thebattalion asks
Q:
What are your thoughts on the Texas legislation that passed requiring mandatory sonograms for women seeking an abortion?
thebattalion ● wednesday, y, y,
m march arrcch a h9 9, 2011
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
Overcoming obstacles June 27 was a day that nearly cost Meagan May her life Sean Lester The Battalion
Alexandra Hoskins, sophomore biomedical sciences major
I’m basically neutral because if a woman was raped, it’s wrong for them to do that. But if it was her own choice, then I think it’s a good idea.
Meagan May was named 2010 AllAmerican, AllBig 12 and was on the 2010 Big 12 All tournament team. She also holds the A&M and Big 12 record for most home runs in a season.
Nikita Momin, junior psychology major
J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION
Meagan May found her life in jeopardy June 27, 2010 while driving to a friend’s house on FM 2001 in Buda, Texas. May, a sophomore petroleum engineering major and catcher on the No. 22 Texas A&M softball team, was visiting her friends with the USA National Team, which she was selected to play for based on her stellar All-American freshman season. On that fateful afternoon, the events that unfolded have shaped the person May is and forever will be both on and off the softball field. “I see things the way they should be seen now, instead of worrying about things that don’t matter,” May said. “I realized how quickly it could all go away, so why waste my time worrying about the little things.” Freshman Year May was born March 28, 1991, to Jack and Connie May of Spring, Texas. May’s mother threw javelin at A&M, and May was an Aggie from the day she took her first steps. After visits to Auburn, Princeton and Texas, May committed to A&M, where she attended softball camps since she was 10 years old. “I’ve always loved A&M,” See May on page 3
Courtesy photos
Texas A&M names provost Regents appoint Karan L. Watson Stephanie Massey The Battalion After searching nationwide and with more than 100 qualified applicants, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents appointed Karan L. Watson as the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “I want to express my thanks to many people on campus About and beyond for support- Watson ing me and ◗ Professor in ensuring that the Department I have the op- of Electrical portunity to and Computer serve this great Engineering University in ◗ Served as vice the capacity provost from of provost and December 2008 to executive vice p r e s i d e n t , ” July 2009 Watson said. As chief academic officer for the University, the provost is directly under President R. Bowen Loftin, and is responsible for overseeing and budgeting University curriculum and research. The provost is also a communication link for A&M to other See Provost on page 6
campus
GREEN program goes abroad Students apply to the Global Renewable Energy Education Network organization Stephanie Massey
Freddy Fierro, junior technology management major
I think personally, if a woman has chosen to get an abortion, a sonogram is not going to change her mind. Molly Pearman, senior food sciences major
Naila Dhanani — THE BATTALION
texas a&m since 1893
faculty
I think it’s a good idea because it shows people what they are going to be doing to their baby. However, most women who are going to have an abortion are going to do it anyway, and it’s a waste of funds.
They shouldn’t have to do that. I’m sure there is enough awareness out there. Most women who are getting an abortion get it in the first three months. I’m pro-choice. It’s their body, they should do what they want.
● serving
May’s 4Runner veered into the other lane, colliding with another vehicle. May’s vehicle collided with the concrete and flipped three and half times before landing upside down in a ditch.
The Battalion Experiencing an educational exploit of a lifetime, senior electronics engineering technology major Jessica Rivas participated in one of the Global Renewable Energy Education Network’s 12-day program in Costa Rica, focusing on sources of renewable energy. “This experience gave me the chance to focus on a topic that I am passionate about in an environment known for their sustainable practices,” Rivas said. About the “In the short 12 days we program were there ◗ 12-day program I gained an in Costa Rica o v e r v i e w ◗ Focuses on about geo- sources of t h e r m a l , renewable energy wind, bio- ◗ Students from mass, hydroacross the nation electric and solar energy. participate The topics covered ranged from engineering and production, economics and financial implications, to design and implementation.” The industry of renewable energy is thriving, creating a need to educate future generations of its significance, she said. Finding sources of renewable energy while educating people on how to better preserve and care for Earth is imperative. “GREEN was built on the three pillars of education, adventure and culture; we invite students nationwide to partake in our educational See Green on page 2
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Praveena Paladugu, a senior communication major and Dash Harris, a junior agriculture leadership major, handing out flyers in front of the MSC bookstore supporting Aggie Experience Council, whose mission is to provide University guests with the highest quality campus experience.
