The Voorhees A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF VOORHEES COLLEGE
The Voorhees Voorhees College P.O. Box 678 Denmark, SC 29042 (803) 793-3351 www.voorhees.edu FEATURES
The Steering Committee during the 2007 Women’s Health Ministry Empowerment Tour
The Honorable Jim Hodges is honored …………………… 5
The Voorhees Voice Fall 2007
Dr. Leroy Davis encouraged students to remember the value of higher education …………………. 6 Civil rights pioneer, Paul Robeson Sr., is remembered at Voorhees ………………………………. 7
Dr. Valdrie Walker President vwalker@voorhees.edu
Dr. F. Perna Carter Vice President of Institutional Advancement pcarter@voorhees.edu
Teesa Johnson Brunson Editor of The Voorhees Voice tbrunson@voorhees.edu
Voorhees College welcomes IMARA Woman Magazine to campus …………………… 9 Rural Health Center opened on campus ………….……………………………. 10 Voorhees College receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education …….…………. 12 Dr. Oyekan presented his research paper in Washington, D.C. ……………………………………. 13 2007-2008 new faculty and staff members are welcomed to campus …………………….. 14
The Voice is published twice a year (Spring and Fall) by Voorhees College and is free of charge for alumni, donors, the board of trustees, faculty and staff, students and friends of the College. All items may be reproduced with credit to The Voorhees Voice. Email correspondence may be submitted to tbrunson@voorhees.edu. Visit us on the Internet at www.voorhees.edu. Voorhees College is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. From its founding in 1897, Voorhees has evolved into a leading fouryear liberal arts college fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Voorhees is fully committed to its mission to meet the highest standards for educating the minds, hearts and spirits of young men and women.
Dr. Valdrie N. Walker
Voorhees College was founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright on April 14, 1897. She served as the first principal of the school. During those days, the school served students in what we would now consider elementary through high school grades where they were taught a trade. Day and evening sessions were held. On August 6, 2007, the board of trustees announced that Dr. Valdrie N. Walker would take the helm as the acting president of Voorhees College, effective immediately. Dr. Valdrie Walker came to Voorhees College as the executive vice president/academic dean. Chairman of the board, Dr. Marshall Bass, expressed his confidence in Dr. Walker’s ability and her leadership. Bass stated, ―Voorhees has faced some challenges in recent weeks, but we have a bright future. With the cooperation and work of our talented faculty and staff, the best days are ahead for our beloved College.‖ Dr. Walker recently stated that ―There are definite advantages at Voorhees College, and there has been a positive shift in the student body. Voorhees College
is committed to teaching and student engagement. We are delighted that our students are excited about being in college.‖ She also emphasized that the location of the college, which is in a rural area, provides the student body with a tranquil and peaceful environment where they can study and read with very few distractions or interruptions. Dr. Walker said she will work to enhance the College’s mission as well as its Five-Year Strategic Plan – Partners in Mission II: Continuing the Agenda for Excellence. This plan was designed by the College’s Strategic Planning Council and will serve as the College’s decision-making guide for the next five years. Dr. Walker also expressed the importance of cultivating and maintaining a positive working relationship with the town of Denmark in order to maintain a sense of goodwill and harmony. Dr. Valdrie N. Walker is a native of Virginia. After graduating from Nelson County High School in Lovingston, Va., she followed a family tradition and matriculated at Saint Paul’s College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education. Saint Paul’s College is a historically black college located in Lawrenceville, Va. Upon graduation from Saint Paul’s College, Dr. Walker entered the teaching profession. While teaching in northern Virginia, she completed her master’s degree in education administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. To her credit, Dr. Walker has many praiseworthy accomplishments during her stellar career as an educator, scholar and administrator. After only serving three years as assistant principal at Warrenton Junior High School in Warrenton, Va., Dr. Walker took the helm as principal of Marshall Junior High School in Marshall, Va., thus becoming the first black female administrator of a secondary school in northern Virginia. She served in this capacity for three years before returning to the University of Virginia to complete a doctoral degree in education leadership and policy studies.
