The Bear Ledger

• During the early years, students attending the Arkansas State Normal School were required to attend church services; non-attendance was not an option.

• The first structure on campus was a 167-by 67 foot building with a basement and two stories. The basement contained a gym, a room for the Department of Agriculture, engine room and toilet room. The first floor included four classrooms, three general offices, library and the president’s office. The second floor housed a 400-seat auditorium.

 Source: The Centennial History of the University of Central Arkansas by Jimmy Bryant.

UCA’s Mashburn Center for Learning has been awarded $325,000 grant by the Arkansas Department of Education.

The grant will continue funding the Arkansas Adolescent Literacy Intervention designed to increase capacity within the state of Arkansas to improve academic outcomes for students at-risk for school failure.

“When you consider that this is the fifth award from the ADE totaling more than $2 million it is clear that the Mashburn Center for Learning has established itself as a change agent and leader in preparing teacher teams to work more effectively with struggling adolescent learners,” said Dr. Diana Pounder, dean of the College of Education.

There are two primary strategies designed to achieve the major outcome. First, the intervention program is designed to build teacher capacity for demonstrating mastery in the application of the Strategic Instruction Model methodologies. Second, the intervention promotes increased sustainability and scalability of the high quality, research-based instructional strategies used by the participating district teaching teams.

“The Mashburn team has developed its expertise on intervention implementation the hard way. School-based interventions come and go, especially with a reliance on hit and run professional development of teachers,” said Dr. Mark Cooper, professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education (ECSE) and director of the Mashburn Center for Learning. “We have created a sustainability model designed to not only build capacity, but also to sustain the capacity built.”

The success of the Mashburn Center for Learning is grounded on the principle of “sustainable” capacity building for professional development and improvement.

Dr. Patty Kohler-Evans, associate professor in ECSE and Ms. Renee Calhoon, the coordinator of Teacher/Administrator Development for the ADE grant are integral to the center’s success. Both Mashburn team members insist that the development of a sustainability plan can no longer be a neglected element in education reform.

The Mashburn Center for Learning has become a leader on high quality professional development and instructional intervention in Arkansas.

Graham Gillis, a more than 30-year veteran in higher education, has been named the associate vice president of human resources at the University of Central Arkansas. He will begin his new post Nov. 22.

Gillis, 53, served as the associate vice president for employee benefits and risk management services at the University of Arkansas System Office for the past 13 years. While there, he assisted various state agencies including the Department of Finance and Administration and the Department of Higher Education.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be at UCA,” Gillis said. “One of the things that was evident throughout the interview process was the passion of the faculty, staff, and students. I look forward to working with these groups and the UCA administration in helping UCA move forward.”

Gillis is no stranger to UCA. He was the assistant vice-president of human resources at UCA from April 1995 to August 1997. He oversaw all human resources activities for the university

Gillis also served as manager of employee information systems before taking the position of assistant director of human resources at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  He earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello,  a bachelor of arts and a master of applied psychology degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

“We are delighted that Mr. Gillis has accepted the human resources position at UCA.  He has a wealth of knowledge of human resources in higher education not only in Arkansas, but across the country,” said UCA President Allen Meadors. “Mr. Gillis is well respected in the profession and we look forward to working with him.”

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) Board of Directors voted in September to provide a $105,000 grant to the UCA Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) to support its efforts to engage public sector leaders of small municipalities in targeted community and economic development training.

“There is very little training available for rural municipal government officials,” said CCED Director Kelly Lyon. “This reality means that these municipalities are often left out on potential development opportunities offered through the county, state or federal government.”

With WRF’s support, CCED will expand its outreach and engagement efforts to small municipalities by developing and providing training and technical assistance focused on scaled development efforts for cities in Arkansas with populations under 5,000.

CCED is one of the state’s leading providers of training for community development professionals. CCED focuses on identifying community assets, setting goals, encouraging collaborations and partnerships with stakeholders, and bringing together groups of people to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

“Engaging small city leaders in community and economic development training provides tremendous opportunities for our state’s most neglected communities,”  said Dr. Sherece Y. West, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. “Through CCED, trained leaders will have the skills to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunity in the communities where they live.”

For over 35 years, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has worked to make a difference by helping to build and sustain the organizations that serve and strengthen Arkansas. Through grantmaking and strategic partnerships, we are working even harder to help close the economic and educational gaps that leave too many Arkansas families in persistent poverty.  The needle can and must move from poverty to prosperity for all Arkansans.  For more information on the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, go to www.wrfoundation.org.

The University of Central Arkansas Police Department and the Student Government Association are promoting pedestrian safety through the “Brake for Bears” campaign scheduled for Nov. 10.

