Dear Editor,
Jessica Fitzpatrick, Ph.D, joined Fredonia’s Department of Sociocultural and Justice Studies in the Fall semester of 2015. Since joining the department, Fitzpatrick has made tremendous contributions to the programing for Fredonia students. Fitzpatrick brings creativity into her teaching and inspires students to look outside the box. In addition to creating lesson plans and planning for a full class load, she went above and beyond her responsibilities as an assistant professor to provide the students with extracurricular activities and events.
She has assisted the social work majors in creating a social work honor society and inducted new members this April. She has also organized and coordinated with Fredonia students to attend Lobby Days in Albany to advocate for social justice in New York State. Fitzpatrick also worked with student team leaders in organizing Fredonia’s Alternative Spring Break Program. She assisted students with grant writing and planning for two separate Alternative Spring Break Programs, one in Kentucky, which she attended, and one locally in Buffalo. Fitzpatrick also is involved in Fredonia’s Title IX work on sexual assault on campus.
Fitzpatrick incorporates community needs into her teaching. For example, in her macro practice class with social work seniors, she had her students create an asset map of the Fredonia and Dunkirk area to produce a needs assessment of the area. This project was focused on how the University and community can collaborate to make the community a better place for students, residents and travelers.
Students come first with Fitzpatrick. She is extremely flexible and is a tremendous support for students. She goes to every length to ensure they are getting the best possible educational experience.
Fitzpatrick is passionate about social and economic justice. She is a true social worker in every sense of the word. She provides not only education and teaching to Fredonia students but also a model for leadership and advocacy.
In her spare time, Fitzpatrick is heavily involved in the local community. She has created a non-profit organization to battle teen dating violence in Buffalo. Fitzpatrick is a huge asset to Fredonia and has embraced Fredonia’s mission of involvement in the local community.
Sincerely,
Professor Cassandra Farrell