Anita Gonzalez, James S. Jackson, Marianetta Porter, and Mark Tessler are among the thirty-one faculty members being honored for their work, scholarship, and contrubution to the university.

Anita Gonzalez, professor of theatre and drama, received the Faculty Recognition Award, which are intended for faculty early in their careers who have demonstrated substantive contributions to the university through achievements in scholarly research or creative endeavors; excellence as a teacher, adviser and mentor; and distinguished participation in service activities of the university.

Professor Gonzalez heads the Global Theatre and Ethnic Studies minor in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, and in LS&A. Her research and publications are about ethnic performances, and the ways in which they reveal histories and identities in transnational contexts. Her Africa interests are how contemporary artists from South Africa produce and disseminate their work through international networks.

James S. Jackson, Daniel Katz Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, is a recipient of the Distinguished Diversity Scholar Career Award, which is a new faculty honor presented to a senior faculty member with the rank of full professor who has made important contributions to understanding diversity, equity and inclusion and addressing disparities in contemporary society.

Professor Jackson is a social scientist, renowned for his pioneering research on the influence of race on the lives and health of African Americans, including his National Survey of Black Americans and National Survey of American Life, considered the most extensive social, mental and physical health survey of the U.S black population.

Marianetta Porter, professor of art and design; and Mark Tessler, Samuel J. Eldersveld Collegiate Professor of Political Science, are recipients of the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, which honors senior faculty who consistently have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the areas of scholarly research or creative endeavors, teaching and mentoring of students and junior faculty, service and a variety of other activities.

Professor Porter is a mixed media artist and widely recognized for her pathbreaking art and scholarship grounded in the study of African-American history, culture and representation. Through art, she draws correlations between historic memory and modern African-American life, giving voice to the history of the diaspora and its influence on American culture. She also exemplifies the power of art to confront social justice issues and spark social change.

Professor Tessler is a Middle East and North Africa expert and considered as the global authority on public opinion in the Arab world. Through his Arab Barometer public opinion surveys, hailed by Foreign Policy as the gold standard for survey research in that region, he has clarified Arab views on democracy, gender, governance, international conflict and political Islam. His research has debunked many stereotypes about Arab attitudes and values.

To learn more about the rest of the recipients and awards, visit: http://record.umich.edu/articles/thirty-one-faculty-members-honored-scholarship-service