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Western, MCC, NCMC Collaborate on 2-Year Programs
Agreement Eases Transfers,
Provides Greater Access
Western,
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) of Kansas City, Mo., and North
Central Missouri College (NCMC) of Trenton, Mo., have signed a memorandum
of agreement to more efficiently deliver two-year degree programs to
students in northwest Missouri.
“Partnerships are
never easy, but in this day and age, partnerships are what it’s all
about,” said Dr. Robert Stein, Missouri’s commissioner of higher
education, who was on Western’s campus for the announcement of the
agreement. “We should be working on how to improve access and success in
all regions, and this is an indication of that.”
As part of the
legislation granting university status to Missouri Western in 2005,
Western was required to review its two-year programs and submit any the
university wanted to continue to the Missouri Department of Higher
Education for re-approval. Working collaboratively over the past two
years, Western, MCC and NCMC have considered the region’s needs and
developed approaches that would preserve the greatest opportunity for
student access to two-year programs while avoiding unnecessary
duplication.
Under the
agreement, Western will discontinue four of its 10 two-year programs and
submit the other six to be reapproved. The discontinued programs include
Associate of Science (AS) programs in construction engineering technology,
electronics engineering technology and electronics and computer
engineering technology, and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program
in paramedic technology.
Fewer than 20
students are currently enrolled in the four associate degree programs to
be discontinued. Those students will be able to complete their associate
degree programs but, effective fall 2009, Western will no longer admit
students into those four discontinued programs. Students seeking degrees
in engineering technology will still have the associate degree in
manufacturing engineering technology and baccalaureate degree options
available at Western in the areas of construction engineering technology,
electronics engineering technology, electronics and computer engineering
technology and manufacturing engineering technology. The agreement also
does not have any impact on Western faculty employment since the courses
provided in the engineering technology two-year degrees are also part of
the existing four-year degree.
“In fulfilling the
directive to review our two-year programs, we wanted to be sure that
students in our region would continue to have access to programs that they
want and need,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western’s president. “We
appreciate MCC and NCMC working with us to provide that assurance through
this agreement. Together, we provide educational opportunities to the
people of 25 counties in northwest Missouri. Students in this large area
will now have better access to two-year programs than ever before.”
Programs of study
similar to the ones being discontinued are offered at MCC or NCMC. Western
will continue to offer two-year degrees in health information technology,
physical therapy assistant, manufacturing engineering technology, criminal
justice, business and legal assistant. At some point in the future,
Western will transfer the health information technology and physical
therapy assistant programs to its two-year partners.
The institutions
are also working toward an enhanced program articulation approach that
will provide seamless transfer for students in the business and criminal
justice two-year programs. Ordinarily, such transfer agreements are
between two institutions; this three-party agreement will ease access for
students across northwest Missouri, said Dr. Jacqueline Snyder, chancellor
of MCC. Eventually the partners intend to have complete program
articulation for all mutual degree areas.
“We wanted to look
at what programs were needed for our community, what jobs were out there,
how many people were needed for those jobs, and what programs needed to be
sustained in a particular area,” said Dr. Snyder. “I think we’ve come up
with a solution that helps everyone. It meets our students’ needs and the
future needs of our community.”
The agreement also
calls for a joint enrollment program in the business and criminal justice
programs at the three institutions. Students may transfer from one
institution to another, alternate enrollment between institutions, or
co-enroll at their discretion, said Dr. Neil Nuttall, president of NCMC.
“That joint
enrollment is critical,” said Dr. Nuttall. “We knew that this was going to
be a way that we could improve our business and criminal justice programs
at North Central, so that a student who desires to complete their
baccalaureate degree at Missouri Western will have come from a program
that aligns with Western’s program.”
The
agreement will be considered by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher
Education at its June meeting.
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Gov. Nixon to Visit Western
Gov. Jay Nixon will visit Western for a bill signing at 9:45 a.m. Monday,
June 8, on the second floor of the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and
Technology Incubator. Nixon will be signing one of the most significant
laws to pass this past legislative session. It will be his first bill
signing in St. Joseph, and his first visit to Western since taking office
in January. The campus is invited to attend.
