TORCH The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City
FA L L 2 0 1 4
THE YEAR IN REVIEW NEWEST 'NOLES FSU Panama City welcomes freshmen pc.fsu.edu
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Torch: The Year in Review
NEW TRADITIONS: Then-Dean Ken Shaw, Ed.D., signs the 2013 class banner during Seminole Sensation Week. Held during the ďŹ rst week of fall classes, Seminole Sensation welcomes students back to campus with free food, games, a rock wall and a cookout. The banner now hangs in the Allan G. Bense Atrium.
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TORCH
ON THE COVER:
FALL 2014 | VOL. 21 | NO.1
An FSU Panama City Office of Advancement Publication FSU PANAMA CITY INTERIM DEAN Steve Leach, Ph.D.
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT STAFF Becky Kelly, Director of Advancement Mary Beth Lovingood, Director of Development Erin Chaffin, Marketing & Publications Coordinator ('13) Erica Howard, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator Photo by Andrew Wardlow Photography
Helen Johnson, Web Manager & Media Specialist Latasha Jones, Program Assistant ('11)
Florida State University Panama City welcomed its first freshman class to campus in August 2013. Featured on the cover are newcomers Stephanie
Gipson,
Vy
Nguyen
and
Jeremy
Bahadirli. Stephanie graduated from Vernon High
Shannon Sheibe, Alumni Affairs Coordinator ('09, '10)
EDITOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER Erin Chaffin
School, is a professional communication major and works part time at the FSU Panama City
PHOTOGRAPHY
Library and Learning Center. Vy, a graduate from
Office of Advancement staff
Rutherford High School, is a computer science
Andrew Wardlow Photography
major and plans to become a film maker or open an advertising media firm. Jeremy is a graduate from J.R. Arnold High School and a computer science major. In addition to his studies, he is a percussion technician for Blue Thunder
STUDENT INTERNS Malcolm Fisher ('14) Angela Hearns ('15)
Percussion Ensemble. PRINTING Boyd Brothers, Inc. The TORCH Magazine is published once per year by the Office of Advancement at Florida State University Panama City. It is sent to alumni, donors, staff, faculty and friends of the university.
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Send address changes or cancellation requests to: The Office of Advancement Florida State University Panama City 4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405
torch@pc.fsu.edu
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Torch: The Year in Review
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IN THIS ISSUE 6
THE INTERIM DEAN’S MESSAGE
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THE DEAN'S FAREWELL MESSAGE
26
SOCIAL MEDIA: A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
54
FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES
57
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
FEATURES 8
BUBBLE BITS: Engineering students create an interactive exhibit
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CIAO AMICI!: Psychology professor teaches semester abroad
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FULFILLING A DREAM: Student interns with USA Swimming
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IT'S ELEMENTARY: Education major uses Disney experience in the classroom
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NEWEST 'NOLES: FSU Panama City welcomes freshmen
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NOTABLE 'NOLES: Kevin "Scott" Ervin, Kathleen Jones, Glenda Walters
24 THE YEAR IN PICTURES: The campus celebrates a year of noteworthy events 45
SAM E. NOLE: Robot inspires next generation of students
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I WANTED TO LEARN FROM THE BEST: UCSI student searches for missing swimmer
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PATH TO THE 'AMERICAN DREAM': Student applies studies to the real world
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TURNING WORRIES INTO HOPE: A degree that makes a difference
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2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT 28
CAMPUS AT A GLANCE
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SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT: EMILY HENNESSY
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KEY INDICATORS
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SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT: HARRY DAVIS
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CONTRACTS AND GRANTS
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RAISE THE TORCH FOR OUR COMMUNITY'S UNIVERSITY
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SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT: DANIEL DUNFEE
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ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
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CAMPAIGN SUMMARY
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CUMULATIVE GIFTS AND PLEDGES
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SIGNATURE EVENT: GOLF TOURNAMENT
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SIGNATURE EVENT: ANNUAL DINNER
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THE INTERIM DEAN'S MESSAGE
This is an exciting time to be interim dean at FSU Panama City!
scene investigation to the continuing topics in engineering and sciences.
Our second class of freshmen have arrived on campus. Our online programs in public safety & security and computer science continue to experience explosive growth, and our Early Childhood Autism Program is making wonderful use of the Camille Butchikas ECAP Clinic.
We continue to work toward the long anticipated transfer (from the Air Force) of waterfront property in Lynn Haven. This will open up a world of opportunities for our underwater crime scene investigation program and potential new programs in environmental science & policy.
This past spring we participated in FSU’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation visit. I am pleased to report that the visiting team was extremely impressed with our programs and facilities. We also had another successful STEM camp this past summer, adding activities in computer programming and crime
We are also busy with plans for a new master’s program in nurse anesthesia. Subject to approval of two accrediting bodies, this program should start in the fall of 2015.
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Torch: The Year in Review
Dr. Bliss and I plan to work closely with our development board to expand our campus’s community involvement and to strengthen our ties with Gulf Coast State College. It is an honor to serve as interim dean of the Panama City campus. The students, staff and faculty are top quality.
Steve Leach, Ph.D. Interim Dean, FSU Panama City and the College of Applied Studies
Everyone on campus is pleased that business/finance faculty member Gary Bliss, D.B.A., has agreed to serve as associate dean of the campus.
P.S. If you have not checked out the 18-hole disc golf course on our campus, I encourage you to do so!
THE DEAN'S FAREWELL MESSAGE Friends, For 25 years I have had the privilege of working at FSU Panama City. I have served as faculty, interim dean, associate dean and dean. What I enjoyed most during my time here has been the great people that make up the finest branch campus in America. It was just five years ago that the campus faced closure. That was a tough time in our history, but thanks to all of your support, we persevered and kept our campus open to the citizens of Northwest Florida. From this negative blip in our history we have pressed forward. We established the College of Applied Studies, extended our program offerings to freshmen and sophomores and we are working to create a Master of Science in nurse anesthesia. I foresee and anticipate many more positive initiatives as time goes on. I challenge you to keep up the great work you are doing. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and treat our students with the greatest of respect. I will miss you all! Sincerely,
Ken Shaw, Ed.D. Dean Emeritus, FSU Panama City and the College of Applied Studies
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BUBBLE BITS Engineering students create an interactive exhibit for the Science & Discovery Center By Erica Howard The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida has a new exhibit thanks to a project by engineering students at FSU Panama City. Bubble Bits, an interactive bubble exhibit, was unveiled May 21 at the children’s museum. Project manager Stephanie Smith, software engineer Ethan Thomas, hardware engineer Itay Dreymann and test engineer Javon Cook worked for months developing the hardware and software necessary to display bubble designs in a series of glass tubes. The project, which was part of a graduation requirement for engineering students, was mentored by Bill Porter and Daniel Cassidy from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. It was sponsored by Tom and Donna McCoy. “This is unbelievably valuable to the museum,” Linda Macbeth, director of the Science & Discovery Center, said at the unveiling. “We have the oldest children’s museum in the state, but that means we have the oldest exhibits in the state.” The museum is responsible for raising about 95 percent of its annual budget, Macbeth said, making it difficult to regularly fund updated exhibits. “The community wants new things; it deserves new things,” she noted. 8
Torch: The Year in Review
Porter, who graduated from FSU Panama City in 2009, said he saw the museum’s need as an opportunity for the engineering students. “[The museum] needed a new flow of exhibits and repairs, and the students had to have a senior design project,” he said. “It was two problems that could solve each other.” Porter suggested a bubble exhibit after seeing a similar project online. “I saw the project and realized it would present a good balance of complexity for engineering students to solve during their senior design class and make for a good exhibit once completed,” he said. Smith said she was inspired by the idea, and she was eager to help the Science & Discovery Center after seeing the facility through her children’s eyes. “It seemed like they didn’t have enough to interact with there so I knew there was a need for more exhibits,” she said.
"WE ALL HOPE TO INSPIRE FUTURE SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS IN A FUN AND INTERESTING WAY." — Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D., electrical engineering professor
With Bubble Bits, children can design a pattern on a 16x8 grid of buttons, push send and see their creation come to life as bubbles float through glycerin-filled tubes. To make the display child-friendly, the group had to consider a child’s height, understanding and interests. Macbeth also requested the exhibit be small, portable, quiet and durable. “The students did a wonderful job listening to me as a client,” Macbeth said. “Modern and interactive exhibits are what it takes to really wow the kids of today,” Porter said. “Most importantly it takes functioning exhibits.” To develop the best exhibit possible, the group put the tubes out of reach behind a Plexiglas barrier and had to overcome technical issues, such as an insufficient power supply and overworked pumps. The team also tested alternative methods to create the pressure needed for the bubbles and reached out to the creator of the original project in order to improve the exhibit. “It’s not just spelled out for us,” Smith said. “It’s just a huge learning process.” Senior design projects give students an opportunity to put their skills to the test outside the classroom, said electrical engineering professor Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D. “They get a project with very real budget constraints, needs and opinions.” “This is a great opportunity to show what FSU Panama City is doing for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math),” Interim Dean Steve Leach, Ph.D., said at the unveiling. To promote STEM learning, the group planned to post the exhibit and tutorials online for other facilities to use.
Photos by Andrew Wardlow / The News Herald Left: Team members Ethan Thomas, Itay Dreymann, Stephanie Smith and Javon Cook pose with their finished project, Bubble Bits, an interactive bubble exhibit on display April 21 during Engineering Day.
“Along with other exhibits at the Science & Discovery Center, we all hope to inspire future scientists and engineers in a fun and interesting way,” Brooks said.
Above: Children try out the Bubble Bits exhibit at the Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida at the unveiling on May 21.
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{HELLO FRIENDS}
CIAO AMICI!
F
Amy Polick teaches semester in Italy By Becky Kelly This summer, psychology professor Amy Polick, Ph.D., embarked on an Italian adventure to teach two undergraduate psychology courses in Florence, Italy. Leaving behind the comforts of Panama City, Polick traveled overseas to discover something new and foreign under the Tuscan sun. Students and faculty at Florida State University have the unique opportunity to study and teach abroad for one semester as part of the prestigious International 10
Torch: The Year in Review
Programs (IP) curriculum. A recognized leader in study abroad, FSU’s program is an option for faculty who want to explore a unique academic experience. “I wanted to participate because I had always heard great things about the FSU international programs,” Polick said. “When I was an undergraduate student at FSU I had wanted to study abroad but didn’t get the chance to, so to be able to go as faculty was a huge honor.”
Polick participated in the six-week, summer B mini semester along with 90 FSU students who were in Italy for the summer term or were there as freshmen enrolled in the “First Year Abroad” program. “It was a fantastic experience,” Polick said. “Throughout the six weeks, the faculty, staff and students participated in coordinated group day trips to nearby Italian cities.” The group visited Fiesole, Siena, San Gimignano, Rome and Parma as part of these day trips. Polick also made trips to Pisa, Venice and Viareggio on her own.
Polick taught general psychology and the psychology of women, courses she believed helped IP students understand diversity and cultural differences during their travels abroad. “These courses covered a wide variety of issues related to how people act and why people do the things they do,” she noted. “I think living in a different country gave the students more awareness and first-hand experience with the issues we discussed in class.”
To Polick, Italian city life is less hurried than in America. People walk more and spend more time over meals socializing.
