Volume XXIV No. 41 • Oct. 13, 2000

Submit items to Campus Currents - Top

The Campus Currents is distributed every Friday. If you would like to include an item in the newsletter send it to Campus Currents, Unit 9512 or by e-mail to Campus Currents. Deadline is Thursday at 8 a.m.

Faculty will present Governor’s award projects - Top
Black Hills State University faculty who received Governor's Technology Awards for the summer 2000 will be presenting their projects Monday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Jacket Legacy Room (multipurpose room) of the Student Union.

 

All BHSU faculty, students and staff are invited to visit with the award recipients and view their work. This year's recipients include Cheryl Anagnopoulos, Steve Anderson, Peggy Buckwalter, Riley Chrisman, Abdollah Farrokhi, Richard Gayle, Vincent King, Colleen Kirby, Lidan Lin, David Salomon, and Ron Theisz.

Tentinger drafts testimony for World Health Organization - Top
Testimony in the support for regulations concerning the global rise and spread of tobacco products which was drafted by Dr. Larry Tentinger, Black Hills State University assistant professor of health and physical education, which was read into record this week at the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Geneva tomorrow.

This testimony will be read Oct. 12, 2000, between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., by Antonia Foreit of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, is a statement of support for the WHO FCTC’s efforts to set rules and regulations governing the global rise and spread of tobacco and tobacco products. It is part of a larger statement of support from the American Association of Health Education (AAHE). Tentinger is a member of the AAHE advocacy committee.

The AAHE serves health educators and professionals promoting the health of all people through education and other strategies. AAHE serves professionals in health care, community agency, business, school, and higher education settings. The members of AAHE develop standards, resources, and services regarding health education. They provide technical assistance to legislative and professional bodies drafting legislation and related guidelines. They also provide leadership in promoting effective health-education policies and 

procedures. During the past decade they have focused on HIV prevention, cultural awareness and sensitivity, drug abuse prevention, seat belt safety education, and skin cancer prevention in general health and pre-service and in-service training for improved teacher effectiveness in school health in the profession. They were instrumental in the development of National Health Education Standards for grades K-12 and in the development of standards for the preparation of graduate-level health educators.

Tentinger, a BHSU assistant professor and health educator since 1998, earned his doctor of education degree at the University of South Dakota. He was the driving force for the BHSU campaign "Stop the Tears," last year, an anti-drunk driving campaign designed by his BHSU health students and presented to local and regional secondary students. Tentinger is also a Medical Training Officer in the US Navy and a member of the American College Health Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He is currently a board member for the South Dakota Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He teaches classes in health and physical education and is a campus leader in incorporating the use of technology into health education.

Theisz paper selected for publication - Top
Dr. R. D. Theisz, professor and chair of the department of humanities, delivered a paper titled "Powerful Feelings Recollected in Tranquility. Literary Criticism and Lakota Social Song Poetry." at the Great Plains Symposium sponsored by the University of Nebraska/Lincoln last April. Of the 29 papers delivered, Theisz's article was one of only four to be chosen to be published in the current Great Plains Quarterly (pp. 197-210). The paper tests the appropriateness of applying Western notions of critical theory and aesthetics to a non-Western literary genre as it seeks to determine the legitimacy of such cross-cultural theoretical explorations.

BHSU biology professor and student submit papers at international conference - Top
Research data from studies on an endangered snake in the Caribbean were topics for papers submitted at an academic conference in La Paz, Mexico, this summer by Dr. Brian Smith, assistant professor of biology at Black Hills State University, and undergraduate student Ryan Baum.

The conference was a joint meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (80th annual meeting), Herpetologist’s League (48th annual meeting), and Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (43rd annual meeting).

Baum, a senior biology major, in collaboration with Smith, presented a paper titled "Estimation of lizard abundance on small islands in the Caribbean." He presented the results of several different survey techniques and discussed the suitability of the point-count survey technique for surveying small lizards. Normally used by ornithologists to estimate bird densities, Baum and Smith are the first to use the technique as a lizard survey tool.

Smith said, "We found that it was superior for our purposes compared to other commonly used survey techniques. It is easy to set up, cheap to conduct, fairly accurate, and causes much less disturbance to habitat and lizards. …"

The paper has been submitted to the academic journal, The Journal of Herpetology, for 

publication, where it is currently undergoing review.

