The Reporter, December 2007

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.FCC Rural Health Pilot Prog ra: From left, professors Karen Mason, Cynthia Brown and Lisa Briggs of the applied criminology department join Larry Blythe, vice chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, at the grant announcement. FCC Awards $3.6 Million To 'Telehealth' Project WCU, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Jackson County Department of Public Health are partners in the first project in the nation funded through a $417 million federal effort to expand health care access to rural America through the creation of broadband "telehealth" networks in 42 states and three U.S. territories. Derek Poarch, chief of the Federal Communications Commissions Public Safety and Homeland Security Bu­reau, recently announced the awarding of $3.6 million in Rural Health Care Pilot Program grant funding to WCU, which will oversee construction of a broadband network linking health care agencies in Cherokee and across sev­eral Western North Carolina counties. "It is our vision that every health care facility in the nation will be con­nected with one another through broadband tele-health networks for the benefit of pa­tients everywhere," Poarch said. The project is part of a nation­wide effort to use broadband Internet capac­ity to support the efficient delivery of health care through "telemedicine," reducing costs and travel time for consumers, helping decrease medical errors, and streamlining the process for sharing critical patient-care information electronically, he said. When complete, the project will enable 223 health care facilities in Jackson, Macon, Graham and Swain counties and on the Qualla Boundary to connect to an existing regional fiber ring, allowing them to quickly share health care records about patients in remote sites across the mountains. The network will provide for more rapid and coordinated responses to public health emergencies - such as bioterrorism attacks, pandemics or disease-related outbreaks - and will facilitate coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other public health agencies. The grant funding, to be issued in annual install­ments of $1.2 million over three years, is made possible by an application written by professors Cynthia Brown, Lisa Briggs and Karen Mason of WCU s department of applied criminology, which houses programs in emergency and disaster management studies. Linda Seestedt-Stanford, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, called the project an out­standing example of the university's increasing efforts to engage with the community and to apply faculty expertise to help solve regional problems. "This grant provides resources to create an Internet infrastructure, but it also represents an unprecedented opportunity for both the Cherokee people and Western Carolina University to develop an infrastructure of confidence and support that can benefit all of us in learning, service to our communities, and the achieve­ment of quality health care," said Seestedt-Stanford. -By BILL STUDENC (fieetincfi As we prepare for the new year at Western Carolina University, there is much to celebrate and much to look forward to. With fall enrollment exceeding 9,000 for the first time, we are serving more students than ever before, and serving them with excellence. Your achievements in 2007 attracted a great deal of attention, from a USA Today story that highlighted student engagement at WCU to national honors, including the Christa McAuliflfe Excellence in Teacher Education Award, a No. 1 ranking in afford-ability from GetEducated.com for our online bachelors degree program in criminal justice, and a top five ranking from Fortune Small Business magazine for our online master s degree program in entrepreneurship. On campus, a complete academic reorganization took place. We welcomed new colleges and university leaders. The building boom continued with the start of construction on a dining hall and renova­tions at Forsyth Building. The momentum soon will move to our Millennial Campus, with the state funding $43.8 million for construction of a health sciences building. This year we also unveiled The Campaign for Western, the first comprehensive fund-raising effort of its kind in th e university's history. I am proud to report that we are well on our way to reaching our $40 million goal. In 2008, several significant initiatives will move forward. Through the Quality Enhancement Plan, we will enhance learning experiences for students. Our new tenure and promotion plan will reward faculty who apply their expertise to "real world" needs. Through both, we will become a more fully engaged regional university. Thank you for being part of these extraordinary efforts. Deborah and I both appreciate the warmth and caring that you share year-round as part of the Western family. You are the heartbeat of this special place we call Cullowhee. We wish each of you a safe and wonderful holiday season. Sincerely, foJut cutd Stock CREATING extraordinary OPPORTUNITIES T H E C A M P A I G N F O R W E S T E R N • Campus Campaign Director Inspired to Give More Brett Woods supported The Campaign for Western through his work as campus campaign director and through increasing his gift to the Loyalty Fund, and he was inspired to give again in another way after he came across some paperwork. "I realized I had not