Pittsburg State University Faculty and Staff Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

A report on recent regional and national honors awarded to Pittsburg State University (PSU) faculty and staff, highlighting their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancing Quality Education and Decent Work (SDG 4 & SDG 8)

Several faculty members have been recognized for their work that directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing educational frameworks and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

• Julie Dainty (Career & Technical Education):
  1. Named Kansas Teacher Educator of the Year and Postsecondary Professional of the Year by KACTE.
  2. SDG Impact: This recognition underscores a commitment to SDG 4 by improving the quality of educators. Her focus on technical education directly supports SDG 8 by equipping students with skills for employment and decent work.
• Heather Busch (Career Development):
  1. Received the Brad Barackman Bridge Award for excellence in connecting students with employers.
  2. SDG Impact: This work is a direct contribution to SDG 8, promoting productive employment for youth. It strengthens the educational-to-workforce pipeline, a key component of SDG 4.
• Lori Scott Dreiling (Human Resources):
  1. Earned an EdD for research on regional workplace wellness and job satisfaction.
  2. SDG Impact: Her research contributes to SDG 8’s target of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, and also aligns with SDG 3 by promoting well-being in the workplace.
• Scott Thuong (Mathematics):
  1. Installed as the national president of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society.
  2. SDG Impact: Leadership in a foundational STEM field promotes high-quality education (SDG 4) and fosters the analytical skills necessary for innovation and infrastructure development (SDG 9).

Promoting Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

Faculty from health-related disciplines have received national honors, signifying contributions to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through research, leadership, and practice.

• Amy Hite (Nursing):
  1. Selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a first for the PSU School of Nursing.
  2. SDG Impact: This high honor recognizes significant contributions to the nursing profession, directly supporting SDG 3 by advancing healthcare leadership and improving health outcomes.
• Natalie Bird (Health, Human Performance, and Recreation):
  1. Received two national honors from the Sport and Recreation Law Association.
  2. SDG Impact: Her work in research and service ensures that sport and recreation are safe and well-regulated, promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being as targeted by SDG 3.

Fostering Innovation, Climate Action, and Equality (SDG 5, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13)

PSU faculty are contributing to a sustainable future through research and leadership in science, climate communication, and industry innovation.

• Delia Lister (Biology):
  1. Completed a PhD with a focus on climate communication and women’s history in national parks.
  2. SDG Impact: This research directly addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving communication strategies. The focus on women’s history also contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by highlighting the role of women in conservation and science.
• Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti (Chemistry):
  1. Appointed to leadership roles in U.S. and Canadian textile science associations.
  2. SDG Impact: His leadership can influence the textile industry towards greater innovation (SDG 9) and more sustainable practices, aligning with the goals of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article mentions achievements in the fields of Nursing, Health, Human Performance, and Recreation. Amy Hite’s selection as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and Natalie Bird’s honors in Sport and Recreation Law highlight contributions to the health sector. Furthermore, Lori Scott Dreiling’s research into workplace wellness and job satisfaction directly addresses the well-being aspect of this goal.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The entire article is centered on Pittsburg State University, an institution of higher education. It celebrates faculty and staff for their contributions to education, research, and service. Specific examples include Julie Dainty being named Kansas Teacher Educator of the Year and Scott Thuong’s leadership in a national mathematics honor society, all of which are core to providing quality education.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article prominently features the achievements of numerous women in academia and leadership. Julie Dainty, Heather Busch, Natalie Bird, Amy Hite, Delia Lister, and Lori Scott Dreiling are all recognized with significant honors. Delia Lister’s PhD research on “women’s history” also contributes to recognizing and elevating the role of women, aligning with the goal of gender equality.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • This goal is addressed through efforts to prepare students for the workforce and improve working conditions. Heather Busch received an award specifically for her work “connecting students and employers.” Additionally, Lori Scott Dreiling’s research on “workplace wellness and job satisfaction” contributes to creating better and more secure working environments.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights advancements in scientific research and professional leadership. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti’s appointment to leadership roles in textile science associations and Natalie Bird’s national honors for “excellence in research” demonstrate a commitment to enhancing scientific research and innovation.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • This goal is directly referenced through the academic work of Delia Lister, who completed her PhD with a focus on “climate communication.” This type of research is crucial for education and awareness-raising on climate change issues.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.c: “Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce…” Amy Hite’s fellowship and role in the School of Nursing represent the development and high-level qualification of the health workforce.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.” This is supported by Julie Dainty’s work in Career & Technical Education and Heather Busch’s work connecting students to employers.
   • Target 4.c: “By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers…” The recognition of Julie Dainty as “Kansas Teacher Educator of the Year” directly speaks to the quality and qualification of educators.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.” The numerous awards and leadership roles obtained by the women mentioned in the article (Dainty, Busch, Bird, Hite, Lister, Dreiling) serve as evidence of their participation and leadership in academic and public life.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.6: “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.” Heather Busch’s work, recognized by the “Brad Barackman Bridge Award,” directly addresses this by creating pathways from education to employment.
   • Target 8.8: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers…” Lori Scott Dreiling’s research on “workplace wellness and job satisfaction” contributes to the knowledge base for creating such environments.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation…” This is reflected in Natalie Bird’s award for “excellence in research” and Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti’s leadership in textile science associations, which fosters scientific advancement.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: “Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.” Delia Lister’s PhD focused on “climate communication” is a direct contribution to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 3 & 4:
   • Implied Indicator: Number of faculty in health and education fields receiving national or regional awards. The article lists specific awards like “Kansas Teacher Educator of the Year” (Julie Dainty) and being selected as a “Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing” (Amy Hite), which serve as qualitative measures of excellence in the health and education workforce.
2. For SDG 5:
   • Implied Indicator: Proportion of women among faculty receiving high-level honors and appointments. The article’s list is dominated by women, implying a positive measure of their participation and leadership in academia.
3. For SDG 8:
   • Implied Indicator: Existence of university initiatives and awards for connecting students with employers. The “Brad Barackman Bridge Award” won by Heather Busch is a specific example that can be used as an indicator of institutional efforts to facilitate youth employment.
4. For SDG 9:
   • Implied Indicator: Number of faculty members holding leadership positions in national scientific associations. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti’s appointments in U.S. and Canadian textile science associations serve as a direct measure of this.
   • Implied Indicator: Number of national awards for research excellence. Natalie Bird’s two national honors for research are a clear indicator of progress in scientific research.
5. For SDG 13:
   • Implied Indicator: Number of advanced academic degrees (e.g., PhDs) awarded for research in climate change-related topics. Delia Lister’s PhD in “climate communication” is a specific instance of this indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: koamnewsnow.com