IN THIS ISSUE ... 

Women's Basketball Coach named

Men's Basketball Coach named

LA Historical Association to meet

Biologist leads international meeting

Elliot to be honored

Burns to present lecture

Phi Kappa Phi induction set

Students meet Chick-fil-A CEO

HopeLine Campaign set

Non-Credit courses available

Southeastern in the news

This Week in Athletics

Professional activities


 

Southeastern names Yolanda Moore Head Women's Basketball Coach
Yolanda MooreTwo-time WNBA champion and successful junior college head coach Yolanda Moore has been named the head women's basketball coach at Southeastern, university Director of Athletics Jay Artigues announced on Friday, April 4.
     Moore's hiring is pending approval of the University of Louisiana System Board of Directors. Moore is the fifth head coach in program history and replaces Lori Davis Jones, who resigned following the 2013-14 season after 12 years as head coach.
     Moore spent the 2013-14 season as the head coach at LSU Eunice. Taking over a program that had won 17 games combined in the previous two seasons, Moore led the Lady Bengals to a 26-3 overall record and the program's first-ever Miss-Lou Conference championship.
     LSU Eunice was ranked as high as No. 22 in the NJCAA Division I national rankings, thanks in large part to the commitment to defense by the 2013-14 NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year. The Lady Bengals finished the season ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 39.9 points per game.
     "We believe we have everything in place to be the premier women's basketball program in the Southland Conference," Artigues said. "We were looking for someone who is dedicated to taking our program to the next level and we're confident that Yolanda Moore is the person who can help us consistently compete for Southland Conference championships.
     "Commitment to excellence in competition is only one part of what makes a successful head coach," Artigues added. "We have found someone in Coach Moore that will not only win games and compete for championships, but will help our student-athletes succeed in the classroom and thrive in the community. Coach Moore is going to bring a new energy to our program, and we're fortunate to have a person of her caliber join the Southeastern family."
     Moore is excited for the opportunity to take the helm of the Lady Lion program.
     "There were a lot of quality candidates for this position," Moore said. "I'm extremely humbled and grateful that the search committee and administration considered me a good fit after my experience as a coach, professional and a student-athlete. I'm very thankful to have this opportunity at Southeastern Louisiana University."
     A 2010 inductee into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame, Moore was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference post player for the Lady Rebels, including earning unanimous first team All-SEC honors in her final two seasons. Moore went on to become a player in the inaugural seasons of the WNBA and was a member of the champion Houston Comets during the league's first two years.
     Following her playing career, Moore put her Ole Miss degree in radio and television to work. In addition to serving as a women's college basketball analyst for Fox Sports South in 2005, she was the postgame radio analyst for the NBA's Memphis Grizzles in 2007.
     Moore also has extensive experience as both a consultant and motivational speaker. She released her first book, You Will Win If You Don't Quit, in September 2012.
     Moore, a Port Gibson, Miss. native, is the mother of four and has a grandson.

 


Southeastern names Jay Ladner Head Men's Basketball Coach
Jay LadnerFresh off a junior college national championship, Jay Ladner has been named the head men's basketball coach at Southeastern, athletic director Jay Artigues announced last week.
     Ladner's hiring is pending approval of the University of Louisiana System Board of Directors. Ladner is the 12th head coach in program history and replaces Jim Yarbrough, whose contract was terminated following the 2013-14 season after nine years as head coach.
     Ladner spent the past two seasons as head coach at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Miss. The Bobcats were 17-8 in his first season, finishing second in the MACJC's South Division, and this past season Jones County became the first Mississippi junior college to win a national championship.
     "This is another exciting day in the history of Southeastern athletics," Artigues said. "Jay brings an enthusiasm and knowledge of this game that can take us to the next level. I'm excited to have him become the newest member of the Lion nation."
     Eleventh-seeded Jones County, which set a school record for wins after finishing the season 28-5, became the lowest-seeded school to win a NJCAA basketball title in any division and the first school in tournament history to win five games in five days to win the championship.
     To grab the NJCAA Division I title, Ladner's squad defeated, in succession, No. 22-seeded Highland College (Ill.), No. 6-seeded Hill College (Texas), No. 3-seeded Chipola College (Fla.), No. 2-seeded Vincennes College (Ind.) and finally knocked off top-seeded Indian Hills Community College, 87-77, at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on March 22.
     "To say that I'm excited would be an understatement," Ladner said. "I'm ready to hit the ground running. At Southeastern, our goal is to make it the best we can possibly make it in a short period of time. We want to be competitive immediately."
     Ladner spent the 2011-12 season as head coach at his alma mater, Oak Grove High School, in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Prior to taking the reins at his alma mater, Ladner spent the first 20 seasons of his career as the head coach at St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, Miss.
     He led the Rockachaws to the 2011 MHSAA 4A state championship and a state runner-up finish in 2010. Following the state title, Ladner was named the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Coach of the Year. During his tenure, the Hattiesburg, Miss., native coached St. Stanislaus to 10 state tournament appearances.
     Three times Ladner was named South Mississippi Coach of the Year by the Biloxi Sun-Herald. He served as head coach of the Mississippi squad in the 2010 Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game, leading his squad to a 114-88 victory.
     Ladner compiled a 511-189 high school coaching record.
     A member of Southern Miss' 1987 NIT Championship team, Ladner received his bachelor's degree in pre-medicine/biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Southern Miss in 1988. He received his master's degree in educational administration from Southern Miss in 1999.
     Ladner and wife Jennifer have two children, Chelsea and Luke.

