Two are Named the Newest Collins Fellows

UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez, Collins Fellow Janell Hobson, and Provost Carol Kim
President Rodríguez prepares to bestow the Collins Fellow medallion upon Janell Hobson as Provost Kim reads her award citation.

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2022) — The annual Collins Fellowship, recognizing faculty deemed exemplars of institutional commitment and service to the University, this year honors Professor Janell Hobson of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Associate Vice Provost and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education Richard Fogarty, a professor of History.

Jeanette Altarriba, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, professor of Psychology and herself a recipient of the Collins Fellowship in 2018, lauded both recipients of the award, now in its 38th year and named for Evan Revere Collins, the UAlbany president from 1949-1969 who oversaw the institution’s successful transition from a college to a university

Richard Fogarty, professor of History, University at Albany
Professor Richard Fogarty of History

“Professor Hobson truly embodies the spirit of this award given her sustained efforts to support students, faculty and staff in achieving their goals and her fervent striving to further the institution in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, among others,” said Altarriba. “Professor Fogarty has likewise engaged in activities and positions at UAlbany that demonstrate the highest level of citizenry on our campus. He embodies the notions that were set forth when selecting and honoring Collins Fellows.” 

Janell Hobson

Hobson, who arrived at the University in 2001, has served in various roles in her department, including director of undergraduate studies, director of graduate studies and chair. At the college and university levels she has served on the General Education Committee, the Undergraduate Academic Council and the Presidential Advisory Council for the Prevention of Sexual Assault.

In addition to such contributions over a sustained period of time, she has organized several symposia and other campus conversations on topics of historical and contemporary import. “Professor Hobson’s transnational perspectives on feminism and women’s roles in culture and society have led her to develop and carry out various events and activities that underscore the importance of history, community, and public engagement,” said Altarriba.

“The value of her work on our campus and beyond across the areas of research, teaching and service is far-reaching and supremely impactful.”

Richard Fogarty

Fogarty came to UAlbany in fall 2007 and almost immediately began to distinguish himself as a historian of repute, winning the History Honors Society best first book award for his monograph on colonial subjects in the French army during the First World War.

His distinguished record of service at UAlbany includes chairmanship of the Task Force on Undergraduate Education, director of Undergraduate Education, chair of the Undergraduate Academic Council and Title IX hearing officer for the Office of Community Standards. He has also been a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Board and co-chair of one of the Middle States Self-Study Working Groups.

“Whether it is leading the charge to make sure our General Education program is well-organized and carried out with integrity, providing academic support and leadership to our athletics programs, or contributing to every form of student engagement, Richard Fogarty has been an all-around University citizen of the highest caliber,” said Altarriba. “We are so pleased and proud of this member of the College of Arts and Sciences for all of his outstanding achievements.”

Ray Bromley Geography & Planning University at Albany
Ray Bromley, 2019 Collins Fellow
Ray Bromley

Altarriba also paid tribute to a Collins Fellowship recipient who, due to the pandemic, was not ceremoniously honored in 2020 for receiving the 2019 fellowship: Ray Bromley, now emeritus professor of Geography & Planning.

“Professor Bromley clearly represents the essence of this award given his many contributions to his colleagues and departments, his work for international and global affairs during his oversight of this significant unit on our campus, and his long-standing contributions in research, teaching, and service,” she said. “He has been a champion for the integration of international perspectives into every facet of our campus community.”

Members of the teaching faculty nominate colleagues to the fellowship and provide supporting letters from administrators, staff and occasionally students. Collins Fellows receive a salary increment and a distinctive medallion and meet periodically with the University president to discuss important directions being taken by the institution. Portraits of the Collins Fellows are displayed in the University Libraries.