Anderson University 2 0 1 6 S P R I N G M A G A Z I N E | I N N O VATO R S I S S U E
AU takes bold new approach to healthcare careers campus innovators push the envelope in key disciplines prestigious Atlanta school covets AU elementary grads
Anderson University Magazine 2016 Spring | Innovators Issue New College of Health Professions......... 4 Famous educator Ron Clark inspires area teachers........................ 6 Graphic Design students win again............................ 9 AU research reveals how we view candidates...........................14 New supply chain program already earning recognition...........................16 AU donor is a leader in disaster relief..................................20 AU professor and Brazilian agencies prepare for Olympics.........................22 World famous academy handpicks AU teachers....................................24 AU Interior Designer immortalized in furniture line...............................26 Music professor to direct choir at Carnegie Hall...............................30 Theatre professor wins big and performs in New York...................34
Contributing Writers: Evelyn Beck, Richard Breen, Liz Carey, Ashley Festa, Vonya Griffin, Robert Franklin, Alex Ramirez, Barry Ray Anderson University Magazine is a publication of the Marketing and Communications Department of Anderson University for alumni and friends.
The Faces of AU...............................36 The AU Diary: Life is about to change at AU...............40 President, new athletics director map AU’s athletic future.....................44
President: Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D Editor In Chief: Barry Ray Editorial Director: Jonathan Todd Creative Direction, Art Direction & Design: 229design.com Contributing Photographer: Jason Jones Photography
university happenings
Campus News New College of Health Professions brings several departments under bold new initiative
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greetings from Anderson University In the dictionary, the word “innovate” is defined
professors and students are creating new ways to
as, “to make changes in something established,
do everything from teach children to understand
especially by introducing new methods, ideas or
the way the human brain works. Our nurses are
products.” That pretty much sums up the focus of
using technology in a way that will transform
this issue of the Anderson University Magazine. While
patient care and the experts in our School of
we often highlight Anderson University as an
Criminal Justice are being sought out to help
important part of your personal history,
protect citizens across the world, even at the
a beacon of faith in the higher learning landscape,
upcoming Rio Olympics.
or a place where exceptional young people and faculty engage in a rich, collaborative learning
The stories to follow in this special edition of
experience on one of the South’s fastest growing
Anderson University Magazine demonstrate part
campuses, we want to show you another side of the
of the reason U.S. News & World Report ranked AU
institution in this issue.
as the #2 regional college in the South for innovation for 2016. We hope you enjoy reading
Anderson University is also a place of innovation
how Anderson is still transforming the lives of
– a place where new methods for increasing the
our talented and dedicated students, but is also
body of knowledge can be found – a place where
equipping those students to transform a number
students are being equipped to become leaders in
of areas of our world as we send them on to the
their fields of discipline with cutting-edge
next chapter in their lives.
practices and techniques.
- Anderson University Magazine
You are well aware of state-of-the-art facilities we have constructed or are constructing on campus, including the new Student Center, but our
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AU announces creation of new college and expansion of health care programming By Barry Ray The establishment of a new College of Health Professions will emerge June 2016. At the recent Board of Trust meeting, trustees approved the development of the new College that will be comprised of four distinct schools, including the existing School of Nursing, a new School of Human Performance, a new School of Allied Health, and a new School of Physical Therapy. To form the College of Health Professions, the existing Department of Kinesiology will take on the new name of School of Human Performance, and the existing Department of Human Services will become the first department within the School of Allied Health.
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“Anderson University made an internal commitment four years ago to develop academic programs in the health professions to supply health providers and the public with competent and compassionate health care professionals. Today, with state of the art facilities and a distinguished faculty, we are in an unprecedented position to launch this comprehensive College of Health Professions to meet a wide variety of educational needs, and in turn, to serve the people of our region.” — Dr. Evans Whitaker, President
A graduate School of Physical Therapy will be
Director of South Carolina Department of Health
developed with a goal of offering the Doctor of
and Environmental Control and Director of
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Community Health Clinics for AnMed Health. Dr. Peace’s most recent service is becoming
“The development of this academic program is important because workforce studies demonstrate an increasing need for physical therapists in South Carolina to address the aging population. Currently, there are only two programs in South Carolina with no program currently available in upstate South Carolina to serve the region.” — Dr. Tim Smith, Provost
President of the American College of Health Care Executives for the state of South Carolina. Building on the success of Anderson’s School of Nursing, the vision for a College of Health Professions began in 2014 with the development of a new strategic plan known as Forward 2021. This development, as stated by Dr. Tim Smith, “will allow Anderson University to deliver the highest level of academic preparation for students
The DPT degree is currently under development.
engaged in the service of health and wellness of
Following internal approvals, the proposal must
individuals throughout the community while
be submitted for review and approval by both
providing the academic preparation from a
the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Christian perspective.” Currently, there are no
Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC)
academic programs in this region of South
and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical
Carolina that blend the characteristics of
Therapy Education (CAPTE) before the University
academically rigorous programming with
may admit students and begin to offer coursework.
Christian service to prepare graduates to serve
Pending both these external approvals, the earliest
the community.
the program could begin would be 2018. Dr. Donald Peace will serve as the Dean of the College of Health Professions. Dr. Peace has extensive academic preparation including a Ph.D. in Human Services, a Master of Science in Health Services Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences and Technology, and an associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. His academic preparation is supported by his extensive experience as a practitioner in the area of respiratory therapy, previously serving the
Earlier this year, Anderson announced that it would welcome its inaugural class of graduate nursing students this fall to its educational facilities within the University Center of Greenville. The University will offer both the Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice with 17 available tracks to allow RNs to advance their credentials and practice in the areas of Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Executive Leadership.
community through his service as a Regional
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innovative educator brings inspirational story to AU By Richard Breen Ron Clark prances. He also gallops, skips, hops, spins, twirls, dances, poses and gestures in what appears to be an attempt to occupy every square inch of the Henderson Auditorium stage at Anderson University’s Rainey Fine Arts Center. Ron Clark is a teacher and administrator by day, but on this late February evening, the bestselling author has morphed into a philosopher, salesman and recruiter for his profession. In the audience are AU students, as well as teachers and administrators from around South Carolina’s Upstate region. Laughing, groaning, sympathizing – but most of all listening – this group of educators and soon-to-be educators are in the palm of his hand, much as one imagines Clark’s students are in his Georgia classroom each school day. “We’re the strongest people in this country,” he declares to his rapt audience. “I want to be part of a profession that I can be proud of.” Clark, founder of Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, made the trip up Interstate 85 to the AU campus on Feb. 29 for a presentation and book signing. He is the author of several teaching-related titles, including The Excellent 11, The End of Molasses Classes, and Move Your Bus.
“I wanted to come up and learn more about the program here, see what’s going on and just be a part of this energy and this movement,” Clark said after his book signing. He pointed out that Ron Clark Academy attracts hundreds of job applicants each year. “We have the choice of who we want to hire. The fact that we have three from the same college is a testament to the great work that’s being done here.” Hogue and the Kings joined Clark in Anderson for his presentation.
“I don’t think I could have gone to a university that could have prepared me any better.” — James Hogue, class of 2013
The audience for Clark’s presentation included AU graduates who are currently teaching at Anderson’s Homeland Park Primary School. Jamie (Rusnak) Davis, a 2009 grad, recalled using “The Essential 55” in a Classroom management class at AU. “Not only does it teach children to be enthusiastic about the classroom, it also teaches citizenship skills,” she said.
His first book, “The Essential 55,” is a cross between a classroom management guide, a Southern etiquette handbook and the Robert Fulgham essay, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” It earned him the money to start Ron Clark Academy, which opened in 2007.
Jessica (Simmons) Davis, a 2008 grad, said Homeland Park uses Clark’s materials for professional development. She said she also has a current AU student as a student teacher.
The school, with 113 students in grades 5-8, is also home to a trio of faculty who are AU grads: James-Michael Hogue, Hope Wheeler King and Wade King (Hope’s husband).
Homeland Park second-grade teacher Lesley McCabe is a former paralegal who graduated from AU’s Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education program in 2013.
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“She’s a lot more prepared than some of the other student teachers,” she said.
Ron Clark, center, embraces Hope and Wade King this year in Henderson Auditorium.
