HappeningsHappeningsVol. 4, No. 3 Spring / Summer 09A Newsletter for the Fayetteville State University Family

Published by the Office of Public Relations

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The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra did a spotlight on Ms. Denise Payton (Department of Performing and Fine Arts) in Fall 2008. Please read it below. Visit the link to view photo. Thank you. (http://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/SOS-121308-Payton.php)

Denise Murchison Payton is a native of Spring Lake, North Carolina. She was educated in the public schools of Cumberland County (NC); N.C. State University (NC); Fayetteville State University (NC) and is pursuing doctoral studies in Music Education, at Boston University (MA). She has studied with Judith Pinnix Howell (NC), Sheila Carver (TX), Leroy Roberson, Dr. Samuel Barber, Phyllis Tektonidis (NC) and presently with Christine Weidinger formerly of the Metropolitan Opera Company. Payton has held teaching positions in Richmond County Public Schools, and Cumberland County Public Schools and presently at Fayetteville State University where she is the Director of the University Choir and teacher of applied voice.

Payton is also the founder of The Heritage Restoration Chorale an ecumenical group of singers from the Fayetteville, Cumberland County area. She has performed frequently as a soprano soloist and in such operas as Susannah, Amahl and the Night Visitors, the

Spotlight on Soloist Denise Murchison Payton, SopranoTaken from The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Online News

world premiere of University Concert Choir on their first European tour (1998) at the American Church in Paris, France, St. Jacobs, a 12th century church in Liege, Belgium, the National Basicilia of Koekelberg, the fifth largest church in the world and St. Giles Church in the canal city of Brugge, Belgium. Denise is featured on the CD “What a Mighty God We Serve” recorded in Belgium.

Ms. Payton made her debut performance with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, December 13, 2008. April 27, 2003, Payton debuted with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia, Canada, singing John Rutter's Feel the Spirit. Ms. Payton was the first soloist of the Martin Luther King Jr. annual concert at Fayetteville State University, and just celebrated the 10th anniversary of this celebration as soprano soloist in January 2008.

Denise has been the recipient of several teaching awards such as the Teacher of the Year, Spring Lake Jr. High/Middle School 1992-93, 1996-97, and 2003-04; Educator of the Year (1996), First Union Bank; and Outstanding Community Award, Rise Newspaper and the City of Fayetteville. Ms. Payton is a regular performer with Long Leaf Opera Company and listed in Outstanding

Young Women of America, Who's Who Among American Teachers, and holds memberships in many other organizations such as the Music Educators National Conference; North Carolina Music Educators Association; Mu Phi Epsilon Sorority; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She is often sought after as a vocal coach and lecturer/presenter for churches and organizations. Denise is the Minister of Music at Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church; Payton has also made numerous guest appearances as a guest conductor for the elementary, middle and high schools' All-County choruses of Franklin County Schools and Sampson County Schools. Denise is a mother of 2 children, Jarae, 25, and Jared, 20.

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In November, 2008, Dr. Brooksie Harrington, Associate Professor of English, participated in “Let’s Talk Church,” a panel discussion on the postmodern state of African American Gospel Music. Said discussion, which was the creation of Dr. Bobby Jones, gospel music impresario, and Black Entertainment Television (BET) Network, will be aired beginning on April 5, 2009. Dr. Harrington appeared on the April 5th airing.

There are several panel topics running the gamut from the economic state of gospel to the increasing secularization of this sacred music. Dr. Harrington served on the panel, “Should Secular Artists Be Involved with Gospel Music?” along with several other gospel notables--Florence LaRue, Darryl Lassister, and Dottie Peoples, just to name a few. His resoundingly affirmative response to this question, merely reiterates the original focus emphasized in his initial text on African American Gospel, Shirley Caesar: A Woman of Words, as well the thesis of his latest text The Aesthetics of African American Gospel Music. This text cites several sources, to include a l99-BBC interview of David Ruffan of the Temptations, who interchanged the text of a Motown song with that of a gospel hymn.

Dr. Harrington spoke to the fact that moderation was the key to a successful merging of the secular and spiritual, and as long as that approach was the guide, the message of good news should be spread by as many good people as possible.

For more information, please contact Dr. Harrington at (910) 672-1931.

The below FSU family members graduated from the Institute of Community Leadership (ICL) program on April 21, 2009.

FSU is a sponsoring agency for the Institute for Community Leadership (ICL), a joint community effort designed to provide local citizens the opportunity to participate in activities leading to community leadership.

