newsandnotes
University proposes adding 10,000 students by 2008 BY STEVE DANIEL In response to the projected 32,000 students who are expected to seek admission to Virginia’s colleges, universities and community colleges between now and the end of the decade, Old Dominion University has stepped up to the plate with an ambitious – and innovative – proposal. Following a request by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) that all state institutions submit their enrollment plans for the next six years, President Roseann Runte gathered a team of the university’s deans, vice presidents and research staff to hammer out a comprehensive plan to address the forthcoming student boom. ODU’s proposal calls for accepting up to 10,000 more students over the next five years. If it’s adopted, enrollment could reach 30,000 by the end of the decade, making Old Dominion the school with the largest student body in Virginia. Runte, along with Provost Thomas Isenhour and Robert Fenning, vice president for administration and finance, held a town meeting on campus May 2 to outline the plan to members of the university community. “Our whole goal in doing this exercise is to help the state, but it’s also ... to help our academic quality and make this institution the institution it wants to be”, Runte said. She added that the proposal includes a component for Old Dominion to “grow” its graduate programs. Taking on additional students is particularly challenging in a time of fiscal stress and further complicated by the fact that the university is significantly underfunded when compared to the other state doctoral institutions, Runte acknowledged. Still, she believes Old Dominion’s offer is one the state would find hard to refuse. It requests incremental additions in state general fund support, which would reach nearly $20 million by fiscal year 2008, when the university projects to be serving 10,012 additional students. Old Dominion’s proposal relies heavily on its distance learning program, as well as an expanded summer school session. According to Fenning, the additional 10,000 students would be accounted for as follows:
Administrators believe the university’s current capital projects, such as the Engineering and Computational Sciences Building now under construction, plus the forthcoming General Obligation Bond-funded projects, which include a new physical sciences building and Tri-Cities Center, would provide adequate instructional and academic support space for an increase in on-campus students. Also, the addition of new student residences in the University Village would significantly increase the number of student housing units. The proposed summer school expansion would, in effect, allow for three full academic terms per year. From mid-May to mid-August, students could take either three classes a week for 13 weeks or six classes a week over a 6 1/2-week period. In addition, Old Dominion would offer a nine-week schedule from mid-June to mid-August, whereby approximately 400 first-time freshmen with a high school GPA below 2.7 would be allowed to enroll. Their curricula would include a required university preparatory course. Those students who achieved a 2.5 GPA at the end of the summer session would be regularly admitted. As for the projected increase in distance-learning students, the plan indicates that an additional 64 classrooms would be needed at community college TELETECHNET sites to handle 1,600 more students. Isenhour said ODU’s proposal would require 220 new faculty positions – most of which would be full-time, tenure-track positions – and 390 new graduate teaching assistants. In response to questions at the end of the presentation, Runte said the proposal also factors in new staff positions as well as additional funds for library resources and more money for student recruitment. Runte said that faculty members would be asked to help fine-tune the plan should the state accept it. She noted that initial response to the proposal – both from SCHEV and a number of members of the General Assembly – has been positive. Runte added that Old Dominion is prepared to put its plan in place starting in summer 2004, once it gets the go-ahead from the state. One faculty member who attended the town meeting characterized the plan as “savvy.” At the meeting, Runte pointed out that other state schools have proposed modest-growth plans at best. Essentially, she said, “We’re the only offer on the table.”. Back to top Tonelson Faculty Award presented to Health Sciences’ Lindsay Rettie Lindsay L. Rettie, former dean of the College of Health Sciences and since 2000 a professor of community health in the college, was honored May 1 at the annual Faculty Awards and Retirement Dinner as winner of the A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award. The annual award honors outstanding teaching, research or scholarly activities, and service. Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the award is named for one of Old Dominion’s first students, Alan Rufus Tonelson ’33, a loyal alumnus, professor emeritus and a retired administrator of the university. Rettie, an ODU faculty member since 1976, was the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences (1986) and served in that capacity before stepping down in 2000. She currently serves as director of the management/policy concentration for the master of public health program. Rettie was nominated for the Tonelson Award by current dean Cheryl T. Samuels. In her nomination letter, Samuels said, “Under Dr. Rettie’s leadership, student enrollment grew rapidly and by the year 2000, 14 years after the establishment of the college, the student enrollment stood at approximately 1,800 with an FTE faculty of approximately 75.” Samuels went on to say that during Rettie’s tenure as dean, several new programs were established, including a B.S. in nuclear medicine, a certificate program in cytotechnology, a master’s of physical therapy, a Ph.D. in urban services/health services concentration, and a B.S. in health sciences. She was co-chair of the committee in 1997-98 to establish a master of public health program jointly offered by Old Dominion and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Samuels also went into detail about Rettie’s many service contributions. She serves as secretary of the Eastern Virginia Health Systems Agency, which she became affiliated with 25 years ago. The organization administers the Certificate of Public Need regulations for the Hampton Roads region. Rettie also serves on the board of the Center for Pediatric Research, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education and the Norfolk Hospital Board. She is the immediate past president of the Hampton Roads Health Coalition, a nonprofit employer health coalition consisting of 75 members, including purchasers and providers of health care. “Her service contributions have clearly improved the health care system and quality of life for residents of Hampton Roads and Virginia, and have enhanced the education of health professions locally and nationally,” Samuels said. Barbara K. Wallace, executive director of the Hampton Roads Health Coalition, was one of several community leaders who wrote letters supporting Rettie’s nomination. “She has the respect and admiration of a variety of constituencies, including hospital CEOs, clinical medical directors of large companies, human resource professionals and benefits managers in small to large employer settings,” Wallace said. Donald S. Buckley, president of Chesapeake General Hospital, wrote, “I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Rettie in various capacities, serving with her on boards, serving with her as an adjunct faculty in the College of Health Sciences, as well as having been a student under her deanship of the College of Health Sciences. “Dr. Rettie is a person of vision and has an appreciation for the broad