The President`s Review - Texas Wesleyan University

T E XAS
Wesleyan
UNIVERSITY
Th e P r e s i d e n t ’ s R e v i e w
Volume 5, Issue 2
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Alumni Recruiting Initiative
Seventy-five alumni are currently listed as Ram Wrangler volunteers. Now
in our second year, the Ram Wrangler initiative supports the recruiting efforts of the Office of Admission. Starting this year we will offer a Ram
Wrangler training DVD for alumni who cannot attend an on-campus training event. Ram Wranglers staff college fairs at high schools and junior
colleges; call prospective students regarding open houses, orientations
and incomplete files; and host events for incoming students. This spring,
Andrew Butler ’93, past alumni board president, will host a prospective
student event at his home. To host an event, or for more information, visit
http://www.txwes.edu/alumni/ramwranglers.htm, or contact Gina Phillips
at 817-531-4220.
Alumni Medal Dinner
The 2009 Alumni Medal Dinner was held on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Fort
Worth Club. Approximately 140 guests attended. This year’s honorees
included key volunteers from the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board
of Directors, as well as a longtime staff member. The recipients are listed
below:
Alumni of the Year Award:
Dr. George Leone ’49 HON ’90
Distinguished Alumni Award:
Dr. James Wiggins ’57
Young Alumni Achievement Award:
Jason Neal ’01 MBA ’04
Wesleyan Service Award:
Beverly Volkman Powell ’92 MBA ’99
Wesleyan Flame Award:
Cindy Potter ’71
Honorary Alumnus:
Frank Turrella
O.D. Bounds:
Charles Claffey ’89
All Alumni Reunion 2010
Plans are underway for the 2010 All Alumni Spring Reunion on April
23-24. This year’s honored classes include the Classes of 1950, 1960,
1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000 and 2005. Friday’s events will include an
afternoon golf match followed by dinner at Los Vaqueros. Saturday begins with the Alpha Chi/Golden Shears Breakfast and concludes with the
56th Spring Musical, Working, and Afterglow party. For more information
about the upcoming reunion, please visit http://www.txwes.edu/alumni/
reunioninformation.htm.
Winter 2009
ATHLETICS
The fall seasons have come to a close and basketball season is just gearing up. The Rams enjoyed another successful semester and look to continue that success in the spring.
Josh Gibbs’ soccer teams paced a very successful fall semester. Both
the men’s and women’s teams had record setting starts to their seasons.
The Lady Rams started 5-0 on the season, and matched the program’s
highest win total with an overall mark of 14-6. Goalkeeper Katy Houchin
set a school record with nine shutouts this season; which also helped
the team break its record of eight shutouts, set last season. Josh Gibbs
became the program’s all-time winningest coach with his 41st victory in
the regular season finale. The Lady Rams hosted the RRAC Tournament.
They entered the tournament as the third seed and reached the semifinals before being defeated by the eventual champion, The University of
Texas at Brownsville.
The men’s soccer team got off to a record setting 6-0 start, which included the team’s first win over a top-10 team (2-1 over then sixth-ranked
Oklahoma City University). A tough conference schedule meant the
Rams needed to win one of their last two games to qualify for the RRAC
Tournament. The Rams did that with a 4-1 win over Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Although the Rams were defeated in the
RRAC Quarterfinals, the team still posted a record of 11-8 and was just
three wins shy of a school record.
Christy Clawson’s volleyball team played their best volleyball down the
stretch this season. The Lady Rams won eight of their last 10 regular
season matches to move into a three-way tie for third in the RRAC Standings. On the third tiebreaker, the Lady Rams were the fourth seed in the
conference tournament, which they hosted in the Sid Richardson Center.
Texas Wesleyan was defeated 3-2 in the RRAC Quarterfinals to finish the
year with an overall record of 16-17.
Bobby Cornett’s men’s golf team finished a very successful fall season
with their third second place finish at Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand
Prairie, Oct. 27. The Rams are ranked fourth in the Golf World/Nike
Coaches’ Poll. They will now await the release of the first official NAIA
top-25 poll on Dec. 4. They will open competition in the spring semester
at the Pine Needles Intercollegiate, March 1-2, in Southern Pines, N.C.
The Texas Wesleyan table tennis team was back in the spotlight this
fall at their Texas Wesleyan Open on Oct. 24. Dr. Harold Jeffcoat presented head coach and star Jasna Rather with an Olympic Bronze
medal during the tournament. Rather won the medal for the former
Yugoslavia during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Unfortunately the medal
was lost during the Bosnian War and was never recovered. Dr. Jeffcoat
procured a replacement medal from the International Olympic Commit-
tee. Jeffcoat also presented the 2008-09 National Championship Rings
during the tournament.
With the end of the fall seasons comes the beginning of basketball season. Terry Waldrop’s men’s team is ranked 10th in the NAIA Preseason
Poll. The home fans got their first look at the new squad on Saturday, Nov.
14, when they topped Sterling College 70-68 in an overtime thriller. That
win moved the team’s current streak to 22 consecutive wins on the home
floor, which is just one shy of the school record set in 1942. The Rams will
try to match that 67-year-old record against Arlington Baptist College on
7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20..
Stacy Francis’ women’s basketball team opened the season with an impressive win at St. Gregory’s University. Newcomer Tiffany Adair drilled
a shot at the buzzer to lift the team to a dramatic 64-62 win in the season
opener. The Lady Rams will play their first home game of the season on 6
p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, when they host Mid-America Christian University.
GRANTS AND RESEARCH
The Grants & Research Office continues to expand its scope in supporting the mission of Texas Wesleyan. Most recently, the office has increased its level of government relations activities by coordinating several
campus events involving our elected officials. The staff hosted several
events on campus this fall for our elected officials, to include congressman Michael C. Burgess’ Town Hall meeting and the “Celebrate the Spirit
of Poly HS” festival led by State Senator Wendy Davis. Additionally, the
Morton Fitness Center groundbreaking and the Texas Wesleyan University Bookstore ribbon cutting ceremonies included federal, state and local
representation on the programs.
