6 Back in the States In 2004, the family of six (by then including Torin’s three younger siblings: Brynn, Teagan and Cullen) returned to the U.S., where Danilowicz would be an associate biology professor and associate dean for science and technology at Georgia Southern University. Danilowicz has long demonstrated an aptitude for learning. In 2004, he enhanced his education with a master’s degree in education focusing on leadership from Open University in the United Kingdom. While at Georgia Southern, he earned a master of business administration. Both would serve him well in his new position. In 2010, Forbes magazine ranked Georgia Southern University as the 10th best college in the nation for minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Diverse Issues in Higher Education also recently said the college is fourth in the nation in graduating black students in the physical sciences. Danilowicz also created the Center for Sustainability in 2007. “Largely due to the actions of this center, Georgia Southern has been nationally ranked in Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for the past two years,” he says. And he continued to indulge his passion for undergraduate research. More than 50 percent of the graduates from Danilowicz’s college had participated in research projects during their years at school. Meanwhile, the Danilowicz household remained involved in the community. The parents picked up running shoes and have not stopped since. “We became avid runners in Georgia, and we were part of a large running club,” he says. That included organizing a marathon with about 30 runners out of their home each year. “It was a lot of fun but we have left our running community behind. We look forward to building that level of friends here in Oklahoma.” Bret Dani lowicz speaks to the Geology Advisory Board at the Mesa Vista Ranch. “I want to make sure we focus on the undergraduate teaching mission. I also want to make sure we are recognizing facul ty in teaching as wel l as research. Great educators are so very important to the success of our students.” — Bret Dani lowicz
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