“His vision of getting to know the whole child and establishing a relationship is very important,” she said of Clark. Clark’s willingness to bond with his students has been well chronicled. Earlier this year, a video of him performing a hip-hop dance routine with his students went viral. It has earned more than 3.7 million views so far. Without seeming to brag, Clark spun numerous anecdotes during his presentation that explained his efforts to go the extra mile.
“You’ve got to do something above and beyond and big so kids can see how hard you’re working – so they will work hard for you.” — Ron Clark, Ron Clark Academy
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One lesson that began with a local newspaper classified ad eventually got USA Today involved and earned Clark and his class a trip to the White House and a meeting with then-President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. “It kind of gives us an idea of what we should be like in the classroom,” said Madeline Helms, a freshman from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Helms was one of a number of AU Teaching Fellows at the event. The South Carolina Teaching Fellows program helps recruit and provide leadership training to talented potential teachers. Wade King endured the same hardscrabble childhood many Ron Clark Academy students currently face. His ability to build rapport with pupils was revealed at AU, where he graduated in 2008. “What Anderson University poured into us, one of the foundations of the education department, is the light you can be for others,” he said.
“AU’s emphasis on putting education students in a classroom teaching environment helps set it apart. I learned early how to build relationships with kids.” — Hope King, class of 2013
“I was the first person in my family to ever go to college,” he said. But he was able to finance college thanks to a scholarship for education majors. After a backpacking trip across Europe following graduation, he found himself back home and taking a teaching position as a midyear fill-in, which is where he found his passion. After five years of teaching in North Carolina, Clark moved to New York City to see if he could make a difference at a school in Harlem. Finding chaos, he said he was spat upon and had to break up frequent altercations. “You know it’s bad when they make a movie about it,” he joked. Those experiences in Harlem, where he continued to hone many of his innovative teaching techniques, became “The Ron Clark Story,” starring Matthew Perry. Eventual success led to Clark being named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2000 as part of The Walt Disney Co.’s American Teacher Awards. Through that program he met another top teacher, Kim Bearden, who is a co-founder of Ron Clark Academy. While aiming to inspire (more than 3,000 educators visit Ron Clark Academy each year for professional development), Clark also pulls few punches in assessing the state of American education, or the students and young teachers who participate in it. “We’re raising a soft generation,” he said. “Why does every kid have to get a trophy?”
Clark said it’s vital that aspiring teachers experience life in a modern classroom. “Parents are crazy. There’s test-score drama. There’s discipline issues that we didn’t have 30 years ago,” Clark said. “The preparation is becoming much more real-world, which I think is a good thing.” Clark, who grew up in rural eastern North Carolina, almost didn’t even become a teacher.
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The message resonated with Andrew Reeves, an AU senior from Conway, South Carolina, and a Teaching Fellow. “He has a real good perspective on the condition of America right now and how that condition is manifested in the education of children,” said Reeves, who is considering becoming a high school teacher and/or missionary. “I really admire that passion to instill a work ethic.”
South Carolina School of the Arts - art & design - graphic design students win, again By Barry Ray Graphic design students won 21 of 24 awards in the 2016 student American Advertising Federation-Greenville’s Awards competition & banquet Dr. Jo Carol Mitchell-Rogers, Chair, Department of Art and Design recently announced. Of the 24 student ADDYs awarded, AU Graphic Design students brought home 21, including all of the Golds, 2 Special Judges Awards, and Best in Show. Winners advancing to District Three AAF-Regionals which included Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina saw additional awards. Morgan P. Holcomb won Gold (Judges Choice) ADDY ® for her branding and packing design,“Bleep. The One Handed Bandage.” (as seen above). Four additional Silver ADDY’s awards were awarded to Sophie Grace Brendle, Sarah Grace Kivett, Josie Maszk, and Rebekah Rhoden at District Three
AAF-Regional. As one of our alumni commented on Facebook after the awards competition, “Every year AU students go strong at the ADDYs. Every year the professors are the same. Just saying…” AU’s District Three winners will advance to the National ADDY Awards Banquet.
I couldn’t be more proud of our hardworking, talented students, as well as their excellent faculty. My thanks to you all for your continued support of our students and of the Department of Art & Design. — Dr. Jo Carol Mitchell-Rogers,
Anderson University
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redesigned website, innovative photo feature engages AU community By Vonya Griffin The AU campus is not the only part of the university that has been under construction. The website—www.andersonuniversity.edu— underwent a complete renovation and debuted last year. The new site features a bold new brand, streamlined navigation, mobile-friendly code, and an innovative photo-slider updated weekly with images taken by the AU community. The redesign project was spearheaded by James Duguid, the executive director of marketing and communication, who worked with a small team for more than a year to make the long overdue overhaul a reality. “The previous site had been built eight years prior, and so much had changed over that time.”
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said Duguid. “We had to update for mobile devices and build a responsive site. The old site had mostly transactional information like steps to enrollment and admission processes but had little information on what a student would be learning at the school.” So Duguid started the colossal task of creating a new site, which was built while maintaining the existing one. For branding and design concepts, he tapped the talents of Eric B. Whitlock, the creative director of 229 Design, and an AU alumus. University Editorial Director Jonathan Todd led the development of new content, including descriptions of degree programs, bios of faculty, features on alumni, updates on development projects, and news about the latest events of AU. Beneath the sleek user interface are
The biggest draw of the new website has been the innovative social slider—a stream of eight to ten photos that are updated multiple times a week. Instead of populating the stream with professional marketing images, Whitlock and Duguid decided to give people a way to contribute content, simultaneously keeping the AU site fresh with regular updates.
search engine optimization techniques, a new site architecture, and a fully responsive site design. Everything from the new navigation to the design has been well received, according to Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Jason Rutland. “I absolutely love the new site,” he said. “It allows our alumni to keep up with what is going on on the campus and keeps the website fresh.” Students are saying the new website provides a better feel of the school, and some like senior Brenna Morris visit multiple times a week to see the newest pictures.
“It’s a lot more personal and allows a lot more individuality. A lot of students talk about the social slider and appreciate that they can have their content featured there.” — Brenna Morris,
communication-public relations major, AU Duguid adapted the website structure to how search engines have changed the way people arrive on the site. Someone searching for “business school” on Google would be linked directly to the College of Business page rather than the home page, so
Duguid treated individual colleges as landing pages, housing relevant news items there and photos of business students and events. The response to the social slider has been overwhelmingly positive, from the student body who has flooded the department with submissions to alumni who have used the slider to share photos of their visits back to the campus. The home page has featured nearly 400 different photos in the last year. Duguid has plans to expand the social slider so that eventually each college and school will have their own. “I really enjoy the new social slider,” said Allison Combs, a class of 2018 business marketing student. “It gives a glimpse into all the amazing events on campus and opportunities our faculty, staff, and students get to experience.” Combs has submitted two photos so far—one of Thrift Library covered in ice from the storm last February and one of the Enactus barbecue event during the Fall 2015 semester. Both were featured on the home page social slider. Photos can be uploaded at www.andersonuniversity.edu/share-photo along with a title and description. There is an option to tag people or a college before submitting it for review and approval.
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our colleges and schools...
AU Innovators AU Psychology professor co-authors major study on how we view political candidates
how does a candidate’s appearance affect you? By Robert Franklin Could the facial appearance of candidates impact the US presidential election? Is there a difference between older and younger voters when it comes to finding a candidate’s face trustworthy and reliable? New research published in Cogent Psycholog y has some intriguing answers.
College of Arts and Sciences
Research has shown that people tend to vote for more competent-looking individuals and just a single image of a candidate from a campaign flyer can be enough to convey a candidate’s competence, integrity, and fitness for office. But until now, how older adults judge personality traits from faces has not been explored. The distinction between older and younger adults is vital, because it’s older adults
“We found that as people age, they prefer different facial characteristics in politicians. As one might expect, older adults prefer mature-looking faces. However, younger adults did not prefer mature or babyish candidates, but they were much more likely to vote for candidates that they thought were competent-looking. These findings are very important in understanding how aging affects voting behavior generally, especially as older adults are a critical voting population.” — Dr. Robert Franklin, Anderson University
who are more likely to vote.
