CONGRATULATIONS TEAM DELO "CHARACTERS"!
By now you’ve seen or heard that our DELO spelling team took on all comers at the Bowling Green Community Education fund raiser, SPELL-A-BRATION, and brought home the championship trophy. The varsity team of Mary Cole, Beth Laves and Sharon Woodward, coached by last year’s team member Manon Pardue, beat out 17 other teams in this major accomplishment, which has been heralded by the world press as nothing short of remarkable. Several of us in the DELO Spirit Section cheered our team on, and even Big Red was there to wish them well before the event started. You can read more about the victory later on in the eNews, but this story certainly tops March’s remarks from the dean.
Beth, Mary and I have spent a great amount of time in discussions with the Provost and her staff trying to get a better understanding of and seeking a better fiscal position for Summer Sessions next year and in the future. Mary has crunched and analyzed more numbers on this in the last two months than she wants to recall. But we believe that, with the provost’s continued leadership and support, a solution will be reached.
Like us, many of you have watched the heavy snow storms in the northeast and midwest this month. Ginny and I are pleased to say that we’ve made it through the three blizzards of 2007 here in Bowling Green. You’ll remember the first one was 2 inches, the second was an inch, and then that second two inch storm hit. We were happy that we had stocked up on the bread and milk before each storm. Truly we don’t miss the horrible cold and deep snow of past winters of our lives.
The month seemed to have more than the usual number of chamber of commerce activities, UCEA and ACHE committee activities, and then, of course, the regular visits for hand therapy. The healing progress is going very well, but gosh, it seems to be slow. We also lost the great services of Bill Oldham in February; much effort has already gone into initiating the search process for the next marketing manager.
Next month’s calendar is mostly filled with several trips to the regional campuses, at least one national meeting in Chicago next week, a day in Nebraska to get my taxes completed, and one long weekend with Ginny as we go to North Carolina to find a Revolutionary War battlefield that one of her ancestors fought in. She was successful in proving her ancestral links to gain membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution this winter, so now we have to go walk in their tracks.
Anyway, my calendar looks to be as full as yours, so we should accomplish many good things together in March. You never know, it could be the best month of our lives. Have a good month.
Don S.
Mary Cole, Beth Laves and Sharon Woodward, members of the "DELO Characters" Team, beat out 17 other teams to capture the Spell-a-Bration 2007 trophy. The adult spelling bee raised money for Bowling Green/Warren County Community Education’s After School program. The Characters finished first after spelling the word "pneumonic". Manon Pardue, the team’s coach, indicated that this outreach activity aligns with DELO’s mission of outreach and lifelong learning.
Congratulations and thanks to all DELO staff for their support and encouragement!
This month, the WKU Elizabethtown Regional Center will focus on our involvement in the Hardin County Schools. We work closely with the Hardin County School System, placing teacher education students in a number of elementary, middle, and high schools. On a yearly basis WKU student teachers and teacher interns are also supervised and mentored in the Hardin County School System. These pictures depict some of the WKU related activities that occurred this month in this outstanding school system, serving a key role in preparation of the next generation of teachers.
WKU Alum Mrs. Shelia Larkin was presented with the EXCEL Teacher of the Year Award by WHAS TV news anchor Gary Roedemeier. Shelia has taught in Hardin County Schools for 27 years, most of those in her current position as Kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Trail Elementary School. She has had a major role in training new WKU teachers, as well as mentoring, supervising, and advising teacher education students in placements at Lincoln Trail School. WKU presented Shelia with a Big Red bobblehead and other gifts in recognition of her outstanding achievements. Shelia’s Kindergarten class sang a very special song at her award ceremony.
WKU Teacher Intern, Rachelle Grey, works with a Lincoln Trail Elementary fifth grade student in a special student-centered environment she has created. This classroom is equipped with special lighting and couches instead of desks to create an inviting environment for all learning styles.
WKU ELED Preservice Teacher, Debbie Roach, works with a second grade reading group at Woodland Elementary School.
The three pictures below show WKU ELED Teacher Service students coordinating a science fair at Woodland Elementary School. In the first picture Ramona Carter, Debbie Roach, Laura Payne, Amy Cloeppel, and Julie Backstone demonstrate how to make a rainbow with the help of their science instruction board. The second picture depicts WKU students Stephanie Utley and Tia Palmer showing steps of scientific investigation to a group of fourth graders. WKU students Jennifer Young and Emily Priddy demonstrate how light is reflected and absorbed to 90 Woodland students. Woodland Elementary faculty and students agreed that this was one of their favorite days at school this year, thanks to WKU Teacher Ed students working at the fair.
We are pleased to announce that James McCaslin has been promoted to Assistant Director of the WKU-Glasgow Campus. James has been at the Glasgow Campus since 2001 and, as anyone at the Glasgow Campus will tell you, he is invaluable. Dr. Bayless stated, "Our congratulations to James. It is quite fitting that he be the first to hold this position."
Gina Lyon, a new adjunct instructor of Communication at Glasgow, was selected as Woman of the Year by the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner this month. According to the Glasgow Daily Times, "The Protogenia Award was taken home by Gina Lyon who helped reactivate Junior Achievement and for her time and effort with the Glasgow Kiwanis Club and demonstrating excellence in business with Kurt Lyon Trucking."
The Glasgow students were treated to Valentine’s candy which was distributed by the Campus Activities Board. The treats were greatly appreciated.
Gamma Beta Phi held its first meeting of the Spring semester on Monday, February 12. In less than one year, there are now 41 active members in the chapter. New members of the chapter were inducted, and nominations were taken for officers. Ms. Lee Ann Smith, Chemistry instructor at WKU - Glasgow, was introduced as the new faculty co-sponsor. We extend our thanks to Dr. Molly Dunkum, who previously served in this capacity. Dr. Dunkum is now teaching on the Bowling Green campus. The chapter also discussed attending the National Convention scheduled for April in Chattanooga, TN. Beth Atkins, a new inductee, was the winner of the monthly drawing for a $50.00 book scholarship.
