Each spring during the College’s

commencement, I am reminded of

Bluefield State College's very worthwhile

purpose. This year was no different. As

I scanned the capacity audience of stu-

dents, their families and friends, and

BSC faculty and staff, I saw faces beam-

ing with pride. Our most recent gradu-

ates walked across the stage, exchanged

firm handshakes with platform guests,

and returned to their seats with a diploma

in hand and opportunity there for the tak-

ing.

Bluefield State College has made

education possible for students from this

region for nearly 120 years and our grad-

uates have made a difference--in the

region, the state, the nation, and the

world. It’s not an overstatement to say

that many of our students would not have

had the chance to pursue their college

degrees if not for Bluefield State College.

That’s the reason that the members

(continued on page 4)

BLUEFIELD STATE

COLLEGE

BOARD OF GOVERNORSJames J. Palmer, III, Esq.

ChairMr. Larry Ratliff

Vice ChairDr. Lyn Guy

Norris Kantor, Esq.

Larry Morhous, Esq.

Mr. Sylvester Myers

Gloria Stephens, Esq.

Ms. Anne L. Taylor

Ms. Angela Lambert

Faculty RepresentativeMs. Lisa Neel

Classified Staff RepresentativeMr. Craig Caldwell

Student Representative

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFDr. Albert Walker

PresidentDr. Don Smith

Vice President for AcademicAffairs and Provost

Ms. Shelia Johnson

Vice President for Financial and Administrative Affairs

Mr. John Cardwell

Vice President for Student AffairsDr. Thomas E. Blevins

Dean of the Virtual College and Information Technology and the School of Teacher Education; Professor, English/Education

Dr. Tracey Anderson

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Dr. Sapphire Cureg

Director of Multicultural AffairsMs. Karen Harvey

Director of Institutional Advancement & Planning

Mr. Jim Nelson

Assistant to the President/ Director, Institutional/Media Relations

BLUE AND GOLDA publication for alumni and friends of

Bluefield State College.

This project is underwritten by theFederal Title III/BRACE Program.

Summer is a wonderful time for

reflection and advancement in higher

education. As this issue of the Blue &

Gold goes to press, we are able to look

back fondly upon the College’s mid-May

commencement exercises. It was a joy-

ous time as 375 graduates, along with

their families and friends, celebrated this

milestone in their lives. Our returning

alumni rekindled fond memories of their

years as undergraduates, as well.

As May gave way to mid-summer,

BSC welcomed the first of two groups of

new students during a one-day orienta-

tion session. It was my pleasure to wel-

come these bright, ambitious students

and their families to campus and look

forward to a time in the not-to-distant

future when these students would walk

across the stage, receive their diplomas

and move forward into the next chapter

of their lives.

At the same time, the College pro-

ceeded with work to complete its institu-

tional accreditation self-study and a 2011

visit from a Higher Learning

Commission/North Central Association

team. Bluefield State College has met

the rigorous standards to earn and main-

tain institutional accreditation since the

early 1950s, and we are committed to the

task of excellence required to sustain

accreditation in the future.

Additionally, we recently received

the outstanding news that the Bachelor

of Science in Nursing Program has

earned a ten-year continuing accredita-

tion from the Commission on Collegiate

Nursing Education.

Certainly, recent economic develop-

ments on a national, state, and local level

have impacted Bluefield State College.

Importantly, the same spirit of resiliency

that has served the “College on the

Terraced Hills” so well through its 114

year history has, throughout this chal-

lenging period, proven invaluable once

again.

As a result, with your help and

insight, we are “Making Education

Possible” for this and future generations.

Dr. Albert L. Walker

President

Board of Governors’ Newsby James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair

James J. Palmer, III, Esq.

Chair

- 2 -

A Message from the President

Three hundred seventy-five

(375) degrees were conferred during

Bluefield State College’s 112th com-

mencement exercises at the

Brushfork Armory, May 16.

Approximately 3000 people attended

the program.

Mr. Sylvester Myers, a BSC

alumnus, delivered the commence-

ment address. His autobiography,

From Coal Fields, to Oil Fields and

Beyond: A Life in Pursuit of All I

Could Be, is an inspirational tale of

his rags to riches journey from a

childhood in a McDowell County coal

camp to the presidency of his internation-

ally known

construction

cost-estimat-

ing manage-

ment firm with

offices at four

locations in

the United

States.

“Despite

the grim news

about unem-

ployment and

layoffs, there

are jobs to be found in today’s economy,”

Myers told the BSC Class of ’09. He

cited the federal government, health care,

and education as areas where employment

opportunities were good. “Every field

will present opportunities to those individ-

uals who have skills, personality, passion,

and perseverance,” he added.

The audience of family members and

friends of graduates and community resi-

dents also received greetings from

Bluefield State College President Dr.

Albert Walker, BSC Board of Governors’

chair Norris Kantor, BSC Alumni

Association President Dr. Joseph F.

Lewis, BSC Student Government

President Jonathan Murray, Faculty

Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich, and

Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.

Three students with perfect 4.0 grade

point averages shared the distinction of

class valedictorian. They included

Miranda Linkous (B.A. in Humanities)

from Bluefield, West Virginia, Gregory

Michaelson (B.S. in Civil Engineering

Technology) from Bluefield, West

Virginia, and Kimberly Reed (B.S. in

Computer Science) from Peterstown, West

Virginia.

Carol Cofer, Professor of Nursing,

and Roger Owensby, Assistant Professor

and Department Head/Mining

Engineering Technology, were named the

“Bluefield State College Foundation

Outstanding Faculty Award” recipients for

2009, and BSC seniors Jodie Burton and

Gregory Michaelson were selected

to receive “Brian Delp Service

Leadership Awards.”

Nine members of the BSC Class

of 1959 returned to their alma mater

to participate in the program on the

golden anniversary of their gradua-

tion. BSC Alumni Association

President Dr. Joseph Lewis also

administered the alumni oath to all

members of the graduating class of

2009.

375 Degrees Awarded During BSC's 2009 Commencement

- 3 -

Sylvester Myers

Commencement Speaker

Class Valedictorians

(Left-to-right) Kimberly Reed, Gregory Michaelson

and Miranda Linkous

Class of 1959 -- (Left-to-right) Gloria Williams Stewart,

Selba Meadows Boyd and Gaynell Hairston Gunn, (standing,

l-to-r) Warner Baxter, Sidney Lewis, Rev. Alvin Clay, Sr.,

John H. Neal, Dr. Raleigh Hairston and Thomas W. Lee.

Jody Burton

Brian Delp ServiceLeadership Award Recipient

Gregory Michaelson

Brian Delp ServiceLeadership Award Recipient

Dr. Bernadette Dragich and Dr. Albert Walker present

BSC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Awards to

Professors Roger Owensby and Carol Cofer.

BSC Student Team Finishes Third

Overall, During 2009 Intelligent Ground

Vehicle Vehicle Competition“Anassa V,” an autonomous ground

vehicle developed, designed, pro-

grammed, and created by Bluefield State

College students, contended for another

world championship and finished third,

overall, during the recent “2009

Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition

(IGVC) Autonomous Challenge” at

Oakland University, Michigan. The four-

day competition attracted 52 entries from

institutions of higher education in the U.S.

and abroad.