 


Historical association to host spring meeting
The Southeast Louisiana Historical Association will host its spring 2014 banquet in the Levy Building of the Hammond Regional Arts Center on April 17 at 6 p.m.
     Tickets are free for SELHA members and $15 for non-members.
     State Representative John Bel Edwards will be the featured speaker at the banquet. His presentation will focus on the political history of the region with special emphasis on his family's recent induction into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame.
     Jason Thompson, a resident of Tangipahoa, will also be giving a presentation on his research into Native American culture in the region. His ongoing study has identified multiple Indian Mounds and village locations throughout southeastern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.
     Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 with the program beginning immediately thereafter.
     For more information, to purchase tickets, or submit a membership request to the SELHA, please contact the Southeastern Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at 549-2151. Center hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Fridays.
     Checks are to be made payable to the Southeast Louisiana Historical Association and can be forwarded to Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, P.O. Box 10730, SLU, Hammond, LA 70402.

 


Southeastern biologist leads international meeting in New Orleans focused on sea turtle conservation

Roldán ValverdeA Southeastern biologist is lending his expertise to scientists gathering to study the global issue of short and long term environmental impacts on marine life.
     "We're now approaching the fourth anniversary (April 20) of the worst accidental marine oil spill in the history of the U.S., and we're still assessing its effects on Gulf marine life," said sea turtle expert and Southeastern Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Roldán Valverde.
     Currently the president of the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS), Valverde is coordinating the 34th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, where a group of several hundred scientists, conservationists, students and others are meeting in New Orleans through April 17 to address their common interests and objectives: the conservation of sea turtles and their environment.
     Other topics included in the program are threats to sea turtle habitats, impact of fisheries bycatch, oil spills, climate change, and urban development in coastal areas. Special workshops will also be offered on sea turtle rehabilitation and health, as well as on curriculum development on sea turtle conservation for K-12 educators.
     Sea turtles—a group of seven species thought to have evolved more than 200 million years ago—are currently under significant stress, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily as a result of human negligence and industrialization, explained Valverde.
     Valverde said this is the first time the ISTS is meeting in New Orleans, and he sees this as an ideal opportunity to call attention to deterioration of the once abundant sea turtle populations in the Gulf. He and fellow scientists are still tallying the damage to the sea turtle population attributed to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.
     How did the largest accidental marine oil spill affect the Gulf's sea turtles? Valverde and his fellow scientists have found the basic question difficult to answer because they lack precise historic data on turtle populations, particularly in Louisiana waters.
     "In the Gulf of Mexico, the population of all the sea turtle species tends to be lowest in the north central Gulf of Mexico, around Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama," he said. "Certainly, these states were among the hardest hit by the oil spill. The reasons behind the decline are unknown, but signs point to industrial development and fisheries bycatch, combined with the lack of suitable nesting habitats."
     Valverde said after the oil spill, many turtles were brought to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and other Gulf sites to recover.
     "Many of these turtles were covered with oil, and many had ingested oil," he explained. "But if we say the spill was responsible for sea turtle deaths, we're asked for numbers. Nobody really knows because there weren't previous studies to determine the population status of the various species."
     Valverde and other scientists are currently working to establish new population baselines in the Gulf of Mexico so scientists can use the data to determine impacts of disasters and changes as they occur in the future. He said the only turtle data currently available as far as impact from the oil spill is what was collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which determined that about 600 turtles had died during the spill.
     "But that is only what was physically seen and counted," he added. "In actual fact, probably thousands of turtles died due to the spill. We could not count those because they probably sunk to the bottom of the Gulf before they could be counted."
     There are five sea turtle species that inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and all are considered endangered. Among them, the Kemp's ridley sea turtle is considered critically endangered.
     Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the oceans and open water, and females return to beaches to build their nests and lay eggs. While Louisiana is not a nesting ground, Valverde said it is an important area for the growth, development and feeding of these turtles. Most of the nesting takes place in Florida, Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula.
     A major concern, he said, is that the sea turtle populations may eventually disappear from the Gulf of Mexico due to human negligence.
     "This could cause significant impact on our marine ecosystem that we cannot predict at this point because we lack the data on how these species contribute to our ecosystem," he added.