Volunteers will encourage safety awareness throughout the day at various crosswalks. UCA police and volunteers will distribute educational fliers to pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists along crosswalks at Bruce Streets, Farris Road, and Donaghey Avenue from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UCA Police officials say pedestrian safety is a major concern.

“Each semester,  I receive several e-mails and phone calls from students, faculty, and staff with concerns about crosswalk safety,” said UCA Police Chief Larry James.  “In the past, we have responded through increased enforcement but this has only limited effectiveness. Using enforcement along with awareness we can reach out to so many more people and encourage drivers and pedestrians to be aware, be safe, and be considerate.”

Arch Jones, Jr., director of organizational & community services for UCAPD, said the police department wants the campus and the Conway community to be alert and safe.  The department wants to emphasize not only drivers need to be alert, but also pedestrians.

“No matter who has the right-of-way, we all need to be alert. Pedestrian safety is everyone’s business,”  he said.

Volunteers are needed to hand out fliers. Those interested in volunteering should contact Arch Jones Jr. at the UCAPD at 450-3111. For more details, go to the UCA Police website.

The University of Central Arkansas and the City of Conway will host the annual Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 11 at Estes Stadium.

This year’s Veterans Day Celebration will kick off at 9 a.m. with a formal flag-raising ceremony in downtown Conway at Simon Park.  UCA’s ROTC will provide a Color Guard.  Crain Buick GMC Automotive Team of Conway will lead a convoy of soldiers and participants to UCA after the flag-raising.

Activities at Estes Stadium will begin at 10 a.m. The day-long festivities will include live music, radio remote broadcasts by Y-107 and The Point 94.1, aircraft and military displays, a flag display, giveaways and plenty of free food and games. The event is free and open to the public.

A special ceremony honoring veterans will be held at 1:40 p.m. at the stadium.  More than 100 balloons will be released in honor of each Arkansan killed in service since Sept. 11, 2001.

Since 1996, the university has acknowledged the contributions of service men and women. Melanie Epperson, co-chairman of the Veterans Day Committee, said it is important to recognize veterans for their sacrifice.

“With so many our veterans feeling alone and forgotten at times, I think this is an excellent opportunity for us to show them we still care and respect them and value the sacrifices they have made,” she said. “We hope that the outpouring of community support we show them on Nov. 11 will help them proudly remember the mark of distinction they bear as uniformed service members.”

 The Veterans Day activities are funded exclusively through donations.

“This year’s Veterans Day Celebration will be the biggest yet for UCA and the City of Conway,”  said Brooks Walthall, co-chairman of the Veterans Day Committee. “…  We need our community at UCA and in Conway to help us show our appreciation to our nation’s veterans and their families. All events are free and open to the public, and we encourage everyone who can to come out and thank our troops.”

This event is underwritten by the Conway Crain Team Buick – GMC dealership and Acxiom Corporation.

The UCA Art Collection home page has a new feature that highlights the university’s artwork.

“Featured Item”  showcases a piece from the collection each quarter.  The first featured artwork was a bowl from the historic artifacts donated to the UCA Foundation, Inc. by alumni Dr. and Mrs. Earl B. Riddick.   A painting by Dorris Curtis, Winding the Maypole, is the current featured artwork. The piece was bequeathed to the UCA Foundation by the artist.

Officials redesigned the website earlier this year to help the community become more aware of the university’s art collection .The home page provides easy access to main categories of objects in the collection. The site also outlines how to donate to the collection and how to initiate a gift of art work or funds to purchase items for the collection, its maintenance and preservation. 

“We’re delighted to have a place where the public can easily find information about UCA’s artwork as well as how to donate funds and artwork to benefit the collection,” Barbara Satterfield, director of the Baum Gallery of Fine Art.

UCA is fortunate to have received donations of paintings, drawings and prints by Adrian Brewer and Louis Freund–both historic, regionally-known professional artists with significant web notations and inclusion in prestigious collections, she said. Public art commissions, such as Song of the Earth by sculptor Tom Gibbs, lend a significant cache to the collection as well. 

“UCA has been the fortunate recipient of a number of prestigious works,” Satterfield added. “The web site is the place to discover them and to learn about how UCA will be a good steward of those artworks over time.”

The collection is managed by the UCA Public Art Committee. The committee is presently working on identifying “100 Hatfields” — selecting significant works from the many paintings from the Hatfield Collection currently on view across the campus — so time and resources can be dedicated to their preservation.

UCA has promoted the arts since 1907, when it created a department of art as one of its nine original academic departments.  Since then, the university has had a significant impact on the visual and cultural heritage of Faulkner County and the state of Arkansas.

Visit the UCA Art Collection website at http://www.uca.edu/artcollection.

