Global Responsibility
Cutting-Edge Research
Biology majors at Centenary College now have the option to earn a concentration in Environmental Science, while students who are majoring in other disciplines can minor in the subject. The new program was created in response to student interest and forecasts from the U.S. Department of Labor that predict employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase 25 percent by 2016.
Although they attend a small, liberal arts college, Centenary Psychology majors conducted research on par with a large university and made a significant contribution to the field of substance abuse treatment in the process. “This was not your typical undergraduate research project,” said Assistant Professor of Psychology Centenary Psychology majors presented at the 38th Annual Hunter College Psychology Dr. Keith Morgen, a substance abuse Conference. expert who mentored the team of six Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society students throughout the yearlong project. “It was a realworld experience that involved large-scale data.” “I felt that the presentations The team presented their findings at the Eastern were being given Psychology Association (EPA) Conference in March. by master’s or Additionally, three members of the team presented doctoral-level at the 38th Annual Hunter College Psychology students and not Conference in New York. Dr. David Kressel, a senior undergraduates.” staff member of the National Development and
In addition to preparing graduates for the “green” economy, the program places particular emphasis on the relationship of environmental quality, stewardship, human health and how one’s actions impact the global community. “The goal is to help students understand that the Earth must be treated as a seamless unit,” explained Dr. Kathy Turrisi, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department. “Water, air and soil are all connected, and so we, as human beings, have a physical connection to everyone else on the planet, and thus a global responsibility.” The curriculum includes courses in Environmental Science, Field Sampling Techniques and Earth Science. Faculty and students also take advantage of a longstanding partnership with the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery in Hackettstown, N.J., where participants are able to gain real, hands-on experience measuring water quality and species growth.
Research Institutes Inc., previewed the Centenary students’ EPA presentation and described the research as “cutting-edge.” “I felt that the presentations were being given by master’s or doctoral-level students and not undergraduates,” he said. “The findings have current relevance to yet-unresolved drug treatment research and policy issues such as client-treatment matching and the appropriate planned duration of treatment.”
Dr. David Kressel, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.
Centenary’s Next Chapter Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite was adamant: the Inauguration to formally install the 12th President of Centenary College was not a personal celebration, but an opportunity to advance the mission of the 143-year-old institution. Still, the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center erupted into spontaneous applause and cheers as the new President entered the Folkner Family Gymnasium as part of the processional for the formal ceremony held on April 9, 2010 at the College’s main campus in Hackettstown, N.J. Citing many recent accomplishments at the College, Dr. Lewthwaite stressed that more work lies ahead. Priorities for the near future include the crafting of the next five-year strategic plan, managing the challenge of keeping an independent education accessible and affordable, as well as enhancing the value of a Centenary degree as successful graduates make their mark on the world. “Change is something I expect our entire Centenary community to embrace,” said Dr. Lewthwaite, noting that the College’s ability to adapt in the past has only served to strengthen the institution. “It may take time,” she concluded. “It may definitely take change. But those are the challenges I promise you I am prepared to accept.”
The Centenarian 3