FSU Professor to Appear on BET Program from Dr. Brooksie Harrington, Department of English & Foreign Languages

FSU Alumna Serves in Support of Presidential InaugurationDiane A. Tyler-Grant, FSU alumna and a civilian public affairs specialist with U. S. Army Military District Washington, served with the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2009. Below is a write-up released from the Joint Task Force.

Joint Task Force – National Capital region, regional subcommand of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), is charged with providing defense support to civil authorities in a Joint Operational Area that includes the federal seat of government. During events such as the Presidential Inauguration, Joint Task Force – National Capital Region provides approved support to federal, state and local agencies for security efforts and potential consequence management operations.

Tyler-Grant is responsible for developing public affairs plans and implementing related policies, as well as coordinating public affairs support to agencies within the National Capital Region in the months proceeding and during the inaugural period. Specifically, she will

represent her command in a federal interagency Joint Information Center, where she will help facilitate public information.

Serving in a similar capacity, Tyler-Grant supported the 2008 State of the Union address, the 2008 Papal Visit to Washington D.C. and the recent and G20 - Economic Summit.

Tyler-Grant, a native of Orangeburg, SC, is the daughter of Napoleon (deceased) and Marjorie S. Tyler and is a 1978 graduate of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School. She holds a master’s degree in Sociology and a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University, a member of the University North Carolina.

A proud Department of the Army (DOA) civilian with 19 years of service, she is married to retired Army Master Sgt. Jimmy Grant. They have two sons -- Nathaniel and Cameron.

FSU HAPPENINGS

CONGRATULATIONS!

Cheryl Gainey(Accounts Payable)

Dennis McNair(Student Affairs)

Marny Penix(Marketing & Special Events)

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FSU HAPPENINGS

Students Selected to Attend National Leadership Conferencefrom Helene Cameron, Office of Career Services

The Office of Career Services at Fayetteville State University announces the selection of three Broncos who will be attending the National Urban League's Leadership B.E.E.P. (Black Executive Exchange Program) leadership conference. Travis Harris, a junior Accounting major (Zebulon), Francine Dunbar, a junior Mass Communications major (Durham), and M. Jarrell Goode, a Business Administration major (Fayetteville) were selected to attend the annual conference which was held in Atlanta, Ga.; June 1 - 6, 2009. "The Office of Career Services is proud to have these exceptional students representing the University at Leadership B.E.E.P," said Helene A. Cameron, Director of Career Services. "Both Travis and Francine were selected because they wrote dynamic essays on what attending the conference would mean to them personally and professionally. Jarrell's selection was made by Mr. Mark Monteverdi, vice president of the Black Executive Exchange Program and Volunteer Programs with the National Urban League, who was impressed with Jarrell Goode upon meeting him at Fayetteville State University. Leadership B.E.E.P. helps students increase their understanding of effective leadership strategies and practices, and provides opportunities for them to network with leading African-American executives. The four-day, activity-enriched conference allows students to evaluate their leadership and personality styles through the use of self-assessment tools, intense workshops, and interaction with African-American executives

and their student peers. Leadership B.E.E.P. will also help students to: • Begin to take responsibility for their own leadership development • Increase self-awareness as well as understand how others may perceive them • Gain information, skills and self- confidence to become successful leaders • Establish formal mentor relationships with African-American executives • Develop action plans to implement personal change • Learn to identify and avoid leadership pitfalls • Create specific action plans for success • Master the art of effective networking • Develop business acumen, political and organizational savvy, The Black Executive Exchange Program is a voluntary partnership between the National Urban League, corporate America, government, non-profits, and other institutions to loan African-American executives to participating colleges as "visiting professors." Visiting professors lecture in courses that correspond to their industries and participate in other B.E.E.P.-related activities such as networking sessions, workshops, and mock job interviews. Their mission is to share learning experiences across generations, cultivate new leaders, and inspire achievements "beyond the possible" through committed involvement and operational excellence.

Melvin Jarrell Goode, the student that was selected by the VP of the Black Executive Exchange Program and Volunteer Programs for the National Urban League

Black Executive Exchange Program (Travis Harris and Francine Dunbar)

Computer Training Program at FSU Receives Funding from the City of Fayettevillefrom Dr. Richard Ellis, School of Business and EconomicsThe SUCCESS Program, a pilot program sponsored by the School of Business and Economics at Fayetteville State University (FSU), has received a grant from the City of Fayetteville.

The program is a hands-on computer based training program designed to increase your clients earning potential through technology education. Challenging and innovative lessons combine critical thinking with real workplace applications.

