Robert Bradley, Joseph Zompetti, and Laura Vogel
Robert Bradley, Professor of Politics and Government; Laura Vogel, Professor of Biological Sciences; and Joseph Zompetti, Professor of Communication, are the winners of the 2010 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Service Awards for their service to the College and to the University. “Dr. Bradley, Dr. Vogel, and Dr. Zompetti each have a history of extraordinary service to the College of Arts and Sciences and to Illinois State University,” said Dr. Sally Parry, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs. “The College of Arts and Sciences is very appreciative of all the service that these faculty members have provided to their departments, the College of Arts and Sciences, and to Illinois State University.”
Robert Bradley, Professor of Politics and Government, is notable for his activities with the media. During the 2008 Democratic and Republic conventions, Bradley was asked by WJBC, a Normal radio station, to co-host live radio shows every day. His shows proved very successful, and he has been invited back to cover the 2012 conventions. His political commentary is heard regularly on WGLT and WJBC. He was named a Carnegie Political Engagement Fellow, was one of the original Faculty Co-Leaders of the American Democracy Project, and has taken students on two Washington D.C. civic engagement tours plus the Democratic national convention. He serves as the university prelaw advisor and the director of the Prelaw Advisement Center, which is a ‘one-stop’ shop for any student interested in going to law school. In addition, he has been named a “Friend of the Trail” for the work he did for the Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail. He has chaired several University search committees and served on a number of college and department committees. He has presented to many community organizations about election matters and law topics.
Laura Vogel, Professor of Biological Sciences, has combined her love of science with her service work. She has served on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee where she oversaw the proper care of animals used at the college. She has served as Associate Chair of undergraduate studies, held positions on various department committees, and is the faculty advisor for Biological Sciences and Phi Sigma. Vogel says, “These service opportunities allowed me to use my strengths and efforts to build bridges among different University units and I’ve enjoyed the interactions with faculty and staff outside of my school.” She is committed to serving as a mentor for Mentor Net, a program that provides positive one-on-one support for women beginning their science careers. In addition, she has lead workshops for Expanding Your Horizons, a program that motivates middle school girls to participate in science activities.
Joseph Zompetti, Professor of Communication, is committed to teaching civic and political engagement. He serves as the President of the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). The association trains high school and college aged students in developing more effective argument skills. The NGO holds an international debate every summer, where over fifty countries are engaged. Zompetti focuses on military- controlled countries that have no freedom of assembly to develop critical thinking skills. He has taught in countries such as Romania, Japan, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. He is an advocate for the American Democracy Project Steering Committee, has worked with the Student Government Association to host a mock presidential debate, and developed a public debate around free speech on college campuses as a part of National Freedom of Speech Week. He received the Diversity Advocacy Center’s 2006 “Outstanding Faculty Award” for promoting diversity and has continued to show leadership in this area through a variety of initiatives.