Upward Bound Boasts 100 Percent Pass Rate on Graduation Tests

Seniors in Valdosta State University's Upward Bound program (UB) recently celebrated a 100 percent pass rate for the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT).

The group of 26 students began the year-round college preparation efforts during the first Upward Bound summer session in 2008. The program, funded by a $1 million TRIO grant from the Department of Education, helps local college-bound students in ninth through 12th grade develop the skills and motivation necessary to succeed beyond high school.

Seniors have dedicated time during the last year and a half to attending afterschool study sessions and Saturday learning sessions with Upward Bound tutors and advisors. Students not only covered themes in math, science and literature, but also focused on preparing for future challenges like the SAT, ACT and GHSGT. Many agree their efforts in building stronger study skills and sharpening their abilities in core academic subjects was well worth the time.

In fact, four have already received college acceptance letters. Samantha Mathis and Ashley Patterson have both been accepted to VSU. Ronald Carter Jr. received his letter from Emmanuel College, a private religious-based college in Franklin Springs, Ga. Fort Valley State University, Savannah State University and Rutgers University have each sent letters of acceptance to Kameron Copeland, who has been dually enrolled at Valdosta High School (VHS) and VSU since summer 2009.

Dondraie Seay, Upward Bound director, said she is thrilled for the future college scholars -- the four already accepted and those still searching for the right fit -- and knows Upward Bound will continue supporting them through their first year of college.

"These students have worked so hard to improve their study skills and raise their GPAs," said Seay, who was hired by VSU's Equal Opportunity Programs in 2007. "I know they will truly be successful during their college careers as well."

Dedrek Bryant has also reaped the rewards from his hard work with Upward Bound. The Valdosta High School junior was recently accepted as a student leader for the People to People Leadership Summit, which will be held July 11-17, 2010 at Harvard University in Boston, Mass. Nominated by VHS English Instructor Donna Alger based on his outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential, Bryant will attend workshops and presentations and participate in excursions and discussions designed to assist his college admission efforts and guide his educational career goals.

The rigorous academic program will focus on leadership development and global awareness. Coordinated by People to People Ambassador Programs, www.peopletopeople.com/leadership , its mission is to fulfill former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's vision to foster world citizenship.


Student Initiative Program
A team of Upward Bound students recently returned from the ninth annual Student Initiative Weekend, hosted Nov. 20-22 in Peachtree City by the Georgia Association of Special Programs Personnel (GASPP). The event, themed "TAKE FLIGHT: Soar to a Higher Level," featured workshops, presentations and other events designed to improve communication skills and provide attendees with the leadership tools necessary to reach long term goals.

Presenters included NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins, the most celebrated player to wear an Atlanta Hawks basketball uniform, Alisha Thomas Morgan, the first African American to serve for Cobb County in the Georgia House of Representatives, and several others. All challenged students to seize leadership opportunities, set lofty goals, present themselves in the most professional manner possible and always soar above to exceed others expectations.

Students from TRIO programs around the state also competed in academic bowls with categories in math, science, language arts and other core subjects. Although they didn't bring home top awards, the VSU group performed well.

“In competing with TRIO students from around the state, VSU’s Upward Bound students obtained high performance scores throughout the competition,” said Seay. “This event offered the students and opportunity to exercise and expand their leadership skills.”

Last year, Kameron Copeland brought home a $100 price for placing first in the essay contest and the group scored high in math as well.


What's ahead for Upward Bound
Upward Bound students have faced an accelerated program this year, with four study sessions per week and two Saturday academies each month. Many are also enrolled in honor courses and engaged in the challenging new International Baccalaureate curriculum at Valdosta High.

"The program activities were increased in order to successfully launch the seniors into their chosen college path," said Seay, who manages the program's daily operations. "As a result the students’ skills have increased; the Upward Bound Rising Stars are excelling and will continue to do so upon entering college.”

UB academic advisors work with each junior and senior to create an academic plan to keep them on track toward graduation. Advisors work with school counselors to ensure students are progressing well and taking the best classes to support their long-term goals.

This spring, the group will also tour Georgia colleges, such as Georgia Southern University and Columbus State University, and next summer they plan to travel north for visits to ivy league schools in the Boston, Mass. and New York areas.

Seay said enrollment is open each fall for the program, which manages about 60 students each year. Parents, teachers and other students can refer potential candidates, each of which must submit an application, financial references and an essay about their future goals and life ambitions. After a selective interview process, successful applicants are inducted into the program.

"As a result of the educational and cultural enrichment standards, VSU Upward Bound program has successfully provided beneficial resources to all participants," Seay said. "We challenge the participants to give their all and excel to become a rising star."

Call Seay at (229) 333-5463 or e-mail her at dlseay@valdosta.edu to learn more about VSU’s Upward Bound Program or make a donation to help this program continue leading students toward higher education.

