The University of Virginia's College at Wise Magazine, Spring / Summer 2011

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From the Chancellor Dear Alumni and Friends: I am honored to wear many hats as chancellor of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, whether a hard hat to review ongoing work at our convocation center or a baseball cap to cheer on our Cavaliers. Donning a miner’s hat and light to tour one of Alpha Natural Resources’ underground coal mines a few months ago with some of my UVa-Wise colleagues highlighted the many ways that technology is used to harvest coal in our region. It was simply fascinating to witness highly skilled workers operate remote control technology to cut coal seams mapped out miles underground by engineers using high-level mathematics.

Our software engineering and computer science programs are but two of the many science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs we offer at UVa-Wise to prepare students for high-income, high-demand careers in areas such as health care and FHUWDLQ WHDFKLQJ GLVFLSOLQHV 7KLV LVVXH RI 7KH 89D :LVH 0DJD]LQH SURÀOHV VRPH RI RXU recent graduates who are attending medical school or entering professional graduate programs.

Landing a job in tough economic times is always a challenge. In this issue, you will meet three recent graduates of our software engineering and computer science programs. They walked across the stage at Commencement last year with a degree in hand and a job secured. Graduates of Virginia’s only four-year software engineering program have a 100 percent job placement rate. Learn more about the paths they chose and how their choices led to solid careers in the region.

Also, in this issue of The UVa-Wise Magazine, we honor the Class of 2011 and the wonderful Commencement ceremony celebrated on the lawn by the lake in May. Our graduates worked hard to earn a UVa-Wise degree, and will be entering the workforce with the necessary skills to build a career and to make a difference in their communities. Class of 2011, we wish you the best of luck. We know you will make us proud!

We salute the Fred B. Greear Gymnasium and the many ways the venerable building has served the college and the community for decades. Former athletes recall their glory days in Greear as we prepare to open our new convocation center in the fall. We hope you join us as we host a variety of events throughout the year in this facility.

Sincerely,

David J. Prior Chancellor Chancellor Prior, “Running Right” with Alpha Natural Resources on a recent tour

STAFF The UVa-Wise Magazine is produced by WKH 2IÀFH RI &ROOHJH 5HODWLRQV DQG WKH 2IÀFH RI $OXPQL 5HODWLRQV IRU alumni and friends of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Editor Kathy Still ’84

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Angel Cox, Tim Cox, Greg Edwards ’70, Amy Greear ’97, Walter Littrell ’83 Tell us what you think about The UVa-Wise Magazine. E-mail your comments, story ideas and alumni submissions to magazine@uvawise. edu or contact us by mail at The UVa-Wise Magazine, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293 or by phone at 276-376-1027.

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The Fred B. Greear Gymnasium was honored by former students as basketball season ended

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$OSKD 1DWXUDO 5HVRXUFHV PDNHV JLIW WR 0LQHUV¡ )DPLO\ 6FKRODUVKLS IXQG Alpha Natural Resources recently presented The University of Virginia’s College at Wise with a $100,000 gift in support of a scholarship program for coal miners and their families.

Alpha Natural Resources is a generous supporter of UVaWise and its athletic program. The Abingdon-based company’s support of the Miners’ Family Scholarship fund will enhance the lives of coal mining families for years to come.

The fund, created through the UVa-Wise Alumni Association, provides scholarships each semester to qualifying students who are coal miners or who are dependents of men and women who make their living mining in the region.

The gift was presented at Coal Miners’ Appreciation Day during halftime at the Feb. 5 basketball game between the UVa-Wise Cavaliers and the Georgetown College Tigers.

Dozens of Alpha Natural Resources employees were in the stands to support the Cavaliers and the UVa-Wise community. “Supporting our communities and working to improve the lives of those around us is a key component of Alpha’s ‘Running Right’ culture,� said Gary Duncan, director of human resources for Alpha’s Virginia/Kentucky Division. “Alpha’s Community Involvement Program gives emphasis to education, arts and culture, social development and human services organizations.�

7KH JHQHURXV JLIW UHà HFWV WKH WZR \HDU commitment Alpha Natural Resources has made to the Miners’ Family Scholarship fund.

UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior said Alpha is an

ardent supporter of the college. “Please know that we greatly appreciate your loyalty, your FRQĂ€GHQFH LQ XV DQG \RXU FRQWLQXHG JHQHURVLW\ Âľ 3ULRU VDLG The Alpha Natural Resource’s gift will enable UVa-Wise to award the Miners’ Family Scholarship to an increasing number of students.