The BSC student team included

Justin Milam, Matthew Duncan, Chris

Thompson, Saleh Alobaishi, Justin

Pennington, Louis McAllister, and Toni

Villanueva. “Our students did an outstand-

ing job,” observed Dr. Robert Riggins,

BSC Professor of Electrical Engineering

Technology. “They came really close to

winning championships in both the

autonomous and the navigation chal-

lenges. Out of 52 robots from around the

world, ours was one of three that compet-

ed 'neck and neck’ in the autonomous

race.” It was extremely encouraging,

Riggins noted, to see the BSC robot do so

well against vehicles developed by teams

of students representing major universities

and graduate programs. “We placed third

in Autonomous, fourth in Land

Navigation, and third overall (Lesko

Award).”

“We encountered some challenges,

like a thunderstorm at the wrong time,

interruptions in electrical power, and the

constant threat of rain, but our students

worked through them,” Riggins contin-

ued. “Anassa held first place for about

three hours during the final day of the

competition. I’m extremely proud of this

year's BSC team. Our students performed

very well in a pressure-filled situation.”

“The fact that Bluefield State College

was the smallest school in the competition

and was one of only a very few colleges

or universities there without an engineer-

ing graduate school makes our perform-

ance even more meaningful,” Riggins

concluded.

- 4 -

of your Board of Governors have commit-

ted themselves to serve. The dedication

of the BSC Board, a commitment to

strengthening the College and community,

are central to our purpose. As we entered

a new fiscal year in July, we saw the

departure of several wonderful Board

members whose terms here had expired.

We owe each a significant debt of grati-

tude.

At the same time, we welcomed to

the Board several new members, each

with a perspective and skill set that will

complement our ability to govern the

institution. We look forward to the new

year.

Throughout the process, we encour-

age the involvement of the College’s

alumni and friends. Your support and

input are essential to the growth and focus

of the school. Thanks for your help in

times past. We will need your wisdom

and assistance even more as Bluefield

State College moves forward into a prom-

ising, but challenging, future.

Board of

Governors’ Newscontinued from page 2

BSC's Model UnitedBSC's Model United

Nations Program SponsorsNations Program Sponsors

Worldwide TravelWorldwide Travel

OpportunitiesOpportunitiesJoin us for a Christmas holiday trip to Cairo,Join us for a Christmas holiday trip to Cairo,

Egypt (three nights) and cruise the Nile (four nights),Egypt (three nights) and cruise the Nile (four nights),

December 28, 2009-January 6, 2010 for $2,800.December 28, 2009-January 6, 2010 for $2,800.

We’re also planning a May 30, 2010-June 6,We’re also planning a May 30, 2010-June 6,

2010 student-led trip, Washington, DC to Amsterdam2010 student-led trip, Washington, DC to Amsterdam

for $1,790.for $1,790.

Other trips include a June 17, 2010 trip toOther trips include a June 17, 2010 trip to

London, Budapest (four nights) and Prague (fourLondon, Budapest (four nights) and Prague (four

nights) for $2,990 and a July 15, 2010 trip from Losnights) for $2,990 and a July 15, 2010 trip from Los

Angeles to Australia (18 days) for $4,890.Angeles to Australia (18 days) for $4,890.

Additional information can be obtained by con-Additional information can be obtained by con-

tacting John White, Assistant Professor/Socialtacting John White, Assistant Professor/Social

Science and BSC Model UN Program Advisor, atScience and BSC Model UN Program Advisor, at

jwhite@bluefieldstate.edujwhite@bluefieldstate.edu or call 304-327-4157.or call 304-327-4157.

Bluefield State College students (left-to-right) Justin

Pennington, Matthew Duncan, Chris Thompson, and Salah

Alobaishi watch their autonomous vehicle, "Anassa V,"

as it negotiates the "Autonomous Challenge" qualifying

course during the 2009 IGVC championships while

an IGVC official (right) observes.

BSC’s “Anassa V” in Action

- 5 -

BSC Baccalaureate Nursing Program Receives

Maximum Continuing Accreditation from Commission

on Collegiate Nursing EducationBluefield State College’s

Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program

has been granted continuing national

accreditation by the Commission on

Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a

national accrediting agency recognized by

the U.S. Department of Education. The

BSC program received continuing accred-

itation for the maximum ten-year period,

through the year 2019. CCNE, as the

only national accrediting agency to focus

exclusively on baccalaureate, masters, and

doctoral education programs in nursing

education, ensures the quality and integri-

ty of higher-education degree programs

preparing effective nursing professionals.

“CCNE accreditation means the BSC

BSN program meets the highest standards

and meets the needs of students, equip-

ping our graduates to provide high quality

nursing care to the people of this region,”

noted program director Beth Pritchett.

“Our program meets the needs of working

RNs with a design that utilizes ‘blended

learning,’ combining face-to-face instruc-

tion and online courses.”

ABOUT THE BSC BSN PROGRAM

For nearly 20 years, the BSC

Baccalaureate Nursing Program has pro-

vided learning opportunities for acquiring

the knowledge base and skills to practice

nursing at the professional level. A broad

perspective of nursing practices is pre-

sented in relation to management, leader-

ship, values and ethics, critical analysis,

research, and the application of the nurs-

ing process to families and other groups in

the communities.

Program faculty include Beth

Pritchett (Associate Professor & Program

Director), Betty Nash (Associate

Professor), and Dr. Betty Rader (Professor

and Dean/School of Nursing & Allied

Health). The program was first accredited

by the National League for Nursing in

1992 and has attained and maintained

continuing national accreditation by the

Commission on Collegiate Nursing

Education since 1999. The BSC BSN

program is offered in both Bluefield and

Beckley.

BSC BSN PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED

ONLINE IN THE FUTURE

“Because of its success on a regional

level, the BSC Baccalaureate Nursing

Program is preparing to seek Higher

Learning Commission approval to provide

the entire degree program online,” Dr.

Rader stated. “Once approval is obtained,

this program will be available throughout

the United States.”

BSC Nursing Students Discover "E-Fish-ent" Way

to Provide Pet Therapy for Residents at the MaplesResidents at The Maples in

Bluefield have a new “big

screen” entertainment system--a

55-gallon aquarium--courtesy of

two energetic and innovative stu-

dents in Bluefield State College’s

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

(BSN) program. To fulfill a

course requirement, senior BSN

students Erica Bailey and Billy

Clay conducted a needs assess-

ment for a “change project” that

could improve the quality of life

at The Maples, then decided upon

the aquarium as a unique type of

“pet therapy.”

“We conducted quite a bit of

research into pet therapy programs,” Clay,

an Oceana High School graduate, said.

“Pet therapy helps increase residents’

receptivity to socializing, and it combats

feelings of loneliness and depression.”

“The aquarium gives residents a col-

orful, uplifting point of focus,” added

Bailey, a graduate of Iaeger High School.

“It can help decrease their blood pressure,

relieve stress, and it's a low risk, low

maintenance resource.”

