Interim VP of Academic Affairs Named at Gordon College

Ed Wheeler has been named Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gordon College.

Wheeler was at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah for 21 years most recently serving as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

He earned his undergraduate degree, with honors, from Samford University and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He has been a mathematics professor for most of his career and is the author of several mathematics textbooks.

His wife, Claire, is a practicing clinical psychologist. The couple has two children, both of whom are educators, and one grandchild.

Wheeler said he decided to accept the one-year term at Gordon College to be closer to family members who live in the area and “to contribute in a small way to the excellent work that is being done at Gordon College.”

Wheeler replaces Robert Vaughan who is pursuing other opportunities in academia.

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Troops, Families Rack Up College Credits During Deployment

While 3rd Infantry Division was serving its third deployment to Iraq within five years, its soldiers set records amassing college credits during precious downtime between missions.

"Rock of the Marne" soldiers took more than 15,000 college classes during fiscal 2007 while deployed to Iraq as part of the surge force, reported Pam King, post education officer. That trend continued as the soldiers began returning to Fort Stewart in March. They've racked up an additional 11,000 college classes during the first two quarters of this fiscal year, King said.

Robin Ellert, chief of the post's online education program, pointed to the unmistakable trend in college enrollments, from 4,600 in fiscal 2003 to more than three times that level today.

"Our numbers have consistently jumped. There's a clear upward trend in the number of enrollments we're seeing," she said.

"There's a clear recognition that college is a way to get promoted -- both in the military and outside the military," she said.

And contrary to what some may expect, King said, many soldiers are finding deployments, when they're away from their families and home, to be the best opportunity to take classes.

"Education is a wonderful distraction, in a positive sense," she said. "Soldiers are able to -- for a minute -- escape where they are while doing something very positive for themselves, both mentally and for their career."

Thanks to the GoArmyEd.com portal that went online in April 2006, educational services are just a few mouse clicks away. Soldiers at even the most remote outposts can log into the system, tap into the $4,500 in tuition assistance the Army offers every soldier every year, and work toward a degree at one of about 180 colleges, universities and technical schools represented.

Army Sgt. Anthony Wilfong, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, spent much of his downtime during his past deploying taking Army correspondence courses. All but four of his soldiers were signed up for some kind of classes during their 15 months in Iraq. "It beats the time you waste seeing the same movies over and over," he said.

Wilfong and his soldiers have been back at Fort Stewart for about three months and still are awaiting their vehicles' return. Meanwhile, they're squeezing in all the classes they can.

"I've got 12 years to go to retirement, and each credit course is worth one and a half promotion points," Wilfong said as he reviewed the offerings at Central Texas College. "I figure everything I take will help me in the long run."

Meanwhile, many military families pass time during their loved ones' deployments enrolled in college programs, too. Officials estimate close to 4,000 family members at Fort Stewart and nearby Hunter Army Airfield took classes through Army Continuing Education Services during fiscal 2007.

Many attend one of the five colleges represented at Fort Stewart: Savannah Technical College, Central Texas College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Webster University.

"It gives them a great mental diversion," King said. "Whether you're talking about soldiers or their families, you know when you're taking courses that you're bettering yourself and bettering your career opportunities."

The $10 million Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Education Center, which opened its doors in December 2004 just outside the post's front gate, sends an unmistakable message that Fort Stewart values education, King said.

Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the 3rd Infantry Division commander and a big fan of educational services, promoted the new center based on the "Field of Dreams" concept, King explained. "The way he saw it, 'If you build it, they will come.'"

And to ensure soldiers do come, the Army Continuing Education Services staff distributes oversized paper checks at the start of every fiscal year for $4,500 to ensure soldiers don't forget about their annual tuition assistance benefit. "If you don't use it, you lose it," King said. "We want to make sure soldiers know it's available to them and encourage them to take advantage of it."

As they build their credentials, King said, soldiers enrolled in educational programs also are building their combat readiness and adaptability for unpredictable environments like Iraq.

"You train for certainty, but you educate for uncertainty," she said. "And regardless of what capabilities you have, the fact is, the brain is ultimately the most important battlefield weapon."