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1 (800) 466-6250 (toll free) ADMISSIONS: 803-780-1033 ADULT EDUCATION: 803-780-1309 ATHLETICS: 803-780-1049 RESIDENTIAL LIFE: 803-780-1262 For more information, please visit our Web site www.voorhees.edu. 4
Campus News ~ Fall 2007
The former governor of South Carolina, The Honorable Jim Hodges, was honored at the Third Annual William "Bill" DeLoach Distinguished Service Award Banquet that was held on May 11, 2007, in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center on the campus of Voorhees College. An atmosphere of appreciation filled the arena as Dr. Lee Monroe, former president of Voorhees College, presented an award of gratitude to Hodges for his steadfast work and commitment during his tenure to the students of South Carolina. Gov. Hodges was selected to be the recipient of this prestigious award because of his unrelenting concern for the children of this great state while in the Governor’s Office. He was instrumental in the implementation of an educational initiative that enables South Carolina to lead the nation in SAT score improvements. Gov. Hodges also established the Education Lottery in 2001, which has provided college scholarships for more than 100,000 students in South Carolina. Voorhees College was granted authorization to establish the William ―Bill‖ DeLoach Endowed Scholarship Fund by its board of trustees. William DeLoach was a 1968 graduate of Voorhees and a former member of the Voorhees College Board of Trustees. DeLoach was a long-term member of Gov. Richard Riley’s staff in Columbia, S.C., and Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn at the time of his death in 1993. DeLoach worked behind the scenes to help create a majority black 6th Congressional District. In addition, he helped run Jim Clyburn’s 1992 campaign to become South Carolina’s first black congressman since Reconstruction. In recognition of William DeLoach’s public service, the College holds an annual event to recognize outstanding public servants. Proceeds for the event are used to endow the scholarship named in DeLoach’s honor. The inaugural event recognized Bamberg County Sheriff Edward J. Darnell, and the Second Annual William ―Bill‖ DeLoach Distinguished Service Award Banquet honored South Carolina Sen. John W. Matthews and South Carolina Rep. Thomas N. Rhoad.
(from left to right) Marshall Bass, board of trustees chairman, Jim Hodges, former S.C. governor, and Dr. Lee. E. Monroe, former Voorhees College president
Many attendees came out to support Voorhees College.
Students pose with the Honorable Jim Hodges.
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Dr. Leroy Davis, executive director of the Center of Excellence in Rural and Minority Health and a distinguished professor of biology at Voorhees College, was the keynote speaker for Voorhees College’s 111th opening Fall Convocation held on September 13, 2007, in the Jerry M. Screen Arena of the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center. Dr. Davis encouraged students to ―not forget that Voorhees College still stands as a beacon of hope for numerous young men and women who want to improve the quality of their lives and to make a positive difference in their communities. Indeed, Voorhees College and all of the other 105 HBCUs are just as relevant today as they were more than 100 years ago.‖ Davis informed the freshman class that the opening Convocation at Voorhees College is the official start of a new academic year. It is also a time to welcome new students, faculty and staff to the Voorhees College family. ―Indeed, it is a time for all of us to reflect and to recommit ourselves to high expectations and to academic excellence. Being in college is a privilege and not a right,‖ Davis said. During his speech, Davis weaved in quotes from one of America’s most distinguished educators and most eloquent orators, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Mays served as president of Morehouse College for almost 30 years. Davis told the audience that while speaking to a group of new students who were entering Morehouse College, Dr. Mays said: ―It is the quality of your minds, the integrity of your souls, and the determination of your will that will decide your future and shape your lives.‖ Dr. Davis served as the eighth president of South Carolina State University from 1996 until his retirement in 2002. In fact, he spent most of his professional career at South Carolina State University, where he advanced through the academic ranks to become full professor of biology. At South Carolina State University, he also served as interim president (1995-1996), vice president for Student Services (1993-1995), vice provost for Academic Administration (1990-1993), and director of the Office of Institutional Self-Studies (1987-1990). Earlier in his career, he worked at Brookhaven National Laboratory (1982) as a research associate and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an extramural associate (1983). He has published numerous articles and papers in general and technical journals. Dr. Davis holds membership in numerous professional and civic organizations, including the American Council on Education, the New York Academy of Science and Rotary International. He sits on a number of boards and commissions including the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Board of Trustees, the Jessie Ball Dupont Fund Board of Trustees, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Board of Trustees (chairman) and Purdue University’s College of Science Advisory Board. Dr. Davis is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including South Carolina’s highest civilian award – the Order of the Palmetto. He has honorary degrees from Tuskegee University, Francis Marion University, South Carolina State University and Purdue University.
