Athens State University :: Building Success Stories

News & Announcements

Presidential search panel narrows field to 5 finalists
The search committee for a new Athens State president narrowed the list of 48 candidates to five with two alternates during an all-day session on April 25 at the school. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

• Dr. Thomas Chesney - McKinney, Texas, district vice president of Academic Affairs, Collin College- Central Park Campus.
• Mr. Jeffery A. Foshee - Las Vegas, Nev., vice president, Administrative Operations, Community College of Southern Nevada.
• Dr. Robert K. Glenn - Murfreesboro, Tenn., vice president, provost, Middle Tennessee State University.
• Dr. Ronald Hy - Kingsville, Texas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University, Kingsville.
• Dr. Hal Jenkins II - Columbus, Miss., dean and professor of education, Mississippi University for Women.

Two alternates chosen in case any one or two of the five primary candidates withdraws from consideration:

• Dr. Denver Betts - Huntsville, vice president for Academic Affairs, Athens State University.
• Dr. Galan Janeksela - Charleston, W.V., assistant provost at West Virginia University Institute of Technology

The public is invited to a reception on May 12 to meet the candidates. The candidates will be individually interviewed on campus on May 13. On May 14, Alabama College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne will interview the three finalists in Montgomery. Byrne is expected to make his recommendation by May 22 to the State Board of Education for approval.

Athens State University Community Band Announces Spring Concert
Athens, Ala. - The Athens State University Community Band will present a Spring Concert on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00pm and Monday, May 5th at 7:30pm in McCandless Hall on the Athens State campus. This concert will have a distinctively international flair including Spanish marches and European classics. Including traditional American music, the event will have something for everyone.

Featured on the program will be Franz Von Suppe's "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna," the Czech march, "Entry of the Gladiators," and most recognizably Rossini's theme and music from Disney movie classics. Dan Havely, the band's director states, "Added to the mix will be the music of Souza, Fillmore, LeRoy Anderson and W.C. Handy, making this the most gratifying concert in the band's five-year history.

The Community Band, under the direction of Dan Havely, was founded in 2003 and is supported by Athens State University. In the beginning, the group was largely conceived as an outlet for graduates of the Athens High School band program, which Havely conducted for 34 years, to continue with their musical interests. Today the band meets weekly throughout the year to practice and welcomes any local musicians with an interest in good music, good fun, and community performances.

Tickets for the event are $5.00 per person and reservations may be made by calling Guy McClure at 233-8126.

Athens State Alumni Weekend Recognized Alumni and Supporters
Athens, Ala. – Athens State University hosted its 101st Annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 5th in the University’s Ballroom. The Alumni Weekend honored distinguished and outstanding alumnus and supporters and also included a reception at the President's Home on Friday, April 4th.

Awards presented over the weekend included Stan Pylant as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dwight Cooley as Outstanding Alumnus in Arts and Sciences, Mike Grisham as Outstanding Alumnus in Business, Sandra Davis as Outstanding Alumnus in Education, Lisa Rich as Outstanding Commitment to Teaching, Jerry Bradford as Distinguished Support Staff, and the Beasley Appreciation Award was awarded to Dan Havely.

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Stan Pylant, Jerry Bradford, Sandra Davis, Dan Havely, and Lisa Rich

Local Author, R. Garth, to speak at Athens State
New Novel, "Tales from Blue Springs," to be discussed

ATHENS, ALA. - The Friends of the Library of Athens State University will be hosting local author R. Garth to read from his recently published book, "Tales from Blue Springs: The Hatchet Woman." Mr. Garth will take the stage at McCandless Hall on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00pm.

Garth, an English teacher at Athens High School, was born in Athens and attended The McCallie School, Auburn University and Athens State. He received a master's degree in Education from the University of North Alabama. In 1979, he received Athens State's William Butler Yeats Award for Creative Writing. A few of his many life-lessons have included driving a taxi in Manhattan, teaching English in Australia and Colombia, and spending two years in the Blue Springs area of Limestone County where his story takes place.

C.L. Rossman reviewed Garth's book through Armchair Interviews and commented, "The writing is like crystal; the story bounces around from one incident to another, from the way Sarah is now to how she became that way, and finally draws to an unexpectedly gentle end for the inhabitants of Blue Springs, and justice for the deprived."

The April 15th event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, and are currently available at Pablo's on Market. For more information, call 256-233-8126.

