administration–plus his own expertise as a fiction writer–prepare him for this
national role.”
Prior to joining the MFA faculty at Antioch University Los Angeles in 2003, Steve Heller taught
at Kansas State University for 22 years, including 15 as Chair of the Creative Writing Program.
He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University and an EdD in
English Education from Oklahoma State. His first novel, The Automotive History of Lucky
Kellerman, received the Friends of American Writers Award and was a selection of Book-of-the-
Month Club and QPB. Heller’s most recent book, What We Choose to Remember, is a collection
of nonfiction narratives from Serving House Press. Heller’s individual short stories and essays
have appeared widely in journals such as Manoa, New Letters, Colorado Review, and Fourth
Genre, and have been reprinted in anthologies such as Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards, In
Brief: Short Takes on the Personal, and Living Blue in the Red States. He has been a resident of
Yaddo and the recipient of an NEA Fellowship Grant and numerous other writing awards and
distinctions. He helped found two literary journals, Hawaii Review and Mid-American Review.
Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA) provides a rigorous progressive education to prepare
students for the complexities of today’s diverse societies. AULA, a not-for-profit institution, has
served the greater Los Angeles area for almost 40 years. The core values of social justice,
service to the community and lifelong learning lie at the heart of the BA degree completion
program and master’s degree programs in organizational management, education and teacher
credentialing, psychology, creative writing and urban sustainability. AULA is part of the Antioch
University system which has roots dating back to 1852 and was recently named one of the top 20
colleges most committed to community service by USA Today. Inspired by the work of
pioneering educator Horace Mann, Antioch University was founded in 1964 and serves over
5,000 adult students around the world and across the country, online and at five campuses in four
states.

http://www.seattlewomanmagazine.com/articles/feb11-1.htm

“In Pari Sabety we’ve gained an exceedingly bright and capable financial leader to ensure that Antioch University continues to be managed in an efficient manner,” Murdock said. “Sabety brings to Antioch University her known expertise in the development of share services, ERP deployment, budgeting and fiscal controls, financial reporting, cash management, and innovative capital strategies. She is a strategic thinker and will link a financial model to our planning which will enhance our growth and sustainability.”

With the vision established by Chancellor Murdock, working in unison with the Antioch University Board of Governors, the timing is right to bring to the Antioch University leadership team someone of Pari Sabety’s caliber.

Most recently Sabety served as CFO and Cabinet member for former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, from 2007 to 2011, managing a state budget of $56 Billion and a department of 200 professionals. Sabety served as senior fiscal leader and primary public face as the administration guided the state through the worst recession in 50 years.

A certified public accountant, Sabety brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of economic development to her role as vice chancellor and CFO at Antioch University.

Sabety’s work to establish Ohio Shared Services won the President’s Award for Innovation from the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers in 2010. Sabety has served as economic policy adviser to former Ohio Governor Richard Celeste, Director of the Technology Policy Group at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, and as a Fellow at the Brookings Institution where she was the director of the think-tank’s Urban Markets Initiative. With her varied background Sabety brings a wealth of experience and strategic innovation to Antioch University.

“With five campuses in four states, including my home state of Ohio, and with national and international programs, Antioch University is an academic institution steeped in values I believe in – leadership, innovation and sustainability,” Sabety said. “I look forward to putting my diverse background in management, finance, information technology, and complex organizations to work with the team at Antioch University. As the University moves forward, we will continue to position Antioch as a premier institution of higher education renowned in America and around the world.”

“High quality financial planning is critical to a university. It is what enables the university to sustainably grow and provide innovative learning opportunities for its students,” said former Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents Eric Fingerhut. “Pari is a great addition to the Antioch University team because she brings her background in operational and financial planning and her executive leadership team skills to assist the Chancellor in taking the university to the next level.”

“Non-profit, private colleges and universities have weathered the storm of the ‘The Great Recession’ and are now poised to grow even stronger as our economy recovers and more people enter our institutions of higher learning,” Hiram College President Thomas Chema said. “Antioch University is fortunate that a sound financial foundation will be strengthened under the leadership of Pari Sabety.”

Pari Sabety will begin her position as Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at Antioch University on May 31, 2011. She has lived in Ohio since 1982.

Sabety will replace retiring VC and CFO Thomas Faecke.

“Art Zucker has done a phenomenal job of successfully guiding Antioch University through a period of remarkable change,” said Chancellor Toni Murdock. “Now we look forward to consolidating those gains with Larry Stone’s leadership on the board.”

