Academics News @ FVSU

Scholarship named for former business department chair

clinem — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:35:33 -0500

A new scholarship is the namesake of a beloved Fort Valley State University associate professor emerita and former business department chair. The scholarship honors the legacy of the late Missouri Smith Hilson and was established by her daughter Janza Coar, a veteran educator who is now retired.

“I wanted to get this scholarship off the ground to honor my mother’s work,” Coar said. “The scholarship won’t just be based on academic success, but also based on character, volunteerism and work ethic. My mother was named after Missouri – the ‘Show Me’ State. You had to prove self worth before she would commit to you.”

Hilson, graduated from Fort Valley State College in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science in business education. While at FVSC, the instructor was a member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. Certified to teach in 1956, she began a career in education at T. J. Elder High School in Sandersville, Ga. In 1962, she obtained a master’s degree in business education and an education specialist degree at New York University.

“She ended up getting a master’s and specialist degree at New York University because the state of Georgia wouldn’t allow blacks to pursue a graduate level education at that time,” Coar said.

From 1962 to 1991, Hilson taught at FVSC in the Department of Business Administration and Economics; and in 2005 was honored with the status of associate professor emerita for contributing to the university during her tenure. Coar said her mother not only taught students business, but how to conduct themselves and succeed in life.

Hilson died in 2006, but her legacy will live on through annual donations to the fund. “I would like to meet with the student who wins this scholarship and ultimately keep in touch with them,” Coar said, smiling.

Students win 'Early' present

clinem — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:34:57 -0500

When you’re a student, making ends meet is easier with the help of scholarship money. Two Fort Valley State University sophomores, Christopher McGhee and Jelisa Hill are smiling on the way to the bank thanks to the Florine M. and Linda G. Early Scholarship. The award, in the amount of $500, is presented to food science and health majors from Peach, Bibb, Twiggs and Dooly counties who earn a grade point average above 2.5. At a brief ceremony, Linda Early, FVSU President Larry E. Rivers and Dr. Clinton Dixon, former chair of the university’s biology department and head of the Pre-Health Sciences Program, personally congratulated students for their accomplishments.

“Dr. (Michael) Early and I consider it a tremendous blessing to give the scholarship for the past 12 years,” said Early. “All of the recipients have been most deserving and very appreciative.”

The scholarship winners have a record of academic excellence and community service participation. Hill, a Macon native, is a 19-year-old biology major with a 3.5 GPA. She is currently a member of Eta Epsilon Epsilon and The Valley Girls; and plans to pursue a career as an obstetrician/gynecologist. McGhee, a Fort Valley native, is a 19-year-old animal science major with a 3.4 GPA. He is a Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Participation Scholar and member of the Agridemic Forum. Upon graduation, McGhee plans to become a dentist.

“Dr. and Mrs. Early have been consistent givers to FVSU,” said President Rivers. “The money that they are giving is being used to help students in health sciences. We always appreciate the generosity of the Earlys.” Dr. Early created the scholarship in honor of his mother, Florine, and wife, Linda, in 1997. The money is designated for books and supplies.

Freshman awarded book scholarship

clinem — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:31:15 -0500

The late Ruby Church, a retired elementary school teacher and former Fort Valley State College alumna, is remembered for her love of learning, art and education. As a member of The LINKS, Inc., Church helped others through community service projects. To honor her legacy, the organization developed the Ruby Church Book Scholarship fourteen years ago. This week, in the president’s conference room, LINKS Chapter President Dr. Virginia Dixon awarded this year’s $1,000 book scholarship to freshman Brittney Tharpe. Brittney’s parents, Petrolia and Fred Tharpe, her brother Courtney and FVSU President Larry E. Rivers were on hand to applaud her accomplishments.

To qualify for the book scholarship, students from Peach, Crawford, Macon or Taylor counties must earn a 3.0 average and attend FVSU. “Based upon Brittney’s excellent academic and community service awards, she was most highly qualified for the scholarship this year,” Scholarship Coordinator Michael Dinkins said.

Tharpe began at FVSU this summer. The psychology major with a 4.0 GPA was captain of the cheerleading squad and a member of the National Honor Society at Crawford County High School. She is youth choir president and group leader at Cerease Independent Church in Musella, Ga.

