Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications) 

            A fabulous dinner, magnificent talent showcase, glittering diamond ring and supporters of Shawnee State University (SSU) all combined to make the recent 17^th annual, SSU President’s Gala a major success raising  $25, 878.02 according to Susan Warsaw, director of development at SSU. Warsaw said the talent showcase, something new this year left a lasting impression on the community.
          “When Michael Raies introduced the contestants, here’s so and so and she’s a junior and she’s majoring in microbiology and then she has this wonderful voice, people were really impressed that we have some fabulous Individuals who come to school here,” Warsaw said. “We didn’t really think of that as an outcome; we looked at it as a way to entertain 200 people.”
       The “Test Tube and Tambourines” Talent Showcase featured performances by The Golden Bears including Hazel Scott, Aileen Kuhner, Wilma Hall, Imogene Belcher, Dolores Chrisman, Norma Carson, Norma Conners, Pat Brush, and Joanne Winters; Mike Barnhardt and Chris Boyles; Ragina Monoskie; Grace Morgan; Carrie Pasturzak; the SSU cheerleaders including Christa Eagle, Dawnelle Laymon, Stacy Morrison, Latoya Platt, Heather Simpson, Amy Brooks, Jessica Cooper, Missy Henry, Michelle Martin, Deann Peterman, Brittany Rudd, Naysa Scott, Jessica Shelpman, and Gretchen Stevens; Nick Meriwether; the cast of the Leo Awards, Nathan Wheeler, Kasey Wallace, Charles Farley, Marcho Markov, Amy Skelton, Damica Myers, Tyler Anderson, Shane Henderson, Tygre Moreheart; a performance by the students of Lois Rase which featured dancers, Christine Arms, Crystal Castle, Andrea Chatfield, Matthew Knox, Melissa Laugle, Lonnie Morris, Keri Pleasant, Shane Shanton, Candice Weekly and Randy Mills; the SSU Ensemble; the Cirque d’Art Theatre with Christin White, Taylor Sparks, Austin Wilkes, Margaux Stevenson, Jon Chandler, Amanda Stephenson, Kat Stephenson, Jacob Porter, Joe Maiden, Alex Szava-Grundler, Brittany McClintic, Courtney Speck, Stephanie Slaig and Hadyn Schmidt; Doug Parsley and Karen Zimmer.
          Warsaw said raffle tickets for a diamond cocktail ring, donated by Portsmouth residents Barbara and David Lodwick, brought in a little over $1,000 that is included in the total amount raised.
         The money raised during the President’s Gala will go to fund undergraduate research. During the dessert portion of the evening and prior to the Talent Showcase, donors had the opportunity to see posters and demonstrations of research projects that are currently underway. Those projects included the “Baseline Survey of Land Snails” by Heather Roades; the “Density of Frog and Toad Breeding Populations in southern Ohio as Related to Watershed Size and Quality” by Logan Minter; the “Dimensional Analysis of Denervation of the Central Nervous System of Catfish” by Ruby Johnson, Mikell Rase, and T.J. Stidham; “Investigations of Thiol Coated Gold Monolayer Protected Clusters” by Kristi Hayes and Cheryl Ziser; “Involvement of Streptococcal Collagen-Like Proteins in Group A Streptococcus Attachment” by Jared Bentley and Joe Herrman; “New Brain Retrograde Transport Analysis” by Robert Huff and Joyce Patrick; “Plant Diversity as Compared to Soil Composition” by Noah McCoard; “Pre-Courtship Behavioral Sequences in Bison Bison” by Jared Bentley and T.J. Stidham; and “Simplifying the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation” by Neil Winn.
          Knowing that the proceeds from the Gala were being used for undergraduate research, Warsaw said SSU President Rita Rice Morris, went to the faculty and asked how it should be used to fund students’ efforts.
          “A faculty committee came up with the idea that students will have to apply for the money and they’ll have to write out what they expect their research to be and what kinds of equipment they’ll need,” Warsaw said. “I was thrilled by that. By having them do that, it adds another layer of scholarship to the whole activity because you have to be able to put into words what you plan to do.”
          Warsaw said the whole procedure will be similar to a grant application process.
          Work will soon begin on next year’s Gala.
          “We look at this activity not only as a fundraiser but as a friend raiser. People who come look forward to the President’s Gala and we are always looking for more people who are interested in coming. We don’t want to seem exclusive we want to be inclusive,” Warsaw said. “Anyone who wants an invitation to next year’s gala should just give us a call and let us know and we’ll be sure to send them an invitation,”
          For more information on the President’s Gala call (740) 351-3284.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

             “Get ‘em to go.” 
            The long-time motto of the late Wayne White, former executive director of the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE) housed at Shawnee State University, and former superintendent of the Dawson Bryant School District, has been passed on to another Dawson Bryant administrator—Brenda Haas, Ed.D., of Ironton, to carry on OACHE’s important mission of increasing the college-going rate in the Appalachian region of Ohio.
            The principal at Coal Grove’s Dawson Bryant High School since 1999, Haas has been named White’s successor and will begin her work as executive director of OACHE on Aug. 15, pending OACHE Board approval.  The Board will meet on Aug. 5.
            Haas, who holds a doctorate in education, master’s in education, and a bachelor of science degree—all from Ohio University (in addition to certificates for local Ohio superintendent, Ohio supervisor, Ohio teaching K-8, and Ohio elementary principal)—plans to be “rather busy” from day one.
            “The interim director [Jake Bapst] has done a great job,” she said.  “Now I have to go through the files, see where we are, and see what the vision is of the board.  The [OACHE] conference is coming up in October.  I plan to do a lot of networking with people, not just in the high schools and colleges but also with legislators.  A major goal is to keep everyone at the state and national levels informed about OACHE.”
            In the long term, Haas would like to see an increase in students going to and finishing college.
            “I would also like to see them complete college,” she said.  That’s our next challenge: making sure that once we get them there they finish.”
            Prior to serving as principal at Dawson Bryant High School for six years, Haas served as principal at Dawson-Bryant Elementary School for eight years.  She was also principal and teacher in the Rock Hill School System for nearly 20 years.
            Five years ago, when Haas became a high school administrator, she took a look at funding opportunities through OACHE and received a grant that made an impact at the high school level.
            “I knew Wayne White personally, and he always advocated for all of the children of Appalachia,” she said.  “So when the position became available, I debated about whether or not to pursue it because I love my job.  But then I thought this position would have a larger impact.  I’m looking forward to working with all of the schools and colleges within the region.”
            Haas said White will be a hard act to follow.
            “Wayne was a dear friend and colleague who always encouraged me,” she said.  “He’s missed by many people.”
            White hired Haas as elementary school principal at Dawson Bryant in 1991.
            “When I went in for the interview, it was like I had always known him,” Haas said.  “It wasn’t like meeting an administrator for the first time.”
            Haas has her parents to thank for her over three-decade-long career in education.
            “My parents inspired me,” she said.  “My father went through college on the GI bill.  I watched him, as I was growing up, work 20 years in a cement factory, working midnight shift so he could drive to Rio Grande to get his degree so he could teach, which was a pay cut, but that’s what he wanted.  My mother went back to school to get her GED and then went back to college, completing her degree in education.  So as a child I knew education was very important.  And throughout my career there have been mentors, administrators as well as teachers, and students who have prompted me not simply to continue my education but stay in education.”
            The most rewarding part of Haas’ career is seeing graduates come back and talk to her about something she said or did that made them stay in school or go on to college.
            “I have always tried to encourage others,” she said.  “Too often I don’t think our children in this region think they can go to college.  We are charged to make them believe they can.  It’s the dream factor.  Providing the dream.”
            Haas appreciates the support and encouragement she has received from her family as well.
            “I have a wonderful husband [Merlin] who doesn’t mind that I go long hours and spend time away,” she said. 
            Her daughter, Missy, is married and lives in State College, PA, with Haas’ 3-year-old grandson. 
            Laura Meeks, Ph.D., president of Jefferson Community College and chair of the OACHE board, said it is important that OACHE has the right leader for the right time.
            “Brenda Haas is a spirit-filled, passionate person who understands our region.  She is an Appalachian success story.” 
            Meeks said Haas speaks the vision of OACHE, which is to improve the college-going rate.
            “She did a study in her high school that examined the gaps between students’ aspirations and the aspirations their parents have for them.  She saw a big gap in that.  Children do not aspire to college as much as their parents hope they would.  They hear tuition is going up and they don’t even know that they could qualify for financial aid.  Brenda is one of those people who knows there should be no reason why a student shouldn’t be able to go to college.  She wants to help students and families in Appalachia foster higher aspirations for college.”
            Meeks said Haas is a hard worker who enjoys meeting new people.
            “That’s exactly the kind of spirit that Wayne had, and although we cannot fill Wayne White’s position with Wayne, we need a person like Wayne who is a hard worker who likes people and likes to solve problems.  And I know that we have found that person in Brenda Haas.”
            “I hope we make a real difference as a group,” Haas said.  “My goal is to move the organization forward, continuing the great work of the past but also looking toward a vision for the future.  We will be able to meet the challenge.”