New work from researchers at Anderson University
The research also found that, although the
and Brandeis University, USA, examines whether
candidate preferences of both groups were
facial appearance alone affects how older and
influenced by how competent, trustworthy,
younger adults evaluate potential candidates. The
and attractive the candidates look, only the
research found that while older adults still choose
attractiveness ratings provided by older adults
more competent-looking candidates, they do not
predicted actual electoral success.
prefer them as strongly as younger adults.
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young program in supply chain management already earning recognition By Barry Ray
College of Business
Supply chain managers are deeply involved in all aspects of business for both physical and intangible goods. They are involved in procurement, production, operations, and logistics from the point of origin to the point of consumption. For those reasons and many others, education in supply chain is one of the hottest collegiate programs nationally. There is increasingly high demand in South Carolina as well due to a rapidly expanding manufacturing base and the presence of international companies such as Michelin, BMW and Boeing. Anderson University’s College of Business responded to the needs of the workforce as well as an expressed desire for supply chain management from business students last year and the concentration in supply chain management in the business administration program proved popular from the start. What has been a bit of a surprise, however, is the level of recognition AU students are already receiving internationally and globally for their excellence in the field. It began earlier this year when AU’s Gustavo Cruz was selected from a large group of South Carolina college students to participate on a team from Upstate, SC universities in a simulation competition. The team won and was selected to represent South Carolina in a global competition with ten other states and eight foreign countries. The South Carolina team Gustavo competed on won the first round of the global contest. Besides prestige for the participants, the CSCMP (Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals) competition also provides an opportunity for students to work directly with many of the nation’s top supply chain executives. Later this year, the same organization selected another Anderson University student, Joel Smith, as the CSCMP South Carolina Representative, the most prestigious recognition for supply chain
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Mason Child, class of 2016 students in the state. Smith’s resume, impressive recommendations and current research regarding drones in the supply chain allowed him to win the honor while competing against other students from Anderson, Clemson, and The University of South Carolina. He will represent AU and South Carolina this September at the CSCMP annual conference in Orlando, joining over 70 students from around the world representing other CSCMP roundtables. Impressively, another Anderson University student, Mason Child, was the runner-up for the honor. The Board of CSCMP was so impressed with Mason’s work in a co-op with BMW Manufacturing in Greer, SC that the senior was offered a position on the board - an offer he accepted. Child will continue his internship with BMW this summer and has already secured a full-time position in the supply chain training program for the German automaker following his graduation in December.
how the college of business can make any student more employable By Barry Ray
“We can teach them what we do,” said one executive during hearings in Columbia, “but we can’t afford to train them on how to utilize computer technology. It takes too much time and costs too much.” The legislature listened and appropriated money to help make South Carolina’s college graduates more market-ready. After all, while the state welcomes the intellectual capital brought here from other countries and other states, it would rather develop that talent here at home. Enter “Coursepower.” Utilizing those state funds and partnering with major industry, a group called IT-ology developed Coursepower, a way to make as many of South Carolina’s college students computer savvy as possible, no matter what their chosen discipline may be. By earning a minor in applied computing, a philosophy major could get a job at Michelin
perhaps, just in case there isn’t a high-paying philosopher job in the offing. Anderson University joined with The University of South Carolina and a half-dozen other SC-based universities to pilot the new program. With just a few extra courses, students majoring in everything from education to musical theatre could leave with an underpinning in applied computing that all of the aforementioned employers value so highly.
“We came on board early in the process. We are constantly looking for ways to help our graduates become more employable. We know their parents appreciate that as well. One of the biggest questions we get from parents of prospective students is ‘what can you do to help my son or daughter get a job?’ This is a very tangible thing we are doing in addition to giving them a highly-ranked education.”
College of Business
South Carolina is home to many of the world’s largest manufacturers. In the Upstate alone, companies like BMW, and Michelin are major employers. In the Charleston area, Boeing is building its newest and most efficient passenger airplane. Hundreds of other multinational firms are constantly choosing the state for its quality of life, eager workforce and favorable tax structure. But recently, many of those vital employers approached The South Carolina General Assembly with a concern. They suggested that recent college graduates in general, and specifically those in South Carolina are not as prepared to work for them as they could, or should be. The apparent gap in their employability was a lack of applied computing skills.
— Mr. Barry Ray, Anderson University
The College of Business stepped up to the plate to make Coursepower happen on the AU campus. Courses were already being taught in Computer Information Systems that create the bulk of the Coursepower foundation. As the program becomes more prevalent on campus, special courses will be introduced to show students how to integrate the applied computing knowledge they gain in almost every field of discipline. Before that can happen however, the students already on campus will have to become more aware of Coursepower and how it can boost them from college to a career. Those efforst are already underway. A U CIA NM NP OU VATO S N ERW SS
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College of Christian Studies
ministry professor creates website as resource for youth ministers By Liz Carey It took one week in 2014 for Dr. Timothy Ray McKnight to create a website to help youth ministers in the digital age. “I had bought the domain name on Tuesday,” said Dr. McKnight, assistant professor of missions and youth ministry at AU’s College of Christian Studies. “I went to a conference on Thursday. I had all the contributors to the site set up by the end of the conference.” From there, he and Sam Totman, the director of external relations for the College of Christian Studies, created youthministryroundtable.com. The site is designed to be a place online where youth ministers can come and have access to mentors in youth ministry.
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“There’s easily over 100 years of experience in youth ministry on the site,” he said. He knows from experience how valuable access to that experience can be. Dr. McKnight started his career in youth ministry in 1991 during his junior year at Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia. By his senior year he was a youth pastor at a local church. After graduation, he worked as an itinerant youth evangelist until 1996, when he once again took a position as a youth pastor until 2003. Between 2003 and 2012, he served as a chaplain in the National Guard, as well as pastor to churches in Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. He began his work with Anderson University in 2012.
The website focuses on five major areas: youth missions and evangelism; discipleship; culture; leadership, and family. Featuring contributions from youth ministry experts and active youth ministers, the site is home to blog posts from experts, including Alvin Reid, Clayton King, and youth ministers such as Ricky Stark.
“I think it really offers a lot of practical information on youth ministry today. It gives you a really wide perspective of things youth ministers deal with daily,” Clegg said. “The Facebook page is where youth ministers can come together and share ideas or bounce ideas off of one another. We’re all on the same team, God’s team, and this helps us to help each other out.” Sometimes, though, posts on the website do generate online reactions. A recent post by Ricky Stark, Minister of Students at Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, South Carolina, nearly broke the site’s server, Dr. McKnight said. Within days of Stark’s post “’Cheap Grace’ Isn’t Grace,” the post had gone viral, reaching over 75,000 hits. As of March 31, it had more than 170,000 hits and continued to reach an average of about 200 hits per day. College of Christian Studies
“I think the post resonated with readers. It really hit a nerve with youth ministers who are frustrated with students who treat God’s grace cheaply by living a different life in public than they do at church. And they used the site to speak out in agreement with Ricky, or voice their own arguments.” Dr. Timothy Ray McKnight, Anderson University It’s an important way to reach a generation of youth ministers who are just out of youth themselves, Dr. McKnight said. He often uses the posts as reading assignments for his classes. The site generates about 10,000 hits a month, receiving more than 170,000 hits since its inception. “This site takes youth ministry to a whole new level,” said Totman, who designed the website and graphics. Its accompanying Facebook page is another avenue to help youth ministers. If the website is the big picture, then its Facebook page is more about the hands-on work.
— Dr. Timothy Ray McKnight, Anderson University
Dr. McKnight plans a renovation of the site this spring. After 18 months up and running, he and Totman are learning the ebbs and flows of the site – such as a lull in activity in the summer months, when most youth ministers are most engaged with their students. But they’ll see a surge again in September, he said. And he, Totman and the site’s contributors will be there, ready to lead youth ministers toward God’s truth and helping them lead the youth in their care toward it.
For Chris Clegg, the site and Facebook page are other places he can go to for help. Clegg, who has served as a youth minister, said he goes onto the roundtable site every few days.
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AU donor makes best of disasters, disaster training
College of Criminal Justice
By Richard Breen Whatever the natural disaster – from forest fires in the western U.S. to floods like those that tormented South Carolina last fall – there’s a good likelihood you’ll see two groups. One is emergency management officials, helping to keep the public safe. The other is Southern Disaster Recovery, helping to get things back to normal.
Cory Barnes, a junior criminal justice major from Anderson, recently participated in a crime scene exercise that utilized several rooms in the Center for Excellence.