Maysfest gives back to campus Aggieland 2012 Editor
QualiďŹ cations for editor-in-chief of the Aggieland yearbook are: REQUIRED t #F B 5FYBT " . TUVEFOU JO HPPE TUBOEJOH XJUI UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ BOE FOSPMMFE JO BU MFBTU TJY DSFEJU IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF TUVEFOU during the term of ofďŹ ce (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); t )BWF BU MFBTU B DVNVMBUJWF HSBEF QPJOU SBUJP JG B graduate student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of ofďŹ ce. In order for this provision to be met, BU MFBTU TJY IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF TUVEFOU NVTU IBWF CFFO taken for that semester; PREFERRED t )BWF DPNQMFUFE +063 PS $0.. .BTT Communication, Law, and Society) and ARTS 203 (Graphic Design I), or equivalent; t )BWF EFNPOTUSBUFE BCJMJUZ JO XSJUJOH UISPVHI VOJWFSTJUZ DPVSTFXPSL PS FRVJWBMFOU FYQFSJFODF t )BWF BU MFBTU POF ZFBS FYQFSJFODF JO B SFTQPOTJCMF QPTJUJPO PO the Aggieland or comparable college yearbook.
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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
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With spring break days away, students are anxiously awaiting the few days they can celebrate the freedom from class, tests and papers. Mays Business School is getting a head start on the fun with their annual Maysfest outside of Wehner Building on West Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m today. Even though the event is organized by the Business Student Council and is not specifically for business students. Maysfest is a way for members of the Business Student Council and other organizations of the business school to give back to their fellow students and professors. “We put it on as a way to give back to students and faculty, but most importantly relax and have a fun day,� said Garrett Bottlinger, a junior finance major. For minimal cost, students will be able to purchase pizza rolls and Jamba Juice while enjoying the environment or enjoying an inflatable basketball game. “It’s really like a carnival. We have really cool giveaways for the students who come,� said Jessica Pollio, a senior marketing major.
Alex Lotz
The Battalion
The Business Student Council arranged to have a profit share with Spoons yogurt benefitting Project Mays. For the small cost of three dollars, students can contribute to the largest annual community service project in Mays Business School. This annual service project benefitting Bryan-College Station. Last year, the money raised by Project Mays was able to donate a playground to Milam Elementary in Bryan, giving children the opportunity to play in a fun, safe environment than what they were previously offered. “We are pulling all of our resources to give to these kids. We want to give them educational yet fun things for the school year and summer,� Pollio said. Business Student Council expects even more of a turnout for Maysfest this year with with the hope of helping out students in Bryan ISD. With over 4000 students in the business school alone, not including professors or students going to and from classes, Pollio expects over 1000 people attending Maysfest. “We take things like sidewalk chalk for granted. Some of these kids do not even have that,� Pollio said. See Maysfest on page 6
Green Continued from page 1
breakthrough in a Costa Rican paradise,� said Joelle Zerillo, marketing director of Global Renewable Energy Education Network. “Costa Rica is the only place in the world where you can gain exclusive access to five types of functioning renewable energy facilities while enjoying adventure excursions and cultural events which make Costa Rica the epicenter of EcoTourism.� GREEN offers a unique scholastic experience for students interested in fields concerning renewable energy and provides students with necessary information for future employment. “GREEN is a new initiative that was developed off of what university students need the most today to peak their educational experiences and ultimately make themselves more marketable for future employers,� Zerillo said. “This international experience will add another dimension to your academic curriculum, join a strong network of likeminded individuals across the country who have also attended the program, make students more marketable for future employers and enhance your path towards becoming an impactful global citizen.� Along with the unforgettable experience abroad and the educational facet of the program, one of the highlights of GREEN is the network students build from participating. “Our unequivocal ability to provide students with a brand new network of people equally interested in renewable energy is the factor that makes this program unique,� Zerillo said. “Our students leave the country inspired to make a positive difference in the world with a
Courtesy Photo
Students walk up to a wind power plant in Tilawa. network of alumni to maintain relationships, build careers, seek guidance and help with these world changing ideas.� Attracting students from more than 20 universities across the United States, GREEN applicants must be 18 years old, have a valid U.S. passport or international visa, be enrolled at a university and complete a series of essays. GREEN is offering five summer programs that students can currently apply for online. “I would highly recommend this program to other TAMU students that are interested in renewable energy, want to explore Costa Rica and are up for the 12 days of nonstop life learning experiences,� Rivas said. “You are able to connect with other undergrad students from around the nation that share a similar interest.� Even for students unable to attend GREEN, knowledge of renewable energy sources and applications to further preserve our world. “Students should be learning about
