Stark State Review Spring 2009 Edition

High school students access college through Stark State dual enrollment programs (See page 6)

SPRING 2009

A publication of Stark State College of Technology for alumni, friends of the College and the community

STARK STATE REVIEW The Stark State Review is published for alumni, friends of the College and the community. Story ideas and articles are welcome from alumni, staff, faculty, administrators and friends of the College. Please send your correspondence to Stark State Review, 6200 Frank Ave., N.W., N. Canton, OH 44720.

Administration John O’Donnell, Ph.D., President Thomas A. Chiappini Vice President for Business and Finance Dorey Diab, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer Para M. Jones, Ph.D., Vice President for Advancement, Planning, and College/Community Relations John J. Kurtz, Vice President for Information Technology Cheryl Rice, Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management Board of Trustees Christopher J. Maurer, Chairman Michael Thomas, D.D.S., Vice Chairman Jeffrey A. Halm Penny Sherrod-Campanizzi Tony Townsend Fonda P. Williams III Kelly A. Zachary 2008-09 Foundation Board of Directors Paul Feaser, President Larry Smerglia, Vice President Grace Wakulchik, Secretary Jeffery Walters, Treasurer Hortense Bobbitt Donald Colaner Sally Efremoff Monica Gwin Jeffrey Halm Lynn Hamilton Alexander Hays IV Randall Kreinbrink William Lavery George Lemon William Luntz, Emeritus John McGrath, Ed.D. Nancy McPeek John O’Donnell, Ph.D. Timothy Putman Ahmed Sabe, M.D. Mary Jo Shannon Slick Shari Shiepis William Strohmenger Thomas Strouble Patricia Wackerly Frank Weinstock, M.D., Emeritus Charles West Ronald Wilkof Frank Wittman Alumni Advisory Council Members John Fetty ’92 Randall Kreinbrink ’81 George Lemon ’65 Mark Martin ’92 Ronald Revlock ’82 Mary Beth Reynolds ’74 Phillip Rohr ’83 Lucinda Stone ’01 Steve Yoder ’95 Jayne Sterner ’96, Staff Advisor Editor Irene Lewis Motts Director of Marketing and Communications Graphic Design/Photography Beth Klein, Graphic Designer On the cover Dual enrollment programs are leading high school students to Stark State College.

Read more on pages 6 and 7.

Stark State College is committed to equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran’s status.

President’s Message

by John O’Donnell, Ph.D., President, Stark State College As one of the nation’s leading two-year colleges, Stark State College is strongly positioned to play a major role in meeting the challenges and goals established in Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Higher Education 2008-2017 that calls for: > graduating more students, and > keeping more of our graduates in Ohio.

Both Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut acknowledge that the future of Ohio is in a well-educated workforce. Reaching out to the University System of Ohio to fulfill those goals, the Governor remains committed to his investment in higher education, despite unprecedented financial deficits facing the state.

Two-year colleges will play a significant role in meeting the state’s goals.

Stark State College will be among those leading the charge with a multitude of educational options that will > excite high school students to earn college credit while pursuing their high school diplomas. > encourage out-of-work adults to retrain to meet the demands of a changing, global economy. > develop programs to attract a diverse group of students, first-generation students, and those who don’t view college as an option. > make education more convenient through Satellite Centers and off-campus course sites.

In this issue, and in future issues of the Stark State Review, you will read about many of these initiatives. One of the most exciting is the large number of high school students who are earning college credits through a variety of outreach programs such as, Dual Enrollment, Seniors to Sophomores, Post Secondary Education Option, and Early College High School (ECHS), the first class of which will graduate in the May. The goals Gov. Strickland and Chancellor Fingerhut have set forth are challenging. In partnership with our many community stakeholders, and with our educational partners in the University System of Ohio, Stark State College will strive to meet these challenges to ensure the economic future of Ohio and its residents.

A D V A N C E M E N T

Two new members appointed to Stark State’s Board of Trustees Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has named Tony Townsend and Kelly A. Zachary to the Stark State College seven-member Board of Trustees.

Townsend currently serves as the administrator of the Hope Academy charter school in Canton. He is a member of Massillon City Council, the Massillon YMCA Black Achievers Steering Committee, the Massillon branch of the NAACP, and the Stark County Minority Business Association.

He earned his bachelor’s in social work from the University of Akron and is currently working on a master’s degree in education administration at Liberty University. A resident of Massillon, he and his wife Ester are the parents of two teenagers.

Zachary is employed at the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) as a human resources and safety manager, overseeing the recruitment and employment of over 200 union and administrative employees.

