Week of Jan. 29-Feb. 4

Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western. 

Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200

Click any link for these stories:

Western Crew Helps Clear Ice Storm Damage

Student's Avocation Has Her Seeing Red

Western to Offer Master's of Applied Science in Fall 2007

January 2007 Points of Pride

Tower Sports

News Briefs

Calendar

Ads

Archives

The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, for the next week's issue. Tower Topics will be online weekly during the fall and spring semester.  For more information call 271-5651.

Western Crew Helps Clear Ice Storm Damage

“We stayed busy both days and could have stayed busy for several more. It looked like a war zone.” Those are the words of David Noah, one of three volunteers from the maintenance department at Western who spent last weekend cleaning up from a mid-January winter storm in Richland, a small community in southern Missouri.

Noah, Ron Hodge and Greg Monach loaded up a Western maintenance vehicle with university chain saws and tools and answered the statewide call for volunteers to the ice-damaged area as a result of storms in mid-January.

“You can’t imagine the devastation,” said Hodge. He said telephone and light poles were snapped in two, and downed trees and branches were everywhere. Tiny branches often had two inches of ice on them. The volunteers saw a brush pile in one resident’s yard that was taller than his house, and several homes were still without electricity.

Downed power lines were everywhere, so Noah kept busy making sure the wires were not live.

All three men said they would like to go again and help, and would encourage others to volunteer. “You know if you’re spending your time helping someone else, it’s worth your time,” said Noah. “It was a lot of work, but we had fun.”

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Student's Avocation Has Her Seeing Red

They are architects, lawyers, moms and college students. They practice four or five times a week in the summer, follow a strict work out schedule, teach character building to young girls, and make three or four community appearances each month, shaking hands and signing autographs. And, oh yeah, during the football season each fall, they can be found on the sidelines of Arrowhead Stadium, cheering on the Chiefs.

They are the Chiefs cheerleaders, and one of the college students in the group is a junior health and exercise science major at Western. Jeron Jackson just completed her second season as a Chiefs cheerleader, and plans to try out again for next season in April.

Jackson said she originally tried out because she loved dance and football, and being a Chiefs cheerleader was a great way to combine both. “Now I do it because I love meeting fans, I love the charity appearances and the junior cheerleaders; and I have met so many friends.”

And, she said she loves the fans and cheering on game days, which start with a wake-up call at 5:30 a.m. “By kickoff, you feel like you already put in a full day,” she said. “But game days are a lot of fun.”

The St. Joseph native noted that thanks to the guidance of Elaine Hart, the Chiefs cheerleader director, the group may not fit the typical cheerleader stereotype. Jackson said all the cheerleaders get along very well with one another; there is no gossip or snide comments. “We’re not competing with each other.”

Also, she said, character counts a lot when it comes to tryouts. “The tryouts are more interviews than dancing. Elaine will pick character over dance talent; she’ll pick a person who has a good heart.”

Jackson said she is also a performer in the Chiefs cheerleaders’ two-hour variety show, which has traveled all over the country and overseas. The group hopes to perform for troops in Iraq in March.

“I tell people, ‘Being a Chiefs cheerleader is the best experience of your life. It changes you immensely.’”

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Western to Offer Master's of Applied Science in Fall 2007

Western will offer its first graduate program this fall. The master of applied science degree with three options has been approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Joseph Bragin, provost, announced the news at the January Board of Governor’s meeting.

Dr. Jeanne Daffron, assistant vice president for academic and student affairs, has been named interim graduate dean, and the graduate office will be located in Popplewell Hall, 214.

Dr. Bragin noted that the site team from our regional accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission, was favorably impressed during a two day-site visit in fall 2006. Specifically the team cited Western’s academic and administrative organization as well suited to creating and sustaining high quality graduate programs in applied learning. The team also noted that the faculty and administration as well as other stakeholders in Western’s service region are committed to the creation of high quality graduate programs in applied learning.

Dr. Bragin said Western’s master’s programs are unique, not only in northwest Missouri, but throughout the state. They are known as Professional Master’s Degrees, and their emphasis is on applied learning.

In traditional master’s programs, he explained, the focus is on advanced disciplinary knowledge. Western’s programs will provide that in addition to “cross-training” in management, communications and technology. Core courses for the three options will cover business fundamentals, finance, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, project management, communications, computation and teamwork. Individual programs of study may include an internship component as well.

He said the degree will provide a wide variety of career options not typically provided by traditional graduate programs. The master of applied science degree will offer three options - chemistry, human factors and usability testing, and information technology management.

“We feel that this fulfills our unique statewide mission of applied learning,” Dr. Bragin said, referring to the directive of the State Legislature for Western to emphasize applied learning as part of its identity when it was designated a university in 2005. He noted that all graduate programs at Western will have an applied learning component.

