Hosted a year end dinner at Christman Manor for student assistants/associates in the Office of the President. From left, Assistant to the President Stephanie Gordon; Standing: Anne Taylor, Amelia Parks, Jennifer Urbaniak, Peter Franklin, Lynsie Mandt, and Megan Lindley. Sitting: Carlie Fisher, Amber Ridings, and Chelsea Benson. Unable to attend: Morgan Jacobs and Mindy Bierhals. Each senior received a Bethany mat and frame for their diplomas.

With Thad Allen, Regional Minister for West Virginia and Bethany Trustee; Bill Allen, Bethany Trustee emeritus; and Larry Grimes, Dean of the Buffalo Seminary, at tonight's Oreon Scott Lectures President's Reception at Christman Manor.

With Service Learning Center Fellows Jessica Miller and Amber Lancaster, Center Advisor Kathy Furbee, and Amy Van Horn (assistant) at the start of the SLC Awards Ceremony in Benedum Commons.

Bethany volleyball earned a variety of honors at the Student Athlete Advisory Committee banquet last night: Women’s Team of the Year, Women’s Academic Team of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year (Dylana McKenzie).

Nice visiting with Peter and Lynne Morgan (both Class of 1961) at today’s Campbell Scholars Luncheon at Harder Hall. Peter is Historian in Residence at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. Both have been loyal Bethanians!

Maci Caster, Sarah Smith, Matt Sipos and Nathan Tennant, all students at Bethany College, were the speakers at the Campbell Scholars Luncheon today in Harder Hall. The luncheon was a part of the 59th annual Oreon Scott Lectures. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

With Dr. Charisse Gillett, President of Lexington Theological Seminary, and Dr. Larry Grimes, Director of Church Relations and Dean of our Buffalo Seminary, before the opening session of the 59th annual Oreon E. Scott Lectures today at the Mountainside Conference Center. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

With Brian Rose, Director of Athletics & Recreation; Rhianna Petrone (Chair of SAAC); and, Gene Steratore (NFL Referee & speaker) at the start of Sunday's Student-Athlete Appreciation Banquet at Benedum Commons.

Dr. Mort Gamble and I serve as advisors to Bethany's chapter of the Society for Collegiate Journalists. Sunday, at Christman Manor, we welcomed six new members: Dylan Blaschak, Jocelyn Nelson, Emily Miner, and Kayla McQuillan. Not pictured: Candace Pacheco and Daryl Fenton.

Education Department Chair Sherri Theaker joins me in congratulating new officers of Bethany's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (education honorary): Lynsie Mandt (President), Lizzie Newhouse (Vice President), Christina Schamp (Secretary), and Maci Caster (Treasurer).

With speaker Dr. Larry Grimes (Professor of English Emeritus and Dean of the Buffalo Seminary) and Dr. Sherri Theaker (Chair of the Department of Education) at Sunday's induction ceremony for the Alpha Beta Tau Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (education honorary) at the Hurl Education Center.

Carlo Guadagnino and Kyle Wales called the action for the game against Thiel College at Bethany Park. The broadcast streamed live on WVBC radio.

Great turnout at Renner Too and the Phillips Hall patio for the spring Soul Food Cook Out sponsored by the Black Alliance. Kudos to Brandon Doman and Atraile “Lupe” Brown for coordinating the event. Katrina D’Aquin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, joined Brandon, Lupe and me for the picture.

Bethany College: Oreon E. Scott Lectures -- Monday and Tuesday

Bethany College will host a very special event on campus Monday and Tuesday. The 59th annual Oreon E. Scott Lectures will be held April 28-29 at our Mountainside Conference Center.

Dr. Charisse L. Gillett, President of Lexington Theological Seminary, will be the keynote speaker. This year’s lecture series is titled “Sustaining Pastors in Ministry: Key Factors in Clergy Health and Wellness.” In addition to serving as the 17th president of LTS, Dr. Gillett has served in administrative and faculty positions at Transylvania University, Midway College, Robert Morris College and the University of Northern Iowa. She holds a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University.

The Oreon E. Scott Lectures are funded through the Oreon E. Scott Foundation, which was established to strengthen the Christian Church and support Disciples-related colleges and institutions. Since its founding in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, Bethany has been affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This religious body, of which Campbell was one of the principal founders, continues to support and encourage the College, although it exercises no sectarian control. Buffalo Seminary of Bethany College is an outreach to the Christian Church and serves as a sponsor of the Scott Lectures. The first Scott Lecture was held on March 1, 1956, with Professor Arthur M. Schlesinger, Harvard University historian, as the keynote.