FVSU administrator publishes new book

clinem — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:32:35 -0500

A tour-de-force in book form by a Fort Valley State University administrator covers one of America’s darkest historical periods. Dr. Vann Newkirk, interim associate vice president of the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness and a history instructor on campus, has written a comprehensive book titled “Lynching in North Carolina: A History 1865-1941.” The book explores the culture of lynching – a form of mob violence – that prospered in the “Tar Heel State” following the Civil War until the mid 1920s. More than 168 North Carolinians were murdered during this period.

“The reason I wrote this whole book was because of my grandfather’s stories about violent acts against African Americans, which I never believed to be true,” Newkirk said. “I heard about the lynching of Dock Rodgers and found out that his stories were true.”

Newkirk says that the deaths of James Byrd in Jasper, TX in 1998, and Matthew Shepard, a homosexual college student, led him to believe that lynchings never ended.

“The definition of lynching is that it has to be at the hands of two or more people for racial or sexually motivated issues,” he said. “Some of these issues that happen today which are classified as hate crimes are borderline lynchings.”

Newkirk’s book explores the reasons given by perpetrators to justify mob violence for instance, the control over sectors of the black population, the protection of wives and daughters, and the preservation of family honor. In 1893, legal attempts were made in North Carolina to deter lynching by state and local officials, but the lack of enforcement made the laws ineffective. After 1922, the number of killings decreased due to economic pressures according to Newkirk. The state stopped the violence because of the need to borrow money from northern bankers, who often disapproved of the violent acts.

Newkirk earned a doctorate in history from Howard University, a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University, a master’s degree in history from Winthrop University in Rockhill, S.C., and a bachelor’s from Barber-Scotia College. He has taught courses on race, mob violence and West African history at several institutions.

The book, published by McFarland Press, is $45 and may be purchased at http://www.mcfarlandpub.com.

FVSU prepares for reaffirmation of SACS accreditation

clinem — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:49:41 -0500

For colleges and universities in the south, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation is the gold standard. It’s the benchmark that proves that a higher education institution has passed rigorous requirements to offer academic programs to students. Preparation for reaffirmation of SACS accreditation is well under way at Fort Valley State University. FVSU’s reaffirmation status will be decided in 2010 at a meeting in Louisville, KY. Drs. Julius Scipio, associate vice president for academic affairs, and Josephine Davis, professor of mathematics, are spearheading the university’s accreditation efforts. The process began in 2006 when FVSU President Larry E. Rivers created the SACS Institutional Steering Committee. The committee and its subcommittees are comprised of faculty, staff and administrators campus-wide.

The committees are addressing comprehensive standards, core and federal requirements that all institutions in the southern region must satisfy. FVSU will submit a Compliance Certification Report by Sept. 10, 2009, and has hired consultants to help campus subcommittees prepare the compliance report and review support documentation. A writing session for the report is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, during which a full draft of the report will be developed. Once edited, the document will be distributed for campus-wide feedback.

“The Compliance Certification Report takes the place of the self-study report under the SACS Criteria for Accreditation, and it is designed to make the institution’s best case for reaffirmation of accreditation,” Scipio said. “Unlike in the past, the reaffirmation review process takes place primarily off-campus, so it is imperative that we are as thorough as possible in addressing standards and requirements in the report.”

According to Scipio, ongoing assessments of academic and non-academic departments across campus are taking place. Results from the assessments are being used to improve the units, thereby demonstrating their effectiveness – and by extension, the effectiveness of the university as a whole. Prior to the off-site visit in the fall 2009 by SACS, a mock off-site visit will take place to identify possible areas in which additional documentation may be needed to support a finding of full compliance on all SACS requirements and standards.

A Web site has been set up that will contain faculty credentials, pertinent documents, additional information and the compliance report as they are completed and/or reviewed.

Library receives grant from Department of Education

clinem — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:09:23 -0400

If you think libraries are just places to conduct research or pick up the latest blockbuster novel – think again. Thanks to a $946,918 grant from the United States Department of Education’s HBCU Higher Education Institutional-Aid program, FVSU’s Hunt Memorial Library will soon be much more. The check was presented during a special ceremony in the library’s lobby on Monday, Oct. 27 by Dr. Melody Carter, vice president of external affairs and executive director for the FVSU Foundation, Inc., and Frank Mahitab, interim director of the library. The library staff plans to purchase library books, periodicals, microfilm formats and other educational materials, including telecommunications and program materials. The university will also renovate and improve the library’s infrastructure. The two-year project is an attempt to increase the library’s acquisitions, enhance student/faculty usage, and increase graduation and retention rates.

