TODAY’S EDITION See page 2 for information on Civil War artist’s appearance. PECTRUM Spectrum will resume S publication March 14.

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.spectrum.vt.edu VOLUME 25 NUMBER 23 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003 General Assembly Adjourns after Adopting Internal search Budget to Address Revenue Shortfall announced By Ralph Byers, dents. The budget language also allows the two-year institutions, will produce $2 mil- for vice provost director of government relations institutions to increase tuition sufficiently to lion to defray debt-service costs. The 2003 General Assembly ad- cover increases in health-care costs and the The inconsistency of the state’s policies By Clara B. Cox journed February 22, after adopting a bud- institutions’ share of salary increases. over the last 10 years with respect to tu- A Search Committee has been formed get to address the largest revenue shortfall The budget also imposes an additional fee ition—which included increases, freezes, and an internal search has begun for a vice in the state’s history. on out-of-state students to help pay debt service rollbacks, and then increases—prompted the provost for outreach and international affairs For higher education, the major is- budget writers to instruct the Joint Subcom- to replace C. Clark Jones, who is retiring at sue was the amount of tuition flexibility mittee Studying Higher Education Funding the end of the fiscal year, Provost Mark the institutions would be granted to re- GENERAL ASSEMBLY Policies to recommend to the next General McNamee announced today. cover a portion of the $305 million cut in Assembly a tuition policy as part of higher “We decided to look inside the univer- General Fund support being imposed. UPDATE education’s base-adequacy guidelines. The sity community to fill this position for several Although the institutions argued budget also provides an increase of $4.5 reasons,” McNamee said. “Certainly, we have strongly that tuition decisions should be million in student financial aid to be allo- a number of highly talented faculty members left to the individual boards of visitors, in on the new facilities authorized by the voters in cated to the institutions. and administrators who are dedicated to out- the end the General Assembly opted the recent general-obligation-bond referendum. The General Assembly provisionally reach, recognize the value of an international against flexibility, mandating a 5-percent This fee, based on a $1.67-per-credit fee on out- approved 2.25-percent salary increases for approach in all three parts of our mission, and cap on tuition increases above the annual- of-state students at four-year institutions and a faculty and staff members, to be effective understand the importance of sharing our ized 2003-03 tuition rates for in-state stu- $1.50-per-credit fee on out-of-state students at (See GENERAL ASSEMBLY on 3) knowledge throughout the world. With the university undergoing so much change and with the budget a continuing concern, we also felt that an internal search could provide us with candidates who would have the institu- Four CALS dean candidates to interview in March tional knowledge to carry us through these The Provost’s Office has announced 16 through 19; Hackney, March 23 through 26; a member of the faculty of the Center of critical times.” that four candidates for the position of dean and Weiss, March 30 through April 2. Excellence in Equine Science at Rutgers. The vice provost for outreach and inter- of the College of Agriculture and Life Scanes was educated in the United Kingdom Quisenberry is dean of the College of national affairs is responsible for the plan- Sciences will be on campus for interviews in with degrees awarded from Hull University, and Agriculture and director of the Montana ning, marketing, delivery, and oversight of March. the University of Wales (U.K.). Scanes was an Agriculture Experiment Station. She was head the university’s outreach, economic develop- The candidates are Colin Guy Scanes, associate professor in the Department of of the Department of Entomology at the ment, and international activities and pro- interim director of the Center for Designing Physiology at Rutgers and served as chairman of University of Nebraska-Lincoln before going vides executive leadership and vision to a Food for Human Nutrition and former the Department of Animal Sciences from 1981 to Montana State University. She has served range of programs, services, and activities. associate dean of the College of Agriculture, through 1995. eight years in department-level administration Among its units are Outreach Program Iowa State University; Sharron Quisenberry, In 1995, Scanes became professor of animal/ and nearly four years as dean and director. Development in continuing education and dean of the College of Agriculture and director nutritional physiology in the Department of Quisenberry has planned and implemented public services; Economic Initiatives and Mar- of the Montana Agriculture Experiment Animal Science at Iowa State University. His entomological-research programs in several keting Research; the Southside Station; Cameron Ray Hackney, dean of the administrative assignments include executive areas including wheat, rice, forage crop, and