Significant Progress Made to Address HLC Concerns

Posted on March 28, 2012

Dr. Neil Hattlestad updated the UCA community on the university’s response to the High Learning Commission Team report during the Campus Talk held March 14.

Hattlestad, co-chair of the HLC Monitoring Report Steering Committee , said significant progress has been made to address concerns including developing actions steps for initiatives outlined in the university’s strategic plan.

Click here to view Hattlestad’s presentation.  

The monitoring report must address the areas of: meeting the needs of diverse students and employees; incorporating shared governance, transparent communication, and an organizational and administrative structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities; assessment of student learning aligned with the mission of the university; and evaluating and measuring institutional effectiveness in non-instructional programs, institutional outreach, and student support for all instructional delivery modes, the report states.

A draft of the monitoring report  is currently available for comment under the myUCA, Resources website. HLC Report Draft for Campus Review. A draft of UCA’s HLC Monitoring Report – and most of its supporting appendices – will be available from this link until March 31. The full HLC visiting team’s report is also available under the myUCA, Resource website.

A 10-member evaluation team conducted a site visit in March 2010. Its goal was to verify the university’s self-study findings, make judgments about UCA’s compliance with good practice, federal requirements, and HLC policies; recommend appropriate follow-up; and provide consultation to the university. The report covers the period between 2000-2009.

The team identified issues related to governance, assessment of student learning, diversity and internationalization, enrollment management, processes and employee development in its report. The team also noted  the university had not made progress since the 2000 accreditation visit to implement a comprehensive, long-range plan.

The university will submit its monitoring report to the Higher Learning Commission on May 1.  A HLC team will conduct a focus visit on the long-range planning implementation in the spring of 2014.

Also during Campus Talk:

*UCA President Tom Courtway informed the group the health premium increase for  July to December is $99,628 more than what the university is currently paying. The university will be able to absorb the increase, Courtway said.  Officials will conduct a competitive RFP to be placed out to bid during the summer for a Jan. 1 effective date.  The bids will be reviewed by the Fringe Benefits Committee.

* Brent Passmore,  director of web development, unveiled a proposed redesign of the UCA home page. The redesign features high traffic areas of the website and makes the website more accessible. Passmore said the redesign should go live in June.

* SGA President Austin Hall reported the lowest bid for the proposed amphitheater was $192,000 more than the approved budget. Hall said possible options are a redesign of the amphitheater, postponing the project indefinitely or using the Board of Trustees – University Improvement Fund to help fund the project. A request for funding will be voted on by the board at its April 2 meeting.

UCA Faculty, Staff Secure $6.1 Million in Grants,Contracts

Posted on March 20, 2012

Approximately 95 faculty and staff members were recognized at a reception on March 1 for securing more than $6.1 million in grants and contracts during the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“For an institution of our size and focus, this is very good,”  said Tim Atkinson, assistant provost and director of the Sponsored Programs Office. “The faculty have to plan ahead and work with their chairs and deans to get enough time to do special projects. Grants take a lot of time to write and administer and are usually hard to fit into a faculty member’s busy schedule, so we are doing well.”

UCA grant portfolio has projects focused on providing research opportunities for undergraduates, funds needed for specialized equipment, conservation, building renovation, innovative nutrition education programs, teacher training and other grants that fund basic science research to advance knowledge in math and science, said Atkinson.

Sponsored programs provides seed money or matching funds to help researchers and scholars generate valuable preliminary data that can sometimes make the difference between a funded grant application and a rejected application, he added.

UCA President Tom Courtway described those in attendance as “shining stars” of the state.  He encouraged the faculty and staff to spread the word about their accomplishments.

“People need to know what you’re doing,” Courtway said. – Lisa Burnett

UCA Police Presents Findings from Operation Safe Walk

Posted on March 20, 2012

The UCA Police Department recently presented Operation Safe Walk findings to the Student Government Association.

Groups of students, staff, and administrators identified over 170 safety concerns. This included items from Safe Walk 2010 that were not completed.

The university police department divided the items into three priority categories. There were 75 items from the lighting, landscape and repair portion of the walk. The university has completed 49.3 percent of priority 1 thus far and intends to complete all of these items listed in this section by June 30. The university has earmarked funds to complete 35 percent of the total suggestions by June 30.

Officials plan to complete items listed under priority 2 as funds become available during the 2012-2013 academic year. Priority 3 items will be reviewed during 2012-2013 academic year. Click here for full report.

“Operation Safe Walk is successful for many reasons but we believe the most important aspects of the program are the various departments, administrators, and student groups that are involved,”  said Arch Jones, director of organizational and community services for UCA Police Department.  “The information we gather does not just set on a shelf. There is funding provided to address the issues discovered during the walk. It shows that safety is a top priority at UCA.”

Representatives from students, staff and administrators took part in the annual safety walk on Nov. 17. They checked for burned out lights, broken concrete, overgrown walkways and other unsafe conditions and how to enhance the perception of safety at night.

Upcoming Events

Posted on March 20, 2012

Calendar Items Needed for Student Handbook

The Student Handbook is being updated for the 2012-2013 school year and items are needed for the calender of events. The calender will cover the following dates: August 19, 2012 thru August 13, 2013. If you have a program, activity or event that is of general interest to students, please send the information to Denicha Kemp at denichak@uca.edu; fax at 450-3248; or campus mail to SHC, 210. Please include the date, time, and location of each event. Items are needed by Wednesday, April 25.

Faculty Senate Seeks Nominations  for College Senators

The Faculty Senate is seeking nominations for three-year Senate positions within each of the six colleges. Voting for College Senator positions will be held Friday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in each college dean’s office. Absentee ballots for college elections may be cast in each college dean’s office beginning Wednesday, April 4.

The two continuing College Senators are the election officials for their respective college. No chair may run for the Faculty Senate this year. No more than two Senators may be from the same department. No administrator at the assistant dean or above level shall be eligible. All other full-time, permanent faculty are eligible to run for the Senate.

Please contact the appropriate Senator if you are interested in running for the position in your college: Don Bradley and Jim Downey, College of Business; Jay Ruud and Clayton Crockett, College of Liberal Arts; Janet Filer and Shoudong Feng, College of Education; Ben Rowley and Charles Watson, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics; Kevin Browne and Lanette Grate, College of Fine Arts & Communications; and Lisa Ray and Melissa Shock, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences.

Mid-South Horn Workshop Scheduled for March 30 – April 1

The University of Central Arkansas will host the Mid-South Horn Workshop March 30-April 1 in the Snow Fine Arts Center. Admission for the three-day event, which is open to the public, is $65. Those who are not horn players may register for $30. All ages are encouraged to attend. On-site registration begins at noon on Friday, March 30. The workshop will feature artists Frank Lloyd, who is also the current president of the International Horn Society, and the Meridian Arts Ensemble. All performances will be held in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Activities are scheduled throughout the day from noon Friday to the final concert on Sunday and will include lectures, competitions, regional artist recitals, participant ensembles and an exhibit hall with horns for sale.

