WINONA LAKE, IND. – Grace College’s Dr. Mark Norris, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Department of History and Political Science, was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Indiana Council for the Social Studies, a premiere professional organization of social studies educators in Indiana.

Norris has been active in the organization for six years, attending and taking students to ICSS yearly meetings. His participation in the organization helps Grace’s history and political science department and its students stay current on trends in social studies education, and involvement in the ICSS meetings allows students to gain insight and experience as they work toward careers as social studies educators.

“We believe it is vital for students to connect with the broader world of their disciplines,” Norris said. “It is vital that we faculty model building relationships with other professionals both within Christian organizations and within the broader world.   Our students benefit from all the relationships we make and avenues are increasingly open for others to learn about the mission of our college.”

Norris was elected to the board and attended his first board meeting in Indianapolis in late August. He said it was an honor to be noticed and nominated for the position.

“I was also moved that they really want Grace to be involved, especially since we are in northern Indiana and most of their representatives are in southern Indiana,” he added.