This year’s scholarship recipients are: Autumn Chisenhall of Wise, Jesse Smith from Clintwood, Kayla Masters of Wise and Paige Tiller from Rosedale. “I am excited about starting in the nursing program here at UVa-Wise,� Tiller said. “With this scholarship, I can achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. I am truly grateful for the Miners’ Family Scholarship.�

Chisenhall, whose father is a section foreman for Alpha 1DWXUDO 5HVRXUFHV VDLG PDQ\ ORFDO VWXGHQWV ZRXOG EHQHĂ€W from the Miners’ Family Scholarship. “To know that the company Dad works for cares about education enough to make a $100,000 gift to the scholarship is remarkable,â€? Chisenhall said. “The scholarship means a lot WR PH DQG WR WKH RWKHU VWXGHQWV ZKR ZLOO EHQHĂ€W IURP $OSKD¡V generosity.â€?

As the only branch campus of the University of Virginia, UVa-Wise is ranked among the nation’s top ten public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report. UVa-Wise offers Virginia’s only undergraduate degree in software engineering, along with 29 other degrees and professional programs in the liberal arts tradition of Thomas Jefferson.

Ewing honored for economic development work :HVW 9LUJLQLD 8QLYHUVLW\ KDV KRQRUHG 6LP (ZLQJ YLFH FKDQFHOORU IRU ÀQDQFH DQG administration at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, with a 2010-2011 Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Recognition Award for his distinguished career in higher education.

7KH DZDUG KRQRUV DOXPQL ZKRVH OLYHV UHĂ HFW WKH FRPPLWPHQW DQG H[FLWHPHQW WKDW broadly educated arts and sciences people bring to their civic, cultural and professional lives.

Ewing was honored because of his work to facilitate economic development and change within Southwest Virginia. WVU Professor Emeritus Gerald Pops nominated Ewing for the award, which was approved by the Advisory Committee of Eberly College. “It is a true honor and very humbling to be nominated by one of my former professors, and to have the Dean’s Council recognize my work,� Ewing said. “This demonstrates the importance that the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences sees in developing regional economic bases as a core component in enhancing the regions educational foundation.�

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Recognition Award will be presented to Ewing during a formal presentation on the WVU campus later this year.

4 UVa-Wise Magazine

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&ROOLH UHWLUHV DIWHU \HDUV DW WKH %&0 KHOP Jim Collie’s 20-year old ballpoint pen is an apt metaphor for his career in Baptist Collegiate Ministries and for his service at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The black-and-silver Paper Mate has been steadfast WKURXJK QXPHURXV UHÀOOV MXVW DV &ROOLH¡V FDUHHU KDV EHHQ UHÀOOHG DQG UHQHZHG ZLWK VWXGHQWV DQG QHZ H[SHULHQFHV LQ each of his 33 years as minister.

Jim and his wife Sherry arrived in Wise in 1978 after hearing of an opportunity to teach community college classes in Wise County and to work with the college’s Baptist Student Union. “I remembered what a big part of my college life the Baptist Student Union had been,â€? Collie said of that opportunity. “It was like being Brer Rabbit in the briar patch. I quickly settled into a seven-to-nine morning routine, drinking multiple cups of coffee in the Jefferson Lounge in the morning and meeting students and faculty DQG EHLQJ LQ P\ RIĂ€FH E\ QLQH Âľ Collie also recalled meeting Joseph Smiddy, the FROOHJH¡V Ă€UVW FKDQFHOORU DQG WKH %DSWLVW 6WXGHQW 8QLRQ¡V faculty advisor. “Many of my counterparts were amazed that I was able to meet with Joe Smiddy shortly after arriving on campus,â€?

Collie said. “They said it might be years before they ever had any lengthy encounter with a college or university FKDQFHOORU EXW , ZDV VR LPSUHVVHG ZLWK -RH IURP WKH Ă€UVW day. He was the faculty advisor of record for BSU and Baptist Collegiate Ministries until his retirement. ´+H KHOG RXU IHHW WR WKH Ă€UH WR EH JRRG FROOHJH FLWL]HQV and we always had a wonderful working relationship with him.â€?

Collie’s routine for the next three decades was less than routine, as the BCM became a focus for scores of students looking for fellowship and a way to serve their community.

Missionary trips to Central and South America, Africa and Europe have always found BCM students, alumni, and sometimes their family members helping with medical care, education and improving living conditions for other communities.

And the organization’s name belies the lines that it has crossed over the years. Collie recalled one Christmas season where, in the same day, a Muslim student used the Baptist Collegiate Ministries building to say his morning prayer, students participated in a Christmas dinner and program in the afternoon. “That evening, I sat with a Jewish student as he lit his menorah,� Collie said. “Somebody once said we ought to have a T-shirt that said ‘Baptist Student Union – but you don’t have to be Baptist.�

Collie has performed his share of marriages and even a baby dedication at UVa-Wise. And in more secular activities,

he coached the college’s mens and women’s cross-country teams.