She represented Canton’s fourth ward as a Canton councilperson for two terms and received the Unsung Heroes award from the Order of Eastern Stars, St. Mary’s Grand Chapter, for her support and services in that role. Zachary graduated cum laude from Walsh University with a bachelor of arts in business and received her MBA from Ashland University specializing in human resource management. She is involved in many community and professional organizations, received the Stark County Black Caucus Award in 2007, and currently serves as vice chair of the Stark County Community Action Agency Board. She lives in Canton with her husband Gerald.

Other Board members include: Christopher J. Maurer, Board chair, executive vice president of human resources, FirstMerit Corporation; Michael Thomas, DDS, Board vice chair, Thomas and Associates; Jeffrey A. Halm, managing partner of Buckingham Doolittle and Burroughs, LLP; Penny Sherrod-Campanizzi, director of power systems and business development, The Babcock and Wilcox Co, and Fonda P. Williams III, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Group Midwest, Inc.

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Stark State College Receives $10.7 Million in Grants in 2008 The Stark State Office of Strategic Grant Development, under the direction of Director Rebecca Priest, secured more than $10.7 million in grant funding in 2008 to support the College’s strategic goals and address community needs.

“Grants enable the College to leverage public and private resources to serve the needs of students and the community,” said Dr. Para Jones, vice president of advancement, planning and college relations. “They deliver resources to help the College achieve its mission and vision of providing college access, which leads to economic prosperity for students and the community.”

More than $6 million is expanding the College’s involvement in fuel cell technology, including a $787,200 Department of Energy (DOE) grant for students to work with Lockheed Martin in building and monitoring test beds to evaluate component parts used in fuel cell systems. A State of Ohio Third Frontier grant of $3 million will expand the College’s Fuel Cell Prototyping Center to facilitate the commercialization of fuel cell products being developed by Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc. (RRFCS), which occupies the Center. The project also will provide space in the Center for a dedicated fuel cell laboratory for the College’s fuel cell education program as well as renovate space in Stark State’s Advanced Technology Center for fuel cell research and development by Contained Energy, Inc. In addition, a Third Frontier grant of $837,626 will provide capital for another project with RRFCS. Also in 2008, the College launched its $2 million U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Community-Based Job Training Grant project, Expanding Capacity in Healthcare Occupations (ECHO), in conjunction with 21 partners from a four-county area. That project is focused on responding to current and future shortages in health care personnel.

The College is significantly expanding its services for students with disabilities through a $938,967 Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission grant. In addition, nearly $1 million in Choose Ohio First scholarships and partnerships with three universities in the region will enable Stark State students to begin and complete degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

Stark State College has become a national leader in fuel cell education as a result of strategic partnerships with business and industry, the State of Ohio and federal agencies.

The outcome is that $13.4 million in grants has been generated over the past five years to develop fuel cell curricula, support industry research and development, and prepare technicians for the emerging field. Stark State’s Fuel Cell Prototyping Center, which opened in 2007, is the North American headquarters of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US), Inc.

About the Stark State College Foundation - The Stark State College Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed in 1986 to seek, receive, manage and distribute funds, equipment, property and other contributions for the benefit of the students and programs of Stark State College. The Foundation plays a crucial role in helping the College provide excellent educational services to the Greater Stark County community.

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Enrollment growth at Stark State College set new records for fall and spring semesters, with increases of 10.3% and 15%, respectively. Official headcount for spring semester is 9625 credit students compared to 8364 credit students last spring semester.

The College has sustained double-digit growth since 2003 and expects to exceed the milestone of 10,000 students in fall semester 2009. Community outreach has played a significant role in Stark State’s enrollment growth.

“Stark State’s enrollment growth aligns directly with Ohio public policy,” said Stark State President John O’Donnell, Ph.D, citing Ohio’s 10-Year Strategic Plan for Higher Education and its goal of educating more Ohioans. “Offering convenient, affordable access to all Ohioans, along with transfer opportunities from community and technical colleges to universities, will be the basis for meeting Gov. Strickland’s goal of raising educational attainment in Ohio.”

Community outreach leads to college access and growing enrollment

Providing more learning options, convenience and flexibility for students through e-learning, satellite centers and dual enrollment programs (see pages 6 and 7) are important factors impacting the College’s growing enrollment, according to Cheryl Rice, vice president of student services and enrollment management. “Our students have busy lifestyles, juggling work and family responsibilities, and these alternative modes of delivery are perfect for them,” Rice explained.

