“Dr. Phillips is a very capable educator and administrator,” said Dr. James Chapman, EKU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, in making the announcement. “I am confident that, under his leadership, our College of Education will continue to move forward in service to our students, the region’s schools and the Commonwealth.”

Phillips joined EKU on July 1.

“Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Education has an excellent reputation and is on the cusp of national prominence,” Phillips said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty, staff and students, and building on past successes to help the University achieve even higher levels of excellence.”

While at Lock Haven, Dr. Phillips initiated a systematic program review process for undergraduate and graduate programs; developed graduate programs in Teaching and Learning and Alternative Education; implemented general education overlays in writing, critical thinking, external experience and information literacy; created two on-line degree programs; and secured more than $10 million in external funding for a math and science education center, to improve student retention and to provide professional development, among other accomplishments.

From 1994 to 1999, Dr. Phillips was chair of the Department of Special Education and director of International Teacher Education at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. While there, he created K-16 partnerships with several Pacific countries and launched the Department of Special Education. He also previously taught at Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1976, a master’s in special education from the University of Mississippi in 1978 and a doctoral degree in special education from Southern Mississippi in 1987.

Chapman thanked Dr. Marlene Helm for her “outstanding service” as Interim Dean of EKU’s College of Education this past academic year.

All the programs are free and open to the public. Each lecture will be presented in the Student Services Building Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The first program in the series, on Thursday, Aug. 31, will feature Dr. David Hilfiker and Patricia Wudel. In 1983, Hilfiker left his northern Minnesota medical practice and moved to Washington, D.C., to live and work among the inner-city poor.

Through an ecumenical religious community, he became director of the Community of Hope Health Services and later a staff member of Christ House, an infirmary for homeless men too ill to recuperate on the streets. Hilfiker went on to work at Joseph’s House, a Washington hospice for homeless men with AIDS that he helped found. He is the author of “Not All of Us Are Saints: A Doctor’s Journey with the Poor” and “Urban Injustice: How Ghettos Happen.”

Wudel is executive director of Joseph’s House.

Remaining programs in the Chautauqua series are:

Sept. 14 – Trinh T. Minh-ha, “The Love Crystal,” with screening of film “Night Passage.”
Sept. 28 – Dorothy Jackson, “The Best of Us Will Help the Rest of Us.”
Oct. 12 – Carl Hurley, “On a Clear Day, You Can See Tomorrow.”
Oct. 26 – James Conneely, “Leadership and Compassion.”
Nov. 2 – Tom Martinez, “Inside the Brotherhood of Hate.”
Nov. 16 – Anne Shordike, Susan Fister and Merita Thompson, “Compassion in Action.”
Jan. 25 – Richard Rodriguez, “Compassion and the Color Brown.”
Jan. 25-Feb. 9 – Compassion Art Show, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building (call 622-8135 for Gallery hours).
Feb. 8 – Aaron Thompson, “Restoring Justice: A Fine Line between Compassion and Communication.”
Feb. 22 – Kristen Neff, “Self-Compassion: A Healthier Way of Relating to Oneself.”
March 8 – Michael Austin, “The Compassionate Person.”
March 22 – Marsha Evans, “So Whose Responsibility Is It?”
April 5 – Lance Brunner, “The Jewel in the Lotus: Buddhist Wisdom and Compassion.”
April 26 – Thom Gibson, “Compassion Catalyst: When the Church Gets It Right.”

For more information, call 622-1503.

“Ms. Cooper is a very creative individual with the experience and qualifications as a librarian and administrator to serve this University effectively in this position,” said Interim Provost Dr. James Chapman. “Since her arrival at EKU, she has become a well-respected member of the academic community and is extremely familiar with the day-to-day operations of the EKU Libraries.

“She also has a deep appreciation and understanding of our libraries’ vital academic function and has a bold vision for building partnerships and engaging numerous constituencies in an effort to advance the programs and services of our libraries,” Chapman added.

After joining Eastern as Team Leader of the Learning Resources Center, Cooper was named Coordinator of Research and Instructional Services, the largest division of EKU Libraries, in 2002.

In addition to numerous presentations and journal articles, she recently served on a nationally appointed committee of the Educational and Behavioral Sciences Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries. The Committee published an Ad Hoc Historical Textbook and Curriculum Collections Directory in 2005. She also served as a Professional Education Fellow in EKU’s College of Education 2001-04.

Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The Florida State University in 1992 and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1997.

Chapman thanked the search committee, headed by chair Dr. Hal Blythe, for its work.

She attended the NEH Summer Institute for College and University Teachers, “Regional Study and the Liberal Arts: An Appalachian Exemplar,” held June 5-30 at Ferrum College in Virginia.

