Dr. Novotney, an internationally-recognized scholar and devoted HSU music teacher, founded the Humboldt Calypso Band less than a year after his part-time teaching appointment in 1986. In its 20 years of existence, the Humboldt Calypso Band has become the model for steel band programs both statewide and nationally. Former members have gone on to form and lead steel bands and initiate world music programs at every academic level. Novotney completed his doctorate and master's degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana and his bachelor's from the University of Cincinnati. Novotney has also studied music abroad in Ghana and various other countries.
The Wang award was established in fall 1998 when then-Trustee Stanley T. Wang provided $1 million to reward outstanding faculty and administrators. The award is designed to "celebrate CSU faculty and administrators who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements in their academic disciplines and areas of assignment."
Each year, four faculty and one administrator in CSU system will receive $20,000 awards. This is the eighth year the awards have been given.
Novotney will be awarded, along with Education, and Professional and Applied Sciences recipient, Doreen Nelson of Cal Poly Pomona; Natural Sciences, Mathematical and Computer Sciences and Engineering recipient, Alan L. Smith of CSU, San Bernardino; Social and Behavioral Sciences and Public Service recipient, Paul K. Longmore of San Francisco State University; and San Jose State University administrator, Kenneth H. Coale.