The connection between the two groups is what turned a Greenville, South Carolina, businessman into an Anderson University donor. Mark Ells, a co-owner of Southern Disaster Recovery, has given more than $100,000 over the past two years to AU’s School of Criminal Justice.
Reed Walters, a junior criminal justice major from San Antonio, Texas, participated in an active shooter scenario.
“Anderson University trains people for what we do.” — Mark Ells, co-owner of Southern Disaster Recovery
Ells’ support has gone to help outfit rooms at AU’s Center of Excellence for Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. It also funds scholarships and has helped to bring speakers to campus such as Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson, known for helping to calm tensions during the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri. “He’s a good, Christian man that wants to support the public arena,” says Dr. Timothy Turner, dean of the School of Criminal Justice, of Ells. The Center of Excellence, an off-campus facility that once belonged to the local power company, serves as classroom and training space for undergraduate and master’s students in criminal justice. It’s also home to the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center and is a “fusion center” for local law enforcement. “A fusion center is where you collect intelligence for terrorism or any criminal activity,” Turner says. It can also be used to gather information for disaster preparation. “I don’t know of any other facility that coordinates with a fusion center and an emergency management center.” 2 0 | A U I N N O VATO R S
“We’re able to do a lot more activities” in the expanded facility, he says.
“That was an incredible experience,” he says. “Something that I find really impressive is we have the emergency management people upstairs.” AU also conducts the Command College of South Carolina at the Center of Excellence. The innovative program, open to experienced law enforcement leaders, offers a master’s degree in criminal justice administration. Program participants use rooms at the Center of Excellence for activities such as media training, in which they learn how to navigate journalists’ questions in the wake of controversial events. The mock press conferences can be “really aggressive,” according to Barry Ray, AU’s director of marketing and communications, who helps conduct the training. “They’re in teams of five or six people. They give a statement and then take questions,” Ray says. “It’s practical training that’s desperately needed.” Turner says the emergency management and Command College groups collaborate frequently. “They help us out, and we try to help them out,” he says. “You can see how valuable Anderson University is to the community.” Ells says he was introduced to AU representatives at an emergency management conference. He is involved in real estate development and warehousing and runs a retail chain called Landscapers Supply in addition to partnering with Al McClaran in Southern Disaster Recovery.
“Al and I are both Christians and we like Christian colleges,” Ells says.
the industry as the “70-hour push,” according to McClaran) and later dispose of additional storm debris as a community recovers.
“The most important thing that we can ever do is share the Gospel with other people.”
“In a hurricane, you can get quite a mix,” McClaran says.
— Al McClaran, Southern Disaster Recovery partner
SDR played a significant role in cleanup following the October floods in South Carolina. The fouryear-old business also coordinated $50 million worth of cleanup following the 2014 ice storm in Aiken. “We just left California, working the fires down there,” Ells says.
In assisting the Center of Excellence, SDR is supporting professionals who they may one day collaborate with in a disaster, according to McClaran. He says he is also mindful that the Lord is the one in control of the weather and he and Ells enjoy tying philanthropy to AU’s broader mission.
If you also would like to contribute to the programs and facilities at AU, please contact the development office at 864.231.2147 or www.andersonuniversity.edu/giving
Local governments hire companies such as SDR to help clear roads for emergency traffic (known in A U I N N O VATO R S
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criminal justice professor helped Brazilian agencies prepare to manage disaster at Olympics By Ashley Festa Teamwork is fundamental to the Olympic Games, and Howard Murphy helped Brazil bring together teams of its own in preparation for the 2016 competitions. Murphy, an assistant professor in AU’s School of Criminal Justice, traveled to South America last summer to assist Brazil in improving how its emergency response agencies work together. Looking ahead to this year’s Olympics, Brazil’s emergency responders wanted to become more collaborative in order to better respond to any crises that might arise. A small group from the U.S. Army Reserve and Mobile Med One, a nonprofit that addresses emergency care in the aftermath of natural disasters and terrorist attacks, served as experts to help several Brazilian agencies build relationships and work together more effectively. 2 2 | A U I N N O VATO R S
“We worked with them on developing plans and executing responses and recovery operations together, using each other’s resources rather than working with a stovepipe mentality,” Murphy said, referring to agencies working independently of each other. “We shared best practices from the U.S., especially how the Department of Defense supports civil authorities.” U.S. Army Reserve Colonel Murphy’s experience as an emergency services expert began back in 1995 when he directed medical support for the destruction of the U.S. Army’s chemical weapons stockpile, while also serving in the Army National Guard.. He later helped lead a Congressional study and co-write a report detailing U.S. capabilities and limitations for responding to an attack by a country with weapons of mass destruction. In 2013, he served as senior planner and operations officer with the U.S. Strategic Command and
the Defense Threat Reduction Agency when the Department of Defense assisted the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations in demilitarizing Syria’s chemical weapons program. He also shared his expertise in Brazil, as the American team worked with 51 participants from multiple governmental and non-governmental agencies, discussing scenarios such as bombings, hostage situations, and the use of chemical weapons against the public. Later in the year, the Brazilian teams conducted field exercises to practice responding to such incidents.
countries’ political, economic and social conditions, helps his Bachelor of Emergency Services Management students better understand what they’re learning in the classroom and more effectively apply those lessons in practical ways.
College of Criminal Justice
“As part of our research in class, the students look at different nations and how they do emergency management. Brazil is an interesting case because they don’t have a national emergency management agency like FEMA (the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency). Students explore the benefits of those national agencies and how they might be established. The exchanges we had in Brazil are one way those types of organizations are eventually developed.” — Howard Murphy, Anderson University
Howard Murphy, Anderson University In addition to Brazil, Murphy, who has 33 years of experience in emergency services, has worked with many different countries on interagency collaboration to respond to disasters, whether natural or technological disasters, public health crises, or terrorist attacks. He believes teaching international components, including other
Besides studying international collaborations, Murphy’s students also get to see local entities joining forces. Together, Anderson University and Anderson County established the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Center of Excellence to provide students with opportunities to study near the County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Division and the County’s Emergency Medical Services and Special Operations Division. Murphy assisted in the creation of the center, where he serves as the liaison between the university and the county, and also works as a part-time County employee as an emergency management coordinator and paramedic. “In every class I teach and meeting I lead, I open with a phrase I learned from a mentor: ‘There’s no one of us that’s as smart as all of us,’” Murphy said. “God has blessed us all with gifts, resources and talents, and we must use them to benefit each other, serve each other and serve Him.” A U I N N O VATO R S
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three AU grads hand-picked for Atlanta’s innovative Ron Clark Academy By Evelyn Beck Of the 11 classroom teachers at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta, three are graduates of Anderson University’s education program.
College of Education
“We don’t have three or even two from any other school, so that says a lot about Anderson University,which has prepared its teachers well,” says Kim Bearden, cofounder and executive director of RCA. Wade King and Hope King, a married couple, graduated from AU in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and also went on to receive master’s degrees - Wade in educational administration and leadership from AU, Hope in reading from Clemson University. In 2013, after a few years teaching at an elementary school in South Carolina, they joined RCA. James Hogue graduated from AU in 2013 and joined the RCA faculty last year after teaching at Legacy Charter School in Greenville. All three were drawn by RCA’s reputation for excellence and innovation. Cofounder Ron Clark, a bestselling author and educator, started the nonprofit middle school as a place where students of all backgrounds and abilities could reach their potential through academic rigor, passion, creativity, and discipline. RCA is also a demonstration school, drawing educators from across the country to observe its teachers and learn how to transform their own classrooms. Bearden remembers how impressed she was with all three AU grads during the arduous interviewing and teaching demonstration process. “We look for teachers who are extremely dynamic, innovative, and passionate about children and about inspiring a love for learning,” she said. “All three share those common traits.” Wade, she says, is “one of the hardest working men we’ve ever seen; he’s driven to help students succeed.” He’s known for standing on his desk, playing his electric guitar as part of a lesson. He currently teaches math for grades 5 and 6, current events for grades 6 and 7, and ancient civilization for grade 8. 2 4 | A U I N N O VATO R S
Bearden already knew about Hope through her education blog called Elementary Shenanigans and her Teachers Pay Teachers store, which offers some of her more intricate lesson plans for sale. “She has a tremendous following across the country,” says Bearden, “and she has an incredible creativity that I love.” One of the things that’s distinctive about Hope is the way she transforms the physical space of her classroom, such as recreating Jurassic World to discuss the classification of animals or plunging students into the atmosphere of a pirate ship or Skylab or a hospital or a beach to reinforce other lessons. Hope currently teaches reading and science for grade 5 and reading and English language arts for grade 6. James, who is in his first year at RCA, teaching U.S. history for grades 5, 6, and 7, is already fulfilling the promise Bearden felt in him. He’s also a talented musician who uses songs to bring learning to life.