Level assessments allow faculty to create customized lesson plans to better prepare students for job placement. Training is conducted in a relaxed classroom setting to ensure a stress-free environment, which is crucial for the new computer user. Pre- and post- assessments will be given to each client to determine the effectiveness of the program.

For more information, please contact Dr. Richard Ellis at rellis@uncfsu.edu, or visit the online site at http://community.uncfsu.edu/MurchDev/2006%20community%20webpage/Success%20a%20Computer%20Training%20Program.htm.

We are glad to announce the addition of a new member of staff in the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL). Ms. Ying Wang joined the CITL this spring. She most recently taught at the UNC Wilmington. Prior to that, she taught at Indiana University. Ms Ying is completing her PhD in Instructional Systems Technology, with a minor in Assessment and Measurement at Indiana University (Bloomington) this Spring.

Here at FSU, she will serve as an instructional designer, working with individual faculty members, departments, and colleges/schools on instructional and curricular development, assessment of learning outcomes, and the application of technology to the teaching and learning process. She will work with other CITL staff in providing a comprehensive range of services to FSU faculty.Please join us in welcoming Ms. Wang to FSU.

Warm Welcomes to Fayetteville State University Family!Ying Wang, Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL)from Dr. John Nworie, CITL Director

FSU HAPPENINGS

Military Students and Academic Progression at FSUNCAIR Conference Presentations

Two presentations were made at the North Carolina Association for Institutional Research (NCAIR) in Southern Pines, March 17, 2009. They were as detailed below.

“Beyond Yellow Ribbons: Enhancing Student Success” (Dave Allen and Ivan Walker)Major Findings and Implications: After examining, four years of data, active duty military have significantly higher cumulative GPAs at FSU than non-military students. In a time of budgetary constraints, it makes sense to begin comparing academic performance and retention factors for sub-groups of students. In this case, active duty military and non-military students’ results indicated that the military are a “best-buy” for FSU. Forty comparisons were made based on time of classification (Fall 05, F06, F07, F08) and enrollment

type (10 groups: full time/part time freshman to senior, and unclassified students). Sixteen (or 40%) of the 40 comparisons were statistically significant (p<.05) indicating in every instance that military students on average had higher cumulative GPAs. Among all of the non-significant findings (i.e., the other 24 groupings), in every case except one, the military had higher (albeit not statistically so) GPAs than non-military students at FSU. Conversely, and as expected, the opposite was true relative to one year retention rates. Military students had significantly lower return rates. Key point? Investigations of sub-group migration patterns through the FSU pipeline can save institutional dollars (i.e., hybrid courses, online options, etc) by use of targeted intervention strategies.

“Success Factors: Retention/Graduation Rate Comparison of ROTC Cadets vs. Other FSU Students” (Dave Allen and LTC Michael Cruz)Across four years of data, ROTC cadets at FSU do not differ from non-ROTC students either on cumulative GPA or retention rates—but ROTC graduates do have jobs waiting for them immediately after college. Cumulative GPAs and retention rates of ROTC cadets were compared to other students. Both Army and Air Force ROTC groups were combined and compared to other students across several years (F05, F06, F07, F08) and enrollment types (10 groups: full time/part time freshman to senior, and unclassified students). Findings indicated no significant differences between ROTC cadets and others relative to cumulative GPA and retention

rates. Regardless, other benefits exist: ROTC scholarships are plentiful for qualified students and ROTC graduates have a job immediately upon graduation. Over the 4 cohorts studied in this presentation, FSU ROTC cadets represent only 3% of the entire student body. Universities would be wise to exploit the opportunities for federal funding through the ROTC program.

For full reports on each presentation, contact Dr. David Allen at (910) 672-2961.

FSU’s Director of Theatre Stars in Original Musical, Lunch at the Piccadillyfrom Phoebe Hall, Department of Performing and Fine Arts

FSU’s Director of Theatre, Phoebe Hall, revived her role in an original musical on March 24th. The new musical, Lunch at the Piccadilly, written by Clyde Edgerton and Mike Craver, took further shape when Steve Umberger directed a one-night-only reading of the play at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Lunch at the Piccadilly, based on a novel by Edgerton, focuses on the residents of a fictional nursing home. Among the characters are L. Ray Flowers, former preacher; Lil’ Olive, who is having trouble adjusting to assisted living; Clara, who is fond of letting the obscenities fly; and Beatrice, who sees the world from a ‘different’ perspective. The Cape Fear Regional Theatre debuted the play in 2006, with Umberger directing. Last year, the theater staged a revival of the musical at the Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville. Tuesday’s reading reunites the 2008 cast — Bo Thorp, Greg King, Cassandra Vallery, Patty Cucco, Phoebe Hall and George Gray. Mike Craver is returning as musical director. Although the performance is advertised as a play reading, the reading included singing as Craver and Mike Rice provided musical accompaniment.