Enrollment in online classes grew by 28% in spring semester alone, drawing students from 13 states. Over 200 online courses are offered along with complete online associate degree programs in computer science and engineering technology, computer programming and database, information reporting technology, Web design and development, and a one-year bookkeeping certificate.

Satellite Campuses and Off-Campus Locations

C A M P U S

The College continues to see growth in its satellite centers, with nearly 700 students enrolled in the Downtown Canton Satellite Center located on the Timken Campus and over 350 students at the Alliance Satellite Center at 1237 State Street.

“Our affordable tuition is another drawing card during these difficult economic times,” said Tom Chiappini, vice president for business and finance. Stark State’s tuition remains frozen at $127 per semester hour for the third consecutive year.

“Four new buildings with over 110,000 sq. ft. have been added in the past three years to accommodate the College’s rapid growth,” Chiappini said, “and a new 49,000 sq. ft. health sciences building will open this summer in response to the community’s growing need for educated health care workers.” Nearly 40% of all Stark State students are enrolled in health technologies or pre-health programs.

Also driving the College’s sustained high enrollment growth are new majors in emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, defense metals, fuel cells, homeland security and cyber security/computer forensics. The College works closely with the new Defense Metals Center and the Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Prototyping Center, both headquartered on campus, to develop learning opportunities for students.

“High-quality associate and bachelor’s programs in core fields will be made available at a University System of Ohio campus within 30 miles of every Ohioan.”

— Strategic Plan for Higher Education 2008-2017

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Diab, Rice named to leadership positions Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dorey Diab, Ph.D, has returned to Stark State College as provost and chief academic officer, after a two-year stint as vice president for academic affairs at Rhodes State College in Lima, OH. Prior to that, Diab had been with Stark State for 14 years in a variety of academic and administrative positions.

As provost, Diab will provide leadership and strategic vision to all academic functions of the College, including the learning support services necessary to assure that the diverse populations of the college achieve student success. Diab also will collaborate with business, industry, and community agencies to assure that the current and future workforce needs of the region are addressed by College programming.

Diab currently chairs the Ohio Council of Chief Academic Officers of Two-Year Colleges and recently spearheaded the proposal by Ohio’s technical colleges to offer the associate of arts and associate of science degrees.

At Stark State College from 1992-2006, Diab served as director of emerging technologies from 2004-2006. He was an associate professor and department chair of engineering technologies from 1998-2004 with responsibility for the civil, design, mechanical, environmental, electrical, electrical maintenance and electronic technologies. He also taught engineering from 1992-1995.

Diab earned his associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College and his bachelor’s and master’s in civil engineering from Cleveland State University. He earned his master’s in business administration from Kent State and his Ph.D in education studies-leadership in higher education from University of Nebraska.

He is a graduate of Leadership Stark County and past chair of the Project Rebuild Board of Trustees. Diab, his wife Christine, and their family reside in Massillon.

Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management Cheryl A. Rice is Stark State’s new vice president of student services and enrollment management with responsibility for the leadership and management of student service areas such as admissions, student recruitment, financial aid, registration, disability services, academic advising and orientation, multicultural student affairs and career services. Rice served as interim vice president in that position since August 2008.

Her responsibilities also encompass strategic enrollment management, which includes enrollment growth, and the planning and implementation of strategies to maximize student success at the College, which has more than doubled its credit enrollment in the past eight years, surpassing 9300 students in fall 2008.

“Stark State has experienced tremendous growth and our goal is to ensure that service needs of our diverse student body are supported,” said Rice. “I look forward to working with faculty and staff to meet the needs of key stakeholders across the College and in the community.”

Rice, who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on Community College Leadership, also serves as Executive Director of the Ohio Skills Bank – Region 9, a state-wide initiative that provides an analysis of qualified workers to meet the state’s employment needs.

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Witnessing history on the National Mall

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Stark State Alumnus Priscilla Goolsby, ’08, was shocked to learn that her request for tickets to attend the inauguration of our nation’s first African-American President Barack Obama, had been granted. With only one week’s notice, she invited her sister, Deborah McHenry from Indiana, to meet her in Washington. They were about to witness history!

On January 19, she picked up her inaugural packet that included her invitation “requesting my presence by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies,” said Goolsby. The packet also included photos of the 44th President of the United States and the Vice President, the inaugural ceremonies program and two purple tickets designating the section of the National Mall where her tickets were valid.

With the excitement building, on January 20, the two sisters began their walk along the streets of Washington. Those streets were flooded with people from all walks of life, about 1.5 million, all making their way to their designated sections, color-coded by ticket.

As they arrived at the purple section, they were disappointed to learn that the purple gate had been closed to over 4,000 individuals due to security reasons; too many tickets were issued for that section.