“We’re good at seeing raw talent, natural God-given ability,” she said. “We’re excited to be the training ground for him. He’s extremely kind and compassionate, a true gentleman, the kind of man we want our young boys to see.” — Kim Bearden, cofounder and executive director of Ron Clark Academy Wade, Hope, and James all credit AU with preparing them well, from rigorous standards to the model of making learning fun to the practical as well as the spiritual aspects of the university. “The Christ-like mentality of everybody always shone through,” says Wade, who especially credits the servant leadership part of a graduate class with driving him to become the teacher he is.
Wade and Hope King, and James Hogue at Ron Clark Academy Now that she’s been in the classroom awhile, Hope has come to especially appreciate the (AU College of Education’s) whole approach. “One thing that’s different about AU is that they get you in the classroom starting freshman year,” she says. “It’s crazy to me that I have student teachers whose first time in a classroom is their senior year. I learned early how to build relationships with kids.” Wade and Hope also benefited greatly from their experiences as student athletes, he as a wrestler, she as a cross-country and track runner. For James, one of the most treasured parts of his Anderson University experience was his involvement in the Call Me Mister program, which encourages young men of color to become
elementary school teachers. He’s still involved with the program, and he tries to pay it forward. “Being a mentor is paramount in everything I do,” he says. “Education is dominated by women, and I’m trying to change the mindset of the young males I have in the classroom.” AU’s education professors remember Wade, Hope, and James with great fondness and applaud their successes. “We’re really encouraged to know that one-third of the teachers at RCA are from Anderson University,” says Joanna Stegall, Associate Dean of the College of Education. “We want to develop teachers who can go into environments where there are students with lots of needs, and they can be change makers because that’s what Jesus calls us to do—to go where there’s the most need and to do the most good.” A U I N N O VATO R S
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hard work by interior design grad inspired the naming of furniture in her honor By Alex Ramirez There are two pieces of furniture named after AU alumna Lindsey Gerlock in recognition of her hard work at interior design firm J Banks Design.
School of Interior Design
In a collection created by J Banks Design and Stanford Furniture, her name now graces the Lindsey Cocktail Ottoman and the Gerlock Chair. The latter recently premiered at the High Point Furniture Market—one of the world’s largest industry furnishings tradeshow, attracting over 85,000 people to its events every six months. Gerlock, class of 2015, is not a furniture designer nor did she design the pieces. She explains J Banks’ owner and president Joni Vanderslice named all pieces of furniture in the new line after employees—something she agrees is pretty cool and flattering. Gerlock works as a Design Assistant and manages residential and commercial clients. Her tasks include budget management and pricing, construction drawing sets, coordinating clients and consultants, value engineering, space planning, and specifications, among other duties. She works primarily on private golf clubs in Florida, but J Banks Design has clients around the world. Some of their signature projects include the Hotel Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy, and Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Due to my involvement in ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and IIDA (International Interior Design Association), I had several job offers before I even graduated.” she says, noting that most college grads around the nation find themselves underprepared after leaving school. School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin anticipated Gerlock’s professional success.
Lindsey Gerlock, class of 2015
Gerlock took her job at J Banks Design right after graduating.
“I am not surprised that in a very short time frame following graduation and in the professional setting, Lindsey has been recognized in such an honor, as she has an immediate impact and adds value to whatever she undertakes,” says Martin, adding that Gerlock is “an amazing AU interior design graduate.” “For Lindsey’s employer… to acknowledge the value of an employee who has been working for her firm for less than a year speaks volumes about Lindsey as a professional interior designer and Lindsey as a person. Her work ethic, talent, creativity, culture fit with JBanks, ability to collaborate—the list goes on and on!”
“Ms. Martin gave me countless opportunities to network with Designers and Industry Professionals.
Gerlock is interested in pursuing a master’s degree in business. For now, she’s looking forward to
“Anderson University provided an ideal environment to foster my educational, social, and personal growth. What first drew me to Anderson was the personalized attention to detail, which greatly reflects my belief that ‘life is in the details’,” says Gerlock. “The rigor and professional nature of the interior design program has enabled me to be an excellent communicator and design professional.”
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more work with J Banks and making the most of the skills and values she honed at Anderson. Gerlock came to AU because she wanted a small, private school and loved the stable foundation the Christian university provided. “It was an honor to attend a university in which professors showed personal interest and bent over backwards for me. I was not a number but a name,” she said “Communication is one of the most important tools in any profession. By giving countless graphic, verbal, and written presentations, I was over prepared for the job I now have,” says Gerlock. “From a technical standpoint, we learned everything from hand-drafting to the Revit 3D Modeling System, which is used at the most successful architectural firms across the globe.” Even before an ottoman bore her name, Gerlock boasted a list of accomplishments while at AU. She received a School of Interior Design 2015
Academic Excellence Award, an International Interior Design Association Scholarship and served as Graduation Marshal. She also chaired an event called The Gathering, which won the American Society of Interior Designers’ Student Chapter Event of the Year award in 2015. The Gathering is an industry trade show hosted in the School of Interior Design and has been held annually for 17 years. “As a freshman, I was blissfully unaware of the struggles, successes, and maturation I would experience throughout my college career. You might think no one sees the countless hours you study, push forward, and suffer on. You might be under the impression it does not matter and it’s just a grade. What you do not realize is you are building character and perseverance, which will set the course for your life after graduation. Not somehow, but triumphantly!”
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nursing professor helped spark AU’s offering of graduate nursing programs By Vonya Griffin Dr. Charlotte Stephens has watched the developing mental health crisis over the course of her nursing career, but true to her problem-solving instincts she has been doing everything she can to find—and when necessary create—solutions. Dr. Stephens explains that there just are not enough psychiatrists to go around, and local state hospitals are struggling to fill open positions. Advanced practice nurses can help bridge that gap though, and starting this fall, nurses can get the graduate-level degree they need at AU.
Dr. Stephens started teaching at AU in 2011, and her approach has always emphasized the importance of treating all patients as Imago Dei, made in the image of God. Even before the graduate programs were born, Dr. Stephens taught students how to recognize and treat patients with mental illness with respect and without fear. “I tell my undergraduate students you may never be a mental health nurse, but you will always take care of a mental health patients—they’re going to be in your ER, they’re going to be in your primary care office, anywhere you work, you’ll have the potential of taking care of someone with a psychiatric disorder,” she said. When Dr. Stephens needed to pick a topic for her doctoral research, Dr. Stephens chose to focus on mental health and whether nurse practitioners were willing and able to serve the needs of the mental health population that is currently underserved. The conclusion was a resounding yes, although it identified a need for more educational opportunities to refine mental health skills since
She approached the university administration about adding one to the School of Nursing at AU. They were receptive to the idea and so began the lengthy process of starting a graduate program and getting accreditation through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which will be finalized by June. The AU nursing faculty has whole-heartedly endorsed the concept and provided input.
“The university has been very forward thinking. We’ve gone from just a liberal arts university to becoming a fully comprehensive university. We have a very supportive administration, a very supportive board of trustees, and wonderful support from our clinical partners—the hospitals and community agencies where our students go and do clinicals.”
School of Nursing
Dr. Stephens was a driving force behind the development of the new graduate programs, which include a master of science in nursing (MSN) with four tracks, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with three tracks, and a post-MSN certificate. Each level has a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHC) option, which would allow graduates to provide the care, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of people with mental illnesses who are currently falling through the cracks.
there were no psychiatric mental health graduate programs in South Carolina at the time.