Dr. Bragin noted that the graduate programs will not only benefit students but business and industry in the region. “We want to work very closely with post-graduate employers in developing curriculum.”

Western faculty members were also involved in the development of the master’s program. Dr. Jason Baker, associate professor of biology, chaired the Graduate Studies Committee that developed the campus' graduate policies, procedures and curriculum.

The construction of the science and technology incubator on campus, scheduled for completion this year, will create a “tremendous amount of synergy” with the graduate programs, said Dr. Bragin. “This science and technology incubator will be a very important component to the graduate degree in applied science.”

For more information, call the graduate office at 4364 or visit the web site at www.missouriwestern.edu/graduate.

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Tower Sports

Congratulations women's basketball! 20-0!! The women's team is ranked number 2 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 women's basketball poll.

Men's Basketball

• Loss vs. Southwest Baptist, 66-81, Jan. 24

• Loss vs. Washburn, 62-77, Jan. 27

• Jan. 30 at Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Mo. at 7:30 p.m.

• Feb. 3 at Emporia State in Emporia, Kan. at 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball

• Win vs. Southwest Baptist, 89-75, Jan. 24

• Win vs. Washburn, 49-47, Jan. 27

• Jan. 30 at Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Mo. at 5:30 p.m.

• Feb. 3 at Emporia State in Emporia, Kan. at 5:30 p.m.

Need a fundraiser for your organization? Bob Evans Restaurant in the Shoppes of the North Village can help! They offer a Community Fun Night, where your organization receives 15 percent of sales. For more information, contact Rick Kinion, manager, at 816-232-3880.

Student Research Opportunity The Medical College of Wisconsin is asking for assistance in identifying undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are interested in completing an intense research project with medical faculty at their institution for the 2007 Multicultural Summer Research Training Program. Those selected would receive a monthly stipend, housing, lab expenses, round-trip fare to Wisconsin and an opportunity to work within the field of science and technology through research. Interested students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in science and math, be a U.S. citizen, completed at least on year of undergraduate study and be from one of the following multicultural groups: African American, Alaskan native, Native American, Mexican American, mainland Puerto Rican, other Hispanic or Pacific Islander. The application deadline is March 1. For more information, contact Tay Triggs at 4150 or ttriggs.

Financial Aid Reminder NOW is the time to start thinking about financial aid for next year, and there are a few deadlines to remember. The first deadline to consider is March 1. That is the deadline to complete your FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – for the fall 2007 and spring 2008 terms, and to apply for Western scholarships. You must complete your FAFSA to be considered for all sources of financial assistance that you may qualify for, including the Federal Stafford Loans. If you miss the March 1 FAFSA deadline, there are “$1,000 reasons” to complete your FAFSA by April 1, according to the financial aid office. A proposal in the Missouri Legislature could mean more than 2,000 more Western students could receive state aid next academic year if it passes. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the financial aid office at 4362 or stop by in Eder Hall 103.

American Red Cross Lifeguards If you are a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and need a job please apply on the MWSU student employement site for a lifeguard position.

Study in St. Petersburg and Amsterdam Study art in Amsterdam and St. Petersburg, Russia. Have a once in a lifetime experience and earn three credits! We travel from May 15 - June 5. Your trip starts in Amsterdam, one of the world's most progressive cities. Known for its magnificent canals, great cafés and home to Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, we'll visit the great museums and enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle. Then it's on to St. Petersburg for 11 days. This city is Russia's cultural center and land of the Czars, Rasputin and the fabulous "White Nights!" Home of the Hermitage, truly one of the most magnificent museums in the world! We will visit the spectacular palaces that ring the city. Space is very limited -- if you don't have a passport, apply now. For further information, contact Geo Sipp by e-mail at sipp.

Travel - Study in Northern Ireland! Come study in Northern Ireland!! Be part of this Intersession Class, May 16-26. Explore Northern Ireland, while learning about the Peace Accord of 1998 and the history of this country. Students will stay in a traditional bed and breakfast, and experience much of the "new" Northern Ireland. Limited space is available; a deposit will hold your place. Financial aid available. Contact Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies, at katz or 5837.

Vagina Monologues Meeting and Auditions Do you have the courage to perform for a great cause? We're looking for just the right women to fill a few remaining roles in this year's benefit production of The Vagina Monologues. Faculty, staff and students are all welcome! Please join us Feb. 15-16 at 6 p.m. in the Potter Theater lobby. For more information contact Julie at jsumma.

New Student Organization The Office of Disability Services is currently seeking student leaders who are interested in forming a student organization for students with disabilities. The three requirements are: having a big heart, being dedicated to the program, and a willingness to help others. You do not have to be a student with a disability to become a member of this organization. We are currently looking for students to fill the following leadership roles: president, vice-president, scribe, treasurer, and activities chairperson. If you are interested in becoming a member of this organization, please contact Michael Ritter at 4330 or mritter as soon as possible.