horizon of health care. She has provided a vital linkage between Old Dominion University and the health care community within Hampton Roads.” Back to top Campus Community Campaign tops $155,000 Members of the Old Dominion community supported the university to the tune of $155,000 in this year’s Campus Community Campaign. The fund drive exceeded its $125,000 goal by nearly 25 percent, raising $155,707. Thirty-seven percent of campus employees (695) participated, up from 34 percent last year. “I am not surprised that the university community came together to not only meet but exceed the goal of the Campus Community Campaign,” said co-chair Alice McAdory. “In times like these, isn’t it fabulous that our employees so generously supported the advancement and interest of our university.” The Office of Administration and Finance was the division with the most improved, going from 34 percent of employees making a gift to 47 percent. “I think that this is remarkable,” said Donna Meeks, one of 10 coordinators for the university’s largest vice presidential area. “A special thanks goes to Pat King, who had 100 percent participation from facilities management.” The division with the highest participation rate was the President’s Office, where 76 percent of employees contributed. The annual fund drive raises money for various campus needs, including scholarships, library materials and athletics. The Office of Development sponsored an ice cream social April 29 to recognize members of the campus community who supported the 2003 campaign. The office recently held two prize drawings, open to those who contributed $100 or more. Gail Stenberg, budget and office manager for the biological sciences department, won two season tickets to the men’s or women’s basketball home games. Kathryn Boone, government information specialist/library public services at Perry Library, won a reserved parking space for one year. Back to top
Celebrating and examining the work of German philosopher and existentialism founder Martin Heidegger, the conference is the most prestigious in Heidegger studies in North America and among the best in the world, according to Lawrence J. Hatab, chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, who serves as conference secretary. President Roseann Runte will welcome those attending the conference at 1 p.m. May 16. Presenters will be featured from higher education institutions from around the United States and the world. Faculty and students may attend the conference free of charge. For more information contact Hatab at 683-3865 or lhatab@odu.edu. Back to top University benefits from ExxonMobil matching gifts Old Dominion was among 34 colleges and universities in Virginia to receive more than $646,000 from the ExxonMobil Foundation’s 2002 Educational Matching Gifts Program. ExxonMobil employees, retirees, surviving spouses and directors contributed more than $154,000 to these Virginia institutions in 2002, which was matched by the ExxonMobil Foundation with more than $492,000 in unrestricted educational grants. Initiated in 1962, the ExxonMobil Foundation’s Educational Matching Gift Program matches gifts to higher education on a 3-to-1 basis and has provided more than $266 million in gifts to U.S. higher education institutions. Back to top
In addition, the university captured two Awards of Distinction – the second-highest honor – for the 2002 editions of the alumni magazine and the 2002-03 Admissions View Book. The Foundations Annual Report received an honorable mention. All of the award-winning pieces were produced by the Office of Publications. Back to top History students’ papers take honors at conference Two Old Dominion students were recognized for outstanding research papers presented at the recent regional meeting of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society chapters at Hampton University. An anonymous panel of judges rated two of the ODU papers as worthy of special recognition. In the World History category, Alvin Shields of Virginia Beach, a graduate student in history, won first place for his study, “Castro Sides with the Communists.” In the European history category Bonnie W. Simon, a senior history major from Virginia Beach, won the only honorable mention awarded in that category for her paper, “Renaissance Artists, Clients and Patrons in the Quattrocento: Princes, Prices and Paint.” In all, nine members of ODU’s Theta-Xi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta presented papers at the Virginia regional meeting. Students from nine Virginia colleges and universities participated in the conference. Back to top
Bryan Porter, associate professor of psychology, will be the guest speaker for the 27th annual luncheon, scheduled for 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 21 in the Hampton/Newport News Room of Webb Center. The luncheon program will include the installation of 2003-04 HACE officers and presentation of the organization’s Staff Member and Rookie of the Year awards. The cost of the luncheon is $15 for new HACE members ($10 for lunch plus $5 membership dues); $13 for current members ($8 for lunch plus $5 membership renewal); or $10 for lunch only. Checks, made out to HACE, should be sent to Judy Smith, treasurer, in 219 Koch Hall. Back to top
Anders took over the duties of Tracey Belbin, head coach of the national team for the past four years, who resigned to return home to Australia. A search for a permanent replacement is under way as the U.S. team continues preparations for the Pan American Games in August. Anders, who has won nine NCAA championships at ODU, previously coached the national team in 1985 and again in 1990-93. The U.S. team trains in Virginia Beach. Back to top Snow, Marsh selected as Athletes of the Year Seniors Tiffany Snow (field hockey) and Ricardo Marsh (basketball) were named Athletes of the Year by the ODU Alumni Association at the Athletic Honors and Hall of Fame Banquet April 29. Golfer Geoffrey Harris, field hockey’s Tara Herrmann and tennis player Julia Sotiriu were honored as the 2003 Jack Wilkins/James Howard Scholar Athletes of the Year. Snow became the sixth ODU field hockey player to be named a Honda Award winner as the nation’s top field hockey player after helping guide the Lady Monarchs to a 21-4 record and to the NCAA semifinals. She was tied for second in the nation in both points and goals scored last season. Marsh led the Monarchs in both scoring (16.7) and rebounding (8.3) last season. He earned first team All-CAA, All-NABC District IV and All-State honors, and ranked in the league’s top five in three categories. Five former athletes were inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame: Ericka Davidheiser ’95 (lacrosse), Patrick Downey ’96 (sailing), Kelli James ’92 (field hockey), Louis Morris ’76 (tennis) and Jan Trombly ’81 (M.S.Ed. ’87) (women’s basketball). Back to top Conversation partners sought for visiting students The English Language Center is looking for volunteers to serve as conversation partners beginning in late June for visiting students from Russia and several former Russian republics. Volunteers will be assigned to students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in a program designed to give an introduction to American culture and the U.S. education system. At summer’s end, the students will go to universities across the United States to conduct graduate study in the fields of law, public health, education and public policy. Volunteers – faculty, staff, students and others – would spend two hours a week for five weeks interacting with these international students, and receive a small stipend. For more information contact Jane Hirsch at jhirsch@odu.edu. Back to top Student’s art on display
“Reefscapes,” an exhibition of prints and paintings by fine arts major Anne May, is on display through May 24 in the Virginia Marine Science Museum’s IMAX theater lobby.
