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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2002

SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ACTIONS AND BUSINESS FROM DECEMBER 13 MEETING
 

       At its December 13 meeting, the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees:

  • Approved the appointment of Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., as the next president of Shawnee State University and her contract; 

  • Approved the program development plan for a master of science degree in occupational therapy, and directed that the program development plan be forwarded to the Regents’ Advisory Committee on Graduate Study for its review and formal recommendation to the office of the chancellor, Ohio Board of Regents; 

  • Approved the program development plan for a master of science degree in education, and directed that the program development plan be forwarded to the Regents’ Advisory Committee on Graduate Study for its review and formal recommendation to the office of the chancellor, Ohio Board of Regents; 

  • Granted special recognition to the Women’s Volleyball team, the Men’s Cross Country team, the Women’s Soccer team, and the Men’s Soccer team, and their coaches for their outstanding accomplishments and commended the following individual team members: 

o     Volleyball
 
    Kristen Jones, 2nd Team American Mid-East Conference
     Kara Miller, Honorable Mention Freshman Team American
Mid-East Conference

o      Women’s Soccer
  Jessica Votaw, 1st Team American Mid-East Conference and Honorable Mention NAIA All-American

§   Ashley Brown, Lisa Jacquemin, and Jessica Burkhart-Honorable Mention American Mid-East Conference 

o     Men’s Soccer
  B.J. Lyon and John McCorkle-Honorable Mention American Mid-East Conference 

o     Men’s Cross Country
 
John Williams and Dirk Hollar, 1st Team American Mid-East Conference 

  • Adopted the Shawnee State University Flexible Benefits Program Plan Document and authorized the vice president for business affairs, in consultation with the general counsel, to make necessary technical revisions to the SSU Flexible Benefits Program Plan Document as required by law or regulation, rescinded all previously adopted section 125 program plan documents, and rescinded the SSU Health Premium Plan for all employees eligible to participate in the SSU Flexible Benefits Program; 

  • Adopted an amendment to the Alternative Retirement Plan to conform to requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, gave the vice president for business affairs, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources and the general counsel, the authority needed to execute the Alternative Retirement Plan amendment and any other instruments, documents, or conveyances necessary to effectuate the amendment, to submit the Plan to the Internal Revenue Service, and gave the vice president for business affairs, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources and the general counsel, in carrying out this resolution, the authority to make any necessary changes to the Plan as may be required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Ohio Revised Code, and any related rules and regulations, currently in effect or as hereinafter amended, and to take further action as may be necessary or advisable to implement this resolution ratification or action by the Board; 

  • Authorized personnel actions; and 

  • Approved the submission of Higher Skills Partnership Initiative, and Veteran’s Upward Bound Grant proposals; and Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, EECAP, and Summer Honors Program Grant renewals; and 

          The Board also named George Davis of Portsmouth as the chair of the SSU Board of Trustees beginning in January 2003.  Burton Payne’s two-year term as board chair ends December 31, 2002.  The Board also named Robert Teichman of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, as the vice-chair of the Board of Trustees. 

          In addition, the board approved its meeting schedule for 2003. 

          The next meeting of the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees will be February 14, 2003, at 1:15 p.m., in the Selby Board Room of the Clark Memorial Library on the campus of Shawnee State University.  The next meeting of the executive committee of the SSU Board of Trustees will be January 13 at 4 p.m. in the President's Conference Room located in the Administration Building on the SSU campus.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2002

SSU Board of Trustees
Executive Committee to
Meet Tomorrow

           The Executive Committee of the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. in the Selby Board Room of the Clark Memorial Library on the SSU campus.

           The purpose of the meeting is to consider a recommendation for the next president of Shawnee State University, to be presented to the full Board at its December 13 meeting.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Dale Taylor, coordinator of assessment services at Shawnee State University, displays the two books he wrote about southern Ohio and northern Kentucky's baseball history

Shawnee State University selling books
 about Portsmouth's baseball history for holidays

            Shawnee State University (SSU) has the perfect gift idea that can be given twice.

            The books "Baseball Through Small-Town Eyes," and "Simpler Times: Baseball Stories from a Small Town," not only make the perfect present for a variety of people, the purchase of one or both of these books allows the buyer to give a monetary gift to SSU's Development Foundation.

            Written by Dale Taylor, coordinator of assessment services at SSU, all proceeds from the books go directly to the Development Foundation.

            "This is a collective history and it's something we all share," said Taylor. "No one person should benefit from these books. By allowing the proceeds to go to the Development Foundation, my thoughts were that many people benefit."

Both books are packed with genuine baseball photographs, historical accounts, and first-hand stories surrounding Portsmouth's rich history of America's favorite pastime.

One need not be a baseball fanatic to enjoy the books, however.

            "These books are more a piece of local history told through the context of baseball," said Taylor. "It's more about the history of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky than about baseball."

