liberal arts and science dean's report 2009-2010

1Emporia State University

Letter from the Dean

Letter from the Associate Dean

New Administration and Faculty Colleagues | Faculty Activities

Welcome to the Liberal Arts and Sciences Thank You from the Liberal Arts and Sciences

Liberal Arts and Sciences Lecture Series Roe R. Cross Award Ruth Schillinger Award

2010 Faculty Award Recipients

General Education Enhancement Initiative OfficeofInterdisciplinaryStudies

Si Se Puede

Student Awards

Newberg Seniors

Shepherd Scholars

Contents

23

1011

89

46

7

Degrees awardedB.A., B.S.,

B.F.A., B.M.,B.M.E., B.I.S.,

B.S.N.I.R.S.

10Departments

1Office of

Interdisciplinary Studies

13Cross-Disciplinary

Programs

5Centers and

Institutes

8CertificatePrograms

156Faculty

Members

1,926Students

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

2 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

lot has happened since publication of the most recent Dean’s Report of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Emporia State University. Economies, both in the U.S. and abroad,

have faced tremendous turmoil, and students graduating from universities and colleges worldwide have faced greater challenges than may have been the case only a few years ago.

In this new environment, some are understandably scrutinizing the value of the Liberal Arts and Sciences. We at Emporia State University believe that an education is more than a ticket to a job. It should also be a way of life marked by critical thinking and understanding of all human endeavor.

Within Liberal Arts and Sciences departments, students learn to question, analyze and evaluate. They learn to examine their own motives, especially when presented with dilemmas that challenge their ethics.

That’s a purpose of a Liberal Arts and Sciences education, whether undergraduate or graduate: to have the knowledge, wisdom and insight to choose the right path when facing enormous challenges. We believe that the ability to lead with integrity is a hallmark of a Liberal Arts and Sciences education.

But even more importantly, a Liberal Arts and Sciences education offer innumerablebenefitsinthelifeofeachindividual.Educationgroundedinsuchasetting teaches students how to think. Students develop strength of mind and an ordered intellect; as a result, the world becomes understandable.

Additionally, courses in the College teach students how to learn, often using non-traditionalmethodsofinquiryanddiscovery.Studentsfindthathighereducation, and learning in general is far more than simply an open and closed book. This broad base of knowledge greatly enhances creativity, which is a common thread of degrees offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

An education with its foundation in experiences of this sort allows students to see things whole, provides a context for all knowledge. Life itself is a whole, not divided into discrete majors; students with the ability to relate learning to life are far more likely to enjoy success and happiness. A cultivated mind enjoys itself, the sciences, the arts and the humanities. It is able to bring meaning to the varying experiences of life, to develop values and insights.

Many centuries ago, the Roman philosopher Seneca observed that “More is experienced in one day of the life of a learned man than in the whole lifetime of an ignorant man”. This document celebrates the value of the Liberal Arts and Sciences at Emporia State University in preparing our students for productive, rewarding lives. We invite you to examine the work, and share in the pride we feel at the accomplishments of our outstanding students and faculty members.

Warm regards, Steven Brown

From the Dean

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sIreflectonthepastyear,Iamverygratefultoallofyoufor your efforts in making Emporia State University and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences the outstanding place that

it is. Your commitment to our students and your efforts in making the college experience a transformative event in their lives cannot be overstated. I would like to thank, in particular, those of you who work so hard to make the general education program successful and in providing research opportunities to our undergraduates.

A strong liberal arts education is the backbone of a civil society and perhaps offers the best chance of truly engaging our students, increasing their love of learning and quality of life, and of minimizing the divisiveness and polarization that is undermining social and political discourse in contemporary society. The prevailing message spread by so many people these days, including members of the media is this: If you disagree with me you are either stupid or evil. A liberal arts education, correctly taught, instills in students the essential belief that wonderful, intelligent, and honest people can have beliefs and opinions that are different from their own; and these differences should be discussed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and good will.