The 25 faculty selected nationwide for the Summer Institute received stipends of $3,000 each. From a range of disciplines, the Institute examined Appalachian issues that link regional study to the liberal arts. Participants worked in collaboration with leading scholars in the field of Appalachian art and on individual research projects.

Lindberg completed her graduate work at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., and Dartmouth College, with additional course work at Columbia University. She has been teaching art and art history at the EKU Danville campus since 1995.

“Dr. Jones has succeeded in all these roles,” said EKU President Joanne Glasser in recognizing Jones at Summer Commencement. “His mastery of the subject matter is matched only by his dedication to his students and his passion for opening their hearts and minds to the wonders of nature.”

Jones has regularly taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level, specializing in botanical courses, and has recently become involved in teaching tropical biodiversity classes in Ecuador. He has also been active in directing graduate students, and, as Curator of the EKU Herbarium, has supervised its growth to its current standing as the largest such facility in the state.

Jones’s new book, “Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora,” is the first volume of its kind in the Commonwealth and, outside Florida, the first of its kind in the southeastern United States in 30 years. It was nominated by The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries as a Significant Work in Botanical or Horticultural Literature.

Rhodora, the journal of the New England Botanical Club, called the book a “monumental and much-needed work,” and Plant Science Bulletin said Jones “should be commended for the effort involved and the high caliber of the finished product.”

Jones, a two-time president of the Kentucky Native Plant Society, was recognized as the 2003 Naturalist of the Year by the Kentucky Natural History Society. He also received the 2005 Biological Diversity Protection Award from the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb College and his doctorate from Vanderbilt University.

All full-time tenured faculty members are eligible for the award. The professorship program recognizes and honors those faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance as teachers and who are recognized by their colleagues as exemplifying outstanding qualities relating to the University’s stated missions in teaching, service and research.

The selection is made by a committee composed of faculty, and the process provides for a high degree of peer review.

Forty-five professors have been honored for teaching excellence by the EKU Foundation since the awards were first given in 1988.

As an FDD fellow, Cordner participated in a 10-day program in Israel from May 27 to June 7. The program included an intensive series of lectures by academics, diplomats and military officials from India, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and the United States, as well as field trips to military, police and immigration facilities throughout Israel. He will be joined by approximately 50 other professors from across the U.S. who teach about terrorism.

Cordner gained information and course material from the program that he can apply in several new homeland security courses currently being developed at EKU, as well as greater insight about terrorism in Israel and the Middle East.

“EKU has long been at the forefront of higher education in justice and safety,” he said. “And we are now a leader in research, training, and technical assistance related to homeland security through our Justice and Safety Center and such programs as the Rural Domestic Preparedness Training Center and the National Incident Management System Support Center.

“I think it is important that we also stake out our territory in homeland security research and higher education. Hopefully my participation in this academic fellowship will help demonstrate our commitment to this important new field as well as help me enhance some specific new courses.”

Two of the courses Cordner will teach in EKU’s new Homeland Security program are “Critical Problem Analysis” and “Prevention and Problem Solving.”

“Both courses will address a wide range of hazards, from hurricanes to crime to terrorism,” Cordner said. “The academic fellowship will help me immensely with the parts of those courses that will focus on analyzing and preventing terrorism.”

Cordner, whose research interests also include community policing, police administration and homeland security, served as dean of EKU’s College of Justice & Safety from 1997 to 2003.

“Research and teaching about terrorism are fairly new,” Cordner said. “Actually, they seem newer to us than they really are, as other countries have had more experience with terrorism than we have. So part of the post-9/11 situation involves gaining a greater appreciation for a worldwide phenomenon and problem that most Americans largely ignored until recently.”

After beginning his career in law enforcement as an officer with the Ocean City (Md.) Police Department, Cordner obtained a Ph.D. in social science from Michigan State University. He taught at Washington State University and the University of Baltimore before returning to law enforcement as chief of police at St. Michaels Police Department in Maryland in 1984, where he stayed for three years before joining the EKU faculty.

FDD is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., that seeks to educate Americans about the terrorist threat to democracies worldwide. It was founded shortly after 9/11 by a group of philanthropists and policymakers to engage in the worldwide war of ideas and to support the defense of democratic societies under assault by terrorism. Its board of directors includes Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes Inc.; Jeane Kirkpatrick, former ambassador to the United Nations; and Jack Kemp, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Previously, Christensen served as vice president of operations and in-house counsel to Quotesmith.com (now insure.com) for its 1999 IPO and was responsible for agent market conduct compliance for the company, which represented more than 300 life, health and automobile insurance companies. He was formerly general counsel of the Society for Financial Services Professionals, preparing and presenting testimony on behalf of the insurance industry before state legislatures, federal agencies and the U.S. Senate.

