A Landscape in Transit
DearReaders,
ImagineafuturewhereAI-drivenpersonalizedlearningtransformsclassrooms,virtual realityfacilitatesimmersivefieldtrips,andglobalcollaborationbecomesseamless.This educationallandscape,whilenotsciencefiction,raisesessentialqueries.Inthefaceof evolvingtechnology,thechallengeliesinguaranteeingequalaccess,fosteringcritical thinking,andnurturingcomprehensiveindividuals.
Asweembracethisdynamicfuture,itbecomesimperativetoaddressthesefundamental questionstoensureaninclusiveandenrichingeducationalexperienceforall,preparing studentsforthechallengesofanever-changingworld.
Toappreciatetheeffortsandtheworkofthosepavingtheway,wearehappytopresent ourlatestmagazineissue,“The10InspiringEducationLeaders,2024”.Thiscarefully curatedlistrecognizesindividualswhoarepushingboundaries,ignitinginnovation,and championinginclusivityintheiruniqueways.Fromruralentrepreneursbridgingthe digitaldividetouniversitypresidentsrevolutionizingpedagogy,theseleadersoffer valuableinsightsandsolutionsthatshapethefutureoflearning.
InthespotlightforthismagazineisDr.BernellHirning,PresidentofWillistonState College,aseasonedprofessionalwithover30yearsineducation.Renownedforhis strategicleadership,Dr.Hirningemphasizesfiscalresponsibility,showcasingadeep understandingofthecollege’sfinancialunderpinnings.Hiscommitmenttoprudent managementoftaxpayerdollarsalignswithafocusonhigh-qualityacademicprograms, ensuringthateachinvesteddollarenhancestheoveralleducationalexperiencefor maximumimpact.
Inaddition,ourlatestissuealsohighlightstheworksofDr.EladGranot,Dr.DaleElizabethPehrsson,Dr.EricJones,andCamilleDavidson.Eachleader’sunique contributionsreflectacollectivecommitmenttoinnovationandexcellence,embodying thedynamiclandscapeofeducationthatdefinesthecurrentyear Together,these individualsshowcaseatapestryofinspirationandtransformativeleadershipwithinthe evolvingeducationalsphere.
HappyReading!
Tejas Tahmankar Project Editor
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cover story
DR. BERNELL HIRNING
Delano-Oriaran www.snc.edu
R Boyer www.nau.edu
Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson www.pennwest.edu
www.boler.jcu.edu
www.machias.edu
www.mindysmith@ucwv.ed
www.gcsu.edu
Dr. Bernell Hirning
CatalystforChangein EducationalAdministration
DR.
Dr.BernellHirning,adistinguishedprofessionalwithover threedecadesofexperienceineducation,hasmadealasting impactonacademia.HebeganasaHighSchoolBusiness TeacherandbasketballcoachinNorthDakota,followedbya stintasanAssistantProfessorofBusinessatMayvilleState University,andthennearly20yearsofhighereducation administrationinCalifornia;allwhileearningfourdegrees, threefromtheNorthDakotaUniversitySystem.Whileat MayvilleState,heintroducedtheuniversity’sfirstonline ProjectManagementcourse,demonstratinghisdedicationto innovativeeducation.
UponrelocatingtoCaliforniain2002,Dr.Hirningenjoyedan impressive18-yearcareerinhighereducationadministration. ServingasAssociateRegionalDeanandRegionalAssociate VicePresidentattheNationalUniversity,heshowcased impactfulleadership.Leadinggrowthacrossseveralcampuses inNorthernandCentralCalifornia,heskillfullycombined onsite,offsite,online,andhybridinstructiontomeetdiverse studentneeds.
Dr.Hirning’ssuccessliesinhiscommitmenttocommunity outreachandpartnerships.Hisvisionaryapproachresulted inover50cohortpartnerships,fosteringcollaborations withgovernmententities,schooldistricts,businesses,and communitycolleges.Asachampionofstudentsuccess,he achievedremarkableresultsinstudentstarts,retention, persistence,andcompletion.DuringhistenureatNational University,headdedcrucialacademicprograms,including establishingthesoleNurseAnesthesiaprograminFresno, andoneofonlyfiveinallofCalifornia,highlightinghis dedicationtomeetingmarketdemands.
Dr.BernellHirning’sacademicjourneyreflectshis commitmenttocontinuouslearning.WithaPh.D.from CapellaUniversity,hebuiltastrongfoundationwitha Master'sandBachelor’sdegreefromMinotState University.Hiseducationalpursuitsalsoincludean AssociatedegreefromWillistonStateCollege(formerly UND-Williston),demonstratingacomprehensiveapproach toacademicexcellence.
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Treat
HavingrootsinthesouthwesternregionofNorth Dakota,Dr.Hirningmaintainsstrongtiestohis community.HisformativeyearsatMottLincolnHigh Schoollaidthegroundworkforhisfutureineducation. Thisconnectionlikelyinfluencedhiscommitmentto shapingeducationallandscapesinNorthDakotaand California.
CommitmenttoFiscalResponsibility,Academic Excellence,andModernInfrastructure
AsthePresidentofWillistonStateCollege,Dr. Hirningembodiesfiscalresponsibilityandstrategic leadership.Hiscommitmenttowiselymanaging taxpayerdollarsdemonstratesacleargraspofthe college’sfinancialfoundation.Dr.Hirning’sfocuson qualityacademicprogramsalignswiththeneedto maximizethevalueofthesefunds,ensuringthatevery investeddollarcontributestoarobustandimpactful educationalexperience.
Recognizingthatthequalityofeducationdependsupon qualityfaculty,Dr.Hirningprioritizescultivatinga cadreofeducatorswithexpertiseanddedication.By emphasizingtherecruitmentanddevelopmentoftoptierfaculty,henotonlyenhancesacademicprograms butalsoensuresstudentsreceiveanenrichingand comprehensivelearningexperience.
Additionally,Dr.Hirning’svisionextendstothe college’sphysicalinfrastructure.Recognizingthe significanceofmodernfacilities,heaimstocreatean environmentthatinstillsprideinbothemployeesand students.Thiscommitmenttostate-of-the-artfacilities underscoreshisdedicationtoprovidingaconduciveand contemporarylearningandprofessionalgrowthsetting.
AModelofTransparentLeadershipatWilliston StateCollege
AccordingtoDr.Hirning,anidealeducationalleader embodiestransparencyandaccessibilitybothinternally andexternally.Internally,theyshouldfosteran inclusiveenvironment,ensuringallstakeholders, includingfaculty,staff,andstudents,haveavoiceand feelheard.Externally,theleadermustmaintainstrong connectionswiththecommunity,region,state,and nationallevels.
Ask questions, listen, set goals, and work hard. Be humble “
Dr.Hirningexemplifiesthesequalitiesthroughactive engagementwithvariousstakeholdersatWillistonState College.Hisdeliberateeffortstobeavailabletoeveryone, frommeetingwithstatelegislatorsforfundingdiscussions toparticipatinginmediainterviews,showcasehis commitmenttokeepingcommunicationlinesopen. Moreover,hiswillingnesstomeetwithstudentsand provideinputforclassprojectshighlightshisdedicationto creatinganaccessibleandsupportiveeducational environment.Inthismanner,Dr.Hirningalignshisactions withthequalitieshedeemscrucialforaneffective educationalleader.
EvolutionandLegacyofWillistonStateCollege
WillistonStateCollege,establishedin1957asanExtended EducationarmfortheUniversityofNorthDakotaandlater transitioningtotheNorthDakotaUniversitySystemin 1984,hasevolvedintoadynamicinstitutionwitharich history.OriginallynamedUND-Williston,itofficially becameWillistonStateCollegein1999,introducingthe TrainNDNorthwestworkforcetrainingdivision.
Presently,WSCproudlyoffersacomprehensiverangeof13 disciplinesforCareerandTechnicalEducation(CTE)and Associate’sleveltraining.Thesedisciplines,covering amongothersAccounting,Nursing,andWelding Technology,reflectthecollege’scommitmenttoproviding currentandrelevantoptionsalignedwithstudentneedsand industrydemands.Notablysituatedintheheartofthe BakkenFormation,WSCstrategicallytailorsitsprograms andworkforcetrainingtoaddresstheemployment requirementsoftheoilandgasindustry.
