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. Please submit by Friday, Apr. 13, for a Wednesday, Apr. 18, publication.
Congratulations Teresa Beach
The School of Nursing is delighted to announce that Teresa Beach, assistant professor, has completed her doctoral degree, which was conferred on Saturday, Mar. 31. Dr. Beach has earned the Ed.D. in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University.
New Student Spotlights on the Averett website
We now have nine new student spotlights on the Averett University website. Please take a moment to go check them out by clicking here!
GPS Student Spotlight
Meet LaChelle Clark, a student pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree with a human resource Mmanagement concentration who is expected to graduate in 2019.
QUESTION: What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?
ANSWER: “My motivation for obtaining my degree is to better myself, not only as an educated woman in the business world, but to broaden my horizons in the future to pursue other avenues to enhance my career. The phrase ‘education is the key’ has been instilled in my mind since my early school years. A quote that I reflect on often is, ‘Great things come from hard work and perseverance, no excuses.’”
Averett: From the Eyes of Freshmen
During every Averett 101 class each fall semester, the students go to the president’s house and enjoy a dinner with Dr. Franks and her husband, Joe. During that time, Dr. Franks asks the students what they love about Averett and if they have any concerns. During this spring semester, we will be sharing some of those positive comments with you. Enjoy!
“My football teammates are funny.”
“Good athletic presence – we blend in and bond.”
“Averett is investing in me – they care about my success.”
“People check on each other and take care of each other.”
“The campus just feels right.”
“The aviation upperclassmen are really friendly.”
CCECC Director Candidate on Campus
Please join us this Friday, Apr. 13, from 1:45 -2:45 p.m. in the multipurpose room as we welcome CCECC director candidate Dr. Arto Woodley. Woodley will present his thoughts on community engagement, revitalization and the role of students in community efforts. The session includes time for candidate questions and discussion. Please join us and offer your input as we try to fill what is a very important leadership role in our community. Woodley has more than 25 years of experience in higher education and community engagement, most recently serving as scholar-in-residence at Swarthmore College. If you would like a copy of his vita, email Susan Huckstep at [email protected].
Our other two candidates are Dr. Billy Wooten and Mr. Richard Glass. They will be interviewing on Wednesday, Apr. 18, and Wednesday, May 2, respectively. Their itineraries are still being developed and will be in CoffeeBreak next week.
Nursing Disaster Simulation
Next Wednesday, Apr. 18, the School of Nursing is facilitating a disaster simulation to train nursing students in emergency response care. We are partnering with several local agencies and organizations to complete the exercise, and access to the Riverview Campus will be very limited between 8 a.m. and noon. Bridge Street will be blocked between Newton and Colquohoun streets, and the parking lot will have limited access during this time. For questions, contact Debbie Pike in the School of Nursing at (434) 791-7113 or [email protected].
Staff Council Nominations
Staff Council nominations are now being accepted for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Please complete the form located here. The site is secure, once you click on the link you may need to click “allow” or “continue to this website” on your computer to get to the document.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, Apr. 30. New this year, online voting will begin Friday, May 4. Voting will run from Friday, May 4, until Friday, May 11. You will receive an email with the voting information.
The new Staff Council Members will be announced at the Thursday, May 17, meeting. Should you have any questions, please contact Mark Sheets at[email protected].
2017-18 Outstanding Faculty & Staff Award Nominations
THIS IS YOUR FINAL CHANCE to nominate your fellow faculty and staff members for the Outstanding Faculty and Staff awards. The awards will be presented at the Faculty, Staff, Retiree Luncheon to be held Thursday, May 3. The criteria for the award and nomination process can be found by clicking here. The nomination form can be found by clicking here.
The deadline to submit nominations is this Friday, Apr. 13, by 4:30 p.m. Completed nomination forms need to be sent to [email protected].
Staff Meeting
Congratulations to Pam Paynter, staff accountant, payroll and benefits, who won the Golden Bagel for the month of March! If you would like to nominate your co-worker for the Golden Bagel award, please email [email protected].
The April Staff Meeting will take place on Thursday, Apr. 19, at 11:15 a.m. Please join us for a social media update, departmental announcements, staff council nomination details and lunch with your co-workers!
Life Insurance Changes Due to Human Resources
Our window of opportunity is short. If you are interested in adding or increasing voluntary coverage on yourself, spouse or children, please complete the form and return it to Tammy Wall at [email protected], no later than close of business on Monday, Apr. 16.
If we do not receive your completed form by close of business on Monday, Apr. 16, it will be assumed you have elected no changes, and future elections of coverage may be subject to proof of good health. Please refer to the letter sent via email to all eligible employees on Monday, Apr. 9. Click here to view the full letter.
Sam’s Club on Campus
The Sam’s Club representative will be on campus Wednesday, Apr. 18, and Wednesday, Apr. 25., in the dining hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day. You can renew your membership and the representative can assist you with a new enrollment.
TIAA on Campus
A few appointments remain open for the TIAA representative on campus next week. You can meet with a financial consultant right here at Averett. No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with Matthew Meade can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more: Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals? Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need? How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?
Our representative will be on campus Thursday, Apr. 12, and Friday, Apr. 13, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Main Hall room 131. Please click here to schedule your appointment with Meade or call (800) 732-8353. You can also click here to view the form.
Retirement Plan Info
As you’ve heard, Averett announced that we have joined with 13 other member institutions from the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) to establish a single retirement plan with multiple “adopting employers” called a 403(b) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). This has recently received some statewide media attention, including this article by Virginia Business.
Additionally, we have added a section to the Averett website regarding the plan, which can be found here. The page includes the announcement, recent media coverage of the plan, transition information and frequently asked questions. This information will be updated periodically as we continue through the process. Questions concerning the transition can be emailed to Kathie Tune, director of human resources, at [email protected].
Study Abroad Program Spotlight
Averett Study Abroad is excited to announce a new partnership with SAI Programs, offering cultural and educational experiences in Italy, Barcelona and Paris. This affiliation includes an exciting opportunity for Averett faculty and staff! The SAI Faculty Fellows Program is an opportunity to broaden teaching and scholarship activities through a funded month in Florence or Rome (no knowledge of Italian is required).
The SAI Staff Leadership Grant offers staff the opportunity to gain professional experience and cultural exposure at one of the following SAI sites: Barcelona, Milan or Paris.
Further information can be found on the SAI website by clicking here or by contacting Dr. Clark at [email protected].