Athens State University hosting annual alumni recognition event
Athens, Ala. – Athens State University will be hosting its 101st Annual Alumni Banquet honoring its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. The event will be held at 6:00pm on Saturday, April 5th in the University’s Sandridge Center Ballroom on its Athens campus. The banquet will also include several other awards given to alumni and supporters of the school.

“Our institution has certainly generated its share of success stories,” remarks Athens State Alumni Director Tena Bullington. “ I am glad we have this yearly opportunity to honor just a few and a chance spend time with old friends."

This year’s award recipients are:

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year- Stan Pylant
Outstanding Alumnus in Arts and Sciences- Dwight Cooley
Outstanding Alumnus in Business- Mike Grisham
Outstanding Alumnus in Education- Sandra Davis
Outstanding Commitment to Teaching- Lisa Rich
Distinguished Support Staff Award- Jerry Bradford
Beasley Appreciation Award- Dan Havely

For reservations or information call 256-216-3319. Reservations are $20 per person and must be paid by Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Athens State to host local jazz musician Dr. Mary Crowell
Athens, Ala. - Women's History Month at Athens State University will be wrapping up the 2008 celebration by hosting Dr. Mary Crowell, a jazz musician singer-songwriter and winner of the 2007 Pegasus Best Performer Award.

The event will be held at 7:00 pm on Saturday March 29th in McCandless Hall. The performance is free and open to the public.

Crowell, an Athens native, has taught piano and composition for nineteen years and currently teaches music appreciation, class piano, and private piano lessons at Calhoun Community College. In addition, she teaches yoga at the Athens-Limestone Wellness Center. She loves playing Rachmaninov, Chopin, Gershwin, and Bach; practicing yoga, gardening; and gaming with good friends.

Dr. Susan Owen, Athens State Professor and Chairman of the Women's History Month Committee states, "Mary's music is both playful and sultry. Her diverse background and interests are well represented in her music. It is sure to be a relaxing and interesting performance."

Photo caption: Dr. Mary Crowell

Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet to Speak at Athens State University
Athens, Ala. - Pulitzer Prize winning poet Natasha Tretheway will be speaking at Athens State University on Tuesday, April 1 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. These events, sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series, will be held in McCandless Hall and will be offered free to the public.

The 1:00 p.m. reading will feature a question and answer period. The 7:00 p.m. reading will be followed by a book signing and reception held in Founder's Hall Parlor.

Trethaway was the winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for her book, Native Guard that is available in the Athens State Bookstore or at Pablo's on Market. Trethewey was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. Her first poetry collection, Domestic Work, won the inaugural 1999 Cave Canem poetry prize, a 2001 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Book Prize, and the 2001 Lillian Smith Award for Poetry. Her second collection, Bellocq's Ophelia, received the 2003 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Book Prize, was a finalist for both the Academy of American Poets' James Laughlin and Lenore Marshall prizes, and was named a 2003 Notable Book by the American Library Association. She has taught at Auburn University, the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, and Duke University where she was the 2005-2006 Lehman Brady Joint Chair Professor of Documentary and American Studies. She is currently a Professor of Poetry at Emory University.

Mr. and Ms. Athens State University Recognized
Athens, Ala. - Athens State University recognized the 2008 Mr. and Ms. Athens State University on Friday, February 29th in the Parlor of Founders Hall. President Jerry Bartlett introduced this year’s recipients at a morning reception for the University’s faculty and staff.

Mr. Athens State is Christopher Dye from Athens. He is a junior majoring in Secondary Education-Social Science and transferred from Calhoun Community College. Dye has received the Leadership Scholarship, is involved with the Student Government Association, is a member of the Wesley Fellowship and currently serves as an Athenian Host and work-study in Chasteen Hall. He is also very involved in his church as an Intern of Youth Ministry. His hobbies include anything outdoors, reading, and playing the guitar.

Ms. Athens State is Cynthia Buzonowski from Elkmont. She is a junior majoring in Behavioral Science and minoring in Human Resource Management. She transferred from Calhoun Community College. In the future, she hopes to obtain her masters degree in a related field and work in mental health.

Cynthia is a work-study at Chasteen Hall, a member of the 2007-2008 Student Government Association, and was crowned Ms. Merry Christmas in November 2007. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, playing the piano and guitar, and traveling.

