The Reporter, November 2005

The Reporter is a publication produced by Western Carolina University featuring news, events, and campus community updates for faculty and staff. The publication began in August of 1970 and continues digitally today. Click on the link in the “Related Materials” field to access recent issues.November 7, 2005 News for the Faculty and taff of Western Carolina University Historv Department Dedicates Meltzer Seminar Room in McKee A classroom in Western's historic McKee Building has been transformed into a modern seminar room, thanks to contributions to the department of history from Dr. urtis and Enid Meltzer, formerly of Highlands. A recent ceremony dedicating the urtis and Enid Meltzer Seminar Room is just the latest episode in a long-lasting relationship between the university and Dr. Meltzer, a Florida radiologist who moved to Highlands upon his retirement in the rnid-1980s and began taking courses at Western to broaden his horizons. The Meltzers have contributed nearly $60,000 over the years to Western's College of Arts and Sciences, including $10,000 to the department of history and $10,000 to the Max and Sarah Williams Scholarship Fund. "Great universities don't just happen. Great universities happen because we are able to draw together wonderful students who are willing to learn and wonderful faculty who are willing to teach and extend knowledge," Western Chancellor John classroom building that was originally built in 1939, combines elements of the traditional and the modern classroom. W. Bardo said in dedicating the seminar room in honor of the Meltzers. "A margin of that excellence comes from people beyond the campus who care enough to give of their time, talent and resources to help the university move forward." "This room reflects both the old McKee, with its chalkboards and erasers, and the new McKee, with all the electronic gadgets and whistles that our younger faculty members use," Lewis said. "While learning can take place anywhere, sometimes you need a room that just invites it. This room simply invites learning." James Lewis, chairman of the history department, pointed out that the seminar room, located in a recently refurbished Max Williams, professor emeritus of history who taught many of the history classes that Dr. Meltzer took over the years, called the Meltzers "real friends of the university." continued on page 2 Theatre Professor Steve Avers lands succession ol TV, Movie Roles It's been a busy few months for theatre arts faculty member Stephen Michael Ayers, who suddenly finds himself in front of the camera almost as much as he is in front of the classroom. Ayers, associate professor of theatre arts at Western, has signed a four-episode deal to be a guest star on NBC's new science-fiction thriller "Surface." The job comes on the heels of his roles in three motion pictures since the summer, including an upcoming basketball film starring Haley Joel Osment of "The Sixth Sense." Stephen Ayers prowls the sideline in his role as a high school basketbaU coach in '"Home of the Giants." (Photo by Matt Skala) Ayers, a member of the Western theatre arts faculty since 1985, portrays a high school basketball coach in "Home of the Giants," a coming-of-age story written and directed by Rusty Gorman and being filmed in Greensboro this fall. He also spent about six weeks over the summer working on two films - "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" and "The Work and the Glory: A House Divided"- directed by Sterling Vanwagenen, co-founder of the Sundance Film Festival. "It has been sort of crazy all of a sudden," said Ayers, an accomplished television and movie actor whose credits include recurring roles on TV shows "Matlock" and "I'll Fly Away" and parts in several motion pictures, including "Days of Thunder" and "That Dam Cat." "After working on the two 'The Work and the Glory' films over the summer, I was really ready for golf and my yard Then I got a call about a new feature being done with Haley Joel Osment, who is now continued on page 4 Chancellor John W Bardo (left) accepts a plaque from John C. Nemeth, vice president of Oak Ridge National Laboratory Associated Universities, commemorating Western's recent election as an associate member of ORAU. Nemeth presented the plaque and toured campus facilities and laboratories on his Oct. 21 visit to Western. The consortium leverages the scientific strength of major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies and private industries. Established in 1946, ORAU consists of 91 doctoral­granting institutions and I I associate members. Members are found in 28 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. western's SACS liaison to Visit Campus Nov. 14 Ann Chard, a vice president of the Commission on Colleges ~"'""'-..; for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools who is ( ~ \ Western's official SACS liaison, will be on campus Monday, !. Nov. 14, for a series of meetings to review the status of Western's reaccreditation efforts. - In her role as SA S liaison, Chard is working directly with members of the university as they make their way through the lengthy SACS self-study process, which began last year and will continue through the 2007 spring semester. Chard will discuss Western's progress toward SACS reaccreditation during a public meeting for all members of the university community, scheduled for 3 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Grandoom of A.K. Hinds University Center. While at Western, she will brief members of the Chancellor's Executive Coun­cil, followed by a luncheon meeting