bluefield state college - blue and gold - volume xiii number 2

Blue and GoldVolume XIII August

No. 2 2008AuguAugu20082008

BSC’s 2008 IGVCWorld Champions

With the conclusion of another academic year, the

Bluefield State College Board of Governors salutes the

College, its graduating Class of 2008, its alumni, and its

employees for their collective success in “making educa-

tion possible.”

Your Board of Governors is composed of 12 tal-

ented individuals, actively engaged in the governance of

the institution. Our meetings include an emphasis upon

performance, vision, and direction. Our membership is

diverse and we devote serious consideration to varied

points of view. Meetings often feature spirited discus-

sions as we encourage input from the College and community.

Recently, we said farewell to three Board members, Ms. Anne Crowe and Mr.

Jeffrey Forlines, whose appointed terms ended on June 30, and Ms. Ashley Froy,

whose elected term as the College’s student representative also ended on the same

date. Each has served the Board with distinction, and we gratefully acknowledge

their investment of time and talent as Board members.

The fiscal year ending this June was marked by achievement. The College

received a much appreciated increase in state appropriations. A vitally important

institutional strategic plan, charting Bluefield State College’s direction, is being

developed. Finally, several talented individuals continue to achieve regional,

national, and international acclaim for their success in research and grantsmanship.

We are grateful for your support and look forward to serving you in the years

to come.

The conclusion of an academic year is a particu-

larly exciting time in higher education. During the past

few weeks, the pace of things picked up noticeably

around the Bluefield State College campus. The tapestry

of these activities helped to remind us of what a great

institution we share.

Students wrapped up their studies, delivered some

outstanding presentations, attended and received recog-

nition at awards programs, and prepared for semester

exams. Alumni returned to their alma mater, members

of the class of 2008 celebrated their graduation, and

embarked upon an exciting new chapter in their lives.

As Dr. Brian Noland delivered the College’s commencement address, I took a

moment to look into the audience. I saw proud parents, spouses, relatives, and

friends. I saw our dedicated faculty and staff, and I saw Bluefield State College’s

tradition of excellence as it was embodied in the members of the Class of 1958

who had returned to celebrate the golden anniversary of their commencement pro-

gram.

Just as importantly, I saw promise and confidence. It was in the eyes of each

new graduate. Bluefield State College had filled an invaluable role in their lives,

preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that they would encounter. By

“making education possible” for these students, our College continued to fulfill its

very noble purpose.

A Message from the President

2 AUGUST 2008 BLUE AND GOLD

Dr. Albert L. Walker

President

2007-2008

Board of GovernorsJames J. Palmer, III, Esq.

ChairNorris Kantor, Esq.

Vice ChairMs. Anne CroweMr. Jeffrey ForlinesDr. Lyn GuyLarry Morhous, Esq.John H. Shott, Esq.Mr. Sylvester MyersGloria Stephens, Esq.Ms. Angela Lambert

Faculty RepresentativeMr. Daniel L. Frost

Classified Staff RepresentativeMs. Ashley Froy

Student Representative

Administrative StaffDr. Albert Walker

PresidentDr. Don Smith

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Ms. Shelia JohnsonVice President for Financial and Administrative Affairs

Mr. John CardwellVice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Thomas E. BlevinsDean of the Virtual College and Information Technology and theSchool of Teacher Education; Professor, English/Education

Dr. Tracey AndersonDirector of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Ms. Karen HarveyDirector of Institutional Advancement & Planning

Mr. Jim NelsonAssistant to the President/ Director, Institutional/Media Relations

Ms. Sapphire CuregDirector of Multicultural Affairs

Ms. Leah TaylorDirector of Human Resources

Blue and GoldA publication for alumni and friends

of Bluefield State College. Thisproject is underwritten by the

Federal Title III/BRACE Program.

Board of Governors’ Newsby James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair

James J. Palmer, III

Chair

BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 3

Nearly 350 Degrees Awarded During

BSC’s 2008 Commencement

Nearly 350 degrees were con-

ferred during Bluefield State

College’s 110th commencement exer-

cises at the Brushfork Armory, May

10. Approximately 3400 people

attended the program.

Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor/

West Virginia Higher Education

Policy Commission provided the

keynote address. He challenged and

encouraged the Class of 2008. “Tell

others how you were able to achieve

your dream,” he said. “Find ways to

give back and improve the lives of

others. In the process, you will enrich

your life, as well.”

The audience of family members

and friends of graduates and commu-

nity residents also received greetings

from Bluefield State College

President Dr. Albert Walker, BSC

Board of Governors’ chair The

Reverend James Palmer, BSC Alumni

Association President Dr. Joseph F.

Lewis, BSC Student Government

President Chris Majors, Faculty

Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich,

and Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.

Natasha Lee McMann (Bachelor’s

degree in Social Science) of

Marlinton, West Virginia was the

Class of 2008 valedictorian and

Tammy Marie Blankenship

(Bachelor’s degree in Business

Administration) of Princeton, West

Virginia was the salutatorian.

Sandra L. Payne, Assistant

Professor of Nursing, was named the

“Bluefield State College Foundation

Outstanding Faculty Award” recipient

for 2008, and BSC senior Gene

Whitlow was selected to receive the

“Brian Delp Service Leadership

Award.”

Ten members of the BSC Class of

1958 returned to their alma mater to

participate in the program on the

golden anniversary of their gradua-

tion. BSC Alumni Association

President Dr. Joseph Lewis also

administered the alumni oath to all

members of the graduating class of

2008.

Cover --This Bluefield State Collegestudent team won the world champi-onship in “Intelligent Ground VehicleCompetition (IGVC) AutonomousChallenge" at the recent IGVC eventat Oakland University, Michigan.Pictured (left-to-right) are Dr. BobRiggins (BSC Professor of ElectricalEngineering Technology) and teammembers Justin Milam (with mask),Justin Stiltner, Bryan Lemon, JamesCardwell, Robert Riggins (a VirginiaTech student and son of Dr. BobRiggins), and Brad Fields.Additional team members not pic-tured included Louis McAllister andToni Villanueva. The BSC team'sautonomous ground vehicle,"Anassa IV" is pictured in the fore-ground. (See article on page 4.)

Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor

WV Higher Education

Policy Commission

Sandra L. Payne

BSC Foundation Outstanding

Faculty Award

Gene Whitlow

Brian Delp Service

Leadership Award

BSC Class of 1958, seated: Ernest E. Smith, Sr., James H. Foote,

Deloris G. Carter, Marva A. Moore and Lois H. Johnson; standing:

Azell B. Gittens, George N. Bowman, Amrizene C. Harris, Clark G.

Burnette and Harold G. Banks.

4 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

“Anassa IV,” an autonomous

ground vehicle developed, designed,

programmed, and created by Bluefield

State College students, won the world

championship in “Intelligent Ground

Vehicle Competition (IGVC)

Autonomous Challenge” at the recent

IGVC event at Oakland University,

MI. The four-day competition attract-

ed 36 entries from institutions of

higher education in the U.S. and

abroad.

“Approximately 30 Bluefield

State College students were involved

in the development of Anassa IV,”

observed Dr. Robert Riggins, BSC

Professor of Electrical Engineering

Technology. BSC students Justin

Milam, Brad Fields, Bryan Lemon,

Louis McAllister, Toni Villanueva,

and James Cardwell, and 2007 BSC

graduate Justin Stiltner participated in

the 16th annual IGVC event, May 30-

June 2. BSC student John Browning

was also actively involved by tele-

phone during the event.

“Our students were under a

tremendous amount of pressure during

the competition,” Riggins continued.

“They averaged only about three

hours of sleep a night because they

focused so hard on what they were

trying to accomplish.” The team

made adjustments on the vehicle, its

programming, and its cameras, hoping

the changes would translate into opti-

mum performance. “I assigned two

team members to find an algorithm

that would permit the vehicle to make

a 180 degree turn that was required on

the course and we continued to tweak

everything up until a few minutes

before our final run, just prior to the 5

p.m. deadline on the final day of the

event. We weren’t certain if our

changes and adjustments would be

successful because there was no time

to test them,” Riggins stated.

“Our robot was a crowd favorite

because it was the fastest in the com-

petition and had the ability to process

a large amount of information through

distributive computing,” he said.

“However, some of the officials at the

competition said the course was too

difficult to complete.” As ANASSA

progressed through the traps and over

the bridges, the crowd in attendance

took note. “When our vehicle began

to pass the points where other teams

had stopped, our students really got

excited,” the BSC faculty member

recounted. “When ANASSA went far-

ther than any other team before us,

our student started to jump on my

back and shout. Finally, when

ANASSA weaved through a gauntlet

of barrels and shot across the finish

line, the crowd cheered just as if we

were at a football game.”

The BSC students were then

approached by representatives from

several top defense contractors and

members of the US Army Tank-

Automotive Research, Development

and Engineering Center (TARMAC),

which was a primary sponsor of the

competition. “Our team’s success has

opened a door of opportunity for our

students and for our college,” Riggins

observed. “One of our students is

considering a job offer from TAR-

MAC. The fact that Bluefield State

College was the smallest school in the

competition and was one of only a

very few college or universities there

without an engineering graduate

school makes our victory even more

meaningful.”

BSC Student Team Wins 2008

International Robotics World Championship

“The fact that BluefieldState College was the smallest school in the

competition and was one ofonly a very few college oruniversities there withoutan engineering graduateschool makes our victoryeven more meaningful.”

--Dr. Robert Riggins

The

Bluefield

State

College

community

was deeply

saddened

when

William

Lawrence Jackson, who retired at

Bluefield State College nearly 20

years ago after 34 years of service to

the College, died earlier this year.

Jackson was awarded “Staff

Emeritus” status in 1997 and the

Bluefield State College Student

Government Association presents an

award named in his honor during each

spring’s SGA banquet.

Jackson, who retired in 1989 as

Director of the College’s Physical

Plant, was much beloved by students,

employees, and community. “He was

a wonderful supporter of Bluefield

State College academics and athlet-

ics,” noted Terry Brown, BSC’s

Athletic Director, “and he was a very

important and positive presence for

several generations of our students.”

BSC Remembers William L. Jackson’s

Life of Service to the College


Students who are actively

engaged in their college experience

are much more likely to succeed and

graduate. That belief, substantiated

by numerous studies, is the founda-

tion upon which Bluefield State

College has launched a peer mentor-

ing program that will positively

engage our new students in college

programs and activities.

During the 2007-08 academic

year, the West Virginia Higher

Education Policy Commission

announced a grant competition

designed to enhance student retention

and graduation rates. BSC was one

of only two West Virginia institutions

of higher education to receive a grant

through this program.

Our grant permits the College to

assist students experiencing academic

difficulty by placing them in a course

to help them develop strategies to

overcome identified challenges.

Additionally, a peer mentoring pro-

gram has been created. Through the

program, mentors will serve as moti-

vators for incoming freshmen by

focusing on the social and academic

responsibilities of new students.

The program will help new stu-

dents feel more at home, understand

the processes and procedures, and

know where to seek help. Each new

student will receive a student mentor,

who will be a resource for them.

Each mentor will contact an incom-

ing freshman by phone, meet their

mentee on campus, accompany them

during orientation, and serve as a

resource person through the fall

semester.

We encourage students to

become involved in college organiza-

tions and activities. Through this

program, we are promoting an

atmosphere affirming the belief that

we are all connected, strengthens our

new students’ sense of belonging,

and provides someone to whom then

can turn when assistance is needed.

The BSC mentoring program is

under the direction of Carolyn Kirby,

Student Service Specialist.

Enrollment Growth Continues with Freshman Class

John Cardwell

Vice President for

Student Affairs

BSC Board of Governors’ Memorial to June Oblinger ShottWe were distressed to learn of the death of June Oblinger Shott on Monday,

April 7, 2008. June Shott was an outstanding resident and citizen of Bluefield, West

Virginia, who truly believed in the old maxim of “it is better to give than to

receive.” Throughout her adult life, she willingly and graciously participated in a

multitude of local and regional charitable events which are far too numerous to list.

