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Summer 2007

Georgia Southern Magazine

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southernS ummer 2007 • v o l u m e 9 • n u m b e r 3 • www.georgiasouthern.edu

Great professors find the best in their students – and themselves.

scholarship made personal

A look at some of the o u t s t a n d i n g w o r k o f G e o r g i a S o u t h e r n ’ s W orld-class faculty. To Our alumni and friends

As we enter the home stretch of Georgia Southern’s Centennial Celebration, I want to offer a word of thanks to the many thousands of alumni and friends who have joined us for events on campus and throughout the state.

We were especially pleased when more than 2,000 Eagles came to Centennial Park for our Greater Atlanta celebration on a beautiful Saturday evening in May. The extended Georgia Southern community is beginning our second century with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. You are our greatest ambassadors in telling the success story of this institution as we reach new heights of academic distinction and service to our region.

The key to Georgia Southern’s progress is quality. It is measured in many ways, but none is more important than the quality of our faculty. The cover story of this issue of Georgia Southern Vol. 9, No. 3, Summer 2007 magazine profiles a group of faculty members who personify quality. Be assured that there is EDITOR simply not enough space on the pages of this publication to truly do justice to every single faculty David Thompson (’81) member who embodies excellence, touches the lives of our students, and continues to bring WRITERS national distinction to Georgia Southern. Maggie Ames (’07), Loretta Brandon, Phillip Brown, Michelle Groover (‘05) The University’s Strategic Plan identifies our core values. They include integrity, civility, Mark Holland (‘85), Belinda Phelps (’07) kindness, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, wellness and social responsibility. DESIGNERS Our faculty members embrace these values, instill them in their students and, in doing so, help Ray Hoffman, Ryan Honeyman, foster a culture that continues to set Georgia Southern apart as a university. Gina Neville

PHOTOGRAPHERS It doesn’t take long at an alumni gathering, whether it’s an Eagle Club get-together, a picnic on Frank Fortune, Suzanne Oliver Sweetheart Circle, or a Homecoming tailgater, before stories begin to flow about those Georgia Letters to the Editor Southern professors who made their marks on the futures of their students. and other submissions are encouraged. And, speaking of Homecoming, please mark you Send correspondence to Georgia Southern Magazine calendar for October 26-27. It will be our Centennial P. O. Box 8055-01 Homecoming. We’ll bring our birthday celebration Statesboro, GA 30460-8055 to its close with an array of exciting activities. It will FAX (912) 486-7746 [email protected] be the perfect opportunity to re-visit campus. If you haven’t been back in a while, I guarantee that you’ll Class Chronicles be impressed, if not stunned, by the growth and may be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations beauty of the place. P. O. Box 8053 Statesboro, GA 30460-8053 You are an integral part of Georgia Southern’s [email protected] past and continued success. Thank you again for For Admissions your support and participation in this Centennial information contact the year. Office of Admissions P. O. Box 8024 Statesboro, GA 30460-8024 [email protected]

Georgia Southern magazine is published three times a year for Bruce Grube Alumni and Friends of Georgia Southern University by the Office of Marketing & Communications. President Georgia Southern University is a member of the University System of Georgia and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution Georgia Southern Magazine © 2007 Georgia Southern University

ISSN 1524-0975 georgia s u mmer 2 0 0 7 v o l u me 9 n u m b er 3 w w w . g e o r g i as o u t h ern . ed u southern

20 Scholarship Made Personal DEPARTMENTS » 2 campus News Great professors teach well, but they are also University hosts Board of Regents • YAR conference • SCRUBS • On-road, Off-road • Bartels helps set expected to uphold high standards of research nursing standards worldwide • Lower health care and service within their fields. With passion for costs • A closer look at graduates their disciplines and ability to impart that 8 research news enthusiasm to students, these teachers are Health Services working with MCG • COUR grants • Students develop drug protocol • Geisler earns synonymous with great scholarship. major grant • Liu spurs business growth • Air Force turns to Damelin

12 foundation news features Atlanta office • New faces • Growing Endowment • Fred Hodges • Phonathon 28 Centennial celebrations » Starting last December, from St. Marys to 14 sports scene Dalton and all points in between, alumni Stadium upgrades • The coaching family • across the state have observed Georgia Sam Says • Spring sports update Southern University’s 100th birthday. 30 excellence marks their spot 32 chronicles The Center for Excellence in Teaching is on 2007 Alumni Awards • Chronicles • On the Case • a mission to maximize effective teaching A Wild Ride • Laying Foundations at Georgia Southern. • Retiring? Never! • Homecoming coming campus news

Campus plays host

Indicating a growing trend at the Uni- versity, several Georgia Southern departments hosted national and regional gatherings of experts in their fields of study this year. The number and complexity of the conferences highlights the University’s expanding role in bringing expertise together on a regional and national basis. A sampling of hosted conferences includes:

Forensic Accounting The Center for Forensic Studies in Ac- counting and Business at Georgia South- ern and West Virginia University hosted more than 150 accountants and educators from as far away as California and South Africa.

Mathematical Sciences The Department of Mathematical Sci- ences hosted the Mathematical Asso- frank fortune ciation of America (MAA) Southeastern Schools from across the nation and the United Kingdom attended the 18th National Section’s Annual Meeting attracting more Youth-At-Risk conference held in Savannah. than 400 faculty and students from Geor- gia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Caro- lina and Tennessee. Youth-At-Risk Conference Geology and Geography The Department of Geology and Geog- raphy was the host for the Annual Meeting continues to expand of the Southeastern Section of the Geo- logical Society of America. The conference set two records for the Section with 414 Nearly every U.S. state and the United King- and Fayth Parks co-chaired the event. abstracts and 856 registrants. dom were represented as about 1,400 con- With materials and encouragement from cerned professionals gathered for the College of Parks, conference attendees began creating a Economic Development Education’s 18th National Youth-At-Risk con- “healing quilt” to inspire victims of Hurricane More than 300 economists and educa- ference last March. Katrina. tors from around the world met in Sa- Teachers, principals, school counselors and For the first time, the year’s high-flying vannah for the fifth annual International psychologists, health and human service coun- schools included an international school, Saint Industrial Organization Conference co- selors, parents, and community members were Benedict Catholic School and Performing Arts sponsored by the Industrial Organiza- all present to honor five “high-flying schools” College in Derby, England. High-flying schools tion Society and the College of Business and attend more than 100 conference sessions. are those whose students are successful in spite Administration’s School of Economic De- Some took part in town hall meetings and of poverty and high minority populations. velopment. panel presentations addressing relational ag- High-flying schools demonstrate high levels of gression among girls, how to reach young Af- collaboration within the school and communi- Teaching and Learning rican-American males, meeting the challenges ty, and they provide extra-curricular opportu- The Center for Excellence in Teach- of rural education, and building peace in our nities for students to develop citizenship skills. ing and Learning will host 300-400 par- schools and communities. The next National Youth-At-Risk conference ticipants for the first SoTL Commons “This conference is a tremendous opportu- is scheduled for March 2-5, 2008. Additional Conference Nov. 1-2. More information is nity to share ideas and best practices in educa- information about next year’s conference is at available at http://www.georgiasouthern. tion,” said Dan Rea, professor of education. Rea http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/yar2008. edu/ijsotl/conference/registration.htm. and his colleagues Rosemarie Stallworth-Clark html.

g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu

frank fortune The University System Board of Regents held two days of budget, academic and policy discussions on campus. Georgia Southern hosts Board of Regents

Topics from acquiring property to academic The Board also heard a presentation by five of whom are appointed from the state-at- programs were on the table last April when the University President Bruce Grube, including large, and one from each of the 13 congressio- University System Board of Regents met on a screening of the University’s Centennial nal districts. Georgia Southern’s campus. video, and listened as campus Police Chief The Board of Regents elects a full-time The Regents, who each year rotate two Ken Brown detailed safety and security con- chancellor who serves as its chief executive monthly meetings around the state on member tingency planning in light of homeland secu- officer and the chief administrative officer of campuses, held two days of budget, academic rity concerns and those raised by the recent the University System. The System chancel- and policy discussions in the University’s Nes- armed assault on students at Virginia Tech. lor is Erroll B. Davis Jr., who came on board smith-Lane Continuing Education Center’s The University System of Georgia’s Board in 2006. ballroom. of Regents was created in 1931 as a part of The Board oversees the operation of 35 The visit gave University officials an opportu- a reorganization of Georgia’s state govern- state-funded colleges and universities in the nity to showcase regent-funded campus facilities ment. With the act, public higher education state with 253,500 students, 35,000 faculty and programs. Several regents and their spouses in Georgia was unified for the first time un- and staff and an annual budget of $5 billion. also took advantage of an after-hours opportu- der a single governing and management au- Georgia Southern and other institutions nity to tour campus and visit several high-profile thority. in the state’s 12th Congressional District are facilities such as the Recreation Activity Center, The Georgia governor appoints members represented by Regent Benjamin J. Tarbutton the College of Information Technology and the to the Board, who each serves a term of seven III of Sandersville. Tarbutton is assistant vice Center for Wildlife Education. years. The Board is composed of 18 members, president of the Sandersville Railroad Co.

Students visiting Vietnam greeted warmly Three decades after the last American troops seum, the National Museum of Ethnology, the and could duck here and there quickly with no left Vietnam, nine Georgia Southern art stu- National Museum of Fine Arts and the Revolu- problem.” dents – none of whom were born at the war’s tion Museum. Mae Chabra of Mount Pleasant, S.C., created end – visited the Southeast Asian nation last On their trip, the group, accompanied by a series of four-sided lanterns that combined May to gain a better understanding of the cul- Georgia Southern faculty members Jeff Beek- words from the journal she kept while travel- ture and experiences of its people. man and Megan Jacobs, completed two courses, ing with the photos she took. Kimberly and Upon their return, they created art reflecting “Visual Culture of Vietnam” and “Studio Explo- Josh Kaiser, the only married couple on the their experiences. Students’ expressions ranged ration Abroad.” trip, worked together on their project. Using from video and photography to silkscreen, pro- Two other faculty members, Jessica Hines Kimberly’s photography and Josh’s poetry, they jection, and fabric installation. and Mariana Depetris, also traveled with the developed a multimedia project using projec- The students’ itinerary included Ho Chi group to gather material for their own artwork. tion and silkscreen. Minh City, which has a thriving contemporary “Our first few days in Vietnam were over- The students and faculty members also spent art scene. They also visited Hanoi, Vietnam’s whelming,” said Emy Mixon, an art student a day at the “Little Rose” shelter, an orphanage capital for more than a thousand years and from Alpharetta, Ga. “People looked so differ- for girls 12-18, where they delivered art sup- home to the Vietnamese National History Mu- ent. But after two weeks, we got our rhythm plies and visited with the residents.

www.georgiasouthern.edu campus news Graduation: By the numbers Georgia Southern graduates more than 2,000 in Spring Commencement ceremony

Each spring brings a new crop of University ing, 32 received two degrees instead of the usual quarters of the doctoral candidates were female, graduates, with each succeeding class having single degree. and the youngest of those candidates was 30. some unique characeristics from the previous Although the graduates come from 25 differ- The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sci- year’s. ent states, 94.7 percent were native Georgians. ences had the largest number of graduates with Georgia Southern’s 2007 Spring Commence- Among undergraduates, more than 96 percent 582, followed closely by the College of Business ment saw more than 2,000 degrees awarded to were from Georgia. Administration with 488, the College of Health students in fields ranging from physics to finance. This class is proof that higher learning hap- and Human Sciences with 455, and the College The University had 2,344 degree candidates pens at any age. The youngest person graduated of Education with 445. – 1,855 undergraduates and 489 graduate stu- with a bachelor’s degree at 19, and the oldest was The College of Science and Technology gradu- dents. Among the undergraduates, 55 percent 57. The average age for this year’s Georgia South- ated 270 and the College of Information Technol- were female. ern graduate is 24. ogy, 72. The newest unit, the Jiann-Ping Hsu Col- However, those 2,344 graduates earned 2,376 This year, Georgia Southern awarded 79 doc- lege of Public Health, graduated 18 students with academic degrees – among all those graduat- toral degrees – 77 of those to Georgians. Three- master’s degrees in public health.

frank fortune g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu University works to avoid nursing shortage SCRUBS program helps promote nursing program to minority students As a University System of Georgia task force report warns that the state is facing a serious nursing shortage, Georgia Southern is moving quickly to help solve the problem. A recent System study shows that the state will be short 20,000 nurses by 2012 unless steps are taken to increase the number of graduates. “We continue to admit 50 students each semester from a competitive pool of candidates,” said Jean Bartels, chair of the School of Nursing. “Also, we continue to look for ways to increase the number of students we admit to the School of Nursing.” Among this year’s 62 nursing graduates are 12 students who obtained their nursing education through SCRUBS, a program designed to recruit minority students to a nursing career and increase minority representation in the nursing workforce. To remain in the program, frank fortune each student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. This This year, 12 nursing graduates obtained their educations through the SCRUBS program. year’s class is the first to graduate from the SCRUBS program. at Wynn Army Medical Hospital at Fort Stewart, tion at Georgia Southern’s Jiann-Ping Hsu Col- “I am privileged to be here,” said Mariam Sa- and expects to be deployed to Iraq soon. lege of Public Health. bas, one of the SCRUBS graduates. “I’ve been in David Bazanu, a SCRUBS graduate from Ni- Another student, Cherelle Johnson, entered the military for years, and I never expected to geria, thanked his fellow students for a much the SCRUBS program as a step toward becom- be able to go to school again.” Sabas gave special more practical reason. They took turns waking ing a physician, but, said Johnson, “The longer recognition to her mother-in-law, who attended him up in time to get to his clinicals –some- I was in the nursing program, the less I wanted the reception, for exceptional support in help- thing all the students were warned never to to be a doctor. I’m convinced nursing is where I ing her achieve her goal. Sabas will be working miss. Bazanu will continue his graduate educa- am supposed to be.”

