(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Shawnee State University professor travels to central Asia
(John Lorentz to act as a consultant for the State Department in central Asia)

            John Lorentz, Shawnee State University professor of history and director of the Rose L. and Augusta Jacobs Center for International Programs and Studies, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to act as a consultant in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in central Asia.
            The countries are part of six countries that were established after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
            “It is an educational mission to the three countries,” Lorentz said. “The state department has a program through the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs established after the collapse of the Soviet Union to advance the cause of democracy in the former Soviet Republic.”
            The program offers scholarships to universities in the United States. Lorentz will interview the student applicants.
            “The real benefit of this for Shawnee State is that we will be bringing some of these students to our campus,” he said. “These are very prized students.”
            Lorentz traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with officials in the program and promote SSU as a host university.
            Lorentz speaks Tajik, the language of Tajikistan and closely related to several of the mid-eastern languages. He is also knowledgeable of the Islamic religion that is prevalent in the three countries.
            Ahmed Ibrahimov is an exchange student from one of the countries, Azerbaijan, that was part of the former Soviet Republic. He is a senior at SSU pursuing a degree in environmental management.
            “Ahmed was sort of a test case for us as a host university and they were very pleased,” Lorentz said. “So, they asked me to go in the selection process. That’s how serious they are.”

(Cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

            Several students took part making stress balls on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the SSU University Center. Resident adviser Monica Abel offered tips on relieving stress and filled a table with such stress relievers as, chocolate, lotion, bubble bath and the ingredients to make stress balls.
            In the photo, from left, are Abel, Brad Eldred and Kris Jones making stress balls using balloons and flour.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

‘The Vagina Monologues’ scheduled at Shawnee State University for the second year
(Proceeds from a reading of the play ‘The Vagina Monologues’ at SSU will benefit the Southern Ohio Domestic Violence Shelter)

             Staff, students and faculty from Shawnee State University will be performing in “The Vagina Monologues” at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14 and 15, at the Kahl Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
             “The Vagina Monologues” is an Obie award-winning episodic play made up of a number of monologues read by a variety of different women. The play, written by Eve Ensler, is the cornerstone of the V-Day movement, whose participants stage benefit performances of the show worldwide each year between Feb. 1 and March 8 to raise money for local domestic violence shelters.
            The first V-Day benefit took place on Valentine's Day 1998 and since then the play has been translated into 45 different languages and performed in more than 119 countries.
            Ann Linden, senior instructor in SSU’s English and Humanities Department and director of the play, has been involved with the monologues for several years, previously at Marshall University.
            “I believe people will have a night of thought-provoking and entertaining performances as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed to an extremely worthwhile cause,” Linden said.
            All the proceeds will go to the Southern Ohio Domestic Violence Shelter.
            Cast members in the play are Aundrea Hunter, Ambria Johnson, Lisa Miller, Christine Moore, Ashley Leek, Kat Johnson, Kimberly Crawford, Angela Bell, Rebecca Cox, April Malone, Bekah Gray, Brandi Norris, Xyleena Martin, Damica Myers, Angela McKain, Dani Gillstrap, Lora Barnhart, Natasha Haddix and Rian Unger.
            This is the second year for “The Vagina Monologues” at SSU. Last year the monologues, sponsored by Shawnee State University’s Women’s Center, was a big hit.
            “I would recommend that people get their tickets now because last year we had two sold out performances and we actually had to turn people away,” said Roberta Milliken, Ph.D., and director of the Women’s Center on campus.
            Tickets for the play are $7 each or patron tickets may be purchased at $25. For ticket information, call The McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600.
            For more information, call Milliken at (740) 351-3339, e-mail rmilliken@shawnee.edu or Shannon Lawson, chair of the Women’s Center Advisory Committee, at (740) 351-3295 or slawson@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Shawnee State University professor travels to central Asia
(John Lorentz to act as a consultant for the State Department in central Asia)

            John Lorentz, Shawnee State University professor of history and director of the Rose L. and Augusta Jacobs Center for International Programs and Studies, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to act as a consultant in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in central Asia.
            The countries are part of six countries that were established after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
            “It is an educational mission to the three countries,” Lorentz said. “The state department has a program through the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs established after the collapse of the Soviet Union to advance the cause of democracy in the former Soviet Republic.”
            The program offers scholarships to universities in the United States. Lorentz will interview the student applicants.
            “The real benefit of this for Shawnee State is that we will be bringing some of these students to our campus,” he said. “These are very prized students.”
            Lorentz traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with officials in the program and promote SSU as a host university.
            Lorentz speaks Tajik, the language of Tajikistan and closely related to several of the mid-eastern languages. He is also knowledgeable of the Islamic religion that is prevalent in the three countries.
            Ahmed Ibrahimov is an exchange student from one of the countries, Azerbaijan, that was part of the former Soviet Republic. He is a senior at SSU pursuing a degree in environmental management.
            “Ahmed was sort of a test case for us as a host university and they were very pleased,” Lorentz said. “So, they asked me to go in the selection process. That’s how serious they are.”