The BSC students are part of a senior

BSN cohort involved in community proj-

ects, as a requirement in the program’s

senior practicum course, according to pro-

gram director Beth Pritchett. “Students

are involved in a variety of projects, all of

which are designed to improve a targeted

population’s quality of life,” she noted.

“They conduct an assessment of need,

then implement change to address that

need. The process requires students

to utilize all of the knowledge and

skills they’ve acquired throughout

their BSN program experience.”

Bailey and Clay, who purchased the

aquarium, expressed appreciation to

Personal Touch Fish Store, the

Healing Hands Club at BSC, local

attorney Mark Wills, and anonymous

donors for their support of the project.

Residents at The Maples attended a

brief “unveiling ceremony” recently,

when they saw the aquarium for the

first time. It is located adjacent to the

central dining area, in a portion of the

facility that's frequented by residents

and guests throughout the day.

The aquarium has generated quite a

bit of positive response, according to

Drema Keaton, The Maples’ activities

director. “The residents love it,” she said.

“Some have already given names to the

goldfish. It’s a positive, fun activity and it

gives them a feeling of 'being connect-

ed.’”

BSC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

students Erica Bailey (left) and

Billy Clay recently presented a

55-gallon aquarium to The Maples.

- 6 -

Meet BSC SGA President Montoya Kemp

Like most Bluefield State College

students, Montoya Kemp is a commuter

student. However, his trip to BSC has

been a little longer than most. It began in

the Bahamas and South Florida and

included stops in several major cities,

including Atlanta. His wealth of life

experiences has provided the preparation

for his responsibilities as the College's

new Student Government Association

president.

“My life story is a lot like an adven-

ture,” he noted while preparing for an

afternoon meeting on the BSC campus.

“When I arrived in Bluefield, I didn’t see

myself being involved with SGA, but the

more I learned about student government,

the more I realized that SGA can be a

facilitator and a cohesive force on campus

and in the community.”

After spending much of his childhood

in the Bahamas and Miami, Kemp gradu-

ated from high school in 1995. “I

enrolled in an internship program to

become a firefighter in Miami-Dade

County,” he recounted. “However, I

injured my back in a motorcycle accident

and couldn’t complete my training.”

He moved to Atlanta and worked in

the public relations office for a popular

record company. “Later, I received a call

from my sister, who had retired from the

Air Force and then had enlisted in the

Army,” he explained. “She was stationed

with the 304th in Bluefield, West Virginia

and was getting ready for deployment to

Iraq. She asked me to take care of her

son while she left for Fort Hood for train-

ing, then shipped out to Iraq, and that’s

how I came to Bluefield.”

Once in Nature’s Air Conditioned

City, Kemp began to make the adjustment

to a smaller community lifestyle. “After

living in several large cities, it was quite a

change,” he said. “I heard about Bluefield

State College, visited the campus, and

liked it.”

After enrolling in a communications-

based program, he changed his career

plans and academic major. “I met some

great faculty like Dr. Anthony Woart and

Dr. Howard Wade, and I decided to major

in sociology,” the BSC SGA President

stated. “I was also encouraged by (BSC

Model United Nations advisor) John

White to join the MUN program. That’s

when I grew more interested in SGA.”

His schedule is extremely active and

combines his career goals with his aca-

demic interests. “I work with Rescare, a

program to help supportive living for indi-

viduals with developmental or other dis-

abilities,” he said. Currently, he assists

two adults in their home environment,

regularly pulling eight-hour shifts. “I’m

able to put my education to work in the

real world.”

At the same time, he’s at the point of

an active SGA with an ambitious, service-

oriented mission. “SGA at Bluefield State

is basically a group of students who care

about what happens to their fellow stu-

dents,” he noted. “We seek to give stu-

dents a ‘voice’ and we want to work with

others to bring about positive change on

campus and in the community.”

Kemp expressed appreciation to out-

going SGA President Jonathan Murray

and the SGA senators who served in

2008-09. “They set the bar very high.

We want to continue their quest for excel-

lence.”

Montoya Kemp

SGA President

Banners like these, which flank the Easley and Dr. Martin Luther King Bridges adjacent to the

Bluefield State College campus, are a visible, attractive reminder of the College's collaboration with

the community. They were mounted by the City of Bluefield following a series of activities involving

the City and BSC. BSC students and faculty painted the King Bridge, provided more than 500 hours’

of volunteer effort to assist area residents in completing their income tax returns, and conducted free

health education classes at the Wade Center and at Mercer Health Right.

BSC student service and Greek organizations took part in numerous community-oriented activities

including “Adopt a Highway,” Red Cross blood drives, Read Aloud programs in public schools, and

‘Toys for Tots.” Our students designed computer software for use by several organizations, including

the Mercer County Humane Society, Bluefield Union Mission, and Wade Center.

A more detailed list of BSC’s community service activities can be viewed online at: www.bluefieldstate.edu/Documents/ProfessionalDevelopmentandCommunityService2009.pdf

A “Banner” Year at BSC

- 7 -

Nearly 400 Attend Bluefield State College's First

New Student Orientation Program of the SummerA record number of students and fam-

ily members attended the first of this sum-

mer's two new and transfer student orien-

tation programs at Bluefield State College

in June. The event is designed to help

students complete the enrollment process,

work with advisors to complete their fall

semester class schedules, and gain greater

comfort and familiarity with the campus.

Additional programming was presented

for students’ family members.

Approximately 170 students and

more than 200 family members participat-

ed in the first orientation session.

“We are extremely encouraged by the

feedback received

from this session,”

noted John

Cardwell, BSC Vice

President for Student

Affairs. “By taking

part in orientation,

students have signif-

icantly increased the

likelihood that they

will succeed in col-

lege and achieve

their academic and

career goals.”

Students met

with academic advi-

sors, as well as rep-

resentatives from

Student Support

Services, financial

aid, student affairs,

and health services.

They also received

training in college

services, including

“Smart Thinking,”

career planning and

placement, “Degree

Works,” “Web Self-

Service,” and online class opportunities.

A second orientation session was pre-

sented in July. “Bluefield State is the

most affordable public baccalaureate col-

lege or university in West Virginia, our

graduates enjoy successful careers, and

our recently established border-county

tuition provides many out-of-state stu-

dents with substantial tuition savings,”

Cardwell added. Interested individuals

are encouraged to contact the BSC

Admissions Office by phone at 304-327-

4065 or e-mail bscadmit@bluefieldstate.edu

A Bluefield State College student fin-

ished among the upper 7% of all compet-

ing teams during the recent “Capstone

Challenge,” a global online business sim-

ulation competition undertaken this year

by more than 940 graduate and undergrad-

uate student teams worldwide.

Competing as an individual against

multiple student teams from throughout

the world, BSC student Bob Brown fin-

ished 57th overall. His finishing position

ranked ahead of all 36 teams from West

Virginia University, and he placed higher

than any other entering team from the

entire state.

Brown, who is also the Assistant

Director of Human Resources at Flowers

Bakery, enjoyed the experience. “I liked

the competition…measuring myself

against others,” he said. “The Capstone

Challenge drew upon everything I’ve

learned in my pursuit of a degree in man-

agement and marketing. I was able to

develop an expanded spread sheet that

helped in the tracking processes of the

business simulation. As a result, I could

expedite some decisions and make projec-

tions that really helped throughout the

competition.”

