U.S. Public and Private Higher Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
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University of Wyoming Livestock Judging Team Has Trio of Top-Four Finishes
LARAMIE, Wyoming, Feb. 15 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:
The University of Wyoming livestock judging team notched its highest finish in 30 years at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in January and finished in the top five at two other contests so far this spring season.
"It's a great start to the season for the 2019 team, and they are one of the best teams in the country," says Caleb Boardman, livestock judging coach.
The team finished fourth at the NWSS out of 26 universities. It was second in the sheep and goat division, fifth in beef cattle and overall
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LARAMIE, Wyoming, Feb. 15 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:
The University of Wyoming livestock judging team notched its highest finish in 30 years at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in January and finished in the top five at two other contests so far this spring season.
"It's a great start to the season for the 2019 team, and they are one of the best teams in the country," says Caleb Boardman, livestock judging coach.
The team finished fourth at the NWSS out of 26 universities. It was second in the sheep and goat division, fifth in beef cattle and overallreasons, and eighth in swine.
UW had two members finish in the top 10 out of 123 contestants. Logan Despain, of Laramie, placed fifth overall and seventh in beef cattle, and Shanan Davey, from Olathe, Colo., finished ninth overall and second in sheep and goats. Zackery Schumaker, of Sweet Springs, W.Va., finished third in sheep and goats, and Tiffaney Connelly, from Bridgeport, Neb., finished ninth in the carload judging contest.
The team finished third out of 13 teams and was only 12 points short of winning at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show in Sioux Falls, S.D. The team finished second in beef cattle and swine, fourth in sheep and goats, and third in overall reasons.
"We were disappointed to be so close and not be able to get a win, but third was still a great finish for our team," Boardman says.
UW had two team members in the top 10 out of 71 contestants. Davey finished second overall, third in sheep and goats, seventh in reasons and 10th in swine. Despain finished seventh overall and second in beef cattle. Connelly finished seventh in sheep and goats, and Schumaker tied for 10th in swine.
UW was named highest overall team out of three at the Heart City Bull Bash in Valentine, Neb. This was an all-cattle contest and the first year for the contest. The team was first in placings and reasons.
Schumaker won high individual overall and total placings, and placed second in reasons. Despain was second overall and total placings, and first in reasons. Davey was fourth overall and fifth in placings and reasons. Alexis Wivell, from Smock, Pa., finished fifth overall.
"The team has worked extremely hard since starting up in December," Boardman says. "We have traveled over 8,000 miles, judged over 1,000 animals in 250-plus classes and given countless sets of reasons. I'm extremely impressed with the team's work ethic and willingness to put in long days to get better."
The team, also coached by undergraduate assistant Laurel Rigby, will finish the spring season at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo at the end of February and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.
Udpa Delivers Personal Message to Survivors at Board Meeting
EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 15 -- Michigan State University issued the following news release:
Acting President Satish Udpa opened the Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting with an apology to the survivors of Larry Nassar.
"On behalf of this university I love, as acting president and an executive officer, and as a former dean and faculty member, I realize the need to formally apologize and to effectively atone," Upda said. "I am sorry you were subjected to the pain and humiliation of sexual assault by somebody you should have been able to trust. We failed to comprehend and acknowledge
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EAST LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 15 -- Michigan State University issued the following news release:
Acting President Satish Udpa opened the Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting with an apology to the survivors of Larry Nassar.
"On behalf of this university I love, as acting president and an executive officer, and as a former dean and faculty member, I realize the need to formally apologize and to effectively atone," Upda said. "I am sorry you were subjected to the pain and humiliation of sexual assault by somebody you should have been able to trust. We failed to comprehend and acknowledgeyour injuries. We were too slow to grasp the scope and enormity of the offense you endured. And we failed to treat you with the respect and care you deserved even as we sought to make amends."
Udpa continued, "My commitment to you today is that we will listen more closely, ask more caring questions and act more thoughtfully as all of us work to advance the culture of this campus to one focused first on safety and respect."
Following Udpa's remarks, Dianne Byrum, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, announced the board will re-establish a sexual assault survivors' healing assistance fund. The details about the fund's parameters and information on how to submit for reimbursement will be announced in the coming week.
"The board has met with survivors and their families and consulted with the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup on this topic, and we will continue our work on this issue to support those who need help," Byrum said.
Also during the meeting, the board approved the establishment of the Department of African American and African Studies in the College of Arts and Letters. The new department will enhance the existing program by providing integrated education into the complex connection between race, gender and cultural differences.