He is the author/editor of three college textbooks on the law of life and health insurance published by The American College: McGill’s Life Insurance, Legal Aspects of Life Insurance and Essentials of Life Insurance Products. In addition, he has authored more than 100 articles on professional ethics, market conduct compliance, producer liability and the regulation of insurance.

Christensen has been a guest lecturer in insurance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and at the John Marshall Law School, and has spoken on insurance-related topics at insurance industry and bar association meetings nationwide.

“Some believe that business and academia are in two different worlds and that theory is irrelevant to practice,” Christensen said. “After 30 years in the business, I’ve learned that knowledge really is power. Those who have studied their business have the best chance of success.

“I hope to be able to show EKU students how the textbooks and lectures will give them the competitive edge over those who haven’t done their homework. I also hope to focus on a long-term interest of mine, business ethics, and show students that good ethics is good business.”

The Morgan appointment is for a maximum of two years, and Christensen will teach at least two classes each semester, including Risk Management and Personal Insurance this fall. He also will assist with the College of Business & Technology’s Ethics Awareness Week this fall.

“I have known Dr. Peter Kensicki (coordinator of EKU’s Insurance and Risk Management Program) for more than 20 years,” Christensen said. “His reputation as a teacher and an expert in the insurance industry is the best. I’m delighted to be associated with him.

“I have a great love for the university environment and the teaching process. Being selected for the Morgan Chair is a tremendous honor for me, and I hope to contribute positively to the EKU tradition of providing well-educated graduates to the insurance and risk management profession.”

Christensen earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Utah State University in 1972 and a juris doctorate from the University of Utah College of Law in 1975.

EKU offers Kentucky’s only undergraduate degree in insurance. The University’s Insurance and Risk Management Program was established in 1976 and has been underwritten in part by a series of grants from Kentucky’s insurance industry, which saw a need for more graduates prepared to enter the increasingly complex field. Robert B. Morgan, an EKU graduate and the retired CEO and president of Cincinnati Financial Corporation, endowed the position.

Dates and times are subject to change. Patrons are urged to watch or listen for further announcements or call ahead to be certain that events have not been rescheduled. The respective telephone numbers are: Music, 622-3266; Art, 622-1639; Theatre, 622-1315; and Dance, 622-1901.

All events are open to the public at no charge unless otherwise indicated.

Music
Aug. 31, Joyce Hall Wolf, faculty voice recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Sept. 20, Dennis Davis, faculty guitar recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Sept. 21, Jason Koontz, faculty percussion recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Sept. 28, Hayward Mickens, faculty organ recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Oct. 3, Patrick Newell, faculty vocal recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Oct. 4, Greg Abate, guest saxophone recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 5, Mick and Karin Sehmann, faculty horn recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 11, Kristen Kean, faculty flute recital, 8 p.m. Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 12, EKU Jazz Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 15, EKU Symphonic Band Concert, 3 p.m., Ravine (Gifford Theatre if rain).
Oct. 15, Nathan Jasinski, faculty cello recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 18, EKU Brass Ensemble Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Oct. 19, EKU Faculty Woodwind Quintet, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 7, EKU Percussion Ensemble Recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 8, EKU Faculty Brass Recital, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 9, EKU String Orchestra, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 19, EKU Guitar Ensemble Recital, 3 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 20, EKU Symphony Orchestra and Choral Concert, 8 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Nov. 28, EKU Jazz Ensemble Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Nov. 29, EKU Trumpet Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Nov. 30, EKU Saxophone Ensemble Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Dec. 2, EKU Symphonic Band Concert, 1 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Dec. 4, EKU Guitar Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Dec. 5, EKU Clarinet Choir, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Dec. 7, EKU Flute Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.
Dec. 8-9, Madrigal Dinners, Keen Johnson (tickets sold in advance, admission TBA).
Dec. 10, Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., Brock Auditorium.
Dec. 10, EKU Horn Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Gifford Theatre.

Theater
Wednesday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 30, “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in the-Moon Marigolds,” 8 p.m. nightly, Gifford Theatre, $5 for students, $6 for other adults, call 859-622-1323 (noon-4 p.m. weekdays) for ticket information.

Wednesday, Nov. 15-Saturday, Nov. 18, “A Little Night Music,” 8 p.m. nightly, Gifford Theatre, $6 for students, $8 for other adults, call 859-622-1323 (noon-4 p.m. weekdays) for ticket information.