The anticipated performances are Frank Lloyd in recital on Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Meridian Arts Ensemble in concert on Saturday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday’s final concert, “A Sunday Horn Service,” at 11:30 a.m., featuring regional artists, featured guests, ensembles and more. Tickets for the Friday or Sunday concerts may be purchased for $15 in advance by visiting the workshop’s website.

For more information on the workshop, ticket sales and full schedule, visit the horn workshop or contact Shires at (501)-472-3350 or bshires@uca.edu.

Michael Johnathan’s WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour March 31

UCA  will welcome Michael Johnathan’s WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour to the Reynolds Performance Hall on March 31, at 7:30 p.m. The event is part of UCA Public Appearances’ Night Out Series. WoodSongs will conduct two one-hour broadcast recordings the same evening and will feature performances by a variety of Arkansas musicians. The show will be webcast live and later rebroadcast as two one-hour shows on 506 radio affiliates, the American Forces Radio Network in 173nations and every U.S. Naval ship at sea, the Bluehighways TV network, public television and online, according to KUAR-FM’s website, www.kuar.org. Tickets, available at the UCA Ticket Central Box Office, are $30-$40 for adults, $27-$37 for senior citizens, $25-35 for UCA alumni, $28-$33 for UCA faculty and staff and $10 for students. For tickets, call (501) 450-3265 or visit www.uca.edu/reynolds. For more information, contact  Jerry Biebesheimer at (501) 450-3682 or jerryb@uca.edu.

Dan Abrams to Conclude Lecture Series

The Distinguished Lecture series will conclude Thursday, April 5 with Dan Abrams, attorney, author, legal analyst and television personality on ABC’s Good Morning America. Abrams will speak at Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. His topic will be “On the Law and in the News.”

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children, $5 for UCA faculty and staff, and free for UCA students with a current student I.D. (limit of two tickets). For tickets, call (501) 450-3265 or visit www.uca.edu/tickets.

Workshops for Student Work Study Supervisors Set for April

The Office of Student Financial Aid, Human Resources and Career Services will hold workshops for student work study spervisors. The workshop will cover topics such as the hiring process, hiring forms, departmental responsibilities, student responsibilities, job vacancies and answer any questions that you may have concerning student work study process. The dates of the workshops are April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Student Center Room 213 and April 19 at 10 a.m.  in Student Center Room 214. Any person who handles the hiring or supervising of student workers will need to attend one of the meetings. Space is limited so we ask that you contact Nancy Earny at nearney@uca.edu or 450-5155 to reserve your spot.

“Exploring Our World Series” Kicks Off April 5

The “Exploring Our World Series” kicks off with Conway’s Creative Approach to Battling Obesity Through Active Infrastructure Projects and Programs, on April 5 at 6 p.m. at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center.

Dr. Duston Morris, assistant faculty in the Department of Health Sciences and founder of 3 Sport Fitness, will provide information on current projects that are underway to stimulate physical activity through the utilization of active infrastructure. Morris will lead discussions on the impact of active infrastructure on healthy lifestyle characteristics, developing active infrastructure plans, and how to promote that infrastructure to Conway residents.

Other scheduled lectures for this spring include: Persons in the World: Perspectives on Human Ecology, April 17 at 7 p.m.; East and West; Women in the World: Pornography, Abuse and Sexualization of Young Girls, May 1 at 7 p.m.; and Ain’t I a Man: If I Act Like a Women and Think Like a Man?, to be announced. All lectures will be held in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center. The Exploring Our World Series is free and open to the public. For more information, visit uca.edu/world or call (501) 450 – 5261. Participants are advised to sign up early.

Lecture on Economics and Entrepreneurship Set for April 10

Robert Frommer, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, will talk about Economics and Entrepreneurship: The Misfortunate Case of  Food Truck Regulations on April 10 at 3 p.m. in the College of Business auditorium.  The event is free and open to the public.

Frommer joined the Institute in August 2008 and litigates cases to protect political speech, promote economic liberty, and secure individuals’ rights to private property.Before joining IJ, Robert was an attorney with the Washington, D.C., office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He is a former law clerk to Judge Morris Sheppard Arnold of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Robert received his law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 2004, where he served as both a book review editor for the Michigan Law Review and president of the Federalist Society student chapter.

Talk on “The Entrepreneurship in Grey Markets” Scheduled for April 11

Ashlie Warnick of Towson University will speak about “The Entrepreneurship in Grey Markets: Legalized Prostitution and Drugs” at 3 p.m., April 11 in the College of Business Auditorium. The event is free and opent to the public.

Warnick holds a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. In addition to general microeconomic theory, her studies focused on law and economics, public choice economics, and industrial organization. Her dissertation analyzed how a shift from yearly budgeting to biennial budgeting at the federal level would impact spending and the power relationships within Congress.

Her studies in law and economics also interested her in the legal arena. She earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan. During and immediately following her studies, she clerked for a non-profit law firm promoting economic liberty and fighting eminent domain abuse and spent a year in Arkansas working for a federal appellate judge. After completing her clerkships, she practiced law for a short time, mostly handling securities class action defense and antitrust matters.

Following practicing law, she spent two years teaching law courses at George Mason University School of Law and a year as a law fellow at Yale Law School. Her publications include an article concerning employment discrimination by religious organizations receiving public monies as part of their participation in a government program and an analysis of mainstream feminist legal studies. Since leaving Yale, she has taught various courses in microeconomics and constitutional law. Her current research concerns entrepreneurs in black or gray markets.

UCA Care Bears To Host eat2beat Cancer

The UCA Care Bears Relay For Life Team will host eat2beat Cancer on April 11 from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. in the East McCastlain Ballroom. The menu include soup, salad & home-made dessert. There will be an auction of gourmet desserts at noon. Tickets are $6 each (larger donations accepted). All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society for the research and fight against cancer. Soups, salads and drinks courtesy of Aramark. Homemade desserts and auction desserts courtesy of UCA faculty and staff.

For tickets, see Donna Gladwin, Wingo 213, 450-3126, donnag@uca.edu; Connie May, Wingo 207, cmay@uca.edu; Kerry Nichols, Irby 120, 450-5137, kerryn@uca.edu or Donna Johnson, Mashburn 230, 450-3282, donnaj@uca.edu.

“Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” Sexual Assault Awareness March Slated for April 12

UCA’s Interfraternity Council, Police Department and Division of University and Government Relations are organizing “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” is an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The event will be held Thursday, April 12 at 1:40 p.m. The walk will start at the Crafton Alumni Pavilion on the UCA campus. The march is open to men and women. Men do not have to wear women’s shoes in order to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact Arch Jones, director of organizational and community services with the UCA Police Department, at 450-3111 or ajones@uca.edu or Venita Jenkins, associate director of media relations, at 450-5114 or vjenkins@uca.edu.