According to Polick, the experience of living in a foreign country highlighted the issue of diversity and fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges people face interacting with those from different cultures and backgrounds.
“There was an overwhelming value to ‘stop and smell the roses,’…to appreciate the beauty of the arts and scenery around you,” she said.
Living and teaching in Italy was not as easy as it first looked. She found that adjusting to a different language and way of life could be difficult and, at times, alienating.
“The experience broadened my view of the world.”
It might have been difficult acclimating to her new surroundings at first, but Polick quickly became a part of the FSU IP family. “In the end the FSU students and staff that I worked with really made the experience the best I could have ever asked for,” she said. “To know we have such a strong FSU community in a variety of countries around the world really says something about our university, and coming back home I was more proud to be a Seminole than I had ever been. I will absolutely teach abroad again if given the opportunity.”
Thinking about traveling to Italy? Here are some of Amy's Do's and Don'ts from her experience:
— Amy Polick, Ph.D., psychology professor
Photos courtesy of Amy Polick Previous page: Polick at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At left: Polick and students at the Vatican. At top, right: Polick at the Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks the city of Florence. At right: Polick and FSU student at the Colosseum in Rome.
“It is easy to get stuck in routines as adults and this experience really challenged that,” Polick said. “It opened my eyes as a college teacher to ways I could be more effective and serve our students better by being more open-minded and appreciative of different ways of life. The experience broadened my view of the world.”
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DO take advantage of the train systems for easy travel around the country as well as inexpensive flights to nearby countries.
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DON’T forget to check the weather and plan accordingly for warmer or cooler temperatures.
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DO pack comfortable walking shoes. Cobblestone streets can be rough on the feet.
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DON’T be afraid to go out of your “comfort zone” with food and activities.
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DO keep your money and passport secure at all times. Crowded, tourist areas are prone to pickpocketing.
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DON’T forget to brush up on some basics of the Italian language; it makes the experience much more enjoyable! pc.fsu.edu
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Fulfilling a
DREAM
Communication student interns with United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming By Erin Chaffin Jessica Meyer has spent most of her life in the water. Her love for swimming began when she started competing at age 7. At the age of 15, Meyer made it her goal to intern with USA Swimming. For the next 10 years, she dedicated her time, skills and training to become as qualified as possible. Her hard 12
Torch: The Year in Review
work, determination and competitive spirit paid off last fall when Meyer began her official internship with the United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It wasn’t an easy road.
“I didn’t tell anyone, not even my mom, about the internship or that I was applying for it,” Meyer said. “I was aware of how unrealistic it was, and I wanted to limit the embarrassment of being rejected.” Even though she thought that selection would be next to impossible, Meyer did everything she could to make herself an attractive candidate. She immersed herself in the sport of competitive swimming and pursuing her education. Her sacrifices and dedication were worth it. Meyer was chosen from about 1,500 applicants nationwide to be a part of the highly selective and prestigious internship. USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States. As a 400,000-member organization, one of USA Swimming’s many responsibilities is selecting the teams for international competition. Members consist of novice swimmers, the Olympic Team and everything in between. To earn a degree in professional communication from FSU Panama City, students must complete a 150-hour internship. Meyer chose to use her opportunity with USA Swimming to fulfill the requirement. Internships with the university do not have to be limited to the Bay County area. Students are encouraged to seek a broad range of opportunities, both local and nationwide.
out and submitting all the paperwork for the USA’s event entries for each athlete. She assisted in creating the 2014 Developmental Teams & Camps document that is currently on USA Swimming’s website, usaswimming.org. Throughout the internship, she also helped work National Select Camp and the Foundation’s Fantasy Camp. “There are absolutely no words that could allow someone to fully comprehend the experience of my internship,” Meyer said. “This internship has been the biggest motivating factor in every decision I’ve made in the last 10 years. I still feel so extremely honored and blessed to have been chosen. The United States Olympic Committee picked me for an adventure that I knew would change everything. The amount of knowledge I’ve absorbed is more than I can begin to describe and there is absolutely nothing more inspiring than working inside of the Olympic Movement. It’s magical beyond measure.” Meyer has continued to work with USA Swimming on several projects after her internship ended in December. In May, Meyer graduated with a bachelor's degree in professional communication and a minor in recreation, tourism and events. She is currently the assistant director of the middle school swim program in Bay County and works with the Panama City Swim Team.
“What for many students would be simply completing the requirements of an internship was for Jessica the fulfillment of a life-long dream,” said Sandra Halvorson, Ph.D., communication professor at Florida State University Panama City. “The evaluation I received from the Olympic Committee regarding her contributions indicated she was an outstanding representative for FSU Panama City. I am proud of her.” At USA Swimming, Meyer worked with the National Team Division and High Performance Group under National Team Director Frank Busch and National Junior Team Director Jack Roach among their group of about 10. The National Team is the top six males and top six females in the country for each Olympic event, consisting of about 100 swimmers each year. During her semester, Meyer was able to watch athletes break multiple American records and for a few days even got to help with team processing for the athletes and staff who went to the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. She also worked on a Historical Elite Athlete Tracking spreadsheet that will be used in presentations at select camps around the country and conducted video analysis of races in order to track tempo/cycle stats and breakout times/distances. For the World Cup meets in Beijing and Tokyo, Meyer completed all the time conversions before filling
Photos courtesy of Jessica Meyer At left: Jessica Lynn Meyer mimics lighting the torch at the entrance of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Above: Meyer replays race footage of National Team members at the 2013 Winter National Championships during her internship in Colorado.
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It's
Elementary Education major uses theater, Disney experience in classroom By Erica Howard Cana Sylvester knows about life on the stage. Introduced to acting as a child, she went on to perform in productions at Mosley High School, majored in theater at Gulf Coast State College and was a cast member in the Disney College Program. Now, as an elementary education major at Florida State University Panama City, Sylvester is learning how to perform in the classroom. “Teachers are on stage all day attending to an audience,” Sylvester said, noting the deep connection between the arts and education. “Both fields have a heavy emphasis on communication, individual reflection and collaboration.” 14
Torch: The Year in Review
Elementary education instructor Cristina Rios agrees. An appreciation for theater adds to “how we see the value of interconnections in our learning environments and the arts,” Rios said. “Having an appreciation for world cultures and languages also shapes the passion for the arts as a theater major.” Sylvester said Disney leaders stressed the value of education, emphasizing the importance of completing a degree. “I met thousands of people every day and felt like I made a difference in the safety and enjoyment of the guests,” she said. “I learned the importance of my education and the education
of children, as well as honoring the backgrounds of my peers and students.” During Disney’s Spring Advantage term Jan. 15 to Aug. 2, Sylvester worked in attractions at Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, studied marketing through Disney University and attended seminars and networking events in entertainment and theater. She also roomed with three other Disney cast members in College Program housing, marking her first time living away from home. “Prior to working for Disney, I had not lived in a very diverse environment,” she said. “Looking back, I worked with and met so many different types of people and would not trade that experience for anything.” “An understanding of diversity is a key factor for success in the classroom,” Rios said. “Today more than ever before, teachers have to know about how to teach the basic core subjects of reading, math and science,” she said, “but above everything else, they should encourage learning about world languages, cultures and the expressive arts in order to create first-class world citizens for our global society.” “I met so many young people from varied walks of life and was taught to honor the backgrounds of every guest,” Sylvester said of her time at Disney. “It is important in education to recognize and honor diversity.” Education courses at FSU Panama City have furthered Sylvester’s understanding of different cultures, she said, teaching her to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of each student and to note the relationship of each child to the class as a whole. Education Department Program Specialist Dana Smith, whose personalized assistance Sylvester credited as a prime reason she decided to come to FSU Panama City, said she thought Sylvester’s experiences would benefit her as a teacher. “[Sylvester] is an intelligent, energetic and remarkable young lady,” Smith said. “Her experience in the theater and Disney World will be such a great asset to all future students that will be lucky enough to have her as their teacher.” Sylvester decided to come to FSU Panama City after receiving a hand-written degree plan from Smith. “It was so difficult communicating with schools long distance, and she made the process so much easier,” Sylvester said. After graduation, Sylvester said she would like to pursue a drama certification and a master’s degree in education and
“I met thousands of people every day and felt like I made a difference in the safety and enjoyment of the guests. I learned the importance of my education and the education of children, as well as honoring the backgrounds of my peers and students.” — Cana Sylvester, elementary education theater training and technique. She said she would like to become a director at a non-profit theater or use theater as an outlet to improve communication with students with disabilities or behavioral disorders. pc.fsu.edu
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NEWEST
'N LES FSU PANAMA CITY WELCOMES FRESHMEN
By Erica Howard Florida State University Panama City welcomed a new type of Seminole during the 2013-14 academic year: freshmen. “This is an historic moment for FSU,” then-Dean Ken Shaw, Ed.D., said. From a pool of 760 first-time-in-college applicants, the regional campus admitted about 50 freshmen for the fall 2013 semester. “We didn’t have a big class, but it was the first,” Vy Nguyen, 18, said. “That’s something to be proud of.” Nguyen, who was in the IB program at Rutherford High School, declared computer science as his major. Other popular freshman majors include engineering, business administration and psychology. Nguyen noted the cost savings of continuing his education in his hometown. “I can spend money on books and actual classes instead of housing,” he said. “It was the right place to go.” Kasey Lugo, 18, an electrical engineering major from Mosley High School, said she saw the perks of the regional campus after a personal tour from Shaw. “For the dean to take that time with me and for the admissions officers to seem so genuinely excited for me to be here, it made me feel like this was a place where you’d be important,” she said. At left, freshmen pose with faculty and staff after New Student Convocation in Tallahassee.
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WE DIDN’T HAVE A BIG CLASS, BUT IT WAS THE FIRST. THAT’S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF. —
VY NGUYEN FSU Panama City Dean Emeritus Ken Shaw, Ed.D., gives high-fives to the inaugural freshman class at the New Student Convocation in Tallahassee.
FRESHMEN PROFILES Stephanie Bittar High School: Riverview Major: Psychology and Economics Future plans: Research changing economic policies towards doctoral degree
Stephanie Gipson High School: Vernon Major: Communication Future plans: Work for a large corporation
Kasey Lugo High School: Mosley Major: Electrical Engineering Future plans: Work for the military as a civilian
Vy Nguyen High School: Rutherford Major: Computer Science Future plans: Become a filmmaker or open an advertising media firm 18
Torch: The Year in Review
Communication major Stephanie Gipson agreed. “When I came to see the campus, the staff and faculty welcomed me with open arms,” said Gipson, 18, who graduated from Vernon High School. “They were telling me how excited they are for me to be here.” “I love how close it is to home, and the professors take a real interest in your success,” Lugo said. “I love how small it is because it makes meeting people so much easier.” FSU Panama City offers students the opportunity to earn the same nationallyrecognized Florida State University degree on a waterfront campus with smaller class sizes and more one-on-one support. “FSU is a great place for freshmen because it helps them decide where they want to go later on in life,” Nguyen said. “FSU Panama City opens opportunities for everyone.” Stephanie Bittar found her opportunity as the first underclassman president of the campus' Student Government Council. Bittar, who is double majoring in psychology and economics, was elected by SGC representatives in spring 2014 when no eligible candidate ran during the regular election. “Adding freshmen mixed things up, and all that’s left is to take that and run with it,” Bittar said. There were also academic and employment opportunities for freshmen. Gipson worked on campus in the Library and Learning Center. Computer science major Emily Hennessy was the first freshman student selected as a programmer for Sam E. Nole, a humanoid robot used for the university's STEM Institute.
