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e-Newsletter for Alumni and Friends
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1-866-WARHAWK (927-4295)
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| August 2008 | ||
FACULTY NEWS
ULM welcomes VAPA Associate Dean Matthew James
The University of Louisiana at Monroe welcomes Dr. Matthew James as the new associate dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. James, a talented virtuoso, possesses over 28 years of administrative, instructional and performance experience in addition to a strong affection for the South. He replaces Dr. Keith White, who retired in spring 2008.
James expressed his pleasure at joining the ULM family. "I am very delighted to have the opportunity to serve as the new associate dean of Visual and Performing Arts. I have a deep love of the South, and a tremendous interest in projects that combine the resources available here. I feel that this institution, as well as this geographic region, has enormous potential, and will continue to develop as a fertile area for the arts. I look forward to being a partner in many artistic ventures to come."
Most recently, James chaired the music department at Walla Walla University in Washington state for six years while also serving as a professor of music.
Dean Jeffrey Cass of the ULM College of Arts and Sciences, expressed his confidence in the associate dean. "Matthew James brings a wealth of experience to a very important position within Arts and Sciences. As associate dean, he will continue to build upon the legacy of Keith White, that of highly professional productions and of community outreach."
James achieved his bachelor's degree in music education from Missouri Western State University (then-College) in 1978 after attending the Vienna International Music Center in Austria ('77). He earned his master's degree in music ('82) and then gained his doctorate in voice performance ('89), both from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
Among his extensive accomplishments, James attained an apprenticeship with the Des Moines Metro Opera, a fellowship with the Bach Aria Festival in New York, and special training from the Institute of Voice Performance Pedagogy (with Richard Miller) at Oberlin College.
James has served in a variety of instructional positions during his career, including the roles of adjunct instructors of music and voice, vocal instructor, clinician/guest conductor, professor of music, and private teacher of the Suzuki violin, viola, and voice. His oratorio performances and collaborations in faculty recitals number over twenty.
His performance experience encompasses a wide array of apprentice, academic and professional operatic roles, notably a two-year tour with the National Opera Company of Raleigh, N.C., where he performed as Mustafa in Rossini's "The Italian Girl in Algiers," as Falstaff/Page in Niccolai's "The Merry Wives of Windsor," as Geronimo in Cimarosa's "The Secret Marriage," as Scaramba in Sousa's "El Capitan," as Bartolo and Basilio in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," as Sir Tristram and Sheriff in Flotow's "Martha," and as Colline, Benoit and Alcindoro in Puccini's "La Boheme."
During his professional career, he has taken on the role of Basilio in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and of Sarastro in "Il Flauto Magico" with Operastate at the Cortile di S.Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome, Italy. James also performed the title role in Mozart's "Don Giovanni" with the Rome Festival Orchestra at the Basilica di San Clemente.
James is or has been a member of the International Adventist's Musicians Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Suzuki Association of America, the Music Teacher's National Association, and the College Music Society.
Rounding out his accolade-filled career, he has performed as a principal violist for the WWC/WWU Orchestra, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Missouri Western State University, served as a clinician in German and Italian diction, directed the South Dakota Metropolitan Opera auditions, and displayed his talent as a violist and violinist for multiple symphonies.
Kinesiology helps secure $925,000 grant for Morehouse Parish
Kinesiology faculty members at the University of Louisiana at Monroe are addressing Louisiana's obesity epidemic. The department helped secure $925,000 to redesign the K-12 physical education program in Morehouse Parish School District.
With the guidance of ULM faculty, officials from Focused Fitness of Spokane, Wash. and Morehouse Parish School District applied for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant in spring 2008. They received news of its approval this week.
The grant will allow the school district to implement "Five for Life," an innovative, research-based physical education curriculum designed to increase student activity levels, improve the health-related fitness of students, and integrate academic content in the gym.
This fall, the school district will implement the curriculum and receive professional development workshops for their physical education faculty. The district will purchase: fitness, team and lifetime equipment; evaluation tools to measure and create student health behavior changes; and an evaluation system to track and validate the program outcomes.
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ULM's Dr. Wilson Campbell said, "Our kinesiology department is thrilled about this new grant funding and the opportunity to work with Morehouse Parish School District to implement the program changes."
The grant will answer an important need, said Hazel Sellers, elementary supervisor for Morehouse Parish School District and project supervisor for the grant.
"It will give us the course of action we need to make our children more fit and more aware of nutrition. They need to understand there are consequences when they don't participate in physical activities."