The BCM grew into more permanent quarters in 1984, and Collie said he’s proud of how the organization was recognized as Student Organization of the Year for 2009-2010. $V &ROOLH SUHSDUHV IRU UHWLUHPHQW LQ -XO\ KLV RIĂ€FH VWLOO holds a few boxes of items donated to the Baptist Collegiate 0LQLVWU\ +H JULQQHG DV KH RSHQHG RQH ER[ Ă€OOHG ZLWK 3DSHU 0DWH EDOOSRLQW UHĂ€OOV “There’s been so many opportunities here,â€? Collie said. “This really is home.â€? –Mike Still ’84

Spring 2011 5

Faculty Awards 2011 The University of Virginia’s College at Wise recognized faculty achievements during the annual Faculty Awards Luncheon on May 3.

Ann Duesing received the Outstanding Instructional Support award, that is presented to a faculty member who has provided exceptional service to students and the college with activities that support the academic program.

Kristina Feeser received the Mentoring Undergraduate Research award, that is presented to the faculty member who fosters the kinds of relationships with undergraduates that result in research appropriate for publication or public presentation.

Catana Turner received the Outstanding Academic Contribution award, that is presented to faculty members who make a major contribution to enhancing the entire academic program of the college.

Witold Wolny received the Outstanding Service award, that is SUHVHQWHG WR D IDFXOW\ PHPEHU PDNLQJ VLJQLĂ€FDQW FRQWULEXWLRQV WR WKH college and the community.

Cynthia Wilkey received the Outstanding Advising award, that is presented to a faculty member who has provided exceptional service to students through advising and related activities that support the academic program.

John Mark Adrian received the Outstanding Research and Publication award, that is earned by a faculty member who has made VLJQLÀFDQW FRQWULEXWLRQV WR SXEOLVKHG UHVHDUFK LQ KLV RU KHU GLVFLSOLQH David Chambers received the Rising Star award, which is SUHVHQWHG WR D IDFXOW\ PHPEHU ZLWK IHZHU WKDQ ÀYH \HDUV RI IXOO WLPH WHDFKLQJ H[SHULHQFH ZKR H[HPSOLÀHV H[FHOOHQFH LQ WHDFKLQJ VFKRODUVKLS and service.

Margie Tucker received the Outstanding Teaching award, which is presented to a faculty member who excels in classroom teaching and works particularly well with students.

Margie Tucker also received the Student Government Association’s ÀUVW WHDFKLQJ DZDUG YRWHG E\ WKH VWXGHQW ERG\ Amy Clark ’92 was recognized for being nominated for the State Council for High Education in Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Award.

John Mark Adrian was recognized for being nominated for the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia’s Rising Star Award.

7UDYHO WR %RVWRQ WKLV IDOO ZLWK :LONH\ DQG 0F.QLJKW UVa-Wise professors Cindy Wilkey and Brian McKnight ’97 are leading a travel study course in American history on Oct. 8 through Oct. 15.

The cohort will travel to Boston to visit the sites of the Salem Witch 7ULDOV WKH /H[LQJWRQ DQG &RQFRUG EDWWOHÀHOGV WKH -RKQ ) .HQQHG\ Library and Museum, Plimoth Plantation and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House of the Seven Gables.

Although college credit is available for those participating in the trip, the tour is open to everyone, and community members are encouraged to join the group.

The cost of the trip varies depending on age and number of people per room. A monthly payment plan is available through the travel company. For more information, contact Cindy Wilkey at 276-376-4575.

6 UVa-Wise Magazine

UVa-Wise inducts new Darden Society members The Darden Society of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise added 26 new members during its induction ceremony on April 28 in the Cantrell Hall Banquet Room.

The college’s oldest honor society, the Darden Society is named for Colgate W. Darden Jr., former governor of Virginia and former president of the University of Virginia, whose belief in higher education and love for Southwest Virginia led him to lend support essential to the founding and growth of UVa-Wise. The late E. L. “Buck� Henson Jr., professor emeritus of history, founded the Darden Society in 1964.

Darden Society membership is based upon high scholarly achievement and intellectual promise.

Sophomores become eligible for membership by FRPSOHWLQJ WKHLU ÀUVW WKUHH VHPHVWHUV LQ UHVLGHQFH DW the college with uniformly superior records. Faculty members of their respective major departments must nominate juniors and seniors.