FIRST FRESHMEN
AT A GLANCE Some facts and figures about Florida State University Panama City's inaugural freshman class. TOP ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS
SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS
GEOGRAPHY
WHERE FRESHMEN ARE FROM
26
71%
ACT
IN-STATE
1740
77
SAT
TOTAL ADMITTED
From a pool 760 of firsttime-in college applicants
34%
BAY COUNTY
POPULAR MAJORS
3.9
AV E R AG E G PA
Only 17% of high school students who took the ACT scored higher than 26
The majority of our freshmen are in-state and local
44% of our freshmen are engineering or computer science majors
AGE
GENDER
73%
ETHNICITY MULTI-RACE
53%
OF OUR FRESHMEN ARE 19-YEARS-OLD
WHITE
25.6%
61.5%
OF OUR FRESHMEN ARE FEMALE
ASIAN 5.1% H I S PA N I C : 5 . 1 % B L AC K 2 .6 %
EDUCATION
H I G H S C H O O L S O U R F R E S H M E N G R A D UAT E D F R O M RUTHERFORD HIGH SCHOOL A. CRAWFORD MOSLEY SOUTH WALTON HIGH SCHOOL BAY HIGH SCHOOL J.R. ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL CHIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL FORT WALTON BEACH HIGH SCHOOL FRANKLIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PONCE DE LEON HIGH SCHOOL PORT ST. JOE HIGH SCHOOL VERNON HIGH SCHOOL OUT-OF-STATE OTHER
17.9% 17.8% 7.7% 7.7% 7.7% 5.1% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 2.6%
74% of our freshmen graduated from high schools in our area of service 23%
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Meet the
2013 NOTABLE 'NOLES
In 1996, in conjunction with the Annual Homecoming Celebration, a tradition was established to honor FSU Panama City alumni who have made outstanding contributions both to our community and within their careers. While each honoree has distinct accomplishments, these outstanding alumni have one thing in common: they demonstrated excellence and dedication as students and have continued to exhibit these qualities in every aspect of their lives. In 2013, FSU Panama City honored Kevin “Scott” Ervin, Kathleen Brammeier Jones and Glenda Walters, Ph.D., as Notable ‘Noles.
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KEVIN “SCOTT”
ERVIN ('04, '06)
Panama City Police Chief Kevin “Scott” Ervin was nominated as a Notable ‘Nole for the significant contribution he made to the development of courses and curriculum for the degree program in Public Safety and Security. Ervin credited his role in the program’s creation with his ability to speak to law enforcement officials to determine their educational needs. “Cops listen to other cops,” he noted. “He has always encouraged a positive relationship with Panama City Police Department (PCPD) and made all the resources of the PCPD available to assist in the education of our students,” Pelham, FSU Panama City public safety & security faculty and Contracts & Grants manager, wrote in the nomination. Ervin began his career with the PCPD in July 1999. He studied criminology and criminal justice at FSU Panama City, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2004 and a master’s degree in 2006. He became police chief in February 2013 and serves as adjunct faculty at FSU Panama City. He is past chairman of the criminal justice advisory board, chairman of the Gulf Coast Criminal Justice Selection Center from 2005-2014 and a board member at Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Anchorage Children’s Home. He is a member of the FSU Panama City Alumni Board, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Police Chiefs. He previously was a member of the Panama City Faith Based Coalition. “This award is a testament to the staff here [at FSU Panama City], the encouragement of the professors and their commitment to students,” Ervin said.
“He has always encouraged a positive relationship with the Panama City Police Department (PCPD) and made all the resources of the PCPD available to assist in the education of our students.” — Banyon Pelham, FSU Panama City public safety & security instructor and Contracts & Grants manager
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KATHLEEN BRAMMEIER
JONES ('05)
Kathleen Brammeier Jones, a former math teacher at Mosley High School, was noted for her involvement in the community and her focus on students. While teaching at Surfside Middle School, Jones earned her master’s degree in math education in 2005. She has National Board Certification in Mathematics and is a certified Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Master Teacher and National Gateway to Technology Core Training Instructor. She was Arnold High School’s Teacher of the Year and the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach Service Above Self Teacher of the Year in 2012. In 2011, Jones was named Florida’s Math Awardee for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Earning one of the nation’s highest honors for math and science teachers, Jones was recognized by President Barack Obama in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. “Kathy represents the best and the brightest alumni of Florida State University, not only in the educational setting, but also in the community of professionals who support education in Panama City,” Sue Harrell wrote in the nomination. Jones, who has won numerous teaching awards, established PLTW, a pre-engineering program, at Surfside and introduced the first Lego League competition to the Florida Panhandle. Now a lead program manager at Beacon Learning Center, Jones writes and designs web-based courses for teacher education and is a 6-12 Bay Virtual School math instructor. Harrell lauded Jones’ networking skills which have prompted financial support and numerous mentoring opportunities from the community. “It is this kind of advocating for students that singles Kathy out as a passionate, committed teacher leader,” Harrell wrote. “It’s a nice honor to be recognized by the school we all love,” Jones said. “I’d like to see it grow in the community.”
“Kathy represents the best and the brightest alumni of Florida State University.” — Sue Harrell
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DR. GLENDA
WALTERS ('86)
Glenda Walters, Ph.D., an adjunct history professor at Gulf Coast State College, earned her master’s degree in social science education in FSU Panama City’s infancy in 1986. “She was a pioneer; now she is a Notable ’Nole,” former FSU Panama City Dean Ken Shaw, Ed.D., said. “It was the professors here who told me what I could do. I never thought of going on to an advanced degree,” Walters said. “They were dedicated from day one.” She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy and history in 1995 using the FSU Panama City facilities while working as a full-time educator. She was a teacher at Mosley High School for 17 years and also has taught at FSU Panama City. “Looking at Dr. Walters’ resume, it is obvious she gives back to her community,” her daughter Elizabeth Walters wrote in the nomination. Glenda Walters’ most active role is as president of Bay Historical Society. She has been a member or adviser of the Centennial Committee for Panama City and Lynn Haven and now Bay County, and she has written two books on local history that were published by Arcadia Press. She is a mentor for the Bay Education Foundation, earning the title of Mentor of the Year in 2003. She is a board member of Teen Court and the state of Florida Humanities Council, is a member of the Panama City Woman’s Club, previously served as a board member of the Science & Discovery Center (formerly the Junior Museum of Bay County) and is a supporter of the Bay Arts Alliance and Panama City Music Association. She also assists with Girl Scout Troop 632 in Lynn Haven.
“She was a pioneer; now she is a ’Notable Nole.” — Ken Shaw, former FSU Panama City dean
“Looking at Dr. Walters’ resume, it is obvious she gives back to her community.” — Elizabeth Walters
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JULY 22 The Veteran's Study Room is named in honor of James and Cameron Skinner and is available for the use of student veterans, providing them an exclusive place to gather and study.
SEPT. 17
NOV. 13
Thomas Jefferson made an appearance at FSU Panama City in honor of Constitution Day.
Aaron Rich presented “How to Market Yourself Digitally” at the Alumni Luncheon and Workshop.
AUG. 3 FSU Panama City celebrated its sixth year of Whale Day with instructor Christina Rios’ Teaching English Learners class.
AUG. 26-27
OCT. 9
Students are welcomed back to campus during Seminole Sensation Week.
Student Government Council held an election rally and debate.
NOV. 11-15 Students celebrated Homecoming with campus decorations, fireworks and a game watching party.
the year AUG. 25 The first class of freshmen at FSU Panama City attend New Student Convocation in Tallahassee, Fla.
OCT. 30 Psychology students demonstrated their spooktacular ’Nole spirit.
JULY 8-12 OCT. 31
Middle School STEM students discover the joy of flight at the FSU Panama City “Up in the Air” STEM camp sponsored by the AT&T Foundation..
Students celebrated “Poetry & Pizza” with poetic readings and dramatic enactments.
SEPT. 16 The FSU Panama City STEM Institute unveiled “Sam E. Nole,” a fully programmable humanoid robot which offers students hands-on interaction in computer programing and application. 24
Torch: The Year in Review
FEB. 4
MARCH 22
Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D, presented “Piecing Together the Career Puzzle: Vocational Assessment and Training for Adults with Autism."
JUNE 17
The Student Government Council hosted Spring Fling, a week-long event of outdoor activities, food and fun.
The FSU Panama City Student Government Council hosted an Ice Cream Social.
APRIL 23 JAN. 15
FEB. 13
New Student Government Council representatives were sworn in.
The Psychology Club hosted a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale.
Engineering students demonstrated a wide array of inventions and projects at Engineering Day.
MARCH 6 Christina Rios presented “Understanding Diversity: A Passport to Success” at the March ’Nole Talk.
in pictures FEB. 21 The Black Student Union hosted a Cultural Trip to the Tuskegee Institute, Ala..
JAN. 29
MARCH 5
MAY 4
FSU Panama City became “iced over.”
FSU Panama City hosted the inaugural “Fast to the Future” where students learned about careers in their major and networked with industry experts.
The spring commencement ceremony honored 327 graduates.
JUNE 24 FEB. 22
Community gathered to bid Dean Ken Shaw and his wife Ann farewell.
FSU Panama City Open House. pc.fsu.edu
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FSU
PANAMA CITY
SOCIAL MEDIA A LO O K AT T H E N U M B E R S *
In 2013-2014, FSU Panama City experienced an increase in reach and launched new social media
FAC E B O O K
JOINED JANUARY 14, 2011
JOINED JULY 31, 2012
62% 1,811 OF FANS ARE WOMEN
LIKES
80%
62%
INCREASE IN LIKES SINCE JULY 1, 2013
OF FANS ARE MEN
18-24
608
33%
FANS
OF FANS ARE FROM BAY COUNTY
46%
LARGEST AGE DEMOGRAPHIC
INCREASE IN FANS SINCE JULY 1, 2013
I N STAG R A M
YO U T U B E
P I N T E R E ST
JOINED JANUARY 28, 2013
JOINED DECEMBER 2, 2010
MARCH 27, 2014
108
31
246
FOLLOWERS
SUBSCRIBERS
44
7,150
POSTS
IN REVIEW: 26
Torch: The Year in Review
VIEWS
PINS
23
FOLLOWERS *Data compiled July 1, 2014.
Facebook remains FSU Panama City's most popular form of social media with more than 1,800 likes. Both Facebook and Twitter have experienced significant growth in fans/likes. In 2014, the university implemented Pinterest and Instagram accounts.
SPECIAL
FEATURE
2013-2014
ANNUAL REPORT
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CAMPUS AT A GLANCE
Founded in 1982, Florida State University Panama City is a regional campus of a nationally recognized public university offering smaller class sizes, personalized academic programs and faculty committed to student success. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are taught on campus or online.
MOST EFFICIENT GRADUATES 327 degrees were awarded for the 2013-2014 academic year.
In 2013, U.S. News and World Report named Florida State University the most efficient university in the country for the second year in a row.
ENROLLMENT 1,662 total enrolled students for fall 2013
MISSION STATEMENT:
Florida State University Panama City enhances communities and creates opportunities by providing access to high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as encouraging regional military and business research partnerships to enrich and empower individuals to engage and change the world with strength, character and skill.