renewable energy because it is something that is going to involve them for the rest of their lives,� said Pablo Serrano, a freshman Agricultural Business major. “They are the future; it is up to them to find new sources of energy. With oil prices going higher and higher everyone is going to be benefited with renewable energy research.� Rivas, who plans to work in Latin America, enjoyed studying abroad in a program suited to her field of interest. She also liked working with the local people, learning their cultural differences and gaining a new perspective of renewable energy. “Going into the program I thought it would be impossible to cram everything in 12 days but once the last day came around I realized how much I had completed, learned, adapted and how Costa Rica equals Pura Vida,� Rivas said. “The popular saying in Costa Rica: Pura Vida means Pure Life, and you will really savor a pure enriched life there.�
3/8/11 7:55 PM
sports
page 3 wednesday 3.9.2011
thebattalion
May Continued from page 1
May said. “I’ve always loved this program. None of my other visits that I took felt right.� Last year May came to A&M as a freshman looking to earn a spot on a team ranked among the top programs on a yearly basis. Not only did she earn a spot on the team, but she also started all 60 games for the Aggies, setting a program and Big 12 record with 24 home runs. Little did she know her All-Big 12, All-American freshman campaign would catapult her into the national spotlight, making her a household name for Aggies and everyone in the college softball community. “My mom and my boyfriend love to brag to people, and I’m always just trying to hide in the corner,� May said. “I don’t want to be defined by awards. I’d rather people not know about that. If you find out on your own that’s fine, but I don’t want that to be who I am.� During her record breaking season, May was contacted by USA Softball, letting her know she had been selected based off the season she was having to be a member of the Women’s Futures National Team. As the college season came to an end, May began travelling with the National Team to Ohio for training and to tournaments around the country throughout the summer. Like any other college student, May was trying to enjoy her summer. “It was actually really great,� May said. “I had been helping my mom coach her select team and just relaxing and enjoying my time off.� The accident May got up the morning of June 26 and got inside her Black Toyota 4Runner to follow her friend Auna, back to her house. As they made their way across the two-lane road, May called her mom. It was the last thing she would remember for a 30-minute span. “It was just a normal day,� May said. “We had slept in until about 10 a.m. and got up. It was about 1:30 p.m. when the accident happened.� May hung up with her mother at 1:32p.m. and then reached for something in the passenger’s seat causing her to jerk the steering wheel in the direction of on oming traffic. May’s 4Runner veered into the other line by one or two feet and hit a
smaller vehicle that did not see her coming over the hill. As the SUV and small car collided, May’s Toyota rammed the other vehicle, propelling it into the air and landing roof-first on the pavement. The 4Runner collided with the concrete and flipped three-and-a-half times before landing upside down in a ditch. “The last thing I remember is getting in my car and pulling out of Kelsey’s neighborhood. I don’t remember about 15 minutes before the accident until about five or six hours after,� May said. “I just remember waking up in the ER when they had already finished doing all of their check-ups and scans and all of that. They said I was awake the whole time, but I don’t remember it.� Auna called her dad, telling him that May had been in a car accident at 1:39 p.m. May’s mom was immediately notified, and the first person she called was A&M Head Coach Jo Evans. “She was clearly upset,� Evans said. “She said Megan had been in a car accident and that she knew she was conscious and that she was OK but we didn’t have many details.� May was taken by ambulance to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, where doctors and surgeons cleared up a head laceration to her forehead. No bones broken, nothing torn and nothing life-threatening had happened to May through her traumatic wreck. She then regained consciousness and spoke with her mother for the first time since that afternoon and found out exactly what happened when she lost consciousness. “I’m pretty sure I broke down because I was freaked out that I almost killed someone and didn’t remember anything about it,� May said. “What they said actually happened was when the car rolled, it landed only on the driver’s side over and over again.� The fact that May had just walked away seemingly unscathed from a wreck that involved so much trauma was shocking to everyone involved. Most victims of a rolling vehicle have their neck snapped from the roof collapsing and die. May would later find out that the only companies that test their vehicles for roll accident scenarios are Mercedes and Volvo, so nearly every roll victim dies. The first respondents to the scene began marking body spots because they believed May had died from the crash. “They didn’t expect me to make