In support of continued teacher professional development, two Teacher
Quality grants, funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), have been awarded to faculty at Texas Wesleyan. Dr. Bruce Benz’ $200,000 environmental systems project focuses
on content-based instruction for area biology high school teachers, while
Dr. Ric Rodriguez’ $190,000 project provides science content for area
middle school science teachers.
This year, Wesleyan was also successful in receiving an $85,000 award
from the THECB Collegiate G-Force application. Wesleyan’s Collegiate
G-Force is comprised of our students who serve as mentors to high
school students, sharing pertinent college-going information, including
publications and information from colleges and universities in Texas and
nationally, catalogs, brochures, scholarship information, SAT/ACT test
preparation, and scheduling campus visits. Partnering high schools include Polytechnic High School, Castleberry High School, Crowley High
School and North Crowley High School. The Gil & Dody Weaver Foundation continues to support the Summer Chemistry Camp for Kids by
awarding a grant of $6,500 for the summer 2009 activities.
The School of Law has also been actively seeking support for their special projects. Awards this year include a United Way grant in the amount
of nearly $62,000 for the Children’s Rights Clinic as well as a $40,000
award from the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation.
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Collaboration has been key for much of our work. In addition to seeking partners for our projects, we often partner with others on their requests. This year, because of the Wesleyan’s collaborative efforts with
Fort Worth ISD, the district awarded us with their Golden Achievement
Award for Partnership Excellence. These efforts were also recognized
at the state level as the Texas Education Agency awarded Texas Wesleyan with their gold level award for Employer Excellence in Education.
Six Texas Wesleyan faculty members received 2009-2010 Sam Taylor
Fellowship awards, granted through the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The awards received by Texas Wesleyan faculty totaled more than $11,000. Recipients
include the following faculty from the School of Business: Dr. Kalpana
Pai will participate in the Teaching Professor Conference at Cambridge,
Mass., in May 2010 to learn about pedagogical practices that work, relevant research and how students learn; and Ms. Kimberly Webb will use
the fellowship to assist with the cost of tuition and books for her graduate
study leading to a Ph.D. in Business Administration in Accounting at the
University of Texas at Arlington. From the School of Education, Dr. Patsy
Robles-Goodwin will use her award to conduct a quasi-qualitative research study to examine the leadership experiences of Latina administrators in our public schools. In the School of Natural and Social Sciences,
Dr. Chitra Chandrasekaran will use the award to participate in faculty
development in microbial genomic analysis offered by the J. Craig Venter
Institute in Washington, D.C.; and Dr. Mary Anne Clark will develop and
test Cell Island, a new online cell biology laboratory in the virtual world of
Second Life. From the School of Arts and Letters, Jeffrey DeLotto will
continue his research on the Karankawa Indians, an indigenous people
of the coastal Texas area.
Wesleyan’s U.S. Department of Education Title III grant is making a
significant impact across the campus. This fall saw the pilot of a learning
coach initiative in which four faculty were hired to assist our freshmen
with learning styles inventories, advising and early alert. To continue
our support of freshmen success, additional faculty are now teaching in
learning communities as we have expanded the number of linked courses
and the overwhelming majority of our freshmen class were enrolled in
learning communities this fall. To assist with the expansion of our learning
communities, a team of faculty and staff attended the National Learning
Communities Institute held at The Washington Center at the Evergreen
College in Olympia, Wash., in June. Well known as the guru of learning
communities, our team received critical information in developing and
sustaining an effective learning communities’ initiative.
Within the world of advising, the Title III team has been preparing to pilot
Datatel’s eAdvisor component this fall; this software will assist our students with degree planning and online registration. Our School of Business is the first school to pilot the eAdvisor and additional schools will
come onboard over the next year.
Our technology initiatives under the Title III grant are receiving widespread acceptance and support. Faculty members are embracing the
new smart technologies being deployed in classrooms across campus.
This summer the Title III team upgraded four classrooms with smart
technologies, which include interactive whiteboards, instructor computers, document cameras and projectors. Additionally one classroom in
the Polytechnic United Method Church was transformed to become a
teaching computer lab, complete with 20 student computers. Faculty development continues on campus for integrating these technologies in our
teaching and learning.
In October, we started the third year of the grant. During this grant year,
we will continue our focus on freshmen success activities, install several
new smart classrooms, expand our new advising technologies to additional schools, provide continued faculty development opportunities, and
further the expansion of our wireless campus initiative.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER, DEVELOPMENTAL
PROGRAM AND NEW STUDENT PROGRAMS
The Academic Success Center
Many improvements have occurred within the Academic Success Center.
A learning specialist was hired in March to assist and assess the needs
of the students. In her role, she will work one-on-one with students to assess their academic deficiencies and then work with them to set up a plan
to address these. The learning specialist will also conduct workshops every semester on topics such as “Study Skills,” “Note-Taking,” “Test Taking
Strategies,” and “Test Anxiety.” The learning specialist is also available
to come and speak to classes or conduct individual class workshops on
specific topics.
Funded through a TG Grant, Smart Games was introduced across campus. These computer-based academic games provide students with fun
and a challenge as they answer academic questions on various topics.
All students who play the games are given a ticket to enter into a raffle for
a grand prize at the end of the semester.
The Developmental Program
The purpose of the Developmental Program is to provide an opportunity for students with assessed deficiencies in reading, mathematics and
English to receive appropriate developmental education in order to perform satisfactorily in college-level coursework. Recently, developmental
English was moved over to join developmental reading and mathematics
under one Developmental Program.
