bluefield state college - blue and gold - volume xiv number 2
TRANSCRIPT
Each spring during the College’s
commencement, I am reminded of
Bluefield State College's very worthwhile
purpose. This year was no different. As
I scanned the capacity audience of stu-
dents, their families and friends, and
BSC faculty and staff, I saw faces beam-
ing with pride. Our most recent gradu-
ates walked across the stage, exchanged
firm handshakes with platform guests,
and returned to their seats with a diploma
in hand and opportunity there for the tak-
ing.
Bluefield State College has made
education possible for students from this
region for nearly 120 years and our grad-
uates have made a difference--in the
region, the state, the nation, and the
world. It’s not an overstatement to say
that many of our students would not have
had the chance to pursue their college
degrees if not for Bluefield State College.
That’s the reason that the members
(continued on page 4)
BLUEFIELD STATE
COLLEGE
BOARD OF GOVERNORSJames J. Palmer, III, Esq.
ChairMr. Larry Ratliff
Vice ChairDr. Lyn Guy
Norris Kantor, Esq.
Larry Morhous, Esq.
Mr. Sylvester Myers
Gloria Stephens, Esq.
Ms. Anne L. Taylor
Ms. Angela Lambert
Faculty RepresentativeMs. Lisa Neel
Classified Staff RepresentativeMr. Craig Caldwell
Student Representative
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFDr. Albert Walker
PresidentDr. Don Smith
Vice President for AcademicAffairs and Provost
Ms. Shelia Johnson
Vice President for Financial and Administrative Affairs
Mr. John Cardwell
Vice President for Student AffairsDr. Thomas E. Blevins
Dean of the Virtual College and Information Technology and the School of Teacher Education; Professor, English/Education
Dr. Tracey Anderson
Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
Dr. Sapphire Cureg
Director of Multicultural AffairsMs. Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional Advancement & Planning
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/ Director, Institutional/Media Relations
BLUE AND GOLDA publication for alumni and friends of
Bluefield State College.
This project is underwritten by theFederal Title III/BRACE Program.
Summer is a wonderful time for
reflection and advancement in higher
education. As this issue of the Blue &
Gold goes to press, we are able to look
back fondly upon the College’s mid-May
commencement exercises. It was a joy-
ous time as 375 graduates, along with
their families and friends, celebrated this
milestone in their lives. Our returning
alumni rekindled fond memories of their
years as undergraduates, as well.
As May gave way to mid-summer,
BSC welcomed the first of two groups of
new students during a one-day orienta-
tion session. It was my pleasure to wel-
come these bright, ambitious students
and their families to campus and look
forward to a time in the not-to-distant
future when these students would walk
across the stage, receive their diplomas
and move forward into the next chapter
of their lives.
At the same time, the College pro-
ceeded with work to complete its institu-
tional accreditation self-study and a 2011
visit from a Higher Learning
Commission/North Central Association
team. Bluefield State College has met
the rigorous standards to earn and main-
tain institutional accreditation since the
early 1950s, and we are committed to the
task of excellence required to sustain
accreditation in the future.
Additionally, we recently received
the outstanding news that the Bachelor
of Science in Nursing Program has
earned a ten-year continuing accredita-
tion from the Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education.
Certainly, recent economic develop-
ments on a national, state, and local level
have impacted Bluefield State College.
Importantly, the same spirit of resiliency
that has served the “College on the
Terraced Hills” so well through its 114
year history has, throughout this chal-
lenging period, proven invaluable once
again.
As a result, with your help and
insight, we are “Making Education
Possible” for this and future generations.
Dr. Albert L. Walker
President
Board of Governors’ Newsby James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair
James J. Palmer, III, Esq.
Chair
- 2 -
A Message from the President
Three hundred seventy-five
(375) degrees were conferred during
Bluefield State College’s 112th com-
mencement exercises at the
Brushfork Armory, May 16.
Approximately 3000 people attended
the program.
Mr. Sylvester Myers, a BSC
alumnus, delivered the commence-
ment address. His autobiography,
From Coal Fields, to Oil Fields and
Beyond: A Life in Pursuit of All I
Could Be, is an inspirational tale of
his rags to riches journey from a
childhood in a McDowell County coal
camp to the presidency of his internation-
ally known
construction
cost-estimat-
ing manage-
ment firm with
offices at four
locations in
the United
States.
“Despite
the grim news
about unem-
ployment and
layoffs, there
are jobs to be found in today’s economy,”
Myers told the BSC Class of ’09. He
cited the federal government, health care,
and education as areas where employment
opportunities were good. “Every field
will present opportunities to those individ-
uals who have skills, personality, passion,
and perseverance,” he added.
The audience of family members and
friends of graduates and community resi-
dents also received greetings from
Bluefield State College President Dr.
Albert Walker, BSC Board of Governors’
chair Norris Kantor, BSC Alumni
Association President Dr. Joseph F.
Lewis, BSC Student Government
President Jonathan Murray, Faculty
Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich, and
Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.
Three students with perfect 4.0 grade
point averages shared the distinction of
class valedictorian. They included
Miranda Linkous (B.A. in Humanities)
from Bluefield, West Virginia, Gregory
Michaelson (B.S. in Civil Engineering
Technology) from Bluefield, West
Virginia, and Kimberly Reed (B.S. in
Computer Science) from Peterstown, West
Virginia.
Carol Cofer, Professor of Nursing,
and Roger Owensby, Assistant Professor
and Department Head/Mining
Engineering Technology, were named the
“Bluefield State College Foundation
Outstanding Faculty Award” recipients for
2009, and BSC seniors Jodie Burton and
Gregory Michaelson were selected
to receive “Brian Delp Service
Leadership Awards.”
Nine members of the BSC Class
of 1959 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
2009.
375 Degrees Awarded During BSC's 2009 Commencement
- 3 -
Sylvester Myers
Commencement Speaker
Class Valedictorians
(Left-to-right) Kimberly Reed, Gregory Michaelson
and Miranda Linkous
Class of 1959 -- (Left-to-right) Gloria Williams Stewart,
Selba Meadows Boyd and Gaynell Hairston Gunn, (standing,
l-to-r) Warner Baxter, Sidney Lewis, Rev. Alvin Clay, Sr.,
John H. Neal, Dr. Raleigh Hairston and Thomas W. Lee.
Jody Burton
Brian Delp ServiceLeadership Award Recipient
Gregory Michaelson
Brian Delp ServiceLeadership Award Recipient
Dr. Bernadette Dragich and Dr. Albert Walker present
BSC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Awards to
Professors Roger Owensby and Carol Cofer.
BSC Student Team Finishes Third
Overall, During 2009 Intelligent Ground
Vehicle Vehicle Competition“Anassa V,” an autonomous ground
vehicle developed, designed, pro-
grammed, and created by Bluefield State
College students, contended for another
world championship and finished third,
overall, during the recent “2009
Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition
(IGVC) Autonomous Challenge” at
Oakland University, Michigan. The four-
day competition attracted 52 entries from
institutions of higher education in the U.S.
and abroad.