— Dr. Charlotte Stephens, Anderson University
The goal for the first cohort of the graduate program is 30 students. Dr. Stephens, who transitioned into the chair of graduate nursing program position in 2015, said the school of nursing has been fielding daily requests for information. Many of the people who have expressed interested are AU alumni like Zane Newton. He completed his accelerated bachelor of science degree in December 2014. Newton has applied for the DNP with a family nurse practitioner concentration and starts in August. The graduate programs range in length from 15 to 36 months, meaning the first students could graduate in 2017.
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arts major wins regional/national awards By Liz Carey It has been a successful year for South Carolina School of the Arts senior Ashley Waller.
South Carolina School of the Arts
This year her work has earned multiple awards, and resulted in two of her pieces being purchased by Anderson University. Waller, an art major with a concentration in painting and drawing and minors in Art History and Creative Writing, graduated in May with a promising future ahead of her. This spring Waller won a first place award in the Spartanburg County Public Libraries’ 4th Annual Collegiate Invitational Art Exhibition for her piece “I Paused and Snapped”. The work, part of her series on the “fragmentation we experience in our lives,” shows a solitary figure standing against a shadowed corner with one leg detached from the rest of the body. For Waller, the inspiration for the series started on a journey back from South Africa, where she grew up as the child of missionaries. “I was laying awake with jet lag from coming back from South Africa,” she said. “Because I have lived in so many places, I have felt this feeling of disjunction. I wanted to give a representation of that. All of us experience this disjunction in our lives in many different ways. Regardless of what it is, whether it is internal or external, we get to a point at which things don’t align themselves.” Judges of the exhibition, which included work from students of the South Carolina School of the Arts, as well as other area colleges, praised the work for its bold statements. “Consideration of scale and use of repeating vertical elements reinforce the selection and placement of the subject matter in this painting,” the judges wrote. “The disconnect between the severed leg and the remainder of the pose is heightened even further through the use of exaggerated flesh tones set against a stark tonal background.” Professor Peter Kaniaris, Waller’s instructor, said the award was more than just an honor for Waller, it was an honor for the school as well. 3 0 | A U I N N O VATO R S
“Ashley always used the information I gave her, as well as her own research and experience, to arrive at great solutions,” Kaniaris said. “There’s an old Roman saying ‘She flies with her own wings.’ That’s the way I think about Ashley.” Waller was born in Atlanta, and then moved to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with her parents. The family later moved to Mombasa, Kenya, to continue their missionary work. Waller found Anderson University online and chose it because of its art department and location. “I wanted to find a place that was close to where my parents’ family was in Georgia,” she said. “I looked at North Greenville University, Anderson University and Calvin College in Michigan. I really like the size of the school. Its art and writing programs looked really good, as did a lot of the student groups.” And she points to Kaniaris and Professor Candace Weddle as influencers who have helped her along the way.
“Professor Kaniaris has been so helpful, especially in regards to painting. And Professor Weddle really fired up my enthusiasm for art history. Both are brilliant professors who inspire students to want the same level of excitement about art.” — Ashley Waller, class of 2016 In the fall, Waller will attend graduate school to get her Master of Fine Arts, and hopes to one day be a painting and foundations professor at a small university and have a small studio on the side. Kaniaris said Waller is especially equipped to succeed as a professor. “But I wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility that Ashley could have a successful career as a painter,” he said. “Whichever she chooses, she will be superb.”
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South Carolina School of the Arts
Dr. Richard Williamson directs choir at Carnegie Hall on Memorial Day By Alex Ramirez Dr. Richard Williamson isn’t intimidated or stressed by his upcoming May 30 performance at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The rehearsals and musical preparations don’t weigh on his mind as heavily as other concerns. The real work, he says, is getting a group of 58 performers ready for the road. “The hardest part isn’t the conducting,” says Dr. Williamson. “The real work is bringing a group.” A professor at AU since 1996, Dr. Williamson will be taking a group of students, alumni, staff and faculty, local church folks, and other guests from the Anderson area to New York City to perform John Rutter’s “Requiem.” They’ll even be joined by students from schools and churches from around the country. 3 2 | A U I N N O VATO R S
The opportunity was a surprise to Dr. Williamson, but he won’t pass on the chance. It was a pleasant surprise that’s become “a pleasant job,” he says. Dr. Williamson was a Fulbright Scholar at the National Conservatory of Music in Lima, Peru in 2014. While there, he worked with choirs at the Conservatory and surrounding communities—including a choir sponsored by Peruvian government—and assisted in developing master’s level courses. He also wrote three pieces of music while there. Dr. Williamson was invited back for a month in 2015 to lead a performance of Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. Whether at home or abroad, as a conductor Dr. Williamson wants to give his audience an experience, something memorable, unique, and complex.
“There’s more to life than happy and sad,” he says. “There are things that can’t be said in words.” That’s why we make music, after all, he adds. Dr. Williamson sees music as a way to give people meaningful experiences, to invite them to complex, subtle emotions.
“He always tells us that the goal in making music is to convey a message to listeners. He inspires us to sing with emotion and expression, and to make personal connections with the music. In doing this, he creates wonderful, moving performances.” — Sydney Alexander, class of 2017 Alexander will be one of 33 students going on the trip. “He has the gift of being able to push you to create incredible music for sake of making beauty, not to win a contest—that’s a fleeting moment,” says
Kellsey Vickers, class of 2017, who will also perform on the NYC trip. “He doesn’t settle for work that is less than what I am capable of. He pushes me to be better at my craft through direction and modeling. However, he is realistic about our limits and respects those while pushing us to learn.” Says Dr. Williamson: “For years I used to have the words ‘plus ultra’ on my door.” It means “more beyond” in Latin; it was the motto of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. Before the discovery of the new world, map makers wrote “non plus ultra” (nothing more beyond) for unexplored territory on maps. The discovery of the Americas showed that there really was more beyond, so Charles took out the “non.” Williamson saw the words carved above a door in a castle once owned by the emperor and later taped them to his own office door to remind students to keep seeking even when they do not know what lies beyond. I guess,” says Dr. Williamson, “that’s a two-word summation of the philosophy.”
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theatre professor Dr. Deborah McEniry wins innovative teaching award, performs in New York By Vonya Griffin
South Carolina School of the Arts
In 2007, when Dr. Deborah McEniry joined Anderson University as a professor and the department chair, the theatre department consisted of one other professor, 17 students and one baccalaureate degree in theatre. The department grew in scope, size and range under her innovative guidance—all part of her teaching philosophy to use lifelong learning and professional development to help students excel to their potential, be proud of their work, and get jobs when they graduate. Now the theatre department has more than 80 students and offers a bachelor of art in theatre with four concentrations and a bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre with another degree option in the works. Faculty numbers have increased to five, plus assistants and adjunct professors, and the team is undergoing the grueling process of getting accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Dr. McEniry’s passion for learning and performing shines through her role as an educator. Her classes are informative, engaging and interactive, according to former student Elle Rigg, who graduated in 2014 with a BFA in musical theatre. She took several classes with Dr. McEniry, including Auditions and Musical Theatre History.
“You weren’t going in for just a lecture or to have an hour-long class just sitting there and taking notes. It was all very interactive, with discussions and questions welcomed. She had a really good understanding of what the industry is looking for and how to be a step ahead in the game when you graduate.” — Elle Rigg, class of 2014
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Rigg’s favorite class, the one she said was most helpful, was New York City Symposium, an innovative class that Dr. McEniry created during an educational leave of absence in 2013. The class is for theatre majors in their senior year that provides an advanced level of training in acting, musical theatre, film and TV acting, and auditioning and culminates in a trip to New York City. During the spring semester students get familiar with the different artists they’re going to meet, prepare monologues, plan what to wear to auditions, and rehearse auditions. The seven-to 10-day trip in May lets students experience living in the city while they view and critique theatre productions, attend workshops taught by industry professionals, and audition for agents and casting directors. “The experience made it realistic for me to move and also created connections to this day I’m still in contact with,” said Rigg, who has been living and working in New York City for the last year. “I still take singing lessons with the teacher Professor McEniry put us in contact with while in New York City.” The class has been such a success that Dr. McEniry won the Prize for Teaching Innovation granted by two prestigious theatre organizations: Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Dr. McEniry received the prize in February for KCACTF Region Four, which is comprised of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern Virginia and Tennessee. During the same educational leave of absence that inspired the New York City Symposium class, Dr. McEniry wrote a 60-minute, one-person show while attending classes on one-person playwriting in New York with actor and director Seth Barrish.