Leadership Training Course A new scholarship opportunity is available to students interested in completing the Leadership Training Course. Successful students will receive the last two years of their schooling paid for. The program is through the ROTC program. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Christopher Grant at cgrant1 or Maj. Brian Stackhouse at 4541.

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Monday, January 29

• Senate meeting at 5 p.m. in Blum 218-219

• OSSW meeting from 12-12:30 p.m. in Popplewell 201

• Psi Chi/ Psychology Club meeting at 6 p.m. in Murphy 211

Tuesday, January 30

• Residence Council meeting at 7 p.m. in Commons Building

• Greek Housing Committee at 8 p.m. in the center for student engagement

• "African American Women on the Rise: College & Beyond" at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Society of Distinguished Black Women.

• Alpha Sigma Alpha Informal Recruitment Informational Night at 8 p.m. in Blum 218-219

Wednesday, January 31

• CAB meeting at 4 p.m. in the Junior College Room

Thursday, February 1

• Student Court meeting at 5 p.m. in the President's Dining Room - All students welcome.

• First Thursday Noontime Concert Series at 12:10 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 N. 7th St.

• Alpha Sigma Alpha Informal Recruitment Grey's Anatomy Party at 7:30 p.m. in the Commons Building

Saturday, February 3

• Alpha Sigma Alpha Informal Recruitment Super Science Saturday. Meet in Blum Union parking lot at 12:45 p.m.

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January 2007 Points of Pride

Excellence in our Faculty/Staff 

• Dr. Marilyn Hunt, associate professor of communication and department chair, attended the 92^nd annual meeting of the National Communication Association in San Antonio, Texas. She served as a co-presenter on a panel, “Great Ideas for Teaching Speech,” presented a paper entitled “Experiential Learning and Perception:  Cutting through the Assumptions,” received a top 10 submission award, participated on the panel, “Teachers as Transformational Leaders:  Strategies for Motivating Students to Achieve High Performance Levels,” and served as a panel respondent on “Communication Processes and Outcomes in the Superior-Subordinate Relationship.”

• Stan Sweeney, director of student engagement, attended the Association of Fraternity Advisors Conference in New Orleans. Sweeney was one out of 15 people selected by the North-American Inter-fraternity Conference (NIC) to participate as a national consultant for campuses as they work to eliminate alcohol from the recruitment process.

• Dr. Chris Shove, executive director and dean of the Western Institute, has had extensive contact with the Foreign Affairs program of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow and Hanoi University in Vietnam regarding student and faculty exchanges with Western. Both educational institutions are analyzing the prospect of having faculty come to Western in May 2007 to teach continuing education classes on “Doing Business in Russia” and “Doing Business in Vietnam” at the Northland site. Many U.S. firms are interested in doing business in Vietnam since it just became a member of the World Trade Organization and is eligible for special trade status from the U.S. government. The Western Institute is planning to offer “Doing Business in America” to those educational organizations taught by American business professionals.

• Dale Krueger, associate professor of management, and Denise Bartles, associate professor of business, had, “Flying the Competitive Skies: US Airline Industry,” accepted for publication in the upcoming edition of Annual Advances in Business Cases- 2006.

• Dr. Reza Hamzaee's, professor of economics, sixth research article this year, “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis,” co-authored by G. Rod Erfani of Transylvania University, will be published in the November edition of the refereed journal, International Journal of Applied Management and Technology.

• Dr. David Steiniche, professor of government, had an article on the future of distance education published in the National Social Science Journal.

• Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies, had an article published in the Journal of the Institute of Justice and International Studies. The article was entitled “Restorative Justice in Canada and the United States:  A Comparative Analysis.”

• Brandon Spaeth, instructor of business, completed a wages and benefits analysis for the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. The salaries of over 100 job types within the city limits of St. Joseph were analyzed. A benefits and general workplace study was also completed. The report is published and provided to Chamber members for their use in human resource planning. The information is also used by the Chamber’s economic development team to attract businesses to the area.

• Dr. Karen Lewis, assistant professor of business, and Dr. Matrese Benkofske, assistant professor of business, each gave a presentation to the mathematics club at Central High School on how math is used in business careers and the importance of being prepared for math in high school to meet college math requirements.

• Rhea Williams, assistant professor of nursing, along with senior nursing research students Scott Landers, Tara McCall and Linda Frazier, gave a poster presentation “The Lived Experience of the University Student as a Mentor” at the Mosby’s Faculty Development Institute in San Diego. This was the first time nursing students were invited to attend and present at this institute. Others involved in the project were student nurses Katherine Constable, Frederick Dimmel, Genni O’Rourke, and Dr. Evelyn Brooks, professor of nursing.

• Dave Brown, director of the counseling center, presented a program on interpersonal skills and counseling center services to the returning resident assistants.