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FSU HAPPENINGS

Little Book Makes Big Claim:The Secret to Great Schools and Great Men Like Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali Article taken from BlackNews.com (Raleigh, NC)

Would you believe that some of the ground breaking scholarship taking place at some of the most prestigious schools and universities is based on the knowledge of a man with a 3rd grade education? The new book, The Educational Philosophy of Elijah Muhammad, makes such a claim. It also claims that several of the multicultural education concepts are similar to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad which include the "knowledge of self." One of the prime examples used in the book is how the knowledge of self is a well known concept among the elite class in England. The book briefly touches the intellectual genius of Malcolm X, who was taught exclusively by Elijah Muhammad--the "knowledge of self"--which includes the knowledge of God and the Original man along with "true black history." The book provides some insight into how some of Muhammad's students were impacted by his teachings. Malcolm X, a well known spokesman for Justice and Human Rights, was brought to birth by the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. He became, not only a "Prince for Justice", but also a well-known speaker and debater. Boxer, Muhammad Ali, was also a student of Elijah Muhammad. It was Elijah Muhammad who gave the former Cassius Clay the name Muhammad Ali, a name that means one worthy of praise and who is the "most high" or "great." Today Muhammad Ali's is praised by the world and considered the greatest boxer that has ever lived.

Elijah Muhammad's most well known contemporary student--Minister Louis Farrakhan is a former calypso singer. In 1995, Minister Farrakhan convened of the Million Man March. It was the largest and most peaceful gathering of men and women ever. The book highlights the efforts of Minister Farrakhan as liberation pedagogy--a concept espoused by critical educational theorists. The book primarily focuses on helping the

reader to understand Elijah Muhammad's mission as an educational endeavor that could transform the current educational system, thus, creating a New World. It is the first in depth examination of the educational philosophy of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam and a pivotal leader in America's history. This timely book outlines Elijah Muhammad's educational ideas in relation to multicultural education, critical white studies, and critical pedagogy. This is a must-read for those dedicated to creating a new educational paradigm one that can transform individuals, schools, societies, and the world. The new features to this second edition include a foreword by Tynnetta Muhammad, wife and student of Elijah Muhammad; opening comments by world renowned mathematician Dr. Abdulalim Shabazz; a new chapter co-authored with Dr. Dorothy Blake Fardan; plus guided questions and power point notes to stimulate discourse around Elijah Muhammad's educational ideas. Although this book has already been ordered by over 150 colleges and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Duke, and Stanford, will it be considered "a must read" for educators? Only time will tell. For the conscious and open minded educator, this book may be worth more than its weight in gold. (The book is available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com. Hardback $49.95 or Paperback $22.00)

Abul Pitre is the former Carter G. Woodson Professor of Education at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and former Professor of Education at Southern University. He currently works in the Educational Leadership Department at Fayetteville State University. For more information about the book and/or for book signings and interviews, please call (510) 815-4591.

Faculty in Motion

Carole Boston Weatherford, associate professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages, wrote two books that won 2009 Coretta Scott King Honors from the American Library Association. The award-winning titles are Becoming Billie Holiday and Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane. The latter book also won a Golden Kite Honor from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Dr. Lawrence Flowers and Dr. G. S. Rahi from the Department of Natural sciences were invited by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to work as panelists for selection of 2009 NSF Graduate Research Fellows in Washington, DC on February 9-11.

Dr. G. S. Rahi did research work on ‘Use of Microwave radiation (non-chemical technique) to target Soil borne Pathogens’ at the University of Florida Research Center, located at Quincy during Spring break.

Susan Paschal has worked with Sandhills Community College (SCC) in Pinehurst, NC to help develop a closer relationship between SCC and FSU. This relationship is intended to broaden public awareness between theatre transfer students and the university. One project she wrote and directed was presented on April 1st, detailed in the newspaper article linked below.

The Pilot Newspaperhttp://www.thepilot.com/stories/20090325/scene/arts/20090325CLUBRIEFS.html

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Faculty in MotionDr. Abdelmajid Kassem, Department of Natural Sciences and his collaborators at Southern Illinois University, published the article entitled “Locus Interactions Underlie Seed Yield In Soybeans Resistant to Heterodera glycines” in the peer-reviewed journal of Current Issues in Molecular Biology. The full citation of the article is:

Karangula UB, MA Kassem, L Gupta, HA El-Shemy, and D.A. Lightfoot. Locus Interactions Underlie Seed Yield In Soybeans Resistant to Heterodera glycines. Current Issues Mol. Biol. 11 (Suppl. 1): i73–84. March 2009.

