FHSU News

Torch-Pilot-Navigator

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:55:08 GMT

Tormey named 2013 winner of FHSU's Torch Award as outstanding graduating senior HAYS, Kan. -- Jessica Tormey, Derby, was named today as the recipient of the Torch Award as the outstanding graduating senior from the Class of 2013 at Fort Hays State University.

She will receive a Bachelor of Science in business education and a B.S. in secondary education at Commencement, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The announcement of the Torch Award came today at the annual Graduate and Faculty Brunch, sponsored by the FHSU Alumni Association. The Pilot Award for outstanding faculty member and the Navigator Award for outstanding faculty advisor were also announced. The recipients will sit on the platform and be recognized at Commencement.

Dr. Eugene Rice, associate professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy, was the Pilot Award Recipient, and Scott Jones, instructor of management and marketing, was given the Navigator Award.

Dr. Marcy Aycock, a 1984 graduate of FHSU and president of the FHSU Alumni Association, introduced Tormey as the Torch Award winner. One faculty member, said Aycock, wrote of Tormey, "This student has demonstrated the self-will and determination to make her a successful student and contributor in society. It was very evident when I first met this individual that she would be a very special student to Fort Hays State University."

She has been actively engaged in the Phi Beta Lambda and Collegiate DECA business organizations as well as FHSU’s Marketing Management Association, Student Government Association and Anderson VIP Ambassadors. She is also a former flutist in FHSU’s marching and concert bands and wind ensemble. In her work with the SGA, Tormey headed the highly important and sometimes very difficult Appropriations Committee for more than two full terms.

Aycock also introduced the Pilot Award winner. Rice, she said, has produced "numerous scholarly publications and presentations, and in 2008 was selected as a Fulbright Visiting Specialist in Islamic Studies. In addition to numerous departmental and university committees, he served on the Kansas Board of Regents Core Outcomes Project representing the Philosophy Department."

One student wrote of him, said Aycock, "This professor had the greatest attitude and kept a positive environment in the classroom at all times. This was not an easy class, but it made me think deeper than any class I have ever taken.”

Alex Hendee, a senior from Roeland Park, who is completing his third term as the vice-president of the Student Government Association, presented Jones with his Navigator Award. Hendee said, "one of the graduating seniors who nominated Jones wrote that the professor 'treated me as a peer and worked with me outside of office hours to ensure I was successful. This individual is the epitome of what an outstanding advisor should be.' "

The choice, said Hendee, was very difficult among the eight finalists but, in the end, he said, "despite the difficulty we faced making a decision, our choice was unanimous."

The Alumni Association instituted the Torch and Pilot awards in 1974 to emphasize the importance of excellence in teaching and learning. They are presented every year at the Graduate and Faculty Brunch in advance of Commencement.

The Torch Award candidates are nominated by members of the faculty on the basis of classroom excellence, participation in professional organizations and involvement in student or civic activities. The Pilot Award is given on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research and service activities. Candidates are nominated by graduating seniors. Nominations for the Navigator Award are also made by graduating seniors in a process conducted by the Student Government Association.

The Alumni Association, established in 1916, is dedicated to identifying and serving the needs of more than 46,000 graduates living throughout the United States and 70 foreign countries.

For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 785-628-4430 or alumni@fhsu.edu.

ALJ launch

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:46:23 GMT

FHSU to relaunch academic journal

05/16/13 ks/js local, area, key

HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University will launch a reconstituted academic journal later this month that will focus on student research.

The first issue of the ALJ in Student Research will be published online on May 30 at www.academicleadership.org.

Formerly known as the Academic Leadership Journal and housed within the College of Education and Technology, the new ALJ in Student Research is operated through the FHSU Graduate School.

The journal is edited by Dr. Jerald W. Spotswood, assistant dean of the Graduate School.

The ALJ in Student Research will publish undergraduate and graduate student articles from all disciplines, as well as faculty research that explores the intersection of student research with teaching and faculty research.

"The new focus fits well with the Graduate School mission of promoting undergraduate and graduate research, and the publication of works by domestic and international students promotes our institutional mission of preparing students to be forward thinking and world ready," Spotswood said.