As a result of his field-research experience and paper presentation, Baum was offered a graduate assistantship at Idaho State University involving rattlesnake research.

Smith’s presentation was titled, "Progress in conservation of the endangered snake, the Antiguan Racer." Representing five years of study, the paper covered the basics of lizard and snake censuses.

"I presented the results of our surveys; basically how many lizards are on each island, which islands we believed were immediately suitable for reintroductions and why, and why we recommended certain islands for further reintroduction work," said the BH herpetologist.

Smith said some of the information is incorporated in a paper that has been submitted to the academic journal, Oryx. He said he was the seventh author on the paper, so it isn’t a major contribution by himself. It was mostly a summarization of the first five years of snake data and really didn’t cover the lizard work. That work, with his students, will eventually be published as a separate study.

Smith has been a member of the BHSU science faculty since 1997. He holds a Ph.D. in quantitative biology from the University of Texas.

Hesson publishes article - Top
Dr. James Hesson, professor of biokinetics in the division of physical education and health of the College of Education at Black Hills State University, recently published "Physiological Profiles of Elite Freestyle Wrestlers," in the May 2000 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Hesson, along with his co-authors and research colleagues Samuel D. Callan, Diane M. Brunner, Kevin L. Devolve, Susan E. Mulligan, Randall L. Wilber, and Jay T. Kearney, evaluated eight members of the U.S. Freestyle Wrestling Team while the athletes were in preparation for the 1997 World Championships. Testing took place in the Athlete Performance Laboratory at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Hesson has spent summers working and conducting research at the U.S. Olympic Training Center since 1993.

Similar to the folkstyle wrestling discipline contested in scholastic and collegiate programs in the US, freestyle wrestling uses different scoring rules and strategies. The format of international freestyle wrestling was changed in 1988 from two, three-minute periods with one minute rest to a continuous five-minute period. The physiological demands of this format tax both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. The physiological testing in Hesson’s study was used to assess the overall fitness level of the athletes and to set guidelines for individualized, off-mat training intended to develop strength, power, and endurance.

The test items, designed in consultation with the national team coach, focused on physiological capabilities considered essential to wrestling success. Body composition, upper-body muscular power and endurance, lower-body muscular power, flexibility, and aerobic power were selected for assessment because they appear to provide the physiological foundation upon which the wrestlers base skills and strategy. The information from the physiological tests described in Hesson’s study can be used by wrestlers and coaches to develop individualized strength and conditioning programs and to assess weaknesses in upper-body strength, lower-body power, and/or cardiovascular fitness that may need to be addressed in training. Test results can also be used as benchmarks for each athlete to quantify changes in fitness and to serve as training goals for developing wrestlers who can compare their results with the results of international-caliber wrestlers using the same protocols.

Hesson earned his Doctor of Education degree at Brigham Young University in 1980. He has been a professor of biokinetics in the division of physical education and health at Black Hills State University since 1990. Since 1993 he has worked each summer at the U.S. Olympic Training Center with U.S. Olympic athletes and coaches.

 

Black Hills State sets record enrollment - Top
The official enrollment figures are in and Black Hills State University peaked with a school record enrollment of 4,068 students, an 8.57 percent increase over last fall and the largest increase in the state system.

This is the first time in the university’s 117-year history the combined enrollments at the Spearfish and Ellsworth Air Force Base campuses passed the 4,000 student plateau. In fact, the Spearfish campus alone exceeded 3,000 students for another first with 3,133 students enrolled. These enrollment figures continue to solidify BHSU’s position as the third largest university in the state system.

"These significant growth numbers, reflect the fact that we provide a quality educational program to the patrons of western South Dakota, particularly Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base and the surrounding areas," said President Thomas Flickema. "It really represents a total effort from our faculty and staff, all pulling together to make our offerings attractive and meaningful to the public. I’m delighted with the team effort and the outcome."

The BH president cited the recruiting efforts of the enrollment center, new course offerings, an expanded curriculum, and the dedication of the faculty who are meeting the challenge of incorporating the latest technology in their teaching methods as reasons for positive growth.

Last fall the Spearfish campus supported an enrollment of 2,928. The fall’s numbers reflect a 7 percent increase at 3,133. During the past two years BHSU has witnessed a whopping 13.08 percent increase in students attending the Spearfish campus, an increase of 410 students.

