California University
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 32 DEC. 5, 2011 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
PR Prof Works With Weather Service
Dr. John Cencich honors Dr. Katherine Mitchem at the Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony for becoming the University’s latest ‘Million Dollar Achiever.’
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Grant Writer Hits $1 Million Mark t a ceremony honoring all of Cal U’s grant writers, Dr. Katherine Mitchem was recognized as the University’s latest “Million Dollar Achiever.” A professor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education, Mitchem’s current research focuses on the use of electronic performance support tools to support students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and autism in inclusive settings. The U.S. Department of Education awarded her four grants this academic year, for a total of nearly $250,000. Those awards pushed Mitchem’s career awards total over the $1 million mark, making her the 12th Cal U faculty member to reach that milestone. “This is an amazing achievement,” said Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Dr. Mitchem and all of our
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r. Susan Jasko has found a way to blend communications and meteorology. A professor of Communication Studies at Cal U, Jasko is a selfdescribed “secret science geek at heart.” Earlier this fall she served on a service assessment team for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. Assessment teams are composed of experts who evaluate activities before, during and after weather events to determine the usefulness of NWS products and services. With the goal of continuous improvement, the team generates a report that serves as an evaluative tool to address service deficiencies and share best practices in operations and procedures. Jasko was one of 17 individuals who evaluated the NWS shortly after Hurricane Irene caused extensive flooding and wind damage this summer as the storm traveled through the Caribbean and along the East Coast. “This was one of the best things — Continued on page 2
grant writers have made us all very proud by undertaking research and providing meaningful results.” The Nov. 16 ceremony honored every faculty or staff member who prepared and submitted at least one grant proposal, administered at least one internally funded project, or completed the requirements for the Grant Writers Fellowship. Grant writer fellows participate in a comprehensive, hands-on enrichment program that covers topics ranging from strategically selecting potential funding sources to writing the critical sections of a competitive grant application. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office of Grants and Contracts, praised Cal U’s grant writers. “This celebration is to recognize you and commend you for your efforts,” she said. “Throughout the process, win or lose, we work as a team to seek external
grant funding to help Cal U fulfill its mission.” Assisting Vogrig in the Office of Grants and Contracts are post-award administrator Lewis Honaker and secretary Kim Rabbitt. Provost Geraldine Jones reported that during the 2010-2011 academic year, the office administered 125 grants and contracts totaling $4.4 million. Of those, 87 new awards were received, totaling $1.8 million. “Your work with grants is so important to this University, and it really sets you apart from the rest,” Jones said. “The grant work you do not only brings recognition to yourselves but to the University as a whole, especially in these difficult economic times. “I can’t thank you enough for that.” The 2010-2011 yearbook of grants activity, “Laude 2011,” is available online at www.calu.edu/faculty-staff/laude.
Open House Message: You Can Afford Grad School graduate degree may be the ticket to a better job, a bigger paycheck or a leadership position in your chosen field — and earning a degree can be affordable in terms of both time and money. That’s the message Cal U is delivering when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center in Canonsburg. The program will highlight both Cal U’s traditional master’s degree programs and the array of degree and certificate programs offered through the Internetbased Global Online, which gives busy students the flexibility to complete their studies anytime, from anywhere in the world. Keynote speaker Dr. Charles P. Nemeth, chair of the Professional Studies Department, will present “You Can Afford Graduate School.” His talk will explain how graduate
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Students will receive valuable information on the advantages, program options and cost effectiveness of earning a master’s degree when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center.
assistantships, scholarships and financial aid can reduce the cost of earning an advanced degree.
Program directors will be on hand to discuss individual programs with prospective students.
Cal U offers more than 30 master’s degree programs in fields that include business administration, education, nursing, counseling, athletic training, sport management, legal studies, exercise science, psychology, social work, applied criminology, and STEM education. Certificate programs provide specialized training in areas such as sports counseling, autism spectrum disorders, Arabic language and culture, and Spanish for law enforcement and business. The Graduate School also offers teacher certification in a variety of disciplines, as well as principal’s certification or a superintendent letter of eligibility. Visit www.calu.edu to find links to online registration, directions and a complete list of academic programs and accreditations; or register for the School of Graduate Studies and Research open house by calling Devon Markish at 724-938-4912.