Despitenotclaimingsuperiorityoverotherinstitutions, WSC’sfacultyandstaffemphasizestudentlearningand performance.Thecollege’sforward-lookingapproach centersonprogramsthatalignwithstudentaspirationsand regionalindustryneeds.Movingforward,WSCpreparesfor thenextphaseofgrowthbyexpandinghealthcareprograms tomeetthedemandsofthemedicalcommunityand contributetoawell-trainedhealthcareworkforceinthe region.
StrategicVisionforGrowth
Dr.Hirningplaysacrucialroleincontributingtothe successofWillistonStateCollegebyrecognizingthe interconnectedfactorsthatinfluenceenrollmentgrowthand programrelevance.Understandingthedirectlinkbetween
enrollmentandrelevantprograms,hestrategicallyaligns thecollege’sofferingswiththeregion’sevolvingneeds. Thisforesightledtoidentifyinghealthcareexpansionasa criticalinitiative,addressingthedemandsoftherapidly growingpopulationinnorthwestNorthDakota,currently thefastestgrowingintheUnitedStates.
Dr.Hirning’sproactiveapproachisevidentintheCollege’s mostrecentcapitalproject—a$37millionhealthcare trainingfacility.Byinvestinginthisfacility,WillistonState Collegeisreadytointroducearangeofhealthcare-related programs,positioningtheinstitutiontomeettherising demandintheregion.Essentially,Dr.Hirning’sleadership underscoresacommitmenttoadaptingtoindustryand demographicshiftsandactivelyshapingthecollege’s trajectorytobestservestudentsandthecommunity
AddressingAffordability,CommunityNeeds,and EducationalAccess
Thecurrenteducationlandscapefaceschallengesrelatedto affordabilityandstudentdebt.Inresponse,Dr.Hirning,in concertwiththeCollege’sFoundation,isactivelytackling theseissuesatWillistonStateCollege.Withthesupportof arobustFoundationandgenerousdonors,88%ofWSC studentsbenefitfromascholarshipprogramcovering100% oftuitionandfeesfortheirentiretwo-yearassociate’s degreeprogram.Thisinitiativesignificantlyeasesfinancial burdensandimprovesaccesstoeducationfora53-county areainwesternNorthDakotaandeasternMontana.
Additionally,Dr.Hirningrecognizesandrespondsto communityneedsbeyondtheclassroom.Acknowledging theshortageofchildcarefacilitiesinWilliston,WSC collaboratedwiththeCityofWillistonandWilliams Countytorepurposeanon-campusbuildingintoachildcare learningfacility Thisaddressesalocalchallengeand fostersanEducationPrograminpartnershipwithValley CityStateUniversity,offeringstudentsinternship opportunitiestowardprogramcompletion.Throughthese efforts,theCollegeisactivelybringingaboutpositive changesbymakingeducationmoreaccessibleand responsivetothebroaderneedsofstudentsandthe community.
AdaptingtoChangingEducationalLandscapes
AccordingtoDr.Hirning,students’needshavechanged significantlyoverthepastdecade,influencedbyvarious modalitiesandshiftingdemographics.Beyondthe traditionalfullyon-campusmodel,studentsnowdesire
flexibilityintheireducation.Theemergenceoffullyonline, hybrid,offsite,dual-credit,earlyentry,andpart-time optionsreflectsthedemandfordiverseeducational experiences,accommodatingdifferentschedulesand preferences.
Inresponsetothesechanges,Dr.Hirningisguiding WillistonStateCollegetowardadaptability Theinstitution isactivelyadjustingitsmodalitiestomeetthedistinctneeds ofeachstudentsector.Thisapproachrecognizesthatthe successofaneducationalinstitutionreliesonitsabilityto embraceandaddressthewidevarietyofstudentneeds, ensuringaccessibilityandrelevanceinanever-changing landscape.Byembracingdiversemodalities,Dr.Hirningis fosteringaninclusiveenvironmentthatalignswiththe evolvingrequirementsofstudentsintoday’seducational landscape.
GuidingLights:GrandfatherJacobJ.Hirningand ChancellorDr.JerryC.Lee
Dr.Hirning’srolemodelishislategrandfather,Jacob, whoseimpactisevidentinthewayheapproacheslifeand leadership.Duringhisyouth,heobservedJacob’s committedapproachtotreatingeverypersonwithutmost kindnessandrespect.Thisfoundationalprincipleinstilled byhisgrandfatherhasbecomeaguidingforceinDr. Hirning’spersonalandprofessionallife.
Inadditiontohisgrandfather'sinfluence,formerNational UniversityChancellorDr.JerryC.Leeplayedasignificant roleinshapinghisvalues.Dr.Lee’screationofthe ‘CovenantsofPride,’particularlythecovenanturging individualsto‘Bekindandrespectfulofothers,’deeply resonatedwithDr.Hirning.Thisreinforcedtheimportance ofkindnessandrespectascoreprinciplesinhisapproachto leadership.
BothhisgrandfatherandDr.Leehavecollectively contributedtoDr.Hirning’sethos,emphasizingthe significanceoftreatingotherswithdignityandcourtesy. Thesevalueshaveundoubtedlyshapedhischaracterand leadershipstyle,influencinghowheinteractswith individualsinbothpersonalandprofessionalspheres.
ApplyingProjectManagementPrinciplesinWorkand Life
Dr.Hirningeffectivelymanageswork-lifebalanceby applyingprojectmanagementprinciples,askillhoned duringhistenureoverseeingtheProjectManagement
curriculumatMayvilleStateUniversity.Drawingfromthe nineknowledgemanagementareasoftheProject ManagementBodyofKnowledge,hehaslearnedthevalue ofbothshort-termandlong-termplanning.Thisapproach aidsnotonlyinprioritizationbutalsoincorporatesthe conceptthat‘there’salwaystomorrow.’Beyondhis professionalendeavors,Dr.Hirningcultivatesabalanced lifebyengagingwithhisfamilyandfriends,alongwitha varietyofhobbiesandintereststhatbringjoyand relaxation.
GuidingPrinciplesforEducationalLeadershipbyDr. Hirning
Dr.Hirningprovidesinsightfulguidanceforemerging leadersintheeducationalfield,emphasizingfundamental principlessuchastreatingeveryonewithkindnessand respect,regardlessofdifferingperspectives.Hestressesthe importanceofacknowledgingandprioritizingtheimpactof wordsincommunication.Thisfoundationalapproachsets thetoneforfosteringapositiveandinclusiveenvironment withineducationalinstitutions.
Innavigatingthecomplexitiesofleadership,Dr.Hirning advisesaspiringleaderstoactivelyengageinkey principles.Thisinvolvesaskingquestions,listening attentively,settingcleargoals,puttingindedicatedeffort, andmaintaininghumilitythroughouttheleadershipjourney. Byembracingtheseprinciples,educationalleaderscan effectivelynavigatechallenges,buildstrongrelationships, andguidetheirteamswithpurpose.
Furthermore,Dr.Hirningunderscorestheimportanceof attentiontodetailineducationalleadership.Accordingto him,recognizingthesignificanceofalllevelsofdetailis critical,asoverlookingsmallelementscanleadtomajor problems.Thismeticulousapproachensuresthoroughness andexcellenceintheexecutionofeducationalinitiatives.
Intermsofteammanagement,Dr.Hirningadvocatesfor strategichiringpractices.Hesuggestsselectingemployees whoaretherightfit,providingthemwithadequatetraining, instillingtrust,andempoweringthemtocarryouttheir responsibilities.Recognizingandcelebrating accomplishmentsbecomesanintegralpartofcreatinga positiveandmotivatedworkenvironment,fosteringa cultureofachievementandcollaboration.
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All levels of detail matter. Missing small details can lead to major problems
Dean and Professor of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Camille Davidson
A Champion of Legal Education Nurturing the Next Generation
Anidealeducationalleader mustpossessabalanceof qualities,includinginsight, emotionalintelligence,and collaborationskills.Theymustwork alongsidediversestakeholderssuchas students,faculty,staff,alumni,donors, communityleaders,publicfigures,and corporateexecutives.Leaderswho achievesuccesscomprehendthe significanceofdataandrelationship building.Intoday’sworld,crisis managementskillsarealso indispensableforleadership.Camille Davidson,DeanandProfessorof LawatSouthernIllinoisUniversity SchoolofLaw,isaprimeexampleof suchanexceptionalleader.Her inspiringjourneyhaspositively impactedthelivesofnumerous students.
