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Southeastern listed among most affordable institutions with high earning grads
Southeastern is included in a new list of 60 low cost U.S. colleges where graduates also earn high starting salaries.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org reviewed four-year fully accredited public institutions with in-state tuition of less than $5,000 per year with average starting salaries of graduates totaling more than $40,000 per year.
"Southeastern has always been known for being a good value with its relatively low tuition rates and strong academic programs," said university President John L. Crain. "Now the data shows that our graduates are also being valued and recognized by employers with relatively high average starting salaries."
He said Southeastern has among the lowest tuition rates among four-year institutions, and when compared to similarly-sized colleges in other states, Southeastern stands out as a real bargain.
"In spite of the budget cuts sustained over recent years, we have continued to focus on the success of our students," Crain added.
All colleges in the list met the following criteria: four-year public U.S. college, tuition of less than $5,000 per year, fully accredited, and average starting salary upon graduation of more than $40,000 a year. In compiling its list, ACO used highly respected data sources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System (IPEDS), Carnegie Classification, and Payscale.com, a rigorous salary data collection organization.
"This is news we can use when we meet with prospective students," said Southeastern Enrollment Services Director Lori Fairburn. "Today's students and their parents recognize the increasing costs associated with higher education and want to be sure they are getting a good return on their investment. This study and listing confirms what we knew about Southeastern all along."
"In this climate of soaring higher education costs, prospective students should know that it's quite possible to obtain a great education that lands them a well-paying job, but at a very affordable price," said ACO founder Dan Schuessler. "Graduates from these schools leave with the skills and education needed to earn high starting salaries in great careers."
The ranking by ACO on affordability ties into other listings the university enjoys, including membership in the President's Higher Education Honor Roll for Community Service and being named a Military Friendly School by "G.I. Jobs" magazine.
ACO provides prospective students and their parents with information and resources to help them manage the cost of obtaining an education. It is the first website to offer comprehensive lists of "Most Affordable Colleges" in different categories. In addition, ACO provides information related to financial aid and other features, such as a comprehensive video that demystifies the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) process; tips and advice from leading financial aid officers; and the latest information on government initiatives to make college more affordable.
Students prepare for seven-week research trip to Japan
Four students have left on a Southeastern-sponsored research adventure in Japan over
the next two months, where they will be studying and researching a variety of materials
science areas.
The students – three from Southeastern and one from the University of South Alabama
– are spending seven weeks working under different Japanese researchers at three locales.
The trip is being coordinated by Southeastern Physics Professor Sanichiro Yoshida,
whose four-year grant from the National Science Foundation funds the venture.
This is the fourth year Yoshida is leading a team of students to Japan under
an NSF grant to encourage students to study and research abroad. It is the first time
a non-Southeastern student is participating.
Taking part in the experience this year are Southeastern students Sean Craft
of Hattiesburg, a junior physics and computer science major; senior physics major
Seth Hebert of Brusly; and senior biochemistry major Brandon Mobley of Zachary. Joining
the team will be Jeffrey Mizell of Mobile, a senior in electrical engineering with
a second major in physics.
"Southeastern maintains a loose affiliation with USA and the University of Southern
Mississippi, wherein we conduct annual student-oriented research conferences," Yoshida
said. "We had a vacant spot, and Jeffrey is well qualified for this research experience."
In the past three trips, students worked and studied solely at Tokyo Denki University.
This year the students will be stationed in three different locations.
"We are extending the opportunities this year to other institutions under TDU's
research network," said Yoshida. "The students will be able to conduct research that
is more akin to our current research topics in the new locations."
Craft and Hebert are at Niigata University, located on the main Japanese island
of Honshu. Both are continuing research started at Southeastern to test the strength
of steel while using laser interferonmetry techniques to pinpoint inherent weaknesses
in the welded samples of metal. Yoshida earned a patent at Southeastern on using interferonmetry
to detect weaknesses in various materials.
Mobley is working at Yokohoma National University, also on the main island of
Honshu and the second largest city in Japan. His research employs optical interferometry
to study the mechanical properties of aluminum with a goal of improving mechanical
strength in the metal so it can be used in applications such as light or energy efficient
automobiles.
Mizell performing his research at Japan's High Energy Accelerator Research Organization,
known as KEK, which operates the largest particle physics collider in Japan. The organization
maintains a super collider and has two Nobel laureates on staff. Mizell's research
will be involved in studying the decay rate of the elementary particle muon, using
KEK's linear accelerator and other sophisticated equipment.