University nursing chair Bartels helps set global standards School of Nursing Chair and Professor Jean World Health Organization (WHO). in five areas: educational program admission Bartels was one of 30 “The goal of this meeting was to define mini- criteria, educational program development re- international leaders in mum education standards for an estimated 11 quirements, educational program content com- nursing who met recently million nurses and midwives around the globe,” ponents, nursing and midwifery faculty quali- in Bangkok, Thailand, to said Bartels. “If we reach a consensus on mini- fications, and nursing and midwifery program begin developing global mum requirements for nursing education, the graduate qualifications. standards for basic nurs- result will be a better educated health care work The next steps in developing standards in- ing and midwifery edu- force. Ultimately, all nations will have better patient clude a comprehensive review of the standards cation. outcomes.” While many nations have developed that exist, development of proposed global stan- Bartels attended as standards for nursing practice and education, the dards, and broad circulation and review of the a representative of the Jean Bartels standards apply only to one region or country. proposed standards. The target date for comple- American Association of During the three-day meeting, participants tion of the WHO and Sigma Theta Tau report is Colleges of Nursing to the meeting called by the developed key elements for proposed standards January 2008.

www.georgiasouthern.edu campus news

special to georgia southern Gentlemen, start your engines! But first weld your frame, fabricate your suspension, bolt on your intake manifold… At first glance, it appears to be a typical scene titions sponsored by the Society of Automotive cal inspections and completed the demanding in this car-crazy country: a group of young peo- Engineers (SAE). course – a first for the MET program. The For- ple, gathered around a vehicle, tinkering with One group of 18 students produced a single- mula car suffered a series of technical setbacks the engine, adjusting the suspension, custom- seat, four-wheel, off-road recreation vehicle for that ended the group’s title hopes in Michigan. izing the body. the Baja competition hosted by the University Still, the projects were valuable learning expe- In this particular case, the people are not of Central Florida. riences for the team members, said technology shade-tree mechanics prepping a hot rod for an Some of the same people are also among a professor Brian Vlcek, who serves as faculty evening at a rural dirt track or a pickup truck second group of 15 students that built a single- mentor for the teams. for an afternoon at a mud boggin’. seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel car for the For- “These projects allow our students to vali- Instead, they are mechanical engineering mula SAE competition at the Ford Michigan date what they have learned in the classroom,” technology students at Georgia Southern, and Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich. said Vlcek. “They get to demonstrate the ability they are building from scratch two vehicles that The Baja vehicle, the only one entered from a to work as a team and the ability to complete a were entered in a pair of international compe- Georgia university, passed its safety and techni- project. Those are the kinds of traits that em-

g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu

“The Baja and Formula projects require our students to draw upon previously learned skills from across the curriculum. In addition to teamwork and design integration, the projects encourage technical communication abilities through written reports and live presentations.” — Brian Vicek, faculty mentor ployers are looking for. Significant parts of each vehicle are fabri- “The Baja and Formula projects require our cated by the students, though. students to draw upon previously learned skills “We are building the frame, suspension from across the curriculum,” Vlcek said. “In ad- arms, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, dition to teamwork and design integration, the pedals and all the brackets used to hold ev- projects encourage technical communication erything together, just to name a few things,” abilities through written reports and live pre- said Dustin Gaddis, a senior from Buford, sentations. Ga. “Ultimately, the work contributes to each Georgia Southern’s Formula car is 96 student’s sense of self-confidence in their abili- inches long and 60 inches wide. Weighing ties as they contribute to a project with real- approximately 500 pounds, it features a 600 world authenticity and rigor.” After weeks of design, building and fine-tuning, cc Suzuki GSX-R engine that produces 100 “Quite a few SAE officials came by to see our the Georgia Southern Formula and Baja teams horsepower and will allow the vehicle to go car,” Vlcek said, “and they could not believe a took their vehicles on the road – one group to from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. working vehicle was completed on such a tight Michigan and the other to Central Florida – to The University’s Baja vehicle is 92 face nationwide competition. budget.” inches long and 50 inches wide. It weighs According to Vlcek, the Formula teams at around 420 pounds and has a top speed of some institutions are rumored to pour as much search grants. close to 30 mph. as $60,000 into the project, a figure that includes “We’ve been fortunate to receive the support “Even though it is a lot of work, there spare parts, tools and travel. Georgia Southern’s from COUR,” Vlcek said. “It really cut down on are lots of rewards,” said Gaddis. “You get team spends around $4,500 each year in the the number of car washes the teams had to the chance to apply concepts learned in Formula competition. organize and allowed the students to focus on the classroom to a real-world situation, Most of the money for the Baja and Formula their vehicle design. and you also learn a lot of things you projects at Georgia Southern comes from fund- “About half of each vehicle is built from don’t learn in a classroom. raising projects and donations. This year’s scratch, and half from off-the-shelf compo- “Finally, when it comes time to grad- projects received an additional boost from the nents,” Vlcek said. “We don’t build our own uate, being a part of a project like this is COST College Office of Undergraduate Research shock absorbers when we can buy them better a great thing to talk about with poten- (COUR), which provided $3,800 in applied re- and cheaper.” tial employers.”

www.georgiasouthern.edu research news Health Services collaborating with MCG

By Belinda Phelps

Georgia Southern Health Services is helping to save lives with its participation in three major studies that will contribute to lower rates of cervical cancer and infant mortality. The studies, which assist in the development of vaccines to prevent Human Papillomavi- rus (HPV), herpes, and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), have been led by Daron Ferris, MD, director of the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Center at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), and his staff, including on-site nurse practitioner Lynn Allmond. The ultimate goal of the studies is to reduce or eliminate these diseases worldwide. Health Services’ role is to assist with advertising, provide clinical space for the study and ancillary support if needed. Allmond explained that three clinical sites – Georgia Southern, the University of Georgia and the MCG – were cho- sen because they provide opportunities to reach college-aged women. Each of the studies has a specific intent. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and diag- nosing HPV, reducing the number of cancer cases and decreasing abnormal Pap smears is the frank fortune aim of the HPV vaccine study. Prevention of in- Health Services’ Carol Turknett advises a student on the benefits of the HPV vaccine. fant death and infection is the intent of Group B Strep study. The researchers also want to protect The University also has served as a clinical and a frequent cause of newborn pneumonia. people against Type One and Type Two Herpes. site for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) study. One in four newborns has GBS. Usually adults HPV affects men and women but may not The CDC reports that in the U.S. at least 45 mil- show no symptoms. show signs or symptoms. It is estimated that 20 lion people ages 12 and older, or one out of five Health Services Administrator Paul Ferguson million people in the United States were infected adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV explained that studies are usually done in three in 2005, and that 50 percent of those sexually ac- infection. “There is no cure for herpes, so the phases and that in phase three, researchers are tive will contract HPV. significance of prevention for this disease is very looking at the effectiveness of the study. Georgia Fortunately, an HPV vaccine is being pro- important,” said Allmond. Southern has participated only in phase three of duced and distributed worldwide under the The herpes study is ongoing and 15 people the studies. brand name Gardasil®. Vaccination with Garda- have signed up thus far. Allmond said she is comfortable with the sil protects against HPV Types 6, 11, 16 and 18, Type One is found on the face and spread clinical setting and care the University is provid- which cause most cases of HPV. It works when mouth to mouth. Type Two is usually in the geni- ing for the study participants. “I wouldn’t do it if taken before there is sexual contact. HPV Types tal area and causes painful genital sores, tender- I didn’t want my family enrolled in it,” she said. 16 and 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancer ness and burning. Type Two could possibly cause MCG and Health Services are flexible, friendly cases, and Types 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of infection of the eye and brain. and accessible to all those interested in partici- genital wart cases. The strep study, Streptococcal Prevention in pating in the studies. “We spend more hands-on Three injections of Gardasil are given over a Nonpregnant Women, or SPIN Study, was to de- time than your traditional physician,” said All- six-month period. Research is still being con- termine if a vaccine will prevent Type three GBS. mond. ducted on protection from the other types of Twenty participants from the University took In the near future, Health Services will also be HPV. The HPV study took place from 2001 to part in the Group B study in 2006. working with the University’s College of Public 2004, with approximately 90 participants from Group B Strep (GBS) is the most common Health to give students additional research ex- Georgia Southern. cause of life-threatening infection in newborns perience.

g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu 15 University students receive COUR grants

Georgia Southern’s commitment to undergraduate research has been emphasized with the presentation of the third annual Paulson Student Research Awards. Fifteen students were awarded a total of $25,000 in research funding from the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology (COST) for the 2007-08 academic year. The students will present their research during a symposium hosted by the COST College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) in April 2008. “The faculty of COST has always put a great deal of emphasis on research, and the Paulson awards are a great way to encourage our students to get involved,” COUR Director Bruce Schulte said. “These funds will help deserving undergraduate students obtain hands-on knowledge special to georgia southern of the research process, such as reading the lit- Laura Halmo received a grant for her physics project, “Modeling the Dynamics of Mixtures erature, acquiring data, and writing and present- of Bose-Einstein Condensates.” ing their findings.” Schulte and the COUR committee reviewed ics of Mixtures of Bose-Einstein Condensates.” • Christopher Aiken of Loganville, Ga., re- the applications to determine the winners and Mentor: professor Mark Edwards. ceived $1,950 for his mechanical engineer- the amounts of the awards. • Philip Marley of Albany, Ga., received $2,100 ing technology project titled “Robotic Ink Jet “The students went through a very rigorous for his biology project, “Demography of the Printing.” Mentors: professors Don Armel and application process,” Schulte said. “The ones who Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) on Hung-Ming Cheng. emerged should be very proud of their accom- GLS State Park: Habitat Characteristics, Pop- • Josh Caldwell of Epworth, Ga., received $780 plishments.” ulation Structure and Movement Patterns.” for his mechanical engineering technology The awards are divided into two categories. Mentor: professor David Rostal. project titled “The Development of Techniques One is for mathematics or science departments, • Joseph McGaughey of Macon, Ga., received to Increase the Fatigue Life of Common Plas- and one is for technology departments. $2,495 for his biology project, “Investigating tics.” Mentor: professor Aniruddha Mitra. The math and science awards were presented the Fate of Ingested Aeromonas Bacteria in • Brent Chenhall of Athens, Ga., received $500 to the following students: the Housefly Midgut.” Mentor: professor Dana for his mechanical engineering technol- Nayduch. ogy project titled “Vibration Analysis of Metal • Thomas Anderson of Sylvania, Ga., received • Rebecca Rosenburg of Roswell, Ga., received Tube Structure with Foam Inside.” Mentor: $1,300 for his chemistry project, “An Investi- $2,200 for her biology project, “Novel Spiro- Aniruddha Mitra. gation of Raman Spectrometry.” Mentor: pro- plasma Species: Optimal Growth Tempera- • David Cowart of Savannah, Ga., received fessor James LoBue. tures and Growth Rates.” Mentor: professor $1,630 for his mechanical engineering tech- • Kristin D’Antignac of Augusta, Ga., received Laura Regassa. nology project titled “Setup and Update of $1,750 for her chemistry project, “Fluidic • Leslie Sutton, of Columbus, Ga., received an Instrument for Measurement of Electron Production of Molecular Hydrogen Using the $2,255 for her biology project, “Spatial Varia- Emission from Sliding Contacts.” Mentor: pro- Biocatalyst Hydrogenase.” Mentor: professor tion in Sedimentation Rates on Temperate fessor Gustavo Molina. Dontarie Stallings. Reefs of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctu- • Danielle Lopez of Corrales, N.M., received • William Edwards of Douglasville, Ga., re- ary.” Mentor: professor Daniel Gleason. $2,390 for her mechanical engineering tech- ceived $1,250 for his mathematics project, • Joseph Waddell of Marietta, Ga., received nology project titled “Solar Vehicle Project “Applescript Code Building and Analysis of $1,600 for his biology project,“Ontogeny of 2007.” Mentor: professor Anoop Desai. iPod Calculus and Differential Equation Ap- Carapace Morphology and Behavior in Go- • Brendan McKee of Snellville, Ga., received plications in College Classrooms.” Mentor: pher Tortoises.” Mentor: professor Lance Mc- $2,500 for his electrical engineering technol- professor James Braselton. Brayer. ogy project titled “The Design, Analysis and • Laura Halmo of Suwanee, Ga., received $500 Technology awards were presented to the fol- Fabrication of an Automated Robot.” Mentor: for her physics project, “Modeling the Dynam- lowing students: professor Youakim Kalaani.

www.georgiasouthern.edu research news International collaboration on new drug protocol In Karl Peace’s classroom in the Jiann-Ping May. She was excited about sharing the protocol Hsu College of Public Health, international col- and its development with her colleagues. laboration advanced to a new level during the “In Kazakhstan most doctors don’t have ex- spring semester. perience in how to do clinical trials,” said Nur- Peace and three graduate students in his tayeva. “Working with Dr. Peace and his class to Statistical Issues in Drug Research and Devel- develop this protocol, I learned how to conduct opment class – one from India and two from the trials, and I got experience using an inter- China – along with Saulet Nurtayeva, a visit- disciplinary team approach to solve problems. ing medical and radiation oncologist from Ka- Instead of seeing drugs that are the end product zakhstan, developed a drug trial protocol for of clinical trials, now I know how they are devel- Cordyceps silensis, a traditional Chinese herbal oped and tested. medicine. “Dr. Peace has a lot of practical experience in Nurtayeva will take the protocol back to Ka- developing drug trial protocols, and that was a zakhstan and implement it with breast cancer great help to our group,” she said. “Because of patients in her country. his experience, he was able to help us find ways “Although the fungus Cordyceps silensis is to save time and minimize costs. He has been an not used here and there are very few studies excellent teacher, and he really encouraged me.” about it, it is often used in China,” said Peace. loretta brandon Nurtayeva says that physicians and faculty Saulet Nurtayeva, a visiting scholar from “Cordyceps is known to be an immuno-modu- at West Kazakhstan Medical School, where she Kazakhstan, worked with Karl Peace and lator, so it affects the immune system. Dr. Nur- is an assistant professor, would like to develop a group of JPHCOPH students to develop a tayeva brought it to the attention of the class, their own drug trial protocols. She plans to new cancer drug protocol. asking if it would be helpful in ameliorating the share what she has learned, and hopes to en- side effects of chemotherapy treatment.” courage her colleagues to develop their own Peace asked his students to work with Nur- milliliters of Cordyceps sinensis. Two different projects. tyeva to design a study that would answer her doses will be tested to assess whether response “The Chinese have 4,000 years of empirical question. After developing criteria for the Stage is dose-related. Patients meeting the criteria evidence that Cordyceps sinensis has a positive II-IV breast cancer patients in chemotherapy will be enrolled in the Cordyceps silensis drug effect on the immune system,” said Nurtayeva, who will participate in the study, the group trial until there are 50 patients in each of the “but this drug protocol will give us the scientific chose to study three groups of patients: those three treatment groups. evidence to prove it. I would like to see scien- who will be treated with a placebo, those who Nurtayeva, who has been at Georgia South- tists continue sharing this kind of knowledge will be treated with two milliliters of Cordyceps ern since January 2007 as a guest of the U.S. De- and research. I hope my experience is just the sinensis, and those who will be treated with five partment of State, returned to Kazakhstan in beginning.”

Paleontologist Geisler has role in global evolutionary study University paleontologist Jonathan Geisler ogy at the Georgia Southern Museum, Geisler reconstructing part of the evolutionary tree of teaches a course on dinosaurs, so it should is collaborating with John Gatesy, a molecular dolphins and porpoises. come as no surprise that he has a special inter- biologist in the Department of Biology at the “Scientists are currently studying the evo- est in evolutionary biology. University of California-Riverside. lution of brains in primates, with particular Geisler has channeled his curiosity into a Gatesy is collecting DNA data for the study, emphasis on the development of the human project that will try to answer some lingering which aims to resolve evolutionary relation- brain,” Geisler said. “One of the problems with questions about the evolution of Delphinida, a ships among living and extinct species. this area of research is that there is little to group of marine mammals that includes dol- “Evolution is the thread that really ties all dis- compare the evolution of primate brains to. phins, porpoises, beluga whales and narwhals. ciplines of biology together,” Geisler said. “So, in “Cetaceans – mammals that live their entire Supported by a $135,000 grant from the Na- many ways, to gain a basic understanding of a lives in the water – have relatively large brains, tional Science Foundation (NSF), Geisler will group, one needs to understand how they are and our work will provide a case study with travel to museums on four continents during related to each other through evolution.” which to compare to the evolution of brains in the next three years to analyze the skeletons of In addition, Geisler will be teaching a course primates.” fossil and living dolphins and porpoises. at Georgia Southern that engages undergradu- Geisler’s grant from the NSF will distributed A professor in the Department of Geology ates in the research aspect of his project. Using over three years at $45,000 per year. The project and Geography and the curator of paleontol- the data they collect, the students will assist in is expected to run through March 2010.

1 0 g e o r g i a ssouthern o u t h e r n S summeru m m e r 0 07 »ON THE WEB: Find out more about your giving options at http://welcome.georgiasouthern.edu/foundation/givingoptions/plannedgifts.shtml COBA professor Liu earns grant to develop statistical predictors for business costs

Research by College of Business Administra- tion (COBA) professor Jun Liu holds promise to help businesses predict the effect of external factors on their operating costs. Liu has been awarded a $105,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his proposal, “Nonstationary and High-dimension- al Nonparametric Transfer Function Models.” “My current research is mainly about meth- odology and trying to develop new statistical tools, so it involves a lot of theoretical work,” said Liu. “The results can be applied in many diverse fields such as economics, finance, biology and environmental science.” For example, he said, his research can be used to study how daily electricity demand is affected by factors like temperature, electricity price or whether it’s a weekday, weekend or frank fortune holiday. “An accurate approximation of this re- COBA professor Jun Liu has been awarded a $105,000 grant from the NSF. lationship is extremely important in the daily operation of electric companies,” said Liu. tistics and Probability Program of the NSF were Liu joined Georgia Southern in the fall of “It is not only a financial support, but also funded in past years. 2005 but has already established himself as a a great honor to me,” said Liu. “As a junior re- Beginning this year, the grant will provide Liu leader in his field with publications in the Jour- searcher, being awarded a grant from NSF financial support for his research for the next nal of Forecasting and the Journal of Economet- means that the potential of my research is rec- three summers. It also will help pay graduate rics. Last year, he was awarded a COBA summer ognized by the profession.” students to assist, giving them first-hand expe- research grant for $9,000 and has received the Only 30 percent of the proposals submitted rience. Liu will be employing his first graduate Making Statistics More Effective in Schools and to the Division of Mathematical Sciences, Sta- assistant in the summer of 2008. Businesses travel grant for $500.