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VSU Nursing Secures $246,000 ICAPP Grant

The University System of Georgia's economic development program, the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP) awarded the Valdosta State University College of Nursing a nearly $246,000 grant to increase the number of nurses prepared to work in behavioral and psychiatric health care.

“The nursing shortage in Georgia and throughout the country is critical, but even more critical is the need for nurses who work with patients with mental and emotional disorders, substance abuse and other behavioral health problems,” said Dr. Anita Hufft, dean of the VSU College of Nursing. "This grant will enable us to draw bright students into our program and expand the number of nurses we prepare to provide a high level of care for these special populations.”

The grant provides for the college to recruit 10 students into the Accelerated BSN Program, which enables a person with any bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisites to receive a Bachelor of Nursing in 14 months of study. Each student will receive a scholarship to pay for tuition on the condition that they work in a behavioral health setting in the state of Georgia upon graduation. The students will receive additional training in the specialized field through partnerships with area behavioral health facilities, including Greenleaf Center in Valdosta and Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville.

To learn more about the grant and admission requirements, e-mail Accelerated BSN Program Manager Michelle Gilbert, RN, MSN, at megilber@valdosta.edu.

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VSU Hosts GISA State Literary Competition March 17-19

While most of campus is quiet with students gone on Spring break, a special group of high school students will take the stage as VSU hosts the Georgia Independent Schools Association’s State Literary competition all day Tuesday through Thursday, March 17-19, in the Fine Arts building.

For the fourth consecutive year, high school students from around the state will tune their voices and present dynamic oral presentations against the state’s finest in categories such as men’s quartet, women’s trio, solo, extemporaneous speaking, oral interpretation and more. VSU professors and local professions will judge the events for GISA classification A, AA and AAA performers.

The event will not only provide a special place for GISA to host its annual event, it will also give students an up close look at performance on VSU’s beautiful campus and the chance to network with potential future professors.

“The President of the program Michael Drake, contacted us four years ago about the possibility of hosting the event here and VSU was pleased to be able to accommodate them during our spring break,” said Coordinator Doug Farwell, who added that approximately 1,000 student could compete this week. “The program consists of events relating to programs housed within the College of the Arts, so naturally this college stepped up to coordinate the events on campus.”

Visit http://www.gisa-schools.org/sch_display_activity.asp?category=17 to view a full schedule or call VSU’s Music Department at (229) 333-5804 for more information. More on GISA can be found at www.gisa-schools.org .

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VSU Gains Another Online Education Master's Degree

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently approved for Valdosta State University to offer a new online Master of Arts for Teachers program.

Students in the new program, which will open for enrollment fall 2010, can major in middle grades or secondary education. The new options will complement existing in-class and online programs offered under the Master of Education in the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education.

"These degrees are part of our effort to supply additional, high quality teachers to our region," said Dr. Louis Levy, VSU provost. “These MAT degrees along with our traditional Master of Education degrees will enhance the supply of qualified teachers, especially in high-need disciplines."

Individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in sought-after academic disciplines, like mathematics and science, will have a degree route to initial teacher certification. Their extensive knowledge in their specific areas, combined with a new background in education will provide a fresh supply of qualified teachers to the area.

The MAT in middle grades or secondary education is offered collaboratively with several other USG institutions, including Columbus State, which will be the first to grant degrees. Students can enroll in the program via www.georgiaONmyLine.gov .

While VSU will not begin granting the MAT until 2010, students can now earn education specialist degrees in teaching and learning, online teaching and teaching of the gifted. Call the COE at (229) 333-5925 for information about these new programs.

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VSU Announces Record Increase in Online Enrollment

For Patricia Hinton, choosing the right masters program was a matter of time and distance. A hard-working professional in rural North Florida, she sought a credible program that was also convenient, allowing her to work around personal and professional obligations at a steady pace.
"I wasn't easily sold on the online concept at first," said Hinton, who successfully completed VSU's online Master of Public Administration program in August 2008, claiming a coveted Hugh Bailey Outstanding Graduate award. "Like many, I was concerned it may lack academic substance and I would miss out on personal interactions, but I was wrong."

During fall 2008, more than 350 new students chose the convenience and flexibility of online graduate programs at VSU. This provided a 50 percent increase in online graduate program enrollment, now at 875 online graduate students - the most in VSU's history. More than 200 of these students are enrolled in the new collaborative Master of Education programs and 44 are in VSU's new Doctor of Public Administration program, which launched last fall.

Hinton was so pleased with her online MPA experience and the quality she received at VSU that she joined 24 other students in the inaugural DPA cohort in fall 2007. She also began teaching American Government and Politics and film at VSU.

"The online MPA and DPA programs have had a profound impact on my life," said Hinton, who began her career in public relations and marketing. "They led me into a new career direction. I love being in the classroom; this is where I am meant to be."

