I think sometimes I throw a profile out here. Here’s one.

We have a lot of standout faculty at Sixnut (soon I’ll be able to link back to it once the website is redone by someone who knows what they’re doing) so it’s hard to single them out.

Recently a Ph.D in History from the University of Connecticut, Rafaele Fierro, who runs The Independent Thinkers weblog, is the kind of professor we should all learn from. This professor sees something and doesn’t have to be convinced that it could be useful, helpful, or interesting. He makes that decision on his own and runs with it, amplifying minimal direction or conversation into his own application of the concept, such as the weblog. If he doesn’t like something or find it interesting, he can channel that into something positive, or tell us to take a flying leap. He’ll soon be giving a techtalk on weblogs.

He’s also an excellent leader, going from the new guy to “let’s get Fierro in on this” because he’ll make things happen or provide us insight we hadn’t considered. The presentations and programs he puts together are things to look forward to. He’s part of a daunting team of historians on campus who are all collegial and deserve profiling themselves. All have earned respect.

Fierro’s proven himself a student advocate. But he doesn’t treat students like dolts. He knows that our grand theories and soaring talk will somehow have to get back to the classroom.

Fierro is the second best dresser on campus, too, behind W and perhaps tied with DA. These guys know how to wear a tie.

Salutes to you.

More profiles coming.