Dr. Jim Guinee, director of training and supervision in the counseling center and adjunct professor, recently presented on “The fundamentals of grief counseling” and “Dreams and nightmares of trauma survivors” at the Arkansas Counselor Association conference in Hot Springs.

Dr. Letha J. Mosley, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, was the keynote speaker for the Interfaith Leadership Health Summit held Nov. 19 on the campus of Delware State University in Dover, Delaware. The summit was organized by Nemours.

Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders  has completed her M.S. in Epidemiology from Michigan State University. Her master’s thesis is titled “Communication and eating data collected by cerebral palsy registries.”

Publications:

Assistant Professor Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker along with former master’s students Morgan Poole Evatt and Kara Taylor authored: Hidecker, M.J.C., Paneth, N., Rosenbaum, P.L., Kent, R.D., Lillie, J., Eulenberg, J.B., Chester, K., Johnson, B., Michalsen, L., Evatt, M., & Taylor, K. (2011). Developing and validating the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for individuals with cerebral palsy, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. doi: DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03996.x  This article on the CFCS is discussed in an August 2011 podcast that can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1469-8749/homepage/podcasts.htm

Hidecker, M. J. C. (2011). Describing hearing in cerebral palsy. Invited commentary on S.M. Reid et al., Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53, 977-978. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04101.x

Funding:

Hidecker, M. J. C., Co-investigator, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Development of the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, 08/2011 – 06/2014, $465,423

Presentations:

Assistant Professor Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, Clinical Instructor II Sharon Ross, and Clinical Instructor I Jeffrey Adams have presented at a state and a national convention this fall:

Adams, J., Ross, S., Weir, S., Hidecker, M.J.C. (2011, October). Making a difference: Intervention planning. Presentation at the annual convention of the Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hidecker, M.J.C., Adams, J., Ross, S. (2011, November). Getting to participation: Does it matter? Seminar, ASHA, San Diego, California.

Dr. Cooley Hidecker and UCA graduate students Amy Curtis Stone, Heidi Hawthorn, David Keith, and Brittany Reed have presented their research at state and national conventions:

Curtis Stone, A., Reed, B., Hidecker, M. J. C., Ross, B., DiRezze, B., Zwaigenbaum, L., & Rosenbaum, P. L. (2011, June). Operationalizing social communication in ASD: A scoping review. Student presentation to 5th Annual Jane H. LeBlanc Symposium in Communication Disorders, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Reed, B., Curtis Stone, A., Hidecker, M.J.C., Ross, B., Di Rezze, B., Zwaigenbaum, L., Rosenbaum, P. (2011, October). Defining social communication in autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review. Student presentation at the annual convention of the Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Keith, D., & Hidecker, M.J.C. (2011, October). The Spanish CFCS: Translating the Communication Function Classification System. Student presentation at the annual convention of the Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hawthorn, H., & Hidecker, M.J.C. (2011, October). Exploring cerebral palsy and related communication disorders in South Africa. Student presentation at the annual convention of the Arkansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Carey, H., Hidecker, M.J.C., Kolaski, K., Krach, L. E., Romeiser Logan, L. (2010, October). Measuring outcomes that matter. Instructional course, AACPDM annual meeting, Las Vegas, NV.

Curtis, A., Reed, B., Hidecker, M.J.C., Ross, B., Di Rezze, B., Zwaigenbaum, L., Rosenbaum, P. (2011, November). Defining social communication in autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review, Poster presentation, ASHA, San Diego, California.

Ho, N.T., Hidecker, M.J.C., Dodge, N., Hurvitz, E., Kent, R.D., Lenski, M., Messaros, B.M., Paneth, N., VanderBeek, S.B., Working, M.S., Rosenbaum, P. (2011, November). Early predictors of communication function in children with cerebral palsy (CP): Methods of communication and associated impairments, Poster presentation, ASHA, San Diego, California.

Hidecker, M.J.C., Ho, N.T., Dodge, N., Hurvitz, E., Kent, R.D., Lenski, M., Messaros, B.M., Paneth, N., VanderBeek, S.B., Working, M.S., Rosenbaum, P. (2011, November). Communication function (CFCS), gross motor function (GMFCS) and manual function (MACS) in children with cerebral palsy: How are these classifications related? Poster presentation, ASHA, San Diego, California.

Student Receives National Graduate Student Scholarship

Heidi Lynna Hawthorn was recently awarded one out of nine graduate student scholarships from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation). Hawthorn was chosen from 99 applications on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, faculty recommendations and an essay about critical issues facing the profession. Heidi is a first year graduate student at the University of Central Arkansas pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. The $5,000 award was presented to Hawthorn by the ASHFoundation President, Jon Miller at the 2011 American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention in San Diego, Calif. in November.