Initiative; Commonwealth Campus Centers Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and associate dean/associate director of the College livestock systems. She is nationally and in Abingdon, Richmond, Roanoke, and Vir- Consumer Sciences and director of the West of Agriculture/Iowa Agricultural and Home internationally recognized for her expertise in ginia Beach; Office of International Research, Virginia Experiment Station at West Virginia Economics Experiment Station, Iowa State plant/insect interactions and plant resistance to Education, and Development; and the Center University; and Mike Weiss, acting dean of University; interim director of the Plant Science insects. Currently, Quisenberry is serving on for European Studies and Architecture in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Institute and associate dean of the College of the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Switzerland. at the University of Idaho. Agriculture, Iowa State University. He is Agriculture and Natural Resources and on the The vice provost provides leadership to Scanes is scheduled to be on campus currently interim director of the Center for Governor’s Economic Policy Advisory the Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference (J. McCormick) March 11 through 14; Quisenberry, March Designing Food for Human Nutrition. Scanes is (See FOUR on 3) Center; is leading the program planning for its successor, The Virginia Tech Center, which is scheduled to open in 2005; serves as the University selected as partner in Carnegie initiative spokesperson for outreach and international programming; and represents the university By Anna Kirsch, Tech Chemistry Professor Jim Tanko “One hope is that we may be able to at various functions and on such boards as the University relations intern described the CID as an opportunity for streamline our graduate program, which would Conference Center Commis- The university’s Chemistry Department universities to participate in a discussion decrease the amount of time graduate students sion, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Cen- has been chosen to participate in a multi-year evaluating their goals for graduate education. spend fulfilling requirements of dubious value ter, and the Institute for Advanced Learning research-and-action project aimed at Tech’s Chemistry Department will have a seat at and replace them with requirements that support and Research in Danville. The position is also improving doctoral education at American the table to participate in the group dialogue the research mission,” Tanko said. (See INTERNAL on 4) universities. The Carnegie Initiative on the examining and assessing ideas pertaining to In addition to the 33 Partner Departments, Doctorate (CID) has selected 33 partner graduate education in chemistry. the CID has also selected 22 Allied Departments departments in chemistry, education, English, “In addition to sharing ideas and experiences who will help form a network in each discipline and mathematics to analyze aspects of their with other universities, we may implement some to provide further information collection and BOV Meeting doctoral programs and link specific activities ideas presented by others if they remain consistent dissemination about the study. to desired outcomes. with our goals and objectives and if we think that Funding for the project is provided by the Scheduled Carnegie Senior Scholar Chris Golde they would work in our environment,” Tanko Atlantic Philanthropies and the Carnegie The Board of Visitors will hold its said the project goals were to support and said. Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, quarterly board meeting on campus Sun- study experiments in doctoral education, to Tanko said he hopes the environment and which was founded by Andrew Carnegie in day, March 9, and Monday, March 10. document and analyze the character of those timing are right for substantive changes to occur 1905 and chartered by an act of Congress in The full meeting of the board will be initiatives and to help disciplinary in the Graduate School, which he believes will 1906. More information about the study and held on Monday, March 10 at 1 p.m. in the communities create models and evidence of help advance the university’s objective of participants is available at Board Room, 2100 Torgersen Hall. success to inform others in the field. becoming a top-30 research institution. www.carnegiefoundation.org. 2 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003 ACTIVITIES Big East Women’s Basketball Championship, TBA, Friday, 14 EVENTS Piscataway, N.J. Pay Date for Faculty and Staff Members. Friday, 28 Last Day to Resign. Pay Date for Faculty and Staff Members. Sunday, 9 Spring Break Ends. Saturday, 1 SEMINARS Women’s Month Begins. Wednesday, 12 Friday, 28 Spring Break Begins. YMCA Noon Slide Show, noon, Cranwell Center. MCBB, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Fralin auditorium: Jonathan Men’s Basketball, noon, : Villanova. Big East Men’s Basketball Championship, TBA, Madi- Dinman, University of Maryland. Women’s Basketball, 4 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: West son Square Garden, N.Y. MSE, 3:30 p.m., 100 Hancock: Michael Kelley, William Virginia. “With Good Reason,” 7:30 p.m., WVTF. and Mary.