Dr. Gillett will present three lectures to the gathering of over 100 church and lay leaders from thoughout the nation. Monday morning she will address “Exploring Challenges to Clergy Wellness and Sustainability: Understanding the Ministerial Context.” That afternoon she will speak on “Developing Habits of Self-care and Family-care.” Her final lecture on Tuesday morning will be “Cultivating Mentors and the Value of Clergy Peer Groups.”

Other events include a Monday luncheon focusing on Bethany’s Campbell Scholars, an evening sermon at Bethany Memorial Church entitled “Embracing Sabbath: Reclaiming Spiritual Wholeness Isaiah 58:13-14,” and a reception at Christman Manor.

Once again, our Buffalo Seminary and Office of Church Relations, headed by Dr. Larry Grimes, has put together a wonderful program that will be well received by a wide audience. I know you join me in thanking Larry and Judy Pyle (assistant) for their hard work on this program and in welcoming our special guests to campus.

Congratulations to Raymond Liu (Region 7), overall winner and recipient of the Carl P. Cummings Memorial Trophy, at the 40th annual West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day at Bethany College. #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

I had a good time visiting with the brothers of the Phi Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau at their annual Spaghetti Dinner at Bethany Memorial Church.

Bethany College's Japanese Outreach program provided the entertainment Saturday at the West Virginia Mathematics Field Day in the Tilock Amphitheatre.

Enjoyed greeting 600 guests to campus Saturday morning for the 40th West Virginia State Mathematics Field Day.

Several community awards were presented at Friday 's Social Work Honors Dinner at Harder Hall. From left: Joyce Chernenko (Faithful Angel Award), Ed Stough (Community Supporter), Renee Stock (Staff Member of the Year), and John Hull (Community Supporter).

Tyrell Scott was named Senior Student of the Year at Friday's Social Work Honors Dinner at Harder Hall. Kathy Shelek-Furbee, Chair of the Social Work Department, joins us for the picture.

Bethany's Social Work program recognized nine seniors at an Honors Dinner at Harder Hall April 25. Front, from left: Carlie Fisher, Laura Biroschak, Alyssa Laughman, and Sara Hogan. Back: Tyrell Scott, Steven 'Rory' Castrogiovanni, Alexis Harrison, Matt Grimard, and Vincenzo Giangiulio.

A steady rain outside hasn’t dampened the spirits inside Sandwen Arena as Bethany’s Department of Education hosts Fun Day in conjunction with Kalon Scholars Program and the Student Activities Council. Over 100 elementary-aged Special Education students are on campus for a day filled with activities. Kudos to Fun Day coordinators: Chelsea Benson (senior), Lynsie Mandt (junior) and Julia Mouch (sophomore). This is another very special way for Bethany College to highlight the many talents of our students and their community-engagement commitment.

West Virginia State Math Field Day at Bethany College

On Saturday, Bethany College will host the 40th West Virginia State Math Field Day (WVSMFD), a statewide, individual competition for students in grades 4 through 12. The event is supported in part by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics to inspire students’ interest in math. Students representing all 55 counties of West Virginia, assigned to eight different regions, will compete in various areas of our campus. Competitive exercises include a written test and mental computation for grades 4 through 9; for grades 10 through 12, the competition may include short-answer, a written exam, team questions, and relays. Winners can advance to other competitions.

Site contact for the event is Assistant Professor of Mathematics Adam Fletcher.

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our campus and academic program to visiting students, faculty, family, and guests. I know you will join me in providing a warm Bethany welcome to all participants.

A special evening at Christman Manor last night as we recognized 33 scholar-athletes named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll for the Fall Semester 2013. Kudos to Bethany freshman Jennifer Urbaniak for planning and arranging Bethany College Scholar-Athlete Recognition Night. Jennifer, an Associate in the Office of the President, designed the program and special recognition gifts, and arranged the catering for the event. Brian Rose, Director of Athletics and Recreation, joined me in recognizing the scholars by presenting each with scholar-athlete exercise shirts.

Kudos to Bethany freshman Jennifer Urbaniak for planning and arranging Bethany College Scholar-Athlete Recognition Night at Christman Manor. Jennifer, an Associate in the Office of the President, designed the program and special recognition gifts, and arranged the catering for the event -- which recognized top scholar-athletes for the fall semester. She is a 4.0 GPA student, who played volleyball for the four-time ECAC Champion Bison in the fall. She is pictured with Brian Rose, Director of Athletics and Recreation, and me, with one of the exercise shirts she designed that were presented to each athlete named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll for the fall semester.