“Bob’s success came against a field

that included teams comprised of graduate

students as well as undergraduate students

from large universities,” noted Dr. Steve

Bourne, BSC Professor of Business. “His

score surpassed that of teams from the

University of Indiana, Vanderbilt

University, the University of Notre Dame,

and the University of Wisconsin, to name

a few.”

BSC School of Business Student Earns Elite Ranking in

International Business Simulation Competition

BSC student Bob Brown received

elite status recognition in the

Capstone Challenge business

simulation competition.

These students were among the 170 who

attended summer orientation activities at BSC.

A capacity audience participated in the College's

June 19 new student orientation program.

- 8 -

Spotlight on the Bluefield State College

School of Arts & Sciencesby Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Dean

2008-2009 was a productive year for

the School of Arts and Science. The fol-

lowing minors were added to the curricu-

lum: Communication Arts, African

American Studies, Environmental

Science, and International Studies. The

International Studies minor will be offered

in collaboration with Concord University.

In addition, the Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-

Dentistry, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-

Medicine programs were added to the

school's program offerings. The curricu-

lum was also updated with an expanded

two semester sequence for Anatomy and

Physiology and Environmental Science

classes to meet the science general educa-

tion requirements.

Over the summer, many of the

school’s faculty met with Dr. Tracy

Anderson and me to map the school’s cur-

ricula. This process resulted in clearly

stated programmatic learning outcomes

and identified assessments which will

result in stronger data for program

improvement.

The school also began offering class-

es at Stevens Correctional Facility to

inmates interested in earning college cred-

it. We are happy to assist the prison in

preparing its inmates to

re-enter society as pro-

ductive citizens, and

we support their efforts

to rehabilitate those

who are incarcerated.

Hopefully, many of

these individuals will

see that they can be

successful and will

continue working

towards a degree.

During the fall and

spring semesters, the

school's Blue Chicory

Players presented two

plays, “To Be Young,

Gifted, and Black” and

“Imagine That.”

Director, Dr. Sharon Carr, is now

planning the shows for fall semester.

The school is also exploring articulation

agreements with the Greenbrier campus of

New River Community and Technical

College and with Southern West Virginia

Community and Technical College to ease

the transfer process and encourage com-

munity college students to pursue a four

year degree.Dr. Tamara Ferguson

Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

The cast (above) of "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black"

presented three performances during the

2008-09 academic year.

The highly successful “Emerging

Scholars Program” at Bluefield State

College entered its tenth year of operation

recently. Twenty-seven students are

enrolled in the six-week program which is

designed to increase students’ awareness

that a college education is possible for

them and that they can succeed in college,

according to John Cardwell, BSC’s Vice

President for Student Affairs. The tuition-

free program concentrates upon stimulat-

ing the interest of prospective college stu-

dents, providing information about college

life and helping those students achieve

their educational goals.

“We work with a variety of students-

some traditional (18-24 years of age) and

some nontraditional (25 years of age and

older),” Cardwell added, “and we’re

extremely impressed by their commitment

and desire to learn.” The Emerging

Scholars program (ESP) focuses upon

assisting individuals with either a GED or

a high school diploma and a desire to pur-

sue a college education.

ESP coordinator Carolyn Kirby calls

the BSC program “one of the most

rewarding of my professional career. I

look forward to continually improving the

services that we provide to our students,”

she added.

Emerging Scholars participants

receive individualized instruction in math,

English, and reading, designed to prepare

them to successfully complete college-

level math and English in the Fall 2009

semester. Program participants can also

take a computer class and an orientation

course for college credit. Additionally, the

BSC Student Support Services staff con-

duct workshops to enhance the life man-

agement skills instruction received by the

students. “During the approaching aca-

demic year, Student Support Services staff

will serve as advisors for students in the

Emerging Scholars program, providing

academic, career, and personal counsel-

ing,” Cardwell observed.

“A key to the program's success has

been the commitment of the faculty and

staff, who have given up a summer to

work with those in the program,” he

added. Students in the program meet four

times each week, through the end of July.

Twenty-Seven Students Welcomed into

BSC's Emerging Scholars Program

- 9 -

Their classrooms included a rain for-

est, a pineapple plantation, and a tropical

wildlife sanctuary. The experience was

unforgettable. Bluefield State College

students Crystal Richardson and Pamela

Parsons recently joined faculty

member Dr. Martha Eborall for

a ten-day tour of Costa Rica—

BSC’s first ever Study Abroad

program, and they’ve become

enthusiastic advocates for future

study abroad initiatives at the

College.

“As an undergraduate, I

took part in an international

internship to Zambia and

Zimbabwe, and I wanted our

students to have the same type

of opportunity,” Dr. Eborall

related. “When I designed the

course, “Ecology of Costa

Rica,” students were given the

option of a study abroad experi-

ence.”

During their trip, students

hiked the Escalonia Cloud

Forest Trail to the Poás Volcano. They

explored the upper rainforest canopy via

aerial tram, suspension bridges, and

canopy zip lines. Cruising the rivers and

canals of Tortuguero National Park and

the Caño Negro wildlife refuge, the stu-

dents observed wildlife such as caimans,

howler monkeys, toucans, and water-

walking lizards. The students visited the

Green Turtle Research Station and walked

along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches,

where they learned about sea turtle con-

servation efforts. They travelled from the

Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast, wit-

nessing Costa Rica’s incredible biodiver-

sity in a variety of ecozones. They experi-

enced a visual feast of tropical flowers

and butterflies during a butterfly garden

visit. Tours of pineapple, banana, and cof-

fee plantations familiarized the students

with the agriculture of Costa Rica.

“This trip gave deeper meaning to

everything we studied,” Richardson

observed. “I am an environmental sci-

ences major, and because of the trip I

have been able to establish contacts with

representatives at Tortuguero Park. I hope

to return there to volunteer with sea turtle

rescue efforts in the future.”

For Parsons, a Social Science major,

the trip encouraged her to take time to

observe, learn from, and appreciate things

around her. “We were able to live ‘it,’

instead of read about ‘it,’” she said. “I

witnessed the colors of the country, I felt

the heat, and I met the people of Costa

Rica. As a result, I now pay attention to

things in nature. There was a certain

amount of effort, time, and expense

involved in preparing for our study abroad

trip, but the experience was certainly

worth the effort.”

“Dr. Eborall’s enthusi-

asm and persistence were keys

to creating this study abroad

milestone at Bluefield State

College,” noted Dr. Sudhakar

Jamkhandi, Director/Office of

International Initiatives at BSC.

“She and Lee Donnell, an

adjunct faculty member who

teaches Spanish at BSC, col-

laborated to arrange this study

abroad initiative.”

Since their return, the

BSC contingent has conducted

meetings for other BSC stu-

dents and faculty, explaining

the details and exploring the

opportunities created through

study abroad experiences.

Several of Dr. Eborall’s col-

leagues are now beginning to

consider offering study abroad programs,

according to Dr. Jamkhandi.