Inductees for the 2010-2011 academic year are: VIRGINIA Big Stone Gap Zachary Eugene Holcomb Melissa Renee Jones

Norton Melanie Addison Nathan Andrew Jones Jennifer Partin

Clinchco Tyler Mark Mullins

Pound Nayab Azhar Chowhan

Clintwood Samantha Rae Robinson

Potomac Falls Jessica Ruby Shartouny

Coeburn Jeremy Jordan Joshua Lee Kelly Odom Justin Dane Palmer Jesse Duane Smith Fries Megan Funk Lebanon Todd Musick

St. Stephens Church Bryant O’neal Gray Vienna Anne-Michele Maher Wise Cassandra Dowdy Patience Marie Gardner Ya Chang Liu Christopher Gerin Mullins Tanessa Lynn Trivett

Marion KENTUCKY Megan Michelle Buchanan Cromona Kristin Savannah Bentley Nickelsville Robyn Gena Dougherty

Fowlkes enhances chamber website Keith Fowlkes, vice chancellor for information technology and FKLHI LQIRUPDWLRQ RIÀFHU IRU UVa-Wise, recently enhanced and updated the Wise County Chamber of Commerce’s website as part of an overall plan to promote economic development.

The website update is part of a multi-phase plan to promote economic development in Wise County and the city of Norton.

Fowlkes and Dan Minahan cochair the chamber’s Economic Development Committee. “We used an open source web content management software package called Drupal to design the site,� Fowlkes said.

The software added many new interactive features to the site, including embedded editing tools, interactive polls and forums, DQ HDVLHU DQG PRUH Ă H[LEOH calendaring system and video capabilities. “I’m very excited about the future of Wise County,â€? Fowlkes said. “I believe we have much to offer to potential new businesses if we can make ourselves known to them.â€?

Minahan said UVa-Wise and the Wise County Chamber of Commerce enjoy a strong partnership. “Both are extremely forward thinking community partners with only the best for Wise County in mind,� Minahan said. “The Wise County Chamber of Commerce is very thankful for the help from Keith and UVa-Wise, and we think this recent work will lead to many breakthroughs in the future.�

To view the website, visit www.wisecountychamber.org

'LJJLQ¡ XS URRWV A UVa-Wise professor and student were involved in the taping of a reality show featuring actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd, which aired in early April.

Brian McKnight, an associate professor of history, and Sarah Mullins, a junior history major, helped ZLWK WKH ORFDO Ă€OPLQJ RI WKH 1%& show “Who Do You Think You Are?â€? The program takes celebrities on a journey through their past as historians and genealogists trace their ancestry.

McKnight’s involvement stems back to October, when he was contacted by the show’s producers.

They were looking for a historian who could look through medical documents and service records from the mid- to late 1800s, McKnight said. “I’m not a big TV person, but I’m a huge fan of the show,� he said. “So I immediately said yes.�

Though he knew the research was for the reality show, McKnight said he didn’t immediately know whose past the documents referenced. “I got the records, and the last QDPH ZDV -XGG Âľ KH VDLG ´%XW DW Ă€UVW , thought maybe it was the whole family ‌ Naomi and Wynonna or whoever.â€?

After sending his impressions of the documents back and forth with VKRZ RIĂ€FLDOV IRU VHYHUDO PRQWKV McKnight was asked in January to accompany two show producers and two other historians on a scout of Saltville, Va., a key site in the Civil War. “By this time, I still didn’t quite know what they were going to do,â€?

McKnight said. He wasn’t sure if he’d be appearing on the show or merely assisting from behind-the-scenes. ´, ÀJXUHG WKH\ FRXOG ÀQG someone prettier than me,� he said.

But in early February, McKnight found out. Over the course of two GD\V KH ZDV ÀOPHG ZLWK -XGG LQ Frankfort, Ky. and Saltville, discussing her ancestry and Civil War roots.

0F.QLJKW ÀUVW PHW -XGG LQ Frankfort, he said. The show’s

SURGXFHUV KDG WKH WZR Ă€OP D VFHQH as if they were just meeting — which McKnight said wasn’t that far from the truth. “I meet her, we exchange hellos, DQG WKHQ WKH\ VD\ ÂśOHW¡V VWDUW Ă€OPLQJ ¡¾ McKnight said. “They kind of assumed I knew what I was doing.â€?

As McKnight worked with Judd on camera, Mullins, the junior history major, helped her off-camera.

Working as a production assistant, Mullins did odd jobs around the set and assisted Judd with various tasks.

