Education
Austin Peay honors military student graduates with military coin
APSU President Tim Hall presents graduate and veteran Darrell Sheffield with an APSU military coin. (Photo by Beth Liggett/APSU).
On Wednesday afternoon, Austin Peay State University President Tim Hall participated in a special recognition ceremony for a select group of APSU students. In his remarks he said they were one of the main reasons he loves going to work each morning.
“It makes us proud that we get the chance to work with heroes,” he said.
The students, sitting on a stage in the campus’ Mabry Concert Hall, were all either veterans, reservists or active duty military personnel. In less than 48 hours, they would receive degrees from APSU, and the University hosted a special ceremony Wednesday to recognize all their hard work.
As part of the Spring 2013 Military and Veteran Graduate Recognition Ceremony, each student received one of the University’s special military coins. About 20 percent of APSU students have a military connection, and the coin, designed by the APSU Office of Public Relations and Marketing, was created to honor those individuals.
During this year’s ceremony, the University also presented a coin to Joe Winn, a 1963 
APSU graduate and a World War II and a Korean War veteran. Winn spent much of his career as a flight engineer on the Navy version of the B-24 bomber. The 94-year-old, dressed in a dark blazer with his medals pinned to his chest, was greeted by a standing ovation as he went on stage to receive his coin. When Wednesday’s ceremony ended, the APSU students made sure to stop and shake Winn’s hand as they processed out to meet with their families and friends.
For more information on the ceremony or APSU’s military coin, please contact Dr. Bill Cox, executive director of the Austin Peay Center @ Fort Campbell, at coxw@apsu.edu.
NMSI provides CMCSS $1.6M Fall 2013 AP three school expansion
. From left are Dayna Paine, 9-12 instruction and curriculum director; Sean Impeartrice, Chief Academic Officer; Galea Jefferies, Northeast High principal; Frank Myers, Rossview High principal; Roz Evans, high schools director; Jean Luna, Clarksville High principal; and B.J. Worthington, CMCSS director.
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), a non-profit organization launched in 2007 to transform math and science education in the United States, announced today that its highly successful Advanced Placement* (AP) program for military families is being expanded this fall to Clarksville High School, Northeast High School, and Rossview High School, near Fort Campbell in Tennessee, thanks to a grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).
“This innovative program can open doors to college for so many more students by providing them with more rigorous, project-based coursework to help them succeed in the highly competitive fields of science, technology, engineering, and math “The partnership with these high schools will help make a huge impact on young students’ lives,” . said Sara Martinez Tucker, CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative.
A special event was held today at The Ann Hunter Board Room in the schools’ central administrative offices, to announce the expansion of the NMSI program to these three schools in fall 2013. NMSI’s AP program for military families is currently in 52 schools in 15 states. Next year, further expansion is anticipated to reach more than 70 schools in 18 states.
“The school district and our community have joined in a commitment to encourage our students to take more rigorous courses. As a result, we have seen an increase in both enrollment and success in Advanced Placement classes. “This grant, however, will take us to a much broader and deeper level of participation by students, teachers and administrators. This grant allows us to better prepare our students to be college or career ready,” said Dr. B.J. Worthington, Director of Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.
The addition of these high schools was made possible by a $1,667,330 grant from DoDEA who has awarded nearly $17 million total in grant funds to NMSI for its AP program supporting military families. DoDEA’s mission is to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense.
“DoDEA is proud to be able to provide grants and partner with NMSI’s AP program for military families,” said Adrian B. Talley, DoDEA’s Deputy Director. The expansion of this program for students attending Clarksville High School, Northeast High School, and Rossview High School opens a new level of opportunity and possibility for children of military families and their peers to excel in math and science. This investment in the AP program for math and science is truly transformational and innovative and raises the bar academically in our public schools. The results are proven, consistent and speak for themselves – in the schools that have been supported by DoDEA’s NMSI AP grant funds, students have increased the number of qualifying AP scores by more than 60 percent,” Mr.Talley said.
Schools Director B.J. Worthington accepts a $1.6 million grant from Gregg Fleisher, chief program officer for the National Math and Science Initiative.
