Contents
Message from the Dean
Welcome to this month’s DELO Newsletter.
Spring came, then cold came back, now I think spring will continue.
With the ending of the regular spring semester comes the many luncheons and dinners in April and May to recognize award winners, retirements, emeriti faculty, appreciation events, and graduation ceremonies. This year is no exception, and in fact three graduation ceremonies are scheduled and we congratulate all the graduates. We especially congratulate our own Amanda McGaughey who will be receiving her Master’s.
Several of us traveled to Tunica, Mississippi for the Annual Region South ACHE Conference. Manon gave a presentation on the Work Ethic Seal program which she entitled "Whatever Happened to Ward Cleaver?". She talked about changes in the workforce culture and the kinds of solutions necessary today. I was one of the few people in the room who actually watched the original TV show "Leave it to Beaver", not the reruns on MTV as most of the "youngsters" there did... this doesn’t make me old, it only points out that I was an early innovator in the use of the electronic technology available. Several of us also visited some of the local attractions and contributed to the local economy. If you ever go to Tunica, I’d suggest that you visit with Amy Fitzpatrick for some hints on how to enjoy the area without making major contributions to the various building projects there.
I had the opportunity to attend the WKU–O Staff Appreciation night at the Moonlite BBQ in Owensboro this month, and I congratulate all of the fine efforts of Joe and his staff for a highly successful year. I was able to present the Regional Campus Outstanding Part–Time Teacher Award to Mr. Lee Maglinger. These are always fun to present because the individuals are always very deserving and usually very surprised. I will miss the opportunity for this presentation at Glasgow because I will be traveling back from a meeting in Boston, but I will have the pleasure at Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Ft.Knox.
Again, lots of excitement in DELO. The new Commonwealth Room at the Knicely Center is off to good use, replacing conference room 151 which was lost to the Community College project. However, we did gain the Commonwealth Room space, additional much needed offices for our marketing and cohort staff, a workroom/storage room for marketing, a larger staff conference room, and a sales/display area for the conference center. This move allowed us to eliminate double occupancy staff offices at the Knicely Center and create some potential for growth. In order to provide matched furniture for the new areas, we have added new furniture in the Dean’s outer office, in the program area offices, and in the conference room. Some new carpeting in that area has and will create an even better work environment. We also gained all of the spaces formerly occupied by the BGCC at the west end of the building, which we will remodel following the move of the Materials Characterization Center.
We are delighted to WELCOME Cindy Troutman and Jenny London to our DELO Team. Cindy joined the Distance Learning unit in Garrett on the hill just last week. Jenny started with the Elizabethtown Center earlier this month. More about our newest staff members in the letter.
Last weekend with the help of Sue and Lyle’s trailer, I spread four yards of mulch on my flower beds; the project and I are now both done. In family news, Molly lost another tooth and won four medals in the spring gymnastics meet at her club last week (no correlation between the two events); Jake is doing great with his guitar lessons; and Adam turns two on May 9 (yes, grandma will be present to help celebrate).
Enjoy May and enjoy the letter...
Don S.
Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Ft.Knox News
New Transfer Program
A new Systems Management degree is being offered at the Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Ft.Knox Regional Center. It is designed to teach students concepts and skills from a managerial, operational, and technological perspective, thus preparing graduates for rewarding careers in a wide variety of fields.
Systems Management is a transfer–friendly program. Students will find that their 2–year AA, AS, or AAS degrees will be accepted as a complete block. There will be no credit lost, no restrictive course list, and no re–taking classes. Students can choose from twelve professional concentrations, including Criminology Systems, Government Systems, Health-Care Systems, and Military Systems. Transfer students may complete their bachelor’s degree in as few as four semesters.
For more information on the Systems Management program, visit www.wku.edu/sm or (270) 745-5408.
Gamma Beta Phi
The Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox Regional Center’s new chapter of Gamma Beta Phi elected officers for the 2008–2009 academic year.
Pictured left to right: Gail Ledford, Co-Advisor; Ronald Devers, Sergent-at-Arms; Toni Jones, Treasurer; Alison Saylor, Vice President; Sonya Caldwell, President; Beth Blissett, Historian; Emily Campanell, Secretary; and in back Gena Jeffries, Co-Advisor.
