Current Issue: Volume 16 - Number 17 - Jan.25, 2002
Ten percent core cut for Fiscal Year 2003
Gov. Bob Holden recommended a 10 percent core budget cut for Fiscal Year 2003 for all higher education institutions during his State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 23.
For Missouri Southern State College the recommendation is $19,211,851 for the next fiscal year. That compares to $21,346,501 that had been recommended for the current fiscal year and $20,754,608 in 2000-2001.
The recommendation the Governor made today is $1.5 million less than what the College received two years ago. "I am extremely disappointed with the recommendation for higher education," said Missouri Southern President Julio León. "I am particularly disappointed that the Governor did not even mention higher education in his State of the State address." "Even though he said that education was his highest priority, it is clear that every effort is going to be directed to elementary and secondary education in the next fiscal year. We all realize the difficult fiscal condition of the state, but this comes at a time when there is an ever-increasing demand for new skills at the higher education level." The recommendation makes permanent the 7 percent withholding of this year and adds another 3 percent to it, Missouri Southern's President said. "The recommendation is devastating and I expect that the Board of Regents will fully discuss the implications at the next Board meeting." Governor appoints Brooks to Board of Regents Missouri Gov. Bob Holden has announced the appointment of Douglas A. Brooks of Joplin to Missouri Southern State College's Board of Regents. Appointments to the Board must be confirmed by the state Senate. The governor, under the law, may appoint no more than three people from any political party to the six-member board. Brooks, 58, replaces Jane B. Wyman, whose term on the board expired last year. Mrs. Wyman was appointed to a judgeship late last year by Governor Holden. Douglas Brooks currently works in private practice in psychology in Joplin. He consults for Elm Acres Youth Home, the Carthage Police Department and the Neosho Police Department. From 1979 to 1994 he was director of the Clark Community Mental Health Center (formerly the Barry-Lawrence County Counseling Center). Brooks received his bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University, his master's degree from Central Missouri State University and his doctorate from the University of Arkansas. Nancy Smith noted for teaching excellence The teaching excellence of Nancy Smith, head of the Teacher Education Department and Assistant Dean for the School of Education, was recognized by Gov. Bob Holden during the recent 2001 Governor's Conference on Higher Education in Kansas City, Mo. Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching recipients are selected by their respective institutions for their effective teaching and advising, service to the school community, commitment to high standards of excellence, and success in nurturing student achievement. Dr. Smith received her bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern in 1969. She earned a master's degree from Southwest Missouri State University in 1982 and a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) from the University of Arkansas in 1987. She has taught at Missouri Southern since 1991 and has served as department head since 1995. Her areas of expertise include Early Childhood Education and Language Arts. She has served on the Editorial Advisory Board of Missouri Reader, the state journal of the International Reading Association and makes frequent presentations at education conferences and staff development workshops. Today's Brown Bag
Today's topic will be Teaching in the New Electronic Classroom. Sam Claussen, Theatre, will talk about the different technologies that he utilizes fore-courses. The brown bag will be held in Room 125, Anderson Justice Center. A bus will leave the BSC circle drive at 12:00 and return at 12:50. The presentation will be from 12:10 to 12:45. A pizza lunch will be provided. All faculty and staff may attend.
One-acts end tomorrow night
The theatre department's two student-directed one-acts, Line by Israel Horovitz, directed by Jason Engstrom and The Zoo Story by Edward Albee, directed by senior theatre major James Jordan, continue through Saturday night. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m.in the Bud Walton Theatre. Ticket prices are $3 for adults and $1 for senior citizens and high school students. This show is rated M for mature audiences only. Foundation Phonathon theme "2002 in 2002" The 20th-annual Missouri Southern Foundation Phonathon kicked off Tuesday, Jan. 22 in the Foundation House. Foundation officials, news media, community and business leaders, and other friends of Missouri Southern were on hand for the beginning of the effort. This year's Phonathon theme is "2002 in 2002". Curt Betebenner, Foundation Director, says the goal of this year's effort will be to make telephone contact with 2,002 donors. Funds raised during the Phonathon are used to support faculty and student development, lecture programs, scholarships, internships, and other activities that enhance the college experience at Missouri Southern.Retired Faculty member passes
Don Seneker passed away last week in Springfield from complications resulting from heart surgery. Mr. Seneker served as Head of the Criminal Justice Department and Acting Dean of the School of Technology. Don was a friend and valued colleague to many of us and was a strong supporter of the College. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon.
Hughes centennial activities continue The centennial celebration of Joplin-born poet, Langston Hughes continues through February. Langston Hughes was born Feb. 1, 1902 in Joplin. Hughes, who died in 1967, penned poetry, novels, short stories, plays, opera lyrics, and books for children. Hughes was the central figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. On Thursday, Jan. 24, a bust created by the husband and wife team of Nicole and Dewane Hughes, Art, was unveiled in its new permanent home at the Joplin Public Library. Upcoming activities include:- Jan 31: Three-day Langston Hughes Centennial Conference (through Feb. 1): To be held at Missouri Southern State College. Nationally known scholars meet to discuss and assess Langston Hughes' literary works. Topics include connection to music, politics, Africa, African-American culture, and more. Contact Brian Vescio, English, at ext. 9366.