Damelin takes on Air Force research project Steve Damelin, a professor in the Depart- science and engineering faculty at American and development, the base houses units de- ment of Mathematical Sciences, is spending the colleges and universities hands-on exposure to voted to acquisition and logistics management, summer conducting research for the U.S. Air Air Force research challenges. Open only to citi- flight operations and advanced education. Force. zens and legal permanent residents of the U.S., Damelin joined Georgia Southern’s faculty in Damelin was selected to participate in the the program consists of eight- and 12-week 2000. He is the founding director of the Unit for Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program research residencies at participating Air Force Advances in Mathematics and Its Applications (SFFP) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in research facilities. (UAIM). Located within the Allen E. Paulson Ohio. The SFFP seeks to stimulate professional re- College of Science and Technology, UAIM fos- Damelin was awarded the fellowship based lationships between the program participants ters advanced research in all areas of math- on research he has been conducting with Amer- and Air Force scientists and engineers. In addi- ematics. ican and Israeli groups on image recognition. tion, the program seeks to enhance the research During the 2005-06 academic year, Damelin “Due to its sensitive nature, I can only say interests and capabilities of faculty in the U.S. served as the visiting New Directions Professor that the project I am working on at Wright-Pat- academic community and elevate the aware- in Imaging at the Institute for Mathematics and terson involves mathematics, such as theory of ness of Air Force research interests. Its Applications at the University of Minnesota. algorithms,” he said. Wright-Patterson is one of the largest instal- A native of South Africa, Damelin became a The SFFP gives specially selected full-time lations in the Air Force. In addition to research permanent resident of the U.S. in 2004.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 1 1 foundation news

Advancement staff adds new faces

University Advancement recently welcomed two new staffers and a third was promoted. Serving Georgia Southern in the Al- pharetta-based Regional Office will be Di- rector of Atlanta Re- gional Development George Freeman. A graduate of Harding University, Freeman has served as a director of development for non- profits in Arkansas, Texas and Oregon. Linda Griffin He also served as Atlanta Regional Development Director George Freeman and Associate Director Angelia Huggins director of develop- stand outside Georgia Southern’s newly opened Alpharetta headquarters. ment at Auburn Uni- versity, spearhead- ing that university’s Atlanta Regional Office moves recent $169 million campaign. Freeman With more than one-third of its students tive from Georgia Southern’s Office of Admis- can be contacted at coming from the Greater Atlanta area and with sions will be added. (678)387-1729. more than one-fourth of its alumni living there, “One-third of our student enrollment – more Linda G. Griffin Jill Forehand the University has outgrown its former space in than 5,600 students – comes from the 21 coun- comes on board as Lenox Pointe and has moved to a new location ties of the Atlanta area, and that number goes major gifts officer from Glennville, Ga. She at 3775 Mansell Road in Alpharetta. up each year,” said Pittman. “With an Admis- most recently served at Savannah College of “With nearly 15,000 alumni in Atlanta and sions representative in Alpharetta, we can re- Art and Design (SCAD). the surrounding 21-county area, there’s a defi- spond in a more timely way to inquiries from A graduate of Georgia Southern, Grif- nite need for us to have a presence there,” said interested students and parents.” fin has served as director of development Michelle Pittman, director of planned giving Georgia Southern personnel serving in the for several non-profits in Georgia, assistant and major gifts. “As our alumni in the Atlanta Alpharetta office will be George Freeman, direc- director for the University of Georgia Foun- area continue to become more active and en- tor of Atlanta Regional Development; Angelia dation in Atlanta, director of development gaged, this larger office will be our hub for indi- Huggins, associate director of Atlanta Regional for the Professional Association of Georgia vidual meetings and group gatherings. In addi- Development and Rachel Miller, who will repre- Educators Foundation, and as director of tion to meeting development needs and events sent the Office of Admissions. major gifts for SCAD. Griffin can be reached planning for the Atlanta area, it will also serve Miller will begin her duties there in Novem- by phone at (912)681-5755 or via e-mail at as a center for students seeking Georgia South- ber. [email protected]. ern Admissions information.” Huggins has served Georgia Southern con- Former scholarship administrator Jill The previous location was also staffed by stituents in the Atlanta area for more than a Forehand has been promoted to assistant di- alumni and development representatives. At year. She may be contacted at (678)387-1730 or rector of donor relations. She is responsible the new Mansell Road location, a representa- via e-mail at [email protected]. for creating programs and policies that allow Georgia Southern to give proper recognition to donors, regardless of the size of their gifts. A scholarship fund in memory of Forehand graduated cum laude from the Emory Bohler, MD • 1925-2006 • Emeritus Foundation Board Member University in 1999. She was a 2006 University has been established to benefit Georgia Southern pre-medicine students. Award of Merit recipient. Contributors may make checks payable to the Georgia Southern Foundation Inc., Forehand can be contacted at (912) 871- P.O. Box 8053, Statesboro, Ga. 30460 or may contribute online at 1702 or at [email protected]. https://touchpay.georgiasouthern.edu/foundation/.

1 2 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Find out more about your giving options at http://welcome.georgiasouthern.edu/foundation/givingoptions/plannedgifts.shtml Students boost Alumni Phonathon to record During the 2006 Alumni Phonathon, a the University and asks them to donate to the team of 25 student callers raised $313,597 in Foundation. Often the alumni and parents he pledges for the Georgia Southern Foundation’s talks to have questions of their own. Annual Fund, the largest amount raised in the “Sometimes they ask about football, and 26-year history of the Phonathon. some parents have specific questions, and The energetic group exceeded its goal of sometimes they just ask basic questions like $300,000. how many students go here,” said Ogunsluire. “Working with student callers is both a “Some say they want to give before we ask, challenge and a pleasure,” said Gloria Morgan, as soon as they find out where we’re calling the Georgia Southern alumna who directs from, and they’re excited,” said Ogunsulire. Phonathon. “Our students contacted 35,000 The annual Phonathon is Georgia South- alumni and parents this year, and they really ern’s largest source of unrestricted funds. In worked hard to meet their goal. In addition to 2002, the calling process was automated, so helping their alma mater, they gained valuable now, instead of working at banks of phones, sales and fundraising experience.” students work at individual computers with This year, four student callers raised $25,000 headsets, making calls and recording results. or more: Anatoshia Wyatt ($35,540); Joni For many alumni, a Phonathon call is the Deans ($33,767); Joseph Ogunsulire ($30,906) only personal contact they have with the Uni- and Kyle Boyer ($25,795). versity. Student callers are always happy to Jareitha Bennett has been a team leader for discuss new developments, answer questions the Phonathon for two years. “My basic re- about the University, and update contact in- sponsibility is to manage shifts and student and is back at the Foundation to compete formation. In making their request for a gift, callers.” She said she tries to provide moti- again. the student caller acts as both a representative vation to the callers. But before every calling “I think that I had more confidence going and a fundraiser for the University Founda- season begins, Bennett helps her advisor find into it this year. I didn’t expect such good re- tion. student callers. “I was a full-time caller for sults last year, but it wasn’t as hard to raise the Each year’s Phonathon team has raised at three months.” money as I thought,” she said. least $200,000 for the Foundation since 1997. “It’s great we have a good group of students Ogunsulire is a senior pre-med biology Money raised for the Annual Fund is used to that love speaking with alumni,” she said. “To major who has reached the $25,000 mark. Ac- support initiatives on campus not covered manage students that take pride in Georgia cording to Ogunsulire, each caller has a list by state money, tuition, and fees, such as the Southern makes everything work out great.” of contacts. When he calls people on his lists Georgia Southern Museum, cultural outreach Deans was last year’s scholarship winner he tells them a little about what is going on at programs and library resource materials.

Family and friends honor the late Fred Hodges with scholarship in his name Bulloch County students who plan to attend Hodges, a Bulloch County native, died in Oc- he enjoyed Bulloch County and its history. He Georgia Southern will benefit from a new schol- tober 2006. He had been active in the commu- was an active member of the First Methodist arship created to honor the late Fred W. Hodges. nications industry for more than 30 years with Church and served a variety of civic organiza- The scholarship will be awarded to outstand- Bulloch Telephone Cooperative and Planters tions including the Jaycees and the Humane ing new freshmen from any accredited Bulloch Telephone Cooperative, where he was manager. Society. County school and will be renewable for four “Mr. Hodges was a wonderful co-worker,” Fred and Betty Hodges met shortly after years as long as the student remains enrolled as said Cecile Bolineau, who served as his assis- completing high school. They were married for an undergraduate. tant at Bulloch Telephone. “He offered encour- 57 years and raised a daughter and two sons. “Fred’s parents and grandparents believed agement and respect to everyone, especially in Hodges was instrumental in creating two strongly in education,” said his widow, Betty the area of education. He was a true southern other scholarships at Georgia Southern, includ- Hodges. “He also believed in education, so a gentleman. His colleagues at Bulloch Telephone ing the Fred W. Hodges Jr. Memorial Scholar- scholarship is a wonderful way to honor his are pleased that a scholarship has been created ship. memory. Although he eventually earned his de- in his honor.” More information about scholarships for gree from the University of Georgia, he earned Hodges operated a farm on land just out- freshman students is available at http://admis- many of his college credits right here at Georgia side of Statesboro that belonged to his family sions.georgiasouthern.edu/scholarship_criteria. Southern.” for more than 200 years. As a lifelong resident, htm.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 1 3 sports scene

special to georgia southern Paulson Stadium concourse getting a facelift

By Mark Holland more than two decades are being replaced course will have a lot more color. by red bricks, decorative pavers and concrete “Aesthetically speaking, it should be much The “prettiest little stadium in America” is squares. more pleasing.” getting a makeover. Trees and planters will add even more va- Technically speaking, Paulson Stadium’s When Georgia Southern fans file into riety and appeal to the concourse, which has makeover began prior to the 2005 season. Paulson Stadium to root for the Eagles dur- served hundreds of thousands of spectators That’s when a brick facade was added to the ing the 2007 season, they will discover that the since the stadium first opened in 1984. concrete walls that border the playing surface concourse on the south side has undergone a “We’re trying to create the feeling of a lively on each sideline, and the chain link fence be- remarkable transformation. plaza,” said Chuck Taylor, an award-winning yond the east end zone was replaced by a brick The white block walls and plain concrete landscape architect for the University and the facade. walkway that defined the area between the man in charge of the project. “With the bricks Supported by Southern Boosters, the work press box and the concession stands for and the pavers and the plants, the new con- continued in 2006 with the construction of the

Georgia Southern sports in brief

FOOTBALL – Former quarterback Tracy Ham became the first Georgia BASEBALL – Senior reliever A.J. Battisto was named to the All- Southern coach or athlete selected for induction into the College Football Southern Conference second team by the league’s coaches. Battisto was Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. selected in the 30th round of the MLB draft by the Florida Marlins … Senior outfielder Mike Economos was named to the All-SoCon second ACADEMICS – Senior tennis player Heather Reynolds is the 2007 team selected by the media. recipient of the Dorothy Hicks Graduate Scholarship presented by the Southern Conference to a female student-athlete who is interested in WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Junior guard Tiffany Brown was named attending graduate school … Reynolds, football player Dusty Reddick, to the All-Southern Conference teams selected by the coaches and the and women’s soccer player Laura-Ashley Harris were named Scholar- media ... Guard Carolyn Whitney was named SoCon freshman of the year Athletes of the Year by the University. by both the coaches and the media.

1 4 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu

A record of success Southern Boosters has funded more than $13.6 million in new construction and major renovations since 1996: New Construction $9.2 million • Michael Wiggins Baseball Building • Bishop Academic Enhancement Center • Dan. J. Parrish Sr. Football Center • Troy and Mozelle Cowart Building • J.I. Clements Stadium • Iron Works weight training center • Track and Soccer Complex • Gene Bishop Field House • Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center • Howard House Gene Bishop Field House in the west end zone concession stands, restrooms and University • Herring Pavilion and the addition of an attractive brick and Store souvenir shop are being covered with decorative metal fence on the stadium’s most bricks and gray metal roofs that match the Gene Major Renovations $3.4 million visible boundary. Bishop Field House. The men’s and women’s re- • Hanner Fieldhouse seating and Budgeted at $1 million, the concourse reno- strooms are being completely refurbished with scoreboards vation was designed by Taylor, who was as- new toilets and sinks, and there will be addi- • Paulson Stadium Eagle Vision sisted by University architects Robert Hagan tional stalls for physically challenged fans. The • Paulson Stadium public address and Haroun Homayun. The actual work began previously bare concrete floors are being cov- system on the morning of May 7 – less than 48 hours ered with tile, and diaper-changing stations • J.I. Clements Stadium batting cages after Paulson Stadium welcomed an over- are being installed in both restrooms. • Softball playing field flow crowd for the University’s annual Spring Planters will be stationed along the front of • Football locker room Commencement ceremony. the concession stands and next to the stairs • Sports medicine/athletic training At each end of the concourse, the entrance that lead to the press box and private boxes. center has been framed with two large planters. Two Also, the space behind the concession stands • Eagle Club seating live oak trees are being planted in tree wells is being landscaped with trees and plants that • Re-surface tennis courts located in the middle of the walkway near will result in a much more attractive view of • Paulson Stadium brick façade each end of the concourse. Benches will flank the area from the reserved parking lot. • Michael Curry Men’s Basketball the trees, which will be about 12 feet high, but “We really wanted to get some greenery into Locker Room which will eventually grow to a height of ap- the concourse, and provide a little bit of shade, • Women’s basketball locker room proximately 30 feet. too,” Taylor said. “I think the fans are going to • Parrish Building Hall of Fame Meanwhile, the two buildings that house the like what they see.” • Paulson Stadium beautification

MEN’S BASKETBALL – Senior Donte Gennie was named to the All- TRACK AND FIELD – The Eagles earned their first-ever SoCon Southern Conference team by the coaches ... Gennie and senior Louis Outdoor Championship, winning seven events at the conference meet Graham were named to the All-SoCon second team by the media. ... Senior Nicole Brown became the first athlete in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She won the triple jump at the SWIMMING AND DIVING – Mindy Czech was named the 2007 East Regional and qualified in the long jump … The Eagles dominated Northeast Conference Diving Coach of the Year ... Freshman Mackenzie the SoCon awards as Natalie Smith was named coach of the year, Brown Garrot was named Outstanding Rookie of the Meet for her performances was tabbed track athlete of the year and Jessica Irizarry was selected at the 2007 NEC Conference Championships. freshman of the year.

SOFTBALL – Junior pitcher Melissa Laliberte was named to the All- Southern Conference second team.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 1 5 sports scene

suzanne oliver Three generations of Hatchers await the start of the Chris Hatcher era at Paulson Stadium. L-R are Susan Hatcher; her son and Eagles head coach Chris; his wife, Lori; and dad Edgar. In front is Lori and Chris’ son, Ty, who now has a little sister, Tallie Ann, born this summer.

1 6 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 given his family history, coaching comes naturally for eagles’ coach chris hatcher mattersfamily B y M a r k H o l l a n d learly, it was something that Chris Hatcher had never really considered. C Leaning back in a chair, he pondered the question for a moment, and then repeated it before finally providing an illuminating answer. “When did I decide that I wanted to be a coach?” Hatcher asked as he broke into a broad smile. “To tell you the truth, I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a coach.”

