FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

     

Shawnee State University Student Success Center announces new hours

            Shawnee State University Student Success Center is now open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, giving students more opportunities to use the center.
            If a student is struggling in a class and needs a tutor, a free service is available at the center. The tutoring program provided more than 8,000 hours of tutoring services last year.
            “We look forward to supporting the university community during the year,” said Dale Taylor, director of the Student Success Center. ´We are here to help our students succeed and we offer several programs and services to them.”
            The Office of Disability Services is located in the Student Success Center providing a variety of services including interpreters, note takers, FM transmitters and books on disc to students who have documented disabilities.
            As part of the University College reorganization, the Student Success Center offers advising services to more than 1,000 undergraduates including undecided, developmental education and pre-health sciences enrollees.
            Any student who needs support and could benefit from a course in study skills or career decision making, can utilize the services.
            The Student Success Center is located in Massie Hall, first floor. For information, call (740) 351-3594.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

   

Shawnee State University names new assistant director of financial aid, compliance and student loans

            Shawnee State University’s Charlotte Hardy is the new assistant director of financial aid, compliance and student loans in the Department of Financial Aid. Hardy received her associate degree in applied business from SSU.
            Her duty includes managing the student loan program and staff, debt management, financial literacy education, entrance and exit counseling, academic plans, federal compliance and policy and procedures.
            “My goal as the new assistant director is to develop a financial literacy education program to better educate our students on how to develop spending and saving habits that they can use even after they graduate from SSU,” Hardy said.
            Hardy has worked at SSU for 19 years with 10 years working at the Financial Aid office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University students made a splash at the Dive-In Movie

            Shawnee State University students splashed around while watching a movie at the Dive-In Movie on Friday, Aug. 29 in the natatorium at the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center. In the photo, students are watching the movie inside the natatorium.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University holds annual new employee orientation

            Shawnee State University held its annual new employee orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 22 in the Howland Recital Hall in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The orientation is designed to help new faculty and staff members that were hired within the last year to get know more about the campus culture. More than 25 new employees attended the orientation with a total of 60 SSU faculty and staff members. In the photo are SSU faculty and staff members attending the orientation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s women’s soccer team cheers on USA’s women’s soccer team at the Olympics

            The Shawnee State University’s women’s soccer team shows support for the USA women’s soccer team at the Olympics as they watched and cheered for them in the University Center.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University hosted Sunday games for students

            Shawnee State University hosted Sunday games on Aug. 31 for SSU students. Sunday games included all kinds of sports, such as football, soccer, corn hole and more. In the photo are SSU students playing flag football on the Alumni Green.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Two Shawnee State University students named to Board of Trustees

            On Wednesday, Aug. 27, Gov. Ted Strickland appointed two student representatives to the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees, Whitney Stricklett and Carrie Dunham.
            Stricklett is an adolescent to young adult language arts education major at SSU and plans to graduate in the spring of 2009. She graduated from Manchester High School in 2005 as valedictorian of her class and she is in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” Stricklett was a varsity cheerleader and member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and choir, among other activities.
            At SSU, Stricklett had been on the President’s and the Dean’s lists many times with a GPA of 3.97. She has worked as a summer youth counselor for underprivileged youth and volunteered in the Ohio Reads summer tutoring and mentoring program, and she has coached kindergarten and first grade students in cheerleading.
            “I am very excited about my appointment to the Shawnee State Board of Trustees,” Stricklett said. “I know that it will be a great experience and I intend to do everything in my power to represent the interest of Shawnee State students. I know that there were a number of qualified applicants and I am very honored to be appointed.”
            Dunham is working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and she is in the honor’s program at SSU. She is a member of the Pre-Med Club and the Chemistry Club. She is a 2006 graduate of Valley High School with a 4.0 GPA and she also was valedictorian of her class.
            She was in the National Honor Society and a member of the basketball, volleyball and softball teams. Dunham participated in a mentorship program at Southern Ohio Medical Center and she was involved in the Red, White and Youth program. She was also class president for two years.
            “I am really excited about it,” Dunham said. “I am very honored and will do my best to represent the students at Shawnee. It’s the highest honor I’ve ever received.”
            As student representatives, Stricklett and Dunham will attend board meetings, sit on the academic affairs meetings and attend executive sessions. It is the student representative’s duty to provide a perspective that represents the entire student body.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University’s Clark Memorial Library enters the IM world

            The world of instant messaging has become popular over the years and now Clark Memorial Library at Shawnee State University is utilizing the service on its Web site to serve the university community easier and faster.
            “It’s up all hours at the library and it is a way for anyone to contact us online from anywhere,” said Connie Salyers Stoner, library director.
            Meebo can be used anywhere a person can access the Internet. Sometimes a professor will need an article or a student needs a book.
           “Meebo is what’s called a widget,” said Janet Stewart, “We get a wide range of questions and we keep a log.”
            One student needed to find out about a building and one needed to know how to get into Noodlebit, a bibliographic software that is administered by the writing center. Another wanted to know where to find psychology articles and one of the SSU students visiting China asked a question.
            Sometimes the question involves finding a link to a particular article or research source. Other times, faculty members will have a citation from a source and needs the full text.
            “It’s an option and sometimes I’m able to send them the full text in a pdf,” Salyers said. “And it’s all done within five minutes.”
            To use Meebo at the library, go to Shawnee State online at www.shawnee.edu and click on Clark Memorial Library. For more information, call the library at (740) 351-3321.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Clark Planetarium at Shawnee State University is among the world’s most advanced planetariums