Glasgow News
Sociology Club Speaker
A mentoring presentation was given by Terri Jo Harris, Drop Out Prevention Director with the Glasgow Independent School System, and sponsored by the Sociology Club. Ms. Harris explained that mentoring is a positive role model for students, from 5th graders to seniors, who are at risk of dropping out of high school. She also presented the criteria for becoming a mentor (including a background check) and things to do with them, such as going out to eat, visiting at school, playing games, and periodic phone calls. Anyone interested in mentoring can call Terri Jo Harris at (270) 670-3542.
Alpha Kappa Delta, National Sociological Honors Society
Cynthia Browning and Misty Groves, who attend the Glasgow Campus, were inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta National Sociological Honors Society on April 7. The purpose of this society is to promote an interest in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and other types of social and intellectual activities which will lead to improvement in the human condition.
Alpha Lambda Alpha Guest Speaker
Dr. Bella Mukonyora, Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at WKU, spoke at the Glasgow Campus. The event was sponsored by the Glasgow chapter of Alpha Lambda Alpha. Students, staff, faculty, and community members were on hand for a wonderful presentation. After the presentation, Dr. Mukonyora answered questions from the audience. She brought several books for participants to look through as well as her book, "Wandering a Gendered Wilderness: Suffering & Healing in an African Initiated Church."
SMART Board Training
James McCaslin, Assistant Director of WKU–Glasgow, provided a professional development training opportunity for elementary education students on April 14 and 15. The training afforded the students the opportunity to work hands–on with SMART Boards and document cameras. Students learned how the technology works, were given information on writing grants to get technology in their own classrooms, and were provided with information and hands–on examples of activities currently used in K–12 classrooms.
Agriculture Students
On April 10, thirty–two Agriculture Science students visited a local poultry farm. Barren County resident, Jamie Pendegraf, graciously permitted WKU–Glasgow Agriculture students to visit his Equity Group Poultry Farm. Students put on plastic boots (shown on left) for safety purposes prior to arriving at the chicken barn.
Jonathan Adkins, broiler manager, and Ben Kirpatrick, broiler technician, discussed the nutritional needs of the birds, environmental regulations, and working with the local farmers to ensure that Equity Group’s guidelines are being met. A special thanks to Jamie Pendegraf, Ben Kirpatrick, and Jonathan Adkins for hosting the Agri–Science class.
National Library Week Celebration
It has been a tradition that the faculty of the WKU Department of Library Public Services go to the Glasgow Campus Library to have their meeting every April during National Library Week. The Glasgow Library celebrated National Library Week with their annual open house.
Gamma Beta Phi National Convention
The Glasgow Regional Center Chapter of Gamma Beta Phi traveled to the Gamma Beta Phi National Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 3 through April 6. Members attending the convention with Advisor James McCaslin included Kristen Shive, Jeremy Birge, and Sabrina Ellis.
During the convention, the Kentucky State Council was formed. Two Glasgow Regional Center members now hold state offices.
Pictured (l to r) are the officers of the newly created Kentucky State Council of Gamma Beta Phi: Matt Nevins, President (WKU Chapter), Kristen Shive, Vice President (Glasgow Regional Center Chapter), Khristina Locker, Treasurer (Midway College Chapter), Jeremy Birge, Secretary (Glasgow Regional Center Chapter), and Christine Gibson, State Advisor (Midway College).
Members of the Kentucky Delegation are (front row l to r): James McCaslin, Advisor (Glasgow Regional Center); Matt Nevins (WKU Chapter); Jeremy Birge (Glasgow Regional Center); Khristina Locker (Midway College); Andrea Ward (Midway College); Christine Gibson, Advisor (Midway College); (back row l to r): Sabrina Ellis (Glasgow Regional Center); Kristen Shive (Glasgow Regional Center); Jessica Pauleen (WKU Chapter), and Rachel Hanger (WKU Chapter).
KANS Bake Sale
The Glasgow Campus members of KANS (Kentucky Association of Nursing Students) held a bake sale to benefit March of Dimes. The bake sale was so successful that the group is planning another very soon.
Owensboro News
Appreciation Dinner
On April 11, WKU–Owensboro had their annual Appreciation Dinner at Moonlite BBQ.