Enjoyable time at the History Club's annual tea at Maxwell's last night. Pictured with Gary Kappel, The Perry and Aleece Gresham Chair in Humanities; Steve Carelli, Chair of the Department of Political Science and History; new History Club officers -- Olivia Konopka (treasurer), Marina Baker (president), and Rebecca Westcom (secretary).

Attended the poster presentation of Bethany student-scholars in the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Pictured, from left: Jacob Fischer, Alex DelGiorno, Morgan Jacobs, Sam Duvall, Kristen Sroka, and Amber Lancaster.

An insightful presentation by senior Steven Newhall for the class “Integrated Marketing Communication.” Steven’s presentation was titled: "The 175th Bethany Anniversary.” Joining us for the picture: M.E. Gamble, Chair of the Department of Business, Communications and Media Arts, and Becky Rose, Director of Communications.

Enjoyable visit and discussion with M.E. Yancosek Gamble’s class “Integrated Marketing Communication”  today in the Department of Business, Communications and Media Arts in Bethany House. #scottdmiller #bcmillertime #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Bethany College hosts Fun Day

Bethany College will host its annual Fun Day tomorrow (April 25). Fun Day is a program planned by our Department of Education in conjunction with the Kalon Scholars Program and Student Activities Council.

This event invites local elementary-aged Special Education students to campus for a day filled with activities. This year, over 100 students from surrounding schools will attend. Approximately 15 Bethany athletic teams, student organizations, and Greek houses will come together at the Recreation Center to conduct activities the entire day.

This is another very special way for Bethany College to highlight the many talents of our students and their community-engagement commitment. Special thanks to Kalon Scholars Chelsea Benson (senior), Lynsie Mandt (junior), and Julia Mouch (sophomore) for organizing this year’s Fun Day event.

Good turnout and discussion at the President's Roundtable (faculty) April 23 in the Academic Parlour of Old Main. A wide variety of topics (strategic planning, Greek life, Marcellus Shale, enrollment, fundraising, and the state of American higher education). Pictured with Kathy Furbee, Katrina D'Aquin, and Harald Menz at the social after the event.

Janeen Driscoll to speak at Darline Nicholson May Morning Breakfast

We are so fortunate to have Janeen Driscoll, a 1992 Bethany College graduate and public relations director for the United States Golf Association, as this year’s keynote speaker for the 67th annual Darline Nicholson May Morning Breakfast. The event will take place Saturday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. in the Ogden Dining Hall of Benedum Commons as part of the College’s Alumni Weekend 2014.

Janeen has an impressive story to tell of her pathway to success. It will be a tremendous inspiration to our senior women as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

Sponsored by the Panhellenic Council at Bethany College, the Darline Nicholson May Morning Breakfast dates back to 1947 and was established to honor female students, faculty and community members. All women on Bethany’s campus are invited to attend this event.

A Bethany senior will be presented the Aleece C. Gresham Award. This prize is given to a woman who has exhibited sound academic accomplishment, participated in and displayed leadership in a variety of co-curricular activities, and shown dedication and commitment to the College.

A former Dean of Students, Darline Nicholson was an inspiration across generations to many Bethanians.

Janeen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bethany with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and served as Senior Fellow and president of the Society for Collegiate Journalists.

A resident of Pinehurst, N.C., Janeen publicizes 13 international championships annually for the USGA including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. Her position caps a 22-year career in the communications field, one that has taken her around the globe – from Ireland to New Zealand, Iceland to Chile. Her love of travel took root at Bethany, when she spent a season abroad in Paris during her junior year, a life-changing experience.

The Darline Nicholson May Morning Breakfast is a very special event each year. I know you join me in welcoming Janeen back to her alma mater, and thanking Darline Nicholson for the continued inspiration she provides for our students.

Faculty of the Department of Communications and Media Arts at this afternoon's awards program: Dino Orsatti, Mort Gamble, Pat Sutherland, M.E. Gamble (Chair), Jason Smith, and Joe Dumas.

