CoffeeBreak is an e-newsletter distributed to Averett faculty and staff to keep them up to date on campus activities and information.
Please send information you would like included in CoffeeBreak via this form by 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 18 for a Wednesday, March 23 publication.
A warm Averett welcome is extended to …
Ginny Stanley, Instructional Designer for the adult learning programs. Ginny holds a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation education from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. She comes to Averett with extensive experience in instructional design and development in both the public and private sectors. Ginny resides in Phoenix, Ariz. with her husband, Jerry. Please feel free to send her an email to say hello and introduce yourself at [email protected].
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet Sheri Craun who is pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing degree through the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program. She will graduate from the program next spring.
Why she chose the GPS Program: “I choose Averett’s GPS Program for the easy on-line access and the flexibility it allows with my full-time work schedule. I was encouraged by the support and help of my recruiter. The positive feedback from other AU students and the university’s outstanding reputation helped making the choice to attend AU easy.”
What is motivating her to earn her BSN: “As a professional nurse acquiring a BSN degree, continued education is a personal and professional service. It allows me to grow as an individual and professional and supports safe practice and care that I want to give my patients and community. The knowledge and skills that I acquire, through Averett’s BSN program, will give me leadership and educator skills.”
What keeps her motivated: “The goal of completion and being awarded my degree. I plan on making the trip to the AU campus for graduation day!”
Tip for fellow and future classmates: “Perseverance! Dreams come true with dedication and action!”
Student Accolades
The Student Life Department has been recognizing students who go the extra mile in whatever they are doing on campus since the fall of 2014. Each week during Student Life staff meetings, staff members nominate students whose dedication to the university they want to recognize. Students are notified about the nomination and their chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of the semester, all the names of those who were nominated are put into a bowl and the name of one lucky student is selected. This is the department’s way of letting students know their efforts and hard work is appreciated.
This week they have recognized Michael Cagle, Brandon Veasey, Tevin Perry and Lindsey Fulcher.
Hawkins Publishes Article
Since the mid-1990s, Dr. Ralph Hawkins has been one of just a few American “disciples” of Israeli archaeologist Adam Zertal. After working with him in the highlands of Israel from 1995 to 1998, Hawkins went on to do graduate work in Near Eastern archaeology, and wrote a dissertation focused on one of Zertal’s excavations. A few years later, he wrote a historical and archaeological reconstruction of early Israel’s emergence in Canaan that was heavily influenced by Zertal’s work.
In the wake of Zertal’s death last year, Hawkins was invited by Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR), the world’s highest circulating magazine dealing with biblical archaeology, to write a feature article exploring some of Zertal’s most controversial findings. The article appears in the current issue of BAR and be found by clicking here.
Humphries Promoted
Bonnie Humphries ’10 has been named Coordinator for the IDEAL Program. Bonnie has been with Averett for more than five years, and during that time she has provided exceptional service as the Distance Education Specialist for IDEAL. She currently serves on Staff Council and is always eager to participate in university events. She has a BBA degree from Averett and a MBA in information technology from Golden Gate University.
Congratulations, Bonnie!
Rowland takes new Position
Susan Rowland has transitioned to a new position – Director of Curriculum Services for Distance Education. For many years, she was also Director of the IDEAL program; and three years ago, was also given the responsibility of Director of Distance Education.
In her new role, Susan will oversee the launching of new functions – curriculum design and instructional development. In addition, she will oversee instructional designers for distance education. She has successfully met all of the requirements for the Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer designation, and is currently enrolled in the graduate Instructional Design Certificate program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Congratulations, Susan!
Changes in Student Life
The Student Life office is in the process of hiring a Director of Residence Life. Once this position is filled, Marsha Foster will transition into a new position – Associate Dean of Health and Wellness as well as our Title Nine Coordinator. Additionally, Kyle Patterson has been promoted to Assistant Director of Residence Life.
Nominations for Faculty & Staff Award
Do you know of a faculty or staff member who is always going above and beyond the call of duty? Consider nominating him, or her, for the Outstanding Faculty or Outstanding Staff member of the year award.
The nomination form should be filled out completely. Nominations that do not have a reason will not be considered. All nominations must be submitted to [email protected] no later than Thursday, March 31. Nominations received after this date will not be accepted. The criteria for nominations and the form can be found on the Intranet under Groups & Committees and then under Staff Council.
Please note that the last three years’ winners cannot be nominated again. For staff this includes Carly Pearce (2014-15), Sandy Bash (2013-14) and Gloria Robertson (2012-13). For faculty this includes Peggy Wright (2014-15), Barbara Kushubar (2013-14) and Ginger Henderson (2012-13).
Women’s Network Event
Averett’s second networking event for women will feature Joe Franks, presidential spouse. Bring your lunch and join us on Monday, March 21 at noon in the multipurpose room to hear Joe talk about his role at Averett.
This new series focuses on topics related to women’s leadership development and advancement in higher education. It is being sponsored under the auspices of the Virginia Network of the American Council on Education’s (ACE), Inclusive Excellence Group, which facilitates the networking of women interested in pursuing leadership opportunities in higher education.
Save the Date!
The university’s annual spring Faculty/Staff/Retiree Appreciation Luncheon will be held Thursday, May 5 from Noon-1:15 p.m. in the Student Center dining room. Invitations will be emailed in early April.
Engage Your Class with Service-Learning!
Faculty, as you plan your fall courses consider improving your learning outcomes with service-learning. Stipends up to $750 are available to faculty members who embed service-learning into their courses. Contact Brigid Belko to learn how service-learning can bring learning alive in your classroom.
Thank you to Dr. Michelle Liu, Dr. Susan Huckstep, Dr. Carrie Hendrick, Sergey Samoilenko, Meaghan Byrne, Mary Lou Dunn, Dr. Andrew Canady and all IDS 101 instructors for teaching 26 new service-learning courses this academic year.
Engagement Showcase
The CCECC invites everyone to attend the second annual Engagement Showcase on Tuesday, March 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Frith Fine Arts Center. Students from Averett, Danville Community College, and Piedmont Community College will showcase their contributions to the community through volunteerism and service-learning. Engage Leadership awards will be presented and food will be served.
Your Help is Needed!
Looking for an opportunity to use some of your service leave? Averett is once again partnering with the Chamber of Commerce among others to host a Community Wide Job Fair. The fair will be held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Thursday, April 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We need volunteers to help this event run smoothly. Please contact Angie McAdams at 791-5629 by Friday, March 18 to volunteer.
IDEA Fest
Have an idea for a business? Come pitch your startup idea at IDEA Fest, the third annual business pitch competition, on Friday, April 1 from 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.
Participants must register by Monday, March 21 at www.ideafestdanville.com. Competitors will have two minutes to pitch their idea. Winners of the competition can receive up to $10,000 in cash prizes.
Register for the Heart Chase!
The American Heart Association is teaming up with Festival in the Park to host its Heart Chase on Friday, May 13 at 6 p.m. With Heart Chase, teams race to complete heart healthy challenges and collect as many points as possible, so getting active is fun.
Visit HeartChaseDanville.org to register today. This is a great event for the whole family! If you have questions, please contact Ashley Ege or check out this flyer for more information.
