Welcome
to Black Hills State University
- Carol
Ginsbach, custodial worker, Facilities Services
Resignation
- Angela
Hines, secretary, EAFB Branch Campus
Hesson
honored as distinguished faculty member - top
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| Hesson |
Dr. James
Hesson, Black Hills State University professor of biokinetics in the
division of physical education and health since 1990, was recently
chosen by his peers to receive the prestigious Distinguished Faculty
Award. Hesson will be recognized during commencement for his
achievements.
Hesson, a
lifelong promoter of health and wellness, is a natural at his chosen
profession because his goal in life is reflected by what he does
everyday. As a health professor, Hesson may have found the perfect
outlet for what he describes as his “purpose in life.”
“My purpose in
life is to motivate and inspire others to achieve success,” Hesson says.
“What I enjoy most about my position here is the opportunity every day
in every class to motivate and inspire students to achieve success.”
Hesson makes
the most of his ongoing opportunities to motivate and inspire students
by not only providing information for the students but also serving as a
role model for students by being physically active and health conscious
himself.
“What you do
speaks louder than what you say. If behaviors don’t match words, there’s
no credibility,” Hesson says. “I teach the benefits of exercise; my
students see me exercise every day; and they see me enjoying the
positive benefits of exercise.”
A colleague
who nominated Hesson for the award says that he teaches with enthusiasm
and enjoyment and that students respond to and appreciate his efforts.
“Dr. Hesson
serves as a role model to our students in the classroom and in modeling
a healthy lifestyle. He treats everyone with courtesy, respect and
dignity. He is always professional and he is dedicated to the students
and to Black Hills State University,” according to the nomination
letter.
A member of 10
professional organizations, Hesson has authored, co-authored or
contributed to more than 30 textbooks since 1984. He has written several
books on weight training and other fitness activities and served as a
contributing author and research resource for Esquire
magazine in 1996. Hesson averages two
publications per year including textbooks, textbook chapters,
instructors’ manuals and test banks. He also reviews new textbooks for
several publishing companies.
Hesson remains
humble about his accomplishments noting that the BHSU community has a
large number of extremely dedicated and hardworking members.
“The fact that
I was chosen for this award at BHSU, where I know there are so many
deserving recipients, makes the award an even greater honor,” Hesson
says.
Through his
lifetime, Hesson has seen major shifts in his field and has been at the
forefront of several exercise and fitness changes. Hesson, who began
advocating weightlifting as a lifetime fitness activity long before it
was accepted as such, noted that he has taken a lot of abuse for his
recommendations and ideas.
He recalls
being on a high school football team which had a rule against
weightlifting for team members. It has been gratifying for him to
witness the changes and see weightlifting recognized as a valuable part
of mainstream exercise guidelines.
“When I played
football in high school, if athletes were caught weightlifting, they’d
be kicked off the team,” Hesson says. By the 70s, Hesson notes that
weightlifting had become more acceptable, at least for athletes. By the
80s, Hesson says that many teams required weightlifting which was a
complete reversal from earlier years.
“Now team
members who don’t lift weights face expulsion from the team,” Hesson
says. “I recognized the benefits of weightlifting and lifetime fitness.
That’s why I published books on the subject.”
Hesson began
weight training 20 years before authoring a book on the subject and
continues to promote weight training and fitness as a lifetime activity.
“Actually
weight training is a life-giving activity because when you do this you
are able to enjoy life more. You can go do more fun things,” Hesson
explains. “Exercise has to be enjoyable. People seek pleasure and avoid
pain, so exercise needs to be a pleasurable activity.”
Hesson is
active in many on-campus and community organizations. He also serves on
many campus committees, as many as 14 in one year. Hesson is the only
original member of the BHSU strategic planning committee and currently
is serving his third three-year term on the faculty senate.
Hesson
presents health and fitness information several times a year to local
schools, churches and service organizations as well as giving
professional presentations at state, regional and national conferences.
He is a member of the Spearfish Lions Club and volunteers to help at
track meets, cross country meets and many other events.
Hesson worked
every summer for 10 years, beginning in 1993, at the United States
Olympic Training Center (USOC) in Colorado Springs, Colo. He worked with
world-class athletes and the latest training and conditioning
techniques.
“It was a
great opportunity for me to give something back to the Olympic movement.
It was an opportunity to work with world-class athletes and help
optimize their performance,” Hesson says. “It was a great experience for
me and very beneficial for my students. The knowledge I gained at the
USOC was directly applicable to many of the courses I teach at BHSU.”