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications) 

            After spending a month collecting pocket change, all of the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters collected by Shawnee State University faculty, staff, and alumni have been counted and the results of the first ever “Found Money” campaign at SSU are in. According to Angela Henderson, assistant director of development at SSU, the fundraiser netted $657.56.
          “This was a Shawnee State University family effort. We’re talking faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, you name it; they helped to contribute to this,” Henderson said. “We’re very pleased with the results. All of the money goes in the Friends of Shawnee State Scholarship Fund, which is the general scholarship fund, so it goes directly to helping future students attend SSU.”
          The money was counted at a special “Counting Day” event held recently on the SSU campus. Henderson said the idea for the “Found Money” campaign came from SSU President Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D. Henderson said those who dropped off their boxes full of “Found Money” liked the uniqueness of the idea.
          “People said they put money in this box and they had no idea how much it was, and that was part of the fun, too,” Henderson said. “Some of them only had 50 cents while some had $35, but when you put it all together it shows what we were able to come up with. To get over $650 is an amazing accomplishment. It’s a real testament to how dedicated people are to SSU.”
         As part of the fundraiser, faculty, staff, and alumni received boxes in which to put their “Found Money.” Henderson said some students even participated.
          “The SSU cheerleaders were a great part of the effort and eventually we hope other students will get involved, whether it’s with this kind of campaign or another campaign. We hope students will get involved because it’s directly benefiting them,” Henderson said.
          Friends of Shawnee State scholarships do not require students to be a certain major or have a certain GPA. They are based more on need, helping a larger percentage of the students, Henderson explained.
            Morris said the campaign is a great kickoff for the alumni association at SSU.
            "It was great to see alumni working with faculty and staff members to make a difference in SSU's future," she said.  "The Found Money Campaign was a small, yet important indicator that working together we can do much more.  By pooling our resources, we can ensure future SSU students have the necessary funds to attend college and ultimately change their lives."
          Henderson said the “Found Money” campaign is not over. She said if someone did not have a chance to turn in their box, they can still do so.
          For more information, call (740) 351-3364.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2005

Contact:
Mistie Cook Spicer, Coordinator of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; Fax: (740) 351-3179; E-mail: mspicer@shawnee.edu

             After serving nearly eight years as the administrator charged with making the region aware of the “goings on” at Shawnee State University (SSU), SSU director of communications and assistant to the president Terry Hapney has accepted a position at the university he calls his “dream job”—a communication/English professorship in the university’s Department of English and Humanities.
          Hapney begins his new job as communication and English professor on September 8. He has already spent a decade in the university classroom teaching journalism, communications, and English courses at SSU on a part-time basis, and as a graduate assistant at Marshall University.
          Hapney said he is glad to finally attain the position he has been working toward since entering the communications arena at the age of 16.
          “It has been my goal since a senior English course I took in high school and working in a communications position prior to that to become either a full-time English or communication faculty member at the college level,” Hapney said.  “Now I’ll do both.”
          After spending over 17 years working professionally in communications—public relations, radio and television broadcasting, and advertising— Hapney will teach journalism, communication, and English courses at SSU full-time.
          “One of the first projects for which I have been charged is to take a look at the communications concentration in the English degree program, in addition to the minors, and see what needs to be added or adjusted,” he said. “I will also continue working with students in our program who seek internships in the region.”
          While serving as a part-time faculty member at SSU, Hapney worked with full-time faculty members in the department to design the communications concentration, the fastest growing area in the department, according to department chair Tim Scheurer, Ph.D.
          “We are extremely pleased to have Terry as part of our full-time faculty,” Scheurer said. “He fulfills a need we had for a full-time communications specialist who would be able to bring a blend of scholarly and professional experience to teaching the courses in our communications concentration and our communication and journalism minors.”
          Hapney, who grew up in Worthington, Ky., lived in Ashland and Lexington, and now resides in Ironton with his wife, Claudette, and two sons, Brock and Blake, holds a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Marshall University, bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Kentucky, and is nearing completion of a Ph.D. in higher educational leadership with a concentration in communication at the University of Dayton.
          “This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity,” Hapney said. “There are seldom full-time university faculty positions in my field available in the Tri-State region. I feel honored the search committee recommended me for the position, and I feel fortunate that I get to do what I have always wanted to do without having to move my children away from their grandparents.”
          A search is just getting underway to name Hapney’s replacement as director of communications at SSU, according to Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., president of SSU.

“I am happy for Terry and sorry for this office,” Morris said. “Terry has a lot of history that I will miss having access to on a daily basis. I will also miss his enthusiasm and knowledge of regional media. I will miss seeing him on a day-to-day basis but I know his role as a faculty member will be of great benefit to our students.”
          Hapney, who continues his long ties to radio broadcasting by hosting “Gospel Jubilation”—a Christian country/southern gospel music program airing Sunday mornings on 103.3 WTCR (one of the Tri-State’s two highest-rated radio stations), said the most rewarding part of his entire career has been teaching.
          “While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working in public relations, radio, television, advertising, and central university administration, the most enjoyment I have had is teaching what I have done professionally for nearly two decades,” he said. “I have had students who have taken my classes, graduated, and moved into positions at newspapers, radio stations, other media, or began working in public relations for organizations, and they have stopped by to see me at SSU to thank me for what I had done to inspire them in the field. It is very rewarding to know, while you don’t realize it at the time, what you say and do in class can have a lasting impact on someone and affect how he or she performs professionally in the workplace.”
          Joey DePew, editor of the University Chronicle (UC)—SSU’s student newspaper, said “dedication, knowledge, and the expectation for something more than run-of-the-mill” has made the UC’s adviser—Terry Hapney—“undeniably critical in the process of reshaping and, effectively, recreating” the UC.  DePew said Hapney has been a great friend and an excellent mentor during his time with the newspaper.
            “He isn't afraid to take chances or stand up for what he thinks is right,” DePew said. “He takes the time to not only teach but to also listen—a quality that some in academia lack. The English department has truly done itself a favor by bringing him on board and giving him a permanent faculty position, and the students at Shawnee State will be better educated because of it.  We are proud to be associated with such a fine man, and we offer to Professor Hapney our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations.”
          Hapney said he cannot wait to begin his new position.
          “I am looking forward to playing a role in the success of future public relations officers, print and broadcast journalists, and other communications professionals,” he said.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

Local businessman Ron LeMaster of Ron LeMaster Insurance, Inc., South Shore, Ky., presented a $1,000 check to the Shawnee State University (SSU) Development Foundation/Ron LeMaster Scholarship Fund recently.
 

State Auto Insurance donated the money to SSU in LeMaster's honor; LeMaster chose SSU as the charity to receive the donation. The achievement honors successful agencies that demonstrate outstanding sales, service, and business management.

The generosity shown by LeMaster, a former SSU development board president and member, is very much appreciated by SSU President Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D.

“Ron has always been very generous to Shawnee State University and his kindness has made a real difference at this institution,” said Morris. “When one gives to higher education, one is giving to not only the enhancement of individuals, but to the enrichment of the community as education opens doors to progress.”

With more than 80 bachelor’s and associate degree programs offered in areas that include the arts, English and humanities, mathematical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, teacher education, business administration, industrial and engineering technologies, and health sciences, SSU has over $2 million available to students in scholarships.

For more information on how make donations to SSU, call the SSU office of development at (740) 351-3284.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

After three years of extensive research, preparation, and presentation of a proposal, Shawnee State University (SSU), thanks to Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) approval yesterday, will begin offering its own master’s degree program in occupational therapy, starting in August 2006.

Up to this point, SSU has developed relationships with other universities to offer graduate programs on the SSU campus in Portsmouth through the university’s Graduate Center. The new master’s in occupational therapy (MOT) belongs to SSU.

Debra Scurlock, program leader in the occupational therapy program at SSU, said this benefits students, the local community, and the Tri-State area by ensuring that there are qualified occupational therapists available to work in hospitals and clinics in the region.