            Clark Planetarium at Shawnee State University opens the season with a new show free to the public on Mondays and Fridays.
            Using state-of-the-art Digistar II Projection System, Clark Planetarium at Shawnee State University is among the world’s most advanced planetariums providing realistic views of the night sky and rendered images of buildings, spacecraft and much more.
            During the week, the planetarium is open for school groups with special children’s shows like “Larry Cat in Space” and “Planets of the Solar System.”
            “In ‘Larry Cat in Space,’ you follow Larry Cat as he learns about the moon,” said Arthur Bogard, senior operator. “One of his owners lives on the moon and he pops on a space ship inside her luggage and he explains weightlessness as he tumbles around.”
            The show is designed for young audiences to explain some of the simple concepts of space travel.
Later this semester, a new show will be presented for pre-kindergarten through fourth called “The Little Star That Could” that will be previewed to teachers. It follows the life cycle of the stars. Another new show this season is “Black Holes” for elementary through adult audiences.
            “It is an amazing show,” Bogard said. “It has great music and narration and explains the concept of Black Holes so that anyone can understand. Audience reviews of the show have been spectacular.”
            Three other new shows will be shown later this semester including “Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity” that follows eight different astronomers from the BC era through the primitive years of astronomy and what they contributed;
“That was all done before the telescope,” said Dr. Timothy Hamilton, assistant professor of physics and director of Clark Planetarium. “All of astronomy for most of human history was done without magnification using sticks to line up the stars and in very clear logical geometric reasons, beautifully done.”
            Another new show is “Future Moon” that shows the past, present and future of moon travel from pre-Apollo moon missions up to projections of 20 years from now. The Christmas show coming this season is “Little Star of Bethlehem.”
A new exhibit, “The Hubble View Space” will be installed in the lobby of the Advanced Technology Center outside the planetarium.
            “It’s popular among science museums and it is in the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburg also,” Hamilton said. “We will have two 47-inch high definition TV screens with the latest photos and views out of NASA broadcast over the Internet.”
            Schools, education institutions and university groups are free as well as Monday and Friday night shows open to the public at 7 p.m. each night. Reservations can be made for groups by calling (740) 351-3222, Monday through Friday. The planetarium holds a maximum of 66 people. Larger groups need to make arrangements for two or more separate shows.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University to host annual Fall Bear Run/Walk

            Shawnee State University will host the annual Fall Bear Run/Walk at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center.
            The course starts and ends on the SSU campus and is a fast, flat, out and back course down historic Front Street and along the Ohio River. Entry is free for all students, including elementary and secondary students, SSU faculty, staff and family members, alumni and Golden Bears. Registration is $10 before Sept. 23 and $15 on the day of the race.
            Participants can pick up registration forms at the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center or register online at www.shawnee.edu/off/athl/bearrun/form.html. Checks should be made payable to Shawnee State University. Forms and checks should be sent to Jonna Cook at Shawnee State University, 940 Second St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
            All participants will receive a SSU Fall 5K Bear Run Road Race T-shirt and are eligible for to win one of the 120 medals in a wide range of category awards.
            For more information, call (740) 351-3285.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s resident advisors hosted the annual SSU Blackout

            Shawnee State University’s resident advisors hosted the annual SSU Blackout for the students at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 5, in the Mickelthwaite Banquet Hall in the University Center. Students played free games of laser tag and capture the flag at the event. In the photo students are inside the Mickelthwaite Banquet Hall playing a game of laser tag.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Music instructor at Shawnee State University spends summers on Navajo Reservation

            For the past eight summers, Shirley Crothers-Marley, has been teaching music at the St. Patrick’s Navajo Mission in Gallop, New Mexico.
            A church in Sedona, Ariz., St. John’s Vianney Catholic Church, supports the mission and provides crafts, clothes and prizes to the children. The church at the mission is made like a hogan, the traditional Navajo dwelling house made of logs and mud.
            To deal with the loss of her father in 2000, she and her mother, Maxine Evans, also a musician, decided to visit the camp searching for some way to deal with their grief.
            “One day out of the blue, I received a catalog from the Southwest Indian Foundation and one page talked about needing volunteers,” Crothers-Marley said. “I called the mission and asked if they needed volunteers in teaching music.”
            They went to teach piano and they were invited to come back to the camp every year. When her 82-year-old mother couldn’t make it the next year, her friend, Teresa “Weezie” Fields, a teacher in Pike County, went with her.
            They teach six music classes in the morning from ages three to older teens. In the afternoons, she teaches piano to the older students, some she has taught for several years.
            “I really get a spiritual lift every time I go there,” Crothers-Marley said. “The sisters at the mission are dedicated Christians. We have become so close to the kids through the years.”
            She tries to encourage the children and teach them the beauty in the world. Some of the children pick up the piano quickly and one of the boys was playing with two hands within two weeks. One of the girls, who is 15 years old, has become accomplished at the piano over the years.
            “That’s been one of the perks going there is making such good friends and watching the children grow,” Crothers-Marley said. “And to think it was just by accident and I just needed to do something meaningful.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Sam Coppoletti, assistant professor, clinical director/program leader in the physical therapy assistant program at Shawnee State University has been appointed to the Ohio State Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Licensure Board. In the photo, Coppoletti signs to accept the oath of office at the Board office on Monday, Sept. 8.