Following the death of her husband, Ned Shott, she continued the benevolent giv-

ing to educational and charitable organizations throughout southern West Virginia

and southwest Virginia that they had done prior to Ned Shott’s death. Some of the

recipients of her generosity were the City of Bluefield, Bluefield State College,

Bluefield College, Concord University, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, to

name but a few.

Not only was June Shott a major contributor to worthy causes, she also willing-

ly devoted hours of her time to serve on a multiplicity of boards, such as the Board

of Directors of Bluefield Regional Medical Center, the Board of Directors of Bluefield State College Foundation, and

Mercer Health Right, to name just a few. Not only was she generous with both her time and her money, but she was a

friendly, caring, outgoing individual who derived great pleasure from serving others and working for community bet-

terment. June Shott was a fully committed individual who truly believed in service above self.

In June Shott, Bluefield State College had a friend who could be counted upon to give good, sound advice and

who wanted to see the College continue to grow and benefit not only for its students and faculty, but for the entire

area in which it serves.

Our sister served her fellow human beings with honesty, keen wit, good humor, and a warm, friendly personality.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Bluefield State College Board of Governors does hereby record its deep

gratitude for the life of June Oblinger Shott and for the privilege we have had to share in the joy of her help, counsel

and support.


BSC Receives Research Related Grant AwardsBluefield State College’s research

grant success gained momentum with

news of several new grant-related

awards during the spring semester.

Dr. Tesfaye Belay, Assistant Professor

of Biology, wrote each of the grants.

A $15,000 pilot grant award from

the West Virginia Idea Network for

Biomedical Research Excellence

(WV-INBRE) pays stipends to under-

graduate research assistants and

underwrites the purchase of laboratory

supplies that help to sustain and

expand biomedical research at

Bluefield State College. Another WV-

INBRE $15,000 award paid for two

core instruments that are fundamental

for DNA testing and data analysis.

A $10,000 “Research Seed Grant”

from the NASA West Virginia Space

Grant Consortium, funds laboratory

supplies for BSC’s continuing NASA-

related research initiatives.

Additionally, the grant covers

expenses for BSC student Tanise

Montgomery’s participation in the

annual Biomedical Research

Conference for Minority Students in

Orlando, Florida.

The College was also selected to

receive one of eight mini-grants from

the West Virginia Higher Education

Policy Commission for research pro-

posal preparation.

During the past two years, Dr.

Belay has secured more than

$150,000 in grant funding for equip-

ment essential for infrastructure aug-

mentation and pilot project research.

“This grant support is essential for

enhancing the teaching and research

activities within the Bluefield State

College School of Arts & Sciences,”

he observed.

BSC Hosts Second Annual Mine Rescue Competition, May 3Although the disaster wasn’t real,

the response was. Eleven outstanding

mine rescue teams from throughout

the region gathered at Bluefield State

College to compete in the 2nd annual

Mine Rescue Competition in

early May. The event was

created and coordinated by

the National Mine Rescue

Association Welch Post 1-

Smokeeaters and was hosted

by the Center for Applied

Research & Technology

(CART) at Bluefield State

College.

Mine rescue contests are

designed to sharpen skills

and test the knowledge of

miners who may one day be

called upon to respond to a

real mine emergency, accord-

ing to the event’s director, Mike

Plumley. The meet included a written

test, and also required teams to

address a simulated problem resulting

in trapped miners who must be locat-

ed and rescued.

Each team learned the scenario,

then addressed the challenge by work-

ing through a course designed to sim-

ulate conditions they could face in an

actual mine rescue situation. Mining

experts evaluated the teams as they

worked through their rescue problems

in the simulated mine environment.

The field portion of the meet took

place at the June Oblinger Shott

Sportsplex, adjacent to Dickason Hall

on the BSC campus.

“Competition of this kind calls

attention to the need for the highest

standards in mine safety,” Plumley

said. “Participants can hone their

mine rescue skills, improve communi-

cation with other team members, and

develop working relationships with

other teams.”

Vendors whose businesses are

related to the mining industry were on

site, as well. “CART is

pleased to have the oppor-

tunity to support this

event,” noted Bruce Mutter,

CART Director. “Our

involvement in assisting

the Mine Rescue

Competition is particularly

appropriate because of our

commitment to Bluefield

State’s Mining Engineering

Technology program, par-

ticipation in robotics-relat-

ed initiatives and our col-

laboration with Fenner

Dunlop Conveyor Belting

in the Bluestone Regional Business

and Technology Center.”

The event’s sponsors included the

Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation,

Heintzmann Corporation, BrickStreet,

CONSOL, UMWA Local 1713, Lee

Supply Company, A.T. Massey,

Strada Products, and CART, Inc.

Mine rescue teams respond to a mock emergency

during an 11-team Mine Rescue Competition

at Bluefield State College.


Bluefield State College students

and accounting faculty volunteered

578 hours and provided income tax

preparation assistance for a record

650 of area residents during the

2008 tax season. The Volunteer

Income Tax Assistance (VITA) pro-

gram at BSC’s Bluefield campus

offered tax help at the College and

at selected sites throughout Mercer

County.

The BSC VITA volunteers pro-

vided assistance throughout

February, March, and April (through

the April 15 filing deadline).

“Volunteers alerted taxpayers to spe-

cial credits and deductions, helping

them in the preparation of forms,

answering questions, and providing

additional information,” noted

William Goodman, BSC Associate

Professor of Accounting. Goodman

said this year has been exceptionally

busy because of the added incentive

for people to file a tax return so they

will be eligible for the economic

stimulus funds.

BSC VITA Program

Completes 650+

Tax Returns for

Area Residents

BSC Engineering Technology Graduates

Conduct Architectural Forensic StudyFollowing his graduation from

Bluefield State College in 1988 with

bachelor’s degrees civil and architec-

tural engineering technology, life as a

Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer has

been anything but dull for Frank

Jenkins.