The BSC student team included
Justin Milam, Matthew Duncan, Chris
Thompson, Saleh Alobaishi, Justin
Pennington, Louis McAllister, and Toni
Villanueva. “Our students did an outstand-
ing job,” observed Dr. Robert Riggins,
BSC Professor of Electrical Engineering
Technology. “They came really close to
winning championships in both the
autonomous and the navigation chal-
lenges. Out of 52 robots from around the
world, ours was one of three that compet-
ed 'neck and neck’ in the autonomous
race.” It was extremely encouraging,
Riggins noted, to see the BSC robot do so
well against vehicles developed by teams
of students representing major universities
and graduate programs. “We placed third
in Autonomous, fourth in Land
Navigation, and third overall (Lesko
Award).”
“We encountered some challenges,
like a thunderstorm at the wrong time,
interruptions in electrical power, and the
constant threat of rain, but our students
worked through them,” Riggins contin-
ued. “Anassa held first place for about
three hours during the final day of the
competition. I’m extremely proud of this
year's BSC team. Our students performed
very well in a pressure-filled situation.”
“The fact that Bluefield State College
was the smallest school in the competition
and was one of only a very few colleges
or universities there without an engineer-
ing graduate school makes our perform-
ance even more meaningful,” Riggins
concluded.
- 4 -
of your Board of Governors have commit-
ted themselves to serve. The dedication
of the BSC Board, a commitment to
strengthening the College and community,
are central to our purpose. As we entered
a new fiscal year in July, we saw the
departure of several wonderful Board
members whose terms here had expired.
We owe each a significant debt of grati-
tude.
At the same time, we welcomed to
the Board several new members, each
with a perspective and skill set that will
complement our ability to govern the
institution. We look forward to the new
year.
Throughout the process, we encour-
age the involvement of the College’s
alumni and friends. Your support and
input are essential to the growth and focus
of the school. Thanks for your help in
times past. We will need your wisdom
and assistance even more as Bluefield
State College moves forward into a prom-
ising, but challenging, future.
Board of
Governors’ Newscontinued from page 2
BSC's Model UnitedBSC's Model United
Nations Program SponsorsNations Program Sponsors
Worldwide TravelWorldwide Travel
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesJoin us for a Christmas holiday trip to Cairo,Join us for a Christmas holiday trip to Cairo,
Egypt (three nights) and cruise the Nile (four nights),Egypt (three nights) and cruise the Nile (four nights),
December 28, 2009-January 6, 2010 for $2,800.December 28, 2009-January 6, 2010 for $2,800.
We’re also planning a May 30, 2010-June 6,We’re also planning a May 30, 2010-June 6,
2010 student-led trip, Washington, DC to Amsterdam2010 student-led trip, Washington, DC to Amsterdam
for $1,790.for $1,790.
Other trips include a June 17, 2010 trip toOther trips include a June 17, 2010 trip to
London, Budapest (four nights) and Prague (fourLondon, Budapest (four nights) and Prague (four
nights) for $2,990 and a July 15, 2010 trip from Losnights) for $2,990 and a July 15, 2010 trip from Los
Angeles to Australia (18 days) for $4,890.Angeles to Australia (18 days) for $4,890.
Additional information can be obtained by con-Additional information can be obtained by con-
tacting John White, Assistant Professor/Socialtacting John White, Assistant Professor/Social
Science and BSC Model UN Program Advisor, atScience and BSC Model UN Program Advisor, at
[email protected]@bluefieldstate.edu or call 304-327-4157.or call 304-327-4157.
Bluefield State College students (left-to-right) Justin
Pennington, Matthew Duncan, Chris Thompson, and Salah
Alobaishi watch their autonomous vehicle, "Anassa V,"
as it negotiates the "Autonomous Challenge" qualifying
course during the 2009 IGVC championships while
an IGVC official (right) observes.
BSC’s “Anassa V” in Action
- 5 -
BSC Baccalaureate Nursing Program Receives
Maximum Continuing Accreditation from Commission
on Collegiate Nursing EducationBluefield State College’s
Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program
has been granted continuing national
accreditation by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a
national accrediting agency recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education. The
BSC program received continuing accred-
itation for the maximum ten-year period,
through the year 2019. CCNE, as the
only national accrediting agency to focus
exclusively on baccalaureate, masters, and
doctoral education programs in nursing
education, ensures the quality and integri-
ty of higher-education degree programs
preparing effective nursing professionals.
“CCNE accreditation means the BSC
BSN program meets the highest standards
and meets the needs of students, equip-
ping our graduates to provide high quality
nursing care to the people of this region,”
noted program director Beth Pritchett.
“Our program meets the needs of working
RNs with a design that utilizes ‘blended
learning,’ combining face-to-face instruc-
tion and online courses.”
ABOUT THE BSC BSN PROGRAM
For nearly 20 years, the BSC
Baccalaureate Nursing Program has pro-
vided learning opportunities for acquiring
the knowledge base and skills to practice
nursing at the professional level. A broad
perspective of nursing practices is pre-
sented in relation to management, leader-
ship, values and ethics, critical analysis,
research, and the application of the nurs-
ing process to families and other groups in
the communities.
Program faculty include Beth
Pritchett (Associate Professor & Program
Director), Betty Nash (Associate
Professor), and Dr. Betty Rader (Professor
and Dean/School of Nursing & Allied
Health). The program was first accredited
by the National League for Nursing in
1992 and has attained and maintained
continuing national accreditation by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education since 1999. The BSC BSN
program is offered in both Bluefield and
Beckley.
BSC BSN PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED
ONLINE IN THE FUTURE
“Because of its success on a regional
level, the BSC Baccalaureate Nursing
Program is preparing to seek Higher
Learning Commission approval to provide
the entire degree program online,” Dr.
Rader stated. “Once approval is obtained,
this program will be available throughout
the United States.”
BSC Nursing Students Discover "E-Fish-ent" Way
to Provide Pet Therapy for Residents at the MaplesResidents at The Maples in
Bluefield have a new “big
screen” entertainment system--a
55-gallon aquarium--courtesy of
two energetic and innovative stu-
dents in Bluefield State College’s
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(BSN) program. To fulfill a
course requirement, senior BSN
students Erica Bailey and Billy
Clay conducted a needs assess-
ment for a “change project” that
could improve the quality of life
at The Maples, then decided upon
the aquarium as a unique type of
“pet therapy.”
“We conducted quite a bit of
research into pet therapy programs,” Clay,
an Oceana High School graduate, said.
“Pet therapy helps increase residents’
receptivity to socializing, and it combats
feelings of loneliness and depression.”
“The aquarium gives residents a col-
orful, uplifting point of focus,” added
Bailey, a graduate of Iaeger High School.
“It can help decrease their blood pressure,
relieve stress, and it's a low risk, low
maintenance resource.”
The BSC students are part of a senior
BSN cohort involved in community proj-
ects, as a requirement in the program’s
senior practicum course, according to pro-
gram director Beth Pritchett. “Students
are involved in a variety of projects, all of
which are designed to improve a targeted
population’s quality of life,” she noted.