Tuesday, 4 Thursday, 13 Friday, 14 Women’s Basketball, 7:30 p.m.: At St. John’s. Art Gallery Exhibit Opening, Armory Art Gallery (through MCBB, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Fralin auditorium: Grant 4-4). Cramer, University of Nevada, Reno. Wednesday, 5 Faculty Development Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, 3060 Geological Sciences, 3:30 p.m., 4069 Derring: Gene Men’s Basketball, 7 p.m., Cassell Coliseum: Miami. Torgersen. Hunt, University of Chicago. “With Good Reason,” 7:30 p.m., WVTF. PBK Lecture, 4 p.m., 1100 Tprgersem” John Brauman, MSE, 3:30 p.m., 100 Hancock: Alexis Claire, Alfred Stanford. University. Saturday, 8 Men’s Basketball, 2 p.m.: At WVU. BULLETINS

PBK to sponsor Visiting Scholar’s Lecture site at http://www.ps.vt.edu/forms/. CommonHealth starts weight-loss campaign Virginia Tech’s Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will Leave donations received after the employee’s eligibility CommonHealth is launching its third state-wide cam- sponsor a Visiting Scholar’s Lecture on the topic “Impacts of status changes (such as, return to work, disability retirement, paign called “It All Adds Up, Virginia!” CommonHealth’s Technology on Basic Science” in the Torgersen Hall Museum retirement, etc.) will be returned to the donor in accordance with goal is to help state employees become healthier by losing a (1100 Torgersen) at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. established Personnel procedures. state-wide total of 30,000 pounds during the three-month The speaker will be John Brauman of Stanford Univer- Leave must be donated to either a specific individual or area. campaign period. From February through April of this year sity, a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Return the completed form to Ella Mae Vaught, personnel analyst, CommonHealth will provide educational materials and an recipient of the American Chemical Society’s Award in Pure Personnel Services, Southgate Center. eight-week challenge that encourages participants to make Chemistry. The public is invited. small changes in their diet and exercise habits that can add up Children’s Literature and Natural History to big results. The campaign focuses on being realistic, Employees request leave donations Every fourth Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m., there will be adventurous, flexible, sensible, and active in food and activity An employee in Information Systems and Computing a natural-history story-time activity at the Barnes and Noble choices. has requested leave donations. bookstore in Christiansburg sponsored by the Museum of Natural All participants will receive a message pen and an It All Salaried classified employees or 12-month regular faculty History at Virginia Tech. Today’s topic is “Marvelous Moths.” Adds Up! booklet. Everyone completing the eight-week chal- members may participate by donating annual leave in The event is a mixture of children’s literature and natural-history lenge and evaluation will receive a free FM scan radio and be increments of eight hours. activities. The activities are for children between eight and 12 entered into a drawing for Virginia Tech CommonHealth There is no maximum donation limitation per year, nor is years old, but other ages are welcome if accompanied by parents. sweatshirts and Subway gift certificates. there a minimum balance that must be maintained. Donation For more information, contact the museum at 1-3001. More information is available by contacting the forms can be downloaded from the Personnel Services web CommonHealth Office at 1-4806 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Student leadership conference for high school students set A Student Leadership Conference is being and the Outreach Program Development Of- conference experience will be designed to give moderators for workshop sessions, and every- planned for March 14-16 in Roanoke at the fice, is being launched in the year in which students an avenue to demonstrate that they are one will be able to volunteer to be a part of Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. The Virginia Tech celebrates the Golden Anniver- not “at risk,” but “at promise,” given the right “Open Microphone Night.” The first night of conference is designed to attract emerging young sary of the first African American student to opportunities. the conference will afford the participants the leaders of the future who are currently in the enroll at the university. During the year-long The conference activities will include lead- opportunity to attend “Realizing the Dream,” a tenth and eleventh grades. There will be many celebration of this event, the first African Ameri- ership workshops, alumni panels, campus tours, program hosted on the campus. The program training opportunities for the students as well as can to graduate will also be honored. The focus network sessions, and prizes for the partici- will promote the ideals and ideas of such leaders avenues for them to showcase their outstanding of the first Student Leadership