UCA Concert Choir Set to Perform in Little Rock

The UCA Concert Choir will sing “Illumination of the Spirit – The Light of Love” at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock. The Chamber Singers will sing on the program as well. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call (501) 450-5751 or e-mail johne@uca.edu.

The Office of Disability Support Services to Host Forum Nov. 2

The Office of Disability Support Services will host DSS Faculty/Staff Forum Nov. 2 during x-period in the Student Center, Room 213.  The topic will be Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder — symptoms, treatment, and how to accommodate students with ADHD will be discussed during this two-part session. Please RSVP to James Hopper at jhopper1@uca.edu no later than Oct. 29.  If you require any special dietary accommodations, please indicate this in your response.

UCA General Counsel Offers Seminars

UCA General Counsel Tom Courtway and Associate General Counsel Katie Henry will be offering several seminars.  All sessions are free and open to anyone interested in attending.  If you have any questions about these seminars, please contact Katie Henry at khenry@uca.edu.  The seminars are:

Nov. 3, 10-11 a.m. – Board Policy No. 416 and Contracts, SC room 225 

Nov. 4, 2-3 p.m. – FERPA (An Overview; Questions and Answers), SC room 225 

Nov. 9, 10-11 a.m. – Compliance Seminar (Any reports we have to file; questions/answers), SC room 215 

Nov. 11, 9 -10 a.m., – HIPAA (Overview; Questions and Answers), SC room 225 

Nov. 17, 10-11 a.m., – The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Overview of the Act; Questions and Answers), SC room 225 

Budget Advisory Committee Meeting Dates

The meeting dates for the Budget Advisory Committee have been set for the year. All meetings are open to the public. Upcoming committee meetings are: Nov. 11, Wingo 315; Dec. 9, Wingo 315; Jan. 13, Wingo 315; Feb. 10, Wingo 315; March 10, Wingo 315; and April 21, Wingo 315.  Contact Lynn Burley, chair, at 450-3633 or lburley@uca.edu for more information.

UCA Theatre to Present Greek Tragedy

UCA Theatre will present The Bacchae by Euripides on Nov. 3 – Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. The production has been updated with contemporary music, dance, and multimedia. The play is under the direction of Shauna C. Meador, associate professor of theatre, with set design by assistant professor of digital film, Scott Meador. Costume design is by senior theatre major, Eriko Terao, with choreography by UCA student Duy Nguyen. Tickets are $10 for the general public and two free with a current UCA I.D. Tickets are available through UCA Ticket Central in Reynolds Performance Hall or by calling 450-3265. The play is appropriate for ages 16 and up.

State Symphony Capella of Russia Chorus to perform at Reynolds Hall

The State Symphony Capella of Russia Chorus continues the Night-Out Series at UCA with a performance on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Performance Hall. The 50-member group is known for its flawless vocal and choral techniques, beautiful continuous sound, crystal-clear and precise intonation and unfailing attention to poetic word. Tickets are $30-$40 for adults, $27-$37 for senior citizens, $25-$35 for UCA alumni, $23-$33 for UCA faculty and staff, and $10 for UCA students with a current student I.D. For tickets, call (501) 450-3265 or visit www.uca.edu/tickets.

Forever Plaid Slated for Nov. 8

Forever Plaid will continue the Broadway Series with a 7:30 p.m. performance on Nov. 8 in the Reynolds Performance Hall. Forever Plaid tells the story of four members of an all-male singing group who get a second chance to fulfill their dream and perform a concert in heaven that they never got to on earth. One of the cast members is a familiar name for fans of the television show Frasier as Emmy-award winning actor David Hyde Pierce is a member of the cast.  Tickets are $30-$40 for adults, $27-$37 for senior citizens, $25-$35 for UCA alumni, $23-$33 for UCA faculty and staff, and $10 for UCA students with a current student I.D. For tickets, call (501) 450-3265 or visit www.uca.edu/tickets.

Legendary Poet C.D. Wright’s Reading and Book Signing Slated Nov. 9

CFAC Artist in Residence and legendary poet C.D. Wright will read from recent work, answer questions, and sign books in the auditorium in the  College of Business at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 9. This event is free and open to the public. She will also give a craft talk and answer questions at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10 in Thompson Hall. This event is also free and open to the public. For more information, contact Prof. Terry Wright at terryw@uca.edu or (501) 450-5108.

Occupational Therapy Open House Nov. 9

The Occupational Therapy Open House is scheduled for Nov. 9 during x-period in the Doyne Health Sciences Center in room 309. Individuals can learn more UCA’s program and occupational therapy careers. There will be refreshments and door prize!