Carter, as she presented the check said this was a special project. “I love libraries,” she said. “The president provides funds for the library from the FVSU Foundation to help ensure that the essential needs are met. However, every dollar that is allocated to the library is one less dollar for student scholarships. Therefore, we are happy to have funds specifically for the library that will get more than our basic needs met.”

The vice president developed the concept, collecting the data from the library staff and wrote the proposal that resulted in the award. “I interviewed library staff, Mr. Mahitab, and others and asked them, what they would do if they had the money.”

“I’m very pleased, very happy that the recognition that’s due to Hunt library has finally come,” said Frank Mahitab, principal investigator for the grant. Mahitab says that the funding is part of an effort to revamp the library’s materials.

The university plans to meet several objectives in its enhancement of the library. The university will secure professional services of a consultant to assess the state of library’s collections, determine best practices in the field of library science, implement a library acquisition plan and secure an evaluator to initiate improvements.

Currently, the Hunt Memorial Library gets more than 1,300 visits in any given week and has a patron usage count of more than 71,241 visitors during the 2007-2008 academic year. For more information, contact the library at (478) 825-6342.

White House Financial Literacy Leader Awards FVSU

clinem — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:59:42 -0400

Credit cards are enticing to college students short of cash. Swiping plastic to pay for impulse buys is easy at first, but dealing with the aftermath of mounting debt isn’t so simple. To help Fort Valley State University students understand money management, the university held two financial literacy workshops sponsored by the Society of Financial Education and Professional Development (SFEPD). The workshops were conducted by CEO and SFEPD founder Theodore Daniels – a 1968 FVSU alum — who was recently appointed to a new U.S. Advisory Council on Financial Literacy by President Bush.
At a workshop during homecoming week, Daniels taught students financial management and presented the university an award for its efforts to teach financial literacy. “The goal is to change young people’s mindset regarding spending, credit, savings and investments,” said Daniels. “These sessions offer financial knowledge, life skills and will help them to generate income with their college degree upon graduation.”
Every year, Daniels donates $1,000 or more to the business department through the FVSU Foundation. “We found that when students graduated, they didn’t have skills to take advantage of their college degree’s income potential. When students are taught financial literacy as freshmen, they better manage their money. So, it’s an important life skill to have,” he said.
Dr. Khaled Sartawi, chair of FVSU’s business department credits Romelda Simmons, director of the Career Development Center, for introducing the program on campus. “FVSU was one of the first universities to go into this program,” said Sartawi. For more information, visit www.sfepd.org.

FVSU VP Receives National Role Model Award

clinem — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:09:49 -0400

A Fort Valley State University administrator received high honors during one of the most prestigious national conferences for high-achieving minority innovators, mentors and students. Minority Access, Inc. recently named Dr. Isaac Crumbly, FVSU’s associate vice president for collaborative programs, a National Role Model during its 2008 conference in Arlington, Va. The founder and director of the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program received accolades for helping minority and female students begin careers in the energy industry.
Dr. Sarwan Dhir, an associate professor and director of FVSU’s center for biotechnology, submitted the nomination. “Dr. Isaac Crumbly has earned a distinguished status at the national level as founder of the exemplary CDEP program,” said Dhir. “Throughout my tenure here, I have always looked up to him as a role model. It is a time to recognize him as a ‘National Role Model.’ Dr. Crumbly is an exceptional educator who puts great thought and time toward recruiting excellent students for CDEP and other STEM programs. He is a great leader; he excels in delegating tasks, encourages others, and gives those working with him a sense of confidence and pride.”
Minority Access, Inc. — a nonprofit educational organization started in Washington, D.C. in 1995 — helps organizations, governments and corporations diversify personnel through the recruitment and retention of minorities. The nonprofit’s National Role Models Conference assembles high-achieving innovators, recruiters, researchers, faculty, students, mentors, alumni and institutions that have excelled in producing exceptional minority researchers.
“I feel honored to have been chosen to receive the award among the many faculty administrators across the country who could have been selected,” said Crumbly. “Minority Access Inc. honors many people around the country who have been able to implement diversity programs. CDEP is a diversity program – specifically for the energy industry — and the program has been successful. I am thankful to Dr. Dhir for making the recommendation.”
Crumbly developed CDEP in 1983. Since then, more than 850 students have participated in internships and gained more than 320,000 hours of hands-on experience. Crumbly has raised more than $4.2 million to finance the education of CDEP students.