Photo Caption: Left to Right, ASU President Jerry Bartlett, Mr. ASU Christopher Dye, Ms ASU Cynthia Buzonowski

Harry and Suzanne Joiner Endowed Scholarship established at Athens State University
Athens, Ala. – Athens State University faculty member Dr. Harry Joiner and his wife, Athens College alumna Suzanne Joiner, have created an endowed scholarship to assist students studying at the University.

The Harry and Suzanne Joiner Endowed Scholarship will be established through the Athens State University Foundation. Earnings from the endowment will provide annual scholarships to one or more students earning a degree in political science, social science, or mathematics. The recipient(s) must be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, and have a 3.0 grade point average.

Dr. Joiner has been a faculty member at Athens State for 38 years. He founded the Department of Political Science at Athens State in 1969 and served as its chair for 35 years. He has been the coordinator of the social science major at ASU for over 30 years. Mrs. Joiner was a faculty member at Calhoun Community College for 25 before retiring. She earned her B.A. degree from Athens College when it was still a private Methodist college. She currently teaches math as an adjunct professor for the University. “Scholarships are vital for our students,” said Athens State President Jerry Bartlett. “I appreciate the kindness Harry and Suzanne have shown by establishing this scholarship. They have a true love and interest in our students.”

This year, the Athens State University Foundation awarded more than 100 scholarships to deserving students at Athens State. The scholarships are annual or endowed scholarships donated corporately or by individuals to the Foundation. Criteria vary for each scholarship but typically include one or more of the following: the student’s grade point average, field of study, student involvement, and financial need.

Athens State and Madison County Schools Partners on Pilot Education Program
Athens, Ala. – Faculty from Athens State University and the Madison County School System are entering a collaborative effort that will lead to a greater understanding of student learning styles and how this can be used in classroom teaching.

The partnership will create Professional Development Schools (PDS) at four different sites within the Madison County School System. Professional Development Schools are innovative institutions formed through partnerships between a professional education program and pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools. While Sparkman High School served as the test site for the past year, the University’s College of Education will partner with four schools – Sparkman High School, Sparkman Ninth Grade, Sparkman Middle School, and Madison Cross Roads Elementary – creating the first cluster PDS schools for Athens State.

“Professional Development Schools embrace the concept that certain kinds of learning occur best in the context of real-world practice,” said Dr. Rosemary Hodges, associate professor of education at Athens State. “Teaching candidates learn about teaching and what to teach in the university. They learn to teach in schools. However, some aspects of student learning are best achieved by doing. Professional Development Schools are grounded in this concept and designed to support this kind of learning."

The agreement will allow for real exchange between university faculty, school faculty, and prospective teachers, according to Hodges. University professors will teach their classes at two of the schools while the county system will provide the classroom environment for a true teaching and learning experience.

Hodges believes the agreement will allow for a collaboration that will increase an understanding of diverse student learning styles and the use of best teaching practices to increase the value of student education at each site.

“We need more partnerships like these that foster cooperation and a sharing of knowledge,” said Athens State University President Jerry Bartlett. “This effort will open doors that will eventually help elementary through high school students to be better learners. That is our goal.” The University and school system will kick-off its first cluster orientation on Monday, March 3 at 8 a.m. at the Sparkman Ninth Grade School on Jeff Road.

Scholarships to honor Jessica Elkins and Hunter Bauer
Athens, Ala. – Two separate scholarships are being created that will honor the memory of Jessica Elkins and Hunter Bauer.

Bill and Susan Ming and their children, William, Elizabeth, and Sarah will endow two scholarships in the memory of the two students. Two scholarships - The Hunter Bauer Endowed Scholarship and the Jessica Elkins Endowed Scholarship - will be created through the Athens State University Foundation. The scholarships will be awarded to Athens State University students.

“Our family believes this is a way that anyone who knew Hunter, Jessica or their families could contribute and allow a worthy student to pursue a college degree in their memory,” said Bill Ming.

Checks and contributions can be sent to the Athens State University Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Athens, AL 35611. Checks should be clearly marked for either Hunter or Jessica. Credit card contributions may be made by calling the Foundation office at 256-233-8215. Contributions to the scholarship are tax deductible.

The Elkins Scholarship will be available to all Athens State University students regardless of major and financial need. The Bauer Scholarship will be awarded to a local Athens State student.