“This allows that to continue,” Scurlock said. “We have over 140 contracts in the Tri-State area. Those individuals are overjoyed that we will continue to be a university that will provide highly-qualified occupational therapists.”

Scurlock said it is enriching to area residents that they have a university in the Appalachian area that is close by, enabling them to attain a master’s degree.

“I have 10 phone calls in front of me that I have to make to people who have called who are interested in attending SSU, wanting to be an occupational therapist and to find out what it takes to do so,” Scurlock said. “The interest is high in this area.”

The bachelor’s degree in OT is being phased out throughout the U.S—a national accreditation mandate, according to Scurlock.

“In order to get into the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree with certain prerequisites,” she said. “The bachelor’s degree can be in anything, but there are prerequisites that are pretty heavy in sciences—biological as well as social.”

Scurlock said the job market for occupational therapists is outstanding. She has not had one student making less than $50,000 starting out.

“Every student has a job before he or she graduates,” she said. “I cannot keep up with the phone calls, e-mails, and faxes containing inquiries asking when our students graduate. There is a lot of opportunity right here in this region.”

One thing that separates the bachelor’s program from the master’s program is the more intensive course work in research, Scurlock said. She also pointed out the pass rates on the national exam continue to be high for SSU OT graduates.

“Nationally we’re right up there with the best,” Scurlock said.

Dave Todt, Ph.D., associate provost at SSU and the administrator in charge of the Graduate Center, said the most important thing about the new master’s degree is it allows SSU to continue a very successful academic program.

“That’s what really drove us to apply for the master’s program,” Todt said. “Occupational therapy serves the needs of our region. This is a research-based program that is a level above what we have been doing. It’s a new frontier for us, in a sense, to be going into a master’s program, but I’m confident that the faculty members there are ready for this. They did a great job putting the proposal together.”

Todt said the university is beginning the recruiting process for faculty and students.

“We do plan to hire one new faculty member for the start of the program, which begins in August 2006,” he said. “The program will be on semesters one year before the rest of the institution will be on semesters.”

Martha Rader, Ph.D., dean of the College of Professional Studies at SSU (the college in which the program is housed), said she is pleased that the university will be able to continue to meet regional needs for health professionals through the new master’s degree in occupational therapy. 

“The faculty and staff members in occupational therapy have worked hard to ensure the accomplishment of this goal,” Rader said.  “We still have much work to do before we are able to graduate our first students from the new program, but I know we are up to the challenge.” 

Leslie Weddington, an occupational therapist at King’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) in Ashland (Ky.), said KDMC receives OTA as well as OT students from SSU.

“Hearing this news has us ecstatic,” Weddington said. “We feel we get very exceptional students from Shawnee State University. We are always able to identify the students who come from SSU versus students we get from other institutions because they are very well-prepared for their field work. They excel here. We’re very happy SSU received approval for the master’s program that allows us to continue this high-quality partnership.”

Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., president of SSU, said, congratulations are in store for Debra Scurlock, Edward Kehres, Christine Raber, Mendy Sissel, Dave Todt, Martha Rader, Sherry Scott, Sarah Clausing, and Barb Warnock—SSU faculty and staff members—for their hard work in developing and defending the proposal.

“This is a wonderful milestone in SSU’s maturation as a university, and reflects the vision of those who saw SSU as a vital force in the educational and economic development of our region,” Morris said.

For more information about the new master’s degree program in occupational therapy, call (740) 351-3225 or (740) 351-3177. Those interested may also visit www.shawnee.edu/off/grad/index.html.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Shanna Mustard, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

SSU Mathematics professor joins long line of elite professors at University

            Professor Tom Stead (1996). Jeffrey Bauer, Ph.D. (1997). Patric Leedom, Ed.D (2000). Professor Julie Basham (2001). John Lorentz, Ph.D. (2002). Jim Flavin, Ph.D (2003).
            The name Douglas Darbro, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics at Shawnee State University (SSU), has been added to this elite group after Darbro was awarded the 2005 Board of Trustee’s Distinguished Teaching Award by the Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee (EPCC) at SSU. The EPCC gives the award, established in 1995 to recognize outstanding professors, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
            According to Krista Taylor, Ph.D., mathematics professor and chair of the EPCC, nominees submit a portfolio and then EPCC members vote for the nominee they feel most deserves the award. This year’s award was $700.
            Darbro is “flattered and humbled” by the award.
            “The award capped off a great year for me,” said Darbro.
             He learned shortly after he and his wife brought their adopted daughter home from China on Mar. 3, 2005, that he had won the Distinguished Teaching Award.
            Darbro became a teacher, because he wanted to be a coach. He earned a degree in math and began teaching and coaching high school sports, but soon realized something wasn’t right.
             “I enjoyed the teaching and hated the coaching,” said Darbro.
             The often-overlooked aspects of coaching, such as coordinating refreshment stands and referees, took up a lot of time. He was not getting to teach the players as much as he wanted to because of all of the administrative tasks of coaching, so he quit coaching and devoted his efforts to teaching. He taught at the high school level for two years and then attended the University of Kentucky to earn his master’s degree.
            After teaching at University of Kentucky for a while, Darbro started teaching at SSU in Jan. 1995. He was only supposed to be at SSU a couple of quarters covering for a professor on medical leave. SSU asked him to stay another year and he agreed. He has taught at SSU for 10 years now.
            Darbro says that the student relationships are the reason that he stays at SSU.
             “I have had a couple of opportunities to leave and I didn’t. The students and some of my colleagues were factors that I considered when I was making that decision. I just love the students and the teaching environment. The students here really seem to want to learn,” said Darbro.
            Darbro feels that teaching is what you make of it.
             “I have tests saved from 10 years ago,” he said, “so I could use those and have a really easy job if I wanted to.
             He chooses not to do so.
             “I try to teach students today differently than I did 10 years ago, because they are different students with different expectations,” he said.
            He said that anyone considering teaching “will just know” if they have a passion to be a teacher.
            “There is an old saying ‘some people teach to live and some people live to teach’ and I think that is really true,” said Darbro.
            Some people get into teaching for the wrong reasons, he said.
             “June, July, and August are the wrong reasons to teach. I don’t think those people generally make good teachers. I don’t think they are happy,” he said.
            Darbro’s commitment to his students shows, according to university officials.
            “Dr. Darbro is a mainstay of our math department who consistently gets highest marks for his commitment to his students. Student evaluations compliment him for his patience, his clarity, and his ability to teach to varied backgrounds. His honor is well-deserved,” said Jerry Holt, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at SSU.
            Byron Plummer, a senior math and English education major, described Darbro as “easy to talk to, easy to ask questions, and not intimidating at all.”
            “You can go to him any time, any where. If you don’t understand something, he will spend as much time as it takes with you until you get it,” said Plummer. “He is totally committed to teaching. He is the type of professor who students just love. You have fun and learn a lot in his class. He is very good at what he does,” he added.
            Requests for next year’s Distinguished Teaching Award nominees will be sent out by e-mail in the fall. Any student or faculty member at SSU can nominate a candidate.
 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications) 

          Master mask maker Bruce Marrs will visit Shawnee State University (SSU) for a lecture/demonstration and workshop on Monday, July 25 and Tuesday, July 26, as part of the 2004-2005 Kricker Lecture Series.
          “Bruce was featured in USITT’s Winter 2004-2005 journal as one of the finest U.S. theater artists currently designing masks for performance,” said Vivian Robson, associate professor of theater at SSU. “His masks are made to be worn by an actor on stage, used in theater, as opposed to hanging on someone’s wall. The mask comes alive when worn, and the actor is transformed by the character of the mask.”
           A performer and teacher for Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, California, as well as a mask maker, Marrs will conduct a presentation at 1 p.m. in the Main Theater of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA) on “The Art of Mask Acting.” The presentation is free and open to the public and all area dancers are welcome.
          He will give another presentation later that evening at 7 p.m. in the Howland Recital Hall, Room 319 of the Vern Riffe Center, on the “Argentine Tango.” Area dancers are welcome and are asked to wear appropriate dress and non-marking shoes.
           On Tuesday, July 26, Marrs will present two identical workshops on “Mask Performance” in the Howland Recital Hall from 1-2:30 p.m. and from 3-4:30 p.m. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing for active movement and floor work. Class size is limited and participants are asked to call (740) 351-3335 to make a reservation.
          “He is bringing 50 of his own masks, which are beautiful versions of the classic Italian Renaissance comedia dell’arte masks,” Robson said.
          One of the highlights of his mask-making career, Marrs was the creature movement specialist for the 1998 movie “Godzilla.” He spent a year in a “motion capture computer suit” and rubber creature suit in Los Angeles.
          Marrs began his theater career as a dancer, dancing with and choreographing for the Oregon Dance Theatre, the Human Dancing Company, and Southern Oregon Light Opera. He studied mime in Paris with Marcel Marceau, Etienne Decroux, and James Keylon.
        With all of his vast experience and expertise, Marrs teaches at the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and has been a guest teacher and director at various universities across the country. He has even spent time in Portsmouth according to Robson.
          “He was one of four theater artists hired to teach and direct Portsmouth High School students during the summers of 2000 and 2001. The project, Lorri Tipton’s idea, was a collaboration of the Portsmouth Public Library, CAO, and SSU theater. Approximately 20 kids participated in making their own life masks, learning how to move and act wearing a mask, then creating, through improvisation, a whole theater piece for performance,” Robson said.
     Marrs’ two-day workshop is funded by the 2004-2005 Kricker Lecture Series fund through the Shawnee State University Development Fund.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications) 