with the combined SACS committees- the Leadership Team, the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee and the Compliance ornmittee- at ll :30 a.m. in the Hospitality Room of the Ramsey Center. She also will meet with members of the SACS Leadership Team to assist them in their role as official overseers of the SACS review process for Western. SACS is the major accrediting body for more than 780 public and private institu­tions of higher education in the South. Western has been accredited by SACS since 1946; the last accreditation review took place in 1996. The next review will occur in the spring of 2007 when the review team will visit Western upon completion of the self-study process currently under way. Since Western's last accreditation review, there has been a major change in the process, said Carol Burton, who is directing Western's efforts. While universities still have to meet stringent standards, they also are required to show how they are getting better. Instead of evaluating a static process, the reviewers will be looking for improvements that show measurable results in student learning and outcomes. Chard has served as associate executive director of the Commission on Colleges of SACS since 1992. She earned her master's degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her doctorate in English from Auburn University. For more information, visit the SACS Review Web site at www.wcu.edu/SACS_ Room is a Tribute COIIIinuedfrompage 1 ''The Meltzers are the type of people who, when they go into a community, improve that community by virtue of their very presence," Williams said. "Dr. Meltzer has an urge for lifelong learning that sets him apart from most other people." The Meltzers' passion for learning was again evident when they listened to Williams deliver a guest lecture titled "Impact of the Civil War on Slavery in Eastern North Carolina: A Case Study" at the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. Dr. Meltzer helped establish the successful Highlands Lecture Series, which places Western faculty members in Highlands for lectures on a wide variety of topics. He has called the university "a gem in the mountains." "We have great affection for this university. We have been enriched by our association with you, and we are grateful for that," he told the faculty and staff on hand for the dedication ceremony. "When I retired, I realized that I knew a great deal about radiology, but not much about anything else. We are grateful to you for opening up new avenues of information and new avenues of thought." Meltzer said that, during his time taking classes at the univer­sity, he was struck by the struggle of some of his younger classmates in juggling work, home and class responsibilities. That's why he decided to begin making contributions to Western. "It is you, the faculty and staff of this university, who deserve to be honored," he said. "You deserve to be honored for your lifetime commitment to helping the students learn, for helping them become better citizens, and for making us a stronger country and a better people." Newsfjle ..... Glenn Bowen, director of service learning, has published an article, "Challenges and Opportunities for Caribbean Countries in an Era of Globalization," in Chicago Policy Review. Two other articles by Bowen have been accepted for publication. "Local-Level Stakeholder Collaboration: A Substantive Theory of Community-Driven Development" will be published in the Journal of the Community Development Society and ''The Challenges of Poverty and Social Welfare in the Caribbean" in the Sweden-based International Journal of Social Welfare. ..... Don Connelly, director of the electronic media program at Western, has achieved the designation of Certified Radio Marketing Consultant from the Radio Advertising Bureau. The sales and marketing arm of the radio industry, the bureau has more than 5,000 member stations, networks and radio sales organizations in the United States and abroad. To earn the certification, Connelly undertook a rigorous course of marketing and advertising study that culminated in a comprehensive three-hour written examination. Western is one of fewer than 10 colleges and universities in the nation where students majoring in communication can earn certification by passing the rigorous exam prepared by the Radio Advertising Bureau. November 7, 2005 • The Reporter • page 2 a en ar Monday, Nov. 7-Tuesday, Nov. 8 Native American Film Festival- Theater, UC. (227-7206) • "Atanajuat" ("The Fast Runner"), action thriller that portrays life-threatening struggle between powerful natural and supernatural characters. Monday, 3 p.m.; Tuesday, 6 p.m. • Shorts program, including "Tenacity" by Chris Eyre and claymations by Cherokee animator Joseph Erb. Monday, 6:30p.m.; Tuesday, 4:30p.m. • "In the Light of Reverence" tells the story of three indigenous communities and the land they struggle to protect. Monday, 7:30p.m.; Tuesday, 3 p.m. Concert-student hom quartet recital. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Tuesday, Nov. 8 Lady Catamount volleyball-vs. East Tennessee State.$. 7 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Cherokee Culture Series-" Cultural Sensitivity in Native American Collections Management," B. Lynne Harlan. 7 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Catamount Concert Series-Percussion Ensemble. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Wednesday, Nov. 9 Appalachian Cultural Lunchtime Series­Kathryn Stripling Byer, North Carolina poet laureate. 12:15 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Meeting-Faculty Senate. 