it to the hospital,� May said. “When [the state trooper] was talking to my mom, he said ‘I’ve seen accidents like this all the time and nobody really comes out of them.’ Everyone was pretty shocked that nothing was broken and there was only a head problem. [The head problem] was basically a major carpet burn because when the car hit, it pushed me back instead of down. That’s what took the skin off.� The weeks and months that followed involved countless visits to Austin from May’s home in the Houston area, endless amounts of flowers and plenty of visitors. Seven months and four surgeries later, May finished visiting the hospital and ready for a full recovery. It was the help and support of her teammates and family that helped her through the pain. May’s cousin, freshman outfielder Kaydee Rayburn, remembers finding out about May and visiting her in the hospital. “I had been playing softball, so I was in tournaments and stuff so it was a couple weeks before I could visit. The day before the accident, I had talked to her and I had told her she needed to float the river with us,� Rayburn said. “We were in Canada and my aunt started telling us the story, and I just started crying because what if she had never lived, she would have never been able to go to the river with me. It was like talking to her one day, and she could have been gone the next.� The scar “To me it’s just a reminder that there’s bigger things out there than just me,� May said about the scar across her forehead. The wreck required four major surgeries to replace skin and tissue that had been removed by the wreck and also forced the long hair that Meagan had to be shaven to a buzz. May admitted she finds herself reaching for her ponytail during a game or throughout her day, realizing that it is not there. She does plan to grow her long hair back now that her surgeries are complete. The scar that resulted wouldn’t allow May to wear a batting helmet for some time during her rehab. One of the most monotonous parts of softball that leads up to a defining moment for a player is putting on a helmet to go up to bat. “It was kind of frustrating,� May said. “I must admit it was very humbling watching your team play.�
She said people ask all the time what happened to her upon seeing her scar. May has told her story countless times and her mom had a shirt made that says “stop staring, I was in a car accident.� Lucky No. 13 May wears the No. 13 and had a “lucky number 13� sticker on the back of her SUV. May said it’s something way more than luck that kept her alive through three-and-ahalf full rotations. “I used to be really confused about religion. I used to just put it off and not bring it up in conversation,� May said. “Well, I started asking questions and I was just curious about things and [my boyfriend] said if you really need some kind of sign about what’s going on and what’s real you should just pray about it. All I did was ask for something, just something where I would know to believe in God. About a week later the accident happened.� May said there were many reasons she didn’t die in that 4Runner. “They were already marking the ground for a death. On top of that I was in Brackenridge, which is one of the best trauma hospitals in the region,� May said. “Their only surgeon they had on-call that day was the skin specialist. I don’t remember anything, which I take as to be a gift because obviously there was a lot of pain involved. It’s too much luck for it to be luck almost. I’m extremely glad it all happened. It may not have been the way I expected, but I got my answer.� It seems noticeable to her teammates and coaches that May has a new outlook on life and doesn’t take things for granted. “I think she’s someone who continues to mature and grow as an individual,� Evans said. “I think she has a positive outlook on her life and feels grateful that everything worked out. She’s someone that I think will be very successful in life.� Rayburn knows that May has changed since the wreck happened but knows that it is something even she can learn from. “She’s like a sister to me,� Rayburn said. “She’s an inspiration and since the accident she’s been brought to God more, and that’s been an eye opener to me because I need to do the same thing with my life.� Resurgence May is now fully recovered and said the only thing she does anymore
J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION
Meagan May is back on the field after her car accident. in regards to the crash is putting a gauze Band-Aid on her forehead that will eventually make her scar less noticeable. Weeks into the A&M softball season and heading into Big 12 conference play, May is hitting .25, has 18 RBI’s and four home runs on the season. Although she isn’t putting up the numbers she did at this point last season, she is finding the swing she had last season. She’s also finding the same swing that might have been lost among a car accident, four surgeries, a full recovery and a scar, all leading to an important softball season. “This year I really just want to help my team,� May said. “I don’t want to try and live up to any expectations that people might have from last year.� As the Aggie softball team aims to make yet another run at the Women’s College World Series, it will be May’s leadership on the field that could fuel this year’s team to victory. But it is her undeniable spirit and leadership off the field and in the locker room that will take this team places. Everyone noticed the amount of fun being had near the dugout as the team was laughing and dancing. All of this was led by none other than May, who was dancing near the front with another teammate, full of joy and happy to be the person she is today because her world has been flipped upside down.