College Board results for high schools participating in the military families program during the 2011-12 school term showed a 64 percent increase in qualifying scores on AP math, science, and English exams. The increase in AP math and science scores alone was 85 percent — nine times the national average.
Although NMSI’s AP program targets schools serving military dependents, the program is open to all students in participating high schools who are eligible for AP classes. Program components include study sessions outside of normal school hours as well as intense training for grades 6-12 teachers who will build the pipeline of students who are AP-ready. Access to the college-level AP courses not only gives students the opportunity to earn college credit, but also increases their chances of succeeding in college. Students who pass an AP exam are three times more likely to complete their college education.
Inaugural funding to launch NMSI’s program for military families was provided by Lockheed Martin Corporation. Major funding to expand the program to more schools is being provided by the Army Education Outreach Program, BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Exxon Mobil Corporation, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and Northrop Grumman.
NMSI is leading this public-private effort in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA), and the White House Joining Forces campaign to support military families.
LBL Field Trip Grant application deadline extended
Middle Tennessee educators interested in helping your students learn in Land Between The Lakes (LBL) “outdoor classrooms” have an extended opportunity to fulfill their desire. Land Between the Lakes has extended the deadline to apply for LBL’s Educational Field Trip Grant for the 2013-2014 school year. The deadline for the field trip grant application has been extended to May 17, 2013.
Land Between The Lakes’ Educational Field Trip Grant is available to public school districts within 100 miles of LBL. A field trip to LBL offers a great opportunity for teachers to provide visual activity-based learning for students with alternative learning styles. The grant helps teachers and parents cover costs for transportation, facility admission fees, and dorm rental during the 2013-2014 school year.
Environmental education programs support the Kentucky and Tennessee State K-12 curriculum guidelines, and staff can customize for any class testing needs.
“Our programs offer students a hands-on experience to physically connect with subjects they are learning in school. “A field trip to Land Between The Lakes reinforces students’ understanding of their classroom studies. Plus, we work hard to make learning fun for both the teachers and students!” said Richard Lomax, LBL Environmental Education Specialist.
The US Forest Service, Friends of LBL, Swift & Staley, Calloway County Homemakers, and the Johnston-Hanson Foundation sponsor the grant program. For more information about LBL’s Educational Field Trip Grant, visit: www.friendsoflbl.org and click on Education Resources or call 270-924-2091. Selected classes will be posted on the website by June 30, 2013.
Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy.
Visitors are encouraged to review the official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl or @LandBtwnLakes.
APSU Opera/Theater revisits classic “Hansel & Gretel”
In 1980, Lisa Conklin-Bishop, a young Austin Peay State University music student vocal performance majors, APSU Symphonyperformed the part of Hansel in the University’s staging of German composer Engelbert Humperdinck’s famous opera, “Hansel and Gretel.” The work, a powerful folk opera with lush orchestration and tuneful melodies, was extremely popular with Clarksville audiences.
Conklin-Bishop now serves as the director of Opera Theater at APSU, and this weekend hopes to recreate the success of some 33 years ago with the University’s revival of “Hansel and Gretel.”
The opera, based on folk tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, opens at 7:30 p.m. on April 20, with a matinee performance at 3 p.m. on April 21, in the Music/Mass Communication Building’s Mabry Concert Hall. APSU undergraduate student Erin Keas will play the part of Hansel, while graduate student Anna Atwater will take on the role of Gretel. Recent APSU music department graduate Karen Crow will play the witch.
The University’s opera performance is a major event each spring because the concert is a large collaborative effort between different areas within the APSU music department. The cast includes vocal performance majors while the APSU Symphony serves as the pit orchestra for each performance.
“It is the most terrifying and exhilarating thing I get to do every year just because there are so many diverse forces involved in this,” Dr. Gregory Wolynec, APSU professor of music and the symphony’s conductor, said.
The collaboration also extends to other areas of the creative arts on campus. APSU theater students helped with makeup and APSU art students helped paint the set, which was designed by Kyra Bishop, Conklin-Bishop’s daughter. Ralph Conklin, Conklin-Bishop’s father, actually built the sets.