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Gwinnett County Public Schools and Southern Business Communications Launch Largest Known Classroom Technology Integration Program in the U.S.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Business Communications Group (SBCG), a premier audio visual and distance learning technology solution provider, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX), was recently awarded an AV bid contract to integrate technology in Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) elementary school classrooms. This project is part of the school district’s three-part plan to provide classroom technology for students and teachers.

According to GCPS director of broadcast and distance learning, Greg LaHatte, this technology project is funded by recent voter approval of a $750M General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Referendum. “Our citizens value public education. Through their vote, they have ensured that our students have the facilities and tools they need to be successful.“

Under this contract, SBCG will integrate Gwinnett elementary classrooms with ceiling-mounted DLP projection systems, sound reinforcement technology, and wall-mounted system controls which allow teachers to power up and down, adjust volume, select equipment sources and automatically shut down the system at the end of day. Plans are underway to kick off the integration program with more than 1,000 classrooms in summer 2008. Completion of the 5,000+ classroom integrations is slated for January 2010.

Mr. LaHatte added, “SBCG was awarded the contract through the county’s RFP process and based on an evaluation of their capabilities to meet the system’s needs. We also appreciate that SBCG is based in Gwinnett County.”

Dan Boylan, president of SBCG commented, “We understand firsthand the challenges of engaging and educating digital thinkers in grades K-12, after all we have been working with schools for over 25 years. And, we recognize the importance of becoming a partner with Gwinnett County Public Schools. Any AV company can be your vendor, but if you help your customer to make the proper selection, create an effective plan, design the integration around the plan, maintain and support your work, and do it right, then you have a real partner; especially when you understand the specific needs in education.”

Clayton State School of Graduate Studies Holding Open House July 8

The Clayton State University School of Graduate Studies will be holding its next monthly informational Open House on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in room 201 of the University’s Harry S. Downs Center.

The Open House will give prospective graduate students a chance to learn more about the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. The Clayton State School of Graduate Studies regularly holds open houses on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

The University is now accepting applications for all four of its graduate programs. Go to http://graduate.clayton.edu or call the School of Graduate Studies at (678) 466-4113. For directions to campus, go to http://conted.clayton.edu/directions.html.

Georgia Tech Begins New Training Grant on Prosthetics and Orthotics

The School of Applied Physiology at the Georgia Institute of Technology will begin a new program in Prosthetics and Orthotics this fall aimed at bringing medical, engineering and life science professionals together. The training grant, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and Georgia Tech, will fund three fellowships per year for five years.

The first of its kind in Prosthetics and Orthotics, the program will focus on people who use prostheses and orthoses and how they learn to apply the specialized devices to enhance their physiologic function in the world. Researchers in this program are also interested in how to use signals recorded from the brain to control artificial limbs.

The School of Applied Physiology adds the training grant to its other degree offerings: an entry-level professional Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics and a doctorate in Applied Physiology.

Candidates interested in applying for the training grant should contact Dr. Robert Gregor, director of the Center for Human Movement Studies in the School of Applied Physiology, at 404-894-1028 or robert.gregor@ap.gatech.edu.

Georgia Tech Provost Supports Change in Ga. K-12 Math

Statement by Dr. Gary Schuster, Provost of the Georgia Institute of Technology, in support of a change in Georgia’s math curriculum:

I believe that working to make sure that every child has the opportunity to reach his or her educational potential is our obligation and a critical investment in Georgia’s future. A stronger mathematics curriculum that strikes a balance between concepts, skills and problem solving is a vital part of preparing our young people for the global economy of the 21st century. Georgia Tech continues to support mathematics education throughout the state with our Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC). CEISMC (pronounced “seismic") is committed to helping assure that K-12 students in Georgia receive the best possible preparation in science, mathematics and technology as they seek their place in the modern world.

New Program Gets an A

The Professional Development School program graduated its first class this spring and that achievement represents a unique collaboration between the University of West Georgia and the Carroll County School System.

The program, which began two years ago, serves as an alternate model for the undergraduate teacher education candidates in the UWG Early Childhood Education program.
The PDS program is a nation-wide trend that many universities are using, said Dr. John Ponder, assistant professor of early childhood and elementary education and director of the program for the upcoming academic year.

