January 22, 2007

News for the Faculty and Staff of Western Carolina University Western Purchases Cullowhee Commercial Business District Western Carolina Univer- using industry-standard valua- sity is now the proud owner tion methods. of the strip of commercial The university’s short-term property known locally as objectives for its latest addi- the downtown Cullowhee tion to campus include painting business district. the exteriors of the buildings, The property on Centen- cleaning up around the strip of nial Drive contains 2.18 acres businesses, looking at the relo- and includes the buildings cation of large trash containers that currently house Subway, at the rear of the complex, and Cat Chow, Mad Batter, improving parking for custom- Bob’s Mini Mart, Simply T’s, ers and employees. Hair Station and the State “Our long-term goal is to re- Employees’ Credit Union develop the entire area from the automated teller machine. Wachovia Bank building to the The university purchased Centennial Park,” Wooten said. the tract from EFMB Proper- “We want commercial business- ties Inc. earlier this month WCU purchased the Centennial Drive property that houses a row of businesses. es to have a presence in this area because of the property’s of the campus, and new building strategic location in the middle of campus, said Chuck Wooten, WCU vice plans all across campus will have space for commercial businesses.” chancellor for administration and finance. The change in ownership, how- The purchase of the property and the continued operation of the busi- ever, does not reflect a change in the property’s status as a business district. nesses are in keeping with the university’s plans for development of 344 “It is our desire to see commercial shops remain in the area, and we acres of property west of N.C. Highway 107 and part of its existing cam- anticipate that all of the existing merchants will remain,” Wooten said. pus through the Millennial Initiative, an ambitious and comprehensive “We met with the commercial tenants prior to Christmas to emphasize regional economic improvement strategy that will enable WCU to partner our desire for them to be on campus as tenants of the university, and with business, industry and government. discussions are under way about new lease agreements for these Western intends to create multiple-use neighborhoods at key locations commercial tenants.” that will become home to a mix of academic buildings, research facili- The property also contains six two-bedroom apartments, which are ties, business, industry and housing. Those plans include development located above the commercial businesses. “These will be occupied by the of “town centers” where restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other current tenants for the spring semester, but in all likelihood they will not businesses would provide services to help keep students on campus and be occupied beyond the end of the semester,” Wooten said. attract visitors. The recently purchased Cullowhee business district is not The purchase price of $1,585,000 was established through a market intended to become one of those town centers, Wooten said. ­ appraisal performed by an independent commercial real estate appraiser — by BILL STUDENC Professor Advocates for Education Access in Turkmenistan at Global Meeting Victoria Clement has discussed her disserta- “Some analysts feared after his death that there tion research about Turkmenistan’s education would be a violent contention for power, but system and language before, but never when my friends in Turkmenistan say things are calm there was as much at stake as there is now for and moving smoothly. We’re in a period of the people of the Central Asian country. waiting to see what happens.” Turkmenistan’s political climate took a dra- For a week starting Jan. 21, Clement, matic turn in December when the president-for- assistant professor of history, will be in London life, who had been in power for 21 years, died as part of an international panel rapidly suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest. convened at the School of Oriental and African “The president had a system where he had Studies in advance of the February elections in absolute power, and there was no named succes- Turkmenistan. Developing that panel alone is sor. He was essentially a dictator,” said Clement, Victoria Clement, assistant professor of history, brought a challenge, as the field of scholars who have whose multiple trips to Turkmenistan include a several traditional rugs made in Turkmenistan to her continued on page 2 nearly two-year stay that began Sept. 12, 2001. office at Western. Turkmenistan continued from page 1 WCU focused their research on Turkmenistan is small compared to other areas of research, said Clement. WCU’s Delta Zeta Chapter of the Phi An international conference two years ago drew Beta Delta Honor Society for International only about two dozen people, she said. Scholars inducted 10 new members last The pre-election panel will discuss what could be possible now in the desert country, a former republic of semester including Josie Bewsey, study abroad the Soviet Union, that borders Afghanistan and hosts the world’s assistant, Elizabeth Walden, international fourth largest reserves of natural gas. student adviser, and John Schweikart, study “I am going to focus at the forum on social developments abroad adviser, all of international programs and we hope will occur