  Physical therapy professor at Shawnee State University sits on state licensure board

            Sam Coppoletti, assistant professor, clinical director/program leader in the physical therapy assistant program at Shawnee State University, recently earned his doctorate in physical therapy. His new title is PTDPT, certified strength conditioning specialist.
            Also, he was appointed to the Ohio State Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Licensure Board. Coppoletti has volunteered to represent the southern part of Ohio in redistricting for the state and leaders at the state level asked him to apply for the board.
            “It’s a really big honor,” Coppoletti said. “We not only handle the tough cases if someone violates the code but also help with licensing of physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.”
            The doctoral program only started in the past several years and Coppoletti had so many hours in his master’s program that he only had to complete 16 hours to receive his doctorate. He graduated in August.
            Last spring he was nominated as the chair of the Ohio Consortium of Physical Therapy Programs. He is also on the FEA executive committee and the University Faculty Senate at SSU.
            “It’s going to be a great year with a lot of things I didn’t expect,” Coppoletti said.
            Last year, Coppoletti worked with the OPTA and OCPTP to choose a student from the various colleges to sponsor to attend a State of OH PT biannual conference, sponsoring students to the OCPTP conference in Columbus during a special student day. Last year the conference hosted a “hot topics” seminar and a quiz bowl.
            Some of the cutting edge topics students learned about were Hippo-therapy training, military therapy and therapy in the prisons. Coppoletti helped with the PT/PTA quiz bowl generating questions along with professors from the other state-wide programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Brenta Childers remembered at Shawnee State University’s Memorial Garden

            A special ceremony was held at Shawnee State University’s Memorial Rose Garden on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. for the late Brenta Childers, Success Center student representative and longtime SSU employee who passed away at her home on February19. Some of the people who knew Brenta best shared their thoughts and dedicated the addition of Brenta’s name to the Memorial Garden bench.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Fourth Annual Constitution Day lecture planned at Shawnee State University

            More than 220 years ago, the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia, Penn., and representatives from 12 of the original 13 colonies drafted the Constitution of the United States of America. They met May 25, 1787 and finished the document that became the supreme law of the United States on Sept. 17, 1787.
            For the past four years, Shawnee State University has celebrated Constitution Day and this year Andrew Feight, associate history professor, will be presenting a lecture on the Constitution. He will be discussing some of the interpretations and issues concerning the Constitution in “One Nation, Indivisible: Secession, the Federal Constitution and the Idea of a Perpetual Union.”
            The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 in Massie Lecture Hall, Room 020.
            If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Stylianos Hadjiyannis at shadjiyannis@shawnee.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

SSU RELEASES DEAN’S LIST FOR SUMMER 2008 SEMESTER

            Dave Todt, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Shawnee State University (SSU), has released the dean's list for the summer 2008 semester. To be named to the list, individuals must be full-time and have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

CHINA
Shenyang
Jiaxi Wang-Psychology

KENTUCKY
Ashland
Kathleen Curry-Physical Therapy
Jessica Mabry-Individualized Studies

Maysville
Tiffany White-Occupational Therapy Asst.

Quincy
Megan Wright-Business Administration

South Shore
Acynda Spriggs-Business Administration
Courtney Vastine-Psychology

OHIO
Chillicothe
Joshua Cash-Business Administration

Columbus
Ryan Fairley-Sport Studies

Franklin Furnace
Melissa Pearson-Psychology

Jackson
Whitney Mullins-Nursing

Lucasville
Kayla Baker-Business Administration
Larin Boldman-Business Administration
Tiffany Elliott-History
Danielle Mitchell-Individualized Studies
Teresa Montgomery-Business Administration
Heather Smith-Psychology
Mallory Strickland-Psychology
Tishena Wells-Psychology

Minford
Brittany Loft-Office Administration

Mount Orab
Kristine Conrad-Business Administration

Napoleon
Teal Rausch-Radiologic Tech

Oak Hill
Stephanie-Arbogast Nursing

Otway
Jill Gardner-History
Kathryn Morgan-Individualized Studies

Peebles
Adriann Meade-Intervention Spec. K-12

Philo
Staci Armbrust-Respiratory Therapy

Portsmouth
Leslie Baxter-Nursing
Kellie Bishop-Business Administration
Jeromy Carver-Business Administration
Tolley Colley-Business Administration
Chris Eatherton-Fine Arts
Barbara Graf-Psychology
Michael Hamilton-Social Sciences
Timothy Henry-Biology
Andrew Mader-Fine Arts
Laura Malone-Social Sciences
Marcho Markov-Computer Engineering Tech.
Sarah Porter-Suttles-Business Administration
Megan Rhea-Psychology
Rachel Shultz-Business Administration
Carrie Stephens-Pre-Health Science
Steven Sturgill-International Relations
Renee Tallerico-Sports Studies

Sciotoville
Misty Emmert-Business Administration

Scottown
Anna Blevins-Occupational Therapy Asst.

Seaman
JoBeth Singleton-Individualized Studies

Tremont
Brooke Miller-Business Administration

Waverly
Angela Bentley-Natural Science
Meredith Francis-Early Child Intervention Spec.
Esther Henson-Radiologic Tech.
Julie Hoeckh-Business Administration
Jeremery Jett-Business Administration
Allison Smith-Dental Hygiene

West Portsmouth
Kristyn McLaughlin-Business Administration
Dunia Mershon-Business Administration

West Union
Blair Niece-International Relations

Wheelersburg
Whitney Bell-Early Childhood PreK-3
Kayla Besco-Nursing
Andrea Thompson-Sociology

Wooster
Matthew Kilmer-History
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

 

SSU RELEASES PRESIDENT’S LIST FOR SUMMER 2008 SEMESTER

            Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., president of Shawnee State University (SSU), has released the president’s list for the summer 2008 semester. To be named to the list, students must be full-time and have achieved a grade point average of 4.0.

