SUSLA eNews - August 2015 - Southern University at Shreveport

AUGUST 2015
VOLUME 2 • EDITION 10
Message from the Chancellor
Please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ray L. Belton as he assumes
the Presidency and Chancellorship of the Southern University System and Baton Rouge
Campus, respectively. Accordingly, we are beneficiaries of the legacy and leadership Dr.
Belton provided for the Southern University at Shreveport Campus over the past fifteen
years.
With the elevation of Dr. Belton, the Shreveport campus has reached yet another transitional period in its glorious forty-eight year history. We have grown from the “Little College” which could… to take a position of “change agent” in the scope of higher education
throughout the state, region and nation. Our students can now enroll, attend classes and
receive performance evaluations from the comfort of their homes via online instruction.
We have enhanced the ability of aspiring high school students to pursue college-level and
two-year technical courses via our dual enrollment programs. We are providing continuing education opportunities for members of the community who want to enhance their
knowledge/skills or simply make worthy use of their leisure time.
I am humbled and honored to be allowed the opportunity to serve you by returning to
the University and this community as Interim Chancellor. Seldom in a lifetime does one
have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong passion and compassion for the teaching and
learning enterprise to this degree. To be allowed once again to serve as a strong student and faculty advocate and overall stakeholder in the future of Southern University at
Shreveport is truly a calling—and one that I am truly appreciative of. In keeping with the
cardinal principles established by our leaders who have guided the University through
the years, we implore your continued support of the following:
• Continued advocacy for the well-being and welfare of our students
•
•
•
•
•
Continued empowerment and participatory governance by faculty and staff
Maintaining the integrity of our academic offerings
Strengthening relationships with our community
Serving the workforce needs of the area
Exhibiting strong fiscal management and exemplary stewardship of the public,
grant and private resources entrusted to us.
Chancellor’s
2015 Cabinet Members
Dr. Melva Williams
Dr. Rosetta Jones
Dr. Regina Robinson
Mrs. Janice Sneed
Dr. Terence Vinson
Ms. Fatina Elliott
Ms. Krystle B. Grindley
Mrs. JoAnn Brown
Mr. Major Brock
Mrs. Sonya Hester
Mr. Darrin Dixon
Dr. Gabriel Fagbeyiro
Dr. Barry Hester
Dr. Regina Webb
Mrs. Rosalyn Holt
Ms. Brandy Jacobsen
Mr. Joseph LaCour Jr.
Chief Marshall Nelson
Mr. Levi Brown
Mr. Jordan Stovall
Mrs. Tiffany Varner
Dr. Wanda Waller
Mr. Frank Williams Jr.
Ms. Linzola Winzer
OUR GREATEST RESOURCE
The future is bright for Southern University in Shreveport. This transitional period is also a transformative period for us. As we move into
the 2015-16 academic year, the University proposes to extend and expand its dual enrollment programs more extensively into Caddo,
Bossier and surrounding parishes. You will note an expansion of the University’s workforce development initiatives to include increased
job-ready skills training programs. The University will continue its SUSLA Connect Program with the Baton Rouge campus that enhances
the academic pursuits of students in their quest for a Bachelor’s Degree. The University will also, continue to explore the Bayou Connect
Program that allows students from the Shreveport Campus to pursue degrees through the Southern University New Orleans (SUNO)
campus.
This year the University will solicit your support of a Capital Campaign, with guidance from the Southern University Shreveport Foundation.
This initiative will allow all of our stakeholders, community and corporate supporters to make a “real” investment in the University, its
students and its future. We invite you to stand and be counted in this new venture. Additionally, our Sponsored Programs department
will continue its outstanding quest of external support for the University. This effort will require all of our support as the traditional
sources of State funding continue to diminish.
OUR GREATEST RESOURCE
Our greatest resource is our people… our faculty, staff, students and community. Upon my return to the University, I found extremely
bright, gifted and motivated professionals doing their parts to ensure the stability and viability of the University. I ask for your continued
cooperation and support in maintaining the institution’s already established levels of excellence, and, helping to move us further toward
preeminence.
GENTLEMEN’S COOKING CLASSIC DRAWS IMPRESSIVE CROWD
Celebrity culinary chefs competed for bragging rights this year at the 16th Annual Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic held
on June 20th at the Convention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Sponsored by the Southern University at Shreveport Foundation, nearly one hundred elected officials and community leaders volunteered their time and delicious
dishes to support students at Southern University at Shreveport.
This year’s Classic also featured junior chefs and for the first time in the event’s
history, some of the area’s top female chefs, who participated in line with this
year’s theme, “Precious Gems - Ladies in the House.” Mr. “Bill Sharp” Strother
and Ms. Keristen Holmes served as ceremony hosts.
The SUS Foundation was extremely proud of attendance for this year’s event.