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news
page 4 wednesday 3.9.2011
thebattalion
Students spread diversity awareness Naila Dhanani Special to The Battalion Equality. Awareness. Immigration reform. This is the agenda for the Council for Minority Student Affairs. Formerly known as the DREAM Act group, CMSA is stepping up at just the right time. In a nation consumed by many political issues, the Council for Minority Student Affairs is bringing immigration rights to the forefront. There are currently more than 20 anti-immigration bills are in the Texas state legislature,. The Council said it wants to shed its image as a radical liberal organization. “[CMSA] is working at the state level to advocate against unfunded mandates that are anti-immigrant, anti-family, anti-education and is speaking up for a strong economy, a strong Texas and respect for Texas family values,” said Gerisa Martinez, a junior political science major and student adviser to CMSA. “In the future, we will continue to educate our fellow Aggies on issues such as these so that
we all are able to understand different points of view and form informed opinions.” In April, College Station will welcome members of the Texas DREAM Act Coalition to foster more cohesion between the various DREAM Act groups. Cobb said the coalition serves as a means to discuss the act’s current state of affairs and to address where to go as far as regrouping and re-strategizing after the DREAM Act failed to pass last year. “[We] see it as a chance to educate more people,” Cobb said. “It is easy to get bogged down in the negativity and say ‘I’m discriminated against; I’m never going to be treated equal.’ But we always look towards what can we do to change people’s mind. We try to be proactive, respectful and well-informed. One thing that no one can take away from us is that we are well-educated. Education is key. We have to put our education first.” The group is composed of people with different backgrounds, religions and political views, said Selene Gomez, a senior human re-
source development major and the Council for Minority Student Affairs president. “CMSA members don’t have the same stands on all issues, but we are all striving for change. We are inclusive and welcome anyone who would like to get involved and be proactive,” she said. Members of the Council for Minority Student Affairs said a lot of misinformation about undocumented students exists, and the organization works to ensure students are educated about issues regarding immigration. CMSA members said they want to instill in Aggies an appreciation for diversity and an attitude of tolerance. “Texas A&M is a predominantly conservative school, and so we do face struggles other campuses don’t have to worry about, but another trend we have discovered, is that students aren’t aware about the issues going on in campus, on the state level and the national level,” Gomez said. “Alongside with that, there seems to be a lot of misinformation about un-
We know that our voice can be much louder if we all join together for a cause that important to all of us.” Selene Gomez, senior human resource development major documented people floating around. Although there is opposition to what we advocate for, there is also support from the student bodyand faculty. When we take the time to educate people about whatever the issue may be, many times they support it.” The Council for Minority Student Affairs wants to instill in Aggies an appreciation for diversity and an attitude of tolerance. “We know that our voice can be much louder if we all join together for a cause that is important to all of us. We are trying to reach out to many organizations on campus, because we want to let them know that we are here for anything they may need.”
news for you texas Planned Parenhood rally AUSTIN, Texas — Planned Parenthood advocates are fighting against an onslaught of legislative attempts to weaken their programs. Hundreds of supporters rallied at the Capitol Tuesday, outraged at state lawmakers for endangering women’s health care and family planning. The rally comes a day after a bill cleared the House floor that would give Texas some of the strictest abortion guidelines nationwide. The bill would require women to get a sonogram before ending a pregnancy, view the image and hear the fetal heartbeat. CEO of the Texas Capital Region Ken Lambrecht said it is just the latest in a series of attacks against the organization. The Texas attorney general last month upheld the constitutionality of funding restrictions on abortion provider affiliates, effectively prohibiting Planned Parenthood from receiving public funding through Medicaid programs.
Teen could be tried as adult in murder TYLER, Texas — East Texas prosecutors have filed a petition asking for a 15-yearold accused in the shooting death of his older sister to be tried as an adult. The Smith County District Attorney’s office made the request Friday. The New Chapel Hill teen, charged with delinquent conduct in the fall, is accused of fatally shooting his 19-year-old sister four times in the head on Sept. 15. Prosecutor Tonda Curry tells the Tyler Morning Telegraph that if the teen was to be sentenced to time in the Texas Youth Commission, he could be released in three years “without the input of the judge or the District Attorney’s Office.” The next hearing is March 14.