            Twelve Shawnee State University (SSU) Theatre students are getting the opportunity of a lifetime in August, the chance to perform at the prestigious “International Fringe Festival” in Edinburgh, Scotland. The students are involved in the play Shakespeare’s "As You Like It,” a production of Unicorn Players, Incorporated and A Working Theatre Company, both of Portsmouth and presented by Shawnee State University’s Theater Department.
          “It’s the most prestigious theater festival on the planet; it’s been going on since the 50’s,” said Lorri Tipton, with A Working Theatre Company. “Theater professionals from all over the world are going to be there; all kinds of people have gotten their start there.”
          The SSU students making the trip to Scotland are: Rick Bender (Portsmouth), William Loren Keller (Portsmouth), Kasey Wallace (Marietta), Sarah Chatfield (Lucasville), Brandon Thacker (Chillicothe), Nathan Wheeler South Webster), Charles Farley (South Webster), Andrea Chatfield (Lucasville), Hank Waring (Portsmouth), Matthew Knox (Arizona), and Shane Henderson (South Shore), as well as Jim Hayes (Portsmouth), adjunct faculty member in the SSU Theater Department and director of the production.
          “This is something I’ve always dreamed about, performing at the Fringe Festival,” said Rick Bender, a theater student at SSU.
          He said through God and faith and taking things day by day, he has a chance to make his dream come true.
          “We created the chance to go to the Fringe Festival,” said Hayes. “We figured it was time to step out and show them what we’ve got. We’re re-visiting our roots; all these Appalachian kids are of Scottish descent.”
          According to the official Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was started by festival gatecrashers in 1947 and is considered to be the largest festival in the world by The Guinness Book of World Records. The local group of actors will be performing in good company. Some of the actors who have appeared at the Fringe include: Robin Williams, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Jude Law.
          Tipton said the group will be there August 22 - 27 and will be performing in a place called Venue 40 that Tipton explained is a Quaker meeting house. She said they are able to perform at the festival because they applied to perform on The Fringe Festival web site.
          “If you find a place that will take you in you can go,” Tipton said. “We had four different venues invite us there from our application on The Fringe website. We chose one that I think is the best venue for our show because of our location, which is right in the center of everything and we will have an incredible amount of traffic.”
           What’s standing in the way now is money. Tipton said they are hoping to raise $45,000.
          “That covers the cost of registering at the festival. It covers the venue there, printing the programs, and being involved as one of the companies in The Fringe Festival,” Tipton said. “It covers our accommodations, plane tickets, and food. If we raise $45,000, it would pay for everything involved with the show.”
          She said that amount will cover the expenses of 25 cast and crew members. If all of the money is not raised, Tipton said everyone will have to pay a little on their own and some of them cannot really afford to do so.
          “We’re in a position where we’re concerned about our costs. We want to make sure everyone is able to go and have the same experience. Our hope is to be able to raise funds for the entire group,” Tipton said.
          The theater company has been successful in raising some money. Tipton said they have received a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, as well as other financing from the Target Foundation, the Glockner Family, and other private donations.
          “We have launched a million pennies campaign. There are jars at Jenkins Chevron in Sciotoville, The Corner Market in Sciotoville, The Oasis in Portsmouth, Pauley’s Plumbing, WHCP-TV and The Video Store in Wheelersburg,” Tipton explained.
          She said they are also having a fundraising event at Tracy Park on July 23 beginning at 2 p.m. Tipton said during the fundraiser, members of the cast will be singing and performing scenes from the play as well as playing country and bluegrass music. She said they will be selling hot dogs and doing face painting to raise money.
            “We have, at this point, managed to raise enough money to pay for almost everything except the airfare,” Tipton said.
          With what money they have raised so far through private donations and grant money, Tipton said they still need to raise around $28,000 to cover additional costs. She said those wanting to help finance the trip can send a donation to: A Working Theatre Company, 659 Sycamore Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.
          On a side note, Tipton said a documentary is being done on “Shakespeare’s As You Like It” by two filmmakers, Andrew Dodson, president of Piscotti Productions in Portsmouth and Dan Hnatio, a former CNN and PBS employee.
          “Marshall University has agreed to broadcast it on Channel 25 and the Portsmouth Public Library has agreed to do a public program with the documentary and keep it in their collection for people to check out. We are also going to work with WOUB and some of their PBS affiliates to see if we can get it broadcast on a more regional basis,” Tipton said.
         For more information on The Million Pennies Campaign call (740) 776-4411 or (740) 353-5770.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

             More than 151 faculty and staff members with a combined 1900 of years of service to Shawnee State University (SSU) recently at the annual SSU employee service recognition reception, held in the Selby Lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Employees were recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service.  The theme of this year’s event, organized by the SSU Human Resources Department was “You make a difference.”
            The following faculty and staff members were recognized for five years of service:
Charlotte Hardy (McDermott), Teresa McKenzie (Ashland), Jenny Carver (West Portsmouth), Paul Carver (Portsmouth), Dean Dixon (South Portsmouth), Susan Montavon (Greenup, KY), Danny Stephens (Portsmouth), Rich Brown (Portsmouth), Nikki Montgomery (Lucasville), Sherry Scott (Portsmouth), Chuck Warner (Wheelersburg), Jeff Malone (West Portsmouth), Nancy Goodman (Portsmouth), Kathy Kratzenburg (Wheelersburg), Hetty Phillips (Portsmouth), Jared Shoemaker (Greenup, KY), Beth Weghorst (West Portsmouth), Gene Burns (Portsmouth), Leeann Denning (Minford), David Finlow (Portsmouth), Kathryn Locke (Wheelersburg), Cliff Poirot (Portsmouth), Krista Taylor (Portsmouth), Deann McKenzie (Greenup, KY), Matt Matthews(Portsmouth), Bob Trusz (Lucasville), Ryan McCall (Lucasville), Cindy Keaton (Portsmouth), Michael Field (South Portsmouth), Becky Herpy (Lucasville), Garry Osborn (South Webster), Rob Kline (Pedro), Doug Parsley (Portsmouth), Jerry Blanchard (Flatwoods), David Rodgers (Portsmouth), Man Ng (Portsmouth), Trudy Bostick (South Webster), Sally Kelly (East Liverpool), Jim Bayes (Portsmouth), Phil Blau (Stout), Greg Lyons (Portsmouth), Patricia Spradlin (Portsmouth), Amanda Hedrick (Wheelersburg), Mark Russell (Saint Paul, KY), Rebecca Harr (New Boston), Tyler Ferguson (Wheelersburg), Kim Gleim (Portsmouth), Brian Saul (Portsmouth), Debra Scurlock (Portsmouth), Patricia Thomas-Wilson (The Plains)
10 years:
Dan White (New Boston), Rick Merb (Portsmouth), Tracie Shaw (Portsmouth), Brenda Smith (South Shore, KY), Lee Roy Blevins (Minford), Steve Donohue (Wheelersburg), Steve O’Rourke (West Portsmouth), Lori Perry (South Shore, KY), Elaine Evans (New Boston), Rob Mauldin (West Union), Ken Cornwell (Marietta), Doug Darbro (Carlisle, KY), Shannon Lawson (Portsmouth), Karen Fatula (St. Clairsville), Carl Daehler (Portsmouth), Tom Piatt (McDermott), Bob Bray (Portsmouth), Elaine Bradley (Portsmouth), Jamie Madden (Portsmouth), Larry Mangus (Lucasville), Vivian Robson (Portsmouth), Sue Wilson (Friendship), Leo Schlosser (Quincy, KY), Darren Harris-Fain (Portsmouth), Paul Yost (Portsmouth), Lora Warner (Wheelersburg), Frank Piatt (Otway), Jacque Evens (Franklin Furnace), Karen Boggs (South Shore, KY)
15 years:
Greg Bond (Lucasville), Kris Liles (Portsmouth), Sherri Powell (Lucasville), Delmer Johnson (West Portsmouth), Janice Johnson (Portsmouth), Judi McGraw (Portsmouth), Leah Campbell (Minford), Lisa Goodan-Ashcraft (Portsmouth), Laurie Hatton (West Portsmouth), Elsie Shabazz (Portsmouth), Jerry Holt (Portsmouth), Butch Kotcamp (Portsmouth), Brenta Childers (Portsmouth), Mike Pinson (Minford), Carl Hilgarth (Portsmouth), Ted Kosan (Otway), John Lorentz (Minford), John Valentine (Portsmouth), Michael Hughes (Portsmouth), Cathy Mullins (Lucasville), Tom Hurley (Wheelersburg), Carl Priode (Portsmouth), Steve Doster (Maysville, KY), Sharon Messer (Minford), Betty Forbes (South Portsmouth), Joyce Montgomery (Portsmouth), Carl Wooten (Wheelersburg), Jinlu Li (Portsmouth), Joan Scott (South Shore, KY), Carol Sexton (Ironton), Mary Dillard (Portsmouth), Robert Forrey (Portsmouth), Steve Gregory (Piketon), Butch Ferguson (Portsmouth), Stylianos Hadjiyannis (Portsmouth), Larry Lonney (Portsmouth), Jim Miller (Portsmouth), Lane Raiser (Lucasville), Maggie Warnock (Portsmouth), Marla Thoroughman (Stout), Barbara Throckmorton (West Portsmouth), Vickie Waugh (South Shore, KY), Joey Dillard , Bill Bratt (Portsmouth)
20 years:
Terry Greenhill (Wheelersburg), Pat Carson (New Boston), Larry Dickerson (South Shore, KY), Sandi Little (Portsmouth), Jim Lockert (South Webster), Fred Powell (Portsmouth), Steve Midkiff (Portsmouth), Ann Williams (South Shore, KY), Ginnie Moore (Minford), Marcia Huff (Lucasville), Buster Stiltner (Vanceburg, KY), Meredith Glaze (Lucasville)
25 years:
Joanne Charles (Portsmouth), Liz Chrisman (Portsmouth), Gloria Horsley (Portsmouth), Barb Duncan (Portsmouth), Cathy Chaffin (South Shore, KY), Dennis Litz (West Portsmouth)
30 years:
Barb Ross (South Webster), Robbie Burke (Portsmouth), Kenny Powell (Minford), Tess Midkiff (Portsmouth), Larry Essman (Portsmouth), Mary Tomlin (Portsmouth), Brent Smith (McDermott), Kim Mitchell (Portsmouth)
35 years:
Tom Stead (Otway), Sibylle Herrmann (Portsmouth)