Foundation Executive Director Frank Williams noted that one of the largest
crowds in the history of the event mixed, mingled and sampled fares at the
annual event.
Keristen Holmes and “Bill Sharp” Strother
“The Shreveport-Bossier community has long supported this fun
and engaging event, and we are once again grateful to be benefactors of their generosity,” noted Williams. The SUS Foundation
also accepted a generous donation in the amount of $6,000.00
from Shreveport Federal Credit Union to assist SUSLA students
in furthering their education.
Awards were given in two divisions (Junior Chefs and Adult
Chefs) under various culinary and artistic categories:
Lil Chefs Overall Winners
(l to r): Winzer Andrews, President SUSF, Ms. Keristen Holmes, KTBS
1st
Place
- Tylinn Cawthorne (Wings/Salad)
News Anchor, Mrs. Helen Godfrey-Smith, President-CEO Shreveport
Federal Credit Union, Dr. Ray L. Belton, President/Chancellor SUS System
2nd Place - Carolyn & Rebekah Tarver (Greens/Cornbread)
and Mr. “Bill Sharp” Strother, Director-Communications and Media Relations
Caddo
Parish
School
Board
3rd place (Tie) - Karrington Watts (Wings/Salad) and
Elijah Brandon (Pastries)
Booth Decorations
1st Place - Ernest Crews; 2nd Place - Elijah Brandon; 3rd Place (Tie) - Carolyn & Rebekah Tarver
2015 Lil’Chefs and Junior Chefs with parents and sponsors.
Adult Categories
Appetizers
1st Place - Du Monte (Chicken/Pull Pork Nachos); 2nd Place - Shreveport Job Corps (Chili Mexican Dip);
3rd Place - Troquel Riley (Candy Galore and More)
Side Dish Winners
1st Place - Gloria Phillips (Sassy Chicken Pasta Casserole); 2nd Place - Ivy Latin (Smoked Red Beans /Rice)
3rd Place - Jackie White (Pasta Salad)
Entrées
1st Place - Chef Harris (Shrimp Burger); 2nd Place - KTAL (Thai Chicken);
3rd Place - Scott Goodstal (Shrimp & Grits)
Desserts
1st Place - Troquel Riley (Candy Galore and More); 2nd Place - Stormy Watts (Honey Bun Cake);
3rd place- Susan Flowers (Pecan Candy)
Booth Decorations
1st Place – The Times; 2nd Place – Vennetta McCain; 3rd Place – Sheriff Steve Prator
In addition, the SUS Foundation also recognized several community leaders for their service with “Southern Gents”
and “Southern Precious Gems” awards. These recipients included: Southern Gents: Dr. Larry Clark, Chancellor, LSU-S;
Rev. Theron Jackson, Pastor, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church; Rod Williams, President, University Health.
Southern Precious Gems: Earlene Coleman, Agent - State Farm; E. Jean Ware, President, Southern University
Shreveport Alumni Federation.
(l to r): Adejia “Paul” Boutte, Mr. Frank Williams, Jr., CJ
Davis and DJ “Danny” Boutte
DJ “Danny” Boutte served as Disc Jockey for the event.
Program participants pictured with honorees - (l to r): Major General Richard M. Clark,
Barksdale Air Force Base, President/Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton, Chris Lloyd, E. Jean Ware,
Earlene Coleman, Rev. Theron Jackson, Dr. Larry Clark and Craig Rhodes
Special thanks to Greg Johnson @ Lee Michael’s
(L)Carolyn & Rebekah Tarver at their booth displaying their
award winning Greens and Cornbread.
(R) Mrs. Helen Godfrey-Smith and Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler
delivered a heartfelt greeting to the crowd.
Hats off to the SUS Foundation—and we look forward to next year’s event!
MS. VANESSA LEGGETT OBTAINS DEVELOPMENTAL
EDUCATION SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
Congratulations to Ms. Vanessa Leggett, who was recently certified as a Development
Education Specialist through the Kellogg Institute for the Training and Certification of
Developmental Educators at Appalachian State University. This certification is regarded as
one of the most prestigious credentials in the fields of developmental education, as fewer
than one thousand professionals have attained the certification.
This dedication to professional development required a substantial commitment of Ms.
Leggett’s time and energy. We congratulate Ms. Leggett on her achievement and look
forward to innovation and knowledge that her certification will bring to the SUSLA community!
UPWARD BOUND SABINE EMBARKS ON CULTURAL AND COLLEGE TOUR
Upward Bound Sabine students recently returned from their annual Summer College and Cultural Tour. This year’s
tour included stops in Selma, Alabama, Tuskegee University
and Auburn University. The tour was coordinated by Cheryle Wheeler-Johnson, Program Director; Crystal Smith, Educational Advocate; and Tracey Grayson, Support Advocate
and Recruiter.