PursuitofAcademicExcellenceand CareerPathExploration
Influencedbyherparents’strong backgroundineducation,withher fatherasarespectedsuperintendent anduniversityprofessorandher motherasadedicatedhighschool teacher,Camilleinitiallypursueda careerinlaw.However,herpathtook anunexpectedturnwhenshe gravitatedtowardsworkingwithyoung peopleduringherlawschoolyearsand legalpractice.
Whileinlawschool,sheengagedwith thepre-collegeprogramDCWorks, whichpreparedhighschoolstudents forcollege.Shealsomentoredfoster
childrenwhowereagingoutofthe system.Camille’spassionfor educationtrulyignitedthrough teachinghighschoolstudentsaspartof alawschoolcoursecalledStreetLaw, whichallowedhertoteachaclassat DunbarHighSchoolinWashington, DC.Theseexperienceslaidthe foundationforherremarkable transitionfromlawtoacademia.
Camille’sfirstcollege-levelteaching experiencecameasanadjunct professoratDavidsonCollege,where shesharedherexpertiseinIntroduction toPoliticalSciencewithundergraduate students.Whileconcurrentlypracticing law,Camillecontinuedtomakean impactbyteachinglegalwritingto first-yearlawstudents.In2007,sheleft thefull-timepracticeoflawtoteach full-time.
Camillewasappointedasassociate deanatapriorinstitutionin2012.In thisrole,shespearheadedABAaccreditedprogramsinLithuaniaand Italythatbroadenedstudents’ educationalhorizons.Moreover, Camilleintroducedcomplianceand paralegalprogramstocomplementthe JDprogram,leavingalastingimpact onthelegalprofession.Her responsibilitiesencompassed organizationalmanagement,student development,programandtalent development,andcommunity engagement.
Drivenbyherdedicationandfueledby thedesiretotakeherimpacttonew heights,Camillesethersightsona
deanship.Asawifeandmother,she patientlyawaitedtheopportunityto assumesuchademandingrole.In 2019,whenheryoungestchild enteredhersenioryearofhigh school,Camillebegansearchingfora deanship.Herjourneyledhertoher currentposition,whichsheassumed inJuly2020.
Camillewasdeterminedtomakea lastingimpactwhenshejoinedSIU Law.Sheprioritizedadmissionsand recruiting,barpreparation,diversity, equity,andinclusion,expandingthe school’sfootprint,brandawareness, andalumnire-engagement.Guided bydataandfueledbyapassionate teamoffaculty,staff,andstudent input,Camillehasmadesignificant stridestowardsachievingthesegoals, aligningtheSchoolofLawwiththe broadervisionoftheUniversityand SIUSystem.Shefurtherstates, “Had you asked me 30 years ago if I would be a higher education leader, I would have said NO. But, I have found my niche. I LOVE preparing the next generation of students.”
Inherquestforexcellence,Camille findsinspirationinherparentsand grandparents,whohavebeen remarkablerolemodels.Despite experiencingsegregationandlimited opportunities,herparentssucceeded intheircareers.Theirresilienceand achievementsinspireCamille, remindingherthatwith determinationandperseverance,she, too,canovercomebarriers.
ConcurrentDegreePrograms: ExpandingHorizonsand Possibilities
TheestablishmentoftheSouthern IllinoisUniversitySchoolofLaw datesbackto1973,drivenbya steadfastcommitmenttothe publicgood.Withaproud50-year legacy,SIULawoffersaspiring legalprofessionalsa comprehensiverangeofacademic programs.
TheinstitutegrantsaJurisDoctor degreewhilepresentingstudents withtheopportunitytopursue concurrentdegrees.Atthe SouthernIllinoisUniversity Carbondalecampus,individuals cancombinetheirJDwithdegrees suchasMD,DoctorofPolitical Science,MasterofAccountancy, MBA,MasterofElectricaland ComputerEngineering,Masterof PublicAdministration,Masterof ScienceinEducation,andMaster ofSocialWork.Furthermore,the SouthernIllinoisUniversity Edwardsvillecampusoffersa JD/MPAprogram.
A good leader uses data to inform decisions but also understands the importance of building and nurturing relationships. “
SIULawhascollaboratedwith esteemedinstitutionslikeGovernor’s StateUniversity,TougalooCollege, StillmanCollege,andSIUCarbondale. SIULawfacilitatesanacceleratedpath forhigh-achievingstudents.These exceptionalscholarscanearn bachelor’sandlawdegreeswithinsix years,propellingtheircareersforward. SIULawprovidesampleopportunities forexperientialeducation, encompassingclinics,externships,and probonoactivities,enablingstudentsto acquirepracticalskillsandinvaluable real-worldexposure.Lastyear,SIU Lawopenedasatellitelocationin Belleville,Illinois,attheSouthwestern IllinoisJusticeandWorkforceCampus. SIULawhousestheMetroEast CriminalJusticeClinicatthissite.
WhatsetsSIULawapartextends beyonditsacademicofferings—itisthe collaborativeandclose-knitcommunity itfosters.Theinstituteequipsstudents withessentialresourcesandguidanceto thrivebycreatinganenvironmentof supportandcamaraderie.Asa testamenttothiscommitment,SIULaw hostsapre-lawsummerprogram, introducingstudentstotheregion, providingcomprehensiveinsightsinto theapplicationprocess,imparting successstrategies,andoffering invaluableinformationonfinancinglaw school.
FosteringDiversityandAcademic Excellence
AsdeanoftheSIUSchoolofLaw, Camilleassumesapivotalrolein drivingtheinstitution’ssuccess. RepresentingtheLawSchooland Universitytoexternalconstituents,she setsprioritiesandallocatesresources whileforgingpartnershipswithother campusunitsandinstitutions.Under herleadership,thefacultyhas undertakensignificantinitiativessuch
ascurriculummapping,adoptinganti-racismand inclusivitystatements,anddevelopingastrategicplan. Technologicalandfacilityupgradeshaveprovidedstudents withanenhancedlearningenvironment.
Camille’scommitmenttodiversityisevidentinrecruitinga diversefacultyandtheincreaseddiversityofthestudent body.Shesupportsfacultyresearchandscholarshipthrough grantsandstipends,contributingtotheacademiclandscape throughteachingandpublications.BeyondtheSchoolof Law,CamilleholdsajointappointmentintheSchoolof Medicine,fosteringcollaborationsandinnovativeprograms suchastheJD/MDprofessionalismday,theRyan BioethicistinResidence, andtheannualHealthPolicy Institute.
CamilleisamemberoftheAmericanAssociationofState CollegesandUniversityMillenniumLeadershipInitiative’s 2023-24cohort.Thisprogramaimstodiversifyandenrich theAmericancollegepresidency,reflectingCamille’s dedicationtoprofessionaldevelopmentandadvancing highereducationleadership.AsCamilleentersherfourth yearasdean,theSchoolofLawhaswitnessedasurgein applications,reachingthehighestnumberssince2013. Additionally,thepost-graduationemploymentratesare approximately95percent.
EmpoweringEducationforAll:Camille’s TransformativeInitiatives
CamillewasbornandraisedinMississippiandunderstands theimportanceofeducationandequalopportunities.Witha wealthofexperienceasaprofessor,academicdean,and dean,sherecognizesstudents’challenges,particularlythose fromunderrepresentedbackgroundsandfirst-generation learners.Drivenbyacommitmenttotheirsuccess,Camille providesthenecessarysupporttoensuretheirtriumphs.