Conference will pants. In addition, the conference will provide as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. leadership skills. The theme of the conference is be on the leadership lessons that can be gleaned opportunities for some student participants to For more information, contact Jane Todd, “Achieving the Vision through Yesterday’s from those “who have been there, done that.” apply for scholarships and other support should at the Outreach Program Development Office at Wisdom.” Pioneers and path makers from all generations they choose to pursue higher education. Partici- 1-2014, [email protected], or visit web site http:/ The conference, sponsored by the Office have much to share with today’s students. The pants may also be selected to serve as student /www.conted.vt.edu/vtleadership/. of the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs Gods and Generals artist to sign prints, books on campus By Clara B. Cox and Generals, and a print of a new Künstler 1862” and donated proceeds to the Civil War Robertson on three. In addition to Gods and Historical painter Mort Künstler, the painting of Stonewall Jackson, “Divine center. Generals, the two Civil War experts worked official artist for the movie Gods and Generals, Guidance,” signed and numbered by the artist. Since he began painting, Künstler has together on The Confederate Spirit and Jackson will be on campus Saturday, March 1, from 11 Proceeds from the sale of this one-time, developed a reputation for historically accurate & Lee: Legends in Gray, with Künstler supplying a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Donaldson Brown Hotel individualized set will support programs of the work. His painting “The High Water Mark,” the paintings and Robertson the text. and Conference Center main dining room to Civil War center. unveiled at the Gettysburg National Military Ron Maxwell, director and screenwriter of sign prints and books. Künstler will be joined “Virginia Tech’s Virginia Center for Civil Park in 1988 on the 125th anniversary of the Gods and Generals, based the role of Stonewall by James I. Robertson Jr., alumni distinguished War Studies is fortunate in having a friend and Civil War battle, is considered the most accurate Jackson in the movie on Robertson’s biography professor of history and executive director of supporter in Mort Künstler, and we are honored painting ever done of the event. In 1992, the Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The the university’s Virginia Center for Civil War by his visit,” Robertson said. Robertson was the U.S. Postal Service commissioned him to do a Legend. Studies, in signing copies of their newly released principal historical consultant for the Gods and painting of the Buffalo Soldiers and issued a For more information, call Robertson at book Gods and Generals. Generals movie. stamp of the painting two years later. 552-0760 or Paula McElvoy at Künstler The two will also take orders for a Virginia In 2000, Künstler issued a Virginia Tech In addition to prints of his Civil War Enterprises, Inc. at 516-922-6760. Tech limited edition of their collaborative work, limited edition of his painting “The Winds of paintings, he has issued several books in recent a leather-bound, gilt-edged edition of Gods Winter: Jackson’s Romney Campaign January years about the period, collaborating with FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003 SPECTRUM 3 CAMPUS UPDATE Tech’s Public Service Programs receive federal grant funds By Susan B. Felker and International Affairs (UOIA), announced the simplified procedures involved in exporting to market research by connecting them with inter- Regional businesses interested in inter- grant. Public Service Programs is part of UOIA Mexico. national trade services and increasing the num- national marketing could get a boost, thanks to Program Development. Chad Miller, economic-development spe- ber of companies in rural areas engaged in a grant awarded to the university’s Public The seminars will cover an overview of cialist with Public Service Programs, said that exporting. The long-term goal of the program is Service Programs by the U. S. Department of international product marketing; quotations; con- the grant resulted from the success of last year’s to empower companies and communities to Commerce’s Commercial Service Rural Ex- tract administration, export and banking docu- seminars co-presented with the U.S. Dept. of revolutionize the way global business is done. port Initiative. mentation; presentation of documentation to cus- Commerce Export Assistance Center, Charles- The Commercial Service currently has Export The grant will fund two seminars on toms and banks; and export logistics within and ton, W. Va. office. Assistance Centers in 18 rural areas export procedures, one at the Southwest Higher outside the United States. Through the Rural Export Initiative (REI), For more information on the seminars or Education Center in Abingdon on September The seminar in Abingdon will also feature a the U.S. Dept. of Commerce Commercial Ser- on Virginia Tech’s other training and consult- 4 and the other in Charleston, W. Va. on supplemental afternoon program on opportuni- vice provides companies in rural areas with ing services for businesses, contact Miller at September 5. J. Douglas McAlister, director of ties stemming from the North American Free better access to export assistance and global [email protected] or at 1-8324. program development for University Outreach Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the resultant