33 Bethany College student-athletes were recognized on the Presidents' Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll for the Fall Semester, 2013. Jennifer Urbaniak, a freshman from near Dayton, Ohio, and an Associate in the Office of the President, designed these dry-fit exercise shirts that will be presented to each honoree at a reception at the President's House. Jennifer is a 4.0 GPA scholar, who competed on the four-time ECAC Champion Bethany volleyball team this past fall. She designed the shirts and planned the reception as a part of her work in the President's Office this spring. #bcmillertime #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Employees of Chartwells, Bethany College's food service, plant a new community herb garden at the Boomer's entrance to Benedum Commons in celebration of Earth Day. Pictured: Chef Bo Bryan, Gwen Rahr, Linda Chivers, Jeff Walden, Chelsea Walden, Willie Tuck, Ben Arikian (and his dog Max). #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Communications and Media Arts to Celebrate Tradition & Accomplishments today

This afternoon, Communications and Media Arts faculty will recognize and honor student achievement in their department. The awards ceremony will be held, weather permitting, in the garden of Hibernia.

Although we honor students across the many disciplines and areas of our College at the annual Honors Convocation, held last Thursday, departmental recognition is also important to reward and inspire students in specific practices and achievements of their major field. Regardless of grades, skills or other responsibilities, students win awards because of their commitment to their academic program, to making learning a priority in their lives and to using their skills to secure internships and jobs as well as to advance their profession.

Communications and Media Arts has a long and distinguished history of student achievement. In 1962 James Carty realized that he not only had a fledgling department of Communications on his hands, but had student superstars worthy of special recognition. Fifty-three years ago, he originated the Communications Awards. The areas have changed as the department has changed. The campus awards we had last week are named for not only Carty but also for E. E. Roberts, founder of the Public Relations and Journalism Department (with the first classes offered in 1929). In addition, this department has the Charlotte Manion Yurko Award, the James Keegan Prize (in international communication), the Sarah M. Cannon Award and the Eugene Miller Award (for Excellence in Business and Communications). This afternoon, the Department will recognize student success with a number of internal awards that pertain to specific skills and achievements within this diverse and growing program.

I know you join me in expressing appreciation for the campus technical services that the Department provides and in congratulating those students who will be honored.

Guest lecturer in Zandy Dudiak's Media Writing Class in the Dolbear Lab of Richardson Hall. Lively discussion on a wide variety of interesting topics from print media in the 1970s to current day social media practices and trends.

NFL Referee to keynote SAAC Banquet

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday.

Bethany College’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host current National Football League (NFL) referee Gene Steratore as its special guest speaker at the annual SAAC banquet to be held on Sunday, April 27, at 5 p.m. in the Ogden Dining Room of Benedum Commons. A native of Washington, PA, Mr. Steratore is respected as an outspoken advocate of integrity issues in college and professional sports.

In addition to an 11-year career as an NFL official, he has served as supervisor of football officials for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and as an NCAA Division I basketball official. This past season, he officiated the NFC Championship game. He also owns a family business in Washington, PA.

An annual tradition, the SAAC banquet recognizes accomplishments by the College’s 22 intercollegiate sports. If you wish to attend, please contact Brian Rose, Director of Athletics and Recreation, for ticket information.

Enjoyable Easter weekend with family in Virginia. At left, that's "Gramps" with our 2 1/2 month old granddaughter, Addison. Upper right, Annie and I with Gary, Katie (our oldest daughter) and Addie. Middle, Gary, Addie and Katie. Lower right, our youngest daughter, Ashlee, and her fiancé, Justin. #scottdmiller

Harald Menz, Heather Taylor 2014 President's Award for Excellence recipients:
http://www.bethanywv.edu/about-bethany/news/bethany-college-faculty-staff-members-receive-presidents-awa/

Amber L. Ridings, a senior Accounting major from Inwood, W.Va., received the Francis O. Carfer Prize as Outstanding Senior. Ridings is the daughter of Albert and Mary Ridings. The Francis O. Carfer Prize is presented to the senior who, in the judgment of the Honors Committee, has made the most outstanding contribution to the College. Recipients must exhibit sound academic accomplishments along with characteristics of loyalty, service and devotion to Bethany. Ridings also received the Accountancy Award for demonstrating excellence in the study of accountancy.

Visiting with current Student Government Association President Jacob Fisher and current candidates for the office Kyle Rockey and Jared Roque at last night's President's Roundtable, sponsored by the Bethany Broadcasting Network. Three outstanding student leaders!

Kudos to moderator Dylan Blaschak for an outstanding job managing last night's President's Roundtable (for student leaders), sponsored by the Bethany Broadcasting Network. A native of Fox Chapel, PA, Dylan is a junior Integrated Marketing and Media major and is active in Beta Theta Pi and Editor of The Tower online.