Camillehasexpandedherreachbeyondherinstitutionby takingonleadershiprolesinwell-respectedprofessional organizations.Someofhernotablepositionsinclude:
● AmericanBarAssociationAccreditationSite Evaluator
● IllinoisSupremeCourte-BusinessPolicyAdvisory Board
● BoardMember,CenterforComputer-Assisted LegalInstruction(CALI)
● LawSchoolAdmissionsCouncil(LSAC) AssessmentsCommittee
● AmericanLawInstitute
● UniformBarExaminationEstatePlanningand AdministrationSubcommittee,NorthCarolina StateBar(2017)
● Vice-chair,BioethicsCommittee,ABASectionof RealProperty,TrustandEstateLaw(2013-16)
Camilleisacutelyawareofthesignificanceofmental healthinthelearningenvironment.Sheunderstands studentscan’tfocusonacademicswhentheylackbasic needslikefoodandshelter,soshestartedprogramstohelp easethoseburdens.InherfirstyearatSIULaw,Camille partneredwithabarvendortoensurethatlawstudentshad accesstoessentialresourcesforpost-graduationbar preparationbeforecommencingtheirlegaleducation.She alsorepurposedspaceforameditationroomandurged parentstousethelibrary’skid-friendlystudyroom.
Tofosteracohesivesupportnetwork,Camilleinvited disabilityservicesandotheruniversityresourcestoaddress facultymeetings.Thisendeavorensuresthatfaculty membersremaininformedabouttheavailableresourcesto assisttheirstudentsbetter.
PrioritizingBalanceandNurturingWellness
CamillevaluesGod,family,andworkashertoppriorities. Sheinvitesotherstojoinheronenergizingwellnesswalks atSouthernIllinoisUniversity,whichpromotesphysical activityandahealthydietforoverallwell-being.Camille upcyclest-shirtstocreatemeaningfulobjectsinherfree timeandenjoysquilting.Sheservesonvariouscommunity boardsandisanassociateandlifememberofJackandJill ofAmerica,Inc.andalifememberofAlphaKappaAlpha Sorority,Inc.
WiseAdvice
Asahighereducationleader,CamillefollowsMartin LutherKing,Jr.’sstatement, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Advicethatsheshareswithothersisasfollows:
● It'sessentialtofindacommunityofpeoplewho supportyou.
● Authenticityisimportant.Showupasyouareand befabulous!
10 Best EV EV Companies
you’ll wish You Knew Sooner
Didyouknowtheglobalelectricvehicle(EV)
marketisexpectedtoreach$823.75billionby 2028?Withtheincreasingdemandforfueland environment-efficientvehiclesrising,moreandmoreEV companiesareemerging.Butwhichonesarethebest?This blogpostwillexplorethetop10EVcompaniesyoumay havemissedoutonandshouldknowabout.These companiesareleadingthewayininnovationand technology,andtheyaresuretomakeabigimpactonthe futureoftransportation.
HereareafewfunfactsaboutEvs:
● Thefirstelectriccarwasinventedin1834.
● Thelongest-rangeEVonthemarketistheTesla ModelSPlaid,whichcantravelover520mileson asinglecharge.
● ThefastestEVonthemarketistheRimacNevera, whichcanacceleratefrom0to60mphinjust1.85 seconds.
TypesofElectricVehicles
Herearethe10bestEVcompanies:
● Founded:2004
● CEO:ElonMusk(2008)
● TypeofVehicle:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:04
Teslaisonthelistofthetopautomobilecompanies globally ThecompanymanufacturesBEVs,EVchargers, Inverters,andRenewableEnergy ThisAmerican automotivebrandhasachievedamilestonebyselling 1,313,581carsalonein2022.Ithasfourcarsonthelist ModelS,3,Y,andX.Tesla’sfirstcar,theRoadster,was discontinuedin2012aftertheintroductionoftheModelS. Thecompanyhasplannednewmodels;TeslaCybertruck, Semi,Model2,andRoadster2ndGen,tolaunchsoon.It servestheglobalmarketwithadominantpositionintheEV industry,withsalesof4,061,776vehiclesfrom2008toQ1 of2023.
2. BYD
● Founded:1995
● CEO:WangChuanfu(1995)
● TypesofVehicles:BEVandPHEV
● No.ofEVModels:7+4
BYDhasbeenaChineseautomobile manufacturerintheindustrysince2003.In 2015,itannouncedafullMarketEVstrategy withsevenconventionalandfourspecialized vehicles.Thecompanyhaselectricpassenger vehicles,electricbusesandcoaches,Trucks, RailTransit,Batteries,andElectronic productsinitsportfolio.BYDstandsnextto TeslaregardingEVsalesintheGlobal Market.Itsold1.86millionelectricandpluginhybridvehiclesin2022.Thecompanyis workingonfournewtypesofvehiclesfor airports,warehouses,mining,andports.
3.Hyundai
● Founded:1967
● CEO:JaeehoonChang(2022)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV,PHEV, HEV,andFCEV
● No.ofEVModels:4(BEV),3 (PHEV),4(HEV),1(FCEV)
Hyundaiisasignificantplayerintheglobal automotivesectordedicatedtoongoing expansionandinnovation.Thecompanyis increasingitsworldwidemanufacturing presencebyinvestingsignificantlyinthe latestinnovationslikeautonomousdriving andelectrifiedcars.Hyundaifirstoffered electricvehiclesin2011.Hyundai’sfirst electriccarmodel,theBlueOn,wasonly availableinSouthKorea.Lastyear,in2022, thecompanysoldmorethan240,000electric cars,withalmost195,000beingbatteryelectricvehicles(BEVs).Thecompany aggressivelyplanstobethelisttopperofev companiesinthenearfuturewithits ambitiousfleetofEVs.
1.Tesla
4.BMW
● Founded:1916
● CEO:OliverZipse(2020)
● TypesofVehicles:BEVandPHEV
● No.ofEVModels:4(BEV),5(PHEV)
DidyouknowthatBMW,amultinationalGerman automotivemanufacturer,begansellingelectriccarsin 2013withthedebutoftheirbattery-electriccar,theBMW i3?Lastyear,in2022,BMWsold215,755battery-electric carsglobally,a108%increasefromthepreviousyear However,thecompany’splug-inhybridelectricvehicles (PHEVs)salesdecreasedby3%year-over-year,with 218,040soldduringthesameperiod.By2040,BMWplans toofferonlyelectriccarsaspartofitscommitmentto electrifyitsfleet.Amongthenewelectriccars,thecompany hasintheworksarethei7,iX1,andiX2.
5.Volkswagen
● Founded:1937
● CEO:OliverBlume(2022)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:7(BEV)
Volkswageniscurrentlytheworld'slargestautomakerin termsofsales.They’vebeensellingelectricvehiclessince 2013,startingwiththee-Golf,anelectricversionofthe Golfhatchback.Volkswagenhasexcitingplanstolaunch newelectriccarsliketheIDsoon.Aero,asedanthatcan travelupto435miles,andtheID.Life,asmallSUVwitha startingpriceofonly$20,000.BasedontheVolkswagen MEBplatform,theseelectricvehiclesareunder Volkswagen’sIDfamily Thisplatformisspecifically designedforelectricvehiclesandallowsVolkswagento offerdifferentelectricvehiclesatvaryingpricepoints.In 2022,Volkswagensoldanimpressive325,100BEVs globally.
6.Nissan
● Founded:1933
● CEO:MakotoUchida(2019)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:5
Nissanwasoncetheleaderintheelectriccarindustry,but Teslatookoverin2014.However,Nissanstilloffersthe Leaf,theirmostpopularEV.In2022,theLeafwasthetopsellingelectriccarworldwide,with51,800unitssold.The
Ariyawasthesecond-bestsellerwith23,400unitssold, whilethee-NV200cameinthirdwith13,000unitssold. Nissan’ssalesofelectricvehiclesincreasedby80%from 2021to2022.
7.Volvo
● Founded:1927
● CEO:JimRowan(2021)
● TypesofVehicles:BEVandPHEV
● No.ofEVModels:4
Volvoisaluxuriouscarbrandrenownedforitsinnovative technologyandtop-notchvehicleconstruction.In2018,the companyintroduceditsfirstBEV,theXC40Recharge,and hassinceexpandeditselectricvehicleportfolio.Despitea 12%decreaseinoverallsales,Volvosawaremarkable11% increaseinelectriccarsales,selling66,749unitsin2022. TheXC40Rechargewasthebest-sellingmodelforVolvo duringthisperiod.