“I wanted to let my students know about all the different things I did on my educational leave,” said Dr. McEniry, who spent the time in New York taking film and television acting courses, audition courses, commercial acting courses, and the Alexander method and Laban movement courses. “Since we’re teaching performance and performance skills, putting those into practice is really important, and letting students see us put those into practice is really important.” The show, YESNOMAYBE: the Doppelganger and the Professor, is the story of a former New York City actress turned theatre professor whose dream of working in New York theatre and being on Broadway has never been extinguished, although realities of life—a job, children, a
husband’s career—have put her dream on hold. Twenty years later, the spark of hope is ignited as she returns to New York to find that world she thought she knew has changed dramatically. Dr. McEniry went on to perform the show at New York’s 2015 United Solo, a theatre festival which ran from Sept. 17 to Nov. 22 and featured 150 shows by playwrights from six continents. “I was so blessed to receive that educational leave,” said Dr. McEniry. “That’s just the way I’m made. I love learning. The classes allowed me to keep exploring new possibilities on how to teach my students better.”
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our faculty and students...
Faces of AU Recognition for academics on campus
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whether it’s a bluegrass tune or jazz standard, AUthenticity represents AU at diverse events By Evelyn Beck
AUthenticity is Anderson University’s first commercial music ensemble. The group is the brainchild of AU President Dr. Evans Whitaker, who thought that a band able to play different musical styles might increase the university’s reach through appearances at a wide variety of venues. AU already has very talented and busy worship teams and classical performing ensembles. So the goal with AUthenticity is to represent AU at diverse events. They have performed at a legislative luncheon in the South Carolina state Capitol, Saluda Baptist Association meetings, and the Anderson Motor Speedway, as well as at corporate functions, festivals, parades, schools, and churches.
The diversity in talents and majors continues this year. Business major and drummer, Adam Hatteberg, from Cleveland, Ohio, had narrowed it down to AU and a university in Ohio. He chose AU because he could major in business and still play in a band.
Following their selection the ten inaugural members got together right before school started in August 2014. The five freshmen, four sophomores, and a senior had different talents. Some were singers while others played guitar, drums, keyboard, synthesizer, mandolin, saxophone, voice, and dobro (an acoustic guitar with a built-in metal resonator). Some of the students were music or ministry majors though others studied marketing or communications.
Norwine co-directs the group with her husband Doug Norwine. The couple’s music backgrounds make them a natural fit. Doug Norwine is an assistant professor of music and the director of The Johnny Mann Center for Commercial Music at AU. He is also a commercial musician, a best-selling saxophonist who has performed for such TV shows as The Simpsons, Full House, Roseanne, Seinfeld, and The Tonight Show. Kelley Norwine, who serves as Director of External
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Crediting Dr. Whitaker with visionary thinking, AUthenticity co-director Kelley Norwine said “this band gives non-music majors, who are excellent musicians, an opportunity to continue their craft.” AUthenticity subdivides into three smaller groups according to the requests that arrive: Solid Gold (funk and rock), Gold Rush (bluegrass), and Liquid Gold (contemporary jazz).
Relations for The South Carolina School of the Arts, has a music degree and long experience as a minister of music and worship leader in churches from Los Angeles to South Carolina. The Norwines jumped at the chance to help steer this new venture.
“A band with a variety of styles of music opens up our ability to get into schools and festivals and reach kids that might not otherwise hear about AU,” Kelley Norwine says, adding that a band that kids enjoy “might change their life in the process.” That’s already happening to the band members themselves. Student Andrew Poston, whose dream is to become a contemporary Christian performing artist, was debating between AU and a different college in South Carolina when he visited campus and auditioned for the vocal performance program. “Doug sat in, and after he heard me sing, Kelley emailed me to audition for the band,” says Poston. Since he lived four hours away, he sent some videos, and the invitation to join AUthenticity “definitely influenced my decision to come to Anderson,” he says. “I’ve grown so much,” he says. “I’ve learned about the structure of songs. My ear for music has grown. Doug and Kelley have impacted all of us. Doug relates theory to stuff we
do in the band. Kelley gives pointers on singing; anytime I’m having trouble finding harmony, she’s willing to help. And they both advise us on sound, like sound checks when we’re doing a gig and how the mikes work.” Newest member of AUthenticity, Kensley Moore, says that a visit to Anderson and being invited to sit in on a band rehearsal, made her decide on Anderson. “I had looked at about 12 schools, but when my parents and I came to Anderson, and I was able to sit in on an AUthenticity rehearsal, I fell in love with the idea of coming to AU. The quality of the musicians was amazing, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this group!” Coleman Fitts was pretty much set on following his band mates from high school to a different college in South Carolina. “I’m so glad I chose AU. Doug and Kelley Norwine have made a huge difference in my life. “ Katie Soto, a commercial music major who sings soprano with the group, describes a performance at a dinner for university presidents: “We did a lot of improvised stuff that’s fun. Someone will say, ‘Hey, what if we did this song?’ They start playing, and I start singing.”
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and their peers where they may share their thoughts, their dreams, and their hopes. Through such moments, students are able to grow in their relationship with God and discover their calling for life. What will the new Student Center mean to our students? It will mean for many of our students a place of transformation, a place where lives are changed, a place for great enrichment and tremendous personal growth.” — Bob Hanley, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Academic Advising
“Anderson University has built its reputation on the development of the mind, the heart, and the spirit. The new Student Center will provide the physical space to provide even more impetus to student development in these areas. Its gathering spaces will promote continued conversations on challenging ideas generated from the classroom. Its meeting rooms will showcase guest speakers across the spectrum to share their insights and experiences. The heart craves relationships and a sense of belonging, and in the expanded cafeteria and exterior venues, students may share time, build friendships, and better connect with each other. Our most important gift to our students is the opportunity to grow in their Christian faith. The new Student Center will offer more capacity for students to have a place to engage in conversations with faculty, staff,
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“The new student center will create a central location for students to meet and hang out. There will be something for everybody. I think the new student center will bring our student body closer
together by creating an environment where everyone can find something they enjoy doing. It will also create an outlet for students to go and relax from their daily grind and that’s something our campus needs.” — Chance Rice Marketing Assistant
“ I think that the Student Center will be a great place to hang out, study, eat, learn, and really live life together…The Student Center will bring even more fellowship to the campus. It will be a great space for bigger campus events and will give the campus even more room to grow in its community.” — Brenna K. Morris — Class of 2016 Senior Communication Major “I believe that the new student center will instill an even greater sense of pride in our students and alumni. It will also have a tremendous impact on creating more community among students on campus.” — Beverly Rice McAdams, Ph.D. Vice President for Presidential Affairs
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“It is exciting to see the Student Center in these final stages. As we anticipate completion, it is evident that this vibrant building will be the physical epicenter of the campus. We all know that there is no brick and mortar structure that can replace the bonds and relationships made at Anderson, but it could enhance the activities possible. As I await the completion of the entire building, I am especially excited about the addition of Alumni Commons to campus. I imagine a multi-generational gathering place, where our alumni are able to gather in a place to share what Anderson was, is, and will be.” — Jason Rutland Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
“Of course, when a new building goes up, people are excited for the ‘new.’ Unlike many of the new spaces that have been built or renovated in the past several years, this is the first since the Thrift Library that will affect everyone. Whether you are faculty, staff or student; resident or commuter, you will sometimes encounter this space. I have been here long enough to have watched how the Thrift Library transformed the campus. Somehow it set the tone that we were ‘more academic’ than we have ever been and more focused on the learning community that Anderson is. The G. Ross Anderson Student Center will become a wonderful place for people to fellowship over food (we like doing that, you know), and enjoy life together away from the hectic pace of classes, tests and study. I’m sure people will still find quiet places to study there but mostly will spend time in the student center involved in the aspects of life that are not academic in nature.” — Pam Ross Dean of Admission
4 2 | T H E AU D I A R Y
“I think it will implement a sense of togetherness among our entire campus. The student center will allow students to cross paths and connect. It will be an intersection which leads to both a cohesive community and unity. It will bring pleasant interruptions that will bring us closer… it will become the heart of the campus. Students and faculty alike will find a place where the pulse of the campus community can be felt and lived out.”