Human Resources
Director Leaves Jan Aspelund, director of human
resources, has left Western to pursue other opportunities. Aspelund’s last
day was May 29, said Mel Klinkner, vice president for financial planning
and administration. “Jan has worked at Western for the last five years and
assisted in bringing some major changes to Western,” Klinkner said in an
email to the campus, citing her assistance in implementing the HR Banner
software, completing the classification and compensation project and
negotiating favorable fringe benefit rates. “I know you will join me in
expressing appreciation for Jan’s service to Western and wish her great
success in her future endeavors.” Former human resources director Sally
Sanders will return to Western to help manage the HR office, Klinkner
said. Sanders will work with HR on a consulting basis in June and July
while she completes other commitments, then will serve full-time as
interim director of human resources.
Lifetime Sports Academy
The Health, Physical Education and
Recreation department will hold its annual Children's Lifetime Sports
Academy June 8-12, 2009 for children 8 to 12 years of age. The academy
will be held from 1:30-5:15 pm each day here on campus. Activities will be
held outdoors and in the Looney Complex. The camp offers activities such
as canoeing, archery, rappelling, water sports, swimming, fishing, gun
safety, and Frisbee golf. Faculty and students in the HPER department will
coordinate the activities. All equipment is furnished by Western. However,
participants must furnish their own tennis shoes, swimming suits and
towels. To register, access registration and authorization forms at
www.missouriwestern.edu/hper or call 4491. The discounted cost for MWSU
employees is $60 for the first child in the family and $50 for each
additional child. Enrollment is limited to the first 150 to register.
IMC Awards
Instructional Media Center submitted several projects to the Communicator
Awards competition won recognition in receiving the Award of Distinction
for five video projects. Projects and awards, listed by staff members,
include:
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Tara Stoll, video
communications Producer
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Incubator Marketing Video for the Bond Science & Technology Incubator
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video – Self Promotion
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video – Editing
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Community Expectations for MWSU Griffon Edge program
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video –Editing
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video –Motivational
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RESLife Video for MWSU Residential Life & Admissions Departments
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video –Educational Institutions
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Kevin McQuirter, video
communications specialist
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MWSU
Capital Campaign 2008 for the MWSU Foundation
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video – Fund Raising
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Danielle Hunt, manager,
educational television services
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2008
Campaign Video “Together We Win” for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph
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Award
of Distinction for category Film/Video – Fund Raising
The Communicator Awards is the
leading international creative awards program honoring creative excellence
for communication professionals. Founded by communication professionals
over a decade ago, The Communicator Awards is an annual competition
honoring the best in advertising, corporate communications, public
relations and identity work for print, video, interactive and audio. The
2009 Communicator Awards received over 7000 entries from ad agencies,
interactive agencies, production firms, in-house creative professionals,
graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firms.
Dr. Vartabedian Speaks to
Chamber Group Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western’s president, will speak
to the Young Executives Network of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce
at 7:30 a.m. June 9 in the Blum Student Union. Dr. Vartabedian will speak
about the state of the university, reflect on his first year and share his
vision for Western. Anyone who would like to attend should contact Roger
Swafford, director of public relations and marketing, at rswafford1 or
5649.
Parties on the Parkway
Get out for a little fun in the sun by attending Parties on the Parkway.
"The Act" is from 5-8 p.m. June 11 at SW Parkway and 28th Street.
Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Feel
free to bring lawn chairs and blankets. No alcoholic beverages may be
brought into the event. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Park. Incase
of rain, the party will be rescheduled for June 18.
Personnel Changes Dr. Judy Grimes, dean of student
affairs, has announced that Teresa Crist is the new administrative
coordinator for student affairs, and Elaine Bryant is now the academic
achievement coordinator/intervention specialist. Crist was formerly the
administrative assistant for grants and sponsored programs and replaces
Bryant, who has been at Western for 13 years in student success and
student affairs. Howard McCauley, director of admissions, has announced
that Jamie Sickels has been promoted from admissions coordinator to
assistant director of operations in admissions. Sickels has been with the
admissions office for 12 years. Carey McMillian, senior accountant and
director of purchasing, has announced that Brenda Cazel will fill the
position of purchasing manager. Cazel is a graduate of Western and has
several years of experience as a facility coordinator and purchasing
manager with SST and as a business manager of a local attorney's office.
Agenstein Hall Access Because of construction on
the north side of Agenstein Hall, all north doors, the service drive and
loading dock are closed for the month of June. All access will have to be
made from the south (campus) side of the building. Sidewalk access to
Agenstein from Lot H will have to be made through Wilson Hall or Blum
Student Union.
Summer IT Services Training Information Technology
Services will offer faculty and staff several workshops throughout the
summer. Classes on Groupwise, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Adobe Acrobat Pro will be offered in
June, July and August. Check
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/CompCtr/workshops.asp for a complete
schedule.