“They conduct an assessment of need,
then implement change to address that
need. The process requires students
to utilize all of the knowledge and
skills they’ve acquired throughout
their BSN program experience.”
Bailey and Clay, who purchased the
aquarium, expressed appreciation to
Personal Touch Fish Store, the
Healing Hands Club at BSC, local
attorney Mark Wills, and anonymous
donors for their support of the project.
Residents at The Maples attended a
brief “unveiling ceremony” recently,
when they saw the aquarium for the
first time. It is located adjacent to the
central dining area, in a portion of the
facility that's frequented by residents
and guests throughout the day.
The aquarium has generated quite a
bit of positive response, according to
Drema Keaton, The Maples’ activities
director. “The residents love it,” she said.
“Some have already given names to the
goldfish. It’s a positive, fun activity and it
gives them a feeling of 'being connect-
ed.’”
BSC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
students Erica Bailey (left) and
Billy Clay recently presented a
55-gallon aquarium to The Maples.
- 6 -
Meet BSC SGA President Montoya Kemp
Like most Bluefield State College
students, Montoya Kemp is a commuter
student. However, his trip to BSC has
been a little longer than most. It began in
the Bahamas and South Florida and
included stops in several major cities,
including Atlanta. His wealth of life
experiences has provided the preparation
for his responsibilities as the College's
new Student Government Association
president.
“My life story is a lot like an adven-
ture,” he noted while preparing for an
afternoon meeting on the BSC campus.
“When I arrived in Bluefield, I didn’t see
myself being involved with SGA, but the
more I learned about student government,
the more I realized that SGA can be a
facilitator and a cohesive force on campus
and in the community.”
After spending much of his childhood
in the Bahamas and Miami, Kemp gradu-
ated from high school in 1995. “I
enrolled in an internship program to
become a firefighter in Miami-Dade
County,” he recounted. “However, I
injured my back in a motorcycle accident
and couldn’t complete my training.”
He moved to Atlanta and worked in
the public relations office for a popular
record company. “Later, I received a call
from my sister, who had retired from the
Air Force and then had enlisted in the
Army,” he explained. “She was stationed
with the 304th in Bluefield, West Virginia
and was getting ready for deployment to
Iraq. She asked me to take care of her
son while she left for Fort Hood for train-
ing, then shipped out to Iraq, and that’s
how I came to Bluefield.”
Once in Nature’s Air Conditioned
City, Kemp began to make the adjustment
to a smaller community lifestyle. “After
living in several large cities, it was quite a
change,” he said. “I heard about Bluefield
State College, visited the campus, and
liked it.”
After enrolling in a communications-
based program, he changed his career
plans and academic major. “I met some
great faculty like Dr. Anthony Woart and
Dr. Howard Wade, and I decided to major
in sociology,” the BSC SGA President
stated. “I was also encouraged by (BSC
Model United Nations advisor) John
White to join the MUN program. That’s
when I grew more interested in SGA.”
His schedule is extremely active and
combines his career goals with his aca-
demic interests. “I work with Rescare, a
program to help supportive living for indi-
viduals with developmental or other dis-
abilities,” he said. Currently, he assists
two adults in their home environment,
regularly pulling eight-hour shifts. “I’m
able to put my education to work in the
real world.”
At the same time, he’s at the point of
an active SGA with an ambitious, service-
oriented mission. “SGA at Bluefield State
is basically a group of students who care
about what happens to their fellow stu-
dents,” he noted. “We seek to give stu-
dents a ‘voice’ and we want to work with
others to bring about positive change on
campus and in the community.”
Kemp expressed appreciation to out-
going SGA President Jonathan Murray
and the SGA senators who served in
2008-09. “They set the bar very high.
We want to continue their quest for excel-
lence.”
Montoya Kemp
SGA President
Banners like these, which flank the Easley and Dr. Martin Luther King Bridges adjacent to the
Bluefield State College campus, are a visible, attractive reminder of the College's collaboration with
the community. They were mounted by the City of Bluefield following a series of activities involving
the City and BSC. BSC students and faculty painted the King Bridge, provided more than 500 hours’
of volunteer effort to assist area residents in completing their income tax returns, and conducted free
health education classes at the Wade Center and at Mercer Health Right.
BSC student service and Greek organizations took part in numerous community-oriented activities
including “Adopt a Highway,” Red Cross blood drives, Read Aloud programs in public schools, and
‘Toys for Tots.” Our students designed computer software for use by several organizations, including
the Mercer County Humane Society, Bluefield Union Mission, and Wade Center.
A more detailed list of BSC’s community service activities can be viewed online at: www.bluefieldstate.edu/Documents/ProfessionalDevelopmentandCommunityService2009.pdf
A “Banner” Year at BSC
- 7 -
Nearly 400 Attend Bluefield State College's First
New Student Orientation Program of the SummerA record number of students and fam-
ily members attended the first of this sum-
mer's two new and transfer student orien-
tation programs at Bluefield State College
in June. The event is designed to help
students complete the enrollment process,
work with advisors to complete their fall
semester class schedules, and gain greater
comfort and familiarity with the campus.
Additional programming was presented
for students’ family members.
Approximately 170 students and
more than 200 family members participat-
ed in the first orientation session.
“We are extremely encouraged by the
feedback received
from this session,”
noted John
Cardwell, BSC Vice
President for Student
Affairs. “By taking
part in orientation,
students have signif-
icantly increased the
likelihood that they
will succeed in col-
lege and achieve
their academic and
career goals.”
Students met
with academic advi-
sors, as well as rep-
resentatives from
Student Support
Services, financial
aid, student affairs,
and health services.
They also received
training in college
services, including
“Smart Thinking,”
career planning and
placement, “Degree
Works,” “Web Self-
Service,” and online class opportunities.
A second orientation session was pre-
sented in July. “Bluefield State is the
most affordable public baccalaureate col-
lege or university in West Virginia, our
graduates enjoy successful careers, and
our recently established border-county
tuition provides many out-of-state stu-
dents with substantial tuition savings,”
Cardwell added. Interested individuals
are encouraged to contact the BSC
Admissions Office by phone at 304-327-
4065 or e-mail [email protected]
A Bluefield State College student fin-
ished among the upper 7% of all compet-
ing teams during the recent “Capstone
Challenge,” a global online business sim-
ulation competition undertaken this year
by more than 940 graduate and undergrad-
uate student teams worldwide.
Competing as an individual against
multiple student teams from throughout
the world, BSC student Bob Brown fin-
ished 57th overall. His finishing position
ranked ahead of all 36 teams from West
Virginia University, and he placed higher
than any other entering team from the
entire state.
Brown, who is also the Assistant
Director of Human Resources at Flowers
Bakery, enjoyed the experience. “I liked
the competition…measuring myself
against others,” he said. “The Capstone
Challenge drew upon everything I’ve
learned in my pursuit of a degree in man-
agement and marketing. I was able to
develop an expanded spread sheet that
helped in the tracking processes of the
business simulation. As a result, I could
expedite some decisions and make projec-
tions that really helped throughout the
competition.”
