TRUSTEE NEWS – APRIL 2015

Posted on May 11th, 2015 by Travis Dix

student spotlight

Averett Cast Prepares for Sweet Charity
Danville Register & Bee

Congressman Robert Hurt Visits Averett’s Center for Community Engagement and Career Competiveness
WSET Ch. 13

Averett, Danville Schools to Receive Autism Grants
Danville Register & Bee

Danville Public Schools and Averett University Receive Autism Education Grant
WSET Ch. 13

Week to Engage Sends Students, Faculty into the Community
Danville Register & Bee

Danville Woman Fighting Ovarian Cancer, Raising Money for Cancer Research in Half Marathon
WSET Ch. 13

Bleed Teal to Strike out Cancer
WDBJ Ch. 7

More than 450 College Students Dedicate One Week to Serving the Community
WSET Ch. 13

Averett Students Out in Force to Better Community
WSET Ch. 13

A Week to Engage; Students Dedicate Their Time to Serving the Community
WDBJ Ch. 7

Averett University Surpasses $25 Million Fundraising Campaign
WDBJ Ch. 7

Averett Fundraising Exceeds $25M Goal
Danville Register & Bee

Plans for $3.5 Million Stadium Unveiled at Averett
Danville Register & Bee

Alumni

Walker Honored with Excellence in Extension Award
Danville Register & Bee

Mary Washington Healthcare Names Chief Nursing Officer
Virginia Business

 

campusnews

Averett and PCC Sign New Articulation Agreement

On Tuesday, March 14, Averett signed a new articulation agreement with Piedmont Community College (PCC) that will allow PCC graduates with an associate of applied science degree (and a cumulative 2.0 GPA) to transfer to Averett and pursue a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree and a minor in leadership. At Averett, students will pursue a BAS degree through the University’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) or IDEAL programs. This is the second agreement we have signed with an area community college. We signed one with Danville Community College March 31.

Mehalko Promoted

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) announced that Dana Mehalko ’09, ’12 has been promoted to Associate Director of Institutional Research. Since joining the OIRE in November 2013, Dana has conducted institutional research tasks, redesigned processes, managed research projects, supervised student staff and assisted with assessment and strategic planning support. Going forward, Dana also will have more responsibility for research and academic assessment activities. Congratulations, Dana!

Week to Engage Recap

The CCECC staff would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time for our first Week to Engage. We had 435 volunteers from Averett University, Danville Community College and Piedmont Community College serving with 22 community partners throughout the week; and 100 of those volunteers were Averett faculty and staff. That is the most faculty/staff participation we have ever had.

newoncampus

Mary Sullivan is Administrative Assistant to Dr. Timothy E. Fulop. Her most recent job experience includes working at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as Administrative Assistant to the Pastor/Coordinator of Religious Education for Children and as Office Manager for her husband’s practice. Mary lives on Hyco Lake in North Carolina, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Gary, and their two daughters, Delaney and Savanna.

Katie Johnston is the new Averett Central Student Concierge Coordinator. As the Student Concierge Coordinator, Katie will assist students with basic questions related to all departments. She will also provide information about upcoming events on campus and other student activities. Her most recent job experience includes working at Karen’s Hallmark Shop in the mall and Dominion Eye Center. Katie is a Danville native and a 2012 graduate of Sweet Briar College. Welcome, Katie!

studentspotlightTheatre Attends SETC 2015

Averett theatre students traveled to Tennessee on March 4 to enhance their skills as thespians. Nearly a dozen students and five faculty and staff members of the Theatre Department attended the four-day Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) 2015 in Chattanooga, TN.

While at the conference, students had the opportunity to attend multiple workshops, apply for jobs at the conference’s job fair, check out graduate programs, network with industry professionals, scope out the latest theatre technology and take in performances.

When not taking in all the activities the conference had to offer, students and faculty actively recruited high school and transfer students interested in attending Averett University. Additionally, faculty and staff members sat in on multiple acting and technician auditions seeking future Averett thespians.

Aside from SETC providing students with a great learning experience and the Theatre Department an opportunity to recruit, the conference provided professional job opportunities to students. Heather McLeod ’15, Jacorey Jones ’16, and Tyler Shively ’17 secured summer jobs. Heather will be joining the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y. as an assistant stage manager. Jacorey will be joining the Prizery in South Boston as key ensemble. Tyler will be joining the Santa Fe Opera company in Santa Fe, N.M. as stage crew.

Recent Graduates Obtain Jobs

Congratulations to Breyona Coleman, who was offered a job at Missoula Children’s Theatre, in Montana, where she will go on a year-long national tour with the company. Breyona graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts.

Congratulations to Heather McLeod, who has been offered a stage manager position with the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y. Heather, who is also a May graduate, received a bachelor’s degree in theatre and minor in business.

Carl Adams III graduated in May with a major in History/Politics and a minor in Criminal Justice. Recently, Carl was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Masters of Criminal Justice program. Carl, who is from Culpeper, was the SGA president. He is happy to start at VCU this fall. Congratulations, Carl!

After her May 2015 graduation, Amanda Van Der-Sluys, theatre major, will be working in costume design with the Heritage Theatre Festival, a professional theatre company, with the University of Virginia (UVA). Amanda is from Troy. We wish her the best!

Erica Sturkie, May 2015 graduate, has accepted a position as project analyst with the Information Systems branch at Exelis in Herndon. Erica is an English major and Art History minor. She is a writing consultant, academic tutor, and was the editor of the Ember Magazine. Congratulations Erica!

Averett Riders Make History
By Jessica Stipic

Averett’s riders made history this past weekend (April 18-19) by placing third as a team during the 38th annual American National Riding Commission (ANRC) National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship held at St. Andrew’s University in Laurinburg, N.C. This is only the second year Averett has had a team compete at ANRC.

Approximately 15-20 college teams showcased their most talented riders, who were judged and scored in four phases: a program ride (including United States Equitation Federation hunter equitation tests); a Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course; a Derby Equitation Course (over natural obstacles in a field); and a written test based on riding theory and equine science. Novice division entries competed over fences at 2’6″ and National division entries competed over fences at 3′.

In addition to placing third as a team, several individual riders also earned individual awards. Hailey Brown and Zuri Lamper carried Averett by placing high in all four divisions. Individually, Hailey placed fifth and Zuri placed seventh out of more than thirty riders. Hannah Walters, Dana Ellwanger and Amanda Schoenfeld did not place in the top ten, but rode beautifully and made the show a great learning experience; which is what Averett is all about.