Penn State Beaver recently hired one new faculty member and one new full-time staff member.
Haifa Abulaiha began work as a lecturer in engineering in August. She teaches three remote classes this fall: Computer Engineering 270 and Computer Science 122 and 200.
Abulaiha is working on obtaining her doctorate and has taught for five years at West Virginia University.
Abulaiha said she always liked teaching. Even when she was doing her undergraduate work, she would help friends prepare for exams.
“My friends used to tell me I teach them better than the actual professor, so I started to think maybe teaching is for me,” she said.
Carey McDougall, director of academic affairs, said she was impressed with Abulaiha’s teaching demonstration.
“She guided students through complex materials in ways that were very digestible,” McDougall said. “She cares a lot about teaching and meeting students where they’re at and cultivating success in them.”
She added, “She’s incredibly positive, enthusiastic and her commitment to diversity is so important. She believes in making the world a better place for everyone, and she wants to foster that in and outside of the campus.”
New Residence Life Coordinator Rodney Dorval said he loved the way the staff welcomed him, making him feel a part of the family as soon as he arrived.
Dorval has a master’s degree in college student affairs with a concentration in conflict analysis and resolution. He also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an Army background.
“Being a black man in this position of power brings a different level of comfortability with the black and brown students who can identify with me because of my skin color and background,” said Dorval.
He said he’s excited not only about the opportunity to network with other professionals in student affairs and start his career, but also the opportunity to have a hand in the well being of resident students and bring that community feel to Beaver.
Dorval has a wide range of responsibilities including supervising resident assistants, promoting events and dealing with student conduct.
“This is a good position for him to grow professionally,” said Amy Gartley, associate director of student affairs, who oversees residence life.
“If you can match what you need to have done in a position with somebody who wants to grow in those areas, it’s a real win in our environment here,” Gartley said.