SPOTLIGHT ON LATOYA PRICE
7 QUESTIONS
GEOGRAPHY LESSONS
HORIZONS THE UNCG GRADUATE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
G R A D U AT E E D U C AT I O N
An Abundance of Rewarding Careers
BUILDING COMMUNITY
FALL 2013
Photos courtesy of Lorenzo Pedro
F E AT U R E S T O RY
How Change Begins with a Thesis WHERE DOES CHANGE BEGIN? It’s a question we’ve all heard before and one that seldom has a conclusive answer. Change can happen anywhere. So perhaps a better question is: how does change begin? At UNCG, sometimes it starts with a thesis. thesis aimed to define the reasons for the problems and come up with a workable solution. Thanks in part to her thesis—and, of course, her hard work in the department—Price is currently the senior recreation leader at the Belview Neighborhood Recreation Center in Winston-Salem. Her goal, she says, “is to help at least one person make a difference in their life.” Her primary responsibility is to encourage the community to participate while maintaining “an enjoyable, safe and healthy atmosphere.” “I hope to be the person who brings a different level of energy and excitement to the recreation centers,” Price said. And that’s one way change happens: through the sustained effort and passionate involvement of an individual who sees a problem and works to find a solution.
L
Latoya Price, a 2012 graduate of UNCG with an M.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, applied her thesis to a local cause. While working in the Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation department,
I HOPE TO BE THE PERSON WHO BRINGS A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT TO THE RECREATION CENTERS
she noticed that the city’s Hispanic population was not actively participating in the Sprague St. Community Center’s recreational pro-
Working for a community-based organization “opens a door to see-
grams. At the time, none of her colleagues had a good explanation for
ing a whole new world,” Price said. Opportunities include helping a
the lack of participation. Price decided to research the issue herself,
child learn to read and finding families a place to live, as well as pro-
focusing on Hispanic youths between nine and fifteen years old. Her
viding positive recreational experiences and role models for young
aim was to discover why the city recreation programs were being ig-
people. Volunteers are always needed, especially “as the popula-
nored by most young Hispanics.
tion continues to grow and the world begins to change,” she added.
Although her research found a number of areas for improvement, it highlighted that programs intended for the Hispanic population often lacked “clarity and/or implementation.” In addition, the city often lacked the resources to sufficiently market and publicize community center events. Rather than focus on finger pointing, Price’s
Learn more…
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More on the Parks and Recreation Management degree: http://www.uncg.edu/ctr/grad_index.html
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ALUMNUS PROFILE
Mapping Critical Thinking
I
IMAGINE YOU’RE BACK IN COLLEGE. It is the first
ent attitudes and cultural
the qualifying or disqualify-
day of class and your professor asks you to
norms about drinking wine
ing of those ballots. “As you
come up with something—anything—that
than those students who were
might expect,” McGinn said,
is not influenced by Geography. Can you
raised in the South. “Geogra-
“a higher percentage of young
think of an answer? That is the question Dr.
phy makes a difference,” he
and minority voters end up
Christopher McGinn posed to his students
notes.
casting provisional ballots.”
this semester at North Carolina Central
A native of Jackson, NJ,
A natural debater who loves
McGinn earned his B.S. de-
to play devil’s advocate, Mc-
A 2012 graduate of UNCG with a Ph.D.
gree in Geography at East
Ginn grew up in a politically
in Geography, McGinn is an assistant
Carolina University—a field
aware family where strong
professor of Environmental, Earth, and
he says he initially selected
feelings on issues were regu-
Geospatial Sciences at NCCU. “People
because it did not require math or a foreign
larly shared and debated. “My wife, Erin,
assume geography means learning about
language. After graduation when he began
cringes when we invite friends over because
maps, capital cities, and countries,”
working for the Pitt County Board of Elec-
she knows I’m going to discuss either reli-
McGinn said. “I challenge them to see how
tions, he realized how much Geographic In-
gion, politics, or both,” McGinn said. “I have
geography affects their view of the world
formation Systems (GIS) intrigued him and
to bite my tongue more now; that’s how I
University in Durham.
and shapes their per-
how these systems
spective.
know I’m maturing.”