PRE-EMINENT
FSU has been officially designated one of two pre-eminent research universities in the state by the Florida Legislature and the Florida Board of Governors as a result of having met a set of rigorous benchmarks.
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2013-2014 Annual Report
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Our campus attracts high-achievers with career-track degree programs including 15 undergraduate, six graduate and two certificate programs.
scholarship HIGHLIGHT EMILY HENNESSY
Major: Class of:
Computer Science 2017
High School: Bay High School Noteworthy:
Member of the inaugural freshman class, programmer for Sam. E. Nole
Scholarship:
Alfred I. duPont Foundation
“As one of three children born to a military family, paying for college myself was my only option. I’m so glad there are people out there willing to help students like me achieve an education and, eventually, a career. I only hope that one day I can give back in the same way.”
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2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
KEY INDICATORS FSU PANAMA CITY ALUMNI IN FLORIDA
3% Washington County
3% Jackson County
3%
6,980
Walton County
TOTAL ALUMNI SINCE 1983*
50%
3% Okaloosa County
*Those who have completed at least 24 credit hours at FSU Panama City
21% Out-of-state
Bay County
15% 2%
Gulf County
Other Florida Counties
ANNUAL HEADCOUNT FALL 2011-2013 Total students On campus
2011 2012
2013 900
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,300
1,400
1,500
1,600
1,700
FOUNDATION INDICATORS Endowed Funds Non-Endowed Funds
2012-2013 $4,542,758 $593,006
2013-2014 $5,928,295 $553,392
Named Endowed Scholarships Number of Scholarships Awarded Amount of Scholarships Awarded
82 160 $190,000
85 220 $252,350
The FSU Foundation’s long-term investment portfolio experienced a positive return for the eighth consecutive quarter during the quarter ending June 30, 2014, resulting in double-digit positive returns for the third year in a row. The fiscal year’s return of 17 percent follows returns of 12.6 percent for the 2013 fiscal year and 13.6 percent for the 2012 fiscal year for an average return of 14.4 percent for the past three fiscal years. With the positive returns experienced during all four quarters of the 2014 fiscal year, the longterm portfolio has experienced positive returns in 18 of the last 21 quarters, since the markets began to rebound in the spring of 2009. 30
2013-2014 Annual Report
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
VA BENEFITS
FALL '12
FALL '13
Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty) Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance — DEA)
9 11 50 9
3 13 51 5
TOTAL STUDENTS SERVED
79
72
Student FTE (Full Time Equivalent)
FALL '12 828.5
FALL '13 912
Undergraduate Degrees Awarded Graduate Degrees Awarded
320 70
327* 46*
VA Students Served Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid Students with Disabilities Served
69 76.5 114
72 76.5 79
Academic Allocation
2012-2013 $6,000,351
2013-2014 $6,725,744
Summer Allocation Finance and Administration
$184,119 $1,656,856
$165,708 $1,733,678
Contracts and Grants Utilities
$1,841,713 $500,000
$227,701 $450,000
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
*Undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded for fall 2013, spring 2014 and summer 2014.
CAMPUS BUDGET
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS GRADUATE 9% OTHER 4%
41+ 11% MALE 40%
17-22 36% 26-40
FEMALE 60%
31%
UNDERGRADUATE 87%
23-25 22%
GENDER
AGE
CLASSIFICATION pc.fsu.edu
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scholarship HIGHLIGHT HARRY DAVIS
Major: Class of:
Civil Engineering 2016
High School: Chipley High School Noteworthy:
Member of the inaugural freshman class
Scholarship:
License to Learn
“Reception of a Foundation Scholarship is validation of all my hard work. I will honor the investment by always doing my best.”
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2013-2014 Annual Report
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT CONTRACTS AND GRANTS The Office of Contracts and Grants supports FSU Panama City researchers through proposal submission, award negotiation, account set-up and account close-out, ensuring that grants and contracts are consistent with university standards for academic freedom, research ethics and fiscal responsibility. Although FSU Panama City is predominately focused on excellence in teaching and student success, it has also been successful in acquiring almost $5 million in contracts and grants during the past decade.
FSU PANAMA CITY CONTRACTS AND GRANTS ACTIVITY 2013–2014 DATES
TITLE OF AWARD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
AMOUNT
2011-2014
Santa Rosa County Florida Santa Rosa County Mosquito Surveillance
John Smith, Ph.D.
$29,437
2013-2014
Okaloosa County Florida
John Smith, Ph.D. $29,437 Mosquito Control Surveillance
2013-2014
AT&T Foundation FSU Panama City STEM Institute
Ginger Littleton, M.S.
$5,000
2013-2014
Panhandle Area Educational Consortium PAEC 2014 Summer Camp
Ginger Littleton, M.S.
$27,000
2014
Bay County Board of County Commissioners Bay County Artificial Reef Monitoring Project
Mike Zinszer, Ed.S.
$12,000
2014
Pyrolysis Tech, LLC Pyrolysis and Activation Tests of Hardwoods
Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D.
$47,662
2014
FSURF — FSU Research Foundation RF02449 Salary — Pyrolysis Tech
Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D.
$26,923
2014
Naval Service Warfare Center Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Ginger Littleton, M.S.
$50,242
TOTAL $227,701
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From the Westcott Building in Tallahassee to the Holley
Faculty, staff and students benefit from the improvement
Academic Center at FSU Panama City, the everlasting
of scholarship, community members gain access to
flame of a Florida State University education burns bright.
unique resources, and together, we impact society in a way
Florida State University has a history of greatness and an enduring legacy that continues to offer its students worldclass education and academic experiences. With the recent designation as a pre-eminent university, along with our impressive standings in the current national rankings for top-tier public universities, Florida State is on the path to reach even greater heights.
we could not do alone. At FSU Panama City, we are proud to be part of the University’s path to increased prominence. In 2012, we announced the
Campaign for Our Community’s University,
and we are now pleased to reveal Florida State University’s comprehensive campaign
— Raise the Torch: The Campaign
for Florida State.
Likewise, FSU Panama City has been our community’s university for more than 30 years and continues to provide students in this area the opportunity to graduate from
Raise the Torch: The Campaign for Florida State
is the most
ambitious fundraising campaign in University history. With
one of the nation’s top public universities with a nationally
a goal of $1 billion,
recognized
Raise the Torch
seeks to implement the
academic
bold ideas generated by the Florida State community.
programming and real-world engagement, FSU Panama
These ideas will continue to distinguish Florida State as a
City students are able to explore and cultivate their
pre-eminent university and will positively affect the future
interests while making a difference in their community.
for students, faculty and alumni.
34
degree.
Through
2013-2014 Annual Report
innovative
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT FSU Panama City’s Campaign for Our Community’s University is one of many college- and unit-based fundraising efforts that will drastically improve the Florida State student experience. Raise the Torch is a combined effort of the University Advancement direct support organizations, like the FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, FSU Alumni Association and Real Estate Foundation. Your gifts to support academics at FSU Panama City count toward both the Campaign for Our Community’s University and Raise the Torch.
The Campaign for Our Community’s University, through Raise the Torch, will establish a $5 million endowment for the College of Applied Studies. This endowment will create student scholarships that will help recipients work toward graduation and find meaningful jobs in our community; implement new degree and certificate programs in market-specific disciplines; and provide new equipment and technology to support the curriculum, students and faculty. The priorities of Raise the Torch are in keeping with the needs of Florida State and FSU Panama City: ❯❯❯ Inspire, engage and transform the next generation of students ❯❯❯ Power a great university to new academic heights ❯❯❯ Encourage innovation, creativity and discovery ❯❯❯ Improve the Public Good “When private funding is strategically invested in transformative ideas, great things can happen,” said Tom Jennings, vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation. “Private support has played a profound and positive role in the success of our students and our University. With it, Florida State will improve its current national ranking from No. 43 to within the top tier of public universities and continue to create a culture that embraces entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. This culture will nurture the idea that individuals who take calculated risks can gain enormous benefits and foster growth not only at the university but in communities worldwide.”
To date, the Campaign for Our Community’s University has raised more than half of its $5 million goal. Raise the Torch is poised to reach $1 billion by June 30, 2018, having secured more than $592 million thus far.
The Campaign for Our Community’s University and Raise the Torch will help FSU Panama City continue to create programs that are applicable to our community and region. Establishing a deep connection between our university and the community it serves provides our students a foundation upon which a lifetime of service can grow. FSU Panama City and Florida State University are poised and ready to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. We invite you to help us provide these students the cuttingedge education they need to be successful by supporting the Campaign for Our Community’s University. Join us as we Raise the Torch for FSU Panama City, for our community and for our future.
Visit raisethetorch.fsu.edu to learn more about Raise the Torch: The Campaign for Florida State and how you can get involved.
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scholarship HIGHLIGHT DANIEL DUNFEE
Major:: Class of:
Recreation, Tourism and Events 2015
High School:: Chipley High School Noteworthy::
Interned with Walt Disney World
Scholarship::
FSU Panama City General
“Because of your generous gift to me I will be able to see my dreams turn into a reality that, without, would not have been possible. Thank you for your gift that will help me with my future endeavors during my time at FSU Panama City as well as wherever my internship may take me.”
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2013-2014 Annual Report
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIPS Endowed scholarships at Florida State University Panama City recognize and encourage superior academic accomplishment, outstanding leadership and exemplary character among student recipients. FSU Panama City is extremely grateful to the donors who have stepped forward to support our campus and the students we serve.