Hesson earned
his doctoral degree in scientific basis of human motion from Brigham
Young University in 1980 where he graduated as valedictorian. Hesson
earned bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education, health,
and athletic coaching from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He has
also earned three of the highest and most difficult certifications in
his field and is believed to be the only person teaching in South
Dakota who has earned all three of these certifications.
Before joining
the BHSU faculty, Hesson served as a professor and coach at Delta State
University in Cleveland, Miss. He also taught and coached at Rice
University in Houston, Texas; Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah;
Corio Technical School in Australia; the University of Nebraska in
Lincoln, and in Lincoln Public Schools.
Hall
named dean of the College of Education at BHSU - top
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| Hall |
Dr. Nancy Hall, vice president for
academic affairs, at Minot State University, has been named the new dean
of the College of Education at Black Hills State University.
“I am passionate about teacher education
and public education and feel that this position is a good match for my
skills, interests and experiences,” Hall said. “When I came to BHSU, I
was so impressed with the university and the College of Education. It’s
an honor for me to be selected to lead the College of Education at Black
Hills State. The faculty are interested in continuous improvement and I
look forward to working with them to help the college grow and develop.”
Hall says that she and her husband view
the move to Spearfish as a “move home.” They previously lived in the
Black Hills region for 15 years and Hall says she “still has a soft spot
in her heart for the Hills.”
Hall, who has been at Minot State
University (MSU) since 1994, previously served as principal for a Rapid
City elementary school and at Douglas High School near Ellsworth Air
Force Base.
According to
Dr. Dean Myers, vice president of academic affairs at BHSU, Hall’s
background, experiences and connections to the area will serve her well
in her new role as dean of the College of Education at BHSU.
“We are very
pleased that Dr. Hall accepted the deans’ position and look forward to
her arrival in July,” Myers said. “Her background in education
administration is exactly what we were looking for in a dean candidate.”
Hall completed her doctorate in
educational administration the University of South Dakota in 1991. Since
then she has continued with formal and informal training in the
assessment of learning, accreditation, community leadership and
selecting and developing leaders. She recently attended the Carlson
School of Management at the University of Minnesota for an immersion
program in educational leadership.
Hall has a master’s degree in education
administration as well as endorsements for elementary principal, reading
specialist and gifted education from South Dakota State University. She
earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the
University of Minnesota.
Hall has significant leadership
experience in primary through high school education as well as higher
education. Before joining the faculty at MSU, Hall served as an
elementary teacher, remedial diagnostician, administrator of gifted
education, assistant principal and principal.
For the last five years, Hall has served
as the chief academic officer at MSU. Her duties include responsibility
for the areas of academic policy, planning, curriculum, faculty
development, academic personnel administration, library, records,
academic budgeting, research and the centers of excellence. She
previously served as dean of institutional planning and chair of the
education department at MSU.
Hall has an impressive record of grant
writing and publishing. Under her leadership, MSU grants and contracts
grew from $2.7 million to $7.7 million. She recently co-authored a book
which sold more than 10,000 copies and won the national Golden Lamp
Award and has led to numerous invitations for speaking engagements. Hall
notes that she has had a grant funded or has been published in a
refereed journal every year since she has been involved in higher
education. Hall has extensive experience with educational technology
and the accreditation process as well as a strong record of service on
the local, regional, state and national level.
Dr. Thomas Flickema, president of BHSU,
said he is delighted that Hall will be joining the administration at the
university.
“Dr. Hall brings a wealth of experience
to our campus, on the K-12 and the university levels. Moreover, she has
extensive working relationships with a wide range of off-campus
constituencies that will be beneficial to the university.”
Hall will begin her new position in
July.
Black Hills State
University will hold 149th commencement May 7 -
top
The 149th Black Hills State University commencement is
scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium of the Donald
E. Young Sports and Fitness Center.
Degrees will be awarded to 365 students including 40
master’s degrees, two bachelor of arts degrees, two bachelor of applied
technical science degrees, 222 bachelor of science degrees, 70 bachelor
of science in education degrees, and 29 associate degrees.
The commencement address will be given by Dr. Kathryn
Johnson, who was recently named to the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Albin Sandau, 2004
Distinguished Faculty member, will speak to the graduates. Diplomas will
be presented by Dr. Thomas Flickema, BHSU president, and Ms. April
Meeker, BHSU registrar.
Retiring faculty members will be formally
recognized during the ceremony. The 2005 Distinguished Faculty Award
will be presented to Dr. James Hesson, biokinetics professor in the
division of physical education and health.