UCA Theatre to Present Taming of the Shrew

UCA Theatre will present Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare on April 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. Tickets for Taming of the Shrew are $10 each for the general public and 2 free with a current UCA I.D. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by calling UCA Ticket Central at 501-450-3265. Further information is available by calling 501-450-5092 or visiting the UCA Theatre web site at www.uca.edu/theatre.

Arkansas Teacher Retirement Counselor Visit Set for April 12-13

A representative from Arkansas Teacher Retirement System will be on campus April 12-13 beginning at  9 a.m. each day for one-on-one counseling sessions in Wingo 105. All counseling sessions will be on a first come first served basis. No appointment required. This opportunity to review your account is open to all members of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System for information and planning purposes even if you’re not planning retirement in the near future.

New Staff Orientation Set for April 13

A New Staff Orientation is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on  April 13 in the Student Center #213-214. A continental breakfast will be served from 8 – 8:30 a.m.  If your department has hired a new staff employee this academic year and that individual has not attended a prior New Staff Orientation (October 2011), they are welcome to attend. The program includes information on Human Resources, UCA History, Staff Senate, University Education Seminars, Campus Life, and Purchasing. Lunch and a campus tour are included. To register, send name, department, and ID# to training@uca.edu no later than April 9.  For more information, contact Charlotte Strickland, education seminar coordinator, at 450-5470 or chars@uca.edu.

Campus Talk Scheduled for April 12

Please mark your calendar for the next “Campus Talk” on  Thursday, April 12, 3 p.m. at Ida Waldran Auditorium.  These informal meetings are held once a month to give all faculty, staff and students the opportunity to ask questions and to provide the campus with information.

HPER Center End of Year Fun Walk/Run Set for April 14

The HPER Center End of the Year Fun Walk/Run will beheld Saturday, April 14. The race entry fee is $5 or $10 the day of registration. The race begins at 8 a.m. in the HPER Parking Lot. Registration Forms are available at the HPER Fitness Center. Volunteers are needed. Individuals can sign up to volunteer at HPER. Ask a student worker for the sign-up sheet if you would like to volunteer! For more information, contact Brittney Davis at bnd06001@cub.uca.edu.

Arkansas Writers MFA Workshop Sponsors Mark McGurl at 2012 Literary Festival

Stanford professor Mark McGurl will be giving a talk about creative writing programs at this year’s Arkansas Literary Festival. Winner of the 2011 Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism, McGurl will discuss his book and trace the roots of creative writing instruction in the progressive education movement of the early 20th century, its influence on post-WWII American fiction, and the many complex ways authors have embraced and resisted their own institutionalization through the present day. A discussion about creative writing programs will follow, moderated by Stephanie Vanderslice, director of the new Arkansas Writers MFA Workshop at the University of Central Arkansas, which, along with UCA’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, is sponsoring McGurl’s visit.

This event will take place in Little Rock Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. on the fifth floor of the Main Library in the Lee Room. Copies of The Program Era will also be available for purchase. For more information, contact Vanderslice at 501-450-3340 or stephv@uca.edu.

Professional Development Workshops, Seminars

Sexual Harassment

Participants have the option of attending the Sexual Harassment on-site or online.

April 3, 9 – 10 a.m. Student Center #213

Diversity

This year’s topic of discussion – Disabilities

April 10, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Student Center #215

April 27, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Student Center #215

April 19, noon -1:30 p.m. SC #223/224 Professional Banquet

A special speaker will help us celebrate the contributions each employee makes on the UCA campus. Expect lunch, door prizes and inspiration!

April 24,  2 – 3:30 p.m. Student Center #205 A Administrative Assistants

This program sponsored by the UCA Staff Senate and the Office of University Training will provide food, door prizes, and socialization for UCA employees who serve as Administrative Assistants. A short inspirational presentation will be provided to remind the individuals of the impact they have on this campus. Space is limited, so reserve your space now!

University Unveils Improved SOAR

Posted on March 20, 2012

The University of Central Arkansas is pleased to announce the “new and improved” SOAR – Summer Orientation and Academic Registration.

A review of UCA historical data reveals that new freshman students who participated in previous summer SOAR orientation programs have a 20% higher 4 year graduation rate than students who were advised and registered during the six week summer registration blitz. These compelling statistics have driven the decision to provide a more comprehensive orientation opportunity to all new UCA students.

The new SOAR will be ten one day events strategically planned during the summer to orient, advise and register all incoming students.

During these 10 days, all new freshman and freshman transfer students (transferring fewer than 30 hours) will participate in morning programing provided by UCA’s volunteer SOSers and afternoons filled with campus tours, a “Bear Resource Fair” and academic advising/registration.

All new transfer students will receive a one hour orientation and departmental advising in the mornings with afternoon opportunities to attend the Bear Resource Fair and take campus tours.

SOAR will be held June 7, 8, 14 & 15; July 12, 13, 19 & 20; and August 8 & 9.

Please spread the word to all UCA faculty, staff & students that new student orientation is mandatory. When you receive a call from any new freshman and/or transfer student, direct them to myUCA where the “New Student Tab” will provide directions to register for the next available SOAR. If students do not have internet access, they can call the Office of Orientation 501-450-3235 or the Academic Advising Center 450-5149 to schedule their orientation.

 

Beta Alpha Psi Wins 2012 Southwest Regional Competition

Posted on March 20, 2012

The Beta Alpha Psi chapter in the Department of Accounting won first place at the 2012 Southwest Regional BAP Conference on March 3 in San Antonio, Texas.

The chapter’s project, entitled “Social Networking: Appropriate and Effective Use,” was selected as the winner of the Best Practices in Social Networking category. Five teams competed against the UCA chapter.

The goal of the project was to learn the appropriate use for social networking tools, increase student use of social networking as a means of professional development, improve chapter communications and involvement through social networking and connect alumni and professionals through social networking with the Business Department, students and faculty.

The project entails using LinkedIn for professional networking and Facebook with security settings for personal networking along with a chapter Facebook page, networking with professionals in person, and mentoring within the club. The judges commended the students for the design and sensibility of the project, the high level of chapter participation, and how it was presented at the competition.

The members of the winning team are: master’s student Will Baker of Rose Bud, senior Asselya Kaliyeva of Almaty, Kazkhstan, junior Olen Jacob Goodner of Mena and junior Cheyenne Marcum of Little Rock.

“They each came to the presentation team with different challenges,” said Stephanie Watson, co-advisor of the BAP chapter. “The four of them practiced and helped each other overcome their challenges and they gave a winning presentation and developed as a team and as friends.”

The win earned the chapter $500 and a chance to compete at the annual conference in Baltimore in August. The UCA chapter will compete against schools from seven regions from across the country.