The ASHFoundation was created in 1946 as a charitable organization to further knowledge and the advancement of research in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. Funds raised by the foundation are given as research grants, graduate student scholarships, clinical recognition awards and special initiatives. Since its beginning, the foundation has awarded over $5 million to over 1,600 students, professionals and leaders in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Steve Tucker

Adam Bruenger

Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, had an article entitled “Scapular muscle activity in overhead and non-overhead athletes during closed chain exercises” published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. Co-authors on the study were assistant professor Adam Bruenger, PhD, CSCS, former graduate student Carrie Doster, MS, ATC and former clinical instructor Donna Hoffmeyer, MSS, BSN, ACSM-HFS, all from the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

UCA Nursing Students Elected to State Association Board

Three UCA nursing students were elected to the board of the Arkansas Nursing Student Association at the  annual ANSA Convention in Rogers held Oct 26-28. Regan Hinchcliff, a senior, was elected president of the state association after serving as treasurer for the past two years.  Amanda Kroger and Kassi Lowry, junior nursing students, were elected as treasurer and District I director, respectively.  They are  all current officers in the UCA Student Nurse Association and attended National Convention in April 2011.

Dr. Femina Varghese, assistant professor of psychology and counseling, was chosen to participate in the American Psychological Association Psychology Minority Fellowship Program’s Psychology Summer Institute in Washington, D.C. on July 17-23. Varghese was chosen out of a competitive national pool of 60 to 80 applicants, of which 20 were selected to participate in this program. According to the APA website, selection of these awardees were based upon criteria such as the strengths and potential of their concept papers, recommendation letters, the degree of match with mentor specialties, and applicant goals/qualifications. This institute was geared towards early career psychologists and advanced PhD students who had defended their dissertation proposals. Varghese’s subject for her proposal that qualified her for this institute was a program she developed to help disadvantaged youths.

Drs. Art Gillaspy and John Murphy of the Psychology & Counseling Department were awarded an $8,000 Sponsored Programs research grant investigating the impact of client feedback in school-based mental services. The research is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Barry Duncan and two large community mental health agencies–Community Health and Counseling Services in Maine and Southwest Behavioral Health in Arizona.

Rowell, K., & McNeir, L. (October 20-21, 2011). The Implementation of an Integrated Treatment Model in Primary Care Settings. Presented at the Arkansas Psychological Association, Little Rock, AR.

Murphy, J., & Gillaspy, A. (October 20-21, 2011). The Use of Feedback in Treatment. Presented at the Arkansas Psychological Association, Little Rock, AR.

Kumar Salagame, K. (October 20-21, 2011). Meditation for Well-Being. Presented at the Arkansas Psychological Association, Little Rock, AR. Dr. Kumar is a Visiting Fulbright-Nehru Scholar to UCA.

Charlton, S. R., Gossett, B. D., & Charlton, V. A. (In press). The effect of delay and social distance on the perceived value of social interaction. Behavioural Processes.

Speech-language pathology master’s students Amy Curtis Stone and Brittany Reed recently presented at the annual Jane H. LeBlanc Symposium in Communication Disorders, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas. This research was conducted under the mentorship of UCA professors Byron Ross and Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker. Curtis Stone, A., Reed, B., Hidecker, M. J. C., Ross, B., DiRezze, B., Zwaigenbaum, L., & Rosenbaum, P. L. (2011, June). Operationalizing social communication in ASD: A scoping review. Student presentation to 5th annual Jane H. LeBlanc Symposium in Communication Disorders, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

UCA Instructor and ATEP Student Team Up for National Recognition

Lyndsey Ingram was awarded Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation for her research project entitled “Reliability and validity of measuring scapular upward rotation using an electrical inclinometer” at the National Athletic Trainers2’ Association annual meeting held in New Orleans in June. She competed with students from research institutions throughout the United States. The award was based on the combined scores from a panel of judges. Posters were judged on research design, methods, analysis, conclusions and appearance. Lyndsey’s accomplishment was printed in the NATA News, the national publication of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

Steve Tucker, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, was the faculty mentor and co-author on the study. This award is a culmination of hard work by both student and professor. The hiring of Dr. Tucker three years ago was designed to introduce research into the Athletic Training Education Program.

“It was an honor to have her nominated and to win was a true testament of her hard work. My hope is that she has set an example for the rest of our undergraduate students to follow,” Dr. Tucker stated.

Dr. Howell, chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, acknowledged this award as a testament to the guidance, attention and time that Dr. Tucker provided Lyndsey and other athletic training education students in becoming evidence-based in their development as practitioners and researchers. In just three short years, the process has resulted in a national award and recognition for the department, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the University of Central Arkansas.