Dr. Kassem and his team of undergrad and grad students at FSU have the following article in press in Reviews in Biology & Biotechnology:

Woodert D, S Ivey, E Washington, S Woods, J Walker, B Gretchen, N Krueger, R Wang, and MA Kassem. Is There A Correlation Between Plant Height and Yield in Soybean? Reviews in Biology & Biotechnology 2009, In Press.

Dr. Kassem and his team of undergrad and grad students at FSU also presented the following posters at the International Plant and Animal

Genome Conference XVII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA:

Ouertani K, E Washington, S Ivey, S Woods, J Walker, and MA Kassem (2009) Genetic Analysis of Several Morphologic Traits In Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA

Washington E, K Ouertani, S Ivey, S Woods, D Woodert, DA Lightfoot, and MA Kassem (2009) Genetic Analysis Of Root Traits In Soybean Plants Grown In The Greenhouse And In The Field. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA

Washington E, K Ouertani, S Woods, D Woodert, J Walker, G Bailey, N Krueger, R Wang, and MA Kassem (2009) Genetic Analysis of Nitrogen Fixation In Soybean. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XVII, January 10-14, 2009, San Diego, CA, USA

Dr. Kassem was also elected as Vice–President of the High–Council of Moroccan American Medical and Biology Doctors (HC–MAMBD). The council will soon launch the International Journal of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Sciences (IJ–MPBS) and Dr. Kassem will serve as the Managing Editor of the journal. Dr. Kassem was also granted membership at the Editorial Board of “Journal of Biotech Research”.

FSU HAPPENINGS

NC QUEST Grant ReviewMiddle Math Teacher Academy: Effective Content and Literacy Instruction in Geometry and Measurement for 6-8 Teachers

The Middle Math Teacher Academy is designed to provide staff development for middle school mathematics teachers from Cumberland County Schools based in Fayetteville, NC, who have been nominated by principals from middle schools. The goal of the Middle Math Teacher Academy is to assist 6-8 grade mathematics teachers in becoming highly knowledgeable about and pedagogically skilled in effectively instructing students in mathematics and mathematical literacy.

The specific objectives of the Middle Math Teacher Academy are to develop teachers:

(1) knowledge and proficiency in effective teaching methods and development of Geometry / measurement concepts in 6-8 grade mathematics students;

(2) knowledge and proficiency in providing instructional strategies to improve academic literacy in mathematics;

(3) knowledge of effective alternative assessment methods;

(4) ability to collaborate and serve as a resource for peers; and

(5) ability to support growth in 6-8 grade students’ literacy and content area (mathematics) learning.

2008 Summer NC QUEST Middle Math Teacher Academy

Dr Smith Burton assists NCCTM Conference Teachers

Article continued on pg 7

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FSU HAPPENINGS

Through the partnership of Fayetteville State University and Cumberland County Schools, the Middle Math Teacher Academy will address NC QUEST priority numbers 1and 2: increasing the number of teachers who are highly knowledgeable and proficient in effective instruction of mathematics (geometry/measurement) and mathematical literacy. The end product of the Academy will be an increase in teacher content, pedagogical content knowledge and pedagogy through practice-based professional development courses and workshops. The goal of this grant is consistent with Cumberland County Schools’ literacy and “Good to Great” classroom initiatives.

In May and June of 2008 we recruited 39 mathematics and special education teachers from middle and high schools in Cumberland County. A total of 35 mathematics and special education teachers engaged in the week-long summer training. Out of the 35 participants 12 were special education teachers who taught mathematics.

FSU has been very pleased with the quality of the participants and their eagerness to improve their teaching of geometry and measurement concepts. Their level of excitement and the rapport developed with the presenters during the 2008 Summer Workshop: Middle Math Teacher Academy (August 4-8, 2008), has made the training very enjoyable. Presenters from the School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences and Cumberland County Schools included:

Dr. Marion Gillis-Olion, Professor of Elementary Education,

Dr. Juanita Ashby-Bey, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education Mrs. Jenny Washington, Director of Teacher Education and Lecturer in Mathematics

Dr. Dong Wang, Assistant Professor in Mathematics

Mrs. Shonette Simmons, Cumberland County Mathematics Teacher

NC QUEST Grant ReviewcontinuedArticle continued from pg 6

2008 Summer NC QUEST Middle Math Teacher Academy During the Fall 2008 semester, the teachers especially enjoyed the hands-on nature of the graduate course (MATH 502 Topics in Mathematics for Teachers: Geometry and Measurement) and have developed a resource guide, as a course assignment, for other teachers in the district to use when teaching geometry and measurement concepts in grades 6-8. The opportunity for the teachers to network with other teachers throughout Cumberland County has also been very beneficial. Absences have been very minimal.