“We plan to continue [the project] in the future because we feel like social networking is here to stay and our students should learn to use it appropriately and effectively,” Watson said.  – Lisa Burnett

UCA New Employees

Posted on March 20, 2012

Donna Ruth, Administrative Specialist II, Department of Occupational Therapy, March1.

Michelle Wynn, Administrative Specialist I, UCA Partnership for Transition in the College of Education, March 1.

Clifton Ford, Assistant Dean of Outreach, Career Services, March 1.

Dianna Flippo, Admission/Advisement Counselor, College of Fine Arts and Communication, March 5.

Kristen Crowell, Administrative Specialist II, Admissions, March 5.

Honors College News

Posted on March 20, 2012

Monica Luebker to Discuss Ponzi Schemes at Honors College Alumni Present Lecture on April 4

Monica Luebker will present a lecture entitled “Ponzi Schemes” on Wednesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. in the College of Business Lecture Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.  Luebker, a graduate of the Honors College, will deliver her talk as part of the Honors College Alumni Present Lecture Series. Alumni presentations in 2012 and 2013 will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the UCA Honors College.  Luebker received a degree in History from UCA in 1988 before attending law school at SMU. She has built a distinguished career as a litigator in Dallas, Texas, where she is a partner in the law firm of Fishman-Jackson-Luebker.

 Luebker has had an active trial and dispute resolution practice for twenty years, specializing in commercial, securities, construction, and employment litigation. She also represents clients in trademark and copyright litigation matters, trademark prosecution and trademark portfolio work. Luebker has successfully defended numerous class action lawsuits and is also often called upon to defend international clients in front of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Her clients have included international financial consulting firms, brokerage firms, technology consulting firms, real estate investment and development companies, internet sales companies, retail establishments, companies in the entertainment and sports arena, and major insurance companies.

Honors College Hosts Livestock

The UCA Honors College will host its 14th Annual Livestock on Saturday, April 14, at the Bear’s Den in Conway. Livestock is a concert fundraiser for Heifer International. Heifer International’s goal is to end poverty by securing food and a dependable income for the poor and hungry across the world. This year, Livestock will feature local musician Ben Wold, Swimming (from Fayetteville), and Whale Fire (Little Rock). Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. A $5 donation is requested at the door.

UCA Honors College has purchased three Gift Arks with Livestock proceeds. Each Gift Ark represents a donation of $5,000. This year, the Honors College plans to purchase the Women in Livestock Development or “WiLD” Gift. Women make up 70% of the world’s poor, yet produce 80% of the developing world’s food and own only 1% of the earth’s land. WiLD seeks to change women’s circumstances and give them power. WiLD represents a donation of $10,000. For more information on Heifer International, go to www.heifer.org.

Faculty Accomplishments:

Adam Frank’s Leadership in SW Conference on Asian Studies

Honors Associate Professor Adam Frank is immediate past president of the Southwest Conference on Asian Studies, which held its 40th annual meeting in 2011 at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. The next meeting of the Southwest Conference will take place in the fall on the SMU campus in Dallas.

 Rick Scott to Present Keynote Address to an International Honors Conference in The Netherlands

Rick Scott

Rick Scott, dean of the Honors College, has been invited to deliver a keynote address in October at an international honors conference in Groningen, The Netherlands. The conference theme, “Evoking Excellence in Higher Education and Beyond,” highlights an emerging conversation about the global spread of collegiate honors education. In the past few years honors programs have been started in Holland and Germany, as well as Mexico, South Korea, Qatar, and China.

Scott, who is president elect of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), said, “At the NCHC Board of Directors meeting on Omaha last month, we identified the promotion of international honors education as a strategic priority in the coming half-decade, and I am pleased to have an opportunity to address honors educators at the conference in Europe.”

His talk, “The Demography of Honors in the United States,” will present preliminary results from the most systematic collection of information about collegiate honors education in the United States that has ever been available. This comes from a new NCHC member database;  Scott has taken the lead in its development, having authored the questionnaire used to collect information from NCHC’s 900 member institutions.

“The profile of honors education in the United States depicted by these data represents the widest cross-sectional overview ever shown, and it should help us better understand what honors programs and colleges have in common and what they do not,” Scott said. ” I hope the profile will prove useful in adapting honors practices from the United States to higher education institutions overseas.”

Donna Bowman Invited to Speak on Craftivism at Harding University

Associate Dean Donna Bowman has been invited to Harding University to speak on the intersection of traditional domestic work, high-tech social media, and political activism. In March 2011,  she was a featured presenter at the Brave New Media conference co-sponsored by Humanity, the Roosevelt Institute, and the Harding College of Communications. Her talk, “A Thousand Little Things: How Crafting Networks Turn Social Organization Into Material Productivity,” explored the revolution in handcrafting fostered by well-designed online tools for interaction, teaching, and support. On March 26, Bowman will return to Harding by invitation of the College Activities Board for a talk titled “Gun Cozies and Yarn Bombs: Making Fabric Is A Political Act.” This presentation focuses on the historical significance of the connection between gender and fabric-making, and reveals how present-day artists and activists are redefining the domestic arts.

Little Rock Renaissance Wiki and Exhibit

The Little Rock Renaissance Wiki (http://honors.uca.edu/wiki/), hosted by the Honors College, reached a milestone 1 million page views in February. The wiki documents economic, social, and historic revitalization efforts in Central Arkansas in more than 3,300 entries written in oral history classes taught by Associate Professor Philip Frana. An article about the development of the wiki, still ongoing, is published in the Fall-Winter 2009 issue of Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6947/is_2_10/ai_n45180315/).

The wiki is to be featured in a March studioMAIN exhibit in Little Rock. StudioMAIN (www.studio-main.org) is a design collaborative comprised of individuals from the design fields of Arkansas, which works towards education the general public about the role of good design in daily life. The theme of the exhibit, to be unveiled during 2nd Friday Art Night, is the history of urban planning in Little Rock.

Featured Student: Sara Bayles

Sara Bayles

Sara Darlene Bayles, originally from Springdale (Har-Ber), is a senior Political Science and Religious Studies major at UCA with minors in Gender Studies and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. Bayles’ academic interest including studying the crossroads of gender, religion, and politics, with a focus on how these factors contribute to feminist theology, public policy, social and cultural movements, and daily life. Bayles has spent the last few semesters preparing a variety of interdisciplinary thesis and research topics at this intersection. Her senior Honors thesis traces the development of “Feminist Theological Perspectives in American History.” Bayles is also working on departmental Honors projects in her major fields. Her Political Science thesis, which she recently presented at the Arkansas Political Science Association, is a case study of “Feminization of Poverty with Ozark Mountains,” and explains how public policy choices and social norms affect chronic poverty within Newton and Searcy Counties, as well as reinforce gender based poverty. For her Religious Studies departmental honors thesis, her focus is on transnational theological issues and responses to HIV/AIDS.