8.Rivian
● Founded:2009
● CEO:RJScaringe(2009)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:2
RivianisoneofthepromisingAmericanEVcompanies basedinIrvine,California.Witharobustteam,ample funding,andagoodrangeofproducts,Rivianisamongthe mosthighlyanticipatedEVstartups.Thecompanyboasts animpressiveportfolio,includingtheR1Tpickuptruckand theR1SelectricSUV,makingitwell-positionedtobecome amajorplayerintheEVmarket.In2022,Rivianproduced andsold24,337and20,332EVs,respectively
9.Audi
● Founded:1910
● CEO:MarkusDuesmann(2020)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:3
Audicurrentlyoffersthreebatteryelectricvehicles(BEVs) initscollection:thee-Tron,Q4e-Tron,ande-TronGT, eachwithuniquespecifications.In2022,Audiachievedits firstsix-figuresalesresult,selling118,196all-electric vehiclesworldwide,representingaconsiderableincreaseof 44.3%fromthepreviousyear(81,894).Additionally,the percentageofBEVssoldbyAudigrewfrom3.9%to7.3%
comparedtolastyear.Audiplansto introducemoreelectricvehicles,suchas theQ6e-TronandtheA6e-Tron,inthe yearsahead.
10.Renault
● Founded:1903
● CEO:LucadeMeo(2022)
● TypesofVehicles:BEV
● No.ofEVModels:6
RenaulthasemergedasEurope’sthirdlargestsellerofelectricvehicles,with 228,000vehiclessoldin2022.The companyiscommittedtosellingover65% ofelectrifiedvehiclesby2025,establishing Europe'smarketastheworld’sgreenest.In contrasttotheindustryaverageof31%, Renault'sE-Techrangeofbatteryelectric andhybridpowertrainswillcontribute
39%ofsalesofRenaultpassenger vehiclesinEuropein2022.Moreover, theMeganeE-TechElectricwill completeitsbattery-electricvehicle offeringinEuropeinthesecondhalfof 2022.With33,000sales,itwillquickly emergeasoneofthemostsought-after BEVvehiclesintheretailmarket,with mosthigh-endmodelsboastinga450kmrange.
Byreadingthisblog,youmayhave learnedabouttherecentgrowthofthe automotiveindustryduetonewplayers andtheincreasingdemandfor environmentally-friendlyvehicles.We encourageyoutofollowustostay updatedonthelatestdevelopments.We hopethisbloghasprovidedinsightinto the worldwide. top10EVcompanies
Thankyouforreadinguntiltheend.
TRANSFORMING BOTANY EDUCATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Dr
.EricJonesisaremarkableeducator transformingthelearningexperienceforbotany studentsandthecommunity AsanAssociate ProfessorofBotanyandFacultyPresidentatthe UniversityofMaineatMachias,Dr.Jonesiscommitted torevolutionizingeducation.Hisuniqueapproach empowersstudents,andtheeducationcommunityhighly regardshiscontributions.
With11yearsofexperienceasaprofessor,Dr.Joneshas gatheredknowledgefrominfluentialleadershehas encounteredthroughouthiscareer.Inhisview,educational leadersfaceachallengingtask:assistingstudentsin achievingtheirgoalswhilefosteringacultureofshared governancewiththefacultyresponsiblefordesigningand sustainingacademicprograms.
AccordingtoDr.Jones,influentialeducationalleaders possessessentialqualitiessuchashonesty,integrity, empathy,andawillingnesstoprioritizethegreatergood overpersonalinterests.Hefirmlybelievesthatleaders shouldapproachtheirroleasaserviceratherthana positionofpower.Withhispositiveoutlookonleadership, Dr.Jonesconfidentlyasserts, “I have been in leadership roles for most of my life and I’ve learned that a good leader sees their position as one of service rather than one of power.”
Let’sdelveintohisimpressivejourneyandexplorehis commitmenttotheeducationindustry.
EmbarkingonanEducationalJourney
FromhisearlydaysasamemberoftheBoyScoutsof America,Dr.Jonesdiscoveredhistruecalling:tomakea meaningfulimpactontheworld.Motivatedbyan unwaveringdetermination,hedevelopedanatural inclinationtopositivelyinfluencethelivesofothers throughactiveparticipationincommunityservice initiatives.Asafirst-generation,non-traditionalcollege studentatTallahasseeCommunityCollege(TCC),Dr Jones’scommitmenttoexcellencepropelledhimforward, ultimatelyleadingtohisbachelor’sandPh.D.inbiology fromtheprestigiousFloridaStateUniversity(FSU).
Whenitcametimetochooseaprofessionalpath,Dr Jones’sintuitiondrewhimtowardteaching,recognizingthe immensesatisfactionitbrings.Helpingindividualsand nurturingtheirintellectualgrowthbecamehissourceof profoundjoy,fueledbydeepcuriosity.Moreover,ashe delveddeeperintohisstudies,biologycapturedhis attentionwiththedeepcomplexityofDNAandthediverse ecosystemssurroundingus.
ShortlyaftercompletinghisPh.D.,Dr.Jonesembracedthe prominentroleofbotanyprofessorattheUniversityof MaineatMachias.Alongsidehisacademic accomplishments,heexcelledasateachingassistantacross disciplines,rangingfrommathematicstobiology,atboth TCCandFSU.Whilehisinitialresearchexploredplant matingsystems,hiscurrentpassionliesintransforming educationalpractices.
Motivatedtoengagestudentsactively,Dr.Jonesstandsat theforefrontofdevelopinggamifiedflippedclasses.This innovativeapproachignitesasenseofwonderinlearners insideandoutsidethetraditionalclassroomsetting. Simultaneously,heencouragesstudentinvolvementin conductingnaturalresourceinventoriesforaregionalland trust.Thiscollaborativeeffortspansvariouscourses,with studentsmeticulouslyplanningandexecutingthese inventories.Insupport,studentworkersintheherbarium diligentlycurateplantcollections,servingasaccompanying vouchersfortheproject.
EvolutionoftheUniversity
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias(UMM)hasarich historyrootedineducation.Initiallyestablishedin1952as theWashingtonStateTeachers’College,itevolvedfromthe WashingtonStateNormalSchool,foundedin1911.After joiningtheUniversityofMaineSystem(UMS)in1968,it becametheUniversityofMaineatMachiasin1970. Recognizingitsuniquelocationamongdiversenatural communitiesUMMexpandeditsfocustoincludescience andbiologyin1973.Today,UMMproudlyservesasthe regionalcampusoftheUniversityofMaine,collaborating withitscounterparttodefineamutuallybeneficial relationship.
DR. ERIC JONES
Associate Professor of Botany and Faculty President
University of Maine at Machias
PHOTOCREDITS - DR. ERIC H. JONES
ArrayofAcademicPrograms
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias (UMM)offersextensiveacademic programs,includingIntegrativeBiology, MarineBiology,Psychologyand CommunityStudies,Education,Small BusinessManagement,Recreationand OutdoorLeadership,andtheCreative Arts.Theseprogramsactivelycontribute tostudents’growthanddevelopment, equippingthemwithessentialskillsand fosteringadeepsenseofcommunity service.
Theinstitution’semphasisonservice learningdrivesstudentstoapplytheir classroomknowledgetopractical situations,establishinginvaluable connectionswithprospectiveemployers. Byengaginginhands-onexperiences, studentsgainaprofoundunderstandingof translatingtheoryintoaction,preparing themtoexcelintheirchosenfields.
“ When it came time to choose a career path, education made the most sense to me because I nd it a rewarding experience.
PHOTOCREDITS -
DR. ERIC H. JONES
Beyondtechnicalproficiency,UMM recognizestheimportanceof cultivatingsoftskillscrucialfor professionalsuccess.Effective communication,collaborative teamwork,andadaptabilityare nurtured;ensuringgraduatespossessa well-roundedskillsetthatempowers themtothriveindiversework environments.
AdvocacyforAcademic Empowerment
Dr.Jonesisaleaderforfacultyrights athisinstitutionandacrossthe universityaspresidentofthefaculty assembly.Hebridgesthegapbetween educatorsandadministratorsand diligentlyhearsallsides.Dr.Jonesalso promotesstudentempowermentby ensuringstudentparticipationat facultymeetingswheretheyarefreeto voicetheirownconcerns.