The exhibition complements the museum’s showing of the recently released film “Coral Reef Adventure.” Back to top
– “Federal Aid Slows Maglev Launch” “With so many channels on television ... we may in general be more celebrity saturated than ever before. Fifteen minutes of fame is quickly being diminished to five minutes, making it easier for media and the public to move on to other things and people.” (Gary Edgerton, chair of communication and theatre arts) “I think the military victory in Iraq offers significant opportunities for an intelligence windfall.” (Steve Yetiv, associate professor of political science) – “Gauging Iraq’s Espionage Possibilities” “It is a great honor and privilege to serve the superb men and women of our Navy, and I appreciate the opportunity to return to the waterfront, subject of course to Senate confirmation.” (Adm. William J. Fallon (M.A. ’82), on his nomination to become the next commander of U.S. Atlantic Fleet) – “Bush Taps Fallon to Command Fleet: ODU Grad Would Take Spot Held by Natter” “If you have no connection to this war, a lot of people aren’t going to take the time to research what it’s really about. You’ll just form an opinion based on whether you voted for Bush or not.” (Kimberly Tansey, senior) – “At Old Dominion, Worrying About Loved Ones” “Obviously, those who signed up a few years ago are going to get tremendous benefit from it because tuition’s going up fairly rapidly.” (Bruce Rubin, interim dean of the College of Business and Public Administration) – “Prepaid Tuition Plan Still Flourishing” “We’ve got pilots that are doing this, that are going off doing their bombing missions and coming back and going to class.” (Dick Whalen, director of military activities, on ODU’s TELETECHNET classes beamed to ships during Operation Iraqi Freedom) – “Student Soldiers” “The idea that students are in the best position to give us feedback on what they accomplished or learned is just wrong.” (Craig Cameron, associate professor of history) – “Professors Debate Value of Student Evaluations” “I think it’s important for the child. It helps the child realize how important they are to mom and dad, that mom and dad are not deserting them and that mom and dad are coming back.” (Michelle Kelley, professor of psychology) – “Department of Defense Programs for Children of Deployed Parents”
Old Dominion will raise its annual tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students by 6.6 percent, effective with the summer 2003 term. The Board of Visitors approved the increase April 11, following a discussion on how increases would impact programs, services and students. Full-time, in-state undergraduate students will pay $4,928 for 30 credit hours, a $304 increase over this year’s rate inclusive of the annualized tuition surcharge. In-state graduate students will have a 3.1 percent increase in tuition and fees, paying $5,798 for 24 credits. Room and board rates will increase 2.5 percent, or $134. “Raising tuition and fee rates for our students is a difficult decision. A lot of planning and consideration of the fiscal impact these increases would have on our students went into this decision,” said Robert L. Fenning, vice president for administration and finance. “The increase will enable the university to sustain programs and services by addressing the additional $3.9 million general fund reductions from the state budget cuts, as well as expand programs, such as scholarships and financial aid, to benefit our students.” In addition to covering the reduction in general funds, the university must also fund a portion of the state-mandated 2.25 percent raise and health-care benefit increases for employees, plus unavoidable increases such as leases, insurance and technology infrastructure replacement. According to President Roseann Runte, the tuition and fee increases will allow the university to invest in students, faculty, and selected institutional priorities andinitiatives. “We will add seven full-time faculty members, expand financial aid and scholarships for students, restore funding for library materials and research collections, address important faculty retention initiatives, and support recruitment and retention programs for high-achieving students,” she noted. Out-of-state undergraduate students will see a 3.1 percent increase in yearly tuition and fees, from $13,654 to $14,078; out-of-state graduate students will pay $14,640 for 24 credits, or 3 percent more than this year. In other action, the board approved the award of tenure for 13 faculty members and emeritus status to four professors. The tenure, which includes promotion to the rank of associate professor, will be effective with the fall 2003 semester. Approved for tenure were: Arts and Letters – Lisa Eckenwiler, philosophy; Andrey Kasparov, music; and Victoria Time and Ruth Triplett, sociology and criminal justice. Business and Public Administration – Barbara Bartkus and Anil Nair, business administration; and David Cook and Joan Mann, information technology and decision sciences. Education – Linda Bol and Abha Gupta, educational curriculum and instruction; and Sheri Colberg-Ochs, exercise science, sport, physical education and recreation. Engineering and Technology – Lee Belfore II, electrical and computer engineering. Sciences – Charles Sukenik, physics. The board approved granting the title of emeritus to the following faculty (effective dates are in parentheses): Robert H. MacDonald, educational curriculum and instruction (January 2003); Robert K. Rose, biological sciences (June 2003); Randall S. Spencer ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences (December 2002); and Lloyd Wolfinbarger, biological sciences (June 2003). Back to top
Like other firsts in science before him – Galileo (physicist), Archimedes (chemist) and Elizabeth Blackwell (medical doctor) – John A. Sokolowski now holds a title and a place in history that no one else in the world can claim. He received the first Ph.D. in engineering modeling and simulation from Old Dominion University at commencement on May 10. The doctoral program, in the College of Engineering and Technology, is one of only a handful in the world. Modeling and simulation is an engineering discipline that solves complex problems using computer simulation. “The demand for simulation experts in government, industry and academia is so great that it far exceeds the current supply of modeling and simulation professionals,” said R. Bowen Loftin, director of simulation programs at Old Dominion. “We are delighted that our program has produced the world’s first modeling and simulation doctorate." Sokolowski, a retired U.S. Navy submarine officer, completed his dissertation on the human decision process used by senior military commanders at the operational level of warfare. Since the U.S. military uses modeling and simulation as a tool, accurately representing human behavior was a key need in a simulation’s ability to emulate realistic military decisions. Sokolowski’s research identified a cognitive process of decision making and computational techniques that could implement such decisions in a simulation. According to Mikel Petty, Sokolowski's dissertation adviser, “He produced an excellent dissertation with significant results and set a high standard for Old Dominion’s modeling and simulation program.” Sokolowski holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Purdue University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion. Prior to retiring after 27 years in the Navy, he served as head of the Modeling and Simulation Division, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center. Old Dominion’s modeling and simulation master’s and doctoral programs are designed for professionals who are responsible for solving complex problems associated with computer simulation, including software engineers, operations research analysts, systems engineers, instructional designers, design engineers, programmers, computer engineers, Web-based applications engineers and electronic engineers. As part of the curriculum, students may model and analyze enterprise operations, build simulators and develop a virtual reality system, and gain hands-on experience at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center, a simulation research and development center administered by Old Dominion. Back to top