- Jan. 31: Langston Hughes Centennial Banquet: 7 p.m., Connor Ballroom, Billingsly Student Center, MSSC campus. $15 per person. Tickets available through Jan. 28 at MSSC ticket office. Telephone (417) 625-9366. (No charge to those wanting to hear speakers, but not take part in banquet.)
- Feb. 1: Langston Hughes Reading Day: Groups and individuals of all age spend time reading or listening to works by Langston Hughes. The Dream Keeper is the suggested collection. To register groups of more than 10 or to volunteer to read contact Doris Walters, English, at ext. 9644. Reading locations include: 6 a.m., Great American Bagel; 7 a.m., Carver Nursery School; 8 a.m., Joplin City Hall; 9 a.m.-Noon,Joplin Public Library; Noon-3 p.m., Spiva Library; and, 3-6 p.m., Northpark Mall.
- Feb. 1: 10th Annual Langston Hughes Celebration: 6:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Auditorium, 8th & Joplin Streets, Joplin. A birthday bash with noted Hughes biographer, Arnold Rampersad, entertainment by poet Quincy Troupe, music by Jeff Robinson Trio, and a student presentation.
- Feb. 2: A Night with Langston Hughes: 7 p.m., Webster Hall Auditorium, Missouri Southern State College. Mike. Rodgers, English, will perform "as" Langston Hughes. Free and open to the public.
- Feb. 2: Art Exhibit: 8 p.m. Opening Reception, Spiva Art Gallery of MSSC, Newman & Duquesne Roads, Joplin, MO. The exhibit continues through March 1. Works featured by 21 regional artists inspired by the literature of Langston Hughes.
- Feb. 3: Gospelfest: 3 p.m., Webster Hall Auditorium, MSSC. Gospel music featured by choirs and soloists from throughout the 4-State area (Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma).
- Feb. 10: Langston in the Afternoon: 2 p.m., Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 Wall St., Joplin, MO An assortment of poetry readings, storytelling and music featuring special youth presentations.
Reception planned for Jan. 25
The Art Faculty Biennial Exhibit will be closing on Friday, Jan. 25. Val Christensen, Art, says it will two years before you have an opportunity to see the art work of the art faculty on display on campus! There will be a reception for the artists on Friday, Jan. 25, 3-5 p.m. Everyone on campus is invited to come. Art work by the following individuals will be on view: Jim Bray, Val Christensen, Garry Hess, Dewane Hughes, Nick Kyle, Alice Knepper, Robert Kujda, and David Noblett.
Respiratory Therapy program awarded grant
The MSSC Respiratory Therapy Program has been awarded a grant worth over $20,000 in technology, training and support from Advanced Respiratory (the makers of the Vest Airway Clearance System). Each grant included one "Vest" system, an airway clearance curriculum package and a professional development seminar for one instructor from the program. The cost for transportation, lodging and meals during the March seminar in Reno, Nev., will be covered by Advanced Respiratory. "We feel very fortunate to have been one of the respiratory therapy schools awarded such a generous grant package" says Glenda Pippin, R.T.
Flu shots available on first come, first serve basis
The Community Clinic of Joplin and St John's Hospital have donated 40 flu shots to the Health Center. They will be given today from 9 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.or until the shots supply is gone. Shots will be administered in Room K-306 of the Student Health Center. There is no charge. Donations will be accepted in care the Community Clinic of Joplin.
FACULTY/STAFF NOTES
Art Saltzman, English, won the 2001 Nebraska Review contest for creative nonfiction. His essay, "Getting Known," earned a cash award and featured publication in the Summer 2002 issue.
Jane Scholl, Teacher Education, says plans are progressing for the Australia/New Zealand trip during 2002 Intersession (May 21-June 4). If anyone is interested in joining us or has any questions, please contact Vicki Spencer or Jane Scholl by return email or phone (ext. 9622 or 3095) by Thursday, Jan. 24.
Senior Assessment Day will be held on Feb.20 with a session for evening students Feb. 28, 2002, according to Jennifer Weeks, Institutional Research & Assessment. Students need to take the Assessment Test in order to graduate.
CLASSIFIED
For Sale: Beautiful Dean acoustic guitar with built-in electronic pickup and case, $298. Also, Charles Banks Wilson's signed, dated, framed lithograph, "Boy Fishing" for a mere $220. Call ext. 9506 or 359-5980.
For Sale: 2000 Cougar Black with V6, 5 speed and CD Player 35,000 miles. Nice car for only $13,500. Call Linda at ext. 9381 or 782-5847 or Joy at 348-8177
For Sale: 1993 Ford Areostar LXT, V-6, 4-wheel drive minivan, loaded, rear air, new tires. Runs and drives great. $2995. Also have a1993 Pontiac Grand Am SE 4-cylinder, twin-cam, new motor, two new tires, sporty bucket seats. Runs and drives great. $2299.00 Contact ext. 9668 or (417)-548-7217.