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

New master’s degree program in library and information science
to begin August 29 at SSU

The Graduate Center at Shawnee State University (SSU) takes another step forward in making graduate program opportunities available to the community by hosting a master of science degree program in library and information science (MSLIS) from Kent State University on the SSU campus beginning fall 2005.   The first class session will be held on August 29^th.
          The degree, offered through Kent State University’s School of Library and Information Science, is offered to all individuals with an undergraduate degree who graduated with a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher.  The program is one that is in demand, according to Tess Midkiff, director of the Clark Memorial Library at SSU.
          “Individuals from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia have expressed interest in this program,” said Midkiff. “There will be no out-of-state tuition fees, and the supply of schools offering this program is limited. It is a great way to get this type of degree closer to home.”
          The program allows students to take courses through interactive video and complete an MLIS degree in two to three years.  Under this plan, the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State offers four core courses (12 hours) by interactive video and four recommended and faculty-selected electives (12 hours) by either interactive video or web-based courses over a two-year period.  Students will complete the remaining 12 hours of their degree by specializing and/or taking practicums, other courses, workshops, individual investigations, and the required culminating experience. 
          The content and requirements of the courses offered at SSU are identical to courses offered at Kent State.  Classes will be offered on two nights each week during the term. They are still accepting applications on a space available basis.
          For more information, call the SSU Graduate Center at (740) 351-3177 or send an e-mail message to smontavon@shawnee.edu.
 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

Article by Shanna Mustard, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

 SSU/New Boston Schools Partnership gives aspiring teachers extensive insight into the field

             The New Boston Professional Development School (PDS) allows Shawnee State University (SSU) students to gain insight into the teaching profession in the best way possible.
            Education students from SSU who participate in the program serve as student teachers at Stanton Primary or Oak Intermediate School for an entire year versus of just one quarter--the typical length of a student teaching term. Student participants begin working before the school year begins for the children and stay until summer break.  
            “SSU Student teachers help set up the classroom before the students arrive at the beginning of the year,” said Diane Chamberlin, K-6 principal at New Boston Schools.
            Chamberlin has worked with the program since its inception. She had a student teacher in her third grade classroom during the 2003-2004 school year for the first year of the program. She became principal of both the elementary and middle schools at the end of last year.
            Three years ago, SSU and New Boston Schools were in the planning stages of the program. A trend towards professional development schools initiated the development of the PDS, according to Paul Madden, Ph.D., interim associate dean of teacher education at SSU.
            “We received funding from an anonymous donor that allowed us to send a team from SSU and New Boston to a national professional development school conference; they came back enthused about the potential of doing a much closer relationship between our teacher education department and the school system,” said David Todt, Ph.D., associate provost/director of institutional planning at SSU and retired teacher education department chair.
            The numerous benefits of the program make it a good situation for all involved.
            “It is a win-win situation,” said Jerry Skiver, superintendent at New Boston Schools. “The students, young kids, and both schools (New Boston and SSU) all benefit from the connection,” he said.
            Chamberlin agrees with Skiver’s assessment of the program.
            “It is a really good relationship,” said Chamberlin. “The students become a part of the educational family at Stanton,” she said, “They (SSU students) benefit from the experience, the elementary students benefit from the extra help, and both schools benefit because they are able to produce better-prepared students. The student teachers become such a part of our educational family that some of them have even helped out with our after school mall programs and summer school.”
            According to Chamberlin, the SSU students who have participated in the program have been hired immediately after graduation because of the work experience they get through the program.
            “This is a good thing that gives student teachers practical experience,” said Chamberlin, “It just makes sense that a student with an entire year of classroom experience will be an excellent teacher.”
            “There is a big difference in the student’s teaching abilities when they go through this program,” said Cathy Knauff, a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade science teacher at Oak Intermediate.
            Knauff hosted a student teacher last year and believes that the student teachers get a new perspective on teaching through the program.
            “Teachers who go through the program are well-prepared because they learn all of the aspects of teaching,” said Knauff. “The student I had helped scrub walls and do pre-assessments before the year began; she was there to help pack things away and do post-assessments at the end of the year.”
            Although SSU and New Boston S chools continue to support traditional student teaching opportunities, the professional development program provides another option for students.
            “The professional development program gives the students an opportunity to get a different and more intense experience,” said Todt.
            The program further utilizes the relationship between SSU and New Boston Schools by having teachers from the schools make presentations in SSU teacher education classes and SSU teaches education students present stories and other exhibits to the children at New Boston Schools.
            The success of the program has encouraged expansion of the concept.
            “The ideal would be to have more professional development schools,” said Todt. “It does take some resources and we fortunately had a donor who helped us get this started.”
            “Expanding the program to include high school student teaching opportunities is a possibility,” said Chamberlin.
            “We are very fortunate and grateful to have the program,” said Skiver, “We look forward to its continuing success.”
            Interviews for student teaching positions through the New Boston Professional Development School for the 2005-2006 school year will be on July 28 this year, according to Debbie Weber, interim director of preprofessional services at SSU. Two students will be placed this year.
            “It is a rigid process to get in,” said Skiver. “Not everyone makes it.”
            “The selection is done by teacher ed. faculty and the school teachers,” according to Todt.
            “They (the host teachers) have some say in who is selected to participate in the program. That doesn’t normally happen with student teaching. We usually find out who’s willing to take a student teacher and we make the assignment,” said Todt.
            “I really like the fact that we get to help select who we will be working with,” said Knauff.
            Those involved with the program see the relationship that has formed between SSU and New Boston Schools as positive for everyone involved and anyone who the student teachers educate in the future.
            “The program strengthens our profession,” said Chamberlin.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

             Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., president of Shawnee State University (SSU), has released the president’s list for the spring 2005 quarter. To be named to the list, students must be full-time and have achieved a grade point average of 4.0.