Art
Aug. 31-Sept. 24, Richard Herzog, sculpture, and Michelle Rogers, photography, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building, opening reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 31, call 859-622-8135 for Gallery hours.

Sept. 29-Oct. 20, Bing Davis, mixed media, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building, opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 28, call 859-622-8135 for Gallery hours.

Oct. 25, Group show, “Little Hands, Big Minds,” one-day showing of work by students enrolled in the Burrier Child Development Center, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building, opening reception TBA, call 859-622-8135 for Gallery hours.

Nov. 2-20, Michael Hale, sculpture, and Douglas Navara, drawings, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building, opening reception 5-7 p.m., Nov. 2, call 859-622-8135 for Gallery hours.

Dec. 3-12, Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, Giles Gallery, Campbell Building, opening reception 2-4 p.m. Dec. 3, call 859-622-8135 for Gallery hours.

Dance
Nov. 8-11, EKU Dance Theatre Fall Concert, 8 p.m. nightly; 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11. Student Services Building Auditorium, $5 for students, $8 non-students. Tickets will be sold through the Alumni Association, 850-622-1260, beginning two weeks prior to the concert. Tickets also available at the door.

“Ms. Isaacs is a consummate professional,” said Dr. James Chapman, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “She brings to the position a wealth of experience, having overseen or assisted with EKU’s various academic and administrative computer needs. I am confident she will continue to do an excellent job as she provides leadership, vision and direction for ITDS.”

According to Chapman, Isaacs has implemented collaborative work groups that have helped increase responsiveness to customer needs, initiated the Academic Technology Advisory Committee, implemented a three-year equipment replacement plan for central IT, and reorganized staff reporting lines to improve effectiveness and efficiencies, among other accomplishments.

The Berea native is a two-time EKU graduate, having earned a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in Computer Science and Mathematics Teaching, and a master’s degree in Computer Science Teaching.

Scott has served the EKU-based National Partnership for Juvenile Services/National Juvenile Detention Association in various roles during the past 13 years, most recently as director of conferences and marketing and assistant director. She began her new role with the Lancaster Center on Aug. 18.

“Lancaster is a wonderful community and I am excited to be part of such a historical partnership that will impact our future in this community and in the state,” Scott said. “I plan to be a listening ear for community leaders and business owners to identify their workforce labor needs and learn how the Lancaster Higher Education Center can respond to meet those needs.”

Eight courses will be offered at the center this fall: History of U.S. to 1865, Writing I (ENG 101), Basic Public Speaking, General Psychology, Human Physiology, Criminal Justice courses Drugs, Crime, & Society and Organized Crime, and Instructional Leadership Cohort Group.

The enrollment goal is 50 students for the first semester.

Scott holds a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing and a master’s degree in corrections and juvenile services from EKU.

“I have spent 13 years working in juvenile justice to provide training opportunities for staff caring for the youth in their charge. I look forward to applying this experience and skill base to work hands-on with the students,” Scott said. “It may be a different process, but it is the same goal, really: education brings a promise of a brighter future for the community, state and nation.”

Only the 18th such PGA-accredited program nationwide, with none located in any state adjacent to Kentucky, Eastern’s PGA/PGM program will launch this fall. It is expected to enroll 200 students within seven years and ultimately 300, preparing graduates for a variety of administrative careers within the golf industry. The program is housed in the Department of Management, Marketing and Administrative Communication within EKU’s College of Business & Technology.

“Being the 18th PGA/PGM program in the United States accredited by the prestigious PGA is quite an accomplishment,” said Dr. Bob Rogow, dean of EKU’s College of Business & Technology. “The program will become one of Eastern’s signature business majors.”

Kim Kincer, a member of the Ladies Professional Golfers Association (LPGA) who guided Eastern through the PGA accreditation process, will direct the program. She is the first female PGA/PGM director in the nation.

Kincer, a Lexington native who was the first female head golf professional in Kentucky when she served as head golf pro and manager at the Tates Creek Golf Course 1990-98, brings impressive academic and athletic credentials to the post. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and is a Class A member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division.

From 2002 to 2005, Kincer served as associate PGA/PGM director at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C., after four years as assistant director and head women’s golf coach. As coach, she led Methodist College to two NCAA Division II/III national championships and three NCAA Division III titles. In 2001, she was named National Coach of the Year by the National Golf Coaches Association. In addition, she is a four-time Golfweek Coach of the Year.

The combination of a nationally accredited business program, a turfgrass management program that has produced many golf course superintendents and the Arlington golf course makes EKU “a natural fit for this program,” said Kincer. “This University has a lot to offer and the PGA accreditation team recognized that when they visited.”

