ByLion -- August 8

IN THIS ISSUE ... 
Farewell for Moffetts
Supply Chain Management degree
Fireworks at the lighthouse
Fine Arts Showcase
Parking hang-tags available

Exhibit on Vietnam vets
Bartolina off to Olympics
Theta Phi Alpha honored
New Columbia Web site
CMS registration underway
TAH teachers take 'field trip'
'Great College to Work For'
SBDC disaster workshop
Combating the nursing shortage
Unscheduled absences training
Teachers for a New Era workshop
Professional activities


Campus, community bid farewell to Moffetts
More than 500 members of the campus and community gathered July 28 for a farewell reception for former Southeastern President Randy Moffett as he moves up to the position of president of the University of Louisiana System. Left, Bill Chaucer and Becky Johnson sign a commemorative photo for Randy and Barbara Moffett. The framed photo was signed by the many guests at the reception and presented to the Moffetts. Right, Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster presents the Moffetts with a special key to the city. The key was a replica of one that accompanied the 1997 space shuttle flight and is one of only three keys the mayor has presented during his six years in office.
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Supply Chain Management Program designed to address workforce needs
A new program being proposed by Southeastern is intended to address a pressing workforce need to develop professionals trained in the management of logistical operations.
     The proposed new program, which would offer a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, would be the first degree offering of its kind in the state.
     Under development by the College of Business, the program will prepare individuals in both management and logistical functions as they relate to the distribution and supply chain industry. Its core curriculum will include instruction in acquisitions and purchasing, inventory control, storage and handling, logistics planning and shipping and delivery management.
     According to Interim President John Crain, this new degree offering is part of Southeastern's continued commitment to encourage economic development and enhance job growth in the region by tapping the expertise of its faculty and staff.
     "Southeastern has a history of working with our business community and we think this program will help meet the needs of this expanding industry that has great potential in this area," said Crain. "The university mission emphasizes the need to partner with the business community for the overall benefit of the region. This is an example of putting that ideal to work."
     Currently Southeastern offers a concentration in supply chain management through its Department of Marketing and Finance. The new degree program would expand the number of courses offered to create a more comprehensive program.
     The growth of the I-12 corridor and the convergence of interstates, rail and other transportation modalities make the region an ideal location as a hub of logistical services, Crain added.
     International trade, logistics and distribution were all highlighted in a recent study as target industries, which are postured to enhance southeast Louisiana's economic development capacities. AngelouEconomics of Austin, Tex., was charged with cataloging the region's strengths and weaknesses and then branding those strengths in order to maximize economic development potential. Funding from a Louisiana Economic Development grant made the study possible.
     The study pointed to the region's geographic location as one prime for the establishment of greater distribution and supply chain productivity thanks in large part to its transportation corridor, which stretches along Interstate 12.
     According to Crain, Southeastern's proximity to additional transportation systems including the intersection of Interstate 55 with I-12, two railways and two major U.S. ports in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, both within 50 miles, make Southeastern the ideal location to establish the degree program.
     The study confirmed the industry's need for the program to support future employees and also led to the formation of the I-12 Alliance. This partnership of agencies and entities with economic development interests in the five Florida Parishes was created to build upon the study's findings and implement strategies to recruit expanding and relocating businesses to the region.
     The Alliance is housed administratively in the Southeast Louisiana Business Center at Southeastern where planning, research, and technical assistance aid in stimulating regional economic growth.
     According to William Joubert, SLBC director, the Hammond area alone is home to over 3,500 direct distribution positions through national companies such as Wal-Mart, Cardinal Health, Home Depot, Winn-Dixie and Liquid Container. He stated that the number of positions is expected to double, if not quadruple, in coming years.
     "Southeastern is taking the lead by putting this program in place to educate and train individuals specifically for future jobs that will need to be filled," he said. "These are future jobs that will contribute to the long-term economic success of the region."
     The supply chain management degree program is scheduled for review as an item on the Louisiana Board of Regents' August meeting agenda. If approved, Southeastern expects to have the degree program available to students in the near future.
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Fireworks for 'National Lighthouse Day'
On the evening of Aug. 8, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum will celebrate National Lighthouse Day by recognizing the recent progress in restoring the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse. "Southeastern faculty, staff, and students have played a key role in this effort, as has the Southeastern Development Foundation," said museum Director Jay Martin.
     "As a thank you for those who have worked with the museum on this and other projects, we are hosting a complementary reception at the lightkeeper's cottage, just east of the museum at 133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville," Martin said. The reception will include music, beverages, and jambalaya from 6 to 8 p.m. on the banks of the Tchefuncte River.
     The first 35 people to RSVP to Kristen Garcia at 985-845-2000 or educator@lpbmaritimemuseum.org will have the opportunity to go aboard the Turtle Cove pontoon boat by water to see fireworks over the Tchefuncte Lighthouse at 9 p.m. "The reception is open to families, but the boat is for adults only and no alcoholic beverages will be allowed aboard," Martin said. "Do not board the Lions Traxx Shuttle, as that will not take you to a desired destination," he added.
     An option for families is viewing of the fireworks from the Madisonville boat launch 1.5 miles south of the museum at the end of Main Street/LA 1077 (locally known as Lake Road).
     "This event is free, although donations either to the museum or the Southeastern Louisiana University Development Fund to support the efforts to restore the lighthouse are always welcome," he said.
     In addition, the museum will be open until 8 p.m. and will have special activities for children and families.
      "Thanks for your support of this and all other Southeastern /Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum cooperative endeavors," Martin said.
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Barbara Smith, Sharon Sledge, Pat Macaluso, and Elizabeth Smith of HammondGuests view 'Fine Arts Showcase' at President's Residence
Guests at Southeastern Fine Art Showcase held in the university's President's Residence view the painting "Arrangement with Greek Vase" by local artist and graphic designer Michael Ledet. Viewing the painting, from left, are Barbara Smith of Hammond, Sharon Sledge of Amite, Pat Macaluso of Hammond, and Elizabeth Smith of Hammond.
The work of 27 area artists, most from the north shore region, are now being exhibited in the public areas of Southeastern's president's residence.
     The artists were hosted at a special reception held recently at Southeastern's second annual Fine Art Showcase.
     The exhibit focuses on Louisiana artists living and working in the Hammond and north shore area and includes paintings, sculpture and photography. Former President Randy Moffett, now president of the University of Louisiana System, and Interim President John L. Crain recognized the artists for their valuable contributions to the culture of Louisiana.
     The exhibit was arranged by Dale Newkirk, associate professor of art and curator and director of the university's art galleries. The art selection committee included Crain, Barbara Moffett, local arts patron Marjorie Morrison, Joey France, director of the Hammond Regional Arts Center; Donna Gay Anderson, director of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts; and Wendy Johns, assistant vice president for university advancement.
     Artists recognized at the showcase were Martha Alexander, Linda White Bateman, Philip Colwart, Linda Dautreuil, Heidi Elbers, Gail Hood, C.B. Hume, Jerry Hymel, Libby Johnson, Lynda Katz, Michael Ledet, Maya Levy, Pat Macaluso, Anne McLeod, Ernest Milsted, Elemore Morgan, John Perilloux, Gaither Pope, Frank Relle, Gloria Ross, John Scott, Nancy Stutes, Charlene Swift, Barbara Tardo, John Valentino, Troy Wingard, and Kim Zabbia.
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Parking hang tags now available
Parking hang-tags and decals for students and employees for the 2008/2009 school year are now available for purchase and pick-up. A parking permit for the full year, valid through July 31, 2009, will cost $45. A parking permit for a single semester (fall only, spring only, or summer only), will cost $15.
     The University Parking Office will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for parking decal purchase and pick-up.
     Students must pay for their parking decals at the Controller's Office prior to picking-up their permits. After paying, students may pick-up their parking permits in the University Center, room 125. To pick-up a parking permit, students must present a valid picture identification, a valid vehicle registration, and give their W number. Student parking decals must be completely attached to the vehicle windshield in the manner specified in the Parking Rules and Regulations to be considered properly displayed.
     Employees may pay with cash or check and pick-up their parking permits at the University Parking Office on the first floor of Pride Hall, 1301 SGA Drive, across the lobby from the University Police Department. To pick-up a parking permit, employees must present a valid Southeastern identification, a valid vehicle registration, and give their W number.
     For a full list of University Parking Rules and Regulations, visit http://www.selu.edu/admin/police/assets/Campus_Parking_Regul.pdf
     For more details or information about parking permits, parking rules, and/or other parking-related questions, please contact the Parking Office during regular business hours at 985-549-5695.
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eff Wolin's portrait of Mark Scully, a U. S. Army First Lieutenant who served in Vietnam from June 1968-June 1969Jeff Wolin's portrait of Mark Scully, a U. S. Army first lieutenant who served in Vietnam from June 1968-June 1969, is one of the 50 photographs of veterans, accompanied by their personal stories, in an exhibit currently being shown at the Contemporary Art Gallery.
Exhibit highlights Vietnam vets' memories
Southeastern's Contemporary Art Gallery is hosting a major exhibit by photographer Jeff Wolin that illustrates the memories of a Vietnam veteran through images and interviews.
     Vietnam War: Portraits and Text, will be on display at the gallery in East Stadium through Aug. 28, said Gallery Director Dale Newkirk. A closing reception is planned for the final day from 4-6 p.m. Newkirk said the reception will begin with a lecture by Wolin, the Ruth N. Halls Professor of Photography at Indiana University.
     "Jeff Wolin has had a long and distinguished career photographing individuals who have experienced a particular part of history," said Newkirk. "He documents them in contemporary time, using supporting text to tell their personal story.
     "This exhibit presents a great opportunity for our students and members of our community to see how Jeff Wolin's photographs contribute to our understanding of how the trauma of war affects both combatants and civilians," Newkirk said. He said Southeastern is extending a special invitation to all area Vietnam veterans and their families and friends to view the exhibit.
     Wolin began interviewing and photographing Vietnam War veterans in 1992, the same year he began a similar project with Holocaust survivors. The latter project became a traveling exhibition and book, Written in Memory. In 2003 Wolin resumed his work on the Vietnam veteran project. As an official partner of the Veterans History Project, Wolin's videotaped interviews will be archived at the Library of Congress.
     The 50 veterans pictured in the exhibition represent a broad range of war experiences, as well as different attitudes about war and peace. Some served in the war's early days, others during the time of de-escalation. Their roles ranged from chaplain's assistant and Vietnam translator to combat soldier. To create a visual "before and after," Wolin includes a snapshot of each individual during the war along with the contemporary portrait and war story.
     "This exhibition is about how the lives of veterans today are perpetually informed by their lives then," Wolin said. "We can all talk about 'War' in the abstract, and about how it advances or distorts American interests. But we only occasionally get to see the faces and hear the voices of the people who actually did the fighting."
     Wolin said he hopes that his photographs and interviews will "make a contribution to our understanding of how the trauma of war affects combatants, and civilians caught in literal and philosophical crossfire. Many important issues of war and peace emerge in the stories of these veterans and in the portraits themselves."
     He said some the veterans he pictures suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some continue to wear their Vietnam War medals, while others fight for veterans' medical issues, create art or write books about their experiences.
     "Others have found ways to put their experiences behind them, often with significant struggle, and to successfully return to civilian life," he said. "All were deeply and permanently affected by the war, but the majority are proud of their service."
     Wolin's exhibit opened at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago in 2005 and began traveling to museums in the United States and abroad last summer. Umbrage Editions of NYC published the accompanying book, "Inconvenient Stories: Vietnam War Veterans."
     Wolin's photographs are in the permanent collections of numerous museums including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Art Institute of Chicago, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Bibliotèque Nationale de France in Paris.
     He is the recipient of two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He is represented by June Bateman Fine Art in New York and Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago.
     Contemporary Art Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekdays, with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. For additional information, contact Newkirk at (985) 549-5080 or (985) 549-2193.
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Bartolina off to Olympics
Southeastern track and field volunteer assistant track coach Erica Bartolina has headed off to Beijing, China for her first career Olympic games. The 28-year old pole vaulter earned her trip to the 29th Summer Olympiad with a personal best 14 ft. 11 in. vault at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. on July 6, and according to her husband and coach Michael, also an assistant track coach with the Lions, Erica is ready to go.
     "Erica doesn't have to do anything special, she just has to do what she normally does," Michael said. "She's very talented and capable and she has been jumping well in practice and at meets all year long. So what she has to do is focus on what she normally does well and not try to do too much. That was what made her so successful at the trials and that's what we're focusing on heading over there."
     The Bartolinas will leave Wednesday morning for processing with the rest of the U.S. Olympic team in San Jose, Calif., before heading off to the squad's Olympic training base in Dalian, China. The Bartolinas will then make the 45 minute commuter flight across the Bohai Gulf to arrive in Beijing in time for the Opening Ceremonies on Aug. 8.
     The women's pole vault preliminaries will get underway on Aug. 16th in Beijing, which means Erica will be taking her first Olympic jumps when it's approximately 9 p.m. on Friday Aug. 15th in Hammond.
     According to Michael, the next 17 days will help Erica adjust to the 13-hour time difference as well as the travel and scheduling demands unique to the summer games that might wear down a first-time Olympian. However, Michael cites Erica's experience in prior international competitions as a foundation to build from.
     "Obviously, she doesn't have Olympic experience, but she has competed overseas plenty of times and she's a very experienced international competitor," Michael said. "That makes all the adjustments easier. But I had the chance to talk to a former Olympic track coach who said the key is to not get caught up in the 'Olympic' aspect of the Olympic Games and just worry about the games. That ties back into what she needs to do to be successful and that's just do what she normally does."
     Since qualifying for the 2008 Summer Games, the Bartolinas have received an outpouring of support from the Hammond community and have seen Erica's fan base grow around town as well as the Southeastern campus.
     "The support has been overwhelming from both the city of Hammond and Southeastern," Michael said. "It's been great for her to walk around town and have people recognize and congratulate her for what she's done. It's really given her a boost."
     After the preliminaries on the 16th, the women's pole vault will conclude with the finals on Monday Aug. 18 at approximately 7 p.m. in Beijing (approximately 6 a.m. on the 18th CDT).
     NBC has yet to finalize their full Olympic live broadcast and tape delay schedules, but fans will be able to follow along online at www.nbcolympics.com as television schedules and streaming webcast schedules are finalized.
     Fans can also check www.lionsports.net and www.ericabartolina.com as well as their local television listings for continued updates.
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Members of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Theata Phi AlphaTheta Phi Alpha honored
Southeastern's Beta Epsilon Chapter of Theta Phi Alpha was honored with its first ever Circle of Excellence Award at the 47th National Convention recently held July 9-14 in Lincolnshire, Ill.
     The highest national award given to a chapter, the Circle of Excellence encompass the activities of a chapter for an entire biennium. It is based on overall membership, cooperation with the national organization, scholarship, financial management, and active participation in campus activities.
     The organization also was acknowledged with the Helen Ryan Quinlan Community Service Award, the highest award for community service. The chapter was also recognized for outstanding chapter GPA, distinguished cooperation points, distinguished pledge sister retention, excellence in philanthropy, excellence in BASICS programming, distinguished financial cooperation, and perfect pearl rating.
     "It took many semesters for our chapter to get to this point, we worked very hard to earn this prestigious honor" said Chapter President Ashley Thompson. "We still have work to be done, but this is just motivation to keep improving."
      At the convention, individual collegian and alumnae members were also honored for their contributions to the national organization. Among those honored were student Whitney Craig, Melissa Thomas, alumnus and greek advisor, and Andrea Bode, alumnus.
     "This is a great honor" said Layne Salvant, ritual chairwoman,"but we must also remember to thank our alumnae for their hard work, dedication, and loyalty that have helped us reach this point. We share this honor with all our alumnae of Beta Epsilon who have helped us earn this honor."
     The convention was a culmination of the great biennium the chapter had. In 2006-2008 biennium, Beta Epsilon's members' cumulative grade point average increased to an impressive 3.188, one of the highest sorority grade point averages. Community service hours totaled nearly 2,000, including see-sawing for the chapter's local philanthropy Maya's Gift that supports St. Jude, see-sawing for Glenmary Home Missioners, and lastly see-sawing to support one week of Camp Friendship that allows needy children to attend a week-long camp free of cost.
     Throughout the biennium, two Southeastern Theta Phi Alpha members graduated from the Theta Phi Alpha President's Academy, three students graduated from Recruitment Bootcamp, two students graduated from Undergraduate Interfratenity Institute, and four students graduated from Theta Phi Alpha's Leadership Institute. All of this training has assisted the chapter in achieving their goals throughout this biennium.
     For more information on Beta Epsilon Chapter of Theta Phi Alpha visit thetaphislu.com and for more information on Theta Phi Alpha National Sorority visit, Thetaphialpha.org.
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Donna Gay Anderson, Michelle Biggs, Tammy BourgActing Provost Tammy Bourg, Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts/Fanfare Marketing Director Michelle Biggs and Director Donna Gay Anderson preview the new columbiatheatre.org, the web site for the Columbia and Fanfare.
Columbia/Fanfare website has new look
The online home of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and its October arts festival Fanfare has undergone a complete redesign.
     When patrons log on to columbiatheatre.org to preview Fanfare's October schedule and the Columbia's 2008-2009 season, they will find a whole new site, boasting an elegant new look and many new interactive features, all created to better serve patrons, said Fanfare/Columbia Director Donna Gay Anderson.
     "Columbia has grown and now our Web site has caught up," Anderson said. "Our new site contains more information and graphics than ever before and will present the opportunity for donors to contribute on line. From our site, the visitor can easily link to other Southeastern sites and the sites of our guest artists. It is an enhanced experience."
     Online visitors will still find the detailed calendars, performance descriptions and online ticket purchasing options that the old site offered, but they will also be able to sign up for e-mail updates, request a brochure, or download a season ticket order form, said Columbia Marketing Director Michelle Biggs, who worked with the Baton Rouge graphic design firm Covalent Logic to create the new site.
     Biggs said the new columbiatheatre.org also makes it easier for patrons to donate to Fanfare or learn about sponsorship opportunities. And, with a click or two, she said local schools can make reservations for Education Outreach school performances.
     The Web site has a complete history of the Columbia, built as a movie house 80 years ago, then rescued, restored and reopened by Southeastern and community partners in 2002, plus information and forms on facility usage and rental of the Columbia Conference Center.
     "The new Web site will really allow us to strengthen the connection we have with our patrons," said Biggs. "At any time they will be able to log on and view upcoming event information, purchase tickets, or make a donation. And coupled with our monthly e-mail newsletters and other marketing and publicity efforts, the community will always be informed about the great events happening at the Columbia."
     Columbia season tickets for new subscribers will be available Aug. 11-29. Individual event tickets (including Fanfare tickets) will go on sale beginning Sept. 3. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbia/Fanfare box office, 220 E. Thomas Street, 985-543-4371, from noon to 5 p.m., weekdays or at columbiatheatre.org.
     Highlights of Fanfare 2008, which opens the year-long Columbia season, include statesman and journalist Hodding Carter III, whose family has Hammond roots; the return of the popular Missoula Children's Theatre, casting local children in Robinson Crusoe; Elisa Monte Dance, premiering the specially commissioned piece Zydeco; and concerts by the Robert Cray Band and the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants.
     The Columbia's 2008-09 entertainment lineup includes the popular 1970s band WAR, Grammy Award winners Kathy Mattea and Marty Stuart, singer/pianist Marcia Ball, two Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, the 1960s nostalgic comedy review The Wonder Bread Years, family entertainment by the Moscow Cats Theatre, two "Pajamas and Play" performances specially tailored for children, the hit musical Bye Bye Birdie, a stage version of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, New Orleanian Ricky Graham's Renew Review, and as part of Southeastern's annual Bill Evans Festival, jazz legends Chuck Israels, Ellis Marsalis and Troy Davis.
     For complete Fanfare and Columbia schedules, contact the Columbia/Fanfare office at 985-543-4366 or visit columbiatheatre.org.
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CMS fall registration underway
Registration is underway for the fall session of the Community Music School, which begins Sept. 2.
     The Community Music School offers private instruction on all instruments and voice to students of all ages and levels of experience, said Director Kenneth Boulton. Tuition includes group theory classes, ensemble opportunities, masterclass coaching sessions with Southeastern music professors, and a variety of performance programs.
     "We are again very excited about our opportunities for adults," Boulton said. "Not only can they enroll in private lessons, but they can also enjoy a variety of classes where they can interact in a more relaxed, social setting. There will be several adult group piano classes taught by Dana Morse, as well as the Northlake Community Band under direction of Jerry Voorhees. In addition, there will be a special adult recital program planned for the end of the semester."
     Boulton said younger students can participate in three principle ensembles -- the CMS String Ensemble, directed by Jivka Jeleva; the CMS Preparatory Choir (ages 8-11); and the CMS Select Vocal Ensemble (ages 12-17), directed by Amy Prats.
     "We will also emphasize our community outreach activities through our ongoing initiative with Hammond's Westside Elementary School, as well as launch a cooperative piano program with the Southeastern Lab School," Boulton said.
     CMS is again offering a variety of musical instruction at the St. Tammany Center, located in the parish governmental complex on Koop Drive north of Mandeville, as well as the newest CMS location at the Livingston Literacy and Technology Center in Walker.
     "I am very pleased with how our Livingston location is developing," Boulton said. "Following a very successful spring semester there, CMS is again offering private instruction in its core instrumental areas of piano, guitar, voice, and strings."
     He said new features will include instruction in private percussion, as well as classes in music theory for children.
     "In addition, we are planning another Livingston CMS Open House for this fall," he said.
     "Our many loyal students and their families throughout the Northshore region are responding so enthusiastically to our mission. It reflects the increasing emphasis our community is placing on quality musical education and opportunity," Boulton said.
     For more information about CMS registration and programs, call (985) 549-5502, or visit www.selu.edu/cms.
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Area teachers visit presidential libraries in TexasTAH teachers enjoy Texas 'field trip'
In conjunction with Southeastern and the federally-funded Teaching American History (TAH) grant program, area teachers recently visited presidential libraries in Texas to study historical leadership.
     "This was the greatest professional development activity of my teaching career," said Angela Corkern, a teacher at Tangipahoa PM High School.
     The participating teachers spent the two weeks prior to their field trip to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum studying national and local leaders as part of the 2008 TAH summer institute.
     Funded by a second three-year grant for $899,425 from the U.S. Department of Education, the TAH program is designed to enrich teaching material for elementary, middle and high school social studies teachers. Originally funded in 2004, the program serves 14 area parishes including East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee. St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and the cities of Bogalusa, Baker and Zachary.
     William Robison, head of Southeastern's Department of History and Political Science, said the program originally focused on Louisiana history, but that the second phase grant has sparked interest in studying American history as a global influence.
     Through the TAH program, teachers can earn graduate credit and continuous learning credits by participating in summer institutes, workshops, field trips and telecourses throughout the year. Participating teachers also receive free tuition and stipends for each completed course or workshop.
     Madisonville Jr. High teacher Ron Kuerner said the TAH summer institute is "fantasy history camp" for teachers.
     "I'm taking more back to the classroom than ever before," said Kuerner.
     Ann Trappey, project director of TAH, said the most rewarding part of the program is actually visiting historical places and museums. She accompanied the teachers along with Southeastern history faculty Charles Elliot and Ronald Traylor.
     "Visiting the presidential libraries and museums gave the history we learned a personal touch," said Trappey. "We got an up-close view of their personal lives and emotional times and for many of us, it changed our perspectives of the presidents for the better."
     Elliot said the TAH program and summer institute field trips give teachers a deeper and broader understanding of the subjects they teach.
     "They get to interact with other teachers from all backgrounds and social studies disciplines to network, build and exchange ideas and share tricks of the trade," said Elliot.
     Robison said the TAH program reaches about 300 teachers per year. He expects 10 or more TAH teachers to receive master's degrees in history from Southeastern within the next few years.
     "This is a positive program for Southeastern and the teaching community," Robison said. "The grant allows teachers to study, network and receive hands-on experience without financial strain."
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Chronicles names Southeastern a 'Great College to Work For'
The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's primary national source of news about post-secondary education, has named Southeastern a "2008 Great College to Work For."
     The only Louisiana institution recognized in the survey, Southeastern received high marks in 10 different areas. The university was recognized in the "medium sized category," institutions with 500 to 2,499 employees. Southeastern employs approximately 1,700 full and part time faculty and staff.
     "We are certainly honored by this national recognition," said Interim President John L. Crain. "Throughout its history, Southeastern has tried to maintain a close family atmosphere for students and employees and to be an institution that is always open to improvement. We have promoted a culture of excellence in all areas, with top priority on strong academics. We believe this survey validates these efforts."
     "The efforts at Southeastern over the last decade or so represent a 'best practices' approach that has created a campus culture in which everyone -- faculty, staff and students -- can succeed," said University of Louisiana System President Randy Moffett, who served as Southeastern president for the past seven years. "It is truly an honor that such an esteemed publication as The Chronicle of Higher Education saw fit to recognize those efforts."
     The results of the survey were based on responses from more than 15,000 administrators, faculty members and staff at 89 institutions - 39 public universities and 50 private colleges. Southeastern received the most responses among medium-sized public institutions. Only four-year institutions participated in the study, which was administered by ModernThink LLC, a human resources consulting firm that has conducted many "Best Places to Work" surveys for various groups.
      Among the areas in which Southeastern was recognized were collaborative governance, internal communications and teaching environment.
     "We have always included faculty and staff in planning and decision making," said Crain. "We strive to recognize and reward the efforts of our faculty and staff."
     The university was also recognized in the following areas:
      job satisfaction;
      confidence in senior leadership - respondents believe their leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for institutional success;
      tenure clarity and process, in which requirements for tenure are clear, according to faculty surveyed;
      supervisor or department chair relationship - respondents indicated that their supervisors make expectations clear and solicit ideas;
      perception and confidence in fair treatment, particularly in areas regarding compensation and performance;
      policies, resources and efficiency - the institution is well run and prepares employees to be effective, according to respondents;
      career development; and research and scholarship - the institution provides adequate time for scholarly pursuits.
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SBDC partners with local agencies in workshop on disaster preparedness
The Small Business Development Center - in conjunction with the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation, Northshore Harbor Center, East and West St. Tammany Chambers of Commerce and SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business) - is presenting a workshop in August on disaster preparedness.
     The "Dare to Prepare" workshop will be presented on Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd. in Slidell. The workshop will teach small business owners how to keep their businesses open through a disaster, minimize their losses, and save money on insurance.
     The free, interactive workshop will feature Donna Childs, founder and CEO of a small business on Wall Street that was in "Zone 1" of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, said SBDC Assistant Director Sandy Summers. "Childs will share her story of how her business survived one of the worst tragedies in U.S. history and offer other business people a framework for preparing their families and businesses for major and minor disasters," she said.
     Participants will learn secrets for cost-effective insurance coverage from an industry insider. They will also receive information on how to formulate an effective disaster plan, which will yield immediate insurance savings and other benefits to their businesses even if disaster never strikes.
     Over the past seven years, Childs has spoken to small business owners across the country on how to prepare for and recover from all types of disasters from fire and hurricanes to terrorist attacks. Last June the National Association of Women Business Owners named her "Woman Business Owner of the Year."
     Childs also shares tips and secrets in her newly published book Prepare for the Worst, Plan for the Best: Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Small Business.
     Summers said that some free copies of Child's book will be given away, and all participants will receive a free disaster kit from the SBDC. The kit includes a comprehensive disaster planning toolkit booklet, a camera, a flashlight, batteries, a jump drive, and other essentials all in a waterproof bag.
     Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough disaster kits are available. For more information or to pre-register, contact the Southeastern Small Business Development Center at (985) 549-3831 or sbdc@selu.edu.
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From left, standing are senior Sarah Bates of Denham Springs, senior Sarah Rich of Tickfaw and, seated, junior Brittany Horning of Franklinton. North Oaks Health System staff nurse Anna Price explains the ICU monitoring system to Southeastern nursing students. From left, standing are senior Sarah Bates of Denham Springs, senior Sarah Rich of Tickfaw and, seated, junior Brittany Horning of Franklinton.
Southeastern program combating nursing shortage
A leading researcher recently compared America's growing nursing shortage to a developing storm that will strike the nation "like a Category Three Hurricane."
     It is an analogy that the average American might not fully grasp but one that people in Louisiana understand all too well. Southeastern, a major nursing producer, is implementing strategies to combat this issue.
     According to Peter Buerhaus, a leading nursing work force analyst from Vanderbilt University, and his colleagues, there could be as many as 500,000 vacant nursing positions nationwide by 2025. This severe shortage could "incapacitate the health care system," leading to "more infections, falls, cardiac arrests and medication errors," Buerhaus said.
     Their report, published in Nursing Economic$, The Journal for Health Care Leaders, and presented in May to the National Press Club in Washington, pinned the anticipated shortage on an aging nursing work force and an exploding demand for health care as 78 million baby boomers reach age 65.
     Although there are no available studies that identify the extent of the anticipated shortage in Louisiana, health care and education leaders are preparing for the worst. The University of Louisiana System Board, presidents, and eight universities, of which Southeastern is a part, have pledged to produce an additional 2,400 new graduates per year by 2012 in high-demand areas, including health care.
     Southeastern, the fifth largest nursing producer in the United States, is working with state nursing and education leaders to recruit more students into the profession, give them a high quality education that is grounded in the realities of the work place, graduate more nurses quickly and help keep them on the job.
     In the fall, Southeastern will begin enrolling students under a new program that allows graduates of associate degree and diploma nursing programs to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in as little as a year if prerequisites have been met. In addition to this CALL - Continuum for All Louisiana Learners - program, Southeastern developed a similar accelerated track program for students seeking a second bachelor's degree. It allows students to obtain a degree in nursing in as little as 18 months.
     Additional state funding allows Southeastern and other universities to enroll more nursing students to address the shortage. This has helped Southeastern graduate over 40 additional nursing students per year - an increase of more than 45 percent over the past four years - and the state to increase nursing graduates by about 36 percent over the last six years, according to Southeastern School of Nursing Director Barbara Moffett.
     "We're seeing a great response to our recruitment efforts. I think we're all doing our part to keep the workforce in place. The challenge is retention," she said. "That's where working with nursing leaders statewide and hospitals in the region is essential."
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Unscheduled absences policy training for supervisors
Supervisors of classified employees are invited to attend a Human Resources Office sponsored training on the revised policy for unscheduled absences which applies to classified staff only.
     Training will be offered in a choice of two sessions on Wednesday, Aug. 6. from 9:30-11 a.m. or 1:30- 3 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the Human Resources Office Conference Room.
     Pre-registration is requested by contacting the Training section of the Office of Human Resources. Please email Jan Ortego at Jan.Ortego@selu.edu or phone extension 5771 to register.
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Shelley Serin, outreach coordinator for the New Teacher Center, standing at left, was one of the presenters at the College of Education and Human Developments "Teachers for a New Era" workshop.
Teachers for a New Era workshop
"Teachers for a New Era," a workshop offered to teachers from St. Helena Elementary as well as faculty in the College of Education and Human Development, was held July 29-30 in the Teacher Education Center Kiva.
     Provided by a Teachers for a New Era grant, the workshop gave new teachers an opportunity for professional growth grounded in the norms of inquiry, formative assessment, and problem solving. Participants learned to recognize and practice the attitudes, behaviors, and skills of effective mentors; to identify and modify support for beginning teacher's needs; and to use a selection of tools that foster the integration of formative assessment and support.
     Presenters included Ronnie Mann and Shelley Serin. Mann is the North East Regional Director of the New Teachers Center located in Santa Cruz, Calif. She was a New York educator for 20 years, a staff developer, and an administrator. She conducts training and consulting for school districts nation-wide, and is an advocate of teacher leadership. She enjoys helping teachers become leaders through mentoring.
     Serin was a New York City educator for 17 years. She taught elementary and middle school and spent eight years with district professional development and funded programs. She has worked for the New Teacher Center as an outreach coordinator for the last five years. She a national trainer based in New York.
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Professional activities
Matt Sullivan
(Athletics) attended the Louisiana Sports Writers Association's annual convention July 9-11 in Kenner. The Southeastern Office of Sports Information claimed a first-place award as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association announced their 2007 contest results at its annual convention that concluded on Friday. The 2007 Southeastern Football Media Guide that was edited and designed by Sullivan and Associate Director for Media Relations Kemmler Chapple, claimed first-place in Division II. The 192-page publication, which was judged against state schools in the Football Championship Subdivision, finished ahead of Northwestern State’s football media guide and Nicholls State’s football media guide.
     Angela Dunnington (Sims Memorial Library) has been named chair of the LALINC (Louisiana Academic Library Information Network Consortium) Information Literacy Committee. The Information Literacy Committee of LALINC is charged with articulating learning outcomes and recommending ongoing information literacy activities, best practices and outcomes assessment for the Louisiana Board of Regents Statewide General Education requirement of "information literacy."
     William B. Robison (History and Political Science) has had an article, "The Bawdy Master of St. Thomas' Hospital," accepted for publication in Historical Research: The Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research (University of London).
     Dr. Margaret Gonzalez-Perez (History and Political Science) has authored a new book, Women and Terrorism: Female Activity in Domestic and International Terror Groups (Routledge, 2008).
     Dr. Wendy Siegel (Teaching and Learning) on July 16 conducted a workshop for north shore "Families Helping Families" on "The Importance of an Effective Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) When Addressing Student Behavior."
     Dr. Marianna Kunow (Foreign Languages and Literatures) is the July "Artist of the Month" at Mandeville City Hall. Her exhibit features drawings, paintings, and prints. The exhibit, located at 3101 E. Causeway Approach, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. For more information, call Nancy Clark at 626-3144.
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ByLion
is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@selu.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to Public Information Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is noon on Friday. Contact: Christina Chapple, chapple@selu.edu, 985-549-2341/2421.

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