Qureshi succeeds Lauren Marsh, whose term as student representative expired at the end of the spring semester. President of the award-winning forensics and debate team, Qureshi is also active with the team’s Speech Chorus and serves as co-president of the regional Tidewater Forensic League. He is president of the Academic Honors Association and is a member of the Pre-Health Club. He also works in the Office of Admissions. Qureshi, whose academic pursuits include an emphasis in interpersonal communication and a minor in biological sciences, plans to enter medical school after graduation. Back to top
“The most powerful lessons about ethics do not come from the classroom or from a book, but from a family and relationships where people treat one another with respect and consideration,” said Thomas Schievelbein, president of Northrup Grumman Newport News, who addressed graduates during the afternoon ceremony. “Nothing can destroy a corporation – or an individual – faster than a lapse in ethics.” David R. Goode, chairman of Norfolk Southern Corp., who addressed graduates in the morning ceremony, put it this way: “Don’t assume that life in the real world – whatever part of it you’re looking at – is as corrupt or as venal or as greedy as the television images of executives and the newspaper headlines about corporate scandals would have you believe. You should not hesitate to get involved. To the contrary, I’d say, ‘Jump on in. The water’s fine.’ “The people with honesty and integrity are the ones destined to lead the way. They have the strength to succeed in times of uncertainty. You can hang your hat on them. Seek them out and add your strength to theirs.” Approximately 2,000 students were candidates for graduation at the two ceremonies. Commencement was split for the first time to accommodate graduates and well-wishers inside the new Constant Center. “The overriding responsibility today, as it always has been,” Goode said, “is for our professional and personal lives to maintain a strong sense of ethics” in spite of the “hype and glitz” that typified the pre-Enron era. “Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “I’m a businessman. Certainly, very few of you will pass up a legitimate opportunity to earn a million dollars, or whatever amount rings your bell. I hope there is plenty of ambition in this room. Pursuing financial success is at the heart of our system. The opportunity is out there. ODU has prepared you for it. So go for it. Jump in the pool.” The Newport News-based shipyard recruits and attracts more employees from Old Dominion than any other college or university, Schievelbein said, with nearly 800 ODU alumni working there. “I believe we employ so many ODU grads because we attract people who share our values and our ethics. Plus, we attract people who want to become a part of history.” Schievelbein urged students to continue their quest for honesty and to “live your dreams in an ethical manner with a strong set of values as your guide. You are blessed with a great intelligence – a first-rate education – and the rest of your lives in front of you. I encourage you to count your blessings.” Back to top
The following students were presented with trophies as recipients of the Alumni Association Outstanding Scholar Awards, given to the graduating seniors with the highest grade point averages from each college. Arts and Letters – Kelly Bashford of Portsmouth, sociology, 4.0; Leon Bouvier, visiting professor of sociology. Business and Public Administration – Thu Tran of Hanoi, Vietnam, finance and accounting, 3.99; Patricia Doherty, lecturer of accounting. Education – Emily Rodriguez of Virginia Beach, speech-language pathology, 3.98; Nicholas Bountress, professor of early child, speech pathology and special education. Engineering and Technology – David Corsar of Virginia Beach, environmental engineering, 3.99; Gary Schafran, professor of civil and environmental engineering. Health Sciences – Elizabeth Spencer of Pensacola, Fla., medical technology, 4.0; Faye Coleman, associate professor of medical laboratory and radiation science. Sciences – Candice Gabriel of Norfolk, biology, 4.0; Nancy Wade, associate professor of biological sciences. Back to top
The $10,000 and $2,000 awards were established by Landmark Communications Inc. to acknowledge graduating seniors who have exerted exceptional and constructive influence on the university, its students or the community by demonstrating the highest qualities of leadership and service. The award is named for the late Charles Kaufman, who was well known in Hampton Roads as a community leader, philanthropist and friend to Old Dominion. Following Kaufman’s example, prize winners must have demonstrated sustained participation in leadership of campus or community groups, an outstanding record of volunteer activities, academic achievement or the achievement of a major task affecting the campus or the community. Staten, of Chesapeake, is a communication major with a 3.99 grade point average. An active member of the university community, Staten organized and coordinated several noteworthy campus events, including the Sankdfa celebration, Kwanzaa celebration, Minds About Progress and Project 20/20. A member of several honor societies, including Lambda Pi Eta, Phi Kappa Phi and the National Communication Association, Staten plans to pursue a graduate degree in communication while continuing his hobbies as a playwright and folk culturist. His play the “Roots of the Withered Tree” was performed at the Chrysler Museum Theater in February. Gabriel, of Norfolk, is a biological sciences major with a 4.0 GPA. She is a community outreach teacher and a child-life volunteer for the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. A member of Premedical Honor Society, she was awarded a Phi Kappa Phi graduate fellowship for 2003-04 and will receive $8,000 toward pursuit of a medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Back to top
Arts and Letters Robert L. Stern Award for Excellence in Teaching – David Pagano, lecturer of English. Despite being at the university only a short time, Pagano has taught eight different courses in composition, literature and film. Students describe him as a class act, knowledgeable, extraordinary, challenging, engaging, fair, enthusiastic and smart. Charles O. and Elisabeth C. Burgess Faculty Research and Creativity Award – Gary Edgerton, chair of communication and theatre arts. Edgerton is the author of five books, 36 articles and several book chapters. “One would be hard pressed to find an important topic in media history and culture that he (Edgerton) has not addressed in his research,” one nominator wrote. Dean’s Outstanding Service Award – Renee Olander, director of interdisciplinary studies. “I selected someone … who had to deal with more students, more faculty, more departments and more colleges than anyone else in the college,” said interim dean Janet Katz. “One who has brought people together, who has improved communications between all these groups, who has represented the college ... across the university ... and who always gets the job done.” Winners of the Adjunct Award, Stern Award and Burgess Award receive a check for $1,000. A trophy is presented to the winner of the Service Award. Business and Public Administration Teaching – Steve Rhiel, associate professor of MIS/decision sciences, and Laurie Henry, associate professor of accounting. This award is based on student evaluations, grade distributions, breadth of teaching duties and rigor of courses as illustrated by the nominee’s teaching portfolio for the previous two years. Service – Kiran Karande, associate professor of marketing. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding service to the department, university and community. Engineering and Technology Excellence in Industry Partnering – Drew Landman, associate professor of aerospace engineering. This award recognizes the individual who has excelled in initiating or leading the creation of partnerships of distinction with industrial, governmental and/or public organizations. The activity generated by such partnerships consist of meeting an external requirement through the use of the college’s or university’s resources (faculty, students or laboratories). Excellence in Research – Steven Gray, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. The award recognizes contributions that go over and above those that are expected from all faculty members. Hence, it honors a faculty member who brings distinction to his or her department, college or university by unique contributions and leadership in the field of research. Excellence in Support Operations – Tiffany Brittingham, program support technician, engineering technology department. This award recognizes the staff person who has demonstrated exceptional creativity, initiative and improvement in providing support for the operations of his/her department or center and its customers, while simultaneously contributing to the overall operation of the college as a whole. Excellence in Teaching – Wes Lewis, senior lecturer of engineering technology. This award recognizes the individual who has excelled in delivering learning, is creative in doing so and is passionate about student success. The ideal candidate must have engaged in activities that may include, but must go beyond, the simple delivery of instruction in a traditional setting. Each of the award winners receives a reserved parking space. Health Sciences Sciences Science Adviser of the Year – Eva Clarke, lecturer of psychology. Nominees credited Clarke for developing a mechanism to streamline advising, one that advisers in other departments have begun to implement. Both of the winners received $1,000. Back to top
In other action, the senate voted to recommend revisions to the University Policy on the Evaluation of Teaching to reflect instances of team teaching. These and other actions taken by the senate on April 22 will be forwarded to President Roseann Runte in the form of recommendations. At the senate’s organizational meeting April 15, the following were elected to serve as Faculty Senate officers for 2003-04:
Appointed as chairs of standing committees were:
The following senators will serve as the Faculty Senate’s representatives at Board of Visitors committee meetings:
Daley and Drewry were chosen to serve as the senate’s representatives on the Faculty Senate of Virginia for 2003-05. They join Richardean S. Benjamin-Coleman, chair of nursing, who has one more year to serve on the statewide body. Back to top
Outstanding Faculty Research Award Wayne K. Talley, Frederick W. Beazley Professor of Economics, is a nationally and internationally recognized transportation economist. He received the Outstanding Research Award (1997) from the Transportation Research Forum and currently serves as editor in chief of the international journal Transportation Research E: Logistics and Transportation (the second-ranked journal in the world for publishing transportation economics papers). He serves as a board member of three journals, and is former general editor of the Journal of the Transportation Research Forum. His educational experience includes: guest professor at the Institute of Transport and Maritime Management, University of Antwerp, Belgium (1998), visiting distinguished professorships of international studies and economics at East Carolina University (1996) and visiting research fellow at the Centre for Transport Policy Analysis at the University of Wollongong in Australia (1988). His research contributions include 109 refereed papers and seven books. He has procured more than $112,000 in grants through the ODU Research Foundation, as well as visiting fellow funding from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centre for Transport Policy Analysis. As winner of the research award, Talley received a check for $1,000. Back to top Armada Hoffler Weekend College Teaching Award Rod Evans has taught “Introduction to Philosophy” since Weekend College began in fall 1996. He teaches two sections of the course each semester, and his love of philosophy and dedication to teaching are evident by his long-term commitment to Weekend College and the enthusiasm of his students. Students praise his knowledge, teaching skills, accessibility, support of their learning and sense of humor. They also appreciate his ability to challenge them to think about controversial topics while respecting diverse views. Evans received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1978 at Old Dominion, and two years after earning his doctorate from the University of Virginia, returned to teach at ODU. Evans, who received a $1,000 check as winner of the Weekend College award, previously won the 2001 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for Students with Disabilities for his willingness to help disabled students and his ability to teach an inspire them. Some of this inspiration has led students to make philosophy their major or minor. Back to top Faculty Appreciation Award for Ships@Sea Patricia Strait, visiting assistant professor of business administration, joined Old Dominion in 1994. Since 1998, she has taught “Organizational Management” to hundreds of Navy students serving on 32 vessels deployed around the world. Hers are truly “floating” classrooms on board ships operating from off the coast of California, westward around the globe to the coast of Virginia, and other ocean points in between. Because the courses are broadcast in real time via satellite, she follows a flexible schedule that can vary from 2 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, depending on the ship’s location. Currently, Old Dominion is the only university providing courses to the Navy in a synchronous, two-way audio/video interactive format to ships that are under way. Observations of Strait in the classroom reveal an instructor who is skilled in pedagogy, competent in her discipline and dedicated to teaching excellence. The Navy recently filmed footage from her class to use in a forthcoming promotional video on the Navy’s afloat program. Back to top Provost’s Award for Leadership in International Education Chris Drake, professor of geography and a former University Professor, has made many significant contributions to Old Dominion’s quest to become the premier international university in Virginia. Since joining the faculty in 1979, she has focused her career on creating international educational opportunities for ODU students and faculty, high school students and teachers, and the Hampton Roads community. Drake has served as director of the university’s Model United Nations program, provided an opportunity for ODU students to participate in international Model UN conferences in Europe and North Africa, and has assisted in developing study abroad courses. She was the principal investigator on four National Endowment for the Humanities grants for summer institutes for high school French teachers to study the Francophone world. Drake received a Fulbright award to conduct research and teach in Indonesia. Drake has been a leader among the faculty in the efforts to internationalize the curriculum. She has participated in faculty