Spring 2016 Convocation Highlights
The 90-minute spring 2016 convocation at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside was packed with highlights honoring student, faculty and staff accomplishments. The event also served as an official welcome to campus for Dr. Robert Ducoffe who will become the university's provost in April succeeding Dr. Fred Ebeid.
Service Anniversaries
The recognition of dedicated service is an important part of every spring
convocation. This year, more than 50 people representing over 700 years of
service to the university received service anniversary pins. Chemistry
Professor Vera Kolb was honored for 30 years of service.
Vera Kolb (right) receives her service anniversary pin from Chancellor Debbie Ford. Kolb earned the
UW-Parkside Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity in 1992 and
was inducted in the Southeastern Wisconsin Educators' Hall of Fame in 2002. Her
new book, "Green Organic Chemistry and its Interdisciplinary
Applications," will be published in May.
Two members of the Facilities Management staff were recognized for 35 years of service: Power Plant Operator Paul Gdisis, and Facilities Repair Specialist Dave Light.
Provost Welcome
In welcoming Dr. Ducoffe to campus as the new provost, Chancellor Debbie Ford
said the university was fortunate to have a person with a commitment to
academic excellence and student success. His arrival in April means that Dr.
Ebeid's career comes to a close.
"The academic programs and community partnerships in which Fred has played a vital role are impressive to say the least," Ford said. "However, it is the experience of almost five decades in higher education serving as an assistant professor, associate professor, full professor, department chair, dean and provost that has been of such value to our university. That experience, that insight, and that perspective will be missed."
Updates from the
Colleges
The deans from Parkside's four colleges provided updates on key initiatives and
future plans.
Dr. Lesley Heins Walker, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, highlighted initiatives including a partnership with Gateway Technical College involving Spanish classes, and the launch of associate degrees in liberal studies and leadership. In the future, the college plans to add a concentration in contemporary and commercial music, and a communication crafts partnership with Gateway.
In the College of Business, Economics, and Computing led by Dean Dirk Baldwin, community engagement through the Ralph Jaescke Solutions for Economic Growth Center and the App Factory have been in the spotlight.
Dr. Dirk Baldwin, dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Computing
In just the past month, app-development efforts with Kenosha Area Transit and the Racine Belle Urban System have been featured on CBS 58 and TMJ4 television in Milwaukee and in the Journal Times and BizTimes news publications. Dr. Baldwin said future plans for the college include a business degree completion program offered online.
Dr. Emmanuel Otu, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences talked about the expansion of a current agreement with UW-Milwaukee that allows Parkside students who complete specific courses to pursue one of two engineering degrees in the UWM College of Engineering & Applied Science. The expansion could open opportunities for Parkside students to pursue additional UWM programs. Dr. Otu also discussed plans to add physician assistant and public health master of science degree programs. At the recent December 2015 commencement, the college awarded its first master of science in sustainable management – a degree program the university offers online in collaboration with four other UW System campuses through UW-Extension.
In the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies, Dean Peggy James said academic disciplines in the college are at the heart of one of the most important missions of the university – community engagement. Initiatives include stronger partnerships with K-12 education, and encouraging those not currently enrolled, but who may be close to graduation, to return and finish their degree.
Student
Accomplishments
From athletics, to theatre, to politics, the accomplishments of Parkside
students were on display during the ceremony. Ranger student athletes combined
for a 3.08 grade point average last semester, led by the women's volleyball team
at 3.42. And both the men's and women's cross country teams qualified for the
NCAA Division II national championships, a rare feat in college athletics.
For the second consecutive year, theatre arts students gathered up awards at the Region III Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival. Parkside students earned three of the five scholarships awarded for professional training workshops at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas.
Communication major Britney Woods was invited
by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin to attend President Barack Obama's final State of
the Union address. Upon her return, Woods was interviewed by regional publications
and TV stations, by statewide Wisconsin Public Television news program Here and
Now, and the national USA Today College website. In addition to her perspective
on attending the address, the interviews focused on Woods' insight on college access
and affordability.
Making a Difference
Chancellor Ford closed the program by thanking faculty and staff for their
dedication to student success.
"I continue to be amazed – really amazed – at what, collectively, this university accomplishes each year. Certainly, we have the talent, we have the dedication, and we have the passion it takes to make a real difference in the lives of our students. What amazes me is that each year you overcome significant challenges and continue to deliver an educational experience that is second to none in this state," Ford said. "Thank you for your commitment to public higher education. Thank you for your commitment to the communities we serve. Thank you for your commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the students we educate. You should be very proud of all you have accomplished, together, in the past year."