This is the fourth U.S. Department of Education physical education grant ULM helped school districts obtain during the past three years. The collaboration between the Department of Kinesiology, Focused Fitness and the school districts has resulted in more than $2.6 million for the K-12 physical education programs in northeast Louisiana.
PEP grants allow school districts to create systematic changes and install programs that go beyond the normal scope of physical education, Campbell said. These grants allow school districts to purchase climbing walls that present students with physical and critical thinking challenges, fitness centers that make it possible for all students to improve their health-related fitness, low ropes courses that build team work, and problem-solving skills.
"Without a doubt, this is an exciting time for physical education in northeast Louisiana."
Baer named Waste Management Endowed Professor of Toxicology at ULM
ULM College of Pharmacy professor Dr. Kevin Baer was named the Waste Management Endowed Professor of Toxicology.
Baer replaces Dr. Benny Blaylock as holder of the chair. This professorship was established by Waste Management in 1995 to encourage and reward excellence in teaching, learning and research in the area of toxicology. Baer, who was recently appointed department head of Toxicology, plans on using the professorship opportunity to continue his commendable research efforts.
"Today, nonpoint source pollution remains the nation’s largest source of water quality problems. Funds from the Waste Management Endowed Professorship will help establish community outreach and education programs in nonpoint source pollution issues such as urban storm water discharge, careful lawn management, and proper disposal of chemicals," Baer said. "The funds will also support current research on the impact of pollution on environmental and human health."
COP Dean Lamar Pritchard is grateful to have someone of Baer's character and expertise guiding the COP's toxicology program.
“The College of Pharmacy is extremely proud to recognize Dr. Kevin Baer’s tremendous achievements in the area of environmental toxicology research, teaching and service. Our undergraduate toxicology program is flourishing thanks in large part to Dr. Baer’s leadership. Dr. Baer’s laudable efforts will continue to improve our environment in Northeast Louisiana and beyond.”
More about the Endowed Professorships Program:
The Endowed Professorships Program was established in 1990-91 by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Through the program, ULM faculty are able to expand their opportunities for enhancement in public service, teaching, research and more.
For more information about The ULM Endowed Professorship Program please visit the website at:
www.ulm.edu/advancement/professorships.html
Troxclair discusses gifted children at SENG Conference
Dr. Debra Troxclair, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at ULM, presented information concerning gifted children at the 25th "Silver Anniversary" Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted Conference July 18 – 20 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Troxclair’s speech centered on “’Peak’ Parenting: Understanding the Impact of Overprotection.”
According to its Web site, SENG “believe[s] that recognizing, understanding, and accepting the unique social and emotional needs of this population are the first priorities for teachers, parents, and counselors. SENG supports strong gifted education programs, but we believe the emotional piece is the foundation for the development of healthy, happy, well-adjusted, appropriately educated, and contributing gifted members of society.”
Concerning teachers, the organization also holds the views that they must be educated about the different ways that gifted children learn and of their specialized social and emotional needs, if those children are to be instructed effectively.
More about SENG:
According to its Web site, in 1981, SENG was formed to bring attention to the unique emotional needs of gifted children, providing adults with guidance, information, resources, and a forum to communicate about raising and educating these children.
Today, it has expanded its goals to focus on gifted adults as well as children. Though many schools, communities and organizations focus on the intellectual needs of gifted individuals, the organization brings attention to their unique social and emotional needs, which are often misunderstood or ignored. SENG promotes environments where gifted individuals can develop positive self-esteem, thrive, and utilize their talents by underwriting and providing education, research, theory building, and staff development. SENG also provides staff development to counselors, psychologists, and physicians on the unique social and emotional needs of gifted individuals.
For more about the organization, go to: www.sengifted.org/about_history.shtml
Bontty joins scholars from Egypt and Russia
ULM’s Dr. Monica Bontty, assistant professor of history, presented a paper at the Tenth UCLA-St. Shenouda Conference of Coptic Studies at UCLA July 18 – 19. Scholars from Egypt and Russia participated in the conference.
Bontty’s paper is titled "The Irish Debt to Egypt" or “How Copts helped Irish Monks Save Civilization.”
She received her Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and cultures from UCLA in 1997 with a specialization in Egyptian history, literature and languages. Bontty is conversant in all stages of the ancient Egyptian language, including Coptic (Egyptian written in Greek characters). She taught Egyptian at UCLA from 1998 to 2005 and Coptic at the St. Shenouda Center for three years.