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State to hold its second annual Open House
(Know someone interested in attending SSU? The Shawnee State Open House will be able to answer any of their questions)
 
            Shawnee State University will have its second annual Open House for high school juniors and seniors from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18.
            The Open House allows juniors and seniors, along with their parents, to tour the SSU campus, meet the chairpersons of departments, get answers from the Financial Aid Office and also tour student housing.
            “Not only do these students get a tour of the campus, but they are able to get any questions, from financial aid to academic programs, answered,” said James Farmer, admission officer.
            Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Grand Lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, followed by campus tours at 10:15 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m. Following lunch will be the academic presentations at 12:30 p.m. The day will end with housing tours starting at 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
            For more information, contact James Farmer at (740) 351-3664 or e-mail at jfarmer@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

Weather conditions postpone Black History Month program at Shawnee State University
(Black history program about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings rescheduled to Feb. 26)

 

            The Black History Month program at Shawnee State University with Beverly J. Gray, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12, has been postponed to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Flohr Lecture Hall of the Clark Memorial Library. The program is free and open to the SSU community and the public.
            A native of Ross County, Gray is the Ohio consultant for the Getting Word Project, an oral history research project of Monticello, The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, and has been named a Jennings Scholar which honors outstanding classroom teachers who improve the quality of elementary and secondary education in Ohio. She has been recognized by the state of Ohio for her work in researching and documenting family histories that brought families together.
            The U.S. Department of Energy and the president of the United States have acknowledged her work with disadvantaged youth.
            Gray has compiled the histories of several African American families, written a children’s story, “Sarah Hemmings,” and produced a video called “Road to Freedom: The Underground Railroad in Ohio.”

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)



 

Career Expo 2008 planned at Shawnee State University in March

(Annual Career Expo at SSU will have 70 vendors with some interviewing students for jobs)

            Schools, health care centers, employment agencies, graduate schools, banks and other businesses will participate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 at Shawnee State University’s James A. Rhodes Athletic Center.
            Several institutions will be interviewing and accepting résumés from students who will then schedule an individual appointment. Full time, part time, summer and internships are available with various companies.
            Companies and organizations around the tri-state area and from Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and Lexington, Ky. will be talking to students, such as AK Steel, Bellisio Foods, Crown Partners, Edgewood Manor, Maca Plastics, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Pike Community Hospital, the U.S. armed forces, school districts, federal agencies and several Ohio state agencies.
            “It’s just a really good situation when we can get all these employers together in one place in one day,” said Stephen Gregory, director of Career Services at SSU.
            To register for an interview or to see the list of companies interviewing at the Expo, go to SSU Career Services, second floor, at the University Center. Students may sign up for interviews until March 3. A résumé must be provided for each interview scheduled.
            Career Services offers a Career Lab with books, computers and individual counseling to help students with résumés and letters.
            “For someone who hasn’t completed a résumé, they need to make an appointment with me soon,” Gregory said. “I’ll also help alumni with their résumés too. If students or alumni need assistance, I’ll help them in any way I can.”
            For more information or to register for an interview, call (740) 351-3213.

(Photos and cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

  Countdown to Commencement event helped prepare Shawnee State students for graduation

            Despite the snow, 2008 prospective Shawnee State University graduates attended Countdown to Commencement on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Many services were available for students to take care of their graduation needs such as, ordering caps and gowns, getting degree audits, learning about career services and having the required exit counseling from the Financial Aid Office.
            In the photos, Teresa Bravo, a social science major, talks about financial aid to Becky Herpy, records technician, from the Office of the Registrar and Trina Jackson, a business administration major, orders her cap and gown from bookstore employees (from left) Laura Sines, Melissa Rucker and Larin Boldman.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

Artist Lori Nix teaches Shawnee State University photography students to build dioramas

            Artist Lori Nix taught photography students in Allyson Klutenkamper’s class at Shawnee State University to construct dioramas and realistically photograph them.
            Nix has been constructing art memorializing disasters for about 12 years and has received several photography awards. She is a New York Fine Arts Individual Artist Grant recipient, and in 2001, she was awarded a Light Work Artist-in-Residency, an internationally recognized photography organization in Syracuse, N. Y. In 1999, she was a recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Grant. Nix has exhibited her work in galleries throughout the country.
            In the photo, (from left) Nix instructs students Amy Smith, Lacy Davis and Bryce Eldridge on the diorama they are creating from foam, paper, plaster and miniatures. Some of the students used miniature animals and trees to decorate their dioramic scenes.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State University Planetarium offers free shows