The "Teacher of the Year Award" went to Lee Maglinger (center). Lee teaches Public Health classes for WKU–O and is a favorite among students and staff. At left is Dr. Joe Etienne, Interim Associate Dean, DELO and Director of WKU–O. At right is Dr. Don Swoboda, DELO Dean.
Dr. Joe Etienne gave a "year in review" presentation at the dinner.
Advisory Council Meeting
The WKU–O Advisory Council met in Owensboro on April 11.
Doug Ault, Director of WKU Planning, Design and Construction, presented the plans for the new WKU–O building set to break ground in a few months.
Dynamic Leadership Institute
On April 18, WKU–O’s Dynamic Leadership Institute was directed by Scott Taylor, Director of University Student Activities. The Owensboro chapter has an enrollment of 21 students between the two phases.
The students had a lot of fun during the workshop!
OCTC’s Spring Fling
On April 15 and 16, the WKU–O Toppers sold "Big Red and root
beer floats" to those who attended the Owensboro Community and Technical
College’s annual "Spring Fling".
Big Red joined the Toppers and Dr. Joe Etienne in selling raffle tickets for the Hilltopper corvette.
Conference Presentation in November
Congratulations to Dr. Stan Lightner, WKU–O Architectural and Manufacturing Science instructor. Stan has been asked to present a paper to the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in November. His proposal is entitled: "Globalization: Its Potential Impact on Entrance Requirements for On-line Masters Programs. He co–wrote the proposal with Dr. Mark Doggett, from main campus, which was considered the number one choice of proposals out of twenty–two submitted to NAIT.
Manon Pardue Makes Presentation at ACHE Conference
Manon Pardue, Director of the Center for Training and Development, made a presentation at the ACHE (Association of Continuing Higher Education) South 2008 Spring Conference in Tunica, Mississippi on April 9. The presentation entitled "Whatever Happened to Ward Cleaver" compared changes in the workforce since 1958, the workforce of 2008, and the workforce of the future. Additionally, Manon introduced how WKU, through partnerships with the area Chamber of Commerces, is addressing work ethic skill gaps for business and industry.
Beth Laves Receives Award at Conference
Beth Laves, Assistant to the Dean, was awarded the Wayne Whelan Research Grant at the Association of Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) South Region meeting in Tunica, Mississippi on Tuesday, April 8. The purpose of the Research Grant is to promote the development and dissemination of new knowledge, theories, and practices in adult and continuing education. With the $1,000 grant, Beth will investigate online distance education courses offered as concentrated study in three or five week formats to enhance teaching and learning for adult learners.
Summer Sessions Registration Rally
A Summer Sessions Registration Rally was held outside of Java City on April 24 from 10am to 2pm. The purpose was to increase awareness among students of all the Summer courses being offered. The Summer Sessions staff was available to answer questions from students and also hand out Summer Sessions bags and other goodies. The event drew a number of students who looked at the course listings and discussed their options with Summer Sessions staff.
Summer Sessions enrollment currently stands at over 5500 and is very close to where we were last year at this time. There are over 1600 sections being offered this summer.
Summer Session for Dual Credit Courses
With over three hundred students crowding the auditorium at Butler County High School, Dewayne Neeley, Dual Credit Specialist, introduced the new Summer Session for high school students to be held at Bowling Green Community College. This location, in addition to the Glasgow Regional Campus, will afford the students the opportunity to receive college credit at the Dual Credit tuition rate of $200 per course. While some students may have visions of hanging out by the pool, several students have already submitted their applications so that they can make "summer school cool" by taking courses like Communication 145, Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Sociology 100, and Introduction to Sociology. The new addition of a summer session reflects the continued growth of the Dual Credit Program.
During the spring 2008 semester, sixty–three courses at nineteen area high schools were offered. Over seven hundred academically ambitious students took advantage of the enrichment opportunity provided by the Dual Credit Program. Butler County High School has played a major role in the program’s success by offering seven courses on the high school’s campus.