Of course, when you’re the son of a coach, and five other people de Sales and a scholarship to Florida State University. in your extended family are members of the same profession, may- After graduating from college, Edgar Hatcher moved back to the be you don’t have much of a choice. Middle Georgia area and began what would be a long and produc- Perhaps, when you grow up accompanying your dad to football tive high school coaching career. At Monroe Academy in Forsyth, games and baseball games and wrestling tournaments and track he guided the football team to two private-school state champi- meets, you become a coach by osmosis. onships and then returned to Macon to work in the Bibb County “I never encouraged Chris to follow me into coaching,” said his School System. father, Edgar Hatcher. “It was something he decided on his own.” Edgar Hatcher and his wife, Susan, also found the time to start a Fated or not, Chris Hatcher’s career has led him to Georgia family. Born in 1973, Chris was the first child, and he was followed Southern. It’s a pairing of a man who quite literally has coaching by two girls. in his blood with a football program whose fans consider winning In Macon, Edgar Hatcher coached a variety of sports, most no- national championships a birthright. tably at Southwest High School and Northeast High School. And, “I know all about the high expectations that come with being more often than not, when there was a game or practice session to the football coach at a place like this,” Hatcher said. “That’s part of attend, the father arrived with his young son at his side. what attracted me to the job, because I have high expectations for “Chris has always loved sports, and he enjoyed being around the myself, too. teams I was coaching,” Edgar Hatcher said. “He was a manager for “Nobody wants to win more than the old Hatch man, I can prom- the football team and a batboy for the baseball team. No matter ise you that.” what season it was, he was there.”

Where it began A star athlete The young Hatch man grew up in Macon, where he attended The coaches at Mount de Sales could say the same thing as Chris Mount de Sales Academy, a private Catholic school that was found- Hatcher earned all-state honors as a quarterback for the football ed by the Sisters of Mercy in 1876. team, a point guard for the basketball team and a shortstop for the As a three-sport star for the Cavaliers, Chris Hatcher followed in baseball team. the footsteps of his father, who earned 12 varsity letters at Mount

www.georgiasouthern.edu 1 7 sports scene

“All I can promise you is that we’re going to put the best players on the field, we’re going to coach ’em up and we’re going to play hard,”

– chris hatcher

special to georgia southern Ty, Chris and Edgar Hatcher are ready to celebrate Valdosta State’s 2004 national championship.

“Chris had a lot of natural ability, but he “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed college – In 2000, Hatcher returned to his alma mater worked hard to make the most of it,” Edgar athletically, academically and socially,” Hatcher as head coach. At the tender age of 26, he in- Hatcher said. “He took practice more seriously said. “But when it was over, I knew it was time herited a Valdosta State team that was coming than any young person I’ve ever seen. He never to go work.” off a 4-7 campaign, but the Blazers went 10-2 missed an opportunity to make himself a bet- and advanced to the national playoffs in his ter player.” Following in the footsteps first season. Chris Hatcher’s combination of talent and Coaching is a common calling in the Hatcher It was the first of six consecutive postseason work ethic paid off with a scholarship to family. berths for Valdosta State, which was the nation- Valdosta State. At 5-foot-10, he lacked the height For example: Chris’s football coach at Mount al runner-up in 2002 and the national cham- that most prolific passers possess, but he still de Sales was his second cousin, Mike Garvin. A pion in 2004. In seven seasons under Hatcher, mastered the Blazers’ trend-setting aerial of- first cousin, Keith Hatcher, serves as the second- the Blazers were 76-12. fense, which would soon be dubbed “the Hatch ary coach for Georgia Southern’s football team. attack.” Another first cousin, Ricky Turner, is the athlet- Rebuilding a dynasty A two-time All-American, Hatcher threw ics director and head football coach at Blessed That impressive record was the prima- for 11,363 yards and 121 touchdowns in his Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga. ry reason that Georgia Southern Athletics college career, setting 29 school records and Yet another first cousin, Jan Azar, is the girls’ Director Sam Baker turned to Hatcher follow- several national marks along the way. As a se- basketball coach at the Wesleyan School in ing the abrupt departure of head coach Brian nior in 1994, he won the Harlon Hill Trophy, Norcross, Ga. VanGorder, who resigned on Jan. 16 after just Division II football’s version of the Heisman. “I guess you could say coaching’s in my blood,” one season with the Eagles to accept a position Despite the demands of being a college Chris Hatcher said. “All I can tell you for sure is with the Atlanta Falcons. athlete, Hatcher found the time to excel in the that I’ve never wanted to do anything else.” Three days later, Hatcher agreed to become classroom, too. He was a two-time winner of He began his own career as a student assis- the sixth head coach in the modern history of the Gulf South Conference Commissioner’s tant at Valdosta State. That was followed by one Georgia Southern’s football program. Trophy, which is presented annually to the season at Central Florida, where he coached “There were a lot of qualified candidates,” most outstanding student-athlete in the future NFL Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper, and Baker said, “but Chris Hatcher was someone I league. three seasons at Kentucky, where he coached felt embodied all we were looking for.” To top it all off, Hatcher’s future wife, Lori, Tim Couch, who was the first pick in the 1999 More specifically, Hatcher arrived with also attended Valdosta State. NFL draft. strong recruiting ties to the prep football hot-

1 8 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 beds of Georgia and Florida that have always dentally, the most popular – coaches in Georgia were still on the team at the end of this year’s been so important to the success of the Eagles. Southern history. spring practice. By the same token, 16 transfers In addition, he brought a high degree of youth- “Several people who have met Coach Hatcher from other schools have joined the squad since ful enthusiasm and optimism that appears to have told me that he reminds them of Coach the end of the 2005 season. have rejuvenated a fan base that was extremely Russell in how optimistic he is,” Baker said. The fact that the Eagles play in the highly disappointed by last year’s 3-8 record. “At the same time, having watched him coach, competitive Southern Conference has made “Coach Hatcher and I have been traveling he reminds me of Coach Johnson. As the head the process even more difficult. The league in- together to Eagle Club meetings all spring, and coach, he’s focused on the whole team, but he cludes two-time defending national champion I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him as a per- has an offensive mindset that is really unique.” Appalachian State, perennial playoff partici- son,” Baker said. “When you hire a coach, you Hatcher’s pass-first-and-ask-questions-later pant Furman and always-tough Wofford. check all of the references, but until you actu- philosophy was on display in April’s annual Having inherited a team in transition and a ally spend some time with them, you don’t re- Blue-White spring game. With a crowd of 5,400 rugged conference schedule, Hatcher refuses to ally know what they’re like as a person. curious spectators on hand in Paulson Stadium, make a prediction on precisely when the Eagles “I’ve learned that Coach Hatcher’s a very en- the two teams combined for 84 passes and only will ascend to their accustomed perch at the gaging young man who’s full of energy. I don’t 45 running plays. summit of the Football Championship Series think there’s any doubt that he’s made a favor- It was a stark contrast to the triple-option (formerly known as Division I-AA). The pro- able impression on our fans.” that the Eagles employed through the 2005 gram is five years removed from its last postseason. VanGorder scrapped the ground-ori- season victory, and seven years removed from The countdown begins ented attack in favor of a passing offense, and its last national title. The Hatcher era at Georgia Southern will the team remains a work-in-progress under its “All I can promise you is that we’re going to begin with a home game against West Georgia third head coach in three seasons. put the best players on the field, we’re going on Sept. 8. Ironically, Hatcher’s final contest as Thanks to the attrition that normally takes to coach ’em up and we’re going to play hard,” Valdosta State’s head coach was a 38-13 victory place when there are coaching changes, as well Hatcher said. over West Georgia last November. as an effort to find players who are better suited Eventually, however, the new coach expects Although Hatcher has yet to coach his first to play in a passing offense, the roster has un- the Eagles to hoist their seventh national cham- game with the Eagles, his down-to-earth per- dergone massive turnover over the past two pionship banner on the flagpole at Paulson sona and reputation for finding creative ways years. Stadium. to put points on the scoreboard have prompted For example, there were 80 sophomores, red- “Our goal is to put Georgia Southern back on Baker to compare him to Erk Russell and Paul shirt freshmen and true freshmen listed in the top,” Hatcher said. “If we didn’t think we could Johnson, the most successful – and, not coinci- 2005 media guide, but only 40 of those players do it, we wouldn’t be here.”

Sam Says. . . So much of what we work toward in life pays letes a valuable venue in which to practice and Southern Conference Coach of the Year. dividends down the road. compete, and it gave our program an outstand- It was also a great thrill for the institution to We have seen two members of our Georgia ing recruiting tool. It has been a great thrill to receive word that Tracy Ham will be inducted Southern athletic fam- watch this program mature. This spring, the into the College Football Hall of Fame in South ily reap particularly women’s track team captured its first Southern Bend, Ind., this July. sweet rewards this Conference Championship. Eight of our stu- When football was re-introduced to Georgia spring. In the fall of dent-athletes earned the right to move on to Southern in 1982 and took root in the early 1999, Georgia Southern the NCAA Regionals in Gainesville, Fla. `80s, the two names that became immedi- introduced indoor and While competing at Regionals, Nicole Brown, ately synonymous with the program were Erk outdoor women’s track from Lawrenceville, Ga., won the triple jump Russell and Tracy Ham. Indeed, many even re- and field as new sport competition. Her victory earned her a berth ferred to the offense as “The Hambone.” Tracy offerings. In the early in the NCAA Championships in Sacramento, went on to have an outstanding career in the days of the program, Calif. Nicole’s best long jump mark this spring Canadian Football League and is warmly re- Sam Baker under the leadership also qualified her for that event. It is exciting membered by the entire Georgia Southern of Todd Lane, the for all of us to now have an individual compet- community for his exploits while wearing the team had to practice on a track off campus as ing at the NCAA Championships, representing Blue and White. Georgia Southern needed to build a competi- Georgia Southern University as a whole. Of the 4.7 million who have played college tion and practice facility on campus. We congratulate the team for their Southern football, a little more than 800 individuals have That goal became a reality in the fall of 2005, Conference Championship and also commend earned a place in the College Football Hall of when the track/soccer stadium opened. This the hard work of Natalie Smith, who, in her Fame. Now one of those select few is a Georgia facility has provided our track student-ath- first year as head coach, was recognized as the Southern Eagle.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 1 9 early every graduate of Georgia Southern can point to a professor who was instrumental in setting a definitive career direction Nor overcoming a major hurdle. With passion for their disciplines and ability to impart that enthusiasm to students, these teachers are synonymous with great scholarship. The best professors move seamlessly between three primary activities – teaching, research, and service – using each leg of the proverbial “academic stool” to enrich and broaden the others. Individually, each leg has great value. Collectively, they are essential. “There’s a reason why a stool doesn’t stand on two legs or on one, but on three,” said University Provost Linda Bleicken. “Those research agendas inform, certainly, what professors talk about in class, but also how they think every day,” said Bleicken. “Very often, this research is something you don’t do just by yourself. Professors engage their students because it’s helpful for them to have students participating. That’s truly what sets Georgia Southern apart in so many ways, particularly at the undergraduate level,” she said. “I don’t know how you can more effectively excite students about a discipline by getting them, not just mentally engaged in it, but sometimes physically engaged in the whole process. “Professors whose research engages students in the teaching process are also more likely to successfully link those to the service leg of the stool,” Bleicken said, and in a region that has been traditionally under- served in the arts, sciences, humanities and economic development, the impact of higher education can be far-reaching. “Very often these are the same ones who are out there actively serving the broader environment,” she added. “The fact is, those three legs of the stool, working together, can help to elevate the quality of life for all of the people in this region – this whole part of the country.”

scholarship made personal

Photos by frank fortune

2 0 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 Pass it on Marine biologist J.B. Claiborne treats students to cutting edge knowledge

rowing up on the beaches east more satisfying when it finally works and of Jacksonville, Fla., it’s no sur- you make an observation that has never Gprise J.B. Claiborne makes a living been made before.” studying how and why ocean creatures do “One of our collaborators, Dr. Mark what they do. Donowitz at Johns Hopkins Medical School, “My dad spent some time as a charter is using the information from our fish work commercial fisherman,” said the University to compare with the function of human marine biologist. “I was always on the intestinal proteins in an effort to work on ocean or hanging out on the beach with my cures for intestinal diseases – so that is a buddies, seining and catching whatever we direct application of our basic research ap- could catch and seeing what we found. That plied to biomedicine,” said Claiborne. was always fun. Still is.” “We use fish as a model – understanding That enthusiasm for all things marine the fish gill and how it transports salts and carries over into his research and class- oxygen and carbon dioxide,” he said. “It’s room teaching, helping him recently land a the same function that our kidneys or our new $650,000 National Science Foundation lungs do, so once students learn the basic grant to further his study of osmoregula- cellular mechanisms, they can understand tion – how the gills fish use to breathe also mammalian systems just as easily.” control the animals’ acid and salt levels. Claiborne has conducted summer re- “I’ve always figured that my strong suit search around some of the world’s top sci- James B. Claiborne was to be enthusiastic and try to rub some entists at the Mount Desert Island Biological Ph.D., physiology, University of Miami of that off on even the folks who weren’t sci- Laboratory (MDIBL) in Maine since 1979. B.S., biology, Florida State University ence majors,” said Claiborne. “They can see “The lab I work at in Maine is an inter- that there’s something useful to them. It’s nationally known physiological and bio- Invited Seminars/Presentations: fun to do that with the non-majors because medical research site,” he said. “We had a Morehouse University, University of they start to see that science involves them speaker two summers ago who was a recent Georgia, University of Florida, University even though they’re not going to be biology Nobel Prize winner. He had done his work of Uppsala – Sweden, University majors,” he said. on a particular kind of protein in the cell of Goteborg – Sweden, Society for “If I go to a major class, I often will bring membrane that’s similar to what we study Integrative and Comparative Biology in specific data from my field or data that in my lab. When I returned to GSU in the – Chicago, Australian and New Zealand I’ve heard at presentations and present that fall,” said Claiborne, “I added a three-hour Society of Comparative Physiology and as part of my lectures so they really do get segment into my animal physiology lecture Biochemistry, Society of Experimental a feeling for what the state of the field is in talking about his particular kind of protein, Biology - York, England that particular area,” Claiborne said. “Where the things that I learned in his talk, and in- I get the personal interaction is when I have cluded data from his talk and his research Awards: undergraduates or grad students work in that won the Nobel Prize. Received Award for Excellence in the lab with me – because then you’re work- “These scientists at the MDIBL are the Research/Creative Scholarly Activity, ing side by side at the bench, you’re learning people who have written the textbooks,” Georgia Southern University techniques, you’re troubleshooting, you’re Claiborne said. “That adds to my enthusi- reading papers together. asm every year. I can stay up with what’s Memberships & Activities: “Part of the fun of science is having going on with the top-notch folks in the Board of Trustees Mount Desert Island something not work and saying, ‘Okay, world and keep my own research area up Biological Research Laboratory; Society what do we do to fix it? How do we get it to date. I then get to work at a place like for Experimental Biology; Society of work?’ It’s such a neat option that under- Georgia Southern, where I can still interact Integrative and Comparative Biology; graduates have, to be able to work in a lab,” with a lot of students, which you don’t get Association of Southeastern Biologists; said Claiborne. “They learn that in a real to do at a research-only university, and try Sigma Xi research lab you might spend a few weeks to pass that on.” trying to troubleshoot something, especially in molecular biology, but then it is even —DAVID THOMPSON

www.georgiasouthern.edu 2 1 Thomas Case Ph.D. Social Psychology, University of Georgia; M.S. Social Psychology, University of Georgia; B.A. Psychology, Davidson College Honors: Georgia Southern University Excellence in Service Award (1995); Crider Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction (2003); Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction (2004) Professional Activities: Editorial Board for the Journal of Education for MIS (1993 - 1998); Managing Editor, Journal of Education for MIS (1998); Managing Editor, Journal of Informatics Education Research (1999-Present) Involvement Inc. ‘Engagement’ is Tom Case’s key to success in classroom and community fter more than 25 years in academia, Tom Case has discovered it’s gins with enthusiasm. “Students have to be able to see that I’m engaged difficult to focus on any one of the three prime aspects of profes- and excited about my discipline. Enthusiasm comes across to students,” A sorship: teaching, research and service. Case said, adding that the majority of student evaluations he’s received “Much of the research that I am currently involved in focuses on teaching have mentioned how he demonstrated his interest for the material. effectiveness,” said Case, interim chair of the Department of Information “That’s important, otherwise I’m not teaching the right thing,” Case Systems (IS) in the College of Information Technology (CIT). “I want to said. promote and build knowledge of how to be an effective IS teacher, and In addition to teaching, Case is serving a fourth stint as acting chair of when I share that with others through journal articles and conference pre- the IS department. sentations, I am providing a service to the profession. So, where does the Answering the call to service is second nature to Case. After earning separation occur?” a doctorate from the University of Georgia, Case accepted a position Since joining Georgia Southern, Case has excelled not only in the class- in Georgia Southern’s School of Business, now the College of Business room but in service to the University and the community. Administration (COBA). In the 1980s, as the growth of technology changed While he considers his teaching style “eclectic, depending upon the size, business education, the University needed instructors capable of teaching level and type of class,” Case stressed that the common denominator for management of information systems (MIS). Case responded by attending learning and student success to occur in his courses is “by making stu- professional development training offered by the Association to Advance dents articulate their views.” Collegiate Schools of Business in order to teach MIS courses. “As the instructor, I get to choose the starting point for the discussion. “It’s been my desire to meet the needs of my school, college and ‘Let’s look at this quote from the assigned reading,’ or ‘Let’s discuss this University and plug in where I’m needed,” stated Case. article in today’s Wall Street Journal,’”said Case. “I control the flow of the In satisfying that desire to serve, Case has chaired numerous univer- exchange and guide it through focal questions. But there is so much that sity-level committees as well as committees within COBA and CIT and they (students) learn from each other.” maintains memberships in a number of professional organizations. While he relishes the give-and-take of the classroom, Case emphasized Case’s commitment to service also extends into the community. A strong his belief in the power of engaging students through written assignments. proponent of service, Case extols its virtue to his students in classes. Even though Case admits he’s spent more than one weekend wondering “I encourage my students upon graduation to be actively involved in why he gave students a writing assignment, he reminds himself of writ- community service – if you want the community to embrace you, you ing’s potentially “magical” qualities. have to be actively involved in your community,” he said. “You can’t move “Writing forces people to think, and it provides one of the truest gauges forward as a person or in a profession without being engaged. You have of students’ knowledge. Those that can clearly explain, describe and ar- to talk to others around you to find out what you or your company can ticulate their points tend to be successful students while they are here and do to help.” successful wherever life takes them after graduation,” Case stated. While the ultimate goal is student learning, Case said the process be- —Phillip Brown

