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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 2, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

                 PERSONAL ORGANIZATION AND PRODUCTIVITY SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT SSU
          Are you one of those people who need help in getting organized? The Shawnee State University (SSU) Office of Business and Industry Training is sponsoring a seminar, “Getting Things Done: Setting Goals and Priorities” on Friday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), room 205.
          “The seminar will benefit anyone who needs to get more organized in their work atmosphere or in their personal lives, and will provide proven techniques that will help participants become more productive and manage their time better,” said Brenda Covert, University Outreach Services representative.
          Dave Beam, the owner and operator of a successful ACTION International business coaching franchise, will teach the principals and help participants apply them to their careers and life. The seminar is based on the principals promoted by Steven Covey, author of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and David Allen, the author of “Getting Things Done.”
          The cost of the seminar is $99 and includes lunch. For more information contact Karen Zimmer by calling (749) 351-3171 or toll-free (866) 672-8778 or by email at kzimmer@shawnee.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 2, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

Lois Rase presents Valley High School senior Stephanie Leadingham with the
BEAR CUBS scholarship. Leadingham plans to major in chemistry at SSU.

                                     LEADINGHAM RECEIVES BEAR CUBS SCHOLARSHIP
            Valley High School senior Stephanie Leadingham, the daughter of Steve and Mary Leadingham of Lucasville, has been awarded the $500 Shawnee State University (SSU) BEAR CUBS Program scholarship, which is funded by The Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE).
            “The BEAR CUBS program gave me my first glimpse into college life,” said Leadingham, who plans to major in chemistry. “I chose SSU because it was close to home and they have an excellent science program.”
            SSU’s BEAR CUBS program, whose title is an acronym for Building Enthusiasm for Access and Retention in College by Understanding the Basics for Success, is funded by a grant from OACHE. The program serves all Scioto County school districts and selected schools in Pike County.
            Each year, BEARS staff works with approximately 4,200 fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth grade students to teach the values of attending college after graduation. The program provides a variety of activities and campus programs and visits, with an emphasis on helping students explore career options as well as the value of adequate planning regarding careers that require a college education.
            For more information on the BEAR CUBS program, contact Lois Rase at (740) 351-3543.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 6, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

                                    SSU ALUMNI HARRISON NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR
            A Shawnee State University (SSU) alumnus Brian Harrison, head baseball coach at Urbana University, has been named the American Mideast Conference South Division Coach of the Year.
            “I was definitely surprised to be named coach of the year,” said Harrison, a native of Cleveland who now resides in Springfield. “It was a great honor to be selected by fellow coaches, especially since I used to play against those same coaches.”
            Harrison took over the team with a combined two-year record of 28-58, which had lost a lot of their starting players.
            “When I arrived, the cupboard was pretty bare, so to speak,” said Harrison.
            In his first season, the team went 7-43, but this past season, with players Harrison recruited, the team improved to 37-21. The 30 game win differential marks the greatest turnaround in NAIA baseball history.
            “Harrison has all the tools to be an outstanding coach,” said Jim Arnzen, SSU athletics director. “His instant success at Urbana does not surprise me at all. Harrison was one of the most outstanding and well liked athletes SSU has ever had and we are very proud of him.”
            Harrison graduated from SSU in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1999, he was second team all-conference, and in 2000, first team all-conference, first team all-region, and second team all-American. He amassed more than 40 home runs and 200 RBI’s after leading the Bears to the College World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. SSU finished 5th nationally as Harrison concluded his season hitting .415 with 19 homeruns, 21 doubles and 87 RBI’s. Harrison’s collegiate honors afforded him the opportunity to continue his playing career in the professional ranks, where he played for the Evansville Otters of the professional Frontier Independent Baseball League. Coach Harrison completed just one professional season before an arm injury in his second season ended his career.
            Upon graduating from SSU, Harrison served as a part-time assistant coach at Cuyahoga Community College (CCC) while also working in a warehouse to earn a living.
            “The job gave me the flexibility to coach at CCC and also make enough money to live,” said Harrison.
            Harrison said the transition from CCC to Urbana went well and that he enjoys being a full-time coach now because it is easier to get more accomplished and to spend more time with the players.
            Harrison said he was notified that he received the coach of the year award during an annual coaches meeting at a regional tournament held at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where the coaches gather to select all of the honors for the conference.
            “Unfortunately, earlier that day, Urbana was eliminated from the regional tournament so it was bittersweet being nominated coach of the year,” said Harrison. “As a former player in this conference, I wondered how the other coaches would accept me as a coach, and not look at me as a player. Receiving this award makes me feel like I belong as a head coach.”
            Harrison said he enjoys coaching because of the impact it has on the lives of his players, whether it is teaching them the mechanics of baseball, stressing discipline and proper behavior, or being a friendly ear.
            “The wins are great, but they do not compare to the feeling of knowing I have made a baseball player a better person,” said Harrison.
            Harrison said he has had many mentors during his career and has been fortunate to have been surrounded by so many great people while growing up.
            “It is hard to name them all because there are so many,” said Harrison. “The coaching staffs when I played at SSU were outstanding individuals and helped mold me into a better person. Pat Rigsby, Tom Bergan, and Shannon Zimmerman were great mentors for me, and I still contact all three today and ask for advice.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 6, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

                                                                   "SEVEN FATES”
             “Jewelia Hunter as Rosa Parks, Nathan Wheeler as amateur balloonist Larry Walters, and choir sing during last Thursday’s performance of Michael Barnhart’s musical, “Seven Fates” at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The “rockumentary” offered multi-media treatments of seven of history’s most famous travelers, from Odysseus to Stephen Hawking.
            Barnhart, Shawnee State University (SSU) senior instructor in music, wrote the work, which was directed by SSU associate professor of theater Vivian Robson, with video by SSU student Nathan Wheeler, animation by SSU assistant art professor Greg Lyons, and lighting effects by Riffe Center technical director Leo Schlosser.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 8, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

SSU HOLDS 20^th COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY THIS SATURDAY

            On Saturday, June 10^th, Shawnee State University will hold its 20^th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on the campus Alumni Green.
            Nearly 700 students have satisfied the requirements to graduate.
            The commencement speaker will be Major League Baseball great and Portsmouth native Al Oliver, who will also be receiving an honorary bachelor of humane letters degree from Shawnee State University.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION ENRICHES LIVES OF YOUNG CHILDREN AT
SSU CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER

         Thanks to a partnership with the Ohio Children’s Foundation, the Shawnee State University Children’s Learning Center (CLC) offered enrichment classes and activities designed to promote active minds and bodies for 63 students this past year.
          “The SSU Children’s Learning Center has a philosophy of setting developmentally and individually appropriate goals for all children, a philosophy shared by the Ohio Children’s Foundation,” said Barbara Miller, the Foundation’s president. “Children need love, nurturing, and freedom from poverty, fear and violence. We were pleased to see those in action at the CLC.”
          Miller said a grant from the Ohio Children’s Foundation provided after-hour enrichment classes with a sliding fee scale and scholarships aimed at creating rich, inclusive, and varied opportunities for underserved children in southern Ohio.
          During winter term students enjoyed “Cirque d’Art” and Kinder music classes and “Go Green” gardening, Studio 104 Tumble Babies Gymnastics and T-ball, according to Cindy Ferguson, CLC director. The grant funding was also used for the “Wheels for the Walking School Bus”, aimed at extending children’s learning to the context of the topic, for example pumpkins growing in a pumpkin patch rather than being purchased and delivered to the CLC.
          The enrichment offerings were determined by a parent survey and benefited children and families on a number of levels, Ferguson said.
          “In addition to confidence, increased language and an appreciation for nature, music, movement, and the arts, the grant provided scholarships included the necessary support materials to make it happen,” Ferguson said. “For example, music boxes with CD’s and rhythm instruments were provided for Kinder music students; scaffolding, a cat-walk, carpet and mats for Cirque d’ Art and Studio 104, batting tee, bats, balls and drilling equipment for tee-ball, gardening tools and aprons, plants, pots, and butterfly hatcheries for the ‘Go Green’ gardening.”
          Each 10- week class climaxed with an exhibition performance for families and friends.
          Ferguson said children’s lives were touched and changed as a direct and visible result of the generosity of the Ohio Children’s Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to provide resources to enhance the lives of children in Ohio.
          For further information about either program or to inquire about enrollment opportunities for pre-school children ages 3-5 contact the Children’s Learning Center at 351-3252.
          The CLC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

SSU PHI ETA SIGMA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS NAMED

          The Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society has awarded $1,000 scholarships to two Shawnee State University (SSU) students, Brittany “Star” Emmert and Melissa Laugle. This year the Society is granting $200,000 in endowed scholarships or awards to 109 outstanding members of Phi Eta Sigma for undergraduate or graduate study.
          “We are so very proud of the accomplishments of Melissa and Star,” said Larry Mangus, Ph.D., SSU Phi Eta Sigma advisor. “Melissa will be the president and Star the vice president of our chapter next year. Both have outstanding academic and extra curricular activity records. Star was our first ever All-American Cross Country runner this past season.”
          Since the SSU chapter of Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1996, Mangus said eleven SSU students have won scholarships in of the National Phi Eta competition.
          “This speaks so very highly of our nominees as they must compete against nominees from over 400 colleges and universities across the country,” Mangus said. “This is the outstanding scholar competing against over 400 other outstanding scholarship scholars. The competition is very tough.”
          Because SSU has a large Phi Eta Sigma chapter, Mangus said the university was able to nominate two students for consideration. He said some universities like Ohio State are able to nominate up to five scholars.
        “This is the second year in a row that both our nominees received awards. Last year, Jennifer Henman and Kristyn Allen were recipients,” Mangus said.
          Star Emmert of Jackson, Ohio is the daughter of Jerry and Tami Emmert. She is majoring in Dental Hygiene and Health Management.
          “This scholarship means a lot to me because Phi Eta Sigma is such a prestigious organization,” Emmert said.
           Melissa Laugle of Cincinnati, Ohio is the daughter of Mike and Lisa Laugle. She is a double major in History and International Relations.
          “The scholarship means a great deal to me because of the extremely competitive nature involved,” Laugle said. “I feel so honored that Star and I were both able to successfully compete with scholars with scholars all over the country.”
          Founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois, Phi Eta Sigma is the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for first-year college and university students in all disciplines. Those elected to membership include those who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of any first year, full-time curricular period, provided they have carried a normal academic load acceptable toward a bachelor’s degree and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

                                          BASICS GRADUATION SET FOR JUNE 13 AT SSU
          A very special graduation ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 13^th when Shawnee State University (SSU) holds a ceremony for those who have completed the BASICS program which assists students who need basic literacy skills.
          “We have non-readers or low readers and foreign students who have a language barrier but our main focus is the GED,” said Tolliver.” Every year to recognize those students who have earned their GED we have an annual graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown.”
         The ceremony will be held in the Clark Memorial Library’s Flohr Lecture Hall at 7 p.m. Tolliver said approximately 300 students go through the BASICS program each year. She said this year it looks like 100 students will receive their GED. However, not all of those students will attend the graduation ceremony or will have earned their GED before the ceremony.
          Graduation speakers will be former SSU student Marshall Adkins and graduating students, Rose Grubb, Jonothan Brashear and David Hufferd. Tolliver said those students who will be inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) will also be announced during the graduation ceremony.
          “Roughly five percent of our students qualify to be in the honor society,” Tolliver said.
          The SSU BASICS program also received an honor recently according to Tolliver.
          “BASICS ranked in the top 20 percent of the Ohio ABLE program,” said Tolliver. “The exemplary rating for fiscal year 2005 was based upon such factors as student progression, retention, the percentage receiving GED’s, furthering their education, finding and retaining employment.”
          Tolliver said the new rating was also due to BASICS participating in professional development activities and meeting Ohio Department of Education deadlines for various documents.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

HARRIS-FAIN NAMED CHAIR OF ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT AT SSU

            Darren Harris-Fain, Ph.D., associate professor of English at Shawnee State University, has been named chair of the English and Humanities department.
            “I greatly respect what has already been accomplished in the department and hope to continue that forward,” said Harris-Fain. “Dr. Tim Scheurer, the former chair, helped us get a new approach by adding a few new concentrations to our degrees.”
            “I am extremely pleased that Darren will be taking over as chair of English and Humanities,” said Scheurer. “He is a seasoned academic with excellent scholarly credentials and a good reputation amongst his colleagues.”
            Harris-Fain began his career at SSU in 1995. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from the Honors Tutorial College of Ohio University and a master’s and Doctorate in English from Kent State University. He teaches composition, civilization and literature courses, American film history, women and film, children’s literature, and a variety of courses on modern British and American literature which he will continue to teach as department chair.
            “Being here 11 years, I feel like I know how things operate. In many ways, I just want to continue what we’ve been doing successfully,” he said.
            Harris-Fain has written a book, Understanding Contemporary American Science Fiction: The Age of Maturity, 1970–2000, and has edited three volumes on British fantasy and science-fiction writers for the Dictionary of Literary Biography. Harris-Fain has written on science fiction, fantasy, horror, film, comic books, and graphic novels in a variety of books and academic journals.
            Harris-Fain said in his spare time he enjoys reading and watching movies and spending time with his wife, Julie, and 8-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