Ellen Epping Receives National Award

Ellen Epping, KPED clinical instructor II and the program director of the Athletic Training Education Program, was honored this past summer with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) 25 Year Award in recognition of continuous service to the NATA. Epping has been at UCA since August of 2001. With her guidance, she has directed the program into the premier ATEP program in the state of Arkansas. Recently, the UCA Athletic Training Education Program was awarded a ten-year continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Epping has served as a site visitor for CAATE the past three years. In 2004, she received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Athletic Trainer Service Award.

Two KPED Faculty Members Guest Lecture at Health Education on Summer Academy

Assistant Professor Mitchum Parker, PhD and Clinical Instructor Suzi Wilcox, MS, of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, presented this past July at the Health Education Summer Academy. This all day event on the campus of UCA was funded by the Arkansas Department of Education and co-hosted with the UCA Department of Health Sciences. In his fourth year at UCA, Dr. Parker presented a presentation entitled “Fitness education: Coordinated School Health in Physical Education.” Mrs. Wilcox, who is beginning her seventh year at UCA, lead a “hands on” presentation, entitled “Fitness Gram Physical Fitness Test” in which the participants were able to engage in the different components of the test. The seminar was directed towards middle school and high school health and physical education instructors from around the state of Arkansas.

UCA ATEP Awarded 10 years of Continuing Accreditation

With the exceptional leadership of Program Director Ellen Epping and the extraordinary commitment of the faculty of the Athletic Training Education Program, the Commission on Accreditation Athletic Training Education (CAATE) awarded UCA 10 years of Continuing Accreditation. The award of 10 years is the maximum length of accreditation that can be expected. The faculty who worked diligently for the past three years in helping to prepare the self-study and the on-campus site visit last fall are: David Strickland, Dr. Steve Tucker, Steve Hornor, Allen Crawford, Hollie Whittaker, Alison Moore, Brynn Schuckman and Tom Monagan.

First time pass rate on national board exam hits historic high for ATEP graduates

Eighty-three percent of the 2011 Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) graduates from the Department of Kinesiology passed the national Board of Certification (BOC) examination for the athletic trainer on their first attempt. Program Director Ellen Epping reported that the national average for the 2011- 12 examination cycle will not be available until March or April 2012. According to the 2010 – 11 Board of Certification (BOC) Athletic Trainer’s Certification Examination Report mailed to individual programs, the national average first time pass rate was 60.7 percent. For 2010 – 2011, the UCA ATEP first time pass rate on the BOC exam was 75 percent.

The Class of 2011 has been a very dedicated and successful group of students. Their accomplishments have included national, district and state awards. The ATEP faculty is very proud of their accomplishments and excited about what lies ahead for each of them. All of the 2011graduates are pursuing post professional graduate degrees.

Athletic Training Student Meghan Robinson selected for SWATA Committee

Meghan Robinson, a senior in the ATEP program in the Department of Kinesiology, has been selected to be a member of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Student Senate Committee. The mission of the committee is to strengthen and advance the profession of athletic training by promoting student involvement, leadership, professionalism and education. Meghan is one of eight students who were selected to represent state of Arkansas and Texas.

Meghan is also a member of Central Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association and has served on the Public Relations Committee and currently is the treasurer. The association is very active on campus and in the community. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority where she serves as their recording secretary and second vice president for the 2011-12 school year.

Senior Athletic Training Student Awarded Two Scholarships

Senior Athletic Training Education Program student Meghann Brewer has been awarded a Southwest Athletic Training Association and a National Athletic Training Association Scholarship.

The David Heidt Memorial scholarship was announced at the awards banquet held in Houston at the Annual SWATA clinical symposium. The NATA Research & Education Foundation Scholarship Committee selected Meghann to receive a Pinky Newell 2011 NATA Foundation scholarship. Both of these scholarships were awarded this past summer.

Meghann has to juggle not only her academic work in the very time demanding ATEP program here at UCA, but also the responsibilities of a wife and new mother. Meghann delivered her first child this past spring. Congratulations Meghann.

Dr. Steve Tucker, Colleagues Present at National Clinical Symposia

Steve Tucker, PhD, LAT/ATC, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, made two presentations at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia in New Orleans, LA. The first presentation was a one-hour Special Topics session, entitled Clinical Techniques to Quantify Scapular Upward Rotation.

Dr. Tucker was also one of three presenters for a two-hour Learning Lab session, entitled Standing Shoulder Mobilization for the Overhead Athlete. The co-presenters were Don Walendzak, PT and Bill Anderson, PT, physical therapists from northwest Ohio . Assisting with the lab portion of the session were Brynn Schuckman, MS, LAT/ATC and Hollie Whittaker, MA, LAT/ATC, both clinical instructors in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education here at the University of Central Arkansas.