Although Goolsby and her sister were unable to enter the purple section, they both remained positive and enthusiastic, enjoying the atmosphere, and the historic nature of the day.

“I will never forget the excitement, the oneness that was felt by all, the joy of being at a presidential inauguration and the love of a nation on January 20, 2009. And I’m grateful to have the purple ticket as a memento, “Goolsby said. “This was an experience of a lifetime.”

Rice earned her MBA from Oklahoma City University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky. She has served as an instructor, associate professor and programs coordinator in the marketing and management technologies department of the College’s business technologies division since 2000. She is past president of Stark State’s Faculty Association and serves on the College’s accreditation team, the strategic planning committee and various other governance committees

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Dual enrollment eases transition to college Imagine attending high school and earning college credit at the same time. That’s the case for over 1,000 area high school students who are enrolled in several Stark State College programs designed to put them well on their way to earning a college degree.

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Dual Enrollment, Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO), Early College High School (ECHS) and Ohio’s newest program, Seniors to Sophomores, all go a long way toward improving the college-going rate in Ohio. Programs such as these often pave the way for positive outcomes on such measures as high school graduation and college enrollment rates, college grade point averages and progress toward college completion.

“These programs directly relate to Ohio’s strategic plan for higher education by making college more affordable and accessible for good students who one day will graduate, live, and work in Ohio, and help contribute to Ohio’s economic growth,” said John O’Donnell, president of Stark State College.

Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut have challenged Ohio’s colleges and universities to increase enrollment by 230,000 students in the next decade.

This challenge is part of the University System of Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Higher Education 2008-2017 to graduate an

“Stark State College of Technology should take great pride in its leadership with college access as the first class of Early College High School prepares to graduate this year. In a county with low educational attainment, the notion that first-generation and often minority students can do college work is a huge step forward and long term will change the culture of Stark County. Growing this notion with PSEO, dual enrollment Tech Prep and the satellite campuses deserves further praise.”

— Dr. Adrienne O’Neill, President Stark Education Partnership

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additional 100,000 students with the goals of:

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> raising the educational level of Ohioans, and > keeping more of Ohio’s graduates in Ohio “These dual enrollment programs are a great start to laying the foundation for more college graduates in Ohio,” said Dennis Trenger, executive director of academic outreach for Stark State College. “The high school students in these programs are excited about learning. They’re engaged in the learning process. In most cases, the transition to college and to earning their degrees is seamless.”

The students shown in this photo are among the first to graduate from Early College High School this May (2009). Some of the students will graduate with an associate degree as they receive their high school diplomas; others will graduate from high school with significant college credit, enabling them to continue on for an associate and/or bachelor’s degree.

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Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment allows students to take classes at their respective high schools using college textbooks and curriculum taught by high school teachers who are credentialed for college adjunct teaching status. Learning support services available at high schools encourage a broader population of students to pursue college-level courses. The program is designed to increase the college-going rate.

Students, who previously may not have considered college due to academics or finances, can use dual enrollment to jump-start their college careers. The high school faculty are proactive with the dual-enrollment students, providing the extra support needed to succeed with the college-level courses. Students entering the program in their junior year earn 15-24 college credit hours; sophomores earn up to 30 credit hours.

Stark State faculty mentors are assigned to visit each participating high school class to ensure that the required Stark State outcomes and standards are being met. Approximately 585 students are dual-enrolled in Stark State College and their respective high schools.

Through the proactive efforts of the Stark Educational Service Center, Stark State was able to prepare one memorandum of understanding with all Stark County schools, authorizing county-wide participation in dual enrollment.

Seniors to Sophomores Ohio’s newest addition to dual enrollment programs, Seniors to Sophomores, allows qualified high school seniors to study on a University System of Ohio campus, earning a tuition-free first year of college, while attending their final year of high school. To qualify, high school students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test (sophomore year), successfully complete three years of English, plus Algebra II or its equivalent, and score college-ready on the college partner’s entrance assessment exam (COMPASS). Students save the tuition and all costs associated with the first year of college. Early indications are that a high percentage of those enrolling are the first in their families to attend college. Approximately 40 students currently attend Stark State as part of the Seniors to Sophomores program.

“Regardless of the programs students opt for, the good news is that these students will

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have earned college credits before graduating from high school,” said Trenger. “This is a positive step for their futures, and for the future of Ohio’s educational goals.”

