New President Welcomed to Campus with Barbecue President Porter's

Home , Lindenwood University, Shorter University

Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019

New President Welcomed to Campus with Barbecue

On June 27, Lindenwood Univer- net and getting to know and listen to em- sity employees welcomed John R. Porter, ployees across campus. the new president, to campus. President Porter and his wife, Bev- At an all employee event held in erly, moved into the Lindenwood House at the Scheidegger theater, Interim President the end of June. The new president hit the Art Johnson introduced Mr. Porter as Lin- ground running, starting on his first offi- denwood University’s 23rd president and cial day, July 1. shared some of his background with the After both Art Johnson and Presi- audience. dent Porter spoke with the group, the floor President Porter also addressed was opened for questions from the em- the gathered employees and expressed his ployees. Then it was time to move to the parking lot, where a barbecue lunch await- excitement for this new role. He stated his ed all employees. The new president min- primary objective as he starts his leader- gled with employees and enjoyed a lovely ship of the university is to listen. He looks welcome to Lindenwood University. forward to the first meeting with the cabi-

President Porter’s Bio John R. Porter worked fof IBM for 33 years, with the last has experience as an adjunct professor, a university fund- 15 being in senior management. He led various IBM divi- raiser, and a board member at Evangel University. sions in innovation, creativity, growth, continuous improvement, and development of new revenue streams—all Those who have worked with John in the past are highly while instituting cultures of excellence. He worked in nu- complimentary of his communication skills, his business merous locations throughout the United States as well as and financial acumen, and his overall character, emphasiz- in South Africa. While at IBM, John was recruited to Gulf ing his integrity and impeccable honesty. John combines Business Machines, an IBM business partner, to lead their both the traditional and nontraditional skills necessary to services division in the Middle East. He resided during not only keep Lindenwood competitive, but also to collab- that tenure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. oratively develop programs to sustain Lindenwood’s position at the forefront of educational innovation and aca- While highly successful in the business world, John al- demic excellence. ways aspired to lead a university and worked tirelessly toward his goal. His academic pedigree includes an un- John and Beverly, his spouse of 35 years and a CPA, have dergraduate degree from Evangel University in Spring- three grown children, all of whom reside in the Kansas field, Mo., an MBA from Washington University in St. City area. Louis, Mo., and he is currently studying towards a Doctor of Education degree at Johns Hopkins University in Balti- more, Md., with an anticipated graduation in 2020. John

1 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019

Staff Work Anniversaries Your Lindenwood- St. Charles Staff Council Adam Benkendorf Chair 20 Years Craig Felzien Kassandra Linzmeier Vice-Chair Chris Edler Jeff Schauman Cheri Miller Secretary Amanda Heinz Steven Wirth Kelly Ahne Amie Hunt Julie Carter Jaygan Eastman 5 Years Brooke Gutermuth Julie Carter Paul Huffman Michael Reese Christopher Philips Samantha Kennedy Joe Weber Scott Mellring 15 Years Kara Schilli Vernon King William Nicholas Jason Owen Laura McAvoy Bob Pecararo 10 Years Tony White Candace Terry Sandy Love Alexis Wood Shawn Dulohery Adam Ulrich Joe Weber Donnie Weiland News from Around Campus

Amanda Schaller Nicole Sullivan (Admissions & Services) (Executive Assis- welcomed her baby boy, tant to the Presi- Nicholas, in February. dent) is proud to announce the birth of her daughter, Char- Gymnastics Assistant Coach, Becky Colvin, was mar- lotte Anne. Char- ried to Marcus Stevens on May 24. lotte was born on February 19. She Julie Carter’s (cycling head coach) weighed 8lbs, 9 son, TJ, recently became one of oz and measured Lindenwood’s youngest (age 18) 20” long. graduates this spring by earning a

Criminal Justice degree. TJ will be working in the Czech Republic for two years doing missionary We would like to welcome Con- work. nor Jacob Smith to our Lion Family! Connor was born on Liz Kelly (head softball coach) earned her 500th June 28, 2019. NCAA win at a game on April 23. Congratulations, Brian (assistant coach , women’s la- As part of the Adopt-A-Team program, the School of crosse) and Katie! Education now sponsors the cycling team. For more information about how your department can adopt a team, contact the Human Resources department.