Reese Receives Lucy Blair Service Award by the American Physical Therapy Association

Nancy B. Reese, PhD, PT, professor and chairperson of the Department of Physical Therapy, was awarded the Lucy Blair Award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  The ceremony took place in Baltimore during the APTA Annual Conference.  The Lucy Blair Award is the highest service award given by the APTA – an organization of over 75,000 members.  The Lucy Blair Service Award is given to individuals who show outstanding contribution of service at the National, Regional, and State level of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Criteria for selection include contributions of exceptional value to the association through the association or its components, through an individual’s service on one or more elected or appointed groups, and/or in one or more other capacities at the Association level and component level and will be judged on the basis of the results of an individual’s service and not merely the duration or continuity of that service.”  Dr. Reese is the second individual from the State of Arkansas to receive the important award.   Bill Bandy, PhD, PT, ATC, Professor, UCA Department of Physical Therapy received the award in 2010.

UCA Student Wins National Student Nurses Association Award

Lindsey Siefferman, a senior nursing student at UCA, was recently awarded the Isabel Hampton Robb Award at the National Student Nurses Association Convention. This nursing award is one of the highest awards presented at the convention, which was held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The award is presented to the current or immediate past student nurses’ association state president whose leadership characteristics most resemble those of Isabel Hampton Robb. An organizer and visionary leader, Mrs. Robb was well known for her pioneering work in establishing nursing organizations which became the American Nurses’ Association, the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the International Council of Nursing (ICN).

Siefferman, of Little Rock, is currently the president of the Arkansas Student Nurses Association and past president and current recruitment chair of the UCA Student Nurses Association. Under her direction, the Arkansas Student Nurses Association achieved an National Student Nurses Association State Excellence Award for 2011.

UCA Hosts the  Arkansas Affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference

The annual conference of the Arkansas Affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences was held March 3 -4 at the Brewer-Hegeman Center.  This year’s theme was “Connecting Professionals, Touching Lives.”

The pre-conference educational luncheon included Dr. Mary Ann Campbell’s presentation on “Credit Card Smarts.” The group met for a guided tour at The Village at Hendrix, a planned living community adjacent to Hendrix College, following the pre-conference lunch.

Dr. Alice Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston, presented “Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Why Early Nutrition Education is Key to Implementation” during the conference. She later joined Dr. Rosemary Rodibaugh of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension and Suellen Ward, Arkansas Family and Consumer Sciences Program Manager in a panel discussion on “Nutrition Education: Current and Future.”

Several individuals were recognized for the work in the field. They were: Nina Roofe, Professional of the Year; Monica Lieblong, Young Achiever; Cecilia Gray,Teacher of the Year; Candance Carrie, Excellence in Extension; Mary Harlan, Leader Award, Mary Harlan.

Afternoon speakers included Dr. James Marshall, University of Arkansas Extension, who spoke on “Relationship Building,” and Dr. Lori Myers who presented “Pre-Professional Assessments and Certifications: A Pathway to Success.”  Other speakers for the conference included Dr. Lichtenstein; Dr. Mary Ann Campbell, FACS adjunct faculty; and Suellen Ward, UCA -FACS Alum and Program Manager for FACS at the Arkansas Department of Career Education.

The conference was coordinated by Dr. Renee Ryburn, Assistant Professor of FACS at UCA and President-elect of the Arkansas affiliate of American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Faculty Presentations and Publications

Assistant Professors Dr. Charlotte Yates and Dr. Kevin Garrison presented research recently at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting in New Oleans, LA.  Drs.  Yates and Garrison were assisted by Doctor of Physical Therapy students Allison Burba-Horgan and Brittany Sexson, both of the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011, as well as two researchers from UAMS.  Their abstracts and poster presentations were titled:

“Outcome Measures for Exploring the Mechanisms of Hyper-Reflexia and Spasticity that Develops Post SCI in the Rat and the Effects of Passive Exercise Intervention on Each Outcome Measure.   Yates, CC, Garrison K, Burba-Horgan A, Franz J.”

“Regional CX-36 Changes Following Complete SCI and Interventions in the Rat.  Garrison K, Yates CC, Charlesworth A, Sexson B, Burba-Horgan A.”

Park Tipton, Doctor of Physical Therapy Student in the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011, presented research completed with former UCA faculty member Dr. Hao Liu, now of University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and Dr. Clayton Holmes also of the University of North Texas Health Science Center.  Their abstract and poster presentation entitled “Effect of a Selected 6-Form Tai Chi on Improvement in Balance and Quality of Life Among Older Adults” was presented  at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting held February 9 -12 in New Oleans, LA.