NC QUEST Teachers in MATH 502 Topics in Math for Teachers: Geometry and Measurement FSU was also able to take four (4) teachers to the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) Conference in Greensboro, NC during October 29-31, 2008. The teachers (Chad White, Stephanie Stiff, Dorothea Mixon and Donna McNeill), Mrs. Judy Musgrave (CCS 6-12 Mathematics Curriculum Specialist and Co-Director of the FSU NC QUEST Project), Dr. Kimberly Smith Burton (Director of the Mathematics/Science Education Center and Director of the FSU NC QUEST Project) and Dr. Charletta Barringer-Brown (Chair of Middle Grades, Secondary & Special Education Department and Co-Director of the FSU NC QUEST Project) attended the Leadership Seminar on October 29, 2008 and the NCCTM Conference on October 30-31, 2008. The four teachers, Mrs. Musgrave and Dr. Smith-Burton presented a workshop session on October 31, 2008 entitled: NC QUEST Middle Math Teacher Academy: Geometry and Measurement. The session detailed how teachers in the FSU NC QUEST program strengthen their understanding of key geometric/measurement concepts and the FSU NC QUEST teachers provided and presented activities they learned during the 2008 Summer Workshop and MATH 502 course, that would help develop sound instructional and application strategies of geometric/measurement concepts. The North Carolina teachers and administrators who attended the session were very grateful for the information about the NC QUEST Grant Program and application process and enjoyed the take-home activities they were given and previewed during the session.

During the Spring 2009 semester, 28 NC QUEST teachers are enrolled in MATH 504 Current Trends in Mathematics Education and 8 NC QUEST teachers attended the 2009 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 22-25, 2009 with Dr. Kimberly Smith Burton, Mrs. Judy Musgrave and Dr. Charletta Barringer-Brown.

NC QUEST Teachers in MATH 502 Topics in Math for Teachers; Geometry and Measurement.

NC QUEST Teachers in MATH 502 Topics in Math for Teachers; Geometry and Measurements.

Mrs. Judy Musgrave, CCS Math Curiculum Specialist Observing NCCTM Conference Teachers.

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FSU HAPPENINGS

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FSU HAPPENINGSFSU Staff and Student Accepted to the Campbell University’s Summer Capstone PREP Programfrom Dr. Sherrice Allen, Natural Sciences Lorra S. Moses (FSU staff) and Brittney Moore (FSU student) were accepted to Campbell University’s Summer Capstone PREP Program. The PREP is a program designed to prepare motivated underrepresented minority and/or financially disadvantaged students for the rigors of admission into the professional School of Pharmacy. It offers an intensive week long summer curriculum providing excellent educational opportunities for students interested in potential careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Lorra S. Moses is currently employed as a research assistant in the research laboratory of Dr. Sherrice Allen. Ms. Moses is a December 2007 graduate with a B.S. degree in chemistry from Fayetteville State University.

Building Partnerships to Promote and Impact K-12 STEM EducationDrs. Smith-Burton, Allen, and White have been working together as a team to build partnerships with local and regional school districts in order to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in K-12. Since 2007, they have hosted and taught numerous professional development workshops geared towards training mathematics and science teachers in pedagogical content knowledge. This team has also organized and hosted three successful events targeting students interested in STEM. Below is a highlight of the various workshops and activities that are a result of their work to promote and impact K-12 STEM education:

Statewide Institute for Teaching Excellence The North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network initiated a series of Statewide Institutes for Teaching Excellence. These institutes were designed to improve the teachers’ ability to (a) implement the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in science or math no matter what materials are available, (b) teach science or math with a better understanding of the content and (c) increase literacy, student interest and student motivation to enter STEM. Dr. Smith-Burton through the FSU Mathematics and Science Education Center hosts these institutes that range from 3-5 math/science to 9-12 math/science. Drs. Allen and White have served as instructors for 18 teachers during the SITE: Biology workshop. In addition, Dr. Allen assisted in the review and development of workshop material for the 2007 & 2008 SITE: Biology

workshops held at various sites in NC.

To date, approximately 50 teachers from Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Wayne, Robeson, Chatham, and Pitt counties have attended the SITE professional development workshops hosted by the FSU MSEC.