                                                 SCHEURER WINS BEAR HUG AWARD AT SSU
            Tim Scheurer, Ph.D., Dean of the Shawnee State University (SSU) College of Arts and Sciences and former chair of the SSU English and Humanities department is the winner of the annual Bear Hug award.
            “I was surprised to win the award,” said Scheurer, who has also taught a variety of English and literature classes at SSU. “There are a lot of deserving people who were nominated for this so I was pleased to have been selected.”
            The Bear Hug is given every year to a faculty, staff, or administration member who has gone above and beyond for students and who helped to make the campus a better place. Those who wish to nominate an individual must write an essay explaining why the person is best fit to win the award. The essays are then judged and a winner is selected.
            Scheurer was nominated five times for this year’s Bear Hug award.   The essay that was selected as a winner was written by Tammy Payne-Oliver, who graduated from SSU in 1994 with a degree in dental hygiene. Oliver developed Carpal Tunnel syndrome and was forced out of a career she loved and returned to SSU to study to become a teacher. Returning as a non-traditional student she had mixed emotions, but said Scheurer helped her greatly with the transition.
            Payne-Oliver described Scheurer as a professor who is direct, easy to understand, and made the English language come alive for her.
            “His teaching methods are genuine and engage the students to make for a lively class,” she said. “He has always been there to encourage me and support me and I hope to be as effective a teacher as he is.”
            “I have served as faculty advisor to the literary club, keeping extensive office hours and working with students one-on-one, writing letters of recommendation for them, offering career advice when they ask, seeking out internship opportunities for them both here at school and in the community,” said Scheurer. “The most rewarding part of teaching is watching the students succeed both in the classroom and their careers.”
            Scheurer has taught for over 30 years. He received his bachelor of arts in English from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, and a master of arts in English from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He received his Doctorate from Bowling Green State University.
            Scheurer taught at Franklin University in Columbus from 1977 through 2001 before coming to SSU.
            “I was interested in SSU’s traditional English, humanities, and foreign languages departments. It was a combination of good departments and location that brought me here,” he said.
            Scheurer said his hobbies include playing piano, guitar, and writing music in his spare time. He is currently writing a book and when it is complete, would like to try writing for young adults. He also enjoys playing golf.
            Scheurer is the author of Born in the U.S.A.: The Myth of America in Popular Music from Colonial Times to the Present, which according to an amazon.com synopsis, “examines the myth of America as reflected in popular music from the time of the Pilgrims through the end of the 1980s.”
            Scheurer has written articles on topics ranging from the Beatles to the films and literature of the Vietnam War to using educational drama in intercultural studies courses. He also serves on the editorial boards of Journal of American Culture, Popular Music and Society and The Journal of Popular Film and Television. He has served as president of the American Culture Association and currently is the President of the Midwest Popular Culture Association. Currently, he is also serving on the board of the Ohio Humanities Council.
            But it is his work on behalf of students that earned him the Bear Hug award. Said his former student Tammy Payne-Oliver: “As I am about to graduate with my teaching degree, I know that a large part of my educational success is due to Dr. Scheurer. SSU is very fortunate to have such a wonderful, professional and caring person on staff.”
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JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

                                          MULLINS RECEIVES BEAR CUBS SCHOLARSHIP
            Green High School senior Lisa Mullins, the daughter of Linda Chaffin and the late Melvin Mullins of Franklin Furnace, has been awarded the $500 Shawnee State University (SSU) BEAR CUBS Program scholarship, which is funded by The Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE).
            “The BEAR CUBS program introduced me to SSU and during our visits to campus I realized this school was the right one for me,” said Mullins, who plans to major in chemistry. “During my sixth grade year we visited the animal lab and it made me see what an excellent science program SSU has to offer.”
            The SSU BEAR CUBS program, whose title is an acronym for Building Enthusiasm for Access and Retention in College by Understanding the Basics for Success, is funded by a grant from OACHE. The program serves all Scioto County school districts and selected schools in Pike County.
            Each year, the BEARS staff works with approximately 4,200 fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth grade students to teach the values of attending college after graduation. The program provides a variety of activities and campus programs and visits, with an emphasis on helping students explore career options as well as the value of adequate planning regarding careers that require a college education.
            For more information on the BEAR CUBS program, contact Lois Rase at (740) 351-3543.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

SHAWNEE STATE TRUSTEES APPROVE TUITON AND FEE INCREASES Reorganize Enrollment Management

The Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees at its meeting held on June 9 in the Homer Selby Board Room of the Clark Library approved undergraduate tuition and fee increases that will keep SSU’s tuition among the lowest for public universities in Ohio.
            For the 2006-07 school year students who began taking courses after the summer quarter of 2002 (the vast majority of students) will see a $324 (5.9 percent) tuition and fee increase, to $5,832. Tuition and fees for those who began before summer 2002 will increase by $306, or six percent, to $5,436.
            “While raising tuition is always a difficult decision, we must ensure Shawnee State has the resources to provide students with the high quality education they have come to expect,” said university president Rita Rice Morris. “With support from the state declining in recent years, we must look elsewhere for the funds we need, and that includes tuition.”
            During the meeting the Trustees also approved the following:
Awarding of Diplomas to Nearly 700 Graduates
            The Trustees authorized President Rita Rice Morris to award diplomas at Commencement on June 10, 2006 to all Shawnee State students who successfully fulfilled the requirements for graduation.
            “I am very proud of the almost 700 students who worked so hard to graduate,” said Board Chair Kay Reynolds. “And I am proud that at Shawnee State they received a university education worthy of their greatest aspirations.”
Reorganization of Enrollment Management
            To enhance recruitment, retention and graduation rates at SSU, the Trustees approved a reorganization that will bring several offices under the management of a newly created Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.   The Offices of Financial Aid and Admissions, and the Student Success Center will now be part of Enrollment Management in the division of Academic Affairs. The Office of the Registrar will also report to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.
            “Increasing enrollment must mean more than recruiting and admitting a greater number of new students. Equal attention must be paid to student retention and graduation rates.” said President Rita Rice Morris. “Based on a review of other universities, we concluded a wider range of student services should be coordinated by an administrator whose focus is on enrollment management. This new structure will bring under one office the campus services that help our students stay in school and ultimately graduate.”
            The Board of Trustees also approved President Morris’ selection of current Director of Admission Robert Trusz to the new post of Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.
            “We were very fortunate to have an eminently qualified person for the job right here on campus,” said Morris. “Bob Trusz possesses the experience and knowledge to lead Shawnee State’s new Office of Enrollment Management as it helps more students achieve their dreams through a university education.”   Faculty Promotions
            The Trustees approved the promotion of several faculty members.
The President, after reviewing individual files and recommendations of the screening Committees, the Faculty Promotion Committees and the Provost, recommended the following promotions:
To the rank of Professor:
Dr. Michael Fiske
Dr. Anthony Dzik

To the rank of Associate Professor:
Dr. Andrew Feight
Dr. Wei-Ying Hsiao
Dr. Gene Beckett
Mr. Ken Warfield

To the rank of Assistant Professor:
Mr. Matthew Cram

“The Trustees are delighted to recognize the hard work of these faculty members by promoting them,” said Board Chair Kay Reynolds. “The faculty members underwent highly rigorous reviews by the Promotion Screening and Faculty Promotions Committees, the Provost, and, finally, President Morris, who recommended their promotions.”

Extension of the President’s Contract
The Trustees voted to extend the contract of President Rita Rice Morris for another five years.
“By extending President Morris’ contract for five years, the Trustees acknowledge her effective stewardship of the university,” said Reynolds. “We strongly believe Shawnee State will benefit greatly from five more years of Rita’s vision, leadership, and untiring advocacy.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

                                                             ANTEC SEMINAR

Front row l to r: Jeremy Skiver, Amber Carlile, and Eric Gulley
Back row l to r: David Finlow, Ph.D.and Dustin Lynch

David Finlow, Ph.D., associate professor of plastics engineering technology at Shawnee State University (SSU), presented a paper, “Teaching Polymer Processing Principles to Engineering Technology Undergraduate Students Utilizing a Positive, Dimensional Approach,” at the annual technical conference (ANTEC) of the Society of Plastics Engineers on May 8. This paper was selected as the featured paper in the Extrusion Division web site of The Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), http://www.spexdiv.com.
The conference, held in Charlotte, N.C., attracted plastics engineering professionals from throughout the United States and around the world.”