Dr. David Taylor, PhD, PT, CSCS and Dr. James Fletcher, PhD, PT, ATC, Associate Professors of Physical Therapy, have published an article entitled “Reliability of the 8-Repetition Maximum Test in Men and Women” in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

Lyndsey Ingram, a senior in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education majoring in athletic training, received one of five undergraduate research awards from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. She presented her research study, entitled Reliability and validity of measuring scapular upward rotation using an electrical inclinometer, in June at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia in New Orleans. Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, was the faculty mentor and co-author on the study.

Hicks, N., & Bihm, E. M. (Jan 2011).  Self-Disclosure and Empathy for Persons with Mental Disorders: A Projective Exercise for Abnormal Psychology. National Institute of Teachers of Psychology: St. Petersburg, FL.

Nail, P. R., Bihm, E. M., & Simon, J. B. (2011, June). Is school-yard bullying driven by defensive personality? Paper presented at the 5^th Annual International Conference on Psychology, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Athens, Greece.

Lammers, W. J., Savina, E., Skotko, D., & Churlyaeva, M. (2010). Faculty and student perceptions of outstanding university teachers in the USA and Russia. Educational Psychology, 30(7), 803-815.

Mitchell, C., & Simon, J. B. (2010, November). WSI: A Model for Evaluating Websites Containing Evidence-Based Academic Interventions. AR Council for Exceptional Children, Hot Springs, AR.

Bihm, E. M., Gillaspy, J. A., Jr., Abbott, H., J., & Lammers, W. J. (2010). More misbehavior of organisms: A Psi Chi lecture by Marian and Robert Bailey. Psychological Record, 60, 505-522.

Bihm, E. M., Gillaspy, J. A., Jr., Lammers, W. J., & Huffman, S. (2010). IQ Zoo and teaching operant concepts. Psychological Record. 60, 523-526.

A team of researchers will highlight the developing role of school-based occupational therapists serving secondary students with disabilities at the Fifth Annual Secondary Transition State Planning Institute in Charlotte, NC, May 17 – 20, 2011. The intent of this federally-supported institute is to support state transition teams in the delivery of services that can most effectively improve national post-secondary transition outcomes. Doris Pierce, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA and Karen Summers, M.S., OTR/L, of Eastern Kentucky University, and Tina Mankey, Ed.D., OTR/L, of the University of Central Arkansas, will provide a workshop in which transition planning teams will use current occupational therapy research and demonstration projects to plan best use of existing occupational therapy resources to improve post-secondary transition outcomes in their home states.

Dr. Charlotte Yates and Dr. Kevin Garrison, assistant professors in the Physical Therapy Department, presented research recently at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans. Drs. Yates and Garrison were assisted by Doctor of Physical Therapy students Allison Burba-Horgan and Brittany Sexson, both of the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011, as well as two researchers from UAMS. Their abstracts and poster presentations were titled:“Outcome Measures for Exploring the Mechanisms of Hyper-Reflexia and Spasticity that Develops Post SCI in the Rat and the Effects of Passive Exercise Intervention on Each Outcome Measure.” Yates, CC, Garrison K, Burba-Horgan A, Franz J and“Regional CX-36 Changes Following Complete SCI and Interventions in the Rat.” Garrison K, Yates CC, Charlesworth A, Sexson B, Burba-Horgan A

Park Tipton, Doctor of Physical Therapy student in the DPT Class scheduled to graduate in August 2011,  presented research completed with former UCA faculty member Dr. Hao Liu, now of University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and Dr. Clayton Holmes also of the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Their abstract and poster presentation entitled “Effect of a Selected 6-Form Tai Chi on Improvement in Balance and Quality of Life Among Older Adults” was presented at the American Physical Therapy Associations Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans.

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist John Consalvi Shares Insight

John Consalvi, CCC-SLP, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and owner of Lingua Health and Groupo Lingua, visited the UCA Speech-Language Pathology Department on March 30-31. Bilingual speech-language pathology is a major growth area as the U.S. has an increase in individuals whose first language is not English.

Consalvi presented a lecture on bilingual speech-language pathology and how to provide speech and language services with clients of different cultures and languages. His second presentation, on entrepreneurial speech-language pathology, encouraged students to consider their passions and turn those passions into innovative goods and services for the profession. He explained how his passion to improve bilingual speech-language pathology service led him to start the first bilingual staffing company for speech-language pathology and to created Spanish language therapy materials. Consalvi also had lunch with the department’s student group, Comida y Conversacion, which encourages students to learn about bilingual speech-language pathology.