"Dual Credit is one of the best values for our high school student that’s out there. Where can a student get credit at his/her high school and for a couple hundred dollars get college credit as well? This is the best deal and economical value for our student that’s out there. It’s also nice that the classes can be taught in the high school as opposed to having to go to the campus to take the class. Thank you for sharing it with our schools and our students."To learn more about the Dual Credit Program, please check out the program’s website at www.wku.edu/dualcredit.
Duane Curry
Guidance Counselor
Butler County High School
Jenny London, New Elizabethtown Office Associate
The Elizabethtown Regional Center is pleased to welcome Jenny London to their team as the new office associate. She brings in over 20+ years of office experience. Jenny lives in Leitchfield with her husband, Geoff, and they have one child, Kyle, who is 16 years old and attends Grayson County High School.
Jenny can be reached at jennifer.london@wku.edu or 745-5895.
Distance Learning Welcomes Cindy Troutman
Cindy Troutman is the new Program Specialist in the Office of Distance Learning and began her position on April 22. She is a ‘98 alumnus of WKU and has worked on campus for seven years. Cindy comes to DELO from University Libraries where she served as Marketing Coordinator for two years. Prior to that, she worked in the Potter College Dean’s Office as Office Coordinator for five years. Cindy is working toward her M.A. in Adult Education and expects to finish in Fall 2009.
Cindy lives in Bowling Green with her husband Mark, 15 year-old son Mike, and two dachshunds, Buster and Mona. She can be contacted at 745-5173 or cindy.troutman@wku.edu.
Continuing Education News
Bowling Green Junior High Orchestra
From Dr. Mitzi Groom, Department Head, WKU Department of Music:
History in making music with public school strings classes was made in April on the campus of WKU. The students pictured here were warming up for their performance on the Van Meter stage at the District 3 Festival. The roots of this movement that were begun in 2004 by Bill Scott, Bowling Green Western Symphony Orchestra, conductor, started with 22 fourth–graders at Natcher Elementary, and have now come full circle.
With the administrative help of DELO, the WKU Department of Music faculty members taught public school string classes in both Bowling Green City Schools and Warren County Schools until 10 schools were involved in the project. At this point, in the Fall of 2007, Bowling Green City Schools hired their own Orchestra Director, Patrick O’Rourke, to carry on the work that the WKU teachers had begun. The results of four years of work have now produced two orchestras at Bowling Green Junior High School, with rising high school age players for fall of 2008.
The commitment of DELO, Sharon Woodward, project coordinator, the WKU Department of Music, Mitzi Groom, head, and the Bowling Green City Schools, Joe Tinius, superintendent, has forged a partnership that is exciting to see and will be of lasting value to the community.
Other News
Sharon Woodward spoke to approximately one hundred members of the Primetimers group at Living Hope Baptist Church on April 8. Although the main topic was Elderhostel, Sharon also answered questions about the university and credit courses.
Upcoming Continuing Education Programs
- Topper Clarinet Weekend, June 5-7
- Topper Saxophone Weekend, June 12-14
- String Explosion, July 22-25
Selected Knicely Center Events in April
• Geography Bee
• WKU Student Research Group(First time at Knicely) • Mary Kay - Robert Jones Make-Up Conference (250 Participants) • Gordon Ford College of Business Awards Banquet, Reception and Wives Luncheon • Faculty Awards Dinner • Bowling Green Bicycle Summit
To schedule your event at the Knicely Center, call 745-1908. WKU departments get a 40% discount on room rental rates.
Linda Jones Gets a Surprise
On April 18, Linda Jones, Program Specialist for the Center for Training and Development, received an unexpected visitor to help celebrate a special day.
DELO eNewsletter
The goal of the DELO eNewsletter is to share highlights of DELO and the individual DELO units with employees and interested individuals.
You are an important part of the success of the DELO newsletter. Submit information or story ideas to Elizabeth Main, (elizabeth.main@wku.edu) by the end of the month. Topics could include new program offerings, new employees, contracts made with outside organizations, professional awards received by you or your employees... anything that your fellow DELO employees might be interested in. Don’t be timid – take this opportunity to brag on your professional accomplishments!
Please send your information or comments to Elizabeth. We want to make the information in this newsletter interesting and useful for you.
Past issues of the DELO eNewsletter can be found at www.wku.edu/delo/NewslettersHTML/newsletterArchive.htm.