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

                                          STUDENT ORIENTATIONS TO BE HELD AT SSU

            As spring quarter concludes, Shawnee State University’s (SSU) Student Success Center will host orientation sessions to help prepare future students for the upcoming fall quarter.
            Designed for both students and parents, the orientation sessions help individuals become more familiar with the university first-hand through experience. Orientation leaders, faculty and staff are present to inform students on how to become involved in campus life and access services that increase a student’s chances of academic and personal growth at SSU.
            “National data would suggest that orientations promote student retention,” said Dale Taylor, Student Success Center director. “There are a total of nine orientation leaders that will assist students, and we anticipate approximately 1000 students and 400 parents will attend, which is up from just 500 in the year 2000. Quite literally, every department on campus plays a key role in orientation.”
            The orientations will include informational sessions about financial aid and academic policies, advising, housing tours, and MYSSU, an intranet portal where students can check anything from email to grade point averages. Placement testing sessions for math and English will be available for those who have not yet taken the placement tests. There will also be parent sessions and lunch provided in the afternoons.
            The sessions will be held June 22, 27, and 29, July 18, 20, 25, and 27, August 15 and 29, all starting at 8 a.m. in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            It is highly recommended that prospective students complete an application for admission before attending the orientation. Applications for admission can be completed online by visiting http://www.shawnee.edu/off/adms/index.html.
            Applications also can be requested from the Office of Admissions by calling (740) 351-4778.
            Students can register online for an orientation session and placement testing by visiting http://www.shawnee.edu/off/ssc/sscOrient.html or may call the Student Success Center at (740) 351-3594.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

                               Photo (L-R): Djuan McCarthy, Phyllis Noah, Mardis Karlsdottir,
                                  Matt Matthews, M.Ed., Karmeil Stepter, and Jeffery Tillman

                                                    SSU Graduates Receive Kente Cloths
            Matt Matthews, M.Ed., Shawnee State University (SSU) coordinator multicultural student affairs, presents five graduates with Kente cloths at a ceremony on May 31, in SSU’s Micklethwaite Hall.
            The Kente cloth is an Asante ceremonial cloth from Ghana. It is a symbol of history, philosophy, ethics, moral values, social code of conduct and religious beliefs.
            “At Shawnee State, the Kente symbolizes the students’ successful completion of academic studies, as well as becoming productive citizens and leaders in the community,” said Matthews.
            Photo (L-R): Djuan McCarthy, Phyllis Noah, Mardis Karlsdottir, Matt Matthews, M.Ed., Karmeil Stepter, and Jeffery Tillman. Not present were: Felicia Diaz, Ashley Meadows, Sheldon Fitzpatrick, Joie Woodson, Crystal Miller, Karen Stanley, Florence Opuku, Latoya Platt, and Donnell Lacy.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

Priscilla “Sunny” Strunk, of Chillicothe, Ohio, clinical Instructor in Shawnee State University’s ( SSU) Respiratory Therapy program, at a retirement luncheon in honor of her 22 years of service at SSU. Sunny, whose total career in respiratory therapy has spanned 36 years, plans to relax and spend time with her family and seven grandchildren.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 20, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)

SSU STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT EVENING OF HONORS

          Shawnee State University (SSU) students in various departments and organizations were recognized for their achievements on May 24^th during the annual Evening of Honors ceremony at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA).
          Those receiving awards were:
Alex Hunt of South Point, Ohio: Excellence in Mathematical Sciences, Adolescent to Young Adult
Abigail Watson of Georgetown, Ohio: Excellence in Mathematical Sciences
Amanda Veach of Piketon, Ohio: Excellence in Middle School Mathematics
Nikki Blankenship of Minford, Ohio: Excellence in Linguistics Studies
Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in AYA Language Arts Education
Carrie Baker of Waverly, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)
Matthew Ayers of Cherry Fork, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)
Loren Keller of Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)
Paul Andre Maillet of Lucasville, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)
Tonya Adcox of Lucasville, Ohio: BSBA/Legal Assisting Graduate
Monica Bashford of Winchester, Ohio: Outstanding Middle Childhood License
Loretta Thompson of Lucasville, Ohio: Outstanding Early Childhood Development
Thomas Yost Industrial and Engineering Technologies Bachelor of Science Academic Honors Award 2006
Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Adolescent to Young Adult License
Jason Wheeler of Gallipolis, Ohio: Outstanding International Relations Major
Timothy Stepp of Wheelersburg, Ohio: David W. Wilson Outstanding BSBA/General Graduate Award
Lisa Spriggs of Stout, Ohio: Outstanding Intervention Specialist
Joshua Singleton of Hillsboro, Ohio: Outstanding History Major
Samantha Runk of Hillsboro, Ohio: BSBA/Accounting Graduate
Michael Rose of Waverly, Ohio: Outstanding Achievement in Visualist
Ashley Meadows of Athens, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Natural Sciences
Michelle Mathuews of Chillicothe, Ohio: Outstanding Achievement in Photography
Mardis Karlsdottir of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate in Psychology
Derek Jones of West Union, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Chemistry
Brian Jenkins of Franklin Furnace, Ohio: BSBA/Health Management Graduate
Sarah Huffman of Middletown, Ohio and Alisca Musser of Load, Kentucky: 2006 Outstanding PTA Students of the Year
Natalie Hogan of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Tutor Excellence Award
Joseph Hermann of Portsmouth: Outstanding Graduate-Biology
Karen Heiskell of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Early Childhood and the S.P.I.R.I.T. Award Outstanding Teaching Assistant
Elizabeth Hannah of Greenup, Kentucky: Outstanding Paraprofessional
Teresa Harper of Winchester, Ohio: BSBA/Accounting Graduate
Gregory Gibbs of Portsmouth, Ohio: Industrial and Engineering Technologies Associate of Applied Science Degree Academic Honors Award 2006
Nathaniel George of Piketon, Ohio: Tutor Excellence Award
Seth DeAtley of Minford, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Chemistry
Terrence Davison of Mansfield, Ohio: Joe Smith Memorial
Jayma Cooley of Sciotoville, Ohio: AAB/Legal Assisting Graduate
Jeffrey Collins of McDermott, Ohio: BSBA/Management Information Systems Graduate
Kassandra Bryant of Garrison, Kentucky: Outstanding History Major, Outstanding Social Sciences Major
Chris Brown of Hillsboro, Ohio: BSBA/General Studies Graduate
Rebecca Brannan of McDermott, Ohio: SSS Participant of the Year
Jared Bentley of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Alumnus of Tomorrow Award, Outstanding Graduate-Biology
Matthew Arnold of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding International Relations Major
Elaine Wilson of Loudonville, Ohio: Excellence in Linguistics Studies
Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Communications and Journalism and Excellence in English Studies
Craig Webb of Lucasville: Excellence in Philosophy
Lisa Warner of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Excellence in AYA Language Arts Education
Shane Rhea of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Middle Childhood Language Arts
Caroline Burkert of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Spanish Studies
Mikel Stone of Garrison, Kentucky; Jene Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio; Sarah Moore of Waverly, Ohio; and Joan Parker of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Senior Seminar Paper Award
          SSU students listed among the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges include: Andrea Rader of Sunbury, Ohio; Shanna Mustard of Peebles, Ohio; Melissa Ireland of Thurman, Ohio; Jillian Mummey of Chillicothe, Ohio; Amy Murnahan of Kitts Hill, Ohio; Amber Lewis of West Union, Ohio; Lacey Thorton of Chillicothe, Ohio; Ashley Meadows of Athens, Ohio; Tonya Adcox of Lucasville, Ohio; Amy Richardson of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Bethany Hurst of South Point, Ohio; Elaine Wilson of Loudonville, Ohio; Tia Mae Walling of Sylvania, Ohio; Katherine Johnson of South Point, Ohio; Jennifer Cummins of Xenia, Ohio; Taryn Malone of South Webster, Ohio; Milcah Chege of Portsmouth, Ohio; Katie Cordle of Minford, Ohio; Penny Martin of Portsmouth, Ohio; Richard Niemer III of Cincinnati, Ohio; Charles Haskins II of Wheelersburg, Ohio; and Timothy Stepp of Wheelersburg, Ohio.
         The Evening of Honors is sponsored by the SSU Student Government Association (SGA)