Morgan Bennett Receives Cynthia B. Cole Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award for 2010

The Occupational Therapy Department presented the Cynthia B. Cole Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award for 2010 to Morgan Maxwell Bennett, MS, OTR/L.

Morgan is a pediatric occupational therapist at Kidsource Therapy located in Benton, Arkansas, and she is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association. In addition to her work in the clinic, Morgan assists in Special Olympics events and fundraising for Freedom Reins, Kidsource’s new hippotherapy program. Recently, she developed a tennis clinic for children with special needs that will take place in the fall of 2011 in partnership with the Arkansas Tennis Association.

In 2007, the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Central Arkansas established the Cynthia B. Cole Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award to recognize exemplary practitioners that provide clinical education reflecting the values of the profession of occupational therapy. This award was named in honor of Cynthia B. Cole. Mrs. Cole not only acted as the academic coordinator for several years but she also excelled in her commitment to fieldwork education, students, the university and the profession. Nominations by occupational therapy students and faculty are based on the individual’s ability to use occupation as the core of their practice. In this spirit, Morgan was nominated for her exceptional contributions within the community as well as to her clients and occupational therapy students.

2009 Alumnus Honored as Hero

Todd Ross, LAT, ATC, a 2009 Kinesiology graduate from the Athletic Training Education Program, was responsible for saving a spectator’s life. He is employed by OrthoSurgeons and serves as the head athletic trainer at Pulaski Academy. Lauren Knight, a senior in the UCA ATE Program, was interning with Todd Ross at the time. She was able to assist Todd and others during the emergency situation. The UCA family is very proud of both Todd and Lauren as their quick and deliberate actions helped save a life.Below is a statement written and shared by Bill Mott, President of Pulaski Academy in a press release after the event:

Seldom is there an opportunity to witness a hero in action. Last night I was privileged to see one of our own display his skills, training, and professionalism in the midst of a genuine crisis. One of the spectators at the Regional Basketball Tournament collapsed and was in serious distress. Our amazing Athletic Trainer, Todd Ross, was on the scene immediately and knew exactly what to do. The individual stopped breathing and Todd’s quick action in using the defibrillator literally saved the man’s life.My sincere thanks and congratulations to Todd, as well as Kevin Kelley, Tim Johnson, Roger Franks and everyone on the scene whose response was instrumental in making a difference. The police, fire, and paramedics were all very complimentary of the way in which Todd responded.Please join me in thanking Todd for job very well done!

Ingram Receives Undergraduate Research Award from National Athletic Trainer’s Association

Lyndsey Ingram, a senior in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education majoring in athletic training, received one of five undergraduate research awards from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. She will present her research study, entitled “Reliability and validity of measuring scapular upward rotation using an electrical inclinometer,” this June at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia in New Orleans, LA. Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, was the faculty mentor and co-author on the study.

Lyndsey was also this year’s recipient of the Fletcher B. Lowry Award. This is an award presented annually to the outstanding student in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Lyndsey was chosen by our own faculty to represent the department based on her outstanding academic endeavors and her exceptional service in volunteer work and extracurricular organizations.

Publications and Presentations

Nail, P. R., & Boniecki, K.(2011). Inconsistency in cognition: Cognitive dissonance. In D. Chadee (Ed.), Theories in social psychology. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

MacDonald, G., Nail, P. R.,& Harper, J. (2011). Do people use reverse psychology? An exploration of strategic self-anticonformity. Social Influence, 6, 1-14.

Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Engaging activities for students who are learning research methods. In R. L. Miller (Ed.), Student Engagement in Psychology Courses. E-book published online by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology. http://teachpsych.org/resources/e-books/e-books.php.

Hopper, J., Archie, D., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Conversation hour: Practical methods of obtaining feedback as a first-time instructor. Presented at Southwestern Psychological Association, San Antonio, TX.

Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Conversation Hour: Tips for Getting Into Graduate School and Upcoming Changes to the GRE. Presented at Southwestern Psychological Association, San Antonio, TX.

Gibbs, V., Simpson, A., Smith, B., Trigg, A., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). How surface texture affects perception of personality. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Ahne, J., Cobian, Y., Conley, C., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Understanding body language. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Emerson, A., Salling, A., Stallings, S., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). A look at intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation in higher education. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

DeYoung, M., Dillon, M., Wood, K., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Shades of red, eyes of green: An examination of rejection as a fuel for jealousy. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Lyra, S., Colvert, B., Carter, J., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Aggressive personality and dream content. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Cole, C., Holzhauer, D. A., Hudson, S., & Lammers, W. J.(April, 2011). Neuroticism, self-esteem, and use of music for emotional regulation. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Koscik, L., Munson, R., Knight, C., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Do similar personalities attract? Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Gambill, R., Mitchell, D., Proctor, C., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Religion and rationality: When oil meets water. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Matos, S., Mendelssohn, S., Erby, R., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Anxiety levels in relation to drinking habits. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Kumari, K. & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Barriers to the student-professor connection: Professors’ perspectives. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Cobian, Y., Wood, M., & Lammers, W. J. (April, 2011). Exploring reasons why students do not seek help from professors. Presented at the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students, University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Meghann Brewer, an athletic training major in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, was awarded a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Her project is entitled “Quantification of scapular upward rotation in elite volleyball players following a full season of play.” Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, will serve as her faculty mentor for the project.   