“Bob’s success came against a field
that included teams comprised of graduate
students as well as undergraduate students
from large universities,” noted Dr. Steve
Bourne, BSC Professor of Business. “His
score surpassed that of teams from the
University of Indiana, Vanderbilt
University, the University of Notre Dame,
and the University of Wisconsin, to name
a few.”
BSC School of Business Student Earns Elite Ranking in
International Business Simulation Competition
BSC student Bob Brown received
elite status recognition in the
Capstone Challenge business
simulation competition.
These students were among the 170 who
attended summer orientation activities at BSC.
A capacity audience participated in the College's
June 19 new student orientation program.
- 8 -
Spotlight on the Bluefield State College
School of Arts & Sciencesby Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Dean
2008-2009 was a productive year for
the School of Arts and Science. The fol-
lowing minors were added to the curricu-
lum: Communication Arts, African
American Studies, Environmental
Science, and International Studies. The
International Studies minor will be offered
in collaboration with Concord University.
In addition, the Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-
Dentistry, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-
Medicine programs were added to the
school's program offerings. The curricu-
lum was also updated with an expanded
two semester sequence for Anatomy and
Physiology and Environmental Science
classes to meet the science general educa-
tion requirements.
Over the summer, many of the
school’s faculty met with Dr. Tracy
Anderson and me to map the school’s cur-
ricula. This process resulted in clearly
stated programmatic learning outcomes
and identified assessments which will
result in stronger data for program
improvement.
The school also began offering class-
es at Stevens Correctional Facility to
inmates interested in earning college cred-
it. We are happy to assist the prison in
preparing its inmates to
re-enter society as pro-
ductive citizens, and
we support their efforts
to rehabilitate those
who are incarcerated.
Hopefully, many of
these individuals will
see that they can be
successful and will
continue working
towards a degree.
During the fall and
spring semesters, the
school's Blue Chicory
Players presented two
plays, “To Be Young,
Gifted, and Black” and
“Imagine That.”
Director, Dr. Sharon Carr, is now
planning the shows for fall semester.
The school is also exploring articulation
agreements with the Greenbrier campus of
New River Community and Technical
College and with Southern West Virginia
Community and Technical College to ease
the transfer process and encourage com-
munity college students to pursue a four
year degree.Dr. Tamara Ferguson
Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
The cast (above) of "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black"
presented three performances during the
2008-09 academic year.
The highly successful “Emerging
Scholars Program” at Bluefield State
College entered its tenth year of operation
recently. Twenty-seven students are
enrolled in the six-week program which is
designed to increase students’ awareness
that a college education is possible for
them and that they can succeed in college,
according to John Cardwell, BSC’s Vice
President for Student Affairs. The tuition-
free program concentrates upon stimulat-
ing the interest of prospective college stu-
dents, providing information about college
life and helping those students achieve
their educational goals.
“We work with a variety of students-
some traditional (18-24 years of age) and
some nontraditional (25 years of age and
older),” Cardwell added, “and we’re
extremely impressed by their commitment
and desire to learn.” The Emerging
Scholars program (ESP) focuses upon
assisting individuals with either a GED or
a high school diploma and a desire to pur-
sue a college education.
ESP coordinator Carolyn Kirby calls
the BSC program “one of the most
rewarding of my professional career. I
look forward to continually improving the
services that we provide to our students,”
she added.
Emerging Scholars participants
receive individualized instruction in math,
English, and reading, designed to prepare
them to successfully complete college-
level math and English in the Fall 2009
semester. Program participants can also
take a computer class and an orientation
course for college credit. Additionally, the
BSC Student Support Services staff con-
duct workshops to enhance the life man-
agement skills instruction received by the
students. “During the approaching aca-
demic year, Student Support Services staff
will serve as advisors for students in the
Emerging Scholars program, providing
academic, career, and personal counsel-
ing,” Cardwell observed.
“A key to the program's success has
been the commitment of the faculty and
staff, who have given up a summer to
work with those in the program,” he
added. Students in the program meet four
times each week, through the end of July.
Twenty-Seven Students Welcomed into
BSC's Emerging Scholars Program
- 9 -
Their classrooms included a rain for-
est, a pineapple plantation, and a tropical
wildlife sanctuary. The experience was
unforgettable. Bluefield State College
students Crystal Richardson and Pamela
Parsons recently joined faculty
member Dr. Martha Eborall for
a ten-day tour of Costa Rica—
BSC’s first ever Study Abroad
program, and they’ve become
enthusiastic advocates for future
study abroad initiatives at the
College.
“As an undergraduate, I
took part in an international
internship to Zambia and
Zimbabwe, and I wanted our
students to have the same type
of opportunity,” Dr. Eborall
related. “When I designed the
course, “Ecology of Costa
Rica,” students were given the
option of a study abroad experi-
ence.”
During their trip, students
hiked the Escalonia Cloud
Forest Trail to the Poás Volcano. They
explored the upper rainforest canopy via
aerial tram, suspension bridges, and
canopy zip lines. Cruising the rivers and
canals of Tortuguero National Park and
the Caño Negro wildlife refuge, the stu-
dents observed wildlife such as caimans,
howler monkeys, toucans, and water-
walking lizards. The students visited the
Green Turtle Research Station and walked
along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches,
where they learned about sea turtle con-
servation efforts. They travelled from the
Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast, wit-
nessing Costa Rica’s incredible biodiver-
sity in a variety of ecozones. They experi-
enced a visual feast of tropical flowers
and butterflies during a butterfly garden
visit. Tours of pineapple, banana, and cof-
fee plantations familiarized the students
with the agriculture of Costa Rica.
“This trip gave deeper meaning to
everything we studied,” Richardson
observed. “I am an environmental sci-
ences major, and because of the trip I
have been able to establish contacts with
representatives at Tortuguero Park. I hope
to return there to volunteer with sea turtle
rescue efforts in the future.”
For Parsons, a Social Science major,
the trip encouraged her to take time to
observe, learn from, and appreciate things
around her. “We were able to live ‘it,’
instead of read about ‘it,’” she said. “I
witnessed the colors of the country, I felt
the heat, and I met the people of Costa
Rica. As a result, I now pay attention to
things in nature. There was a certain
amount of effort, time, and expense
involved in preparing for our study abroad
trip, but the experience was certainly
worth the effort.”
“Dr. Eborall’s enthusi-
asm and persistence were keys
to creating this study abroad
milestone at Bluefield State
College,” noted Dr. Sudhakar
Jamkhandi, Director/Office of
International Initiatives at BSC.
“She and Lee Donnell, an
adjunct faculty member who
teaches Spanish at BSC, col-
laborated to arrange this study
abroad initiative.”
Since their return, the
BSC contingent has conducted
meetings for other BSC stu-
dents and faculty, explaining
the details and exploring the
opportunities created through
study abroad experiences.