Tickets for “Hansel and Gretel” are $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for APSU students with a valid I.D. For more information on the show, contact the APSU music department at 221-7818.
LBL: Educator Field Trip Grant application deadline approaching
Golden Pond Visitor Center- Land Between the Lakes Nat’l Recreation Area
Educators interested a field trip to experience the Land Between The Lakes (LBL) “outdoor classroom” are encouraged to act now. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area says now is the time to apply for LBL’s Educational Field Trip Grant for the 2013-2014 school year. The deadline for the field trip grant application is April 30, 2013.
Land Between The Lakes’ Educational Field Trip Grant is available to public school districts within 100 miles of LBL. The grant assists schools in covering costs for transportation, facility admission fees, program costs, and dorm rental during the 2013-2014 school year. The grant amount awarded to schools is based on the school’s matching funds, number of students, and LBL programs the school plans to participate in. Land Between The Lakes programs are designed to support the Kentucky and Tennessee State K-12 curriculum guidelines for science, social studies, and arts and humanities.
“Our programs offer students a hands-on experience to connect with nature, stars, and history. “A field trip to Land Between The Lakes helps students gain a better understanding of science and history in an outdoor classroom. We make learning fun! It’s an experience they will always remember,” said Richard Lomax, LBL Environmental Education Specialist.
Bison on open range at Bison Prairie
The grant program is sponsored by USDA Forest Service,Friends of LBL, Swift & Staley, Calloway County Homemakers, and the Johnston-Hanson Foundation. For more information about LBL’s Educational Field Trip Grant, visit www.friendsoflbl.org and click on Education Resources or call 270-924-2038. Results will be posted by June 30, 2013.
Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy.
Visitors are encouraged to review the official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on Twitter@LBLScreechOwl or@LandBtwnLakes.
Student financial literacy seminar at African American Cultural Center
Austin Peay State University students can attend a free financial literacy seminar on January 29, at the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center, (Clement 120). The free financial literacy presentation is set for the lunchtime break in classes, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students will learn importance of learning to manage money, set spending limits, budgeting expenses and curtailing spontaneous spending spurts. Controlling college debt, and avoiding credit card debt will also be reviewed.
The Hispanic Cultural Center and the Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs are also partnering to present this seminar. Free refreshments will be available.
The seminar may be viewed online at http://www.ustream.tv/wilburdanielaacc.
School closings force reschedule of 8th Annual Black History Bowl
The Eighth Annual Black History Bowl at Austin Peay State University has been rescheduled for 5 p.m., Feb. 1, in the Music/Mass Communication Building’s Mabry Concert Hall. The event, a scholastic competition open to teams from local schools, was originally scheduled for Jan. 25, but inclement weather and local school closings made it necessary to reschedule.
“The purpose of the bowl is to build a sense of collegiality among students. “It gives them an opportunity to have a high command of knowledge and to apply that knowledge,” Dr. Barbara Peterson, associate professor of education, said.
The APSU Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) club is partnering with APSU’s Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center, the APSU ROTC program and the College of Education’s Project MORE Scholars to host the event, and NewsChannel5 reporter Marcus Washington is scheduled to serve as the event’s emcee.
Local schools received study packets for the event, and the scholastic bowl will have teams facing off on different topics of black history, such as arts and entertainment, biography, history, military history, science, sports and facts and trivia.
Peterson also said the event helps develop a deeper cultural awareness among students in the community, as well as allowing them to cultivate collaborative skills and teamwork strategies.
For more information on the Black History Bowl, contact Peterson at petersonb@apsu.edu.
APSU Provost Lecture Series opens with Tuberculosis measure in vulnerable populations
January is more than the start of a new year. It also heralds the Spring Session of Austin Peay State University’s Provost Lecture Series. The Provost Lecture Series seeks to foster a spirit of intellectual and scholarly inquiry among faculty, staff and students. The program will be used as a platform for APSU faculty members who are recent recipients of provost summer grants, who have been awarded faculty development leaves and who have engaged in recent scholarly inquiry during sabbatical leaves.