(Don’t have anything to do on Monday and Friday nights? SSU Planetarium shows are free for students and the public)

            The Shawnee State University Planetarium presents shows for students and the public twice a week, such as “Dawn of the Space Age,” “Hubble Vision,” “The Skies Tonight,” and “Planets of the Solar System” as well as several other short shows for the entire spring semester.
            Shows will be at 7 p.m. on Monday nights and at 6 p.m. on Friday nights. On the first Monday of each month, there will be a special question and answer session from 6 to 7 p.m. called “Ask the Astronomer.”
            “I will be present at the ‘Ask the Astronomer’ sessions to answer any astronomy or space-related questions from the attendees,” said Tim Hamilton, assistant professor of natural sciences.
            All Planetarium shows are free for students and the public. For more information, contact Tim Hamilton at (740) 351-3145 or e-mail at thamilton@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)



 

Shawnee State University Summer Honors Institute for Gifted and Talented Students is taking applications


(Academically gifted students offered opportunity to learn different disciplines during SSU summer institute)

            For more than 20 years, Shawnee State University has offered gifted and talented high school students the opportunity to learn about different subjects of interest.
            Students from throughout the state of Ohio come to campus in the summer for the Summer Honors Institute that this year will be from July 13 to July 25 in one- and two-week sessions.
            The Summer Honors Institute is offering 11 different programs including courses in gaming and simulation, acting and playwriting, designing computer systems, the law, sports medicine, veterinary medicine, creative writing, emergency medical technology, vocal classes, theatrical makeup and photography.
            “It’s like an academic vacation for the students,” said Ginnie Moore, director of SSU’s University Outreach Services. “They get to explore in depth their favorite topic and in addition to their academic experience, they are having a college experience on a beautiful campus. Our evaluations last year were really heartwarming.”
            To qualify, students must be enrolled in the ninth or 10th grades during the 2007-2008 school year.
            The classes are free to local commuting students and $242 per person for students who need housing for one week and $581 for two weeks. The fees include housing, meals, supervision and most activities. Fees also include a $100 nonrefundable deposit due on May 9. If commuter students want to participate in the evening activities and outings to restaurants, movies and the outdoor drama, “Tecumseh,” they are required to pay a fee of $70. There are two partial scholarships of $50 each available for commuter plus students.
            “We will have about 175 students in this program,” Moore said. “We get a very, very good response and ours is a very successful summer institute in Ohio. I think it’s because we have such a good academic program, a wonderful staff and great activities for them.”
            Application forms must be postmarked or submitted to University Outreach Services at SSU no later than April 11. For more information about SSU’s Summer Honors Institute, call (740) 351-3274 or toll free (866) 672-8778 or e-mail gmoore@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)



 

Shawnee State Office of Financial Aid offers Verification Workshops in the month of March


(SSU Office of Financial Aid to help students get through the confusing verification process and file necessary financial aid documentation)

            The Office of Financial Aid at Shawnee State University is offering several workshops throughout the month of March focusing on the verification process, by which a student supports the information on the FAFSA with proper documentation in order for the Department of Education to make any corrections to the FAFSA.
            The Verification Workshop will help students file all the necessary paperwork and avoid any confusion.
            “The SSU Office of Financial Aid wants to help its students complete all the necessary worksheets needed to receive their financial aid, “said Gina Bradley, financial aid advisor.
            The Verification Workshops will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 3; 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 6; 2 p.m. on Monday, March 10; 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12; and 12 p.m. on Monday, March 24. These sessions will be held in the Financial Aid Office at the University Center.
            Participants will need to bring necessary documentation, such as, student and parent 2007 signed taxes, W2s and other important documentations.
            To register, go to www.shawnee.edu/off/fa or for more information, contact Gina Bradley at (740) 351-3485 or e-mail at gbradley@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)



 

Shawnee State University offers Wet-On-Wet Painting course

(Want to learn oil painting? Register for SSU’s ‘Wet-On-Wet Painting’ course and learn different techniques from Toni Hatfield)

            Shawnee State University is offering a 10-week Wet-on-Wet Painting course from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday beginning March 4 in Room 303 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.
            Artist Toni Hatfield, who has held successful classes at SSU, will teach fundamentals of color mixing and brush techniques with step-by-step instructions for wet-on-wet oil painting. Students will learn composition layout and various oil painting techniques.
            “I am always happy to teach the Wet-On-Wet Painting course because it is a passion of mine and it’s a way for me to share my passion with others,” Hatfield said “I want to bring out the artist in each student.”
            Supplies needed for classes include oil paints (Bob Ross kit recommended), canvas, odorless paint thinner and container with lid, liquid white, palette, No. 3 and No. 6 fan brushes, 2” and 1” brushes, a linear brush and a palette knife.
             All supplies for the course need to be purchased before classes begin and are available at Toy Town where SSU students receive a 10 percent discount. Supplies are also available at www.hobbylobby.com where discount coupons are also available.
            The course is $129 and any degree of experience is welcome to participate. For more information and registration, contact Shawnee State University Outreach Services at (740) 351-3274.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Events planned throughout March for Women’s History Month at Shawnee State University