“Scholarships are vital for our students,” said Athens State President Jerry Bartlett. “We truly appreciate Bill, Susan and the family for setting into motion two scholarships that will allow us to remember the lives of Hunter and Jessica.”

Jessica died in December after a sudden illness. A ninth grader at Athens High School, Jessica was a caring friend. She was an active junior varsity cheerleader, enjoyed participating in theater and SADD, and was member of First Baptist Church, Athens. Athens High School plans to establish Jessica Michelle Elkins Love, Live and Laugh Memorial Scholarship.

Hunter always loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, baseball, and football. Football was his passion and he dreamed of one day playing professionally. Hunter died on December 20, 2004 at the age of 14 years from complications of MRSA. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Athens, and an eighth grade student at Athens Middle School. He was a true Golden Eagle.

This year, the Athens State University Foundation awarded more than 100 scholarships to deserving students at Athens State.

For further information contact Rick Mould at 256-233-8215 or rmould@athens.edu

Athens State University announces events for African American History Month
Athens, Ala. – February is Black History Month and Athens State University is sponsoring three separate events to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans and their impact on our national culture.

Laura Caldwell Anderson will present a lecture entitled, "Mother’s Day, 1961: The Freedom Rides in Alabama" at 2:00pm on Tuesday, February 12th in McCandless Hall.

A Table Topics panel discussion of The Status of Dr. King's Dream will be held at noon on Tuesday, February 5th in the Chapel of Founders Hall. This event is sponsored by the University's Department of Religion and Ethics and the Livingston Concert Lecture Series.

Ramona Hyman, PhD will present a lecture titled "Montgomery Bus Boycott: The Literariness of a Political Movement" on Thursday, February 21st at 7:00pm in McCandless Hall.

Both Anderson and Hyman's visits are sponsored by The Alabama Humanities Foundation, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. All events are free and open to the public.

Restone Arsenal Commander to speak at Athens State University
Athens, Ala. - Athens State University will be hosting Colonel John A. Olshefski, Commander U.S. Army Garrison, Redstone Arsenal, to discuss North Alabama's role in the war in Iraq. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 12th at 7pm in McCandless Hall on the Athens Campus. This is Olshefski's second visit to the University after serving as the keynote speaker for their Flag Day celebration in June of last year.

Olshefski is a graduate of the Signal Officer Basic Course, Ordnance Advanced Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Logistics Executive Development Course, Command and General Staff College, Central Michigan, and Industrial College of Armed Forces. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal and the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Olshefski will address various issues including Redstone Arsenal's impact as it relates to current wartime achievements along with what would be required of the Arsenal post-war. The event is sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series and is free and open to the public. For more information call 256-233-8126.

Bradley Byrne to visit Athens State University Campus
Athens, Ala. - Bradley Byrne, Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, will visit Athens State's campus to discuss the search process to identify a new president for the University.

The meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. in the University’s Student Center Ballroom and is open to the public.

Athens State President Jerry Bartlett will retire effective Aug. 1. Athens State University is an upper division University providing the junior and senior level courses toward the baccalaureate degree.

Chancellor to address Athens State graduates
Athens, Ala. – Bradley Byrne, Chancellor of the Alabama College System, will be the keynote speaker at Athens State University’s summer commencement on Saturday, August 25 at 9 a.m. Graduation exercises will be held on Athens State University’s campus in front of Founders Hall. Approximately 170 students are expected to graduate. Byrne was born and raised in Mobile where he attended University Military School. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University, magna cum laude, and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He practiced law in Mobile for over 25 years, primarily in the areas of business and employment litigation. From 1994 to 2002, he was a member of the Alabama State Board of Education. From 2002 to 2007, he represented District 32 (Baldwin County) in the Alabama State Senate where he served on the Education Committee, the Education Budget Committee, and the Judiciary Committee, and chaired the Joint Oversight Committee on State Parks. Byrne has worked for over 20 years to improve education in Alabama and has served on numerous boards and committees to this end. He has received numerous awards for his championing of education including the Phi Delta Phi Outstanding Lay Person Award in 1998, the Alabama Association of School Boards’ Champion for Children Award in 2004, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Legislative Leadership Award in 2004, and the South Alabama Literacy Champion Award in 2006. Byrne is also committed to conservation and won the Legislator of the Year Award from the Alabama Wildlife Federation in 2005. He is a member of Leadership Alabama, the Alabama State Bar, and an Honorary Life Member of the Alabama PTA. Byrne was appointed by the Alabama State Board of Education in May of this year to serve as Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, in which role he serves as the chief executive officer of Alabama’s two-year college system. The Alabama College System includes 22 community colleges, four technical colleges, Athens State University, the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute, and the Alabama Technology Network. With a budget of nearly $700 million, the Alabama College System served more than 300,000 people in the 2005-06 academic year. He is married to the former Rebecca Dukes of Montgomery, and they are the parents of four children: Patrick, Kathleen, Laura, and Colin. Byrne lives in Fairhope where he attends St. James Episcopal Church.