development seminars in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. She has been instrumental in developing Asian studies courses and the proposal for a major in this discipline. Back to top J. Worth Pickering Administrator of the Year Award Alice McAdory was appointed interim director of admissions in 2000 and became director the following year. She and her staff have been credited with helping attract more and better students to Old Dominion. McAdory joined the university in 1991. From 1991-93, she was director of the Langley AFB site. In 1993, she was appointed associate director of military programs and opened the military sites at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Fort Meyer, Dahlgren Naval Weapons Station, Oceana Naval Air Station, Fort Lee, Walter Reed Army Hospital, Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe. From 1997 to 2000, she served as director of the Peninsula Higher Education Center. McAdory, who plans to complete her doctorate this year in educational policy, planning and leadership, received $500 as winner of the AUA award. Back to top TELETECHNET Faculty of the Year Awards John F. Keeling Jr., an instructor in business management, is the first to receive this award for the second time. Keeling’s students have consistently identified his patient manner and exceptional communication skills as qualities that make him an outstanding instructor. His enthusiasm for his subject, his ability to use examples from personal experiences in the corporate environment, his humor and his emphasis on student success form a caring and motivational faculty member. Several students indicated they plan to change their major as a result of his positive influence on them. Eugene McAvoy, an instructor of English, is heralded by his students as a model for other TELETECHNET instructors. His students note that their writing skills as well as their confidence have dramatically improved as a result of his teaching. McAvoy’s enthusiastic teaching style and contagious sense of humor inspire them to exert their best effort in each assignment. He is described as an individual with phenomenal knowledge, yet someone who makes it easy to learn new ideas. Students write that he promotes creativity, encourages participation in class and communication outside of class, and uses technology effectively to supplement class. He holds an M.F.A. degree from ODU. Both Keeling and McAvoy received $2,500 as winners of the award. Back to top Eminent Scholars Old Dominion recognized its latest eminent scholars – Cynthia Jones and J. Wallace Van Orden – at the Faculty Awards and Retirement Dinner. Jones, professor of biological sciences, is an internationally recognized scientist, and her contributions to fisheries science are valued around the world. In addition to well recognized research on growth and using otoliths to determine the age of fish, she has maintained a national and international presence as a respected fisheries biologist. Evidence of this is being asked to chair the U.S. National Research Council’s Committee for Review of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Jones’ funding level (cumulative of $10 million) and publication rate (more than 130) are first-rate and surpassed by few faculty at Old Dominion. Holding continuous National Science Foundation funding since 1992 is a distinction that few researchers in the United States can claim. Her papers are highly cited. In addition, she has been quite active in supervising and training master’s and doctoral students during her career. Van Orden, professor of physics, is an outstanding scientist, teacher and student mentor. He is one of the world’s leading nuclear theorists, and his contributions to the field of nuclear physics have influenced fundamental research worldwide. Our present understanding of nuclei with two and three bodies is hugely dependent on his work. His predictions form the basis for many of the most important experiments at the Jefferson Laboratory. Van Orden, who joined the physics department in 1990, has received substantial funding, published in top journals and has an enviable citation record. He is an excellent mentor for graduate students and spends time in the Physics Tutoring Center with undergraduate students. He has served in several administrative positions in the department while maintaining his significant research role. Back to top Retiring faculty, administrators recognized The following retiring faculty and administrators were recognized at the Faculty Awards and Retirement Dinner on May 1:
Introductory classes that are part of the general education curricula typically draw a mix of highly motivated students looking to major in the subject area and less motivated students who are there to satisfy a requirement. But Larry Weinstein and Gail Dodge, associate professors of physics, have found a teaching tool that helps to engage this latter cadre of students while assisting them in mastering the material. Peer Instruction, the method they’ve adopted for their Introductory Physics courses, was first introduced by Eric Mazur, Gordon McKay professor of applied physics at Harvard University, in his 1997 book of the same title. Weinstein has used Peer Instruction since he received an unsolicited copy of Mazur’s book the year it came out. “I thought it was amazing,” said Weinstein. Dodge learned about Peer Instruction from Weinstein and later at a conference for new physics faculty sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The process involves posing a conceptual question, asking the class to “vote” by selecting a multiple-choice answer and then discussing the answers. All of this is followed by a final vote. Dodge presented a sample conceptual question at the College of Sciences semester meeting in late February: “A beaker of water is perfectly balanced on a scale. If a finger is put into the water, (without touching the sides or bottom of the beaker) what will happen? a) Nothing b) Beaker side of the scale tips down or c) Beaker side of the scale tips up.” In class, Dodge would ask her students to vote on whether they thought a, b or c was correct before performing the demonstration. She would then ask the students to discuss with one another why they made their selection and persuade their classmates to agree. Before performing the demonstration, she would call for a second vote in order to see if any students had changed their answers based on the discussions. The correct answer in this case is b. “It’s more labor-intensive to prepare the questions, select the materials and create the demonstrations,” said Weinstein, “so it takes effort to adopt, but once it’s done, it’s effortless.” Both Weinstein and Dodge have found this method especially helpful in keeping non-physics majors interested while improving their comprehension. “Many students do not want to take introductory physics, but it’s required. This method helps to keep them engaged,” said Dodge. “When they try to convince their classmates of their answer, they become more involved in their own learning.” The method also helps ensure students truly understand the material. “A lot of times when I lecture, students think they understand the material, but when they try to complete the homework on their own they have trouble,” Dodge added. “I try to stay away from the simple transfer of information from the notes of the professor to the notes of the student without passing through the mind of either. By making them vote and commit themselves, they are invested in the real answer,” said Weinstein. And the benefits don’t end there, he noted. “As the students discuss their answers, I walk around the room and eavesdrop, so they get immediate feedback on how well they are doing and I get immediate feedback on what else I need to cover.” Back to top Anthropologist Susan Kent