Everything
are used in politics
McGinn loves being in front of the class-
from the food we eat,
for redistricting and
room and breaking down complex informa-
and the clothes we
understanding
pro-
tion into manageable bites for his students.
wear, to our religion,
spective voters. After
“Ultimately I believe we’re here to provide
politics and culture is
moving to Greens-
knowledge and insight to our students.
a product of our geog-
boro, he decided to
Learning to analyze and think critically is
raphy.”
pursue both his mas-
what enables students to look at problems
ter’s and doctoral de-
from different aspects and find ways to
grees at UNCG.
bring about meaningful change.”
In his introductory class, McGinn enjoys
McGinn’s doctoral
having his students discuss the different candy bars and soft
dissertation focused on the electoral geog-
Dr. McGinn lives in Greensboro with his wife, Erin, and
drink products they grew up with, as well
raphy of provisional ballots in the 2008 U.S.
two children. His research on provisional and disputed
as the different clothing styles that are the
Presidential election. He is currently pub-
ballots is directly related to current political issues
norm in urban areas as opposed to more
lishing his dissertation and researching at-
in the state. Questions such as how the new election
rural environments. As another example,
risk populations required to cast provisional
laws will affect potential voters and the actual election
students from France describe very differ-
ballots and the demographics surrounding
results will have a definite impact on North Carolinians.
PIXELS
HORIZONS
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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
FALL 2013 Dean: William Wiener, Ph.D. Associate Dean: Laura Chesak, Ph.D.
Graduate School Website: grs.uncg.edu
Graduate School Bulletin: http://grs.uncg.edu/bulletin
Assistant Dean: J. Scott Hudgins
SOCIAL STUDIES
Director of Development: Melissa Staples
facebook.com/uncg.grs @UNCG_GradSchool youtube.com/uncggrsvideos http://tinyurl.com/grslin gradschoolblog.uncg.edu
Horizons Online: http://grs.uncg.edu/horizons
Managing Editor: Denise Sherron Graduate Assistants: Matt Barrett, Katie Zimmerman Photographer: Lorenzo Pedro Print and Web Design: Fifth Letter: www.fifth-letter.com Illustrations: Kyle Webster (BFA ‘99): www.kyletwebster.com
ALUMNA/STUDENT PROFILE
Building Community— Finding Common Ground
F
FRANNIE VARKER HAS A PASSION for recreation and adventure-based learning. While earning a M.S. in Community and Therapeutic Recreation at UNCG, she took an elective class in Conflict and Culture that she said “rocked her world.” While writing a philosophy paper she realized how leisure and recreation connected to community and peace and wanted to find a way to combine both interests. Married, with two sons ages 16 and 17, Varker is not your typical graduate student. After receiving her M.S. in May 2013, she began working towards an M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her goal is to earn a Ph.D. and teach at the university level. She knows she is showing her sons that education is important and a lifelong process: “It’s not something that you do at a certain age and then are done with,” she said. “I’m modeling consistency, planning, and the need to set goals and then achieve them.” Varker is also following a lifelong dream that she deferred after graduating from East Carolina. At the time, she had an interest in the Peace Corps, but first, her mother’s Photo courtesy of Lorenzo Pedro
illness and later, her marriage and motherhood, placed that dream on the back burner. Now Varker is recapturing her dream by working with the Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC). Established by the UNC Board of Governors in 2001, the CNNC is a resource to the state university in immigrant outreach, re-
diversity. One activity she hosts is called
forefront of creative and innovative ways to
search, and training. Its mission is to build
“Letting Go of Labels”. Students are given
connect people and build common ground,”
bridges among immigrant populations and
random labels to wear on their forehead.
she said. “These same ideas can be used
existing communities throughout North
While others can see the label, the person
with any community.” Both of her graduate
Carolina. With so many immigrants and
wearing it does not know what it says. The
programs have given her the tools to look
refugees living in NC, there is a tremendous
label may say, “My parents are divorced,”
at social structures and different cultures
need for programs that facilitate their tran-
“I’m a head cheerleader,” or “I’m visually
and focus on achieving peace within a local
sition into a new culture. Varker serves as
impaired.” As the students interact with
community.
a liaison between local community centers
one another, they begin to realize how they
and the university, helping recruit volun-
treat others often depends on the labels they Learn more…
teers from local colleges including UNCG,
attach to one another.