Music will be provided by the BHSU Band, under the
direction of Mr. Christopher Hahn, instructor of music; and the Black
Hills Singers, under the direction of Mr. Stephen Parker, assistant
professor of music. Jonathan Kelly, BHSU music graduate, will accompany
the Black Hills Singers.
BHSU President Thomas Flickema will host a reception
for the graduates and their families and friends, and BHSU faculty and
staff members immediately following the commencement ceremony. The
reception will be held in the Young Center Field House.
An honors breakfast will be held prior to graduation
at 8 a.m. in the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union Jacket
Legacy Room. The cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude
graduates will be honored. Also, the female and male
graduates with the highest grade point average will be recognized. Kerry Burns, an English major from Philip,
will be honored as the highest-ranking female graduate. Scott Hobert, a
mass communications major from Harrold, will be honored as the
highest-ranking male graduate.
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| Wolff |
Helmer |
Also honored at the breakfast will be the 2005 outstanding faculty, staff, and students
who as selected by the BHSU Student Senate. Dr. David
Wolff, associate history professor, will be honored as the Outstanding
Faculty Member; Jean Helmer, director of United Ministries, will be
honored as the Outstanding Staff Member; Ian Laber, a political science
major from Winner, will be honored as the Outstanding Male Student; and
Venessa Adcock, a senior human services major from Albuquerque, N.M.,
will be honored as the Outstanding Female Student.
CSA employees honored - top
The Career Service Advisory (CSA)
Council at Black Hills State University recently hosted a luncheon to
honor employees for their years of service. The annual CSA scholarship
was also presented during the luncheon and special CSA awards presented.
Nancy Shuck, president of the CSA
Council, emceed the awards ceremony.
“BHSU employees are dedicated,
positive, helpful, cheerful, and professional,” Shuck said.
Lil Odell and Kay Kerney were honored
for 25 years of service. LeAnn Vandine, Roxy Schmit, Diane Mabey, Jane
Dunbar, Shirley Brownell, and James Bechtold were honored for 15 years
of service. Ralph Hoover was honored for 10 years of service. Nancy
Shuck, John Wilkinson, Joanne Wilkening, Lynn Langer, Donna Bucher and
Hasina Ahmad were recognized for five years of service.
Odell, who is supervisor of the printing
center, does everything from ordering supplies and paper, to running the
equipment, to providing customer service, to managing employees and
additional work-study students. She was described as someone who
“possesses excellent customer and employee relation skills.”
Kerney is senior secretary in the
College of Arts and Sciences. Kerney’s supervisor, said that, while 25
years of service is a remarkable work record, it is not the longevity
but the quality of the service that makes Kerney worthy of high
recognition and regard. She described Kearney as “a dedicated and
professional senior secretary with extensive responsibilities.”
Vandine handles fleet bookings and
billings, parking, payroll and timesheets, and travel among other duties
for the facilities services department. Vandine was praised for bringing
“a friendly, can do attitude to everything she does.”
Schmit oversees all administrative
systems management, reporting, data extracts and data interfaces for
technical support services. Schmit also serves on several statewide
committees for the Board of Regents and BHSU. Her supervisor noted that
Schmit does an excellent job of balancing all the demands on her time
and ensuring each deadline is met.
Mabey has worked at the child care
center for 15 years, first as a child care provider now as coordinator
of the center. Caring for the children and providing a safe, fun-filled,
and educational environment are Mabey’s main duties. She is also
responsible for the food program, state child care assistance reports,
parent billing, employee schedules, ordering supplies, and basically
everything the center needs to remain operational, including following
state licensing policies and procedures.
Dunbar, who now works in the registrar’s
office, has also worked in the student union, for the residence life
office and the business office. At the registrar’s office, Dunbar writes
the degree audits and tracks curriculum changes. She also develops
university catalogs and oversees the day-to-day operations of the
office. Dunbar’s supervisor noted that she has had a positive impact on
the university and enjoys being challenged in an environment that is
ever-changing.
Brownell is a financial aid assistant at
the Ellsworth branch campus. Brownell was praised for being “excellent
help for the students and a real asset to BHSU.” Her supervisor also
noted that Brownell is “meticulous in her work and does a fabulous job.”
Bechtold, a custodial crew leader, has
worked in Jonas Hall, the Young Center and Woodburn Hall. Currently,
Bechtold oversees and assists his crew in maintaining the Young Center.