In addition, the university delivered the final results of the "Empower Extraordinary" capital campaign. The effort concluded on Dec. 31, 2018 with more than $1.8 billion raised during the past seven years. With a total of 255,284 donors, MSU exceeded its original goal of $1.5 billion.
Other board activity included:
* Authorization to plan an estimated $10 million upgrade to the outdoor pool at IM West to meet NCAA standards
* Approval to proceed with $1.5 million in infrastructure updates at McDonel Hall
* Authorization of a lease with Panera, LLC for food service space at the Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion at the Broad College of Business
The next board meeting will be Friday, April 12.
Sandra Caron Selected 2019 Distinguished Maine Professor
ORONO, Maine, Feb. 15 -- The University of Maine issued the following news release:
Sandra Caron is the recipient of the University of Maine Alumni Association's 2019 Distinguished Maine Professor Award that recognizes the highest qualities of teaching, research and public service.
The UMaine professor of family relations and human sexuality is a "triple threat," says Timothy Reagan, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. In addition to being an outstanding educator and extremely productive and gifted scholar, Reagan says Caron is an active, valued citizen on campus and beyond.
Since
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ORONO, Maine, Feb. 15 -- The University of Maine issued the following news release:
Sandra Caron is the recipient of the University of Maine Alumni Association's 2019 Distinguished Maine Professor Award that recognizes the highest qualities of teaching, research and public service.
The UMaine professor of family relations and human sexuality is a "triple threat," says Timothy Reagan, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. In addition to being an outstanding educator and extremely productive and gifted scholar, Reagan says Caron is an active, valued citizen on campus and beyond.
Sincejoining the faculty in 1988, Caron has taught more than 25,000 students. These days, about 1,000 students annually enroll in her courses in family studies and human sexuality.
Caron, who also is a member of the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies faculty, says that fundamental to her teaching "is the belief that every human being must be genuinely respected and valued for what he or she is -- a worthy person, who is in the process of becoming."
She uses films, music, guest lecturers, panels and participatory projects to make classes engaging and relevant. Caron also portrays historical figures in class, including Queen Victoria talking about the history of sexuality, and Margaret Sanger discussing birth control. And to alleviate anxiety before finals, Caron has enlisted skydivers and the Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band to deliver the exams.
Elizabeth Allan, professor of higher education, says that over the years Caron has eagerly embraced and pioneered new technologies -- including teaching on ITV (Instructional Television) and online, as well as utilizing clickers in the classroom to enhance student engagement and encourage active learning.
When developing courses, Caron is committed to incorporating the experiences of minorities, non-Western cultures and women of all social and ethnic origins.
Her creative and forward-thinking educational approaches have been recognized on multiple occasions over three decades -- including a University of Maine Presidential Outstanding Teaching Award in 1998 to a Faculty Excellence Award from the University of Maine Alumni Association in 2017.
Caron's class evaluations are among the highest in the College of Education and Human Development, Reagan says. One student recently wrote, "Dr. Caron is the most dynamic, provocative and inclusive educator on this campus."
Alumna Danielle Gluckman says Caron is the reason she has such a strong passion for health education and reproductive health, and is the reason she applied to graduate school.
"I admire ... Dr. Caron's involvement in her students' academic and professional growth," says Gluckman, a 2018 graduate pursuing a master's degree in human development. "After listening to what a student is looking for, Dr. Caron offers realistic ideas and resources for further training or schooling, and will often get in touch with professionals in the field wherever the student plans to live."
Alumna Jennifer Schlenker says Caron's enthusiasm, knowledge and genuine care for students are unparalleled.
"Her concern and encouragement for my intellectual and personal endeavors have enabled me to explore academic and career opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible," Schlenker says.
In addition to Caron's considerable teaching responsibilities, she has chaired more than 50 graduate committees and served on more than 100 thesis and dissertation committees.
Allan calls Caron's research productivity nothing short of extraordinary, especially in light of her demanding teaching and advising load.
Caron's research and nearly 50 scholarly publications have focused primarily on the social-sexual development of young people. For 30 years, she has surveyed UMaine students about their sexual attitudes and behaviors to track trends.
Caron has written several books, including "The Sex Lives of College Students," "Birds and Bees and more," "Sex Around the World," and "Sex Matters for College Students." She also co-wrote three guides to help novices understand the basics of football and hockey.
For two decades, Caron wrote a weekly Q&A column in The Maine Campus titled "Sex Matters," which became the longest running column on sexuality in a campus newspaper. She also hosted a radio show by the same name on WMEB, the campus radio station. Caron continues to host a national website, collegesextalk.com.