The journal is housed at FHSU but represents a much wider spectrum of academia. The editorial board of the journal features both national and international scholars, and all submissions go through a blind review of at least two readings. Writers are given direction by the editorial board in an attempt to help students negotiate professional publication.

The original Academic Leadership Journal, launched in 2003, was also published online. It was last published in 2012. Spotswood applied this year to the Library of Congress for a name change and a new International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

The ALJ in Student Research will continue as an online journal with its new focus, new name and new editorial board. It will be published annually.

Nursing department awarded

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:48:35 GMT

Nursing Department awarded $50,000 grant

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has awarded the Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University a $50,000 grant to provide scholarship support for undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

"This scholarship will help students afford a higher education from the Department of Nursing," said Dr. Christine Hober, chair of the Department of Nursing. "The expectations for the nursing profession have grown exponentially to include more complex patient care in all arenas of health care."

"In addition to caring for complex patient needs," she said, "nurses are expected to demonstrate competency in the areas of evidence-based practice, health policy and cost, quality improvement, technology and information management systems, coordination of care, and collaboration with other professionals."

A maximum of 25 students, enrolling full time or part time, will be eligible for this scholarship yearly. Applicants must live in a northwest Kansas county while attending Fort Hays State University, meet all admission criteria for the RN to BSN program, and agree to work full time in a northwest Kansas community for at least two years after graduation.

Eligible counties are: Cheyenne, Cloud, Decatur, Ellis, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Saline, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego and Wallace.

For more information, contact the Department of Nursing at 785-628-4255.

Veteran ranking

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:54:03 GMT

FHSU ranked 9th in the nation for veterans

In a nationwide survey by U.S. News & World Report on best online programs for veterans, Fort Hays State University ranked ninth for the best bachelor's egree programs.

The 153 bachelor's and master's degree programs surveyed were in education, nursing, engineering and business and are certified for two federal initiatives that help veterans reduce the cost of school -- the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

These institutions have also pledged to consider granting academic credit for military training and offer flexibility for distance learners taking courses at several schools.

In order to qualify for the rankings, the programs had to be 100-percent online and numerically ranked in the broader U.S. News 2013 Best Online Education Programs rankings.

For a complete listing of the rankings, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/veteran-rankings?int=ec58cd

Chemistry program approved

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:48:27 GMT

FHSU chemistry program approved by ACS
Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree has gained approval of the American Chemical Society. Graduates of the FHSU chemistry program are eligible to be members of the society after graduation.

A representative from the Committee on Professional Training visited the Chemistry Department in December 2011. After review, the committee concluded that the program met the "spirit and intent of the ACS guidelines for approved schools."

"The ACS sets high standards for all parts of a degree program, so it is an honor rather than accreditation to have received their approval," said Dr. James Hohman, chair of the Department of Chemistry. "We had to update our degree program to meet the standards. We consider this an honor to be approved by the ACS."

Spring convocation talk

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:33:32 GMT

FHSU Spring Convocation features talk of innovation to deal with budget uncertainty

Fort Hays State University President Edward H. Hammond began his State of the University address for 2013 with an unknown – that the budget is still uncertain because the Kansas Legislature has still not finished the state's budget, and then stated a known.

"What we do know," he said, "is we've had an outstanding year, and the outstanding year is primarily because of each and every one of you, the work that you have put in to making our university not only truly unique but one that is looked upon by almost everyone in the state and a lot of people around the country as a very innovative, high-quality institution."

Still, he said, the state budget state of flux "does change the fact that we still have to submit one to Topeka by the first of June."

He proceeded to outline a "creative and innovative" approach. He had two primary objectives, to support and reward the creativity and innovation of the faculty and to continue "to try to guarantee that you are "adequately financially rewarded for the work that you do here at Fort Hays State University."

"And so that's where our resources have gone."

Most additional resources will go into eight or nine new faculty positions and in salaries for faculty and staff. He again lamented the fact that he cannot, by law, do anything for classified staff. The plan he outlined is to give raises of 2 percent merit pool, which will be added to base salaries. In addition, he will give an additional 2.5 percent in a bonus pool, to be paid across the 26 pay periods of the year.

