Spring 2023 CASE Alumni Newsletter

We have had a busy and productive spring here at UNA in the College of Arts,Sciences, and Engineering! Our

faculty have been involved in many activities, research projects, and events. Many of our students continue to excel in the classroom, in their work, and personal lives. One of our primary tasks this year was preparation for the visit from our accreditation team from SACSCOC, the accrediting body for colleges and universities in our region. Holding this accreditation is critical for our campus, curricula, faculty, and students.

Many faculty and staff worked a multitude of hours to prepare our information and responses as part of this process. It was a team effort of many across campus in all colleges. I am pleased to report that the SACSCOC Visiting Committee offered no recommendations, the best possible result. We look forward to the final ruling by the commission in December.

Exciting news for this year includes the development of the North Alabama Public Service Training Center under the college and headed by Dr. Wayne Bergeron of our Criminal Justice Program. This new center will develop educational and training programs to serve local, regional, and statewide public service agencies. Construction for the new Computing and Mathematics building is well underway and the projected completion date is in the fall of 2024. Planning continues for several other facilities projects including: the Music Performance Center to include a large rehearsal room, 150-seat Recital Hall, appropriate storage areas, two classrooms, faculty studios, and departmental offices; laboratory space in the Mitchell Burford Science and Technology Building to support our new programs in the Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions, Mechatronics and Power Generation Engineering; and the project to move the Culinary Kitchen from East Campus. Our enrollment continues to set records with increases in on-campus and online programs.

As a 38-year veteran of teaching or administrative service, I have decided to retire soon with my last day in the office on May 31, 2023. My time at the University of North Alabama has been rewarding and gratifying. I often tell new faculty recruits that for me, UNA is the place that has felt

most like a family, with a true purpose to ensure success for all students, excellent faculty and staff, and outstanding students that challenge and excite me as a leader on campus. Under my leadership, we have survived a pandemic, established a myriad of new curricula, recruited outstanding new faculty, improved the diversity of our faculty, and welcomed greater numbers of outstanding students! I sincerely thank all of our faculty and staff for their extraordinary work day after day and our dedicated students who continue to make us all proud. I must mention the CASE Office staff as they are each superb. Ms. LeeAnna Brown, Director of Recruiting, Communication, Events, & the Undergraduate Experience, continues to excel in her work with extraordinary dedication and creativity. Ms. Tammy Rhodes, Director of the First-Year Experience, is committed to achieving a successful start to academic life and learning for our new students as they make the transition from high school or community college to UNA, and she works tirelessly and effectively toward this goal.

Ms. Lori Wright, CASE Business

FROM THE DEAN CONTINUED

Manager, excellently keeps all of our accounts straight and balanced all while juggling a busy family life. (Her daughter Emma Kate will enroll at UNA in fall 2023 as a member of the UNA Women’s Softball team!) Ms. Payten Perry, CASE Executive Assistant, is outstanding in her role which includes managing our calendars, keeping our website updated, designing promotional materials, managing the office, and whatever else comes her way! Dr. Ryan Zayac, recently named Interim Dean, effective June 1, has been a wonderful colleague and administrator in whose hands the college will be secure. All across the college and in every department, we have excellent chairs, directors, faculty, and staff

who are dedicated to this institution and work hard every day to make sure our students are well educated AND cared for!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UNA and the people with whom I have worked and I thank each of you for your dedication and commitment to the success of UNA and all of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff! I look forward to hearing about UNA’s ongoing success!

We are so proud of all of our UNA Lions! Please keep in touch with us to let us know how you are faring.

ROAR LIONS!

Dr. Sara Lynn Baird, Dean

tirement!

ur contribution to Arts, Sciences, neering!

UNA Launches New Associate of Science Degree Programs

As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise in various industries, the need for focused, industry-relevant education has never been more critical. As Alabama’s Workforce Development University, UNA has expanded our degree options to help meet these needs. Beginning in Fall 2023, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CASE) will begin offering the university’s first Associate of Science (AS) degrees.