Incoming Board of Governors Chair Larry Stone previously served as Vice Chair and Board Treasurer. “I’ve known and worked with Larry for many years on the board and have the utmost confidence in his ability to carry us forward,” said Art Zucker.

Larry Stone graduated from Antioch College in 1964 with a B.S. and received a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Purdue University. He is Chief Scientist of Metron, a scientific consulting firm with offices in Reston, Virginia and San Diego. Stone has published numerous papers on search theory, taught the subject at the Naval Postgraduate School, and has participated in many search operations. In 1986, he produced the probability maps used by the Columbus America Discovery Group to locate the S.S. Central America which sank in 1857, taking millions of dollars of gold coins and bars to the ocean bottom one and one-half miles below. He is one of the developers of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Search And Rescue Optimal Planning System which went into operation in March 2007. Most recently, he headed the Metron analysis team that guided the successful search for the underwater wreckage of Air France Flight 447.

“It’s an honor to succeed Art Zucker who has done a tremendous job as the Board of Governors Chair,” said Stone. “I intend to continue the process he began of melding Antioch’s five universities into one university with five campuses. I’ll work with the board and Chancellor Murdock to keep tuition costs down, so that Antioch University can continue to provide a high-quality, individualized education to its students at a price they can afford.”

Antioch University is founded on principles of rigorous liberal arts education, innovative experiential learning and socially engaged citizenship. The multiple campuses of the University nurture in their students the knowledge, skills, and habits of reflection to excel as lifelong learners, democratic leaders, and global citizens who live lives of meaning and purpose.

The Antioch University Board of Governors sets policy and strategic direction for the nonprofit, accredited university with five campuses: Midwest, New England, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Seattle. Antioch University also offers a system-wide Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and Antioch Education Abroad.

Outgoing Board of Governors Chair Art Zucker served for six years during which Antioch University has undergone a series of important transitions, including the separation of Antioch University and Antioch College into two distinct institutions, albeit with much shared history. His collaboration with the board and Chancellor Murdock has produced structural changes in university governance such as the establishment of boards of trustees for each Antioch University campus. “There is no question that Art has had an indelible impact on Antioch,” said Toni Murdock. “His creative leadership has shown us all how to deal positively with change. Art Zucker personifies the values we hold dear at Antioch.” Zucker will continue to serve on the Board of Governors as its vice chair.

The Board of Governors rotates its meetings among the university’s five locations. The spring meeting at Antioch University Seattle this week also marks the 35th anniversary of Antioch in Seattle.

“With 5 campuses spread across the United States, Antioch certainly engages a broad range of students and communities. This President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll winner provides participants with projects both in the local community, around the country and throughout the world. The Seattle location, for example, hosts the Women’s Education Project, which grants a creative voice to homeless and low-income females marginalized by society.”

Read more here.

Dr. Leffert’s inaugural comes at a time of dramatic change for AUSB. As resources for public education continue to decline, the 34-year old institution is moving aggressively to strengthen its curriculum and faculty, to revitalize its governance and leadership and to upgrade its physical facilities to better serve the rapidly changing needs of its students and its community.

The formal academic installation of Dr. Leffert is the first in a month-long series of public events hosted by AUSB that will highlight the theme of her inaugural – “access, engage, collaborate.”

Among these will be a community address by Karen Cator, President Obama’s Director of the Office of Educational Technology; the international debut of an exhibition of images and artifacts of the Mbuti people; and Conflict, Cinema & Social Justice, a special series of documentaries highlighting conflict and social justice issues around the globe.

“Dr. Leffert was unanimously selected by the Antioch University Santa Barbara Board of Trustees to become the new President,” said Victoria Riskin, chair of the AUSB Board of Trustees, noting the new president’s 35 years of experience in research, social service and higher education administration. The Trustees cited her impressive academic background, dynamic energy and passionate commitment to the growth of our campus in pledging their full and enthusiastic support.”

“The university as a whole recognizes that over the past year, a strong foundation for the growth of the AUSB campus has taken place under the leadership of Dr. Leffert,” said Antioch Chancellor Dr. Tullise Murdock. “AUSB is now poised to become a major leader in higher education in the Southern California region, and beyond.”

Note to media: The installation ceremony, beginning at 2 pm, offers visual opportunities. Dr. Leffert, Trustees Chair Victoria Riskin and other board members will be available for interview. In her inaugural address, Dr. Leffert will make a new announcement about AUSB’s location.