ATHENS
Ashley Meadows    

BAINBRIDGE
Stacia Driapsa, Sarah Fennell, Whitney Hall

BEAVER
Cara Havens, Don Edler

BEDFORD
Mark Kline

BIDWELL
Veronica Mills

CHILLICOTHE
Wesley Hartman, Jennifer Hougland, Derick Adams, Julie Proctor

CINCINNATI
Melissa Laugle

CIRCLEVILLE
Amber Bumgardner

COLUMBUS
Lyndsey Ziverts

FRANKFORT
Lori Dillon

FRANKLIN FURNACE
Tim Yarnell, Tiffany Conn, Brandon Bailey, Brian Jenkins

FRIENDSHIP
Jacob Risner, Betty Piatt

GALLIPOLIS
Jason Wheeler

HAVERHILL
Carrie Blevins

HILLSBORO
Deborah Kibler, Jennifer Mihalik

IRONTON
Melissa Bruce, Ashley Harmon, Kandi Thompson, Marissa Collins, Leigh Bazell

JACKSON
Jonathan Lloyd

KENSINGTON
Monica Abel

KINGSTON
Jonathan Grimm

LANCASTER
Tiffany Smith, Kelly Hamilton

LUCASVILLE
Jessica Smith, Amanda O’Brien, Andrea Hatfield, Justin White, Melanie Oppy, Brenda King, Timothy Beery, Craig Webb, Ted Stidham, Sharon Runyon

LYNCHBURG
Samantha Runk

MANCHESTER
Ann Poole, Becky Dryden

MCDERMOTT
Kimberly Isaac, James Liston, Justin Isaac, Johanna Penn, Tracie Crabtree

MILFORD
Joseph Nihiser

MINFORD
Jerod Walker, Mikell Rase

NEW BOSTON
Carissa Mccann, Johnda Cantrell

OTWAY
Kimberly Green, Jessica Shelpman, Kimberly Arnett

PEDRO
Danny Laney

PEEBLES
Jeremy Boldman, James Morrison, Aimee Shivener, Jason Boothe

PIKETON
Tara Alley, Brandy Conley, Jessica Woodruff, Jenna Smith, Rikki Tackett, Andrew Williams, Michelle Richards, Rebecca McClain, Olivia Day, Joan Blankenship

PORTSMOUTH & WEST PORTSMOUTH
Christine Coronel, Jerilyn Sheets, Joshua Burkart, Kevin MacDonald, Andrew Mihalko, Mardis Karlsdottir, Keith Coon, Derrick Tucker, Joseph Herrmann, Megan Warnock, Chris Brown, Megan McManus, Stephen Cunningham, Stephanie Haney, Michelle Horner, Micah Ross, Jonathan Whitt, Alex Watts, Nicholas Payne, Erica Singer, Caroline Burkert, Marvaline Riley, Jason Swords, Andrew Walters, Gaius Collier, William Stapleton, Matthew Arnold, Sarah Wheeler, Jene Wright, Andrew Malone, Duane Couchot-Vore, Natalie Wheeler, Jennifer Harness, Kari Venturino-Smith, Dwight Mynear, Diana Veleva, Carrie Caseman, Paula Hall, Tammy Kitchen, Veronica Mershon, Mindy Pickelsimer, Beth Sines, Tiffany Maple, David Rice

RUSSELLVILLE
Brandi Michael

SCIOTOVILLE
Jayma Cooley

SEAMAN
Stephanie Seaman

SHADE
Robert Huff

SCIOTO FURNACE
Valerie Rawlins

SOUTH POINT
Bethany Hurst, Shauna Freeman

SOUTH WEBSTER
Debra Montgomery, Heidi Triggs, Christine Simmering

SPRINGFIELD
Beth Eichelberger, Kelly Hatas

WAVERLY
Adam Bryant, Tamer Ahmed, Clark Goble, Sarah Moore, Jennifer Hughes, Nathaniel George, Jill Anderson, Jennifer Vanhoose, Amber Roberts

WEST UNION
Joshua White, Kendra Lucas, Amanda Lacy, Bryan Grooms, Jared Stapleton, Marlana Welch, Jennifer Pertuset

WHEELERSBURG
John Kirby, Jean Gulley, Brennon Giles, Sharon Otworth, Kimberly Hammond, Erin Bussa, Jared Bentley, Maggie Howe, Megan Armstrong, Adam Conn, Ashley Caudill, Leslie Collins, Ashley Roberts

WILLOW WOOD
Angel Adkins

WINCHESTER
Monica Basford

KENTUCKY

ASHLAND
Leah McDonwell, Brandy DeCourcey

GARRISON
Tessa Riffe, Alissa Bloomfield

MAYSVILLE
Heather Hilterbrand

QUINCY
Megan Wright

SOUTH PORTSMOUTH
Jeffery Bobo

WURTLAND
Jill Montgomery

WEST VIRGINIA

MILTON
Tevin Boles, Connie Boggess

NORTH CAROLINA

SALISBURY
Ami Patel

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

            Michael Field, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Shawnee State University (SSU), has released the dean's list for the spring 2005 quarter. To be named to the list, individuals must be full-time and have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

AMELIA
Jennifer R Phillips

ATHENS
Gonzalo Perez-Beck, Jessica Huff

BAINBRIDGE
Jessica Driapsa, Liberty Whitley

BALTIC
Breck D Finzer

BEAVER
Bobbi  Denner, Laura Vance,  Aaron Lapp, Cynthia Walters, Teresa Blakeman, Alisha Cantrell, Jessica L Osborne,  Kendra L Scaggs

BELLEFONTAINE
Nicole Brown, Megan Harrison

BETHEL
Zachary C Stockton, Selissa Thompson

BIDWELL
Joshua Miller

CAMDEN
Kelly Cottingim

CHESAPEAKE
Brandy Tomblin, Thea Brown, Robert Eldred, Gary Heffner

CHILLICOTHE
Brian S Wilson, Channon L Hess, Cheryl B Oates, Kimberly S Leeth, Lindsay D Bowles, Martha Arnold, Candice Tibbs, Sherise Anderson, Anthony Hatten, Chris Germann, Megan Skaggs, Sharon Lane, Aaron Bennett, Michelle Mathuews, Kara Bobo, Martie Slone, Natalie Snyder, Barbara Hamm, Joseph Graham, John Graffis, Kaleena Carrol

CINCINNATI
William Newby

CIRCLEVILLE
Adam McGonigle

CLEVELAND
Tony Vega

COAL GROVE
Bradrick Jenkins

EAST LIBERTY
Dustin Cunningham

EAST RODCHESTER
Jennifer L Kreierhoff

ENON
Caleb Arnold

FOSTORIA
Aaron Eatherton

FRANKLIN FURNACE
Wesley Baldwin, Benjamin Dyer, Jennifer Foster, Joe Salyers, Keri Pierce, Ashley Ramey, Jacqueline Payton, Kelley Alexander, Joshua George, Megan Tackett, Kevin Duncan

FRIENDSHIP
Jerry Berry

GALLOWAY
Erin Mulholland, Heather Schilling

GREENFIELD
Jessica Leaverton

GEORGETOWN
Abigail L Watson

GROVE CITY
Kristi Barka, Gina Cistone

HAMERSVILLE
Lacey Simpson

HIGGINSPORT
Zachary Carrington

HILLIARD
Mychal R Murdock, Tracy Ricker

HILLSBORO
April D Anders, Joshua Singleton, Stacey Reno, Brian Perkins

HOWARD
Monica Canfield

HUBER HEIGHTS
Amanda Looney

IRONTON
Ashley Wilson, Barbara Baumgardner, Jennifer Howard, Jay Wilder, Andrea Crank, Brea Gee