The Summer Bridge Program started in 2008 and will continue into
summer 2010. This program allows new freshman students who have
tested into a developmental math or reading course for the fall to take
one of these developmental courses at a reduced rate for a three week
period during the summer. By doing so, these students are then able, in
most cases, to take college level courses in the fall. Textbooks are also
provided. Space is limited to 25 students per math and reading course.
New Student Programs
New Student Programs is expanding its services to the students. Transfer Information Group (TRIG) was introduced this fall to new transfer
students. Surveys to current transfer students indicated a need for more
information concerning the various programs and departments on our
campus. Every Tuesday during the month of September, new transfer
students met with the coordinator of New Student Programs for an informal information session where they could meet with other transfer students and invited guests from across the campus and ask questions and
gather information.
The Mentorship Program has grown this semester. New transfer
students and new freshman students were matched with mentors that
included faculty, staff, and upper level Wesleyan students. Mentors
and mentees were introduced to each other at a Mexican Fiesta style
luncheon with more than 70 in attendance. Other Mentorship Program
events are being planned.
The Wesleyan Ram Parent Association was started this fall. This association brings together parents of new freshmen as well as the parents of
other Wesleyan students. This group meets once a month to discuss the
progress of their students and ways to support Wesleyan and be involved
on the campus. Parent events on campus are being planned. Membership is free and open to all Wesleyan parents.
WEST LIBRARY
Information Services
The Eunice and James L. West Library provided a total of 73 instruction
sessions for more than 1,000 students in fall 2009. These included many
classes in English and Freshman Success along with first time sessions
for political science and kinesiology. Within these classes students were
shown library tools which range from basic orientation to in-depth research and use of citation software.
Collection Development
The Cabell Directories in education, psychology and psychiatry were an
important addition to assist faculty in locating publishing opportunities for
their professional development. Focusing on history, the database American History in Video was acquired to access online historical video and
create playlists. A major addition to the classical history collection was
the Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome.
Periodicals/Systems
Database and on-line journals supporting the DNAP were added as were
Dissertation Abstracts for the new Ed.D. programs. A new, “improved”
library Web site was implemented, which was developed through collaborative work by librarians and staff. The latest “Thanksgiving 2009”
enhancement for student use is the installation of four new open access
computers on the second floor.
Cataloging
Approximately one-half of a major math curriculum gift (donated by Dr.
Jane Moore) has been cataloged and is available for circulating use.
Increasingly Texas Wesleyan students are using the West Library for research, group work, study and leisure reading.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The office of international programs at Texas Wesleyan has been busy
welcoming international students to campus and working with faculty to
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provide study abroad programs. This fall, new students from France, Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Nepal, Canada, Ivory Coast, Romania
and China joined our Wesleyan global community.
One highlight of the fall was our first spaghetti welcome dinner, where
international students, staff and faculty all helped prepare a meal to share
and were able to get to know each other on a more personal level in the
process. On the study abroad front, Texas Wesleyan has busily been expanding overseas opportunities for students, with upcoming faculty lead
trips to Argentina, England, India, Canada and Ireland.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
New Technology Brings the World into the Classroom
Texas Wesleyan faculty has more tools than ever before to take learning
beyond the confines of the classroom.
The University recently upgraded its Learning Management System
to Blackboard 8. This Blackboard software allows faculty to create and
deliver content, monitor student participation and assess student performance online. With this tool, students have the ability to use interactive
features such as threaded discussions, video conferencing and discussion forums to collaborate and communicate. Course work can be completed at times that fit the needs of the student. The resources of Texas
Wesleyan and the entire World Wide Web are available to them at the
click of a button.
their course planning. In fact, this option actually functions best when faculty and student meet to discuss course planning. This new feature allows
students to plan their courses for several semesters in advance based
on each term’s course offerings. Students may then use email to submit
their plans to faculty advisors. Approximately 70 students have used eadvising to date. The School of Education will be next to use this new
advising method in the spring of 2010. It is anticipated that the remaining
schools will have access to registering by use of e-advising in fall 2010.
We are excited about this new student service feature!
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Faculty Scholarship
Dr. John Shampton received acceptance for publication of “You Don’t
Say: Ethical Considerations Regarding Inadvertent Communications in
the Electronic Age” in the Southern Law Journal, v. 19 (Fall 2009).
Dr. Thomas Nichols received acceptance for presentation of “Authentic
Transformational Leadership: A Normative Form of Leadership?” at the
2009 Southern Management Association Meeting.
Dr. Kalpana Pai received Best Paper Presentation recognition for her
presentation of “The Impact of Education on the Wage Gap between Immigrants and Locals: A Cross-national Comparison” at the 2009 Global
Conference on Business & Finance (Internet Session).
New web servers provide plenty of space for faculty to post lecture notes,
study guides, assignments, office hours and course syllabuses to their
instructional Web sites. This makes information more easily accessible
and allows students to focus more attention on what is being discussed
in class. They can get back to the information they need to continue the
learning process from any location, at any time through the Internet.
Dr. Thomas Bell submitted his article “Benefits vs. Burdens: With Respect to IT Auditing (SAS 70 Reporting) - An Organizational Change Perspective for Web” to the Information System Control Journal.
In addition to making things more convenient for the student and instructor, technology is also being used to accommodate students’ learning
styles. Several new, centralized teaching stations, or Smart Podiums,
with DVD and VHS players, a computer and wire plugs to connect a laptop or iPod have been put in classrooms and learning spaces across the
campuses and Burleson site. Faculty can switch from one type of media
to another at the touch of a finger, allowing them to vary the way they
teach to better accommodate student preferences and keep students engaged in the material.
Dr. Sinan Yildirim received acceptance for presentation of “Mergers
of Closed-End Funds: An Analysis of Discount Reduction” at the 2009
meeting of the Southern Finance Association.