Jenkins, Senior Project Manager/

Associate for VIKA, Inc., recently

coordinated a forensic engineering

study of a New York City town house

following a construction accident that

claimed seven lives earlier this year.

“We completed a forensic survey of

the floor slabs and various other struc-

tural elements of the building,”

Jenkins explained.

In 2001 after the 9/11 attacks,

Jenkins and VIKA played a primary

role in the Pentagon reconstruction

project. The collaborative effort of

several firms resulted in shortening

the completion of the endeavor by 18

months. “We’ve performed this type

of surveying several times,” he added.

“I am able to utilize the surveying,

engineering, and architectural skills

that I first developed during my time

at Bluefield State College--particular-

ly the civil and architectural engineer-

ing technology classes--when

involved in these projects.”

VIKA, Inc., a Washington

Metropolitan-based firm, offers full

civil engineering, planning, landscape

architecture, surveying, and GPS serv-

ices. Other BSC graduates employed

by VIKA include Ryan Scott (1999,

bachelor’s degree/architectural engi-

neering technology) and Alester

Sturdivant (2005, bachelor’s

degree/civil engineering technology.

“The education I received at BSC

has been invaluable in my career,”

Jenkins noted.

A Bluefield State College student

team finished among the upper 10%

of all competing teams during the

recent Spring “Capstone Challenge,”

a global online business simulation

competition undertaken this fall by

more than 600 graduate and under-

graduate student teams worldwide.

BSC students Sara Bulford-Harper,

Kara Howell, and Sylvia Vass

achieved a ranking higher than a

majority of teams from larger univer-

sities and graduate school programs.

In Dr. Steve Bourne’s “Business

Strategy” course, BSC students take

part in the simulation “Capstone,” the

most widely used business training

simulation in the world. “The experi-

ence is a ‘hands on’ exercise, where

students make business decisions in

situations that are very similar to

those they will make in a ‘real world’

setting,” explained Dr. Bourne, BSC

Professor of Business. “They develop

a business strategy and make adjust-

ments throughout the simulated chal-

lenge. They work together, consult

with each other, and apply much of

the knowledge they’ve acquired in

other Business courses.”

Although Dr. Bourne’s “Business

Strategy” students aren’t required to

take part in the “Capstone Challenge”

tournament, they can earn extra credit

for quality performance in the event.

“This tournament enables our student

teams to measure themselves against

other students from around the

world,” he continued.

“The success of Ms. Bulford-

Harper, Ms. Howell, and Ms. Vass is

much more than a reflection of the

information or strategies they’ve

learned in one class, because the sim-

ulation requires them to utilize les-

sons learned from all business disci-

plines,” Dr. Bourne summarized.

“Their performance is actually a

reflection upon the entire Bluefield

State College School of Business.”

BSC Student Team Earns “Top 10%”

Ranking at International Business

Simulation Competition


Spotlight on the Bluefield State College

School of Nursing and Allied Healthby Dr. Betty Rader, Dean

Community service is a corner-

stone of the Bluefield State College

School of Nursing and Allied Health.

Each year, the School’s students and

faculty participate in service projects.

These initiatives enhance students’

understanding of their academic disci-

pline by providing opportunities to

apply in a practical setting the knowl-

edge they’ve developed in classrooms,

laboratories and clinical experiences.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

NURSING (BSN) PROGRAM

Our senior capstone course,

Senior Practicum, requires student to

develop and implement innovative

community service projects. This

year, two students collaborated with a

physical therapist to create an exercise

programs for residents of West

Virginia Manor, a Bluefield, West

Virginia apartment complex for elder-

ly and disabled residents. This exer-

cise plan was so well received that it

will now be incorporated into the

BSN curriculum for Community

Nursing Practicum this fall.

Other students’ projects included

teaching emergency care classes for

West Virginia Manor residents, devel-

oping (in English and Spanish) a sex-

ually-transmitted diseases fact book

and information center, creating a dis-

aster preparedness plan for a rural

community in Monroe County, and

publication of a neurovascular assess-

ment form and a hypoglycemia treat-

ment card.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN

NURSING (ADN) PROGRAM

ADN students and faculty collect-

ed and delivered to the Free Clinic of

Mercer County more than $10 thou-

sand worth of medications. These

medications are used by economically

disadvantaged residents through the

Free Clinic program.

Students and faculty also collect-

ed socks for distribution at regional

nursing homes, presented educational

programs at the Wade Center in

Bluefield, conducted community

health fairs in Mercer and Raleigh

Counties, and held free blood pressure

and blood sugar screenings at a local

fitness center.

When national television person-

ality Dr. Phil McGraw visited

Bluefield last December, BSC ADN

students assisted the “Toys for Tots”

program and U.S. Marine Corps in

distributing holiday gifts to underpriv-

ileged children.

The 2007-08 year was marked by

significant achievement within the

School. For the third time in the past

four years, the Bluefield State College

Foundation’s “Outstanding Faculty”

award was presented to a faculty

member from the School of Nursing

and Allied Health. Another faculty

member was selected to serve as an

NCLEX test writer, and area hospitals

have increased their scholarship sup-

port for, and recruitment of, the

School’s graduates.

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY AND

RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES PROGRAMS

For several years, the Radiologic

Technology program has incorporated

a volunteerism component. The Class

of 2008 completed 440 hours of com-

munity service, assisting with the

local chapter of the American Red

Cross, participating in the clean up of

the New River, and helping at local

hospitals and nursing homes. They

also radiographed candy at a local

hospital during the Halloween season

to confirm that the candy was safe to

eat. Students must work at least 20

hours in a volunteer capacity in a pro-

gram or initiative that is either health

care-related or college-related.

The program is designed to instill

a lifelong volunteer ethic for students,

while concurrently helping these

organizations expand their capacity to

serve and assist others.

