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campus news & events
Dr. Jones among 50 most important African Americans in technology D
r. Elva J. Jones, chair of the Department of Computer Science at WSSU, was named to the 10th Annual 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology for her work in education, research and outreach. The selection was made by eAccess Corp., a San Francisco-based publisher. The purpose of the list is to raise the profile of African Americans in technology and to inspire new generations. Jones is professor and department chair in WSSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Her entire career has centered on exposing underrepresented minorities to computing and preparing them for computing careers. “It is a tremendous honor for me to be included on the 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology list,” said Jones. “Computing has been such a captivating field for me that I never tire of the work and the
discovery each day brings. I want as many students as possible to experience the joy of idea discovery, creative design, and technology integration.” Jones has focused her recent teaching, research and outreach in two areas: analysis and visualization of NASA data and robotics as tools to attract African American students to the field of computer science. She is the founding chair of the Department of Computer Science. She has led the natural progression from teaching the first courses in computing, developing the first concentration in computer science, leading the development of the major program in computer science, leading the development of the master of science program in computer science and information technology and the BS in information technology, to most recently leading the development of an option in information security.
WSSU Friends of the Library Did you know? WSSU has the longest operating Friends of the Library organization among the nation’s HBCUs – and the only one that has created a substantial library endowment. Come celebrate this great organization’s 25th anniversary:
Friday, November 5, 2010 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Village Inn Conference Center, “Jones is an example of the critically important role of African American innovators, educators, policymakers and executives who shape the future of the global economy,” says John William Templeton, president/executive editor of San Francisco-based eAccess Corp., which has produced the list since 1999. “During a transformational national administration, they represent the role models to propel new generations into the careers of the future.”
Construction begins on WSSU-sponsored business incubator As enthusiastic supporters watched, shiny new sledge hammers were placed in the hands of dignitaries who, one by one, proceeded to knock holes in a wall set up just for the occasion. With that ceremonial “wall-breaking” on August 26, construction officially began on transforming the former Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club into The Enterprise Center, a business incubator designed to support entrepreneurs, encourage “green” practices and strengthen economic development along
Participants in the “wall-breaking” that marked the start of renovations to create The Enterprise Center included (left to right) Rep. Larry Womble; City Council Member James Taylor; Mayor Pro Tem Vivian Burke; Carol Davis, executive director of the S.G. Atkins CDC; WSSU Provost Brenda Allen; City Council Member Derwin Montgomery; and Notis Pagiavlas, WSSU associate professor and chair of the S.G. Atkins CDC Board. 12
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the southern portion of Winston-Salem’s Martin Luther King, Jr., corridor. A project of WSSU’s S.G.Atkins Community Development Corporation, The Enterprise Center will also benefit the surrounding neighborhood and broader community long term
through health and wellness programs and other quality-of-life initiatives, while offering experiential learning opportunities for WSSU students. Office space is already being leased, with an anticipated move-in date of early 2011.
Clemmons, N.C. Tickets are $50 each ($25 for students). For details, go to http://fol.wssuomc1. com. Or contact Dr. Mae Rodney at 336-750-2446 or rodneyml@wssu.edu, or Rachel Simon at 336-750-2442 or simonra@wssu.edu.
Bailey selected president-elect of the HBCU Business Deans’ Roundtable Economics at WSSU, was selected to serve as presidentD elect of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities r. Jessica M. Bailey, dean of the School of Business and
(HBCU) Business Deans’ Roundtable at the group’s eighth annual national summit held recently in Houston, Tex. As president-elect, Bailey will be responsible for the planning and preparation for the annual meeting to be held in June 2011 in Orlando, Fla., prior to assuming the presidency of the organization. Her goal during the coming year is to expand the group’s membership by reaching out to foreign countries with institutions similar to HBCUs that would benefit from affiliation with the Roundtable. The HBCU Business Deans’ Roundtable provides networking opportunities for HBCUs in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands to share knowledge, effectively recruit faculty, leverage resources and foster beneficial growth and changes for its members. Organized 10 years ago, the Roundtable is the only organization that focuses on the needs of and opportunities for business schools at HBCUs.
Powell named director of adult student services
Diggs Gallery to celebrate its 20th Anniversary October 15
Dr. Esther S. Powell has been named director of adult student services and evaluation as part of the university’s restructuring of its Lifelong Learning program areas. “With an increasing number of students falling into that adult category, which is defined as 25 years old or older, we must be prepared to meet a differing set of needs than those of students who come directly from high school to live on our campus,” said Dr. Brenda Allen, provost. “As part of our effort to provide the best service possible for our older students, we have restructured Lifelong Learning to ensure that we are providing the programs and the coordinated efforts needed by adult learners.”
Since opening in 1990, Diggs Gallery has established itself as the major cultural center at WSSU, while also serving as a teaching facility, community center and highly acclaimed art gallery. It is home to one of the South’s leading showcases dedicated to African and African American art. In 2007 the Gallery was identified as one of the top 10 African American galleries in the nation. It also was identified by the Smithsonian as one of the nation’s best regional facilities for exploring contemporary African art. Diggs Gallery relies on donations from a variety of sources to support operations, exhibitions, programs and enhancement of its facilities. Donations of gifts, cash, and artwork are important in allowing the Gallery to maintain its prominence in the arts community. For more information, contact the Gallery at diggsinfo@wssu.edu or by phone at 336-750-2458. For
information about planned giving opportunities that may offer tax benefits, contact the Advancement Division at 336-750-3089.
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