A strong liberal arts education not only prepares students for an ever changing labor market, but arms them with critical thinking skills that prepare them for proactive, informed citizenship. Let us strengthen our resolve to do all we can to ensure that our general education program remains strong. We on the General Education Council appreciate so many of you who give your students your best effort in the classroom.

A number of you have gone out of your way to provide mentoring experiences to our students by allowing them to work with you on genuine research projects. I have had the opportunity to interview a number of these students about their experiences and I was impressed by how meaningful it was for them. Many students described their experiencesworkingwithafacultymentorasthemostsignificantacademic experience they’ve ever had. These students are truly engaged in the life of the mind. Thanks so much for making this happen.

I wish all of you the best and I commit myself to doing anything I can to join with you in continuing to improve our college and the experience our students have. Thanks for so much for all you do.

Sincerely,Gary Wyatt

From the Associate Dean

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Four colleagues from within the College of Liberal Arts and Science stepped into permanent positions during the past year.

Dr. Gary Wyatt was named Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences after serving one year as Interim Associate Dean. Dr. Wyatt has been teaching at Emporia State University in the Sociology/Anthropology/Crime and Delinquency Studies department for 22 years. Currently, a Professor of Sociology, Dr. Wyatt divides his time between teaching, research, and his administrative duties.

Dr. R. Brent Thomas was named Chair of the Biological Sciences Department. Dr. Thomas a Professor of Biology, served one year as the Interim Chair before accepting the position on a permanent basis. He continues to teach Anatomy and Physiology and the accompanying lab in the Zoology area of the Biological Sciences.

Dr. Joe Yanik was named Chair of the Mathematics/Computer Science/Economics Department in June of this year when Associate Professor Larry Scott stepped down from the position after serving for 21 years. Dr. Yanik has been a Professor of Mathematics at Emporia State University for 20 years. He continues to teach an array of mathematics courses and is a member of the General Education Council.

Dr. Allan Comstock was named Chair of the Music Department. Prior to accepting the position as the Chair on a permanent basis, Dr. Comstock, an Associate Professor of Music, served as the Interim Chair for one year. His area of expertise is double reeds, in which he continues to teach courses. Along with his administrative duties and teaching, Dr. Comstock is also Coordinator of Music History at Emporia State University. He serves as Principal Bassoon in the Topeka Symphony and is a member of both the Mid-America Woodwind Quintet and the Flint Hills Trio.

Welcome to Liberal Arts & Sciences


TheDean’sofficewishestoextendsinceregratitudetoAssociateProfessorLarryScott for his many years of time, effort, and commitment to serving the students, faculty, and administration of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Emporia State University.

WelcomeNew Faculty MembersThe following Instructors joined the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to the Fall 2010 term.

Mr. Nathan Gay, MusicDr. Patricia Kahn, ArtDr. Carol Krueger, MusicMs. Lisa Moritz, English/Modern Languages, and JournalismMs. Jessica Niehues, English/Modern Languages, and JournalismMs. Gina Peek, NursingMs. Ronda Voorhis, English/Modern Languages, and JournalismMs. Alyson Weiser, NursingDr. Susan Zuber-Chall, Anthropology/Sociology/ and Crime and Delinquency Studies

Many ThanksWith a combined total of 62 years of service, the encouragement, inspiration and guidance that Dr. Gerrit (Gary) Bleeker and Dr. Terry Barham provided to the students, administration and university can never be measured. The two retiring faculty members were recognized during the 143rd ESU Commencement Exercise held on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Dr. Bleeker was cited for his 40 years of service in English and Dr. Barham for his 22 years in Music. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is honored to have been represented by these outstanding educators for so many years.

Dr. Bleeker Dr. Barham


uring the 2009-2010 academic year the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences continued its Lecture Series, with presentations from faculty members: William Jensen, Martin Cuellar & Melinda Groves, William

Clamurro, Brice Obermeyer, Jan Borst, and Eric Conrad. The Lecture Series continues to be an excellent source of enrichment to the College. It provides an opportunity for faculty members from throughout the university to learn of the outstandingprofessionalactivitiesoffacultycolleagues.Anadditionalbenefitof the series is provision of a venue at which faculty members from across the campus may interact, share activities and successes, and discuss plans for future development.