2 2 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 Daniel R. Czech Ph.D., Sport Psychology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville; M.S., Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University; B.S., Psychology and Physical Education, Denison University

Presentations: International Conference on Education, Honolulu, Hawaii; 4th International Symposium for Adapted Physical Activity, Seoul, South Korea; VISTA 2003 Conference, Bollnas, Sweden; Austrian Baseball Federation, Vienna, Austria; South African Baseball Union, Cape Town, South Africa; Finnish National Baseball Federation, Helsinki, Finland

Mind and muscle Dan Czech’s ‘serving mindset’ bridges classroom and training room hronic shoulder problems that threatened his college baseball ca- standing on a topic. reer turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Dan Czech. “All in all, my passion for teaching comes back to connecting and help- C “I went through a couple of traumatic injuries that forced me to ing students.” utilize psychological skills to help me get back to consistent performance,” Czech’s graduate students spend a lot of time in the sport psychology said Czech, who played first base at Denison University, a private liberal lab, a three-room complex that contains sundry equipment and instru- arts institution in east central Ohio. “This experience fascinated me to the ments. The students also get a chance to accompany Czech on a unique point where I realized that there were probably other athletes out there field trip to New York City, where they help college football players prepare that need help.” themselves psychologically for the NFL Scouting Combine. The delicate interaction between mind and muscle led the native of “There are both opportunities and responsibilities for students in my Canton, Ohio, to pursue a career in sport psychology. classes,” Czech said. “Their opportunity is to learn and share. Their re- Czech is the director of the Graduate Program in the University’s sponsibilities are to expand their own mindsets and improve their intel- Department of Health and Kinesiology, and he serves as co-coordinator lects. of the Sport Psychology graduate program. “I am a firm believer that too many students take classes simply to in- In addition to teaching a variety of sport and exercise psychology crease their grade point average, as opposed to seizing an opportunity to courses, Czech assists the Georgia Southern athletics department by help- learn and share. I want my students to focus all of their concentration not ing athletes and coaches deal with the mental aspects of their respective toward grade outcome, but rather toward gaining a synthesis of knowl- sports. edge and doing the best they can. If they do this, success is imminent.” During the summer, he circles the globe as an envoy for Major League Czech has been published in numerous professional and academic jour- Baseball International, developing the sport and teaching sport psychol- nals and is close to completing a psychology of coaching textbook with ogy in more than 35 countries. He also finds the time to be a mental con- Jack Stallings, the legendary former coach of the Eagle baseball team. sultant for numerous professional athletes in Major League Baseball and Speaking of coaches, Czech’s wife, Mindy, is the coach of University’s the National Football League. diving team. In fact, she was named Northeast Conference Coach of the “I find the differences and similarities in how elite performers think to Year for the 2006-2007 season. be fascinating,” Czech said. “Working with professional athletes is enjoy- “A few years ago, my wife and I had to choose between a school in able, especially with the trust that forms between me and the client. California and Georgia Southern, and I feel like we made the perfect “It’s very special when I am able to help them help themselves.” choice,” Czech said. “There is not a day that goes by that I do not enjoy the He carries the same philosophy into the classrooms and laboratories of drive into Sweetheart Circle. The campus is beautiful, and the staff, faculty the Hollis Building and Hanner Fieldhouse. and administrators that I work with are wonderful. I feel that I am sup- “I have always had a serving mindset, and I enjoy helping others learn ported at every level.” and grasp ideas and concepts,” Czech said. “Moreover, I think it is invigo- rating to see the proverbial ‘aha’ moment when students gain an under- —Mark Holland

www.georgiasouthern.edu 2 3 Karl Manrodt Ph.D., Logistics, University of Tennessee M.S., Logistics, Wright State University BA, Philosophy and Psychology, Wartburg College

Awards: Chancellor’s Citation for Professional Promise, University of Tennessee; The Walter Melville Bonham Dissertation Scholarship University of Tennessee; E. Grosvenor Plowman Award by the Council of Logistics Management

Presentations: Council of Logistics Management; Institute for Industrial Engineers; American Marketing Association (Vienna); Canadian Association of Logistics Management; 8th World Conference on Transportation Master mentor Karl Manrodt leads with everyday examples of time, task management reparing students for life beyond the collegial environment of along.’ That’s good validation to us as professors as well.” Georgia Southern is important to Karl Manrodt. Manrodt is not only a professor, but a researcher. He sees the two inter- P A logistics professor, Manrodt sees his job as one of providing twined with service. “It is critical to have teaching, research and service students with information needed to do their work. “I think of my job as a work together. I think that if too much emphasis is on one area you get kind of manager,” he explained. “I provide them with the information they totally out of joint,” he explained. “For example, if I spend all of time doing need to do their projects and research assignments, and it’s up to them to research, then what time do I have left for my students? So I have to do all manage their time and to manage their manager, or faculty member, as three at the same time – keeping each area balanced. This is especially im- well. That way, when they leave here they’ve had experience in some way portant in logistics, because we’re changing all the time. New regulations of what their work environment is going to be like. and technology are coming out that dramatically changes everything we “I also see my job as preparing them to be continual learners. To try and do. If I didn’t do research, I wouldn’t know about the changes. put them in an environment where they’re almost in the workforce. How “It’s not just about reading an article on something – it’s ‘Are you work- are they going to react to that? How are they going to manage their time? ing with companies that do that type of thing?’ ‘Are you involved with the How are they going to do these activities?” he asked. “That requires a lot community or industry leaders that are doing that?’ So, I’m doing teach- of time on our side, too, so I spend a lot of time with students, going out ing and research – they go together – but the other part is also using the to lunch with them.” experience you gained on the other side. It’s not just for the University, but By dining with students Manrodt is able to get to know each of his stu- also the community user and practitioners. Working with those groups dents on a more personal level. That kind of interaction allows him to highlights the University and the students you work with.” know each of them well enough to know what it takes to motivate them. Manrodt has been at the University for seven years and has no plans “Students in my class are required to go to lunch with me at least twice to leave anytime soon. “There are always opportunities to leave, someone a semester. If students are required to go to the faculty member’s office, saying the grass is greener over there. In reality, I don’t think the grass is they’re scared to death, making them wonder what they did. What I try to always greener in other locations,” he said. “What I tell my students is that do is break down those barriers and say, ‘Let’s go to Lakeside, McAllister’s, you have to picture yourself after retirement sitting at a desk and thinking wherever.’ Then I get to find out more about each of those kids, what about life and what is it that’s really going to matter? Is it going to be the they’re interested in, what they want to do, where they want to go, how article you wrote, the speech you gave, budget you balanced? much money they want to make, and that’s the fun part.” “It’s not going to be any of those things. It’s going to be the people you He also takes his students to conferences whenever possible. “It’s great worked with.” for the students because now they can see and listen to industry leaders. They come back and say, ‘You know what, you’ve been saying that all —Michelle Groover

2 4 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 Modeling leadership Barbara Mallory leads future education policymakers by example

arbara Mallory has seen education enrolled in the program. Over the summer, from all angles – as student, teacher, Mallory traveled to Savannah four evenings Bschool leader and improvement con- a week to teach two different groups there sultant. and to Augusta on Saturday for the 17 stu- Now her knowledge and experience are dents there. As new students are admitted to helping prepare new leaders for the field. the program, new cohorts are created. Mallory has a wealth of experience that “Some of the Educational Leadership helps her connect with her students, including classes in the master’s program are offered 10 years as a high school English teacher; sev- online,” said Mallory, “but faculty in this pro- eral years as a media coordinator; and 14 years gram believe that when teaching others how as assistant principal, associate principal and to lead, the face-to-face approach and rela- principal of J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, tionship development are key. We do about N.C. She also spent two years on loan to the 75 percent of teaching face-to-face and about State Department of Public Instruction as a 25 percent online. We have a great faculty in school improvement specialist. Educational Leadership, and they are very “Teaching graduate students is really dif- committed to their students.” ferent from teaching undergraduates,” ex- The Board of Regents of the University Barbara Mallory plained Mallory. “Educational Leadership is System of Georgia is requiring a redesign of Ed.D., Educational Leadership, East a graduate program, and we concentrate on the state’s master’s degree and education spe- Carolina University; Ed.S., Educational meeting the needs of individuals already em- cialist programs in Educational Leadership* Administration, East Carolina University; ployed as teachers. In addition to their em- with revised programs to be implemented in M.A., Education, East Carolina University; ployment, many have spouses and children the fall of 2008. M.L.S, East Carolina University; B.S., to care for, too. Graduate school in education “Right now we are heavily involved in re- English, East Carolina University is a different kind of experience for both stu- vamping our program,” said Mallory, “and dent and professor.” we are building in best practices and part- Publications “Much of my time is spent working one- nering with our service-area school dis- Co-author, “Balancing the load: How on-one with doctoral students, reviewing tricts in the redesign. This change has been to engage counselors in the school their work and discussing the style and or- a great opportunity for us. Our commitment improvement process”– Principal ganization of their doctoral study,” she said. to developing a program of distinction has Leadership. (April 2007) Co-author, “Each doctoral candidate defends his or her opened a democracy-centered process, and “Planning for school improvement: study three times: a pre-proposal defense, a Educational Leadership faculty are working Closing the gap of culture with prospectus and a final study.” together to ask critical questions and seek democratic principles” – Educational “A professor teaching at the graduate level input from all of our constituents. Planning Publication anticipated is expected to stay current with education is- “At Georgia Southern we are developing summer 2007. sues and be really entrenched in his or her educators for Georgia’s schools, so we have a own research,” Mallory said. In addition to vested interest in making sure our curricu- Presentations teaching in an Educational Leadership pro- lum is the highest quality,” said Mallory. “In “School Improvement: A State gram that encompasses a master’s degree, Educational Leadership, we have a reciprocal Assistance Team Model” at the specialist certifications and a doctorate, she relationship with regional schools, and we National Youth-at-Risk Conference. chairs the studies of many doctoral students are active partners in building school lead- Savannah, Ga., March 2006. “Context, in the Educational Leadership program. ers who make a difference. Narrative, Imagination: Springboard Traveling has also become a way of life for “Make no mistake, we will continue to for the Case for Democracy-centered her. The doctoral program includes many co- build on the strength of what already exists Leadership” at the Southern Regional horts of students: campus cohorts, Savannah at Georgia Southern.” Council on Educational Administration. cohorts and Augusta cohorts simultaneously —Loretta Brandon Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 2006

www.georgiasouthern.edu 2 5 Peggy G. Hargis Ph.D., Sociology, University of Georgia M.A., Sociology and Education, University of Alaska-Anchorage B.A., Sociology, University of Alaska- Anchorage

Editorial Positions: Book review editor, Historical Methods; associate editor, Southern Classics Series; editorial board, Social Forces; editorial board, Southern Cultures; editorial reviewer, Southern Spaces

Memberships & Activities: Curated University Museum exhibit “Midway: Between Slavery and Self Sufficiency” under consideration as a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit

Thrill of the hunt Hargis uncovers, shares forgotten details of social history uzzles are more than games to Peggy Hargis. 1865 and the turn of the 20th century. A professor of sociology, Hargis enjoys the challenge of put- “I was in a program where my professors were folks whose research Pting together forgotten facts of history, which better prepares her areas were stratification and inequality, so those two things just blend- to teach students. ed together for me, and it has opened so many research questions – so “When I do research, that is my puzzle, and I love trying to find the many puzzles that I want to solve,” said Hargis. answers to my research questions,” said Hargis. After finding where each piece of her research question fits into a par- Hargis, who specializes in African-American history, feels that one ticular puzzle, Hargis incorporates the information into her curriculum of the most appealing aspects of being a professor is that she has the for both introduction to sociology and graduate seminars. The informa- opportunity to carve out blocks of time to dedicate to teaching, research tion is presented on different levels, allowing Hargis to show students and administrative duties. She juggles being a professor, director of the first-hand how the information they study in class relates to the real graduate program in social sciences, being a member of several editori- world. al boards, and taking care of her family. Each semester varies for Hargis, “If you don’t lecture, if you don’t publish, if you don’t present at con- who teaches a wide range of classes, with a concentration on introduc- ferences, then it’s secret knowledge and that doesn’t do anybody any tion to sociology and senior seminar. good,” said Hargis. “One of the things that I most enjoy about being a professor is the Hargis enjoys sharing her knowledge with undergrads as well. Her autonomy and the fact that the job is actually quite different moment to larger introductory courses, predominantly freshmen, who are new to moment,” said Hargis. the college experience, don’t always have previous knowledge about so- Directing the graduate program in social sciences has been one of ciology. Hargis’ favorite parts of teaching. She enjoys multiple points of contact “It’s cool that I can introduce them to a discipline that they probably with students in the program. Grad students are advised by Hargis, who don’t have any sort of substantive interest in and show them how it can then also meets with them for classes. These meetings build relation- relate to what they are interested in,” said Hargis. ships that go beyond Georgia Southern. Georgia Southern has been home to Hargis since 1994, and she enjoys “It’s one thing to teach, and you get a particular joy from teaching, working at the University because of the interactions she has on a daily but it is something else to direct a graduate program where you have basis. sustained contact with the students,” Hargis said. “I truly enjoy my colleagues. There are lots of smart, fun, creative Hargis has felt the importance of graduate programs in her personal folks at Georgia Southern, and you can’t find that kind of quality just life. While in pursuit of her doctorate in sociology from the University any old place,” said Hargis. of Georgia, Hargis became interested in her current field of research, African-American history. She focuses primarily on the period between —Maggie Ames

2 6 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 Ahmed Adu-Oppong Ph.D., Management, Policy Science and Community Health, University of Texas M.S., Molecular Biology, University of Houston-Clear Lake M.S., Health Care Administration, University of Houston-Clear Lake MBA, University of Houston-Clear Lake B.S., Microbiology/Biochemistry, University of Texas-Arlington.