Inresponsetochangesinonlinecourse deliveryduringthepandemic,Dr.Jones hadtomodifyhisteachingmethods, notablytheflippedclassroomstrategy Heworkedtocreategamifiedcourse structuresthatutilizetheLearning ManagementSystem(LMS)topresent informationengagingly.Drawingfrom hisexperienceasalifelongplayerof role-playinggames,hecreatedafictional universewherestudentsutilizetheir knowledgetorespondtoinquiriesabout uniquespecies.Thisnarrative-based approachrecognizesandchallenges students’achievements.Theindividuals associatedwiththeCenterforInnovation inTeachingandLearningathis universityhavesupportedhimandhis colleaguesintheseefforts.
DiversityandInclusionontheCampus
Everysuccessfulinstitutefollowsa diversesystemofadministration.UMM’s visionofdiversityis “a resource that strengthens the learning process and energizes the campus community, being mindful that it can be a source of misunderstandings and wasted potential,” statesChristopherRichards, DirectorofEnrollment.Furthermore,Dr. Jonesaddsacouplemorestatements justifyingwhattheirperspective describesasdiversity
●Consideringthediversityandreflecting onandstrengtheningindividualand institutionalvaluesisessential.
●Researchhasshownthatdiversity initiativesaremoreeffectivein environmentswithsharedvalues suchasacademicexcellence,civic responsibility,self-respect,and goodwilltowardsthecampus community.
●UMMwarmlywelcomesinternational studentsandhighlyvaluestheir contributionstothecampus community.ExceptforCanadians,
“
Diversity is the tie that binds, linking together the curricular and the extracurricular, the individual and the collective, and one group to another.
– Christopher Richards, Director of Enrollment
whopayin-statetuitionfees, internationalstudentspaythesame tuitionasdomesticout-of-state students.
QuestforHolisticEducation
Achangeintheeducationsystemafter everyspecifiedtenureisessential. Whenaskedaboutpotentialchanges andintegration,Dr.Jonesresponded subtly
Heseekstoredefineeducationby bridgingcareerpreparednesswitha deepappreciationforliberalarts. Recognizingthevalueof interdisciplinarylearning,headvocates foraholisticframeworkthatfosters personalgrowthandenriches professionalendeavors.Drivenby genuineconcernoverthe commercializationofhighereducation, heaimstoshiftthefocusbacktoa comprehensiveeducationalmindset.
Withthepowertoeffecttransformative change,Dr.Jonesenvisionsafuture wherestudentspossesspracticalskills forsuccesswhileembracingabreadth ofdisciplinesthatnurturecritical thinkingandempathy.Throughhis visionaryleadership,hestrivesto
empowerstudentsasintellectually curious,sociallyaware,andadaptable individualsreadytonavigatea complexworld.Hence,hestates, “If I had the power to change one aspect of higher education, I would shift the focus to one of a deeper appreciation for a holistic educational mindset.”
WiseWordsofAdvice
Dr.Jonessuggeststhateducation leadersenactthefollowingpointsfor ahealthyeducationsystem.
●Iadvisethoseinacademiatopay closeattentiontoindividuals.We educateindividuals.Itisindividuals whocreateandmaintainprograms ofstudy.
●Appreciatingdiversitygoesbeyond justlookingatdemographicdata.It meansvaluingwhateachindividual contributestooursharedgoals.
●Tobeeffective,wemustcultivate empathy,humility,andcuriosity andbeopentolearningfromour students.
10 Longest Rivers in the USA
Sailing MajesticTheWaterways
TheUnitedStatesishometoavastexpanseof water,spanningastaggering264,837square miles,constitutingapproximately7%ofthe country’stotalareaof3,796,742squaremiles.Withinthis extensiveaquaticlandscape,thenationboastssomeofthe longestriversintheworld.Thesemightywaterwayscarve throughdiverseterrains,impactingthesurrounding ecosystemsandservingasvitalsourcesofwater, transportation,andrecreation.Thisblogwillexplorethe extraordinarylengthandsignificanceofthelongestriversin theUSA,sheddinglightonthesenaturalwonders’unique characteristicsandcontributions.
1. MissouriRiver
● -3,768km Length
● -2,800m Elevation
● -RockyMountains Startpoint
● -MississippiRiver Endpoint
TheIndigenousMissouritribe,knownasthe“Peopleofthe BigCanoe,”bestowedthenameMissouriRiveruponthe majesticwaterway.Itflowsthroughsevenstates,encounters sixdams,andisvitalinthelivesofthoseareasalongits banks.ItsexpansivereachencompassespartsoftenU.S. statesandstretchesintotwoCanadianprovinces,carvinga paththroughsparselypopulatedregions.Formorethan 12,000years,communitieshavereliedupontheMissouri Riveranditstributaries,cherishingthemasinvaluable sourcesofsustenanceandmeansoftransportation.Discover thebeautyandsignificanceofoneofthelongestriversinthe USA,theMissouriRiver
2. MississippiRiver
● -3,766km Length
● -450m Elevation
● -LakeItasca Startpoint
● -GulfofMexico Endpoint
TheMississippiRiver,knownforbeingoneofthelongest riversintheUSA,isahubofrecreationalactivityandavital ecosystem.Water-skiingwasbornonthisbeautifulriverthat runsthroughtendifferentstatesintheUnitedStates, connectingvariouscommunitiesandlandscapes,makingita significantlandmark.Withanimpressive25%ofallNorth Americanfishspeciescallingithome,theMississippiRiver showcasesthediversityofaquaticlifeintheregion.One fascinatingfactaboutthisiconicwaterwayisthatittakesa staggeringthreemonthsforthewatertotraveltheentire lengthoftheriver,emphasizingitsvastnessandpower.
3. YukonRiver
● -3,190km Length
● -669m Elevation
● AtlinLake Startpoint-
● -BeringSea Endpoint
YukonisderivedfromtheGwich'inlanguage,meaning “greatriver.”Thisvastregionwasoriginallyinhabited solelybyNorthAmericanIndiansuntilthemid-19th century,includingexplorersfromtheexpandingRussian Empirestartedtomigrateintothearea.Duringthe KlondikeGoldRushof1896-1903,itservedasoneofthe primaryroutesfortravel.AnotablelandmarkontheYukon RiveristheWhitehorseFishway,locatedattheWhitehorse Dam,whichistheworld’slongestwoodenfishladder, measuring366meters(1,200feet)inlength.
4. RioGrande
● -3,034km Length
● 3,890m Elevation-
● -SanJuanMountains Startpoint
● -GulfofMexico Endpoint
InMexico,theRioGrande,alsoknownastheRioBravo, earneditsnameduetoitswildnatureasthefuriousriver. Theyhaveconstructedfifteendamsalongitspath.This mightyriverboastsover100tributaries,contributingtoits significanceandecologicalimpact.However,aconcerning issueloomsastherivergraduallydriesout,prompting multipledeclarationsofendangermentthroughoutits history Thisunfortunatetrendhasdireconsequencesfor theRioGrandesilveryminnow,afishspeciesthatwasonce widespreadbutnowfacestheloomingthreatofextinction.
5. ColoradoRiver
● -2,334km Length
● -3,104m Elevation
● -LaPoudrePass Startpoint
● -GulfofCalifornia Endpoint
In1539,FranciscodeUlloa,aEuropeanexplorer,madethe initialdiscoveryoftheColoradoRiver.Thisriversystem holdsgreatsignificanceasitprovideswaterto approximately40millionindividualsresidingin southwesternNorthAmerica.Alongitscourse,the ColoradoRiverreceivescontributionsfrommorethan25 significanttributaries,withtheGreenRiverbeingthe largestintermsoflengthanddischarge.Theriversand
streamsoftheColoradobasinwerehometo49nativefish species,with42ofthembeinguniquetothisarea.
6. ArkansasRiver
● Length-2,364km
● Elevation-2,965m
● Startpoint-RockyMountains
● Endpoint-MississippiRiver
TheArkansasRiver,asignificantMississippiRiver tributary,hasarichhistory.Inthe1540s,HernandodeSoto madearemarkablediscoverywhenheencounteredthe junctionoftheArkansasandMississippirivers.Atthat time,theSpanishreferredtotheriverasNapeste.However, thename“Arkansas”wasbestoweduponitbyFather JacquesMarquettein1673,whodocumenteditasAkansa inhisjournal.ThroughouttheAmericanCivilWar,both sidessoughttoobstructtheuseoftheArkansasRiverand itstributariesasstrategicpassagesfortransporting reinforcements.
