academics
Assistant Professor of Business & Science
What and where have you studied? After receiving a BS in Engineering from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, I earned a Master of Science in Engineering from Wayne State University, an MSA in Business Administration from Central Michigan University, and a PhD in International Business from Columbus University. I am also certified as a Six Sigma green belt by automotive corporations Daimler and Chrysler, and currently hold an 8th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. What inspired you to teach? I always aspired to be an educator, to devote my time and talents to promote others’ success in the business world. It was one of my dreams to be part of the connection between academia and the real world. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled? Hangzhou, China and Rome, Italy.
Mr. David Minard Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy
What do you love most about teaching at Louisburg? The small class sizes. We get to see our students several times a week in small groups, so we can sit and talk with students who want to major in our field, and we can give targeted help to those who are struggling, which would be impossible at a larger school. What activities are you involved with outside of the classroom? I set up my telescope viewings when possible, and I make Lunch & Learn presentations for students and faculty about significant current events and other science-based topics. Over the last couple of years, I’ve tackled the 2012 “End of the World” misconceptions, the Japanese tsunami, and the nature of infinity.
“Our students are resilient. They can pick themselves up academically, socially, or in numerous other ways, dusting themselves off and continuing their journey a little wiser.” - Dr. Louise Mitchum, On What She Appreciates most about Louisburg Students
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COLUMNS / SPRING 2014
Dr. Louise Mitchum Assistant Professor; Director of Crossroads, First Year Programs
What do you appreciate most about Louisburg College students? Our students are resilient. They can pick themselves up academically, socially, or in numerous other ways, dusting themselves off and continuing their journey a little wiser. It is inspiring to watch our students soar when given opportunities. What activities are you involved with outside of the classroom? I serve as the faculty advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the international honor society for two-year colleges. When I took on this role in 2007, there was only a small nucleus of students in the society, and now there are more than 70 members. I am most proud of the peer tutoring program, suggested by the students themselves, through which they hope to bring grades up and impart understanding of the material that can only be offered by someone who has been there.
Mr. Brian Sanders Assistant Professor of Business
What inspired you to become a business professor, rather than pursue a career in the corporate world? While the monetary rewards of a job in the corporate sector were certainly enticing, I really wanted to have a job where I felt like my work was making a difference in the world. I wanted my legacy to be made up of people I had helped and taught. What do you love most about teaching at Louisburg? The sense of community that exists here. It always makes my day when I hear a student yell “Mr. Sanders!!” as I’m walking through Target or the grocery store. I love that I get the chance to know my students personally, and that they aren’t simply faces in the crowd of a massive auditorium.
By Maury York ’73
Photo courtesy of The Franklin Times
Dr. SangSoon Koh
ince opening in the summer of 2013, the Tar River Center for History and Culture has undertaken several initiatives to bolster our local heritage, including the following:
• “Tar River Roots,” a bi-weekly column in The Franklin Times, was launched to explore various aspects of the history of Franklin County and the Upper Tar River region, from historic landmarks to landmark events.
• A lecture series focusing on the Civil War and its aftermath in North Carolina and Franklin County has The historical and cultural heritage of the Upper Tar River region is a rich one, and President Mark La Branche recognized the importance of preserving and lifting up this heritage. In 2013, Louisburg College established the Tar River Center for History and Culture (TRCHC) to develop a sense of shared history among citizens of the Upper Tar River region, to promote economic development through heritage tourism, and to provide resources for use by public schools. Public historian and librarian Maury York ’73 was brought on board to helm the efforts.
brought noted historians to the College.
• In December 2013, the national Civil War Trails program erected on campus a handsome and
informative marker commemorating the May 1 - July 27, 1865 encampment of Union troops in the groves of Louisburg Female College and Louisburg Male Academy.
We’ve also begun planning the future of the TRCHC. In September, we facilitated a public meeting attended by some sixty area residents. They expressed keen interest in a survey of historic buildings in Franklin County, the development of a research facility for genealogists and local historians, and other ventures. An advisory group is helping us develop these ideas into a strategic plan for the TRCHC, and we look forward to sharing this with our community. If you’re interested in supporting the preservation of our local history by contributing to the Tar River Center for History and Culture Foundation, you may send your contribution to: Maury York Louisburg College 501 North Main Street Louisburg, NC 27549 To stay in the loop with the latest TRCHC news (and to read our “Tar River Roots” columns), please visit us on the web at www.louisburg.edu/tarrivercenter.
Favorite movie? A tough call, but I’ll go with The Shawshank Redemption.
Mr. James “Buster” White ’76 Assistant Professor of Psychology
What do you love most about teaching at Louisburg? I work with a great group of people including the administration, faculty, and staff. We support and encourage each other in our efforts to serve and promote the success of our students. How did your experience as a Louisburg College student impact your future? Those two years of education had a profound and lasting effect on my life. I attained the educational foundation to pursue a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and it eventually led to my employment as LC’s Director of Counseling Services and my current position as a full-time faculty member. My son Matt also graduated from Louisburg and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton; my wife Norma works part time in the Louisburg College library.
“Priming, Tyeing, and Batting Tobacco” Louisburg, 1951
Photo by Hemmer; Courtesy of the NC Dept. of Conservation and Development.
SPRING 2014 / COLUMNS
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