After the visit, which included tours of EKU’s new Business & Technology Center, the golf facilities at Arlington and Gibson Bay, as well as interviews with faculty, staff, EKU President Joanne Glasser and other administrators, the team unanimously recommended accreditation.

The 4 1/2-year bachelor of business administration program will give students the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills through extensive classroom studies, cooperative education experiences and player development. Students will graduate with a major in marketing with a professional golf management option. Along with all University requirements, PGM students must also complete all PGA Education Curriculum requirements, including the PGA Playing Ability Test and 16 months of cooperative education experience. Students having satisfied all requirements upon graduation may apply for PGA membership.

Mark Hill, executive director of the PGA Kentucky Section and the Kentucky Golf Association, said the program will have “positive long-term effects on golf in Kentucky. The Kentucky PGA is very excited about it.”

One immediate impact, he added, will be the steady supply of interns for Kentucky golf courses.

“Many of our future PGA professionals will be EKU alumni,” Hill predicted.

Kincer said students will be recruited nationally.

“I think students will be pleasantly surprised when they visit EKU,” Kincer said. “Our campus is beautiful. The College just moved into a state-of-the-art facility, Arlington Golf Course is a wonderful place, and the support this program is receiving from the administration, faculty and staff is quite evident.”

The accreditation was achieved “through the efforts of a number of people,” Rogow said. “We especially want to thank President Glasser, the EKU Foundation Board, Kim Kincer, the golf staffs at Arlington and Gibson Bay, Kentucky PGA and several dedicated alumni for their support.”

CODHL serves the EKU community through service, dissemination of information and resources (a small resource library and a large documents library), light research, consultation, and pursuit of projects and external funding with other University entities interested in the connection between a field of study or service and hearing loss in general.

The center offers the same services to state, regional and national/federal agencies, educational entities, and non-profits.

Davis serves on a number of boards, groups and committees that continually strive to improve policy and practice related to hearing loss issues. She was chosen as one of eight national trainers for a new U.S. Department of Education initiative to see that postsecondary disability services staff are trained in the use of assistive listening devices needed by hard-of-hearing students.

Since joining EKU in 1991 as an ESL (English as a second language) instructor, Davis has served the University as an English instructor, director of Academic Advising and Testing, director of the Writing/Reading Center, assistant director of the Institute of Government, and grants and projects director and interim director of CODHL.

Davis earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from EKU, with additional certification in secondary education. She also holds a master of public administration degree in higher education administration from Eastern. In addition to credit and audit courses at EKU in grant writing, computer applications, American Sign Language and linguistics, deaf culture, and distance learning, she received graduate certification in post-employment training in deafness rehabilitation from San Diego State University.

“What most excites me about the permanent position is that the center, established in 1999, has never had a full-time director,” Davis said. “Through grants and projects, I’ve helped it achieve a lot of positive outcomes; but to build on that, a full-time director truly is needed so that strategic planning and goal setting are a continual focus. Related to the growth is that I recently hired a transition specialist and have upcoming searches for an office associate and a technology generalist slated.”

A new transition project for the center has just been launched to improve literacy among deaf and hard-of-hearing adults who are not college-educated.

“We are working closely with the Kentucky Office of Adult Education on that endeavor,” said Davis. “This project and the assistive listening device project will be two areas of concentration over the next six to twelve months.”

The authors, University of Kentucky professors Fitzgerald B. Bramwell and Elinor L. Brown, surveyed chemistry, biology and physics departments in all baccalaureate-granting colleges and universities in the Commonwealth to count the number of people who earned a Ph.D. in their field after obtaining a baccalaureate degree from a Kentucky institution during the past 25 years.

From 1978 through 2002, EKU and UK had the same number of women earn baccalaureate physics degrees and go on to earn doctorates in the same field.

EKU ranked fourth out of 17 private and public schools in the total number of graduates earning a baccalaureate degree in physics who went on to earn a doctorate, with 13 Ph.D. recipients.

“This reflects the commitment that members of the physics faculty have made to quality education, regardless of gender,” said Dr. Andy Schoolmaster, dean of EKU’s College of Arts and Sciences. “They have recognized the importance of women in science.”

Another indication of this commitment is the recent hiring of two female tenure-track faculty members in the physics department, a first in the department’s history, according to Schoolmaster.

“One of those new hires is a good example of the strength of our undergraduate programs in physics and astronomy,” said Dr. Mark Biermann, chairman of EKU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Jennie Campbell received a B. S. in engineering physics from EKU in 2002 and is receiving her Ph.D. from UK in mechanical engineering this year and will be joining us this fall. She is a good example of how we have been able to help talented students excel after leaving EKU. Jennie could have had many different jobs upon finishing her Ph.D., but chose to join us because she is excited about contributing to the mission of our department.