7. ColumbiaRiver
● Length-2,000km
● Elevation-820m
● Startpoint-ColumbiaLake
● Endpoint-PacificOcean
TheColumbiaRiverholdsimmensehistoricalsignificance ashumanshaveinteractedwithitsecosystemforthousands ofyears.Throughouthistory,thisriverhaswitnessed numerousinteractionsanddevelopments.Additionally,the riversystemisnourishedbyover60significanttributaries, furtherenhancingitsecologicalimportance.Themainstem oftheColumbiaRiverboasts14dams,with11situatedin theUnitedStatesand3inCanada.Remarkably,itstandsas thelargesthydroelectricpower-producingriverinNorth America,hostingatotaloffourteenhydroelectricdams alongitscourse,benefitingbothnationsitpassesthrough.
8. RedRiver
● Length-2,189km
● Elevation-2,643m
● Startpoint-Minnesota
● Endpoint-MississippiRiver
TheRedRiver,alsoknownastheRedRiveroftheSouth, holdssignificanceasoneofthelongestriversintheUSA, especiallyamajorriverintheSouthernUnitedStates.It
derivesitsnamefromthered-bedcountryfound withinitswatershedandstandsasoneamong numerousriversbearingthesamename.In1806, PresidentThomasJeffersontooktheinitiativeto commissiontheRedRiverExpedition,amissionto exploreregionsofthenewlyacquiredLouisiana PurchasebynavigatingtheRedRiver.Notably,the RedRiverisintricatelylinkedtotheMississippiRiver throughtheOldRiverControlStructure,reinforcing itsimportanceintheregion'swaterwaynetwork.
9. SnakeRiver
● Length-1,735km
● Elevation-2,806m
● Startpoint-RockyMountains
● Endpoint-WashingtonTri-Cities
TheSnakeRiver,thelargesttributaryoftheColumbia River,meandersthroughdiverselandscapes, accumulatingover20majortributariesthat predominantlyoriginatefromthemajesticmountains withinitsbasin.Thisexpansiveriversystemhas witnessedtheconstructionoffifteendams,each servingauniquepurposeandcontributingtothe multifacetedutilizationofitsresources.Historically, theSnakeRiverplayedavitalroleasacrucial spawninggroundforanadromousfish,exemplifying itsecologicalsignificanceandprofoundimpactonthe region’sbiodiversity
10. OhioRiver
● Length-1,579km
● Elevation-680m
● Startpoint-Pittsburgh
● Endpoint-Cairo
TheOhioRiver,thelargesttributaryofthe MississippiRiverintheUnitedStatesintermsof volume,hasarichhistory.Itwasfirstexploredbythe FrenchexplorerRené-RobertCavelier,SieurdeLa Salle,in1669.Initiallyanaturallyshallowriver,it underwentsignificantmodificationsbyconstructing severaldams.In1885,engineersconstructedthefirst damandlock,andtheycontinuedtobuilda comprehensivenetworkof46locksanddamsuntil 1929.Theseengineeringendeavorsdeepenedthe OhioRiverartificially,enhancingitsnavigabilityand transformingitintoavitalwaterwayfor transportationandcommerce.
Inconclusion,thelongestriversinthe USAshowcasethecountry’sdiverse landscapesandplayavitalroleinits historyandidentity Thesewaterways, fromtheiconicMississippiRiverto themajesticColoradoRiver,leavean indeliblemarkonthenation.
Preservingandappreciatingthese riversensurestheirenduringlegacyfor futuregenerations.
DR. ELAD GRANOT
Constructing a Tech-Friendly Ecosystem in Northeast Ohio
Aregion’seconomyispowered byinnovation.Technologyis attheforefrontofnumerous innovationsastheycontinuetoemerge throughentrepreneurialstart-up ventures.Astechnologyandbusiness havebecomemoreintertwined,there arenolongeranybarriersbetweenthe two.NortheasternOhioisoneofthe veryfewregionsthathaveexcellent connectivityfortechnologyand businesstoconverge.Itscollaboration betweencivic,nonprofit,business, highereducation,andthegovernment ishelpingthecommunitythrive. Tohaveabeneficialimpactonthe greaterNortheasternOhioecosystem, theBolerCollegeofBusinessatJohn CarrollUniversityhasmodifiedits technologicalstrategy Dr.Elad Granot,aBusinessDean,gives NortheasternOhio’scurrent achievementsineffectively collaboratingaB-.Sincehisarrival, hisgradehasimprovedfromanF. Dr.Granotthinksthatwhileeveryone isattemptingtoadvancetheir independentprojects,theecosystem cannotadvance.Today,thereisa concertedattemptamongpeopleto worktogetherratherthanbeing segregated.However,inNortheastern Ohio,compartmentalizedand personalizedstrategiesarestillpresent.
ValuingRelationships
BolerCollegeofBusinessisoneofthe manyplayerswhoseinteractionshave animmediateimpactonNortheastern Ohio.Thecollegeisconsistently forgingclosertieswiththegreater communityinNortheasternOhio. Dr.Granotcontendsthatinterpersonal connectionsarethefoundationofall cooperativerelationshipsamong ecosystemactors.
Additionally,genuinerelationships betweenecosystemplayersmustbeat theheartoftheirinteractions.These
connectionscontributetothesuccess ofthecommunity,becausepeoplefind creativewaystocapitalizeonone another’sachievements.Theregion benefitsfromtheseenduring connections.Dr.Granotclaims, “We need to capitalize on these relationships, put technology at the forefront of everything we do, and innovate for Northeast Ohio to reach its fullest potential.”
PotentialHubforTechStartup
NortheasternOhiostillhasalongway togointermsoftechnologicalstartups.However,italreadypossessesthe characteristicsofbecominga significantnationalstapleinthestartuptechnologyindustry.Northeastern Ohio’sLakeErieisaresourcethat othercitiesandcommunities desperatelyneed.Fromatechnological standpoint,waterisessentialandoffers asignificantbenefit.NortheasternOhio isalsoinafavorablelocationonthe map.Ittakesonlyanhourtoflyto financialcenterslikeChicagoandNew York.Ifonewants,onecantakea directflighttoSiliconValley
NortheasternOhioalsoboastsa diversifiedpopulationandan outstandinghighereducation environment.BolerCollege,for
instance,hasasignificantimpacton theecosystembyattractingtoppeople. Theregionhaseverythingitneedsfor futuresuccesswhencombinedwiththe Midwesternworkethic.Itincludesa variedpopulation,bothnativeand immigrant.
However,NortheasternOhioisnotthe bestlocationforatechnologicalstartupuntileverythingisinplace.The absenceofventurefundingisa hindrancetoprogress.Untila coordinatedeffortismadetoaddress thisproblem,abarriercausedbyalack ofventurecapitalwillpersist.The BolerCollegeofBusinessisputting newprogramsinplacetoencourage studentstobecomeinterestedin venturecapitaltofixthis.
ResponsibilitiesasaBusinessSchool Dean
Highereducation’ssoledutyinan ecosystemistoeducateandprepare studentsforboththeirfuturecareers andpersonallives.Anacceptanceof theaccessissueisnecessaryto appropriatelyhandlethisenormous duty.Dr.Granothastodevelopfuture potentialinhiscapacityasDeanofthe BolerCollegeofBusiness.
Dr.Granotbelievesthattalentcannot beproducedifthereisaseriousissue withaccesstoresources.Accordingto him,businessschoolsneedtoestablish spacesforstudentswhoareinterested inlearningmoreaboutartificial intelligence,sotheyarewelcomedand trainedtojointhecommunityand pursuetheirpassions.Therefore, accessrestrictionsmustbereducedtoa minimumandeliminatedtogenerate talenteffectively TheBolerCollegeof Businessisdedicatedtoaccomplishing this.However,withoutconsidering technologyandthebiggerecosystem, thisaimcannotbeachieved.