While our students may be sitting in a chair surrounded on four sides by
walls, they can see the entire world ... with the help of new technology.
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
E-advising has been introduced as an additional student online service
at Wesleyan. This new option is available through RamLink and was first
introduced in October in The School of Business and Professional Programs as a pilot group. With the help of IT and our Title III Grant staff,
business students and faculty alike were trained on the use of this option.
Students may still meet with their advisor face-to-face for discussion of
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Dr. Tom Smith submitted his article “Changes in Student Attitudes Toward Advertising” to the Global Education Journal.
Dr. Rod Erakovich submitted a book review to Public Integrity for The
Difference Makers: How Social and Institutional Entrepreneurs Created
the Corporate Social Responsibility Movement, by Sandra Waddock,
Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing Limited, 2008. It appeared in the October 2009 issue of Public Integrity.
Dr. Erakovich is co-author of an article accepted by the International
Journal of Public Management, “Comparative Analysis of Ethical Leadership and Ethical Culture in Local Government: US, Netherlands, Montenegro and Serbia.” Authors are Emile Kolthoff, Ph.D., Chair Public Safety
and Law at Avans-Fontys Law School, VU University Amsterdam, The
Netherlands; Rodney Erakovich, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Management, School of Business Administration, Texas
Wesleyan University; and Karin Lasthuizen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor,
Department of Governance Studies and Research Group Integrity of
Governance, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This publication was funded in part by a 2008 Sam Taylor Fellowship grant.
Dr. Erakovich presented two papers at the Network of International
Schools of Public Affairs and Administration in Central and Eastern Europe (NISPAcee) Conference in Budva, Montenegro on May 14, 2009.
“Social Role of Public Organizations Ethics Building in Local Governance in the Balkans” was presented at the Panel on Integrity in Local
Authority Areas. Another presentation was done at the Working Group
on Local Government. As co-author of “International Capacity Building:
A partnership of Community,” Dr. Erakovich reported on projects in Kragujevac, Serbia; Rajasthan, India; and Sri Lanka that outlined common
themes of capacity building in local governance. The working group met
throughout the conference to finalize a report on efforts to build capacity of local governments during CEE efforts at decentralization and
suburbanization.
Dr. John Shampton received acceptance for publication of “Tax planning: avoiding the rule against perpetuities with foreign-based trusts
- why, how and whether (ethically speaking) in the Journal of Finance
and Accountancy. The Journal of Finance and Accountancy is a Cabell’s
listed journal and has a initial acceptance rate of less than 25 percent.
Faculty Appointments
Dr. Sameer Vaidya was appointed as the editor-in-chief of the Journal
of Information Systems Technology and Planning (JISTP). JISTP is a Cabell’s listed, refereed journal.
PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Faculty Announcements
Nominated by her undergraduate mentor, Dr. Marcel Satsky Kerr has
been selected for inclusion in the 2009-2010 edition of Montclair Publishing’s Who’s Who in North America’s Collegiate Faculty. Inclusion in
this registry is truly an honor bestowed upon the most distinguished professionals. After careful review of Dr. Kerr’s credentials and accomplishments, the editorial staff has granted her acceptance.
Dr. Kerr is an associate professor of psychology at Texas Wesleyan University. Within this role she specializes in statistical methods, human development, and online pedagogy. Dr. Kerr received her M.A. and Ph.D.
in experimental psychology from Texas Tech University and also holds a
M.Ed. in educational technology from the University of Texas at Brownsville. She donates charitably to United Way, her local church, and the
Crowley Independent School District.
Montclair Who’s Who recognizes and highlights men and women of leadership and distinction within various industries throughout the United
States and Canada. Montclair has created a network of distinguished
professionals with notable achievements. It is currently the fastest growing collection of biographical registries in the world.
Dr. Lisa Hensley received promotion to associate professor, spring 2009.
Dr. Hensley presented “Bereavement and disenfranchised grief in virtual
communities” at the Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling in Dallas in April 2009.
Dr. Hensley presented “Culture-Bound Anxiety Disorders Taijin Kyofusho and Hikikomori: Their Diagnostic Validity and the Role of Shame”
at Texas Wesleyan University’s University College Day in April 2009.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Texas Wesleyan’s student newspaper, The Rambler, launched a new Web
site this fall at www.therambler.org. Included on the Web site is web-only
content and links to The Rambler’s YouTube channel, Twitter feed and
Facebook site. You can also check out the final edition of The Rambler
online only beginning Nov. 23. The Rambler will finish up the year with a
special graduation salute that will be available online beginning Dec. 4.
The Communication Department is now posting all internship opportunities for students on Twitter. Check out the hashtag TXWesCommInterns for information. The Department is also posting job opportunities for
recent graduates at #TXWesCommJobs.
Faculty Announcements
Dr. Kay L. Colley, assistant professor of communication, was named
education chair of the Fort Worth International Association of Business
Communicators. She began her duties for the 2009-2010 year on June 1.
Dr. Colley presented “The Importance of Professional Networking,” to
two different student groups this fall. On Oct. 12, Colley spoke to the
3PR group, and on Oct. 15, she spoke to Texas Wesleyan’s International
Association of Business Communicators.
Dr. Colley presented “Creating Engagement with Wikis” at the International Association of Business Communicators Southern Region Conference on Oct. 24. She updated her presentation for the noon luncheon of
the Fort Worth IABC Chapter, where she was the featured speaker.
Dr. Colley presented “How to Promote and Market Your Student Newspaper” at the combined conference for the Associated Collegiate Press
and College Media Advisers in Austin Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.