FOUR Higher Education’s Outstanding Faculty Award. GENERAL ASSEMBLY other universities. Continued from 1 Hackney hold degrees from North Carolina Continued from 1 Finally, the General Assembly called for strategic planning in higher education, speci- Committee. She was most recently appointed State University and West Virginia University. November 25. However, should the August fying that each institution prepare a plan every by President George Bush to serve on the Weiss was on the faculty at Montana State revenue forecast result in a downward revision four years and submit reports on progress to- Board for International Food and Agriculture University as an assistant professor of of the General Fund revenue estimate upon wards the following state-wide goals: a) en- Development and elected fellow of the entomology, and on the faculty at North Dakota which the budget is based, the salary increase hancing instructional quality; b) accommodat- Entomological Society of America. State University as an assistant professor of may be eliminated to cover the revenue short- ing projected enrollment growth through 2010; fall. Hackney is the dean of the Davis College entomology. In 1996, he was appointed to serve and c) increasing Virginia’s national standing In a session where almost no higher-edu- of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer as assistant director of the North Dakota with regard to sponsored research. The lan- cation initiatives were approved, Virginia Tech Sciences and director of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station with specific guage states “In implementing these state- was fortunate to recover $1.1 million for Coop- Experiment Station at West Virginia responsibilities for Research and Extension wide goals and their institutional goals, Vir- erative Extension to fund 21 Extension agents University. He also serves as the director of Centers. He joined the University of Idaho in ginia public colleges and universities shall and four Extension specialists throughout the the university’s Agricultural and Forestry 1998 as a full professor and department head for apply the following guiding principles: a) maxi- state. As previously reported, $586,412 Gover- Experiment Station. He is on the board of the plant, soil, and entomological Sciences. In 2002, mize student access to higher education and nor Mark Warner sought to cut from the Corps university’s research corporation and is the he was appointed acting associate dean for the minimize the cost to students and the state; b) of Cadets Unique Military Allowance was re- chair of the dean’s section of the Northeast College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Weiss enhance administrative efficiency and produc- stored. For research and public-service centers, Region and the Northeastern Regional is currently acting dean for the College of tivity; and c) streamline operations as a means the Coal and Energy Research Center and the Association of State Agricultural Experiment Agricultural and Life Sciences. for improving managerial flexibility.” Water Resources Research Center received 10- Station Directors executive committee. He is Weiss holds degrees from Purdue The General Assembly will reconvene on percent cuts; the Center for Organizational and April 2 in the so-called “veto session” to con- chair-elect for the administrative heads section University, Ohio State University, and the Technological Advancement, a 20-percent cut, sider any amendments to the budget or vetoes of NASULGC. Hackney held positions at University of Nebraska. or $80,000; and the Reynolds Homestead re- proposed by Warner. For more information on Virginia Tech and Louisiana State University Additional information is available at the ceived a $30,000 cut. Overall, reductions in the legislative session, contact Ralph Byers before his position at West Virginia Provost’s Office web site (http:// Virginia Tech’s research and public-service ([email protected]), or Laura Fornash, state legis- University. www.provost.vt.edu). centers were more modest than those at most Hackney is chair of the National lative liaison ([email protected]). Academy of Sciences Committee on Use of Scientific Criteria and Performance Standards EMPLOYMENT for Safe Food and an elected fellow of the International Association of Food Protection. He has received several awards for his faculty The following classified positions are FES. Radiologic Technologist, W022238M, PB work, including the Virginia State Council of currently available. Position