(SSU’s Women’s Center kicks off Women’s History Month with annual ‘Sugar and Spice’ event sharing sweet treats honoring important women in their lives)

            Shawnee State University Women’s Center officially kicks off a month-long celebration of Women’s History Month with “Sugar and Spice V,” during which women share sweet treats honoring the women in their lives from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 3, in the main lobby of the University Center. The campus community is invited to sample and offer treats.
            “We like ‘Sugar and Spice’ as a kick-off event because it draws a lot of interest,” said Roberta Milliken, director of SSU’s Women’s Center.
            Some entrants who make the homemade goodies bring in pictures of the women they are honoring and a brief story about them. Some make copies of the recipe to hand out.
            All month long, the Women’s Center will be collecting used cell phones to donate to the March of Dimes for a fundraiser.
            Another month-long event is the daily Women’s History Contest.
            “We send out a question via e-mail each day and people can reply with the answers,” said Shannon Lawson, assistant professor in English and director of the SSU Honors Program. “Donations are being accepted for prizes to be given out.”
            Women will be honored with a “Read In” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5 in the alcove of the Clark Memorial Library. The campus is invited to choose selections from their favorite female author, works about famous women or self-written works.
            Dr. Timothy Scheurer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at SSU and president of the Midwest Popular Culture Association will present a program, “I always thought I was,” the female hero and film music in “Rebecca, All That Heaven Allows” and “The Piano.” The presentation, from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall at the University Center, is based upon a chapter from his book “Music and Mythmaking in Film” published in 2007.
            Dr. Darren Harris-Fain, Shannon Lawson and Patricia Spradlin will examine some of the many works by 2007 Nobel Prize-winning author, Doris Lessing from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall. Lessing has authored more than 50 books in her career.
            Bring a lunch to eat while enjoying these interesting programs.
           Harris-Fain will present “Wonder Woman: The History of the World’s Most Famous Superheroine” from noon to 1 p.m. on March 26 the Southern Ohio Museum on Gallia Street in Portsmouth. Boxed lunches are available for this event by calling the Women’s Center at (740) 351-3339 or e-mailing RMilliken@shawnee.edu.
            The last event of the month is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 in the Flohr Lecture Hall at Clark Memorial Library. Katy Mathuews will provide research statistics on the economic impact of women who drop out of the workforce to be stay-at-home moms. A panel discussion will follow with insights from couples who have taken different paths to balance the needs of their families.
            “We like to provide a variety of things throughout the month to appeal to a variety of interests,” Lawson said.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)


 

Tech Prep Showcase planned at Shawnee State University

(More than 150 students from Scioto, Pike and Lawrence counties will show off their skills at the Tech Prep Showcase at SSU)

            Student projects on such topics as health to business, IT technologies, teacher education and criminal science will be on display at Shawnee State University’s annual Tech Prep Showcase competition from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 at the James L. Rhodes Athletic Center.
            Tech Prep is a combined secondary and post-secondary program that provides students with an easy transition from high school to college.
            Students work in teams or individually to develop projects related to their Tech Prep high school programs.
“We have judges from the community who come as well as our university partners,” said Angela Walker, project director for the Ohio Tech Prep Consortium in University Outreach Services. “It’s going to be really big this year.”
            The judges will rate the projects as superior, excellent or good and medals and certificates will be given out to participants at an awards ceremony in the afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
            Tech Prep prepares students for high demand technical careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering/educators and math/medical that are key to Ohio’s economic development.
            Tech Prep provides a hands-on, real world approach to teaching and learning that includes team work, worksite experiences, critical thinking and problem solving.
            The Tech Prep Showcase competition provides a place where students can show their knowledge and skills with the projects they build.
            For more information, call Angela Walker at (740) 351-3370 or e-mail awalker@shawnee.edu.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center to take a ‘Reading Road Trip’ to China


(The CLC Scholastic Book Fair and literacy campaign will take children on a journey across America and around the world)