Radiologic Technology program

director Melissa Haye has been

appointed to a term as the educator

representative on the West Virginia

Medical Imaging and Radiation

Therapy Board of Examiners, and

Angela Lambert (assistant profes-

sor/Radiologic Technology) is the fac-

ulty representative on the Bluefield

State College Board of Governors.

ACCREDITATION

The School’s programs--Associate

Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of

Science in Nursing, and Radiologic

Technology--have achieved national

accreditation by satisfying the high

standards of quality required by those

accrediting bodies.

The BSN program is currently

preparing to seek re-accreditation by

(continued on page 9)

Dr. Betty Rader

Dean, School of Nursing

and Allied Health


Opportunity for

Third Party

CommentsThe Bluefield State College Bachelor ofScience in Nursing (BSN) Program willundergo an accreditation evaluation bythe Commission on Collegiate NursingEducation (CCNE) in November, 2008.

Any affected parties, including students,alumni, faculty, and the practice commu-nity have the opportunity to provide writ-ten input into the deliberations of theevaluation team. Interested parties areinvited to submit written and signedthird-party comments to:

Ms. LiAnn ShepardAccreditation AssistantCommission on CollegiateNursing EducationOne Dupont Circle, NWSuite 530Washington, DC 20036-1120.

All comments must arrive at the CCNEoffice by October 11, 2008.

the Commission on Collegiate

Nursing Education and will welcome

a site visit by a CCNE accreditation

team of evaluators later this year.

The Radiologic Technology pro-

gram, accredited by the Joint Review

Committee on Education in

Radiologic Technology will host a

(JR-CERT) re-accreditation site visit

during the Spring 2009 Semester.

ADDITIONALLY. . . .

The School is actively participat-

ing in a nationwide study designed to

increase the number of highly quali-

fied nurses entering the profession

and meeting the nation's need to over-

come health disparities and improve

minority patient health. The study,

which involves 53 Historically Black

Colleges and Universities, places spe-

cific emphasis on increasing the num-

ber of highly qualified African

American nurses.

The study considers topics includ-

ing curriculum and course develop-

ment prototype, strategies for teaching

at-risk students, conferences to share

best practices, consultation with

HBCU nursing programs, and a

review of national policies and rules

related to the National Council

Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for

Registered Nurses. A primary goal

involves the development of baccalau-

reate and associate degree nursing

programs that produce sufficient num-

bers of registered nurses, and more

specifically African American nurses.

Spotlight on BSC School of Nursing

and Allied Health(continued from page 8)

“We want to have a ‘true home-

coming,’ inviting as many alumni as

possible to return to their alma

mater,” noted Jonathan Murray,

Bluefield State College’s 2008-09

Student Government Association

President. “The theme for this year’s

homecoming is ‘BSC Will Light Your

Way.’ The weeklong celebration will

begin with a parade on October 11.”

“Although the full agenda for our

homecoming has not been finalized,

we want to honor the graduates who

attended here throughout the years,”

he continued. “SGA hopes this year’s

homecoming will bring back to the

campus a sense of the rich history of

Bluefield State.” Plans call for an

activity that will honor all former

homecoming queens.

“We are also planning a social

mixer on Friday, October 11 in the

Harris-Jefferson Student Center,”

Murray added. “We want current stu-

dents to get to know each other and

meet as many alumni as possible.”

Many BSC student organizations

have a rich history, the BSC SGA

President observed. “For example,

the Model United Nations was intro-

duced to our campus in 1982, more

than 25 years ago,” he said.

When plans for this year’s home-

coming celebration are announced,

they will be published on the

College’s website.

BSC'S 2008 Homecoming to Begin on October 11This year's program to place special emphasis upon involving alumni

Jonathan Murray

President

Student Government Association


First, I’d like to thank our donors

for making this a very successful year.

We raised over $380,000 in individual

gifts and held a Gala Auction in

March that brought in over

$15,000 on a cold, snowy night.

The annual Scholarship

Recognition Dinner in April

gave us an opportunity to bring

donors and their scholarship

recipients together, and keynote

speaker Case Mitchell (Class of

1995) told an inspiring story of

coming to Bluefield State

College after faltering at another

college. The care and instruction

he received from Engineering

Technology faculty including

Roy Pruett, Jr. enabled him to

fulfill his dream of working for

General Electric. Today he is a Lead

Engineer at GE Fanuc in

Charlottesville, Virginia, and a happi-

ly married father of two.

Holding our two main events

seven weeks apart caused a lot of

logistics work in addition to day-to-

day responsibilities (special thanks toLala Wooten for her dedication andjuggling skills). Therefore, we have

decided to move the Scholarship

Recognition Dinner to the Fall

Semester. Please mark your calendars

for October 23, and watch for an invi-

tation in September.

When the Gala Auction commit-

tee met after the event for a “lessons

learned” discussion, we

agreed that moving that

event to April will help

avoid the inclement

weather that we experi-

enced in March. So, plan

for another fun evening

where the College and

the community mingle to

raise funds for the

Unrestricted Annual

Fund. And check your

closets and garages for

great stuff you’re ready

to pass along to someone

else; these gifts are tax

deductible.

A very special thanks to our

Neighborhood Investment

Program Scholarship donors. We

distributed all the FY2008 state

tax credits allocated by the West

Virginia Development Office

($45,825) and, after fees, raised

$88,900 in scholarships for stu-

dents from disadvantaged back-

grounds. We are in the proposal

process for FY2009 and hope to

have even more tax credits for

gifts of $500 and more. For

more information on this pro-

gram or others in the Office of

Institutional Advancement &

Planning, please call me at 304-327-

4031. And, again, THANK YOU!

From the Office of Institutional Advancementby Karen Harvey, Director of Institutional Advancement

Karen Harvey

Director of Institutional Advancement

Case Mitchell (left, with his wife

Allison), a 1995 BSC graduate was

the keynote speaker at the annual

Scholarship Recognition Dinner.

Attendees prepare to submit bids for items

during the silent auction phase of

the Gala Auction.

Carolyn Jamkhandi (left) receives the keys to

a vintage Mazda Miata from Karen Harvey (right)

and Big Blue, during the BSC Gala Auction.