            Tracing the stories and events of teams like the Portsmouth Red Birds, A's, and Navies along with players like Al Oliver, Estel Crabtree, and Al Bridwell, both books allow the reader to experience the world of baseball through events that happened here in Scioto County and the surrounding area.

            Taylor not only showcases obvious baseball legends like Branch Rickey, Gene Tenace, and Rocky Nelson, he also prominently features some more obscure baseball greats who deserve recognition and a place in history as well, such as Chet Spencer, Earl Smith, and Austin McHenry, allowing the reader to have a truly well-rounded picture of the area's baseball scene.

            "Baseball Through Small-Town Eyes," is $9.95 plus tax and "Simpler Times: Baseball Stories from a Small Town," can be purchased for $12.95 plus tax.  Both books can be purchased for $20 plus tax. The books are available at the SSU Bookstore, the SSU Office of Development, and Bartley's in Waverly.

            For more information, call (740) 351-3284.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2002

(Article by B.J. Parsons, communications specialist—Office of Communications)

A Brick – The Gift that is set in Stone

           Struggling to come up with gift ideas during the holiday season?

           Perhaps a Shawnee State University (SSU) Commemorative Brick is the thought you have been missing. The bricks, which will be placed in a brick garden on SSU’s Alumni Green, are the perfect way of leaving a long lasting reminder for a friend, colleague, or family member that you appreciate them.

“Each year SSU’s Development Foundation has a fund-raising drive between Thanksgiving and Christmas in which we raise funds to underwrite such things as scholarships for SSU students,” said the Development Foundation’s Director, Susan Warsaw. “This year, as well as relying on people’s generosity, we are going to be selling commemorative bricks, which are a great way to leave a long-lasting message for your friend or family member.”

The bricks, which come in 4-inch by 4-inch blocks for $100 or 8-inch by 8-inch blocks for $250, are especially memorable as a gift to others as you can have messages inscribed onto the bricks surface.

“People will be allowed to have messages which we will have inscribed on the brick’s surface, which makes for an excellent gift,” said Warsaw. “It is a way to leave a legacy for someone with some meaning to you. When we were developing this project, we thought of something that would be long lasting, and bricks are certainly enduring. We think that lots of community members will want to leave their name in something that will be around for a long time.”

The Development Foundation, which is running the brick campaign and actively seeks donations on all levels, is the philanthropic department at SSU which maintains and manages all donations to SSU and ensures that the funds are properly distributed.

“We are the giving arm of SSU,” said Warsaw. “Anybody who gives a gift to SSU goes through the Foundation, where we can manage and steward the funds and ensure that they are being invested and spent properly, based on what the donor has requested. We have raised well over $20 million dollars for the university, and we continue to work hard to raise funds for SSU.”

Part of the reason that SSU is so active in seeking contributions and donations is due to the fact that, as a result of SSU still being a young university, alumni donations have not yet reached a significant level. The brick campaign may be one way that alumni, along with other community members, can establish their appreciation for the role SSU plays in the community.

           “Because we are young, and our alumni do not give in the amounts that they do in larger universities, we really rely on the community to help support SSU,” said Warsaw. “We haven’t been here for very long, so perhaps our alumni are not as well-established as at other universities, but this is the perfect time for them to begin giving back to the university that helped get them where they are, along with helping others get an education too.”

           To order a commemorative brick, please call the Office of Development at (740) 351-3257.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Shawnee State University's Choir
performing Christmas musical Dec. 8

           The Shawnee State University Choir will present two free performances for the public to spread the cheer for this holiday season.

           Under the direction of Shirley Crothers, the SSU choir will perform sacred and traditional Christmas carols at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 524 Sixth St., and at the Evangelical United Church of Christ, 701 Fifth St., at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

           "The concerts, part of the Dickens Christmas celebration, are a gift from the SSU Choir to the community," said Crothers.

           The choir will also perform an original choral hymn entitled, "Starlit Night," written and composed by Timothy Scheurer, Ph.D., chair of the Dept. of English and Humanities at SSU.

           Accompanying the choir will be pianist Linda Day with special guest flute soloist Kara Penley. Vocal soloists will include Christine Evans, Justin Wheeler, Kate Brown, Linda Day, and Jeff Novlin.

           The SSU Choir has also recorded a compact disc featuring patriotic numbers, inspirational pieces, and the SSU alma mater, composed by Crothers. The CD is available for $10 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts' McKinley Box Office, (740) 351-3600, or by calling Linda Day at (740) 776-7808.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Shawnee State University offering early care
education courses beginning winter quarter

           Registration for the first of five early care education courses offered at Shawnee State University beginning winter quarter 2003 is continuing until Jan. 12.

