Dan Goldberg Receives Diversity Award

Apr 13, 2015

Students say he creates an inclusive learning environment.

Dan Goldberg, assistant professor of geography, is being honored April 15 at Texas A&M’s annual Diversity Awards ceremony. The Partners in Learning Award of Excellence, sponsored by the Department of Disability Services, recognizes faculty or staff who go above and beyond to provide an inclusive academic experience for students with disabilities.

Goldberg was cited in his nomination letters for his ability to mentor, encourage and provide opportunities for all students in a field that has traditionally not been inclusive. In one nomination letter, a student writes that Dr. Goldberg demonstrates “a commitment to both providing quality interactions between different groups of people and allowing them a space for that to occur. Not only does he provide opportunities to all groups, he devotes his time to assisting students so they can enter the workforce and change the face of STEM.”

Another student, who has struggled in her academic subjects since suffering from traumatic brain injury in a car accident, writes: “Until I had a class with Dr. Goldberg, no professor seemed approachable or impressed with my efforts.” Not only did Goldberg encourage her to develop a mobile application of a student project she did on crowdsourcing Aggieland sustainability, he also funded her trip to a developer’s conference in California. She was offered an internship at the conference, which turned into a full-time job. “I have a job because of him and how he believed in me,” she writes.

Goldberg, an assistant professor whose degrees are in computer science, teaches Geographic Information Science (GIS) in the College of Geosciences. He also holds a joint appointment in computer science in the College of Engineering. His research interests include applying GIS techniques to assess risk and exposure in the areas of health and the environment.

“Dan Goldberg has made impressive contributions to STEM education in the college and university in the short time he has been here,” said Kate Miller, dean of the College of Geosciences. “Dan’s commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that nourishes and mentors all students reflects our core values.”

Faculty and staff receiving awards will be honored at 3 p.m., April 15, in 2300 MSC. The event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Department of Multicultural Services, Office of the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Department of Disability Services and Aggie Allies.

Karen Riedel
Communications Manager
979-845-0910