School of Arts & Sciences

Robin L. Collen

Professor, Theatre & Dance / Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences

collenrl@potsdam.edu

TEL: (315) 267-2234 / 2230 FAX: (315) 267-3140

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Education: BA/MS, Dance, University of Oregon PhD, Dance, Texas Woman's University CMA (Certification in Laban Movement Analysis), Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Studies. Dr. Collen began teaching at SUNY Potsdam in 1998. She teaches courses in Laban Movement Analysis, Modern Dance, Ballet, Dance History/Appreciation, Pilates, Improvisation, Pedagogy, and Composition. At SUNY Potsdam her choreography has included contemporary works, musical theatre--including Cabaret and Ragtime--and operas--The Sailor-Boy and the Falcon, Orpheus in the Underworld, Venus and Adonis, and Dido and Aeneas. Dr. Collen is affiliated with National Dance Education Association, Congress on Research in Dance, Society of Dance History Scholars, Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, and Motus Humanus. She serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Dance Education. She is also a member of the New York State DanceForce, a consortium of dance activists committed to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity throughout New York State. Dr. Collen is the recipient of the 2011 SUNY Potsdam President's Award for Excellence in College Service.

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Shiho Imai

Interim Dean / Associate Professor

imais@potsdam.edu

TEL: (315) 267-2876

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I was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Bronxville, New York when I was six years old. I recently discovered that my grade school teacher graduated from Potsdam in 1969!

When I was in fifth grade, my parents suddenly announced that we were going back to Japan. I still remember that last day of school.

My dream of returning to the U.S. was finally realized during my junior year of college at Sophia University (上智大学), as an exchange student to Pomona College.

After graduating from Sophia University, I worked for Dentsu Inc., an advertising agency in Tokyo. Here I learned the basics of marketing, copywriting, and sales promotion among other things. Little did I know that this experience would become useful in studying history.

I received my M.A. from Tufts University and Ph.D. from Brown University. My dissertation, "Creating the Nisei Market: Japanese American Consumer Culture in Honolulu, 1920-1941," explores the relationship between advertising in the immigrant press and Japanese American identity.

At Potsdam I teach Premodern and Modern Japanese History, U.S. History Since 1877, and specialized seminars. One of my seminars, "Imagining Asia: Intercultural Encounters Between the U.S. and Asia," examines the role of Asia in shaping American culture. I also teach Japanese women's history from ancient times to the present. In my free time, I like to travel with my husband, Takashi. We try to visit the national parks every summer.

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Krista L. Medo

Assistant Dean / Interim Assistant Provost

medokl@potsdam.edu

TEL: (315) 267-2198 FAX: (315) 267-3140

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Marta M. Whalen

Administrative Assistant 2

whalenmm@potsdam.edu

TEL: (315) 267-2231 FAX: (315) 267-3140

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