These degrees, designed in consultation h local industry partners, provide a unique ortunity to bridge the gap between cation and the workforce, fostering a wellipped workforce that can contribute to a ving economy. Three initial degrees will be ered in: Mechatronics, Culinary Arts, and spitality and Events Management.

at is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control systems. It involves the

design, development, and integration of smart machines and systems that can sense, analyze, and respond to their environments. Mechatronics plays a critical role in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and robotics. Housed within the Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions, this degree will prepare students for a variety of different positions in the booming technology-sector in Huntsville and the north Alabama region.

Each of the associate degrees is designed with several embedded certificates that allows students to specialize in two out of three areas. In Mechatronics, students can earn certificates in Mechanical Systems, Controls Systems, or Systems Operations – several of which will prepare

students to earn industry credentials offered by PMMI. For more information about the AS in Mechatronics and the three certificate options, click here.

Savoring Success: The Benefits of a Culinary Arts degree

The culinary arts encompass a diverse and dynamic field, blending creativity, passion, and technical skills to produce memorable dining experiences. Aspiring chefs, bakers, and food service professionals often pursue a culinary arts degree to hone their skills and elevate their careers. UNA’s new Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various culinary roles, including cooking

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

techniques, food safety, nutrition, and menu planning. This solid foundation can help graduates succeed in various culinary settings.

Key to this degree (as well as the Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts Management) is the experiential learning provided to students. Through hands-on experience, experimentation, and internships, students learn to craft innovative dishes, combine flavors, and develop their unique culinary style.

With an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts degree, graduates can pursue a wide range of careers within the food industry,

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

including roles as chefs, restaurant managers, caterers, and many others. Students wishing to gain additional training may transfer in the majority of their coursework into the bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management with ease, all while earning additional certificates along the way (e g , Kitchen Supervision, Dining/Restaurant Supervision, Banquet and Event Supervision). Overall, an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts can provide a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the food industry, while offering the flexibility and affordability that many students desire.

Sweet Home Alabama

Tourism in Alabama is booming!

Over the last 10 years, tourism spending in the state has doubled In fact, the state set an all-time record in 2022, with both the number of visitors and tourism spending. Thanks to Alabama’s state parks, outdoor recreation, beaches, music-based tourism in the Shoals, and other large-scale events (e g , the 2022 World Games in Birmingham) the tourism and events industry is cemented in the overall health of the Alabama economy.

With that growth has come industry demand for skilled employees. By partnering with industry stakeholders like PCH Resorts (with brand partnerships including Marriott), Crescent Hotels and Resorts (brands including the Westin),

and the Huntsville-Madison Hospitality Association, the Associate of Science in Hospitality and Events Management’s curriculum ensures that students will graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to make an immediate impact in high-demand careers.

Hospitality and Events Management covers a broad range of topics, equipping students with a solid foundation in the industry. Key areas of study include:

Hospitality Management: Learn the fundamentals of hospitality operations, including front office management, food and beverage operations, and customer service.

Event Planning: Gain essential skills in event planning and coordination, including budgeting, site selection, marketing, and risk management.

Tourism and Travel: Explore the tourism and travel industry, focusing on destination management, sustainable tourism, and cultural attractions.

Marketing and Sales: Develop a strong understanding of marketing and sales strategies within the hospitality and events sectors, including social media marketing, branding, and public relations.

Financial Management: Master the basics of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for hospitality and event organizations.

Human Resources: Study the principles of human resource management, focusing on staff recruitment, training, and development in the hospitality and events industries.

Industry Experience: Gain valuable hands-on experience through internships or practical projects, providing real-world insights and networking opportunities.

Both the AS in Culinary Arts and the AS in Hospitality and Events Management are housed within the Department of Visual Arts and Design. For more information about these programs or to learn more about their bachelor degree programs, please email Professor Aaron Benson (abenson2@una.edu).