details, specific Facilities Budget Manager, 008064F, PB 3, Schiffert Center. application procedures/position-closing 5, Facilities. Receptionist/Office Assistant, dates may be found on Personnel Services Housekeeping Worker, 001022H, PB 1, W023523K, PB 2, VBI. web site http://www.ps.vt.edu. Positions are RDP. Small Animal ICU Technician, also listed on the Job Line, a 24-hour re- Housekeeping Worker, P002005C, PB 1, W020101M, PB 4, VTH. corded message service. For information on Physical Plant. Starter Marshall/Shop Attendant, all job listings, call 1-5300. Some positions HVAC Technician, 008001H, PB 3, RDP. W022113J, PB 1, Golf Clubhouse. VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Laboratory Specialist, 007491Y, PB 3, Web Designer/Programmer, W023516B, AND STATE INIVERSITY include state benefits. Positions with num- EHSS. PB 4, CPES. Spectrum, a faculty-staff tabloid, is published each Friday bers beginning with “W” are hourly and do during the academic year, with the exception of certain not include state benefits. Individuals with Medical Technologist, 002666M, PB 4, UNIVERSITY ONLY holidays, exam weeks, and the summer. Copy deadline is VTH. Trades Utilities Master Mechanic, noon Friday. No advertising is accepted. disabilities desiring assistance or accommo- Spectrum is a non-profit publication of the Office of dation in the application process should call Medical Technologist, 006771M, PB 4, U008063F, PB 4, Physical Plant. University Relations: Lawrence G. Hincker, associate by the application deadline. Closing date for VTH. OFF CAMPUS vice president for University Relations; Jean Elliott, direc- tor of news and information. advertised positions is 1 p.m. Monday. An Office Services Specialist, 003080B, PB Nursing Shift Supervisor, 002996M, PB EO/AA employer committed to diversity. 2, ISE. 2, EMC. Editor John Ashby, 1-6961 Office Services Specialist, 008065B, PB 2, Graduate School. ACULTY OSITIONS News Bureau Manager LASSIFIED OSITIONS F P Sherri Box, 1-8508 C P Powerline Assistant, 006523F, PB 3, FES. Program Support Tech, 007511Y, PB 3, INSTRUCTIONAL Production Manager Melinda Shaver, 1-8524 FULL TIME EIMR. Department of English, Instructor posi- One full-time food-service position avail- Program Support Technician, 001028B, tions (two full-time and two part-time). Business Manager PB 3, English. Contact: Nancy Metz, Department of En- Paula Vaught, 1-6333 able. Associate Director of Culinary Services, Program Support Technician Senior, glish, College of Arts and Sciences, 0112. Web/Editorial Assistant 000951B, PB 3, Foreign Languages. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL Sherri Songer, 1-2522 002947H, PB 5, RDP. Assistant Director of Budget Operations/ Receptionist/Office Assistant, 006906J, Athletic Department, Assistant Women’s Letters to the editor and questions for "Ask Spec- PB 2, UUSA. Tennis Coach. Contact: Pam Linkous, Ath- trum" should be addressed to the editor, 102 Media E&G Budget Manager, 001951F, PB 5, Building, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. BFP. Telefund Coordinator, 007628S, PB 3, letic Department, 359 Jamerson Athletic Electronic Spectrum: http://www.spectrum.vt.edu Buyer Specialist, 001982F, PB 4, Purchas- University Development. Center, 0502. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employ- ees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, color, ing. Unit Manager, 007961H, PB 5, RDP. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran sta- Database Administrator, 007433G, PB 6, PART TIME Senior Research Associate, Transpor- tus, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Any- one having questions concerning discrimination or ac- IS&C/DBMS. ICU Veterinary Technologist Large Ani- tation Systems and Operations (Traffic). cessibility regarding the programs described in this Electrician, 001691F, PB 3, Physical Plant. mal, W022218M, PB 2, VTH. Contact: Cindy Wilkinson, 3500 Transpor- newspaper should contact the Equal Opportunity Affir- mative Action Office: 540-231-7500 (v), 540-231-9460 Electrician Supervisor, 002038F, PB 4, Programmer (Sas), W023511F, PB 4, tation Research Plaza or (TTY). University Controller. [email protected]. 4 SPECTRUM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003 OBITUARY IN OTHER NEWS Kriton Hatzios, 53 By Stewart MacInnis Kriton Hatzios,who, as director of the tackles recycling of chemically treated lumber Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, By Lynn Davis cern is the amount of CCA-treated wood that landfill could be re-used. oversaw Virginia Tech’s rise to the top ranks The use of chromated-copper-arsenic- could end up in landfills, especially from resi- “The research has calculated the amount of universities engaged in agricultural research, (CCA) treated wood has garnered a great deal of dential decks. Several researchers across the of CCA-treated wood in a residential deck died February 20. He was 53. media attention over the past few years due to country have indicated that the amount of before demolition, and then determined the “Dr. Hatzios