On November 5, Mary Ann Gawelek, Ed.D., provost and dean of faculty at Seton Hill University, was recognized by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with the 2011 Chief Academic Officer Award in recognition of her contributions to colleagues at independent colleges and universities. The award was presented during the annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers and Chief Advancement Officers conference November 5-8 in St. Petersburg Beach, Fla.

Gawelek was a member of the Chief Academic Officers (CAO) Task Force from 2000-2004 and assisted in developing the program and facilitated discussion at the Women CAO Luncheon. She was also instrumental in helping new chief academic officers through her service as coordinator of the CIC Workshop for new CAOs and as a mentor. Additionally, Gawelek has strengthened private institutions across the country through her contributions to CIC's Workshops for Department and Division Chairs.

Seton Hill University President JoAnne Boyle added, “The recognition from the Council of Independent Colleges is especially significant because it comes from Mary Ann’s peers. Seton Hill is truly fortunate to benefit from her guidance. With Mary Ann’s leadership, particularly with our mobile learning initiative, we continue to transform the way faculty teach and the way students learn.”

At Seton Hill, Gawelek is responsible for all academic programs. She also serves as a professor of psychology and teaches the Senior Integrative Seminar. Prior to joining Seton Hill, Gawelek was the dean of the counseling psychology and expressive therapies division and interim dean of the graduate school at Lesley University. She also served as a clinical professor in the counseling psychology program at Boston University. Gawelek, who has particular interest in women’s issues, has authored publications on the effects of gender on teaching and learning, educational equity issues facing undergraduate women and multiculturalism. She is recognized for her articles and presentations on the use of technology in the classroom. Gawelek has positioned Seton Hill as a leader in strengthening learning through the use of mobile technology. Seton Hill University is the first university nationwide to provide an iPad to every full-time student and has been recognized by IvyWise, a New York-based counseling company, as one of five universities in the country as a leader in mobile technology.