Good News around WCU

Employee Achievements

Lynn Zubernis, Counselor Education, was interviewed last month in the Vacouver Sun about her research on fan psychology and one of the books that she is working on in that area, about the fandom of the television show Supernatural. Lynn has two books coming out in early 2012 on fan psychology and fandom- Stalking Fandom and Current Topics in Fan Studies (Cambridge Scholars). She is also the Area Chair for the SW/TX Popular Culture Association for Stardom and Fandom, and on the Editorial Board of the first print journal devoted to fan research, The Journal of Fan Studies (Intellect). Any colleagues interested in contributing to the fascinating area of research are encouraged to contact Lynn.

Deirdre Pettipiece, College of Arts and Sciences, was an invited speaker/presenter at the Council of Innovators and Education conference in Miami, Florida. Her presentation, "Developing Sustainable International Collaborations Through Technology: Online Educational Partnerships" was well-received.

Randall Scarlata, Music History, performed in New York, NY: soloist in Bach's B Minor Mass with the Orpheus Ensemble and the Riverside Chorale, Alice Tully Hall, Patrick Gardner conducting.

Karen Vanlandingham, Geology and Astronomy, continues to receive funding from the PA Space Grant through a contract with Penn State University. The funds are used to support astronomy student research assistants and astronomy faculty in the departments of Physics and Geology & Astronomy.

The New Faculty Orientation Committee successfully concluded its intensive three-day orientation in August for 42 new faculty, three new administrators, and one ROTC officer. They will offer a fall and spring follow-up series. The committee members spent many hours creating a welcoming and meaningful experience for our new colleagues.

Deirdre Pettipiece, College of Arts and Sciences, and Director of the Pre-Med program, Stephen Zimniski, completed new affiliation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Department of Kinesiology has reached a new articulation agreement with Texas Chiropractic College for students who wish to pursue a certificate in Pre-Chiropractic. They have also completed an articulation agreement with Arcadia University for their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Student Success

Mr. Elijah Grillo, College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the American Institute of Chemists award for outstanding work in the field of chemistry, academic year 2010-2011.

Two students from the Department of Nursing, Yan Jiang and Rosemary Ryan, have been nominated for the Highmark Graduate Student Award.

Intitatives

The Admissions Office hosted Student Shadow Day on April 20, 2011.   36 high school students from Philadelphia Futures and the White-Williams Scholars Program spent the day "shadowing" current WCU students as they attended classes, lunch, and went to meetings or work-study assignments. 

The Library added "Tell me more! Online learning" which provides instruction in 6 languages (English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish). This will provide support for international students at WCU and students studying these languages.

The College of Education implemented the PASSHE grant “Jump Start for the Future” by conducting the 1st annual Jump Start program, with students from Kensington HS attending the week-long residential program at WCU and Cheyney.

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