Allan credits Caron, a UMaine alumna, with devoting countless hours to projects that advance a more inclusive and socially just campus and society.
A sampling of the committees on which she has served during the last 30 years include: LGBTQ & Allies Council, Sexual Assault & Violence Prevention, Faculty Senate, Associated Faculties of the University of Maine, Wilson Center for Spiritual Exploration and Multifaith Dialogue, Athletic Advisory Board, and the Pi Beta Phi Alumni Committee. In recognition of her dedication and service, Caron was presented the Presidential Public Service Award in 2002.
Caron's contributions "emerge in many big and small ways because they are just part of who she is -- whether it's organizing a massive group to break a Guinness World Record, cheering UMaine athletes at the field or rink, or organizing a rotational dinner party for all the faculty and staff in Merrill Hall -- her energy is boundless and her commitment to UMaine is unwavering," Allan says.
Brenda Power, the 1999 Distinguished Maine Professor and founder of Choice Literacy, says Caron "always has time, energy and heart for any living being in need," from providing expert advice about reporting suspected child abuse to caring for cats at a rural shelter.
Those quiet contributions -- which aren't cited and cannot be quantified -- "for desperate folks who may have nowhere else to go, ... may be her greatest legacy," writes Power in her nomination letter.
Caron, a licensed clinical professional counselor, also founded three nationally recognized peer education programs: Athletes for Sexual Responsibility, Male Athletes Against Violence, and the Greek Peer Educator Program.
Among her numerous community distinctions are the Mabel Sine Wadsworth Women's Health Achievement Award in 2013 for her lifelong contributions to sexual and reproductive health, and the Maine Family Planning Association's Margaret Vaughn Award in 1999 for Outstanding Contribution to Sexuality in Maine.
David Townsend, professor of oceanography and the 2006 winner of the award, says, "Quite simply, her qualifications, record of performance, devotion to her profession, and overall probity as pertains to this prestigious award are unmatched by any other member of our faculty."
The UMaine classes of 1942 and 2002 sponsor the award. In addition to a $4,200 prize, Caron will receive a blazer and a pewter medallion, funded by the Class of 1942. Caron will be honored at the Alumni Achievement Awards dinner and celebration April 5 at Wells Conference Center.
New SBDC Director Plans to Emphasize Training, Community Connections
VICTORIA, Texas, Feb. 15 -- The University of Houston Victoria campus issued the following news release:
Lindsay Young learned about running a business at a young age because she grew up watching her family run a chemical business in Houston.
Now Young is bringing her years of experience as a business advisor and her love of working with Crossroads businesses to the table as she steps into the role of University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center director after the previous director, Joe Humphreys, retired in January.
"Lindsay Young is an energetic leader who will be able
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VICTORIA, Texas, Feb. 15 -- The University of Houston Victoria campus issued the following news release:
Lindsay Young learned about running a business at a young age because she grew up watching her family run a chemical business in Houston.
Now Young is bringing her years of experience as a business advisor and her love of working with Crossroads businesses to the table as she steps into the role of University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center director after the previous director, Joe Humphreys, retired in January.
"Lindsay Young is an energetic leader who will be ableto build on and continue the success the UHV SBDC has experienced," said Wayne Beran, UHV vice president for administration and finance. "Joe was an exceptional leader who brought a positive emphasis to the center, and I look forward to seeing the center continue to develop with Lindsay at the helm."
Young joined the UHV SBDC as a business advisor in September 2011. In that role, she worked with individual clients to help them start and improve their small businesses. During that time, she also went through training and worked her way up from a Level 1 to a Level 4 business advisor. In addition to training as a business advisor, Young earned her Strategic Master of Business Administration in management in 2013 from the UHV School of Business Administration.
"I was constantly learning, even as a Level 4 advisor," she said. "When you are hired as a new L-Level 1 advisor, you have to figure out what you don't know and how to best help your clients. Even when you reach Level 4, you always have to be ahead of the curve and be aware of what is happening in the business world."
In 2017, Young received a new position as the finance and operations manager for the UHV SBDC and the university's Regional Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. In that role, she handled budgets and finances for both the SBDC and the regional center. Now, as she begins her time as director, Young will bring her experience from all of those roles into her leadership of the UHV SBDC.
"As one of my favorite motivational speakers, John Maxwell, says, one of the most important things a leader can do is hold the ladder as others climb up it," Humphreys said. "I have worked with Lindsay since she was first hired, and I know she has experience that will be invaluable to the SBDC and the community. I have the highest level of confidence in her."