Wonderful turnout of student leaders last night in the Parlour of Phillips Hall for the President's Roundtable, sponsored by the Bethany Broadcasting Network. BBN's Dylan Blaschak, a junior Integrated Marketing and Media major from Fox Chapel, PA, served as moderator. Terrific interactions!

Adam Fletcher, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, was named Bethany College Student Government Association Professor of the Year today in a ceremony in the Academic Parlour of Old Main. Joining us for the picture, Jacob Fischer, SGA President, Lisa Reilly, Goulding-Woolery Professor of Chemistry, and Katrina D'Aquin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Attended the spring meeting of the Presidents' Athletic Conference President's Council today at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh. Long-time colleague Dick Jewell, center, president of Grove City College, was recognized as he retires. Pictured with Joe Onderko (Commissioner), Tori Haring-Smith (Washington & Jefferson), Richard Doran (Westminster), Troy VanAken (Thiel), David Armstrong (Thomas More), Father Norman Hipps (St. Vincent) and Esther Barrazone (Chatham).

The T.W. Phillips Memorial Library at Bethany College celebrates National Library Week with many boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts (some call them “energy rings”) for all patrons. At left, Heather Turner Kaufman, Technical Services Librarian, greets Chelsea Marshall (junior international relations major) and Mallory Porter, Director of Student Engagement. Heather Ricciuti, The Mary Cutlip Director of the Libraries and Learning Resources, and Joshua “Skip” Smith (senior communications and media arts major) visit. Good luck Skip on your Senior Project and Psychology exam today!

Planning session for Wednesday's President's Roundtable with students sponsored by the Bethany Broadcasting Network (BBN) and the Department of Communications and Media Arts. Joining me for the session are M.E. Gamble, Chair of the Department of Communications and Media Arts, and Dylan Blaschak, a junior CMA major (Integrated Marketing). Dylan will serve as host of the program. He is a native of Fox Chapel, PA, and serves as Editor of The Tower online. #scottdmiller #bcmillertime #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Fine tuning the Office of the President social media network platform with Kyle Rockey, a junior interdisciplinary studies major from Harrisburg, PA.

Higher Learning Commission (NCA) Annual Meeting

Each year delegates from hundreds of colleges and universities in the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association gather in Chicago to discuss issues relative to accreditation.

One day (Saturday) of the five-day meeting is a program for presidents and trustees of affiliated institutions.

The morning was devoted to a variety of specific accreditation topics:

·         Next year will be the last for PEAQ reaffirmation reviews; after that, all institutions will be on the Standard, Open or AQIP Pathway.

·         The electronic Assurance System—the HLC online medium for the self-study, the resource room and the team visit report—has been piloted and refined, with good experience for institutions and reviewers. 

·         The criteria that went into effect in January 2013 have been tested through a year of peer reviews, and have undergone two annual revision processes, in which qualitative improvements have been made to the process.

The remainder of the program focused on:

·         An up-to-the-minute assessment, by Terry Hartle, Vice President of the American Council of Education (ACE),  of the climate on Capitol Hill with respect to higher education in general, whether accreditation fits in that climate, and what the timetable and drivers will be for the reauthorization of American higher education. 

·         A panel discussion of the appropriateness of the increased government involvement in higher education that began with the Bush administration and the Spellings Commission, and has continued to grow under the Obama Administration. 

·         A presentation and discussion by Jamienne Studley, Acting Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education. She addressed accreditation as the central player in promoting quality and learning outcomes in higher education.

·         A presentation by HLC staff of changes in Commission policies and procedures, including the proposed 8-year model for AQIP and other AQIP updates, the new Commission survey of students as a part of comprehensive evaluations, and direct assessment competency-based programs.

·         A report of the Presidents’ Reauthorization Advisory Council, and

·         The Role of the CEO in the  Accreditation Relationship.

It was also our opportunity, as affiliated institutions, to recognize Dr. Sylvia Manning, who will retire  this year after six years as President of the Higher Learning Commission.  Significant change has occurred in American higher education and accreditation since 2008, and Dr. Manning has represented HLC very well.  She will be succeeded this summer by Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley, President of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College in Ohio.  I have a personal appreciation for Dr. Gellman-Danley’s work; I started my professional higher education career at Rio Grande, which is Annie’s hometown and alma mater.  She also served as President of Antioch University McGregor, and was Vice Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and Vice President of Monroe Community College.

American higher education is experiencing a period of radical changes.  I am pleased with our good standing with HLC and have been honored to serve as a peer reviewer during my seven years as President of Bethany College.  I would welcome the opportunity to discuss HLC or national accreditation issues with you, either at the upcoming President’s Roundtable or in an office meeting.