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May 2009 Points of Pride
Excellence in Our Faculty
and Staff
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Dr. Ben Caldwell, associate professor of chemistry and department chair,
received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at the
Governor’s Conference on Higher Education.
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Dr. Stephen Morris, assistant professor of philosophy, received the
James V. Mehl Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award for 2009; Dr.
Nannette Wolford, professor of physical education, received the Dr.
James J. Scanlon Service-Leader Award; Suzanne Kissock, assistant
professor of criminal justice; Dr. Brett Luthan, professor of
management; and Dr.George Yang, associate professor of manufacturing
technology; received the Jesse Lee Myers Excellence in Teaching Award.
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Marsha Dolan, associate professor of nursing and coordinator of the
Health Information Technology Program, received the Missouri Health
Information Management Association’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. The
award was presented during the recent annual state association meeting
in Osage Beach, Mo.
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Dr. Dennis Rogers, professor of music, received the prestigious
Excellence in Higher Education Award from the Northland Regional KCI
Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented to educators across the
Northland area in public and private sectors.
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The following faculty received the Governor’s Distinguished Professor
Awards:
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Dr. Jason Baker, associate professor of biology - Service
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Dr. Kelly Henry, associate professor of psychology - Service
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Dr. Kristen Walton, assistant professor of biology - Scholarship
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Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies - Service
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David Tushaus, associate professor of legal studies -Service
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Dr. William Russell, assistant professor of physical education –
Service
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Dr. Stephen Morris, assistant professor of philosophy, has been awarded
a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant to attend a Summer
Institute on Experimental Philosophy in Utah.
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Heather Kendall’s, assistant professor of nursing, article, “Cardiac
Amyloidosis,” has been accepted for publication in the Critical Care
Journal.
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Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh, assistant professor of nursing, was co-author of
research, “Influences of Spiritual Well-being and Coping on Family
Caregiver Mental Health,” that was published in Gerontological
Nursing.
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Jen Kacere, hall director of Scanlon Hall, was voted National Advisor of
the month for National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) in April. NRHH is
the only nationwide organization that exclusively recognizes leaders in
the residence halls.
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Kathy Kelly, student development administrative coordinator, assisted
with the planning for the statewide Autism Conference recently held at
Western. The audience included educators, parents, legislators, several
guest speakers and attendees from around the country.
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Dr. Stephen Butler’s, associate professor of business, article,
“Influence of Compensation Plans and Job Security on Time Horizons,” was
published in Corporate Ownership & Control.
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Dr. Konrad Gunderson, assistant professor of business, had an article,
“A Summary and Analysis of the Financial Accounting Standards Board
Proposed Ownership Approach for Distinguishing Between Financial
Instruments to be Classified as Liabilities Versus Equity,” published in
the Midwestern Business and Economic Review journal.
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Dr. Cynthia Bartels, instructor of English, successfully defended her
dissertation, “The Home as Public Space and Creative Initiative,” at the
University of Missouri-Columbia.
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Peggy Ellis, director of non-credit programs business and industry
training, presented two professional development seminars: “Leading the
Generation Mix,” for members of the Leadership St. Joseph Class of 2009,
and “Building a Foundation of Trust” for Western’s annual staff
association retreat.
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Dr. Cynthia Bartels, instructor of English, presented a paper, “On the
Road with Joyce Johnson,” at the Popular Studies/American Culture
Association joint meeting in New Orleans.
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Dr. Kaye Adkins, associate professor of English, presented “Poster
Sessions for Technical Communicators” at the seventh Regional Society
for Technical Communication at Missouri State University, Springfield.
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Dr. Jane Frick, professor of English and director of Prairie Lands
Writing Project, co-facilitated and presented at the Shoot and Write
Marathon/Fun with Flickr Workshop, at Western.
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Dr. Cynthia Jeney, assistant professor of English, presented
“Teaching/Practicing Rhetoric-Centered Web Writing” at the Workshop for
Teachers of Technical Writing, Society for Technical Communication at
Missouri State University, Springfield.
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Dr. Cynthia Jeney, assistant professor of English, presented “Study
Away, England 2009: In Search of King Arthur” as part of the English,
foreign languages, and journalism seminar series.