Early College High School (ECHS) Stark State’s Early College High School (ECHS), in partnership with the Stark Education Partnership, Inc. and Canton City Schools, enables a larger number of lowincome and first generation college students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing their high school requirements. Competitive placement in the program begins in the eighth grade for students who plan to attend the Timken Campus or McKinley High School. Accepted students begin ECHS in the summer preceding their freshman year, taking classes that help prepare them for success, such as College Success Skills and Computer Applications. Classes are teamtaught by high school and college faculty at Early College High School and at the Downtown Canton Satellite Center of Stark State, located on the Timken Campus.

Students have the opportunity, after four years, to graduate with their high school diploma and an associate degree. ECHS was started through a grant from Knowledge Works Foundation, using funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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> pre-health > computer graphics/Web design > electro-mechanical engineering technology > Ohio college transfer

Post Secondary Education Option Through the Post Secondary Education Option, high school students have the opportunity to take college classes on college campuses to earn transcripted credit in approved, transferrable courses. This provides students with the opportunity to start their college transcripts while still in high school and affords the student seamless transition to college. The program primarily is open to juniors and seniors; however, some younger students do qualify if they meet published program requirements.

Approximately 270 students currently are enrolled in Early College High School. The first Early College High School graduating class is expected to graduate in May, with about 40 students receiving an associate degree from Stark State in one of the following tracks:

“Stark State’s post secondary education program gave me the opportunity to begin college at 17, while a student at Minerva High School. I graduated from high school last May and will graduate from college this May (2009) with an associate degree in corporate accounting. My Stark State credits will transfer to Walsh, where I will continue for the bachelor’s degree.

Thanks to Stark State’s full schedule of day and evening classes, I’ve been able to work full-time in a job related to my major and to achieve my goal of graduating debt-free.”

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— Brandy Thompson

Dual Enrollment School District Partners | Canton City | Canton Local | East Canton | Fairless Local | Green Local | | Lake Local | Plain Local | Sandy Valley | Triway Local | Tuslaw Local | Wayne County Career Center | Wooster City

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WorthNoting Carrilyn Long, recently named dean of public services, has served in a variety of positions during her 15 years at Stark State, most recently as interim dean of the general studies/public service technologies division and department chair of early childhood education. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s in family relations and human development, and Case Western Reserve University with a master’s in social service administration. Currently pursuing a doctorate in the administrator leadership for teaching and learning program at Walden University, her focus is on the retention of AfricanAmerican students in the community college. Long, who also is a graduate of the Chair Academy Leadership Institute – Class of 2006-2007, was named Stark State Teacher of the Year in 2000 and was listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.

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Lada Gibson-Shreve.

Ph.D, is the new dean of general studies, following 12 years in academic and administrative positions at Stark State. She leads the College in the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) accreditation process and most recently, served as interim department chair of the social sciences department and the human and social services department. She earned her bachelor of business administration and her master’s in sociology from Marshall University, and her Ph.D. through a joint program with the University of Akron and Kent State University.

Gibson-Shreve is a graduate of the Chair Academy for Academic Leadership and Development, a graduate of Leadership Stark County, and was listed in Who’s Who Among American’s Teachers.

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Amy Baker has been named dean of financial aid and registration, overseeing the daily operations of the Financial Aid and Registration Offices.

In her new position, she will facilitate collaboration between academics and student services to ensure student success. She served as director of financial aid at Stark State from 2001-2008 and at Walsh University from 1997-2001.

Baker received her bachelor’s in accounting from Mount Union College and her master of arts in community college management from Antioch University McGregor. She is immediate past president of the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Reneé Lilly is the first director of advising and student engagement and is responsible for strengthening academic advising and involving students in orientation. Honored in 2007 with the Stark State Staff Excellence Award, Lilly received her bachelor’s in education from Marshall University and a master’s in technical education from the University of Akron.

A Canton resident, she joined Stark State in 1998 as an admissions counselor after 18 years as a vocational trainer with the Stark County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Linda Morosko is the new director of e-learning after serving as interim director of the program for several months. She joined Stark State in 2005 as an instructor in the information technology division and then became an instructional designer in the e-learning department. She previously owned Keystrokes Computer, a computer firm serving small- to medium-sized businesses. Morosko earned her bachelor of science in accounting, a master’s in educational foundations with an instructional technology focus, and an e-learning certificate from The University of Akron. She is pursuing a doctorate from Walden University in administrative leadership for teaching and learning.

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Glenda Zink, Ed.D, has been named dean of the business technologies division.