Memberships & Activities: Medical Group Management Association; American College of Health Care Executives; American Society of Clinical Pathologists; National Public Health Association; Georgia Department of Human Resources Region 9-2 and South East Health Unit Summit Aids Care (SEHUSAC); former director Houston’s Thomas Street Clinic community minded Ahmed Adu-Oppong has passion for enhancing lives hmed Adu-Oppong has found a home at Georgia Southern and funded, community-based HIV/AIDS clinic in the nation. Before coming a mission – improving the health care of rural residents, and es- to Georgia Southern, he founded Sankofa Health Inc., a non-profit to pre- A pecially preventing the spread of AIDS – which has ravaged his vent and treat HIV/AIDS in developing countries. home continent of Africa. With Adu-Oppong’s interest in HIV/AIDS treatment and research, it Oppong teaches ethics, policy and organizational behavior in health ser- was natural for him to connect with Amethyst Project Inc. (API), a com- vices to students pursuing graduate degrees in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College munity-based organization focused on assisting those with HIV/AIDS. of Public Health. Strengthened by 24 years of teaching and administrative API provides care in Bulloch, Evans and Candler counties and offers edu- experience in health care and an international perspective, Adu-Oppong cational activities in other nearby counties. He has served as the board helps students weigh the pros and cons of an evolving health care system. chair of API since January 2007, holding fiscal responsibility for the orga- “My classes are very interesting, because many of my students are nization and interacting with patients to make sure they are well-served. already working in the health care field,” says Adu-Oppong. “They bring Working with the Bulloch County Health Department, Adu-Oppong their work environment into the classroom and their health care issues to continues his HIV/AIDS research by looking at outcomes of individual the table for discussion. We grapple regularly with a question that almost patients. His current study gathers information on those taking HIV/AIDS every American will face in the coming decades: Is health care a right or medications and considers two indicators that measure how well patients’ a privilege?” immune systems are working. He has collected data on 50 patients so far “In recent years, America has increased its spending on health care, yet and is adding surrounding communities to increase his research popula- its health indicators are falling,” he explains. “Nearly half of health care tion. spending goes to end-of-life care. With a presidential election in the com- As researcher, Adu-Oppong recognizes the importance of building ing year, issues such as healthcare costs and universal health coverage will partnerships for the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health and for be at the forefront of the nation’s concerns.” He also emphasizes the vital the University. In his first year at Georgia Southern, he submitted three importance of screening, prevention and primary care to keep costs down proposals to the National Institutes for Health and one to the Centers for in any healthcare system. Disease Control. He is building a framework in which students can do re- Adu-Oppong has an impressive resume: degrees in microbiology, bio- search and grow in knowledge within a network of collaborations with chemistry, molecular biology, business administration, and a doctorate in colleagues on campus and in public health organizations across Georgia. management, policy science and community health. He has eight years of If Ahmed Adu-Oppong has “fallen in love with Statesboro,” it’s a good experience in biomedical, health care and HIV/AIDS research at Baylor bet those feelings are reciprocal. Whether he’s in the classroom or in the College of Medicine; five years as a medical laboratory administrator community, he is sharing his knowledge to benefit all. with The Methodist Hospital System in Houston; and four years as director of Houston’s Thomas Street Clinic, the first free-standing, publicly —Loretta Brandon

www.georgiasouthern.edu 2 7 Photos by frank fortune and Suzanne Oliver

Georgia Southern has been making life better for Georgians for 100 years, and starting last December, from St. Marys to Dalton and all points in between, alumni across the state have observed their university’s 100th birthday. In addition to designated Lighting lectures, concerts and other campus events, a March gathering on Sweetheart Circle and the another in Atlanta’s Centennial Park last May gave hundreds of alumni and friends the opportunity to recall the past and resolve Way that the best is yet to come.

22 8 8 g g e e o o r r g g i ia a s s o o u u t t h h e e r r n n SSuu m m m m e e r r 2 2 0 0 0 0 7 7 S weetheart Circle. 03.30.07

Wildlife Education Center Director Steve Hein and his student, “Freedom,” informed and entertained the crowd.

President Bruce Grube and John and Mary Bon Wallace chatted on Sweetheart Circle during the March campus Hundreds of Georgia Southern students, alumni and friends enjoyed free food and centennial celebration. drinks on Sweetheart Circle.

Everyone was pulling for Georgia Southern. University mascot Gus was a hit, as always, In addition to exhibits, a snow machine, music with children of all ages. and food, a variety of games kept kids jumping. A tlanta Centennial Park. 05.19.07

State Representative Bill Hembree, Vice The Atlanta event found “Majesty” the Eurasian Eagle football greats Monty Sharpe and Tracy President for Advancement Billy Griffis and eagle owl on hand from the Wildlife Education Ham were among the crowd at Atlanta’s Foundation Trustees Chairman Rob Meadows Center. Centennial Park. shared a few laughs in Atlanta.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 2 9 The Center for Excellence in Teaching is on a mission to maximize effective teaching at Georgia Southern University. excellence marks their spot B y P hillip B r o wn

hen it comes to enhancing the faculty development that is integral to the “We’re available to work with faculty in classroom experience for Georgia University’s mission. The Center’s focus on groups or in one-on-one consultations related Southern students, the Center for SoTL will help faculty to make pedagogical to instructional design or pedagogical issues,” Excellence in Teaching (CET) has decisions about how best to teach so that stu- said Way. Wbeen called the University’s best tool. dents learn best.” Frost, who worked with the Center to “The CET is a valuable resource to promote Altany said CET appreciates all the knowl- improve the instructional design of her student learning,” said Laura Frost, associate edge, experience and wisdom about teaching Chemistry 1140 class Introduction to General, professor of chemistry. “As Georgia Southern the faculty already has. At the same time, it Organic, and Biochemistry, said the CET is a moves toward increasing the level of faculty is seeking opportunities for faculty members great resource to accomplish this process. research, the Center helps us keep a focus on to learn from each other about how best to Trent Maurer, assistant professor of child teaching.” teach. and family development, praised Center per- Established in the 1980s, the Center was Raleigh Way, instructional services coordi- sonnel for their assistance in helping him originally created to assist the faculty with nator at the Center, agreed. He said Georgia redesign the curriculum for a family develop- computer technology. As the University com- Southern has great faculty members who are ment class. munity became more proficient with tech- extremely knowledgeable in their disciplines, “Ludy Goodson helped me from the peda- nological advancements, the Center started but unfortunately learning teaching pedagogy gogical aspect to restructure and reframe to rethink its mission and focused on the ef- isn’t always part of their training. the course to better meet my goals for stu- fectiveness of the technology in teaching and “There are certain teaching strategies that dents,” said Maurer adding that Way and learning. improve students’ learning and mastery of Steve Bonham, director of the Technology Most recently, since the arrival of director subjects, and our purpose is to assist faculty Development Lab, provided technological as- Alan Altany, the Center has developed new toward those goals,” Way explained. sistance. Way helped with the course Web page services, publications and programming to The Center offers a number of avenues to design and offered advice on creating discus- support faculty collaboration as well as the aid the University’s teaching staff, including sion boards and online quizzes. Bonham as- scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). individual consultations, online resources, sisted in the selection and transfer of audio “A brief way to describe SoTL is to say it is faculty learning communities, reading round- and video clips for class presentations. an inquiry and research-led, evidence-based tables, faculty pedagogical retreats, new fac- Maurer said the course changes resulted in approach to teaching and learning,” Altany ulty seminars, mentor programs, facilitator of an improvement in students’ grades and in- explained. “It is the epitome of professional grants and awards and a lending library. creased class participation.

3 0 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n S u m m e r 2 0 0 7 “Working with the CET was a 100 percent positive experience,” said Maurer. “Everyone there has helped me to be a better teacher and better researcher in the scholarship of teaching and learning.” CET’s consultative services are just one example of how it works with the professoriate. This past fall, the Center organized a Faculty Learning Communities (FLC) Program devoted to specific topics of shared concern such as assessing student learning, information lit- eracy, teaching first-year students and service learning and civic engagement. “FLCs are a great way to get faculty to look at what they are doing,” Way said. “This year we had 80 faculty members form 12 different FLCs to explore topics they selected.” Each FLC consisted of between six and 12 members. Communities met throughout the academic year to research and discuss their frank fortune Steve Bonham conducts a session with members of the Georgia Southern University faculty. topics. In April, they shared their results with the entire campus through a series of presentations. Susan Trimble, an associate professor in the College of Education’s Department of Teaching We’re available to work with faculty in groups or in one-on-one and Learning, chaired a learning commu- consultations related to instructional design or pedagogical issues. nity devoted to assessing student learning. Its — Raleigh Way members included Dharma Adhikari, communication arts; June Alberto, nursing; Nancy Malcom, sociology and anthropology; Barbara Price, finance and quantitative analysis; Kent Rittschof, curriculum, foundations and read- Center, we serve as a catalyst to help them ex- keynote speaker. An author and senior scholar ing; and Hani Samawi, mathematical sciences. plore how to teach better so that significant on SoTL at the Carnegie Foundation for the Way served as the Center’s liaison to this FLC. learning occurs regularly.” Advancement of Teaching, Huber directs the “Our learning community was a great In fact, the Center is poised to become a foundation’s Integrative Learning Project. group of faculty,” Trimble said. “We had a lot of national leader for SoTL research and how its “Teaching and learning is a vital topic that discussions about the actual definition of as- applications can transform student learning. draws worldwide attention,” said Way, who is sessment as well as how to measure students’ Earlier this year, the Center launched the helping to organize the conference. He added learning.” International Journal for the Scholarship of that many of the scholars who will pres- Trimble stated that while the project didn’t Teaching and Learning, a double-blind, peer- ent their research live and work as far away directly impact her classroom instruction, she reviewed academic journal. This open-source as England, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden thought the entire group benefited from listen- electronic publication, which has a review South Africa, Canada, Czech Republic and ing to other faculty members’ perspectives. board of faculty from 30 countries, receives New Zealand. The Center already is recruiting faculty manuscripts from researchers around the While the conference is reaching out glob- members for the 2007-08 academic year learn- world. Its inaugural issue is on the Web at ally, Altany emphasized that Georgia Southern ing communities. SoTL topics to be explored www.georgiasouthern.edu/ijostl/current.htm. faculty submitted the most conference pro- include: active, effective lecturing; teaching In November, CET will host “SoTL posals from any one institution. critical and creative thinking; academic integ- Commons: A Conference for the Scholarship of “It is encouraging to see the level of interest rity; teaching large classes; online teaching; Teaching and Learning.” More than 100 schol- from Georgia Southern,” said Altany. “Faculty early career faculty cohort; and teaching sci- ars have registered to present their research at from around the world and across the country ence, technology, engineering and math. this inaugural conference, which is being held and state will converge on Georgia Southern. “Teaching is a very personal process, and in the Nessmith-Lane Building. The Center It is our goal that they leave behind new our professors really want their students to anticipates 400 participants. roots that have the potential to deepen the learn and learn well,” said Altany. “Here at the Mary T. Huber will serve as the conference’s University’s commitment to SoTL.”

www.georgiasouthern.edu 3 1 chronicles

2 0 0 6 introducing Alumni Alumnus of the Year in of Business Administration and contributed Private Enterprise significantly to the Student Disability Resource Center. Bishop served on the Steering Commit- Every year, outstanding Marshal Mize tee for the Campaign for National Distinction. owner, Candler LLC, He is a member and past chairman of Southern Georgia Southern alumni are Chattanooga, Tenn. Boosters and is a Georgia Southern Foundation Marshal Mize (’68) Board of Trustees member. He was the 1997 serves as chief Georgia Southern University Friend of the recognized by the University manager and owner University Award recipient. of Candler LLC, and and the Alumni Association. is former president Eagle Lifetime and owner of Marshal Achievement Award Mize Ford. Mize is a former captain in the US Air Force, and Claude A. Howard Jr. has served on the Board of Directors for chairman of the board/co-owner the American Cancer Society, the Chamber Claude Howard Lumber Co., Statesboro Alumna of the Year of Commerce, WCTI Public Television and Claude H. Howard Jr. Boy Scouts of America. He has served as (’63) heads Claude Hala Moddelmog vice chair for the Chattanooga Classic Golf Howard Lumber president and CEO, Susan G. Komen for Tournament and vice chair of the Enterprise Company and Claude the Cure Foundation, Dallas, Texas Center. He is a member of Signal Mountain Howard Lumber and An honorary doctoral Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club of Chatta- Hardware Inc. He has degree recipient, Hala nooga and the University Foundation Board served on the boards Moddelmog (’79) is of Trustees. Mize was named 21st Air Force of directors of the Southeastern Lumber ≫ responsible for all Junior Officer of the Year in 1971 and earned Manufacturing Association, Forest Heights aspects of the Susan the Ford Motor Company Sales Service and Country Club, First Bulloch Bank and Trust G. Komen for the Cure Achievement Award. Company, the Georgia Southern Foundation, Foundation’s manage- COBA Business Advisory Council, Joseph’s ment. She is founder and former CEO of Cata- The President’s Medal Home for Boys, the Hospital Authority of lytic Ventures. A former president of Church’s Bulloch County, Savannah Sales Company, Chicken, she led Church’s to record sales and Eugene Bishop Bulloch Academy, GACO, Statesboro-Bulloch profit performance. Moddelmog also has held president, Health Services, County Development Authority, and United executive management positions with the Dawsonville, Ga. Way of Bulloch County. He is a charter mem- Arby’s Franchise Association and BellSouth. Honorary doctoral de- ber of the University Foundation’s 1906 Soci- She was chair of the University Campaign gree recipient Eugene ety. He is an active member of Pittman Park for National Distinction and has served on Bishop (’00) is owner United Methodist Church. He received the the Leadership Atlanta Board, Atlanta Police of Health Service Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award Foundation Board, Georgia Southern Founda- Centers, Botswana in 2001, was the Statesboro-Bulloch County tion Board, B.B. King Museum Foundation Photographic and Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of Board and the Women Looking Ahead Safari Company and the Year in 1995 and the Statesboro-Bulloch magazine board. Moddelmog has received Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Photographic and County Chamber of Commerce Man of the the Women’s Foodservice Forum Emerging Hunting Safari Company. He is the single Year in 1998. He established the Claude A. Leaders Award, International Franchise largest contributor to the Georgia Southern Howard Scholarship through the University Association Bonny LeVine Award, Restaurant Athletics Department, funded the Gene Bishop Foundation and was instrumental in the Hospitality Rising Star Award, Roundtable Field House at Paulson Stadium, and is a major construction of the Eagle golf program’s new for Women in Foodservice Pacesetter Award contributor to the planned Bishop Family clubhouse facility. Howard was one of 11 and the PYMCA of Greater Atlanta Women of Welcome and Alumni Center. He has funded 2007 recipients of the Southern Conference’s Achievement Award. the faculty and staff lounge in the College annual Distinguished Service Award.