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR FALL 2013 AND SPRING 2014 Adam P. Arias Memorial ABA Autism Kelsey Owen Alfred I. duPont Foundation Jeremy Bahadirli Daniel Bardbury Ashley Beason Sheridan Crump Colin Fortner Stephanie Gipson Miranda Gref Emily Hennessy Austin Januchowski Patrick McNally Alexander Semmler Shawn Terry Pamela Toulis
Community Services Foundation of Bay County Amanda Anderson Mary Elizabeth Bruce Erika Espinosa-Araiza Rachel Gamble Angela Hearns CW Roberts Contracting Kinsey Naud
FSU Panama City Student Government Council Alecia Esarey Julia Lewis Hillary Wallace
David and Trish Warriner Elizabeth Harless
GAC Contractors Michelle Gartman
Death By Chocolate/ Emerald Coast Business Women's Association Sheneese Townsend
Gary and Hollis Bliss Falishia Chandler Shannnon Martin
Dempsey Barron Memorial Shericka Davis
Angel David Endowed Memorial Jennifer Cosson
Don Crisp Darla Tharp
Anita Darlene Freeman Laura Marley
Dr. David Skinner Memorial Ethan Thomas
AT&T Employees Mary Phelan
Dr. Hulon and Dinah Crayton Sonya Lowery
Bay County Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Bay Elizabeth Pate
Dr. Robert L. Young Memorial Jeffery Mayhann
Bay County League of Women's Voters Christine Smith
Edward Mayer Memorial Susan Hawley Edward N. and June G. Wright Zachary Smith
Bay County Teacher of the Year Endowment for the College of Logan Graham Applied Studies Derrick Bailey Berg Steel Pipe Corporation Chelsea Blanton Christopher Pinkerton Jason Jerrigan Bob Barth Underwater Ora LeBlanc Research Charone Leonard Nicole Mushtare William Steverson, Jr. Alex Teas Brenda Gail Robbins Danielle Dauphin Estelle Cawthon Starling Century 21 Bay Brokers Council Kara Douglas Charles W. Clary, III Sherry Peacock Chipola College Transfer Scholars Mariah Carter Elise Kirk Dylan Paramore Colonel William W. Wood Memorial Jessica Johannes
FSU Panama City General Scholarship Derrick Bacon Daniel Dunfee
Memorial Todd McKenney
Flo Bilelo Social Work Debra Hutto Frank Brown Memorial/ Optimist Club of the Beaches Kesia Milner Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 130 Christy McBee Fredericka Berger Benton Memorial Lauri Tyeryar
George G. Tapper Memorial Jared Degler Gulf Coast State College Transfer Scholars Lauren Bachuss Douglas Brown Talor Gannaway Oliver Gerber Brian Hague Olga Melikyan Christopher Pinkerton Taylor Queen Gulf Power Foundation, Inc. Jonah Cleveland HDR, Inc. Edith Wong Hubert Green Talitha McVay Kayla Toole Investing In Tomorrow Ashley Anderson Rachel Gamble Jacob Roberts Jacqueline Isler Memorial Kayla Whitehead Jean Cockrell - Gulf Coast Woman's Club Cheryl Picone Jeff Berberich Family Tiffany Whitener Jerry J. Rosborough STEM Anhvo Nguyen Joanne Crawford Gulf Coast Woman's Club Kayleen Creinin John A. Centrone Memorial Maria Paula Del Carlo John Hutt, Sr. Memorial Joshua Kokosha
Junior Service League of Panama City Christina Davis
Panama City Beach Chamber Education Fund Heather Bastedo
Karen Hanes Amy Ehrichs
Panama City Downtown Rotary Club Brittney Terryn
Kassi Blakeley Eudaley Amanda Felts Kelly L. Ayers and Kenneth L. Ayers III Ryan Tate Larson M. & Beverly J. Bland Brandon Sheffield License to Learn Jonathan Biddle Christina Collins Harry Davis Michelle Gartman Samantha Gipson Cassandra Mathias Jodi Mertens Stephanie Milliser Kinsey Naud Morgan Picone Christopher Sponseller Christine Smith Holly Trisch Rebecca Wanamaker Edith Wong Linda Arnold Christoff Memorial Angelina Alvarado Mabelle Williams Benton Memorial Komal Patel Mary Ola Reynolds Miller Gavin Taylor McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. Christopher Sponseller Miracle Strip Chapter FICPA Kelsie Buccellato Timothy Faucheuz Northwest Florida State College Transfer Scholars Katherine Baker Megan Gordon Molly Hils Jennifer White Optimist Club of the Beaches Chase Graham Optimist Club of the Beaches Law Enforcement Samantha Jarrett
Panama City Housing Authority Tiffany Whitener Cody Bylsma Panama City Junior Woman's Club Valerie Welch Panhandle Educator's Federal Credit Union Joshua Odom Panhandle Engineering, Inc. Harry Davis Patronis Brothers Foundation Jacob Dillon Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholars Michael Lee (GCSC) John Whittington (Chipola) Preble-Rish, Inc. Holly Trisch Regions Bank Joseph Scott Richard "Dick" Locher Memorial Aaron Paille Society of American Military Engineers - Panama City Post Kevin Dexter St. Joe Community Foundation John Christmas III Tyler Graham Gordon Griffith Michael Wojcik Stantec Jacob Roberts Sussex-Bay Foundation Akiya Smith Thomas G. and Donna P. McCoy Optimist Club Ryan Ledford Wally Jenkins Memorial Optimist Club of the Beaches Itay Drymann Walter B. Hall, Sr. Memorial Christina Collins
Panama City Area Seminole Club Gina Osborne
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2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT CAMPAIGN UPDATE FSU Panama City’s Campaign for our Community's University has experienced much success in the two years since its public launch, receiving support from nearly 2,000 gifts and exceeding $3 million toward the $5 million goal. While focus has been on building an endowment for the College of Applied Studies, campaign gifts have been received for a number of different initiatives – endowed scholarships, Early Childhood Autism Program, STEM Institute and Engineering Senior Design Projects to name a few. Thanks to those who have contributed to the campaign and allowed us to reach more than 60% of our goal.
P RO F I L E O F A C A M PA I G N G I F T GOAL ACHIEVED:
TIME ELAPSED:
RAISED TO DATE:
60%
53 %
$3,024,166
As of 9/24/2014
GOAL 5,000,000
4,500,000
H OW
IS GIVING TO THE CAMPAIGN?* FACULTY/ STAFF
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
WHO
MUCH ARE THEY GIVING? 2 @ $250K-$499K
15%
3 @ $100K-$249K
PARENTS 7%
8 @ $50K-99K FRIENDS
17%
CORPORATIONS/ FOUNDATIONS
20 @ $25-$49K
24%
20 @ $10K-$24K
ALUMNI*
45%
20 @ $5K-$9K 151 @ $1K-$4K
0
10
20
30
40
*64% of alumni donors are FSU Panama City alumni. Some donations fall into multiple categories.
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2013-2014 Annual Report
50 1,532 @ LESS $1K
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
WHERE
ARE THEIR GIFTS ALLOCATED?
W H AT
TYPES OF GIFTS ARE THEY GIVING?
45% PLEDGE 46%
54%
SCHOLARSHIPS
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 50%
3% STOCK/ PROPERTY
CASH
1% GIFT-IN-KIND LESS THAN 1% PLANNED GIFTS/BEQUESTS
FACULTY/STAFF
WHY
DO THEY GIVE?
CORPORATION/ FOUNDATION FSU Panama City is a staple in our community. By supporting this prestigious and beautiful university, we in turn support the community where our members attend school. — Jim Warren, President/CEO, Tyndall Federal Credit Union
FRIENDS The impact that FSU Panama City has on our students and our community far outweighs any collegiate loyalty this old Gator may have. I am truly proud to support FSU Panama City.
We are blessed to call FSU Panama City our family. It seemed only natural to donate so we could encourage the academic advancement of our students and help them realize the opportunities that earning a degree from FSU Panama City provides.
ALUMNI
As FSU alumni and long-time residents of Bay County, we are proud to support our alma — Gordon & Melissa Carlton mater and the local community through — Wayne & Gail Lindsey our giving to FSU Panama City and PARENTS encourage our fellow alumni and Our son and daughter as well as their friends to join us. spouses graduated from FSU Panama — Jimmy & Katie City, so we are proud to contribute to the Patronis campaign to grow FSU Panama City. — Floyd & Gloria Skinner
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2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT FSU PANAMA CITY CUMULATIVE GIFTS AND PLEDGES Recognizing cumulative gifts and pledges through Sept. 18, 2014. Bold type indicates new gift/pledge between July 1, 2013, and Sept. 18, 2014. LEGACY SOCIETY DEFERRED & PLANNED GIFTS Earldine T. Ankiewicz Jim L. Smallwood HERITAGE SOCIETY ($500,000 AND ABOVE) Russell C. Holley* St. Joe Community Foundation LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ($100,000–$499,999) Alfred I. duPont Foundation, Inc. AT&T Florida Community Services Foundation of Bay County, Inc. George A. Butchikas Foundation for Autism Gulf Power Foundation, Inc./ Gulf Power Company Thomas G. and Donna P. McCoy The News Herald/Washington County News/Holmes County Advertiser/ Port St. Joe Star Floyd D. and Gloria D. Skinner/ Skinner Tax Consulting Tyndall Federal Credit Union LOYALTY CIRCLE ($50,000–$99,999) William C. and Carolyn A. Cramer Durden Foundation, Inc. Emerald Coast Business Women's Association George G. & Amelia G. Tapper Foundation Hubert M. Green Hutt Insurance Agency, Inc. Marion G. and Barbara W. Nelson Private Foundation
Elizabeth W. McNabb* Optimist Club of the Beaches Panama City Housing Authority John S. and Gail W. Robbins/Jason S and Carol J. Robbins Sussex-Bay Foundation/Peter Micheal Bardach* CORNERSTONE CIRCLE ($25,000–$49,999) Advocates for Children, Inc. Athritus & Infusion Center Atkins, Inc. Kenneth L. Ayers Dempsey J. Barron* Berg Steel Pipe Corporation Gary D. and Hollis H. Bliss C. W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. Centennial Bank James T. and Jana L. Cook Willard and Linda Coram Donald R. and Tyrene Crisp Thomas E. David Ray E. and Sharon G. Dubque Facility Leasing, Inc. GAC Contractors Gulf Coast Medical Center Frank A. and Chrisanthi C. Hall HDR Engineering, Inc. Innovations Federal Credit Union Wayne G. and Gail Lindsey Nan G. Locher Glen R. and Katrina R. McDonald/ Gerald G. McDonald McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. Panama City Area Seminole Club Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Panama City Junior Service League
Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union Panhandle Engineering, Inc. Patronis Brothers, Inc. Jimmy T. and Helen C. Patronis, Sr. Preble-Rish, Inc. Pyrolysis Tech, LLC Regions Bank Resort Collection RockTenn Society of American Military Engineers Panama City Post Jerry F. and Mary S. Sowell, Jr. Summit Bank Walsingham Investments WilsonMiller Inc. James L. and Frances M. Wood PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($10,000–$24,999) Adam Arias Memorial Golf Tournament Margit A. Arias Bay County Chamber of Commerce/ Junior Leadership Bay Bense Family Foundation John A. Centrone Memorial Scholarship Century 21 Bay Brokers Council Charles W. Clary, III Lorenzo N. and Nancy N. Dantzler Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Farrell Realty & Insurance Company Fraternal Order of Police #130 GFWC Gulf Coast Womans Club, Inc. Ruth S. Glenn Patrick D. Greany Hancock Bank Isaac W. Byrd Family Foundation, Inc. ITT Excelis JR Foods, Inc. *Deceased
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2013-2014 Annual Report
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. L-3 Communications Marine Maintenance of Bay County, Inc. Panama City Junior Woman's Club Gregory E. and Janna Pape Jimmy T. and Katie L. Patronis, Jr. Register's Enterprises of Bay County, LLC Reynolds Smith and Hills, Inc. James R. Robbins* Kenneth L. and Ann K. Shaw John G. Starling Miracle Strip Chapter FICPA TECO Peoples Gas Company Elizabeth J. Walters Leon L. and Glenda J. Walters Wells Fargo David P. and Caroline R. Windham Edward N. and June G. Wright CHARTER CLUB ($5,000–$9,999) AAF Panama City Applied Research Associates, Inc. ARINC John A. Arnold* Nicole P. Barefield Robert F. and Patricia Barnard Barron & Redding Bay County Correction Facility - CCA Bay County Land and Abstract Company Bay County Sheriff Department Bay Walk-In Clinic, Inc. Larson M.* and Beverly J. Bland John L. Bozarth Burke, Blue, Hutchison, Walters & Smith, P.A. Captain Anderson's Restaurant R. Gordon and Melissa A. Carlton
Consumer Credit Counseling Service George N. DePuy and Kathleen L. Valentine First American Title Insurance Company Charley A. and JoAn Gramling, III Granite Construction Company Gulf Coast State College Foundation HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital Hutchison Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Charles S. Isler, III JRA Architects Michael S. Kennedy Key Electrical Supply, Inc. Lamar Advertising Thomas O. and Margarita I. Myers Nichols & Associates of Bay County, Inc. Office Max Erma W. Palmer* Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Panama City Toyota Scion Pilot Club of Panama City Michael W. Reed Jim L. and Nadia Smallwood Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q Spartacus Marketing Consultants, Inc. Sun Harbor Marina Sunshine Piping, Inc. SunTrust Bank Trustmark National Bank Marvin A. Urquhart, Jr. William B. Robinson WJHG-TV
Executive Committee Jorge Gonzalez President The St. Joe Company
Wayne Lindsey Board Member At-Large Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Tony Bennett Vice President HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital
Bob McSpadden Executive Committee Designee Retired, Gulf Coast State College
Michelle Ginn Secretary/Treasurer ERA Neubauer Real Estate, Inc.