Around campus, Bayles is involved in a variety of organizations. She has served as a representative-at-large and as chair of the Honors Council, and is current chair of the Honors College Ambassadors. Bayles is tremendously thankful to the professors, staff, and classes of the Honors College in firing her passions. This spring, Bayles had the privilege of working as a teaching assistant in the Honors College junior seminar course on Women and Law. She writes, “This semester, in Women and Law, has been incredibly insightful and provoking. Not only am I learning from the materials and my peers, I’m recognizing talents I have for teaching, and even for grading student work! It’s incredibly encouraging and inspiring to be part of the learning processes and formative experiences of the future leaders of my generation.”

Outside of the Honors College, Bayles has been involved in a variety of organizations including Residence Hall Council, social and philanthropic clubs, and departmental clubs. This semester Bayles was elected as President of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Departmental Honors Association. One of the student organizations that Bayles cites as most influential to her college experience is the Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry. Throughout her four years at UCA, Bayles has been involved in this ministry as a leader of small groups, bible studies, prayer groups, and as a mission trip participant. “I grew up in the United Methodist Church, and sought to become part of a community of faith when I began college. In doing so, I have become acutely aware of my own calling into ministry within the United Methodist Church. I am forever thankful for the Wesley Foundation for shaping me, and preparing me to find my calling.”

In the summer of 2011, Bayles had the opportunity through an Honors College grant to study and work on Capitol Hill at the General Board of Church and Society, the United Methodist Advocacy organization. Her work included facilitating seminars and congressional visits, advocating on legislation, and working with faith based groups to make their voices heard in public policymaking circles. While on Capitol Hill Bayles gravitated towards advocacy work, and she continues to work with a variety of faith based issues. This past fall, she was recruited to help launch “Imagine No Malaria,” a partnership between faith groups, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other nongovernmental organizations working to eradicate malaria.

In August of 2011, Bayles became a local pastor for two United Methodist congregations in Cleveland and Overcup, Conway County. Bayles leads and organizes worship services and other activities for these churches. “It has been an absolute affirmation of my calling and tremendous joy to serve both of these churches,” remarks Bayles. “They continue to uplift, edify, and form my calling into pastoral ministry.”

After graduation, Bayles plans to attend Duke Divinity School, where she has been awarded a Divinity Teaching Fellowship, and the later become an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Bayles says she will “listen to God’s calling upon her life, seek justice, and love thy neighbor as thyself. I am forever grateful to the staff and faculty of UCA, especially the UCA Honors College for teaching me that it is often the questions – not the answers – that shape our world, and thus are life callings. I also owe my deepest gratitude to my family, which continues to support my every endeavor in my life journey, as well as my friends, my family, my faith community, and the faculty of UCA.”

Writes Bayles, “Looking back on the past four years of my time at UCA, I am in awe of the friendships I have made, the opportunities I have been able to experience, the professors that continue to challenge and inspire, and the paths that continue to reveal themselves along life’s journey.”

Featured Alumnus: Lily Kuonen

Lily Kuonen

Lily Kuonen (’06) is a new assistant professor of foundations at Jacksonville University. She sends this reflection:

“In my artistic process I work without knowing what the resolution will be. I embrace a sense of renewal where physical connections link materials and ideas. I push against finality, testing limitations to explore the process of painting.

“After receiving my BFA in Studio Art and minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies, and still not yet wanting to feel finished, I sought my MFA in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. While in Savannah, I was once again held captive by mentors, tough-loved, and questioned at every juncture. The questions were difficult, some silly, some fun, and some to sleep on. As I progressed through the program, one question was asked over and over again: Why not teaching?

“I had naively rebelled against the idea of teaching, like sneaking out and smoking cigarettes. But, you see, it is in my blood. My sister is a high school math teacher; my mother is a Montessori first, second, and third grade teacher; my Uncle is a professor; and my grandmother was a junior high and high school teacher and coach. Like a family business, I acknowledged my fate, but it wasn’t until somewhere during my first teaching assistantship that I realized my true passion. Think of it like being 18, casting your ballot for the first time. You made your decision, despite your upbringing, despite your peers, despite the media, you made your decision. This is how I came to teaching.

“I got offered my first full-time teaching position in Drawing and Painting directly after graduate school at College of Charleston. I was so scared. But that fright came not for myself. It was instead a fear of failing my students. Since missing my first class ever (not even realizing I had a course to show up for), I have entered the classroom and studio every single time with enthusiasm, excitement, and fear. I love teaching, and I am so happy to have accepted it, and taken it as my own.

“After a year in Charleston, I moved on to assistant professor of art in foundations at Jacksonville University. A small liberal arts college, where my roots in the Honors College have given me insight and depth for the personalities I have the pleasure of experiencing. In Florida I will continue exploring my directive and my love. So, as of December of 2006 I spent 2 months on the road at over 10, 000 miles. I saw 13 states, 3 countries, got tattoos, then moved. Waited tables, hiked mountains, moved again. Graduate school. Traveled. MFA in Painting, bought a van, moved again. Traveled. Full-time position at College of Charleston, tattoos, moved again. Assistant Professor of Art in Foundations at Jacksonville University. Artist Residency at the Vermont Studio Center, spoke at conferences, received fellowships, had art shows in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Savannah, Atlanta, Chicago, Hong Kong, Charleston, Vermont, and Jacksonville. I will participate soon in THINKTANK7 Integrative Teaching International. And I still come back home to Arkansas whenever I get the chance.”

Special Announcements: Travel Abroad Grants and Undergraduate Research Grants in Education

 Leanne Hampton attended the Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist Competition in March. Also in March,  Nicholas Rogers conducted an anthropological study of road cycling, culminating with a European race in Belgium. Taylor Sutton, a Philosophy major, traveled to the 5th annual Undergraduate Ethics Symposium at DePauw University to present his paper “Ruat Caelum: The Blasphemy of Justice.”

A number of students will attend the Southern Regional Honors Council annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, Friday, March 30-Sunday, April 1. Papers to be delivered include, Wilson Alobuia (major: Biology), “Predictors of Pulmonary Function Test Quality”; Katrina Kimble, “All Men and Women Are Created Equal: The Conflict and Compromise of the Seneca Falls Convention and Women’s Suffrage”; Nathan Robbins (History), “Remaking Romanitas: The Expansion of Roman Citizenship and the Redefinition of “Roman-ness” in the Early Roman Empire”; Taylor Sutton (Philosophy), “The Phenomenology of Revelation: Fallacy in Anselm’s Ontological Argument”; Matthew Hankins (Physics), “Native American Astronomy at the Point Remove Mound Complex” & “A Game of Stags: Mathematics, Ethics, and Game Theory Applied to Economics”; Kathy Hill, “The International Marriage Market”; Emily Trower (Psychology) & Laralyn Thomas (Psychology), “A Test Between Two Self Theories of Cognitive Dissonance”; Brittany Edwardes (English), “Muslim Feminine Political and Sexual Self-Discovery”; and Daniel Keil (Biology), “Jellyfish Phylogenetics.”