STEM Educators Network The STEM Educators Network is a partnership with local and regional mathematics and science high schools educators, curriculum specialist, and FSU STEM faculty members. Research has shown that there is a “disconnect” between secondary school math/science and college math/science. High school teachers and college professors do not share pedagogical and content materials in math and science. As a result, their expectations from students are misguided. High school teachers and college professors must collaborate in motivating students to pursue careers in STEM. The STEM Educators Network is expected to (a) motivate and change student attitudes towards math and science, (b) recruit students into STEM disciplines for post-secondary education, (c) improve student access to and utilization of support programs available at the university and (d) increase the number of STEM faculty receiving professional development in teaching; using innovative strategies for delivery of instruction and enhance advisement.

Currently the network consists of twenty-four high school math/science teachers, two curriculum

specialists all from Cumberland County, as well as select FSU STEM faculty members. This year the network will welcome educators and administrators from surrounding counties (Hoke, Robeson and Scotland) when the STEM Educators Network hosts its second conference in June 2009.

Math and Science Family Fun NightThe Math and Science Family Fun Nights are designed to expose students, parents, and educators to the wonders of mathematics and science, as well as the educational programs available at FSU. Numerous faculty members from the Departments of Natural Science, Math and Computer Science, Humanities and Fine Arts, as well as the School of Education presented engaging hands-on activities/demonstrations.

In Spring 2008 Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen and White hosted the first Math & Science Family Fun Night for the Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program for students in grades 3 – 5. This event allowed FSU Faculty to showcase to the Fayetteville community the educational brilliance in the areas of mathematics and science housed at FSU, as well as the enormous wealth of knowledge and training that FSU has to offer future Broncos who chose to major in a STEM discipline.

The CCS AIG program serves the area by offering a number of programs aimed at nurturing, challenging, and enriching the 2008 Math Science Night

2008 Biotech Workshop

2008 Biotech Workshop

Spr 2000 Math Science Night

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FSU HAPPENINGS

educational experiences of academically and intellectually gifted elementary students. The Math & Science Family Fun Night is just one of the programs offered to AIG students. During the spring 2008 and spring 2009 Math & Science Family Fun Nights FSU hosted more than 325 AIG students representing twenty-seven Cumberland county elementary schools, their parents/family members and more than twenty-seven AIG Teachers and Administrators from the Cumberland County school system.

Due to the success of the first event, Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen and White were asked to host a second Math & Science Family Fun Night that was held on March 18, 2009. Currently, plans are underway to make this an annual event.

In November 2008, the first Math & Science Family High School Fun Night was hosted by Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen and White. This affair was hosted for high school students who demonstrate a strong interest in math/science and their families. Students (and families) from Cumberland, Columbus and Scotland Counties participated in this event. In addition to engaging hands-on activities/demonstrations, students had an opportunity to meet and interact with representatives from the FSU Office of Admission, various academic programs as well as coordinators and students from the many FSU STEM enrichment programs.

Since its inception, the math/science family fun nights have welcomed approximately 900 students, family members and educators.

Introductory Biotechnology Workshop for North Carolina High School Science TeachersThe Introductory Biotechnology Workshop for North Carolina High School Science Teachers is funded through a grant awarded by

the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. For the second year, Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen and White have secured funding to host the workshop. FSU is one of five sites hosting the workshop for North Carolina Educators. The goals of this five-day workshop are for the participants to (a) learn specific applications of biotechnology, (b) develop lesson plans that incorporate the activities from the workshop, (c) address multiple objectives of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Each workshop has twenty participants, 2 master teachers and Drs. Allen and White serve as the lead instructors. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant receives a $50 per day stipend, free lab supplies, lab equipment and video loans, technology or regular renewal credits.

Accepting the STEM Challenge ConferenceIn September 2008, Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen and White presented at the Accepting the STEM Challenge Conference hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics. The title of their presentation was: “Fayetteville State University: SITE Biology Institute”. The goals of the Accepting the STEM Challenge conference were to disseminate projects, strategies, programs, research, and other efforts that provide evidence of: (1) positively influencing K-12 student interest in STEM; (2) increasing the number of college students majoring in STEM and graduating with STEM degrees; and (3) increasing the number and quality of science and mathematics teachers in K-12 schools. This conference provided K-16 STEM educators, administrators, state policy makers, and business and community leaders, the opportunities to share individual and team successes while also gaining insights on how others are addressing the challenges associated with STEM education in their state.