There are 15 presentations for the Spring Semester Series.
The first presentation was made on January 17. Dr. Folashade Agusto, assistant professor in the APSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics, gave a presentation entitled “Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: Theoretical Assessment of the Impact of Socioeconomic Conditions” in the Morgan University Center. Dr. Agusto discussed how the incidence rate of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations give a measure of the socio-economic well-being and degree of social justice in a country.
Other sessions in the Provost Lecture Series also are planned for the academic year. All sessions are from 3-4:30 p.m. in the MUC, Room 303 and include the following:
Jan. 24: Mercy Cannon
Jan. 31: C.M. Gienger
Feb. 7: Dr. Tatsushi Hirono
Feb. 12: Christopher Burawa
Feb. 14: Dr. Alex King
Feb. 21: Andriy Kovalskyy
Feb. 28: Suta Lee
March 7: Dr. Sergei Markov
March 21: Dr. Kristofer Ray
March 28: Dr. Ayman Alzaatreh
April 4: Stephen Truhon
April 11: Jason Verber
April 18: Paul Collins
April 19: Carol Baskauf
All sessions of the Provost Lecture Series are free and open to the public.
Sessions of the Provost Lecture Series can also be viewed in real time via online streaming at http://www.ustream.tv/user/APSU_CEDE. The sessions also are recorded and can be viewed later on APSU’s iTunes public site at https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/provost-lecture-series/id512216901?mt=10.
For more information about the Provost Lecture Series, call Dr. Brian Johnson, assistant vice president of academic affairs at APSU, at 931-221-7992 or email him at johnsonb@apsu.edu.
Morgan University Center gets 8th Annual Black History Bowl
February is still a few weeks away, but area middle and high school students are already studying and preparing themselves for Black History Month. That’s because on Jan. 25, Austin Peay State University’s Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) club will host its Eighth Annual Black History Bowl – a scholastic competition open to teams from local schools.
“It’s on Jan. 25, so it’s right at the kickoff of Black History Month. “The purpose of the bowl is to build a sense of collegiality among students. It gives them an opportunity to have a high command of knowledge and to apply that knowledge,” Dr. Barbara Peterson, associate professor of education and STEA faculty sponsor, said.
The STEA club is partnering with APSU’s Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center, the APSU ROTC program and the College of Education’s Project MORE Scholars to host the event, and NewsChannel5 reporter Marcus Washington is scheduled to serve as the event’s emcee.
The competition begins at 5 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the APSU Morgan University Center Ballroom. Local schools received study packets for the event, and the scholastic bowl will have teams facing off on different topics of black history, such as arts and entertainment, biography, history, military history, science, sports and facts and trivia.
Peterson also said the event helps develop a deeper cultural awareness among students in the community, as well as allowing them to cultivate collaborative skills and teamwork strategies.
For more information on the Black History Bowl, contact Peterson at petersonb@apsu.edu.
APSU Extended Ed. partners for Allied Health Care programs
Austin Peay State University’s Center for Extended and Distance Education has entered a partnership with Boston Reed College and will offer two allied health care training programs.
The Clinical Medical Assistant Training course meets from 6-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 12-June 13. Course fee is $2,895. The class is a 16-week course that combines 134 hours of classroom instruction, including 42 hours of online training, with a 160-hour externship to provide fast-paced training designed to prepare students for a career as a clinical medical assistant.
The Phlebotomy Technician Certification Training course meets from 6-9:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, April 8–June 19. Course fee is $3,375. Students in need of financial assistance may contact the Center or Boston Reed College for details. The class is a seven-week course that combines 48 hours of classroom instruction with a 40-hour externship in a local laboratory or medical facility to ensure students have the skills needed to pursue a career as a certified phlebotomist.
A free information session will be held from 6–8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5 to provide prospective students with details about the allied health courses, the registration process, available financial aid and externship options. Interested individuals may reserve a seat by calling 931-221-7816.
For more information about this and other training programs offered by the center, call 931-221-7816 or visit the website at http://www.apsu.edu/ext-ed.