            The Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center is planning a week of events for its “Scholastic Book Fair” and “Take a Reading Road Trip Across America – Across the World” to inspire literacy from Monday, Feb. 25 through Friday, Feb. 29.
            “The CLC events coincide with the National Education Association’s ‘Read Across America’ week to connect children in America with another country,” said Cindy Ferguson, director of the CLC. “Also, the book fair will probably be one of the best we’ve ever had. We have a tremendous selection of books for young children and adults of all ages and we have a lot of multicultural books.”
            She and her book fair chairwoman Dawn Little, attended book fair training and were inspired by a video about a project called “Build-A-Book” – mini-book kits that schools can make and send to a third-world country.
            “We have four students who are student teaching in China and we decided that if the Chinese had an interest, we would partner with a school in China,” Ferguson said. “We found a kindergarten affiliated with Guangdong Teachers College of Foreign Languages and Art in Guangzhou, China, that’s interested and they have become our adopted school.”
            The theme of the mini-book project is to introduce the new Chinese friends to the CLC children, who will include in the book information about themselves, their families and a favorite place they have visited in the United States.
            ”Their book becomes a book about a road trip in America with the hope that those children in China will communicate in some way back to them,” Ferguson said.
            Xiaodan Huang, professor in SSU’s Department of Education, will be traveling to China during spring break and has agreed to take the books with her to the school.
            As part of the Scholastic Book Fair and “Reading Road Trip,” SSU education students and volunteers will become “book buddies” to assist CLC students in making the books throughout the week.
            International students at SSU will be visiting the children and telling them about their countries throughout the week.
            Ahmad Ibrahimov, of Azerbaijan, will talk to the children and Asha Abdulkadir Helge, a student from Kenya, will describe animals she would see on a road trip in her country.
            Genevieve Toombs, who teaches French at the school, will be reading a story from France, and a local Chinese family will be showing a DVD and sharing a favorite children’s book from China.
            As part of the “Reading Road Trip,” Lisa Roberts, from the Portsmouth City Health Department, will teach car seat safety, Sgt. Joe Shupert, DARE Officer, will talk about “Stranger Danger,” and a representative from AAA in Cleveland will talk to the children about pedestrian safety.
            On Thursday, students will enjoy an international lunch with food from Italy, Kenya and Japan prepared by Sodexho in the University Center.
            For more information about the CLC Book Fair and “Reading Road Trip” activities, call (740) 351-3252.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)



 

Nominations are being accepted for ‘Alumnus of Tomorrow’ awarded to a graduating senior at Shawnee State University


(If there is a graduating student that you think deserves some special recognition, nominate them for the Alumnus of Tomorrow Award)

            Shawnee State University’s Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the Alumnus of Tomorrow Award presented each year to a graduating student who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors — academic, social and personal — and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors.
            “The Alumnus of Tomorrow Award allows the Alumni Association to recognize one of its future members who has made a true impact on SSU and who will no doubt continue to make an impact on his or her community for many years to come,” said Angela Henderson, assistant director, Development/Alumni Affairs.
            To be considered for the award, a student must be:
            1) Eligible to participate in the 2008 Commencement (will graduate or has graduated during the 2007-2008 school year);
            2) Active in campus and/or community activities;
            3) In good academic standing.
            Anyone who would like to nominate a student for the Alumnus of Tomorrow award can submit the student’s name, along with how the student meets the award criteria, to ahenderson@shawnee.edu. Include as much information about the student’s activities as possible. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 7.
            The winner will be chosen by the Alumni Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the annual Evening of Honors in April.
            “The Evening of Honors is such a special event and the Alumni Association is thrilled to be a part of it. It’s always nice to see outstanding students honored in front of their peers,” Henderson said.
            For more information, contact Henderson at (740) 351-3182 or e-mail ahenderson@shawnee.edu.
 

To news directors, editors, producers, and reporters:
 

Shawnee State University Board of Trustees
Executive Committee Meeting March 5, 2008
 

            The Executive Committee of the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the Emmitt House, 123 North Market Street, Waverly, Ohio.

To news directors, editors, producers, and reporters:
 

 

SSU President Rita Rice Morris to deliver State of the University address
 

            Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris will deliver her State of the University at 4 p.m. tomorrow, February 28, in the Clark Memorial Library’s Flohr Lecture Hall.
            The address, entitled “Positioning for the Future” will focus on Shawnee State’s preparation for meeting the goals in the Strategic Plan of the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and setting its place in the new University System of Ohio.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Medical billing and coding certification program offered at Shawnee State University
(An upcoming certification program at SSU will teach record keeping, calculating patient charges and reviewing files)

 