Brian A. DelpBrian A. Delp

MemorialMemorial

5K Run/Walk5K Run/Walk

September 27, 2008

9:00 a.m.

NNEWEW LLOCATIONOCATION

Glenwood Recreation Park

Route 20

Princeton, West Virginia

After more than 30 years of dis-

tinguished service to Bluefield State

College, Patricia “Pat” Gilley retired

on June 18, 2008. Gilley, a BSC

graduate (Class of 1995), was an

Admissions Counselor. Kenny

Mandeville, the College’s Director of

Admissions, observed, “I had the

pleasure of working with Pat in the

Admissions office for over 28 years.

Pat organized and developed many of

the office procedures that are still

being used today.”

“She was always trying to

improve the way things were done,”

he continued. “Pat made the

Admissions Office one of the most

efficient offices in the Enrollment

Management area. While working full

time, she pursued and obtained a

bachelor’s degree from BSC. Her

knowledge and experience can’t be

replaced. She will be missed by co-

workers and friends.”

John Cardwell, BSC’s Vice

President for Student Affairs and

Enrollment Management, added, “Pat

had the ability to make our students

and prospective students feel at ease

when she talked to them. She had a

very calming, reassuring influence

upon these students and their families.

She had a thorough knowledge of the

College and helped many, many stu-

dents embark on their college experi-

ence.”


Shortly after spring

semester final exams, five

Bluefield State College

Honors Program students

traveled to Savannah,

Georgia for their annual

trip. These students were

accompanied by Honors

Program advisor, Dr.

Tracey Anderson. The

trip permitted students to

encounter cultural and

educational experiences

beyond the borders of

West Virginia.

The trip started with

an Old Savannah Trolley

tour of the historic district

where visitors are treated

to an historical overview of one of the

largest Urban National Historic

Landmarks in the United States.

Students enjoyed riding through histo-

ry, experiencing James Oglethorpe’s

plan for creating the city of

Savannah’s layout, including Spanish

moss-draped oak trees, stately histori-

cal mansions, and historic district

squares. During this tour, students

were also able to explore the

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist,

where original murals and stained

glass had recently been refurbished.

Next, students set sail on the

Savannah River Queen for a cruise up

the Savannah River. The boat’s cap-

tain provided an overview of the har-

bor and port’s history. Later in the

evening, students took a guided walk-

ing tour through “America’s Most

Haunted City” where they

listened to chilling stories

and walked through neigh-

borhoods of Savannah’s

“haunted” past and present.

The final day of the

trip was spent at Tybee

Island. As students

climbed to the top of the

lighthouse there, they

enjoyed a breathtaking

view of the island and the

Atlantic Ocean. Students

also explored the small

Tybee Island Marine

Science Center whose mis-

sion is to “promote the

appreciation, conservation,

and understanding of the

marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia

through education and service.” In

addition, students were able to spend

time at the beach sightseeing for dol-

phins.

Submitted by

Dr. Tracey Anderson

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

BSC Honors Program Students Travel to Savannah, Georgia

Pictured with Savannah's Talmadge Memorial cable-stayed

bridge and the Savannah River Queen as the backdrop are

Honors Program students (left-to-right): Stacy Nicholson,

Sheila Bailey, Weston Monk, Kristen Williams, and Kayla Fazio.

Pat Gilley Retires After 30 Years’ Service to BSC

Patricia Gilley


A veteran educator who is very

active in civic and professional

organizations has been named the

“James H. Shott Endowed Chair in

Business” at Bluefield State College.

Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter, a former

Dean of the School of Business at

BSC, succeeds Dr. Steve Bourne as

the School’s Endowed Chair.

Announcement of her appointment

was made during the School of

Business Awards Program in May.

“Dr. Halsey-Hunter has been a

member of the Bluefield State College

family for 24 years and she is a recip-

ient of the Bluefield State College

Foundation’s Outstanding Faculty

Award,” commented Dr. Albert

Walker, BSC President. “She serves

on numerous community and profes-

sional organizations, including the

Bluefield Rotary Club, Bluefield Sales

Executives Club, West Virginia

Business Education Association, and

Women in Search of Empowerment.

She is very deserving of this appoint-

ment.”

Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter Named

“James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business”

Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter

Professor of Business

Bluefield State College stu-

dents Zach Jones and Logan

Shortridge have entered the learn-

ing experience of a lifetime. The

BSC School of Business students

are participants in Disney’s

College Program, a work-integrat-

ed learning opportunity at Walt

Disney World Resort in Orlando,

Florida.

Dr. Steve Bourne, BSC

Professor of Business, began a

dialogue with the Walt Disney

World’s Director of College Programs

earlier this year. “A series of discus-

sions followed, and I held a few infor-

mation sessions for our students when

I returned to campus,” Dr. Bourne

explained. “Zach and Logan were

selected to participate in the program.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for them

to live, earn income as they work, and

interact with a very diverse group of

students. They are studying at Disney

University and attending the Disney

Executives-in-Residence lecture

series. At BSC, we are also creating a

‘Disney Exploration Series’ coursethat permits students to earn academiccredit for participating in the lectureseries.”

“I’m attending the Marketing/

Communication lecture series,”

Shortridge said. “I’m learning from

several CEOs and other Disney mana-

gerial employees as they discuss their

roles, educational background and job

insights.”

Jones, whose career goals include

working at Disney World, is also

excited. “I’m meeting as many peo-

ple as possible,” he added. “The con-

sensus among students who’ve com-

pleted the program is that every-

one loved it. It is an excellent

resume booster.”

The Disney College Program

also offers courses on-site so that

students can remain on pace for

earning their degree. Program

participants also enjoy the expe-

rience of working for Disney

and living in an on-campus

apartment complex that houses

other Disney College program stu-

dents from around the world.

Dr. Bourne also observed that

BSC is in the process of adding a

“Business Internship” course that stu-

dents can use to earn credits. Both

Jones and Shortridge are also taking

distance learning classes from BSC

while at the Disney College Program.