Yoshida said the students were selected based upon their motivation, a written
application, letters of recommendation, academic performance, and an interview by
a search committee.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for these students that will most likely have
a great influence on their careers," said Yoshida, a native of Japan who will visit
with the students during the summer. "They will be working in world-class research
facilities and will benefit from interaction with Japanese scientists and other students."
The students themselves are excited about the opportunity, not just to study
and research but to also experience the customs and culture of Japan.
"It's a wonderful opportunity, and I'm honored to have been picked," said Craft.
"I can't wait to meet my research crew and delve into the physics full tilt. This
will be a great learning experience for me, and I only hope I am also able to contribute
to the results of the research as well. And I'm looking forward to seeing the country,
particularly the area where I will be staying."
Hebert, whose plans call for graduate school after commencement next year, is
also looking forward to experiencing the Japanese culture and landscape, as well as
the intense research opportunities the trip offers. "I've been looking at the Japanese
language to help prepare for the language barrier I am bound to run into," he added.
The students are also looking ahead to seeing the beauties of Japan's geography.
"I'm looking forward to climbing Mt. Fuji near the end or our trip," remarked
Mobley.
PREPPING FOR JAPAN – Southeastern Professor of Physics Sanichiro Yoshida, center, discusses some of the locations in Japan that will be visited by four university students as part of a National Science Foundation-funded research trip. Pictured are, from left, Jeffrey Mizell of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Southeastern student Seth Hebert of Brusly, Yoshida, and Southeastern students Sean Craft of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Brando Mobley of Zachary.
Southeastern masters program in nursing named one of best in U.S.
The Southeastern consortium master's degree in nursing has been recognized as one
of the best graduate nursing programs in the United States for 2013-14.
The methodology used by MastersDegreeOnline.org for ranking master in nursing programs includes interviews with deans in the field,
surveys of students and more. The rigor of the program, program reputation, and previous
graduate successes also play a large part in program ranking.
The only such program to be recognized in Louisiana, Southeastern's program is
offered in a consortium with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State
University in Lake Charles and Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux.
"The consortium has been recognized by the Board of Regents as a great example
of cooperation and wise use of resources. The four universities work to achieve excellence
in the outcomes of the graduates," said Ann Carruth, dean of the Southeastern College
of Nursing and Health Sciences. "Our emphasis is on preparing nurses to be great clinicians
and leaders in the field. Our graduate faculty use innovative teaching techniques
and strategies to mentor students in the area of administration, education and advanced
practice."
The program offers concentrations leading to a master of science degree in four
different areas: family nurse practitioner, family psychiatric/mental health nurse
practitioner, nurse executive, and nurse educator. The program is accredited by the
Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.
"Online courses provide flexibility in learning," Carruth explained. "Our strength
is that we offer on-site regional practicum and scholarship opportunities. This means
our graduates are highly sought after for employment to meet the growing healthcare
needs of the region."
Southeastern's undergraduate nursing program has been recognized with numerous
awards in recent years, including three Louisiana Nursing Foundation Nightingale Awards
for its undergraduate program and one this year for its graduate program. The school
also operates a completely online RN to BS degree program that allows registered nurses
with an associate's degree or nursing diploma to complete courses leading to a bachelor
of science degree.
Southeastern to offer new computing degree in information technology
In order to meet workforce demands, Southeastern will offer a new undergraduate computing
degree in information technology beginning in the fall 2013 semester.
The bachelor of science degree enhances and builds on a concentration in information
technology that the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology has offered
for several years, seeing its first graduates in 2010.
"Enrollment in the information technology concentration has exploded in recent
years, and we now have more than 190 majors, more than our information systems and
computer science concentrations combined," said Sebastian van Delden, head of the
Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology. "The need and the demand
for this course of study have been well established."
The new degree, one of the few of its kind in Louisiana, was approved earlier
this year by Southeastern's management board, the University of Louisiana Board of
Supervisors, and the Louisiana Board of Regents.
"There is a clear workforce need for this kind of program in Louisiana," said
President John L. Crain. "The state has set a major goal of attracting technology
firms, and major players such as IBM, Ameritas, and other software development and
technology firms are establishing operations in south Louisiana. Companies like this
offer well-paying positions, many of which our graduates will be well qualified to
fill."
van Delden said the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board
for Engineering and Technology – which reviews programs of this nature for academic
integrity and quality – strongly recommended the information technology concentration
be upgraded to a separate degree status. The committee indicated the new degree would
most likely be eligible for ABET reaccreditation.
The degree requires no additional resources from the university in terms of faculty
support, classroom space or equipment, van Delden said.
The repackaging of the current concentration into its own degree program will
better define the graduate's abilities, he explained. IT graduates are highly sought
after by government and industry and typically fill occupations such as programmers,
systems analysts, database administrators, and software engineers.