KENTUCKY
Ashland
Cynthia LeMaster-Psychology

Vanceburg
Debra Stevenson-Sociology

OHIO
Chillicothe
John Stewart Occupational-Therapy Asst.

Hamersville
Kristine Brookover-Physical Therapy

Kingston
Beth Shepherd-Psychology

Long Bottom
Casey Smith-Business Administration

Lucasville
Ryan Turner-Physical Therapy

McDermott
Mandy Brickey-English Humanities

New Boston
Lauren Elliott-Business Administration

Otway
Joy Puckett-Social Sciences

Portsmouth
Keith Coon-Business Administration
Casey Stapleton-Nursing
Kevin Trivisonno-Business Administration
Bryan Whitley-Mathematical Sciences

Proctoville
Leslie Floyd-Middle Childhood

Sciotoville
Teresa Oakley-Individualized Studies

Waverly
Lisa Franzen-Biology

Willow Wood
Lori Harmon-Business Administration
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University offers waffles anytime at the Bear’s Den Cafeteria

            Shawnee State University adds new accommodations this semester to better meet students’ needs in the Bear’s Den Cafeteria and Welcome Center in the University Center.
            “We took a few of the students’ suggestions from last year and tried to meet their needs this year with the cafeteria and welcome center,” said Dr. Jim Settle, vice president for Student Affairs.
            The Bear’s Den added orange Gatorade, two new waffle maker machines, a waffle batter dispenser and a non-drip syrup dispenser that can be used anytime the UC is open.
           “The waffle machines are great because it allows students to have a hot breakfast meal at any time,” Settle said.
            The Welcome Center added new “to-go” breakfast, lunch and dinner boxes for students, faculty and staff members who do not have a meal plan.
            “Another exciting addition to the Welcome Center is students can get a free Mountain Dew or Pepsi freezie if they bring in a Pepsi can that has the SSU cover on it,” said Settle. “This was a new contract that we were able to obtain with Pepsi this year.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University Announce 7.5% Increase in Enrollment for Fall 2008 Semester at Board of Trustees Meeting

            Preliminary enrollment numbers for the fall 2008 semester were announced at the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, September 12, 2008. The numbers indicate a record year for Shawnee State, with 3,976 students, representing a 7.5 percent increase in enrollment and a 10 percent increase in full-time equivalent students.
            “We couldn’t be more thrilled with these numbers,” Dr. Rita Rice Morris, Shawnee State University president, said. “This is the culmination of a lot of work, by a lot of people — within our university setting and beyond in our state and local government and community — to make higher education more affordable and more accessible.”
            Morris said that the university expects the final tally of students for fall semester to break the 4,000 mark once distance-learning students from the industrial technology courses are counted and all fall registrations are final.
            “In the first few weeks of a semester, our numbers are not exact as students add and drop courses,” she explained. “This initial report, however, indicates a significant increase for us. This is a tremendous sign of growth for Shawnee State and for our community.”
            The report also reveals a 21.9 percent increase in the number of first-time freshmen. This number does not reflect an additional 166 students who are 2008 high school graduates, but previously earned credit at Shawnee State while still in high school. When examining where students are coming from, the report shows a 4.5 percent increase in students from southern Ohio, 7.2 percent increase in students from central Ohio, and 21.5 percent increase in students from southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. Morris said that these numbers reflect recruiting efforts aimed at drawing students from around the state and beyond.
            During the September 12 meeting, the board also welcomed two student representatives to the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees, Whitney Stricklett and Carrie Dunham, and approved the naming of the soon-to-be remodeled patio area between the Administration Building and James A. Rhodes Athletic Center “Founder’s Plaza.” Construction on this area is set to begin November 2008.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Nontraditional artist showing now in the Appleton Gallery at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts

            Described as a cutting edge nontraditional artist, Daryl Urig’s show at the Appleton Gallery in Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts is a unique variety of colored and gray-toned oil paintings.
            Urig is an accomplished oil painter who paints landscapes, still lifes, city streets, seascapes, portraits, and anything that can be painted. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and director of Total Media Source, an Internet Marketing Solutions Company.
            Urig has exhibited his works in numerous shows and galleries across the United States. His formal training was at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio, and at DuCrete School of Arts in the New York/New Jersey area. He has worked as an illustrator for book and magazine publishers and several major brands such as Proctor and Gamble.
            “As a painter, I am forever learning and discovering myself and everything around me,” Urig said. “I love those moments when some great truth is opened up to me – an idea that changes the way I look and feel about everything.”
            He is also an accomplished writer and poet. He writes for the Harrison LifeStyle Magazine as a contributing freelance writer and also writes poems to compliment many of his paintings.
            For his painting “The Woman in the Garden,” Urig writes: “Light brings in each new day in my garden. My space, my quiet place away from it all, surrounded by color and foliage that wraps its arms around me like a gentle hug …”
            His show can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Sept. 20 in the Appleton Gallery.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University looks at the future of classrooms in a virtual world