Dr. David W. Ewing Named Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty

I am pleased to share that Dr. David W. Ewing has accepted our offer to serve as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, beginning July 1.

Special thanks to Dr. John Burns (Professor of Biology) for chairing the search process. Thanks to members of the search committee: Dr. Mark Affeltranger (Associate Professor of Psychology), Dr. David R. Black (Sarah Cochran Visiting Executive in Residence), Sven de Jong (Senior Vice President), Jacob Fisher (SGA President), Heather Ricciuti (The Mary Cutlip Director of Libraries and Learning Resources), Kathy Shelek-Furbee (Professor of Social Work), Dr. Harald Menz ((Professor of World Languages and Cultures), and Sherri Theaker (Associate Professor of Education).

For the past four years, Dr. Ewing has served as Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, at Canisus College in New York. He is also a former Dean, College of Natural and Social Sciences, at State University of New York, Fredonia, and held additional academic appointments in chemistry at John Carroll University and Ohio State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and general science from Hiram College and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Ohio University.

I know you join me in providing a warm Bethany welcome to him.

Enjoyable evening at the home of Chatham University President Esther Barazzone (left) as friends celebrated the Pittsburgh career of long-time colleague Marylouise "Weezie" Fennell (center). A former President of Carlow University and currently Senior Counsel of the Council of Independent Colleges, Weezie will be moving to Florida later this month. Weezie and I have collaborated on over 100 columns and jointly published 11 books. Also pictured is Candace Introcaso, President of LaRoche College.

Nobuyuki Tanaka, Fujiko Sawtarie and junior George Cothran do name tags in Japanese as a Diversity Week event at Bethany College. Professor Sawtarie is holding a sign that says “Bethany College.”

Honors Day Convocation (April 17, 11 a.m.)

Every year Bethany College recognizes its outstanding students, faculty, and staff during the traditional Honors Day Convocation. Honorees have been chosen based on their accomplishments, leadership, and contributions that they have shown on campus throughout the year.

Please mark your calendars and join us on Thursday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m. in Commencement Hall.

Enjoyed the Pirates game in the PNC Luxury Suite with two of my Bethany faculty favorites -- John Burns, Professor of Biology and M.E. Gamble, Chair of the Department of Business, Communications and Media Arts.

Bethany College senior Shannon Marks (Communications & Media Arts major) is our student representative to the West Virginia Colleges and Universities (WVICU) Annual Meeting at Stonewall Resort. She is pictured with new WVICU Board member Cameron Nutting of Ogden Newspapers. Ms. Nutting is the daughter and granddaughter of Bethany trustees Bob and Ogden Nutting, respectively.

Bethany/Independent College Enterprise (ICE) Consortium

Senior Vice President Sven de Jong and I attended the Annual Meeting of the Independent College Enterprise (ICE) in Charleston. ICE is a consortium of eight private colleges in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. By pooling resources to purchase and maintain IT systems, the colleges of the consortium have streamlined administrative processes and increased service levels to students. The consortium has been a forward-thinking model that others throughout the country seek to replicate.

All ICE data reside in a computer center on the campus of the University of Charleston – a founding member of the consortium. ICE has eight full-time staff members dedicated to maintaining the ICE system for all the member colleges, as well as staffing the help desk to support the eight institutions’ users. While the colleges share servers, software licenses and technical personnel, each school has exclusive access to its own financial and academic data.

I am honored to serve a second term as Chair of the ICE Board of Directors. In addition to hearing reports on new programs addressing transformative technology, accountability and outcomes and the student experience, representatives from strategic partner Ellucian (http://www.ellucian.com/) provided an update at the Charleston meeting on the “Ellucian Roadmap” plans for the next five years. We also heard progress reports from Shelley Nason, CEO of ICE, regarding progress toward completion of the consortium’s long-range plan.

Bethany’s participation in ICE is now in its seventh year. It has served as a cost-effective way to bring stronger instructional technology platforms to the College and enhance services to our students and faculty.

Monday, Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international economics honor society, inducted five new members. Picture are all current members and advisors - Back Row (left to right): Flynn Pollard, Cody McElhaney, Cameron Cooper, Dr. Wilf Csaplar, Neil Verley, Jared Roque, Peter Franklin, Professor Randy Cooey, and Dr. James Yoo
Front Row (left to right): Kelvin Thomas, Allison Snyder, and Amber Ridings