BOR approves new programs for FVSU

clinem — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:31:28 -0400

If you’re a nontraditional student – a night shift worker, single parent, or student who’d rather take classes surrounded in creature comforts at home, Fort Valley State University now has six new programs designed with you in mind. The Georgia Board of Regents approved several new programs that will be offered online or at the Warner Robins Center, closer to commuters: a new online master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management (RCCM) and five additional bachelor’s programs in computer information systems, computer science, electronic engineering technology, social work and business administration. The board also approved the following education and agriculture programs: a bachelor’s degree in special ed/early childhood education, post-baccalaureate programs in agriculture education 6-12 and middle grades education, a master’s school counselor education p-12 program; and master’s degree programs in plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology and applied biotechnology.
“It’s been years since FVSU submitted proposals for so many new programs, particularly new technical, scientific and graduate degree programs, and received BOR approval,” said Dr. Daniel K. Wims, FVSU’s executive vice president and vice president of academic affairs. “We anticipate a marked increase in the number of graduate students who are interested in the biotechnology and education programs. The online programs will also increase enrollment and extend the reach of FVSU into Warner Robins and the surrounding communities.”
According to Wims, FVSU worked closely with the BOR staff, justifying a need for the programs and showing that resources were in place to ensure success. The new online master’s degree program in RCCM will begin in January 2009. The degree will consist of 48 semester hours online and an internship with a practicum. Students will arrange their internships individually. Campus supervisors will maintain contact with the students’ on-the-job internship supervisor.
“This program is the same RCCM program we’re offering now, but it will be online,” said Dr. Anna Holloway, dean of graduate studies and extended education. “Online programs are very popular with adults who want to get their master’s degree and still working.”
Holloway believes that the new program will help double enrollment for the program, which currently has 26 students. “I’ve had a lot of students inquire about this program already, and I can say that they’re looking at a good online course from a University System of Georgia accredited school,” she said.
To apply for the program, students will need to fill out an application packet available at http://www.fvsu.edu/prospective-students/request-application, score 800 on the GRE or 400 on the MAT. Provisional admission is also possible.
Dr. James Glover will chair the new computer information systems and computer science programs; Dr. Domingo Uy, the electronic engineering technology; Dr. Terri Earl-Kulkosky, social work and Dr. Khaled Sartawi, business administration.
According to Holloway, new faculty will also be hired. The dean says there is a matriculation agreement in place between Middle Georgia Technical College and FVSU. The agreement allows FVSU to accept courses earned by students from the two-year technical college who want to earn a bachelor’s degree at the university. Presently, the Warner Robins Center houses five graduate programs in public health, middle grades education, school counseling, mental health and rehabilitation counseling and case management (RCCM).
For more information about new programs, contact Holloway at (478) 825-6338.

FVSU Holds Groundbreaking for New Science Building

clinem — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:34:43 -0400

A fence surrounds the site where construction workers maneuver tractors, moving red clay to make way for a $20 million science building at Fort Valley State University. The work began a month ago, but Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of a project two decades in the making. An artist’s rendering surrounded by a cascade of blue and gold balloons helped the crowd of science students, faculty, administrators, staff and Middle Georgia lawmakers envision how the facility will look next year. “I am so happy about this building; I can’t express how happy I am,” said Dr. Melinda Davis, head of FVSU’s Biology department. “The Miller Science Building has been a home away from home, but we’ve worn it out. Our mantra is to hold on one more year.”
Host of the ceremony, FVSU Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Daniel K. Wims, introduced President Larry E. Rivers. “Our university needs this new building because our campus is growing by leaps and bounds. We have an historic enrollment this year – the largest in our history. Last year, our university grew by 17 percent; this year, we have a 20 percent increase.” Rivers’ enrollment goal is 5,000 students. Mayor John Stumbo pledged ongoing support of the university’s future projects. State Sen. George Hooks promised to push for state budget allocations on behalf of FVSU.
“At the appropriations committee, I will make sure that FVSU is at the table,” said State Rep. Lynmore James. “What we’re doing here is for the future of the state and the world, so I have no shame for doing what’s best for FVSU.” James vowed to assist the university in its effort to develop a school of veterinary medicine.
The state-of-the-art 59,000-square-foot SMART classroom facility will be packed with amenities. Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jehad Yasin described some of the features: genetics, physics, chemistry and biology labs, an auditorium-style classroom, computer labs and 12 project labs. Speaking on behalf of University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis Jr., Sharon Brittain, associate vice chancellor for design and construction, thanked the governor and the state assembly for supporting the project.
Biology and chemistry majors shared personal stories about the Miller Science Building. “I will miss the smell of formaldehyde from dogfish and burning mineral oil,” quipped Tomia Hines, President of the American Chemical Society. Other students on the program included SGA President Byron Dole, Science Club President Amber Davis, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society’s Sherri Hammond and Presidential Scholar Geoffrey Turner. After closing remarks by Dr. Melinda Davis, biology department head and Dr. James Mack, chemistry department head, the audience walked a few feet to the construction site where the Rev. Daniel Dawsey blessed the ground. Special guests used shiny shovels to turn the soil. A reception at the Pettigrew Center followed.