“Although actual PDS models vary somewhat by university, in theory, these models are designed to give students intense, authentic classroom experience throughout their program,” said Ponder. “We have been blessed to work with schools in our area that believe in the shared responsibility for training future teachers. Our dean, Dr. Kent Layton, has been very supportive of our efforts.”

Administrators and faculty from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the county school system spent two years developing a working model for training new teachers.
The training program has brought about a stronger partnership between the university and the county school system and has enhanced the professional development of teacher education candidates. Ashley Hardin graduated from the program in May and is now teaching at Roopville Elementary School.

“I felt very prepared when I interviewed for a job in February,” said Hardin. “From day one, we were in the classrooms four days a week. By the end of the first semester you know whether you are going to be a teacher or not. It’s a good program.”

In the PDS program, the education students spend four days a week in the classroom instead of the traditional two days at the school site through three semesters.

Dr. John vonEschenbach, professor of early childhood and elementary education and director of the first class, said what makes the program unique is the close relationship between UWG students, classroom teachers and children, school staff and professors.

“That creates a close relationship and when candidates move into their internship in the final semester of the program, they function as first year teachers,” said vonEschenbach. “A second significant feature is the relationship between public school faculty and university faculty. Within this model, public school teachers and university faculty collaborate and exchange their professional knowledge and skills as team members throughout the preparation of these prospective educators.”

The UWG College of Education uses Central, Roopville, Sharp Creek and Whitesburg Elementary Schools as the partner schools for the UWG students’ clinical experience. Throughout the four blocks or semesters in the classrooms, a majority of the professional education courses are taught at the public school sites by university faculty and school site coordinators.

This schedule has made all the difference, said Roopville Elementary School Principal Carolyn Waters.

“The university students are very fond of the program because they are in the classroom where the action really is,” said Waters, who is retiring this year. “They get to see a variety of teaching styles, which is very valuable. And the teachers love having them in the classroom. The students can mold themselves into the teacher they want to be.”

The PDS program has also implemented a systematic model to engage and empower parents and caregivers as instructional partners in the education of their children. An easy-to-use website for the parents provides information, instructional activities and resources to enhance education at home.

The COE enrollment numbers for elementary education majors this spring totaled 419 students as majors and 433 students who are pre-majors. West Georgia boasts the highest number of students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and specialist education courses in the state.

Debye Baird Honored as a Patriotic Employer

Clayton State Director of Client Support Services Debye Baird (McDonough) has been honored by the Department of Defense as a “Patriotic Employer.”

Baird was nominated for the award by Clayton State alumnus John A. Westbrook. Currently a sergeant in the 55th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base in Warner-Robins, Ga., following his December 2007 graduation from Clayton State, Westbrook worked for the University’s student help desk, “The HUB,” under Baird while he was a student at Clayton State. His narrative for Baird’s award reads in part…

“During the entire four years of working for Ms. Baird she would always give me time off of work to complete my military requirements as far as my two weeks a year and one weekend a month. Sometimes that small reserve commitment would require more than that two weeks, and every time that would happen she would always be very supportive of my military obligations. I had to deploy at the last minute in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Aviano AB in Italy. While I was gone foe three months Ms. Baird held my position and pay grade… when I came back she also made sure I received my annual pay raise.”

The Patriotic Employer award is presented by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization. It is a staff group within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

Baird, along with approximately 100 other ESGR honorees, will be honored at a luncheon with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on Wednesday, June 25.

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Bibb, Hall, and Columbia County Schools Adopt Carnegie Learning’s Custom Georgia Math Programs

BusinessWire - Carnegie Learning, Inc., a leading publisher of research-based math curricula for middle schools, high schools, and the higher education market, announced today that the company’s Georgia Math I & 2 programs have been purchased by three Georgia school districts -- Bibb, Hall, and Columbia County Schools. Carnegie Learning’s customized Georgia Math curricula are designed, specifically, to meet new, more rigorous high school math requirements being implemented by the Georgia Department of Education beginning in fall 2008.