Steve Leach Executive Committee Interim Dean, FSU Panama City
Board Members Nicole Barefield Washington County News Bill Cappleman TSYS Merchant Solutions Robert Carroll McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. Jason Crowe Community Bank Debbi Dial Tyndall Federal Credit Union Richard Dodd ReliantSouth Construction Group Ray Dubuque Retired, AT&T Florida Leah Dunn Dunn Properties Tim Farrell Farrell Realty & Insurance Agency, Inc. Phillip Griffitts Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
John Ed McDanal Gulf Power Company Glen McDonald Past President Applied Research Associates, Inc. Lesley Miller Summit Bank Dawn Moliterno Introspect Associates Rebecca Pierson Bay Health Foundation David Southall Innovations Federal Credit Union Dustin Stokesbary Centennial Bank Joe Tannehill, Sr. Merrick Industries Elizabeth Walters Burke, Blue, Hutchison, Walters & Smith, P.A. Victoria Williams VBA Designs, Inc. Paul Wohlford The Resort Collection
Tom Lewis WJHG News Channel 7
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2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Thank
24T H A N N U A L G O L F T O U R N A M E N T
FSU Panama City welcomed business leaders, alumni and community supporters to the 24th Annual Golf Tournament held March 14 at Hombre Golf Club. The inaugural Golf Ball Drop raised more than $4,600. Golfers played 18 holes of golf and enjoyed a special lunch with Coach Bobby Bowden. Thanks to the businesses and individuals who participated in the tournament, FSU Panama City raised almost $40,000 to support the Endowment for the College of Applied Studies and the Campus Enrichment Fund.
Tournament Sponsors AT&T Centennial Bank
Golf Ball Drop Sponsor Tyndall Federal Credit Union
Tournament Social Sponsors Captain Jack's Family Buffet Panama City Toyota Scion
Lunch Sponsor
Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Tournament Ball Sponsor Florida Probation Service
Hole-in-One Sponsors Panhandle Engineering Skinner Tax Consulting
Hospitality Sponsors
Bill Crammer Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC Farrell Realty and Insurance
Hole Sponsors
Bense Family Foundation Gulf Power Company Community Bank ReliantSouth Edgewater Beach Resort Construction Group Grand Slam Tournaments TJ's Networking Solutions
Gold Sponsors HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital Innovations FCU The News Herald Panhandle Educator's FCU
Garnet Sponsors
Summit Bank Trustmark Bank Jerry and Mary Sowell Walsingham Management
ARUBA Networks Key Electrical Supply Hal Burleson, Jr. CFP, KLW Enterprises, Inc. Wells Fargo Advisors The St. Joe Company Cahall's Deli
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2013-2014 Annual Report
2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2013 A N N U A L D I N N E R On Oct. 15, 2013, more than 200 donors and community leaders gathered at Edgewater Beach Resort for FSU Panama City's Annual Dinner. The dinner featured surprise entertainment from The Three Waiters. Thanks to the Garnet and Gold Table Sponsors and those who purchased individual tickets, FSU Panama City raised more than $10,900 for the Endowment of the College of Applied Studies.
Entertainment Sponsors Frank and Chris Hall Innovations FCU
Gold Sponsors Alfred I. duPont Foundation Dr. and Mrs. James T. Cook, III FSU Panama City SGC Gulf Coast State College Foundation Gulf Power Company Rock Tenn The St. Joe Company Sunshine Piping, Inc. Tyndall Federal Credit Union Elizabeth J. Walters, Leon L. Walters and Dr. Glenda Walters Walsingham Management
Garnet Sponsors Applied Research Associates Berg Steel Pipe Corporation Centennial Bank/ERA Real Estate Edgewater Beach Resort Emerald Medical Care Hancock Bank HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital Hutchison Family Charitable Trust McNeil Carroll Engineering Merrick Industries The News Herald Panhandle Educators FCU Regions Bank Skinner Tax Consulting Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q Summit Bank
Media Sponsors Panama City Living WJHG Photos by Scott Pittman / Panama City Living
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RAISE THE TORCH The CAMPAIGN for FLORIDA STATE for OUR COMMUNITY'S UNIVERSITY
YOUR GIFTS IMPACT our campus our students our community our future Thank you for supporting Our Community's University
pc.fsu.edu | 850.872.4750
TACTILE SENSORS SPEAKERS (X2) AND EARLEDS
FRONT & REAR MICROPHONES
INFRARED EMITTER/ RECEIVER AND EYELEDS
CAMERAS (X2)
SONARS (X4) BATTERY
TACTILE SENSORS
PREHENSILE HANDS
BUMPERS (X2)
PRESSURE SENSORS
sam e. nole Programmable robot inspires next generation of students By Erica Howard and Becky Kelly When Sam E. Nole gives a presentation, there is one goal in mind: to inspire students. With student managers from the FSU Panama City STEM Institute, Sam E. travels to classrooms, teaching students computer programming, physics, critical thinking and more.
“The STEM Institute utilizes Sam E. to not only allow our university students to expand their horizons in the areas of robotics but extends the reach of FSU Panama City into the K-12 classrooms around the region,” STEM Institute Director Ginger Littleton said. Although Sam E. Nole has been at FSU Panama City for the pc.fsu.edu
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“I think promoting STEM in schools is very important because it opens students’ eyes to a world of possibilities and sets them up for a future of success. Getting to take part in fun math and science activities while they are young can bolster students’ confidence in their abilities.” — Emily Hennessy, computer science
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Torch: The Year in Review
past year, she isn’t your average Seminole. The 23-inch-tall programmable robot was unveiled at a press conference in September 2013 thanks to a grant from the AT&T Foundation. She serves as a learning tool for the university’s STEM Institute, aiming to draw the next generation toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in a fun and interactive way. Sam E. and her student managers, computer science majors Brian Hague, Bipol Alam and Brandon Yates, have demonstrated her skills to students throughout the community. Emily Hennessy joined the group of student managers after Hague graduated in May. “AT&T’s contribution has added a whole new dimension to STEM,” Littleton said. “Sam E. allows students to see the possibilities of STEM on many levels from communicating to balancing to moving joints and approximating human motion.” Sam E. was designed by Aldebaran Robotics. Her body has 25 degrees of freedom that can be programed using electric motors and actuators. Her communications package includes two cameras, four microphones, sonar rangefinder, a voice synthesizer, speakers and LED lights. She is programed using an Intel ATOM 1.6 ghz central processing unit that runs a Linux kernel and supports Aldebaran’s proprietary middleware (NAOqi) located
in the head section. A secondary central processor is in the torso. During school visits, student managers and Sam E. interact with classes, showing off the robot’s tai chi and dancing skills. To promote critical thinking, students can offer suggestions for how to manipulate Sam E.’s movement variations to perform a task, such as throwing a ball. The robot also plays Marco Polo, quotes popular movies and shares her love of Florida State with the Tomahawk Chop. Hague noted students most enjoy the robot’s demonstration of popular dancing styles, such as Gangnam Style or the Robot. “Students’ eyes lit up when we introduced Sam E. to them, and they asked a lot of good questions,” he said. “Once one sees Sam E. work and interacts with her, an amazing bond forms between man and machine,” Littleton noted.
Because of additional use licenses, some students also are able to participate in the robot’s programming.
in fun math and science activities while they are young can bolster students’ confidence in their abilities.”
“You could really see it on the students’ faces when they started to grasp the idea of programming and all they could accomplish with it,” said Hennessy, who showed off Sam E. at the STEM Institute's summer camps. “They were so excited and full of ideas about what they wanted her to do.”
“Working with Sam E. made me realize that I want to program with a direct purpose,” Hague said, noting the children’s excitement made him discover a love of teaching. Since graduating in May, Hague began working as a web developer for Information Services Inc. in Washington, D.C.
Hennessy said her favorite part of working with Sam E. is getting students excited about computer programming. She said she discovered a love for robotics during an eighth-grade Lego robots challenge and looks forward to helping younger people get involved in STEM subjects. “I think promoting STEM in schools is very important because it opens students’ eyes to a world of possibilities and sets them up for a future of success,” she said. “Getting to take part
Littleton said this is only the beginning for Sam E.’s adventures. “Her first year has been extraordinary as she has visited classrooms, been visited on campus and has worked with high schoolers in summer camp settings,” Littleton said. “Sam E. is now ready to expand her outreach.” Sam E. continues to travel with her managers, promoting the importance of higher education and STEM subjects.
Above: Sam E. Nole with her student managers computer science majors Emily Hennessy, Brandon Yates and Bipol Alam. At left: Sam E. Nole and her student manager Brian Hague visited Patronis Elementary on Jan. 27. Sam E. and Brian taught first through fourth graders about robotics, science and problem solving. Sam E. performed tai chi moves and played interactive games with the students.
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'I WANTED TO LEARN FROM THE BEST' UCSI diving team member Adam Wendt aids in the search for missing UC Berkeley student By Erica Howard
Adam Wendt and his family moved to Panama City because he wanted to learn from the best. Already a professional diver and scuba instructor, Wendt enrolled in FSU Panama City’s Underwater Crime Scene Investigation certificate program. Just a few months later, he and fellow divers from FSU Panama City were called on as the best to recover the body of a missing swimmer in Austin, Texas. Thanks to a crowd-funding campaign, a team from the UCSI program was hired July 27 to search Lake Travis for the body of missing UC Berkeley student Song Sok. The divers spent more than a week exploring the lake before calling off the search for Sok, who went missing after jumping off a boat July 13. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office previously had called off its own search efforts because of low visibility in the lake. 48
Torch: The Year in Review
Although Sok’s body was not recovered, Wendt called the mission a success. “We performed our search and can say that the areas searched are clear of any evidence or remains,” he said. “We were unable to bring closure to the family as we would have liked to, but we did everything we could do with our skills and equipment with regards to the environment we dove and the information we were given,” FSU Panama City dive instructor Jerome Fleeman said. The team extensively searched areas identified by boaters and marina witnesses as the place Sok went into distress while swimming. The divers also used information from a police dog and sonar readings to search other points of interest in the lake. “We executed our plan very effectively but were hindered by the conditions we were presented with,” Fleeman said. “The Lake Travis divers have one of the most difficult environments to dive that I have ever encountered.”