Dr. Colley attended the Southwest Education Council for Journalism and
Mass Communication Symposium at the University of Texas at Arlington,
where she moderated a session on new technology. She is currently a
member of the board of directors for the organization.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Faculty Presentations and Publications
Twyla Miranda, professor of education, traveled to Dar Es Salaam,
Tanzania, in August to present “Best Literacy Practices for Growing Reflective Readers in Local Communities” at the Pan African Reading for
All Conference, University of Dar Es Salaam. She was accompanied by
four of her colleagues — all former students and all alumni from Texas
Wesleyan University: Trisha McCain-Hines, Sheryle Kuehle, Tammy
McLeod, and Kary Johnson. The Pan African Literacy for All Conference, an International Reading Association world conference, was held
on Aug. 14. Delegates from 30 nations attended.
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Dr. Miranda, author of Longfeather Ponds: A Chipmunk’s Tale and Longfeather Ponds: A Bobcat’s Tale, visited Grapevine Elementary School
Tuesday, Oct. 20, for the National Day on Writing event. She spoke to
the students about writing chapter books and how her ideas are formed.
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As a result of the Principals’ Center inaugural conference event, Dr. Miranda was invited to discuss Professional Learning Communities with
ISD staff at Everman ISD on Oct. 28.
Dr. Dryden and Ms. Reed also had presentations accepted for the fall in
New Zealand, Ireland and Germany, but unfortunately, finances preclude
presenting at these more distant conferences.
Dr. Michael Hartman presented his, and others’, published article, “Eccentric Utilization Ratio and the Stretch-Shortening Cycle” from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research at the September 2009 NSCA
National Conference in Las Vegas.
Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin, assistant professor of education and director of the ESL/bilingual Program presented at the following during the
period May through November 2009:
Dr. Hartman and others published the effects of creatine monohydrate
and polyethylene glycosylated creatine supplementation on muscular
strength, endurance and power output in the Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research. Also accepted for publication in the Journal of
Strength and Conditioning Research was his article, “The effects of fatigue of the plantar flexors on peak torque and voluntary activation in
untrained and resistance-trained men.” It will appear in print in approximately six months.
Dr. Hartman joined the Kinesiology team this year.
In September 2009, Dr. Edita Ruzgyte, adjunct professor in counseling, traveled to Azerbaijan (former Soviet Union), where she lectured at
Khazar University, led a round table for physicians and psychiatrists in
the Public Health and Reform Center and trained leading psychologists in
a Baku psychology clinic (the capital of the country). She also continued
her research in the area of sexuality and social change. On Nov. 3, Dr.
Ruzgyte shared pictures and her experiences from the trip with Wesleyan
students and faculty in a presentation in Dan Waggoner Hall.
Joe Dryden, J.D., M.Ed., assistant professor of education, presented
to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals concerning the
true impact of exit level high school exams on graduation rates and the
need for alternative pathways to graduation. Mr. Dryden made the same
presentation later to representatives from State Senator Jane Nelson’s
office and the State Board of Education.
On Nov. 14, 2009, Mr. Dryden presented on how legislation affects
education and how to engage parents in their children’s education at
the “Yes We Can Educational Forum - Parents Partnering with Future
Achievers” conference in Fort Worth.
Dr. Lisa Dryden, director of Graduate Studies, and Ann Reed, associate
professor of education and field experience director, conducted the following conference presentations during summer and fall 2009:
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“Effective Literacy Practices for Teachers in a Global Society: Research Based Scaffolding Strategies to Support Students on their
Journey as Readers and Writers” at the 16th Annual European Conference on Reading in Braga, Portugal.
May 2009 “Addressing Cultural Barriers: Welcoming Students of Diverse Cultures.” Texas Wesleyan University, Learning Communities
Institute. June 2009 “Building a Bridge between Bilingual Education and Gifted Education.” Texas Association for Teacher Education (TXATE), Summer Conference, Austin. “Meaningful Differences
101: How Administrators Can Better Understand English Language
Learners.” Texas Wesleyan University for Grant School Partners.
(Professional Development for School Principals/Administrators)
• October 2009 “What Up With This Cultural Thing?: Navigating Diversity in Modern Times.” Texas Wesleyan Village, Texas Wesleyan
University. (University students). “What Does Culture Have to Do
With It?” Texas Wesleyan University, CETL. (University Faculty and
Staff). A presentation of the Wesleyan Tarrant NPD grant. “La conexión entre la lectura y la escritura en el aula bilingüe.” Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE), Houston (Co-presented with
Dr. Annette Torres Elias).
• November 2009 “Lecto-escritura inicial en el aula dual: la conexión
entre la lectura y la escritura.” La Cosecha Conference, Albuquerque, NM (Co-presented with Dr. Annette Torres Elias).
• Keynote October 2009 “Dare to Dream.” Fort Worth’s Delta Kappa
Gamma Society. (Group promotes profession and personal growth
of women educators and excellence in education) (Active and Retired School Educators)
Additionally, Dr. Robles-Goodwin reported the following publications
during Summer and Fall 2009:
• Robles-Goodwin, P.J. (2010). “South Africa: Similar journeys of
diversity-heritage, harmony, and hope.” Texas Wesleyan University.
University Scholars: Proceedings of University Day 2009. (South African travel funded by Global Scholars).
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“Strategic Reading for Adolescents: A Comprehension Model” at the
Kappa Delta Pi International Convocation held in Orlando, Fla.
• Robles-Goodwin, P.J. (2009). “Nonverbal communications: Promoting prosocial and respectful interpersonal relationships in diverse
early childhood settings.” Understanding the English Language
Learner, pp. 142-163.
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“The Four P’s of Adolescent Reading Comprehension: Passion, Purpose, Partnerships and Plans” at the International Reading Association Southeastern Regional Conference held in New Orleans, La.
Dr. William Newton, visiting assistant professor of education, has been
working with Principals in Roswell, N.M., since 2008 regarding how to
conduct individual teacher data conferences to improve student success
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and to monitor use and effectiveness of district curriculum materials. He
presented a one-day training in 2008 for all administrators and has returned for eight days since doing individual coaching with principals. He
will make an additional four-day coaching visit in February 2010.