In November 2007, the Georgia State Board of Education’s Learning Resources Advisory Committee recommended Carnegie Learning’s integrated math curricula for use in Georgia, and districts across the state are currently selecting new math textbooks as part of the textbook adoption process. Bibb, Hall, and Columbia County Schools are three of many districts in Georgia purchasing Carnegie Learning textbooks and Professional Development services. Bibb and Hall Counties also purchased Carnegie Learning’s Cognitive Tutor® software for Math Support, an intelligent software program that provides differentiated instruction by adapting the learning path to each student’s understanding of mathematical concepts.

"The changes in the Georgia Performance Standards will require a change in expectations for students, teachers, districts and the Georgia Department of Education,” said Sharon Patterson, Superintendent, Bibb County School District. “In responding to the changing expectation, the school system sought a math solution that was research-based around a collaborative teaching model. The Carnegie Learning approach seems to deliver the math curricula we need to meet the new challenges."

Carnegie Learning’s Cognitive Tutor research is well supported in the Learning Processes subcommittee report of the recent National Math Advisory Panel report to the President and U.S. Secretary of Education, and is cited as an example of a curriculum that has strong evidence of effectiveness and is a model for applying basic research in the classroom.

UWG Celebrates its Youngest Grad

The University of West Georgia made history when the youngest graduate in the University System of Georgia walked across the stage to receive his diploma.

Ajay Pillai, 17, earned a degree in biochemistry and will study at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in the fall.

“Graduation was the most stunning day of my life,” said Ajay Pillai, who is a Warner Robins resident. “I grew up at West Georgia and I am so incredibly happy that I came to this university and that things occurred the way they did.”

After graduating eighth grade, Ajay Pillai enrolled at the Advanced Academy of Georgia on the UWG campus at the age of 13, the youngest student to do so. The academy is one of 12 residential programs for teens in the country that allows students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously.

Diane Darling, an Advanced Academy student who will graduate high school this month, met Ajay Pillai two years ago and became close friends.

“Ajay is ridiculously hard working and humble at the same time,” said Darling, 18. “I’m always in awe of how he handles everything.”

The quiet and unassuming student studied Honors College curriculum at UWG and holds the second highest number of honors courses, 19, in the history of the Honors College. But he still had time to play soccer, run five miles a day, practice piano and take up the guitar.

Don Wagner, dean of the Honors College and director of Special Programs, said Ajay Pillai left his mark on UWG.

“He is a remarkable human being, mature way beyond his years,” said Wagner. “He possesses excellent study habits and an extraordinary mind, and is a very nice person as well.

“I have known him since he entered the academy, and I have always been impressed with his social skills. In addition to his academic abilities, Ajay has the bearing and manners of an adult. He is a rare individual.”

Aruna Pillai, Ajay’s mother, said she should have brought Kleenex to the commencement ceremony. “It didn’t hit me until the president, Dr. Beheruz Sethna, began talking about Ajay and then I began bawling. I was not expecting that reaction. It was deep inside.”

One of Ajay Pillai’s biggest fans at the university is the president, who established the Advanced Academy and gained the USG Board of Regents approval to open the Honors College, the only one of its kind in Georgia.

“It has been my pleasure to get to know Ajay and assist him in what I know will be a spectacular career,” said Sethna. “I am glad that we have contributed to his growth, and that he will contribute to ours in the future, by virtue of his future accomplishments.”

Ajay Pillai’s summer vacation will not be a typical one. A long time volunteer in hospitals and clinics, he will work with his parents, who are physicians and own a practice in Warner Robins. The couple needed help in their office and put their son to work taking electrocardiograms and checking in patients.

“Normally, we have to train an employee for several weeks,” Aruna Pillai said. “Ajay picked it up in a day.”

His interest in medicine stems from his years of volunteer work at a hospital and medical clinics, his undergraduate research in the laboratories at West Georgia and working as a student research assistant with Dr. Satyanarayana Swamy-Mruthinti, professor of biology.
“I like having that contact with people and I am also interested in medicine,” said Pillai. “But, I haven’t decided what kind of medicine I am going into.”

Swamy-Mruthinti mentored Ajay Pillai for three years and got to know the student well.
“Rarely you come across a student who is intelligent, hardworking and has an intense desire to succeed, yet is modest and humble,” said Swamy-Mruthinit. “I am confident that he will make significant contributions to improve human health and well being."