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, Communications Specialist)

SSU’S VERN RIFFE CENTER FOR THE ARTS PLANS 11th YEAR OF EVENTS

            The Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association (SOPAA) in cooperation with the Shawnee State University (SSU) Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA) has announced the schedule for the 2006-2007 season performances.
            “The 2006-2007 Performing Arts Season features the very best in classic and contemporary Broadway musicals, the finest vocal and instrumental ensembles, recitals by world renowned soloists and the 12^th Portsmouth appearance of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra,” said Carl Daehler, executive director of SSU’s VRCFA. “Our season this year is, without a doubt, the best entertainment value in the tri-state.”
            “SOPAA is pleased to announce another stellar season of music, dance and entertainment,” said Joyce Grimm, SOPAA president. “Our mission is being accomplished through the strong support of SSU and the financial assistance realized from various grants, corporate sponsorship and the generous gifts received from our individual ‘friends of the arts.’”
            On Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. will be performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice ~~and~~. Also sponsored by the Southern Ohio Medical Center, this classic musical premiered in 1971 and depicts the last days of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of disciple Judas Iscariot. This national tour production will feature Ted Neely in his farewell tour.
            Capital City Petroleum will be sponsoring the performance of “Leahy,” a group of eight family members from Nova Scotia who first appeared at the VRCFA in 2004. Back by popular demand, “Leahy” has received rave reviews across America and their Irish and Celtic heritage as well as musical style makes them especially popular in southern Ohio. This concert will take place November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
            The “Moscow Festival Ballet” will open their U.S. tour Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. with the production “Sleeping Beauty,” one of the most recognized and loved ballets of all time. Created in the 19^th century by choreographer Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev and Russian composer Pytor Ilyich Tchaikowsky, this performance, sponsored by Osco Industries, Inc. and Arts Midwest, promises to be one of the highlights of the season.
            On Feb. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m., the national touring production of the celebrated Broadway musical “Aida” will be performed. Sponsored by the Southern Ohio Medical Center, “Aida” is set to the music of Elton John and lyrics of Tim Rice and reinterprets a timeless story of love, yearning, courage, and betrayal.
            The 23-year-old pianist Chu-Fang Huang will perform March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Anna Margaret Stillwell, Huang was a top performer in the 2005 Van Cliburn Piano Competition and earned first prize at both the 2005 Cleveland International Piano Competition and New York’s 2006 Young Concert Artist International Auditions. She performed a critically acclaimed solo recital at New York’s Alice Tully Hall and will appear as a soloist with major symphonies in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia.
            Capital City Petroleum will also be sponsoring the “River City Brass Band,” a group of 28 professional musicians who produce a rich symphony of swinging big band sounds. One critic has written, “The group puts the fun back into music. There’s no snobbishness in musicians or audience, no learned program notes, no extended ceremonial bows and credits. Just some good music.” This concert will be held March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
            “Chanticleer,” a Grammy Award winning group of 12 male singers, will perform April 17 at 7:30 p.m.   “Chanticleer” has been praised by The New Yorker magazine as “America’s favorite choral ensemble” and has released 29 CD titles since its founding in 1978. This event is sponsored by Capital City Petroleum and by a grant from the Pennsylvania Arts on Tour.
            Lastly, the 80-member Columbus Symphony Orchestra under the direction of associate conductor Peter Stafford Wilson will be making their 12^th consecutive appearance in Portsmouth to conclude the SOPAA series on May 24 at 7:30 p.m.
            Subscription tickets can be purchased at or by calling the McKinley Box Office located in the lobby of Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Single tickets for all concerts will go on sale August 28. Special pricing is available for families, senior citizens, and students.   For more information, call (740) 351-3600.
            The Performing Arts Series is made possible by grants from the Ohio Arts Council and Scioto Foundation and by gifts made to Shawnee State University’s Development Foundation and the Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, Communications Coordinator)

                           SSU NAMED A NEW REGIONAL LEARNING CENTER
          Shawnee State University (SSU) has received a $45,000 three-year grant from the Ohio Learning Network (OLN) to establish a regional learning center on campus serving southeast Ohio.
          “SSU is excited about the opportunity to serve southern Ohio as a Learning Community Initiative Regional Center,” said Michael Field, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at SSU. “Our new Teaching and Learning Center will be at the heart of these activities, and we look forward to working with other universities and colleges because collaboration is healthy and productive. We will share what we know with others, and I’m sure we will learn from them as well.”
          SSU joins Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Kent State University (KSU), Miami University (MU), and The Ohio State University (OSU), as a regional learning center.
          “OLN was interested in us because we were doing new and exciting things by sharing and learning technology from each other on campus,” said Barbara Kunkle, Ph.D. who will co-direct the center with Eugene Burns, Ph.D., associate professor, biological sciences.
          According to the OLN Learning Communities Initiative the SSU center will be responsible for hosting two annual events, a summer/fall kick-off for new and experienced learning communities and a mid-winter Learning Institute. The center will be required to provide a website with events, ideas, resources, news and learning community data and serve as an ambassador of the benefits of learning communities and strengthen the state’s infrastructure of support for learning communities.
          “We will also be required to administer small mini-grants for learning community activities at the various colleges and universities in southeastern Ohio,” said Kunkle.
          Another activity of the SSU regional learning center will be to connect learning communities to others in the region in order to become more successful through resource sharing, building on shared knowledge, reducing redundancies and increasing student academic success.
          “The purpose of faculty learning communities are broadly speaking cultural,” Kunkle said. “Schools who have used faculty learning communities have found that culture changes and people who are less isolated in their own discipline, their own office and they make a lot of good colleagues and friends across campus.”
          SSU has had faculty learning communities on campus for the past five years, according to Kunkle. One of those communities, Cyber Trek was started about four years ago and was facilitated by Eugene Burns. He said the purpose of Cyber Trek is to bring together faculty from many diverse disciplines who are interested in using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
          “It has been one of our most successful faculty learning communities on campus,” Burns said. “Over the years, we have explored many diverse topics such as distance education, enhancing traditional face-to-face classes with online material, using Blackboard, using iPods as teaching tools, as well as digital video, and digital photography.”
          Burns said he thinks one of the most important aspects of a learning community is that it provides a venue where faculty who teach in very different disciplines can come together to share ideas and thoughts.
          “I have gotten to know so many faculty members from across the campus with whom I otherwise would never have interacted with if not for Cyber Trek,” Burns said.
         Institutions in southeast Ohio who will be a part of the SSU regional learning center include: Belmont Technical College, Central Ohio Technical College, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Hocking College, Jefferson Community College, Marietta College, Muskingham College ,Ohio University, Ohio University Chillicothe, Ohio University Eastern, Ohio University Lancaster, Ohio University Southern, Washington State Community College, University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and Zane State College.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