“Several goals have emerged,” he

continued. “We want to encourage more

faculty to design and implement study

abroad programs, and we hope more stu-

dents will participate in these programs.

Additionally, we want to augment our

knowledge of other cultures through trav-

el and language study and, just as impor-

tant, learn to accept and appreciate other

cultures.”

Additional information about BSC’s

study abroad activities can be obtained by

contacting Dr. Jamkhandi (304-327-4036,

sjamkhandi@bluefieldstate.edu)

BSC Launches Inaugural “Study Abroad” Program

Bluefield State College’s first Study Abroad program provided

students an opportunity to experience the culture and

ecology of Costa Rica. Pictured (left-to-right) in the midst

of a forest in Costa Rica are Dr. Martha Eborall

(BSC Professor of Biology) and BSC

students Pamela Parsons and Crystal Richardson.

In Memoriam

Former BSC Employee

Marion L. Hawthorne

The Bluefield State College com-

munity was saddened by news of the

death of Ms. Marion L. Hawthorne,

an employee at BSC for 12 years.

Ms. Hawthorne, who accepted a posi-

tion in the College’s maintenance

department on October 1, 1972,

served the institution through

October, 1984.

Cover Story

BSC Night at the OriolesMontoya Kemp (standing/center), Bluefield State College

Student Government President, and Betsy Plumley (kneel-

ing) BSC SGA Vice President, are flanked by the Baby Bird

(the Bluefield Orioles’ mascot) and Big Blue (the BSC mas-

cot) during “BSC Night at the Ballpark,” July 13. The event

at Bowen Field in Bluefield attracted nearly 3,000 fans and

friends.

- 10 -

Dr. Tesfaye

Belay

(Associate

Professor of

Biology,

Bluefield State

College) has

received a

$99,000 grant

subaward from

the West

Virginia-Idea

Network for Biomedical Excellence (WV-

INBRE) to sustain and expand biomedical

research at BSC.

Bluefield State College is among the

selected institutions of higher education in

the State of West Virginia who have part-

nership with WV-INBRE to enhance their

capacity for educating and training their

faculty and students in biomedical

research. During the past three years, Dr.

Belay has received more than $160,000 in

grant funding from WV-INBRE to pro-

mote basic biomedical research and

strengthen the infrastructure for biomed-

ical research within the BSC School of

Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Belay has also been selected to

receive a $20,000 research grant from the

NASA West Virginia Experimental

Program under the collaborative research

program between Marshall University and

Bluefield State College. This collaborative

research work will be performed in the

labs of Dr. Belay at BSC and Dr. Hongwei

Yu at Marshall University.

A grant to support the Bluefield State

College campus suicide prevention pro-

gram has been awarded to the College.

The grant, totaling $10,000, was presented

to BSC by the Morehouse School of

Medicine Psychiatry/ Cork Institute

HBCU Center of Excellence. As author

of the grant, Dr. Anthony Woart (BSC

Professor of Sociology and Director,

Minority

Health

Institute),

noted, “I am

pleased that

BSC will be

able to offer

these services

to our students

and the college

community as

a whole. The

BSC Suicide Prevention Program is

designed to accomplish several vitally

important goals. These include develop-

ing and implementing a sustainable stu-

dent support network for a campus-based

suicide prevention, awareness, and train-

ing program, as well as an increase in stu-

dents' awareness and utilization of cam-

pus-based suicide preventive services.”

BSC Faculty Land Research Grants

By developing a “smart sys-

tem” that anticipates failures and

pinpoints problem locations with-

in a conveyor belt system, Fenner

Dunlop and the Center for

Applied Research & Technology

(CART) at Bluefield State

College were named recipients of

the “Innovation Award” at the

recent Southwestern Virginia

Technology Council’s (SWVTC)

10th annual gala, tech expo and

awards ceremony. Lyn

McDermid, Senior VP and Chief

Information Officer for Dominion

Resources, was the featured

speaker at this year’s program

hosted by Virginia Highlands

Community College.

CART and Fenner Dunlop

have collaborated for several

months at their location in the

Bluestone Business and

Technology Park to develop the

smart conveyor belt system. The

technology permits belt operators

to plan repairs rather than just react

to failures, saving business owners

a substantial amount of money by

preventing unscheduled down-time

due to unanticipated belt breakage.

“Conveyor belt systems are prima-

rily utilized in this region by the

coal industry,” explained Bruce

Mutter, CART CEO. “A single

broken belt can result in a produc-

tion loss of more than $250,000 per

day.”

At the Bluestone Business and

Technology Park, Fenner Dunlop

and CART are working together on

the product manufacturing process

and they anticipate the start of pro-

duction later this summer. Fenner

Dunlop has received approximately

50 orders prior to product comple-

tion, and a full scale belt is in place

at their facility, while the technolo-

gy continues to be refined and aug-

mented on a daily basis.

CART at Bluefield State College and Fenner Dunlop Receive

"Innovation Award" at SWVTC's Annual Awards Banquet

Dr. Tesfaye Belay Dr. Anthony Woart

CART and Fenner Dunlop recently received an

"Innovation Award" for their collaborative success

in developing a "smart" conveyor belt system.

Pictured at their facility in the Bluestone Business

and Technology Park are (left-to-right) Mick Twigger,

Senior Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, John

Browning, CART, Inc., Bruce V. Mutter, CART, Inc.,

James Craig, Fenner Dunlop, Brett Butler, CART, INC.

Applied Research Assistant(ARA), Mark Myers,

Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, and Heather

Williams, CART, Inc.

- 11 -

BSC’s Faculty & Staff AccomplishmentsDr. Tom Blevins (1971) Dean of the

Virtual College & Technology and the

School of Education at Bluefield State

College and Director of Instructional

Technology Planning & Coordination with

the WV Higher Education Policy

Commission, has been appointed to the

National Council for Accreditation of

Teacher Education (NCATE) Board of

Program Reviewers (BOPR). Dr. Blevins

was also recently named to the Higher

Learning Commission’s Accreditation

Review Council. As a member of the

Accreditation Review Council, Blevins

will be part of the Commission’s decision-

making processes, and will serve on

Readers Panels and Review Committees.

Dr. Blevins was also elected to a four-year

term as a member of the Bluefield (WV)

City Board of Directors.

Dr. Warren Burch was promoted

from Associate Professor of Mathematics

to Professor of Mathematics.

Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Director of

Multicultural Affairs, was recently hon-

ored during the first annual Commission

on the Status of Iowans of Asian and

Pacific Islander (CAPI) Heritage ceremo-

ny at the Iowa State Capitol Building.

Dr. Cureg received the 2009 “Leadership

Award,” along with other former members

of the Asian American Council Board,

Iowa Asian Alliance, Iowa Asian Alliance

Board, and Governor’s Asian and Pacific

Islander Advisory Council. She continues

to provide her voice and energy on issues

surrounding the Asian-American experi-

ence, particularly the assimilation of new

immigrants and refugees in Iowa.