            Shawnee State University is offering a 70-hour course in medical billing and coding certification that teaches the skills needed to solve insurance billing problems, manually file claims, complete common insurance forms, trace delinquent claims and use generic forms to streamline billing procedures.
            Medical billing and coding professionals keep records, calculate patient charges and review files, prepare itemized statements and submit claims to third party payers. Medical coders are responsible for the collection of physician charges and patient data to ensure that claims are submitted to insurance carriers accurately and in the most efficient and expeditious manner.
            The course covers current procedural terminology, international classification of diseases, specialty fields, such as, surgery, radiology and laboratory, basic claims process for medical insurance and third party reimbursements and procedures on service codes using coding manuals CPT and ICD-9.
            Completing the course will prepare students to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder exam, the American Health Information Management Association Certified Coding Associate exam and other national certification exams.
            Those interested in becoming medical coders or pursuing national certification should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some national medical coding certification exams are very complex and may require six months to two years of suggested practical coding experience before taking the exam or being recognized as a certified medical coding professional.
            “Whether one is seeking a career as a technician or a billing and coding specialist, they can be assured that there is potential to make money while doing something they enjoy,” said Brenda Covert, Outreach Services manager, Business and Industry Training.
            Classes are from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 11 to May 20. The cost is $1,499 and can be paid by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about available financing options.
            For more information or to enroll, call (740) 351-3171 or toll-free at (866) 672-8778. Deadline for registration is March 5.

(Photo, cutline, and article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

EKG Technician Certification program offered at Shawnee State University
(Comprehensive program prepares students to become certified EKG technicians)
 Dan Jones, electrocardiogram instructor, shows Tiffany Payne, standing, how to perform an EKG test practicing on another student, McKenzie Rhea. This comprehensive program prepares students to function as EKG Technicians and to take the American Society of Phlebotomy Technician exam in addition to other National Certification Exams. EKG technicians work in physician offices, hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities and organizations. The new training is scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 10 to April 28.

            Shawnee State University is offering a comprehensive 50-hour program for EKG technician certification and prepares students to take the American Society of Phlebotomy Technician – Electrocardiograph Technician exam in addition to other national certification exams.
            EKG technicians are responsible for performing electrocardiogram tests in order to monitor and record electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. These tests include basic EKGs, Holter Monitoring (portable EKG unit which records activity for 24-48 hours) and 12-lead placement and stress tests (treadmill). Technicians also assist a physician in diagnosing and treating cardiac and blood vessel irregularities.
            This course will include practice with equipment and hands-on labs in the proper use of the EKG machine, the normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement, and other clinical practices. EGK technicians also analyze printed reading of EKG tests, measure various cardiac intervals and complexes and make determinations of EKG readings.
            The EKG program includes a graded final exam to help prepare students for the ASPT-EKG Technician exam. People interested in becoming EKG technicians should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
            “In considering a healthcare job, one should keep in mind that you can work in all types of environments,” said Brenda Covert, Outreach Services manager, Business and Industry Training. “You can work in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, private offices, home health care organizations, health practitioner’s offices, nursing homes or outpatient care centers.”
            Classes are from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from March 10 to April 28.
            The cost of the course is $999 and can be paid by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about available financing options. For more information or to enroll, call (740) 351-3171 or toll-free (866) 672-8778. Deadline for registration is March 5.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

Counseling and Psychological Services at Shawnee State University offers numerous outreach workshops
(‘Critical Incidents’ is added to long list of services and workshops at the Counseling and Psychological Services at SSU)

            Stressed out over a relationship or classes? The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services at Shawnee State University offers not only counseling, but also workshops on academic survivor skills, anxiety disorders, addictions, relationships, study skills, suicide, smoking cessation, stress management, time management and dealing with critical incidents, to name a few.
            Dr. Michael Hughes, clinical counselor and director of the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services, presents two sessions each month on different subjects. Sessions begin at 4 p.m. in the Howard/Ketter Room, located on the second floor of the University Center and are open to the Shawnee State University community.
            “Improving Study/Test-taking Skills” will be offered on March 6, “Learning to Manage Time” on March 27, “Managing Stress Effectively” April 9, and “Coping with Test Anxiety” on April 22.
            “The workshops are open for staff and faculty as well as students,” Hughes said.
            “The one thing that I always stress to students in orientation is to read the first 30 pages of their catalogs,” Hughes said. “It lists all of the services at Shawnee State, where the office is located and who to contact.”
            Linda Brown, clinical counselor, leads several workshops on relationships, drugs, addictions and coping skills such as stress management, time management and study skills.
            “Sometimes I’ll come up with an individual composite for a class presentation on one of the subjects instead of doing a complete workshop, depending on the needs of the class,” Brown said.
            One of the most popular topics that students seem to enjoy the most is “Don’t Go There” about relationships, legal issues and sex, she said.
            One workshop is “Because I’m the teenager, that’s why” focuses on adolescent behavior and development. Other workshops are “Suicide” and “Critical Incidents.”
            The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services is located on the second floor of the University Center and offers a wide range of informational materials to students regarding issues and concerns commonly encountered by college students, including mental health, physical health, college life, personal safety, alcohol, drugs and nicotine.
            Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment. Stop by the office or call (740) 351-3213.
            After office hours, on weekends and when the University is closed, emergency crisis consultation is available by contacting the Crisis Hotline at the Shawnee Mental Health Center at (740) 354-1010. This service is available seven days a week on a 24-hour basis.