Bontty has participated on digs in the Valley of the Nobles, Dra Abu Nagga, The Delta and the Sinai, as well as performing work concerning Native American and historical archaeology in Southern California.
Her publications cover philology (the translation and commentary of ancient texts), Coptology and ancient Egyptian law. Current research includes the Coptic-Hiberno connections, a homily on St. Michael in the British Library, an archaeological catalogue dealing with early Christian lamps of Palestine (with Bryan Butler) and numismatics (study of coins).
Chardkoff's book highlights Selman Field and over 15,000 WWII cadets
ULM history professor Richard B. Chardkoff's novel is hot off the presses, honoring over 15,000 cadets who underwent pre-flight and advanced bomber navigator training at Selman Field in Monroe, the only all-inclusive navigational training facility in the United States during WWII.
Chardkoff's novel, titled "The Fly Boy Heroes of Selman Field," recounts the history of the base from its origins during World War II's opening days until its deactivation in 1947. The work details the demanding curriculum endured by the cadets; training included academic as well as physical challenges.
Chardkoff means for the book to honor "the over 15,000 men who trained at Selman Field, including the 1,480 casualties. Sadly, many of these men never had the opportunity to marry, have children, or grow old gracefully. Their ultimate sacrifice serves as a lasting legacy to those of us enjoying freedom today."
He continued that, "while it is highly unlikely the individual actions of these men would be cited in history books, they nevertheless deserve to have their deeds recorded. With each passing year, World War II becomes even more remote in public memory. Yet future generations should be aware of the role the Selman Field navigators played in determining the war's outcome."
Stories contained within feature many of the cadets who passed through the program and went on to serve heroically in bomber commands throughout the European and Pacific theaters. According to the book profile, "it also describes how the people of northeast Louisiana opened both their homes and hearts to the airmen."
"The Fly Boy Heroes of Selman Field," published by the Center for Louisiana Studies, is available locally at Windows A Bookshop or directly from Chardkoff, who may be reached at (318) 342-1540 or at chardkoff@ulm.edu. The novel is also available through Amazon.com and other retail booksellers.
More about Chardkoff:
Chardkoff, major advisor of the ULM General Studies Program, is the L.M. McKneely Endowed Professor in the Humanities at the university, where he has instructed for over three decades. He teaches courses in American and Latin American history.
He is also the author of the critically acclaimed "Sol's Story," an account of Holcaust survivor and Monroe businessman Sol Rosenberg.
Chardkoff completed his undergraduate work at Vanderbilt University and received his master's degree and Ph.D. from Florida State University.
He is the author of numerous articles which have appeared in historical publications, presented papers at professional conferences, and is the recipient of several teaching awards and Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities project grants. He earned the ULM Research Fellowship to Poland and a Fulbright Fellowship to Argentina. Chardkoff has also served on the Fulbright National Screening Committee for the Caribbean/Central America.
Unter named Honored Member by Cambridge Who’s Who
Dr. Kevin Unter, ULM assistant professor of political science, has been named an Honored Member by Cambridge Who’s Who.
The honor qualifies Unter for inclusion in the 2008-2009 edition of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
In addition to his professor duties, Unter is a research fellow for ULM’s Social Science Research Laboratory and also serves as faculty advisor for the ULM Pre-Law Association.
He teaches courses concerning American national politics; state and local politics; parties, campaigns and elections; constitutional law; civil rights; and public administration and law.
Unter’s areas of interest include public law, judicial politics and process, administrative law, criminal law, American politics, public opinion and polling, and quantitative research methods.
He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans.
ULM’s Rad Tech Department wins honors at annual convention
ULM Radiologic Technology Department faculty and students attended the 51st Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists in New Orleans July 16 – 19, and returned with honors.
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Brett Bennett, RADT program director, was elected the LSRT recording secretary and will serve on the LSRT Executive Board for 2008-2009. He has served as Louisiana Educators in Radiologic Sciences chair for the past year, and will serve as LSRT Membership Task Force chair for the upcoming year. In addition to his service to the society, he also presented “Preventing the Common Mistakes in CR and DR” for the continuing education program, and served as judge for the Student Quiz Bowl Competition.
Jaclyn Peters, an instructor in the radiologic technology department, praised her colleague. “We are very proud of him for obtaining such a distinguished honor.”