“…the spacious meal facilities will bring a larger cross-section of the campus community together… this may result in stronger/better connections among faculty, staff, and students.” — Jim Fereira, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Development
— Becky Walker Associate Campus Minister for Women’s Ministries and Outreach/Events
for more AU DIARIES go to: andersonuniversity.edu/myjourney
T H E AU D I A R Y
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10 | CAMPUS NEWS
trojans in motion‌
Athletic Innovation Presidential passion fuels athletic improvements
boosting AU athletics is a presidential passion By Barry Ray The sprawling Anderson University Athletic
“old fairgrounds” they understand. Without the
Campus is beginning to increasingly look like the
departure of the fair nearly a decade ago, the
one AU President Dr. Evans Whitaker envisioned
expansion of AU’s athletic facilities would have
several years ago. A new softball stadium that rivals
been much more difficult.
any in the Southern region, a massive recreational swimming pool with ample deck and social space,
“As many people know, our campus was virtually
and a tennis tower flanked by gleaming courts were
landlocked a few years ago at only 68 acres,” says
opened this academic year.
President Whitaker. “When we were approached with the possibility of purchasing land adjacent to
Each new addition chips away at the memory of the
the campus, we felt like it was the opportunity of a
Anderson County Fairgrounds, which called the
lifetime.”
site home for decades. While some in the campus community understandably bristle when they hear
Whitaker immediately began to work with athletics
Andersonians refer to the Athletic Campus as the
personnel to develop a master plan to give them
4 6 | AT H L E T I C I N N O VAT I O N
what will eventually be one of the most functional
D’Andrea. “We’re fortunate to have that in
and beautiful, comprehensive athletic campuses
Dr. Whitaker. He understands as well as anyone
in the South. Because every new facility had to
that your sports can be a sort of front porch to
be done right, in a first-class manner, it couldn’t
the institution, exposing people to your great
be built at once. Slowly but surely however, the
academics and campus life who might not normally
Athletic Campus is taking shape. The president
experience it otherwise.”
further enhanced AU’s athletic stature by leading the way in gaining membership in the South
President Whitaker and First Lady Diane are
Atlantic Conference, a strong and respected
regular fixtures at AU athletic events, especially
league, both athletically and academically. That
basketball games where Diane in particular can
move has been a good one for AU and even though
often be heard cheering with the passion of a
it meant a step up in competition, the Trojans
student. President Whitaker may not be quite as
have more than held their own, winning multiple
vocal, but he works tirelessly to keep the plan on
conference titles.
track to build AU the finest in facilities for every sport. Track and Field and Baseball are among
“I can’t begin to tell you what a difference it makes
the pieces yet to fall into place at the Athletic
in an institution when the president is passionate
Campus, but coaches and the campus community
about athletics,” said AU Director of Athletics Bill
understand that with a little patience and some
AT H L E T I C I N N O VAT I O N
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generous benefactors, those facilities too will be
“To advance it will take a little time,” D’Andrea says,
the envy of many colleges and universities in
“but we are on our way and the President is serious
the Southeast.
about it.”
“It’s a joy to work with Bill D’Andrea,” Dr. Whitaker
New and enhanced facilities, more competitive
says. “Bill has great experience in athletic leadership
scholarships, increased academic alignment and
from his many years at Clemson University. He also
support, a focus on strength and conditioning,
has a youthful outlook and a continuous passion in
and maybe even a new sport or two (like men’s and
working with student-athletes and promoting the
women’s lacrosse) are all part of the equation.
athletic programs both internally and externally. He’s a builder. Together, we have big dreams for
“We want our programs to be some of the most
AU athletics, and Bill gives 100 percent-plus to make
consistently competitive in NCAA Division II, so
those dreams reality.”
we are going to do all we can within our resources to give our coaches and student-athletes the support
It is becoming obvious that together, President
they need to build and maintain winning programs,
Whitaker and D’Andrea make a great team and
Dr. Whitaker says. In all their experiences at AU, we
project a bright vision for Trojan Athletics. As the
want them to set and achieve high goals for the rest
duo has assessed scholarships, operational budgets,
of their lives. There’s no better place to develop that
and facilities, Anderson leads the conference in
habit than through Anderson University Athletics!”
some areas, but in others it has room to improve.
4 8 | AT H L E T I C I N N O VAT I O N
class notes For additional information on alumni, go to www.andersonuniversity.edu and click on Alumni and Friends.
honors & awards Several alumni were recipients of the “20 Under 40” award, which each year seeks to honor twenty of the brightest young leaders in the Anderson area. Honorees for 2015 included Brandon Meares, ’13, Nick Elliott, ’11, Ashley Brooks, ’07, and Christy A. Tripp, ’99. Honorees for 2014 were Elise W. Echols, ’12, Brian Williams, ’11, Rob Wallace, ’08, David Locke, ’02, and Nakia Davis, ’00; Brandon Meares, ’13, was named the Anderson School District Five Teacher of the Year for 2015. He is the assistant principal of New Prospect STEM Academy; Jena K. Putnam, ’09, was named Powdersville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016; Kellie Cathey, ’09, was awarded the WYFF Golden Apple Award in February. She is a first grade teacher at Homeland Park Primary School; Stephan Botchie, ’08, was named the South Carolina Music Educators Association’s Outstanding Young Music Educator Award for 2015; Tracy Whitten-Bowie, ’07, received the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA Award in June; Stacie Gibson, ’07, was named the Anderson School District Three Teacher of the Year for 2015. She is a fourth grade teacher at Flat Rock Elementary; Laneika Musalini, ’06, was awarded the Young Athena Leadership Award by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce in June; Sharon Harbin, ’00, was named Starr Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016; Kindra B. Williams, ’80, is a professional territory sales manager with Mission Pharmacal and was awarded Pinnacle Club 2014 as top performer in her district; Gay L. McLeskey, ’78, is the owner of Kitchen Emporium and Gifts, which was honored as the Anderson Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Year in June; Nancy M. Arrington, ’77, was named a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Fellow at Georgia Southern University, where she is an assistant professor in the College of Education; Ann D. Self, ’74, was named the 2015 recipient of the C. F. Reams Distinguished Teacher Award presented annually by Anderson University; Sammy Dickson, 73, was elected to the board of Blue Ridge Financial Corporation, the parent company of Blue Ridge Bank; Elva C. Martin, ’73, has published her first mini-book, Power Over Satan. It is available on amazon.com. She is also polishing two inspirational novels and leading two Christian writers’ groups.
planning for the future
grad school Gabriel Woods, ’14, is pursuing a doctorate in music education at The University of Georgia; Haley Monda, ’14, is pursuing a master’s in education at Anderson; Cassie Bruce, ’14, is pursuing an MBA at Anderson; • Patrick Orgel, ’13, is pursuing a degree in cardiovascular perfusion at the Medical University of South Carolina; Will Davis, ’12, earned his doctorate in physical therapy from Marymount University in May; Molly Mullikin, ’12, is pursuing a master’s in marriage and family therapy at Converse College; Jordan Brown, ’12, is pursuing his doctorate in policy studies at Clemson University. He earned his master’s from Converse College in 2014; Courtney S. Harmon, ’12, earned her master’s in educational leadership from Estate planning not be for everyone, but it’s“Big-G” supposedGross, to PhilanthroCorp, a Christ-centered planned giving firm and Clemsonmay University in August; Michael ’12, earned a master’s in abnormal psychopathology be. The first step in securing your assets for your loved ones our trusted partner, would like to help you take care of your for adolescents from Pace University in May; Brianne Holmes, ’12, is pursuing a master’s in English with is creating an estate plan. However, what many don’t realize most important asset: your family. To ensure that your estate a concentration Eaststays Carolina plan University, where she your is a graduate is that step two should beintocreative ensurewriting/fiction that your estateatplan is still following wishes orassistant; to take the first step in Sarah Carter, ’12, pursuing master’s in language at your the University of South up to date. With endless taxislaw changesa and changes in the and literacy creating will or trust, simplyCarolina; call 1.800.876.7958 and estate itself, estate plans may become out of anFurman estate specialist from PhilanthroCorp will help Kristen Devlin, ’12, quickly earned her master’s indate. education from University in 2014; Brandon Cox, ’11, isyou to determine a plan that fits you best. a grad assistant at Liberty University, where he is pursuing a master’s in music education; Nathanael Benitez, ’11,
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