nation&world Oil market eyes Saudi Arabia The world’s largest oil exporter is dipping into its excess reserves to make up for lost exports from Libya, where a rebel uprising has largely shut down production. And the Saudis are clamping down on similar, yet smaller, protests at home. That unnerves energy markets because Saudi Arabia’s ability to ramp up production, known as spare capacity, serves a cushion, both real and psychological, when world supplies tighten. Staff and wire reports
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THE TEXAS A&M STUDENT MEDIA BOARD INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR
Editor
thebattalion SERVING TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SINCE 1893
Summer 2011
Fall 2011–Spring 2012
(The summer editor will serve May 15 through Aug. 13, 2011)
(The fall and spring editor will serve Aug. 14, 2011, through May 12, 2012)
QualiďŹ cations for editor-in-chief of The Battalion are: REQUIRED t #F B 5FYBT " . TUVEFOU JO HPPE TUBOEJOH XJUI UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ BOE FOSPMMFE JO BU MFBTU TJY DSFEJU IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF TUVEFOU EVSJOH the term of ofďŹ ce (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); t )BWF BU MFBTU B DVNVMBUJWF HSBEF QPJOU SBUJP JG B HSBEVBUF student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of ofďŹ ce. In PSEFS GPS UIJT QSPWJTJPO UP CF NFU BU MFBTU TJY IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF student) must have been taken for that semester. PREFERRED t Have completed JOUR 301 or COMM 307 (Mass Communication, Law, and Society) or equivalent; t )BWF BU MFBTU POF ZFBS FYQFSJFODF JO B SFTQPOTJCMF FEJUPSJBM position on The Battalion or comparable daily college newspaper, – OR – )BWF BU MFBTU POF ZFBS FEJUPSJBM FYQFSJFODF PO B DPNNFSDJBM newspaper, – OR – Have completed at least 12 hours in journalism, including JOUR 203 (Media Writing I) and JOUR 303 (Media Writing II) or +063 &EJUJOH GPS UIF .BTT .FEJB PS FRVJWBMFOU
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page 6 wednesday 3.9.2011
Provost Continued from page 1
external constituencies. In addition to her role as provost, Watson is currently a Regents Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Before her term as interim provost, Watson served as A&M’s vice provost from December 2008 to July 2009 and as the associate provost from February 2002 to December 2008. “My experience as an administrator taught me the nuts and bolts of academic administration, such as how to manage and evaluate staff and faculty, develop new degree programs, work with and manage buildings and facilities, handle grievances, make disciplinary decisions, plan and manage budgets, raise money, and work with large teams of people,� Watson said. “As interim provost, I developed a deeper appreciation for the complexity of how things really get done in a university as large and as diverse as Texas A&M.� Watson accredited her appointment to several qualifications that make her stand out as the best candidate for A&M’s provost. She is an active member of the president’s team, has excellent communication skills that utilize her capabilities as an active listener, and she understands the multifaceted cultures within many of the University’s organizations. “I have previous successes as a situational leader who can
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rapidly assimilate information to inform timely process execution and decision-making, especially in the face of challenges and the possibility of limited resources,� she said. “I have a deep understanding and appreciation of all dimensions of higher education, especially for a research extensive, land grant university such as Texas A&M. I understand that the real power of the position is in influence, not control.� Staff members already expressed what they hope to see from Watson. “[The provost needs to be] proactive as far as helping the faculty senate and listening to the student’s needs,� said Charlotte Allen, a biology research assistant. Given the role the provost will play in student affairs students are also expectant. “[Dr. Watson should] focus on making the lines of communication between President Loftin and students more open,� said Joe Lehman, a freshman general studies major. Watson, who joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1983, is well versed on the tradition of excellence associated with Aggieland and will continue serving Texas A&M University, striving for its enhancement. “I am humbled that I have been entrusted with these responsibilities,� Watson said. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving Texas A&M and Texas as Provost by helping to ensure that Texas A&M offers the highest quality educational environment.�
Application forms should be picked up and returned to Sandi Jones, Student Media business coordinator, in room 013 of Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Deadline for submitting application: 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2011. An equal opportunity, afďŹ rmative action employer committed to diversity
Maysfest Continued from page 2
Senior finance major, Cameron Medlin, expressed how excited the Business Student Council is to give the students from Bryan ISD new backpacks and books. Students and faculty not only get to have fun for a worthy cause, but they have the opportunity to be exposed to different business organizations offered as well. These organizations will have tables with informational brochures to get students involved in their major and around campus. “We get different organizations within the business school involved and they give
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away ice pops, candy, and last year they even gave away stress balls,� Pollio said. With all of the entertainment available outside of the Wehner building, Maysfest offers all students and faculty the opportunity to escape reality for a few hours and help support Project Mays. “Even though it is on west campus, it is not excluded to business students. We want everyone to come out and have fun,� said Laura Kiker, a junior accounting major. “They more money we raise through our profit share the more we will help out the kids through Project Mays.�
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