Bechtold’s supervisor said that his leadership abilities assure that
assigned tasks will be completed in a timely manner. He was praised for
his continuous “can do” attitude.
Hoover has worked as a custodian in
Wenona Cook, Pangburn, Humbert, Heidepriem and Thomas halls, in addition
to the student union and the campus apartments. Hoover was praised for
his hard work to maintain a safe and healthy environment for hall
residents and his ability to handle stressful situations in a calm
manner.
Shuck currently works for both the
division of physical education and residence life office. She is also
serving as president of CSA Council for the third consecutive year and
is a member of the strategic planning committee and is the Board of
Regent’s CSA council representative. Shuck is called on to serve as
recording secretary for many committees because of her ability to take
shorthand and write detailed and accurate meeting notes.
Wilkinson, who was originally hired as a
groundskeeper and has been promoted to irrigation specialist, now
installs, maintains and oversees all irrigation systems on campus.
Wilkinson also aids in all office relocations and helps in many other
grounds activities. It was noted that Wilkinson is “an ideal supporter
of BHSU athletics” who often participates in the BHSU alumni basketball
game.
Wilkening, accounting assistant, works
in the business office. She handles accounts payable, state funds and
capital projects, and hires and supervises work-study students.
Wilkening was described as a “personable and always professional
employee who is an amazingly quick study on new procedures.”
Langer, who now works in the Marketplace
for dining services, previously served as assistant supervisor for
dining service’s bakery. Langer’s supervisor noted that she likes to try
different recipes and ideas to make the very best product she can and
noted that Langer will help with the success of the marketplace.
Bucher worked for university support
services before joining the grants office staff as a senior secretary.
Her responsibilities have evolved from receiving and processing to
providing direct administrative support for the South Dakota Title II
program, Project EXPORT and other major grants.
Ahmad, accounting assistant in the
business office, works with student accounts receivable, the
administration of the monthly payment plan, the administration of the
Perkins Loan Program, and general bookkeeping for the BHSU Foundation.
Her supervisor noted that Ahmad is continually looking for ways to
improve customer service and “goes the extra mile to strengthen
students’ knowledge of the opportunities available to them in the
programs she administers.”
Diane Bishop and Becky Bruce were also
honored at the luncheon as the “CSA employees of the semester.”
Bernadine Butcher, a sophomore
communication arts major from Wall, received the CSA scholarship which
is awarded annually to a non-traditional student. Butcher, a single
mother, works in the university printing center and maintains a grade
point average above 3.5. Shuck praised Butcher for her persistence in
working to complete her education to create a better her life for
herself and her children while serving as a positive role model by
showing that people can reach his or her potential no matter what stage
of life or challenges he or she is facing.
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Lil Odell, director of the
printing center, and Kay Kerney, senior secretary in the College of Arts
and Sciences, were honored for 25 years of service to Black Hills State
University. |
LeAnn Vandine, secretary for
facilities services; Jane Dunbar, registration officer; Roxy Schmit,
data processing supervisor; and James Bechtold, custodial crew leader;
were honored for 15 years of service to BHSU. Not pictured are: Diane
Mabey, director of the child care center; and Shirley Brownell,
financial aid assistant at Ellsworth.
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Nancy Shuck, secretary;
Joanne Wilkening, accounting assistant; and Lynn Langer, baker; were
honored for five years of service to BHSU. Not pictured are Donna
Bucher, senior secretary; Hasina Ahmad, accounting assistant; and John
Wilkinson, grounds crew leader. |
Diane Bishop and Becky Bruce were also
honored at the luncheon as the “CSA employees of the semester.”
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Bernadine Butcher
(left), a sophomore communication arts major from Wall, accepts the CSA
scholarship from Nancy Shuck, CSA president. |
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Flickema featured in patriotism video - top
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| Flickema |
A video created to encourage patriotism
among young people includes an introduction and other comments by Dr.
Thomas Flickema, president of Black Hills State University.
In the opening and closing remarks,
Flickema discusses the true meaning of patriotism and encourages all
people to become patriotic citizens by doing their civic duty. Flickema
also praises the local National Guard unit, which headquartered on the
BHSU campus and includes several university staff members and students.
The video, produced by the Committee for
Citizen Awareness (CCA) based in Washington, D.C., will be sent to all
public and private high schools, community and junior colleges and cable
television stations in the state. Copies will also be sent to chamber of
commerce offices and public libraries in the region.
Rep. Stephanie Herseth is also featured in
the video. According to the producers, high profile citizens are chosen
from each state to create a local connection to national civic issues.