I Learn, I Win” and college expos), the Teacher Quality program grants,
Summer Chemistry Camp, SPEAK UP, American Chemical Society Summer Experience for high school students, the Jazz Festival, bilingual teacher assistant program and the UBMS/TexPREP/Expanding Your Horizons.
Dr. Aileen Curtin, professor of education and director of Ed.D., published a textbook, Pathways to teaching: practical strategies for teaching
English language learners, with Pearson.
The School of Education has once again received the rating of accredited under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation
(ASEP). Accreditation ratings are based on performance standards established by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and represent successful performance by a program’s candidates on the examinations required for certification as an educator. For more information, visit
www.sbec.state.tx.us.
Dr. Curtin’s numerous presentations during summer and fall:
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Three of Dr. Curtin’s presentations were for the Institute for Public
School Initiative staff development training for K-5th grade public
school teachers, reading coaches, and administrators: Texas Reading First. The presentation was titled “Oral Language and Vocabulary Development.” It was presented in three cities, Houston, Dallas
and Galveston, in June, July and August. On Aug. 17, she provided
staff development, “Practical strategies for teaching English language learners,” for faculty at O.D. Wyatt High School.
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On the same date at the Wesleyan campus, Dr. Curtin conducted a
professional development session entitled “Journaling across content area for English Language Learners: learning logs in math” for
the faculty at D. McRae Elementary School.
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In September, Dr. Curtin was an invited panelist at the Wesleyan
Principals’ Center inaugural conference. She also was an invited
presenter at the Higher Collaborative Conference in Dallas Nov. 4-5.
Her topic was “Vocabulary and Oral Language Development training
for pre-service & in-service teachers.”
Dr. Linda Metcalf, associate professor of counseling, and Mr. Elliott
Connie, ’01 and ’06, published a book titled The Art of Solution focused
Therapy in July 2009.
Dr. Kim Tyler, assistant professor of education, published “Finding Academic Peers for Your Gifted Child” in Austin’s TEMPO Magazine in the
spring 2009. She published “Understanding the Lingo of Gifted Education” in the fall issue.
Dr. Tyler’s presentations during summer and fall 2009 include: “Building a
Bridge Between Bilingual and Gifted Education” for the Texas Association
of Teacher Educators in Austin and “Perfectionism and the Gifted Child” for
the Northwest ISD. She returned to Northwest ISD in October to present
“Underachievement and the Gifted Learner: What It Means and What We
Can Do.” Dr. Tyler will present “Differentiating Instruction for the 21st Century Learner” for Carrizo Springs ISD in November and December and for
the Burnaby School District in Vancouver, British Columbia, in late November. Additionally, she presented “Home and the Homelands: 2 1/2 Texans
in Swaziland and South Africa” for University College Day at Wesleyan.
School of Education Awards and Honors
Texas Wesleyan was named as a recipient of the Texas Education Agency’s Employers for Excellence Award at their highest level of gold. The
University was honored for its work with the Fort Worth ISD, including
the GO Centers, activities with the district’s outreach area (i.e. “I Dream,
Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Sam
Taylor Fellowship for research on Latina School Administrators. She also
contracted to revise Keep America Beautiful to reflect developmentally
and culturally appropriate curriculum for young children.
Dr. Aileen Curtin was recently appointed as International Service Chair
for H-E-B Rotary.
Scholarly Endeavors
In April, 2009, Dr. Twyla Miranda was invited to attend the Nature Writers’ Workshop, Boyds Mill Press, Honesdale, Pa. Nature writers gather
at the Highlights owners’ farmhouse for writing, discussion, nature walks
and critiques of writing with editors from Highlights and Boyds Mills
Press. She will go again April 2010. In September 2009, Dr. Miranda
also served as a book reviewer for the American Association of University Women’s Arlington Branch for “The Space Between Us.” Further, Dr.
Miranda served as the Chairperson for the Principals’ Center Inaugural
Event at Texas Wesleyan University in September 2009 and is currently a
Community Representative for the FWISD Secondary Reading Selection
Materials Committee.
Dr. Elizabeth K. Ward, assistant professor of education, defended her
dissertation on Friday, Oct. 23. The title of the dissertation is “Latent Transition Analysis of Pre-service Teachers’ Efficacy in Science and Mathematics”. Her degree is from the University of North Texas, and she will
be hooded on Dec. 18.
Karen L. Denny Wallace, assistant professor of kinesiology, is currently involved in collaborate research with Texas Woman’s University in
Denton. The pilot study being investigated involves the mechanics of a
pitcher’s throwing arm and how fatigue can affect the throw. The pilot will
be conducted during the fall semester so that the actual study can begin
in spring 2010.
Dr. Pam Rast, professor of kinesiology, department chair and director of
Athletic Education, is involved in a collaborative study with the University
of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Cook Children’s Hospital.
“The Study of the Effects of Indoor and Outdoor Walking Conditions in
Children with Asthma and GSTM 1 Variants” involved 26 children between the ages of seven and 12 who were on Wesleyan’s campus during
September and October 2009. Twelve Wesleyan undergraduate kinesiology students volunteered as walking buddies.
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Dr. Aileen Curtin, professor of education and director of Ed.D., served
as a Textbook Reviewer for Delmar Publishing, Allyn & Bacon and
Wadsworth/Centage Learning. She also served as a journal reviewer
for Bilingual Research Journal and as editor of the Wesleyan Graduate
Review.
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Debbie Larsen ’76, Spicer Elementary
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Stepfanie Romero ’07, Walker Creek Elementary
Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin served as Textbook/Chapter Reviewer for:
Diaz, C., & Massialas, B. (2010), Multicultural and Global Education for
Equity and Social Justice.