FVSU, Gordon College to sign MOU

clinem — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:53:53 -0400

Wannabe Wildcats who have trouble meeting Fort Valley State University admission requirements now have another option: GC@FVSU, the Gordon College at Fort Valley State University program. An agreement between the two institutions will be signed by FVSU president Larry E. Rivers and GC President Dr. Lawrence Weill at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in the Alumni Hall of Fame room located on the second floor of Hunt Memorial Library. Once the Memo of Understanding is signed, administrators from both schools will meet to discuss how to market the new offering. A campus tour follows.

“We’re very pleased to establish this relationship with Gordon College and we hope this will be the first of many areas in which we’ll cooperate,” said Dr. Daniel K. Wims, FVSU’s executive vice president and vice president of academic affairs.

All students admitted into the program must take 30 hours of learning support and the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) as GC students. Additionally, students in the GC@FVSU program will take 30 hours of college classes and may participate in most social and cultural activities on the FVSU campus, including the FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band.

“We are excited about this partnership,” said Ed Wheeler, GC interim vice president of academic affairs. “This will greatly enhance the academic opportunities that the University System of Georgia provides the citizens of Middle Georgia.”

Wims, Dr. Anna Holloway, dean of FVSU’s graduate school and extended learning and the Dean’s Council helped develop the agreement. “Right now, there are many students we’d like to have at FVSU that didn’t have all the necessary requirements, so this MOU will help a lot more people attend college. On an annual basis, it could help as many as 1,500 students start their college education on our campus,” said Holloway.

A GC satellite office will be located on the third floor of FVSU’s Hunt Memorial Library and part-time faculty will be hired. Students will pay GC’s tuition, and FVSU’s student activity, health and technology fees. Classes begin in 2009. GC is a two-year institution located in Barnesville, Ga.

FVSU Makes A Case for Advanced Degrees

clinem — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:51:43 -0400

Encouraging Fort Valley State University juniors and seniors to consider attending graduate school early is the goal of an annual program organized by the Career Development Center. It’s called the Graduate/Professional School Day Recruitment Program. “One of the objectives of the Center is to encourage students to seek advanced degrees,” said Romelda Simmons, director of the center. “Our motto is ‘more education, more money.’ 82 juniors and seniors attended the session in the C.W. Pettigrew Center to learn how to increase their earning power. The event featured the Monsanto Company and 19 graduate and professional schools.
FVSU will host a huge Career and Graduate Expo on March 11, 2009. Representatives from graduate/professional schools and corporations are invited to participate. For more information contact the Career Development Center at (478) 825-6350.

FVSU launches “Doing the Write Thing” campaign

miltonc — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:19:03 -0400

Whether it’s a project proposal, a response letter, or article for a peer-reviewed journal, effective writing is the ticket to upward mobility in the workplace. Boosting the communications skills of FVSU students through the written word is the goal of a new program, “Doing the ‘Write’ Thing: Writing to Evidence Critical Thinking.” Its mission: to improve students’ critical thinking skills and encourage excellent writing in all disciplines.

At the 2008 Faculty/Staff Institute, attendees unanimously approved the topic for the quality enhancement plan (QEP). The QEP is a five year plan developed in accordance with requirements established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the primary regional body that accredits higher education institutions in more than ten southern states and Latin America. FVSU’s accreditation reaffirmation through SACS occurs in 2010.