She landed the job after the show’s producers asked McKnight if he knew of anybody locally who could help with production. Mullins raised her hand when McKnight asked in class, not knowing what she was volunteering for. “I went there not even knowing who or what I was going for,� Mullins said. “I was blown away.�

On set, Judd had two main jobs for her, Mullins said: She needed her laundry washed and the University of Kentucky basketball game recorded. “So here I am at a laundromat with her laundry, hoping to God nothing happens to it,� Mullins said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.�

A Civil War historian, McKnight ZDV FRQWDFWHG E\ D VKRZ RIĂ€FLDO after she found his book “Contested Borderland: The Civil War in Appalachian Kentucky and Virginia.â€? “His research area and interests lined up perfectly with what we were looking into,â€? said Mellissa Betts, a researcher for the show. “So I called him up and started asking questions.â€?

The episode’s focus on Judd’s paternal great grandmother and an ancestor who fought for the Union and IDFHG WUDJHG\ RQ WKH EDWWOHÀHOG McKnight said he’s just happy to have been involved with a show he enjoys about a topic he loves. ´7KLV LV SUREDEO\ WKH ÀUVW DQG ODVW time I’ll ever be on TV,� he said.

The episode aired on April 8 at 8 p.m. on NBC. — by Jordan Fifer

Spring 2011 7

Hileman receives 2011 Leonard Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award at UVa-Wise Red T-shirts, key chains, sweatshirts DQG ERRNV DUH DPRQJ WKH À[WXUHV VWXGHQWV expect to see when they enter the UVa-Wise Bookstore. Sheila Hileman, the recipient of the 2011 Leonard Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award, has quietly become a À[WXUH WKHUH DV ZHOO GXULQJ KHU GHFDGH RI service.

Hileman, the bookstore’s assistant director, has developed a solid relationship with the students, faculty and staff since she began work in 2001. Faculty need only inform Hileman of the textbooks and number of copies they will need each semester and they know the items will be on the shelves when needed.

Students share a quick laugh with Hileman as she calls many of them by name when they drop in to purchase a snack or a new set of headphones for their iPads. Some just stop by to say hello. ´6KHLOD LV DOZD\V D PHQWRU IULHQG DQG FRQĂ€GDQW WR our students,â€? said Jean Good, mail services manager at UVa-Wise. “Not only does she build relationships with her student staff, but she extends her friendship to others within the student body. “She encourages our students to excel in their academic ventures as well as in their personal and professional lives.â€?

The students make the hard work worth it, Hileman said. “My favorite part is interacting with the students,â€? she said. “It’s all about the students. We really get to know them well during their four years here.â€? +LOHPDQ ZDV RQH RI WKH Ă€UVW KRVW SDUHQWV IRU DWKOHWHV DW UVa-Wise. Although some of her “sonsâ€? and “daughtersâ€? have graduated, many keep in contact and drop by for a visit when they return to campus. “They are my kids and they will always be my kids,â€? she said.

Hileman knows the retail market and she understands the value of good customer service. She asked the Information Technology team to install a computer in the bookstore to

8 UVa-Wise Magazine

allow students quick access to their new schedules and to the list of textbooks and supplies they will need for their classes.

She also takes textbooks and other items to the college’s Abingdon campus in order to make things convenient for the student.

Changing technology and new retail methods keep things lively for the bookstore staff, Hileman said. The emergence and popularity of electronic books and e-readers mean big changes in the future for bookstores and for books in general. The new rental program begins in August.

Winning the Outstanding Contribution Award came DV D VXUSULVH WR +LOHPDQ 6KH ZDV EXV\ LQ KHU RIĂ€FH ZKHQ Stephanie Perry, human resources director, phoned to give her the good news. “I’d been on vacation and had just got back to work when the phone rang,â€? Hileman said. “It was Stephanie Perry and she told me about the award. I was very stunned. I had no idea so I kept asking her if she was sure.â€?

(DFK \HDU RQH FODVVLÀHG VWDII PHPEHU DW 89D :LVH LV selected to receive the award along with colleagues from the University of Virginia. Letters of nomination are accepted from faculty and staff, with an awards committee making the ÀQDO GHFLVLRQ RQ WKH ZLQQHU Hileman, who received a $1,000 cash award, was honored along with other award winners in a ceremony in Charlottesville.

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Spring Spring 2011 2011 99

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rica Dell, Jason Ingles and Daniel Vanover sat in a crowd of more than 300 UVa-Wise students on the lawn by the lake during the 2010 Commencement.

The three soon-to-be graduates seemed a bit more relaxed than some of their classmates who were contemplating job-seeking strategies in a harsh economic climate.

They had good reason to enjoy the big day because they had successfully landed a job.

“I remember sitting there in a graduation gown, smiling and thinking about how I already had a job,” Dell said as Vanover and Ingles nodded in agreement. “It was such a comfort.”

Dell and Vanover earned Bachelor of Science degrees in software engineering, a program that has 100 percent job placement.