The videotape explores the role of
patriotism in America and the obligations and benefits of patriotism
both in daily life and in national/international crises such as the
aftermath of September 11. The videotape also features Former Secretary
of State Colin Powell; war veterans former Senate Majority Leader Robert
Dole (R-KS) and former Senator Max Cleland (D-GA); and Senator Joseph
Biden (D-DE), ranking Democrat and former chairman of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee.
According to the Committee for Citizen
Awareness website, this video and a series of other related videos will
be viewed by more than 30 million people nationwide. They feature
distinguished participants such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg, Former Education Secretary Richard Riley and Caroline Kennedy,
author and daughter of President John F. Kennedy. The CCA receives more
than 400 notes per month from schools and other organizations expressing
their appreciation for them. And one survey found that 84 percent of the
high school students who viewed the videotapes said they would recommend
them to a friend.
Honors program receives national recognition - top
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| Ochse |
The honors
program at Black Hills State University has been awarded one of three
National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) consulting grants for nearly
established honors programs.
The matching grant of $600 will help in underwriting the fees of a
consultant who will assist the BHSU honors program in faculty
development and an external review of the program. A consultant will be
selected from the list of NCHC recommended site visitors.
“These grants are a new project to help us give something back to the
membership in a practical way,” said Dr. Robert Spurrier of Oklahoma
State University, the chairman of the NCHC committee which designed the
project and evaluated the applications. “The award is recognition of the
potential the Black Hills State University Honors Program has. NCHC is
delighted to provide assistance to new programs of exceptional merit.”
The grant proposal was submitted by Dr. Roger Ochse, professor of
English who is also director of the BHSU Honors Program.
“We are proud to be one of three programs selected internationally for
this award,” Ochse says. “We have a great emerging program with a lot of
great talent. There is much potential for the honors program at BHSU.
This national recognition from a prestigious organization proves that.
The South
Dakota Board of Regents recently approved an expanded curriculum for the
BHSU Honors Program. The university Honors Program offers special
challenges and opportunities to a select number of academically-talented
and highly-motivated undergraduates according to Ochse.
Members of the Honors Program are drawn from all three colleges at BHSU
to enrich their education and encourage them to fulfill their potential
at BHSU. Members have the unique opportunity to interact with other
honors students in classes, colloquia and social functions.
The BHSU Honors Program, which was established in June 2003, offers
special honors sections of first year courses, interdisciplinary
team-taught colloquia classes and opportunities to take courses for
honors credit through individual “honors option” contract. Most honors
courses are comprised of twenty-five students or fewer and are taught by
selected faculty members who are dedicated to the honors concept of
challenge and individual attention. Honors scholars can satisfy honors
credit requirements through individualized research, field experiences,
internships, and “honors options” within regular courses.
NCHC is an organization with
national offices in Lincoln, Neb. More than 700 honors programs at
colleges, universities and community colleges nationwide comprise its
membership. Honors programs at the University of St. Francis in Joliet,
Illinois, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi also received the
recognition and consulting grant from NCHC.
NCHC’s mission is to serve
honors professionals and students and to advance undergraduate
education. NCHC values an atmosphere that promotes academic opportunity
and challenge for honors students and faculty. Within this intellectual
environment, members of honors communities demonstrate integrity,
respect, and excellence.
Duet club
to perform - top
 “All
American Duos” is the theme of the Spearfish Piano Duet Club spring
concert which will be held Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Clare and
Josef Meier Hall on the campus of Black Hills State University.
Performers
include Karen Blunk, Priscilla Romkema, Pamela Baum, Janeen Larsen,
Laura Kolb, Megan Moore,
Morgan Miller, Jean Arehart, Sandra Asheim, Jennifer Bailey, Marianne
Bieber, Rita Hicks, Synva Chrysler,
and Rita Hicks.
The concert is free and open to the
public. A variety of music by American composers will be performed, from
classical pieces to ragtime and jazz favorites such as “Tiger Rag” and
“Fiddle Faddle.”
The Spearfish
Piano Duet Club is open to advanced pianists who wish to learn and
perform duet literature as well as any interested listeners. University
students and local pianists and piano teachers over the age 18 are
encouraged to become members. For more information call 642-6241.
The Spearfish Piano Duet Club, which includes university students and
community pianists as members, will present a concert Tuesday, May 10 at
7:30 p.m. Among the performers will be, front row, left to right, Synva
Chrysler and Marianne Bieber, and back row, left to right, Jean Arehart
and Sandra Asheim.
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