Under normal circumstances, the M.D. and Ph.D program at the medical college requires seven years of study. Students entering the program complete the standard two-year preclinical program with many of the preclinical medical school courses also earning graduate credit for the student.

During the summer between the first and second years, Ajay Pillai will perform laboratory rotations at one of the four research campuses in Georgia. Choices for laboratory rotations are made by students in consultation with program advisers.

Following the preclinical years, students enter graduate training at one of the four graduate campus sites. Students are required to complete all of the normal doctorate requirements, including preliminary exams, thesis and defense.

For now, the youngest graduate in the university system will enjoy his summer saving up for an automobile, traveling and helping out in the family business.

“I so appreciate all of the people at West Georgia and want to thank everyone that helped me with my research, at the Advanced Academy and in the Honors College,” said Ajay Pillai in a recent interview. “They really helped me to do this and now I have a group of close friends that I’ve grown up with.”

Georgia Southern University Hosts Georgia Boys State and Georgia Girls State

More than 800 high school seniors from across the state are on Georgia Southern University’s campus beginning this week to take part in the weeklong Georgia Boys State and Georgia Girls State. From arrival to departure, they will be immersed in this annual interactive program that teaches the fundamental principles and procedures of city, county, and state government under the American system.

This year’s Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, will take place June 8-14. It has been held at Georgia Southern University for nearly 30 years. Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, is scheduled for June 8-13. It has been held at the University for more than 10 years. While both groups meet at the Nessmith-Lane building, their instruction, their activities, and their events remain separate.

Special guests who will address gatherings of both Boys and Girls State include Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, Georgia Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox, Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker, James Donald, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, and Rep. Jack Hill.

“We truly enjoy hosting Georgia Boys State and Georgia Girls State on the campus of Georgia Southern,” said Russell Keen, director of government relations for Georgia Southern University. “These outstanding young men and women not only have the opportunity to learn a lot about the political system, but get to live and learn at a University before they complete their high school education.”

During their week of instruction, participants in Boys and Girls State simulate a 51st state, using campaigning and elections to develop township, city, county, and state governments. While learning about the rights, privileges, and duties of citizenship, the students take part in legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, and recreational programs. In addition to electing their local officials, they elect a Governor. Sponsors and invited officials interview potential candidates and select two student “senators” to represent the state at Boys and Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.

High school juniors are selected by their local American Legion Posts to attend Boys and Girls State in the summer between their junior and senior years, and in most cases, the students selected are in the top 10 percent of their school class. The sponsoring American Legion Post pays the costs for their students to participate. Attendance at Boys and Girls State becomes part of an individual’s permanent resume, and in some cases has led to future public office. During the week, approximately 100 of the students attending will successfully complete an Honors Test, which provides a basis for some of the achievement awards presented at the end of the week.

“I keep hearing about how young people are not interested in our future,” said Phil Youngblood, Boys State director. “When we select delegates to Georgia Boys State and Georgia Girls State and see what they have already accomplished, we know that our future is very bright. This week truly does become a ‘Week that Shapes a Lifetime,’ not only for the delegates, but the staff as well.”

Boys and Girls State could not exist without a dedicated group of volunteers to provide instruction and guidance for the week’s activities. American Legion members, law enforcement officers, veterans, city, county, and state officials, and school counselors. The housing, food, and other arrangements for the week are overseen by Georgia Southern’s Continuing Education Department under the direction of Deborah Champion.

Sallie Mae Affirms Commitment to Provide Federal Student Loan Access to All Students, All Schools

BUSINESS WIRE--Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading saving- and paying-for-college company, today reiterated its commitment to fund every eligible federal student loan application received from every student at every school for the upcoming academic year.

“Some lenders have ceased lending to certain school types, such as two-year and proprietary institutions. We want students at those schools to know that we will lend to all students at all schools who need a federal loan to pay for college, just as we have for the last 35 years,” said C.E. Andrews, president, Sallie Mae.

SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation’s leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college programs. The company manages more than $169 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. Through its Upromise affiliates, the company also manages nearly $19 billion in 529 college-savings plans, and is a major, private source of college funding contributions in America with more than 8.5 million members and $425 million in member rewards. Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries offer debt management services as well as business and technical products to a range of business clients, including higher education institutions, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.salliemae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.