JACKSON
Kristoffer Penix, Cindy Forrest,  Josh A Evans, Becky Forshey

KENTON
Matthew S Thompson

KINGSTON
Kendra L Frazier

KITTS HILL
Amber Murnahan, Amy Murnahan

LANCASTER
Carrie Piper, Nicholas Watson

LATHAM
Esther Coulson

LOUDONVILLE
Elaine N Wilson

LUCASVILLE
Charles Wills, Monique Strickland, Kristin Baker, Jessica Messer, Sheena      Benson, Joyce Patrick, Brandi Adams, Justin Lewis, Ramona O'Bryant, Sonya       Godfrey, Marcie Malone, Lindsey Cunningham, Karen Tully, Heidi Crabtree, Michael Fuller, Tammy Payne-Oliver, Jeremy Litteral , Sara Chatfield, Ashley      Coriell, Kristi Hall, Kelly Taylor, Andrea Chatfield, Bradley Phipps, Derrick Gray, Mallory Pennington, Zachary Stewart, Marcia Williams, Brittany Mitchell, Stephanie Phipps, Bethany Miller, Nathan Coriell, Nicole Cyrus, John Campbell, Cheryl Ziser, Jessica Carter, Daisy Mosley, Jacob Thompson 

MANCHESTER
Shayla Watson, Megan Booker, Lisa Dryden

MARIETTA
Tyler Lough

MARION
Stanton Combs

MCDERMOTT
Seth Deatley, Jennifer Lawton, Alisha Adkins, Walter Spriggs, Autumn Tepas, Stephanie Throckmorton, Ryan Sandlin, Jeffrey Collins, Shawn Hoffer, Virginia Bedard, Kyle Martin, Donald Andre, Jared Koch, Crystal Redoutey, Cassandra Simon

MINFORD
Scott Oliver, Lindsay Howard, Tiffany Eshem, Kayla Shonkwiler, Henry Waring, Physcilla Walk, Sherry Pack, Kendra Mullins, Tara Caudill, Katie Cordle, Kristin     Bennett, Sarah Tingler, James Crawford

MOSCOW
Miranda Ping

MOUNT ORAB
Jamie Wallace, Amanda Daffron

NEW BOSTON
Dustin Holbrook, Matthew J Smart, Miranda Flaugher, Aimee Taylor, Thomas E Toft, Erica Adkins

NEW PHILADELPHIA
Evan Cihon

NEW VIENNA
Sarah Colvin

NORTH LEWISBURG
Catherine Edge

OAK HILL
Katie Davis, Anna D Ramey

ORIENT
Carly M Cameron

OTWAY
Dawna Cantrell, Ronald Bowman, John Storer, Anthony Johnson, Terry Horner-Phipps, Alisha Ferguson,  Melissa S Hoople, Jill Puckett, Amy Brown

OXFORD
Teri Dean

PEDRO
Marjorie Malone, Sarah DePriest

PEEBLES
Jerad Raines, Richard Carroll, Megan Reed, Amy Miller, Michael Cheesbro, Raphael Bastos, Mellissa Madden, Cullen Williams, Christina Hoffer, Shanna Mustard, Amanda Unger, Rebecca Myers, Cassaundra Mootz, Rickey Setty, Jessica White

PEMBERVILLE
Tracey L Leo

PIKETON
Joshua Lambert, Shawn France, Jamie McCoy, Molly France, Crystal Forbes, Alisha Brewster, Sarah Skidmore, Whitney Stephens, Nathan Spriggs, Debra Osborne, Whitney Ditty, Ryan Bailey, Amanda Veach, Frederick Kunkel, Andrea Myers, Jenna Roberts

PIQUA
Heidi Peltier

POMEROY
Phillip J Cooke, Suzanna L Henderson

PORTSMOUTH AND WEST PORTSMOUTH
Gregory Gibbs, Candace Duncan, Natasha Dehart, Mark Hill, Sarah Walke, Kevin Taylor, Mary Hull, Mary Morris, Jessica Newman, Daniel Webster, Nicholas Liberator, Elisabeth Mohr, Janis Coriell, Cecil McGraw, Matthew Knox, Amy Skelton, Absalom Hall, Jessica Coriell, Shayla Caudill, Jennifer Stiltner, Andrew Little, Misty Jones, Marianne Hughes, Nicola Micucci, Michael Veazey, Heather Russell, Richard Calver, Jessica Votaw, Ann Wiard, Chad Lore, Robert Hammond, Arrika Shonkwiler, Ashley Myers, Kristy Cartee, Amanda Johnson, Shawna Queen, Elizabeth Schultz, Tyler Spradlin, Tracy Pendleton, Zane Sims, Kimberly Riffle, Felicia Diaz, Karen Heiskell, Marcy See, Sarah Huffman, Rebecca Bailey, Mary Burditt, Seth Ankrom, Crystal Castle, Scott Arms, Aaron Jones, Justin Dzik, Crystal McGinnis, Michelle Swords, Jessica McDaniel, Pamela Reed, Rose Hammonds, Julia Allen, Justin Nolen, William Ruggles, Yahnda Morris, Stephanie Albrecht, Jason Hemminger, Jason Wheeler, Carl Hankison, Kerry Greathouse, Joe Daugherty, Rachel Brumfield, Bethany Seaman, Melissa Gampp, Muriel Walker, Steven Hunter, Mintha Hamrick, Stacey Shumway, Joseph Newman, Antonia Dengel, Katherine Glockner, Amanda Clark, Richard Compan, Kevin Downey, James Lewis, Laura Malone, Calvin Evans, Melissa Holley, Hoai Tran, Penny Martin, Susan Tidrick, Therese Mahle, Regina Harris, Derek Hawk, Phillip Hammond, Dale Altman, Christian O'Rourke, Ragina Monoskie, Cassandra Reed, Heather Warnock, Jeffrey Wiget, Phillip Hamer, Melissa Kammer, Charles Flanagan, Eric Schomburg, Tonya Messer, Brandi Bricker, Jessica Kamer, Jason Bailey, Crystal Carpenter, Leanna Honaker, Deborah Harper, Jason Riley, Terrell Taylor, Cinamon Wellington, Stacie Stephens, Jeanna Crabtree, Christina O'Rourke, Mallary Wolfe, Brian Wroten, Jessica Bloomfield, Tiffany Pistole, Gregory Pate, Jessica Martin

RARDEN
Michael Pippin

RAY
Shane Shanton

ROSEVILLE
Michael Sowers

RUSSELLVILLE
Crystal Adams, Emily Collett

SCIOTOVILLE
Nicole L May, Mary Williams, Jessica Sparks, Jessica Stocksdale, Luke Rhea

SINKING SPRING
Paula Scott

SOUTH LEBANON
Kristyn L Allen

SOUTH POINT
Joshua Pemberton, Harrison Hunt, Kristen McMaster, Elizabeth Malone, Andrew Gibson, Megan C Gibson

SOUTH WEBSTER
Allen Harner, Ashley Price, Lynda Jones, Brandon McGahan, Taryn Malone, Evelyn Allard, Cheryl R Hankins

SPRINGFIELD
Hannah Mattern, Molly Binz

STOUT
Deanna Phillips, Andrew Mcginnis, Jesse Perkins, Grace Morgan

THE PLAINS
Tiffany Pidcock

UNION
Elizabeth Evans

VERSAILLES
Trisha Krueger

VINCENT
Danielle Zimmer, Kristi N Twyman

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE
Daniel S Easter

WATERLOO
Jonda Carpenter

WAVERLY
Kristi Hopper, Regina Cassidy, Michael Rose, Tygre Morehart, Brittany Leffler, Jessica Proehl, Autumn McCray, Nathan Childers, Kristen Roberts, Heidi Irvine, William Deacon, Shannon Rudd, Jaclynn Rapp, Jeffrey Alley, Stephanie Coleman, Julie Miller, Rachel Boggess, John Dutcher, Joseph DePew, Aaron Johnson, Chelsie Tatman, Brad Evans, Amanda Kingrey, Monica Crandall, Jeanetta Sowards, Melanie Neal

WELLSTON
Brittany Emmert, Nicole Joseph, Roger Trace

WEST LAFAYETTE
Mary Chicha

WEST UNION
Trina Kinhalt, Marciann White, Nancy Hinton, Jade Osman, Kristi Roades, Neil Winn, Brian McClure, Ryan Young, Jasmine Osman, Ronald Lynch, Michelle Staggs, Bradley Harmon, Buddy Niece, Alicia McClanahan, Jane Tolle, Kyle Brewer, Debra Whitt, Bethany Mangus

WESTERVILLE
Judith Coker

WHEELERSBURG
Seth Harris, Kristie Fannin, Dana Tackett-Gammon, Katie Milliken, Travis Riepenhoff, Corey Reed, Anita Clay, Jamie Baum, Kyle Dyer, Kimberly Crum, Brenton Parsons, Shannon Holsonback, Michael Yelley, Jessica Evans, Melody Waddell, Julia Woods, James McKenzie, Michael Perkins, Timothy Stepp, Terry Noel, Emily Beach, Brooke Emnett, Lance Davis, Megan Forshey, Eric Salyers, Brittany Schwalbach, Tessa Bobst, Keri Schwamberger, Kati Schwamberger, Andy Gillum, Jamie Matthews, Staci Farmer, Tomi Evans, Stephanie Smith, Nathan Wheeler, Lisa Warner, Brittany Mayhew, Nathan Beam, Amanda Chamberlin, Regina Clark, Amanda Strickland, Rodney Reynolds

