The Visionary Fall 2009

From the day Dr. Paul Abplanalp first became associate dean for academic affairs in September 1999, it became clear that our college had found an academic administrator whose skills and qualities set him apart from the rest. During the recruitment process, accolades had abounded as superiors, colleagues, students, and friends alike (including our own dean, Dr. David S. Loshin) expressed their admiration and respect for Dr. Abplanalp—as a teacher, an administrator, a leader, an organizer, and as an individual who could inspire others to reach further and succeed. By all accounts, Dr. Abplanalp, we were told, was an extraordinary person, an accomplished administrator who could expertly manage events, people, and situations. In addition, his reputation as someone who possessed a unique way of perceiving and dealing with the world had preceded him—and we were a bit unsure of how we would take to this extraordinary personality. Dr. Abplanalp became one of our most beloved individuals—at least for those whom he found to be forthright, intelligent, capable, and enthusiastic. There have been those few who encountered a different person, someone who could not be fooled and who would not succumb to pressures that would undermine his authority. Dr. Abplanalp (affectionately known to staff as Dr. A.) manifests an unerring insight into people’s minds and possesses the ability to make accurate assessments. Over time, these traits have engendered great admiration among our faculty, staff, students, and administration. Even at the time of his hiring, Dr. A. was spending as much time as possible in Colorado—the part of our country that he most loves and where he planned to make his future home. When Dr. A. eventually agreed to take the job of associate dean, it was with the caveat that retirement was only a few years away. Much to everyone’s surprise, it is 10 years later, and Dr. A. is finally fulfilling his retirement dream. Before he departs, however, he must be credited for his good works at NSU’s College of Optometry. From the beginning, Dr. Abplanalp recognized a need to eliminate inconsistencies in our academic and student disciplinary policies. Working with the administrative team, he soon set about developing protocols and procedures that would address these inconsistencies. In addition, he improved the language in our student handbook so students would be clear about their rights and responsibilities. Student academic progress and disciplinary actions were better described and defined, and Dr. Abplanalp’s tenet that all students should receive equal and equitable treatment began to emerge as a reality. Another of Dr. Abplanalp’s initiatives was the introduction of student focus groups. This has been a great success because students in small but representative groups are able to express any concerns they may have. And while major changes may not always be possible, the students know they have been heard. Dr A. also established an honors program comprising a select group of high-achieving students. Honors students follow a slightly modified curriculum—in actuality, additional studies—that provide intellectual and clinical enrichment. Honors students respond to the program by reaching even higher. Another area of focus for Dr. Abplanalp has been the faculty, which he has mentored in so many ways. Faculty members can be found in his office throughout the day—listening, learning, seeking advice, or even just chatting. There is something of value always received in a conversation with him. Over the years, he has also showcased an amazing aptitude for reviewing the teaching portfolios, which provide measurable assessments of teaching skills. They are reviewed annually by administration and are also a tool for peer review and self-evaluation. Dr. Abplanalp’s approach has always been to motivate and encourage, providing constructive criticism that sets the stage for growth—going forward, not recriminating. A small number of accomplishments over 10 years, you say? Not so—I have simply provided the highlights. When everything is taken together, the most foundational and important change brought about with and by Dr. Paul Abplanalp’s leadership, expertise, and influence is in the standards by which our faculty members teach, our students learn, and the college’s reputation rests—and this will remain with us as his legacy to NSU. This man, a pillar of integrity, honesty, and compassion, is a man who has impressed since his first day on the job. In my mind, he will always be the gold standard for an academic dean. Colorado Beckons Dr. Paul Abplanalp By Barbara Karpel, M.S. Director of Administration and Associate Editor, The Visionary The Visionary – Fall 2009 • Page 11