named beneficiaries for some of my retirement accounts, and I decided to direct part of my estate to Western," said Woods, director of annual and special gifts. "We invite people to give to the areas that mean the most to them, and I saw an opportunity to give to a program on campus that means a lot to me - Westerns Speech and Hearing Center." Woods sent copies of the documentation that identifies his beneficiaries to Westerns Development Office and completed a statement of intent that stipulated where he would like the gift to be directed. Woods asked that half support an endowed fund that benefits the centers operation, and half support an endowed fund for a scholarship for communication disorders students committed to a career in Western North Carolina. "The center truly serves the people of our community, and I am one of those people who are grateful for their help," said Woods. He has had difficulty hearing since child­hood, and the center at Western helped him adapt and test different devices that made it easier to hear in settings such as crowded WCU Surpasses SECC Goal WCU employees achieved this year's campaign goal of $39,000 for the State Employees Combined Campaign with contributions totaling $43,974 for nonprofit organizations. SECC, the only officially sanctioned fund drive permitted in the state employee workplace, has generated more than $63 million for charitable organizations during the past 22 years. ^Reporter- December 3, 2007 meetings, restaurants or Fine and Performing Arts Center events. Woods said he also is moved by the commitment of students, alumni and faculty to the communication sciences and disorders program. For example Woods described Tabitha Alston, who as a WCU student from Hope Mills talked about her dream of opening a speech and hearing clinic. Woods worked with WCU alumna Margie Gibbs Motsinger, who opened her own clinic, the Cheshire Center in Greensboro, and recently started a scholarship at WCU. Woods also acknowledged faculty such as Yvonne Saddler Nielsen, who worked in the communication disorders program for more than 25 years and continues to support the program through an endowed scholarship she established. "The dedication of these people and oth­ers like them inspired me to make a gift that would have a transformational impact on others by giving them hearing or improving their speech. Making the gift was a matter of filling out a form. It was so simple, and yet it can have a great impact down the road," said Woods. Jim Manring, senior director of develop­ment, said planned commitments such as Woods' are among the most noble and thoughtful contributions a person can make. "While they are long term by nature, Western has received several meaningful planned gifts which help to meet a variety of needs across the campus," said Manring. "We appreciate hearing from individuals who have included Western in their estate plans so that we can express our appreciation and make certain we have an understanding of how they intend the gift to be used." For more information about The Campaign for Western, contact Brett Woods at bwoods@wcu.edu or 227-7124, or click on the Web at campaign.wcu.edu. -By TERESA KILLIAN Regional Drought Compels Campus To Implement Water Conservation Plan Western stepped up measures this fall to conserve water through implementing the university's drought plan. "At Western, we have a favorable water situation with our water supply from the Tuckaseigee River experiencing no shortages to date," said Lauren Bishop, energy man­ager with Facilities Management. "We are aware, however, that our conservation efforts can positively impact areas of greater need in lower elevations, and have implemented additional water-saving initiatives." Efforts include distributing conservation information; eliminating vehicle washing; delaying outside pressure washing of buildings, windows and sidewalks; and not installing landscaping and floral beds that would require weekly watering. Virginia Fowler, assistant director of facilities for Residential Living, posted signs in all residence hall bathrooms about water conservation. Bishop said weekly water consumption decreased about 15 percent or 500,000 gallons during the week of Oct. 22-28 and another 250,000 gallons the following week. "We encourage everyone on campus to conserve water, because every drop counts," said Bishop. The university is still irrigating athletic and intramural fields, but at a reduced frequency. Colder weather will enable the university to reduce or cease irrigation in some areas. Additional measures could Five teams arrived in Haywood County to compete in a 20-mile Relay for Pink cancer screening fundraiser last month and discovered what they had in common was not pink, but purple and gold. WCU staff, faculty, alumni and students recognized each other on teams called the Dynamic Decades, Kellie's Heroes, the Rosado Runners, Pinka-licious and the Whee Runners. "We were proud to be among awesome WCU women of many ages running for the cause of breast cancer," said Lura Embrick, chemistry instructor, and a member of the Dynamic Decades. Her teammates were Lisen Roberts, associate professor of counsel­ing; Lori Seischab, assistant professor of biology; Dana Edge, reference librarian; and Hiddy Morgan, assistant head of cataloging and acquisitions for Hunter Library. "The Dynamic Decades represented women in each decade of their