As the new director, Young has set some new goals for the UHV SBDC in the coming years. First, she plans to reach out to the different counties and communities in the SBDC's service area, including chambers of commerce and other economic organizations, and see what support or training they want to receive. She also wants to work with these organizations and communities to see what economic and small business strategies are working and what areas need to be re-evaluated.
"First and foremost, our goal is to work with communities and find ways to partner with them to support their local entrepreneurs," Young said. "We are dedicated to boosting small businesses in our area, and we have a wonderful team of experienced business advisors who can help make that happen."
Another goal is to increase the visibility of the UHV SBDC, Young said. Although the center is a free resource, some business owners don't know about it.
"Often times we hear from clients that the SBDC is the best kept secret in the area," she said. "We don't want it to be that way, so I'd like to focus on becoming a more visible and public organization."
As she moves forward with the SBDC, Young wants to continue and build on the positive legacy left by her predecessor.
"Joe created a culture of success in the SBDC, and I want to keep that positive energy," she said. "He made such a difference and an impact, so I have some big shoes to fill. But I'm blessed to have a group of business advisors who are invested in the community and ready to move forward."
Dudley Birder Chorale to Present Beethoven Choral Fantasy Concert
DE PERE, Wisconsin, Feb. 15 -- St. Norbert College issued the following news release:
The Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College will present a Beethoven Choral Fantasy Concert on Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.snc.edu/go/beethoven.
The chorale will collaborate with northeast Wisconsin high school choirs from Bay Port, De Pere, Little Chute and Xavier to prove Beethoven is better than ever. Guest soloists will include Justin Krueger, adjunct
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DE PERE, Wisconsin, Feb. 15 -- St. Norbert College issued the following news release:
The Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College will present a Beethoven Choral Fantasy Concert on Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.snc.edu/go/beethoven.
The chorale will collaborate with northeast Wisconsin high school choirs from Bay Port, De Pere, Little Chute and Xavier to prove Beethoven is better than ever. Guest soloists will include Justin Krueger, adjunctprofessor of music at St. Norbert College; Kaara McHugh, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in vocal pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee; Ben Olejniczak, a Dudley Birder Chorale alumnus pursuing a master's degree in vocal pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee; Anna Parks, a Chicago-based vocalist recently featured as a soloist with the Madison Symphony Orchestra; and Rob Riordan, a Dudley Birder Chorale alumnus pursuing a master's degree in voice performance at the University of Missouri.
The concert will feature some of Beethoven's best choral and symphonic pieces, including "Hallelujah" from "The Mount of Olives," "Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra," "Op 80" and "Mass in C Major, Op 86."
Established in 1974, The Dudley Birder Chorale is composed of more than 150 adult singers, from more than 30 communities in northeast Wisconsin, who come together to sing choral masterworks every year.
For more information about this concert or the Dudley Birder Chorale, visit https://www.snc.edu/birderchorale or contact Josh Fields, arts management assistant to the chorale, at 920-403-3432 or birderchorale@snc.edu.
Dominican Mourns Passing of Sr. Jean Murray
RIVER FOREST, Illinois, Feb. 15 -- Dominican University issued the following news release:
Dominican University and the Village of River Forest lost an influential community leader and friend with the passing of Sister Jean Murray on February 14. Sr. Jean died at the age of 91 at the Dominican Motherhouse in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin..
A Sinsinawa Dominican Sister for 66 years, Sr. Jean served as president of Rosary College, now Dominican University, from 1981 to 1994. She joined the college in 1961 as a French teacher and later served as chair of the foreign languages department. She led the college's
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RIVER FOREST, Illinois, Feb. 15 -- Dominican University issued the following news release:
Dominican University and the Village of River Forest lost an influential community leader and friend with the passing of Sister Jean Murray on February 14. Sr. Jean died at the age of 91 at the Dominican Motherhouse in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin..
A Sinsinawa Dominican Sister for 66 years, Sr. Jean served as president of Rosary College, now Dominican University, from 1981 to 1994. She joined the college in 1961 as a French teacher and later served as chair of the foreign languages department. She led the college'sinternational program in Fribourg, Switzerland for many years and launched in 1997 the Fanjeaux Pilgrimage, an annual trip retracing throughout southern France the footsteps and ministries of St. Dominic, founder of the 800-year-old Dominican Order. The program attracts faculty, staff and students from Dominican-sponsored colleges and universities across the country.
Sr. Jean served the Sinsinawa Dominican congregation as a provincial councilor for the Southeast Province from 1976 to 1980. She was the first woman to lead the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities and founded the Dominican Higher Education Council.