OBJECTIVESANDKNOWNRESULTS
Whenpursuingaloftyaim,usingtheObjectivesandKnownResults(OKR)strategyapproachcanhelp.OKR emphasizesthattohaveasuccessfulstrategy,acompanymustonlyconcentrateonafewtasks.Dr.Granoteffectively promotestheseideasinhiscapacityasDeanofthebusinessschool.Thesetacticsinclude:
1. ImportanceofInternationalization
Theglobalbusinessecosystemconnectsallbusinesses.Astudentwon’tbeawareofotherpeople’sinnovationand technologyunlesstheyareactivelyinvolvedinaglobalenvironment.
2. LearningbyDoing
Itisrequiredthatallstudentscompleteaninternshippriortograduation.
3. EmphasizingaTechnology-basedCore
Makingsurestudentsleaveschoolwithafundamentalcomprehensionoftechnology.
4. UnderstandinghowBusinessesWork
Businessprinciplesareusedtomanageeveryenterprise.Asaresult,studentsshouldbefamiliarwithbusiness management.TheBolerCollegeofBusinessisgrowingitsgraduateprogramsasaresult.
TakeonEntrepreneurship
“Dr. Granot believes that business schools need to establish spaces for students who are interested in learning more about artificial intelligence so they are welcomed and trained to join the community and pursue their passions.”
Dr.Granotbelievesthatinitiativesthat involvetheentirestudentbodycanbe launchedtodevelopatalentthatcontributes tothecreativeecosystemframeworks.Like technology,entrepreneurshipisatalentand wayofthinkingthateverystudentshould possess.Thisissobecauseanecosystem’s successdependsonentrepreneurship. Innovationisfueledbyentrepreneurship, whichtheBolerCollegeofBusinessis pushingasitspriority
Dr.Granotconsidersthatthelackofasingle archetypeisoneofthemostlovelyaspects ofentrepreneurship.Regardlessoftheir major—financeorengineering—anystudent canbecomeanentrepreneur TheBoler CollegeofBusinessisassistingthis innovationbyofferingtoolsthatanystudent canuse.Everystudenthavingaccessto entrepreneurshipincreasestheircapacityto haveapositiveinfluenceonNortheastern Ohio.
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson Founding President, PennWest University
Learningtheoriesandmodels arealwaysevolving,especially withtheaccelerationofedtech innovation.Butastechnologyand approachesshift,particularlywithin highereducation,thereremainsone reliableandfixedelement:thestudent. Sure,themenandwomenwhopursue learningafterhighschoolmayrangein agefrom17to97,buteachpersonis takingastepontoapathofpersonal transformation.So,inadditionto forward-thinkingmethodsandcuttingedgetools,today’sgreateducation leadersfocusoninspiringconfidence, awakeningpotential,andfostering success.Andthisisthemissionof PennWestUniversity’sfounding president,Dr.Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Priortosuccessfullyleadingthecharge tointegratethreestateuniversitiesto becomePennsylvaniaWestern University(PennWest),“Dr.Dale” servedaspresidentforeachState Systemschool–ClarionUniversity, EdinboroUniversity,andCalifornia UniversityofPennsylvania.Shewas integralincreatingsomething completelyuniquebutstillreflectiveof thethreedistinguishedlegaciesthat representmorethan480yearsof academicexcellenceandcommunity enrichment.PennWestwasestablished onafoundationofresilience, determination,andcourage–characteristicsthatmarkthe university’sregionanditschief executive.
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
An Advocate for Transformation
“Whentraditionmeetstrailblazing,yougettheadvantageof lessonslearnedandthestrengthofundauntedambition.”
~Dr.Dale-ElizabethPehrsson
SomethingOld,SomethingNew
Althoughtheuniversityisover14,500 studentsstrong,eachcampusand classroom(bothin-personandonline) provideauniqueandtailored experience.Withsuburbanstyleanda locationjustanhourfromPittsburgh’s thrivingculture,PennWestCalifornia deliversatraditionaluniversityfeel, includingathleticsprograms,best-inclassmodernhousing,andoneofthe healthiestcollegelifestylesinthe nation.AtPennWestClarion,small classsizesplussupportivefacultyand staffcreateapersonalizedlearning environmentidealforstudentswho wantanintimatesettingalongwithan expansiverangeofacademic programs.Forthosewhoprefer lakesidelivingwithwideopenspaces tosparkimaginationandcreativity, PennWestEdinborooffersawardwinningacademicprogramsto
cultivateleadersinthearts,technology, aviation,healthsciences,andother fields.
Flexibleandaffordableforaccessto educationanywhere,anytime, PennWestGlobalOnlineisdesigned forthosejugglinglife,work,and family.Dedicatedfacultyfromallthree campusesproviderichcontentand engaginginteractionforstudent success.Nomatterwherestudents land,awidebreadthofacademic programsfromdigitalmediaand engineeringtosocialsciencesand healthsciencesallowsthemtodive deeperintoknownpursuitsand uncoverunexpectedinterests.
Dr.Dale,alongwithstrongleadership fromherchancellor,faculty,andstaff, hashelpedPennWestevolveintoa nimble,adaptableinstitutionserving thisregionthatoffersapersonalized
educationwithexceptionalreturnsand immeasurablevaluethatlastsa lifetime.
Grounded,Equipped,Launched
TheidentityofwesternPAiscomplex, withmanyhardworking,down-to-earth familiesrootedhereforgenerations. Thisregionalpersonalitybeckonsnot onlystudentsbornandraisedtherebut alsothosewhorecognizeitsrich benefits.Thethreecampusesof PennWest,reachingfromthenorthto southborderofthestate,wereeach originallyfoundedtomeettheneedfor localteachers.Today,PennWestoffers morethan100diversedegree programs,allowingstudentstopursue anestablishedvisionorexplore possibilities.
Dr.Daleispassionateabouthelping herstudents–whohailfromall50 statesandmorethan60nations–becomegroundedinwhotheyareand confidentintheirdistinctiveskills, abilities,anddreams.Then,through therichlearningopportunitiesand supportivefacultyandstaff,students candefinewhothey’llbecome–
whetherit’sdiscoveringacareerpath, pursuingapromotion,orseekinga careerpivot.Everydepartmentonall threecampusesandonlineisdevoted todevelopingcritical-thinkingskills andtacklingreal-worldchallengesto prepareeachstudenttoflourish.
DefiningtheFuture
Withafocusthatextendsbeyond academicsuccesstoemployability, careeradvancement,andlong-term outcomes,PennWestcontinuestobuild onitssolidfoundation,andDr.Dale’s everydecisionisguidedbystudent needs.With35%offirst-year enrollmentbeingfirst-generation collegestudents,PennWestensures everystudentisequippedwiththe toolsandassistancetosupporttheir success.Theuniversitynotonly investsintheacademic,mental,and emotionaldevelopmentofstudents,but italsodemonstratescommitmentby offeringmorethan$14millioninfirstyearmeritawards.
Withaccreditationfrommorethan50 bodies,significantstudentsuccess support,consistenttoprankings,anda totalendowmentof$130.5million, PennWestispoisedtosteadilygrow andexpanditsreach.Theuniversityis alsodedicatedtoservinglocal communitiesandhelpingtosustainthe region’seconomy,evenastheresidents andbusinessespourintothestudents’ livestohelpthemthrive.
Yes,PennWestUniversityoffers cutting-edgeedtech,learningmethods, andreal-lifeskillstoatrulydistinctive studentbodywithinarichregional culture.ButwithDr.Daleatthehelm, thestudentswillalwaysbethedriver ofeveryuniversitydecisionandaction. It’shervisiontostrengthenher students’confidence,determination, andcourage…andthenwatchthem soar.
“I advise aspiring educational leaders to be more participative than regulative, more delegating than dominating.”
~ Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
JOURNEY TO PENNWEST
Dr. Dale joined Pennsylvania’s State System as Clarion University’s president in 2018. She became interim president of Edinboro University in December 2020 and of California University of Pennsylvania in July 2021. She was the presidential lead for the Western Integration Project, which united those three universities to create PennWest.
Before joining the State System, Dr. Dale was dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University (2012-2018); associate dean of the College of Education (2010-2012) and chair of the Counselor Education Department (2007-2010) at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas; and served on the faculty at Portland State University, Ore. (2000-2007); Oregon State University (1999-2007); Sam Houston University, Texas (1998-1999); and Idaho State University (1991-1998). She worked as a registered nurse, healthcare administrator and professional counselor before beginning her career in higher education.