College of Education News

Posted on March 20, 2012
James Receives 2012 recipient of the ATE Distinguished Member Award

Terry James

Dr. Terry James, professor and chair of the Department of Leadership Studies, was honored in February as the 2012 recipient of the Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Member. The award was the highlight of the Awards Banquet at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators held in San Antonio, Texas.

The ATE Distinguished Member exemplifies the best of teacher education in this nation, which includes outstanding contributions to the association; outstanding contributions to teacher education; and professional, academic, and ethical standards. Annually, ATE members nominate colleagues who are members of the association to be considered for the Distinguished Member award. The ATE Honors and Awards Committee members review the nominees and determine the final selectee, then the ATE Delegate Assembly votes on the selection, reflecting the endorsement of the entire membership. This award is the only one voted upon by the Delegate Assembly.

James has been a dedicated member and leader of ATE for more than 40 years. Through his many contributions, James has engaged the membership in critical conversations addressing the challenges in education and helped orchestrate vital changes that have advanced ATE. He has served on governance committees, tasks forces, and research commissions. Plus, he has served as Chair of many conference planning committees. James has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the association. Additionally, he has served as President of both the Tennessee and Arkansas ATE state units as well as the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators. Many new ATE members were recruited and/or mentored by Terry James reflected by the strong membership represented by UCA faculty.

James earned all of his degrees in higher education at the University of Missouri including a B.S.E. in social studies and American history, an M.Ed. in secondary education, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with concentrations in social studies education and school administration. He began his career in teacher education in 1969 as a doctoral student at the University of Missouri-Columbia Laboratory School as a teacher and supervisor of student teachers. He joined the faculty at Westmar College in Iowa in 1973 where he taught, directed the student teaching program, and helped redesign the teacher education program. In 1977, he joined the University of Memphis as Director of Professional Laboratory Experiences and later became the Director of the Office of Student Services. In 1991, he joined the University of Central Arkansas and has served several faculty and administrative roles in the College of Education and Academic Affairs. In 2005, he became the founding chair of the Department of Leadership Studies.

James is the  first ATE member from Arkansas to receive the Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Member award.

 “I am honored and humbled to be nominated and selected for this award. The Association of Teacher Educators has been my professional association of choice,” he said. “My involvement with ATE has deepened my knowledge and understanding of teacher education, given me opportunities to contribute to my chosen profession at local, state, and national levels, and allowed me to benefit from the mentoring and expertise of the nation’s most outstanding teacher education practitioners and researchers. Hopefully, I have been able to pass forward some of the lessons learned to students and colleagues who will continue to advocate for strong teacher preparation as a key to our nation’s future. I am deeply appreciative for the support and opportunities that the University of Central Arkansas has provided me for the past two decades. I am equally appreciative for the contributions of others who helped make this journey possible: my family, teachers, professors, and colleagues who always supported me.”

Founded in 1920, the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) is an individual membership organization devoted solely to the improvement of teacher education both for P-12 school-based and post secondary teacher educators. ATE members represent over 700 colleges and universities, over 500 major school systems, and the majority of state departments of education.

Shoudong Feng Makes Two Presentations and Guides Graduate Students

Shoudong Feng

Shoudong Feng, associate professor in the Department of Early Childhood/Special Education, has shared his research at one regional and one UCA presentation and he guided two graduate students with their presentations during the 2011 fall semester. At the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA) annual regional conference held in Oxford, TN, Feng presented a session titled, “How Do Struggling Readers Read on iPads?” His research focused on ways struggling readers behave when they read on iPads. Feng’s research revealed that struggling readers demonstrated more motivation and interest in reading, interacted more with the book, needed more monitoring in staying focused and comprehending the book.

On the UCA campus, Feng was invited to present an IDC Workshop to interested faculty titled, “Balancing Teaching, Research, and Service.” His key points were based on his experiences as tenure-track faculty at UCA and are helpful as new faculty navigate their journeys toward candidacy for tenure and promotion.

At the Arkansas Reading Association’s annual state conference held in Little Rock, AR, Feng guided the research methodologies and professional presentations of two graduate students. The graduate students conducted research in their classrooms based on their own research designs, literature reviews, data collections, data analyses, and findings summaries. One graduate student researched the impact of parental support on Kindergarten students’ early literacy achievements; the other graduate student researched the reading behaviors of students’ parents. Both graduate students have submitted their papers for possible publication.

Fourth Annual Chicken Dance Service Learning Marathon Scheduled for May

“Making a Difference in Children’s Lives from Conway to Kitale “encapsulates a growing theme among the faculty and teacher candidates in the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education. For four years, third- and fourth-grade students at Woodrow Cummins Elementary School and  Conway School District were introduced to children from Kipsongo Slum, Kitale, and Kenya  through photographs and stories. To help the children in Kitale, the students at Cummins Elementary School began the Chicken Dance Marathon raising $7,000 to help build a chicken coop to sustain support for an orphanage, feeding center, and school.”

Chicken Dance Marathons, held in Conway Schools, have raised a total of $34,000 to help the families in Kitale build chicken coops, purchase egg-laying chickens and broilers, and change lives in their community. Schools in England and Guy-Perkins have joined in this service learning educational strategy.   Chicken Dance Marathons are spreading across the U.S. The community of Vail,Colorado, has planned a community-wide marathon in the early part of May.

Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton Department of Public Service added, “The accomplishments of this partnership are minutes away from 60 Minutes.”

The  fourth annual Chicken Dance Marathon is scheduled for May for schools in Conway, England, and Guy-Perkins. This unique partnership among the Conway School District, University of Central Arkansas, Chick-fil-A, and the Chicks for Children Foundation is making a difference on the children in Kitale along with the lives of UCA teacher ECSE candidates.

“Service-Learning is a form of experiential education in which candidates engage in activities that address human and community needs at the local and/or global levels together with structured opportunities for reflection, all designed to achieve desired learning outcomes,” according to Dr. Rene Crow, assistant professor in ECSE.

Dr. Mark Cooper, professor in ECSE, states ” we are determined to prepare teacher candidates at UCA to use service-learning as a teaching strategy in public schools to help students not only learn the common core state standards but also to contribute to the health of local and global communities.”