Students and staff earn Cyber Security Certification Voorhees College congratulates 13 of our students and three members of the Information Technology (IT) staff for successfully becoming Microsoft Certified Professionals. The following people earned certification:
Dameone Ferguson Brittany Gibson Brittany Green Chanell Irvine Aaron Jordon
Students Janice King Louis Laws Luwan Mathurin Ericka Stevens Torrie Taylor
Marcello Virgil Brittany Whitehead Chantay Wright
IT Staff Albert Jones William Green Gregory Ray
The Voorhees College family is proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the GREAT work! 6
Campus News ~ Fall 2007
Paul Robeson Jr. shares his father’s vision
The crowd listens attentively to Paul Robeson Jr.
(from left to right) Dr. Marvin Wilson, vice president of Student Affairs, Paul Robeson Jr. and wife, Ralph Voorhees, board of trustees member, and Dr. Valdrie White, Voorhees College acting president
History was brought to life on the campus of Voorhees College during an All-College Assembly that was held on September 6, 2007, in the Massachusetts Hall Auditorium. The College was honored to have Paul Robeson Jr. as the guest speaker to present A Living Legacy Tribute to his father, civil rights pioneer, Paul Robeson Sr. Although many of the students never heard of Robeson Senior, his son was able to shed light on the struggles that his father fought and was able to overcome. The theme for Robeson Junior’s keynote address was ―Bearer of Black Culture: Singing Truth to Power.‖ In his moving tribute to his father, he offered his father’s life as a living example of what one man could do if he had the faith, strength and courage to believe that a better day was ahead. Paul Robeson Jr., son of the late Robeson Senior, spoke about the life of his father and the example the elder Robeson set. Robeson Senior, the son of a slave, was an accomplished football player, actor, singer and scholar. He supported civil rights, African awareness and ethnic integration, which Robeson Junior said was different from black assimilation. It was stated that behind Robeson Senior’s ideas were six basic goals revolving around the ideas of struggling to advance oneself and one's people, despite unavoidable obstacles. Not only did he believe these goals, but he also followed them. ―People must not just look for them in others, but model them in themselves,‖ Robeson Junior said. Robeson Senior starred in 11 feature films, but left the industry because he felt the roles he had to play as a black man were stereotypical. He was also protesting the stereotypical characters of other races. As a black man in the early 20th century, Robeson Junior said that his father had to endure singing about his race as "niggers" who would get drunk and go to jail. Politically, Robeson Senior was blacklisted in the '50s for refusing to reveal to Congress the names of any of his colleagues or family members as part of the Communist party. He also challenged the Cold War, the failure of the U.S. to support colonial independence, and the failure of the U.S. to end segregation. Paul Robeson Sr. received one of the nation’s highest recognitions on January 20, 2004, when the U.S. Postal Service issued a new commemorative postage stamp in his honor. It was the 27th stamp in the Black Heritage series. The Black Heritage series began in 1978 with the issuance of the Harriet Tubman commemorative stamp. Robeson Senior’s life stands as a platform for social, cultural and civic concerns in America. He will be remembered not only for his prodigious talents as a performer but also for his tireless and uncompromising commitment to civil rights and social justice. 7
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Campus News
President of Cuttington University in Liberia was the keynote speaker for 2007 Commencement Dr. Henrique F. Topka, president of Cuttington University in Liberia, was the 2007 keynote speaker for Voorhees College’s Commencement Ceremony held on May 12, 2007, in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center. The 173 graduates listened attentively as Dr. Topka encouraged students to continue toward the journey of success. In 1984, Dr. Topka was awarded the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. He matriculated his Ph.D. in international development education and a Master of Science in economics simultaneously at the College of Education, Department of Educational Foundation and Policy Studies at Florida State University. In June 1988, Dr. Topka was emplo yed b y Cut tington University as vice president for Administration and