BACKGROUND

DR. NANCY LEFFERT – Dr. Leffert had been Provost and Chief Executive Officer of AUSB for only three months when she stepped into the role of interim president in 2009. She quickly met the challenge of her new role, and the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to elect her president in June 2010.

Prior to joining AUSB as its top administrator, President Leffert was the Associate Dean for Student Services and Program Evaluation in the School of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. She is a nationally-known scholar of adolescent development, known particularly for her work delineating factors that contribute to the positive development of young people. One aspect of this work was the creation of the Developmental Assets framework, which is currently used across the country in over 500 communities as a tool to help mobilize around raising healthy children and adolescents. In addition to her lengthy list of published books and scientific articles, President Leffert has authored many reports and technical manuals, and has frequently been invited to give scholarly and community presentations.

“I and the Antioch community look forward to celebrating Nancy Leffert’s inauguration as president of our university,” said AUSB Trustee, the Hon. Susan J. Rose, a retired member of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. “She brings excellent academic credentials, a creative leadership style and a strong commitment to our mission of effecting social change. As AUSB moves into a new decade we will claim our place as one of Santa Barbara’s leading educational institutions.”

THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY – The inauguration begins at 2pm at the Museum of Natural History, followed immediately by a reception.

In her presidential address, President Leffert will share her reflections on the inauguration theme–access, engage, collaborate–and her vision for how AUSB will renew its commitment to meeting the needs of the Santa Barbara community. President Leffert will also formally announce AUSB’s exciting and ground-breaking partnership with the Hutton Parker Foundation and the new downtown home this collaboration has produced for the university.

Dignitaries speaking at the inauguration include: Assemblyman Das Williams; Mayor Helene Schneider; Santa Barbara County Supervisors Salud Carbajal and Janet Wolf; Sharon Siegel, District Director for Representative Lois Capps. Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) President Andreea Serban will greet the assembly on behalf of the Santa Barbara higher education community and will speak about the unique relationship between AUSB and SBCC. Antioch University Board of Governors, Chancellor Murdock, AUSB Board of Trustees, regional and national civic leaders and representatives from the higher education community will also attend.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES – Other inauguration activities will include:

March 1-31 – The international debut of the exhibition of images and artifacts of the Mbuti people, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the Tribal Trust Foundation.

March 2; Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, a community address by Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational technology at the U.S. Department of Education.

February 25, March 4 & 11 – Conflict, Cinema & Social Justice, a special film series featuring documentaries that highlight conflict and social justice issues, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Film Festival and the Fund for Santa Barbara.

News releases for each of these events will be sent out in the coming days. For details regarding these and other inauguration events, visit http://www.antiochsb.edu/news/inauguration.

The exhibit will premiere with a reception open to the public on March 1st from 6:00-8:00pm at AUSB, 801 Garden Street in Santa Barbara. The Mbuti exhibit will be available for viewing by the public on AUSB’s campus through March 31st.

“The Tribal Trust is grateful to Antioch University Santa Barbara for supporting this vitally important project. This art exhibition brings honor and awareness to the Mbuti as a form of protection,” adds Ms. Savage.

The exhibit will open as a part of AUSB’s community collaboration surrounding the presidential inauguration of Dr. Nancy Leffert.

The Mbuti people, who are pygmy hunter-gatherers, are among the oldest indigenous people of the Congo region of Africa, having lived in the Ituri forest sustainably for tens of thousands of years. The Ituri is the world’s second largest rainforest, home to about 250,000 to 500,000 Pygmies, according to Survival International. The Mbuti population in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) totals about 30,000 to 40,000 living in small bands ranging form 15 to 60 people. Over the last generation, the lives of the Mbuti have changed dramatically because the land they live on is not protected by law, so deforestation, gold mining, and mass waves of migrants desperate for land threatens their existence.

The intention of the Mbuti exhibit is to foster global support for preservation of the rainforest in the DRC and for protection of the indigenous people who have lived there sustainably for thousands of years. The goal of the Tribal Trust is to protect the indigenous Mbuti hunter-gatherers from enslavement, displacement, disempowerment, murder and other aggressive acts of genocide, including the destruction of their environment from commercial exploitation of natural resources.