            Janice Johnson, senior instructor in the Department of Business Administration, is opening the door for students to learn in a virtual world using Second Life, a three-dimensional world on the Internet.
            Second Life was created by Linden Labs and opened to the public in 2003. Since then, millions of people have joined the 3-D virtual world and it is a continent where people interact in many ways including in a classroom setting.
            “It’s more interactive,” Johnson said. “You have a character or avatar that moves around the virtual world. What makes it useful for education is that we can get our students in there and it’s not a big investment in software.”
            Students can have a free account and Johnson has a class teaching Second Life to teach the students how to utilize the site and how to work within a virtual world so they can interact in a classroom setting.
            She will be instructing students how to build and get the tools needed. Universities are buying islands and can recreate a campus so people can tour the campus through the virtual world.
            “Vassar recreated the Sistine Chapel,” Johnson said. “You can go in and actually see it and since avatars can fly, you can go to the ceiling and get a really close look at the murals.”
            There are models of solar systems, molecules. Anything from the molecular to the astronomical can be built, Johnson said.
            After students learn to navigate the world, Johnson will be putting in the classroom with tables, put up a white board and have discussions.
            She has been to several conferences including one recently, a Second Life Education Community conference that was online and connected to the Virtual World Conference.
            “IBM has more than 3,000 employees with offices in Second Life rather than real offices and many businesses are doing the same,” Johnson said. “This is what we are finding in the virtual world. It opens up possibilities.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University Department of Nursing sponsors a nursing retreat and conference

            Shawnee State University is among several institutions sponsoring a health ministry/faith community nursing retreat and conference scheduled at Carter Caves State Resort Park in October.
            “Serving the Least of These in Your Faith Community” is the theme of the conference that will have a pre-conference from 1 to 4 p.m. and conference from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the resort in Olive Hill, Ky.
            Some of the key objectives of the conference are to discuss ways to support individuals and families dealing with addiction issues, identify clinical depression in adults and to discuss ways health ministries can support families who have a member with a disability, among others.
            “This is the third year of our retreat which has enjoyed amazing success,” said Mattie Burton, chair of the Department of Nursing. “Nurses and other health ministers from the tri-state area thoroughly enjoy a time of fellowship and learning in support of efforts toward health and wellness in their faith-based communities.”
            The pre-conference will include “Key Concepts of Health Ministry,” “How to Start a Health Ministry Team” and “What is a Faith Community Nurse?”
            At the conference, “Ministering to the Caring Team,” “Supporting Families with Addiction,” Depression and Mandela,” “Families and Members with Special Needs,” and a panel on spiritual care will be presented.
            “The goal is renewal and encouragement of people working with limited resources and unlimited faith to make a difference in the wider community we all serve,” Burton said.
            The deadline to register is Oct. 3 and includes supper on Friday and a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. For more information, call (888) 635-2200.
            Participants who need to reserve overnight accommodations at Carter Caves Resort Park, call (606) 286-4411 or (800) 325-0059.
            Besides SSU’s Department of Nursing, the conference is sponsored by Southern Ohio Medical Center, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, River Cities Health Ministries and Area Health Education Center, Consortium for Health Education in Appalachia Ohio.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s Theta Phi Alpha sorority gets pied

            Shawnee State University’s Theta Phi Alpha sorority got pied as part of their fundraiser on Wednesday, September 10 in front of the SSU bookstore. Students paid two dollars each for a turn to throw pie on any of the sorority sisters. In the photo are some of the Theta Phi Alpha sorority sisters after getting pied in the face.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University encourages students to register to vote

            Shawnee State University encourages its students to vote for the upcoming 2008 election by having registration booths set up around the campus grounds. The first 600 students to register received a free Shawnee Votes t-shirt. In the photo are SSU students completing registration forms.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

 

New director of Institutional Research and Assessment named at Shawnee State University

            Dr. Xuemei Yang, academic administrator, teacher and scholar, has been named the new director of Institutional Research and Assessment at Shawnee State University. She comes to Portsmouth from Eugene, Oregon.
            “I view educational leadership as providing service to others,” Yang said. “I define my accomplishments as creating opportunities and developing potential for others.”
            She has begun developing a comprehensive Web site with facts, research projects, assessment, surveys and reports and other data and information. The Web site should be complete by the end of October.
            “Today, institutional research has moved beyond mainly counting students and faculty to influencing assessment, planning, tracking, forecasting/predicting and a multitude of other activities,” Yang said. “The important thing is the ability to collect, access, analyze and convert reliable data into strategic information in today’s ever changing educational climate and the ability to adapt to change.”
            Her doctoral studies emphasized research methodology and statistics. She researched the development of a prediction-based advising system to help institutional decisions about admission through predicting and understanding students’ college enrollment and completion in different majors. She used five years of institutional data for the research.
            “Working in institutional research and assessment is one of the most challenging and exciting professions possible in higher education,” Yang said. “The mission of this office is to provide quality data and information to support the missions, strategic planning and accreditation of Shawnee State University.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

 

New director of Institutional Research and Assessment named at Shawnee State University

            Dr. Xuemei Yang, academic administrator, teacher and scholar, has been named the new director of Institutional Research and Assessment at Shawnee State University. She comes to Portsmouth from Eugene, Oregon.
            “I view educational leadership as providing service to others,” Yang said. “I define my accomplishments as creating opportunities and developing potential for others.”
            She has begun developing a comprehensive Web site with facts, research projects, assessment, surveys and reports and other data and information. The Web site should be complete by the end of October.
            “Today, institutional research has moved beyond mainly counting students and faculty to influencing assessment, planning, tracking, forecasting/predicting and a multitude of other activities,” Yang said. “The important thing is the ability to collect, access, analyze and convert reliable data into strategic information in today’s ever changing educational climate and the ability to adapt to change.”
            Her doctoral studies emphasized research methodology and statistics. She researched the development of a prediction-based advising system to help institutional decisions about admission through predicting and understanding students’ college enrollment and completion in different majors. She used five years of institutional data for the research.
            “Working in institutional research and assessment is one of the most challenging and exciting professions possible in higher education,” Yang said. “The mission of this office is to provide quality data and information to support the missions, strategic planning and accreditation of Shawnee State University.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University students demonstrate their diversity at Make Your Flag event