Born in Broadview, Illinois, Sr. Jean graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest and received her bachelor's degree in French from Rosary College and her doctoral degree in French from the University of Fribourg. She received the prestigious academic honor, Les Palmes Academiques, from the French government in 1976 for her publications on notable French author Georges Bernanos and her leadership in promoting French contributions to education and culture.
After her retirement, Sr. Jean was a regular presence on the Dominican campus, attending student activities, concerts and lectures and cheering on athletic teams. In 2012, the university named its newest residence hall in her honor.
"There was a quiet strength about Jean Murray that defined who she was and all that she accomplished," reflected President Donna Carroll in an email to the Dominican community. "Hers was a soft style, but a strong presence. She always had the best interest of the institution in her heart and mind. She described her later Dominican University years as a ministry of presence, continuing the relationship-centered Rosary College tradition."
Sr. Jean is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and the Dominican Sisters with whom she shared her life for 66 years.
Sr. Jean requested a green burial, which took place on February 16 at the Sinsinawa Dominican motherhouse in Wisconsin. A funeral mass will be held at the motherhouse on Wednesday, February 20. A memorial mass will be held at Dominican University on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. in Rosary Chapel.
Campbellsville University Schedules Dr. Gerald Smith as Black History Month Speaker
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Kentucky, Feb. 15 -- Campbellsville University issued the following news:
Dr. Gerald L. Smith, a distinguished professor of history at the University of Kentucky, will speak at chapel Wednesday, Feb. 20 for the university's observance of Black History Month at 10 a.m. in Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.
The chapel is co-sponsored by Greater Campbellsville United.
Smith serves as pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lexington and is a historian of national renown relative to African American history, the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil
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CAMPBELLSVILLE, Kentucky, Feb. 15 -- Campbellsville University issued the following news:
Dr. Gerald L. Smith, a distinguished professor of history at the University of Kentucky, will speak at chapel Wednesday, Feb. 20 for the university's observance of Black History Month at 10 a.m. in Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.
The chapel is co-sponsored by Greater Campbellsville United.
Smith serves as pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lexington and is a historian of national renown relative to African American history, the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and the CivilRights Movement, Dr. John Chowning, executive assistant to Campbellsville University's president for government, community and constitutant relations, said.
Smith is an associate professor of African American history and the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Kentucky. Smith is the author, editor or co-editor of several books. He is a contributing volume co-editor of the "Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. Volume Six: Advocate of the Social Gospel."
He has nearly 40 other publications in historical journals and encyclopedias.
From 1997 until 2005, he served as the director of the African American Studies and Research Program at UK.
In 2015, he received Campbellsville University's Racial Reconciliation Award which is given to those who have shown outstanding characteristics of servant leadership in bringing people together past racial matters and across lines of ethnicity, and who have been significant bridge builders for the community.
Chowning said Smith is an "excellent speaker and preacher as well as a distinguished professor and educator."
Chowning invites the entire university community, including students as well as those in the area, to attend Campbellsville University's chapel as "Dr. Smith will bring a powerful and important message."
Smith earned his bachelor of arts, master of arts and Ph.D. degrees in history from UK. He is a native of Lexington.
He taught at the University of Memphis from 1988 to 1993. From 1997 until 2005, he served as the director of the African American Studies and Research Program.
Smith has consulted on various historical projects, lectured on colleges campuses around Kentucky and conducted workshops for primary and secondary school teachers.
He has also appeared in historical documentaries that have aired on CBS, NBC, KET and TruTV.
Smith is general co-editor of "The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia" published in 2015.
He is researching and writing a new general history of African Americans in Kentucky.
Smith has served on a number of different boards and committees and is the recipient of numerous awards.
He and his wife, Teresa Turner Smith, have two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah.
Smith's address is part of Campbellsville University's celebration of Black History Month. Dr. E. Bruce Williams, senior pastor at Bates Memorial Baptist Church in Louisville, spoke Jan. 23 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. chapel service, and the Amazing Tones of Joy from Western Kentucky University gave a gospel concert Feb. 7.
All chapels are free and open to the public each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.
Chapel is designed to provide opportunities for corporate worship and exposure through a variety of informative speakers and presentations, Ed Pavy, director of campus ministries, said.
All chapel programs are televised live on WLCU (Comcast Cable channel 10 and digital channel 23.0) and are streamed live on the internet at wlcutv.com.
For more information about chapel, contact Ed Pavy at ecpavy@campbellsville.edu or (270) 789-5227.