Reverend Angela Ifill (New York, N.Y.), Isaac Bonney (Philadelphia, Pa.), Beblon Parks (Richmond, Va.), and Reverend Terrence Lee (Charleston, S.C.), leaders from the Union of Black Episcopalian Ministries, hosted a student symposium from April 9 – 12, 2007, on the campus of Voorhees College. 8
Planning. From 1994 to 2002, he served as vice president for Development. Currently, Dr. Topka is the president of Cuttington University, a position he has held since 2002. Dr. Topka highlighted many educational and civil challenges that he and his fellow compatriots faced relevant to education and equality for all in Liberia. He shared the many obstacles he faced while trying to obtain building materials and other necessities to try to bring Cuttington University back to a working condition where the instructors and students would be able to return. With great tenacity, courage, support and much prayer, he successfully rebuilt the institution. In closing, Topka encouraged the graduates ―to pursue their dreams and not summit to discouragements or barriers that life may present as a challenge.‖
2007-2008 Board of Trustees Henri Etta Baskins Dr. Marshall B. Bass, Chairman Roosevelt Bryant Torlando Childress Michael Clements James H. Ellison Donald L. Fowler James L. Gardner Sue Griffin Dr. Matthew A. Golson Patricia Ann Golson St. Claire P. Guess III The Right Reverend Dorsey F. Henderson Mary Hepburn Dane H. Murray Dr. Marlene O’Bryant-Seabrook Father Nelson Pinder Dr. Prezell R. Robinson The Right Reverend Edward L. Salmon The Right Reverend William J. Skilton Beck Sullivan McKinley Tyler Dr. Orlando H. White Ralph Voorhees
The group conducted plenary sessions with Voorhees students discussing church, religion and students’ concerns related to religion. They also facilitated group and individual breakout sessions, as well as a Eucharist Service, which was held in St. Phillip’s Chapel on the college campus. The event concluded
with the celebration on the College’s Annual Founder’s Day, commemorating the tireless work of Voorhees College founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright.
Campus News ~ Fall 2007
Wendy Brawly, Publisher/CEO of IMARA Woman Magazine, located in Columbia, S.C., hosted the Voorhees College Steering Committee as it planned the Voorhees College stop on the 2007 IMARA Women's Health Ministry Empowerment Tour. Voorhees College played host to the event on October 20, 2007. The event was free and open to the public; however, you had to register in order to attend. This is the sixth year that IMARA has brought the Women's Health Ministry Empowerment Tour to communities in South Carolina. The major focus of each tour is to empower women of color by being a source of inspiration on issues of health, professional development, education, business and family. At each tour stop, experts offer a variety of workshops on nutrition, proper food preparation, diabetes prevention, physical activity and living with stress. Other workshops on money management, homeownership, parenting and a host of other topics are also a part of the program. Free medical screenings for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol will be available to all tour participants. The featured speaker at the Denmark stop was Dr. Tonea Stewart. She is an award winning actress, international motivational speaker, university professor, role model and mentor to the many students she teaches at Alabama State University and across the nation. Stewart is an accomplished actress in television, theatre and film. Many know her best for her recurring role as Aunt Etta in the syndicated show ―In the Heat of the Night‖ and for her role as Gwen Hailey in the movie ―A Time to Kill.‖ Stewart uses poetry, narratives, songs and life experiences to inspire her audiences to capitalize on their innate abilities. The Health Ministry Empowerment Tour has become an important part of IMARA Woman
The Steering Committee along with Wendy Brawly, publisher/CEO of IMARA Woman Magazine, and Dr. Tonea Stewart, award-winning actress
(from left to right) Dr. Valdrie Walker, Voorhees College acting president, Dr. Tonea Stewart and Wendy Brawly
Magazine’s empowerment message. IMARA Woman Magazine and Select Health of South Carolina are the presenting sponsors for the Empowerment Tour. The tour is co-sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Community Bank, Providence Heart Institute and CW 47 television station.
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equipment, a dental clinic, a demonstration kitchen and conference facilities. The facility will be attractively decorated and accessible to the handicap and the general public.