BSC faculty members collaborated on

two scholarly papers that were presented

at the 2009 American Society of

Engineering Education Annual

Conference and Exposition in Austin,

Texas. Frank Hart (Dean/School of

Engineering Technology & Computer

Science) and Bruce Mutter (1986)

(CEO/Chair, Center for Applied Research

& Technology-CART) presented a paper

describing collaboration opportunities

with local industry arising from CART’s

operations at BSC. Roger Owensby

(1979) (Associate Professor and

Department Head/Mining Engineering

Technology) and Mike Plumley (1986)

(Adjunct Professor/Mining Engineering

Technology) worked in collaboration with

Hart and Mutter to produce and present

the paper, “Development of a Web-Based

Course in Miner Safety Training.”

Dr. Pat Hilton (Professor of

Education) and Dr. Elisabeth Steenken

(Director of Teacher Education and

Associate Professor) attended the Great

Teachers Seminar at North Bend State

Park from June 22-25, 2009.

Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Dean of

School of Arts and Sciences/Associate

Professor of English, was granted faculty

tenure status.

Melissa Hayes, Director/Assistant

Professor of Radiologic Technology, was

appointed to the Glenwood Park Board of

Directors by the Mercer County

Commission. She was also elected

Secretary to the West Virginia Medical

Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of

Examiners for the 2009-10 year and will

serve on the ethics committee (and as the

educator on the board).

Carolyn Jamkhandi (2000),

Administrative Associate/School of Arts

& Sciences, has earned five professional

training certificates through online classes

offered by Hewlett Packard and has com-

pleted three additional non-certificate

training programs.

Carolyn Kirby, Student Services

Specialist, received the “Flame Award”

from the Student Government Association

this spring.

Michelle Noe, Accounting Assistant

I, received an Associate of Science degree

in General Business from New River

Community & Technical College on

(continued on page 12)

The Bluefield State College

Foundation’s “Outstanding

Classified Employee” awards for

2009 were presented to Lisa Neel

(Purchasing Assistant III, Staff

Council chair) and Kathy Kessinger

(Accountant) during the annual

“BSC Employees Appreciation Day”

program at the College. Both hon-

orees received a plaque and BSC

Foundation monetary award of $500

at the ceremony. BSC President Dr.

Albert Walker made the presenta-

tions.

During the ceremony, Faculty

Emeritus status was awarded posthu-

mously to the late Professor William

Goodman, and Classified Emeritus status

was awarded to Ms. Remona Finney.

Additionally, employees were recognized

upon the completion of five, 10, 15, 20,

25, 30, and 35 years of service to BSC.

BSC Employee Years of Service

Awards, 2009: Five Years: Wally Adkins,

Lori Dials, Bryan Edwards, Vanessa

Godfrey, Ray Guy, Larry Hamlin,

Ronald Patterson, and Elisabeth

Steenken; Ten Years: Fred Hardee,

Lisa Neel, Tony Papa, and Suzanne

Soucier; Fifteen Years: Shelia

Hallman-Warner, Kathy Kessinger,

Susan Shrader, and Danny Thomas;

Twenty Years: Lydia Milam, Betty

Nash, Bruce Mutter, and John Snead;

Twenty-five Years: Anita Davis,

Deborah Halsey-Hunter, Frances

Jones, and Andrew Kulchar; Thirty

Years: William Aldridge and James

Harrison; and Thirty-five Years:

Bob Vicars.

BSC “Employee Appreciation Program” Recognizes College

Faculty and Staff for Performance and Service

The Bluefield State College Foundation's “Outstanding

Classified Employee” awards for 2009 were presented

to Lisa Neel (Purchasing Assistant III, Staff Council

chair) and Kathy Kessinger (Accountant)

during the annual “BSC Employees Appreciation Day”

program at the College.

- 12 -

Bluefield State College recently

received approval from the

Department of Veteran Affairs and

West Virginia's Governor Joe

Manchin to participate in the Yellow

Ribbon Program, a provision of the

Post 9/11 Veterans Education

Assistance Act of 2008. Bluefield

State is among hundreds of colleges

and universities across the country

that are taking part in this enhanced

education program.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

allows for institutions of higher

learning to provide tuition assistance

for expenses that exceed the highest

public "IN STATE" undergraduate

tuition rate. "This is great news for

out of state post 9/11 veterans who

wish to attend Bluefield State

College and take full advantage of

the many programs offered. “We

look forward to meeting and work-

ing with military veterans who can

benefit from this program,” noted

Megan Mohn, BSC’s Associate

Registrar. “We are proud to be a

part of this historical initiative.”

Mohn noted that funds are also

available to dependents and spouses

of veterans and other federal tuition

assistance programs.

For more information about the

new GI Bill, contact Mohn at (304)

327-4064 or mmohn@bluefieldstate.edu or visit

www.GIBILL.VA.gov

BSC To Offer

Yellow Ribbon

G.I. Benefits to

Military Veterans

May 15, 2009. She is pursuing a

degree in business administration at BSC.

Roger Owensby (1979) (Associate

Professor & Department Head/Mining

Engineering Technology) has been induct-

ed into the West Virginia Bowling Hall of

Fame.

Ms. Susan Nunley was promoted

from Nursing Instructor to Assistant

Professor of Nursing.

Vickie Jane Richardson,

Programmer II in the library, received an

Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science

from Bluefield State College on May 16,

2009.

Dr. Michael Smith, Professor of

English and Associate Dean/School of

Arts & Sciences, was among the fisher-

men featured in the article, “Smallmouth

Heaven,” published in the July 2009 edi-

tion of Virginia Wildlife magazine.

Dr. Howard Wade, Associate

Professor of History, was the BSC Student

Student Government Association’s

“Faculty Member of the Year, 2008-

2009.”

Gene A. Wyatt, Jr. (1979), an

adjunct instructor in mathematics, has

been selected for inclusion in “Who’s

Who Among America’s Teachers.” He

has also been invited to join the

Mathematical Association of America.

BSC’s Faculty & Staff Accomplishmentscontinued from page 11

Bluefield State College students Amanda Cochran, Elisha Martin, Kayla Fazio,

Tanise Montgomery and BSC faculty member Dr. Tesfaye Belay represented the

College at the annual General Meeting of American Society for Microbiology in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 17-21. The American Society for Microbiology is the

oldest and largest single life science organization in the United States, with more

43,000 members from all around the world.

“This is the first student

group from BSC to partici-

pate in this prestigious scien-

tific society of individuals

interested in the microbio-

logical sciences,” noted Dr.

Belay, BSC Associate

Professor of Biology. “At

the general meeting, the stu-

dents exchanged information

with other microbiologists

and gained insight across a

variety of scientific disci-

plines. The students also

visited several exhibit booths

and learned more about

cutting-edge technology and

laboratory supplies for their

research.”

The research works are

being supported by grants awarded to Dr. Belay by the West Virginia IdeA Network of

Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) and NASA WV EPSCoR.

“The students and the School of Arts and Sciences at Bluefield State College are

most appreciative for the support of the Office of the Vice President/Student Affairs and

Enrollment Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, NASA WV EPSCoR, Ms.

Erica Martin, Mr. Doug Cochran, and Dr. Amin for financial support and making it pos-

sible to attend the conference,” Dr. Belay said.

BSC Students & Faculty Member Take

Part in American Society for

Microbiology General Meeting

A BSC delegation including (left-to-right) Dr.