3 2 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n s u MM e r 2 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu OF THE Year College of Information Habitat for Humanity, Beta Sigma Phi and Phi Community Development activities. She is a Subway Advertising Board as chairman, the Technology Mu Alumni Association. She was a Georgia member of the Georgia Chapter of the Public Subway Franchisee Advertising Trust Fund Trend 2005 “40 under 40” subject. Relations Society of America, the Georgia Board of Directors, the Subway Franchisee Cindy B. Tierney Southern Public Relations Advisory Board, Advertising Trust Fund as treasurer, is CIO and senior VP of Beazer Homes, College of Health and Georgia Southern Atlanta Focus Group, Emory chairman of the Forest Heights Country Club Atlanta Human Sciences University Public Affairs Advisory Board and Board of Directors and is a past president Cindy Tierney (’84) is the Marketing Advisory Board for Project of Forest Heights Country Club. Davis has formerly CIO, NSI, and Diane Culver Bailey Open Hand in Atlanta. served as Statesboro Convention and Visitors senior VP of Global founder, The Bailey Boys Inc., Bureau treasurer. His business was selected Strategic Advisory St. Simons Island, Ga. College of Science and as the 2005 Small Business of the Year by Services, Comdisco. Diane C. Bailey (’70) Technology the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of She has served as was a full-time Commerce and has received Subway Sales senior executive homemaker and Stephen F. Gay and Performance Awards. He is active in the director of business systems and planning volunteer until the owner, The Prescription Shop and First Baptist Church of Statesboro. Georgia Compounding Services, mid-1980s when she for Office Depot and was instrumental in the Statesboro company’s growth from 200 to 500 stores, founded The Bailey Department of Biology serving as chairperson of the Mergers and Boys Inc. clothing line Stephen Gay founded Acquisitions Team and revamping vital for children. She is the sole designer of all the Pharmacy Intern Mary M. Bennett credit card strategy. She was the subject of a the clothing in the line. Bailey opened the Program at Georgia Assistant professor and program coordinator, Georgia Southern, Bailey Boys factory in Baxley, Ga., one of the Southern and has TechLINKS magazine CIO Profile, was a Woman Statesboro of the Year in Technology Enterprise Business few operating clothes manufacturing plants served as president Nominee 2006, and a Georgia CIO of the Year in the U.S. The clothing is distributed in more of the Optimist Club Mary Bennett (’79) is Award Enterprise Finalist 2006. Tierney is an than 600 stores in 20 states. She serves as and president of First an assistant professor Atlanta CIO Executive Summit Best in Practice president of the Parent Teacher Association Region Georgia Pharmacist Association. He is of education at Speaker 2006, Georgia Southern College of at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, president of an active member of First Baptist Church of Georgia Southern. IT board member, New Home Technologies the Glynn Academy Booster Club, a director Statesboro. Gay received the Rho Chi award She has served as a Board member and a GCLA Advisory Board of the Oglethorpe Bank in Brunswick, and is for outstanding first year as a pharmacy stu- Georgia Leadership member. an active member of the St. Simons United dent and graduated magna cum laude from Institute for School Methodist Church. Bailey received the U.S. the University of Georgia. He is a member Improvement member, manuscript reviewer College of Education Cotton Champion Award from the National of the Georgia Pharmaceutical Association, for Action in Teacher Education, Secondary Cotton Council in 2002 for commitment to use the Georgia Compounding Association, the Education Program coordinator, member of Dawn H. Cartee American-made cotton fiber. American Pharmaceutical Association, the the Liberty County Board of Education, and president, Ogeechee Technical College, International Academy of Compounding Partner School Field Associate for Southeast Statesboro College of Liberal Arts and Pharmacists and the University Foundation’s Bulloch High School. Bennett has presented Dawn Cartee (’90) is Social Sciences 1906 Society. at the Association of Teacher Educators the chief adminis- National Conference, the National Network trative officer for Julie Turner Davis College of for Educational Renewal Annual Conference, Ogeechee Technical Senior VP, Bank of America, Atlanta Business Administration Professional Development Schools National Conference, National Youth-at-Risk Confer- Institute. She formerly Julie Turner Davis is Gary M. Davis ence and the Georgia P-016 Council Network served as vice president senior vice president president, GMD Services, Statesboro Conference. She has authored or co-authored of academic affairs at Southeastern Technical of the Bank of more than $5 million in awards and grants. College. She has served as a member of the America. She has Gary M. Davis (’72) is She received the Award for Distinguished Board of Directors of the Statesboro-Bulloch conducted media and a certified public ac- Program in Teacher Education in state of County Chamber of Commerce, the Bulloch public relations work countant and owner of Georgia, 2000. County Make-a-Wish Foundation and the for the Olympic and six Subway Restaurant Editorial Board for Statesboro Magazine. Sport Marketing Group, Bank of America franchises in Bulloch She is active in the Downtown Rotary Club Y2K readiness effort, mid-Atlanta Region County. He serves on of Statesboro, Statesboro Boys & Girls Club, Public Relations Team and Bank of America the Savannah Area

www.georgiasouthern.edu 3 3 chronicles

alumni PROFILE 1940s Joyce Denmark McElveen (’49) lives in Brooklet, Ga. On the case Private investigator 1950s Dellama Jarrard Crosby (’54) lives in keeps the facts straight Alma, Ga. By Maggie Ames Catharine Holt Norton (’56) and her husband, Phillip (’55), reside in Fort Wayne, Ind. In a court of law, the facts speak. Private “I am remaining active as a volunteer at my investigator William Lee’s job is to make sure church,” she writes. “Music continues to be a the facts are available to be heard. dealt with include Ford Motor Co., Honda major part of my life. I am so proud of what As co-owner of Defense Litigation Group North America, Porsche Cars of North Amer- Georgia Teachers College has grown into – Georgia Southern University!” The Inc., Lee (‘91), a private investigator and in- ica, Toyota and Goodyear Dunlop Tire. couple would enjoy hearing from friends surance adjuster, is involved with product li- Defense Litigation Group Inc. is based at [email protected]. ability litigation. in Orlando, Fla., but their cases take them His company provides investigative ser- to states from North Carolina to Louisiana. Jean Wall Davis (’55) writes that she enjoys vices to a wide array of manufacturers whose A criminal justice major, Lee has worked traveling and lives in Fayetteville, Ga. products might be targeted in lawsuits. Attor- with litigation for most of his career. He start- neys suing the manufacturers often base their ed as a deputy clerk in Federal Court in Sa- cases on alleged product design defects. vannah but later moved to Atlanta to become 1960s “We identify, locate and interview every- a private investigator in tobacco litigation. one on scene,” said Lee. After a few years, Lee moved to Orlando. In Joyce Rahn Bonovitch (’60) is retired, but Lee’s company does more than just inter- 2002, Lee left that position to open Defense continues to work as a substitute teacher. view witnesses. They are hired by attorneys Litigation Group Inc. She lives in Birmingham, Ala., and can be to do full assessments of the cases, such as “Everything is good. It’s nice to be your reached at [email protected]. scene and product inspections, background own boss, but what most people don’t under- investigations and early warning defense. stand is you end up working twice as hard,” Patrick G. Blanchard (’66) was named among Georgia’s Top 25 CEOs of publicly Dealing with manufacturing companies said Lee. traded companies that produced the and attorneys can produce a stressful work Lee and his business partner maintain a greatest shareholder return over the past environment. Most of the cases brought to full caseload along with tending to the duties five years. The recognition appears in the Lee’s company are worth several million dol- of running a business. March 17, 2007, edition of the Atlanta lars. Lee and his wife, Monique, who live in Business Chronicle. “You’re dealing with high-caliber people,” Oviedo, Fla., have two daughters. He tries to said Lee. make it back to visit Georgia Southern annu- Robert Ream (’68) and his wife, Patricia, are Some of the clients that Lee’s company has ally for homecoming. retired and living in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Nancy Jenkins Welch (’68) is a retired jour- nalist living in Highlands, N.C. She would love He will be returning this fall from a 12-month Anne Josey Baggett (’73) resides in Carters- to hear from friends at [email protected]. tour in Iraq. He is a first lieutenant and serves ville, Ga. as the Batallion Intelligence Officer for the 1-131 AVN Regiment at LSA Anaconda. Upon Mitchell Bohannon, (’75) has been named s his return, he will be attending flight school president /chief executive officer/chairman 1970 at Fort Rucker, Alabama. “I work in Purchas- of the board for Thomas & Hutton Engineer- Kenneth Warren Austin (’74) writes, “I have ing and Production Control for American ing Co. and will assume responsibility for been married to Jennifer for over 30 years. Mills Inc. in Griffin, Ga.,” wrote Kenneth, “and overseeing all aspects of company business. We are proud parents of two sons, Cliff, 28 I also have been teaching accounting at Formerly chief operating officer, Bohannon and Walt, 25.” Cliff graduated from Auburn Griffin Technical College for 10 years. Jen- has been an employee with Thomas & Hut- University in 2002 and will complete two nifer has been a para-pro with K-2 special ed ton since November 1975. The company is an additional degrees from The University of students for 20 years. I would welcome word established, multi-disciplined consulting civil Alabama-Birmingham this summer. He is from any former classmates from the Class of engineering firm located in Savannah and married and living in Birmingham, Ala. Walt 1974. Go Eagles!” Brunswick, Ga., Charleston and Myrtle Beach, graduated from Auburn University in 2004. S.C., and Wilmington, N.C.

3 4 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n s u MM e r 2 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu

Mark your calendar! Jeff Dell (’85) is a construction manager with H&A Investment Properties/D&D Con- struction Services. He and his wife, Debbie, have four children and make their home in HOMECOMING‘ Forsyth, Ga. 1950s-60s Centennial Homecoming Reunion We will be honoring 50-year graduates from the Class of 1957 Gilbert Werntz (’85) recently accepted a position as sales representative at Hancor 07 in Savannah. In April, he was named to the board of directors for the Islands YMCA Friday, Oct. 26 branch in Savannah. Golf Tournament at Smithfield Golf Club Dinner at J.I. Clements Stadium Georgianne Osterman Cherry (’87) is a bio- terrorism defense planner with the Florida Department of Health. She resides in Saturday, Oct. 27 Celebration, Fla. Dinner and Dance Forest Heights Country Club R. Campbell Hay (’87) was sworn in as Wilm- th ington, Del., City Council’s 8 Councilmanic District representative. Make Room Reservations Today! Call LaQuinta Inn at 912.871.2525 Steve Myers (’87) is an area manager with Please identify yourself as an alumnus of the Classes of 1950s-1960s. Accredited Home Lenders. He lives in Wad- $101 per night (plus tax) • Room Release Date is Oct. 12 • Credit Card sworth, Ohio, and can be reached at smyers@ Required for Room Guarantee accredhome.com.

Additional reunion registration information will be forthcoming William Buske (’88) recently published his murder mystery novel Beach Songs. this summer, so watch your mail for further details. Questions may be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at (912)681-5691. 1990s William Charles (’76) has worked with Bristol back the yellow school buses for the football Tony Delp (’91) is the associate athletics Myers Squibb for 27 years. He was recently team!” she writes. She lives in Jacksonville director for advancement at Campbell Uni- promoted to the oncology division as senior and can be reached at smcinarnay@ versity. He recently completed raising more territory business manager in the Tampa, mail.clay.k12.fl.us. than $36 million for athletics capital projects. Fla., area. He and his wife, Teresa, make their He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Fuquay-Va- home in Plant City, Fla., and would enjoy Paul Scott (’81) is a computer specialist at rina, N.C., with their two children. hearing from friends at william.charles@ the Medical College of Georgia. He and his bms.com. wife, Elizabeth, make their home in Martinez, Rebecca Doll-Suppes (’91) and her hus- Ga. They would enjoy hearing from friends at band, Les Suppes, announce the January James Osterman (’78) writes, “I will have my [email protected]. birth of their son, Brockton. first book published this summer,Excellence in Brand Advertising. The book profiles adver- Charles L. George, (’82), has been promoted Robert Garrett (’91) is an officer with tising agencies around the country that have to vice president and quality assurance/qual- Securities Security Services. He lives in earned a reputation for cultivating strong ity control manager for Thomas & Hutton Butler, Ga. brand relationships.” Engineering Co. George has been an employee with Thomas & Hutton since June 1997. Paul Greenspan (’91) and his wife, Mour, Robert Stitzel Jr. (’79) lives in Shelby, N.C. celebrated the April birth of their daughter, Jim Campbell (’83) writes that he has a rare, Rose. She joins siblings Emma and Jacob. terminal disease and invites friends to contact him at [email protected] or Jennifer Gowen Greer (’92) and her hus- 1980s 1 Clear Creek, Irvine, CA 92620. band, Mark, announce the April birth of their daughter, Campbell Grace. The family resides Bill Bricker (’80) is a Web designer with Capi- Jody Slater (’84) owns Zaxby’s restaurant in in Charlotte, N.C. tal One in Richmond, Va. Pooler, Ga. Kandace Lucas (’93) is a first-grade Susan McInarnay (’81) is a teacher in the Neal Bevans (’85) recently published his teacher with the Bleckley County Board of Clay County, Fla., School System. She recent- eighth textbook, Civil Law and Litigation for Education. She and her husband, Andy, live ly taught an elementary methods of math- Paralegals. He is an attorney and author liv- in Montrose, Ga., with their daughter Lacy. ematics course at Saint Leo University. “I’m ing in Asheville, N.C. They would enjoy hearing from friends at delighted that Coach Hatcher is bringing [email protected].

www.georgiasouthern.edu 3 5 chronicles

Jim Oxford (’93) is a lawyer and partner at Boswell & Oxford. They specialize in personal injury, worker’s compensation, criminal defense, domestic relations and real estate. He and his wife, Carol, live in Greensboro, Ga. They can be reached at jamesroxford@ yahoo.com.

Heather McAdam Pomilio (’94) and her husband, Steven, celebrated the April birth of their son, Dylan. Heather is a special education teacher with the Dorchester, S.C., School District. The family lives in Ladson and would enjoy hearing from friends at [email protected].

Kacey Wells (’94) is a sales representative with Pro Star Sports Strength and Condition- ing. He and his wife, Tami, and daughter, Addison, live in Sugarland, Texas, and can be reached at [email protected].

Elizabeth Neptune (’95) is a lieutenant commander and surgical nurse in the Surgical Company in Al Taqaddum, Iraq. She has served in Iraq since February 2007. She can be reached at Elizabeth.neptune@ tq-mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.

frank fortune Alana Eunice Avret (’96) is a sales manager alumni PROFILE with Synovus Mortgage Corp. at Sea Island Bank in Statesboro. She manages the sales team to ensure professional performance Sculptor’s ‘Wild Ride’ brings him back and exceptional service for the customers. She also serves as associate vice president More than 20 years after graduating from “This show, ‘Wild Ride,’ has been re- of the Statesboro Homebuilders Georgia Southern, sculptor Eric Strauss really good for me,” he explained, “because Association. She and her husband, turned for a visit, and he didn’t come alone. it’s shown my work around the state in ev- Chad, have one son, Evan. He brought with him his traveling exhibi- erything from a contemporary Western tion of 18 sculptures made from stainless museum to an older museum in Albany to Heather Turner Bizzell (’96) and her husband, Brandon (’96), proudly announce the steel, bronze and found objects. the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden. December birth of their son, Bryson, who Titled “Wild Ride: Artistic Lessons of Right now the exhibition is in Calhoun, a joins big brother Avery. Heather manages Nature,” this was the largest body of his small city in Northeast Georgia, and we’ll e-mail marketing programs for UPS corpo- work ever assembled for exhibition. Nine be moving to a gallery in a great tourist town, rate headquarters in Atlanta. Brandon is a of the sculptures were shown in the spacious Chattanooga, Tenn., this summer. It’s the same lieutenant with the Gwinnett County Sher- lobby of the Performing Arts Center, and the work, but each location gives it a new look.” iff’s Office. The family lives in Norcross, Ga. rest were on display in the Botanical Garden. After 22 years as a sculptor, Strauss “One of the neat things about coming back is taking his work to the next level. He’s Stephanie Myshak Campbell (’96) and her to Georgia Southern was getting to meet the hired a publicist and has a new Web site, husband, Brian, welcomed their daughter, Kamryn Kaye, in August 2006. Stephanie new crew in the art department,” said Strauss. www.ericstrausssculptor.com. works for the City of Alpharetta, Ga., as a “When I was there the art department was “People all over the country have pur- program coordinator for the Recreation small – we only had four full-time sculpture chased my work,” said Strauss. “Sculptures and Parks Department. Stephanie would students. Now there’s a new studio and hun- purchased while I was in Santa Fe have made enjoy hearing from friends at smcampbe@ dreds of art students. their way back to the northeastern U.S., while campbell-crazies.com. “It’s interesting that Georgia Southern still sculptures purchased in the Atlanta area Joseph Lawrence (’96) is an attorney living has the intimate appeal of a small school,” have stayed in the southeast. I’m aiming for in the Baltimore, Md., area. said Strauss. “When we poured bronze, we’d a growing national audience, because I want go Dingus MaGee’s while we waited – and to continue doing this work for the next 20 or Delia Braswell Mobley (’96) owns and oper- Dingus McGee’s is still there.” 30 years.” ates the Kindermusik program in Statesboro and teaches piano lessons.