under the new leadership,” said Clement, services; Bonnie Garner, assistant professor of whose talk will specifically detail the history of education in Turkmenistan and the proposed changes in the presidential nursing; and Donnie Stepp, visiting instructor candidates’ platforms. of communication, theatre and dance. Sharon She sees the chance to speak not just as an academic but Metcalfe and Garner, both assistant professors of also as an advocate—to speak for Turkmen such as Ogulgerek nursing, won the chapter’s annual travel grant for Garriyeva, a textbook editor who invited Clement to live with their pilot course proposal. The course fosters a her family so her three daughters could practice English and improve their education. worldwide dialogue about the impending nursing Clement will point out effects of the government of shortage and other health care issues. Turkmenistan reducing the years of school available to At the annual meeting of the Southern As- children from 11 to nine years. “That prevents the students sociation of Colleges and Schools in Orlando, Fla. from participating in higher education abroad because they in December, Brian Gastle, associate professor of do not have enough credits to attend universities in other countries,” she said. English and editor of WCU’s SACS Compliance Meanwhile, some of the nation’s schools of higher Report, and Carol Burton, director of the SACS education limit enrollment to only students who can prove review, presented a session titled “Writing and they are ethnic Turkmen, which is only a portion of the Editing for Compliance.” Also, A.J. Grube, assis- country’s 5 million people. tant vice chancellor for operations and research, The memory of long lines at libraries and international centers to use the Internet remind her how strong the desire Ogulgerek Garriyeva edits textbooks Beth Tyson Lofquist, associate vice chancel- is of the people in Turkmenistan to learn more and to be at the Ministry of Education in lor for academic affairs, and Burton facilitated Turkmenistan. connected to the world. In some places, 1,500 people are a roundtable discussion, “Applying the NCAA signed up as members to access just three to five computers. Certification Process to the SACS Review,” at the “At an international conference two years ago, we talked about whether we were optimistic about meeting. One of the largest organizations in the the future of Turkmenistan,” Clement said. “In a way, we are continuing the same discussion.” Clement is hopeful. — by TERESA KILLIAN Southeast, SACS accredits approximately 800 institutions of higher education. WCU is complet- ing the final year in a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation process. Brad Ulrich to Perform at St. Bart’s Music Festival P. Bradley Ulrich, professor of trumpet at Garnier in Paris to experience. Western Carolina University, has been invited to The musicians are soloists and principals Staff and Faculty Invited perform at the internationally from symphony orchestras and famous St. Bart’s Music philharmonia from all over the To Service Learning Fair Festival. Ulrich will be world: Montreal, Boston, New Western students, staff and faculty will have performing an orchestra York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Los the chance to find out more about the variety of concert and an opera at the Angeles, Philadelphia, London, opportunities to serve the community at the sec- French West Indies island, Paris, the Juilliard and Curtis ond annual Community Service Learning Fair St. Barthelemy, or St. Barts schools of music, and many on Feb. 8 in the University Center Grandroom. as the locals call it, from others. The free, three-hour fair begins at 11 a.m. Jan. 29–Feb. 4. The singers are from the WCU’s Service Learning Department works Since 1984, St. Barts has likes of the Metropolitan Opera, with more than 90 organizations in the region, hosted a performing arts the New York Opera, the Lyric and organizations that will have displays at festival unlike any other in Opera of Chicago, and La Scala the fair include those that provide services in the world. Each year during in Milan. the areas of children and youth, elderly care, January the festival offers The dancers have performed anti-violence, recreation, food and hunger, more than a dozen nights with the American Ballet Theater animals, disability, environmental concerns, of the finest live music and of New York City, the Paris Opera government, housing and legal issues. Com- dance performances in an Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet, munity partners planning to attend include informal, island setting. the Boston Ballet and the famed Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, Jackson Audiences are treated to P. Bradley Ulrich Bolshoi company in Russia. County Habitat for Humanity, REACH of intimate concerts by some Ulrich will be performing as principal Macon County, and Watershed Association of of the world’s most prominent classical, opera, trumpet for the orchestra concert and second the Tuckaseigee River. ballet and jazz stars. These performers have the trumpet with the opera orchestra. For more information about the fair, contact level of artistry that one would normally have to For more information, visit Kathy Sims, assistant director of service learn- attend Carnegie Hall in New York or the Opera http://www.stbartsmusicfestival.org/. ing, at 227-7184 or [email protected].