Newly opened Rural Health Center on Voorhees College campus
Voorhees College officially opened the doors to the College’s Rural Health Center on May 21, 2007. The center, which seeks to be a national model, evolved from the premise that in order to make a difference in the lives of rural minority populations, at least three criteria should be met. The center should: 1) be located in a rural community; 2) be linked to an HBCU with a strong premedicine program; and 3) integrate clinical services, health education and research, and public health services. It will focus its activities on improving access to health care services and eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. 10
The new facility is a 13,137 square foot single story, preengineered steel structure with brick veneer and an architectural metal roof. The building houses a public health department operated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC); a comprehensive medical clinic operated by Family Health Centers, Inc.; and a research and education center operated by Voorhees College. The facility will operate under the auspices of the Voorhees College Center of Excellence in Rural and Minority Health. The Center has state-of-the-art medical equipment, telehealth capability, a pharmacy, x-ray
Outcomes for this project include the following: a one-stop facility that meets the general medical needs of citizens in a small rural community; a resource with capabilities for engaging in community based participatory research, clinical trials, and a wide range of community outreach programs; a resource capable of serving the public health needs of citizens in the community, students, faculty and staff; a resource that will provide employment and training opportunities for students; a resource that will stimulate partnerships in research, medical services and health education; and a resource that will help eliminate health disparities in rural Bamberg County, S.C. Funding for the facility was provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Voorhees College, and RBC Liberty Life.
Campus News ~ Fall 2007
Calendar of Events Nov. 20 ………………….. Thanksgiving Celebration Dec. 9 ………………. Voorhees College Choir Concert Voorhees College was recently awarded another international grant from the Fund for Improvement of Secondary Education (FIPSE) with a matching grant from the federal government of Brazil. The project, which was initiated by the Division of Continuing Education and International Studies, provides funds to send students to study at the CEFET – University in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia for one semester. In addition, students from these colleges matriculate on the campuses of Voorhees College and Paul Quinn College. The exchange program will be on going through 2008. The Study Abroad in Brazil Program, initially started in 2004, was named for the prestigious Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Studies and was chosen as one of four finalists in the Study Abroad Category to receive an Honorable Mention for 20052006. The program’s theme for this year is ―Developing Cultural Context and Intercultural Entrepreneurship Competencies,‖ and is under the leadership of Project Director Dr. Neila Holland-Noronha, professor of business and director of International Studies at Voorhees College. As a result of a previous FIPSE/CAPES grant, Dr. HollandNoronha was responsible for introducing a Portuguese language curriculum at Voorhees College during the 2005 academic year. Dr. Holland states, ―This program is an opportunity to globalize our curriculums and to internationalize the campus.‖ One of the major United States partners for this grant is the South Carolina World Trade Center located in Charleston, S.C. It offers opportunities for the Brazilian students to intern at the World Trade Center. Additionally, the Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) provided internship opportunities for several Brazilian students in 2006. According to Lisa Stokes, executive director of the BCCC, ―The students came filled with excitement and were eager to learn all facets of the business world. We were very pleased with their interest and involvement in the day-to-day operations of the BCCC. We are pleased to once again work collaboratively with Voorhees College by providing internship opportunities for the students from Brazil during the Fall 2007 semester.‖ For more information about international studies at Voorhees College, please call 803-780-1086 or visit Voorhees College’s Web site at www.voorhees.edu.
Jan. 4 …………………….. Faculty/Staff Institute Jan. 8 …………………….. New Student Orientation Jan. 24 …………. Martin Luther King Jr. Program Feb. 15 …………. Sisterhood Sweetheart Ball March 3 ………………….. Alpha Sigma Lamba Induction April 10 …………...…… Founder’s Day Convocation April 15 ………….. Student Government Association Induction April 18 ……..… High School Visitation April 22 …………….. Athletics Banquet April 24 ……. Honor’s Day Convocation May 9 ……...… William ―Bill‖ DeLoach Service Award Banquet May 10 ………………….. Class of 2008 Commencement For more information on these events, please contact Willie Jefferson, special events coordinator, at 803-780-1049 or at wjefferson@voorhees.edu. 11
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Voorhees College receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Sisters in Science program Voorhees College received $177,744 in funding from the U.S. Department of Education to improve science education for females and increase participation in scientific and technological careers. The Sisters in Science (SIS) Bridge Program targeted female seniors entering science, technology or math fields with a minimum of three years of high school science and math. The students expressed an interest in majoring in biology, math or computer science and had a minimum grade point average of 2.5. In addition, they scored at least 800 on the SAT or 17 on the ACT. Under the direction of Principal Investigator Dr. Anne Osano, Voorhees College’s Sisters in Science (SIS) program accepted 20 female students to its first class of participants this summer. These young ladies participated in a six-week residential program that ran from June 3 through July 15, 2007. The SIS program integrated academic-enrichment classes, science lectures and laboratory experiences. Instruction and activities included topics on technology and cyber security, test-taking skills, science field trips to nearby scientific institutions, mentoring from science faculty, poster presentation, personal development seminars, and recreational activities. Participants earned six college credits at the completion of the SIS program. Funding from the Department of Education covered all program costs, including room, board, tuition, and cost to all on- and off-campus program activities. 12
Voorhees College, through a grant funded by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), was able to award new scholarships totaling up to $50,000 to qualified African-American and Hispanic males enrolling in college for the first time beginning Fall Semester 2007. The Institute for Capacity Building is an initiative aimed at reinforcing Enrollment Management Programs at UNCF member institutions. The goals of the program are: (1) to increase student enrollment, particularly African-American males; (2) to generate more socio-economically, geographically, and culturally diverse student populations; and (3) to share best practices in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community.