(Photo and cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)
 

AHANA club celebrates Black History Month with a ‘Taste of Soul’ at Shawnee State University Center
 

            Matt Matthews, coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs at SSU and the African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American student club prepared a variety of “soul” food to celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, sweet potatoes, beans and rice, jambalaya, fried cabbage, fruit and lima beans were plentiful at the event. The Student Programming Board passed out free Black History Month T-Shirts to students with IDs. In the photo, Andreas Beauregard, SSU freshman, gets ready to eat a plate full of food while Jessica Colvin (center) and Matthews wait for the next person to serve.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)
 

Shawnee State University promotes cultural experiences through the African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American student group
(Shawnee State sponsors activities promoting cultural understanding through AHANA)

             Shawnee State University established African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American in 1990-1991 for the minority population of students registered on campus.
            AHANA was designed to develop and foster relationships between all students, bring an understanding of differences and to promote cultural awareness and pride.
            Along with the Student Programming Board, AHANA recently held a “Taste of Soul” event at the University Center, which offered a variety of food such as, fried chicken, jambalayas, corn bread, lima beans and many tasty dishes for the students, staff and faculty. The SPB also gave out Black History Month T-shirts.
            In recent years, the membership in AHANA has become a true culturally diverse group,” said Matt Matthews, coordinator of multicultural student affairs. “The more we learn about each other, the better our world will become.”
            AHANA will be sponsoring a Gospel Explosion from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 at the Flohr Lecture Hall in the Clark Memorial Library, as part of the Black History Month celebration.
            For more information about AHANA, contact Matt Matthews at (740) 351-3553 or e-mail him at mmatthews@shawnee.edu.

(Photo and cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Wong talks to students at Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center about favorite Chinese children’s story
             Students and teachers of the Dr. Miller and Genevieve Toombs Children’s Learning Center listens with fascination as Shirley Wong (left) reads from a favorite book of Chinese Children, “1001 Nights.” The children are celebrating a “Reading Road Trip Across America – Across the World” this week to inspire literacy. They are also making small books to send to a school in China.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State offers Pharmacy Technician Certification program
(Become a certified pharmacy technician and start making money in eight weeks through SSU’s Pharmacy Technician Certification program)
 

            Shawnee State University is offering a Pharmacy Technician Certification program from 5:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday from March 11 to April 29.
            The program is a comprehensive 50-hour course that will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. A high school diploma or GED is required to take the PTCB exam.
            Students will learn medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions and how to identify drugs by generic and brand names. Students will also calculate dosages, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversion, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, billing and reimbursements.
            “Working as a pharmacy technician is a great place to start if students are interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry,” said Brenda Covert, Outreach Services manager, Business and Industry Training.
            Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a pharmacist to fill prescriptions and prepare medications for dispensation to patients. Some other duties may include checking inventories and ordering supplies, receiving and checking in supplies, assisting customers and keeping work area clean.
            Some technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies and other healthcare settings under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
           The course costs $999 and deadline for registration is March 5. Ask about financing options. For more information or to register, call (740) 351-3171 or toll free at (866) 672-8778.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)
 

Shawnee State’s Lacy Davis received the 2008 Midwest Society for Photographic Education scholarship
(SSU student Lacy Davis has been invited to attend the 2008 Midwest Society for Photographic Education national conference)

            Shawnee State student Lacy Davis received a $500 scholarship from the Society for Photographic Education and has been invited to attend the organization’s national conference.
            Davis took the intermediate photography 1 course that Allyson Klutenkamper taught during the 2007 fall semester, and as a class requirement, Davis had to enter the Midwest Society for Photographic Education’s Undergraduate Student Scholarship.
            Davis submitted 10 recently shot photographs along with a cover letter stating why she was applying for the scholarship.
            “I was not expecting to receive the scholarship,” said Davis, “I was extremely surprised when I received an email from Klutenkamper asking if I would be able to receive the scholarship and attend the conference. I am grateful to Klutenkamper for pushing me to submit my work.”
            Davis attended last November’s SPE regional conference in Flint, Michigan. This will be her first time attending the SPE national conference which will be held in March in Denver, Colorado.