To view recent presentations from the LA&S Lecture Series go to: http://www.emporia.edu/las/Presenters.htm

Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award The Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award is presented each year to the ESU professor who most fully demonstrates qualities of teaching excellence, professional productivity, fostering of an intellectual atmosphere, service to the university and status as a student mentor. Dr. Jim Ryan, a Professor of Communication and Theatre at ESU since 1992, was chosen as this year’s recipient. Dr. Ryan joins a list of outstanding ESU faculty members who have received the university’s top teaching award since its inception in 1979. He is an accomplished actor with a long list of performance credits in professional theater in the United States and Great Britain. Dr. Ryan has also performed in several television programs and is credited in two motion pictures.

You may watch Dr. Ryan receive the Roe R. Cross Award here:

http://www.emporia.edu/news/archives/2010/april/ryanroecross.htm

Ruth Schillinger AwardNamedforalong-timeDeanofWomenandESU’sfirstAffirmativeActionofficer,the Ruth Schillinger Award is presented each year by the Ethnic/Gender Studies Program. The award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the women of Emporia State over a sustained period. This year’s recipient is Leslie Lewis, Dean of Humanities and Sciences at Ithaca College, New York. Dean Lewis was the founder of the ESU Ethnic and Gender Studies Program. She taught at ESU as a lecturer/instructor and then as an Assistant Professor from 1991-1999. In the Spring of this year, Dean Lewis spoke on the ESU campus about the value of a Liberal Arts Education.

Lecture Series

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t the conclusion of the Spring semester, the College recognized three faculty members for contributions to the University by presenting the College of Liberal Arts and Science’s Award of Excellence. These awards

have been presented annually since the 1997-1998 academic year and recognize outstanding scholarship, teaching, and service to the community. Recipients for the 2009-2010 were Dr. Brian Hollenbeck, Dr. Dwight Moore, and Dr. Kevin Rabas.

Dr. Rabas received the Scholarship Award. An Associate Professor of English, Dr. Rabas’s professional activities at ESU include: teaching creative writing and literature, co-directing the creative writing program, co-editing Flint Hills Review, and advising the student literary magazine, Quivira. Since joining the faculty at ESU, Dr. Rabas has published 46 poems within literary journals, seven short stories, and one play. He has been awarded the Langston Hughes Award for Poetry, the Salina Poetry Series New Voice Award, the Victor Contowski Award for Poetry, and the Flint Hills Poetry Society Award for Poetry. He has two books of poetry Bird’s Horn (Coal City Review Press, Lawrence, 2007) and Lisa’s Flying Electric Piano (Woodley Press, Washburn University, 2009). Lisa’s Flying Electric Piano was recently named Kansas Notable Book and awarded the Nelson Poetry Book Award. Rabas’ stage plays have debuted across Kansas, and in October 2010 his ten-minute play Elizabeth was produced in San Diego. Rabas has presented papers for numerous literary meetings, including international, national, and regional conferences.

Dr. Hollenbeck, recipient of the Teaching Award serves as Associate Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Hollenbeck focuses on enhancing the student learning experience both in the classroom and beyond. He has supervised numerous undergraduate research projects and assisted students in attending conferences and presenting their own research. He has presented conference sessions at the regional and national levels, highlighting classroom projects and activities that provide a deeper exploration of mathematical concepts. These projects have included such activities as creating mathematical art, predicting pumpkin weights, analyzing the game of Farkel, and modeling attendance patterns for the Emporia Zoo.

Dr. Moore, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received this year’s Service Award. In addition to his teaching load, Dr. Moore has served on numerous committees, boards, and panels over the past year and has advised over 40 students. Dr. Moore works with students at all levels, from advising freshmen students in the Student Advising Center to directing graduate students on their Master’s Thesis. Dr. Moore feels it is very important for biology studentstogetextendedfieldexperience.Overthepastseveralyears,betweenfall and spring semesters, he has taught courses in the Bahamas and during SpringBreak,hehastaughtafieldcourseinMexico.