The group made time for some fun and ended their
tour with a day of fun at Six Flags over Georgia. The
Upward Bound Sabine program serves fifty students
from Many, Zwolle, Florien, Negreet, Pleasant Hill and
Converse.
The Office of Dual Enrollment Congratulates Seniors!
The Office of Dual Enrollment participates in senior awards day annually
and presents certificates of achievement of hours earned to graduating high
school seniors. The Office is proud to congratulate William Mahoney of
Woodlawn High School. William was a part of a cohort group of Dual
Enrolment students taking college algebra. With an ACT score of 18 in
math, William retested for the ACT again and scored a 21!
In addition, William was selected to attend the Literally Rally at LA Tech
and received a rank of “Outstanding” in college math. Special thanks goes
to Dual Enrollment instructor Professor Vanessa White and high school
proctor, Mrs. Sonya Levi who work diligently with students to ensure their
success. Congratulations again, William!
Dual Enrollment is the beginning of a successful career pathway for high
school students, and we believe that students are braver than you believe,
stronger than they seem and smarter than you think!
SAVE YOUR (SEX) LIFE:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“Save Your (Sex) Life” is one of SUSLA’s newest
programs, but is making great strides since its inception on campus. Sponsored by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the focus of the SYSL program is
to provide integrated HIV prevention programs to
African-American (AA) college students (ages 1824) and non-collegiate young adults (ages 18-24) in
the communities surrounding the Southern University at Shreveport at risk of HIV/AIDS through
collaboration with the Philadelphia Center.
The program is dedicated to providing free information and resources to the SUSLA community
through partnered events and fun activities. Free
HIV testing is available on the main SUSLA campus on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 9:00am12:00noon (Rooms 105 and 205 in the gym). In addition to the testing, valuable health information and contraception is available to all participants. In conjunction with these opportunities, SYSL has also sponsored activities to
raise campus participation, including ice cream socials and nacho lunches. Upcoming testing dates include August
5th & 19th , September 23rd, October 7th and 28th, November 11th and 25th and December 9th and 23rd.
The SYSL team is available as an on location resource for the SUSLA community. For more information about the
SYSL program, upcoming events and additional information, please contact 318-670-9443.
CHANCELLOR GILLIAM ANNOUNCES
AUGUST “JAGUAR OF THE MONTH”
Chancellor S. Albert Gilliam is pleased to announce
the selection of Mrs. Tilisha Bryant, Admissions
Counselor, as the August Jaguar of the Month.
Tilisha previously served as a Recruiter for the University. In her current role as admissions counselor,
Mrs. Bryant interacts daily with prospective and
current students to help them successfully navigate
the admissions process.
“Thanks to Mrs. Bryant, the admissions process has
been so easy,” states one customer survey responder.
“She has been a lot of help getting us through the
process at Southern.”
“Upon my return to SUSLA, I found extremely gifted and motivated professionals doing their parts to ensure the
viability of the University. I am pleased to highlight individuals such as Mrs. Bryant who remain committed to
upholding the core values of SUSLA.”
Congratulations, Mrs. Bryant!
Excellence • Integrity • Accountability • Service
“Southern University at Shreveport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability”.
Title IX Coordinator: Ms. Linda Hines, Fine Arts Building, Room C01, (318) 670-9480;
Section 504 Coordinator: Jerushka Ellis
Johnny L. Vance Jr, Student Activity Center, Room 212, (318) 670-9473
Southern University System Board of Supervisors
Dr. Ray L. Belton, President of the Southern University System and Chancellor, Southern University at Baton Rouge
Southern University System and Secretary to the Board
The Honorable Dr. Leon R. Tarver II, Chairman
The Honorable Calvin Braxton, Sr., Vice Chairman
Atty. Tony M. Clayton
Raymond M. Fondel, Jr.
Dr. Curman L. Gaines
Rev. Joe R. Gant, Jr.,
Willie E. Hendricks
Rev. Donald R. Henry
Richard T. Hillard
Dr. Eamon M. Kelly
Atty. Patrick D. Magee
Mike A. Small
Ann A. Smith
Rev. Samuel C. Tolbert
Dr. Rani G. Whitfield
Diangleo S. Frazer, Student Member
SUSLA e-NEWS is a Bi-monthly publication from the Office of the Chancellor, Mr. S. Albert Gilliam, Chancellor
Content and editing provided through the Office of Communications & University Relations, Krystle B. Grindley, Director
Design/layout/ finishing services provided through the Office of Graphics Services/Document Management Center, Barbara Austin, Coordinator/Editor
A unit of the Office of Finance & Administration, Brandy Jacobsen, Interim Vice Chancellor
Are you following us on
social media?
“The Community College of Shreveport, Louisiana”