Ingles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which also has a strong record of successful career placement. Vanover plies his trade for Alpha Natural Resources, one of the nation’s largest coal companies. Dell and Ingles have posts at CGI in Lebanon.

Regional and national companies are eager to employ UVa-Wise

10 UVa-Wise Magazine

JUDGXDWHV LQ WKH KLJK WHFK ÀHOG because the skills they possess are adaptable to the changing business environment. The graduates chalk it up to solid technical knowledge, a healthy sprinkling of liberal arts and professors equipped with real world experience and an eagerness to share their know how with students.

Ingles, Dell and Vanover selected UVa-Wise for different reasons, but each said they made the right choice.

Each has now found a way to live in a region they love and work in careers that challenge and reward them on a daily basis.

“ It has completely changed my life. . .”

–Erica Dell ’10 Dell, a single mother of two, LV WKH ÀUVW IHPDOH WR HDUQ D GHJUHH in software engineering at UVaWise. Born in Wytheville but raised in the Bristol area, Dell started college at age 25 after a stint in customer service and retail following high school. She wanted a job in the growing high tech sector. A little research yielded some key information about UVa-Wise and its new software engineering program.

Dell liked what UVa-Wise was offering and knew she had to attend.

“I knew a degree in software engineering would give me an advantage,” she said. “I knew I could ÀQG D MRE ,W KDV FRPSOHWHO\ FKDQJHG my life and the lives of my children.

We went from a small place to a house, and my children have their own bedrooms.”

So many businesses and industries need people in the WHFKQRORJ\ ÀHOG EHFDXVH WHFKQRORJ\ is always a part of any business model, Dell said. Medium to large companies all need software engineers in today’s market. The trend is expected to continue.

The software engineering program at UVa-Wise is intense and comprehensive, she said.

“My experience in the program was extremely positive,” she said.

“I am enormously grateful to all my professors. The professors have real world experience, and that made all the difference.”

The lessons she learned in college come in handy each day at CGI. “When I started working, I’d have these ‘ah ha’ moments,” she said. “It was wonderful to be able to relate the raw knowledge with some type of real world experience.”

Teamwork is a vital part of the software engineering program.

Students work together on various parts of a project, then work as a whole to eliminate any kinks or bugs in the programs they develop.

All the work is done with the FXVWRPHU ZKR ZLOO XVH WKH ÀQLVKHG product in mind. Dell said the teamwork approach mirrors the work she does at CGI. “Teamwork is so important,” she said. “We don’t sit around in a cubicle all day. Projects are so big that we have to be able to effectively

communicate with dozens or hundreds of people. A team that clicks makes all the difference. We all have our roles.”

“Teamwork is absolutely critical.”

–Jason Ingles ’10 Ingles, 25, grew up in the world of computers and video games. He started tinkering with web design and related work when he was 12 years old. He never looked back.

“It was so interesting,” he said. “I could play video games on computers and I started wondering what made it work and what exactly made a character in a video game do something.”

His mother drove home the lesson that education is important, and that nobody could take an education away from a person who earned it. Growing up in Clintwood, Ingles knew that many of the jobs that were around then would not be in the region when he reached DGXOWKRRG +H EHFDPH WKH ÀUVW LQ KLV family to attend college. A high tech career was a given, he said.

He received an associate degree in networking at Mountain Empire Community College and did an internship with the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy before he attended UVaWise.

“DMME was looking for software engineering people,” he

said. “I wasn’t exactly what they were looking for, but I did an internship with them.”

The internship caused Ingles to contemplate a career in computer science. He enrolled at UVa-Wise and credits the college and his professors with preparing him for his job at CGI. He agrees with Dell that the teamwork approach is key.

“Teamwork is absolutely critical,” he said. “Our desks at CGI are organized for a team environment. At any given time, I can look over my shoulder and ask someone for an opinion. Having the support of your team and manager makes it worthwhile.”

Although his UVa-Wise education prepared him for work, Ingles said he is often reminded that things are different in the workforce than in college.

“You learn about all this stuff in college and you have a mindset about what it will be like after college,” he said. “But it is nothing like I could have expected. UVaWise gave us the tools we needed.

There is no way I’d be here without that background.”

The liberal arts component of the software engineering and computer science programs is unique. Ingles said his strong background in liberal arts makes him a better problem solver, a trait that is valuable to his career.

“I appreciated taking the liberal arts classes,” he said. “Liberal arts teach you to consider all possibilities. Being open to other ideas will make you grow as a

person. It helps in my tech-oriented job.”

“ My UVaWise education has made the difference.”

–Daniel Vanover ’10 Vanover, a Clintwood resident, closely followed the news about UVa-Wise as it launched the software engineering program several years ago.