lives from their 20s to their 60s, all of whom are potentially touched by breast cancer," said Roberts. Kellie Angelo Monteith, director of the WCU Fitness Center, said she organized the team Kellie's Heroes because she is a Haywood County resident who wanted to support the cause. Joining her was Sara include shutting down pools on campus and ceasing irrigation. The watershed that supplies Western is largely maintained by Duke Energy hydroelectric system and consists of several dam-controlled lakes, said Bishop. Current­ly, all lake levels meet or exceed target levels, and Duke Energy reported in mid-October that these levels would be maintained for recreation and for providing a "safety net" water supply for the drought forecasted to continue through the winter, she said. On a routine basis, Western manages water by replacing shower heads, faucet aera­tors and flush valves with low-flow fixtures. In addition, programs such as WHEE Save raise awareness of water conservation. "Our grounds department uses planting soil supplements and mulches designed to make water use efficient," said Bishop. "When possible we practice xeriscaping, which is planting native, drought-resistant plants that do not require large amounts of water to thrive." Facilities Management also is testing in several locations on campus such devices as a low-flow showerhead and waterless urinal. For more information, contact Lauren Bishop at 227-3562 or lbishop@email.wcu.edu, or click on the Web at admfin.wcu.edu/plant/energy.html. Stoltenburg, director of the WCU Women's Center, and other women of Haywood County. "We wore matching pink fleece gloves to symbolize the power' of self-exam," said Monteith. Debby Singleton, visiting instructor of health, physical education and recreation, was part of team Rosado Runners. "Rosado" means "pink" in Spanish. Two of her team­mates are WCU alumni. Two teams of WCU students also participated. Runners in Pinkalicious, which placed second, were Jenna Hester, Brittany Beeker and Frances Tate; and members of the Whee Runners were Courtney Devlin, Nan Reeves and Meredith Morgan. Graduate School Names Gastle Associate Dean Brian Gastle, associate professor of English, will become associate dean of the Graduate School, effective Jan. 1. Gastle will take an administrative position currently held by Gibbs Knotts, associate professor of political science and public affairs, who will step down to return to the classroom. "Brian has the skill set needed to move the Graduate School forward in the coming years," said Scott Higgins, dean of the Graduate School and Research. "The knowledge and insight he gained from working closely with important campus initiatives will be invaluable." A member of the English department faculty at WCU since 1998, Gastle has served as director of the department's professional writing and undergraduate studies programs. He recendy was editor of the university's compliance certification reaccreditation report for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Gastle earned his bachelor's degree in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his master's and doc­toral degrees in medieval literature from the University of Delaware. In addition to teaching courses in early British literature, and professional and Web writing, he has been an editor for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and script editor for a PBS educational series on medieval and fantasy literature. When Gastle moves to the Graduate School, he will be able to build upon a strong foundation left behind by Knotts, said Higgins. "Much of the success that the Gradu­ate School has experienced since June 2005 is a reflection of Gibbs' tireless work and commitment to graduate education," he said. "While he will be missed by all who worked with him in his capacity as associate dean, his career goals and aspira­tions are paramount. He is destined to be successful in whatever he chooses to do." ^Reporter - December 3, 2007 Relay Teams Combat Cancer Reporter — Dec. 3,2007 - Jan. 13,2008 ————__ Monday, Dec. 3 Concert—Brass ensembles. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Monday, Dec. 3-Thursday, Dec. 6 The AIDS Memorial Quilt display—72 panels. 12-7 p.m. Dec. 3; 10 a.m -7 p.m. Dec. 4-6. Opening ceremony at noon Dec. 3; musical theatre student performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; Quilt founder Cleve Jones to speak at closing ceremony/reception at 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Grandroom, UC. (227-7206) Tuesday, Dec. 4 Catamount Concert Series—WCU Wind Ensemble. 8 p.m. FAPAC. (227-7242) Living with the Land Folklife Series—Betty Smith, "Coming of the Road: Songs and Stories." 5:30 p.m. Auditorium, MHC. (227-7129) Tuesday, Dec. 4-Thursday, Dec. 6 American Red Cross blood drive—All blood types needed. Donors will receive a 2007 Red Cross holiday ornament. Appointments available. Multipurpose Room, UC. (227-7206) Wednesday, Dec. 5 Reading Day—No classes meet. (227-7216) Catamount basketball—vs. North Carolina Central. $.7:03 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Thursday, Dec. 6 Concert—Old-time music and bluegrass. Don Pedi and Bruce Greene, 7-8 p.m. Open jam, 8-9 p.m. Auditorium, MHC. (227-7129) Friday, Dec. 7 Last day of regular class meetings. (227-7216) Saturday, Dec. 8 Lady Catamount basketball—vs. Wake Forest. $. 