Mathew McClain, a 2010 graduate from the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education with a degree in athletic training, had a manuscript entitled Comparison of Scapular Position in Overhead and Non-Overhead Athletes Using the Pectoralis Minor Length Testaccepted for publication in Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. Co-authors on the manuscript are Assistant Professor Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC and Clinical Instructor Steve Hornor, MA, ATC, both from the Department of  Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Athletic Training Students’ Association Gives Back

The Central Arkansas Athletic Training Students’ Association (CAATSA) collected and donated more than 475 pounds of non-perishable food items to Bethlehem House of Conway during its annual Holiday Food Drive.  The drive is a partnership between the UCA  Kinesiology and Physical Education majors and is hosted on the UCA campus.

In addition to the food drive, CAATSA completed several other community service projects during the fall semester.  The projects included a December donation of clothing to the Salvation Army in Conway and participation in the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s Adopt-A-Highway Program.  Association members cleaned up litter along their mile of Interstate 40 in Faulkner County.  They adopted the stretch in 2007 and since have conducted a cleanup twice a semester. 

“In addition to fulfilling the professional-student role of supporting the athletic programs of universities and schools in Central Arkansas, the association strives to be a meaningful contributor to the local community in many other ways,” says Allen Crawford, the faculty advisor to the association.

Bethlehem House serves as a pantry and shelter for homeless families and individuals. 

“The shelter feeds up to 30 people on a daily basis and provides food  to families in the local community,” Crawford says.  “The students and UCA family were generous in their contributions, and we hope that our donation of food and canned goods will help during this season of need.”  

CAATSA is a Recognized Student Organization at UCA.  Its membership is made of students who have been accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program.  The association’s objectives are to promote the profession of Athletic Training, uphold the standards of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and bring together individuals with common interests and goals for the betterment of the Athletic Training profession.  For more information regarding the association, contact Crawford at acrawford@uca.edu

The Department of Physical Therapy hosted Physical Therapy Alumni Weekend during UCA Homecoming weekend.  Nearly 90 guests attended the tailgating cookout held on the patio of the Physical Therapy Center.  Faculty, PT students, PT and PTA alumni and guests visited during the luncheon.  The Department began hosting Alumni Weekend in 2006. In 2007, the event was aligned with UCA Homecoming and continues to be a tradition.

Dr. David Taylor, associate professor of physical therapy, and Dr. Bill Bandy, professor of physical therapy, recently published the following article along with recent 2010 DPT graduate Dr. JD Whittemore: “Test-retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of a Novel Submaximal Graded Exercise Test in the Measurement of Graded Exercise Test Duration” in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, October 20, 2010 (Epub ahead of print).

Faculty Collorate to Provide Interdisciplinary Experiences for Students

Faculty in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences are collaborating this semester to provide interdisciplinary experiences for students. On Oct. 19, approximately 220 nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech language pathology students joined together in the Reynolds Performance Hall to learn more about the roles of different health care disciplines.

Students were actively involved in the experience through problem-based learning and the use of a case study scenario. After being provided with a written case study and viewing a 10 minute case video, students shared their perceptions about roles, collaborated to establish team goals, and discussed effective communication strategies for optimal client outcomes. An additional learning experience planned this fall involves a second problem-based case study. The faculty are engaging in a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research study regarding the impact of the experience on students’ readiness for interdisciplinary experiences, their knowledge of roles, and perceptions of team collaboration. The interdisciplinary group of faculty coordinating the event include Dr. Chad Lairamore in Physical Therapy, Dr. Kim McCullough in Speech Language Pathology, Ms. Kerry Jordan and Ms. Myra Shock in Nursing, and Dr. Lorrie George in Occupational Therapy.