PICTURES...more

                                  SSU STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT EVENING OF HONORS
          Shawnee State University (SSU) students in various departments and organizations were recognized for their achievements on May 24^th during the annual Evening of Honors ceremony at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA).
          Those receiving awards were:
Alex Hunt of South Point, Ohio: Excellence in Mathematical Sciences, Adolescent to Young Adult

Abigail Watson of Georgetown, Ohio: Excellence in Mathematical Sciences

Amanda Veach of Piketon, Ohio: Excellence in Middle School Mathematics

Nikki Blankenship of Minford, Ohio: Excellence in Linguistics Studies

Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in AYA Language Arts Education

Carrie Baker of Waverly, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)

Matthew Ayers of Cherry Fork, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)

Loren Keller of Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)

Paul Andre Maillet of Lucasville, Ohio: Outstanding Performance Student Support Center (SSC)

Tonya Adcox of Lucasville, Ohio: BSBA/Legal Assisting Graduate

Monica Bashford of Winchester, Ohio: Outstanding Middle Childhood License

Loretta Thompson of Lucasville, Ohio: Outstanding Early Childhood Development

Thomas Yost Industrial and Engineering Technologies Bachelor of Science Academic Honors Award 2006

Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Adolescent to Young Adult License

Jason Wheeler of Gallipolis, Ohio: Outstanding International Relations Major

Timothy Stepp of Wheelersburg, Ohio: David W. Wilson Outstanding BSBA/General Graduate Award

Lisa Spriggs of Stout, Ohio: Outstanding Intervention Specialist

Joshua Singleton of Hillsboro, Ohio: Outstanding History Major

Samantha Runk of Hillsboro, Ohio: BSBA/Accounting Graduate

Michael Rose of Waverly, Ohio: Outstanding Achievement in Visualist

Ashley Meadows of Athens, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Natural Sciences

Michelle Mathuews of Chillicothe, Ohio: Outstanding Achievement in Photography

Mardis Karlsdottir of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate in Psychology

Derek Jones of West Union, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Chemistry

Brian Jenkins of Franklin Furnace, Ohio: BSBA/Health Management Graduate

Sarah Huffman of Middletown, Ohio and Alisca Musser of Load, Kentucky: 2006 Outstanding PTA Students of the Year

Natalie Hogan of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Tutor Excellence Award

Joseph Hermann of Portsmouth: Outstanding Graduate-Biology

Karen Heiskell of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding Early Childhood and the S.P.I.R.I.T. Award Outstanding Teaching Assistant

Elizabeth Hannah of Greenup, Kentucky: Outstanding Paraprofessional

Teresa Harper of Winchester, Ohio: BSBA/Accounting Graduate

Gregory Gibbs of Portsmouth, Ohio: Industrial and Engineering Technologies Associate of Applied Science Degree Academic Honors Award 2006

Nathaniel George of Piketon, Ohio: Tutor Excellence Award

Seth DeAtley of Minford, Ohio: Outstanding Graduate-Chemistry

Terrence Davison of Mansfield, Ohio: Joe Smith Memorial

Jayma Cooley of Sciotoville, Ohio: AAB/Legal Assisting Graduate

Jeffrey Collins of McDermott, Ohio: BSBA/Management Information Systems Graduate

Kassandra Bryant of Garrison, Kentucky: Outstanding History Major, Outstanding Social Sciences Major

Chris Brown of Hillsboro, Ohio: BSBA/General Studies Graduate

Rebecca Brannan of McDermott, Ohio: SSS Participant of the Year

Jared Bentley of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Alumnus of Tomorrow Award, Outstanding Graduate-Biology

Matthew Arnold of Portsmouth, Ohio: Outstanding International Relations Major

Elaine Wilson of Loudonville, Ohio: Excellence in Linguistics Studies

Jene´ Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Communications and Journalism and Excellence in English Studies

Craig Webb of Lucasville: Excellence in Philosophy

Lisa Warner of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Excellence in AYA Language Arts Education

Shane Rhea of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Middle Childhood Language Arts

Caroline Burkert of Portsmouth, Ohio: Excellence in Spanish Studies

Mikel Stone of Garrison, Kentucky; Jene Wright of Portsmouth, Ohio; Sarah Moore of Waverly, Ohio; and Joan Parker of Wheelersburg, Ohio: Senior Seminar Paper Award

          SSU students listed among the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges include: Andrea Rader of Sunbury, Ohio; Shanna Mustard of Peebles, Ohio; Melissa Ireland of Thurman, Ohio; Jillian Mummey of Chillicothe, Ohio; Amy Murnahan of Kitts Hill, Ohio; Amber Lewis of West Union, Ohio; Lacey Thorton of Chillicothe, Ohio; Ashley Meadows of Athens, Ohio; Tonya Adcox of Lucasville, Ohio; Amy Richardson of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Bethany Hurst of South Point, Ohio; Elaine Wilson of Loudonville, Ohio; Tia Mae Walling of Sylvania, Ohio; Katherine Johnson of South Point, Ohio; Jennifer Cummins of Xenia, Ohio; Taryn Malone of South Webster, Ohio; Milcah Chege of Portsmouth, Ohio; Katie Cordle of Minford, Ohio; Penny Martin of Portsmouth, Ohio; Richard Niemer III of Cincinnati, Ohio; Charles Haskins ii of Wheelersburg, Ohio; and Timothy Stepp of Wheelersburg, Ohio.
          The Evening of Honors is sponsored by the SSU Student Government Association (SGA).
                                                                                   # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

SSU’S VERN RIFFE CENTER FOR THE ARTS PLANS 11th YEAR OF EVENTS

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, Communications Coordinator)