Faculty Awards of Excellence

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he value of a liberal arts education, and the general education coursework that is its foundation, has increasingly come under attack. A strong liberal arts education is the critical ingredient for an informed and

proactive citizenry and a vigorous defense of it is essential for the well-being our students, our institutions, and our communities. To buttress the value of General Education, the General Education Council is implementing the General Education Enhancement Initiative. This initiative will include making presentations to new students about the value of general education, bringing faculty together to discuss ways of enhancing our program and of making it more relevant for both faculty and students, and making the case for general education to the broader public.

n the Spring of 2010, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences announced the opening within the college oftheOfficeofInterdisciplinaryStudies.Dr.Susan

Kendrick, Associate Professor of English, was named the directoroftheoffice,whichhousestwodegrees,theBachelorof Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Science inInformationResourceStudies.ThenewOfficeoncemore emphasizes the commitment of the college and the university to providing innovative and individualized degree opportunities for all students, both traditional an non-traditional.

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OfficeofInterdisciplinary Studies Developed

Dr. Susan Kendrick

General EducationEnhancement Initiative


his program is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Hispanic students. The goals of the program are to increase student interest in science and mathematics. The students have an opportunity to meet and form personal contacts with

Hispanic professionals in a wide range of careers related to science and math. Hands-on workshops are designed to stimulate students in learning more about specificcareers.

The career discussions and workshops are scheduled starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Each student commits to attending four sessions during the school term. A banquet for the participants and their parents is provided at the last Saturday session.

Yes You Can! Twenty Emporia and Topeka area students participated in the Si Se Puede program during the 2009-2010 school year. Since its introduction in 2007, this program has given area sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Hispanic students the opportunity to meet and develop personal contacts with Hispanic professionals in a wide array of careers associated with science and mathematics. When Dr. Betsy Yanik, Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Joe Yanik, Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Dwight Moore, Professor of Biology, and Jorge Ballester, Professor of Physical Science, came together to develop the program they envisioned an engaging educational environment for the students. One that would inspire them and ignite a desire to continue their studies and interest in mathematics and science as well as consider possible future careers in mathematical/scientificfields.Thisprogram,fundedbyaSUMMAgrantfromthe Mathematical Association of America, is offered annually and requires a commitment from each student to attend four Saturday sessions during the school term. Through a series of career discussions and innovative hands-on workshops led by Hispanic professionals, students are provided with an atmosphere that encourages them to inquire about and experience just how fascinating science and mathematics can be. After the last session, in the Spring, a recognition banquet is held for all the participants and their parents.

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Sí Se Puede Hacer Ciencias y MatemáticasYes, You Can Do Science and Mathematics

LA&S Graduate Student Receives University Award for Excellent Teaching Each year ESU recognizes a pair of Graduate Teaching Assistants who have excelled in classroom instruction. One of the year’s award recipients was Lisa Moritz, an Emporia native, who is pursuing a master’s degree in English. Ms. Moritz was nominated by Dr. Kevin Kienholz, Associate Professor of English.

Nominees are asked to submit a portfolio including a statement of teaching philosophy, student evaluations, faculty evaluations, sample lesson plans, and any other materials which demonstrate excellence in teaching. A faculty committee selects the award recipients. Ms. Moritz was honored at ESU’S Research and Creativity Forum on April 7, 2010 and received a cash award.

Boylan Scholar Award Ms. Xiaobo Wang has been recognized as a recipient of a Laurence C Boylan Scholar Award for 2009-2010. Ms. Wang is pursuing a master’s degree in Biology with a concentration in microbial and cellular biology. She was honored at the ESU’s 2010 Research and Creativity Forum on April 7, 2010, and was awarded a cash stipend. The Laurence C. Boylan Scholar Award was created to honor Dr. Boylan, Dean of Graduate Studies from 1958-66. The Boylan Fund provides awards to honor distinguished scholarship in graduate study at ESU.