He went into the three sources of revenue for the university: the state, tuition, and growth. From the state, at best, he said, FHSU will hold even this year. Two proposals are in the Legislature: One will cut $700,000; the other cuts about $1.4 million or $1.5 million, basically a choice between a 2 percent or a 4 percent cut, he said.

The governor's plan to hold higher education even, with no cut or increase, said Hammond, is not on the table.

"It could get there quickly if they want to do it," he said, "but it currently isn't on the table."

On tuition, the university is proposing a 3-percent increase, from about $108 to a little more than $111 per credit hour. Growth this year is not as much as last year, he said, but there is some growth money, and as a result of the tuition increase and growth, about $1.7 million will be available, the vast majority for the salary package, the 2-percent merit pool he is proposing in the budget for all unclassified employees.

He noted that teaching faculty, through their bargaining unit, the AAUP, voted to distribute the 2-percent merit pool across the board, amounting to $1,100 per person.

The bonus money, he said, is based on approximately $700,000 in energy savings expected from the two wind-power units, which will go online later this year. That amounts to another 2.5 percent.

"If the Legislature does the right thing and not cut us during this year, sometime this fall or in January we'll flip that one-time bonus into your base," he said, which will make the merit pool total 4.5 percent.

If, however, FHSU takes a 2-percent cut in state funding when the Legislature is done, the bonus will still be paid out in the coming fiscal year, but will end next year. If the university is cut more than 2 percent, he said, the bonus pool will still be paid out for FY2014, and the remainder of the cut will be made up out of strategic planning money, which has been done in the past.

President Hammond drew applause at one point. He pointed to two summaries in the handout. One showed that, over the last four years, teaching faculty salaries across all ranks have increased by an average of 11.2 percent, which he said has not happened anywhere else.

The applause came when he pointed to another table in the handout. This one showed that this year, for the first time in his 26 years as president, the average salary at each rank -- instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and full professor -- is higher at FHSU than at either Pittsburg State or Emporia State.

The president also announced the recipients of the Faculty Awards for the spring semester. Dr. Beth Walizer, associate professor of teacher education, won the teaching award; Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, associate professor of psychology, was recognized for research; and Dr. Jenny Manry, assistant professor of nursing, was presented with the service award. All three recipients received a $500 award for their accomplishments.

Tom Thomas, president of Commerce Bank, the corporate sponsor of the awards, presented the award checks.

The convocation also featured the annual report from the president of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Emily Breit, assistant professor of economics, finance and accounting, and the annual meeting of the Graduate Faculty and the annual report of the dean of graduate studies, Dr. Tim Crowley.

After the convocation, Lewis Automotive Group sponsored a reception for faculty, staff and administrators in one of the group's showrooms at 4440-4450 Vine.

Kettani- international organizations

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:08:37 GMT

Kettani selected as a fellow in 2 international IT societies

During a recent visit to Hong Kong, Dr. Houssain Kettani, professor of informatics and director of Fort Hays State University's Information Systems Engineering Program, was selected as a fellow in two international IT organizations: the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, and the Science and Engineering Institute.

Both recognized Kettani for his research contributions and services.

IACSIT is a registered non-profit international scientific association of distinguished scholars engaged in computer science and information technology.

SCIEI is a non-profit association dedicated to promoting international education and university cooperation in the field of science and engineering.

Students earn scholarships

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:42:23 GMT

FHSU education students selected for three scholarship programs

Fifteen education students at Fort Hays State University have been selected for special math and science teacher scholarships in three programs.

The three programs are Noyce Teacher-Leader Scholars, Noyce Summer Scholars and the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) Steffens Scholarship. Some students earned scholarships are from more than one area.

Noyce Teacher-Leaders is a competitive scholarship program that prepares students on at least junior level to become an outstanding science or mathematics teacher serving in a high-needs school district.

These individuals are selected for one of six $12,000 scholarships, renewable for a second year. They will receive specialized coursework such as using distance learning technologies in the classroom, leadership and professional development on issues facing high-needs school districts. These students also will travel to conferences and will receive support over the first three years of their transition from students to teachers.

Noyce Teacher-Leader Scholars are listed by hometown with classifications and majors:

COLBY: Amanda Barnum, junior majoring in mathematics education.

