Pott College of Science & Engineering Spring 2011
The Periodic Review University of Southern Indiana
Volume 4, Issue 2
Two academic departments to join Pott College T
he departments of Teacher Education and Physical Education will be integrated into the Pott College of Science and Engineering, effective July 1. The departments will not physically move, nor will students see immediate changes in their academic programs or services. USI President Linda L. M. Bennett made the announcement. “The repositioning is intended to strengthen collaboration between teacher education and disciplines critical to educating our community,” she said. “Those disciplines include math and the sciences as well as social sciences, history, and humanities. The professional development of teachers is a Universitywide responsibility.” National concern for teacher preparation “This step we’re taking aligns with suggestions offered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to deeply ground
students in the subject matters the students plan to teach,” said Provost Ronald S. Rochon, a national expert in the teacher education field, who also holds two degrees in science. “There is nothing more important than our children and their future,” Rochon said. “With this move we are investing in the process of faculty collaboration, both methodology and discipline-based instruction, so new teachers can master the content of the subjects they’ll teach while instructing more effectively.” Dr. Scott A. Gordon, dean, welcomes the departments to the Pott College. “This merger will establish new collaborations and partnerships across campus and within the region,” he said. “The training of new teachers and continued professional development of practicing teachers will be enhanced by the tighter relationship between pedagogical practice and content area expertise. In physical education, the natural ties between the sciences and areas of kinesiology and exercise science will
Top high school students explore STEM majors at USI
Dr. William G. Wilding, associate professor of mathematics, leads visiting high school students in a simulation estimating the success rate of a strategy for the game “Say Red.” Highachieving prospective students received invitations to the first USI Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Expo. Visitors participated in hands-on activities in labs, met faculty and current students, learned about STEM majors, and attended a cookout.
result in exciting new partnerships and curriculum opportunities for our students. I believe this will be a win-win partnership for all involved.” Bennett said, “The constant cry from employers is for more workers in the STEM fields. Indiana needs talented teachers to instruct students working toward a career in those areas.” Numerous reports conclude the American education system is not adequately preparing the next generation of employees for advanced manufacturing careers that require skills of computer literacy, reading, math, and reasoning abilities. With funding from the National Science Foundation, Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED), and the Indiana STEM Resource Network, USI has established the Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center in the Pott College to assist educators with current techniques and tools to prepare students for 21st century jobs. Continued on page 2
in this issue Letter from the Dean....................................2 Jeanne Barnett, Pamela Spelbring Retire.......3 Daniela Vidal, Phenomenal Woman Award... 3 Awards for Steven Geiss, Sunny Huang.......4 Around the College.....................................4 SwISTEM Activities.......................................5 Early Undergraduate Research Program.......5 Alumni Elements.........................................6 Concrete Canoe Competition.......................7 Indiana Space Grant Consortium Award......7 Faculty Promotions......................................7