 

TURTLE WATCH -- Sea turtle expert Roldán Valverde, an associate professor of biological sciences at Southeastern and current ISTS president, sits among hundreds of sea turtles on a Costa Rican beach where he conducts research. The turtles come to the Latin American nation every year to build their nests.

 


Cynthia Elliot to be honored
Interim Head of the Department of Teaching and Learning Cynthia Elliot has been named as Louisiana Children's Advocacy LecCenter's Community Partner of the Year.
     The awards are presented to honor outstanding individuals and partners who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for Louisiana children and families in service, leadership, and support of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Children's Advocacy Centers.
     The award will be presented during the "Geaux Blue for Kids" Award Ceremony on April 15 at the Capitol Welcome Center in Baton Rouge.

 


Southeastern rock 'n roll historian to present lecture on electric guitar development

Joe BurnsSoutheastern Communication Professor and rock 'n roll historian Joe Burns will present a lecture on the history of the electric guitar on Tuesday, April 15.
     The free presentation will be held at 2 p.m. in Vonnie Borden Theatre in D Vickers Hall and is open to the public.
     Burns is known for his weekly award-winning radio show "Rock School" on Southeastern's radio station KSLU, where he and various guests explore the nuances of rock music and its stars. In the last several years, he also presents a lecture on some rock-related issue or star at every Fanfare, the university's annual celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences.
     "I will attempt to track the reasons the electric guitar came into being at all," said Burns, the Fay Warren Reimers Professor in the Humanities. "I've done considerable research to gather not only pictures and copies of original patents, but also recordings of the earliest electric guitars available. The audience will hear what many believe to be the first recording ever of an electric guitar.
     Burns is a member of the recently formed Impaired Faculties, a group of Southeastern faculty members and rock aficionados who have formed their own band and recently played a benefit performance for the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and Fanfare. He will be joined on stage for some live music with History Professor and Department Head William Robison.
     He also writes a regular column for the Hammond Daily Star titled "Average Joe."

 

ROCKIN' OUT – Southeastern Communication Professor Joe Burns performs on the electric guitar at a recent concert of Impaired Faculties. Burns will present a free lecture on the history of the electric guitar in Southeastern's Vonnie Borden Theatre at 2 p.m. Tuesday (April 15).

 


Phi Kappa Phi to hold induction ceremony
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Spring Induction and Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 29.  The induction ceremony honoring new initiates will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater, followed by a banquet in the new Student Union Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. Special guest speaker is Southeastern alumnus Christopher Brannon, president and CEO of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce.
     Banquet tickets are $20 and must be purchased by Thursday, April 24. Please send checks to Joan Faust, SLU 10861, Hammond, LA 70402, or drop them off at Faust's office, room 392 in D Vickers Hall.

 


Marketing students spend day at Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta

Chick-fil-A tourA group of 20 Southeastern marketing students and Marketing Professor Mike Jones recently got to spend a day at Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters in Atlanta. The students, hosted by two members of the Chick-fil-A marketing department, interfaced with the company's CEO and President and listened to presentations from marketing staff.
     The group visited the company museum, where they learned about Chick-fil-A's origins and how the company differs from other "fast food" restaurant chains. Chick-fil-A is family owned and run by the two sons of its founder, Truett Cathy.
     Cathy, who is now 93, started his first restaurant in the small town of Hapeville, Ga, near Atlanta in 1946. His purpose or business philosophy has a profound influence on Chick-fil-A's operations - "being a faithful steward to God and having a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
     The highlight of the day was when students met with Dan Cathy, CEO.  Cathy spoke with the students about the company and how his dad's purpose is instilled into all they do. He talked to the students about the importance of each customer and about the company values, which can be summed up in "it is a pleasure to serve you." Cathy then led the students in a cheer.
     After the students were treated to a live jazz trio during lunch at the company cafeteria, where all employees eat free, the group moved to the marketing department to hear presentations by three marketing managers.
     Emi Gragnani gave a presentation on "Create Raving Fans." Meg King, another marketing executive who was in charge the "Eat More Chicken" cow campaign, gave a presentation on the cows. The third presentation by Amy Wells, another marketing manager, was "Moms/Kids and Family Marketing" at Chick-fil-A. Her job is to track and understand mothers' needs and their key family roles in influencing purchases at Chick-fil-A.
     The trip was organized by David Manders, president of the Southeastern Marketing Association, the student professional organization for marketing students. Jeesica Fuselier, the marketing director of the Covington Chick-fil-A worked with Manders setting up the arrangements in Atlanta. To end the day, each Southeastern student was presented a hardbound book by the founder, Truett Cathy, entitled How Did You Do It, Truett?.