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

North Alabama Makes Your Education Even More Affordable

Students participating in any of our new Associate programs qualifies students for a 2-year, $4500 per year scholarship toward their degree. Incoming students who wish to apply for the Workforce Development Scholarships will be automatically considered based on their GPA and program enrollment. No additional scholarship form is required at this time Apply for an Associate’s Degree program here!

In summary, our new Associate of Science degrees with a focus on workforce development offers numerous benefits to students, employers, and local economies alike. By fostering strong connections between education and industry, these programs help to create a wellprepared and adaptable workforce that can meet the demands of today's dynamic job market. The combination of industry-relevant curriculum, stronger employment prospects, affordability, opportunities for advancement, and a commitment to lifelong learning makes these degrees an attractive option for those seeking a rewarding career. Please be sure to let your colleagues and friends know about these exciting new opportunities at UNA!

Amber joined the Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions in the Fall of 2022, shortly after earning her PhD in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University. Dr. Pete has a passion for working to recruit and retain students from underrepresented groups into STEM. She has been working with Engineering Technology students to start up a collegiate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Dr. Pete and her SWE members have recently toured local chemical and biotechnology industries and have already sponsored a service event. In her efforts to recruit minority students, she also visits local high schools to speak with their math and sciences classes about majors and career options in STEM.

Her research interests lie more along the lines of environmental engineering. In October, she published a manuscript in ACS Environmental Science and Technology Letters that showed how bacteria influence the sinking of microplastics in aquatic environments, which was also featured on the cover of the journal’s 10th-anniversary issue.

She also studies the use of environmentally friendly nanoparticles for oil spill cleanup in marine waters. Currently, Dr. Pete is working to understand how biosurfactants influence the adsorption and transport of toxic compounds in both marine and freshwater systems.

Dr. Pete looks forward to working with students who may not have considered engineering or engineering technology previously. She also plans to continue working with undergraduate students on projects with high environmental relevance.

Menapace Associate Professor of Biology

Senior Administrative Assistant, History

Assistant Professor of Communication

Dr. Fran

Ms. Jeanne Baughman

Ms. Lisa Darnell

Dr. Bob Garfrerick Chair and Professor, Entertainment Industry

Ms. Pam Osborn Senior Administrative Assistant, Engineering and Industrial Professions

Dr. Terry Richardson Professor of Biology

or your service!

Dr. Richardson is a Professor of Biology at UNA and 1982 UNA graduate in Professional Biology. He earned his M.S. in Aquatic Biology from the University of Alabama in 1986, and holds a Ph.D. in

Zoology and Physiology from Louisiana State University awarded in 1990. Following graduate school, he was selected as an Oak Ridge Associated Universities Postdoctoral Fellow from 1990-1991. Dr. Richardson has over 35 years of experience with the population and conservation ecology of freshwater organisms and served as director of the Alabama Rare and Endangered Species Research Center 1994-2004. Dr. Richardson has remained professionally active producing over 120 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports used by legal professionals, the environmentally regulated community, and governmental agencies. He has presented testimony before U.S. Congress and Alabama Congressional Ways and Means Committee. Dr. Richardson was invited by the University of Oxford’s St. Anne’s College (2007) and Harris-Manchester College (2011) to speak on the topic of Global Climate Change and Sustainability. In 2010 he was appointed by Alabama Governor Riley to serve on the Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC) until 2018. While a Commissioner, Dr. Richardson served as Chair of the Rule Making Committee and as Vice-Chair of the AEMC In 2009, Dr Richardson and UNA alumnus Jeff Selby formed AST Environmental, LLC, an environmental consulting firm designed to serve the needs of the environmentally regulated community. Dr. Richardson currently serves as Vice-President and Senior Ecologist for AST. Dr. Richardson’s consulting work through AST has covered not only Alabama and the greater southeastern U.S., but has expanded into New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas. In addition to Dr. Richardson and Mr. Selby’s involvement, AST now employees three UNA graduates and a current UNA student. During his time at UNA, Dr. Richardson has taught Introductory Biology, Aquatic Ecology, General Ecology, Animal Physiology, Marine Behavioral Ecology (at Dauphin Island Sea Lab), Tropical Marine Ecosystems, and Biological Literature for Chinese Students in Huaiyin China (June 2018). Dr. Richardson served multiple terms on the Faculty Senate, including serving as President, and taught summer school at Dauphin Island Sea Lab from 1992-2005