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Dr. Karina Vazquez, assistant professor of Spanish, presented the paper
“Desplazamientos y Cambios de Signo: La Reescritura de El Juguete
Rabioso (1926); de Roberto Arlt, en Si Yo Muero Primero (1991); de
Susana Silvestre y La Nueva Rabia (2008); de Marcelo Eckhard,” at the
62nd annual Kentucky Foreign Language Conference.
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Dr. Kenneth White, assistant professor of social work, presented at the
Center for Multicultural Education’s third annual Global Women Summit at
Western on “Hell-O-Caust: Domestic Violence and African American Men.”
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Dr. Kenneth White, assistant professor of social work, presented at the
Southern Interdisciplinary Roundtable on African Studies at Kentucky
State University on the Holocaust experience of people of African
descent in Nazi Germany. The topic was entitled “Nazi Germany: The Abyss
of Hell for Africans.”
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Dr. Steven Greiert, professor of history and department chair, spoke to
the Buchanan County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The topic was “The Boston Massacre.”
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Lee Harrelson, instructor of music, gave his final Doctorate of Musical
Arts (DMA) lecture and recital on euphonium and baritone through the
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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Bob Long, assistant professor of music, recently performed with music
alumnus Jeremy Gregoire for the Friends of the Symphony’s “Onstage: All
That Jazz.” Their program focused on literature considered jazz
standards.
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Bob Long, assistant professor of music, was invited to guest direct the
West Central Missouri Bandmasters All-District Jazz Ensemble. The
ensemble is an auditioned group made up of students from the West
Central District. Bob was also invited to be the guest clinician for the
Park Hill School District jazz night hosted at Park Hill South, where he
worked with the Park Hill High School jazz ensemble and the Park Hill
South jazz ensemble.
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Bob Long, assistant professor of music, was invited to adjudicate for
the Truman State Jazz Festival which had 27 jazz ensembles in
attendance.
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Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of psychology; Dr. Kelly Henry, associate
professor of psychology; Dr. Russell Phillips, instructor of psychology;
Dr. Phil Wann, professor of psychology; and 10 students attended the
Midwestern Psychological Association meeting in Chicago.
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Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of psychology; and Dr. Phil Wann, professor of
psychology, presented “Bucket Lists, Age and Generation: A Developmental
Exercise” at the Psi Chi International Honor Society for Psychology
session and Council of Teachers of Undergraduate Psychology Creative
Classroom poster session.
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Dr. Russell Phillips, instructor of psychology, moderated a symposium at
the Midwestern Psychological Association regional conference titled
“Stress, Trauma and Coping.”
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Bob Long, assistant professor of music, and Richard Yeager, assistant
professor of music, performed with the St. Joseph Symphony for the final
concert of the season. The concert, “A Night on the Town,” showcased
George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” as well as selections from Kurt
Weill’s “Three Penny Opera.”
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Dr. Murray Nabors, dean of the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
attended a forum of Missouri Liberal Arts & Sciences deans at the
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg.
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Dr. Ben Caldwell, associate professor of chemistry, attended the
Experimental Biology 2009 Conference in New Orleans, where he
participated as a judge for the American Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology (ASBMB) undergraduate poster competition. He also
participated in committee meetings on the ASBMB undergraduate affiliate
network program and undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology
curriculum accreditation.
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Dr. Kevin Anderson, associate professor of math; and Tim Miller,
assistant professor of math; attended the Missouri Collegiate
Mathematics Competition in Kirksville.
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Dr. Jimm MacGregor, assistant professor of history, chaired and
commented on a conference panel entitled “The Court of Henry VIII” at
the KU-MU Undergraduate and Graduate History Conference at the
University of Kansas, Lawrence.
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Dr. Jimm MacGregor, assistant professor of history, attended the
statewide meeting of the Missouri Consortium for International Studies
and Programs.
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Dr. Mark Mikkelsen, professor of philosophy, presented a paper, “Clement
Greenberg and the ‘Worldwide Crisis’ of Contemporary Art Criticism,” at
the 15th annual meeting of the Association for Core Texts and Courses (ACTC)
in Memphis, Tenn.
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Dr. Jim Okapal, assistant professor of philosophy, presented a paper,
“Subsumptive Reasoning in Science Fiction Literature,” at the American
Pop Culture/American Culture Association Conference in New Orleans.
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Dr. Tingxiu Wang, professor of computer science, math, and physics;
reviewed a paper entitled “Stability in Terms of Two Measures for Delay
Impulsive Systems on Time Scales” for the Mathematics Review.