Bradley Byrne

Athens State Art Show highlights campus architecture
Athens, Ala. - The Art Department of Athens State University will be hosting its 5th Annual Heritage Art Show to run from October 3 until November 1 with artwork displayed in the Sandridge Student Center Gallery.

The Heritage Art Show celebrates the University's rich and diverse architectural styles on campus. This year the focus of the artwork will be depictions of the New Classroom Building located on Pryor Street across from the Library. This state-of-the-art building houses classroom space and faculty offices, and is the home to the North Alabama Teleconferencing Center.

This annual show is kicked-off prior to the University hosted Tennessee Valley Old Times Fiddler's Convention which spans the weekend of October 5 and 6. The show is free of charge and open to the public except during the Fiddlers Convention when gallery access is limited to Fiddler's ticket holders.

The show is open to any regional artist over the age of 18. The art works may be of any medium but must be representational of the New Classroom Building. University President Jerry Bartlett will judge this year's submissions.

For further information please contact Professors of Art Pamela Keller at 256-233-8232 or Gail Bergeron at 256-233-8149.

Athens State announces Founders Queen and Court
Athens, Ala. - Athens State University President Jerry Bartlett recently crowned Courtney Henderson, a senior from Holly Pond, as this year's Founder's Queen.

Henderson is the daughter of Robin and Janna Henderson. She matriculated to Athens State from Wallace State Community College and is a senior majoring in Elementary Education. Henderson served as last year's Junior Class President, was named 1st Runner-up in the 2006 Ms. Merry Christmas Pageant, and also served as an attendant on last year's Founders Court. Henderson has received the Athens State University Academic Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship. She was also this year's recipient of an Alumni Golf Scholarship.

This year's Founders Court included Holly Causey from Alex City, Alyssa Jones from Union Grove, Keri Rodgers from Hartselle, and Aquarius Wiggins from Decatur.

Holly Causey is from Alexander City, Alabama and is the daughter of Laine and Ricky Causey. She is a junior majoring in Secondary Education- Social Studies.

Alyssa Jones is from Union Grove, Alabama and is the daughter of Roger and Suzette Jones. She is currently a junior majoring in Elementary Education.

Keri Rodgers is from Hartselle, Alabama and is the daughter of Patsy Rodgers. She transferred from Calhoun Community College and is a senior majoring in Elementary Education.

Aquarius Wiggins is from Decatur, Alabama and is the daughter of Emma Dawson. She transferred from Calhoun Community College and is majoring in Special Education (6-12).

Courtney Henderson

Noted Sociologist to explore immigration issues at Athens State
Athens, Ala. - Two lectures highlighting important and timely local issues are planned for the Athens State campus on September 27. The Livingston Concert Lecture Series will host Dr. Stephanie Bohon, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Tennessee discussing current Latino immigration struggles. At 7pm in McCandless Hall, Bohon will present "Making Sense of the Dixie Diaspora: Latino Migration in the New South"

Bohon states, "Unfortunately, although there has been considerable speculation about the answers to these questions, and the alarmist rhetoric surrounding this demographic change has escalated, few facts support these speculations and rhetoric. In my talk, I will explore how changes in policy and the economy in the nineties resulted in a rapidly changing Southern landscape, and how these changes created a momentum that has carried through into the twenty-first century. I will also address the impact of these newcomers on states and localities in the Southeast and speculate on future trends."

Earlier that day at noon in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center, Bohon will present, "You can't get there from here: Transportation and immigrant adjustment in the deep South."

"Many people complain that new immigrants are not assimilating fast enough," states Bohon, "…but the reality is that many immigrants are stuck in co-ethnic communities working in jobs with other immigrants. Not being able to move around freely in the larger society means that their ability to get better jobs and better homes, participate in their children’s school activities, and even learn English is limited."