During summer 2009 three Athletic Training students received multiple
SWATA scholarships:
Laura Kunkel, M.S., ATC, NA SM-PES, AC SM-HFS, instructor/clinical
coordinator, athletic training education, served as a South Dakota representative to the Mid-American Athletic Trainer’s Association Young Professionals Committee. She is a participant in the NATA Startracks leadership development program as well as the founder and inaugural president
of the Augustana Athletic Training Alumni Association. Ms. Kunkel is also
a National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) E-mentor.
Student and Alumni News
The Texas Wesleyan University Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) was granted a scholarship of $500 by the Bilingual/ESL
Educators Association of the Metroplex (BEAM) to fund their participation
in the October BESO Institute at the Texas Association of Bilingual Education Conference in Houston. BESO members Rocío Aguayo, Yvette
Pérez, Martha Juarez and Elisha Calva represented the Texas Wesleyan University student organization at the BESO Institute.
BESO co-sponsors Patsy Robles-Goodwin, director of the Bilingual/
ESL Education Program, and Annette Torres Elías, assistant professor
in the School of Education, presented a bilingual session at the TABE
conference titled “Reciprocity Between Reading and Writing for SpanishSpeaking Students in Dual Language Programs.”
Under the direction of Debra Thomas, adjunct professor and FWISD
teacher, 18 Burleson students in the ESL Methodology course clocked
179 volunteer hours at Wedgwood Middle School in FWISD creating
reading lessons and reading games for ESL students in one-on-one
and/or small group settings. The majority of Texas Wesleyan University
students had not experienced observations and interactions with public middle school students before, having completed the majority of their
hours in elementary school settings. Three of the classes were held at
Wedgwood Middle School. Both FWISD and Wesleyan students benefitted from the experience.
The Birdville Independent School District recognized its Teachers of the
Year at the annual Golden Gala in May. Five Texas Wesleyan alumnae
were among those recognized at the gala for their exemplary work with
students during the 2008-2009 school year.
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Paige Payton ’95, North Ridge Elementary
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Christi Hudson, M.Ed. ’00, Francisco Elementary
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Sherri Coffee ’85, Green Valley Elementary
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Nolan Brooks ’02 was named teacher of the year at Fort Worth ISD’s Bill
J. Elliott Elementary School.
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Laura Medaris received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Foundation Scholarship, the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Dowell Fontenot Memorial Scholarship , and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Bobby Gun Award.
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Melissa Tice was awarded the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association David Heidt Memorial Scholarship.
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Ashley Tarrant received the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Ben Hogan Sports Therapy Institute Undergraduate Scholarship.
Alumna Jeanne Knight Smith, B.S. ’72, has published KIDS CARE!
Making a Difference A to Z, an interactive book for young people that
encourages their involvement in making the world a better place.
Smith retired after 34 years in education, working in the Fort Worth ISD
as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal. Following the tragedies of Sept. 11 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Smith
witnessed an outpouring of care and generosity from her students for
those in need. Building on those experiences and hearing the call from
America’s leadership today, Smith has written a book that encourages
children to make a difference, first at home, and then by responding to
needs in their communities. A book launch and signing was held May 30
at the Botanic Garden Center on University Drive in Fort Worth.
Trips, Events, Funding, Community
Involvement and More
The summer of 2009 offered the first study abroad class to Wesleyan
Counseling Students, with a 10-day training in London, England lead
by Dr. Linda Metcalf.
Twenty-four students studied with Chris Iveson of the Brief Therapy Practice and Mark Haward of Narrative Practice, gaining valuable information,
on-site training and cultural awareness of therapy in the United Kingdom.
The students took off on their own to visit numerous sites and also settled
in one evening at the Texas Embassy Restaurant with their teacher, to
get a taste of home cooking . . . or, well, the U.K.’s likeness of Texas home
cooking! The program was so successful it will be repeated summer 2010.
Dr. Twyla Miranda and Debra Thomas, adjunct, traveled with M.Ed.
students in the Travel and Teach Program to Cusco, Peru in July 2009.
Dr. Carlos Vasquez, visiting assistant professor, and Sandra HudsonMyers, School of Education grants and communications coordinator,
led a group of 10 M.Ed. students on a trip to Piracicaba, Brazil. The
students provided English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to
students at our sister United Methodist University, Universidade Metodista De Piracicaba - UNIMEP.
The department of counseling at Texas Wesleyan introduced the Solution Focused Institute at Texas Wesleyan, co-sponsored with the University of Texas at Arlington. An opening symposium was held Thursday,
May 14, and Friday, May 15, on the Texas Wesleyan campus. The twoday training session began with a symposium led by Bill O’Hanlon, M.S.,
on “The Geography of Possibilities.” Possibility Therapy uses the power
of acknowledgment to meet people where they are stuck and the power
of possibility to invite them into change. Not just a positive approach, this
approach recognizes problems, the influence of the past, and cultural,
political and gender influences while creating a respectful, hopeful environment for change. It also adds a spiritual dimension to therapy.
O’Hanlon is a psychotherapist, prolific author, and popular workshop
presenter. He co-developed Solution-Oriented Therapy, a form of solution-focused brief therapy, has authored or co-authored over 27 books
(ranging from brief therapy for various clinical topics to The Lazy Man’s
Guide to Success and Write is a Verb), and has given more than 2,000
workshop presentations in the United States and abroad.
The inaugural event, a conference, for the newly established Principals’
Center at Texas Wesleyan University, was held Sept. 24 and 25, 2009
with a panel discussion comprising area superintendents, including Fort
Worth ISD’s Dr. Melody Johnson and administrators, and included dialogue sessions, as well as a keynote address and workshop by Mike
Schmoker, author of the book Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning. The Principals’
Center is a joint effort of Texas Wesleyan and leaders from the Fort
Worth ISD. The Center, with the tagline of “Building leadership capacity
for tomorrow­—and today,” plans to offer professional development for
school leaders through networks, retreats, a wiki newsletter and research
agendas. On Nov. 12, the Center hosted a luncheon for area superintendents in order to gather input regarding professional development, mentor groups and other needs that the Center can address.