3 p.m. 104Killian. (227-3%6) Thursday, Nov. 10 Meeting-Staff Forum. 8:30a.m. Cardinal Room, UC. (227-7321) Native American History Month event­Eddie Swimmer, world champion hoop dancer. 1 p.m. Theater, UC. (227-2276) Films That Matter-"The Gospel According to St. Matthew" (Pier Pasolini, 1964). 6 p.m. 130 FAPAC. (227-2324) Lady Catamount volleyball-vs. UNC Asheville.$. 7 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Traditional Dance-for dancers of all levels. 7 p.m. Grandroom, UC. (227-7129) Concert- University Chorus. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Friday, Nov. 11 Open House-for prospective students and their families. 8:30a.m. RRA . (227-3168) Atlanta Ballet- "The Nutcracker" and other works $.7:30p.m. Performance Haii,FAPA . (227-2479) Saturday, Nov. 12- Sunday, Nov. 13 Baseball camps-HS/CF. (227-2022) * High School Showcase Camp for players serious about pursuing a collegiate baseball career and interested in developing skills. $. Saturday, 2-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. * Youth Skills Camp for players in grades 1-8 interested in developing skills and learning fundamentals of the game. $. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 Lady Catamount basketball-vs. Charlotte Stars. Exhibition game. $. 5 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Lectures, Concerts and Exhibitions-Bmo Chamber Soloists, from the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. $.7:30p.m. Performance Hall, FAPAC. (227-2479) Monday, Nov. 14-Friday, Nov. 18 Celebration -International Education Week. Opening proclamation and flag ceremony Monday. Noon. Alumni Bell Tower, UC. Classroom presentations by international students each day. (227-7234) Monday, Nov. 14 Presentation-Daniel Essig, bookbinder/ sculptor. 5 p.m., 223 FAPAC. (227-7210) Tuesday, Nov. 15 Learning for Fun-"Buying a Digital Camera." Includes lunch, followed by visit to Mountain Heritage Center's exhibit "Electrifying Western North Carolina." $. 9 a.m. UOC. (227-7397) Town hall meeting-"Poverty, Hunger and Health," part of "The People Speak" nationwide discussion about America's Key : $ -Admission fee; HA - Hoey Auditorium; HFR - H.F. Robinson Administration Building; HSICF- Hennon Stadium/ Childress Field; MHC - Mountain Heritage Center; NSA -Natural Sciences Auditorium; RRAC- Ramsey Regional Activity Center; RH - Recital Hall, Coulter Building; BB- Belk Building; UC - A.K. Hinds University Center; UOC- University Outreach Center; FA PAC - Fine and Performing Arts Center; CAT - Center for Applied Technology; WS/BW -Whitmire tadium/Bob Waters Field· CAC - Catamount Athletic Center. November 7, 2005 • The Reporter • page 3 involvement in foreign affairs. 6 p.m. Hospitality Room, RRA . (227-7475) atarnount Concert eries-Jazz Ensemble. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Wednesday). Nov. 16-Thursday, Nov. 17 and ;:,aturday, Nov. 19- Sunday, Nov.20 Musical theatre-"Godspell" staged by the University Players and Black Theatre Ensemble. $.Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 7:30p.m.; aturday and unday, 2 p.m. HA. (227-7491) Wednesday, Nov. 16 Public Policy umrnit-"Winning the War on Methamphetamine." Keynote speaker, Roy Cooper, N.C. Attorney General. Registration 7:30-8:30 a.m. $. RRAC. (227-3863) Thursday, Nov. 17 Presentation-Danish sculptor Nina Hole. 5:30p.m. 223 FAPAC. (227-3595) Presentation-"Hank Williams," Bill Koon. 6:30p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Old-time Music and Bluegrass Jam-local musicians share tunes and techniques. 7 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Films That Matter - "28 Days Later" (Danny Boyle, 2002). 6 p.m. 130 FAPAC. (227-2324) Friday, Nov. 18 Catamount basketball-vs. South Carolina.$. 6 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Concert-"The President's Own" United States Marine Band, America's oldest professional mu­sic organization. No admission charge, but tickets required. 7:30 p.m. Performance Hall, FAPAC. (227-2479) Monday, Nov. 21 Concert-Woodwind Ensembles. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Tuesday, Nov. 22 Catamount basketball - vs. Atlanta Christian. $. 7 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) · NOVEMBER SLIDESHOW SPOTLIGHT MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER Mountain Trout tells the 10,000--year-old story of people, trout and flowing water in the southern mountains. Submissions: Send news items and calendar notices to WCU Calendar, /601 Ramsey Center Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, C 28723 or e-mail to: Reporter@email.wcu.edu. Submit items for the university's online calendar aJ least one week prior to the eve/11. ~Iteporter 1 Office of Public Relations Publications Department 160 I Ramsey Center Cullowhee, NC 28723 Avers On Screen continued from page I 18 years old. They sent me the script, and I loved it. I went to read for the director, and that was that," he said. Ayers had just finished his work on "The Home of the Giants" when he received another call, this time from the casting director for the NBC series "The Surface," being filmed in Wilmington. He landed the part of Dr. Paul Blum, a marine biologist and aquarium director investigating a mysterious sea creature, for a minimum of four episodes, which will begin airing Nov. 21. "The neat thing was that I go down to the set and find out that one of my students, R. Keith Harris, who graduated in 1992, is in the episode with me," he said "How cool is that - professor and former student working side by side in the industry?" Ayers is trying to persuade