The Honorable Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina, partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in an effort to raise funds that would ensure tuition was more affordable for more than 8,000 deserving students attending one of the UNCF’s five member institutions within the state of South Carolina. As a part of this collaboration, the Inaugural Governor’s Luncheon was held on April 24, 2007, at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, S.C. Many friends gathered to support students attending Allen University, Columbia; Benedict College, Columbia; Claflin University, Orangeburg; Morris College, Sumter; and Voorhees College, Denmark. As the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, the UNCF’s mission is to provide financial support to its 39 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.
Faculty/Staff Highlights ~ Fall 2007
Dr. Joshua Olayiwola Oyekan, professor of psychology, philosophy and religion, presented his research paper, ―Curriculum Development Format for Identifying, Training, and Strengthening of Future Substance Abuse and Mental Health Leaders‖ at the Ninth Annual Dr. Lonnie E. Mitchell National HBCU Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conference held from March 29 through April 1, 2007, at the Grand Hyatt, in Washington, DC. The primary
On May 14, 2007, Voorhees College accounting professor, Dr. David Caslan, traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to conduct a seminar on Global Finance at Centro Federal de Educação Tecnologica (CEFET), as part of the Voorhees College’s FIPSE/CAPES grant project. Over 50 accounting and business administration students at-
focus of Dr. Oyekan’s presentation was to present a constructivist and holistic curriculum format for identifying, training and strengthening future substance abuse and mental health practitioners. The paper outlined a series of curricular and extracurricular activities that should be made available today to (a) identify professional qualifications of future leaders; (b) suggest academic and professional courses that may be taught to budding leaders; and (c) provide a series of curriculum models of intervention for strengthening potentially certifiable substance abuse and mental health practitioners of tomorrow. Also included in Dr. Oyekan’s presentation were basic course objectives for the different course models outlined with an extensive Web site link, which will facilitate easy access to the content materials. Further, Dr. Oyekan described the methodology leaders of tomorrow should be able to create and manage change, and employ verbal and non-verbal communications. Dr. Oyekan concluded his presentation by first identifying the primary building series of teaching/learning courses for identifying, training, and strengthening of prospective substance abuse and mental health leaders of the future. Dr. Oyekan shared that a full development of this curriculum is still in progress and will be posted online as soon as new additions are effected in the future. For more information, please contact Dr. Oyekan at (803) 780-1090 or via e-mail at joyekan@voorhees.edu.
