George C. Hoffmann Award for Faculty Excellence Grant Farr GRANT FARR, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of sociology, has served the University for 33 years. His career is a remarkable record of excellence—combining instruction, scholarly activities, and administrative functions while building collegiality among faculty and serving the varied educational needs of PSU’s unique student body. As chair of the Sociology Department for a total of 15 years. Professor Farr established a strong research and teaching unit. His transparent decisionmaking and respectful dialogue has contributed to his unique capacity to build consensus and a strong sense of community. He modeled these skills as chair of several departments and as PSU’s first vice provost for International Affairs. His insights resulted in the “Chair’s Handbook,” a detailed manual compiled to help prepare new department chairs. Professor Farr’s unwavering belief in the crucial role of accessible institutions of higher education is reflected in his teaching and mentoring. His commitment to nontraditional students from diverse backgrounds is well known. His determination to help them achieve success in an academic environment reflects a professional identity that places him at the heart of Portland State and its tradition of access and opportunity. One of the country’s top experts on Afghanistan, Professor Farr has been a consultant on Afghan policy for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. He often addresses community members, federal agencies, and media on important social aspects of the Middle East. He has written 32 publications, including three books. This expertise positioned him to lead PSU’s Middle East studies program and become director of the Middle East Studies Center (1987-1995). Professor Farr’s impeccable service record and leadership skills reveal a staggering level of University citizenship. In the words of his supporters: “Grant’s loyalty to Portland State and its values, and his unwavering dedication to his students form the very heart of his identity as a professional and as a human being.” The Hoffmann Award is given annually to a faculty member in recognition of distinguished contributions to the University in the areas of instruction. University service, and scholarship—done in the spirit of humanism, civility, and collegiality— with particular dedication to students and loyalty to the University. These are values especially cherished by the late George C. Hoffmann, a distinguished dean and professor of history at Portland State University. 11
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