was a most outstanding possible environmental and public-safety con- discarded CCA-treated wood reaching land- amount of usable CCA-treated material ca- scientist, one of the best at Virginia Tech and cerns. “Another concern of this material has just fills is increasing and the tonnage is expected pable of being recycled,” Bailey said. “We have recognized internationally for his research,” recently gained attention from researchers, envi- to rise substantially over the next several de- determined that over 80 percent of a discarded said Andy Swiger, the university’s former ronmentalists, and government organizations,” cades.” CCA-treated deck can be recovered into useable dean of the College of Agriculture and Life said Bob Smith, wood science and forest prod- Research performed by the wood science lumber.” Sciences. “He showed great promise as an ucts associate professor in the College of Natural and forest products department and the USDA The physical and mechanical properties of administrative leader with a brilliant career in Resources. “That is the amount of CCA-treated Forest Service in Blacksburg estimated that the spent CCA-treated wood were also evalu- his future. Losing Kriton in mid-career is wood being removed from people’s homes and one billion board feet of CCA-treated wood is ated, to verify if this used material can perform heartbreaking to his family, to the Blacksburg businesses and going to the nation’s landfills.” removed from residential decks and disposed to needed standards. The chemical-retention community, and to the academic professionals Chromated copper arsenate, or CCA as it is primarily in landfills each year. Researchers levels (the amount of chemicals in the wood) of at Virginia Tech.” commonly known, is the chemical compound from other universities have examined the the used CCA-treated wood were similar to that Hatzios joined the faculty in 1979 after used to pressure-treat wood to resist attack from possible leaching of CCA chemicals from wood of new CCA-treated wood found in many local earning his doctorate at Michigan State insects and decay. Smith said CCA can typically in to unlined landfills, to determine if the rate home-improvement centers. The strength of University. In 1997 he became head of Virginia extend the life of wood in an outdoor environ- of CCA chemical leachate will contaminant the old wood was also tested for comparison to Tech’s Department of Plant Pathology, ment by 30 to 40 years, thus saving the forest groundwater supplies. “This research could new CCA-treated wood. The mechanical tests Physiology and Weed Science. In 1999 he was resource. “Since the early 1970s, CCA-treated cause tighter regulations on the disposal of concluded that the strength properties of the named head of the Experiment Station and CCA-treated wood, and force the cost of dis- associate dean for research with the university’s wood has been used in approximately 80 percent discarded CCA-treated wood, destined for the posing old decks to increase over the next few College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. of residential decks built in the United States.” landfill, were similar as new CCA-treated wood. The Virginia Agricultural Experiment The Environmental Protection Agency years,” Smith said. Smith said, “We are currently evaluating Station is part of a nation-wide research (EPA) and the wood-preserving industry have To help reduce the burden on landfills what it would take for landfill managers to be network allied to the system of land-grant voluntary removed the use of CCA for the treat- and the demand of timber harvested for use by willing to separate out the CCA-treated wood to institutions. As head of the Experiment Station, ment of wood in residential applications starting the wood industry, research is being conducted sell or donate to parties that could recycle the Hatzios oversaw the work of about 300 in January 2004. “This will end much of the at the Brooks Forest Products Laboratory at materials into the useable products we have researchers associated with Virginia Tech. In media hype in the possible adverse side affects Virginia Tech to extend the useful life of used identified. Our research has helped to recognize addition to the facilities on the Blacksburg that CCA may produce because of the arsenic in CCA-treated material. This research has evalu- the potential of discarded CCA-treated wood. It campus, he also supervised a system of 13 its formulation,” predicted wood-science research ated the amount of useful material that a deck could certainly reduce the burden on landfills regional agricultural research and Extension assistant Dave Bailey. “However, another con- contains, which instead of ending up in a and lessen the demand of our forests by extend- centers state-wide. ing the life of current forest products.” Under his leadership, Virginia Tech was recognized as number seven among all universities nationally in agricultural and Denton to analyze media, politics at presidential conference natural-resources research as