Fleeman said the UCSI program is top-notch and on the cutting edge of training and technology. With unique projects and opportunities, dive students gain exposure and hands-on experience they can apply in many aspects of their academic and professional futures. “The four of us who went on that call to Texas learned from each other,” DeDario said. “We can never stop learning. Once you think you know it all, it is time to hang up your fins.” Wendt noted the program’s reputation as the reason he moved to Panama City. “I have wanted to learn from the best, and this is where all of the best equipment and training come from,” he said. After graduation, Wendt said he hopes to work for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The lake’s terrain, with a silted bottom and high underwater tree density, was the biggest obstacle to the mission, Wendt said. Wendt, who previously was a dive trainer, had logged hundreds of dives in Lake Travis before coming to FSU Panama City. Because of his experience in the lake’s conditions, he was a valuable asset to the team, Fleeman said. Wendt could offer advice to the team on the lake’s expected environment and visibility. “His awareness of public safety diving as a whole and his familiarity with Lake Travis was key to a safe working environment,” FSU Panama City diving instructor Darren DeDario said. “He was an integral part of that dive team.” As the safety diver, Wendt was tasked with ensuring that the proper equipment was on site with the correct breathing mixtures. He also was responsible for responding to an emergency if one of the divers required assistance. FSU Panama City’s involvement in the missing swimmer case shows the significance the UCSI program has nationwide, Fleeman said. The local divers brought equipment and technical expertise to the case that is not available anywhere else in the U.S. “While our job is never one that is necessarily pleasant, it is why we train as we do,” he said. “To be looked to for our efforts is an honor, and I can truly say we left there with the respect of the family and the agencies we worked with.”
Photo courtesy of Adam Wendt Adam Wendt towing sonar during a dive for the Florida State University Panama City Underwater Crime Scene Investigation program.
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PATH TO THE
AMERICAN
DREAM By Erica Howard As a recent American citizen, Irvin Morales bleeds red, white and blue. As a Publix employee, he also bleeds green. Morales’ path to the “American dream” began 15 years ago, when his mother immigrated to the United States empty-handed from El Salvador. Morales followed in 2008, speaking broken English, and soon began working at Publix as a front service clerk, more commonly known as a bag boy. “I enjoyed talking to the customers while taking their groceries to their car. I enjoyed providing the Publix premier service and learned new words with customers to improve my English skills,” he said. “I was not afraid to start at the bottom because I was determined to move up in the company.” With that determination, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, he has continued to improve his language skills and climbed through the ranks of the company as a cashier and a customer service representative. He now serves as a customer service team leader at the Publix on the west end of Panama City Beach. In hopes of becoming a store manager, he now is in his final semester before earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at FSU Panama City. He earned his associate’s degree from Gulf Coast State College and transferred through the Connect! program. “I have always had a passion for business because it is the main driver of prosperity for individuals, companies and nations,” said Morales, who became a U.S. citizen on Sept. 5. 50
Torch: The Year in Review
In his current position at Publix, Morales oversees the front end of the store, ensuring customers receive quality service. He performs administrative duties and jumps in as a cashier and bags groceries when needed to improve the shopping experience. “It is part of the Publix culture to perform activities outside of our job description because we are committed to Publix’s success,” he said. Morales also is working to help the company improve financially through an independent study with Business Professor Gary Bliss, D.B.A. By analyzing financial data from the store, he aims to identify opportunities and challenges in the store, enhance the business model and boost revenue.
by maximizing profits, which results in higher wages for associates and higher returns for shareholders. We add value to our family and friends by making them happy. We add value to our community by being responsible citizens.” Store manager Gayne Kowalik said Morales has been a true asset to Publix, constantly trying to better himself and volunteering to cross-train to serve shoppers.
“I love my mom, my job, my friends, my professors, my managers — I really cannot ask for more. I am very lucky to live in the greatest place on Earth.”
“Typically, a company can add value financially through increased cash flow, better sales or decreasing expenses,” Bliss said. “It also can enhance efficiency with good operational procedures and quality employees.” Morales said the idea of “adding value to the firm” is one that has translated from the classroom to his job and day-to-day life. “Our main purpose in life is to add and maximize value in our everyday activities,” he said. “We add value to our companies
“Irvin is conscientious, detailoriented and absolutely fantastic with customers,” she said. “He has the tools and the motivation to move beyond store level into any career path he chooses with Publix.” Bliss said Morales’ experiences in El Salvador are an added benefit to his company.
“Coming from a different culture and adapting to the culture here, he brings to Publix a lot of interpersonal skills that will make the shoppers feel welcome,” he said. Bliss noted three characteristics that stand out in Morales: his determination, his work ethic and his never-fading smile. “I love my mom, my job, my friends, my professors, my managers — I really cannot ask for more,” Morales said. “I am very lucky to live in the greatest place on Earth.” pc.fsu.edu
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Turning worries into
HOPE
A master’s degree that makes a difference By Amy Polick, Ph.D., BCBA-D Deciding on a career path can be one of the most challenging parts of being a student. But for Paige Pieretti, choosing FSU Panama City for her graduate work in applied behavior analysis (ABA) was an easy decision. “During my undergrad, I worked at a summer camp for children with disabilities and I chose to pursue ABA because I wanted to help families and children with autism,” Pieretti said. Pieretti is now a second-year graduate student in FSU’s master’s program in psychology with a specialization in ABA. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pieretti attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virgina, for her undergraduate degree in psychology and moved to FSU Panama City a year ago to begin her graduate work. “We have students from all over the world applying to our program,” said Jon Bailey, Ph.D., director of the ABA master’s program. “The FSU master’s in applied behavior analysis is the No. 1 ranked program of its kind in Florida.” Students like Pieretti have attended FSU for specialized training in ABA since the program's inception in 1999. Since then, the program has boasted a 100 percent placement rate with more than 200 graduates either obtaining employment or continuing on to a doctoral program. “Our students are highly sought after. In fact, most have three or four job offers and get to select their top choice well before 52
Torch: The Year in Review
they graduate,” Bailey said. In response to the community’s need to hire qualified graduates, the program began hosting an annual ABA Job Fair each spring. “ABA agencies travel to Florida from around the country to attend the job fair hosted by the master’s program with the sole purpose of recruiting our students,” said Al Murphy, Ph.D., practicum coordinator of the program. ABA encompasses applications with people with developmental disabilities (such as autism) and other behavioral challenges in school classrooms, homes and clinics. It also aids with people in a variety of other areas such as traumatic brain injury, gerontology, sports, personnel management and safety compliance. In addition to five semesters of course work, students complete three semesters of practicum. Students gain direct hands-on experience providing ABA services to children and adults with different challenges across home, school and residential settings. The practicum possibilities are a big draw for students since not all schools offer this type of training. “I chose FSU because my adviser told me it was one of the top master’s programs in the country and after some research I saw there was an opportunity to work at a clinic with children with autism, which was something I knew I wanted,” Pieretti said. The on-campus clinic belongs to the FSU Early Childhood
“My favorite part about what I do is that I get to teach children life skills that we often take for granted. I like being able to help take the families’ worries about autism and turn them into hope.” Amy Polick, Ph.D., teaches an Applied Behavior Analysis course. At bottom, right, Paige Pieretti, an ABA graduate student, studies in the ECAP Clinic. Pieretti
— Paige Pieretti, ABA graduate student
moved from Pennsylvania to participate in the ABA master's program at FSU Panama City.
Autism Program (ECAP). Established in 2001, ECAP is a non-profit autism program that provides individualized ABA therapy for children of all ages. These ABA services include skill assessments to determine levels of language, academics, social skills, play and daily living skills. Therapists develop individualized learning goals, teach one-on-one curriculum, assess behavior and collect data to evaluate treatment. While the primary mission of ECAP is to provide effective ABA services to children with autism, a secondary mission of ECAP is to provide excellent clinical training to graduate students enrolled in the ABA master’s degree program at FSU. The combination of the two missions has been a real win for FSU Panama City and families of ECAP. “ECAP has given our child the skills to participate in society and dramatically improve his quality of life,” Debbie McDaniel said. “Our family has been associated with the program for a number of years and we have always been impressed with the professionalism of the staff and consistent quality of the services provided. The graduate students have demonstrated a true compassion for and commitment to our child’s progress and success.”
“Parents often report that our graduate students made significant gains with their children while completing their practicum experiences,” Bailey said. Students have traveled from all over the country — California, Arizona, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania — to gain ABA experience and launch their careers. Their future employment will be focused on ways to improve and change peoples’ lives. “My favorite part about what I do is that I get to teach children life skills that we often take for granted,” Pieretti said. “I like being able to help take the families’ worries about autism and turn them in to hope.”
The effect that students in this master’s program are having on the lives of people in our local communities is remarkable. “The impact of ECAP has been life-changing for our entire family,” McDaniel said. The McDaniels’ experience with the FSU ABA program and ECAP shows how students pursuing a master’s degree in ABA can truly make a difference, not just in the life of the graduate students who benefit from their studies and experiences, but also the people around them that their knowledge affects. pc.fsu.edu
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FACULTY NEWS & NOTES Psychology professor makes distinguished contributions to applied behavior analysis Jon S. Bailey, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Florida State University, was selected as the 2014 recipient of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 25 Distinguished Contribution to Applied Behavioral Research Award. This award recognizes a psychologist who has made distinguished contributions to Jon S. Bailey, Ph.D. applied behavioral analysis (ABA). It honors his or her innovative and important research on the application of behavioral principles. Bailey’s work exemplifies the Baer, Wolf and Risley (1968) model research approach: applied, behavioral, analytic, generalizable, effective, technological and conceptually systematic. “It is a wonderful honor for Dr. Bailey to be granted the Applied Behavioral Research Award,” former FSU Panama City Dean Ken Shaw, Ed.D., said. “His dedication speaks well for our psychology department’s commitment to research.” Bailey gave an address at the American Psychological Association Convention in Washington, D.C., Aug. 7-10. Bailey is the director of the ABA master’s program at FSU Panama City. He has published multiple works including “Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis” and “Deconstructing Performance Management Processes.” His current research focuses on the diagnostic problem strategies of performance management consultants, the diagnosis and treatments for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents, the effects of two active learning strategies on the classroom behavior of children with heavier problems and the effects of non-contingent reinforcement on challenging behaviors in developmentally disabled individuals.
Students, professors honored at Florida Association of Behavior Analysis conference A lifetime achievement award and a “Best Overall” designation were just a few of the honors Florida State University Panama City faculty and students received Sept. 25-28, 2013, at the annual conference for the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA). 54
Torch: The Year in Review
FSU Professor Emeritus Jon Bailey, Ph.D., took home the lifetime achievement award because of his numerous contributions to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and his continued work with FABA. “That was a special moment. It was such a surprise,” Bailey said. “It is so nice to have your work recognized by both peers and FABA members.” Bailey founded FABA in 1980. He was the executive director of the association for 25 years and currently serves as the secretary/ treasurer, media coordinator and program chairperson. He has been a professor at FSU since 1970. FSU Panama City students presented their research at the conference with topics ranging from identifying preferences in children with autism to increasing bicycle helmet usage. One of the studies that investigated ways to improve customer service in a business setting won an award for the Best Overall Poster. “I am so proud of all of our students who presented at this conference, and am even more thrilled that our hard work was acknowledged,” said FSU professor Amy Polick, Ph.D., who supervised the winning project. “Our students are doing amazing things for Panama City and for the field of ABA, and I am so happy to be a part of these rewarding experiences.” Bailey said the award demonstrates the high-caliber students at FSU. “I'm so happy for them,” Bailey said. ”We attract the best students to our graduate program from all over the country, and when they leave they get great jobs.” Also at the conference, Polick began her role as the PresidentElect of FABA, a position in which she will continue to raise awareness about ABA and its applications for individuals with a variety of behavioral needs across the state of Florida. Polick has been an FSU psychology professor and the director of the FSU Early Childhood Autism Program since 2010.