Shawnee State University students demonstrate their creativity and diversity at the Make Your Flag event as part of Cultural Awareness Week on Monday, Sept. 22, at the University Center. In the photo, Evren Rahimov shows off his flag while other students are busy designing flags.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

 Autumn Boggs named as the fifth recipient of the 2008-09 Frank Taylor Scholarship

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced Autumn Boggs as the fifth recipient of the 2008-09 Frank Taylor Scholarship of $600.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be seniors residing in Scioto, Pike or Lawrence County and have a minimum ACT score of 20.
            Boggs, daughter of Randy and Christi Boggs, is a 2008 graduate of Symmes Valley High School. She was a member of the yearbook staff, Angel Tree Committee, 4-H and Beta Club. Boggs plans to obtain her degree from SSU and become a pharmaceutical sales representative.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship may contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

 

Keilee Guthrie is the 2008-09 Papa John’s Scholarship recipient

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has named Keilee Guthrie as the 2008-09 recipient of the Papa John’s Scholarship of $250.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be a graduate of a Scioto County high school, reside in Scioto County, have a 2.5 GPA and be a middle income student, or must be at least of sophomore standing with a 2.0 GPA and be a middle income student.
            Guthrie, daughter of Denton and Lori Guthrie, is a 2007 graduate of Alexander High School in Athens County and a returning SSU student. In high school, she was involved in the yearbook staff, Spanish Club, National Honor Society and the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. Guthrie is currently playing on the SSU women’s basketball team. She is a sports administration major and hopes to obtain her degree at SSU.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship may contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University’s mascot Shawn E. Bear played soccer at Crew Stadium

            The Shawnee State University mascot Shawn E. Bear attended Mascot Day in August at a Columbus Crew soccer game at the Crew Stadium in Columbus.
            More than 10 different mascots, including the Dayton Bombers’ Bucky, The Ohio State University’s Brutus and the Bluejacket’s Stinger, attended Mascot Day.
            At half-time, all the mascots played in a soccer game aired on Fox Soccer channel. SSU’s Shawn E. Bear and the Bluejacket Stinger scored a goal during the game.
            “This was a fun event for me to attend to for my own personal experience, but it was also a good opportunity to promote SSU,” said Shawn E. Bear.
            During its years as a community college, SSU’s athletic teams were known as the Rangers. Following its 1986 transformation into a university, it was decided the mascot be changed into a bear to scare off opposing teams. Tiffany Moore was the university’s first bear.
            In 2004, the bear was renamed Shawn E. Bear after President Rita Rice Morris arrived at the university and had a Name the Bear contest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

 

Three more recipients have been named for the 2008-09 McElhaney Honors Scholarship

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee announces three more 2008-09 McElhaney Honors Scholarship recipients of $1,000.
            The McElhaney Honors Scholarship is a non-renewable scholarship that requires the applicants to be a high school senior enrolling for the fall term following his or her graduation. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA and ACT score of 25 or higher is required. Applicants must also be degree-seeking and complete a minimum of 15 hours each semester.
            The McElhaney Honors Scholarship recipients are:
            Cassandra Bateson, daughter of Tina and Tony Bateson, is a 2008 graduate of Fort Frye High School in Washington County. She was a member of the Anime Club and Science Olympiad in high school. Bateson plans to obtain a degree in the field of art from SSU.
            Krysta Yates, daughter of Ed and Sheila Yates, graduated in 2008 from Adena High School in Ross County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, school choir, Quiz Bowl, student council and volleyball team. Yates is a theater major and plans to obtain a job in that field after graduation.
            Kelsey McFarland, daughter of Mike McFarland and Jody George, is a 2008 graduate of St. John Central High School in Belmont County. She was a member of the Spanish Club, prom committee and Interact club. McFarland is an education major at SSU and plans to become a teacher after obtaining her degree.
            The scholarship fund is administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s Sorority Omega Pi Mu hosts luau

            Shawnee State University’s Sorority Omega Pi Mu hosted a luau from 9 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, at the Campus View 200 building. The sorority hosted the luau for prospective recruits. In the photo are all the sorority sisters and the recruits.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Meggan Ward named as recipient of the 2008-09 Peg Ellsesser Scholarship

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced Meggan Ward as the 2008-09 recipient of the Peg Ellsesser Scholarship of $1,100.
            Applicants of the scholarship must be in their junior or senior year, maintain a 3.0 GPA and pursue a degree in athletic training or sports management.
            Ward, daughter of Bob and Becky Ward, is a 2005 graduate of Paint Valley High School in Ross County and a returning SSU student. She is a part of SSU’s Blue Crew, Campus Crusade for Christ and the Athletic Training Club. Ward is an athletic training major and plans to obtain a job in her field after graduation.
            The funds of the Peg Ellsesser Scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Any individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship may contact the SSU Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Shawnee State University Development Foundation grants nearly $22,000 for special projects