The Tribal Trust has received DRC government support for the project. A number of staff members from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art volunteered their time to assist with the project. The volunteers include Karen Sinsheimer, SBMA Curator of Photography, curator of the exhibition; Lisa Volpe, SBMA Curatorial Assistant who is writing the titles and assisting the curator; Nancy Rogers, SBMA Art Preparator who is matting and framing the photographs; John Coplin, SBMA Facilities Manager who is loaning the frames; and Patsy Hicks, SBMA Director of Education, who is creating the education component for Santa Barbara-area schools. Georgia McDermott, SBMA Museum Store Manager and Treasurer of the Tribal Trust Foundation and Ms. Savage, SBMA Museum Store Buyer and President of the Tribal Trust Foundation are responsible for organizing the project. As well, the Smithsonian Institution is loaning three photographs from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives to the Mbuti exhibit.

The series, co-sponsored by the Fund for Santa Barbara, will be held on February 25th and March 11th from 6:00 – 9:00pm and on March 4th from 5:00 – 9:00pm at AUSB, 801 Garden Street, Room 203. Seating is limited. RSVP to 805.962.8179 x5178 or sgentile2@antioch.edu.

This special series will feature documentaries that highlight conflict and social justice issues from around the globe. Discussions will follow each film as a way to further dialogue about related social justice issues. Stan Roden, AUSB Adjunct Faculty and Santa Barbara Film Festival founder and Lights Out organizer Phyllis de Picciotto will lecture and lead the discussions.

The films include: Last Train Home (2009) on February 25th, which explores globalization at the individual level of analysis; Enemies of the People (2009) on March 4th, which depicts genocide as it relates to impunity vs. international criminal justice; Poster Girl (2010) the Academy Award nominated documentary (short subject) also on March 4th, this film will be shown at the Lobero Theater followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and a reception; and Face to Face (2011) on March 11th, which explores social conflict, reconciliation and restorative justice.

The film series will examine such topics as the pursuit of justice without violence; addressing deep-rooted inequality within social structures; and how cross-cultural understanding can diminish ethnic tensions. Through the use of the visual medium of both documentary and dramatic film, this series will highlight some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

This is the first time the three organizations have collaborated together on such a series.

“We share a common mission of working toward social justice so it just made sense for us to collaborate” said Britt Andreatta, AUSB BA Chair. “This is one of several partnerships we are working on, including having the BA students do their mandatory service learning hours with the Fund’s grantees.”

The event is a continuation of AUSB’s community collaboration surrounding the presidential inauguration of Dr. Nancy Leffert.

“I’ve known Dr. Lipinski for thirty years,” shares Dr. Sal Trevino, AUSB Adjunct Faculty and Psychologist with Santa Barbara County Child and Family Services. “She has one of the brightest minds in clinical psychology and I have been very fortunate to work with her.” Dr. Trevino adds, “It was great to hear that Dr. Lipinski was promoted to department chair. That’s absolutely fantastic for Antioch and great for the students.”

Santa Barbara resident Dr. Wolfson joined Antioch as the Director of Clinical Training for the MACP program in August 2010 after serving as an instructor in the program for nearly a decade. In addition to teaching at Antioch, Dr. Wolfson was previously the Director of Jewish Family Service where she developed social services, counseling and educational programs. Cam Sanchez, Chief of Police for the City of Santa Barbara says, “I believe that Dr Wolfson’s appointment enhances Antioch’s ability to continue moving in a positive and effective direction for the community good. She is a leader.”

“As Chair of the MACP program, I look forward to a leadership role in furthering our mission of experiential and interpersonal learning that prepares students to contribute to the well being of individuals and families and to the diverse needs of the community as a whole,” said Dr. Wolfson. While at Jewish Family Service, Dr. Wolfson created the Portraits of Survival program which pairs Holocaust Survivors with at-risk youth for mentorship, support and creative projects aimed at addressing issues of discrimination and combating youth violence. She was also a co-producer in two film collaborations with the UCSB Department of Film and Media Studies depicting the experiences of local Holocaust survivors. Dr.Wolfson was an innovator (along with aging expert, Dr. Beverly Schydlowsky), of the soon to be launched “Santa Barbara Village,” a pioneering community-wide program supporting the ability of members to remain in their homes and communities as they age.

“Elizabeth Wolfson’s career path has been to make agencies grow by developing innovative programs, and forging partnerships between agencies in the community. Her leadership style is direct, collaborative and visionary. She embodies the core values of Antioch in her effort to promote social justice and bring cutting edge therapeutic services to diverse groups of people,” shared Debbie Allen, LCSW, President NASW Santa Barbara Chapter, and Adjunct Faculty at Antioch University of Santa Barbara.