Assistant Professor Huixia Lu’s Film to Premier Nov. 10

The documentary film, Independent for Governor: An Idealist’s Grueling Run, will make its world premiere at 7 p.m., Nov. 10, at Reynolds Performance Hall. The film, produced, directed, photographed and co-edited by Huixia Lu, assistant professor of digital filmmaking at UCA, is a two-hour documentary about Rod Bryan, the first independent candidate for governor of Arkansas since 1940. The screening is free and open to the public. There will be a Q&A session following the premier. For more information about the film or the screening, contact Lu at (501) 450-3346 or hlu@uca.edu. See the trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCk-YFAf6Xs&feature=player_embedded.

Don Pasquale to Continue Met Series

The high definition broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera is set for 2 p.m., Nov. 14 in Reynolds Performance Hall.  Don Pasquale will be the third of 10 high definition transmissions in the series sponsored by UCA’s College of Fine Arts and Communication. Approximately 200 seats are available for each performance at UCA. Tickets are $15 for the public and $5 for students with valid I.D.  To order, call UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.uca.edu/tickets.

University Chorus to Perform “Motet Mania” Nov. 18

The University Chorus will perform “Motet Mania” at the Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. A motet, traditionally a song of a sacred nature that could be used in a religious service, has gone through drastic changes since its inception. “Motet Mania” will trace the evolution of the motet from the early Renaissance to the late Romantic time period. For more information, call (501) 450-5756 or e-mail  rfisher@uca.edu.

Educational Seminars and Professional Development Schedule

Sexual Harassment
Nov. 12, 9 – 10 a.m.  Student Center #213

Nov. 18, 2 – 3 p.m.  Student Center #213

Diversity

This year’s topic of discussion – Sexual Orientation

Nov. 4, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Student Center #215

Nov. 10, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Student Center #223/224

Nov. 17, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Student Center #215

Professional Development

Nov.  2, 9 -10 a.m. SC #213 On the Run Eating — Healthy Quick Breakfasts and Packed Lunches Janet Dance (UCA Dietitian – Aramark)

People are busy. Unfortunately many of us don’t eat right. Join us as campus dietician, Janet Dance, discusses healthy eating habits and provides simple, quick healthy alternatives to the Big Mac or pizza buffet.

Nov. 16,  noon – 1:30 p.m. SC # 215 “The Super Supervisor” – For all UCA Managers/Supervisors — Doug Isanhart (Executive in Residence, Internship Coordinator, Management Department – UCA College of Business)

This seminar is sponsored by the UCA Staff Senate and the Office of University Training. Topics to be covered: “WWW – What workers want”; “Why are we here?”; Mutual goal setting; Measuring effectiveness; Performance reviews; Reducing absenteeism; Commitment vs. involvement; Continuous Improvement; Having fun in the workplace.

The UCA chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the honors organization for accounting majors, hosted Meet the Firms on Sept. 28 in the Student Center Ballroom on the UCA Campus. Meet the Firms is an opportunity for accounting employers and accounting majors to meet and mingle.

Meet the Firms allows both students and potential employers the opportunity to meet and discuss potential employment in a somewhat informal setting. Many firms send recent UCA graduates as representatives.

This year, 49 students and 15 accounting employers attended Meet the Firms. Public Accounting Firms attending included BKD, Beall Barclay, Bell & Co., Cobb & Suskie, Conner & Sartain, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Hudson Cisne, JPMS Cox, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Thomas and Thomas. Corporations in attendance were Wal-Mart and Windstream, and Government Agencies were Arkansas Legislative Audit and Department of Finance and Administration. In addition, Becker CPA review was there to tell students about upcoming changes in the CPA exam. A great turnout of both employers and students made for a very successful event.

 A great deal of the credit for the success of Meet the Firms should be attributed to the dedicated students of the UCA chapter of Beta Alpha Psi as well as their faculty advisors, Dr. Stephanie Watson and Dr. Trish Mounce.

Rusty Nicholson, a 2010 UCA graduate, is a recipient of a prestigious Cisco internship. Nicholson was one of 29 students nationwide selected for the program. 

More than 1,200 individuals applied for the internship.  Candidates included students from Duke, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Texas, Michigan, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech.

The position is a one year training program that allows individuals to study and obtain certifications while also assisting in field work. 

Nicholson, who received his degree in management information systems in May, moved to Herdon, Va. two months after graduating from UCA to begin his internship.  While there, he will train as an associate systems engineer. An associate systems engineer provides technical assistance directly to the account managers and the customers. 

Nicholson is assigned to the Customer Briefing Center, which is responsible for bringing customers in and explaining to them what the solution designed for them by Cisco will do for them and how to use it.

“I will get to work with cutting edge technology and meet with teams from “big-name” corporations and help them solve the technical issues businesses face today,” he said.