• The Western Institute and applied learning students will complete a comprehensive development plan for the town of Dearborn, Mo. in the summer of 2007.

• Dr. Chris Shove, executive director and dean of the Western Institute; Peggy Ellis, director of noncredit programs and business and industry training; Stacy Turner, manager of education outreach; and Lisa Novinger, marketing analyst/coordinator; met with Heartland Hospital human resources representatives regarding an international healthcare workforce development program using an online course environment.

• Peggy Ellis, director of noncredit programs and business and industry training for the Western Institute, attended a training course, “Working with Female Offenders.” Completion of the course is required to offer training at Chillicothe Correctional Center.

• Kristy Hill, director of public relations and marketing, presented “Media Relations in a Small Shop” at the regional Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) conference in Kansas City, Mo.

• Dr. Mei Zhang, assistant professor of communication, served as a respondent on the panel “Rhetoric, Identity, and Ideology in Chinese Communication” at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association in San Antonio, Texas. She also gave a lecture on intercultural communication at the Heartland Regional Medical Center at an event sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

• Stan Sweeney, director of student engagement, and seven students from the Campus Activities Board attended the Regional NACA Conference in Peoria, Ill. in November. NACA is the National Association for Campus Activities. In addition to the leadership education programs offered, the conference is also a marketplace for lecturers, comedians, music entertainment, novelty acts and various campus activities. 

• Dr. Mike Ducey, associate professor of chemistry, attended the 2007 American Chemical Society Leadership Conference in Baltimore, MD.

Excellence in our Students

• Scott Landers, Tara McCall and Linda Frazier, senior nursing students, presented their research project on the Healthy Buddy project in San Diego at the Mosby Faculty Development Institute. They were the first students invited to attend as well as present at this faculty institute.

• Senior nursing research students Scott Landers, Tara McCall and Linda Frazier and Rhea Williams, assistant professor of nursing, gave a poster presentation “The Lived Experience of the University Student as a Mentor” at the Mosby Faculty Development Institute in San Diego. This was the first time nursing students were invited to attend and present at this institute. Others involved in the project were student nurses Katherine Constable, Frederick Dimmel, Genni O’Rourke, and Dr. Evelyn Brooks, professor of nursing.

• Seven students from the Campus Activities Board and Stan Sweeney, director of student engagement, attended the Regional NACA Conference in Peoria, Ill. in November. NACA is the National Association for Campus Activities. In addition to the leadership education programs offered, the conference is also a marketplace for lecturers, comedians, music entertainment, novelty acts and various campus activities. 

• Residence assistants (RA) held programs for their residents this fall:

• RA Jimmy Daugherty had the Buckle come and do a presentation on how to find the perfect pair of jeans.

• RA Johnisha Williams, Adrianna Trice, Erica Neier, Faitamai Leota and Jimmy Daugherty held an end-of-the-semester celebration for the residents of Vaselakos in which over 50 residents attended.

• RA Jimmy Daugherty and Evan Noynaert, assistant professor of computer science, held a game night for residents.

Excellence in our Programs

• The private voice instructors held a winter voice recital with approximately 30 guests in attendance. The Griffon Jr. Singers prelude and premiere choirs presented a concert in Potter Hall Theater. Students performed to an audience of approximately 175 people. The combined Suzuki classes presented a concert to an audience of approximately 100 people.

• Griffon Jr. Singer auditions were held. Thirty-five students from area schools scheduled auditions.

• Residence Council donated 10 gifts to Operation Christmas and also bought gifts for five girls and five boys that were sent to children around the country.

• The suites in the residence halls won for having collected the most money - $17.68- during the Penny Wars. Penny Wars in the residence halls was a way to raise money for United Way.

• Residence council sponsored a breakfast for students on campus. There was a DJ and prizes were given. Four hundred attended this event.

• Participation at this year’s wellness screenings included 280 employees, retirees and/or spouses. During the three-day process, 215 individuals received flu shots.

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For sale: 1993 Ford Probe GT, loaded, 101,000 miles, silver, 12-CD changer, bra included. Gets 29 miles per gallon. Needs some body work, runs fine. $900. Contact Craig at 816-244-9985 or 660-535-4581. Please leave message with name and number if no answer.

Lease apartment from Feb.1 until March 31. No deposit required. Only fish allowed. Three bedroom, two bath, cable ready. Close to Western. Rent $475 or negotiable for two months. Nice back yard and very quiet. Call Melissa 816-351-8353.

For Sale: 1992 Chrysler Lebaron, $700. If interested contact Eric at 816-364-5761.

Roommate wanted: two bedroom, one bath brand new apartment. Pay half the rent, $350, and half of the electric. Available now. Gym and exercise equipment onsite. Call Becky Cole at 785-741-4881 or email her at rlc9678 for more information.

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