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

ANITA HILL TO SPEAK AT SSU’S LESLIE WILLIAMS SYMPOSIUM

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Women’s Forum has announced that Anita Hill will be the featured speaker on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (VRCFA) for the Leslie Williams Symposium, Distinguished Lecture Series, and SSU’s 20^th anniversary celebration. Hill will speak about judiciary leadership, the Supreme Court, and the role of the individual in society.
            “The Women’s Forum and I are thrilled Anita Hill is coming to SSU,” said Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., associate professor of English. “She is an extraordinary woman whose bravery, poise, and integrity, not to mention her professional accomplishments, have made her an important part of our history.”
            Hill was a colleague of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas prior to Thomas’ appointment to the Supreme Court. She became a public figure after accusing Thomas of sexual harassment and using coarse language during his Senate confirmation hearing. The televised hearings changed not only Hill’s life, but also the way people view sexual harassment, race, gender, and the judicial confirmation process.
            “The Women’s Forum chose Anita Hill because of her high profile and her extraordinary accomplishments,” said Milliken. “Because of these reasons, we thought she would appeal to a wide audience. It's not often people get to see such an important figure ‘live,’ so it's really quite a wonderful opportunity for SSU and the surrounding community.”
            “We are absolutely ecstatic Hill will be speaking,” said Angel Hale, Leslie Williams Symposium chair. “In the years since the Supreme Court hearings, Hill has become an outspoken supporter of individuals who have the conviction to act upon their values, regardless of the outcome. Because of her willingness to speak out about her experiences, the way we discuss issues such as sexual harassment, gender and race has forever changed. The Women’s Forum firmly hopes those who attend this presentation will be inspired to look within themselves and find the courage to do what it takes to make society a better place.”
            Hill is the author of “Speaking Truth to Power” and has co-edited “Race, Gender, and Power in America.” She is a professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at the private Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.
            Hill joins an elite list of speakers who have appeared at SSU as part of the Leslie Williams Symposium. Those people include: Mary Alice Williams, former CNN and NBC television news anchor; Helen Thomas, journalist, dean of the White House Press Corps and former Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for UPI; Nikki Giovanni, internationally-renowned and award-winning poet; and Rory Kennedy, award-winning documentary filmmaker, among others.
            “Leslie Williams was a wonderful person. She was the chairperson of the Department of Arts and Humanities at SSU a few years ago and sadly, she died of cancer while still employed here,” said Marcia Tackett, Women’s Forum member preprofessional services representative, department of teacher education. “The Women’s Forum has a guest lecture each spring so it was decided that it was an honor to name the guest lecture each year after Leslie.”

# # #

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

SSU TO OFFER PLASTICS TRAINING 2006

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Department of Industrial and Engineering Technologies and University Outreach Services are offering a series of summer courses as part of a new program, “Plastics Training 2006.”
            “The plastics industry is the biggest industry in Ohio,” said program instructor Larry Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of plastics engineering technology. “Plastics are everywhere, in the grocery store, in your car, and someone has to design those parts. Plastics aren’t just the Styrofoam beads you see in your packaging material. There are a lot of complicated and high value items made in plastics, and that is where Ohio does very well industrially. It makes a lot of those plastic parts for the whole country and for the automotive industry.”
            The first course, “Injection Molding Training (technical),” will be held August 8 – 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course is an overview of the injection molding process and associated terminology. Lectures and laboratory experience will help students learn to perform critical engineering calculation for injection molding, how to set up a mold, and how to troubleshoot an injection molding process. This course is designed for technically trained individuals who want to increase their knowledge of the injection molding process. Those who would benefit are processing engineers, project engineers, part designers, mold designers, and individuals in sales and marketing.
            The second course offered is “Part Design Training,” August 15-17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course is a study of thermoplastic plastic part design, and will help participants develop an understanding of design parameters. Students completing this course will have a good understanding of the part design process and will understand plastics materials, structural design, and the material selection process. This course is designed for technically trained individuals who want to increase their knowledge of the plastic part design process. Those who would benefit are processing engineers, part designers, project engineers, mold designers, and those in sales and marketing.
            The last course offered is “Injection Molding Training (non-technical),” August 22-24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course, which is planned the same as the +Injection Molding Training (technical)” course, is designed for operating technicians, mold setup technicians, crew leaders and team leaders.
            The “Injection Molding Training (technical)” and the “Part Design Training” costs $1,050, and the “Injection Molding Training (non-technical),” costs $900. All include instructional materials. Members of Polymer Ohio will receive a 20% discount.
            Registration can be completed in person at University Outreach Services, located in the basement of Massie Hall; by mail to University Outreach Services, ATTN: Community Education Program, Shawnee State University, 940 Second Street, Portsmouth, Ohio, 45662-4344; by phone (credit cards only) at (740) 351-3274 or toll-free (866) 672-8778, or by fax (credit cards only), (740) 351-3598, or by e-mailing Ginnie Moore, director, University Outreach Services, at gmoore@shawnee.edu
            For more information, call (740) 351-3274 or visit
http://www.shawnee.edu/off/uos/prof%20dev/inj_molding.html.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Stephanie Smith, communications specialist)

SSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
FOR TWO NEW AWARDS

            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Alumni Association has created two new awards, the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alumni Service Award, to recognize remarkable alumni for their exceptional performances in their careers, communities, and contributions to SSU and the Alumni Association.
            “The Alumni Association has always presented the Silver Star Alumni Award,” said Angela Henderson, assistant director, development/alumni affairs, “but since the association is reformed and doing new things, we developed the new awards. Nominations are currently being accepted and anyone can nominate.”
            The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions to his or her community. This will be the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association.
            The Alumni Service Award will be presented to an alumnus or alumna in recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to SSU and/or the Alumni Association.
            Nominations will be accepted from June 19 through July 21. The winners will be chosen by the Alumni Council on July 24, with awards presented in September during the Alumni Weekend, date and time to be announced later.
            To nominate an individual for the awards or for more information, visit http://alumni.shawnee.edu or call (740) 351-3284.
                                                                              # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Mistie Cook Spicer, communications coordinator)