Prior to moving to Santa Barbara from the East coast in 2001, Dr. Wolfson taught at Columbia University Graduate School of Social Work for ten years and was Director of one of the country’s largest Jewish Family Service Agencies. For over 24 years, Dr. Wolfson has been providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families in her private practice. She continues to maintain a private practice and also serves as Vice President of Professional Development on the Board of the National Association of Social Workers, Santa Barbara Chapter (NASW). She is a co-Editor of the Psychotherapy section of the website “All Things Healing” and has continued to volunteer in local community projects supporting the needs of aging and at-risk youth populations.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Wolfson into a position of leadership within our professional community. Elizabeth’s experience in the provision and development of mental health services, her organizational skills and her engaging, collaborative management style will enhance the growth and evolution of the program,” adds Olivia Loewy, PhD, Executive Director, CA-Division, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Dr. Lipinski holds a B.S.W. from University of Illinois in Social Work, an MA and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University Of California Graduate Department Of Education, and a Juris Doctorate from Southern California Institute of Law. Dr. Lipinski joined Antioch as a Core Faculty member and Director of Clinical Training of the PsyD program in July of 2007. In addition to teaching at Antioch, Dr. Lipinski previously served as an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in Psychology at Cal Lutheran University, and as Core faculty and Adjunct faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute from 1990-2005. She previously served as the Assistant to the Director of Santa Barbara County Mental Health and Director and Associate Director of Zona Seca-Community Task Force on Alcoholism where she directed the North County offices.

“The competency based education and training students receive in our innovative program provides a strong foundation for reflective practice and disciplined inquiry,” adds Dr. Lipinski. “Working with devoted faculty who embrace the concept of professional mentorship is also something I look forward to.” In addition to her rich academic background, Dr. Lipinski has had an independent practice and consulting business specializing in services to law enforcement professionals, victims of violent crime, trauma survivors, individuals recovering from substance abuse, and lesbian couples.

As Chairs of their respective programs, Drs. Lipinski and Wolfson will administer all aspects of their programs and provide leadership of AUSB’s academic efforts for its students. They will both report directly to Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. William Richardson. Antioch University serves more than 4,000 adult students around the world and across the country, online and at its five campuses in four states. Each campus offers degree programs that meet–and often anticipate–the pressing needs of its region and the wider world. The University is also home to the landmark PhD in Leadership and Change; Antioch Education Abroad, an exceptional opportunity of immersive service and study programs; and WYSO, a leading public radio affiliate and an essential source of global news and opinion.

The Santa Barbara campus is particularly distinguished with its unique undergraduate degree completion program in liberal studies and graduate master’s and doctoral programs in clinical psychology and education that integrate students’ academic experience and experiential learning. Additionally, students in all of AUSB’s programs can specialize in relevant and applied specialized concentrations.

Ms. Cator’s address, entitled Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology will be held on March 2nd, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the Canary Hotel, 31 W. Carrillo Street, in the lower level banquet area. The event is open to the public but with limited seating, an RSVP is required to attend.

“Ms. Cator has been instrumental in shaping the Obama administration’s vision of 21st century opportunities for students using technology to transform teaching and learning,” said AUSB Board of Trustees Chair Victoria Riskin. “We are pleased she is joining us for this important discussion about the future of education at this critical crossroads.”

Prior to joining the Department of Education, Ms. Cator directed Apple’s leadership and advocacy efforts in education. She has been a leading voice at the intersection of education policy and research, emerging technologies, and the reality faced by teachers, students and administrators.

“We are delighted to have Ms. Cator speak to our Santa Barbara community. Ms. Cator, who comes from a family of educators, and whose own career has been a blend of education and technology, is passionately committed to transforming learning through innovation,” added Wilson.

Karen Cator joined Apple in 1997 from the public education sector, most recently leading technology planning and implementation in Juneau, Alaska. She also served as Special Assistant for Telecommunications for the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska.

Cator holds a Masters in school administration from the University of Oregon and Bachelors in early childhood education from Springfield College. She is the past chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and has served on the several boards including the Software & Information Industry Association–Education. The event is a continuation of AUSB’s community collaboration surrounding the presidential inauguration of Dr. Nancy Leffert.

To RSVP call 805.962.8179 ext. 5778 or email alumni.ausb@antioch.edu.