Tesfaye Belay and BSC students Tanise

Montgomery, Kayla Fazio, Elisha Martin, and

Amanda Cochran participated in the recent

annual General Meeting of the American

Society for Microbiology.

- 13 -

From the Office of Institutional Advancementby Karen Harvey, Director of Institutional Advancement

The Bluefield State College

Foundation was established 40 years ago

to “foster and promote the growth,

progress and general welfare of Bluefield

State College” (Articles of Incorporation,

February 6, 1969). A testamentary gift of

$15,000 from the estate of Lola Lavender

Mack provided the initial funding of the

Foundation. Mrs. Mack’s gift and her

years of service to Bluefield State College

- both as an alumna and faculty member -

were recognized in a ceremony on May

15, 2009 inaugurating the Foundation’s

planned giving society, The Pillars.

I am indebted to her nephew, Thomas

Mack, for making me aware of a publica-

tion, Lola Mack’s Philanthropy, which

details the achievements of her life and

the origins of the BSC Foundation. The

document had not survived several moves

of the Office of Institutional Advancement

and Planning, but copies are now on file.

Mr. Mack and his sister, Grace Toler,

spoke briefly about their aunt at the cere-

mony and accepted a charter member pin

on her behalf.

Foundation Secretary Connie

Saunders noted posthumous recognition

of estate gifts from Othello Maria Harris-

Jefferson, Billy G. Moore, Daniel S.

Stevens, Katharine Tierney, and Bertha

Underwood at The Pillars inauguration

ceremony. It is a sad fact that recipient

organizations cannot personally thank

donors for estate gifts unless they are noti-

fied prior to the donor’s passing.

Happily, some BSC alumni and

employees have made their estate inten-

tions known. At The Pillars ceremony,

Foundation Treasurer Elizabeth Pruett

gave charter member pins to Carl and

Selba B. Boyd and Deborrah Pittman, the

Computer Science department head.

Unable to attend were alumni Thomas G.

and Nancy Blevins Bodnar and BSC

employee Ralph Patsel.

Estate gifts, most of which are made

through wills such as Mrs. Mack’s, often

are the gifts of a lifetime: the greatest gift

an individual ever makes. They also typi-

cally provide the largest contributions that

nonprofit organizations receive. When

these gifts are used to create an endow-

ment, they establish a firm financial base

that assures the organization’s ability to

endure and fulfill its mission.

We are grateful to the donors men-

tioned here and hope that others who have

included the Bluefield State College

Foundation in their estate plans will let us

know so that we can personally express

our thanks to them.

Karen Harvey can be reached at 304-

327-4031 or kharvey@bluefieldstate.edu

Karen Harvey

Director of Institutional

Advancement & Planning

Deborrah Pittman was honored as

a charter member of "The Pillars"

for her commitment of an estate

gift to the BSC Foundation.

Mrs. Selba Boyd and her husband, Mr.

Carl Boyd were also recognized as

charter members of "The Pillars" for

their commitment of an estate gift to

the BSC Foundation.

Mrs. Grace Toler and Mr. Thomas

Mack participated in "The Pillars"

ceremony, in which their aunt, the

late Mrs. Lola Mack, was honored.

Lola Mack was Valedictorian of the Class of 1929Lola Mack was Valedictorian of the Class of 1929at Bluefield State Teachers College. The Collegeat Bluefield State Teachers College. The Collegeimmediately hired her, and she served as presi-immediately hired her, and she served as presi-dent of the Women’s Grand Worthy Counselorsdent of the Women’s Grand Worthy Counselors

of Calanthe of West Virginia for 33 years. Anof Calanthe of West Virginia for 33 years. Anentrepreneur, Mrs. Mack owned real estate andentrepreneur, Mrs. Mack owned real estate and

other properties in Bluefield and Charleston,other properties in Bluefield and Charleston,West Virginia, and established the ExcelsiorWest Virginia, and established the Excelsior

Cosmetic Company. She passed away in 1965.Cosmetic Company. She passed away in 1965.

From the Office of Alumni Affairsby Deirdre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs

- 14 -

May is always an exciting month for

me. Winding down from a successful

school year and meeting so many intrigu-

ing people from the 50 year class. And no

matter where you are or what you are

doing, there is always someone you meet

who has a “tie” to Bluefield State College.

We are so rich with history.

The first weekend in the month I had

the opportunity to attend an informal

social at the home of a prominent attorney

and his wife who are both alumni. As

always, I meet people from another sec-

tion of the business world.

On Saturday, I was to meet

another person Dr. Carolyn

W. Meyers, President of

Norfolk State University who

was in town to speak at the

Mountain State Bar

Association's Banquet. She

spoke of her grandfather,

Julius Tonsler and her moth-

er Eva Tonsler Winstead,

graduates of Bluefield State

College. Now mind you, Mr.

Tonsler is a graduate of the

30’s but as a child watching

my brother play football at

Bluefield High School, I

would always see him in his

baseball cap attending the games. I

chuckled when I went to escort Dr.

Meyers to the event and saw that she was

carrying her baseball cap-just in case it

was to rain. Her mother was Miss BSC in

1942 and graduated from the institution in

1944. Needless to say I had

an enjoyable evening repre-

senting the institution and

talking with Dr. Meyers.

The third weekend was

even better! I was so excited

about seeing and meeting

some of the 50 year graduates

for the first time. It is always

exciting to put a name with

the face. But it even more

exciting seeing students that I

come in contact with, on

occasion, march in and later

become members of an presti-

gious club---ALUMNI!

Congratulations to each of

you. I hope that each of you

will become involved with the institution-

giving back to the institution-whether it is

monetary or volunteering take pride in the

institution you attended.

Deirdre Guyton

Director of AlumniAffairs

John Lewis Washington was honored

in April as “Person of the Month” at St.

Phillip’s Church for his many years of

active participation. “Big

John:”or the “Big Un” as

he is affectionately known

was born August 21 in

Roanoke, Virginia where

he grew up and completed

his elementary and second-

ary education. He began

his formal education at

Bluefield State College,

majoring in secondary edu-

cation, played football for

the Big Blues and joined

Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc. He contin-

ued his educational pursuit at Howard

University, earning a Master’s Degree in

1966. John was passionate about ending

segregation so while in D.C. he took part

in the “March on Capital Hill” in support

of the Civil Rights “March” in Selma,

Alabama.”

John has had some interesting experi-

ences! In 1961 he worked as a meat cutter

for Desert Inn Restaurant. From 1962-64

he worked as a Parole Officer. In 1966, he

became Chief of the After Care Section in

the central office of Ohio

Department of Youth

Services. He later became

Chief of Institutions for

Ohio. He retired in 1988.

After retiring, John

could and did devote more

of his time and talent to St.

Philips serving on Vestry as

a Junior Warden as well as

the Stewardship

Committee. He chaired the

Capital Campaign Fund

and has faithfully served on BBQ’s, Fish

Fry’s, and Easter Breakfast and Food

Pantry projects for years.

