 "Photo: Photo Courtesy/ Glen Sherman")
"Outside The Classroom," a national alcohol education group, has awarded Dr. Glen Sherman, the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Development, with the "Outstanding Alcohol and Other Dr"Outside The Classroom," a national alcohol education group, has awarded Dr. Glen Sherman, the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Development, with the "Outstanding Alcohol and Other Drug Professional Award" for his commitment and efforts toward alcohol prevention.
Dr. Martone, Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management, said Sherman "advocates for the students on a daily basis and that because of his efforts, William Paterson University has gained recognition as a regional and national leader in the field of alcohol prevention."
As a psychologist and the former director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services, Sherman had accumulated a great deal of knowledge about substance abuse from working with students who struggled with substance abuse. But it was the $12,000 grant given to William Paterson University six years ago, by the New Jersey Higher Education Consortium that allowed him and other administrators to "step up their prevention efforts."
"I sought an opportunity to engage students in the process of thinking and making wise decisions regarding their health and academic success." He said. "It is not that as administrators, we had a particularly bad problem with alcohol on campus; it is that we try to assist students in not making destructive decisions."
When asked how he felt when he was receiving the award, Sherman said "it all paid off in the long-run because it was very gratifying to be surrounded by many colleges and universities around the country, knowledgeable people whom I respect and admired."
Sherman is also the founder of Peer Health Advocate, a substance abuse prevention program on campus that promotes illegal drinking. The program has worked with local high schools, surrounding communities, and even partnered with local retailers to prevent students from purchasing alcoholic beverages illegally.
Sherman’s message to students is very simple: "I’ve seen what alcohol substance can do to you. People lose their spouses, jobs… It is better to address it earlier and get a handle in order to be successful." To the non-addicted people who also consume recreational drugs, the message is the same: "Think twice and access what you are doing because it can be counterproductive academically or in your future success."
The annual NASPA conference was held on Monday, March 9, 2009, in Seattle, Washington. A reception was held at the Seattle Space Needle.
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