Stephanie Bohon

Athens State
Athens, Ala. - Athens State University's Student Government Association officers for the current academic year were introduced to the faculty and staff at a reception held September 17. Vice President for Student Affairs John Wayne King presented the newly elected President Fallon Pirtle, Vice President Jimmy Kennedy, and Secretary Jenna O'Neal to the crowd gathered in the parlor of Founders Hall.

Fallon Pirtle of Decatur will serve as the President for the 2007-2008 academic year. Pirtle transferred to Athens State University from Calhoun Community College and is a junior majoring in Biology. She served on the Student Government Association and as an Athenians during the previous academic year.

Jimmy Kennedy of Athens will hold the post of Vice President. The junior, majoring in Justice Studies, transferred to Athens State University from Calhoun Community College. Previously, Kennedy has served on the Student Government Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Pre-Law Society and Athenians.

Jenna O’Neal of Hazel Green will serve as the Secretary for the academic year. O'Neal transferred to Athens State University from Motlow State Community College. She is a senior majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. Last year, she participated in the Student Government Association, Math and Computer Science Club, and Athenians.

As a whole, the officers have a goal to increase involvement student activities, to bring the "fun" back to the education process, and to serve the SGA to the best of their abilities.

Photo caption: Left to Right, Athens State President Jerry Bartlett, SGA Secretary Jenna O'Neal, SGA Vice President Jimmy Kennedy, SGA President Fallon Pirtle.

Dr. Denver Betts named Athens State University Vice President
Athens, Ala. - Dr. Denver Betts has been named the new Vice President of Academic Affairs at Athens State University. He begins his duties immediately.
The announcement was made by Athens State President Dr. Jerry Bartlett.

"After a nation-wide search, we narrowed our selection to three very qualified candidates," said Bartlett. "Due to his exemplary service in the position as the interim, it became clear that the appointment of Dr. Betts was the right choice for Athens State."
Prior to his appointment, Betts served as the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Professor of Business at Athens State University, and also the Special Assistant to the President for Minority Relations.

Betts is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts degree in Business from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Betts was commissioned in the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. During his military career, he served as a Management Engineering Officer, and later served as an Organizational Studies Manager, Program Manager, Executive Assistant to a General Officer, Personnel Staff Manager, and as a Management Engineering Unit Commander. He retired after achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In academia, Betts has served as a Human Resources Administrator, Physical Plant Director, Guest Lecturer in the College Business and Urban Planning, University Extension Director, Student Support Services Administrator, and as Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director for University Centers.

Betts is affiliated with many social and civic organizations. He is the President of the Board of Directors for the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence, serves as a board member for the Greater Limestone County Boys and Girls Club, a board member for the Athens Rotary Club, a board member and chairman-elect for the Athens Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the Spirit of Athens Organization.

Dr. Denver Betts

Athens State student to display artwork at senior exhibit
Athens, Alabama - Joel Birdwell, a senior at Athens State University graduating in December, will display his artwork in a show entitled "Expressions of an Idea."

The senior exhibit will be held in the art gallery located on the second floor of the Sandridge Student Center. An opening reception will be held on November 15 at noon, and an evening reception at 6:00 p.m.

Birdwell is a native of Muscle Shoals, Alabama and transferred to Athens State from Northwest Shoals Community College.

The exhibit and receptions are at no charge and open to the public.

Picture caption: Joel Birdwell with his painting titled "Moonlight Horizon."

Joel Birdwell

Athens State University: Whittinghill named "Fiddle Champ"
Athens, Ala. – Joel Whittinghill was named “Fiddle Champion” at the 41st annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University on Saturday night.

Whittinghill of Bowling Green, Ky., won the title by winning the “fiddle off” which traditionally pits the top fiddlers from the junior and senior divisions. Roy Crawford of Cullman, finished runner-up. Whittinghill, who won the junior fiddle division, earned the convention’s top prize of $1,000. It was Whittinghill’s second convention championship. He won the title in 2004.

The convention is sponsored by the Athens State University Foundation and the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. The convention has contributed more than $500,000 to Athens State to fund student scholarships and university projects.

Joel Whittinghill

Bartlett will retire as president in 2008
Athens, Ala. – Athens State University President Jerry Bartlett - who initiated the construction of library, courtyard and classroom building, the institution’s move to university status, and a broadening of university offerings through distance-learning programs – announced Monday that he will retire effective Aug. 1, 2008.

