THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

 

TO:

The Honorable the Members of the Board of Regents

FROM:

Carole F. Huxley

COMMITTEE:

Cultural Education

TITLE OF ITEM:

State Museum Appointments

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

October 8, 2004

PROPOSED HANDLING:

Approval

RATIONALE FOR ITEM:

Education Law §235

STRATEGIC GOAL:

3

AUTHORIZATION(S):

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

Education Law §235 stipulates that the Regents appoint scientists to meet the State Museum’s mandates. The title of State Archaeologist is traditionally held by a staff member of the New York State Museum.  The titles of State Geologist and State Entomologist are statutory positions within the State Museum.  The State Geologist position has been vacant since the retirement of Dr. Robert Fakundiny in March of 2004 and the State Entomologist position has been vacant since the retirement of Dr. Donald Collins in 1973.

 

Dr. Christina B. Rieth, Associate Scientist (Archaeology), joined the Museum’s staff in 1996 as a member of the Museum’s Cultural Resources Survey Program.  Since April 2004 she has served as director of that program.  Dr. Rieth received her B.A. from the Hartwick College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University at Albany, SUNY.  Her research is focused on the archaeology of New York with a concentration on prehistoric pottery, subsistence, and settlement.  Dr. Rieth has authored more than 50 technical reports and articles on the results of her archaeological investigations. Dr. Rieth has served in an acting capacity as State Archaeologist for education and research since 2003.

 

Dr. William M. Kelly, Associate Scientist (Geology), joined the Museum’s staff in 1981 as Curator of the Museum’s Geology Collections.  Since 2002 he has served as Associate State Geologist.  He received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  Dr. Kelly’s research is focused on the geology of New York with a concentration on mineral resources and mineral-related issues.  He has served as an officer and board member for numerous geologic professional organizations in New York State.

 

Dr. Timothy L. McCabe, Associate Scientist (Entomology) joined the Museum’s staff in 1977 as Curator of the Museum’s Entomology Collection.  He received his B.S. from Moorhead State University, his M.S. from North Dakota State University, and his Ph.D. from Cornell University.  Dr. McCabe’s research is focused on the systematics, biology, immature stages, and evolution of the World's Noctuidae (cutworm moths).  He is the author of over 50 professional publications on the results of his research.

 

RECOMMENDED that the Regents approve the following action:

 

VOTED, that Dr. Christina B. Rieth of the New York State Museum be appointed State Archaeologist for research and education.

 

VOTED, that Dr. William M. Kelly of the New York State Museum be appointed State Geologist.

 

VOTED that Dr. Timothy L. McCabe of the New York State Museum be appointed State Entomologist.