Roe R. Cross Scholar Award In an April ceremony, Alli Jordan, an English major from Overland Park was presented the Roe R. Cross Scholar Award. After reviewing the applications submitted for the Sheperd Scholarship, ESU’s Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professors, chose the strongest applicant and present that student with the Roe R. Cross Award. While introducing Ms. Jordan, Associate Professor, Amy Sage Webb stated, “She is an embodiment of all the qualities this scholarship represents,” noted Webb, adding “she leaves everything much better and stronger thanwhenshefindsit.”


Awards

his year’s Emporia State University Newberg seniors continue a tradition of involvement in campus life and serving

their community while compiling a sizable list of awards and honors during their careers in higher education. Twelve ESU seniors, each with an impressive list of accomplishments, were nominated for the Dwight & Ida Curry Newberg awards presented on April 26, 2010. Jonathan Krueger, a political science, public affairs and national security major from Bentley, was named the Newberg Outstanding Senior. Jeremy Walter, a crime and delinquency studies major from Overland Park, was named the Newberg Distinguished Senior.

Mr. Krueger’s campus involvement includes his tenure as president of ESU’s Associated Student Government this year. He has also served leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity, Interfraternity Council, Public Affairs Club, Active Republicans, and was a member of the Students’ Advisory Committee to the Kansas Board of Regents. He is an ESU Shepherd Scholar, and was the university’s homecoming king in 2009. Jonathan has also been involved in community projects including Services Offering Safety and the Kansas Corps.

Mr. Walter has served as president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and ESU’s Interfraternity Council and was vice president of GAMMA, a peer education program that focuses on alcohol abuse prevention and other student health and safety issues. He has participated in Walk for ALS, Relay for Life, Laps for Landon, and has been a volunteer at the Abundant Harvest Soup Kitchen in Emporia. He is a winner of ESU’s Black and Gold Scholarship and Elberta Harris Scholarship, in addition to winning Greek Man of the Year and IFC Excellence Award honors.

Newberg Seniors

Emporia State University 11

Left, Emporia State University’s Newberg Distinguished Senior

Jeremy Walter, Overland Park; and Right, Newberg Outstanding Senior

Jonathan Krueger, Bentley.

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f the twelve Emporia State University seniors-to-be named 2010-2011 Shepherd Scholars, eight are seeking degrees within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. These students not only have received one of ESU’s

most prestigious academic awards, along with a generous scholarship, but have also earned the respect of the ESU faculty members who introduced them at a ceremony in April. Augusta Shepherd and her late husband, R. Hershel Shepherd of Emporia, established the Shepherd Scholars program at ESU in 1994. The scholarship provides substantial support for ESU’s most accomplished upperclassmen during their senior year.

The 2010-11 Shepherd Scholars, enrolled within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, listed with their academic majors and hometowns are:

• LindsayDorsch,English,Whitewater

• RyanHahn,Chemistry,Berryton

• AlliJordan,English,OverlandPark

• LasonyaMcElroy,Communication,KansasCity

• MirandaRenfro,English,Williamsburg

• AmandaRose,Nursing,Emporia

• KevinRoulhac,SocialSciences,Hesston

• TianyueZhao,Economics,Guangdong,China

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Shepherd Scholars

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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2010-11 ESU Shepherd Scholars: (back row, left to right) Tianyue Zhao, April Robbs, Alli Jordan, Ryan Hahn, Kevin Roulhac, Miranda Renfro, Lindsay Dorsch. (front row, left to right) Madeline Kilmer, Lasonya McElroy, Nicole Skala, Augusta Shepherd (Shepherd Scholar benefactor), Stephanie Ternes, and Amanda Rose.

Emporia State UniversityCollege of Liberal Arts and Sciences

104 Roosevelt Hall — ESU Box 40101200 Commercial St.

Emporia, KS 66801-5087620-341-5278

www.emporia.edu/las

liberal arts and science dean's report 2009-2010

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