Guilford College, and Elon University.
“I’m a hands-on person,” Varker said,
Learn more… Learn more about these programs online:
As a volunteer coordinator, Varker works
“and I’ve finally found a way to put together
http://cnnc.uncg.edu/
with students to help them look past their
all the different strands that interest me.
http://www.uncg.edu/ctr/
differences to recognize the strength of
Recreation and leisure should be at the
http://hhs.uncg.edu/wordpress/cps/
INSIGHTS
Graduate Education Opens Doors
W
WE SOMETIMES HEAR THE
projects by 2018 there will
master’s degree program in Community
question being asked, “Is it
be an 18% increase in the
and Therapeutic Recreation who is also
worth the time, effort, and fi-
number of jobs requiring a
pursuing a master’s in Peace and Conflict
nancial commitment to earn
master’s degree and a 17%
Studies. As a volunteer coordinator at the
a graduate degree?” This is
increase in jobs requiring
Center for New Carolinians, she is putting
a question that has surfaced
doctoral degrees.
her knowledge and skills to work helping
because the “great recession”
This issue of Horizons fo-
immigrant populations acclimate to their
has cast doubt on the ben-
cuses on employment out-
new surroundings. Latoya Price provides
efits of a graduate education
comes of individuals who
an example of how her research within her
in relation to its cost. With
have completed graduate
master’s program in Parks, Recreation,
study at UNCG. Many of the
and Leisure Studies has led to greater in-
combined loan debt of a trillion dollars and
concerns related to employment are dis-
volvement of the Hispanic population at
individual borrowers averaging $26,600
cussed in an interview with Patrick Mad-
the Sprague St. Community Center. Now
in debt, many wonder if it is wise to take
sen, Director of the UNCG Career Services
as the senior recreation leader at the Bel-
on additional loans to earn a master’s or
Center, which highlights the questions
view Neighborhood Recreation Center in
doctoral degree. Adding to this doubt is
typically asked by individuals considering
Winston-Salem, she strives to make a dif-
the perception that graduate students are
graduate education. This issue of Horizons
ference in the lives of those who the center
unable to find employment after gradua-
goes on to provide examples of the work re-
serves. It is clear from the stories in this
tion. The facts, however, point to a very
lated accomplishments of recent graduates
issue that graduate education has opened
different picture for holders of a graduate
and of the contributions that they make
doors for UNCG alumni and in turn they
degree. Those with graduate degrees find
on a daily basis. As a 2012 Ph.D. graduate
are contributing much to our community
increased opportunities, career mobility,
of UNCG in Geography, Dr. McGinn helps
and our region.
higher life-long salaries, and rewarding
students in the classes he teaches at
careers that contribute to the well-being
North Carolina Central University under-
of our society. In many fields, a graduate
stand how Geography connects to such di-
degree is fast becoming an entry-level re-
vergent areas as politics and environmental
quirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
science. Frannie Varker is a graduate of the
— William Wiener, Graduate Dean
Community Leaders Further Mission of The Graduate School Members of the Council for Advancement of Graduate Education met on campus September 12 to hear updates from Dean William Weiner on new programs at The Graduate School and learn more about the University’s legislative agenda from Mike Tarrant, director of strategic initiatives. Established in 2012, the Council provides volunteer assistance for special programs such as the Graduate Research and Creativity Expo, advises and assists the Dean in obtaining financial support, and serves as a strong advocate in the community.