January 22, 2007 • The Reporter • page 2 2007

Exhibits January Tuesday, Jan. 30 Monday, Jan. 22 Lectures, Concerts and Exhibitions Series Mountain Heritage Center Lady Catamount drama—“Dar He: The Lynching of Emmett Till” Gallery A: basketball—vs. College chronicles the murder, trial and confession of the “Migration of the Scotch-Irish People.” of Charleston. Southern men accused of lynching the 14-year-old black Includes text panels, illustrations, artifacts Conference game. Chicago youth in the Mississippi Delta. 7:30 p.m. and vibrant murals that trace the Scotch-Irish Education Day. $. Noon. FAPAC. (227-7206) Appalachian settlers from Ulster to Pennsylvania, RRAC. (227-7338) Catamount Concert Series—Abysmal: Will through the Shenandoah Valley, and into Western Catamount basketball— Peebles, bassoon, and Michael Schallock, tuba. . Permanent exhibit. vs. Elon. Southern 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) Conference game. $. 7 Gallery B: p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) “Cherokee Baskets in the Tuesday, Jan. 23 Twentieth Century, Part II.” February Through April 30. Reception—for “Three Lenses Abroad.” 4–6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 Gallery C: Fine Art Museum, FAPAC. (227-3591) “After the War: Conflict and Domestic Appalachian Folklife Series: Telling Mountain Legends on Stage— “Ol’ Time Religion,” Change in the North Carolina Mountains.” Stories —Cherokee stories with Davy Arch. The American Through December. 5:30–6:30 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Spiritual Ensemble. $. Lobby: Catamount Concert Series—faculty showcase. 7:30 p.m. FAPAC. “People of the Land,” and “Mountain Heritage 8 p.m. RH. (227-7242) (227-2479) Day Award Winner.” Ongoing exhibitions. Wednesday, Jan. 24 Slideshow Spotlight Appalachian Cultural Lunchtime Series— FOR JANUARY: “Irons in the Fire” describes the “What Travels With Us,” Darnell Arnoult, poet. role of blacksmithing in pioneer and Cherokee 12:15–1 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Old Time Music and culture in the Southern Appalachians. Bluegrass Jam Thursday, Jan. 25 FOR FEBRUARY: “Mountain Trout” tells Series—concert the 10,000-year history of the relationships Meeting—Faculty Senate. 3–5 p.m. Room 104, featuring Cullowhee Creek followed by jam for all among humans, trout and running water in the Killian Building. (227-7495) musicians. 7–9 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Southern Appalachians. Friday, Jan. 26 Mountain Heritage Center hours: Friday, Feb. 2 Robbie Burns supper—U Club members celebrate 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday (227-7129 or the life of poet Robert Burns. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Groundhog Day www.wcu.edu/mhc) University Club. (227-2203) Fine Art Museum Saturday, Jan. 27 Sunday, Feb. 4 Arti-Facts!—“Party Foods: 1920s Style.” 2:30– Fine and Performing Arts Center Dance clinic —for girls ages 6–12; WCU Dance 3:30 p.m. MHC. (227-7129) Team fundraiser for travel expenses to attend “WORLDVIEWS. Selections from Western basketball championship Carolina University’s Permanent Collection and tournament. $. Includes performance at today’s New Acquisitions.” Continuing exhibit. women’s basketball game. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Reid “Three Lenses Abroad.” Photographs by Study Gym. (227-7069) Abroad Students Hilary Linder, Liz Goettee and Lady Catamount basketball—vs. Wofford. Michael Campbell. Through Jan. 31. Southern Conference game. 4 p.m. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. (227-7338) “Albert Kresch: Painting the provocative Landscape.” Through March 3. Sunday, Jan. 28 “Harvey K. Littleton + Friends: A Legacy of Trans- Memorial service—honoring recently deceased forming Object, Image, Idea.” Through March 3. students: Kyle Cashwell, Andrew Sides, Drew Anderson, and Mary Tucker. 3 p.m. Cullowhee OPENING MARCH 13: Undergraduate Portfolio Exhibit, Department of Art & Design. Through United Methodist Church. (227-7147) March 23. Monday, Jan. 29 OPENING MARCH 15: “The Cleveland Lady Catamount basketball—vs. Elon. Southern Connection: Rock and Roll Photographs of Conference game. 5 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Albert Kresch, Catskills Landscape, 1998, oil on panel, George Shuba.” Through May 4. Catamount basketball—vs. Wofford. Southern 10”x14”, Courtesy Salander-O’Reilley Galleries, New York Museum hours: Conference game. 7:30 p.m. RRAC. (227-7338) Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; first Saturday of each month 1-4 p.m. Submissions: Send news items and calendar notices to WCU Calendar, 1601 Ramsey Center, Western Carolina University, Donations appreciated. (227-3591 or Cullowhee, NC 28723 or e-mail to: [email protected]. Submit items for the university’s online calendar at least one http://fapac.wcu.edu) week prior to the event. Key: $–Admission fee; BB–Belk Building; CAC–Catamount Athletic Center; CAT–Center for Applied Technology; CCB–Cordelia Camp Building; CSC–Catamount Softball Complex; FAPAC– Fine and Performing Arts Center; HA–Hoey Auditorium; HFR–H.F. Robinson Administration Building; HS/CF–/Childress Field; MHC–Mountain Heritage Center; NSA–Natural Sciences Auditorium; RH–Recital Hall, Coulter Building; RRAC–Ramsey Regional Activity Center; UC–A.K. Hinds University Center; WS/BW–Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field.