Several of Dr. Eborall’s col-
leagues are now beginning to
consider offering study abroad programs,
according to Dr. Jamkhandi.
“Several goals have emerged,” he
continued. “We want to encourage more
faculty to design and implement study
abroad programs, and we hope more stu-
dents will participate in these programs.
Additionally, we want to augment our
knowledge of other cultures through trav-
el and language study and, just as impor-
tant, learn to accept and appreciate other
cultures.”
Additional information about BSC’s
study abroad activities can be obtained by
contacting Dr. Jamkhandi (304-327-4036,
BSC Launches Inaugural “Study Abroad” Program
Bluefield State College’s first Study Abroad program provided
students an opportunity to experience the culture and
ecology of Costa Rica. Pictured (left-to-right) in the midst
of a forest in Costa Rica are Dr. Martha Eborall
(BSC Professor of Biology) and BSC
students Pamela Parsons and Crystal Richardson.
In Memoriam
Former BSC Employee
Marion L. Hawthorne
The Bluefield State College com-
munity was saddened by news of the
death of Ms. Marion L. Hawthorne,
an employee at BSC for 12 years.
Ms. Hawthorne, who accepted a posi-
tion in the College’s maintenance
department on October 1, 1972,
served the institution through
October, 1984.
Cover Story
BSC Night at the OriolesMontoya Kemp (standing/center), Bluefield State College
Student Government President, and Betsy Plumley (kneel-
ing) BSC SGA Vice President, are flanked by the Baby Bird
(the Bluefield Orioles’ mascot) and Big Blue (the BSC mas-
cot) during “BSC Night at the Ballpark,” July 13. The event
at Bowen Field in Bluefield attracted nearly 3,000 fans and
friends.
- 10 -
Dr. Tesfaye
Belay
(Associate
Professor of
Biology,
Bluefield State
College) has
received a
$99,000 grant
subaward from
the West
Virginia-Idea
Network for Biomedical Excellence (WV-
INBRE) to sustain and expand biomedical
research at BSC.
Bluefield State College is among the
selected institutions of higher education in
the State of West Virginia who have part-
nership with WV-INBRE to enhance their
capacity for educating and training their
faculty and students in biomedical
research. During the past three years, Dr.
Belay has received more than $160,000 in
grant funding from WV-INBRE to pro-
mote basic biomedical research and
strengthen the infrastructure for biomed-
ical research within the BSC School of
Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Belay has also been selected to
receive a $20,000 research grant from the
NASA West Virginia Experimental
Program under the collaborative research
program between Marshall University and
Bluefield State College. This collaborative
research work will be performed in the
labs of Dr. Belay at BSC and Dr. Hongwei
Yu at Marshall University.
A grant to support the Bluefield State
College campus suicide prevention pro-
gram has been awarded to the College.
The grant, totaling $10,000, was presented
to BSC by the Morehouse School of
Medicine Psychiatry/ Cork Institute
HBCU Center of Excellence. As author
of the grant, Dr. Anthony Woart (BSC
Professor of Sociology and Director,
Minority
Health
Institute),
noted, “I am
pleased that
BSC will be
able to offer
these services
to our students
and the college
community as
a whole. The
BSC Suicide Prevention Program is
designed to accomplish several vitally
important goals. These include develop-
ing and implementing a sustainable stu-
dent support network for a campus-based
suicide prevention, awareness, and train-
ing program, as well as an increase in stu-
dents' awareness and utilization of cam-
pus-based suicide preventive services.”
BSC Faculty Land Research Grants
By developing a “smart sys-
tem” that anticipates failures and
pinpoints problem locations with-
in a conveyor belt system, Fenner
Dunlop and the Center for
Applied Research & Technology
(CART) at Bluefield State
College were named recipients of
the “Innovation Award” at the
recent Southwestern Virginia
Technology Council’s (SWVTC)
10th annual gala, tech expo and
awards ceremony. Lyn
McDermid, Senior VP and Chief
Information Officer for Dominion
Resources, was the featured
speaker at this year’s program
hosted by Virginia Highlands
Community College.
CART and Fenner Dunlop
have collaborated for several
months at their location in the
Bluestone Business and
Technology Park to develop the
smart conveyor belt system. The
technology permits belt operators
to plan repairs rather than just react
to failures, saving business owners
a substantial amount of money by
preventing unscheduled down-time
due to unanticipated belt breakage.
“Conveyor belt systems are prima-
rily utilized in this region by the
coal industry,” explained Bruce
Mutter, CART CEO. “A single
broken belt can result in a produc-
tion loss of more than $250,000 per
day.”
At the Bluestone Business and
Technology Park, Fenner Dunlop
and CART are working together on
the product manufacturing process
and they anticipate the start of pro-
duction later this summer. Fenner
Dunlop has received approximately
50 orders prior to product comple-
tion, and a full scale belt is in place
at their facility, while the technolo-
gy continues to be refined and aug-
mented on a daily basis.
CART at Bluefield State College and Fenner Dunlop Receive
"Innovation Award" at SWVTC's Annual Awards Banquet
Dr. Tesfaye Belay Dr. Anthony Woart
CART and Fenner Dunlop recently received an
"Innovation Award" for their collaborative success
in developing a "smart" conveyor belt system.
Pictured at their facility in the Bluestone Business
and Technology Park are (left-to-right) Mick Twigger,
Senior Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, John
Browning, CART, Inc., Bruce V. Mutter, CART, Inc.,
James Craig, Fenner Dunlop, Brett Butler, CART, INC.
Applied Research Assistant(ARA), Mark Myers,
Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, and Heather
Williams, CART, Inc.
- 11 -
BSC’s Faculty & Staff AccomplishmentsDr. Tom Blevins (1971) Dean of the
Virtual College & Technology and the
School of Education at Bluefield State
College and Director of Instructional
Technology Planning & Coordination with
the WV Higher Education Policy
Commission, has been appointed to the
National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE) Board of
Program Reviewers (BOPR). Dr. Blevins
was also recently named to the Higher
Learning Commission’s Accreditation
Review Council. As a member of the
Accreditation Review Council, Blevins
will be part of the Commission’s decision-
making processes, and will serve on
Readers Panels and Review Committees.
Dr. Blevins was also elected to a four-year
term as a member of the Bluefield (WV)
City Board of Directors.
Dr. Warren Burch was promoted
from Associate Professor of Mathematics
to Professor of Mathematics.
Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Director of
Multicultural Affairs, was recently hon-
ored during the first annual Commission
on the Status of Iowans of Asian and
Pacific Islander (CAPI) Heritage ceremo-
ny at the Iowa State Capitol Building.
Dr. Cureg received the 2009 “Leadership
Award,” along with other former members
of the Asian American Council Board,
Iowa Asian Alliance, Iowa Asian Alliance
Board, and Governor’s Asian and Pacific
Islander Advisory Council. She continues
to provide her voice and energy on issues
surrounding the Asian-American experi-
ence, particularly the assimilation of new
immigrants and refugees in Iowa.
