January 12, 2004

Olsen-Smith, Baltzell Receive Boise State Research, Service Awards

Steven Olsen-Smith, a Boise State University English professor, and Michael Baltzell, a Boise State theatre arts professor, were recently named the recipients of the university’s 2002 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Research and Service Awards. Olsen-Smith was recognized for his research focusing on 19th century American literature with an emphasis on Herman Melville. He is recognized nationally as an expert on Melville’s life and writings and is the primary scholar responsible for tracking the discovery of Melville’s annotated books (about one a year is found). Olsen-Smith is also charged with updating the text Melville’s Reading, first published in 1948. Baltzell, head of Boise State’s scene shop, was honored for service to students, the theatre arts department, the College of Arts and Sciences and to the community. He serves as an adviser for the Theatre Majors Association and the Student Programs Board, oversees weekly play production meetings, designs and coordinates events for local schools and other theatre and arts organizations, and has planned events for non-theatrical community organizations such as the Log Cabin Literary Center, Community House and Idaho Humane Society. Olsen-Smith and Baltzell each received an honorarium, and their names have been added to a perpetual plaque outside the dean’s office. -30- Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275