2 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019 Welcome the New Dean of Humanities

Lindenwood Staff Council Center. She noted when she was on campus for the inter- would like to introduce you to view, the people and environment was “so nice and wel- Dr. Kathi Vosevich, dean for coming.” She immediately knew this was the place for her. the School of Humanities. Dr. She has been involved in Alpha Chi, which is a national Vosevich started on July 1 . college honor society, and invites you to join her in execut- Formerly, she was the associ- ing one of their mottos, “Scholarship effective for good.” ate provost and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences “I am humbled and honored to be the next dean for hu- at Shorter University in Geor- manities, and I look forward to working with an impressive gia. She has a strong academ- and quality faculty,” Vosevich said. “I’m thrilled to have the ic background, coupled with opportunity to work with a team that wants to help stu- extensive management expe- dents do well and do good. I am very happy to be a Lion.” rience both in academia and in the corporate world. Please stop by and meet Dr. Vosevich when she gets to She is excited to “move home” and make a positive campus in July! She will be temporarily located in Butler impact at Lindenwood and in the community. Hall 202 until the summer projects in McCluer Hall are Dr. Vosevich was born and raised in St. Louis. Early completed. If you visit on Fridays, you may even get to in her career, she taught classes on Lindenwood’s meet her dogs Puck and Armand. Welcome to Linden- campus and always thought it was a special place. wood, Kathi! Watching Lindenwood grow over the years, she was truly amazed when she saw all of the new facilities, especially the new Library and Academic Resources 2018-2019 Staff Award Winners Honored

The spring all-staff meeting and award ceremony is a time for all staff to gather, be updated on a few business items, and then

have some fun and recognize and appreciate each other. This past spring’s all-staff meeting was no exception. Each year, five awards are given out to staff members from nominations made by the Lindenwood community. Most nomi-

nations come from peer-to-peer nominations by other staff members, but faculty and administrators can also nominate an outstanding staff member. One special award’s nominations come directly from the students. This year’s award winners are stellar examples of Lindenwood’s mission, values, and our ongoing commitment to Q2 service excellence! winner pulled a nominator’s name when they came to the stage Rookie of the Year Award Rachael Heuermann to accept their award. Lindenwood Staff Service Award Brittany Brown Award winners also get a very nice prize package that included a Behind the Scenes Award Greg Cole dedicated parking spot for the following year, a reception with the president at the Lindenwood House, and a $100 dining dol- Student G.E.M. Award Angie Royal lar credit for the next school year. This year’s awards were cre- ated on the campus in our very own makerspace with wood Real Experience, Real Success Award Joe Weber from a tree on campus. This made the awards extra special this This year, the Staff Council’s award and recognition sub- year! committee added a drawing to reward staff members who nomi- Remember to submit your nominations for the 2019-20 staff nated their peers for an award. Prizes included Cardinal base- awards! ball tickets and gift certificates to local restaurants. Each award

3 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019 Linden Wellness Corner

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot! If possible, avoid the midday sun 11a.m. to 3p.m.; it is the hottest. Hello, sweet summer time! There is nothing better than days by Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. the pool, weekends at the lake, and being able to get out and ex- Stay in air-conditioned locations when able. plore all of the amazing festivals, events, and attractions that St. Properly pace outdoor activity. Louis has to offer when summer sneaks in. The skies are clear, the Take cool showers to cool down. sun is shining, and the birds are singing, so get out there and en- Sun Exposure joy the summer. Oh, those sweet rays and the golden tans they bring, am I right? Well, yes and unfortunately, no. While those rays provide us with To help, here is some information surrounding hydration, heat some much-needed Vitamin D, they can also lead to sunburns, exhaustion, and sun exposure that will help you make the most of which we all should avoid. A great way to safely enjoy the summer your summer in a happy and healthy way! sun and lessen your chances of being sunburned is to remember - Slip. Slop. Slap. and Wrap3. Hydration Slip – on a shirt. Dark colors provide more protection than Stop; drop what you are doing, and drink some water if you are light colors and dry fabric is usually more protective than reading this! Why? you ask. Because staying hydrated is so im- wet fabric. portant, especially in the warmer months. Staying hydrated will Slop – on the sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with help to combat heat-related illnesses by helping to regulate your SPF 30+ values are recommended, and reapplication body temperature. Additionally, making sure you are taking in every 2 hours is necessary. more water than you are losing through sweating, breathing, and Slap – on a hat. A hat with a 2 to 3inch brim all around is getting rid of waste will help you avoid dehydration. So drink up! ideal. Wrap – on some sunglasses. Glasses labeled “UV absorption Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated. up to 400nm or meets ANSI UV Requirements” are rec-  Drink a glass of water each morning when you wake up. ommended and block 99% of UV rays.

 Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. So remember…stay hydrated, stay protected, and beat that heat!  Do not ignore thirst! Drink when you feel thirsty. Let the sea set you free & enjoy summer of 2019!  Remember that foods are a good source of water as well. Try Resources having some watermelon, celery, strawberries, cucumber, or https://www.dietitians.ca/getattachment/becace49-3bad- tomatoes with each meal or simply for a snack. 4754-ac94-f31c3f04fed0/FACTSHEET-Guidelines-for- staying-hydrated.pdf.aspx Heat Illnesses Although the warmth that the summer brings can be a lovely “Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather! | Features | CDC.” Centers break from the cold winter weather, it can also be a hazard to your for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease health. It is important to take the proper precautions when the Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/features/ summer brings high heat. Remember the following as you and extremeheat/index.html. your family enjoy the summer to avoid heat related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. “How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays?” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/ During days of high heat2: prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html.

4 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019 Purpose & Details of the Lindenwood University Staff Council

Effective communication and collaboration is key to any  Represent staff – Be aware of the needs and concerns institution’s success. Lindenwood has over 600 staff of those whom he/she represents and to present to members, and one solution to this has been the creation the council those items that are pertinent to his/her of a university Staff Council in 2014. The purpose of the division. council is to:  Communication with constituents – One of the most  Promote a sincere interest and concern for continu- important roles is serving as a conduit to your constit- ing the mission and goals of Lindenwood University; uents, providing information about opportunities for personal and professional development, ways to be-  Serve as the representative body for the staff em- come involved on campus, and university policies that ployees of the university; affect staff members.  Provide an additional channel of communication for  Serve on a committee – The work of the council is staff with administration and faculty; accomplished through committees. The committee  Assist the administration with advice, as needed, on structure spreads responsibility among all members. policy issues relevant to the staff; Members are required to serve on one committee but  Address concerns of the general staff population and are free to serve on additional committees if they de- seek improvement of staff work environment, condi- sire. Committees should come prepared to each tions, and processes; meeting to give an update on their work over the last  Foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. month.  Attend meetings – Be present at monthly meetings so Lindenwood’s Staff Council currently is made up of 16 that you remain informed on behalf of your constitu- members from various divisions across campus. Mem- ents. bers are voted in by their peers and serve a 3-year term. If you would like to learn more about the opportunity of When there is a vacancy in a Staff Council position, the being on Staff Council, you can reach out to one of your division association with the open position is notified so Staff Council representatives or the Staff Council chair. that a new election can be held. The responsibilities of each council member is to:

Pet of the Quarter

This quarter’s Pet of the Quarter is Buddy. Sandy At night he is a full-on snuggle bug burrowing under the blanket with Love (Curriculum & Scheduling) is Buddy’s human. us as we sit in a chair or lounge on the couch! He loves his people and we love him. According to Sandy, “After losing my beloved Spen- cer in January of 2015, I needed a new puppy to fill the void, and so the search began.

I wanted a tiny rescue dog, and when I saw this sweet face, I immediately fell in love. We were told both mom and dad were under 12 lbs., and when we took him home he weighed 3 lbs.

Today, Buddy Love is a 24 pound, stubborn-but- loving, Chiweenie. Buddy enjoys being outside playing like he is Simba the Lion King and truly believes he is as tough as a lion. Truth be told, he is the king of the castle.

He protects our house by chasing any cat, opossum, deer, or lizard that dares to enter his domain. He loves to play with sticks, dig for moles, and chase the grandkids and neighbor kids around the yard.

5 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019 Page from the Past

While Lindenwood’s recent involvement with the NCAA began in 2010, the university actually had a relationship with the organization much earlier than this. From 1969 until 1980, in conjunction with the NCAA, Lin- denwood hosted a highly successful summer sports program geared to help kids in low-income neighborhoods keep fit. A key feature of the program was that Lindenwood students were involved in leading the activities.

6 Lindenwood University Staff Association Newsletter Summer 2019 Staff Council Cryptogram

Employees who submit a completed and correct puzzle to Adam Benkendorf by noon on July 31 will be en- tered into a drawing for a prize pack. The winner and the answers will be published in the Digest the following week.

Instructions: Find the hidden phrase! Try to solve one word at a time. Work in pencil! Once you figure out what a let- ter in the phrase is, you can mark it in the boxes above and on the corresponding space. Two letters have been provided for you. The answer can be found on the Lindenwood website.