“Without our faculty, our Disney

College opportunity would not be

possible,” Shortridge stated. “We will

meet people from different back-

grounds and cultures. It’s a great

experience.”

Two BSC Students Embark Upon Eight-Month

Academic/Work Program at Walt Disney World

Zachary JonesLogan Shortridge

BSC’s Faculty and Staff AccomplishmentsLouis S. Belt, BSC Mens and

Womens Tennis Coach, married

Tonya L. Quesenberry on November

10, 2007.

Dr. Tom Blevins (1971), Dean of

the Virtual College and Technology

and the School of Education, attended

the Blackboard International

Technology Conference in Las Vegas,

Nevada, July 14-18, representing the

West Virginia Higher Education

Policy Commission. He also repre-

sents HEPC in the Southern Regional

Education Board SCORE (Scaleable

Content Object Respository) project

which leverages learning objects

developed for use with course man-

agement systems in web delivered

courses. Additionally, Blevins has

been selected to chair an NCATE

(National Council for Accreditation of

Teacher Education) accreditation visit

to LaGrange (GA) College this fall.

Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Director of

Multicultural Affairs, and Anita

Davis, Administrative Assistant,

attended the Association of

International Educators’ 2008 annual

conference, “Shaping the Future of

International Education,” in

Washington, DC. The conference

attracted 9500 educators from more

than 100 countries.

Marviene Johnson, Administra-

tive Secretary Sr. for the School of

Education, graduated from Bluefield

State College in May 2008 with a

bachelor of science degree in business

administration and was elected to

Who’s Who Among Students in

American Universities & Colleges

for recognition of outstanding merit

and accomplishments as a student.

Michael Lilly, Professor of

Criminal Justice Administration, has

been appointed the BSC’s representa-

tive to the West Virginia Consortium

for Faculty and Course Development

in International Studies (FACDIS).

Bruce Mutter (1986), Associate

Professor/Architectural Engineering

Technology, has accepted appointment

as President, CEO, and Board Chair

of CART Inc. at Bluefield State

College and as the Associate Dean of

Applied Research for BSC.

Lisa Neel (2005), Purchasing

Assistant III, and her husband, Mark,

have purchased PanCor, Inc.

(AAMCO) Transmission in Princeton,

West Virginia.

Dr. Elaine Scott, Dean for the

School of Business, facilitated an

“Investing for Women” workshop in

Ashland, West Virginia, focusing upon

information for future financial secu-

rity. Topics included budgeting, wise

use of credit, investment pyramid,

stocks, bonds, mutual funds and

retirement planning.

Dr. Bob Vicars, Professor of

Business, has written an article,

“Utilizing Empirical Research toFacilitate a College LeadershipTeam’s Decision Making” for the

Leadership and Organizational

Management Journal.

Sandy Wynn, Interim Director of

Associate Degree Nursing, has been

named the Director of Associate

Degree Nursing program at Bluefield

State College and has been appointed

Vice President of the West Virginia

Organization for Associate Degree

Nursing.

BSC “Employee Appreciation Program” Recognizes College

Faculty and Staff for Performance and Service

The Bluefield State College

Foundation’s “Outstanding Classified

Employee” awards for 2008 were pre-

sented to Kenny Mandeville (Director

of Admissions) and Linda Ruble

(Bookstore Assistant) during the

annual “BSC Employees Appreciation

Day” program at the College, May 7.

Both honorees received a plaque and

BSC Foundation monetary award of

$500 at the ceremony. BSC President

Dr. Albert Walker made the presenta-

tions.

During the ceremony, “Faculty

Emeritus” status was awarded to Dr.

Lewis Foster, Ms. Rita Hill, and

(posthumously) Dr. Patricia Mulvey.

BSC retirees Hilda Cochran and

Shelva Ray were awarded “Classified

Emeritus” status. Additionally,

employees were recognized upon the

completion of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,

35, and 40 years of service to BSC,

and special appreciation was extended

to more than 20 individuals for their

service to the College and community.

Kenny Mandeville

Director of Admissions

Linda Ruble

Bookstore Assistant


You are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris during a “Discover

Europe” tour coordinated by John White, Associate Dean/Arts & Sciences, at

Bluefield State College. Travel plans call for departure from Washington, D.C.,

on January 2, 2009, aboard Air France's direct service to Paris. Upon arrival,

you will receive a brief orientation, after which you will take part in a panoramic

tour of the city, including visits to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and

more.

Full excursions including a trip back in time, to the 17th century and the

glory days of King Louis XIV, and Versailles--the ultimate royal residence, and

the Queen’s hamlet, where Marie Antoinette and her court play-acted at rural

life. During two free days in Paris, you will have the opportunity to explore

points of particular interest, before returning to the U.S. on January 10.

Cost of this itinerary, based upon 20 occupants is $2780 per person, double

or triple occupancy. (Single supplement: $650) This includes roundtrip air on

Air France from Washington Dulles (all customs fees and airport taxes are

included); seven nights' accommodation in a superior class hotel (all hotel taxes

and service charges included); a fully-qualified courier throughout, continental

breakfast daily and two dinners, entrance fees to all sites included in the itiner-

ary, and complete travel insurance. Deadline is September 15, 2008 for a $500

deposit, with final payment due by November 1, 2008.Additional information can be obtained by contacting Professor White.

John White

Telephone: (304) 327-4157

E-mail: [email protected](College credit available for qualified participants)

Discover Europe - January 2-10, 2009Deadline: September 15, 2008

Attention GraduatesNow is the time to join the Bluefield State College Alumni Association. Annual dues are $30 and LifeMembership is $300. Please complete the information below, detach, make checks payable to BSCAA and

mail to:

Mildred Washington, Chairperson

450 W. Columbus St.

Pickerington, OH 43147

Name Class of

Address

Telephone

E-mail

�



1930sMrs. Alvicia Hooper Thorpe

(1933) was hon-

ored on April 12 at

a luncheon spon-

sored by Alpha Phi

Omega Chapter of

Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority,

Inc. in Danville, Virginia. Mrs. Thorpe

has been an active member of the sorori-

ty for 70 years. Because of her contribu-

tions and dedication to the students of

the former John M. Langston High

School, the alumni and Alpha Phi Omega

established a scholarship in her honor on

April 19, 2008.