College Well Represented at the Association of Teacher Educators Meeting

The annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) was held in February in San Antonio, Texas. The theme, “Creating a Global Community of Learners: Guiding the Future of Education,” prompted 24 teacher educators including one teacher candidate from the College of Education to share their research through a variety of professional presentations. The sessions organized by UCA faculty included:

· Jamie Alea, Debbie Barnes, Kathleen Atkins, Lisa Daniels-“The Difference Between Being There and Being Invested”

· Debbie Barnes, et al.-“Augmenting a Global Community of Learners through the Incorporation of Teacher Reflectivity”

· Debbie Barnes, et al.-“Teacher Reflectivity: Guiding the Future of Education”

· Tammy Benson, Heather Fisher, & Michael Mills: “Making a Successful Transition to University Teaching and Administration: The Future of Teacher Education”

· Tammie Benson, Chris Hogan, Jamie Alea, Nancy P. Gallavan, & Julie Spears-“Examining Year-Long Teaching Internships: Working Collaboratively to Ensure Greater Success”

· Gary Bunn, Lisa Daniels, & Donna Wake-“Cultivating Teacher Efficacy via Reflection on Dispositions”

· Nancy P. Gallavan-“Managing Classroom Assessment at the Middle Level”

· Nancy P. Gallavan & Angela Webster-Smith-“ Cultural Competence and the Recursive Nature of Conscientization”

· Nancy P. Gallavan & Angela Webster-Smith-“Enhancing Candidates’ Self-Efficacy and Cultural Competence with Effective Reflective Exercises”

· Nancy P. Gallavan & Angela Webster-Smith-“Exploring Research Relating to Self-Efficacy in Teaching, Learning, and Schooling”

· Nancy P. Gallavan & Angela Webster-Smith-“Realizing the Presence and Power of Reflecting on Defining Moments”

· Nancy P. Gallavan & Angela Webster-Smith-“Recognizing the Recursive Nature of Conscientization in Cultural Competence through Self Study”

· Terri Hebert-“Effects of a Service-Learning Environment on Middle Level Educators’ Social Responsibility ad Professional Success”

· Terri Hebert, Gary Bunn, Jeff Whittingham, & Donna Wake-“Motivating Factors, Interest, and Positive Affects in Traditional and Nontraditional Graduate Students in the Pursuance of Continuing Education and/or Initial Teacher Licensure”

· Stephanie Huffman, Wendy Rickman, & Shelly Albritton-“The Impact of Social Networking Tools on the K-12 Classroom”

· Michael Mills-“Effectively Implementing a Hybrid Social-Learning Environment as a Teacher Educator”

· Michael Mills-“Ensuring Pre-service Teachers’ Readiness to Teach Common Core Standards”

· Donna Wake, Tammy Benson, and Dee Dee Cain-“Professional Development in Preschool Literacy that IS Making a Difference”

· Cheryl Wiedmaier, Marilyn Friga, & Brenda Linn-“Preparing for the Common Core: Digital Resources to Reinforce Learning”

In addition to their many presentations, COE faculty participated in association governance and received various awards:

· Debbie Barnes-Chair of the Awards Committee, Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Recipient of the 2012 Presidential Award in Appreciation of Service

· Nancy P. Gallavan-Member of the Board of Directors, President-Elect, Chair of the Commission on Teacher Self-Efficacy, Co-Editor of the ATE Annual Yearbook of Research, and program proposal reviewer

· Terri Hebert-Program Chair of the Middle Level Special Interest Group (SIG), program proposal reviewer

· Terry James-Chair of the Task Force on the ATE Conference Structure, and Recipient of the ATE Distinguished Member Award

Annual UCA Teachers’ Fair Held Feb.  24

Teacher candidates from the College of Education had the opportunity to meet with representatives from approximately 65 public and private schools and school districts from across Arkansas as well as Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Additionally, representatives from the Arkansas Department of Education were available to talk with candidates regarding their licensure areas and professional careers. Many thanks to Dr. Cathy Rice-Clayborn, director of UCA Career Services Office, for organizing and announcing this professional connection; Sue Farris, College of Education Coordinator of Internship II, and Dr. Jamie Alea, College of Education director of field experiences, for encouraging candidates to attend.

In preparation for the Teachers’ Fair, teacher candidates were expected to dress professionally, write their résumés, assemble their portfolios, and practice effective interview techniques. Candidates reflected upon their experiences expressing their appreciation for learning how to present themselves professionally and meeting many different school and school district representatives. School and school district representatives recommended that candidates start substitute teaching in various schools to acquaint themselves with the students and schools along with honing their teaching abilities in authentic learning environments.

A notebook containing sample information from each of the participating schools and school districts is available in the College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning. Many thanks to Chris Hogan, instructor in Teaching and Learning, along with Brittany Harris, graduate assistant in Teaching and Learning, for attending the Teachers’ Fair and assembling the notebook for candidates to reference as they continue their job searches.

Dr. Donna Wake Shares Research at Annual SITE Conference

Dr. Donna Wake, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, delivered three presentations at the annual SITE Conference held in Austin, Texas.  SITE is the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education; it promotes the development and dissemination of theoretical knowledge, conceptual research and professional practice knowledge.  Founded in 1990, SITE is a society of the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.  It is an international association of individual teacher educators and affiliated organizations of teacher educators in all disciplines who are interested in the creation and dissemination of knowledge related to the use of information technology in teacher education and faculty/staff development.

Wake’s first presentation, “Using Wikis with Pre-Service Teachers to Promote Collaborative Practice and Contextual Analysis,” looked at a collaborative project conducted in northern Arkansas and in Pennsylvania with a colleague from Philadelphia.  The study involved elementary school teachers who implemented a digital writing project with their P-4 students.  This presentation shared outcomes from the classroom where they used the wiki to compare and contrast their individual processes and experiences for teaching and learning.

The second presentation, “Digital Storytelling: Notes from the Adolescent Rural World,” explored a digital writing project that Wake led at two rural school districts in Arkansas.  The students created individual digital stories about being teens in their communities.  Wake analyzed their stories for themes and patterns reflective of teens in general and, more specific, to teens in rural contexts revealing both unique and shared characteristics.

The third presentation “Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions of Technology Used to Support K-12 Student Literacy Development” shared findings from data collected by Wake and Dr. Jeff Whittingham, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning.  This study examined a project conducted in a Master of Arts in Teaching course on content literacy where participants created screen casts showcasing an assigned technology and evaluating that technology for its potential in supporting K-12 student literacy development.  This session drew a large audience of elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers seeking guidance for their own P-12 classrooms.

College of Fine Arts and Communication News

Posted on March 20, 2012

Mark Spitzer

Mark Spitzer, associate professor of writing, recently had his article “The NewWeird: Theory of the Double Effect” accepted by the Chronicle Review, which is published by the Chronicle of HigherEducation. This article looks at creative writing pedagogy and trends increative nonfiction. Also, Spitzer’s essay “Polemic: The History of PiratedEnglish-Language Translations of Jean Genet’s Poetry (with Chronology)” was acceptedby the literary journal House Organ. Additionally, Spitzer’s latest memoir, Sickin the Head, was just published by S A M Publishing. This book is the sequel to Writer in Residence, publishedin 2010 by the University of New Orleans Press.