Hinton teaches alongside 610 other faculty members at VSU in small classroom settings with a 19:1 student instructor ratio. Together, they will touch the lives of 11,490 total students during fall 2008, a 1.86 percent increase from 2007 and a 30.69 percent increase from 2000. Included in the official enrollment figures from the University System of Georgia are 1,782 graduate students and 9,708 undergraduates, with 2,143 joining the student body as new freshmen.

Students enrolled for fall semester 2008 represent 156 Georgia counties, 46 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington DC and 68 countries. Lowndes, Gwinnett, and Fulton (top three) counties boasted the most VSU students - 1888 students, 616 students and 484 students respectively. A strong supporter of international studies, VSU welcomed 270 international students to campus this fall.

While Hinton and many others are benefiting from an online education at the graduate level, VSU's Distance Learning addresses the needs of both traditional and untraditional undergraduates as well. This fall 1680 students are enrolled in online classes and a growing number of VSU professors are incorporating the university's online course management system, WebCT, into traditional courses.

Call the Office of Strategic Research and Analysis at (229) 245-6517 or visit www.valdosta/edu/sra/ for more information regarding enrollment and facts about VSU. Visit www.valdosta.edu/more to see why Valdosta State has more!

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VSU Offers Master's Degree in Communication Arts

During fall semester 2009, a cohort of students will become the first to work toward a Master of Communication Arts at Valdosta State University.

The new option will place VSU among the ranks of the University of Georgia and Georgia State University as only the third in the University System of Georgia to offer such a degree. It was established to address the needs of those in communication-related fields through offering graduate level education. Georgia Department of Labor studies have shown an anticipated opening of 360-450 jobs per year in communication-related categories just for VSU's 41-county service area.

To qualify for admission, students must hold a bachelor's degree in communication or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a score of 1000 or higher on the Graduate Record Examination. All will take 12 core hours before choosing a specialty track of media or speech communication. The program will be grounded in research and theory in order to prepare students for doctoral studies, teaching or professional careers in a variety of related areas.

"I am pleased the university will be able to offer a program to meet the critical need for communication-related careers," said Dr. Carl Cates, professor and department head for communication arts. "I look forward to recruiting our inaugural group of students."

Call VSU's Department of Communication Arts at (229) 333-5820 for more information about the new graduate degree program.

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Valdosta State Receives Major Gift from South Georgia Medical Center

South Georgia Medical Center announced July 19 a $1 million investment to address its largest category of staff vacancies -- nursing. The pledge, designated to the Valdosta State University Health Sciences and Business Administration facility, will be used to facilitate the development of an expanded program of nursing and allied health sciences in Valdosta.

Approximately four years ago, SGMC CEO James McGahee and VSU President Ronald Zaccari began meeting to discuss partnership opportunities to advance educational programs at Valdosta State for a variety of health occupations. Working with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, a proposal to build a Health Sciences and Business Administration facility at VSU’s Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus evolved.

According to McGahee, SGMC is very concerned about the nursing shortage that is facing the healthcare industry. He said, “Like so many hospitals around our state and nation, South Georgia Medical Center struggles with a nursing shortage. On any given day, we have between 75 and 100 nursing vacancies throughout our organization. When you couple this shortage with an aging population and increasing hospital utilization, you quickly realize that we are outpacing our resources. SGMC is stepping up to the plate to proactively invest in the establishment of a world-class, health sciences training program at VSU.”

While SGMC helped fund VSU’s Second Degree program and offers nursing scholarships and other incentives for students in health-related fields, McGahee feels more had to be done. “Our goal is to expand opportunities and graduate record numbers of students. Since SGMC will provide clinical training for these students, we hope they will become familiar with our people, practices and procedures and want to work here when they graduate,” McGahee said.

According to Dr. Zaccari, the construction of the Health Sciences and Business Administration facility establishes a partnership with South Georgia Medical Center and the region’s medical community that represents a tremendous economic impact on South Georgia. Additionally, it provides the needed facilities to increase educational opportunities within various health-related and business areas of study. The north campus project will include an additional $30 million in residence halls, dining facilities, and related infrastructure that will bring the total cost to approximately $75 million.

“The new Health Sciences and Business Administration facility, planned strategically on the university’s north campus and directly across from South Georgia Medical Center’s own visionary and emerging facilities, will provide many opportunities for collaboration and new educational and clinical experiences,” Zaccari said. “Our vision is to attract outstanding scholars, teachers and researchers to Valdosta State University, and in turn open new partnerships with physicians, hospital administrators and multiple use facilities. It is an important and crucial time in our region’s history to chart a new course of action - an intense action plan that serves as a catalyst for combining scarce and valuable resources and accomplishing projects never before imagined.”

The VSU Health Sciences and Business Administration facility is quickly moving up the University System of Georgia’s capital projects list and construction should begin within the next three years. The approximately $46 million facility will represent one of the most significant advances in VSU’s history, and directly responds to the state of Georgia’s critical need for more healthcare professionals.