Members serve for three-year terms. Pictured above from left are: Front row: Dr. Flo Durway, chair, of Raleigh; Mrs. Edna Rose Guy of High Point, Ms. Joanne Williams of Greensboro; Second Row: Ms. Elaine Pruitt of Winston-Salem, Mr. William Guy of High Point, Mrs. Marilyn Parker of Winston-Salem; Third row: Dr. Mary Dalton of Jamestown; Dr. William Allred of Burlington, Dr. Corinth Auld of Greensboro; Top Row: Dr. Karl Schleunes and Dr. Christopher McGinn, both of Greensboro. Not pictured are: Dr. Shirley Haworth, immediate past chair, of Jamestown, Dr. Virginia Johnson of New Bern, and Dr. Jane Pfefferkorn of Winston-Salem. The Council meets again on Nov. 14, 2013.
Photo courtesy of Dean Bill Weiner
Photo courtesy of Marquette University
undergraduates amassing a
The Graduate School The University of North Carolina at Greensboro 241 Mossman Building 1202 Spring Garden Street Greensboro, NC 27412 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Visit us online online for for more more exclusive exclusivecontent. online Visit us content, including a calendar of events. http://grs.uncg.edu/horizons
INSIGHT
Career Advice? Start Early and Bring Your Passion!
7
4
QUESTIONS
D
Do graduate students utilize your office? What is one thing you wish all graduate students knew about the paths to employment? In the last academic year, about 30% of our business was graduate students (UNCG graduates make up about 25% of the total student body). The one thing graduate students need to realize is that education opens doors – your experience, passion, and career brand get you THROUGH those doors.
DR. PATRICK MADSEN is the Director of Career Services at UNC-Greensboro. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership/Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University. Madsen studies and presents on topics in counseling and student development, leadership and followership, and organizational communication. Prior to joining UNCG, he was on staff at Johns Hopkins University, where he served for the last seven years as director of Career Services and director of Programs and Education in the Carey Business School. He has also served as assistant director of Career Services at both Nova Southeastern University and East Carolina University. Madsen has significant teaching experience as well as knowledge and experience in international issues. He was recently selected as an international expert on career services and higher education for the Fulbright Specialist program.
more…
Learn more… Learn more about UNCG’s Career Services Center at http://csc.uncg.edu/
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1 In this economy, is it possible to land a job just after graduation? The key is doing the work to be able to make that happen. Building a strong career brand and powerful network can take you many places in your career. Waiting until the last minute will hardly ever produce what you were hoping for from your job search.
2 How would you describe the job market for recent graduates? I tell all candidates that our marketplace is an “employer’s market” – this means that there is a greater pool of candidates to choose from and employers can take their time and find the JUST RIGHT person for them. This forces the candidate to PROVE their worth even more than what they had to do in previous times.
3 How early should graduate students connect to your office? Students who want to be viable candidates should think about connecting with our office on day one. Run through our website to learn about services, schedule that first appointment to begin understanding your professional brand, use everything we have. IT’S FREE!
5 What prevents some students from being hired? Lack of passion and energy. Experience, salary, and opportunity are not just handed to you – you have to WORK for it. Show employers that you have an interest, motivation, and self-responsibility and you will go VERY FAR!
6 What characteristics are most important to convey in an interview? Passion, excitement, energy, ability to communicate, professional image, writing skills.
7 There is much talk about choosing a program where a built in market for employment exists, but this is a challenge for those who find their passions in the humanities. Do English majors get jobs? Everyone can get a job if they put in the work. “Built-in markets” is just a term that people use to try to make sense of the world of work – it’s almost like picking stocks. People buy particular stocks because they had a HISTORY of success. People do the same with career paths. Move towards a career path that you are passionate about. Research shows that the more passion/happiness you have for a career – the more money you will make and the higher you can progress in your career!
Photo courtesy of Patrick Madsen
Dr. Patrick Madsen, Director, UNCG Career Services Center