Andy Allen, RADT clinical coordinator, was elected LERS chair for 2008-2009. LERS serves to promote the quality of Radiologic Technology programs and enhance the knowledge of the R.T. educators throughout the state, and acts as a liaison for the LSRT Student Council. Allen has served as LERS vice chair for the past year. In addition to his role in the society, he presented “Radiology Online” for the continuing education program and LERS Council, and served as a judge and scorekeeper for the Student Quiz Bowl Competition.
ULM radiologic technology students participated in the LSRT Student Quiz Bowl competition. Quiz Bowl members included:
First Team - Chris Henry (a senior from Quitman), Kira Holdiness (a senior from Vicksburg, Miss.), and Samantha Staiger (a senior from Germantown, Ohio)
Second Team - Mallory Aulds (a senior from West Monroe), Jenny Henderson (a senior from Olla), and Rakesh Karn (a senior from Nepal); and Team Coach Andy Allen.
All students in the RADT program participated in competitions by submitting scientific essays or scientific exhibits. Pat LeBeau (a senior from Monroe), Chris Fleming (a senior from Springhill), and Dani McMurray (a senior from Chase) placed second with their scientific essay titled “Ray of Hope.”
Allen expressed his pride in the ULM RADT students. “Congratulations to all for participating and representing our university as knowledgeable student technologists and for all of the hard work in preparing for the competition.”
Peters agreed. “The faculty is proud of all of our students for their participation and professionalism displayed at the annual convention.”
Williamson presents at Super Summer Institute
Emily Williamson, director of the ULM Child Development Center, recently presented at the Louisiana Department of Education’s Division of Career and Technical Education’s Super Summer Institute 2008 July 27 – Aug. 1 in New Orleans.
The conference theme was “Building the Bridge for Tomorrow’s Workforce.” Williamson and her co-presenter, Dr. Janie Humphries, professor of child development from Louisiana Tech University, conducted a three-day workshop session titled “CDA-Child Development Associate.”
The CDA is a nationally recognized industry-based certification with the goal of improving the quality of childcare by focusing on the competence of childcare workers.
Participants were high school family and consumer sciences teachers from across Louisiana. They received instruction and materials to be used with high school students working toward CDA certification and enrolled in Early Childhood Education I and II courses.
Williamson stated that the CDA is often the first step teachers in the childcare industry and Head Start programs complete prior to enrolling in university programs. She also mentioned that the CDA is the first educational level recognized by Quality Start, Louisiana’s new Child Care Quality Rating System.
Anderson honored with Mortar Board Excellence in Advising award
Dr. Martha Anderson, ULM assistant dean of students, has been honored with an Excellence in Advising award by the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society.
Anderson said she recognizes the outstanding honor being given to her, but she wanted to relay a great deal of the credit to ULM chapter president Raghada Elsayed and her remarkable leadership.
Anderson was elected as an alumni representative to the National Council of Mortar Board and serves as liaison administrator to the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society.
She will not be able to appear at the Mortar Board National Conference "Carrying the Torch," July 25 – 27 in Columbus, Ohio, but Chase Snyder of ULM will accept it on her behalf as the ULM representative attending.
According to its Web site, Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and service. Mortar Board members represent the top scholars and leaders on their campuses. Since its establishment in 1918, nearly a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 226 chartered chapters across the nation.
For more information about Mortar Board and its national conference, go to: www.mortarboard.org
Mills presents at American Meteorological Society conference
Dr. Boniface J. Mills, an assistant professor in the ULM Atmospheric Sciences Program, gave a presentation July 10 at the American Meteorological Society Regional Storm/Radar Conference in Shreveport.
Mills discussed the formation of the Stuttgart, Ark., tornado that occurred May 10 this year. He and his colleague, Don Wheeler of Delta Community College, witnessed the genesis of the tornado in the field while chasing the parent thunderstorm. The tornado was rated an EF3, which means the winds were estimated to be between 136 to 165 mph. The tornado caused significant damage to homes and businesses in Stuttgart.
He stressed the importance of this kind of research. "It is essential to study tornadic events in the field in order to increase our scientific understanding of what atmospheric variables are important in their formation, which in turn improves the forecasting capability of many meteorologists in the U.S. and elsewhere."
Mills, Wheeler and Donald Jones, a ULM atmospheric sciences senior from Slidell, have been invited to discuss their findings at two national meteorological conferences later this year.
Stories courtesy of ULM's Office of University Relations
Photos courtesy of Richard Lupo, University Photo Services
Picture of Dr. Matthew James courtesy
Colege of Pharmacy Director of Public and Alumni Relations Joellen Lee contributed to the Kevin Baer story.
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