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Dr. Elizabeth Latosi-Sawin, professor of English and director of the
Honors Program; and graduating technical communications major Kathryn
Strasser, have edited a publication for the National Collegiate Honors
Council. This collection includes essays written by participants at the
Experiential Teaching/Learning Faculty Institute called Prairie
Attitudes and Urban Realities that took place in Lincoln, Nebr. Dr.
Latosi-Sawin and Strasser also selected, arranged and designed three
collages of photos taken by Dr. Latosi-Sawin and other institute
participants.
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Dr. Mike Ducey, associate professor of chemistry, served as a judge for
the Greater Kansas City Science Fair.
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Dr. Kevin Anderson, associate professor of math; and Dr. Gavin Waters,
assistant professor of math, hosted the seventh annual Calculus Bee, a
contest for Western and local high school students to match mathematical
skills and compete for prizes. Thirty students participated in the
event. First place went to Carl Merrigan from Bishop LeBlond High
School; second to Rylan Sampson, Western student; and third to Xiao Zhu,
Western student.
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Dr. Pat McMurry, professor of economics, collated data from three Inter-Serv
employee surveys, analyzed the results, and presented his conclusions to
a joint meeting of board members and senior supervisors during Inter-Serv’s
S.W.O.T. retreat.
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Dr. Susan Hennessy, professor of French, was guest speaker at Career Day
at Spring Garden Middle School, St. Joseph. Dr. Hennessy spoke to five
middle school classes about careers with foreign languages.
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Dr. Jin-Lee Kim, assistant professor of engineering technology,
presented a paper, “A Framework for integrating elitist GA and project
management tool,” at the 2009 Construction Research Conference held in
Seattle, Wash. The paper was published in the conference proceedings.
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Dr. Zhao Zhang, associate professor of electronic engineering, presented
a paper, “Multi-Loop Feedback and Cascaded Control System Simulation
Using Armfield Plant Trainer,” at the 15th Annual Conference on
Industry, Engineering and Management Systems in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
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Dr. George Yang, associate professor of manufacturing technology,
presented a paper, “An Educator’s Experiment to Promote Technical
Graphics Education,” at the 63rd annual Mid-Year ASEE meeting of the
Engineering Design Graphics Division, in Berkeley, Calif.
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Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies, presented two papers at the
annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences in Boston:
“Stakeholder Attitudes about Restorative Justice: Is it Time for a
Change?” and “Evolution of Restorative Justice in Missouri: A Case
Study.”
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Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh, assistant professor of nursing, presented a poster,
“Influences of Psychological Well-Being, Quality of Relationship, and
Family Support on Family Caregiver Health of Cancer Patients in Taiwan”
at the 16th National Evidence-Based Practice Conference at the
University of Iowa in Iowa City.
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Dr. Virendra Varma, professor of construction engineering and department
chair, participated in the board meeting of the Structural Assessment of
Buildings and Vertical Structures (SAVE) Coalition hosted by the
Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, and presented a proposal to
the board for inclusion of construction students as volunteer interns.
Among the several sponsoring organizations of SAVE Coalition are the
American Society of Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers Association
of Kansas and Missouri.
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Dr. Elizabeth Hendrix, assistant professor of education, attended the
Pearson Item Review Meeting and served on the Equity Advisory Panel for
educator licensure assessments in St. Louis. Teacher licensure testing
is a vital means of assessing whether entry-level educators have the
appropriate content knowledge and skills for their particular teaching
assignments.
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Dr. Virendra Varma, professor of construction engineering and department
chair, assisted by Dr. George Yang, associate professor manufacturing
technology; Dr. Jinwen Zhu, assistant professor of electronic
engineering; and Barry Nelson, instructor of engineering technology;
hosted Rainbows Program (for gifted students) from the St Joseph School
District, in the department’s construction, manufacturing, and
electronics laboratories. The elementary school children were engaged in
activities such as robotics, lathes and mills, electrical machinery and
circuits, and a fun crawl through a bridge structure.
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Dr. TingXiu Wang, professor of computer science, math, and physics;
traveled to China for some academic work with faculty in Guizhou Normal
University. He will be initiating discussions with the university on
dual degree programs while he is there. Guizhou Normal University is the
second Chinese university Western is working with on developing dual
degree programs. The first is Sichuan Normal University.
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Martha Greer, director of the center for community arts, facilitated and
presented “Arts Summit: Issuees and Opportunities” for the Eggs and
Issues breakfast event. Panelists included Karen Graves, community arts
volunteer and advocate; Darren Verbick, elementary fine arts
coordinator; and Teresa Fankhauser, executive director of the Allied
Arts Council. Griffon Junior Singers Premier Choir performed for the
audience. Martha Greer also participated in a Missouri Arts Council Folk
Arts Grant Review panel meeting.