 

STUDENTS 'GET MORE CHIKIN' - Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy speaks with Southeastern marketing students in his office at Atlanta headquarters. Southeastern Marketing Professor Mike Jones accompanied the students on the trip, where they heard marketing executives speak about some of their marketing campaigns.

 


HopeLine Campaign to be conducted Wednesday
The Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability is hosting a HopeLine Campaign by Verizon Wireless in the Student Union on April 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in conjunction with Earth Day.
     HopeLine phones are refurbished phones that are equipped with 3,000 anytime minutes of airtime and texting capabilities. They come with Verizon Wireless nationwide coverage, call forwarding, call waiting, three-way calling, caller ID, basic voice mail and texting.
     HopeLine phones are available to survivors affiliated with participating domestic violence agencies.
     Protecting the environment is a major focus for the HopeLine program. They collect no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition, from any service provider. Phones that can't be reused are recycled responsibly under the zero landfill policy. Since 2001, the program has recycled 1.7 million wireless phones and kept more than 260 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.
     For more info please visit www.southeastern.edu/uhopeline.

 


Non-Credit courses available

Effective Email Communication in our 24/7 World
Craig A Bialy, May 7 - 21
Topics will include an over view of Google mail and applications, other "free" virtual email systems, security, branding yourself with email, email signatures, best practices and email with mobile devices, such as cell phones and tables, etc. Learn more.

 

Microsoft Word Learning Series
Allanagh Sewell, May 27 - June 10

This course is designed for individuals or students who have basic computer knowledge, but would like to learn Microsoft Word. Students will learn to create, format, and modify Word documents. This includes using graphics and tables to enhance documents. Read more.

 

Microsoft Excel Learning Series
Allanagh Sewell, May 27 - June 10

This course is designed for individuals or students who have little or no experience with Microsoft Excel. Students will learn to create a file, enter data, create formulas, navigate spreadsheets, and understand the basic components of the Excel environment. Students will also learn to format, edit, and save documents. Learn more.

 

Creating Your Social Media Marketing Plan
Joan Gunter , May 30 - June 13

When people think of social media, they often jump right into thinking about the tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs. To be truly effective and efficient with your resources, you need a plan to guide you through making the best decisions for you and your organization. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Determine their target audience and goals for their social media strategy.

• Understand the importance of listening to online conversations

• Know the different social media tools available to them.

And more.

 

QuickBooks
Jason DeGraw
Level Two - April 29 - June 10
Level Three - June 14

Employees and business owners currently using QuickBooks for financial accounting who want to increase their knowledge or advance their career through certification would benefit from Level Two. Level Three is for experienced QuickBooks users interested in obtaining an Industry-Based Certification for Intuit QuickBooks Certified User. Learn more.

 

ACT Test Prep
Dates Vary Upon Location

The ACT review class is designed to help students prepare for the ACT college entrance exam. Students will review major concepts most commonly found on the ACT and will be provided test-taking tips and strategies. Students should use the information provided during class time as part of their overall test preparation strategy. Register now.

 

You are the Customer Experience
Sharon Sandifer, M.Ed & David Kiviaho, April 29

This course will increase the frontline staff members' on the job performance through the exploration of the nine principles of customer management, as outlined in the business book, Customer Management: The Kiisa Service Cycle. With innovative business models, case studies, and interactive activities, this course will foster an environment for participants to learn how to become invested in the art of customer service and management. Start now.

 

Zoom Registration is now open
For rising 7th - 12th graders, Zoom summer program registration is open now. Register before May 8 for the early bird price.
Courses include Emergency Response, Animation, Creative Writing, Industrial and Engineering Technology, Photography, Criminal Justice, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Web Design, Television, Movie Making, Radio, and Theatre. Register now.

 


Southeastern in the news

BR Advocate
SLU career fair pairs tech field graduates, potential employers
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8820379-123/slu-career-fair-pairs-tech

SLU students win awards for yearbook
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8819287-123/slu-students-win-awards-for

SLU recognized for child abuse prevention efforts
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8820447-123/slu-recognized-for-child-abuse

Environmental plight focus of performances
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8835738-123/environmental-plight-focus-of-performances

 

Hammond Daily Star
Kiwanis luncheon turns testy
http://www.hammondstar.com/news/article_9d541bc6-bf91-11e3-8dc1-0019bb2963f4.html?_dc=84166030632.33197

Broadwater bill suffers another setback
http://www.hammondstar.com/news/article_05fad17a-c117-11e3-a6bc-0019bb2963f4.html?_dc=692321934271.6039

 

NO CityBusiness
Hospital will use health coaches to reduce readmissions
http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2014/04/01/hospital-will-use-health-coaches-to-reduce-readmissions/

 


This Week in Athletics
The Southeastern track and field program will host the Southeastern Invitational during this week in Southeastern Athletics.
     The Lions and Lady Lions will open the Invitational with the hammer throw at 4 p.m. on Thursday. On Friday, the track events begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Southeastern Track and Field Complex.
     The Lion baseball team (23-13, 9-6 Southland) will be back in action this week, starting the week with a 6:30 p.m. non-conference contest on Tuesday at South Alabama. The Lions will face UNO this weekend in a three-game series. Thursday (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m.) will see the teams meet in New Orleans. UNO will visit Pat Kennely Diamond at Alumni Field on Friday for a 6 p.m. contest.
     The softball team (15-21, 7-11 Southland) will also open the week on Tuesday with a 4 p.m. game at Southern. Stephen F. Austin visits later in the week for a three-game league series. On Friday, the teams meet in a 3 p.m. doubleheader with the series finale set for Saturday at 12 p.m.
     The Lion golf team will close out its pre-Southland Conference Championships schedule this week. Southeastern will be in Madison, Miss., on Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Reunion Intercollegiate. Live stats for the tournament, provided by host Ole Miss, will be accessible at LionSports.net.
     The Lion tennis team (14-4, 6-3 Southland) has three matches on tap this week, starting with a 6 p.m. match at Jackson State on Monday. Southeastern will welcome McNeese State on Friday and Nicholls State on Saturday. First serve for both matches is set for 12 p.m.
     All of this week’s baseball games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net, where LionVision subscribers can access a live video stream of all of this week’s baseball action and the Southland softball series with Stephen F. Austin.
 
Monday, April 14
Men’s Golf, at Reunion Intercollegiate, Madison, Miss., All Day
 
Tuesday, April 15
Baseball, at South Alabama, Mobile, Ala., 6:30 p.m. (KSLU) (LionVision)
Softball, at Southern, Baton Rouge, 4 p.m.
Men’s Golf, at Reunion Intercollegiate, Madison, Miss., All Day
 
Thursday, April 17
Baseball, at UNO, New Orleans, 6:30 p.m. (KSLU) (LionVision)*
Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, Southeastern Invitational, Throwing Facility, 3 p.m.
 
Friday, April 18
Baseball, vs. UNO, Alumni Field, 6 p.m. (KSLU) (LionVision)*
Softball, vs. Stephen F. Austin (DH), North Oak Park, 3 p.m. (LionVision)*
Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, Southeastern Invitational, Southeastern Track and Field Complex, 10:30 a.m.
Women’s Tennis, vs. McNeese State, Southeastern Tennis Complex, 12 p.m.*
 
Saturday, April 19
Baseball, at UNO, New Orleans, 1 p.m. (KSLU) (LionVision)*
Softball, vs. Stephen F. Austin, North Oak Park, 12 p.m.*
Women’s Tennis, vs. Nicholls State, Southeastern Tennis Complex, 12 p.m.*
 
Southeastern home events in bold
* - Southland Conference contest

 


Professional activities
Rhett Allain (Chemistry and Physics) gave an invited presentation at the American Physical Society conference in Savannah, Ga., on April 5 titled “Hyperloop Homework as an Inspirational Assignment.”
     Dr. Joan Faust (English) presided at the Executive Board Meeting at the 2014 South-Central Renaissance Conference in Tucson, Ariz., April 3-6, where she also chaired a session and presented her paper, “The Anamorphic Power of Andrew Marvell’s ‘Eyes and Tears.’” Her book Andrew Marvell’s Liminal Lyrics: The Space Between will be issued in a paperback edition by the University of Delaware Press later this year.


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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