ConclusionThese events hosted by Drs. Smith-Burton, Allen, and White were designed to provide students as well as local educators with opportunities to experience learning in STEM areas at FSU in an exciting, engaging, interactive and motivational format. The activities conducted could not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the outstanding faculty, staff and students that we have at FSU. In addition, each event was used as a venue to promote the enriching learning experiences that can only be continued if these students choose to become apart of the Bronco family. The success of any institution hinges on the continued efforts of all stake-holders to build a community of academic excellence in all areas. Collaboration is the key to success. Analyzing problems or situations as a team is the “golden egg” in any successful STEM program or business today! Therefore, working as a team has allowed these three gifted professors to tread upon uncharted waters in an attempt to build partnerships with school systems from surrounding counties to promote and impact K-12 STEM education in NC. Finally, these professors understand the need to be creative and to design events/activities that may be utilized as tools to recruit the best and the brightest minds to engage in fulfilling and enriched training in STEM disciplines that can only be had at FSU; the home of the new “STEM” Broncos!

Dr. Kimberly Smith-Burton, Director of the FSU Mathematics and Science Education Center.Dr. Sherrice V. Allen, Director of the Center for Promoting STEM Education and Research (sponsored by Title III).Dr. Erin N. White (Drs. Daniel Okunbor and Frank Nani, Co-Directors), Director of Opportunities for Talent Expansion in Interdisciplinary Education for Minorities and Women in Undergraduate Math and Science (funded by NSF)

Building Partnerships to Promote and Impact K-12 STEM Education Continued

Drs. Smith-Burton Allen White

C- STEM Educators Network

2008 Biotech Workshop

2007 SITE Biology

2007 SITE Biology

11

FSU HAPPENINGS

“Res Non Verba”…Deeds not Words! from Ulisa Bowles, Office of Admissions

As your new Director of Admissions at Fayetteville State University (FSU), I was captivated by this simple yet powerful motto of the university. These words have helped to guide the office of admissions in our goal to expand our recruitment efforts as well as strengthen our internal and external relationships.

What better way for these goals to be materialized than with the planning, implementation and execution of the 2009 “It’s All About U” Spring Open House on March 21st. With the amazing hard work of the Open House committee as well as the combined efforts of faculty, staff, alumni and student volunteers, we welcomed over 1000 prospective students and their families to the FSU campus. In fact, the Spring 2009 Open House program has the distinct honor of having the highest number of attendees in the history of open house programs on our campus.

The energy that radiated throughout the campus was contagious...not to mention, the beautiful weather. Special highlights of the day included

the opening remarks from our newly installed eleventh Chief Executive Officer, Chancellor, Dr. James A. Anderson (he gave a powerful message of encouragement), a warm welcome from the Student Government President, James Jefferson, a number of dynamic student performances, thought provoking and enlightening student and parent panels, Aramark’s complimentary lunch, and an incredibly informative academic fair.

The 2009 “It’s All About U” Spring Open House made significant headway in reaching our goals of enhanced recruitment efforts and the strengthening of our internal and external relationships. As we bask in the success of the day…we are forging aggressively toward a brighter tomorrow.

We want to thank everyone for their involvement and their willingness to support the Office of Admissions in this very exciting recruitment endeavor!

Fayetteville State Students Attend Social Work Day at the United Nations from Delma Jackson, Department of Social Work

Students from Fayetteville State University’s Department of Social Work attended the 26th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations. Social work students from Fayetteville State participated in opportunities for cultural immersion and preparation for social work practice to serve diverse communities. The conference facilitates student education about international social work practice from the perspective of international scholars. Social Work Day at the United Nations took place over a two-day period in New York City. The first day of workshops were held at the Fordham University School of Law and covered a range of topics, such as International Development (Golam Manthbor Immigration), Refugee Rights Protection (Gallya Lahav & Elaine Congress), Social Implications of Climate Change (Paula Lukats), Human Rights Learning (McNally Amp & Bobbi Nassar), and Careers in Social Work (Tami Aber & Stephanie Asare).

The second day of activities was held at the United Nations. Renown speakers were Aaron Greenburg of UNICEF; Bernardo Kliksberg, Chief Advisor of the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Development Programme; Shulamith Koenig, founder of PDHRE; People’s Movement for Human Rights Learning and recipient of the 2003 UN Prize in the field of Human Rights, Michael Sherraden; and Dr. Benjamin E. Youngdahl, Professor of Social Development Washington University’s Brown School and director of the school’s Center for Social Development. This activity was an excellent opportunity for students entering the profession to examine international opportunities, issues, speak with experts, and network with students and social work professionals from across the nation and around the world.