remembered as dedicated scholar Susan Kent, 50, eminent scholar of anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, died April 13 in Milwaukee, where she was attending a conference. A memorial service was held on campus April 29. Kent joined the ODU faculty in 1986 and was named a full professor in 1996. In 1999 she received the Charles O. and Elisabeth C. Burgess Faculty Research and Creativity Award, and the following year was named an eminent scholar for her long and consistent record of outstanding scholarly publications and her national and international reputation in the field of anthropology. She was on research leave this semester. An expert on hunters and gatherers, her field research in Botswana earned her a distinctive place in the advancement of science. Kent traveled to the Kalahari Desert for her research and also surveyed and excavated African Stone Age sites during the summers of 1998 and 1999. In addition, she had an interest in gender and health issues, including the role of iron levels in the human body. Kent published, either as sole author or editor, seven books and numerous articles, and reviewed many journals, manuscripts and books. She is survived by her mother and two brothers. “Sue and I came to ODU about the same time, we were friends and colleagues for about 17 years,” said Elizabeth Monk-Turner, chair of the sociology and criminal justice department. “She learned the language of the hunter and gatherers she studied. She was passionate about anthropology and gave a love of this discipline to many students she touched. “Her office will live in legend,” Monk-Turner added, recalling the cramped space that was filled with field notes, artifacts and overflowing bookcases, one of which sat in the center of the room. “She was in that office a lot, including late at night and weekends. Many looked up to the seventh floor to see Sue’s light on. She will be missed.” Back to top
The program also included the presentation of special awards to the sophomore and junior students with the highest grade point averages: Nancy L. Brown, Outstanding Sophomore, from the College of Arts and Letters, and Sarah A. Parrish, Outstanding Junior, from the College of Sciences. Both earned 4.0 GPAs. Candice A. Gabriel, a graduating senior who majored in biological sciences and also posted a 4.0 GPA, was recognized as the chapter’s nominee for a national Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. Ron Johnson, ODU chapter president, announced at the program that Gabriel had been selected to receive one of the $8,000 awards. She will attend Eastern Virginia Medical School next fall. The following faculty and administrators were inducted:
One of 14 faculty nominated for the award by students with disabilities, Whitehurst received a plaque, a $100 check and a bouquet of flowers. Students in Whitehurst’s American History and American Diplomacy classes nominated him for his ability to convey knowledge of the subject, effective teaching methods, willingness to assist, openness to accommodations, consideration of students’ individual needs and accessibility. One student wrote, “The students love him and his lessons. He is very accessible to his students. Anyone that takes his courses walks away with an interest and a love for history and political science. There is no one else out there like him.” Another wrote, “I feel privileged to be able to hear his stories and his lectures. It is great going to class because I always learn and leave with a good feeling.” Approximately 440 students with disabilities were enrolled at Old Dominion in 2002-03. Back to top Blackboard, Dreamweaver workshops scheduled
The Center for Learning Technologies has scheduled the following faculty development workshops:
May 28 – Blackboard Advanced, 10 a.m. to noon All workshops will take place in room 411 of the Gornto TELETECHNET Center. Participants may register at www.odu.edu.clt. Back to top
Aycock, director of international admissions the past nine years, stepped down from her position April 18 to join the VISTA-AmeriCorps program in northern New Mexico as a volunteer coordinator. Back to top
Candidates must be a graduating senior, and the selection committee will consider equally a nominee’s entire collegiate academic and golf career, as well as character, integrity and citizenship. Harris helped lead the Monarchs to the 2003 Colonial Athletic Association golf championship, the school’s first. A 2002 Academic All-American and the 2003 ODU Male Athlete of the Year, Harris completed the regular season with a 71.55 scoring average, the lowest in school history. ODU is competing in its first ever NCAA Golf Tournament May 15-17 in Seattle.
Members of the squad include Tione Cunningham, Andrew Curtis, Antonio Evans, Tyrique Griffin, C.J. Guidry, Eric and Tommy Pope, Matt Preshlock, Travis Ramsey and C.J. Woodberry. Back to top
Dodd, director of the Women’s Center, received the Distinguished Service Award. She serves on the president’s advisory committee on AA/EEO and diversity, the Women’s Caucus board and the Women’s Studies advisory council. McCollum, academic adviser, coordinator of the Freshman Success Program and one of the founders of Ebony Impact Gospel Choir, received the Award for Excellence. Curry-Williams, associate vice president for student services who retired at the end of the spring semester, was also recognized for her many contributions to the university during her 27-year career here. Back to top
These military liaisons keep offices at Navy installations Dam Neck, Little Creek, Oceana and Norfolk, as well as Army bases Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe, and Langley Air Force Base and Yorktown Coast Guard Training Center. Other representatives promote the university at military sites in Northern Virginia and Washington state. According to David Radcliffe, regional director of military programs and the liaison at NAS Oceana, the liaisons market and promote Old Dominion programs; assist students with advising; provide administrative support with admissions, registration and payments; and process tuition assistance and veterans benefits. Most importantly, they are the primary point of contact for military members and base education services officers for matters involving Old Dominion. Pat Capezio, an assistant site director at Naval Station Norfolk, has represented the university at Navy bases since 1988. “I see an average of 250 people a month, excluding phone calls and e-mails,” she notes. “My office is a mini-ODU. [It] has all forms, applications, catalogs, curriculum sheets, etc., that students need. We are one-stop shopping and this makes us more competitive. I do anything I can for the students, short of going to class for them!” For Victor Reyes, site coordinator at NAB Little Creek, the importance of his job to military personnel is something he knows from experience. “I served in the United States Navy for six years and I personally know [what] enlisted men and women go through trying to pursue a degree on a busy schedule,” he said. The September 11 terrorist attack and Operation Iraqi Freedom have had an effect on the way these liaisons do business. “Each morning I am greeted at the gate by a Marine with a rifle,” said Capezio, whose students have included Desert Storm soldiers and a chief who barely escaped death on the USS Cole when it was attacked in Yemen. “Since the war on Iraq, those of us on the bases have had to make contingency plans in case the ThreatCom level goes to delta (the highest) as it did on September 11.” Kathy Robisch, assistant site director at Langley and Forts Eustis and Monroe, notes that many of her students have been deployed. “Students are always concerned when they get orders and have to drop their classes; they wonder how that will affect their grades and progress toward their degree,” she explained. “They are always grateful that I can work with them to make sure their involuntary deployment has no adverse consequences on their educational status.” The group keeps in touch with the Old Dominion campus community by attending regular meetings with various departments. They also stay on top of campus activities through e-mail and by reading the daily news Web site and Courier. To a person, they all agree that the job is incredibly rewarding. “The very best part of this job is being a nurturer – helping people achieve their educational goal,” Capezio said. “It is so gratifying when you are invited to retirement ceremonies and they make mention of your support. Or, [a service member] comes back to me after several years and proudly displays a bachelor’s degree.” Back to top
