Tower Fellows Program Welcomes New Faculty Chairs
Dr. Mary Steinhardt and Dr. Mary Neuburger are appointed Faculty Chair and Faculty Chair-Elect of the Tower Fellows Program
Mary Steinhardt, Faculty Chair
Dr. Mary Steinhardt has accepted the role of Faculty Chair for the Tower Fellows Program for the 2025–2026 academic year. In this leadership capacity, she will oversee the Distinguished Speakers Series, inviting renowned scholars to share their research and insights with the Tower Fellows. Additionally, Dr. Steinhardt will foster strategic academic connections and collaborations across the University, enriching the program and supporting the personal, professional, and intellectual growth of each Fellow.
A professor in the College of Education, Dr. Steinhardt also serves as the University’s Research Integrity Officer. Her previous roles include Faculty Ombuds and Senior Provost Teaching Fellow. She is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers and a recipient of the prestigious Civitatis Award, the University’s highest honor for exemplary faculty citizenship. Her research focuses on the behavioral and biological mechanisms through which resilience resources influence type 2 diabetes outcomes among African Americans.
Dr. Steinhardt has been a valued faculty advisor to the Tower Fellows Program since 2019 and will serve as Faculty Chair through August 2026.
A professor in the College of Education, Dr. Steinhardt also serves as the University’s Research Integrity Officer. Her previous roles include Faculty Ombuds and Senior Provost Teaching Fellow. She is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers and a recipient of the prestigious Civitatis Award, the University’s highest honor for exemplary faculty citizenship. Her research focuses on the behavioral and biological mechanisms through which resilience resources influence type 2 diabetes outcomes among African Americans.
Dr. Steinhardt has been a valued faculty advisor to the Tower Fellows Program since 2019 and will serve as Faculty Chair through August 2026.
Mary Neuburger, Faculty Chair-Elect
Dr. Mary Neuburger has accepted the appointment of Faculty Chair-Elect for the Tower Fellows Program for the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, she will participate in the interview process for prospective Fellows and oversee the matching of Fellows with their faculty advisors, ensuring meaningful academic engagement and mentorship.
Dr. Neuburger is a faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts, where she holds the Mildred Hajek Vacek and John Roman Vacek Distinguished University Chair in Russian and Slavic Languages. She serves as Director of the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) and Chair of the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies. Her research focuses on modern Eastern Europe, with a specialization in Southeastern Europe, and explores themes such as urban culture, consumption, commodity exchange, and the intersection of science and religion in the history of truth.
A contributor to the Tower Fellows Program, Dr. Neuburger has served as a teaching faculty member for Tower Fellows and will continue her involvement in a leadership capacity. She will assume the role of Faculty Chair in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Dr. Neuburger is a faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts, where she holds the Mildred Hajek Vacek and John Roman Vacek Distinguished University Chair in Russian and Slavic Languages. She serves as Director of the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) and Chair of the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies. Her research focuses on modern Eastern Europe, with a specialization in Southeastern Europe, and explores themes such as urban culture, consumption, commodity exchange, and the intersection of science and religion in the history of truth.
A contributor to the Tower Fellows Program, Dr. Neuburger has served as a teaching faculty member for Tower Fellows and will continue her involvement in a leadership capacity. She will assume the role of Faculty Chair in the 2026–2027 academic year.