She began her Stark State career in 1978, serving most recently as interim dean of that division. She held the position of department chair of the accounting and finance department from 2004-2008. She is a graduate of the University of Akron where she earned a doctorate of education with a concentration in business, a master’s of technical education, and a bachelor’s in business management. Zink chaired the e-learning committee and is a certified online instructor. She holds certificates in higher education administration, distributive education, and cooperative education. Zink also is a graduate of Leadership Stark County and recently was named to their executive board.

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Stark State College faculty receive advancement-in-rank The 2008-09 academic year brought advancement-in-rank to 17 Stark State faculty based upon their professional achievements.

Advancing from the rank of assistant professor to associate professor: > Nader Abueteen, Canton, civil engineering > Richard Hartmann, Ph.D., Carrollton, computer networking > Gloria Komer, Canton, marketing and management > Jonathan Mitchell, Canton, accounting and finance > Thomas O’Brien, Wooster, English and communications > Cheryl Rice, North Canton, marketing and management > Dennis Shardell, Strongsville, accounting and finance > Yojana Sharma, Ph.D., North Canton, mathematics and physics > Shari Shepis, Canton, social sciences > Jean Zorko, Canton, science.

Advancing from the rank of instructor to assistant professor: > Enyinda Onunwor, Canton, mathematics and physics > Nichole Oocumma, Uniontown, dental hygiene > Kelly Reinsel, Brewster, medical assisting > Judy Stauder, Malvern, nursing > Beth Williams, Massillon, English > Geoff Wopershall, Lakewood, engineering technology > Michael Zerbe, Alliance, marketing and management.

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Distinguished faculty and staff honored by peers

It is rare that The American Health Information Management Association’s Foundation of Research and Education (FORE) awards merit scholarships to multiple students at the same college…which makes Stark State even prouder of sophomores Denise Blogna, Bruna Weber and Denise Sturgeon. The health information management students received three of 90 FORE scholarships awarded nationally for the 2008-09 academic year. The students competed in a highly competitive selection process among 165 qualified student applicants. Scholarship recipients were selected based upon their academic achievements and commitment to the health information management field.

J For the eighth time in the past 11 years, Stark State’s student chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) has been named IMA’s “Outstanding Two-Year College Chapter in the Nation”. The chapter received a trophy and a $1,000 cash award designated for student scholarships at Stark State.

Students who contributed significantly to achieving the award are: President Becky Kuzmik, Co-President Verniece Fawcett, Secretary Jennifer Clapp, Director of Catering and Community Services Claudette Monea, and Director of Fundraising Sharol Showalter. The annual competition honors student chapters from across the U.S. for their efforts in promoting management accounting and financial management as professions and careers. J Stark State students Carol Kirkpatrick and Stefanie Cantrell were named to the All-Ohio Academic Team, achieving third team honors. Each received a $100 cash scholarship, an All-Ohio medallion and a certificate. Kirkpatrick is a business management major and Cantrell is majoring in medical laboratory technology. Students are nominated by their college and must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average. Selections are based on academic performance, demonstration of leadership and community service involvement. The program is sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and the KnowledgeWorks Foundation.

J Jill McDonald, a sophomore in the associate degree nursing program, is one of 400 recipients recognized nationwide who received a $1000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program for the 2008-09 academic year. Recipients of the scholarship are nominated by their colleges, must be active in community service and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average. J Kudos to all these deserving students, their faculty and advisors!

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2008 Distinguished Teacher Award

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2008 Adjunct Excellence in Teaching Award

Yojana V. Sharma, Ph.D., department chair/associate professor of mathematics and physics, received the 2008 Distinguished Teacher Award and the honor of delivering the commencement address to the December 2008 graduating class. Her message to the graduates was “Follow Your Passion, Follow Your Dream.” Sharma, a resident of Jackson Township, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Delhi, India, and a doctorate in mathematical physics from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi. She did post-doctoral research in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago. A Stark State faculty member since 1983, she is a member of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Jackson Township resident Frank Alexander received the 2008 Adjunct Excellence in Teaching Award. A graduate of the University of Findlay, he majored in business administration and minored in secondary education. He has been an adjunct instructor in the business technologies division at Stark State since 2002. He also is an adjunct faculty member of the Diebold Business Improvement System and is the program developer for the “Voice of Diebold” Business Literacy Module.

Currently, Alexander serves as the director of executive briefing programs at the Diebold Global Solutions Center.

2008 Staff Excellence Award

Rebecca Priest, director of strategic grant development, has primary responsibility for all the College’s grant activities and works closely with faculty and staff to develop the grant proposals. A Jackson Township resident, she has been with Stark State since 1983 and has served on Stark State’s Emerging Technologies Task Force and the Fuel Cell Technology Team. Priest has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kent State University. She currently serves on the College’s Aesthetics Committee and plays a major role in scheduling art exhibits at the College, as well as purchasing artwork for the campus.

