Milne Library welcomes new Director of ESL/Dual Degree Programs

At the beginning of February 2007, SUNY Geneseo welcomed Jeannette Molina, new Director of ESL/Dual Degree Programs, and Milne Library opened its doors to our newest "roommate."

For many years now, the staff at Milne Library has enjoyed a close relationship with Irene Belyakov, Professor of English and ESL, and her students, who come from all over the country and the world. Professor Belyakov has had an office at Milne Library, has consistently taught her courses in one of the library's classrooms, has partnered with instruction librarians to teach her students about research methods and academic integrity, and has co-sponsored an annual pizza party for her students where they have the chance to informally meet the library staff.

With the arrival of Jeannette Molina, it seemed a natural fit to create an office space for her in the library, alongside Professor Belyakov.

Ms. Molina's responsibilities are currently evolving as the success of SUNY Geneseo's study abroad programs has recently matured into a series of international opportunities for students to acquire dual degrees in a specified discipline. Partners in the exchange programs include Universidad de las Americas in Mexico (International Relations), Hacettepe University in Turkey (Economics), and Moscow State University in Russia (Communication).

Room 121 of Milne Library is the new home for ESL and Dual Degrees (shared with the Library's Acquisitions Department) and Ms. Molina hopes the office will serve as a second home to the students the two programs serve. She envisions a new hub where communication between Geneseo and its international partners takes place and one main location where domestic and international ESL students and students in the Dual Degree Program can seek assistance.

Jeannette Molina encourages anyone interested in the new exchange programs, or in her new position on campus, to drop in. Otherwise, she can be reached at 245-5531 or at molina@geneseo.edu.