tended his seminar from our Brazilian partner CEFET. Professor Mauricio Castanheira, the Brazilian project director for the FIPSE/ CAPES grant, said he enjoyed having Professor Caslan on the CEFET campus and was very impressed with the quality of his seminar. Due to a tremendous interest in Global Finance and Accounting
from the Brazilian students, it is very probable that steps will be taken to customize a program for these students at Voorhees College as early as 2008. Dr. Caslan will work with Dr. Neila HollandNoronha, project director for the FIPSE/CAPES program at Voorhees College, on the conceptualization of this initiative. 13
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Faculty/Staff Highlights
Faculty member and Voorhees alumnus Ronald Williams receives SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award Ronald L. Williams, assistant professor of computer science at Voorhees College, was honored with the South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (SCICU) 2006-2007 Excellence in Teaching Award during the SCICU awards banquet held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Williams was selected based on his professional work and student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. He joined the Voorhees College faculty in January 2003. During his professional career, he has served as an instructor of computer technology at Denmark Technical College and as an academic specialist for the federally funded U.S. Department of Education’s Upward Bound Program, which serves low-income and first generation college students. Williams is very connected to Voorhees College and the students that he teaches and mentors inside and outside of the classroom setting. Dr. Valdrie Walker, acting president and executive vice president/academic dean, stated, "Mr. Ronald William’s dedication to academic achievement and excellence is evident through his interest in developing teaching tools that enhance students' academic success. He is always searching for ways to incorporate technology into the teaching program. Mr. Williams is a faculty member who spends time listening to students both inside and outside the classroom. He has taken a great interest in Voorhees' First Year Experience Program that focuses on learning communities." Dr. Lee Monroe, former president of Voorhees College, stated, "Mr. Williams exemplifies excellence in academic leadership and teaching. He embraces Voorhees' emphasis on offering students hands-on experience coupled with a professional focus in a value-centered liberal arts tradition. Mr. Williams understands how to motivate students in a world where technology is an innovative tool for empowering student learning. I applaud Mr. Williams' use of technology as a means to open universal teaching." When asked about his educational interests and academic commitment, Williams stated, "As an educator and civic leader, I believe my success occurred because my parents, family, community and professors were supportive and they reached out to me. So hitherto, I must always help someone along the way." 14
John E. Brunson II is an assistant professor of health and recreation. He earned a Master of Education degree with a minor in guidance and counseling from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. Brunson was a physical education teacher at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, where he was also the athletic director and department head of Physical Education, varsity girls’ basketball coach, and assistant varsity football coach. Brunson also taught physical education at Homestead Junior High School in MiamiDade County, Fla. and at Marshall Elementary School in Orangeburg.
Matilda E. Dargan joins our faculty as assistant professor of developmental English. Dargan earned a Master of Education degree from Augusta State University in Augusta, Ga. She was formerly an English teacher at the Aiken Performing Arts Academy and an adjunct instructor of English at Aiken Technical College. Dargan also taught in the Darlington County School District in Darlington, S.C.; Lucy C. Laney High School in Augusta, Ga.; Columbia County School District in Harlem and Evans, Ga.; and Richmond County School District in Augusta, Ga.
Barbara Nimmons is assistant professor of mathematics and computer science. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is presently pursuing a doctorate degree in higher education leadership at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn. Nimmons was an academic dean and taught computer technology at Denmark Technical College in Denmark, S.C. She was also an Upward Bound mathematics and science instructor and an associate professor at Voorhees College. In addition, she has served as a consultant for Denmark School District II and the U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River Site, to provide computer software training.
Dr. H. D. Flowers is the newly hired associate professor of English and mass communications/ major coordinator of mass communications. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Ill. Dr. Flowers taught English at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, N.C., and the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. Also, he was director and professor of speech and theatre arts at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., and a distinguished professor of English, speech and theatre arts at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.
Faculty/Staff Highlights ~ Fall 2007
Dr. Doris J. Ward is the new chair of the Division of Arts and Sciences. She has been a National Research Service Award fellow and a member of the U.S. Public Health Services. Dr. Ward earned a doctorate degree from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga., and completed her post-doctoral training with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC). She was employed at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, where she was director of the NASA-USAR scholarship program, chairperson of the university’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the recipient of an award from the U.S. Department of Education to revise and develop a thematic biochemical laboratory course. Moreover, Dr. Ward has facilitated workshops and seminars at numerous institutions that focused on learning styles in the classroom.
Dr. Meenu Shukla is the newly hired laboratory technician. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in zoology and a Master of Science degree in zoology from the University of Gorakhpur in India. She also received a certificate in English as a second language from Clayton University in Jonesboro, Ga. and passed Praxis II in biology and general science. Dr. Shukla taught college prep biology and applied biology at Saluda High School in Saluda, S.C. and life science at John Ford Middle School in St. Matthews, S.C.
Sandra A. Rouse has been employed as director of the Freshman Year Experience Program and instructor of college dynamics. She earned a Master of Education degree in student personnel services, counseling emphasis, from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. Presently, she is ABD for a doctorate degree in curriculum and teaching at the University of North Carolina. She has previously served as the director of Residential Life at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. and as assistant director of Student Advising & Recruitment at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, N.C.
Inspirational Quote
“To try to help my fellow man to help themselves, and if a way was not open for them, I must open it myself.” — Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
Voorhees College Founder
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