Bartlett, the 35th president in Athens State history, will complete his 18th year as president. He will have served at Athens State for 41 years beginning his academic career as an assistant business professor. He made known his plans in a letter to Alabama College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne on Monday.

The University has experienced a period of physical and academic growth under Bartlett’s leadership. A new free-standing library was constructed as well as a state of the art classroom building that included interactive classroom technology. Both projects were the first new construction on the campus in more than 30 years.

Bartlett, 66, is one of the longest serving presidents in the institution’s history. Only Dr. Eugene Rudolph Naylor, who was president when the institution was a private college – Athens College – has served longer. Naylor was president from 1930 to 1949. Bartlett and his wife, Jill, a retired long-time educator from Athens High School, have been married 43 years.

They have one daughter, Heidi Bartlett Evans, a U.S. diplomat, who along with her husband, Sommerville Evans, lives in Brussels, Belgium.

Dr. Jerry Bartlett

Two technology projects funded at Athens State
Athens, Ala. – Two new technology projects will mean better internet access and improved library service for Athens State University students.

The University will create a wireless internet environment that will allow students, faculty and staff to have untethered access to worldwide web and email. A second project will be the implementation of a new library automation system.

The University will use approximately $200,000 in funds contributed by private and public sources to complete both projects. ALFA Insurance, Steelcase Foundation, and the Daniel Foundation have donated funds for each project. Sen. Tom Butler also secured $20,000 in state monies. The University expects to implement both technologies in 2008.

“Technology plays such an important role in higher education today,” said Athens State President Jerry Bartlett. “These projects address valuable needs for our students and faculty. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from ALFA Insurance, the Steelcase Foundation, the Daniel Foundation and Sen. Tom Butler.”

The University has invested heavily in internet technology that supports our online and traditional classroom courses. There is an increasing demand for wireless access whether it is in the classroom, an auditorium or even studying in the hallway of a campus building.

The library automation system manages several functions including the online book catalog, the bibliographic database, the patron database, the lending status of a book, and overdue notices. This new integrated system will provide a package of services that can communicate and work together to the benefit of our students and library users.

“We deeply appreciate the donors providing funds to implement this project. Library technology benefits students and faculty in all curricula, as well as citizens in the greater community,” said Dr. Robert Burkhardt, Director of Library Services.

Athens State welcomes international IT business leader
Athens, Ala. – The Information Technology department at Athens State University routinely has the occasional visit from vendor representatives from the various technology representatives that the institution utilizes. But imagine their surprise when they received a call from Tegrity Inc. that their Vice President wanted to visit the Athens campus – all the way from Israel.

“Our account manager at Tegrity called to inform me that Daniel Shimoff, Vice President of Research & Development wanted to meet with our department and various faculty members on campus to gain a deeper understanding on how we use their product in streaming media-rich content to our students over the internet,” says Steve Clark, Coordinator of Distance Learning Resources and life-long Shoals resident.

Tegrity Campus is an international web-based enterprise that automatically captures and aggregates on and off campus instruction within a single repository, integrating popular Course Management Systems such as Blackboard. This gives faculty members the ability to record video lectures from anywhere they have access to the internet, allowing students to playback the content whenever their busy schedules allow. Athens State successfully deployed Tegrity on its campus over two years ago, restoring the ‘human element’ to common text-based on-line delivery of crucial lecture notes and presentations.

Last month, Clark and Dr. James Kerner of the College of Business attended the EDUCAUSE Annual IT Conference for Higher Education in Seattle, Washington. They met at length with top executives from Tegrity about open issues and concerns Athens State had experienced with their product over the past year as on-line initiatives continued to expand.

“I was very impressed that their people allowed us to take up so much of their time at the conference to discuss the various technical issues we were experiencing in hopes of finding quick & long-lasting resolutions,” adds Clark. “It was clear during our discussions that many at the executive level were not very clear how their end-users were using their product. Mr. Shimoff’s special visit to Athens just a month after that conference is a testimony that they were indeed listening to our concerns and that they genuinely want us to succeed in our mission to serve students across the state of Alabama and throughout the world.”