Mark Spitzer, associate professor of  writing, recently had his poem “Catfish Creatures of the Ozarks” accepted by Colere (Coe College, Iowa). He was also an artist in residence at Lake Forest College (IL), for the 2012 Lake Forest College Literary Festival in March.

Stephanie Vanderslice

Dr. Stephanie Vanderslice, an associate professor in the Department of Writing, had an essay recently published in the Huffington Post.  Here’s the link to “So You Want to Get an MFA?: An Open Letter to My Students.”

 

 

 

 

Terry Wright

Terry Wright, a professor in the Department of Writing, recently published a chapbook of poetry, entitled Graphs, with Kairos Editions (Lawrence, KS). Another poetry chapbook, Fractal Cut-Ups, has been accepted for publication later this year by Kattywompas Press (Cleveland, OH). In addition, Wright’s work has recently appeared in the following magazines: Blast Furnace, H.O.D. (A Handful of Dust), Epiphany, Leveler, Palooka, Pure Francis, Sunsets and Silencers, The Foliate Oak, The New Verse News, and Third Wednesday.

College of Health & Behavioral Sciences News

Posted on March 20, 2012

UCA Athletic Trainer awarded National Athletic Trainers’ Association Service Award

David Strickland

Head Athletic Trainer David Strickland was recently awarded a 2012 NATA Service Award. This is a national honor which recognizes athletic trainers for their contributions to the profession of athletic training and the association through local, state and district service.  Strickland exemplifies the mission statement of the NATA and the NATA Code of Ethics by his conduct and advancement of the profession.

Strickland  has been a certified athletic trainer for 18 years. In this role, he has always strived to not only provide the best possible health care for his athletes, but has exhibited great passion for teaching of young people. From the very beginning of his career he has been actively involved with sharing his knowledge, experience and desire to educate students about athletic training.

Strickland has been instrumental in promoting the Athletic Training Education Program at UCA into the premier program in the state of Arkansas. He recently served as a member on the committee that prepared the UCA ATEP program for the Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training on-site review. The result was the ATEP program was recently approved for 10 year re-accreditation status. It goes without saying that David loves to teach. He instructs all levels of our athletic training students from Emergency Care with our Level I’s, to Head, Neck and Spine with our seniors.

A quote from Strickland reflects his passion: “Watching these students grow from introductory students to seniors to licensed/BOC professionals in athletic training is something I will cherish forever. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing my students apply what they have been taught in our program and save a life of a student-athlete. I am grateful to know I have the opportunity to help these students grow into professionals.”

Strickland has also served selflessly in our state and district associations. One of the more prominent highlights includes serving the Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) as its President. During his tenure as President-Elect, President and Past-President he was involved with the passing of (HB 1743 ,Act 1214) in 2011- A bill to promote the health and safety of students in public school athletic activities through the use of athletic trainers and professional development for coaches. Also during his presidency, the AATA was successful in placing “Athletic Trainer” on the third party reimbursement payer list and assisted with the establishment of the Arkansas Board Of Athletic Training(HB 1084, Act 1124). Strickland testified at the state capital in committee on behalf of licensed athletic trainers and the role we play as health care providers in the state of Arkansas.

In 2008, Strickland was appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe to serve as a member of the Governor’s Council on Fitness for the State of Arkansas and is currently still serving.

“David is a consummate professional and is an outstanding ambassador for the discipline and profession of athletic training,” said Dr. Howell, chair of the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department. “I truly believe his most significant contribution is his daily commitment to athletic training manifested in every interaction with students, peers, coaches, student-athletes, administrators and the public in general. David embodies the meaning of professional service.”

UCA ATEP Student Receives Prestigious Who’s Who Among Students Award

Blair Sipes, a senior in the Athletic Training Education Program recently received the Who’s Who Among Students award.

Since 1934, the National Who’s Who program has recognized outstanding campus leaders for their achievements. Through years of serving higher education, Who’s Who Among Students exists as one of the most highly regarded and longstanding honors programs in the nation, having earned the over-whelming respect of college faculties and administrations. For the students, recognition by the Who’s Who program marks a pinnacle of scholastic achievement. This exclusive honor is conferred by more than 1,900 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Selections are based on academic achievement, student leadership and contributions to the community.

Blair is a senior in the Athletic Training Education Program, has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 while pursuing her career objective of becoming a certified athletic trainer. The ATEP program has a strenuous academic curriculum along with multiple clinical experience opportunities that require a student to commit to many hours outside the classroom setting. Blair assisted with the medical coverage of volleyball, softball and football specifically and volunteered many other times with other sports. She has also volunteered medical coverage several times for the AAA All-Star week in Fayetteville each summer.

Blair has been very involved with the Central Arkansas Athletic Training Student Association (CAATSA) that performs university and community service. CAATSA is involved with many activities such as Christmas food drives and Adopt-a-Highway. She is a sorority member in Zeta Phi Beta and has served as their secretary. She is a member of the Minority Mentorship Program and Big Brother/Big Sister program and role models to a 7 year old. Blair is active in her church and recently has become a tutor for young adults in grades 5-12 in math and science on a weekly basis.

Blair has been an exemplary student and the Kinesiology Department and ATEP program are very proud of her accomplishments.

Publications and Presentations

Veronica Rowe

Veronica T. Rowe, MS, OTR/L, clinical instructor in the Occupational Therapy Department, gave a continuing education course entitled, “Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) – Applying Evidence Based Research in the Clinic” to 40 physical and occupational therapists and students in El Dorado, AR, on March 20, 2012. The course was sponsored by the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association and South Arkansas Community College.

 

 

 

Steve Tucker

Steve Tucker, PhD, ATC, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, had a manuscript entitled “Reliability and validity of measuring scapular upward rotation using an electrical inclinometer” accepted for publication in the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. Co-author on the manuscript is former undergraduate athletic training student Lyndsey Ingram, ATC.

 

 

Shawn Charlton

Bill Lammers

Drs. Shawn Charlton and Bill Lammers in the Department of Psychology & Counseling received a $1, 000 grant from the Psi Chi International Honor Society to support the Arkansas Symposium for Psychology Students. The symposium will be held April 21 and will provide a venue for psychology students in Arkansas to present their research.

 

Van der Toorn, J., Nail, P. R., Liviatan, I., & Jost, J. (2012, March). My country, right or wrong: System threat eliminates the liberal-conservative gap in patriotism. Invited address, 5th Annual Conference on Experimental Political Science, New York University, New York.

Mitchell, C., & Simon, J. (2012, February). Seeking interventions: Development of the Website Investigation Model. Poster presented at the National Association of School Psychologists, Philadelphia, PA. C. Mitchell is doctoral student in school psychology program.

John Murphy, Psychology & Counseling Department, presented a two-day Advanced Professional Training (APT) Workshop, entitled “Brief Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools” in February at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Simon, J.B. (2012, March). Enhancing hospital-to-school transition success: How YOU can contribute. Arkansas Mental Health in Education Association, Little Rock, Arkansas.