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Dr. Cindy Heider, assistant vice president of academic and student
affairs, attended the Learning Assessment in Postsecondary Education
meeting at the Missouri Department of Higher Education. This statewide
group is making policy recommendations to the Commissioner of Higher
Education.
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Tom Williamson, Craig School of Business, gave two presentations on the
Craig School of Business, one to the retired St. Joseph School District
teachers and one to the Institute of Management Accountants.
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Dr. Glenn Rice, assistant professor of math, attended the Missouri
sectional meeting of the Mathematics Association of America and gave a
presentation titled, “Chess, Algebra, and You.”
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Dr. Gavin Waters, assistant professor of computer science, math, and
physics, presented “e…More Than Just a Vowel” at the Missouri Collegiate
Mathematics Competition in Kirksville.
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Dr. Tingxiu Wang, professor of computer science, math, and physics,
presented “Uniform Boundedness of Functional Differential Equations” at
the Missouri Collegiate Mathematics Competition in Kirksville.
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Connie Hecker, instructor of computer science, and Deborah Becker,
instructor of computer science, presented “Applied Learning through AITP:
Developing an Applied Learning Curriculum - Closing the Gap Between
Theory and Application,” at the AITP conference in Oklahoma City, Okla.
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R. E. Moore, director of developmental math, was an invited presenter at
the third annual National Conference of The National Center for Academic
Transformation. His presentations were on “Rethinking Gateway Math
Courses.”
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He was also an invited presenter at a workshop on use of ALEKS in
developmental mathematics courses. The workshop was held at the Dubuque,
Iowa, offices of McGraw-Hill.
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The “New Lit Out Loud” reading series, organized by English Instructors
Dana
Andrews, instructor of English; Dr. Bill Church, instructor of English;
and Meg Thompson, instructor of English, met at Foster’s in downtown St.
Joseph, Mo. Nearly 20 students joined community members and alumni to
read their original poetry and prose.
Excellence
in Our Students
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Biology major Tom Crowley won first place in the Collegiate Division
poster session at the
2009 Missouri Academy of Science Meeting in Maryville. Tom’s poster is
titled, “Modeling Solar System Formation from Random Particle
Velocities” and is the result of a computational physics research
project conducted with Dr. Michael Ottinger, professor of physics.
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Susan Brock, senior biology and chemistry major, won first place in
Collegiate Division oral presentation at the 2009 Missouri Academy of
Science Meeting in Maryville. Brock presented research she did with Dr.
Jason Baker, associate professor of biology, on a bacteria-produced
protein they discovered that may be useful in killing other bacteria.
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Sixteen Western students and seven faculty members made presentations at
the Missouri Academy of Sciences annual meeting at Northwest Missouri
State University in Maryville.
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Seven students were initiated into the national mathematics honor
society, Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME): Holt Ellis, Rachel Howe, Emily Justin,
Curtiss Lane, Adelaide Quaney, Ashley Schnoor, and Siya Sun. Sponsors
of KME are Dr. Jennifer Hegeman, associate professor of math; and Dr.
Steve Klassen, associate professor of math. Student officers for 2008-09
were Aaron Lewis, president; Julie Allen, vice president; Geoffrey
Gould, secretary; and Elena Castanada, treasurer.
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The following students were presented with Certificates of Merit at the
Missouri College Media Association for their work on the Griffon
Yearbook:
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Matthew Fowler, second place, Feature Photography, and third place,
Feature Photography
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Raphi Drew, third place, Student Life Design
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Jennifer Kohler, third place, Feature Writing
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Jeremy Weikel, honorable mention, Feature Photography
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The Annual Social Work Banquet was held to honor the Phi Alpha
recipients: Robert Swymeler, Sara White, Megan Mooney, Angela Clay, and
Patricia Gammill; the Reva Allen Award recipient Robert Swymeler; and
the Social Work graduates and incoming and outgoing Organization of
Student Social Workers officers were also recognized.
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The Association for Information Technology Professionals National
Collegiate
Conference 2009 was held in Oklahoma City, Okla. A first place was
received for the Web Application entry, StJoeSafe-online.com; second
place in the Banner Contest; third place in the PC Trouble Shooting
Contest (out of 140 teams); fourth place in the Application Development
Contest (out of 60 teams). Faculty member sponsors are Deborah Becker,
instructor of computer science; and Connie Hecker, instructor of
computer science. Twelve students participated.
