Four Long-Term IAC Faculty Retire
Posted September 19, 2024
Peter Brecke, Seymour E. Goodman, Cheryl Leggon, and David Shook retired from the Ivan Allen College this summer after a combined 113 years of service to the Institute. Their teaching, research, and service work broadly impacted the IAC community, and their presence at the College will be missed.
Read more about the faculty members' long careers and legacies below.
Peter Brecke
Associate Professor
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
Associate Professor Peter Brecke’s Georgia Tech career spanned five decades, during which he worked on myriad research projects, including historical data science, social global modeling, computer-aided conflict early warning systems, a taxonomy of conflict, the empirical origins of democracy, and creation of a novel and deeply historical database of international trade.
Brecke was the author of numerous articles and research reports on the computer simulation of worldwide political and economic developments, and war and reconciliation, as well as early warning of conflicts.
His mentorship and his commitment to integrating diverse fields of study enriched the academic environment, providing students with new and evolving tools to tackle complex global challenges, said Nunn School Chair Adam N. Stulberg.
"Peter was a pillar of interdisciplinary innovation and a stalwart for infusing new tools into cutting-edge research and education,” Stulberg said. “He was an invaluable colleague who wore many hats during his long and productive career. Given his many contributions to our school, students across the Institute and Georgia Tech writ large will definitely miss Peter," Stulberg said.
Seymour E. Goodman
Regent’s Professor
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
Regent's Professor Seymour E. Goodman had a profoundly impactful career at Georgia Tech, especially in international affairs and computing.
Goodman joined Georgia Tech in 2000 and worked extensively on issues related to information technologies and related public policy and societal issues, as well as technological developments and their influence on the conduct and outcomes of large-scale conflicts. One of the final assignments of his career was helping lead development of the curriculum for Georgia Tech's School of Cybersecurity and Privacy.
The author of more than 150 publications, Goodman made significant contributions to the understanding of technology's role in global security and national policy, said Nunn School Chair Adam N. Stulberg.
"Sy Goodman’s work exemplified the best of Georgia Tech’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence," Stulberg said. "His research into global technology policy, critical infrastructure and societal resilience, and cybersecurity has been monumental across our campus, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come."
Cheryl Leggon
Associate Professor
School of Public Policy
Cheryl Leggon joined the Georgia Tech faculty in 2002, making her a member of the Ivan Allen College (IAC) community for 22 years. Throughout her time in the School of Public Policy, Leggon’s teaching and research focused on policies, programs, and practices to increase and enhance the participation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and women of color in the science and engineering workforce. As an ADVANCE Professor in IAC, Leggon also worked to support a more accessible and inclusive workplace at Georgia Tech.
“Cheryl Leggon is a generous and valued colleague, both in her contributions to the School of Public Policy and the Georgia Tech ADVANCE Program,” said Mary Frank Fox, a Dean’s Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy. “In her teaching and research, Cheryl has brought strong and effective attention to the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender that shape outcomes in science and engineering; and to fair access and opportunity in teaching and learning in the U.S. and globally.”
“I am grateful that my time at Georgia Tech overlapped with Dr. Leggon and for the sociological perspective she brought to the School,” said Cassidy R. Sugimoto, professor and Tom and Marie Patton Chair of the School of Public Policy. “It was clear that she is passionate about equity in science and engineering, and I am confident she will continue to pursue this work in her retirement.”
David Shook
Associate Professor of Spanish
School of Modern Languages
As a long-time member of the School of Modern Languages, David Shook taught courses ranging from elementary Spanish to Hispanic literature and developed seven new classes during his tenure. In his research, Shook explored language program development, teaching methodology, grammar acquisition through reading, and the use of literature for language acquisition.
Shook spent nearly half of his 34 years at the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in prominent service roles such as the director of undergraduate studies, associate chair for undergraduate studies, and interim chair — on three occasions — in the School of Modern Languages. He also served as the College’s associate dean for undergraduate studies. He coordinated development of the School's graduate program and first Academic Program Review. He also served on committees such as the Promotion and Tenure Committee, the Instructional Center Renovation Committee, and several search committees.
However, "his service has been honorable and distinguished not only in quantity but also in quality," said John Lyon, Chair of the School of Modern Languages.
Shook will remain an Associate Professor Emeritus of Spanish in the School.
"For more than three decades, Dr. Shook has always been the go-to person in Modern Languages, not only for questions about Institute operations and difficult curricular decisions but also for issues of a more individual nature," added Cecilia Montes-Alcala, an associate professor of Spanish and the director of the Spanish Program.
“If he did not have the answer, he would find it. We all sought his advice constantly, and his office was always busy. Yet, his door was nearly always open, and we knew we always had his undivided attention as he listened to and addressed each and every issue with patience, empathy, and care. Dr. Shook's contributions in administrative leadership have demonstrated a tangible and positive impact in shaping the trajectory of the School of Modern Languages in the last 30 years."