            Each year, donors give unrestricted gifts to Shawnee State University’s Development Foundation and this year nearly $22,000 was granted for 10 different projects at the university with programs geared toward this year’s theme “retention.”
The projects this year include the following programs:
            • The Shawnee Connect program, developed by Dr. Barb Bradbury in Financial Aid, is a pilot program that pairs first time freshmen with SSU faculty, administrators or staff during the student’s first year of enrollment to serve as a reference, friend, personal advisor and contact.
            • Dr. Eugene Burns, professor and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, produces an annual alumni newsletter and departmental awards ceremony.
            • Ginny Hamilton, professor of mathematics, organizes an annual SUMS mathematics competition that reaches 325 students and funds help SSU students who work on the project.
            • Kelly Hatas, environmental responsibility service leader, AmeriCorps/VISTA Ohio Campus Compact, works with up to 11 students traveling to a location each year for an alternative winter break to volunteer for preservation projects. Last year, the students went to South Carolina to volunteer for the U.S. Forest Service and performed trail and forest preservation tasks in the Francis Marion National Forest.
            • At an alternative spring break program, Amy Richardson, coordinator, Community Service, AmeriCorps/Vista, Ohio Campus Compact, works with students for Habitat for Humanity introducing students to different cultures and geographical areas.
            • Mary Ann Malone, project director at Student Support Services, loans equipment to students who cannot afford to purchase their own for classes and funds will be used to purchase a laptop computer, T-84 calculators and cassette recorders.
            • Funds are provided to SSU in the News with Mistie Spicer, assistant to the president. SSU in the News a 60-second radio program focusing on campus events and programs as well as the achievements of our faculty, students and staff.
            • Dale Taylor, director of the Student Success Center, will use funds to develop a mass text messaging system to notify students about advising and registration as well as academic programs for at-risk populations.
            • Angela Walker, project director, Tech Prep, University Outreach Services, offers a Bridge to Success program designed to acclimate rising College Tech Prep high school seniors to the expectations of attaining a post secondary degree and the funds will be used for student/resident advisors.
            • To promote weekend programming, Tiffany Weaver, coordinator, Student Activities, will use funds to purchase 3,000 mouse pads for fall semester and 3,000 mouse pads for spring semester that will list the weekend event schedules.
            For more information or to donate to the Special Funds project, call SSU’s Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284 or visit the Web site at www.shawnee.edu and go to Offices/Development Foundation for a comprehensive list of ways to donate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

The Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group to meet at Shawnee State University

            The Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group is having a Meet and Greet session at noon on Oct. 10 in Shawnee State University’s ATC building, Room 132.
            Staff from the Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Group at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, TechGrowth Ohio of the Entrepreneurial Signature Program and The Ohio State University South Centers will be available to talk about services that support technology-based business development and growth.
            Ohio University is the administrator for the initiative with the goal of increasing technology-based entrepreneurial commercialization. The program is geared toward department chairs, professors and guests that have an interest in technology-based sectors including interactive media/digital simulation, environmental sciences/sustainable energy, engineering and plastics.
            “The purpose of the meeting is to showcase the Entrepreneurial Signature Program in our region,” said Ginnie Moore, director of University Outreach Services. “It will be an informal meeting to see what programs might be most beneficial for this area.”
            TechGrowth Ohio, a partner in the project, is part of the program funded by the Ohio Department of Development Third Frontier Program. ESP focuses on significantly increasing technology-based entrepreneurial commercialization outcomes. TechGrowth Ohio provides technical assistance services for starting and expanding businesses. Ohio bridges the gap between idea and institutional venture capital by establishing a $3 million pre-seed fund, a $2 million angel fund, and nearly $10 million of operational assistance services.
            TechGrowth Ohio provides services to all technology companies with a special focus on interactive media, bio-sciences, bio-agriculture, innovative technology and sustainable energy.
            A light lunch will be provided at the Meet and Greet event. To make a reservation, contact Ginnie Moore by Oct. 8 at gmoore@shawnee.edu or call (740) 351-3281.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

 