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Eighty-eight students representing the biology; computer science, math,
and physics;
chemistry; criminal justice; English, foreign languages and journalism;
government, social work and sociology; nursing; and psychology
departments presented their research projects at the 21st semi-annual
Multidisciplinary Research Day.
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The 25th annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Convocation recognized
109 students’
academic achievements. Approximately 460 students, friends, family,
faculty and administration were in attendance.
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Five Liberal Arts and Science majors were awarded the Esson scholarship
for the 2009-
2010 academic year: Danielle Carlson, Diane Johnson, Logan Parker, Sarah
Reese, and Sara Solomon.
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Senior mathematics major Aaron Lewis presented, “Second-Best Rational
Approximations for the Square Root of Two,” which is student research
that stemmed from Dr. Glenn Rice’s, assistant professor of math, Number
Theory class. The presentation was co-mentored by Dr. Jeff Poet,
associate professor of math; and Dr. Rice.
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Five mathematics students, Julie Allen, Rachel Howe, John Igo, Aaron
Lewis, and
Adelaide Quaney; presented at the Mathematical Association of America
Missouri Section Meeting in Kirksville. Twelve students participated in
the Missouri Collegiate Mathematics Competition.
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Students from Dr. Karina Vazquez’s, assistant professor of Spanish,
class adapted “Los degolladores de estatuas (The Statues
Killers)” by Alfonsina Storni, and presented the play in Ann Miller’s
English for Speakers of Other Languages program at Humboldt School in
St. Joseph. Students in the class, Spanish Advanced Conversation I,
adapted the play to contemporary times, prepared the set design,
costumes, and performance programs. Students also prepared the play
presentation and the role play at the end, which was very successful
with children’s participation.
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Creative writing student staff members of “Canvas,” the MWSU Literary
and Arts
Magazine, held a public reception and reading to celebrate the 2009
edition of the journal, an applied learning project.
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Two history majors presented papers at the KU-MU Undergraduate and
Graduate History Conference at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
Robert Morton read “Hugh Capet and the Frankish Church.” Stephanie
Willett presented “Joan of Arc and Her Contemporaries.” The research for
these papers was initially conducted in HIS 335 in Fall 2007. Dr. Jimm
MacGregor, assistant professor of history, began working with each
student individually to prepare their respective research papers for
presentation in Spring 2008.
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International students were honored at an end-of-the-year reception.
Special recognition was given for the graduating international students
and also the exchange students from Mexico and Germany who are leaving.
Dr. Robert Vartabedian presented certificates to each of the graduates
and the exchange students. Others joining in the celebration were
international faculty and their families, and numerous faculty and
administrators.
Excellence in Our Programs
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Dawn Terrick, instructor of English and director of developmental
writien/placement, unveiled the third annual ENG 100 student
publication, “Discovering the Student, Discovering the Self.” The essays
that appear in this publication were selected by the English 100
committee from submissions from English 100 students from the Fall 2008
semester. Students, family, friends, faculty, staff and administrators
were all present to honor these students’ accomplishments and hear them
read their work. Dr. Robert Vartabedian, welcomed all in attendance.
After the books, certificates and prizes were distributed, and students
read their original work.
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The department of music hosted the following concerts: Operas, “The Maid
as Mistress” and “The Stoned Guest” under the direction of Dr. David
Benz, assistant professor of music; and Sharon Gray, associate professor
of music. St. Joseph Community Chorus, Dr. David Benz, assistant
professor of music; and Frank Thomas, associate professor music;
performed “Holocaust Remembrance;” The Chamber Singers performed for the
Foundation Appreciation Dinner, under the direction of Dr. David Benz,
assistant professor music; eXtreme Percussion Show, under the direction
of Dr. Dennis Rogers, professor of music; Spring Jazz Concert, under the
direction of Bob Long, assistant professor of music; Vocal Jazz Concert
under the direction of Kathleen Holeman, instructor of vocal jazz;
Symphonic Winds Spring Concert, under the direction of Jeff Hinton,
assistant professor of music; Spring Choir Concert, under the direction
of Frank Thomas, associate professor of music; Orchestra, under the
direction of John Bell, instructor of orchestra, French horn, and
student teaching supervision.
