Vol. 59 Issue 1
The voice of the Spartan community
09. 07. 11
New faces in high places: Meet the new administrators of NSU By Keshara Cox
D r. To n y A t w a t e r New NSU President I pledge my best efforts to work collaboratively with all sectors of the university to advance NSU to the next level
academic excellence and national distinction
of
With the new fiscal year underway, NSU has some new faces in high places. From a new president and vice president to a new provost and even some new members on the Board of Visitors, NSU is changing with the times. On April 22, NSU chose Tony Atwater to be the new president. Atwater began his presidency on July 1, and he is the former president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and held the position as Senior Fellow at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Atwater was chosen as the new president by the Board of Visitors because of his notable accomplishments while president of IUP and senior administrator/teacher. There Atwater increased the university’s enrollment, fundraising, capital construction, the percentage of faculty with terminal degrees and diversified the student body of IUP. In previous jobs, Atwater increased retention and graduation rates, and SAT scores also. He has proven his commitment to better anything he becomes a part of and his wide-ranging experience in fundraising, academic growth, enrollment increase, investment projects and student services makes Atwater a wonderful asset to the university. “I pledge my best efforts to work collaboratively with all sectors of the university to advance NSU to the next level of academic excellence and national distinction,” said Atwater. Although President Atwater has only been in office for approximately two months, he is already advancing the university by signing new deals and appointing others in high places. Sandra DeLoatch has been appointed as the new Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Her tenure began on August 10, and DeLoatch will be in charge of supervising the Division of Academic Affairs while preserving academic excellence throughout the University.
“Dr. DeLoatch’s highly successful background as a teacher, scholar, department chair and academic dean significantly qualifies her to assume the role of Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” said President Atwater.
Dr. Sandra DeLoatch new Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sandra DeLoatch has provided her services to NSU for more than 30 years, during which she initiated the university’s Computer Science program while serving as the primary department chair. She became Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology in 2000. She has made effective strides in establishing the College of Science and Technology as a motivating force by increasing enrollment in the college, expanding graduate program contributions like creating NSU’s first Ph.D. program in the field of science, launching focused tutoring and mentoring programs to aid in improving graduation and retention rates and securing financial support to help renovate classrooms and research labs that are being used by the College faculty. Overseeing more than $20 million in outside funding, Dr. DeLoatch
has effectively done so for research and educational assignments from agencies such as the Department of Energy (DoE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of Education, NASA Langley Research Center, Department of Defense and Army Corps of Engineers. The Department of Energy recently awarded funding to DeLoatch to create a Massie Chair of Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Security at NSU and she will remain in this position for at least three years. Dr. DeLoatch is also piloting numerous funded projects that center around progressing the involvement of minorities and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exercises. In addition, Dr. DeLoatch has authored computer science research articles, mathematics textbooks, and technical reports. President Atwater has confidence that Dr. DeLoatch will thrive in her new position. “She has my full confidence in successfully directing and advancing the academic enterprise at Norfolk State University,” said President Atwater. Another familiar face of NSU, Kim Luckes, J.D., former immediate acting President of NSU, has been appointed as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, Luckes had a successful tenure which ultimately earned her a spot as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Kim Luckes will oversee and improve the daily organization and management of the University services, procedures, institutional efficiency and preparation for the future. Luckes will provide guidance for the Vice Presidents for Finance and Administration, Student Affairs, University Advancement and Research and Economic Development and Enrollment Management. President Atwater believes this new arrangement in administration will improve the University. (continued on p. 3)
From the East to the West, gay rights take a step forward By Keona Prude
America’s homosexual population and its supporters found themselves rejoicing at the new accomplishments of gay advocacy. 42 years following the Stonewall Riots, known as the catalyst of the gay rights movement, legalization of same-sex marriage in New York and California’s new bill allows the teaching of gay and lesbian history in public schools pushing the country towards a more equal civilization. New York and California both have an affluent history in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer (LGBTQ) activism. Both states have faced many uprisings and many turning points but these two events have added to the history. New York is the sixth and largest state to allow same-sex marriage. On June 24, lawmakers approved the bill in a 33 to 29 vote. The law went into effect in late July, and other states that currently permit samesex marriages are: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The District of Columbia also allows same-sex marriages. There are 13 more states that permit some form of“civil union” or “domestic partnership,” which allows gay couples some rights to an extent. NSU’s LEGASI president, Antonio Williams rejoiced at the announcement of the
new law. “The new law is a historic and liberating event for our culture,” said Williams. “It brings hope to all of us, finally allowing us to forever love freely. It’s beautiful to finally see our people live and simply be gay!” Learning gay history in school is just as important as learning African-American history or even U.S. history In a report conducted by the Independent Democratic Conference, it was stated that approximately more than 21,000 gay and lesbian New York couples would be married within the first three years, and about 42,000 gay and lesbian couples from other states would trek to New York for what is known as a “destination wedding.” In California, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the S.B. 48, the California FAIR Education Act (also known as the LGBT History Bill). This bill requires all public schools to educate the students on important eras and historical engagements, such as the history of gay rights and disabilities education. Gov. Brown signed the bill on July 14, and hebelieves that all aspects of history should be taught to students.
“History should be honest,” said Brown. “This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books.” The new S.B. 48 law compels the California Board of Education and local school districts to use textbooks and other teaching resources that explain and edify the contributions and importance of sexual minorities. This change should take place by the 2013-2014 school year. Shaudia Ashe-Johnson, sophomore business entrepreneurship major, shared her sentiments on the new California law. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard in months,” said Johnson. “Growing up, I did have a parent in a same-sex relationship. Seeing it firsthand and learning about it made me feel more comfortable with myself. Learning gay history in school is just as important as learning African-American history or even U.S. history.” Although many people are excited about the passage of these two new laws, some people feel that this will reverse what America was built on. (continued on p.3)
Anthony Gordon | SPARTAN ECHO The gay community has gained much momentum from their triumph and show no signs of giving up the fight.