Recipients have been named for the 2008-09 Home for Aged Women Scholarship

            The Shawnee State University Scholarship Committee has announced 17 recipients for the 2008-09 Home for Aged Women Scholarship of $833 each.
            Recipients of the scholarship must be a female student pursuing an associate degree in health sciences, be studious and demonstrate financial need.
            The Home for Aged Women Scholarship recipients are:
            Staci Armbrust, daughter of Sherri Armbrust, is a 2007 graduate of Philo High School in Muskingum County. She was involved in 4-H, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Upward Bound and the volleyball team. Armbrust is currently involved in Campus Crusade for Christ and the Intermission Campus Ministry. She is a respiratory therapy major and plans to continue with her education after graduating from SSU.
            Megan Burchett, daughter of William and Gina Burchett, is a 2008 graduate of Clay High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, prom committee, Bible Club, yearbook staff and the basketball, volleyball and tennis teams. Burchett is pursuing a degree in radiologic technology and plans to work at Southern Ohio Medical Center after graduating.
            Erika Farmer, daughter of Rick and Carolyn Farmer, is a 2007 graduate of Russell Independent High School in Greenup County and a returning SSU student. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Farmer is currently a member of the SSU Honors program. She is a nursing major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Jessica Ferrell, daughter of Carolee Evans and Rocky Ferrell, is a 2005 graduate of Lynchburg-Clay High School in Highland County where she was involved in Student Council, newspaper staff, yearbook staff and Spanish Club. Ferrell is currently a member of SSU’s Blue Crew. She is a dental hygiene major and plans to work in a dental office after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Angel Gifford, daughter or Keith and Debra Gifford, is a 2001 graduate of Adena High School in Ross County and a returning SSU student. She was involved in FHA and the yearbook staff while in high school. Gifford is a biology major and plans to go to medical school to become a radiologist after graduating from SSU.
            Maria Harmon is a 2002 graduate of Lewis County High School and a returning SSU student. She is a nursing major and plans to obtain her master’s degree after graduating from SSU.
            Christine Highland, granddaughter of Flora and Jerry Detillion, is a 2008 graduate of Piketon High School. She was involved in marching band, Web design, Bible Club, National Honor Society and the cheerleading and track teams. Highland plans to obtain a degree in occupational therapy from SSU and obtain a job in that field after graduation.
            Andrea Jackson, daughter of Rod and Debbie Jackson, is a 2007 graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Summit County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, peer ministry, Future Medics and the cross country and track teams. Jackson is pursuing a degree in radiologic technology and plans to work in a children’s hospital after graduating.
            Vanessa Mann, daughter of Donald and Valerie Mann, is a 2006 graduate of Waverly High School in Pike County and a returning SSU student. She was a member of the newspaper staff, choir, show choir and Rotary Interact. Mann is a nursing major and plans to work in a hospital after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Allison McCullough, daughter of Chuck and Carla McCullough, is a 2008 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Highland County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Talented and Gifted Program, Prom Committee and the volleyball and softball teams. McCullough is a radiologic technology major and plans to pursue a career in her field after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Whitney Mullins, daughter of James and Rita Mullins, is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson County. She was a member of the National Honor Society, 4-H and the concert and marching bands. Mullins is a nursing major and plans to become an RN and work in a hospital after graduating from SSU.
            Veronica Osborn, daughter of Connie Boyles, is a 1970 graduate of Russell High School in Greenup County. She is a member of the SSU Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Osborn is a radiologic technology major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Melissa Pearson, daughter of Ron Wymes, is a 1985 graduate of Ironton High School in Lawrence County. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the SSU Women’s Forum. Pearson is an occupational therapy assistant major and plans to obtain her master’s degree in occupation therapy after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Jena Sharb, daughter of Lisa and Gideon Sharb, is a 2006 graduate of Logan High School in Hocking County and a returning SSU student. She is currently a member of SSU’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Sharb is a dental hygiene major and plans to continue her education after obtaining her degree from SSU.
            Teresa Soria, daughter of Maria Soria, is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson County. She was a member of concert and marching bands, Quiz Bowl and Science Energy Club. Soria is a radiologic technology major at SSU.
            Leah Sprague, daughter of Chris and Lori Sprague, is a 2008 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Highland County where she was in the National Honor Society, Hi-Y and Renaissance Club. She is a nursing major and plans work at the hospital after graduating from SSU.
            Annie Thompson, daughter of Carl and Sheila Cornett, is a 2001 graduate of Raceland-Worthington High School and a returning SSU student. She was involved in Key Club, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, band, choir and newspaper staff. Thompson is pursuing a degree in occupational therapy and plans to have a career in that field after graduating from SSU.
            The funds of this scholarship are administered through the SSU Development Foundation. Individuals or organizations interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Development Foundation at (740) 351-3284.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu
 

Shawnee State University participates in College Portrait Web site

             Shawnee State University is one of 302 public four-year universities nationwide to participate in the College Portrait Web site, a site dedicated to providing high school students, parents and guidance counselors user-friendly information to compare student characteristics, costs, student experience and learning outcomes for different universities.
            “The site is part of a project of the Voluntary System of Accountability,” said Dave Todt, provost at Shawnee State University. “It aims at providing reliable information so parents and students can easily compare one institution to another. Because we are all using the same format, you really can compare the data to determine what’s most important to you in selecting the right university.”
            The Voluntary System of Accountability with funding from Lumina Foundation for Education is a partnership between the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
            College Portrait (www.collegeportrait.org) provides a five-page report for each participating university. Web site visitors can view a sample College Portrait report and an interactive map with links to all participating four-year public colleges and universities.
            The interactive map allows users to easily locate participating colleges by state and includes links to each institution’s College Portrait, general Web site and an e-mail address to request admissions information. A link to Shawnee State University’s College Portrait is also provided on the university’s Web site at www.shawnee.edu.
            “Shawnee State University, like all of Ohio’s public institutions, is committed to taking the lead on accountability and affordability of higher education,” said SSU President Rita Rice Morris. “We want parents and students to be informed when making college choices.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2008

Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell:  (740) 464-4854
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu

Kevin Johnson, co-owner of The Emporium of Portsmouth, presents two autographed books from Nancy Pelosi – her first book, “Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters” co-authored by Amy Hill Hearth, and a book about her life “Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi's Life, Times, and Rise to Power” written by Marc Sandalow.” In the photo are from left, Tom Piontek, assistant professor of English at SSU, Kayla Baker, student employee, Roberta Milliken, director of the Women’s Center and Johnson. 

Nancy Pelosi autographed books donated to Shawnee State University’s Women’s Center

            Kevin Johnson, co-owner of The Emporium of Portsmouth, donated two books to the Women’s Center at Shawnee State University signed by the first female Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, "Know Your Power: A Message to American’s Daughters" and "Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi's Life, Times, and Rise to Power."
            “Through Tom Piontek, assistant professor of English at SSU, I'd learned that SSU had a Women's Center and Women's Studies curriculum,” Johnson said. “When Nancy published her book, ‘Know Your Power,’ I obtained it as well as ‘Madam Speaker’ written about her, and sent them to Nancy at her home in San Francisco to sign, which she kindly did.”
            In her first book published, “Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters” co-authored by Amy Hill Hearth, an interviewer on Amazon said, ”It has a great message for young people … namely, that people can think for themselves and can have real power over their lives and their government. Pelosi is tapping into the wave of change that is sweeping America as young people start to realize their power and start to exercise it.”
            “Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi's Life, Times, and Rise to Power” written by Marc Sandalow is based on hundreds of interviews of Pelosi’s colleagues, friends and neighbors. As third in line for the presidency, Pelosi has made history and Sandalow’s book chronicles her life and rise to power.
            “We’re just thrilled that he thought of us and these books are a wonderful addition to our library at the Women’s Center,” said Roberta Milliken, director of the Women’s Center. “It was very generous of him.”