Stark State is going green!

Stark State College continues to make great strides towards its green initiatives. Currently, the College is installing motion sensors in all classrooms to reduce the amount of energy used for lighting. All parking lot lights are connected to sensors and time clocks. Old T12 fixtures are being converted to T8 fixtures and will use environmentally safe bulbs. Lighting in the new Health Sciences building has been upgraded to the energy efficient T5 fixtures. Also, all computer CRT displays have been replaced with flat-panel monitors, saving energy and reducing cooling costs.

In addition, all new and future construction on campus will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards, including installation of carpet with recycled content, waterless urinals that can save up to 40,000 gallons of water per year urinal, automatic dual flush flushometers on the toilets, automatic faucets at all of the sinks to conserve water and installing automatic hand dryers to reduce the use of paper towels.

These efforts and more build upon Stark State’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Watch future issues of the Stark State Review for more updates!

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Be part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration!

In 2010, Stark State College will begin a year-long celebration of our 50th Anniversary. Please tell us how you would like to participate by taking a few minutes to complete this brief survey. > > > >

Share your favorite memories of your time at Stark State.

Tell us a special story about your favorite teacher.

Share your memories of the Spartans basketball team …and your photos!

Would you participate in a department reunion?

A great deal of planning will go into the 50th Anniversary Celebration and your answers to this survey will help guide the path we take. You can participate online at www.starkstate.edu/50 or complete the survey below and mail to: Stark State College Alumni Office, 6200 Frank Ave. N.W., North Canton, OH 44720.

In 2010, Stark State College

Be sure to complete the entire form so we have your most current information… and if you move, please let us know. We don’t want you to miss a moment of our 50th Anniversary Celebration!

will begin a year-long celebration of our 50th Anniversary.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________ First

Address

Middle

Maiden

Last

__________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip

____________________________________________________________________________________

Home phone ___________________________________________ Work phone _______________________________________ Cell phone ____________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Year of graduation ______________________________________ Major ____________________________________________ Multiple degrees? Skip section if not applicable Year of graduation ___________________________ Major _______________________________________________________ Year of graduation ___________________________ Major _______________________________________________________ Employer _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Employer’s city _____________________________________ Employer’s state _______________________________________ I would like to attend a department reunion _______________________________________________________ o Yes o No department name

I would like to serve on the planning committee ___________________________________________________ o Yes o No department name

My favorite professor at Stark State __________________________________________________________________________ My favorite memories at Stark State __________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10

A L U M N I

U P D AT E

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A L U M N I ’98

’80

William C. Rinehart, ’80, electrical/electronic engineering technology, retired from American Electric Power in 2006, moved to North Carolina, and is currently an industry instructor with Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina. He teaches industrial skills, such as basic electricity and wiring, framing construction, masonry, and basic plumbing, to soldiers at Ft. Bragg prior to their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

’83

Debbie (Detchon) Robertson, ’83, secretarial science technology, has been with the College of Charleston for over 16 years, currently as an administrative assistant/office manager, and loves working in a college environment. A resident of North Charleston, SC, she would like to hear from her former classmates. Email her at debbiekay0328@hotmail.com.

’95

Connie (Campbell) Sherman, ’95 business management technology, is employed by Time Warner Cable of North East Ohio as credit and collection manager. She resides in Copley.

’98

’99

’00

Attention Stark State Alumni: Nominees sought for 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame The Alumni Advisory Council is seeking nominees for the 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame.

Induction will be during the May Commencement ceremonies. Professional and personal achievements and service to the community, are key attributes for nominees.

Go to www.starkstate.edu/alumnihof to learn more and to submit a nomination form by the April 13 deadline.

What’s new with you?

’00

U P D AT E

Rebecca (Webb) Campbell, ’98, accounting, is the office administrator for the Canton Cemetery Association. After losing her brotherin-law to pancreatic cancer, she formed the Canton affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org), to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds for research. For information about the local chapter, email rcampbell@pancan.org. Campbell is a Canton resident.

Barry Frey, ’98, nursing, received his BSN from Capital University and has managed the family practice unit at Ohio State Medical Center East since 2007. During the 2008 Ohio State University Campus Campaign, he was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award and his unit was recognized as the outstanding medium-sized cost center. Frey lives with his wife and two children in Canal Winchester.

Jennifer Meek Eells, ’99, human and social service technology, is deputy director at The Employment Source, a workforce development and training center with offices in Canton and New Philadelphia. In 2008, she graduated magna cum laude from Walden University with a BS in business administration with a specialization in management. She currently resides in Lisbon.