BSC faculty members collaborated on
two scholarly papers that were presented
at the 2009 American Society of
Engineering Education Annual
Conference and Exposition in Austin,
Texas. Frank Hart (Dean/School of
Engineering Technology & Computer
Science) and Bruce Mutter (1986)
(CEO/Chair, Center for Applied Research
& Technology-CART) presented a paper
describing collaboration opportunities
with local industry arising from CART’s
operations at BSC. Roger Owensby
(1979) (Associate Professor and
Department Head/Mining Engineering
Technology) and Mike Plumley (1986)
(Adjunct Professor/Mining Engineering
Technology) worked in collaboration with
Hart and Mutter to produce and present
the paper, “Development of a Web-Based
Course in Miner Safety Training.”
Dr. Pat Hilton (Professor of
Education) and Dr. Elisabeth Steenken
(Director of Teacher Education and
Associate Professor) attended the Great
Teachers Seminar at North Bend State
Park from June 22-25, 2009.
Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Dean of
School of Arts and Sciences/Associate
Professor of English, was granted faculty
tenure status.
Melissa Hayes, Director/Assistant
Professor of Radiologic Technology, was
appointed to the Glenwood Park Board of
Directors by the Mercer County
Commission. She was also elected
Secretary to the West Virginia Medical
Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of
Examiners for the 2009-10 year and will
serve on the ethics committee (and as the
educator on the board).
Carolyn Jamkhandi (2000),
Administrative Associate/School of Arts
& Sciences, has earned five professional
training certificates through online classes
offered by Hewlett Packard and has com-
pleted three additional non-certificate
training programs.
Carolyn Kirby, Student Services
Specialist, received the “Flame Award”
from the Student Government Association
this spring.
Michelle Noe, Accounting Assistant
I, received an Associate of Science degree
in General Business from New River
Community & Technical College on
(continued on page 12)
The Bluefield State College
Foundation’s “Outstanding
Classified Employee” awards for
2009 were presented to Lisa Neel
(Purchasing Assistant III, Staff
Council chair) and Kathy Kessinger
(Accountant) during the annual
“BSC Employees Appreciation Day”
program at the College. Both hon-
orees 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 posthu-
mously to the late Professor William
Goodman, and Classified Emeritus status
was awarded to Ms. Remona Finney.
Additionally, employees were recognized
upon the completion of five, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, and 35 years of service to BSC.
BSC Employee Years of Service
Awards, 2009: Five Years: Wally Adkins,
Lori Dials, Bryan Edwards, Vanessa
Godfrey, Ray Guy, Larry Hamlin,
Ronald Patterson, and Elisabeth
Steenken; Ten Years: Fred Hardee,
Lisa Neel, Tony Papa, and Suzanne
Soucier; Fifteen Years: Shelia
Hallman-Warner, Kathy Kessinger,
Susan Shrader, and Danny Thomas;
Twenty Years: Lydia Milam, Betty
Nash, Bruce Mutter, and John Snead;
Twenty-five Years: Anita Davis,
Deborah Halsey-Hunter, Frances
Jones, and Andrew Kulchar; Thirty
Years: William Aldridge and James
Harrison; and Thirty-five Years:
Bob Vicars.
BSC “Employee Appreciation Program” Recognizes College
Faculty and Staff for Performance and Service
The Bluefield State College Foundation's “Outstanding
Classified Employee” awards for 2009 were presented
to Lisa Neel (Purchasing Assistant III, Staff Council
chair) and Kathy Kessinger (Accountant)
during the annual “BSC Employees Appreciation Day”
program at the College.
- 12 -
Bluefield State College recently
received approval from the
Department of Veteran Affairs and
West Virginia's Governor Joe
Manchin to participate in the Yellow
Ribbon Program, a provision of the
Post 9/11 Veterans Education
Assistance Act of 2008. Bluefield
State is among hundreds of colleges
and universities across the country
that are taking part in this enhanced
education program.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
allows for institutions of higher
learning to provide tuition assistance
for expenses that exceed the highest
public "IN STATE" undergraduate
tuition rate. "This is great news for
out of state post 9/11 veterans who
wish to attend Bluefield State
College and take full advantage of
the many programs offered. “We
look forward to meeting and work-
ing with military veterans who can
benefit from this program,” noted
Megan Mohn, BSC’s Associate
Registrar. “We are proud to be a
part of this historical initiative.”
Mohn noted that funds are also
available to dependents and spouses
of veterans and other federal tuition
assistance programs.
For more information about the
new GI Bill, contact Mohn at (304)
327-4064 or [email protected] or visit
www.GIBILL.VA.gov
BSC To Offer
Yellow Ribbon
G.I. Benefits to
Military Veterans
May 15, 2009. She is pursuing a
degree in business administration at BSC.
Roger Owensby (1979) (Associate
Professor & Department Head/Mining
Engineering Technology) has been induct-
ed into the West Virginia Bowling Hall of
Fame.
Ms. Susan Nunley was promoted
from Nursing Instructor to Assistant
Professor of Nursing.
Vickie Jane Richardson,
Programmer II in the library, received an
Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science
from Bluefield State College on May 16,
2009.
Dr. Michael Smith, Professor of
English and Associate Dean/School of
Arts & Sciences, was among the fisher-
men featured in the article, “Smallmouth
Heaven,” published in the July 2009 edi-
tion of Virginia Wildlife magazine.
Dr. Howard Wade, Associate
Professor of History, was the BSC Student
Student Government Association’s
“Faculty Member of the Year, 2008-
2009.”
Gene A. Wyatt, Jr. (1979), an
adjunct instructor in mathematics, has
been selected for inclusion in “Who’s
Who Among America’s Teachers.” He
has also been invited to join the
Mathematical Association of America.
BSC’s Faculty & Staff Accomplishmentscontinued from page 11
Bluefield State College students Amanda Cochran, Elisha Martin, Kayla Fazio,
Tanise Montgomery and BSC faculty member Dr. Tesfaye Belay represented the
College at the annual General Meeting of American Society for Microbiology in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 17-21. The American Society for Microbiology is the
oldest and largest single life science organization in the United States, with more
43,000 members from all around the world.
“This is the first student
group from BSC to partici-
pate in this prestigious scien-
tific society of individuals
interested in the microbio-
logical sciences,” noted Dr.
Belay, BSC Associate
Professor of Biology. “At
the general meeting, the stu-
dents exchanged information
with other microbiologists
and gained insight across a
variety of scientific disci-
plines. The students also
visited several exhibit booths
and learned more about
cutting-edge technology and
laboratory supplies for their
research.”
The research works are
being supported by grants awarded to Dr. Belay by the West Virginia IdeA Network of
Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) and NASA WV EPSCoR.
“The students and the School of Arts and Sciences at Bluefield State College are
most appreciative for the support of the Office of the Vice President/Student Affairs and
Enrollment Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, NASA WV EPSCoR, Ms.
Erica Martin, Mr. Doug Cochran, and Dr. Amin for financial support and making it pos-
sible to attend the conference,” Dr. Belay said.