Not only have the numbers of students increased, but the quality has improved too. Earlier this fall, before the enrollment count was official, Steve Ochsner, dean of the enrollment center, said, " We will welcome approximately 700 new freshmen to campus this fall following two straight years of steady growth. Two hundred of these student will be on four-year academic scholarships, and as a group, this year’s freshman class averages higher grades and higher ACT scores than ever before."

Swarm day king and queen named at BHSU - Top
Ryan Remington and Rachel Travis were crowned Swarm Day king and queen at coronation ceremonies this week at Black Hills State University.

Remington is a senior elementary education major from Groton. Travis is junior math education major from Platte.

Steve Babbitt, associate professor of communications, was chosen as Swarm Day dad. Chris Schultes, director of Humbert Hall, was selected to reign as Swarm Day mom.

Other king candidates were Allen Godsell, a senior social sciences major from Sturgis; Alan Demaret, a senior elementary/special education major from Faith; and Allan Johnson, a junior history/American Indian Studies major from Spearfish.

Queen candidates were Joce Schwengler, a senior professional accounting major from Rapid City; Crystal Muglia, a senior elementary/special education/theatre education major from Belle Fourche; and Christine Davis, a senior psychology and wellness management major from Casper, Wyo.

The BHSU homecoming theme is "Swarmin’ in the 70s."

AAUW presents award - Top
Deb Turner, a Black Hills State University student and former university employee, is this year’s recipient of the Pangburn/Meldahl Award sponsored by the local chapter of the American Association of University Women. Presenting the award to Turner are AAUW representatives, left, Barb Chrisman and Judy Larson. The award is named in honor of Dr. Jesse Pangburn, former head of the university’s department of education, and Dr. Leila Meldahl, former dean of women. These women were highly respected and served as role models for other women. The $1,000 award is presented to a non-traditional student who has returned to school on a full-time basis to complete an educational program that has been interrupted due to personal or family situations and is meant to be a pat on the back. Turner has been associated with BHSU as an employee in the computer center and upon returning to Spearfish from Alaska, as secretary in the Career Services office. This fall she resigned her position in Career Services to return full time to the classroom as a human resources management major in the College of Business. She is the mother of three children.

Minutes of the Sept. 9 CSA meeting - Top
The CSA Council met Sept. 19, 2000, at the Pangburn Dining Room.

Present were Gloria Spitler, Gerri Pabst, Marilyn Luscombe, Deatta Chapel, Corinne Hansen, Becky Dovre, and Jeanne Hanson. Not present were Margaret Kleinsasser, Ellen Melaragno, Ginny Sunding, Myron Sullivan and Eileen Thomas.

President Corinne Hansen called the meeting to order. Minutes of the Aug. 8 meeting were read, amended to include Margaret Kleinsasser not in attendance and change Paulette Ward to Palladino, approved, motion by Marilyn, second by Becky Dovre.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Marilyn Luscombe. Motion by Becky Dovre, seconded by Gloria Spitler to accept.

There were no committee reports. Welcome baskets are caught up. The issue of partial use of the Market Place certificates will once again be clarified to Market Place employees.

Old Business

Fundraising ideas were discussed. Motion was made by Jeanne Hanson, second by Deatta Chapel to raffle a package of items purchased from the bookstore. Ticket sales will be held in the student union from 11 a.m. to 1 

p.m. the week of Swarm Day, and the football games on Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. Discussion was also held about selling a food item at the Harvest Festival in downtown Spearfish, but it was determined later that we would not be able to coordinate that activity.

New Business

Ginny Sunding has the election material. The election of new council members will be held prior to the November meeting. Outgoing council members are Ellen Melaragno, Becky Dovre, Corinne Hansen, Margaret Kleinsasser, Gerry Pabst and Eileen Thomas.

The Regents CSAC meeting is Oct. 13, in Pierre. Agenda items will be discussed at the October meeting and will include a salary resolution, payroll deductions for investments and the no fault dismissal policy.

There being no other business, Corinne Hansen encouraged everyone to participate in Relay for Life Sept. 22-23 on campus, and mentioned that the local Toastmaster organization is always looking for new participants.

The next CSA meeting is set for Oct. 10, 2000, at 9 a.m. in the Pangburn Dining Room.

