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East Stroudsburg University bestows it highest faculty honor, the Distinguished Professor Award, upon Dr. Joseph M. Cavanaugh, for his exemplary and outstanding service to the university and his commitment to the teaching of mathematics.

Dr. Cavanaugh has served on many campus groups and committees that are critical to the strategic planning and academic standards of the university, including several Middle States Self-Study Steering Committees and various incarnations of the Council for Strategic Planning. He has been Chair of the Department of Mathematics for over twenty-five years. He has worked actively in APSCUF, the faculty association, in a number of leadership positions, both locally and statewide. He has willingly taken on administrative roles when asked, such as Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Acting Associate Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Cavanaugh is an active researcher and report editor, and is as respected for his writing and communication skills as he is for his quantitative expertise. He is always responsive to inquiries from colleagues and students, not only about mathematical principles but about his knowledge of the faculty contract, and the history, permutations, and progress of various plans for the university’s advancement that he has often had a hand in developing and implementing. Dr. Cavanaugh is truly a Renaissance scholar and can engage in conversation ranging from literature to classical music and opera.

Dr. Cavanaugh received his B.S. in Mathematics at Siena College, his M.A. and PhD. in Mathematics from Syracuse University.

Dr. Cavanaugh retired from ESU in 2011 and was awarded Professor Emeritus status.