           The courses, offered through the collaboration of SSU's Department of Teacher Education, the Children's Learning Center, and the Office of University Outreach Services, were designed for those who work in an early child care setting and wish to prepare to apply for the state-issued child development associate credential.

           "Increased education for child care workers is central to the federal government's increased emphasis on high quality pre-school experiences for all young children," said Dave Todt, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Teacher Education at SSU. "This course is the first in a series that will prepare employees for work in early childhood settings."

           The first course, Exploring Your Role, will be held from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 7, 2003. This class takes an integrated approach in identifying and responding within the essential roles of an early childhood educator serving children from birth through age 8 in inclusive settings that respect cultural and linguistic diversity.

           Other courses to follow include Developmentally Appropriate Environments, Literacy Connections in Integrated Curriculum, Program Management, and Professional Credentials. Topics covered in the courses include developmentally appropriate practice; health, safety, and nutrition; learning environments; guidance; family involvement; professionalism; active "brain-based" learning; and domains of learning.

           Students have the option of taking the courses for credit or non-credit. Non-credit courses are $359 per course. Financial assistance is available for those who are eligible. Appropriate in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees apply for courses taken for credit. Students must also be 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and currently be employed or serve as a volunteer in a state-licensed early childhood setting.

           To register or for more information, contact Penny Merritt, Outreach Services representative, University Outreach Services, at (740) 351-3171.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Shawnee State University hosting open house for master's degree programs; Graduate Center helps area residents further education

           The Shawnee State University Graduate Center will hold an open house for anyone interested in master's degrees in environmental science or safety technology, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13.

           Presented by Marshall University, the following graduate level courses will be offered January 2003 at SSU: occupational safety program management, applied statistics, process safety management, and comprehensive project.

           The Marshall University Open House will be held in room 134 in the Advanced Technology Center on the SSU campus. Refreshments will be served.

           Established in July 1999, the Graduate Center coordinates graduate programs with higher education institutions for area citizens.

           "The center was designed to assist busy professionals and community residents with a means of achieving their educational goals within close proximity to their homes and places of employment," said David Todt, Ph.D., interim director of the Graduate Center.

           In partnership with other universities, graduate classes leading to master's degrees are offered at SSU. About 70 individuals have earned master's degrees from five institutions offering degree programs at SSU.

           "Most courses are taught by these universities in the evening or on weekends, implementing various modes of delivery including interactive video and in-person instruction," said Todt, also chair of the Dept. of Teacher Education at SSU.

           In addition to Marshall University, other institutions that have offered master's degree classes at SSU include the University of Akron, University of Findlay, Morehead State University, and the University of Rio Grande.

           Central Michigan University is scheduled to offer a master of science in administration with a concentration in health services administration at SSU in the spring of 2003, said Todt.

           One area resident who took advantage of earning a master's degree close to home is Sandy Pollard of Friendship.

           The 41-year-old owner of Buckeye Dairy Bar traveled to the University of Findlay for the very first time on Saturday, Dec. 7, to participate in the graduation ceremony for earning her master's in business administration.

           "This was an excellent set-up," said Pollard. "We had all of our classes at Shawnee State University and had one-on-one instruction with professors from the University of Findlay. I was able to work while earning my degree from a reputable institution."

           Debbie Weber, coordinator of clinical and field experiences in the Dept. of Teacher Education at SSU, earned a master's degree in administration from the University of Akron in 2001 while never leaving the SSU campus.

           "At the master's level, all individuals in my class were working full-time," said Weber. "They had little or no time for long distance traveling, and certainly not to Akron. Having master’s classes on Shawnee State University's campus is not only timely, but a great opportunity for those in the area to continue to learn and to achieve their next set of goals."

           Experiencing the distance learning facility at SSU, meeting faculty and friends from other parts of the state, and attending the University of Akron's graduation ceremonies were memorable highlights for Weber, who foresees greater opportunities on the horizon at SSU for those seeking higher education.

           "Having a host of other universities willing to supply master’s programs on Shawnee State University's campus is only the beginning of the vision," said Weber.

           The Graduate Center is currently coordinating the development of two master's level programs being proposed by SSU in occupational therapy and education, said Todt.

           Pending approval from the Ohio Board of Regents, Todt said the master's degrees programs are projected to begin by the fall of 2005.

           For more information about graduate programs at SSU, please call the SSU Graduate Center at (740) 351-3177 or e-mail graduate_center@shawnee.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Scholarship application deadline
approaching at Shawnee State University

           The deadline to apply for a scholarship at Shawnee State University (SSU) is quickly approaching for the 2003-2004 academic school year.

           SSU offers $1.5 million in scholarship money to students, according to Pat Moore, director of financial aid at SSU.

           “It’s imperative that they meet the Jan. 15 application deadline for the scholarships because the process is very competitive,” said Moore. “Anything received after that date will not be considered.”

           Students must submit their application to the financial aid office at SSU by Jan. 15, 2003. Additionally, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by Feb. 15, 2003, for scholarship consideration.