“FVSU is preparing to meet the expectation of the SACS reaffirmation process,” said Dr. Josephine Davis, chair of the QEP committee. “To develop the plan, the QEP committee conducted numerous activities.” Consultants visited campus to facilitate the process. During the summer, a QEP pilot study to inform the committee was conducted and later, a DVD was developed to capture the lessons learned.

Before the writing topic was approved at the staff retreat, the committee held campus-wide discussions that generated interest in several areas: retention, use of technology in student learning, service learning, reading across disciplines, student leadership and development.

This semester, to learn more about incorporating critical thinking skills in writing, the FVSU faculty will read the book “Engaging Ideas.” At the freshman and sophomore levels, students will master not only the mechanics and the art of writing; but also the role of critical thinking. Seniors will master the expectations of writing according to the intellectual standards of their respective disciplines.

“The goal of the QEP committee is to engage the FVSU community in improving student learning and the academic environment for developing proficient and professional writers,” Davis said. The new plan to improve students’ writing is more than a “writing across the curriculum” approach, she added.

Interim Director of Counseling named

clinem — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:53:39 -0400

Dr. Myldred Hill is a symbol of confidence, ability and style. Whenever a crisis arises, the campus administrator is somewhere nearby, bringing calm. This week, FVSU named Hill the new interim director of counseling. “The Counseling Center endeavors to help students live the healthiest, most productive and successful lives possible,” Hill said. “We hope to give all we have to make them the best people they can possibly be.”

The Macon native graduated from South Carolina State University with a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership, administration and supervision. She earned a master’s from South Carolina State College and a bachelor’s degree in English from Edward Waters College.

Hill served as dean of admissions and enrollment at FVSU in 1994, director of the counseling center in 1998, and upon retirement in 2003, continued to work part-time at the university. For working to strengthen the relationship between FVSU and the faith-based community, Hill is recognized as a “servant leader.” She served as a consultant for Albany State University’s HIV and AIDS Rapid Testing Initiative in conjunction with FVSU’s Health Services Center; and in March 2007, the once-retired administrator rejoined the Wildcat staff to become director of enrollment management.

In the role of counseling center director, she plans to provide outreach services in residence halls and the student center. The center will continue to provide individual counseling as well as collaborative counseling through partnerships with Fort Valley’s Phoenix Center and the university’s Behavioral Studies program. Peer counselors are also available to students.

“I am pleased that Dr. Hill has accepted the position of interim director of the Counseling Center,” said Dr. Terrance Smith, FVSU’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “Her expertise and experience will assist students with multiple challenges who need counseling and support during a crisis. The counseling center assists with our retention efforts.”

The center is located at the side entrance of the Florence J. Hunt Infirmary. For more information about its services, please call (478) 825-6174.

DeVeaux leads FVSU’s enrollment management department

clinem — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:53:01 -0400

Dr. Dawn DeVeaux is an advocate for Wildcats. On any given day, you’ll find her leading students toward solutions to problems that deal with issues such as financial aid, admissions and academics. Effective today, DeVeaux began a new assignment with a new title. The trouble-shooting, go-to administrator is now interim executive director of enrollment management.

“Dr. DeVeaux’s tenacity and devotion will serve as an asset in the effort to reach our enrollment goals,” said Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “She will be tasked with the responsibility of implementing a synergistic organizational approach to influence the numbers and characteristics of students from the time they begin matriculating at FVSU to graduation.”

The new interim director is a skilled communications and public relations practitioner. She earned a doctorate in community college education from George Mason University, a master’s degree in mass communications from Austin-Peay State University and a bachelor’s in public relations from Howard University. At FVSU, DeVeaux taught public speaking and theater; then helped students produce compelling onstage presentations. She served as a faculty representative for the John W. Davison Lecture Series.

“It’s going to be such an amazing opportunity to continue to work on behalf of students who thirst for knowledge and who want to grow intellectually,” DeVeaux said. “I’m extremely grateful to Dr. Smith for placing his confidence and trust in my professional abilities to take the department to the next level. My sincere and heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Myldred Hill – for her mentoring, support and incredible guidance. I take the torch from her and will work hard, and continue to be a part of the amazing team of student affairs.” This week, Hill left the post that DeVeaux now fills to become FVSU’s interim director of counseling services.

“I’m so happy to be passing the mantle to Dr. DeVeaux,” said Hill.