“I read a lot about it and knew it ZDV D IDVW JURZLQJ ÀHOG ZLWK KHDY\ demands for jobs,” he said. “I knew there were also opportunities to work in the area. I found out that there were many jobs out there that I didn’t know about in the area.”

Learning from experience with projects the students completed at UVa-Wise made a difference because it taught them how to learn from their mistakes, Vanover said.

He echoes Ingles and Dell about the importance of professors who offer lessons of the importance of customer service, the value of teamwork and the importance of a liberal arts education coupled with a high tech career.

“All of that combined gives us a broad base of experience,” Vanover said. “It has helped me immensely.

There is so much more to the coal business. My UVa-Wise education has made the difference.”

Spring 2011 11

The Inauguration of

L

Teresa A. Sullivan

aying her left hand on a tattered family Bible dating from the 19th century, Teresa A. Sullivan took the RDWK RI RIÀFH DQG ZDV LQDXJXUDWHG DV D VW FHQWXU\ president of the University of Virginia.

6XOOLYDQ LV WKH HLJKWK SHUVRQ WR KROG WKH RIÀFH 7KH ceremony, which began with an academic procession of more than 500 people in academic regalia, was held on the Lawn in glorious spring weather. It fell in the middle of a busy inauguration schedule that began Wednesday with an interfaith observance and ended on Sunday with a community “volksmarch” around the Grounds.

Sullivan’s day began with a breakfast at Carr’s Hill for family – not only immediate family, an aunt and several cousins, but also academic family from the University of Michigan, where she was provost; the University of Texas, where she was a faculty member and administrator for 30 years; the University of Chicago, where she attained her Ph.D. and taught; and Michigan State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in sociology. ´, ÀUVW PHW 7HUU\ ZKHQ VKH ZDV DQ DVVLVWDQW SURIHVVRU DW the University of Chicago,” said Barry Chiswick, a renowned economist and Sullivan collaborator. He added with a smile, “I thought then she was a special person, and the marketplace has FRQÀUPHG WKDW DVVHVVPHQW µ Following lunch at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, the

12 UVa-Wise Magazine

president and her party were whisked to the Rotunda to don academic regalia. Sullivan’s new robes – blue with orange trim – awaited in the boardroom.

At 3 p.m., the academic procession stepped off from the Rotunda. Among the Board of Visitors members, College at Wise representatives, vice presidents, deans, faculty and students, were delegates of nearly 100 colleges and universities – including many presidents of Virginia schools – and U.Va. faculty members representing scholarly and governmental organizations.

“Marvelous, fantastic, just gorgeous,” said Charlie Jessee, a College at Wise board member, sporting the board’s crimson-and-gray regalia. “Even the weather is beautiful.”

Distinguished guests included Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell; University of California President Mark Yudof, a mentor when Sullivan was at Texas; former U.Va. President Robert M. O’Neil; and Sullivan’s former boss at Michigan, President Mary Sue Coleman. Sullivan in her remarks recognized her husband, Douglas Laycock, who teaches in the U.Va. Law School; their sons Joseph and John, and family members who had traveled across the country to attend.

Coleman led a contingent of 10 from the University of Michigan. “We deeply admire Terry, and we miss her,” she said in her keynote address.

Congratulating Rector John O. Wynne and the

Board of Visitors for their appointment of Sullivan, she added, “My only hesitation in praising your choice is that you deprived the University of Michigan of such an admired and accomplished leader.�

Coleman said that Sullivan’s appointment at U.Va. extends an already deep relationship between U.Va. and Michigan. “It is a bond that stretches back to a time when our respective institutions were nascent ideas in the minds of two men.� Jurist Augustus Woodward, a friend of Jefferson, conceived what was to become the University of Michigan, she explained.

The men were “united in their passion about the necessity of public education in the new republic,�

VKH VDLG ´0RVW VLJQLÀFDQWO\ WKH\ XQGHUVWRRG WKDW GHPRFUDF\ demanded an educated citizenry.�

As president, Jefferson appointed Woodward to be WKH Ă€UVW FKLHI MXVWLFH RI WKH 0LFKLJDQ 7HUULWRU\ ,Q JUDWLWXGH Woodward named his 500-acre estate Monticello. “But the more lasting product of their friendship was the University of Michigan, and we in Ann Arbor are indebted to the FRQYHUVDWLRQV WKDW Ă€UVW WRRN SODFH KHUH LQ WKH KLOOV RI Charlottesville,â€? she said.

