Four Women Promoted to Full Professor at Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College in Providence enrolls about 7,500 undergraduate students. Women make up two thirds of the undergraduate student body, according to the latest Department of Education data. The college has announced the promotion of eight faculty members to the rank of full professor. Four of the eight promotions went to women.

Susan Abbotson was promoted to full professor of English. She has been on the faculty at the college since 1999. Professor Abbotson is the author of several books including Critical Companion to Arthur Miller : A Literary Reference to His Life And Work (Facts on File, 2007). Dr. Abbotson is a graduate of Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England. She holds a master’s degree from the University at Brockport of the State University of New York system and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.

Joanne Costello was appointed professor of nursing at Rhode Island College. Her research is focused on diabetes management. Professor Costello is a graduate of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Louisiana State University, a master of public health degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, and a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island.

Olga Juzyn was named a full professor of modern languages. Professor Juzyn holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She teaches courses in Italian, Spanish, and Hispanic literature. Professor Juzyn also serves as the faculty advisor for the college’s Ballroom Dance Team.

Marie Lynch was promoted to full professor of special education. Professor Lynch is a graduate of Syracuse University in New York. She earned a master’s degree at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island. Her research is focused on effective practices to include students with disabilities and the identification and evaluation of learning-based and other disabilities.