Horizons, Fall 2013

Page 1

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…

Learn more…

More on the Parks and Recreation Management degree: http://www.uncg.edu/ctr/grad_index.html

Learn more…


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

Your generous financial support enhances the educational experience for all graduate students at UNCG. Please make your gift today! Your gift to The Graduate School helps us attract exceptionally talented students, provide unique learning opportunities, and respond quickly to new challenges for graduate study. http://grs.uncg.edu/give/

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


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