1960sDr. Deborah Byard Campbell

(1968) has recently returned from a visit

to Monrovia, Liberia (where she met

with the Liberian President), and Porto

Novo, Benin. She is associated with

F3B-Scholar-Athlete Program, a non-

profit organization that conducts summer

basketball clinics for American and

African-American teenaged girls to

encourage cultural understanding. Dr.

Campbell, is owner of D. Byard

International LLC, an online travel book-

ing service.

Betty Ann Crews Graves (1960)

participated in the Virginia Beach Senior

Games in May. She won two gold, one

silver and one bronze medal and quali-

fied for nationals. She will bowl in the

USBC Women Championship Games in

Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Robert L. Harrison, Jr. (1968)

was promoted from Chairperson of the

Education Department to Dean of the

College of Professional Studies at West

Virginia State University in Institute,

West Virginia during the 2007-2008 aca-

demic year.

1970sDewey Carr (1974) is the mortgage

loan officer for MCNB Banks in

Princeton, West Virginia.

Lillian V. Grigsby Perry (1970)

was recently honored at the organiza-

tion’s fifth annual Celebration of

Teaching in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She is a teacher at Clairton City High

School.

1980sSylvester C. Myers (1986) was the

keynote speaker at the annual

Morgantown/Kingwood branch NAACP

Freedom Fund Banquet.

Randolph B. Phillips (1989) is the

Superintendent of Tazewell Correctional

Unit #31.

1990sRalph Michael Cochran (1991)

received his master of science in educa-

tion degree from Saint Joseph’s College

of Maine in December 2007. He is cur-

rently Assistant Professor of Radiologic

Technology at Southwest Virginia

Community College and serves as the

executive secretary for the Virginia

Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Dennis Jarvis, II (1995) is the

director of the Mine Safety Technology

Consortium (MSTC) in Montgomery,

West Virginia. MSTC is a principal

component of a parent project underway

at Marshall University’s Center for

Environmental, Geotechnical and

Applied Sciences.

Candace Miles Lawson (1991) has

had her first book, Redeemed, released

nationwide in January 2008 in both

paperback and audio book.

Amee Elizabeth Barrett Sparks

(1999) received a masters degree in read-

ing from Radford University on May 3,

2008. She is employed by the Tazewell

County School Board.

Patrick Standard (1994) is a

Casualty Adjuster II for Crawford &

Company in Beckley, West Virginia.

2000sSabrina Bailes, RN (2005) was

named the 2007 “Nurse of the Year” by

Carilion Roanoke

Memorial Hospital

in Roanoke,

Virginia. She has

received this award

for the past two

years. She is a

trauma nurse in the

Emergency Department.

Sara L. Bulford (2008) married

Larry D. Harper, Jr. on August 11, 2007.

David Matthew Farr (2002) mar-

ried Leslie Dianne Mays on May 17,

2008. He is employed with Legacy

Resources.

Mychal Guyton (2007) has been

selected to participate in the 2008-2009

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for

Young Professionals, a year-long, feder-

ally-funded pro-

gram for study and

work in Germany.

Through this

exchange program,

Mr. Guyton will be

part of a group of

75 Americans who will participate in two

months of intensive German language

training, four months of study at a

German university or professional

school, and a five month internship with

a German company (internships vary

according to professional field and previ-

ous work experience).

Kerry J. Johnson (2004) is the net-

work engineer for Virginia Polytechnic

Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Robin Boothe Johnson (2004) is

the Director of In-Service, Education,

Infection Control, and Employee Health

for the Springfield Center in Lindside,

West Virginia.

Tyler Pruett (2008) is the head

coach for the softball team at Bluefield

State College.

(continued on page 16)

Alumni Updates

RequestedIf you have received awards, pro-motions, accomplishments, recog-nition, have married or recentlywelcomed an addition to yourfamily, please let us know. Mailyour news to:

Karen GordonBluefield State College219 Rock StreetBluefield, WV 24701

or FAX to 304-327-4581 or [email protected]

Alumni Updates

219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701

Address Service Requested

STD MAIL ANon-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit #139

Bluefield, WV 24701

Klingensmith Cup Results

Eleton Rosenbrough BrownIrma Cabiness

Barbara Louise ConnerJune M. Eye

Lester L. Hawkins, Jr.Marsha Sharon Jones

Charlie L. Lipscomb, Sr.Darrell Franklin Muncy

Sonya S. MurphyHattiestien Martin Neal

Anna Morgan RiceWilliam D. Sadler

Harold L. Spencer, Sr.Harry Carson Thacker

Helen Wisdom

In Memoriam

BSC Students and Alumni

The howling winds, which gusted up to 65 miles per hour, made

scoring conditions extremely challenging, but not so difficult that they

deterred several groups of intrepid golfers who participated in the 21st

annual Klingensmith Cup Golf Tournament at Wolf Creek Golf Course.

The tournament, sponsored by the Bluefield State College School

of Engineering Technology and Computer Science, brought together

several four-golfer teams in a “captain’s choice” tournament. It attract-

ed a wide range of BSC alumni, students, faculty, and staff who

demonstrated their golf skills while renewing old acquaintances and

networking with others having common interests.

Jim Goodwin, chairman of the Fairmont State University

Department of Technology, recorded a hole-in-one on the par three

16th hole, leading his team to the championship in this year’s event.

KLINGENSMITH CUP CHAMPS

(Left-to-right) Don Brizendine, Tony Brizendine, Dave

Klingensmith, Tom Nuckols and Jim Goodwin

Alumni Updates continued from page 15

Heather Hart (2008) married Terry

Waddell, Jr. on June 23, 2007. Heather is

employed at Echo Star and Terry is attending

Bluefield State College and is employed at

Ammar’s Warehouse.

bluefield state college - blue and gold - volume xiii number 2

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