Amy Polick, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Bailey said the group’s overall success demonstrates the quality of FSU’s psychology program. “Our program is recognized by many as one of the top ABA master's programs in the country,” he said. “We have possibly
FACULTY NEWS & NOTES the highest pass rate of any on the Behavior Analyst Certification Exam that is given all over the U.S.”
PROVOST'S 90% LIST
According to the association’s website, FABA aims “to promote ethical, humane and effective application of behavior principles in settings ranging from the community group to the corporate boardroom.”
The Provost's 90% list recognizes instructors who receive outstanding teaching evaluations at the end of each semester. Student evaluations of teaching are a measure of student satisfaction and confidence. Excellent student evaluations are indicative that students feel they are receiving a high-quality educational experience.
Bailey said he created the group to make the field more accessible to Floridians. “I was coming home from my national meeting, and it occurred to me that many behavior analysts in Florida are not able to make it to a conference in Chicago or San Francisco,” he recalled. “Why not bring some of those speakers to Florida?” FABA is open to university and college faculty, basic and applied researchers, professionals and practitioners in behavior analysis, behavior therapy or related professions such as psychiatry, education, social work, nursing, rehabilitation, physical, speech, music and occupational therapy. Members include behavior analysts, qualified mental retardation professionals, psychologists, behavior program supervisors, administrators, program directors, direct care staff and students.
FALL 2013: Jerome Barnes, Ph.D. Steve Bornhoft Shannon Hall-Mills Tom Kelley, Ph.D. Kelley Kline, Ph.D. Leslie Lipton, Ph.D. Al Murphy, Ph.D. John Phillips, Ph.D. Amy Polick, Ph.D., BCBA-D Nicholas Quinton Cristina Rios Gary Smith Donna Trafford Michael Wallace, Ph.D. Mike Zinser, Ed.S.
More than 1,000 people attended FABA’s annual conference in Daytona Beach.
SPRING 2014: Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D. William Barnes, Ph.D. John Crossley, Ed.D. James Dever, Ph.D. Emily Dickens Kevin Elliott Marion Fesmire, Ed.D. James Grant Rebecca Hall-Cary Sandra Halvorson, Ph.D. Clayton Hughes, Ph.D. Charles Jordan, Ph.D. Kelley Kline, Ph.D. Leslie Lipton, Ph.D. Denise Montford Al Murphy, Ph.D. John Phillips, Ph.D. Amy Polick, Ph.D., BCBA-D Darren Prum, J.D. Cristina Rios Donna Trafford
Psychology professor Kelley Kline, Ph.D., earns second Florida State University Teaching Award aspects of teaching which contribute to successful teaching and learning. Each recipient receives a $2,000 award.
on the interdisciplinary style of learning because she believes “it is important to integrate a variety of perspectives because you come up with a much more comprehensive answer.”
“I did not expect to win this award, and I am absolutely thrilled,” Kline said. “The first thought I had was Kelley Kline, Ph.D. The University Teaching complete gratitude to the Awards, which are based on students who supported me, to the faculty recommendations from students and for being great colleagues, to the university, alumni, recognize faculty for excellence and to the deans.” in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Recipients must be outstanding in the many Kline said her teaching philosophy focuses
“My goal is to reach each student,” she said. “I like to poke fun at myself because I want to show the students that I am human too. I have faults, anxieties just like them, and it’s OK.”
Kelley Kline, Ph.D., a psychology instructor at Florida State University Panama City, recently earned her second University Teaching Award from FSU. Kline also earned the distinguished teaching award in 2009.
Kline said she enjoys teaching at FSU Panama City because of the students. “The students at the Panama City campus are some of the most wonderful people pc.fsu.edu
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FACULTY NEWS & NOTES that I have ever met,” she said. “They are engaging, driven, have wonderful humor, and their desire to learn is incredible. I have never seen the desire to learn like it is here at any other university.” Kline has also taught at Florida State’s Tallahassee campus, State University at Stony Brook and Richard Stockton College of New York. Although she said the award marks her proudest professional accomplishment, she noted the pride she feels when she hears from former students about their success stories both professionally and personally. “I look at my students as my academic children,” she said. “I know that they are not children, but I feel like they are my legacy. It is important to me to engage each student and to relate to the student. I remind myself that I was once on the other side of the desk.”
Kline earned her Ph.D. in biopsychology in 1998 and her M.A. in psychology in 1995 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She obtained her B.A. in psychology in 1992 from Richard Stockton College in New Jersey, graduating as a Summa Cum Laude scholar. In her spare time, Kline said she loves to write fiction and is working on a novel. She encourages her students to write because it promotes critical thinking. “I want my students to learn concepts and apply them but also be inspired by the process,” she said. “In whatever profession they choose, I want that love of learning to be there.” About 20 Florida State faculty earn the University Teaching Award each year. Past recipients from FSU Panama City include Sandra Halvorson, Ph.D., Amy Polick, Ph.D., and Cristina Rios.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY PANAMA CITY'S FULL-TIME FACULTY: Front row, left to right, Steve Leach, Ph.D., Computer Science / Interim Dean; Dorothy Imperial, Ph.D., Elementary Education; Parmjeet Cobb, Ph.D., Mathematics; Milinda Jay Stephenson, Ph.D., English; Barbara Robinson, Ph.D., Undergraduate Studies; John Smith, Ph.D., Contracts and Grants-Entomology; Donna Trafford, Recreation, Tourism and Events; John Crossley, Ed.D., Recreation, Tourism and Events; Sandra Halvorson, Ph.D., Communication; Stan Lindsay, Ph.D., Communication; Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D., Civil Engineering; and Christian Rios, Elementary Education. Second row, left to right, James Rich Ph.D., Accounting; Scott Ervin, Public Safety and Security; Mike Zinszer, Ed.S., Public Safety and Security; Kelley Kline, Ph.D., Psychology; Claire Calohan, Social Work; Clay Hughes, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering; Mike Wallace, Ph.D., Communication; Elizabeth Crowe, Ph.D., Elementary Education*; Arlene Shaheen, Social Work; and Amy Polick, Ph.D., Psychology; . Third row, left to right, Shaun Saxon, Library and Learning Center; Jerome Barnes, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering; Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering; Mark Feulner, Public Safety and Security; Korhan Adalier, Ph.D., Civil Engineering; Ahmet Pamuk, Ph.D., Civil Engineering; and Gary Bliss, D.B.A., Business Administration / Associate Dean. Not pictured: Melissa Carlton, Computer Science; Marion Fesmire, Ed.D., Elementary Education; Derek Hillison, Ph.D., Business Administration; Tom Kelley, Ph.D., Public Safety and Security; Chris Lacher, Ph.D., Computer Science; Al Murphy, Ph.D., Psychology; Banyon Pelham, Public Safety and Security; Jennifer-Scoggins-Polious, Social Science Interdisciplinary; Rosemary Prince, Event Management. *Crowe ,Rich and Stephenson are new, full-time faculty for 2013-2014.
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FSU PANAMA RECEIVES TOP HONORS AT THE 2014 AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS GALA FSU Panama City won top honors at the American Advertising Federation Panama City 2014 ADDY Awards gala. Students and staff entries received six silver ADDYs, four gold ADDYs and the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award. Marketing efforts on behalf of FSU Panama City received multiple awards as well, including a win at the district level.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
AWARDS
The ADDY Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, recognizing and rewarding creative excellence in the field of advertising. The local ADDY Awards is the first of a three-tier competition.
Each year, the FSU Panama City Student Government Council recognizes students, faculty and staff members who have gone above and beyond to help students and promote the campus.
The Student ADDY Awards recognize and reward creative excellence by students and is a program specially designed for college students. The Student ADDY Awards is also a three-tiered competition, occurring in conjunction with the professional ADDY Awards and judged using the same criteria.
For the 2013-2014 school year, the Student Government Council recognized the following recipients for:
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS: Office of Advancement Staff:
Served Dinner is
FSU Panama City
1. Gold ADDY, Collateral Material – Publication Design, The Torch Magazine: Year in Review 2. Silver ADDY, Collateral Material – Special Event Material, The Annual Dinner 3. Gold ADDY, Judge’s Choice Award, Non-Traditional Advertising – Creating Seminole Spirit
STUDENT AWARDS: Amanda Hawkins : 1. Silver ADDY, Elements of Advertising – Photography, Smoke 2. Gold ADDY, Elements of Advertising – Photography, Reflecting Life Alina Karpov: 1. Gold ADDY, Out-of-Home, Panama City Beach, The Best Place for Vacation Kayla Scheler: 1. Silver ADDY, Elements of Advertising – Photography, Lost in Vegas Evgeniya Stetsenko: 1. Silver ADDY Award, Collateral Material, Birding Magazine Mockup 2. Silver ADDY Award, Digital Advertising, The Fab-Lab Model Life
OUTSIDE MARKETING: Kerigan Marketing Associates: 1. Silver ADDY (district level) Gold ADDY, Out-of-Home, “Be a Seminole Closer to Home” for FSU Panama City 2. Gold ADDY, Digital Advertising, FSU Panama City Pandora Internet Radio Banner Ad 3. Silver ADDY, Digital Advertising, FSU Panama City Open House Event Page Takeover 4. Silver ADDY, Digital Advertising – Video, FSU Panama City “Find What Matters:” 30 TV Eric Schrotenboer: 1. Gold ADDY, Best of Show, Elements of Advertising – Cinematography, FSU Panama City “The FSU that Fits You”
Garnet Key Honor Society Master’s: Jennifer Davis Garnet Key Honor Society Undergraduate Recipient: Alvin Breed, III Garnet and Gold Scholar Inductee: Christine Hale Coram’s Spirit of Service Award: Christine Hale Faculty Member of the Year: Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D. and Michael Wallace, Ph.D. Adjunct of the Year: Kevin (Scott) Ervin Staff Member of the Year: Steve Bornhoft and John Phillips University Undergraduate Teaching Award Kelley Kline, Ph.D. Registered Student Organization of the Year: SCUBA, Hyperbaric, and Recreational Club (SHARC) Registered Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Darren DeDario Student Government Council Representative of the Year: Staphany Bittar President’s Choice Award: Joshua Schmidt Brandon Harmon Seminole Spirit Award: Brandon Harmon
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LAST LOOK: DISC GOLF AT SUNSET
Photo by Malcolm Fisher A NEW KIND OF GAME: During spring 2014, an 18-hole disc golf course was established on the Florida State University Panama City campus. Designed by Scott Ramsey, the course length is 3,369 feet and is free and open to students and the community. 58
Torch: The Year in Review
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I N
M E M O R Y
O F
DR. LARSON “LARRY” BLAND, 1938 – 2014
“It has been a very rewarding experience being involved with FSU Panama City Campus since its inception, and I look forward to watching its growth in the years to come.” Dr. Larson “Larry” Bland, upon his retirement in 1998
Dr. Larson “Larry” Bland was a lifelong supporter and advocate of FSU Panama City. He served as the first dean of the campus and was instrumental in shaping higher education in Bay County. After retirement, he remained dedicated to Florida State University through contributions to various campaigns and involvement in events. 60
Torch: The Year in Review