BSC Students & Faculty Member Take
Part in American Society for
Microbiology General Meeting
A BSC delegation including (left-to-right) Dr.
Tesfaye Belay and BSC students Tanise
Montgomery, Kayla Fazio, Elisha Martin, and
Amanda Cochran participated in the recent
annual General Meeting of the American
Society for Microbiology.
- 13 -
From the Office of Institutional Advancementby Karen Harvey, Director of Institutional Advancement
The Bluefield State College
Foundation was established 40 years ago
to “foster and promote the growth,
progress and general welfare of Bluefield
State College” (Articles of Incorporation,
February 6, 1969). A testamentary gift of
$15,000 from the estate of Lola Lavender
Mack provided the initial funding of the
Foundation. Mrs. Mack’s gift and her
years of service to Bluefield State College
- both as an alumna and faculty member -
were recognized in a ceremony on May
15, 2009 inaugurating the Foundation’s
planned giving society, The Pillars.
I am indebted to her nephew, Thomas
Mack, for making me aware of a publica-
tion, Lola Mack’s Philanthropy, which
details the achievements of her life and
the origins of the BSC Foundation. The
document had not survived several moves
of the Office of Institutional Advancement
and Planning, but copies are now on file.
Mr. Mack and his sister, Grace Toler,
spoke briefly about their aunt at the cere-
mony and accepted a charter member pin
on her behalf.
Foundation Secretary Connie
Saunders noted posthumous recognition
of estate gifts from Othello Maria Harris-
Jefferson, Billy G. Moore, Daniel S.
Stevens, Katharine Tierney, and Bertha
Underwood at The Pillars inauguration
ceremony. It is a sad fact that recipient
organizations cannot personally thank
donors for estate gifts unless they are noti-
fied prior to the donor’s passing.
Happily, some BSC alumni and
employees have made their estate inten-
tions known. At The Pillars ceremony,
Foundation Treasurer Elizabeth Pruett
gave charter member pins to Carl and
Selba B. Boyd and Deborrah Pittman, the
Computer Science department head.
Unable to attend were alumni Thomas G.
and Nancy Blevins Bodnar and BSC
employee Ralph Patsel.
Estate gifts, most of which are made
through wills such as Mrs. Mack’s, often
are the gifts of a lifetime: the greatest gift
an individual ever makes. They also typi-
cally provide the largest contributions that
nonprofit organizations receive. When
these gifts are used to create an endow-
ment, they establish a firm financial base
that assures the organization’s ability to
endure and fulfill its mission.
We are grateful to the donors men-
tioned here and hope that others who have
included the Bluefield State College
Foundation in their estate plans will let us
know so that we can personally express
our thanks to them.
Karen Harvey can be reached at 304-
327-4031 or [email protected]
Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional
Advancement & Planning
Deborrah Pittman was honored as
a charter member of "The Pillars"
for her commitment of an estate
gift to the BSC Foundation.
Mrs. Selba Boyd and her husband, Mr.
Carl Boyd were also recognized as
charter members of "The Pillars" for
their commitment of an estate gift to
the BSC Foundation.
Mrs. Grace Toler and Mr. Thomas
Mack participated in "The Pillars"
ceremony, in which their aunt, the
late Mrs. Lola Mack, was honored.
Lola Mack was Valedictorian of the Class of 1929Lola Mack was Valedictorian of the Class of 1929at Bluefield State Teachers College. The Collegeat Bluefield State Teachers College. The Collegeimmediately hired her, and she served as presi-immediately hired her, and she served as presi-dent of the Women’s Grand Worthy Counselorsdent of the Women’s Grand Worthy Counselors
of Calanthe of West Virginia for 33 years. Anof Calanthe of West Virginia for 33 years. Anentrepreneur, Mrs. Mack owned real estate andentrepreneur, Mrs. Mack owned real estate and
other properties in Bluefield and Charleston,other properties in Bluefield and Charleston,West Virginia, and established the ExcelsiorWest Virginia, and established the Excelsior
Cosmetic Company. She passed away in 1965.Cosmetic Company. She passed away in 1965.
From the Office of Alumni Affairsby Deirdre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs
- 14 -
May is always an exciting month for
me. Winding down from a successful
school year and meeting so many intrigu-
ing people from the 50 year class. And no
matter where you are or what you are
doing, there is always someone you meet
who has a “tie” to Bluefield State College.
We are so rich with history.
The first weekend in the month I had
the opportunity to attend an informal
social at the home of a prominent attorney
and his wife who are both alumni. As
always, I meet people from another sec-
tion of the business world.
On Saturday, I was to meet
another person Dr. Carolyn
W. Meyers, President of
Norfolk State University who
was in town to speak at the
Mountain State Bar
Association's Banquet. She
spoke of her grandfather,
Julius Tonsler and her moth-
er Eva Tonsler Winstead,
graduates of Bluefield State
College. Now mind you, Mr.
Tonsler is a graduate of the
30’s but as a child watching
my brother play football at
Bluefield High School, I
would always see him in his
baseball cap attending the games. I
chuckled when I went to escort Dr.
Meyers to the event and saw that she was
carrying her baseball cap-just in case it
was to rain. Her mother was Miss BSC in
1942 and graduated from the institution in
1944. Needless to say I had
an enjoyable evening repre-
senting the institution and
talking with Dr. Meyers.
The third weekend was
even better! I was so excited
about seeing and meeting
some of the 50 year graduates
for the first time. It is always
exciting to put a name with
the face. But it even more
exciting seeing students that I
come in contact with, on
occasion, march in and later
become members of an presti-
gious club---ALUMNI!
Congratulations to each of
you. I hope that each of you
will become involved with the institution-
giving back to the institution-whether it is
monetary or volunteering take pride in the
institution you attended.
Deirdre Guyton
Director of AlumniAffairs
John Lewis Washington was honored
in April as “Person of the Month” at St.
Phillip’s Church for his many years of
active participation. “Big
John:”or the “Big Un” as
he is affectionately known
was born August 21 in
Roanoke, Virginia where
he grew up and completed
his elementary and second-
ary education. He began
his formal education at
Bluefield State College,
majoring in secondary edu-
cation, played football for
the Big Blues and joined
Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc. He contin-
ued his educational pursuit at Howard
University, earning a Master’s Degree in
1966. John was passionate about ending
segregation so while in D.C. he took part
in the “March on Capital Hill” in support
of the Civil Rights “March” in Selma,
Alabama.”
John has had some interesting experi-
ences! In 1961 he worked as a meat cutter
for Desert Inn Restaurant. From 1962-64
he worked as a Parole Officer. In 1966, he
became Chief of the After Care Section in
the central office of Ohio
Department of Youth
Services. He later became
Chief of Institutions for
Ohio. He retired in 1988.
After retiring, John
could and did devote more
of his time and talent to St.
Philips serving on Vestry as
a Junior Warden as well as
the Stewardship
Committee. He chaired the
Capital Campaign Fund
and has faithfully served on BBQ’s, Fish
Fry’s, and Easter Breakfast and Food
Pantry projects for years.