The Glasgow Campus was pleased to have the College Heights Herald Retreat for the second time. The Retreat was also held at Glasgow during fall 2006. Robert Adams (Bob) commented that the people were so nice and the facilities so great that it was a pleasure meeting at Glasgow. The retreat was held Friday night and all day Saturday. The group of about 45 was addressed by 3 speakers from The Lexington Herald Leader, among others. Mr. Adams said the event was successful.
The area schools have begun the 2007 touring of the Glasgow Campus. This month we have been visited by the Barren County Middle School and Edmonson County High School. The Glasgow Advisors will begin visiting the area high schools very soon.
The Glasgow Staff were invited to attend the February 15th Lady Topper game versus Florida Atlantic. The best part was that they were allowed to use the Pepsi Luxury Suite. The Dr. Bayless and staff were joined by Dr. and Mrs. Swoboda. It was truly a winning experience – the Lady Toppers won 105 to 78. Thanks to Pepsi and Dr. Juanita Bayless for making it such a fun experience.
The students in Agriculture Mechanics (AGMC170/171) constructed electrical boards in their agriculture mechanics lab. These boards will be used to help students understand the basics of electricity and will give them the foundation that they can use in their future agriculture career. These are the first Agriculture Mechanics classes that have been offered at the Glasgow Campus. Kristie Guffey, the Agriculture instructor at Glasgow, said that the class covers surveying, basic construction and electrical power.
Dr. Bayless was invited and attended the Temple Hill Fire Department’s 25th anniversary celebration. Our campus was acknowledged and thanked for our helping make the annual Fireman’s Challenge possible.
Pictured are Mr. Dave Roberts, a member of the WKU Owensboro Advisor Council, and Dr. Marilyn Brookman. Mr. Roberts was the Coordinator of the Annual Rotary Speech Contest held in February and Dr. Brookman was a judge.
Dr. Greg Arbuckle, the new Coordinator of Education and Work Force Development in Owensboro, spoke to the Owensboro Lions Club. Greg talked about the new programs and expanding programs for the WKU Owensboro Campus.
Congratulations to Bernice Williams! Bernice has been an IVS Facilitator for Owensboro Regional Campus for 8 years. Dependable and always kind and hospitable, Bernice is a joy to work with and we appreciate her loyalty to WKU - O!
The Owensboro Campus has a blog!!! Seeking additional ways to communicate with and inform their students and faculty, Neil Bradley, Student Services Coordinator took advantage of WKU’s blog server and created one. It is called "Encouragement from 206C" Check it out at http://blog.wku.edu/wku-o/?cat=2. (NOTE: If you are using Internet Explorer, you may need to right click on this link and open it in a new window.)
February 14th: Dr. Ritchie Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla and Dr. Emmanuel Iyiegbuniwe from the Environmental Health Science Department came to Owensboro to share key information about their program with Dr. Marilyn Brookman, Dr. Wayne Rickard, Charlotte Dixon and Neil Bradley of WKU-O and Dr. Greg Labyak of Owensboro Community and Technical College. All are working together to bring the Environmental Health Science program to the Owensboro Campus in Fall, 2007.
February 15th: Dr. Greg Arbuckle traveled to Frankfort, Kentucky to help represent WKU for Owensboro/Daviess County night. Dr. Arbuckle, Dan Lanham, WKU-O Advisory Council Chair, and President Ransdell attended the reception to meet with area representatives on behalf of WKU.
February 27th: Neil Bradley, Student Services Coordinator/Advisor, attended the February Faculty meeting of Owensboro Community and Technical College. Neil presented the new Template Booklet for teachers/advisors to use in assisting OCTC students in transferring to WKU-O. The templates are still a "work in progress", but they are sure to help students make a smooth transition from a two-year to four-year degree.
The Carroll Knicely Conference Center hosted the 6th annual Bridal Fair on February 10. The fair showcased catering and reception services, flowers, spa pampering, hair stylists, decorations, clothing, photography, travel, and many other services that would enhance the perfect wedding. Over 280 prospective brides and grooms, as well as their families and friends, attended.
Manon Pardue speaks at the SKY SHRM luncheon meeting.
The Center for Training and Development and Continuing Education recently hosted a luncheon for the Southern Kentucky (SKY) Human Resource Management Chapter. This chapter is a professional association with more than 100 members dedicated to enhancing the member’s professional growth, facilitating the sharing of information and encouraging high ethical standards among business, industry and non profit organizations.
Dr. Bob Reber, Associate Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business, provided information for SKY SHRM members.
The meeting was conducted on February 22 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Various program information offered by DELO was presented. Topics included customized non credit programs, non credit online classes, on site credit degree programs and different types of certificate offerings.
Additionally, representatives from the Bowling Green Community College and WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business conducted surveys. These surveys were designed to determine the needs of Human Resource professionals regarding certificate and degree programs.
The Office of Correspondence Study has 2006-2008 brochures available. If you would like to request some for your office or for an event, please call 745-4158.
"The Lincoln Tour: Following Lincoln from Hodgenville, KY to Springfield, IL" will be offered May 14 - 22, 2007. This course will begin in the classroom for four days of lectures and discussions of Abraham Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. The group will then travel to historic sites associated with his life from his birth in 1809 to his election as president in 1860. The tour will give participants an opportunity to visit the major Lincoln sites in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois and explore significant episodes in the early life of our 16th president.
A press release and webpage are available with more information.