Jessica & David Hufferd	SSU BASICS 2006 Graduating Class

2006 BASICS GRADUATION HELD AT SSU

          The reason someone decides to improve their life by going back to school varies. For David Hufferd of Portsmouth the reason was his three young children.
          “I don’t want my kids to think they can quit school because I did,” Hufferd said. “I want them to look at me with respect and have respect for themselves.”
          Hufferd earned the respect of his family and friends when he walked across the stage of the Shawnee State University (SSU) Flohr Lecture Hall on June 13 to receive his GED certificate.
          “I feel proud he accomplished this goal,” said Jessica Hufferd. “He’s on a straight path now.”
          The path to a bright future for Hufferd has been a rocky one; he even spent time in jail.
         “I was in and out of jobs and doing a lot of dumb stuff, I decided getting my GED would help me get a better foundation in my life,” he said. “I thought the GED would help me take a step forward and get away from the restaurant jobs.”
         Right now Hufferd is a stay-at-home Dad but would like to find a job in the construction field. He is even hoping to start college soon.
          Rose Grubb of West Portsmouth is another recent BASICS graduate who was encouraged by her family to earn her GED. She dropped out of school in the eighth grade because she didn’t like school and couldn’t learn easily. Even after she made the commitment to get her GED, it was still difficult for her.
          “I’d been here (in the BASICS program) off and on for three years. I had a lot of medical issues. I had open heart surgery,” Grubb said. “My youngest son Christopher went to Iraq for seven months and I was just devastated.”
          Although the BASICS staff symphasized with Grubb’s hardships, they would not let her give up. She said BASICS instructor Jane Caudill urged her to continue the program. Now, being a graduate, she wants to encourage others.
          “You’re never too old to do this. I turned 58 on May 30 and I did it. If you want your GED, just come and do it,” Grubb said.
          As she struggled to get her GED, Grubb also inspired others in the program. Jonathan Brashear of Portsmouth called her his biggest inspiration. He was being home-schooled when he decided to go through the BASICS program to finish his education.
          “It means a lot to me to have my GED. I have better job opportunities and it means the world to me,” Brashear said.
          He plans to continue his education by attending the Vinyard Leadership Institute in Columbus to go into the ministry.
           “If you’re thinking about getting your GED but you’re worried about the stigma or how supportive people are going to be, know the people here at SSU are wonderfully supportive,” Brashear said. “They just want to help and that’s so rare today.”
       Hufferd, Grubb and Brashear were the student speakers at the BASICS graduation ceremony. They along with Cynthia Davis of Sciotoville were also named to the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS).
          “Students inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society were chosen because they met two out of several objectives, such as providing community service, furthering their education, finding employment, obtaining an unusually high score on the GED test, and having good class attendance,” said Marsha Tolliver, BASICS coordinator.
        Those earning their GED were: Ashley Adkins of Portsmouth, Carl Adkins of Portsmouth, Eric Adkins of Portsmouth, Branden Angles of Waverly, Brenda Baker of Jackson, Brian Bauer of Lucasville, Tonya Berndt of Stout, Bryan Biggs of Portsmouth, Josh Boone of Portsmouth, Jonathan Brashear of Portsmouth, Shelly Breeden of Lucasville, Bobby Brinegar of Portsmouth, Tonyia Brown of Portsmouth, James Brynaert of Lucasville, April Clark of Portsmouth, Ashley Conley of Minford, Shawn Conley of Wheelersburg, Mindy Creech of Lucasville, Cynthia Davis of Sciotoville, Amanda Dunn of Wheelersburg, Santana Dyer of Portsmouth, Ranelle “Randi” Fitzgerald of Peebles, Joseph Frazier of Portsmouth, Grace Friend of Wheelersburg, Sherri Friend of Lucasville, Tiffany Gallaher of Portsmouth, Chris Geoghan of Portsmouth, Barbara Gilliand of Minford, Tiffany Groves of Portsmouth, Rose Grubb of West Portsmouth, Damien Hale of Portsmouth, Eric Hammond of Portsmouth, Stephanie Hamrick of Portsmouth, David Hatfield of Lucasville, Beverly Hobbs of Portsmouth, Darrell Hood of New Boston, Stacy Horner of West Portsmouth, Jesse Horsley of South Webster, Sherri Hossman of West Portsmouth, David Hufferd of Portsmouth, Angela James of Portsmouth, Jamie Johnson of Portsmouth, Kayla Johnson of Franklin Furnace, James Jones of West Portsmouth, Nathan Jordan of West Portsmouth, Terry Kidder, Jr. of Portsmouth, Stacy Kinnison of Lucasville, Nicole LaRue of Beaver, Jakkie Layne of Portsmouth, Dennis Littleton of Lucasville, Bree Marcum of Grove City, Mandi Marcum of Portsmouth, Stephanie McGlone of Portsmouth, Andrea Mehaffey of Lucasville, Brian Mendenhall of Portsmouth, David Merrill of Portsmouth, LaDonna Miller of Sciotoville, Tammy (Milstead) Blanton of Lucasville, Jeffery Mullins of Portsmouth, Warren Nast of Newark, Samantha Nichols of Otway, Andrea Nuckols of West Portsmouth, Vicente Orona, Jr. of Otway, Brandon Osborne of Portsmouth, Violet Parker of Portsmouth, Carl Ratcliff of New Boston, Johnny Rawlins of Portsmouth, Brenda Robinson of New Boston, Amy Shepherd of Portsmouth, Michael Shepherd of West Portsmouth, Ryan Shepherd, Hollie Skaggs of Portsmouth, Lesia Skaggs of Portsmouth, Timothy Slater of Portsmouth, Rachel Smith of Franklin Furnace, Michael Stevens of Wheelersburg, Rae Ann Stevens of Portsmouth, Anthony Thacker of Portsmouth, Patricia Truman of Portsmouth, Andy Walden of Portsmouth, Janice Wells of Sciotoville and Erin York of Portsmouth.
         “It’s very fulfilling to see people who quit school have the determination to return to school. By not having high school diplomas, our students were kept from obtaining good-paying jobs or entering post-secondary education,” said Tolliver. “Some employers regard it as achieving more because they know the self-discipline and determination it takes to get a GED diploma.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2006

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Monica Bradbury, Communications Specialist)

Photo (L-R): Nikki Blankenship of Minford, Michael Hamilton of Portsmouth, John Lorentz, Ph.D. of Minford, Alex Sullo of Portsmouth, Brian Gilliam of New Boston, and Taryn Malone of South Webster.
Not pictured: Frank Byrne, Ph.D. of Porstmouth.

                                             STUDENTS EAGER TO STUDY ABROAD
            The Shawnee State University (SSU) Center for International Programs and Activities (CIPA) has finalized travel plans for its study abroad programs this fall and next spring.
            Participants will be attending Universitat Juame I in Castellon, Spain and Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.
            “I am delighted the Center for International Programs and Activities is able to provide SSU students with the opportunity to go abroad,” said John Lorentz, Ph.D., director of CIPA. “The students are learning to grow by studying and living in another country.”
            Participants will spend a semester abroad at one of the sister universities, studying and experiencing the culture.
            “How many people can say that they have been to Spain and learned an entirely different culture?” said Michael Hamilton, a junior at SSU. “I’m a history major, so it will be interesting to learn their history from them, instead of a textbook.”
            Hamilton and Nikki Blankenship are taking their three daughters with them to Spain. Blankenship said they will be “the first family Shawnee State has sent with the study abroad program. I just graduated, so I am going to teach English, while he (Hamilton) is studying at the university.” Blankenship has a bachelor’s degree in English, a minor in linguistics, and a minor in communications.
            SSU students, Alex Sullo and Brian Gilliam, will travel to Morocco.
            “In Morocco the language of instruction is English, so I will not have to learn a different language,” said Sullo. However, there are various courses taught in Arabic at the Al Akhawayn University. “I believe where you go affects who you are and I want Morocco to become part of who I am.”
            Traveling to Spain will be Taryn Malone’s first trip outside the United States.
            “This is a rare opportunity that will broaden my horizons,” said Malone, a junior majoring in English with a minor in art history. “My greatest dream has been to travel to the places I have so often read about, so I can try my hand at writing about my experiences there.”
            Lorentz said the study abroad program has been very successful.
           “Other students who participated in the program have told me that the experience of going abroad changed their lives,” he said.

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