Recorded by Jeanne Hanson, CSA secretary

Faculty research funds available - Top
The faculty-research committee has funds available for the current fiscal year. Write a short (about three-page) proposal. Proposal forms are available at the grants office or can be printed out from their webpage.

It is anticipated that successful applicants will request support for faculty release time, research equipment, travel to research sites or research support for the production of creative work. Preference is given to new applicants particularly in the areas of education, business, social sciences and humanities. A three-hour release time is available for fall of 2001. You can apply now.

The applicants are encouraged to contact the committee members for advice prior to completing their proposals. The members are John Alsup, Steve Anderson, Lyle Cook, Tom Cox, Daniel Farrington, Abdollah Farrokhi, chair; Jim Hess, Kathleen Parrow, Shane Sarver and Rob Schurrer.

The research committee will not provide salary. The committee may approve payment to student or non-student research assistants. Deliver the original plus ten copies of your proposal to the grants office in Woodburn 218 or Dr. Farrokhi’s office in Woodburn 314 by Oct. 20.

Instructional improvement funds available - Top
Grants of up to $1000 are available to full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, or other full-time staff members for projects which will improve the quality of instruction at BHSU. Grants are available for bringing in consultants, for training support, for equipment that will improve instruction, and for travel to conferences. Proposals are reviewed monthly. Ten copies of the grant proposal should be submitted to the grants and special projects office or the committee chair, Sharon Strand, by the last Friday of the month. For more detailed information, go to the grants and special projects page or contact Sharon Strand.

Grants opportunities announced - Top
Below are the program materials received October 5-October 11, 2000 in the Grants Office, 218 Woodburn. For copies of the information, contact our office at 642-6627 or e-mail requests to us at grants@mystic.bhsu.edu. Fellowship information will also be posted on the Student Union bulletin board near the information desk.
  • University Earth System Science Project. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is intended to foster the development of the next generation of Earth system scientists, engineers, managers, educators, and entrepreneurs through significant and meaningful hands-on student involvement in Earth observation space missions at the university level. The hands-on student involvement should include helping prepare the proposal through analysis and distribution of the data to the scientific community. http://www.earth.nasa.gov/
  • Whitaker Foundation. Graduate Fellowships in Biomedical Engineering assists undergraduate, graduate, and individuals with engineering or science backgrounds, or engineering research to develop skills required for a career in biomedical engineering. Deadline: December 11. http://www.whitaker.org/
  • Life Fitness Academy. Michael L. Pollock memorial grants for research focusing on the effects of physical activity on various health states and/or product development opportunities. Applicants can be junior investigators or graduate students. Letters of intent due November 15. http://www.lifefitness.com/
  • The Matsumae International Foundation. Fellowship program for researchers in the natural sciences, engineering and medicine to visit Japan for three to 12 months. July 31.

This week at BHSU

Submit items to Media Relations or send to Unit 9512, BHSU.

October calendar

Friday, 
Oct.13

Volleyball game with Minot State University, 7 p.m.

Float preparation, 7 p.m. to midnight

Hall of Fame Banquet, Holiday Inn, 6:15 p.m 

 

 

Saturday, 
Oct. 14

Swarm Day

Parade, 10:30 a.m.

Cross Country Dakota Championships, 9 a.m., Spearfish Canyon Country Club

Football game vs. Mayville State, 2 p.m.

Homecoming dance, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday, Oct.15 Monday, Oct.16 Tuesday, Oct.17
Graduate council meeting, Jonas 110, 3:15 p.m. 

Volleyball vs. Dickinson State University, 7 p.m.

BHSU Fall Film Festival "Fireworks," Jonas 305, 7 p.m.

 
Wednesday, Oct.18 Thursday,
Oct.19
Theatre performance "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-
Moon Marigolds," Woodburn Auditorium, 8 p.m
Friday,
Oct.20
Theatre performance "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-
Moon Marigolds," Woodburn Auditorium, 8 p.m

Volleyball DAC-10 Eastern Division Play

Music department  scholarship fundraiser, Knights Cellar, Spearfish, 5-10 p.m

 

 Saturday, Oct.21
Theatre performance "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-
Moon Marigolds," Woodburn Auditorium, 8 p.m

Volleyball DAC-10 Eastern Division Play

Stress reliever day hike to Crow Peak