“They are not just the best women candidates that we could hire,” he added. “They are the best candidates that we could hire. We are excited that they are joining us.”

On average, 60 to 70 students study in programs in the University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. The percentage of individuals who earn a bachelor's degree in physics from EKU who are women typically runs at about 1 1/2 to two times the national average, Biermann noted.

“I think our success in working with women, and other traditionally underrepresented minorities, is rooted in the fact that we are committed to our students in general,” he said. “We see all of our students as learners with great potential. We do seek to be gender-blind and color-blind, and we genuinely seek the success of all of our students. Women and minority students are quick to pick up on our sincere dedication to their success. Our students respond to our commitment to them by working hard and having excellent success.”

The visits have resulted most recently in the publication of “Illustrated Atlas of the Himalaya” with Julsun Pacheco, a cartographer who currently serves as director of information technology and geographic information systems for the City of Richmond.

The book is the first full-color, comprehensive atlas of contemporary land and life in the Earth’s highest mountains, according to the University Press of Kentucky, which released the atlas this month.

Zurick has written extensively on the region, including an earlier book, “Himalaya: Life on the Edge of the World” (with P.P. Karan), which earned Choice Magazine’s Outstanding Academic Book Award in 2000. He is also the author of “Errant Journeys: Adventure Travel in a Modern Age,” which was named a finalist for the Banff International Mountain Book Award. In addition, Zurick has contributed to two other books: “Nepal: Environment and Development in a Himalayan Kingdom” and “Nepal: A Himalayan Kingdom in Transition.”

While all his trips have a research focus, Zurick said they actually combine work and pleasure for him – he finds the two inseparable.

“I find the Himalaya to be one of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes – not only for its spectacular beauty but also for the people who live in the mountains,” Zurick said. “It is an extremely physical place, filled with adventure and some of the most arresting cultures in the world.

“When I travel in the Himalaya, I move far outside the normal conventions of my world – in that way it inspires me and affirms my outlook on life. I learn a great deal whenever I am in the Himalaya.”

Drawing from the authors’ years of scholarship and personal experience in the region, the “Illustrated Atlas of the Himalaya” contains more than 300 photographs taken by Zurick and four-color maps created by Pacheco. The entire 2,700-kilometer length of the range is covered, from the Indus Valley in northern Pakistan and India, across Nepal and Bhutan, to the hidden realms of northeast India.

“I write about my travels because for various reasons I am compelled to do so,” Zurick explained. “At one level, it is still an academic exercise. But at other levels it speaks to a certain creative urge. The same is true with my photography. Both provide me with the chance to further develop my observational skills and to concentrate my focus on a particular place or event or circumstance.”

While Zurick still revels in the academic aspects of the research required for such projects as the atlas, he feels both his writing and photography are now moving toward the artistic, affecting the purpose and the methods of his travels.

“I am gradually shifting my focus away from empirical research toward a more humanistic and even documentary approach to Himalayan studies, and my books consequently have adopted a stronger narrative component,” he said. “I also am bringing my photography more directly into my books because the visual focus can say a great deal. My books are moving away from a strictly academic audience and toward a broader readership, and also away from science and toward art. Life in the Himalaya is changing so fast, and my current work seeks to both document and explain the changes – for both a specialist and the general public.”

Others have noticed the wider range of his work.

Nigel J.R. Allan, author of “Mountains at Risk: Current Issues in Environmental Studies,” said the atlas “will be greatly welcomed by scholars, administrators, and lay people for its robust cartographic and photographic portrayal of contemporary spatial phenomena and its lucid informed commentary. It fills a void that has existed for decades.”

Zurick received a $3,000 Banff Mountain Grant award in support of the atlas and also received awards directly for the project from the American Alpine Club and the American Geographical Society. In addition, he has received four research grants from the National Science Foundation, which funded his research in the Himalaya over the years – a critical factor for the atlas. He also received a Kentucky Arts Council Visual Arts Fellowship for his photography.

While the Himalaya continues to fascinate Zurick, he has also written about other regions, including his first book, “Hawaii, Naturally.”

He is currently working on a new landscape project, under the title “Sacred Geography,” for which he will spend much of this summer in eastern Tibet.

The Michigan native earned a doctorate in geography from the University of Hawaii and master’s and bachelor’s degrees, also in geography, from the University of Michigan.