prcxlucers of "Surface" to allow his current theatre students onto the set to watch as the program is being made. "I would love for students in my acting class to be able to go down and observe what really happens on the set and to see how long it can take to get that one shot lasting only 20 seconds on the screen," he said. "And there's a chance that some of them might even be able to be extras in the show." In addition to his past work on "Matlock" and "I'll Fly Away," Ayers also has appeared on "In the Heat of the Night," "Dawson's Creek," "Savannah," "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" and 15 made-for-TV movies. His motion picture roles include work on "Cherry Falls," "Nashville," "The Bermuda Triangle," "Andersonville," "West of Hester Street" and "A Burning Passion." In his acting career, he has appeared alongside Karen Black, Carroll O'Conner, George C. Scott, Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Elizabeth Montgomery, Peter Boyle, Andy Griffith, Sam Waterston, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Nicole Kidman, Shannon Daugherty, Christina Ricci and Katie Homes. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CULLOWHEE, N.C. PERMIT NO. I GODSPELL TO STAGE NOV. 16-20 Jamie Drye of Concord plays the role of Jesus m Western's production of the htt mustcai"Godspell." One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time comes to Western when the hit musical "Godspell" takes the stage in Hoey Auditorium beginning Wednesday, Nov. 16. The production, to run through Sunday, Nov. 20, is a collaboration between the University Players and the Black Theatre Ensemble, with Brad Martin, assistant professor of music, as musical director. "Godspell" is based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. In this modern-day version, John the Baptist calls a disparate group of young city dwellers from their workaday lives to follow and learn from Jesus. The nontraditional plot utilizes pantomime, charades, acrobatics and song to enact the parables. "Godspell" will stage at 7:30p.m. Wednesday­Thursday, Nov. 16-17; at 2:30 and 7:30p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and at 2:30p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. There will be no performance on Friday, Nov. 18. For ticket infonnation, call (828) 227-2479, or visit http://theatre,wcu.edu. The Reporter is published by the Office of Public Relations. Mail faculty/staff notes, events, notices, and changes of address to: The Reporter, 1601 Ramsey Center, or send them via e-mail to: Reporter@email.wcu.edu. 1 .825 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $328.50, or SO. 18 per copy. Western Carolona University is a University of North Carolina campus and an Equal Opportun~y lnst~ution. November 7, 2005 • The Reporter SACS liaison: Western is Making Good Progress committees. She also heard from members of the university community at a general meeting and reception. The meetings gave Chard, who is Western's official SACS liaison, the opportunity to provide feedback on Western's review materials and to answer questions on the review process. With the institutional review on target, next steps in the review process are in place, said Carol Burton, the university's SACS review director. "Western is sending 12 institutional representatives to an upcoming SACS conference in Atlanta," Burton said "The conference will help us refine strategies for completing our compliance certification, which is due in September 2006, and provide guidance for developing our Quality Enhancement Plan, a key component of the new review process." Western's SACS review process is a truly united effort, said Burton. "I'd like to express my appreciation to all involved for their dedication and tremendous support in this process," she said. "At the end of the day, the review is about improving our institution and serving our students." More than 150 members of the university community have collectively served on committees, drafted standards and continued on page 2 November 21, 2005 News for the Faculty and Staff of Western Carolina University English Professor's Passion for Animals Recognized bv State Volunteer Award The discovery of five puppies in a trash bin eight years ago sparked the passion for animal rescue that grips Mary Adams. The young boxers abandoned on a tall pile of debris went home with the associate professor of English and stayed until permanent homes could be found. "They went very quick," said Adams. The puppies were the first of about 500 cats and dogs that Adams bas fostered and placed through the Humane Society of Jackson County, or ARF. For her service, she will be one of five Jackson County volunteers presented with the North Carolina Award But the volunteer work takes up most of Adams' free time and can be draining. "There's such a need," she said. "Some placements fall through, and you have to take them back. That's always hard. ' What's fulfilling, though, is seeing an animal go to a good home. Adams watched a dog make fast friends with a visiting Airedale and convinced the visitor's owner that the pair should not be parted. for Outstanding Volunteer Service for 2005 at an upcoming luncheon, said Veronica Nicholas, volunteer coordinator for Jackson County. "They just fell in love," said Adams of the two dogs. "The man went away without the dog. His wife sent him back." On part of ARF's Web site where families who adopt pets can send updates, a picture shows a cat curled up with a stuffed bunny. Several Mary Adams shares a warm and fuzzy moment with Reuben, one of the hundreds of animals she has