LeeAnna Brown joined the College of Arts Sciences and Engineering in the Spring of 2015. She is an alumna of the University of North Alabama with a B.S. in Biology with a

minor in Health (2006) and a M.P.S. with a concentration in Higher Education (2020). Ms. Brown has over a decade of experience in the education sector and has been privileged to work in secondary, postsecondary, and higher education.

Specifically, a portion of her work at UNA includes launching the First 30 Program, which led to participating cohorts graduating high school with 30 hours of college credit. She developed the CASE Student Ambassador Program, established the college’s social media presence, and enhanced recruitment efforts to emphasize studentcentered engagement. Ms. Brown is passionate about helping students build community and strives to facilitate collaborative programming that fosters campus-wide connections, diversity, and student success. In addition, she supervises the First Year Experience Program.

She has received numerous awards including the CASE Dean’s Award of Excellence, the Sigma Alpha Phi National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Service to Students Award, and the Presidential Mentors Academy Heroes of Higher Education Award. She is passionate about student mentorship, student success, and empowering students towards academic excellence.

When she is not representing CASE, she enjoys spending time with her family & friends and being active in her church. She is married to Theron Brown Jr. and is the loving mother of Andrew Brown.

Anative of Killen, AL, Caroline is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Health. She began her academic career after high school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, but matriculated at UNA in fall 2020. She is the recipient of the UNA Vanguard Scholarship, the UNA Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and a UNA Foundation Scholarship and she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her leadership roles include positions with Alpha Epsilon Delta, CASE Ambassadors, and Hands of Hope International for which she will participate in a summer internship in Guatemala, June – August 2023.

Caroline has an excellent academic record and will graduate in spring 2023. She has worked as a Lab/Office Assistant for the Department of Biology and as a Patient Care Technician in the emergency Department at Helen Keller Hospital. Her community service work includes projects for Big Brother, Big Sister; Operation Christmas Child; City of Florence Cleanup; UNA Pantry Food Drive; and USERVE SafeHouse Atlanta. In her role as a CASE Ambassador, Caroline has demonstrated extraordinary enthusiasm, a willingness to serve, and an ability to effectively communicate She is exceptional at sharing her UNA story and connecting prospective students to College resources. In addition, as the current Recruitment and Outreach Chair for CASE Ambassadors, Caroline organized a successful food drive in partnership with AED for the UNA pantry and is diligently working to connect with local high school counselors to plan campus visits.

Her future plans include taking a little time off after her summer internship in Guatemala. She will apply for Physician Assistant programs with the goal of beginning that study in summer 2024.

Marissa Childers grew up in Florence, Alabama where she attended the University of North Alabama. She began working with clay during her junior year of college. Until then, she had no clue what ceramics was and never would have imagined it to be something she could become so passionate about. Her original plan was to graduate as an accountant. However, she quickly decided to change her major and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Ceramics (2019).

Following graduation, she moved to Snowmass, Colorado to be a ceramic intern at Anderson Ranch Arts Center. This internship opened many doors and gave her the opportunity to work alongside incredible artists, make connections, and learn the ins and outs of what goes into being a ceramic artist. After leaving her internship, she drove straight to Oklahoma to start graduate school at the University of Oklahoma.

Since completing her Master of Fine Arts, Marissa has been teaching classes and workshops at Oklahoma Contemporary, making artwork, and transitioning her studio space into her home.

Marissa was recently selected as an emerging artist by Ceramics Monthly and most recently she has been given a one-year ceramic residency at Arrowmont, one of the top residencies in the country. This spring, Marissa was awarded the Emerging Artist award at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, one of the largest ceramics conferences in the world. This award is considered one of the highest honors for a young artist.