To address these issues as they apply to the university Web site and the forthcoming university portal, President Roseann Runte established the Internet Subcommittee of the Marketing Council in January. Members of the subcommittee have been meeting with representatives of each area of the university to determine existing needs and future initiatives and establish standards for the ODU Web site. Based on feedback from these meetings, the subcommittee developed a set of recommendations that has been approved by both the Marketing Council and the University Advisory Council for Technology (UACT). The recommendations have now been established as mandatory requirements for university Web sites and every Web site will be required to follow the new standards. Detailed information and project updates are available at www.odu.edu/newweb. Templates meeting the standards will be developed. While use of the templates is not required, following the standards is a requirement. Standards include:
The Internet Subcommittee initiative coincides with other factors that also impact the university’s Web environment. The hardware on which many university Web sites currently reside will soon be replaced. This normal replacement of older technology provides an opportunity to review and update the hardware and software Web standards for the university Web environment. The Marketing Council and UACT have approved this new Web environment, as recommended by the Internet Subcommittee, to be the university-supported Web environment. Web sites currently hosted on the university-supported Web environment, specifically the library Web server and Opaque, will need to migrate to this new environment. Web sites hosted on other Web servers may also migrate to this environment; however it is not mandatory. Please see the Web site for details. Questions and concerns should be directed to subcommittee chairs Scott Harrison, director of information technology for student services, and Grace Little, assistant director, Office of Computing and Communications Services. Back to top
Well, at least on campus – and not until the fall. But the new morning brew has passed the taste test and now has a name worthy of the rich beans that were ground to make it: Big Blue Blend. Two varieties will be sold – hazelnut and regular. For those who prefer tea, Monarch Mango as well as a regular-flavored brew (to be named at a later date) will also be ready next fall. All of the coffee and tea blends will be available in regular and decaffeinated and sold in package form at the University Bookstore and the Monarch Shop at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. They will also be sold and served as drinks during events at the center. The new venture is the result of a partnership between Old Dominion and First Colony Coffee & Tea Co. “This project has been brewing for about a year, thanks to the hard work of Debbie Byrne in athletics who made the initial pitch to First Colony,” said Karen Travis, assistant vice president for institutional advancement. “It’s a milestone in Old Dominion history, as this marks the first venture into the consumable retail market. We hope this will be the springboard to many other consumable products bearing Old Dominion’s name.” Nearly 200 members of the campus community submitted suggestions, which were forwarded to a committee tasked with selecting an appropriate name. As it turned out, the alliterative Big Blue Blend, the committee’s choice, received the the greatest number of entries (10). Tara Higgins, who earned her master’s degree in sports management May 10, was one of the 10 who suggested Big Blue Blend. Her name was selected in a drawing for a gift basket of the coffee and tea. Contest entries ranged from a variety of ODU-centric names to some creative and off-the-wall suggestions. Here’s a sampling of the 194 different names submitted: Big Blue Brew, Cat’s Meow, Distinctively Dominion, Dominion Drip, Eau De U, Good Morning ODU, Jolt of Reality, Lion’s Breath, Monarch Majesty, Monarch Morning, Monarch Mudd, ODU Brew, Sleeper’s Choice and Study Aid. “With all the excitement resulting from the taste test, we think this is going to be a very successful partnership,” said Ken Gideon, assistant director of licensing. Back to top
The wedding rings were in hand, rice had been portioned out, flowers were placed in the room and the cake had been made. The bride had on her veil and the groom sported a top hat. All the trappings were in place for the wedding of Cleteus Smith and Catherine Donaghy. After saying “I do,” the happy couple was toasted with champagne glasses of ginger ale. Then there was the matter of pictures of the wedding party and their guests: a roomful of fidgety preschoolers from ODU’s Child Study Center mugging for the wedding photographer. Smith and Donaghy, both instructors at the center, staged the April 10 mock wedding exactly one month before the real event as an educational experience for their young charges. Their students might have questions, they figured, like, “Do all teachers marry each other?” Smith explained. “So we decided to teach a unit on marriages ... and staged a pretend wedding so that it could include all of them. It was a lot of fun.” Smith and Donaghy also teach practicum graduate students in the Darden College of Education, and two of these students, Bonnie Sandford and Justin Malone, attended the event as well. Katharine Kersey, chair of early childhood, speech-language pathology and special education, officiated at the ceremony. The couple decided to make their vows “child-friendly,” Smith said. “‘Do you promise to use kind words, gentle hands, pick up your toys,’ etc. Hopefully, it will be something that the children, as well as Catherine and I, will never forget.” There was one thing missing from the wedding, however. The teachers thought it would be best not to share the traditional smooch. As 4-year-old Sarah Smallets explained one of the preschool rules: “No kissing at ODU.”
This multimedia installation consists of body casts of the artist’s physicist husband. MacCallum has used paper printed with her husband’s recently published science theory to construct the casts. The relationship between art and science is reconsidered by MacCallum’s obliteration of the usual function of the papers and her reconfiguring of science into art. MacCallum has widely exhibited across the country. She has won the Virginia Commission for the Arts Individual Artist Grant and the NEA/SECCA Artist-in-Residence Grant. Her works can be viewed at www.hometown.aol.com/bfmaccallum. The University Gallery, located at 350 W. 21st St., Norfolk, is open noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 683-2355. Back to top
The free concert will feature a selection of original compositions from the New Music Performance Collection housed in the Diehn Composers Room. Andrey Kasparov, professor of music, will direct. The concert is made possible by a grant from the F. Ludwig Diehn Music Fund of the Norfolk Foundation. For more information call 683-4175. Back to top |