January 22, 2007 • The Reporter • page 3 Get Help, Get Fit t h e Office of Public Relations Publications Department 1601 Ramsey Center Cullowhee NC 28723

Scholarship Created to Benefit Cancer Research For Western Carolina University assistant be the first recipient of this award.” biology professor Sean O’Connell and his Tidmore watched her aunt battle breast Kellie Angelo Monteith, director of the Fitness Center, leads sister Monica Fleming of Enfield, Conn., cancer and struggled, as an 11-year-old, to an exercise training class at Western. the fight against breast cancer is personal. understand why—why it happened and why The Fitness Center staff is inviting two faculty The disease claimed the life of their sister, the doctors couldn’t make her better. and staff members to try out everything from fit- Anastasia “Stacy” O’Connell of Connecticut, The experience helped guide her to ness center equipment to working with personal earlier this year. Western, where she is preparing for a career trainers this semester for free. That’s the reason behind Fleming’s recent in medicine or biological research. She There’s a catch, of course: the two participants memorial gift of $33,500 to establish the currently works with O’Connell studying will be asked to share their experiences in brief Anastasia “Stacy” M. O’Connell Endowed updates in The Reporter to help others know what Scholarship and Research Fund at Western. resources are out there and what they’re like. The endowed fund will provide one “We will provide guidance, motivation and annual $1,000 scholarship for a junior or encouragement throughout the semester to assist senior at Western who is majoring in biology in achieving their goals whatever they are,” said with interests in pursuing further studies in Kellie Angelo Monteith, director of the Fitness fields related to the study of breast cancer. Center. It also will provide $500 annually to the The participants will have free access to the biology department to enable the scholarship fitness center, group exercise classes, goal-setting recipient to work with a member of the consultations, monthly fitness assessments, biology faculty in conducting research in weekly meetings with a personal trainer, a per- molecular genetics, immunology, the ecology sonalized exercise program and a membership to of disease and other fields. Western Walks. “I think Stacy would greatly appreciate the “The new year can feel like a fresh start that meaning of this sort of award and the promise makes us think about wanting to get in shape,” that it holds for getting young students started Monteith said. “We have a lot of resources here to in biology careers, especially with the hope help make a lifestyle change for good. When you of helping to find cures for cancer,” said Sean feel good about yourself, it touches every part of O’Connell. “We take comfort in believing our your life.” loss will be a gain for the causes that Stacy Interested participants are asked to share a re- supported and will also act as a permanent sponse to “What may be an obstacle in your life memorial to her life and spirit.” Jamie Tidmore, a senior from Bryson City who won that prevents you from pursuing a healthy life- Stacy O’Connell died at age 39 on April two scholarships, conducts research in the biology style?” in less than 200 words. Submissions can be 21, 2006, in Enfield, after her third battle lab at Western with Sean O’Connell, assistant sent to [email protected] or given to Monteith with breast cancer. She had been healthy for professor of biology. directly at the Fitness Center by Monday, Jan. 29. nearly 10 years after her first diagnosis, and bacterial species from Great Smoky For more information, check out www.wcu. had become an advocate for breast cancer Mountains National Park. edu/studentd/fitness/. awareness and other causes, family members “I study biology to seek answers and, said. Fleming decided that a scholarship and hopefully, someday be able to do my part research fund would be a fitting tribute to to help in the fight against disease,” said her sister, who had earned her undergraduate Tidmore. “In the 12 years since my aunt’s degree in biology. death, biological researchers have made The first recipient of the scholarship will tremendous gains in the field of cancer, and be Jamie Tidmore, a senior biology major the survival rate has increased with every from Bryson City. O’Connell said Tidmore, year. I am confident that had my aunt been like his sister, has participated in fundraisers diagnosed today, her chances of survival to support cancer research and volunteered would be great. Yet with all of the advances her time to work with young athletes. there is still no cure or answer to the “Jamie is a very positive, motivated and questions: why and what can we do?” energetic person,” O’Connell said. “I would — by BESSIE DIETRICH and TERESA KILLIAN think my sister would be proud that she will

The Reporter is published by the Office of Public Relations. Mail faculty/staff notes, events, notices, and changes of address to: The Reporter, 1601 Ramsey Center, or send them via e-mail to: [email protected].

January 22, 2007 • The Reporter • page 4