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The social work department held the Social Work Institute with 44 in
attendance. The
morning speakers were Tamitha Price of the National Association of
Social Workers-Missouri Chapter and afternoon speaker was Dr. Kenneth
White, assistant professor of social work, on “Cultural Competency
Social Justice.”
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The chemistry department hosted 500 area high school students for the
32nd annual
Chemathon. In addition to the chemistry department, faculty from
computer science, math & physics; and education; and more than 40
chemistry students contributed to the production of the event, which
included a written testing competition, an oral team competition, and a
one-hour chemical demonstration show. The event was covered by local
media KQ2 and St. Joe Now.
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Foreign language faculty met with high school teachers from northwest
Missouri to
collaborate on Western’s Foreign Language Day. In attendance were
teachers from Central High School and Benton High School, in St. Joseph,
Mo.; Cameron High School, and Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Mo.
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The Organization of Student Social Workers participated in Denim Day to
raise awareness of sexual violence to help decrease this violence.
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Prairie Lands Writing Project (PLWP) has received a matching grant of
$46,000 in
federal funds from the National Writing Project (NWP) to support its
Invitational Institute and core program for teachers. PLWP will also
receive an additional NWP $5,000 technology grant and an $8,000 National
Evaluation Study grant.
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The department of engineering technology hosted the 2009 Industrial
Technology (IT) Day on campus. Eleven different high schools and middle
schools (a total of 290 students) from the surrounding areas
participated in the IT contests. The Air National Guard and the Army
Recruiters provided support to the event. The department faculty and
students gave lab tours and demonstrations to the visiting students. The
event coordinated by Dr. Virendra Varma, professor of construction
engineering and department chair, to attract students to engineering
technology programs at Western. Admissions also played an active role
during the event by giving out information to the visiting students.
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Faculty and students from the departments of nursing, and history,
philosophy and geography hosted an information booth in the Eder Hall
lobby in recognition of the second annual National Healthcare Decisions
Day. Information related to advance directives and healthcare
decision-making was available.
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The American Bar Association (ABA) standing committee found the legal
assistant program to be in compliance with the guidelines for the
approval of paralegal education programs. The standing committee will
recommend that the ABA House of Delegates adopt its recommendation at
the ABA annual meeting.
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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Robert Vartabedian with
the International School of Kabul (ISK). Joining the president at the
signing was Gail Goolsby, assistant principal of ISK, who is from St.
Joseph. Western enrolled its first student from the ISK in January. Two
additional students from the ISK are due to arrive in the fall.
Western’s first international graduate students are due to arrive in the
fall as well.
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A Two-Plus-Two program was approved and work is currently being
collaborated with Sichuan Normal University in China to implement this
program. Students would begin studies at Sichuan Normal, then complete
the last two years at Western. Faculty in numerous departments have met
throughout the year to develop this program.
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The MWSU Ambassador’s 15th annual “Night at the Ritz” raised more than
$10,000 for non-traditional student scholarships. Ellen Kisker,
non-traditional student services coordinator, and the Ambassadors’ board
of directors put on an excellent event at the Fulkerson Center.
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The Center for Student Engagement approved 133 student clubs and
organization events over the course of the spring.
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Omicron Psi Honor Society for nontraditional students held their 15th
induction ceremony. There were 28 inductees into this national honor
society.
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Ten fourth-year cohort members of the elementary education program at
the Northland graduated May 9. Twenty-three students in third-year
cohort of this program successfully completed the spring semester. The
program is growing and at least 20 students should graduate from the
program in 2010. The incoming third-year cohort that will begin classes
in August 2009 should exceed the size of the current year-three cohort
of 23.
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Griffon Junior Singers Preparatory and Premier Choirs presented their
spring concert to over 300 audience members. Griffon Junior Singers
Premier Choir also participated in five rehearsals and two performances
with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to present “The Lord
of the Rings” in concert. Griffon Junior Singers Preparatory Choir
entertained the attendees of a United Way banquet honoring early
childhood educators, and the Symphonic Youth Orchestra presented a
spring concert for approximately 100.
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The annual Literacy Luncheon, hosted by Pass the Power and saluting
local literacy volunteers, was held in April. Pass the Power volunteer
Mabel Edson was awarded the Helen Long Outstanding Volunteer Award at
the event.
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Pass the Power director Deborah Ellsworth was a presenter at the Rotary
International District 6040 meeting. She discussed the Citizenship 2009
project that partners Pass the Power with the East Side Rotary Club in
preparing English Speakers of Other Languages students to apply for U.S.
citizenship.
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