John and his wife Mildred, also an

active alumnus, reside in Pickerington

where he served on the City Council. As

involved as they have been, raising their

families, the Alumni Association has

always been a part of their lives. Last

summer as we celebrated our 18th

Reunion in Columbus, at each event,

Bluefieldians were greeted by “Big

John’s” smiling face. In years past, he has

served as National Fund Raiser Chairman

and Mid-West Regional Director, and co-

Chair of the National Reunion. Locally he

has served as President, Vice President

and Treasurer of the Columbus Chapter.

Special thanks to Mrs. Lillian Hollyand Justine Jackson for their

assistance in this section of the journal.

Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers

PresidentNorfolk State University

Alumni WeekendAlumni WeekendSeptember 25-27, 2009September 25-27, 2009

Tentative plans are being madeTentative plans are being made

for a good time. If you are inter-for a good time. If you are inter-

ested in assisting, please emailested in assisting, please email

me me dguyton@bluedguyton@bluefieldstate.edufieldstate.edu or call 304-327-or call 304-327-

4569. Also, the website is up4569. Also, the website is up

and running. I would enjoy yourand running. I would enjoy your

comments.comments.

John Lewis Washington

1960s

Betty Crews Graves (1960) will be

participating in the Senior Olympics in

Reno, Nevada and San Francisco,

California in the summer of 2009. She is

a retired Fairfax County Virginia teacher.

1980s

Rachel J. King-Rozzel, RN (1988)

employed by Fresenius Medical Care of

North America

(Dialysis), is the Acute

Care Coordinator of

six Acute Dialysis

Units (Bluefield

Regional Medical

Center, Princeton

Community Hospital,

Princeton Health

South Rehabilitation, Beckley

Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley

Veterans Administration Hospital and

Greenbrier Medical Center (opening

August 2009).

Carolyn Stuart (1988 & 1990)

holds a Master of Arts in Counseling

from Marshall University and received a

Ph.D. in Counselor Education from

Virginia Tech in September, 2008. She

serves as the Director of Counseling at

Halifax Community College in Weldon,

North Carolina.

1990s

Todd Day (1996)

is the Vice Chairman

of Corte & Fort

Chiswell Construction

Company, Inc. He

was formerly the town

manager for the Town

of Bluefield

(Virginia).

Jennifer Douglas (1998) is the

Director of the West Virginia Courtesy

Patrol.

Roy Scott Lester (1993) was

recently promoted to assistant engineer-

ing manager at SUMITOMO.

Kevin Long (1999) is a Tech

Service Specialist II for Ricoh Business

Solutions in Winston-Salem, North

Carolina.

Kyle Lovern (1993) recently had

his first book pub-

lished, Appalachian

Case Study: UFO

Sightings, Alien

Encounters and

Unexplained

Phenomena. His sec-

ond book, a sequel,

will come out later this

year. He is a former radio and newspaper

journalist and currently is a free lance

writer.

Mike Watson (1993) was promoted

from assistant town manager to town

manager for the Town of Bluefield

(Virginia).

2000s

Amy Hall Cowan (2001) received a

master’s degree in special education

from North Carolina Central University

in May 2008 with Magna Cum Laude

honors. She is a special education

teacher at C. W. Stafford Middle School

in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Melissa Leedy Cumbo (2002) and

her husband, Kenneth, announce the

birth of twin sons, Colton Gunnar and

Caleb Bear, born May 7, 2009. Melissa

is employed by CNX Gas.

Kim Long Barnes (2002) and her

husband, Steve, announce the birth of

their second son, Asher Easton, born

May 3, 2009. Kim is employed as a

Contract Manager for the Concessions &

Property Development Department with

the Metropolitan Washington Airports

Authority (Dulles International Airport)

Julie Mandeville Fleming (2002) is

a Case Manager for the Harris Law

Firm-Nevada Injury Lawyers in Las

Vegas, Nevada.

Kevin M. Gordon (2000) received

the Customer Allegiance Star Award and

is an Applications Engineer for Thermo

Fisher Scientific of San Diego,

California.

Jared Shrewsbury (2006) is Field

Service Representative for Joy Mining

Machinery, Duffield, Virginia.

Alumni Updates

RequestedIf you have received awards, pro-

motions, accomplishments, recog-

nition, have married or recently

welcomed an addition to your fam-

ily, please let us know. Mail your

news to:

Karen Gordon

Bluefield State College

219 Rock Street

Bluefield, WV 24701

or FAX to 304-327-4581or e-mail

kgordon@bluefieldstate.edu

Alumni Updates

- 15 -

Nancy Louise Payne Anderson

Oma Marie Barnett

Clarence Oliver Baumgardner

Jason Dwight Bowling

Thomas Joe Catron

Roger Childers

Dorcus Hess Claytor, Jr.

Deborah Jade “Dee” Cooke

Joyce Pickett Havens

William Howard “Willie” Jarvis

Roy Jennings, Jr.

Conwell Jones

John Ambrose Jones

Betty Lou Mabe

Desdemona Henderson Martin

Levi Moorman

Alice Hubbard Pannell

Thurman Whitt Perdue

Mary Ann Green Smith

Lyle Landon “Lannie” Stike, Jr.

Judy Wells

Ruby Childress Woosley

In MemoriamIn Memoriam

BSC Students and AlumniBSC Students and Alumni

Todd Day

Kyle Lovern

Rachel J.

King-Rozzel

219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701

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Bluefield, WV 24701

BSC Radiologic Technology Graduating Class of 2009

Achieves 100% Passage Rate on Certification Examination

by the American Registry of Radiologic TechnologistsBluefield State College’s 2009 Radiologic Technology grad-

uates have achieved a 100% passage rate on the certification

examination by the American Registry of Radiologic

Technologists.

The BSC Radiologic Technology program is accredited by

the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic

Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education as the national agency for the accredi-

tation of educational programs for the radiographer and radiation

therapist, and is responsible for all accreditation actions.

BSC’s 2009 RadTech graduates who passed the certification

examination include: Trista Bailey, Caroline Blevins, Rebecca

Bradley, Rachelle Coburn, PrezLee Dalton, Ashley Duncan,

Adam Finley, Lloyd Fitzgerald, Ashleigh Freeman, Kendra

Harman, Evan Harris, Jamie Haynes, Heather Kincaid, Cassie

Manning, Stephanie McGlothlin, Michele Merrill, Laura Peery,

Krystal Scott, Andrea Sears, Amanda Shupe, Amanda Stewart,

Samantha Williams, and Gracie Wooldridge.

The students were honored at a pinning ceremony in May.

The outstanding clinical award went to Rebecca Bradley and the

outstanding academic award was presented to Caroline Blevins.

The JRCERT Certificates of Excellence determined by the facul-

ty to be the students who most closely fit the description of the

professional and ethical technologist were awarded to PrezLee

Dalton and Caroline Blevins. All students received their radio-

logic technology pin at this ceremony.

Faculty include: Melissa Haye (program director), Angela

Lambert (clinical coordinator), Vanessa Godfrey (didactic

instructor), Robin Gibson (PCH Clinical Instructor), Richard

Gibson (BRMC Clinical Instructor), Amy Bennett (BARH

Clinical Instructor), and Jennifer Shelton (VA Clinical

Instructor).