GARDEN PLAIN: Julie Weber, senior majoring in biology education.

GREAT BEND: Karli Henning, senior majoring in biology education.

JUNCTION CITY: Matt Spurlock, sophomore majoring in physics.

PARKER, Colo.: Nathan Purdue, junior majoring in chemistry education.

ST. JOHN: Nikolaus Boyle, senior majoring in mathematics education.

The Noyce Summer Scholar program provides students a $2,400 stipend to work for the SMEI in summer youth programs. This program is open to FHSU students, community college students and students considering transferring to FHSU to enter the education program. Students must have completed at least the freshman year.

Noyce Summer Scholars are listed by hometown with classifications and majors:

EVERGREEN, Colo.: Hailey Davey, sophomore majoring in mathematics education.

GARDEN CITY: Venessa Saucedo, sophomore majoring in mathematics eduation.

GOESSEL: Aidan Winblad, junior majoring in physics.

HAZELTON: Shauna Guyle, sophomore majoring in mathematics education.

ST. FRANCIS: Christian Hilt, sophomore majoring in biology; Shayla Hilt, junior majoring in mathematics education.

Each year, SMEI awards the Steffens Scholarship to promising secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics students. Each recipient receives a $2,000 scholarship. Recipients are selected based on GPA, interest and letter of support.

SMEI Steffens Scholarship recipients are listed by hometown with classifications and majors:

DODGE CITY: Garrit Flax, junior majoring in biology education.

EVERGREEN, Colo.: Hailey Davey, sophomore majoring in mathematics education.

HAYS: David Adams, senior majoring in biology education.

HAZELTON: Shauna Guyle, sophomore majoring in mathematics education.

HILLSBORO: Jamie Spoonemore, senior majoring in mathematics education.

AACE to host event

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:37:09 GMT

FHSU to host 'Your GPS to Major Exploration' for high school students

For all high school students, Fort Hays State University Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center (AACE) will host "Your GPS to Major Exploration" from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30, in McCartney Hall, room 114.

Registration is $30 per student. The early registration deadline is Thursday, May 23.

The workshop is designed to help high school students identify college academic programs that match their interests, abilities, values and strengths. Students will take two career assessments administered by an AACE staff member.

The staff will also help each student interpret the results to find the best college majors, prepare for scholarship interviews and write college admissions essays.

Participants will be provided lunch and snacks during the workshop and will have an opportunity to sign-up for a campus tour. Tours will be given after the completion of the workshops.

For more information or to register, contact AACE at 785-628-5577 or email at advising@fhsu.edu.

KAMS commencement

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:29:31 GMT

Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science prepares to honor 3rd graduating class

The 27 members of the 2013 class of the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will walk across the stage at Commencement beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, in the Fort Hays Ballroom on the second floor of the Memorial Union.

This is the academy's third graduating class. They arrived at Fort Hays State University, home of KAMS, in August 2011. Following in the tradition of the first two classes, members of the 2013 class gave themselves a name: Voyagers.

"Nine students out of the 27, exactly one third, will remain here at FHSU," said Ron Keller, KAMS director. "Three will be going to Kansas State University, five to the University of Kansas, two to Wichita State University, one to the University of Rochester, one to Iowa State University, one to Rice University, one to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, one to Rhodes University in Tennessee, two to the Colorado School of Mines and one to the University of Denver. One of our 2013 graduates is undecided between FHSU and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology."

Dr. Edward Hammond, FHSU president, will give the address at the KAMS Commencement. Two students, Katharine Goebel, El Dorado, and Alec Weaver, Olathe, will give speeches on behalf of their class. Faculty will be in full regalia, and students will wear gowns and mortarboards. A large reception will follow the graduation ceremony in the ballroom. Students will showcase memorabilia from their two years in KAMS and other accomplishments.

The academy's co-founders, Dr. Donald Norwood and Professor Jerry Magliano, will also be present.

"All the students plan to attend the KAMS Commencement and their high school graduation ceremonies," said Keller. "This class has been extremely active in and around the campus. They have served in the FHSU Student Government Association, as officers in other student organizations and in civic projects."

Some of the many notable accomplishments by members of the Voyagers class include:

Deborah Denny was named a National Merit Finalist, and Morgen Smith and Rex Miller were named National Merit Semi-Finalists.