           To be considered for campus-based aid, such as the Federal Work Study program and the supplemental educational opportunity grant, students must submit the FAFSA by Mar. 1, 2003.

           SSU offers students an extensive financial aid program to accommodate the financial needs of students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.

Students interested in applying for a scholarship may apply online at www.shawnee.edu <http://www.shawnee.edu> or stop by the financial aid office located on the second floor of the University Center at SSU. For more information, please contact the financial aid office at (740) 351-4243.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2002

SSU Board of Trustees Executive Committee
To Recommend University’s Next President To Full Board

Rita Rice Morris To Become Next Leader of SSU
Pending Full Board Approval

           The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at Shawnee State University approved a resolution this afternoon recommending that Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., be named president of SSU, pending full Board approval on December 13.

           Morris, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, has over 30 years of experience in higher education as an instructor; assistant professor; associate professor; experimental college administrator; division head; coordinator of off campus programs; assistant to the dean; dean of the College of Communication, Computer Information Science, and Library Science; and dean of the College of Graduate and Extended Studies.

           Morris has held appointments at Lewis-Clark State College, Clarion University of PA, Slippery Rock University, Davis and Elkins College, Bowdoin College, Montana State University, Southwest Missouri State University, State University of New York at Buffalo, Albion College, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. Her Ph.D. is in communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo (1978), M.A. is in speech communication education from Northern Illinois University (1970), and B.A. is in speech communication from California State University at Long Beach (1968).

           Burton Payne, M.D., chair of the SSU Board of Trustees, said it was a difficult task to make the decision on who would be the university’s next president, because there was such a strong pool of candidates.

           “While that was the case, I feel very confident we have in Rita Rice Morris a president who will strengthen SSU and help the university continue to grow and prosper,” he said.

           The Board meeting at which the Executive Committee’s recommendation will be considered by the full Board will be December 13 at 1:15 p.m. in the Selby Board Room located in the Clark Memorial Library on the SSU campus in Portsmouth.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2002

SSU Board of Trustees To Meet December 13;
Contract For New President On Agenda

      The Shawnee State University board of trustees will meet Friday, December 13 at 1:15 p.m. in the Selby Board Room located in the Clark Memorial Library on the SSU campus.

      Among the agenda items is Resolution E10-02-“Appointment of President.” The executive committee of the board recommended to the full board last week that Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D. be named the next president of Shawnee State University.

      The board will also consider resolutions that will approve program development plans (PDP) for SSU to offer master’s degrees in occupational therapy and education.

      The committees of the board will meet in the University Center at SSU as follows:

  • Finance and Facilities-9:15 a.m. in the Ketter Room;

  • Quality of University Life-9:45 a.m. in the Howard Room;

  • Academic Affairs-10 a.m. in the Founders’ Room.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2002

(Article by Jennifer Moorhead, communications specialist--Office of Communications)

Member of SSU's Women's Forum who are instrumental in this year's clothing drive are (left to right) Ginnie Moore, Tracy Conn, Ann McCarthy, Vicci Felts, Sherri Powell, Roberta Milliken, and Meredith Glaze

Shawnee State University Women’s Forum
collecting clothing for First Impressions

           The Shawnee State University (SSU) Women’s Forum is conducting its second annual clothing drive.

           New and gently used work clothing will be donated to First Impressions Clothes Closet, located at Community Action Organization, 433 Third St.

           First Impressions Clothes Closet provides clothing, apparel, toiletries, and other services to income eligible residents of Scioto County for work related activities.

           This service project carried out by the SSU Women’s Forum will benefit both the general public and SSU students.

           “While it is designed for those who are income eligible,” said Ginnie Moore, director of university outreach services at SSU and a member of the Women’s Forum, “when someone requests clothing from First Impressions, they do not require a statement of income. I hope SSU students, as they graduate this spring, will stop at First Impressions as they prepare for that first job interview if they are in need of assistance.”

           To date, nearly 275 articles of work clothing have been collected, said Moore.

           Any work clothing articles from office attire and medical field uniforms to work boots and heavy clothing for outside jobs are needed for men and women.

           Donations will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2003, at the following SSU campus locations: Children’s Learning Center, Health Sciences Building, Clark Memorial Library, University Center, and University Outreach Services, located in the basement of Massie Hall. Robert Luther of Luther Transfer Inc. donated the collection boxes located at the sites.

           The SSU Women’s Forum, formed in 2000, promotes, advocates, educates, and supports the women of SSU and the community as a whole.

           Last year, the SSU Women’s Forum gave over 370 coats to the Scioto County Domestic Violence/Southern Ohio Shelter.

For more information or to make arrangements for a donation to picked up, please contact Ginnie Moore at (740) 351-3281 or Tracy Conn at (740) 351-3490.

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