Athens State University hosted Alumni Bridge Benefit Tournament
Athens, Ala. - Athens State University Alumni Bridge Benefit was held on Wednesday, June 20th in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. This year's event brought together 76 players for the game. Local merchants provided several door prizes and the participants enjoyed refreshments and coffee.

The annual tournament raises much needed funding for scholarships that are directed by the Alumni Association.

Recognition went to High Scorer Leatrice Cole, Second Highest Scorer Madlyne Papot, and Low Scorer Elizabeth Buck.

Photo Caption: From left to right: Bridge Committee Member- Louise Steele, High Score- Leatrice Cole, Second Highest Score- Madlyne Papot, Low Score- Elizabeth Buck, Bridge Benefit Chair- Tressie McLemore

Athens State University hosts 50-year Club Luncheon
Athens, Ala. - "The 50-Year Club" of Athens State University gathered for a celebration and luncheon on Saturday, May 5, 2007 in the Annex of the Sandridge Student Center. The event gathered almost 20 alumni of the university who graduated in or before 1957.

The meeting was called to order and welcomed by Louise Strange Steele of the Class of 1947. The guest speakers included Mr. Leonard Gossett of the Class of 1957 and Rick Mould, the university's Vice President of University Relations.

The university invites this austere group to return yearly to the Athens State campus for a special day of reminiscing with classmates and a tour the campus.

Front row (L-R) Dorothy Jones Henderson, Julia Culps Smith, Mabry Batson Miller, Mack Vinson , Louise Strange Steele, Lifford French, Leonard Gossett, Rebecca Davenport Leopard, Margaret Williams Kaucher, Agnes Gann Pounds.

Back row (L-R) Tressie Davis McLemore, Bill Crutcher, W.R. Nelson, Robert Allen Tinnon, Dennis Jett, Frances Belue Box, Joe Ann Chambers Crutcher.

Athens State University awards 50 need-based scholarships
Athens, Ala. - An event was held on Monday, August 13 at Athens State University to award scholarships to 50 incoming students for the upcoming fall semester. The scholarships were presented to the recipients at a luncheon in the University Ballroom following an orientation held in McCandless Hall.

The awards were presented to both traditional and distance-learning undergraduates who will be matriculating to Athens State this fall and who qualify for financial aid assistance. Scholarship recipients from all areas of the state were represented, with some attending the luncheon from as far away as Brewton, Dallas County and Mobile.

Athens State President Jerry Bartlett addressed the recipients stating, "One of the reasons you are with us today is because of a pursuit of knowledge - which is our obligation, as faculty and administration, to transfer to you. But the primary reason for your being honored is due to something that cannot be taught - your own personal desire to succeed. This is the trait that you brought with you to Athens State, and it is what distinguishes you from the crowd. I congratulate you for receiving these scholarships, but mostly I applaud your determination in life."

This is the inaugural year for the distribution of the scholarships which are funded from the University's own institutional budget. Next year an additional 25 scholarships are scheduled to be awarded.

Athens State
Athens, Ala. - After a two-year hibernation, the well-known mascot of Athens State University once again stands proud on campus.

The fiberglass bear, first placed on campus in 1966, underwent a complete restoration overseen by Jerry Bradford, the University's Director of the Physical Plant.

The mascot has been repainted, repaired, and Bradford painstakingly recreated the bear's claws by forming a mold from the one remaining claw before its restoration was complete.

Along with the makeover, the location of the bear has changed as well. For thirty-nine years it stood on Pryor Street, guarding the entrance to the Carter Physical Education Building. On Monday, he was placed in his new home on the east side of the Sandridge Student Center near the Alumni Fountain.

Athens State University graduating seniors present art exhibition
Athens, Ala. – Athens State University graduating art majors will be presenting “Pigments of Imagination”, a senior class exhibit of combined works in various mediums.

An opening reception will be held in the Bear Cage Gallery located in the Sandridge Student Center on the Athens campus at noon on Thursday, April 5th, with an additional evening reception at 7pm.

Graduating art majors who will be showing their works include Bridget Stack Barger, Regan Denise Clark, Jason Connell, Cindy Cummings, Lindsay Lacey, Charli Hall and Beth Paul. The art works, many of which will be available for purchase, will be on display in the Sandridge Center until Monday, April 30th. The exhibit and receptions are free and open to the public.

Education / Community Service Job Fair
April 23, 2008 - Education / Community Service Job Fair , 9 AM-1130 AM, Ballroom.