U.C.S. Bakersfield Acknowledges Professors

Three faculty members at California State University, Bakersfield have been awarded the 2007-08 Faculty Awards by the CSUB Faculty Senate, University Research Council and the university.

Professor of Anthropology Robert Yohe has received the Outstanding Professor Award and the Millie Ablin Award for Excellence in Teaching; Professor of Advanced Education Kathleen Ritter has received the Faculty Leadership and Service Award; and Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Tim Vivian has received the Faculty Research Award.

The faculty awards are presented annually to recognize the outstanding contributions of CSUB faculty members to their students, the university and their disciplines. Nominations are submitted by administrators, other faculty members, students and alumni.

Robert Yohe

Yohe first served at CSUB from 1990 – 1993 before being appointed the state archaeologist and administrator of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. During this same period he taught anthropology courses at Boise State University as an adjunct lecturer. He returned to CSUB in 1996.

Yohe has conduced research in the deserts of North America for the past 28 years, working on over 150 different archaeological projects. He is considered one of the foremost stone tool experts in the western United States.

Recently, Yohe has spent his summers working as the senior osteologist (bone specialist) for the El-Hibeh Archaeological Project in Egypt. His expertise in human osteology and animal remains are helping to unravel the mystery surrounding 13 mummies and a number of artifacts that he has helped to salvage. His discoveries have been shared with the world on a recent episode of the Discovery Channel’s “The Bone Detective.”

Kathleen Ritter

Ritter’s 32 years at CSUB have had a significant impact on the Kern County community. Hundreds of her students have gone on to establish their own counseling practices, have been employed in most mental health agencies, and have practiced in the public schools. Additionally she has been instrumental in the development and coordination of three master’s degree programs at CSUB.

Nearly 29 years ago Ritter established the CSUB University Counselor Training Clinic. Utilizing marriage and family therapy student clinicians, the clinic offers low-cost counseling services to the Bakersfield community. Each year the students working in the clinic provide over 2,000 hours of individual, couple, family and group counseling services.

Tim Vivian

Vivian is a dedicated scholar in the field of early Christianity, with emphasis on Coptic Studies and Early Christian Monasticism. He has taught at CSUB in a variety of capacities since 1990.

Vivian has published 10 books, more than 60 articles, and over 100 book reviews in a wide variety of scholarly publications. His scholarship is also based on substantial archeological field work. He has participated in two excavations in Egypt, serving as a director and faculty member at the excavation of the monastery of John Kolobos. He served as project historian for the team restoring and studying the 13th century wall paintings at the monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt.