Teaching 21st-Century Nurses The University that Loves Monroe National Champions in Class

spring 2008 ULM the magazine of the University of Monroe

Winners – on the team and in the classroom earning at the University of Louisiana at Monroe extends beyond the classroom. In this issue of L the ULM Magazine, you will discover the limitless creativity of our faculty and staff, who constantly examine new teaching methods. Our nursing students care for simulated patients— computerized manikins that our professors program to emulate medical traumas—in our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Center, which mirrors the equipment and the medical emergencies our students will face as professional nurses. Many of our students, working closely with faculty, staff and alumni, conduct research in our community

l etter as part of the new Social Science Research lab. Their

James & Deborah Cofer research, which incorporates such disciplines as sociology, psychology, marketing and political science, benefits our economy while giving students real-world experience. Our faculty and staff designed the Mathematics Resource Center and the Write Place, two new labs that utilize the most advanced technology, including online tutorials that give students instant feedback on their work. While we will always examine methods to better the student experience at ULM, it is equally vital to realize what we have already accomplished. Our student-athletes illustrate that excellence. These students juggle more than their chosen sports; they manage class work, arduous travel schedules, practice, friends and families, all while continuing to excel in the academy. Many have earned spots on the prestigious Athletics Director’s Honor Roll, which recognizes GPAs of 3.0 and above. That dedication results in triumph both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Our cheerleaders and our water ski team members recently secured national championship titles. ULM earned another national award, one that recognizes the strong character of our faculty, staff and students. Our university accepted the National Marrow Donor Program’s Collegiate Innovation Award, which recognizes the extraordinary outcome of ULM’s Bone Marrow Drive in 2007, when more than 2,600 ULM faculty, staff, and students as well as members of the Monroe community, poured into our Student Union Building and set a national record for participation in a one-day drive. Our alumni continue to share their professional achievements with us. I encourage you to read about our featured alumni, including Richard Cravatts (B.A. ’72, M.A. ’73), whose opinion pieces appear in , Wall Street Journal and Boston Globe.

president’s We look forward to hearing from you.

James E. Cofer, Sr. President thULMe magazine of the University of Louisiana Monroe contents VOLUME 8, Number 2, Spring 2008 Executive Editor Don A. Skelton, Sr. Editorial Board Don A. Skelton, Sr. Toni Bacon (BA ‘94) Keith Brown Karina Craighead (BA ’03) Susan Duggins (BBA ’77) Michael Echols (BBA ‘99, MBA ‘01) Laura Harris Anne Lockhart (BBA ’86) Nursing Confidence Victory 360 More than Money Barbara Michaelides Eric Pani The latest technology To star on the 18 ULM may rank as Tommy Walpole (BA ’83, MA ’89) 8 12 one of the largest employ- Lindsey Wilkerson combines with age-old courts and in the class- compassion in a lab where room requires focus, time ers in the region, but its Other Contributors Claudia Evans nurses train to meet demands management and drive. impact—from culture to Sara Palazzo of a new medical era. ULM student-athletes alligator snapping turtles— Diana Pinckley have what it takes. extends far beyond dollars. Photography/Illustration Mark Andresen Terrance Armstard (BA ’01, MA ’06) Departments Will Crocker Richard Lupo (BA ’87) Rhonda Neal (MFA ’94) 2 News 24 Alumni News 32 Point of View John Richards n National Honors n Class Notes Gordon Studer n Wine over Water n Profiles Design n Makeover for n Faculty Honors Zehno Cross Media Communications Math & English President n Record Crowd James E. Cofer, Sr. n Numbers Retired Vice President for n Hall of Famers University Advancement Don A. Skelton, Sr. Executive Director of Alumni Relations Keith Brown President, ULM Alumni Association Paul H. Wilkening (BA ‘83, MA ‘85)

The ULM Magazine is published semiannually for members of the ULM Alumni Association and friends by the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. Letters and comments should be sent to: ULM Magazine 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209-2500 Phone: (318) 342-5440 Fax: (318) 342-5446 E-mail: [email protected] Letters and comments may be published and On the Cover edited for length. A few of ULM’s student-athletes (clockwise, from top): Tyler Collins, co-captain of the national champion Contents © 2008 by the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. All rights water ski team; Tiffany Coker, captain of the national champion cheerleading team; Shannon Lloyd, reserved. The University of Louisiana Monroe is a center for the Warhawks women’s team; Darrius Battles, Warhawk football cornerback; member of the University of Louisiana System. Rani Giladi, triple-jump and high jump specialist in Warhawk track and field. newsCampus

Record bone marrow drive wins Collegiate Innovation Award ore than 2,600 ULM faculty, staff, students unprecedented level of participation. The Clinical and Monroe community members poured Laboratory Science Department and the Office of Minto the Student Union Building in Student Life and Leadership sponsored the drive. February 2007 to set the national record for a Snyder was tested during ULM’s drive. When he one-day bone marrow drive. discovered he was a match for a child, he immedi- ately agreed to the procedure. we heard about people who were saved and The awards ceremony was a lives that were lost waiting. ULM’s drive “great opportunity,” Snyder said. “It was very humbling ... made a difference.” I was inspired by the work of –­­ Debbie Wisenor, interim department head of clinical laboratory science everyone there.” Representing ULM at the When two ULM representatives visited November awards ceremony was a “true honor,” Minneapolis for the National Marrow Donor Wisenor added. Program 2007 Council Meeting, they shared “I am extremely proud of ULM, especially the the university’s spirit with 11,000 people from student organizations who worked tirelessly to 31 countries. make the Bone Marrow Drive successful,” she said. Debbie Wisenor, interim department head of “During the ceremony, we heard testimonials about clinical laboratory science, and Chase Snyder, people who were saved by a bone marrow trans- College of Pharmacy student and Student Gov- plant and about the lives that were lost waiting on a ernment Association vice president, accepted the donor match. These stories made me even more Collegiate Innovation Award in honor of ULM’s aware that ULM’s drive made a difference.”

Agriculture goes high tech with GPS

aculty and students in To cite just one example, the technology will the ULM Agriculture help students as they survey row crops like FDepartment have been corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton grown on given a substantial technol- the Morris and Ella Johnson Farm. ogy boost, making them far The decision to incorporate new and practical more competitive in an applications of biotechnology, mapping increasingly difficult market- software, and GPS/GIS technologies into the

Dr. James Casey place. agribusiness curriculum demonstrates ULM’s Thanks to a $70,000 participation in the latest industry undergraduate enhancement grant resulting developments. from a partnership between the Board of “The university is committed to exposing its Regents, the university and the ULM students to state-of-the-art demonstrations in Foundation, agribusiness students may make field laboratory situations and experiences their rounds on tractors featuring the most related to farm management,” said James up-to-date electronic GPS guidance system, Casey, department head. among other savvy technology advancements.

2 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu campusnews

Redesigned courses focus on students first

he mathematics and they use the most advanced English composition software system to complete Tcourses required for ULM homework, take quizzes and freshmen are now more examinations, and assure user-friendly and effective, they have met each required thanks to new approaches level of achievement. Faculty combined with the two and graduate students innovative initiatives – the provide individual assistance Mathematics Resource Center while the software gives and the Write Place. simultaneous, accurate Intro courses were rede- feedback. signed with an emphasis on In addition to enjoying sound methodology, student- redesigned courses, students centered learning, clear also have a new site where assessment criteria, and they can complete writing effective technology. Those assignments and exercises four elements reflect the for English 101 and 102. National Center for Academic Transformation “The Write Place, with its 50 Student Technology (NCAT) Roadmap to Redesign philosophy. Access Plan-funded computers, allows students to With a focus on increasing work on their assignments individually or to consult student retention, the math- one of the tutors, some of whom are English ematics department fully faculty, about their writing,” says director of revamped the college algebra first-year composition Dr. Christopher Harris. core courses for all freshmen The Write Place, located in the following the NCAT approach, Administration Building, uses the according to Dr. Dale Magoun, latest technology. Online tutorials Dr. Dale Magoun head of the mathematics and offer students instant feedback as physics department. “This philosophy embraces they work through the required the notion that even the highest-quality students challenges; new courseware helps encounter challenges and require support to instructors track how much time Dr. Christopher Harris progress successfully,” Magoun said. and work each student spends on That support is available in the Mathematics each tutorial. The tutorials allow instructors to Resource Center in the Hemphill Airway and devote more classroom time to writing. Students Computer Science Building, which offers indi- also have access to individual time with instructors vidual training for students of varied skill levels. and faculty, who are always available at the center. For example, the required five-hour course College Algebra with Review is divided into group and individual instruction. Students meet twice a week in the Mathematics Resource Center, where

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 3 newsCampus

University Residence nears completion

he house is becoming a home. In the next few months President T James E. Cofer, Sr. and First Lady Deborah Cofer will move into the University Residence––a beautiful Acadian-style home on the bayou side of Bon Aire Drive near the Anna Gray Noe Alumni Center. Since 1995, ULM has been the only one of the eight institutions in the University of Louisiana System without an on-campus president’s residence. The ULM Foundation Board of Trustees decided to outdoor lawn and patio areas that will be used change that. for special events involving all the ULM family– Foundation members began discussing an students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. on-campus residence in December 2005. In August ULM President James Cofer praised the efforts 2006, the Foundation Board approved a fund-raising of the Foundation. “Deborah and I are impressed by the ULM “This is a community resource, Foundation’s tireless and visionary commitment a university resource.” to enhancing the philanthropic support of this – ULM President James E. Cofer, Sr. institution. Their day-to-day efforts already increase donations and community goodwill,” campaign for the project, identified leadership, he said. and began raising money to construct the resi- “We will soon have the proper jewel on dence at no cost to the university. the bayou to attract current and future donors, “We’ve seen several campus improvements increase campus fund-raising efforts, and over the past couple of years, but one thing has provide an appropriate venue to properly recog- been lacking, and that’s a nize faculty, staff, and student achievements.” residence for the univer- Cofer recalled being invited to the new sity president,” said ULM president’s home during his college days at Foundation immediate Mississippi State University. past president Betty “It is something special to be invited to Cummins. She added that the president’s home,” Cofer said. “This is a responses to the fund- community resource, a university resource. raising efforts were Deborah and I will be the first to live here, but “overwhelming.” we will certainly not be the last. This is also a The residence includes gift to future university presidents.” spacious rooms and Open house plans for summer 2008 are being finalized and will be announced soon.

A carved wood panel in the University Residence echoes the ULM Bell Tower

4 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Sportsnews

Malone packs ‘em in

he tailgating started on Thursday and carried on well past the end of the game. T On Nov. 10, a record crowd of 30,101 packed into Malone Stadium to see the Warhawks take on the . In the end, the Warhawks prevailed 28-14. The attendance mark broke the old record of 28,725 set on Oct. 10, 1998 against Louisiana Tech. It was also the fifth-largest attendance for an on-campus game in history. With a historic 21-14 victory over Alabama, the Warhawks finished the 2007 season on a A record crowd of 30,101 filled Malone Stadium to see the Warhawks take on the Grambling State Tigers. high note. “It was a great atmosphere and was everything Head Football Coach Charlie Weatherbie was we thought it would be. These types of match-ups equally excited. make all the sense in the world and help generate “It was a great crowd. There were a lot of interest in football in northeast Louisiana,” said Grambling fans here, as well as a lot of ULM fans. Athletics Director Bobby Staub. It was great to see our crowd come to life.”

Turning water and wine into scholarships

hat began as a way to fund ULM scholarships has evolved into a W premier wine-tasting affair. Wine Over Water is a signature event for the University of Louisiana at Monroe held in late May. Begun during ULM’s 75th Anniversary in 2006 by the Alumni Association and the Ouachita Parish Alumni Chapter, Wine Over Water offers guests the opportunity to sample wines and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. All prelude to the main event—a Patron Party at proceeds benefit the ULM Scholarship Fund. the University Conference Center. In addition to the culinary treats, attendees For more information, email Tommy Walpole enjoy live entertainment, bayou cruises, a at [email protected] or call (318) 342-5420 or silent auction, and a chance to attend the (800) 927-4295.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 5 newsSports

“All you really want is a number”

t has been said that is the most mathematical of any team sport. The use of Istatistics in all sports began in the mid-19th century baseball era. averages, runs batted in, win-loss percentages, even the geomet- ric shape of the field are all integral to the game. But one number is deemed more precious by a player than any statistic––the one on his jersey. And the greatest honor any player can Ben Sheets (left) and Chuck Finley (right) with ULM head earn is the retirement of a jersey number. baseball coach Jeff Schexnaider All a baseball player really wants is a num- ber, said an emotional Ben Sheets, #15. lot of hard work. You really don’t think about the ULM retired the jersey number of Sheets, numbers until you’re done playing. This makes who pitched for ULM from 1997-1999, and of you very proud. When I came out to Northeast Chuck Finley, #31, who played at then-NLU and started playing here, I never thought that from 1984-1985. Sheets and Finley join Lou St. this would actually happen, but it did,” said Amant, #24, as the only ULM baseball players Finley. to receive such an honor. “I tell people all the time: you can actually be To have that jersey number retired is “some- from a small town and make it. You don’t have to be from a big school. You can be from a smaller school and still make it. It’s very impor- let them see your face, tant that you show yourself to kids, let them see let them hear your stories, your face, let them hear your stories, give them give them hope and tellthem: hope and tell them: it can happen to you.” Finley’s 16-year professional career as a it can happen to you.” included stints with the Anaheim Angels, – Chuck Finley, ULM baseball player and the St. Louis Cardinals. Of the two incredible athletes, ULM President thing to be proud of,” Sheets said. “You come James Cofer said, “It’s a great day for ULM.” up here and you don’t expect anything. All you Bobby Staub, ULM athletics director, thanked really want is a number.” Tears welling up in the baseball greats for returning to their alma his eyes and his voice full of emotion, he said, mater. “It’s phenomenal to have two players of “Thanks, that’s all I can say.” this stature come from this school.” In 2000, Sheets pitched Team USA to an Both Sheets and Finley have represented ULM Olympic Medal. He’s now in his eighth incredibly well, said Jeff Schexnaider, ULM season with the Brewers as the ace head baseball coach. of the team’s pitching staff. “Not a day goes by that their names are not Finley, inducted into the ULM Hall of Fame in mentioned. Every recruit we talk to, their names 1996, termed his jersey retirement very special. come up. That lets them know that their dreams “Playing in the big league is very tough; it’s a can come true, right here at ULM.”

6 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Sportsnews

ULM inducts Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2008

Claude Brumfield John David Crow Glenn Flemming Jimmy Walker Don Warren

he L Club, the university’s official association construction of Malone Stadium, the ULM Baseball of former student-athletes, inducted Claude complex, and converting the Booster Club to the TBrumfield (football), John David Crow (football Athletic Foundation. coach & administration), Glenn Flemming (football), Jimmy Walker (men’s basketball) and Don Warren Glenn Flemming (1973-75) was ULM’s first two-time, (track & field) during ULM’s Hall of Fame Weekend first team All-American in football. He played nose April 4-5. guard and linebacker. Flemming was named All- “This is an exciting time for the L Club and its America in 1973-74. He still holds school records for sponsorship of the Sports Hall of Fame,” L Club most first hits with 113 and most blocked field goals president Bob Cooper said. “Each of these inductees with three. represents former letter award winners and the university in a way we can all take pride. They are Jimmy Walker (1961-64) was a three-time all-Gulf now formally recognized as a permanent part of the States Conference basketball player. He still ranks most distinguished letter award winners from ULM, among ULM’s top 20 scorers with 1,217 career points. and we look forward to honoring their selection.” He led the team in several categories during his career For more information visit www.ulm.edu/lclub including scoring (1963-64, 17.8), field goal percentage(1963-64, .443), and rebounding in two Claude Brumfield (1984-87) was one of the team seasons (1962-63, 10.7, and 1963-64, 9.9). His top captains for the 1987 1-AA National Championship single-game efforts were 34 points vs. Louisiana Tech Football Team. Claude made the Kodak, Walter Camp, and 21 rebounds vs. Southeastern Louisiana. Sports Network, Football News and AP All-American (1967-70) was the NAIA national long teams in 1987. He was a first-team all-conference and Don Warren jump champion in 1970 and was named All-American. all-state selection in 1987 and a second-team all He won the Gulf States Conference title in the long conference in 1986. Brumfield had 27 tackles in 1984, jump as a freshman and competed in the World 33 in 1985, 52 in 1986 and 50 tackles in 1987. University Games in Turin, Italy. From Jackson, Miss., John David Crow served as ULM’s head football he held both ULM horizontal jump records for many coach and athletic director. He was a near-unanimous years with bests of 51’-2”, the state record at the time, choice for the Louisiana “Coach of the Year” in 1980. and 25’-0”. After 20 years, his triple jump distance still Coach Crow was also only the second Heisman ranked in ULM’s all-time top five. He helped ULM win Trophy winner to be a collegiate head coach. While two conference team titles and finish 12th in the NAIA athletic director, Coach Crow was instrumental in the national meet.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 7 8 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Nursing Confidence Simulation experience builds real skills in high-tech new lab

By Diana Pinckley Photography by Will Crocker

ying in a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, Mr. Wickersham is clearly very ill. The elderly man is by turns fearful, confused and angry, spout- ing phrases that don’t always make sense.L His nursing team has just met him and is in the midst of assessing his vital signs and physical condition when he goes into cardiac arrest. “We did CPR and brought him back,” says team member Tiffany Terra. “Our teachers were nice and let him live.” Monroe resident Terra is a nursing student at ULM, and the environment in which her teach- ers have power over life and death is the Clinical Simulation Center, on the second floor of the ULM Nursing Building. For more than three years, ULM has offered the 250 students enrolled in its professional nurs- ing program a chance to learn bedside skills in a hands-on manner through an advanced form of technology called clinical simulation. The future nurses practice assessment, crisis intervention and day-to-day care on sophisticated manikins programmed to breathe and to produce heart, lung and bowel sounds. The manikins can gag, vomit, and even talk, thanks to integrated computers. They can be programmed to die and can be resuscitated. Two recent grants underwrite a new critical care simulation facility and a new pregnant manikin, along with video recording equipment. The Louisiana Board of Regents Enhancement Fund awarded ULM $40,000 to construct a

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 9 Previous Page, left to right: student Tiffany Terra, Lab Coordinator/Advisor Jan Shows, assistant professor Rayne Lowder, student Mallory Hawthorne, student Haynes Garrett, student Nayana Shrestha, This page left to right: Tiffany Terra, assistant professor Sandra Jones, Mallory Hawthorne.

realistic ICU—with authentic equipment—that hear? The basic core of nursing is assessment, and was completed in early March. A Louisiana this is a wonderful way to teach it.” Nurses Foundation Promise Grant added over Students know that the “patient” is plastic, $18,000 to buy NOELLE, a maternal and neona- not flesh and blood. They know that simulators tal birthing manikin, who can “deliver” a baby. can be adapted to be male or female. But as they That grant also funds video equipment to get involved, it all starts to seem very real, says record student interaction with the manikins. Donna Glaze, who holds the ULM Endowed Faculty members can use the videos for debriefing, Professorship in Nursing. and students can review their own performance. “The instructors have prepared the patient with The new investments join significant existing a name and an armband,” Glaze explains. “They nurse education technology at ULM. set the vital signs and introduce the patient to the “High school students or students from other students as if they were in a hospital setting. universities come in and they may have had “In one case, the scenario involved an older experience in a simulation situation that has one gentleman recovering from prostate surgery. The room, one bed, one computer,” says nursing skills nursing team approached the patient, introduced lab coordinator Jan Shows. “We have two big labs themselves, and when they drew back the sheet, with 15 beds each. We turn the manikins on—they they saw a significant amount of blood loss. breathe, their hearts beat, they talk—and students (Of course, it was artificial blood.) are just ecstatic.” “They got their gloves on and went to work. A course focused entirely on simulation is part And I will never forget their faces when they of the second semester, and faculty use the lab in saw the ‘emergency.’ It was real to them—they their courses at all levels. showed nothing but compassion and concern.” The clinical simulation exercises allow students Such situations also emphasize the importance to hone essential skills through simple observation of teamwork, Glaze says, adding that everyone as well as experience crisis situations, says Dr. quickly understands and carries out their roles. Florencetta Gibson, director of the ULM School The faculty members who work with the simu- of Nursing. “What do you see? What do you lation program observe behind one-way mirrors.

10 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu They can “talk” for the simulated patients—in the nursing educators, nearly 1,600 qualified appli- voice of an elderly man, a woman, a child—but cants are on waiting lists for nursing programs in they aren’t available to give clues about the right the state. approach. Finding enough clinical sites for nursing train- “Students respond without us going ‘Hey, don’t ing has also become more of a challenge, given an you want to look over there?’ and that makes it increasing focus on outpatient services that has even more successful,” says associate professor led to more programs vying for fewer slots. of nursing Rayne Lowder, who teaches a course “We can only assign a limited number of in the simulation lab. “When you’re out there by students per medical unit,” says Gibson. “When yourself, it’s a whole other ballgame.” we have other schools of nursing and professional In the safety of a school lab, students can simu- healthcare units seeking to assign to those same late care that is appropriate for situations that do units, we have to be cautious to not overbook.” not commonly occur—or the things that happen Patient safety is a universal priority; simulated during the parts of a hospital day when students patients enhance it because they give students are not present. experience in a fail-safe setting before they move Simulators and other technological innovations on to a clinical site. have changed the way nursing is taught, says In a letter of support that was part of the grant Gibson. Previously, at end of the day in a clinical application, Darlene Smith, chief nursing officer setting, faculty relied on debriefing students and of St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, wrote discussing what steps to take if certain situations “A nursing lab is the appropriate environment had progressed. But with simulation, nursing stu- for students to practice their skills before they dents can deal hands-on with those complications. go into the clinical environment. Practice in an

having simulation equipment and being able to build it into the curriculum has made ULM equivalent to larger schools of nursing ACross the nation.” — DR. FLORENCETTA GIBSON, DIRECTOR OF THE ULM SCHOOL OF NURSING

“Simulations will never replace interaction appropriately outfitted nursing lab alleviates with real patients and they’re not intended to,” much of the anxiety when [they are] performing says Glaze. “But it’s hard to practice with a real a procedure on a patient for the first time. A patient.” Adds Shows, “It really helps students to more confident nursing student equals a less go through an experience in a controlled setting anxious patient.” rather than in a hospital, where things can get out After integrating the nursing clinical simulation of control.” labs into its curriculum, ULM’s College of Phar- Gibson points out that manikins are useful in macy has obtained its own manikin. Shows has a teaching nurses to be sensitive to needs of diverse vision of all ULM health sciences areas working cultures and groups. “Some manikins have together in a multidisciplinary lab to provide a scenarios that take into account race, poverty or seamless simulation experience. affluence,” she says. “Our students have to be The simulation lab will also be used for continu- prepared to take care of the general population, ing nursing education, as well as demonstrations for and that includes a lot of variety.” elementary school classes, scout troops and Simulation training carries many benefits for the like. the real world. Recent statistics indicate that the “The feedback is just astounding,” says Lowder. state has 4,000 to 5,000 unfilled slots for regis- “Students are happy about it—and once they have tered nurses. Because of a shortage of experienced the hands-on experience, they don’t ever forget.”

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 11 12 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Victory 360

By Diana Pinckley • Photography Will Crocker

ulm students post winning records, in competition and in the classroom

hen senior cornerback Darrius Battles lifted his arms in a gesture of victory at the end of last season’s ULM win overW Alabama, it wasn’t just because the Warhawks had just defeated the legend- ary SEC football powerhouse by a touchdown. Battles’ upraised arms also marked a very personal win. Forced to sit out the 2006 sea- son for academic ineligibility, he came back strong. In the spring 2007 semester, Battles was one of 105 student-athletes with a 3.0 or better academic average to earn a place on the ULM Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

ULM athletes left to right: Rani Giladi, Tiffany Coker, Darrius Battles, Tyler Collins and Shannon Lloyd

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 13 “You have to be disciplined, because time significant commitment of time and energy to be doesn’t wait on anyone,” says Battles, a general good at all your roles––athlete, student, friend, studies major with an emphasis in criminal jus- son or daughter––and to save a little down time tice. “You have to use your time wisely. Once it’s for yourself, too.” gone, it’s gone.” ULM student-athletes seem to have developed Discipline and time management are universal ways to manage the challenges well. Their gradua- skills for ULM student-athletes in all sports, tion rates exceed the university-wide average, and including the championship water ski and many of them plan to seek graduate degrees. cheerleading teams. Shannon Lloyd, a senior child psychology major from Collinsville, Miss., plays center on A Question of Balance the Warhawks women’s basketball team. In the Battles points out that ULM football coach Charlie heartbreaking final game of the season, when the Weatherbie uses quotes during practice to motivate Warhawks lost to Troy by one point thanks to a his team. “My favorite one is ‘as you think, you unlikely last-second basket, Lloyd scored a career- are.’ I feel confident on the field. And that quote high 19 points and pulled down a team-best eight helped me see that if I can be more confident in the rebounds to lead ULM. classroom, then my level of accomplishment would “The hardest thing to learn was managing my go up. It started to happen like that, too. On the time,” says Lloyd, echoing Battles. “I had to learn field and in class, it’s the will and drive that make to say no to my friends who wanted me to go to the difference.” a party or to the mall. Battles plans to take ULM STUDENT-ATHLETES SEEM I starting hanging out a shot at the pro foot- with my teammates, ball draft this spring; TO HAVE DEVELOPED WAYS TO with us all being bored he hopes eventually MANAGE THE CHALLENGES WELL. together or studying to return to ULM for THEIR GRADUATION RATES EXCEED together.” a graduate degree in The formula has criminal justice or THE UNIVERSITY-WIDE AVERAGE, clearly worked. With a mass communication. AND MANY OF THEM PLAN TO 3.0 average, Lloyd plans He is looking for- SEEK GRADUATE DEGREES. to pursue a graduate ward to graduation degree in child psychol- in May—when the ogy at ULM and work Mobile, Ala., native will be the first in his with abused children, perhaps as part of the family to receive a bachelor’s degree. “My mom criminal justice system. loves football. She loves to see me play. But a Now that her participation in the sport she has degree will be the ultimate gift that I can give played since seventh grade is over, Lloyd admits her,” he says. that she misses spending so much time with her While athletes may love their sport, like Battles, teammates. “But there is something to be said they are in college to earn degrees. The pressures about not having those 7 a.m. practices and being can be intense. able to sleep,” she says. “One of the big challenges for a student-athlete Rani Giladi, a senior accounting major who is just trying to balance everything,” says Lauri competes in the long jump and triple jump, came Mondschein, former ULM assistant athletics to ULM from Deganis Bet, Israel, after a stint in director for academics and compliance. “If you’re the Israeli army. “I had been doing track all my a student and not an athlete, college is challeng- life,” he says. “Some friends went to the United ing enough. You have to balance class time, study States to study and told me a lot of good things time, a social life, perhaps a part-time job or fam- about what’s going on in college track here. So I ily obligations, and go home on some weekends. saved my money, worked hard, got better, and got “An athlete does all that and then puts in two, a scholarship from ULM.” three or four hours a day in practice, as well as Giladi practices six days a week, from three travel, team meetings and competitions. It’s a to five hours a day. Weekends and nights are his

14 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu “It took me until the mid- dle of my sophomore year to learn to manage my time. I realized I can’t do everything my friends do and keep my grades up and perform like I need to on the basketball court.”

–Shannon Lloyd, a senior child psychology major from Collinsville, Mississippi, who plays center on the Warhawks women’s basketball team.

study times. “I do what I have to do,” says Giladi, scholarship. He was also selected for the 2007 who also tutors other athletes. “School is equally Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List. as important as track. In track, if you work hard, “Anytime I needed additional help or support, do what you’re supposed to do, and are prepared, or if I needed an extension on a test due to a you can get the job done. It’s the same with game, the professors were always willing to work school.” with me and my schedule,” said Shappley, who Giladi is indeed getting the job done. He was plans to attend law school after graduation. one of 36 ULM athletes selected for the 2007 Sun Most of the 350 ULM students who compete Belt Conference Commissioner’s List in recogni- in a dozen different NCAA sports are required tion of an academic average of 3.5 or above. After to spend at least six hours a week in supervised graduation, he plans to become a CPA and begin study, said Mondschein. his career at a U.S. accounting firm. Student-athletes come to the Student Success Despite the commitments of athletics and Center at any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. academics, Giladi enjoys his college experience. that fits the individual’s schedule. They check “I have a personal life; I have a lot of friends even in using Student Athlete Management System though I used to go out a little more during my software, which times their study and generates freshman and sophomore years.” reports for coaches and staff. “This gives students some control,” said Systematic Support Mondschein, noting that previously study halls ULM has many structures available to help took place during specific night hours and allowed student-athletes. Among the most important little flexibility in scheduling. “This way, students elements: a supportive faculty. “Being a student- can come in during a class break and get an hour athlete is not easy, but with the understanding and half of study time, and the evening is theirs.” and support from the professors, the burden is Mondschein encourages ULM athletes to build lessened,” said Warhawk offensive lineman Larry a support system and keep it all in perspective. Shappley during a fall speech to an Envision ULM “You need someone to talk to—family, team- program. Shappley, a junior from West Monroe, mates, friends outside of athletics—when things attends ULM on both an athletic and an academic are not rosy and perfect,” says Mondschein, who

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 15 competed in the heptathlon for the ULM track around the region, and school appearances—not team during her student years between 1981 and to mention classwork. “One Drug-Free-Schools 1985. “Students should also take some ‘me’ time. week, we went to five different elementary College is an important time for building the schools,” says team member Stephen Martinez, a future, but it’s also a time when you’re building senior kinesiology major from Midland, . happy memories and friendships. It shouldn’t be “For cheering and for school work, we try to so stressful you don’t take time to enjoy it.” stay on top of things, setting a good basic image and being role models for younger students.” Cheering Champs The team’s success is important in encouraging ULM cheerleaders work up the spirit that sup- those younger students to attend ULM. ports intercollegiate teams—and they are also “It helps recruit, especially in Louisiana where winning athletes in their own right. The 19-member cheerleading is big,” says Jessica Huskey, a junior team placed first at the Universal Cheerleading elementary education major from Junction City, Association National Championships in January, Arkansas. “People want to come where you’ve competing in the small coed division I category won and have a good squad and good coach.” and defeating teams from George Mason University, Almost all of ULM’s cheerleaders have coached Sacramento State, Hofstra and the University of cheer teams at local junior highs and high schools, Oklahoma, among others. says Williams, and many spend the summers at The squad shines academically as well. Joanie cheerleading camps, working with students who Williams, coordinator of spirit groups for ULM, may be interested in ULM. Cheerleaders receive a notes that nine members of $500-per-semester scholarship the national title-winning “We try to stay on top initially; the amount increases squad have a grade-point of things, setting a by $100 for every semester average above 3.0; two of they’re on the team. Those them have a perfect 4.0. good basic image and who live outside Louisiana “These guys put in a lot being role models.” also get out-of-state fees of hard work,” Williams –Cheerleader Stephen Martinez waived. says. “They all wanted it. “Our cheerleaders are When you have a team where everybody has the truly ambassadors for ULM,” says Williams. “But same goal, it works to your advantage. At the when you see them compete, you realize it’s such national competition, they went out there and a sport. It truly takes a lot of talent and hard nailed it every time. They amazed us.” work.” It’s not the first time the ULM cheerleaders have been at the top of the national pyramid. They Rulers of the Bayou also hold the national titles from 2004 and 2005. It’s a definite dynasty. ULM’s water ski team has Squad captain Tiffany Coker, a senior nursing captured the national title—again. In an October student from Monroe was a member of the competition, the Warhawk skiers won the cham- 2005 team. pionship for the 20th time in the 28-year history “This has been an amazing year for the cheer- of the National College Water Ski Association. leaders,” said Coker. “We have had so many “No one else in the country can compare,” great opportunities to show our pride and spirit says Tyler Collins, team co-captain and a senior for ULM. From getting to cheer on our football aviation major from Murray, Kentucky. “ULM team and watch them beat Alabama to bringing is right on the bayou. I can ski and walk to class home our own big win, it has been a year we will with wet shorts five minutes away. It’s unbeliev- always remember.” able. At most schools, you travel at least 15 or 20 The team practiced for nine hours a day, every minutes to get to the boat.” day, for a couple of weeks over Christmas break ULM is known across the globe as the place to get ready for the competitions. This is in addi- to be for collegiate water skiers. The current tion to a fall filled with cheering at football games 14-member team has members from Belarus, the and basketball games, participating in parades Czech Republic, Slovakia, Colombia, Belgium,

16 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu “No one else in the country can compare. ULM is right on the bayou. I can ski and walk to class with wet shorts five min- utes away. It’s unbelievable.”

–Tyler Collins, team captain and a senior aviation major from Murray, Kentucky.

Canada and the United States. And most of them semester, despite a season that lasts from spring have known each other for a long time. The through fall. world of high-level skiing is a fairly small one, The ULM community also supports the skiers, says team adviser Treina Landrum, and many Landrum says. “People love to come down to team members knew each other before ULM. the bayou to watch them. Our team has the top “Most people don’t know anyone from out of skiers in the world. It’s like seeing ESPN when the state, let alone out of the country,” says you watch them ski.” Collins, who plans to be a Marine aviator. “We But skiing isn’t the most important thing to get to see what the world’s really like, even though team members, says Tyler Boyd, a graduate we’re still in Louisiana.” student in political communications and former Because water skiing is not an NCAA sport, player from , Texas, who the skiers are awarded talent scholarships, not is team co-captain with Collins. athletic scholarships. Most team members are “ULM cares about student-athletes as people “three-event skiers” which means they compete in first and athletes second,” Boyd says. “We want slalom, trick and jump, Landrum says. “A three- them to do well at their sport but excel at what- event skier spends a lot of time at practice. How ever they’re doing academically.’ do they fit in schoolwork? It’s a lot more pressure. Boyd plans to go into public service of some They’re really good at time management. They sort, perhaps in the military or a domestic politi- can make practice count and study time really cal post. “Most people come to college with a count. They’re used to working with a lot of dream to be somebody and that’s what we want pressure—they’ve done it since they were little.” them to be,” he says. “National championships Landrum describes her team as “smart kids end—you have the ring on your finger, or the who work hard and work focused.” The result— trophy on the wall. But an education is forever.” a team average grade of 3.3 for the fall 2007

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 17 more than money

18 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu more than money ULM’s impact on the economy of the region extends to culture, R&D, community service­—and turtles

By Diana Pinckley Photography WILL CROCKER

conomic impact may seem a rela- tively straightforward number. ULM employs 2,063 people, with a total annual salary and benefits figure of $73,270,385. Add the appropriate multipliersE that take into account the jobs created when ULM employees spend their salaries in the community, and you’ll have a simple equation with a concrete answer, right? According to ULM economist Dr. Robert Eisenstadt, head of ULM’s Center for Business and Economic Research, there’s more to the story. While ULM employs more people than any private company in the region, the university’s impact on Monroe and what has become known as the “North Louisiana Frontier” also encom- passes voluntarism, culture, sports, human capital, diversity, training and tools for teachers, health care and counseling out- reach, research and development, support for entrepreneurship, and providing the information and resources that help grow the north Louisiana economy. An illustration: Consider the impact of the alligator snapping turtle. Studies by ULM biolo- gist John Carr and his students brought a British film crew shoot- ing for the Discovery Channel to Monroe for several days. They ate in local restaurants, stayed in hotels, rented equipment, and spent dollars in other ways.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 19 The show, to be part of the Animal Planet In addition, eight endowed chairs and 50 series, “Nick Baker’s Weird Creatures 2,” endowed professorships, more than $21.8 million focused on the endangered turtles that grow to in research and over $3 million in contributions 200 pounds or more. The turtles’ Black Bayou to ULM support academic efforts that create a Lake wildlife habitat is supported by ULM volun- critical mass of intellectual capital for the region. teers, including Ann Smith, director of academic Sports: Warhawk teams, a source of entertain- interns, who is president of the Friends of Black ment, also build community enthusiasm. Bayou, and Eisenstadt himself, a leader in the Human Capital: Eisenstadt points out that habitat’s preservation. Carr’s work is also known ULM is a catalyst for diversity, which means that worldwide, inserting Monroe into far-flung new ideas are brought into the community. “The scientific circles. university also is the source of a diverse and the

“the purely monetary impact of the university is just a fraction of its total impact.” –Dr. Robert Eisenstadt, head of ULM’s Center for Business and Economic Research

“When you talk about economic impact, you deep pool of highly-skilled people. That expertise can talk about all kinds of single examples,” says permeates into the community.” Eisenstadt. “It’s a myriad of little things that, Voluntarism: Several studies confirm that the taken together, are so much greater than the sum higher their education levels, the more likely of their parts.” people are to give time and money to charitable Monroe’s amenities and attractions may exist causes. The ULM family’s record of community on some level in the absence of ULM, Eisenstadt service is impressive. says, “but in the presence of the university, they’re New Residents: By its very nature as an so much better than they otherwise would be.” academic institution, Eisenstadt says, ULM does more than any other single force to attract people from out of the area to relocate to Monroe. Making a Difference Visitors: The university sponsors conferences The economic impact of the university goes that bring out-of-towners to the area. In addition, beyond anything that can be quantified in dollars its programs and attractions may encourage those and cents, even though the amount in tuition and visiting for other reasons “to stick around an federal and state money that ULM brings in is extra day and leave more of their income behind significant. them when they depart,” Eisenstadt says. Among the non-fiscal areas Eisenstatdt cites: House Prices: “Because the university brings Culture The university, a center of cultural : in a large number of professionals, it creates an activity for the community, offers a critical mass upward pressure on housing prices,” the econo- of theatre, music, dance and the arts that the mist says. “Houses here are worth marginally region’s population is not large enough to support more than they otherwise would be because otherwise. university employees are out there purchasing Intellectual Excitement: Speakers, the Presiden- homes.” tial Lyceum Series and the Chautauqua Nexus, among others, offer forums for exploring different viewpoints.

20 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Tools to Help Businesses Grow R&D on the Northern Frontier Eisenstadt heads the ULM Center for Business The Social Sciences Research Laboratory (www. and Economic Research (CBER), which “pro- ulm.edu/ssrl), founded in June 2007, by ULM vides unbiased, independent, reliable, and high- psychologist Dr. Joe McGahan (arguably the man value information and analysis of and for the 12 who originated that “North Louisiana Frontier” parishes of northeast Louisiana.” CBER (cba. phrase) and political scientist Dr. John Sutherlin, ulm.edu/cber) publishes an annual report on the encourages research across academic disciplines economic and demographic climate of the region, and university boundaries. The idea is to promote including quality of life the economy of northeast indicators. Louisiana by combining “When businesses and the talents of faculty, staff site locators consider and alumni to offer ser- moving an enterprise into vices to the region while an area, they have to have giving ULM students information on a variety real-world experience. of indicators,” Eisenstadt “Many times, we don’t says. “If it’s too costly to think of north Louisiana go accumulate all the sepa- as having intellectual rate pieces of information capital, but it does,” says they need, site locators Sutherlin. “Look at the might not consider the the university offers a universities—ULM, Loui- Monroe area. We provide critical mass of theatre, siana Tech, Grambling, the same kind of informa- Northwestern, Centenary. tion that an economic music, dance and the arts We’ve got a lot of people development agency in that the region’s spending a lot of time would. We pack- population is not large enough developing concepts and age it in an attractive way, to support otherwise trying to create opportu- and we partner with the nities for young people.” Monroe Chamber of Com- That intellectual capital merce to create a one-stop is critical for economic shop for economic information.” development, he adds. “Whenever we talk about The College of Business Administration also is new jobs, we talk about developing a 400-acre host to the Small Business Development Center. site for a manufacturer. We only have so many The newest addition to the ULM business portfo- 400-acre sites—that’s limited by land space. But lio is the Northeast Louisiana Business and Com- there’s unlimited development capacity in the munity Development Center, designed to advance human mind. Relying on intellectual and service entrepreneurship and support economic develop- industries is more sustainable in the long term ment by creating a regional business incubator. than trying to chase manufacturing jobs.” “We thought it was very appropriate to use the In addition to giving students research opportu- resources of the College of Business Administration, nities and bringing together faculty from our faculty, our students and our staff to make a different departments and different universities, difference in our community by providing training,” the Social Sciences Research Lab encourages said Dr. Ron Berry, dean of the College of Busi- entrepreneurs to invest in research and develop- ness Administration during a February ceremony ment on Louisiana’s northern frontier. thanking Congressional members and business Currently, eight projects are under way: leaders for their support in helping ULM land Justice Seekers: The Youth Services Planning $450,000 for the center. “Entrepreneurial devel- Board and SSRL are developing a guide to commu- opment is critical to our region—we have to grow nity services for Ouachita and Morehouse Parish our own businesses and help them to succeed.”

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 21 youth at risk of entering the criminal / juvenile uted and shown worldwide. Students will partici- justice or foster care systems—and their families. pate in every aspect of production. Legal Beagles: Students research indigent Those dollars were part of $100,948 awarded defense statistics and resources. to ULM for four projects that clearly connect edu- Don’t Give a Hoot: This Monroe urban plan- cation and citizenship through hands-on learning. ning project analyzes survey data, explores feasi- The grants come through the University of bility of an R&D corridor that includes Louisiana Louisiana System from the Learn and Serve Tech and Grambling, and endeavors to establish a America division of the Corporation for National cross-cultural music and arts and Community Service. hub downtown. ULM received the highest Pathfinder: In conjunc- allocation of any university tion with Louisiana Tech’s in the system. Other ULM Institute on Blindness and projects supported by the the Louisiana Center for the money include: Blind, this interdisciplinary CPR at School Training research-based project hopes Program, partnering ULM to improve the lives of blind kinesiology faculty and people in Louisiana and students with Glenwood Africa. Regional Medical Center, Litter Assessment: St. Francis Medical Center, Students and faculty analyze the American Heart Asso- existing litter and recycling ulm does more than ciation and area schools ordinances in Monroe and any other single force to teach middle and high make recommendations for to attract people school students how to perform basic CPR. improvement. to relocate to monroe Wild Bunch: Research Environmental Podcast- draws on psychology, sociol- ing, teaming ULM’s College ogy, political science and of Education and Human marketing to help create a new vision for the Development students with Region VIII Instruc- Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe. tional Technology Coordinators, local meteo- B cubed: Students will survey opinions about rologists and the Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge to Monroe’s Better Business Bureau and study create podcasts that address hurricane prepared- bureaus in comparable cities to recommend ways ness and environmental issues to enhance the to improve local perceptions. classrooms of Louisiana teachers. Weight of Responsibility: This empirical study Louisiana Lower Atmosphere Research seeks to determine any relationship between a Collaborative, linking ULM geosciences faculty person’s proclivity to indulge and his/her feel- and students with three schools in Plaquemines, ings about freedom and responsibility, hoping to LaSalle and southern Ouachita Parishes to allow illuminate behaviors underlying obesity. K-12 students to collect information and establish a database of the lower atmosphere. Information will be shared with the National Weather Service Learning by Serving Others and the Hurricane Prediction Center. McGahan and Sutherlin also received a $30,000 Studies show that service learning offers many service learning grant earlier this year that will benefits to students who participate—improving allow them to research and produce a documen- leadership ability, grades, retention, degree aspira- tary film on “what it is about north Louisiana tions, critical thinking skills and commitment to that would attract a young person to stay instead helping others in difficulty – as well as helping the of going to a neighboring state or another part of communities they serve. At least half the students the country,” says Sutherlin, who has produced who engage in community service during college two dozen other documentaries that are distrib- continue volunteering after they graduate.

22 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu ULM freshmen showed their community spirit ing health-related fitness evaluations for more in the fall, raising $5,000 for the Red Cross. than 900 public school students through a $1.7 Freshman Year Seminar (FRYS) participants and million grant from US Department of Education. others who are part of Learning Communities ULM’s commitment to community impact —where students of similar majors live in residence extends all the way to the top. In October, ULM halls together and take classes together—sold First Lady Deborah Cofer was named Business & “FRYS boxes” for a dollar, with disaster relief as Professional Person of the Year by the Monroe/ the focus. The printed boxes were posted in the West Monroe Business and Professional Women Student Union Building. Students wrote about their for her many volunteer efforts. Among them, experiences, said assistant professor of English Dr. opening a Relief Center for more than 1,200 Christopher Harris, who received a service learning students affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, grant last year to support the project. managing ULM’s hurricane hotline, answering e-mails and making sure The Impact students received necessary of Giving Back counseling and financial Voluntarism on the ULM resources in that unprec- campus has earned national edented time. acclaim. In February 2007, Even the university mascot, more than 2,600 ULM Ace, the ULM Warhawk, gets faculty, staff, students and into the act. With the help members of the Monroe of ULM faculty and staff, community set a national ACE is teaching children record for participation in a about biology, conserva- one-day bone marrow drive, tion, music, art and more earning the National Bone the higher their in his first book “ACE’s Marrow Donor Program’s education levels, the Adventures at the University Volunteer Innovation Award of Louisiana at Monroe. (see story on page 2). more likely people are ACE Explores Campus.” ULM facilities extend to give time and money The 20-page activity book, many volunteer services to support charitable causes geared for Pre K - second to the community. Among graders, was distributed clinics and laboratories in the fall at no cost to recognized during a recent elementary schools in 15 CenturyTel Accent on Excellence Breakfast: northeastern Louisiana parishes. The Dental Hygiene Clinic, providing dental It is the first in a series of free age-appropriate services to approximately 2,000 patients a year at activity books that are aligned with state stan- ULM and 600 more at off-campus locations. dards. Its Web site (www.ulm.edu/aceadventures) The Speech and Hearing Clinic, offering diag- includes lesson plans and innovative online activi- nostic evaluations and therapy for children and ties. More than 18,000 students are enjoying the adults and helping 2,258 individuals last year. first edition; work is under way on a version for The Counselor Education Clinic, extending third- and fourth-graders. confidential individual, group, and family coun- Most members of the ULM family don’t think seling about personal, career, school, relationship, much about their impact on the community as substance abuse and other concerns for a total of they carry out these diverse and important activi- more than 550 hours in the last year. ties. It’s simply doing what needs to be done. The Marriage and Family Therapy Center, “University professors are blessed,” says SSRL’s working with more than 420 clients yearly to Sutherlin. “We have great jobs, a great environ- offer nearly 2,250 hours of service. ment, and we work with young people who are interested in learning. The Human Performance Laboratory, provid- “We have a special responsibility to give something back.”

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 23 class notes

Richard Cravatts (B.A. ‘72, wisdom of a true Southern gentleman, complete- M.A. ‘73) began writing ly free of judgment, self-involvement and conceit, seriously at the age of 15. and that model has always been with me as I Since then, his 180 feature tried to interact with my own students now in the stories, op-eds, book reviews effortless and very profound way Dr. Garrett was and articles have appeared in always able to do with us.” The New York Times, Wall Another professor, Leonard Rubin, a New York Street Journal, Boston Globe, City transplant, “brought Madison Avenue to the Christian Science Monitor, Harvard Crimson, bayou,” Cravatts said. “I had written and was Washington Examiner and other newspapers and getting ready to design and publish two books of magazines around the world. poetry in 1969, and Professor Rubin’s instruction Cravatts, who also holds a Ph.D., teaches in copywriting, design and layout, and general marketing, advertising, consumer behavior and principals of marketing communications helped marketing communications at business schools shape the way those books were developed, and

alumni at Boston universities. He has served as associ- also how I later practiced and now teach adver- ate publisher and editor-in-chief of the Greater tising and marketing.” Boston Restaurant and Wine Review. From The university’s then-director of research and 1976-78, Cravatts was the first director of development, Oliver Hensley, was a third publications at the Kennedy School of powerful influence. “Like my other powerful Government at Harvard University and the mentors, Dr. Hensley was brash, intellectually founding editor of the school’s magazine. muscular and creative in the way he drew federal Several professors at then-NLU shaped him funding into the school and helped create model into the writer, publisher and professor he is schools in the newly-desegregated public school today. systems.” In his first semester, he met a “singularly Of his passion for writing, Cravatts said, “For remarkable English professor,” Dr. Pat Garrett. the past 30 years, both because I enjoy being “He was the kind of teacher who taught published and because one finds that you can Hemingway but listened to Bob Dylan, hunted actually influence public opinion with the power and fished but published sentimental books of of well-formed ideas, I’ve written constantly.” Harihara M. poetry and short stories. He has the gentility and Mehendale, professor of toxicology, received the 1948 1961 1963 prestigious Cecil C. Johnson ’48 captained a William (Bill) Case ’61 is a Milton V. Linder ’63 is principal Lifetime USTA Super Sr. 70 tennis team retired advisory radar engineer of Fort Necessity Jr. High. He is a that won the Louisiana State Achievement with 35 years at (Westinghouse) graduate of Fort Necessity and is Championship and competed in Award in Charlotte, Northrop Grumman in excited to be back as principal. the Southern Sectionals in Baltimore, Md. He and his wife Priscilla N.C., during the Columbus, Ga., in March. Thompson Linder ‘74 live in 28th Annual Donald McGough ’61, ‘75 and Delhi. Conference of the 1959 wife Julia Lanier McGough ’57 have a son, Ed McGough, American College Jon Barker ’59 retired from 1964 who is senior vice president of Toxicology. Louisiana Tech with the honor of of manufacturing pharmaceuti- Virgil Nix ’64 is a retired Professor Emeritus after teach- cal operations at Alcon U.S. Army colonel living in ing 37 years. Laboratories, Inc. in Fort Worth, Jacksonville, Fla. He has Sylvia Crosby Bartlett ’59 was Texas. one daughter, a school chosen to represent Mama teacher in Fort Worth, Texas, Lucia’s meatballs as Mama Lucia and one granddaughter, 5. in a national commercial to run through August.

24 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Bright Futures 1967 1971 Carolyn Cole Hetherwick-Goza Juanita Coburn Palmer Rowe Deserve Support ’67 was widowed in 2004 after ’71 is a rehabilitation coordina- 39 years of marriage and has tor with the Black Hills Special now married Michael Goza. She Service Cooperative in Rapid is semi-retired and working part City, S.D. She has national time at Seattle Pacific University. certifications in rehab counsel- They live in a northern suburb of ing and in vocational evaluation Seattle. and works primarily with veterans who have limits. She Doris Busby Marshall ’67 retired left Louisiana 15 years ago and from Hope Cottage Pregnancy still misses okra and fresh and Adoption Center in January. peaches. She has two daugh- ters, one in Lafayette and one in 1968 Vermillion, S.D. After operating independent 1972 pharmacies for over 25 years, James (Jim) Giddens ’68 sold Rachael Schlottman Brignac out in Dallas to Eckerd in 1996, ’72, ’92 has a 15-month-old moved to Paris, Texas, and granddaughter named Rachael worked part-time for Eckerd/CVS Lanora Stoner who lives in until retiring in July 2006. He South Carolina. entered ULM’s pharmacy school in 1964, working full time at St. Earl Denning ’72 is president Francis Hospital. Thanks to his and CEO of Hillcrest Health Care study partners George Elliott ’68 System and the Oklahoma What Describes ULM Today? Momentum! and C.A. Daniel ’68 for the Division of Ardent Health Your university is doing well—with great all-night study sessions and also Services. He has over 33 years to his wife and three children for of professional health care students getting an excellent education in getting through the rough years experience, serving hospitals wonderful new facilities. with him. He and wife Sue will and health systems in Louisiana, celebrate their 48th wedding Texas, California and Florida. anniversary in August. What Keeps Progress Alive? You do! 1973 1969 You can help them get the foundation for Sharon Dunnings Davis ’73 is success through your gift today—and by James Plank ’69 has earned assistant principal with the certification as a Senior Bossier Parish School Board. exploring the benefits of annual gifts, major Professional in Human She was the first African- gifts and/or estate gifts. Our Web site has Resources (SPHR) from the American to be elected to the Human Resource Certification NLU Homecoming Court as details. And our gift officers are always Institute and is affiliated with the Miss Freshman 1969-70. happy to talk with you about the choice that Society for Human Resource fits your needs best. Management. John Sonnenberger ’73 is living in Dallas. He received his AS 1970 from Nicholls State University, a BS from Tampa College and an For more information, contact: Paul Thompson ‘70 retired from MBA from the University of Anne Lockhart, Director of Development the U.S. Postal Service in 2005. Phoenix at Dallas/Ft. Worth. University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation He and his wife Pat Thompson 1975 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209 ’70 are enjoying retirement and (318) 342-5426 [email protected] a leisurely lifestyle. Otto Benavides ’75, ’76 is at California State University- Visit our website at www.ulm.edu/giving Fresno as director of the

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 25 class notes

Instructional Technology and 1980 1986 Resource Center for the School of Education and Human Diane Hirson ’80, ’82 has been Ka Kam Chui, ’86, ’88 is an Development and director of the promoted to director of market- adjunct assistant professor at NASA Educator Resource ing for Hastings and Chivetta New York University, teaching Center. He is also on the faculty Architects in St. Louis, Mo. Her Cantonese at the School of in the Curriculum Teaching and daughter Chelsea is a high Social and Cultural Analysis. He Educational Technology school senior and is considering served as the Cantonese Department. continuing the legacy by interpreter for Dalai Lama in his attending ULM. three days teaching at the Radio 1977 City Music Hall in 1983 in November. Kay Johnson Boyd ’77 is working for Goodrich Petroleum David Blitch ‘83 was inducted 1987 in Shreveport as a lease title into the Louisiana Restaurant analyst. Association Hall of Fame in Erich Ponti ’87, a homebuilding August 2007. The LRA honors a and remodeling contractor in alumni Dave A. Buchheim ’77 recently member each year for outstand- Baton Rouge, is state president served in Baghdad, Iraq, where ing, faithful and dedicated of the Louisiana Homebuilders he was assigned to the 28th service to the association. Blitch Association. He is past president Combat Support Hospital. While has been a LRA member for of the Capital Region Builders there, he rehabilitated and over 20 years, serving on the Association. treated solders and local LRA State Board of Directors nationals with physical disabili- and as president of the Greater 1988 Jack ties. He is back at Ft. Drum, N.Y., Chapter. He was working in the physical therapy Diana Gentry Breen ’88 is a Heflin, elected LRA chair in 1995 and department and teaching CPR. nurse anesthetist at St. Francis creative writing currently serves on the board of He plans to retire in September. the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Medical Center. She and professor and husband Mike, have two published 1978 1984 children, Conner, 4, and Lauren, 3. poet, received Winston Batchelor ’78 is an Ivonne Blanco Martinez ’84 Ron Gipson ’88 and Kay Reed the Individual independent pharmacist in has worked for the Institutos Gipson ‘90 have two children, Achievement in DeQuincy. His pharmacy houses Educacionales Asociados in Breaux, 15, and Paige, 12, who the Humanities the Wellness Store, a natural Venezuela for 22 years. She attend Calvary Baptist Academy pharmacy, and the Take Charge Award from and husband Felix Martinez ’84 and are active in sports. Breaux Professional Weight Loss have a 14-year-old son, Ignacio. is able to play football for Ron’s the Louisiana Program. He has three grand- former NLU teammate Doug Endowment for children ages 10, 5 and 18 Irwin Thompson ’84 was a Pederson and baseball for the Humanities. months. 2006 Pulitzer Prize winner for former Monroe resident Rodney Breaking News Photography Traweek. 1979 for the Dallas Morning News coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Audra Chesney Hearn ’88 and Mary Hooker Boley ’79 com- husband James P. Hearn Jr. ’90, pleted the master of nursing Dewayne Trichell ’84 was ‘94 have three daughters, science, with a focus in educa- presented the State Farm Chesney, 12, Lily Grace, 8, and tion and management, from the President’s Award, given to the Maddie, 4. University of Phoenix online top 50 agents from a field of program in 2007. She was over 17,000 nationwide. Jana Derrick Milleson ’88 has named employee of the month two children, Jack and Grant. for LSU Health Services Center- Debora (Debbie) Franklin Monroe for October 2007. Volentine ’84 has two sons Gayle D. Smith ’88 is the church at ULM, Dustin, a junior and pianist for First Baptist Church Logan, a freshman. in Alma, Ga. She also teaches piano.

26 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

Referring to his alma He wants his students to see that “by mater as “the greatest valuing history we are then able to value the place I have ever present. If we can learn to value an individual loved,” Jeff Walker is a from the past —an individual we’ve never met ULM alumnus (B.A.’79 — it becomes easy for students to see that in criminal justice), their own lives are valuable, that their moment published author, and in life can mean something to somebody 60 the head football coach years from now, and that inevitably we are all for Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. He is connected to the past and future. also a very passionate history teacher, seeking— “ULM impacts my life on a daily basis, and succeeding—to inspire his students to probably most through my experiences in Pi embrace a lifelong love of learning. Kappa Alpha and as a member of the football Walker received a prestigious 2007 Fund For team…Without any doubt, it is what you do in Teachers grant. He chose to take a closer look at college that can carry you through your life in the life of influential football coach Jack a way you can inspire and uplift others.” alumni Chevigny—a man who’d led a storied life, but Chief among his good fortunes, Walker whose own story had yet to be told in full mea- places marrying fellow alumna Paula Nugent sure. Walker aims to give the man his due, putting Walker (B.A. ’78) and raising their two children. writing skills he developed at ULM to good use. Referring to Chevigny’s formerly sketchy life His journey to Iwo Jima, where his subject lost his story, he said, “There are just too many life in the invasion, will give him needed insight to threads of the past to simply close someone’s complete Chevigny’s biography this year. bio with a terse line.” His own richly successful life is ample proof of that.

Jeff Thompson ’88 has opened Middle/Junior High School the Caddo Parish Schools in Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill Counselor of the Year by the January. She and husband Restaurants in Hoover, Ala., and American School Counseling Trevor Frazier ’92 live in Trussville, Ala. A third is sched- Association. She was one of Shreveport. uled for a Nashville suburb this eight national award winners year. Despite his restaurant honored. She is the middle James Ruiz ’92 was granted success, he said his real passion school counselor for the promotion and tenure at Penn remains in the home-building Jessieville, Ark., school district State Harrisburg School of business. and is a licensed marriage and Public Affairs Criminal Justice family therapist in Arkansas. Program in May 2007. He also Mark R. 1989 has a book out entitled The Clark, who 1990 Handbook of Police directs opera Mike Brady ’89, ’90 has been Administration. and musical named director of human Jocelyn Hill Whitney ’90 lost her resources for Knight Oil Tools, daughter Trinity in January 2004. 1993 theater at ULM, Inc. and its operating companies She has two sons Jonathan and had his book, in Lafayette. Jeremy and lives in Camden, Courtney Brown Feltus ’93 Guide to the teaches kindergarten in Natchez, Ark. Aria Repertoire, Catrina Oliszewski Mayo ’89, Miss. She has a 5-year-old ’91, an executive sales profes- 1992 daughter, Allie Claire Feltus. reviewed in the sional for Sanofi Aventis December 2007 pharmaceutical company, has Marilyn Jo Humphries Curtis Donna Odom LaCaze ’93 edition of Opera ’92 is a special education received her Ph.D. in curriculum been placed in the management News magazine. development program and is an instructor at Beechwood and instruction from the interim manager. She and Elementary School in the University of New Orleans in husband Kevin Walker Mayo ’90, Vicksburg Warren School December. She received her ’96 live in Denville, N.J. District. master’s and specialist degree from McNeese State University. Virginia Fouse Miller ’89 was Cindy Moore Frazier ’92 was She and husband Todd LaCaze recognized as the 2007 National promoted to principal of ’92 live in Covington. Creswell Elementary School in www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 27 class notes

Ernise Singleton ’93 has 1997 Melinda Murphy ’98 became a accepted a job with the national board-certified teacher in Louisiana Department of Jennifer Goodwin Ables ’97, 2006 and began graduate studies Education as an educational ’99 is a pharmaceutical sales in counseling at ULM in 2007. She technology consultant in representative for Hawthorn has one son, 7-year-old Zach, who Baton Rouge. Pharmaceuticals. She and is a regular at Coach Shake’s husband Anthony Brandon baseball camps at ULM. 1994 Ables ’01 live in West Monroe and have two children, Jenna 1999 Gary Chatelain ’94 has been and John Rome. promoted to journeyman Margaret Ellis Hayden ’99 is forecaster for the National Kevin Busch’97 is a head a clinical instructor in the Weather Service in Shreveport. football coach and teacher with communicative disorders He and his wife Ingrid Knaps Tulsa Public Schools. His wife department at ULM. Chatelain ’91 and son Christian Tracy started a new business, 2000 live in Bossier City. Agents Recruiting and More.

alumni James Skeen Jr. ’00 has been Rita (Mollean) Stotts Young ’94 Amy Reynolds Green ’97 is a accepted in the graduate is a relief pharmacist for two teacher with the Lincoln Parish program in the College of local hospitals and some retail School Board. She and husband Agriculture at LSU to pursue a pharmacies in Ville Platte. Her Greg Green ‘00 have two master’s degree in agricultural husband Jonathan is a staff children, Colby and Savannah. and extension education. pharmacist at Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. They have Marcus Martin ’97 has been 2001 two children, Alyse, 7, and named president and CEO of Aaron Michael, 6. Education is Freedom, a national John Carr, Ashley Morgan Bertrand ’01 non-profit organization in Dallas works for Camelot Place Nursing biology 1995 that provides college scholar- Home in Crowley as the Rehab professor and ships to young people who are Henry Florsheim ’95 is chief Director and Occupational associate curator overlooked by traditional Therapy Assistant. operating officer at Louisiana scholarship programs. of the ULM Immersive Technologies Julie Jeane Roe ’01 is a stay-at- Museum of Enterprise, one of the world’s Alissa Ford North ’97 is an home mom to 2-year-old Ava. leading 3D visualization and Natural History, account manager for Teksystems They live in Beaufort, S.C. created — in supercomputing centers. in Richland Hills, Texas. She has a 21-month-old child. 2002 Spanish — a Kieykeisha Ricks ’95 is a field guide called customer care professional with Angela Gormanous Veatch ’97, Seth Mulhearn ’02 started his The Turtles and JPMorgan Chase in Monroe. ’99 is a national board-certified own construction company Crocodilians She is the proud godmother of teacher who teaches math at Mulhearn Wilson Constructors, Reney Martin, 3. Dutchtown Middle School. She of the Tropical Inc., along with a co-owner, in lives in Baton Rouge with North Little Rock, Ark., special- Andean 1996 husband Clifton and daughter izing in finish-out and client Countries. Abigail, 6. Chris Carlino ’96 and wife services and complete ground- up projects as well. Ashley Turnage Carlino ’97 have 1998 opened an Eskamoe’s in 2004 Waxahachie, Texas. Donald Hudleston ’98 was promoted and assigned to Renee Copes Parnell ’04 is one Angela Foster Hammond ’96 Secure Border Initiative Network of 106 sculptors representing 26 has been promoted at where he works with Homeland states who have joined together Brookshire’s to pharmacy Security to develop a high-tech to undertake an art project supervisor where she will fence to help control the influx where artists will work in groups supervise 21 stores in Louisiana, of illegal aliens. He and wife of five to nine people to create Arkansas and Mississippi. She Leanne Morace Hudleston ’97 an immense body of collabora- and husband John Robert live in Athens, Ala. tive three-dimensional artwork. Hammond ’97 live in West Monroe. Continued on page 31

28 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

In Memoriam Wayne Keele Jr. BA ’77, MEd ’84 Fern Brantley Norris ‘34 Theodore Oren Emmerich II BFA ’80 Rosalie “Rose” Ballard Spohrer ‘39 Michael A. Hoyem BA ’80 Tommy Sands (FB 1942, 47) ’47 Lamar Elwood Rogers Jr. BA ’81, Jack Wilson ’52 MEd ’88 James “Curtis” Houston BS ‘53 Marshall K. Parks BA ’83, MEd ’90 Louise McFarland BS ’53 Charles Douglas “Chuck” Wilson Jr. Elaine Lolley Simmons BS ‘54 BA ’95 Charles Anderson Walker BS ‘56 Michael T. Tinnerello BBA ’98 Sarrah Ann Lee Green BS ‘57 Joel B. Tucker BA ’99 James E. Hale ‘58 Raymond Romeo Jones BA ‘03 Richard W. Burgoyne BS ‘62 Aric Jai-Shon Lexing BA ’05, MA ’07 Jerry O. Brosset BA ’64 alumni Judith “Judy” Ann Cathey Cook BS ’66 Sue Cooper Towns ‘68 Faculty/Staff/Friends Elbert “Bert” Fred Hodge Jr. BA ‘69 Cynthia Dobson Bennett Joseph A. Johnson BS ‘70 Orlando Bobo (FB 1994-95) Marilyn Veneda Maxwell BA ’70 Dr. Frank P. Forwood Jr. Vernon Berryman McCoy BBA ‘71 Dr. Eugene Fox Roger Pinton BBA ’70 Jeffrey Michael Gibson Lucius Walter Martin MEd ‘73 Gloridean Cheatham Henderson Louie Manuel McIntosh BS ‘74 Dr. Thomas R. McCann Larry Young BA ‘74 Dr. John H. Myers Kathleen H. Neal Stella Whitecotton Sherrouse Anthony Feig, assistant Marriages professor of Becky Ward Comeaux ’06 to Sean Michael Cassandra Michelle Olin ’07 to Kevin Scott geosciences, Newman ’01, Jan. 12, 2008. Berthelot ’06, June 2, 2007. Cassandra works for appeared on the the Louisiana State Bond Commission and Kevin Travel Channel’s Allison Renee Hartwell ’05 to Joby Lacombe, for Blue Streak Technologies in Baton Rouge. “The Best Places Oct. 6, 2007, in Lake Arthur. Paige Lynette Prewitt ’04 to Tony Spencer Yelle, to Find Cash and Kimberly Deanne Hatchett ’02 to Jeremy Brock March 24, 2007, in Broken Arrow, Okla. Treasures.” He McCarty ’05, July 21, 2007. spoke about the Jared Prudhomme ’05 to Aischa Simon, Oct. 25, formation of geodes Megan Ruth Makar ’02 to Mitchell Kincaid 2007, in Antigua. They both work for the Jefcoat, April 21, 2007. They live in Monroe Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. and “thunder where Megan is Facilities Coordinator at ULM eggs,” which are and Mitchell is a sales representative for Hill Oil Kristen Maria Washinton ’97 to Arnold F. James volcanic rocks that Company. Jr., Sept. 15, 2007, in Mankato, Minn. occasionally yield Michelle Nicole Manley ’07 to Trever Wade Tamieka Rochelle Washington ’02 to Leroy crystal formations. Minter ’04, June 23, 2007. Robinson Jr., June 17, 2006.

Amber Meshell Mayfield ’99 to Adam Yates, Danielle Williams ’01 to Marcus Booker, June 23, Sept. 15, 2007. 2007. She is a sales and marketing specialist for the Small Business Insurance Agency in Plymouth, Minn. www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 29 class notes

Births

Anna Catherine Arnett, Dec. 11, 2006, to Sam 4 Seth Lane Menard, Dec. 27, 2007, to Tricia Arnett ’93 and Susanne Gordon Arnett ’94. She Feucht Menard ’99 and Neil Menard ’99. is welcomed by a big brother, Sam Jr.

5 Setler Griffin Mulhearn, May 27, 2007, to Seth Alexis Robin Craft, July 27, 2007, to Melinda Mulhearn ’02 and wife Susan. Jordan Craft ’01 and Donald R. Craft ’06. 6 Jack Nathan Neal, Sept. 13, 2007, to Rhonda 1 William Claude Crawford, March 14, 2007, to Wray Neal ’94 and Mark J. Neal ’93. He joins Elizabeth Vaughn Crawford ’93 and husband brother, Noah, 4. Brian. He joins brothers Garrett and Aaron. Haygen Ross Schneider, Aug. 23, 2007, to Rachel 2 Elise Dalynn Ebersole, Dec. 12, 2007, to Justin Goodrich Schneider ’04 and Robert A. Schneider Ebersole ’04 and Courtney Walker Ebersole ‘02. ’02. 3 William Allen Herod III, Nov. 12, 2007, to Bill 7 Amelia James “Jami” Singley, Dec. 3, 2007, alumni Herod ’99 and wife Angel. to Patty Weber Singley ’01 and Michael “Mike” Singley ‘79. Brooke Elizabeth Lambeth, Dec. 5, 2006, Kelly Miller Lambeth ’92 and husband Dale. 8 Jackson Levi Waller, June 10, 2007, to Samuel Waller ’00 and wife Kelli. James Aidyn Medaries, Sept. 17, 2007, to Chris Medaries ’97 and wife Melissa. Cy Thomas Wixson, Aug. 15, 2007, to Kim Dupuy Wixson ’95 and Stewart B. Wixson ‘92. He was Jana welcomed by brother Mason, 10, and sister, Anna Sutton, Blair, 7. director of ULM’s Marriage and Family Therapy training facility and an assistant professor in the program, has 1 2 3 4 recently been elected president of the Louisiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. 5 6 7 8

30 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

Once Robert E. Luttrell III (B.B.A. ‘94) ULM helped me with that aspect of my job. started up the path to success, he “My favorite memories are of football and never faltered, beginning with his basketball games—we were really good at academic training at ULM and both. I also loved Spring Fling, and mud arriving at his employment today in volleyball. I still have Spring Fling T-shirts. the Dallas office of Munsch Hardt My mentor while I was there was Dr. Robert Kopf and Harr as a business litigator. Stevens [faculty member in management and When he isn’t solving business conflicts for his marketing]. I think I took every class he prestigious firm, he can reflect back on an out- taught.” standing career, having served as a Judge Luttrell tried a wide variety of cases during Advocate in the U.S. Air Force with distinction, his military service, while also training junior earning the Achievement Medal, Commendation lawyers on trial advocacy skills. His final duty Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (issued by both was to serve as the Air Force’s top prosecutor the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti governments), in Europe. He entered private practice in July alumni Meritorious Service Medal, and the Southwest 2007. He is married to Marisa, and they have Asia Medal. a six-year-old son, Noah, and a three-year-old “ULM gave me the building blocks for my daughter, Isabella. Christopher career—I was a marketing major, and ULM helped “I studied hard at ULM and have been very me understand how business people think. In my dedicated to my chosen career. I had some Blackburn, job, I am trying to help people make business very good mentors along the way as well. My history professor, decisions and avoid litigation, though we do advice to job seekers is to not give up on authored a grant litigate. You need to understand the business side what you want to do and be dedicated to awarding ULM of things and not just the legal side, and I think whatever profession you choose.” $34,753 to fund “Nazi Germany and the Holocaust,” a Continued from page 28 Brennan Chad Wright ’05 is Jacquline Leonard ’06 is a assistant buyer for Neiman home visitor for the Monroe summer institute LaKesha Lemons Price ’04 and Marcus in Dallas. Volunteers of America at the for 20 secondary husband Toby have a 3-year-old Twin City Head Start. son, Keoby. 2006 school teachers 2007 who specialize in T.D. (Tommy) Tumey, oldest son Keitha Black Falkenstine ’06 lives the humanities of Kathleen Aldrich Tumey ’04, in Shreveport with husband Eric Crystal Powell Smith ’07 is a and social sciences is on the ULM track team for and their two daughters. medical technologist at Scott the javelin. and White-University Medical in northeast Betsey Goodson Smith ’06 is an Campus. She and husband Louisiana. 2005 instructional design specialist at William are building their first Mississippi State University in house in Cedar Park, Texas. Olivia Lawdins ’05 works for the Research and Curriculum Abbott Diagnostics in Corpus Unit. She writes and revises Felecia Yates Whitstine ’07 is Christi, Texas. curriculum for the family and an accountant with Johnston, consumer sciences courses and Perry, Johnson CPA. She is Kellie Schulingkamp Doolittle counseling areas for the taking additional classes at ULM ’05 is an occupational therapist Department of Education in in preparation for the CPA exam. with Lakeview VA Neurocare in Mississippi. Charlottesville, Va., and works primarily with military traumatic Barton Harrison ’06 is director of brain injuries (blast injuries) bands at Pulaski Academy in sustained during war. Little Rock, Ark.

John Tullos ’05 has been Jeremy Jenkins ’06 is a program- promoted to underwriting mer for Wal-mart Stores, Inc., in manager for Zurich Insurance Bentonville, Ark. in the Clark, N.J., regional office.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 31 32 University ofLouisiana Monroe those faculty. AsAssistantProfessorand of futurenurses. edge andtheirdedication to theeducation the vastnessanddiversity oftheirknowl- passion fortheirprofessions,impressedby School ofNursing.Iwascaptivatedbytheir Among themwasthefacultyofULM me withtheirinterestsandknowledge. ments on campus. I met people who amazed faculty andstafffromallareasdepart- where Iconductedtrainingsessionsfor worked fortheUniversityComputingCenter After completingaBSandM.Ed.atULM,I would laterbecomemyforemostinterest. duced metocomputertechnology, which inspired metodowellinschoolandintro- mentors whoguided,challengedand a seriesofopportunitiesbroughtforthby and whattheywilldoforothers. school with a clear vision of what they will be nursing enter and coursework prerequisite their conquer ULM, attend to students these motivate often experiences powerful and models role gins in childhood. Influential be- many for that ambition an desire to become a nurse— School ofNursing. Director ofNursingTechnologies inULM’s Professorand that Iamtoday—Assistant conceived thatIwouldbeintheposition what thefutureheldforme,norcouldIhave point ofM view In 1999Ihadthegreatfortune ofjoining My pathtoULMnursing,incontrast,was ULM nursing students often talk about their 17-year-old freshman.Ihadnoidea when Iarrivedattheuniversityasa y timeatULMbegan25yearsago “at ULM,IMetPeople Who AMAZEDmewith their Interessand Knowledge.” nursing technologiesthathelpthemothers. fresh youngfaceslightup The pathfrombeingafreshmantowatching Donna Glaze enhancement ofcriticalthinkingskills,and incorporate Web-based applicationsfor experiences withhumanpatientsimulation,I I assistfacultyinaugmentingstudentclinical to workonafascinatingrangeofprojects. field ofpatientcare.Mypositionallowsme myriad oftechnologicalinnovationsinthe it atrueprivilegetoteachstudentsaboutthe Director ofNursingTechnologies, Iconsider will bring. looking forwardtowhatthe next25years how theyaregoingtohelp others.Iam students wholightupwhen theyspeakof whom Irespectandwhoinspireme, and ever-changing technology, colleagues I gettospendmydaysworkingwithexciting has ledmetoaplaceofgreatpridewhere ration amongstudentsonline. content andfacilitatinglearningcollabo- engaging methodsofpresentingcourse other nursingfacultytodevelopcreativeand be conductedentirelyonline,Icanworkwith Administration degreeprogram,whichwill posed MasterofScienceinNursing learning opportunities,includingthepro- nursing andhealthcare. us tokeeppacewiththerapidchangesin programs availabletotheschoolthatallow opportunities formakingequipmentand I alsoworkwithnursingfacultytopursue The paththatIhavetakenthroughULM Given ourdesiretoprovidemoreonline and referencesystems. handheld documentation research andtheuseof tive Internet-based I aidstudentsinexhaus- — as sheimplements www.ulm.edu

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