WILLETSVILLE
Ashley Miller

WILLOUGHBY
Pamela Hudec

WILLOW WOOD
Samantha Shepherd

WINCHESTER
Hollie Grooms, Teresa Harper

XENIA
Jennifer Cummins, Janelle Duelley

ZANESVILLE
Jessica Swingle

ASHLAND
Amy Fox, Joseph Virgin

CATLETTSBURG
Jennifer Stuart

FLATWOODS
Heather Woods

FLORENCE
Alisha Pratt

FIREBRICK
Derrick Hunt

GARRISON
Kassandra J Bryant, Shannon Gilbert, Amber Kasper, Jessicca Sparks

GREENUP
Toni Miller, Melissa Brown, Stephanie Brown, Elizabeth Hannah

LOAD
Alisca Musser

QUINCY
Levi Kamer, Karen Carver

RACELAND
Matina Stanko

RUSSELL
Olivia Johnson

SOUTH PORTSMOUTH
Christel Harr, Brenda Haitz

SOUTH SHORE
Randi Erwin, Charles Uhl, Cassandra Belford, Nichole Flanery, Danielle Hensley, Traci Nickel, Andrew R Lynn, Moteika Miller, Dustin Logan, Courtney Keen

TILTON
Brandon Workman

VANCEBURG
Greta Blevins, Ashley Logan, Kimberly Hughes, Monica L Stafford

BALTIMORE
Amy L Mioduszewski

SUMMERVILLE
Eric Curtis

HUNTINGTON
Laura Gendron

BURGAS
Marcho Markov

NAIVASHA
Milcah Chege

OTA-KU TOKYO
Mari Koyama

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

Article by Shanna Mustard, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

CLC Wall of Tiles

 SSU Children’s Learning Center raising money to update playground

            The Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center (CLC) at Shawnee State University (SSU) is raising money to update and expand the playground at the CLC.
            “The ‘Join Hands to Change Our Playground’ is a fundraising effort that grew out of the CLC Advisory Council,” said Cindy Ferguson, director of the CLC. “It was birthed by parents who want their children to experience a ‘mulch free’ playground, with enlargement and improvements.”
            The fundraising effort is ongoing.
            “The campaign was kicked off with a Friendship Parade and Handshake-a-thon in which the children got pledges from family members and friends for the number of hands they shook,” said Ferguson. The events raised nearly $3,000.
             “There was also a revitalization of the Tile Project,” she said.
            The Tile Project allows parents to purchase a tile to honor their child, family, family member, or business. The CLC has a wall set aside on which to display the tiles.  
            “The purchase of a tile is a two for one opportunity,” said Ferguson, “A beautiful commemorative tile that beautifies the inside of the building translates into dollars for the playground. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
            The CLC also held a parking lot sale to raise money for the fund. Donated items were sold at the sale on July 1 and 2 along with refreshments. The sale raised $850 with more still coming in from “satellite” yard sales held in Scioto and Jackson Counties.
            “Tanner and Stone are the architects conducting the study phase of the project and their plan will include phase-in opportunities. While we don’t know the total amount needed, we have a goal, and we are on our way,” said Ferguson.
            According to Ferguson, the Playground Fundraising Committee has a series of projects set for next year that include Pizza Hut Family Night Out, photos with Santa, and a cookbook.
            Anyone wishing to help the CLC update their playground can make tax-deductible gifts to the Shawnee State University Development Foundation earmarked for the playground, c/o Shawnee State University, 940 Second Street or call (740) 351-3257 to find out more about donations. Donations of any size are accepted and appreciated, according to Ferguson.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

Article by Shanna Mustard, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Doctor of Nursing degree a possibility for Shawnee State
 University

            Area residents could benefit greatly from a doctoral program in nursing that is in the works through Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Graduate Center.
            SSU could be the host site for a Doctor of Nursing (N.D.) program through the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Case Western offers the Doctor of Nursing degree to those who have already completed their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. There are two course of study options available—educational leadership and clinical leadership. Educational leadership focuses on the profession of teaching nursing while the clinical leadership option focuses on practicing nursing and management.
            The degree would allow students to attend classes offered by Case Western Reserve on SSU’s campus, saving students valuable time and money through decreased travel time.
            David Todt, Ph.D., associate provost and director of institutional planning at  SSU, said that about 30 individuals attended the informational meeting about the N.D. program in May Mattie Burton, Ph.D., chair of the nursing department at SSU, said that individuals who could not attend the informational meeting have also approached her to show an interest in the program.
            “There is a nationwide shortage of nurses and nurse educators,” Todt said, “and this program will help us address that locally.”
            Burton believes that the program would not only help SSU, but also the surrounding community.
            “The program would help us (SSU) have better-prepared nursing teachers,” said Burton.
            She said that several SSU faculty members plan to attend the program, so SSU would have better-qualified teachers and be able to produce better-prepared students. These students would be able to meet the needs of the community through enhanced care and service.
            There must be at least 10 students enrolled for the program to begin. If enough students enroll, the program will begin this fall. Applications for enrollment are still being accepted.
            Interested individuals should contact Aimee Vance at Case Western Reserve, (216) 368-2529 or via e-mail avance@case.edu. More information about Case Western Reserve’s nursing program is also available at http://connection.case.edu/fpb/.
            For information about this program or other graduate programs at SSU call (740) 351-3177 or e-mail smontavon@shawnee.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2005

Contact:
Terry Hapney, Director of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3112; Fax: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: thapney@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator--Office of Communications)

Liz Murray to be Leslie Williams Symposium Speaker

            When you hear the name Liz Murray, you may feel a flicker of recognition. After all, her story, “Homeless to Harvard,” was made into a television movie for the Lifetime network. Murray, will be speaking at Shawnee State University (SSU) at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on Tuesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. as part of the 2005-2006 Leslie Williams Symposium for the Advancement of Women.
          “As a young girl, she was homeless, and at the age of 10 she became responsible for basically going out and finding food and everything for her mother and family,” said Tess Midkiff, co-chair of the Leslie Williams Symposium, and director of the SSU Clark Memorial Library. “Her mother had a drug problem and she basically had to stand on her own at such a young age and take care of herself and her parents. She was able, even though she was in a homeless situation, to go on and complete high school, be admitted to Harvard. She’s now at Columbia. She succeeded.”
          Murray’s mother died when she was 15, leaving her to live on the streets, ride the subway all night, and eat from dumpsters. Despite these adversities, Murray always imagined her life could be much better.
          “I started to grasp the value of the lessons learned while living in the streets. I knew, after overcoming those daily obstacles that next to nothing could hold me down” Murray said.
          Midkiff is hopeful those who attend Murray’s presentation will learn a similar lesson.
          “The message we hope that people in our county, our area, and on our campus will see in her story is inspiration, that they too can succeed, that they can get their degree and improve themselves in spite of any kind of challenges they may face,” Midkiff said.
          Murray is appearing on campus as the speaker for the 2005-2006 Leslie Williams Symposium, which is sponsored by the University Women’s Forum. Midkiff said this year’s event that is normally held in the spring has been moved so the University can co-sponsor the event with the Portsmouth City School system. As part of the partnership between the school system and the University, Murray will speak to Portsmouth city school students as well as university students and the general public.
          “Leslie Williams was an inspiration to all of us. As chair of the Arts and Humanities department here at Shawnee State University for many years and one of the originators of the women’s forum, we are always glad to have someone who Leslie would have liked, would have admired, as a speaker each year,” Midkiff said.
          Murray is writing a book about her experiences entitled “Breaking Night,” which Midkiff said is due out in September. She said if the book is released prior to Murray’s appearance on campus, there will be a book signing following the event.
          Midkiff said Murray’s movie “Homeless to Harvard” will also be shown in the Flohr Lecture Hall in the Clark Memorial Library on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 12-2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 27, 3-5 p.m. in room 207 of the library. She said Murray’s lecture on September 27 in the Main Theater of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts is free and open to the public.
          “I think everyone’s going to be able to relate, not just women, men too; anyone who has a dream of going to college and succeeding should be able to identify with her story,” Midkiff added.
            For more information call (740) 351-3267.

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