John and his wife Mildred, also an
active alumnus, reside in Pickerington
where he served on the City Council. As
involved as they have been, raising their
families, the Alumni Association has
always been a part of their lives. Last
summer as we celebrated our 18th
Reunion in Columbus, at each event,
Bluefieldians were greeted by “Big
John’s” smiling face. In years past, he has
served as National Fund Raiser Chairman
and Mid-West Regional Director, and co-
Chair of the National Reunion. Locally he
has served as President, Vice President
and Treasurer of the Columbus Chapter.
Special thanks to Mrs. Lillian Hollyand Justine Jackson for their
assistance in this section of the journal.
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers
PresidentNorfolk State University
Alumni WeekendAlumni WeekendSeptember 25-27, 2009September 25-27, 2009
Tentative plans are being madeTentative plans are being made
for a good time. If you are inter-for a good time. If you are inter-
ested in assisting, please emailested in assisting, please email
me me dguyton@[email protected] or call 304-327-or call 304-327-
4569. Also, the website is up4569. Also, the website is up
and running. I would enjoy yourand running. I would enjoy your
comments.comments.
John Lewis Washington
1960s
Betty Crews Graves (1960) will be
participating in the Senior Olympics in
Reno, Nevada and San Francisco,
California in the summer of 2009. She is
a retired Fairfax County Virginia teacher.
1980s
Rachel J. King-Rozzel, RN (1988)
employed by Fresenius Medical Care of
North America
(Dialysis), is the Acute
Care Coordinator of
six Acute Dialysis
Units (Bluefield
Regional Medical
Center, Princeton
Community Hospital,
Princeton Health
South Rehabilitation, Beckley
Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley
Veterans Administration Hospital and
Greenbrier Medical Center (opening
August 2009).
Carolyn Stuart (1988 & 1990)
holds a Master of Arts in Counseling
from Marshall University and received a
Ph.D. in Counselor Education from
Virginia Tech in September, 2008. She
serves as the Director of Counseling at
Halifax Community College in Weldon,
North Carolina.
1990s
Todd Day (1996)
is the Vice Chairman
of Corte & Fort
Chiswell Construction
Company, Inc. He
was formerly the town
manager for the Town
of Bluefield
(Virginia).
Jennifer Douglas (1998) is the
Director of the West Virginia Courtesy
Patrol.
Roy Scott Lester (1993) was
recently promoted to assistant engineer-
ing manager at SUMITOMO.
Kevin Long (1999) is a Tech
Service Specialist II for Ricoh Business
Solutions in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina.
Kyle Lovern (1993) recently had
his first book pub-
lished, Appalachian
Case Study: UFO
Sightings, Alien
Encounters and
Unexplained
Phenomena. His sec-
ond book, a sequel,
will come out later this
year. He is a former radio and newspaper
journalist and currently is a free lance
writer.
Mike Watson (1993) was promoted
from assistant town manager to town
manager for the Town of Bluefield
(Virginia).
2000s
Amy Hall Cowan (2001) received a
master’s degree in special education
from North Carolina Central University
in May 2008 with Magna Cum Laude
honors. She is a special education
teacher at C. W. Stafford Middle School
in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Melissa Leedy Cumbo (2002) and
her husband, Kenneth, announce the
birth of twin sons, Colton Gunnar and
Caleb Bear, born May 7, 2009. Melissa
is employed by CNX Gas.
Kim Long Barnes (2002) and her
husband, Steve, announce the birth of
their second son, Asher Easton, born
May 3, 2009. Kim is employed as a
Contract Manager for the Concessions &
Property Development Department with
the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority (Dulles International Airport)
Julie Mandeville Fleming (2002) is
a Case Manager for the Harris Law
Firm-Nevada Injury Lawyers in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Kevin M. Gordon (2000) received
the Customer Allegiance Star Award and
is an Applications Engineer for Thermo
Fisher Scientific of San Diego,
California.
Jared Shrewsbury (2006) is Field
Service Representative for Joy Mining
Machinery, Duffield, Virginia.
Alumni Updates
RequestedIf you have received awards, pro-
motions, accomplishments, recog-
nition, have married or recently
welcomed an addition to your fam-
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news to:
Karen Gordon
Bluefield State College
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Bluefield, WV 24701
or FAX to 304-327-4581or e-mail
Alumni Updates
- 15 -
Nancy Louise Payne Anderson
Oma Marie Barnett
Clarence Oliver Baumgardner
Jason Dwight Bowling
Thomas Joe Catron
Roger Childers
Dorcus Hess Claytor, Jr.
Deborah Jade “Dee” Cooke
Joyce Pickett Havens
William Howard “Willie” Jarvis
Roy Jennings, Jr.
Conwell Jones
John Ambrose Jones
Betty Lou Mabe
Desdemona Henderson Martin
Levi Moorman
Alice Hubbard Pannell
Thurman Whitt Perdue
Mary Ann Green Smith
Lyle Landon “Lannie” Stike, Jr.
Judy Wells
Ruby Childress Woosley
In MemoriamIn Memoriam
BSC Students and AlumniBSC Students and Alumni
Todd Day
Kyle Lovern
Rachel J.
King-Rozzel
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BSC Radiologic Technology Graduating Class of 2009
Achieves 100% Passage Rate on Certification Examination
by the American Registry of Radiologic TechnologistsBluefield State College’s 2009 Radiologic Technology grad-
uates have achieved a 100% passage rate on the certification
examination by the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists.
The BSC Radiologic Technology program is accredited by
the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education as the national agency for the accredi-
tation of educational programs for the radiographer and radiation
therapist, and is responsible for all accreditation actions.
BSC’s 2009 RadTech graduates who passed the certification
examination include: Trista Bailey, Caroline Blevins, Rebecca
Bradley, Rachelle Coburn, PrezLee Dalton, Ashley Duncan,
Adam Finley, Lloyd Fitzgerald, Ashleigh Freeman, Kendra
Harman, Evan Harris, Jamie Haynes, Heather Kincaid, Cassie
Manning, Stephanie McGlothlin, Michele Merrill, Laura Peery,
Krystal Scott, Andrea Sears, Amanda Shupe, Amanda Stewart,
Samantha Williams, and Gracie Wooldridge.
The students were honored at a pinning ceremony in May.
The outstanding clinical award went to Rebecca Bradley and the
outstanding academic award was presented to Caroline Blevins.
The JRCERT Certificates of Excellence determined by the facul-
ty to be the students who most closely fit the description of the
professional and ethical technologist were awarded to PrezLee
Dalton and Caroline Blevins. All students received their radio-
logic technology pin at this ceremony.
Faculty include: Melissa Haye (program director), Angela
Lambert (clinical coordinator), Vanessa Godfrey (didactic
instructor), Robin Gibson (PCH Clinical Instructor), Richard
Gibson (BRMC Clinical Instructor), Amy Bennett (BARH
Clinical Instructor), and Jennifer Shelton (VA Clinical
Instructor).