On Oct. 2, 2009, a reception preceded a dedication in Dan Waggoner
Hall honoring Mr. G. Alfred Brown for his contribution to fund video conferencing equipment. The equipment allows students enrolled in education classes at the historic campus to interact with students attending at
the Burleson site and vice versa.
Michael Ellison, professor and director of Graduate Counseling Programs
and Disability Accommodations, with his research team, Christopher Mann,
D.O.; Ron Silvernell, M.A.; and William Effinger, D.O., M.S., delivered two
poster presentations for the University of North Texas Health Science
Center Primary Care Research Institute: “Prevalence and Societal Costs
of Mental Illnesses in the Tarrant County Alternatives to Incarceration Program” and “The Mental Health Screening and Treatment Initiative for the
Tarrant County Probationer Population.” Subsequent to these poster presentations, the Meadows Foundation of Dallas awarded a $137,000 grant
to this team to implement the Mental Health Screening Test in the next year.
The Mental Health Screening Test (MHST) is designed to be administered to persons on probation in Tarrant County to ascertain if they need
chemical dependency and/or mental health treatment, in addition to fulfilling their probation requirements. Two pilot studies conducted by this team
have indicated the prevalence of these disorders is much higher than had
previously reported in the literature, and the potential savings to the public and the probationer in dollars, reduced recidivism rates, and personal
anguish may be significantly reduced through the use of the MHST.
The School of Education collaborated with Fort Worth ISD’s William
James Middle School and received an $80,100, two-year Texas Education Agency grant to offer an Intensive Summer Program for students at
the middle school. This pilot project proposes to serve 150 sixth, seventh
and eighth graders with a focus on implementing programs to provide
intensive academic instruction during the summer semester to promote
college and workforce readiness to middle school students identified as
being at risk of dropping out of school. During four weeks in June and July
2009, 133 children participated in hands-on learning opportunities such
as field trips and other creative activities. The curriculum included life
skills, workforce readiness, technology applications, career exploration,
and college planning activities. Wesleyan students served as tutors and
as the Project Program Coordinator.
In December 2009, the Wesleyan-Tarrant County National Professional Development Project is scheduled to offer two, all-day Professional Development workshops on Sheltered Instruction for Secondary
Content Area Teachers for teachers in our 13 Partner School Districts.
This training is a repeat of last year’s successful sessions presented by
Philip Deal and Cynthia Brennan of Mansfield ISD. This grant also offered
three other professional development trainings for 185 teachers and administrators in the summer and fall 2009.
The School of Education promoted its bilingual/English-as-a-Second
Language (ESL) program this fall on WFAA Channel 8. The highlight of
the promotion was an interview with Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of the
School of Education. The interview aired on Good Morning Texas on Aug.
21, and focused on the growing need for bilingual teachers. Having established the first bilingual/ESL program in North Texas more than 30 years
ago, Texas Wesleyan remains one of only four universities in Texas to
provide undergraduate and graduate level teachers who are able to meet
the needs of limited-English-proficiency students.
In addition to the segment on Good Morning Texas, the television campaign includes mentions on commercials as well as during the news
program. Wesleyan’s bilingual program also appeared on WFAA’s Web
site, and information about the program was emailed to as many as
180,000 WFAA.com subscribers. The program was featured on our
city’s www.fortworth.com site. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors
Bureau is a partner in the program, and like WFAA, featured Texas
Wesleyan on their site.
Dr. Aileen Curtin, as director of the new Ed.D. program, began the first
cohort class of 23 students during the fall 2009 semester.
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SCHOOL OF ARTS & LETTERS
Professional Activities and Awards
Dr. Amy Bell, Languages and Literature:
Was selected as one of five team members to participate in The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program to Mexico
from April 26 - May 23. The GSE is a cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between
the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers.
Served on the executive committee of Feministas Unidas and as
chair for the Spanish Peninsular A and B sessions (1700-present) at
the South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) conference in Louisville, Kentucky, November 7-9, 2008. The South Atlantic
Modern Language Association (SAMLA) is the southeastern branch
of the MLA, the largest and most important organization in the field
of modern languages. Dr. Bell is also serving on the organization’s
South Atlantic Review (SAR) essay prize selection committee.
Prof. Joe Brown, Communication:
Along with Lisa Scott, Laurel Mayo, Jeremy Newton, Whitney
Myers, Stacia Neeley, Carol Johnson-Gerendas and Angela
Roberts attended a five day seminar in Olympia, Wash., on the
campus of Evergreen State University. The workshop was for train-
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ing in Learning Communities and is part of working with Wesleyan’s
Title III grant to expand the presence of Learning Communities on
Wesleyan’s campus.
Dr. Kay Colley, Communication:
Was named the Education Chair/Student Relations Board Member
for Fort Worth Chapter of the International Association of Business
Communicators.
Dr. Steven Daniell, Languages and Literatures:
Was elected to a full three-year term on the Executive Board of the
American Association of Teachers of French as a Vice President
(one of three).
Dr. Carol Johnson-Gerendas, Languages and Literature:
Was awarded the Randal Popkin Rhetoric award for her CCTE
(Conference of College Teachers of English) presentation in March
2009, “Can Words Kill?: Competing Narratives in a West Texas
Court Case.” The Randall Popkin Prize is awarded to the best paper
delivered in Rhetoric.
Dr. Price McMurray, Languages and Literature:
Elected to a three-year term in the Modern Language Association
Delegate Assembly as a representative from the Central and Rocky
Mountain Region.