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

 

Shawnee State University offers Phlebotomy Technician Certification program
(Intensive course prepares students to become certified as a phlebotomy technician at SSU)

            Shawnee State University is offering Phlebotomy Technician Certification program from 5:30 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday, March 10 to May 19, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, April 19 and May 10.
            The program is an intensive 90-hour course which will familiarize students with all aspects related to blood collection and help them develop skills to perform venipunctures and prepare students to collect blood specimens from clients for laboratory analysis purpose.
            Classroom work includes terminology, anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, specimen hands-on practice and clinical training in skills and techniques for performing puncture methods. The program also includes lab exercises, drawing blood, working with a training arm and other exercises to prepare students to function as an entry level phlebotomy technician. Participants should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to take the course.
            “Our program will teach students how to interact with patients, the legal aspects of blood collection, universal and standard precautions and proper blood collection techniques with live blood draws,” said Brenda Covert, Outreach Services manager, Business and Industry Training.
            Phlebotomy technicians usually work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers to obtain blood from a patient for testing purposes. They are employed in health centers, hospitals, medical group practices, public health facilities, veterans’ hospitals, insurance carriers and in other healthcare settings.
            The deadline for registration is March 5 and cost of the course is $1,599. Financing options are available. For more information or to register, call (740) 351-3171 or toll free at (866) 672-8778.

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

 

Date changed for Tech Prep Showcase at Shawnee State University
because of school closings
(Shawnee State University Tech Prep Showcase will now be held on Friday, March 7)

            Shawnee State University’s annual Tech Prep Showcase competition that was originally scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 at the James L. Rhodes Athletic Center has been changed to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 7. For more information, call Angela Walker at (740) 351-3370 or e-mail awalker@shawnee.edu.

Shawnee State President Morris delivers State of the University address
(SSU President Morris in her State of the University address called upon the campus community to prepare for the changes on higher education’s horizon)
 

            In a State of the University address entitled “Positioning for the Future,” Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris said that “change is what we do well” at SSU and called upon the campus community to ready itself for the challenges and opportunities presented by a new higher education environment in Ohio.
            “From branch campus, to technical college, to community college, to university, this institution, more so than perhaps any other in the state, has grown and adapted to meet the needs of Ohioans,” said Morris.
            The 2008-2009 Ohio State Budget requires the chancellor, who reports directly to the governor and oversees the new University System of Ohio, to develop a 10 year Strategic Plan for higher education.
            The chancellor’s draft Strategic Plan contains four goals, each of which carries several measures of success:
            *Educational attainment
            *Quality
            *Affordability
            *Economic leadership
            Morris noted the Strategic Plan will put an emphasis on accountability, and that Shawnee State is well-positioned to respond. Shawnee State has already adopted a continuous improvement model for accreditation, called the Academic Quality Improvement Program.
            The public university presidents in Ohio have taken the initiative on accountability by communicating to Chancellor Fingerhut their support for use of the Voluntary System of Accountability which was developed through a partnership between the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.
            “The VSA communicates information on the undergraduate student experience through an easy-to-understand web page called the College Portrait that allows comparisons of institutions in a way that will make sense to legislators and parents alike,” said Morris.
            Morris also emphasized the importance of preparing for change by expanding the opportunities for collaborations that benefit students. She announced during her address that Shawnee State will be a founding member of the Higher Education Consortium of Southern Ohio.
           “The consortium will cultivate a spirit of openness and cooperation among all institutions and organizations providing postsecondary services in southern Ohio so as to put the needs of citizens above all other considerations,” said Morris.
            The university is also committed to working with regional school districts to make available Governor Strickland’s proposed “Seniors to Sophomores” program, which would permit high school students, free of charge to attend college and acquire enough credits to enroll in a college as a sophomore.
            Morris said: “Imagine what slicing 25 percent off the cost of college would do for many families in our area?”
            In light of the declining number of regional and state high school graduates Morris laid out a plan to increase enrollment at Shawnee State, a high priority of the governor and chancellor for all colleges and universities in Ohio.
            Along with offering compelling new academic programs and meeting the needs of non-traditional students, who still make up about 30 percent of the Shawnee State student body, Morris announced the university will undertake a statewide marketing initiative to attract students from outside the region.
            Most importantly, Morris stressed, Shawnee State must improve its retention of students, which is the most effective means by which to improve enrollment. She explained that, even allowing for current retention rates in junior and senior years, improving freshman to sophomore retention by just three percent will in four years result in about 130 more students.
            “Each office within the university will be asked to identify efforts they can make to help improve our retention rate. Increased retention and graduation rates are everyone’s job,” said Morris.
             In closing, Morris said, “As we move forward, as we face change, our commitment to providing a university education worthy of the dreams of our students will not waver. I look forward to working with all of you to ensure Shawnee State University is positioned for the future and remains the pride of southern Ohio.”
              For entire text of the State of the University address, http://www.shawnee.edu/off/pres/PDF/SOTU%20Garamond%20%20(2-28-08).pdf.