3 6 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n s u MM e r 2 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu Attention BAGS members Homecoming Reunion Dance ÓFriday evening, Oct. 26 Welcome Reception & Step Show Times & places to be announced

ÓSaturday, Oct. 27 Watch your mail Reunion & Dance for specific details!

For Homecoming hotel accommodations call: Comfort Inn, 912.681.2400 and ask for Georgia Southern BAGS Room Block

Damon Woodson (’96) and his wife, Jennifer, the National Council for Interior Design Jennifer Brazell Dasher (’01) is a second- announce the April birth of their son, Nicholas. Qualification Examination. She lives in grade teacher at Reidsville Elementary Fayetteville, Ga. School. She was recently selected at Reids- Christine “Crissy” Bauman (’97) works for ville Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for MPI in Haure, Mont. She would enjoy hear- Judson Rahn (’98) and his wife, Kathryn, are 2007. She lives in Collins, Ga., and can be ing from friends at [email protected]. living in Van Buren, Ark. reached at [email protected],ga.us.

Tonya Owens Collins (’97) and her husband, Curt Ricker (’98) and his wife, Brandy, an- Christina Robnett (’02) and W. Jason Atkins Jeff (’00), announce the September arrival of nounce the birth of their son, CJ, who was were married in September at the Fox The- twins Katelyn Elizabeth and Austin Lee. born in February. The family lives in atre in Atlanta. Christy is an interior designer Kennesaw, Ga. with Stegenga and Partners. She recently Jim Porter (’97) is a senior preconstruction passed the National Council for Interior engineer with New South Construction. He Ryan Hensley (’99) is a design engineer with Design Qualification exam and is now a and his wife, Karen, have two children, Cody the Team Red Bull NASCAR Nextel Cup Team. registered interior designer with the State of and Sarah, and make their home in Roswell, Georgia. The couple resides in Suwanee, Ga. Ga. The family can be reached at porterj@ bellsouth.net. Erin Malowney Clary (’02) and her husband, 2000s Jason (’01), celebrated the March birth of Chris Schubert (’97) and his wife, Stephanie, their son, Jackson. The family lives in Sugar live in Roswell, Ga. Jodie Ragan Bacon (’00) and her husband, Hill, Ga. Kenny (’01), announce the August 2006 Kimberly Whitlock (’97) is a registered nurse birth of their son, Kennon. Carron Hampton (’02) is a Peace Corps in the Cardiac ICU at Children’s Healthcare volunteer stationed in Fiji. at Egleston Hospital in Atlanta. She writes, Michelle Glaze (’00) accepted a position “I would love to hear from old friends at with The Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Joe Lanier (’02) is a mortgage lending of- [email protected].” She lives in Fla., as a financial analyst. ficer with Synovus Mortgage Corp. at Sea Decatur, Ga. Island Bank in Statesboro. He and his wife, Mandy Imming Rane (’00) and her hus- Laura, reside in Statesboro. George Jenkins (’98) is a financial advisor band, James, celebrated the October birth of with Golden Isles Investment Center/Ray- their son, James Rane III. Mandy writes, “I’m Carla Ward Perkins (’02) is a nutritionist mond James Financial. a nurse practitioner who is enjoying time with the Georgia WIC program in Macon, off with my son.” The family lives in Dothan, serving Bibb, Crawford and Twiggs counties. Melissa Clark Johnson (’98) and her hus- Ala., and would enjoy hearing from friends at She and her husband, Terrill, were married band, Richard (’96), are celebrating the April [email protected]. in May. birth of their son, Ethan. He joins big brother Andrew. The family lives in Austell, Ga., and Clinton Scott Burns (’01) and Melissa Pate Traci Rathbun Robinson (’02) and her hus- would enjoy hearing from friends at rich- were married in May. They currently reside in band, Robert, live in Watertown, N.Y. Traci is [email protected]. Savannah. a stay-at-home mom with their son, Gabriel. She would enjoy hearing from friends at Shannon Piet (’98) is a project designer with Allyson Fanning Carson (’01) and her hus- [email protected]. EXPO Design Center. In October, she passed band, Mark, celebrated the March birth of their daughter, Braylan.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 3 7 chronicles

alumni PROFILE Shelar helps the building industry to flourish By Maggie Ames

Laying a strong foundation means more than concrete blocks or pilings for Scott She- lar (’93). As the executive director of the Construc- tion Education Foundation of Georgia (CEF- GA), Shelar connects the construction industry with the education system in Georgia. “I think what I am doing is helping students find career direction at a young age – helping them think about what they want to do after high school,” he said. Shelar’s work helped to place some of the 2,236 Georgia students who joined the construction industry last year. Shelar, who has been with CEFGA for 10 years, focuses primarily on fundraising from construction companies across Georgia. frank fortune “Each year we generate about $500,000 in enjoy it as well,” Shelar said. board for the construction management pro- revenue as an organization, so my primary Shelar was not always aware that he would gram at Georgia Southern, which brings him responsibility is to go out and secure dona- work in the construction industry. The politi- to town for meetings several times a year. He tions,” said Shelar. cal science major came to Georgia Southern and his wife, Kara Martin Shelar (’92), also Annually, CEFGA holds the Construction with intentions of becoming a lawyer. Once visit her family, which resides in Statesboro. Career Expo, which provides students with into his major, he realized that he enjoyed the “Something I miss about being in States- information about career opportunities and history and government aspects of political boro is going to Paulson Stadium and seeing hands-on experience in the field. This year’s science more. the Eagles play football,” said Shelar. “In the event was held in April and brought a record “My last few years at Southern went by meantime, I try to catch games when I can.” attendance of 3,200 students and more than very quickly because I was doing things that The couple, who lives in Decatur, Ga., is 500 volunteers. I really enjoyed,” said Shelar. expecting their first child, a boy, in August. “The students really enjoy it, and all of the Shelar still enjoys visiting Statesboro on a “We’re really excited. This will be a good new industry volunteers who organize the event regular basis. He is a member of the advisory chapter,” said Shelar.

Suzanne Brightbill (’03) went on an expedi- administrator of Harris House Inc., an as- LaQuanda Lewis (’03) received a Master of tion to Antarctica to participate in the kayak- sisted living facility. She writes, “We recently Public Health in Health Administration and ing championships. expanded our businesses from two assisted Policy degree from Morehouse School of living facilities to a furniture and baby spe- Medicine in May. Jamie DeLoach (’03) has joined the man- ciality store. Life is busy, but good.” The fam- agement training program at Citizens Bank ily lives in Fitzgerald, Ga. Paul Miley (’03) and his wife, Allison (Berry of Effingham County. ’03), announce the May birth of their daugh- Becky Samples Garrett (’03) and her hus- ter, Calah Gail. The family lives in Forsyth, Ga. Amanda Smith Flener (’03) and her husband, Gary, welcomed the birth of a daugh- band, John, celebrated the November birth ter, Kathleen, in July 2006. of their son, Gabriel. Amanda is owner and

3 8 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n s u MM e r 2 0 0 7 »ON THE WEB: Get the latest news, features and schedules online at www.georgiasouthern.edu

Vikki Natasha Burke (’04) received a Master Laura Wooten (’04) was recently promoted of Arts degree in counseling from the As- to assistant property manager at Sterling semblies of God Theological Seminary in Trust Realty in Atlanta. Springfield, Mo. Amanda Permenter Garlow (’05) and her Brandy Epstein Clark (’04) is a staff accoun- husband, Russ (’04), celebrated the Febru- tant with Gulfstream. She and her husband, ary birth of their daughter, Josilea. Amanda Jason, live in Pooler, Ga. has started a publishing company designing unique catalogs, brochures and other small Shameika Ford (’04) recently completed the media. Russ has a computer and software Master of Human Resource Management business. The family lives in Screven, Ga. degree at Keller Graduate School of Manage- They write, “We both have Facebook ac- ment. She lives in Smyrna, Ga., and can be counts if anyone would like say hello or see reached at [email protected]. pictures of the baby.”

Brett Holley (’04) and Citabria Manley (’03) Michael Wayne Murphy Jr. (’05) and April were married Dec. 2, 2006. The couple lives Greco were married in June. Wayne is an in Winston-Salem, N.C., where Brett is a civil assistant golf professional at The Club at engineer and Citabria is a resident physician Savannah Harbor. The couple resides in at Wake Forest University Medical Center. Pooler, Ga.

Blue Plate Pierce Milford (’04) is vice president of Stacie Sanders (’05) accepted a position marketing for the Broadwick Corporation. with CKR Group in Tampa, Fla., as an account “I moved to Chapel Hill to join a small manager. team building their software company. For complete information on how to Three years later we’ve grown from Allison Brown (’06) is an intern in the Office purchase your own Georgia Southern five employees to over 50,” he wrote. of the Governor at the Georgia State Capitol. prestige tag, visit your county tax office “Those interested can read my blog at or http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/motor. www.brandonmilford.com.” He lives in Tina Cook Rhodes (’06) is a principal with Under “Registration,” click on “Special Chapel Hill, N.C., and can be reached at the McDuffie County, Ga., Board of Educa- Tags” and follow the instructions to [email protected]. tion. She and her husband, Steven, live in purchase. Martinez. Blair Riley (’04) and Bill Inabinet (’05) were married March 31 in Dublin, Ga. Blair teaches Valerie Lee Woodrum (’06) is a teacher at seventh grade in Loganville, Ga., and Bill is Nevils Elementary School. She and her hus- Jovan Myrick (’03) is the founder and CEO a cash management representative for the band, Louis, reside in Statesboro and can be of New Concepts Marketing Group, New National Bank of Walton County in Monroe, reached at [email protected]. Concepts Music Group and New Concepts Ga., where they also make their home. Management Group. He lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at jovanmyrick@ Jonathan Smith (’04) of Richmond Hill, Ga., gmail.com. received a Master of Divinity degree from In Memoriam Candler School of Theology, Emory Universi- Kaneshia Poole (’03) and Otto Walker (’03) ty in May. Candler School of Theology is one Alumni announce the August 2006 birth of their of nine schools at Emory University and one Charles A. Deal, Statesboro daughter, Hannah. of 13 official seminaries of the United Meth- Larry Joe Godbee, Statesboro odist Church. Smith earned a Bachelor of George C. Hagins Jr. (’62), Statesboro Frannie Aspinwall Rector (’03) and her Arts degree in history at Georgia Southern. Danny L. Jones (’73), Augusta, Ga. husband, Josh (’00), proudly announce the He is a member of the South Georgia Confer- Donald Lanier, Statesboro March birth of their son, Garrett. The family ence of the United Methodist Church. D. Wayne Purser, MD (’70), Statesboro lives in Suwanee, Ga. Nancy McMullen Cox Root, Statesboro William Stuart (’04) and his wife, Carolyn Jo Anne Walton Mock (’92), Statesboro Tamekia Russell (’03) is a staff accountant (Smothers ’05), celebrated the November Elsie Harden Smith, Statesboro with Taylor CPA LLC. She lives in birth of their son, William Thomas. William is Vivian G. Trawick (’35), Midville, Ga. Columbus, Ga. an administrator with the Georgia Dermatol- Glenn Thomas Jr. (’56), Jesup, Ga. ogy and Skin Care Center. Carolyn is a math Thomas E. Vandiver (’35), Artesia, N.M. Joseph Sikes (’03) and Cicely Bussie (’01) teacher at Tattnall Square Academy. The fam- were married in March at the Botanical Faculty ily lives in Macon and would enjoy hearing Garden at Georgia Southern. They reside in David Starnes, writing and linguistics from friends at [email protected] or Pulaski, Ga. Lynn Dellenbarger, finance [email protected]. Students Chen Yin Chang, Marietta, Ga. David Schnake, Jacksonville, Fla.

www.georgiasouthern.edu 3 9 alumni PROFILE Shy? No. Retiring? Never! 109-year-old Dr. Leila Denmark continues to offer sage advice suzanne oliver

By Loretta Brandon or whooping cough, which at that time was often fatal to children. Working with the Eli Lilly Com- Leila Daughtry Denmark graduated from the pany, she developed an immunization protocol First District A&M School in 1918 – long before it that saved the lives of thousands of children. In became Georgia Southern – and from the Medi- 1935, she received the prestigious Fisher Award cal College of Georgia (MCG) in 1928. for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and im- Throughout her medical career, which spanned munization against whooping cough. the next 73 years, she dedicated herself to helping When she traveled with Eustace, Leila used her parents give their children the best chance for unoccupied time to write down the things she good health and a bright future. taught young mothers about taking care of their Today, at 109 years young, she still enjoys visits children. The result was Every Child Deserves a from family and friends and gets occasional calls Chance, a book in which she covered children’s for pediatric advice. well-being from birth to adolescence. “I’ve been pretty well satisfied with the way “Mother shared definite ideas about child rear- things turned out,” said Denmark. “I would never ing in her book,” said Hutcherson. “She believed use the word retire, and I believe people should a child needed good parents to see that a child work as long as they can. Sitting down and doing was properly fed and properly disciplined. She nothing is no good. It’s no fun, not a speck.” In a photo taken several years ago, Dr. Den- believed in a strict schedule for a new baby. She Leila Daughtry began life in Bulloch County mark shares a happy moment with favored a diet of meats and vegetables for chil- in 1898, the third child among 12 – six girls and two patients who visited her home office. dren, with no soft drinks, very little sugar, and no six boys. Gifted with a determination to heal, she between-meal snacking for children of any age. created salves and medicines for injured farm ing from medical school in 1928. They moved She believed in teaching a child good manners, animals during her early years (“I thought what to Atlanta, where Leila interned briefly at Grady propriety in dressing, and kindness and respect I made was pretty good.”). She completed high Hospital. Shortly afterward she became the first for others.” school at First District A&M School, focusing on intern – and admitted the first patient – at the Denmark’s good work has been widely recog- science courses and learning to play a good game newly opened Henrietta Egleston Children’s Hos- nized by educational, civic and cultural organiza- of tennis, and then moved on to Tift College, again pital, now Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She tions. In 1953, she was named Atlanta’s Woman of focusing on biology, chemistry and physics. also began volunteering one day each week at the the Year, and in 1983 received a medal from the “In 1924, she virtually browbeat the admis- Central Presbyterian Church Baby Clinic, a prac- DAR. She received several alumni awards and sions committee at the Medical College of Geor- tice she continued for more than 50 years. honorary doctorates from Georgia Southern, gia to get in,” said Denmark’s daughter, Mary Denmark opened her first office in the break- MCG, Tift College, Emory University and Mercer Hutcherson. “She was the only woman in a class fast room of the home she and her husband rent- University. In 1998, on the occasion of her 100th of 50 men.” ed in Atlanta in 1930. Throughout her career, she birthday, the Atlanta Business Chronicle presented But Denmark remembers them as a “nice maintained her office in her home, so although her with its Healthcare Heroes Award for lifetime bunch of men. There was never a word that wasn’t she worked full-time, she was at home when achievement. right.” needed. What’s her prescription for such a long life? Leila Daughtry married Eustace Denmark, a In the late 1920s and early 1930s Denmark “Eat right, and do what you love to do,” said Bulloch County neighbor, soon after graduat- began research on a vaccine to prevent pertussis, Denmark.

4 0 g e o r g i a s o u t h e r n s u MM e r 2 0 0 7 parting shot

More than 11,000 country music fans flocked to Paulson Stadium last April as superstar Brad Paisley was joined by Taylor Swift, Jack Ingram and former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler in a spring concert. A heavily student crowd tailgated in the Paulson parking lot while others lined up more than three hours prior to the performance, hoping to be among the lucky few to capture coveted stagefront standing room.

frank fortune suzanne oliver Faculty, staff and students of Georgia Southern observed the 59th anniversary of the time-honored campus tradition of summer watermelon cuttings last June. Employees took a few minutes out of their offices and students stopped their trek to classes to partake in slices served up by University President Bruce Grube and Food Services personnel. The tradition was founded by the late President Zach Henderson in 1948. The 2007 edition marked President Grube’s ninth watermelon cutting.

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