The article, “Nursing Leadership and Management Simulation: Creating Complexity”, written by Clinta Che’ Reed, MSN, RN; Rebecca R. Lancaster, PhD, APN; and Donna Bridgman Musser, PhD, RN has been named the #1 Hottest Article (most accessed) in Clinical Simulation in Nursing for the period of July-September 2009 by ScienceDirect.  Reed and Lancaster are current faculty in the Department of Nursing  and Musser is a former faculty member in the Department of Nursing.  Clinical Simulation in Nursing is an international, peer reviewed journal published online six times annually. Clinical Simulation in Nursing is the official journal of the International Nursing Association of Clinical and Simulated Learning (INACSL) and reflects the mission INACSL. View the Top 25 Hottest Articles list at: http://top25.sciencedirect.com/subject/nursing-and-health-professions/19/journal/clinical-simulation-in-nursing/18761399/archive/23/

UCA Occupational Therapy Department presents ACTS program

Acting Creates Therapeutic Success (ACTS) will perform “These are the ACTS of Our Lives” Nov. 17 at 7p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall. Admission is free.

Acting Creates Therapeutic Success (ACTS) is a community-based program created by occupational therapists from the Department of Occupational Therapy at UCA designed to provide an opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities to participate in the performing arts with facilitation from occupational therapy students.

Every November, a captivating play is performed in Reynolds Performance Hall by Occupational Therapy students and performers.

The comedic play, “These are the ACTS of Our Lives” is based on day-time soap operas such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, As the World Turns, Days of Our Lives, etc. Using concepts and basic scenes from common soaps,

Occupational Therapy students and adults have created an entertaining, clever, and hilarious performance for all to enjoy.

Dr. Chad Lairamore, visiting assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, has been appointed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Task Force.  This task force will be working on new content outlines for the NPTE.  The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy develops and administers the NPTE for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in 53 jurisdictions – the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These high-stakes exams assess the basic entry-level competence for first time licensure or registration as a PT or PTA within the 53 jurisdictions.

Dr. Kim Dielmann, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology & Counseling presented her research entitled, The International School Psychology Survey:  A further understanding of school psychological services in Western Ukraine, at the International School Psychology Association conference in Dublin, Ireland in July.

Dr. John Murphy’s work in solution-focused therapy is featured in Chip and Dan Heath’s NY Times bestselling book, Switch: How to change when change is hard (2010, Random House). Murphy is a professor in the psychology department.

Dr. Ron Bramlett and Dr. John Murphy, professors of psychology and counseling, co-authored a book chapter with John Hall and Katie Williams-Wolf from Arkansas State University entitled “Reponse to intervention: Key considerations for school personnel engaged in intervention assistance programs” to be published  in J.E. Warnick, K. Warnick, & Laffoon, A. (Eds). Eucational Policy and Practice: The good, the bad, and the pseudoscience. Volume II: Applied Practices (pp. 49-83). New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Dr. Ron Bramlett, professor of psychology and counseling, co-authored a paper with Gary Cates of Illinois State University and Elena Savina, from James Madison University entitled “Assessing effectiveness and efficiency of academic interventions in school psychology journals: 1995-2005.” published in  Psychology in the Schools, 47, 114-125.

Dr. Ron Bramlett, professor of psychology and counseling,  and Tricia Benish had an article entitled “Using social stories to decrease aggression and increase positive  peer interactions in normally developing  preschool children.” accepted for publication in Educational Psychology in Practice.

Dr. Charlotte Yates, assistant professor of physical therapy and Dr. Kevin Garrision, assistant professor of physical therapy, along with third year DPT Students Allison Burba-Horgan and Brittany Sexson recently learned that the following abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the 2011 American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Section Meeting in New Orleans, LA in February.  Yates C, Garrison MK, Burba-Horgan A, Franz J.  Outcome measures for exploring the mechanisms of hyper-reflexia and spasticity that develop post SCI in the rat and the effects of passive exercise intervention on each outcome measure.  American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting; New Orleans, LA; February, 2011. Garrison MK, Yates C, Charlesworth A, Burba-Horgan A, Sexton B.  Regional Cx-36 changes following complete SCI and interventions in the rat. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting; New Orleans, LA; February, 2011.

Dr. Charlotte Yates, assistant professor of physical therapy and Dr. Kevin Garrision, assistant professor of physical therapy recently had a paper published in Translational Neuroscience.   Yates C, Garrison MK, Charlesworth A, Reese NB, Garcia-Rill E. Novel therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI).  Translational Neuroscience.  2010 ; In press.

Dr. Charlotte Yates, assistant professor of physical therapy and Dr. Nancy B. Reese, professor and chairperson of physical therapy, recently had a paper published in Brain Research Bulletin. Liu H, Skinner RD,  Arfaj A, Yates C, Reese NB, Garcia-Rill E. L-dopa effect on frequency-dependent depression of the H-reflex in adult rats with complete spinal cord transection.  Brain Research Bull.  2010; In press.