4 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Sunday, Dec. 9 Concert—School of Music faculty recital. 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Wednesday, Dec. 12 Late-night exam breakfast—free to students with student ID. Faculty and staff volunteers arrive 7:45 p.m. 8-10 p.m. Dodson Cafeteria. (227-7396) Saturday, Dec. 15 Fall commencement—2 p.m. RRAC. (227-7495) Galaxy of Stars / Something for Everyone Series—"A Holiday Spectacular,"the Asheville Symphony. $. 7:30 p.m. FAPAC. (227-2479) Thursday, Dec. 20 Lady Catamount basketball—vs. Chattanooga. Southern Conference game. $. 7 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Concert—Old-time music and bluegrass. Open jam, 7-9 p.m. Auditorium, MHC. (227-7129) Thursday, Dec. 27 Catamount basketball—vs P resbyterian. $. 7:03 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Thursday, Jan. 3 Concert—Old-time music and bluegrass. McDowell Family Band, 7-8 p.m. Open jam, 8-9 p.m. Auditorium, MHC. (227-7129) Reporter- December 3. 2007 Thursday, Jan. 10 Catamount basketball—vs. Furman. Southern Conference game. $. 7:03 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Friday, Jan. 11 Residence halls open. (227-7303) Saturday, Jan. 12 Lady Catamount basketball—vs. UNC Greensboro. Southern Conference game. $. 4 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Mountain Heritage Center SLIDESHOW SPOTLIGHT FOR DECEMBER: "Mountain Trout." SLIDESHOW SPOTLIGHT FOR JANUARY: "Irons in the Fire." Gallery A: "Migration of the Scotch-Irish People." Includes text panels, illustrations, artifacts and vibrant murals that trace the Scotch-Irish Appalachian settlers from Ulster to Pennsylvania, through the Shenandoah Valley, and into Western North Carolina. Permanent exhibit. Gallery B: "Southern Stews: Traditions of One-Pot Cooking," a national, traveling exhibition organized by the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. Through March. Gallery C: "After the War: Conflict and Domestic Change in the North Carolina Mountains." Portrays how wars and their aftermath have shaped the lives of people and com­munities in Western North Carolina. Through December. Online Exhibits (http://www.wcu.edu/2397.asp) Mountain Heritage Center hours: 8 a.m -5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (227-7129 or http://www.wcu.edu/2389.asp) Fine Art Museum, Fine and Performing Arts Center ONGOING EXHIBIT: "Worldviews."Selections from Western Carolina University's permanent collection in all media by local, regional, national and international artists. Fine Art Museum hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Donations appreciated. (227-3591 or http://fapac.wcu.edu) KEY: $—Admission fee; BB-Belk Buil ding; CAC-Catamount Athletic Center; CAT-Centerfor Applied Technology; CCB—Cordelia Camp Building; CSC-Catamount Softball Complex; FAPAC—Fine and P erforming Arts Center; HA -Hoey Auditorium; HFR-H.F. Ro binson A dministration Building; HL-Hunter Library; HS/CF-Hennon Stadium/Childress Field; M HC-Mountain Heritage Center; NS A-Natural Sciences Auditorium; RH-Recital Hall, Coulter Building; RRAC-Ramsey Regional Activity Center; UC-A.K. Hinds University Center; WS/ BW-Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field. Submissions: Send news items, calendar notices and address changes to WCU Calendar, 420 H.F. Robinson Bldg, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC28723 ore-mail to: Reporter@email. wcu.edu. Submit items for the university's online calendar at least one week prior to the event. Faire Connects WCU to Canton The Canton Connection Faire to be held Monday, Dec. 10, has been organized so WCU faculty and staff can hear what the needs are in the town of Canton and identify ways WCU can help. The town was especially hit hard in 2004 by the remnants of hurricanes Frances and Ivan. The event will be held in the Colonial Theater Annex at 53 Park St. in Canton from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more informa­tion, contact Bill Richmond, associate professor of computer information systems, by e-mail at brichmond@wcu.edu or by phone at 227-7192. Newsfile • C arol Burton, assistant vice chancellor for under­graduate studies; David Butcher, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Sean O'Connell, associ­ate professor of biology; and Jill Manners, associate professor of health sciences; were selected to participate in a regional Council on Undergraduate Research work­shop sponsored by the National Science Foundation to promote institutionalization of undergraduate research. • A nna Fariello, curator of the craft revival digital collection and visiting associate professor, recently was named museology specialist peer reviewer for the United States Fulbright Commission. Fariello is a former Fulbright Senior Scholar to Latin America, where she taught courses in collections and administration, and conducted a study of government-run museums in Panama. • T erry Curtis Fox, associate professor of stage and screen, and Jack Sholder, professor of stage and screen, and director of the Motion Picture and Televi­sion Production Program, participated in a series of educational events developed as part of the Asheville Film Festival in November. Fox led a session titled "Great Beginnings: Starting the Screenplay,"and Sholder co-led "Success in Writing and Directing"and led a session titled "The Art of Editing." George Edward Frizzell Hunter Library Hunter Librar