A lifelong resident of Powell County, Pelfrey began her studies in occupational therapy at EKU after first obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College. After attending a health fair at age 30 and learning about the profession, she contacted EKU and graduated in the class of 1984.

Following graduation, Becky was hired by Rehabilitation Services Inc., and worked in the occupational therapy department at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington. As a new therapist, she agreed to supervise occupational therapy fieldwork students, beginning a long tradition of mentoring students.

After gaining experience, she opened a private practice in 1987 in Stanton, with the goal of providing occupational therapy services in eastern Kentucky. At that time, only two other occupational therapists were working in eastern Kentucky.

She combined home health contracts with public school contracts and was soon traveling daily from Powell County throughout eastern Kentucky, as far east as Pound Mountain in Letcher County – just a few steps away from the Virginia border.

“Becky Pelfrey was truly a pioneer in her commitment to delivering services to eastern Kentucky,” said Colleen Schneck, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at EKU. “She drove long hours and wore out several vehicles bringing occupational therapy services to children and adults throughout the region. In 1989, her unflagging commitment to expand occupational therapy services into eastern Kentucky and the excellence of her clinical skills were recognized by the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association when she was named the Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year.

“Her efforts to bring services to eastern Kentucky had also begun to multiply,” Schneck said. “After faithfully supervising occupational therapy students in clinical rotations for many years, more young therapists had begun to follow Becky into the mountains. By the early 1990s, occupational therapists were beginning to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and school systems throughout eastern Kentucky.”

In 1995, after eight years of non-stop traveling and very long days, Pelfrey began serving the public school systems in Powell and Estill Counties.

In addition to her contributions to clinical practice, she was among the few therapists who worked non-stop in the effort to obtain licensure for occupational therapists in Kentucky. Her knowledge of state politics and her network of political contacts were invaluable to her profession as it sought legitimacy through licensure.

“Known for her sense of humor and her ability to communicate with anyone at anytime, she taught our students both the art and the science of occupational therapy clinical practice,” Schneck said. “She was the first EKU occupational therapy graduate to return home to the mountains with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults across the region. Because of her commitment to clinical education and training, she inspired a generation of young therapists to meet the challenges of providing services in rural southeastern Kentucky.”

A scholarship fund for occupational therapy students at EKU has been established to honor her contributions to the profession.

NCURA serves its members and advances the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community.

A select number of research administrators are chosen for the Fundamentals program each year. Pogatshnik’s three-year term will begin in January.

Pogatshnik, who joined EKU in July 2005, earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from SUNY College at Cortland in 1980, and master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from the University of Connecticut.

The 2006-07 fellowships are designed to provide support to the students as they prepare to work professionally with children and adults with speech and language disorders.

Students receiving the fellowships are: Kim Smith, Amy Rigney, Stephanie Partin, Jill Arvin, Courtney Montgomery, April Cordell, Lora Richardson, Angela Boreing, JoAnn Lake, Julie Dumbris, Allison Pack and Cassie Hall.

Membership in the association is open to all EKU retirees and currently includes 46 lifetime members and 86 annual members. The Association informs members of benefits and benefit changes; maintains and promotes educational, economic and social ties with EKU; establishes and maintains a scholarship for EKU students; helps retirees relate to governmental units relative to retirement programs; informs the public on concerns of the EKU retired community; produces newsletters and a Web site to inform retirees of activities, issues and meeting dates; and creates events of interest for retirees.

In his new role, Kleine plans to work with the association’s board members to provide a consistent meeting schedule. The meetings will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of alternate months. Locations and activities will vary. For a complete schedule, visit www.retirees.eku.edu.

Goals for the upcoming year also include the development of active committees to set goals and design activities for the organization and its contributions to the EKU community and the creation of a comprehensive list of retirees and contact methods.

Kleine hopes to see a reciprocal relationship develop between the University colleges and departments and retired faculty.

“Both the University and the association have made significant strides in the right direction during the past year,” he said. “As an example, the University has appointed a liaison in the process of identifying retired faculty and staff and inviting them to a tea held as part of the Centennial celebration.”

Other accomplishments are the recent development of a Web site for the association, the presentation of the first EKU Retirees Association Scholarship for $500 and a May 2006 tour of Charleston, S.C., offered for association members and guests.

Kleine, who retired from EKU in May 2003, began his career at EKU in 1967 as assistant professor of journalism and went on to serve as chair of the Department of Mass Communications and dean of the College of Applied Arts and Technology. In 2003, he received the EKU National Alumni Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

An avid photographer, Kleine has covered two Democratic and Republican National conventions and developed a Dean’s Invitational Photojournalism Exhibit. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond and served as a project leader and council member for the Madison County 4-H, receiving a 35-year pin in 2005 for volunteer service and leadership.

