New professors adjust to Penn

The University boasts approximately 40 new faculty members across the four undergraduate schools for the 1995-96 academic year. The new professors hail from different parts of the country and world, bringing with them various areas of expertise. Anthropology, economics, finance, human development and mechanical engineering are among the subjects taught by new professors this year. Many said they have found the quality of education and students here at Penn commendable. "The students not only seem to be very bright but engaged as well," commented Professor of History and Sociology of Science Steven Feierman. "The questions in class are always intelligent." Japanese Professor Ayako Kano, who teaches a seminar on Japanese theory and criticism, admits she has to "work very hard to keep up with the students." Although Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Cameron Hurst, director of Penn's East Asia Center, found his students engaging and well prepared, he was surprised to discover no major difference between the quality of Penn students and students at the University of Kansas, his previous place of employment. Most new professors said they attribute their positive experiences to the warm reception of administrators and colleagues. "My friend at Brown University was surprised to hear how many functions [Penn] throws in honor of new professors," said Sylvia Santaballa, a professor of Romance Languages. Santaballa added that it was nice to meet other new professors with whom she could get together with over a cup of coffee. Despite the infrequent contact with faculty of other departments, Professor of Computer and Information Science Scott Nettles said he felt very welcomed by his department. "They're a very cordial group here and indisputably the best," Marketing Professor Stephen Hoch said of his department. Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Professor Jim Ostrowski said he agreed. "There has been a lot of support and strong interest in my area of research," Ostrowski said. And Classical Studies Professor Jacqueline Sadashige -- who taught Ancient Theater last semester -- said he was "pleased to be able to work with a diversity of undergraduate students in theater." But a few of the new faculty had slight difficulties with adjustment. Professor of South Asia Regional Studies Harold Schiffman, who is also director of the Penn Language Center, said he had mixed feelings about a course he taught last semester. "I expected too much and perhaps pitched it at a level not appropriate to college freshmen," he said. Some professors have recently returned to Penn after years away from the University. For example, History Professor Wayne Patterson received his doctorate in international relations from Penn "many years ago." "It's familiar but yet not so familiar," former University graduate student Sadashige explained. And Antonia Villarruel, a professor in the School of Nursing, said she could relate to Patterson's situation. Previously a student at the University, Villarruel said her new position was "like coming home."