reported by the By Annette Calhoun Matalin, political consultant to President the Internet would democratize politics by National Science Foundation. The $63.8 Robert Denton, professor of communications George H.W. Bush. encouraging even greater participation, fostering million spent on agricultural and natural- studies and W. Thomas Rice chair and director of Denton’s paper “Political Television in new political parties and interest groups as well resources research and development accounted the Corps of Cadets Center for Leader the Internet Age,” analyzes American politics as leveling the playing field among electoral for one-third of the research expenditures at Development, is an invited speaker at the ninth- and the Internet. He discusses concerns by participants. However, studies now show that Virginia Tech. annual Presidential Rhetoric Conference, being few people access political or issue sites. Even Hatzios’ professional reputation was as a some scholars that the merging of the Internet more informational sites are becoming overly leading researcher internationally in the area held through March 2 at Texas A&M University with television, and the increase in customizing of chemical manipulation of crop tolerance to in College Station, Texas. information to specific interests, will result in commercialized. Thus, as with television, the herbicides as well as in the areas of herbicide Included in the program is a panel discus- more social fragmentation and group-centered Internet has yet to transform American politics action and metabolism. sion with George H.W. Bush, 41st president of politics with less opportunity for public debates. and democracy to the utopian notions of more He received numerous awards, most the United States, James Carville, political con- “Just as was the case with television, the informed and politically active citizenry.” recently being named a fellow of the American sultant to President William Clinton, and Mary early literature of the 1980s and 1990s suggests Association for the Advancement of Science in 2001.

vision. responsibilities and qualifications of the of- tunity, at 1-7500, TTY 1-9460, or INTERNAL Nominations for the position should be e- fice, current curriculum vitae, and the names [email protected] by March 13. Continued from 1 mailed to Earving Blythe, who chairs the search and phone numbers of three references. Indi- Applications are due at noon on March 14. responsible for developing both internal and committee, at [email protected]. Applications should viduals with disabilities who desire accommo- The committee will begin reviewing them im- external linkages to build program partnerships be sent as electronic attachments to Pat Hyer at dations in the application process or need ap- mediately after the due date and will continue that span all missions of the university, and it [email protected]. Included in the application packet plication materials in an alternate format should until the position is filled. supports the university’s colleges, centers, and should be a letter of interest that addresses the contact Mel Gillespie, Office for Equal Oppor- Search committee members include program activities. The vice provost also works Blythe, vice president for information technol- in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Ex- ogy; Jim Blair, associate provost for research tension to provide leadership for state-wide and interdisciplinary programs; Karen DePauw, programs. vice provost for graduate studies and dean of Candidates must possess significant pro- the Graduate School; Laura Fornash, director gram experience in outreach, Extension, inter- of the Virginia Tech Richmond Center; Valerie national programs, or economic development; Giddings, associate dean of the College of significant administrative experience; and dem- Human Sciences and Education; William onstrated ability to lead effectively. They must Greenberg, professor of mathematics; Judith also have a terminal degree. Jones, associate director of administration for Preferred qualifications are the ability to Extension; Doris Kincade, associate professor work effectively with faculty members and of apparel, housing, and resource management; administrators, organizational skills to promote Ed Nelson, assistant director of program devel- collaboration and teamwork, demonstrated ef- opment for Continuing Education; Jim Pease, fectiveness in planning administration, person- associate professor of agriculture and applied nel, and fiscal management; outstanding oral economics; Judith Shrum, head of the Depart-

and written communication skills, proven abil-

Blacksburg, VA Permit No. 28 No. Permit VA Blacksburg, ment of Foreign Languages and Literatures;

ity to work with leaders in public and private 24061 VA Blacksburg,

PAID

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Postage U.S. Organization Non-Profit and Richard Sorensen, dean of the Pamplin sectors, a demonstrated commitment to diver- Tech Virginia College of Business. sity and equal opportunity, and entrepreneurial