While at EKU, he developed and maintained Web sites for the Department of Communication and the College of Business & Technology. He currently maintains the Retirees Association Web site, which he created while serving as the association’s vice president and president-elect. Kleine also developed the first Web sites for the Madison County Public Library, the Richmond Police Department and the Kiwanis Club of Richmond.

Kleine is joined on the Retirees Association Board by Dr. Willi Walker, retired chair of the Department of Geography and Professor Emeritus in Geography, vice president and president-elect; Jill Allgier, registrar emeritus, treasurer; Dr. Jay Riggs, professor emeritus in Psychology, secretary; and Dr. Dot Kirkpatrick, professor emeritus in Curriculum & Instruction, immediate past president.

Jessica Bryant
Academic Integrity Coordinator and Associate Professor, Department of English & Theatre

What does the University’s new Academic Integrity Policy seek to accomplish?
The policy seeks to accomplish a uniform system for reporting and appealing cases but, most importantly, the policy provides an educational component which will help teach students about academic integrity and ways to avoid academic dishonesty.

How will the new Academic Integrity Policy impact the campus?
I think the policy will have a positive impact on the campus. The policy will raise the level of awareness of academic integrity so that students can really see that academic integrity really does matter. Of course, with any new policy, the more you use it, the more, you find ways of improving it. So the policy is a work in progress.

Why is academic integrity important?
Academic integrity requires students to adhere to a standard in which they must be responsible for ethical behavior in academics. By exposing students to this standard, I believe students will be better prepared for standards and policies on the job and in other future organizations.

How will you fulfill your role as academic integrity coordinator?
My job as AI coordinator is to inform faculty about the new AI policy, to help educate students about academic integrity, and to assist faculty and students through the process of reporting and appealing cases.

What forms does academic dishonesty take on college campuses?
Academic dishonesty usually involves, but is not limited to, various forms of plagiarism, cheating and fabrication.

How does EKU compare to other colleges and universities in regard to cheating?
EKU is consistent with other colleges and universities in terms of academic dishonesty practices, although EKU ranks slightly higher in certain forms of cheating.

Need Help Getting Started?
Check out the Guide To Exercising, a step-by-step guide to walk you through putting a successful exercise plan into your routine. Click on the “Fitness” link on the left side of the home page to find this guide when you visit your wellness Web site.

Be Flexible
Good flexibility in your joints can help prevent injuries throughout your life! Flexibility can increase or preserve your range of motion, and stretching exercises help maintain circulation around the joints, keeping muscles healthy where they are most likely to get injured.

Stretching can also make you stronger. And it’s a great way to relax both your mind and body. Timing is the key. Stretching is most beneficial after your workout, when your muscles are warm and most receptive to flexibility exercises.

Click on the “Calculators & Tests” link when you visit www.HealthyYouAtEKU.com to take the Physical Activity Self-Assessment, calculate your target heart rate, check your flexibility and more! Take the tests again after 60 or 90 days to gauge your improvement.

Maintain a Healthy Body and a Healthy Back
Did you know ... back pain is second only to the common cold as the greatest cause of lost workdays?

Back injuries can be reduced or prevented by:

Staying in good physical condition

Maintain proper posture

Using proper lifting and carrying techniques

EKU Staff Member Shares Her Story

Congratulations go out to Barbara, an EKU staff member, who has made lifestyle changes to get healthier. She recently shared about her wellness journey with Healthy You! At EKU.

What was your top wellness goal?
My goal is to lose 30 pounds, of which I have lost 20. I do eat what I want but just in smaller portions. Joining Weight Watchers and Contours has really helped.

When did you begin working toward your goal?
March 2005.

How did you decide on this goal?
I was approaching 50 and wanted to get the weight off.

What motivated you to turning this goal into reality?
The pounds coming off so easily have been motivating, but I do “break over” sometimes and eat those things I know I shouldn’t, so I just get back on track and go from there.

How has the Healthy You! at EKU wellness program helped you to reach your goal?
The incentive system of Healthy You! at EKU encourages me to stick with it.

What else would you like to share about your wellness journey that would encourage someone else to get started or stick with their wellness goals?
When the pounds start coming off, you will have more energy, feel better from not eating all the sugars, junk food, etc. Also, do not expect to lose massive amounts of weight all at once.

You can share your story too when you visit www.HealthyYouAtEKU.com! Click on the “Share Your Wellness Story” link on the bulletin board of the home page and fill out the short questionnaire. Your struggles and successes may encourage other faculty and staff members to get and stay healthy!