The primary difference between the information technology degree and a traditional
computer science degree is that it is not calculus-based, van Delden added. The program,
however, includes all the programming and computer science coursework found in the
traditional degree.
"In industry some computing jobs require knowledge of calculus and some do not,"
van Delden said. "With the addition of this degree, we add variety to our computing
graduate pool, which matches with the variety of the jobs out there. These graduates
have the practical training needed to be productive from day one on the job. That
makes them very appealing to employers."
Southeastern in the news
Action News
Students prepare for 7-week research trip to Japan
http://www.actionnews17.com/News/All/TabId/99/ArtMID/494/ArticleID/6787/Students-prepare-for-7-week-research-trip-to-Japan.aspx
BR Advocate
Professors compile work on Tudor era
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/6213863-123/professors-compilework-on-tudor-era
National agency honors SLU nursing program
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/6276385-123/national-agency-honorsslu-nursing-program
Beauregard Daily News
Hammond, LA revisited
http://www.beauregarddailynews.net/article/20130617/BLOGS/306179951
LANext
Southeastern Louisiana University will offer a new undergraduate degree in information
technology beginning fall 2013 http://www.lanext.com/6192013/LANext/New_computing_degree_debuts
WAFB-TV News
Southeatern among most affordable colleges with high earning grads
http://tangipahoa.wafb.com/news/events/69901-southeastern-among-most-affordable-colleges-high-earning-grads
Professional activities
Angela Dunnington and Bethany Simpson (Sims Library) published an article titled "Lessons Learned in Laptop Lending: The
Southeastern Louisiana University Experience" in the spring 2013 issue of Louisiana
Libraries. The article discusses the introduction of the laptop loan service, evolution
of policies and procedures, and lessons learned from circulation staff.
Anthony Blakeney (Industrial Technology) organized and hosted the District 9 Conference for the American
Welding Society at the Madisonville Maritime Museum. District 9 for the American Welding
Society covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the pan handle of Florida. During
the conference, he was awarded the Section 86 Educator Award, the Section 86 Meritorious
Award for dedication to the Southeastern Student Chapter of the American Welding Society,
and he also won the District Educator Scholarship.
Pierre Titard (Accounting and Finance) presented "Forensic Accounting at the FBI" at the annual
meeting of the Louisiana Association of College and University Auditors on the Southeastern
campus on April 25. He also presented "FBI Fights White-Collar Crime" to the Hammond
Kiwanis Club on May 7.
Dr. David Johansen (Music) will begin his seventh year of teaching at the New England Music Camp in
Waterville, Maine. NEMC is a setting geared primarily for high school musicians interested
in band and orchestral performance. The camp runs from June 23 through August 11.
Dr. Barbara Forrest (History and Political Science) has published "Intelligently Designed Data: The Bogus
Louisiana Teacher Survey," in Reports of the National Center for Science Education
(March-April 2013). She has also published "Rejecting the Founders' Legacy: Democracy
as a Weapon Against Science," in a special issue concerning "Democracy and Science"
in Logos: A Journal of Modern Society and Culture (Winter 2013).
Dr. Elizabeth Meyers (Educational Leadership & Technology) received the Preston B. Allison award for the
best doctoral dissertation at the College of Education Hooding Ceremony on May 18.
The title of her dissertation was "An Examination of the Influence of Political Culture
on Education Policy in Louisiana during Periods of Systemic Reform in K-12 Public
Education."
Uddhab Tiwari, a physics-major sophomore, attended the 2nd annual High Performance
Computing (HPC) User Symposium (June 12-13) at Baton Rouge and presented his undergraduate
research done with Dr. Hye-Young Kim (Chemistry and Physics) as a poster, titled "Molecular Dynamics Simulation of VECAR
molecules." In the symposium, Tiwari was selected as an undergraduate student presenter
and gave a 15-minute oral presentation about his research. Tiwari and Kim also attended
a two-day workshop called "Scientific Visualization with VisIt, Mathematica, and ImageJ"
(june 14-15) held at HPC LSU.
William B. Robison (History and Political Science) presented a paper titled "Blazing Tudorism: Comic
Appropriation of the Tudors in Film and Television" and chaired a session on "Reformation,
Transformation, and Resistance in The Tudor Northwest" at the First Annual Symposium
on Medieval and Renaissance Studies at St Louis University.
Charles Elliott (History and Politics) presented "Carnival Interrupted: Causation and the Queen City
at War" at the A+PEL (Associate Professional Educators of Louisiana) American Studies
Conference and University Program on "Total War in Louisiana 1862-1863" in Baton Rouge
on June 21.
ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@southeastern.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to University Marketing and Communications Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
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