Andi Michelson, ’00, occupational therapy assistant technology, a resident of East Sparta, is a certified occupational therapist assistant with Hennis Care Centre of Bolivar. After six years in the long-term care field, she recently launched a Web site to connect people in need of assistance (elderly and disabled individuals) with people who need housing (single parents, widows, college students). Her goal is to provide mutual assistance to the parties involved. To learn more, visit www.AbideWithMe.us.

• ’04

’04

’06

’07

A L U M N I

U P D AT E

Donna M. (Sholl) Boals, ’04, human and social service technology, a non-traditional student who began her college studies at age 48, received her bachelor’s in social work from the University of Akron in 2006 and her license in social work in 2007. A Canton resident, she currently is a social worker for the Ohio Department of Youth Services at Indian River, where she did her internship while at Stark State.

Guy Guidone, ’04, electrical engineering technology, is employed by American Electric Power as supervisor – customer bill print operations. As a meter reader for AEP, he attended night classes at Stark State and attributes his advancement within the company to attaining his associate degree. He progressed to engineering technician and, after receiving his degree from Malone College, moved into his current management position. A resident of Louisville, Guidone also serves his community as a city councilman. His daughter plans to attend Stark State fall semester.

Curtis Baldridge, ’06, nursing, a Summa St. Thomas Hospital nurse, was one of 16 recipients of the Cameos of Caring award, which recognizes exemplary nurses who treat patients and families with care, dignity and compassion while demonstrating excellence in nursing care. A resident of Akron, Baldridge and his fellow recipients will serve as ambassadors of the nursing profession in an effort to address the nursing shortage.

Terri Williamson, ’07, administrative office professional, is attending Franklin University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The Massillon resident received the Franklin University Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes the top undergraduate and graduate students who have the highest GPA.

Linda Peebles, ’00, early childhood education, is employed by the Stark County Community Action Agency in the Head Start program. A North Canton resident, she is a teacher assistant at the William Hunter Center in Canton.

If you’ve had a special event in your life recently, perhaps a new job, promotion, or special honor, let your Stark State College of Technology friends know about it! Complete the form on the Web at www.starkstate.edu/whatsnew If you have a high-resolution photograph send it to: Stark State College of Technology, Alumni Office - S200, 6200 Frank Ave. N.W., North Canton, OH 44720 or electronically to webmaster@starkstate.edu.

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Pamela Bossart and Stephen Yoder inducted into Stark State College Alumni Hall of Fame The Stark State College Alumni Council has inducted Pamela S. Bossart and Stephen E. Yoder into the Stark State College Alumni Hall of Fame, citing their personal and professional achievements.

[ ] [ ] Plain Township Trustee Pamela S. Bossart graduated from Stark State College in 1990 with an A.S. in computer applications. She received a B.S. in mathematics and computer science at Walsh in 1997 and had a 21-year career in information technology with The Hoover Company before joining The Timken Company as an operations principal, responsible for maintaining corporate data center facilities.

She is president of AFCOM, Northeast Ohio’s data center manager user group and serves as president of the Stark Regional Planning Commission’s Executive Committee. She also is secretary of the Stark County Township Association, secretary of the Stark County Board of Health Advisory Committee, and a member of the Stark Council of Governments, Stark County Area Transportation Study, Stark County’s Homeland Security Committee, Coalition of Large Ohio Urban Townships and the Ohio Township Association.

Bossart is a past member of the Edgewood Community Center Board and a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Leadership Academy. She has lived in Plain Township most of her life and is a graduate of Oakwood High School.

Stark Truss Company President Stephen E. Yoder was cited for his local and world community and corporate leadership. At the helm of a company that has production facilities and more than 1000 employees in several states, Yoder currently serves as president of the Ohio chapter of the Wood Truss Council of America. On a global level, Yoder led a team of 16 employees and two medical doctors to Guatemala, where he assisted in the construction of a hospital.

A 1995 graduate of Stark State College with an associate degree in business and accounting, the Uniontown resident also is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK and was recently elected to their board. He has served on the Stark State Alumni Advisory Council for six years and was the alumni liaison to the Stark State Foundation Board. An active member of the local community, Yoder serves on the boards of Turnaround Community Outreach and the Pregnancy Support Center. He also is a member of the Faith Family Church Building Advisory Board and a supporter of the J. Babe Stearn Community Center and Malone College. Recently, Yoder provided trusses and labor for two new roof simulators for Stark State’s fire science program.