Lexia Aurand been named a Dane G. Hansen Leader of Tomorrow, one of only 10 individuals per year who receive the award.

Morgen Smith was recognized as a Kansas Governor’s Scholar as one of the top 1 percent of high school seniors.

Steven Powell released a music video in late March.

Hayley Disney and Quentin Aker were finalists in the Stockholm Water Challenge; they were recognized with the U.S. Army Certificate and cash award, they were finalists in the Bio Genius Competition, and they were second overall in Division I at the State Science and Engineering Fair.

Bliss Betzen and Cera Smart placed third in the Kansas Academy of Science 145th annual meeting and undergraduate poster presentation.

The Kansas Board of Regents sited KAMS on the FHSU campus in 2008 following a selection process. The Kansas Legislature established the Academy to promote mathematics and science education, to reduce the "brain drain" in which many of the best and brightest young Kansans go away to out-of-state universities and never return, and to promote economic development by providing a well-educated workforce.

Dr. Roger Schieferecke, KAMS associate director for student services, said students in the Voyagers class have been active in Custer Hall Council, the Residential Hall Association, Student Government Association, Pre-Med Club, Chemistry Club, chorale groups, marching band, orchestra, Christian Challenge, intramurals, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the American Democracy Project, FHSU Electric Car Team, Astronomy Club, Fort Hays Honor Society and many others.

"They have flourished as individuals and will make everyone proud of them as they go forth to continue their education and establish their careers and their lives," said Keller. "This class has been awesome. We could share their stories forever. They have really embraced their research, which is a key component of the KAMS experience."

Voyagers, the Class of 2013, are listed alphabetically by last name with sponsoring high school (in bold), parents and hometown:

Quentin Aker, Northeast Magnet, Steven and Suzan Aker, Wichita.

Lexia Aurand, Republic County, Clay and Gina Aurand, Belleville.

Bliss Betzen, Parson High, Ron Betzen and Kim Foister, Parsons.

Emily Cress, Sterling High, Galen and Edith Cress, Lyons.

Eric Crook, Ottawa High, Craig and Sara Crook, Ottawa.

Amber Curtis, Bucklin High, John and Sherry Curtis, Bucklin.

Deborah Denny, Lyons High, John and Mary Denny, Hutchinson.

Hayley Disney, Washburn Rural High, Barry and Jeanne Disney, Topeka.

Joseph Dougherty, Anderson County Jr/Sr High, Joseph and Rachel Dougherty, Garnett.

Samantha Elledge, Clay Center Community High, Michael Elledge and Mary Roth, Green.

Andrew Foust, Augusta High, Nathaniel Foust and Sonya Elliott, Augusta.

Katharine Goebel, El Dorado High, Thomas and Cecilia Goebel, El Dorado.

Alex Hatfield, Bluestem High, Dennis and Melissa Hatfield, Leon.

Jessica Hayes, Buhler High, Devon Hayes and Stephanie Neushafer, Buhler.

Joshua Hoover, Washington County High, Gerald and Jill Hoover, Washington.

Dallas Hyder, Olathe East, Robert and Sonja Hyder, Olathe.

Jinho Jung, Yusof Ishak Secondary School, Paul Jang (uncle) and Hwang Yongnam, South Korea.

Tengzhi Liu, Guangzhou Xiehe High, Chunming Liu and Feng Chen, China.

Rex Miller, Olathe North, Fredrick and Julie Miller, Olathe.

Trisha Penning, Atchison County Community High, Thomas and Theresa Penning, Atchison.

Steven Powell, Maize High School, Regenald and Kathy Powell, Wichita.

Laura Rokey, Sabetha High, Thomas and Rebecca Rokey, Sabetha.

Cera Smart, Royal Valley High, Jay Smart and Melissa Slater, Mayetta.

Morgen Smith, Holton High, Porter and Terri Smith, Holton.

Brandon Tomas, Northeast Magnet, Jorge and Tina Tomas, Wichita.

Alec Weaver, Spring Hill High, Gregg and Janice Weaver, Olathe.

Luke Wright, Abilene High, Bruce and Lisa Wright, Abilene.