After cataloging the challenges of higher education these days – including shrinking government support and ZDQLQJ SXEOLF FRQĂ€GHQFH ² &ROHPDQ DVNHG ZK\ DQ\RQH would choose to be a college president, and then answered. “We are gathered today because of a shared belief LQ WKH JRRG RI KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ DQG WKH LQĂ€QLWH SRZHU RI DQ LGHD Âľ VKH VDLG ´7KLV LV QRW WKH Ă€UVW WLPH ZH KDYH IDFHG GLIĂ€FXOW HFRQRPLF WLPHV :H FDQ DOO SRLQW WR FKDOOHQJLQJ HUDV of dwindling resources. And yet we persevere because our mission is so profound.â€? :\QQH DV KH DGPLQLVWHUHG WKH RDWK RI RIĂ€FH VDLG WKDW WKH %RDUG RI 9LVLWRUV KDG LGHQWLĂ€HG D ORQJ OLVW RI FULWHULD IRU D new president: ability to grasp U.Va.’s past and its principles, experience as a leader and recognition as a scholar, to name just a few. ´:H ZRQGHUHG LI Ă€QGLQJ VXFK D SHUVRQ ZRXOG EH attainable,â€? he said. “As many of you now know, Ms. Sullivan possesses all of these values, skills, abilities and experiences.â€?

Continuing Coleman’s theme of mission, Sullivan in her inaugural address compared the revolutionary times in which

the University was founded to the “knowledge revolution� of today. “The revolution led by Jefferson and his collaborators was a political and military revolution,� she said. “Our revolution is a knowledge revolution playing out in classrooms, laboratories and libraries around the world.�

They are worth comparing, she said, “because the stakes were so high then, and the stakes are so high now.�

Today’s revolution presents technological, economic, political and philosophical challenges – from the death of traditional Virginia industries to the 24-hour news cycle to information devices that disrupt the capacity for serious thought, Sullivan said. “We are not responding to these challenges as well as we VKRXOG Âľ VKH VDLG ´(GXFDWLRQDO IDLOXUH LQ WKDW Ă€UVW UHYROXWLRQ would have imperiled our nation then. Educational failure in today’s revolution will imperil our nation now.â€?

Among all of America’s institutions of higher education, public and private, she added, U.Va. stands out. “This University is particularly well suited to prepare young people to face the challenges of our revolution,� she said.

Honor, academic rigor and the Academical Village ideal of learning in intimate settings across Grounds and across disciplines are the hallmarks, she said. “This University’s strong curriculum in humanities and the arts prepares students to address the philosophical challenge of the new revolution,� she said. “This curriculum must always be central to the University’s mission.�

Meanwhile, U.Va. must continue to nurture research and GLVFRYHU\ LQ DOO ÀHOGV VKH VDLG In Jefferson’s University, students and professors met LQ ÀUVW à RRU SDYLOLRQ FODVVURRPV ZKLOH WKH SURIHVVRUV OLYHG VWXGLHG DQG WKRXJKW RQ WKH VHFRQG à RRU FRQQHFWHG ZLWK SHHUV in other disciplines by walkways.

Two U.Va. current faculty members, she said, “took that walk on the second story to collaborate.� Brett Blackman, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Brian Wamhoff, an associate professor of cardiovascular medicine, developed an instrument for more quickly assessing the response of human blood cells to drugs. Their company, HemoShear, which had the support from the Coulter Foundation-U.Va. Translational Research Partnership, has created 15 jobs in Charlottesville. “The future vitality of the University is nurtured in these second-story walks,� Sullivan said.

Leaders like those educated at U.Va. are desperately needed for the future of the nation, the president said. “We see gridlock in Congress. We see partisan bickering among our HOHFWHG RIĂ€FLDOV :H VHH FRPSHWLQJ LQWHUHVWV ORRNLQJ WR JDLQ WKH upper hand, rather than looking for common ground.â€?

As Jefferson said of the University, it’s “an institution on which the fortunes of our country may depend.â€? ´$QG RXU IRXQGLQJ SXUSRVH UHPDLQV RXU Ă€UVW RUGHU of business today,â€? Sullivan said. “We prepare students to safeguard the fortunes of our country and lead it into the future.â€? — by Marian Anderfuren

Spring 2011 13

Teresa Sullivan, Sarah Smith ’11, Charlie Jessee ’62 and Marcia Adams Gilliam ’82

UVa-Wise representatives attend Sullivan inauguration Several UVa-Wise students, faculty, staff and College Board representatives participated in the April 15 inauguration of the University of Virginia’s eighth president, Teresa A. Sullivan.

Jewell Worley ’76, the UVa-Wise dean of students, Stephanie Lawson ’11, the 2010-2011 Student Government Association president, Luke Rasnick, 2010-2011 SGA treasurer, Honor Court Chair Bryant Gray and Judicial Board Chief Justice Ashley Ryan attended the inauguration. Sarah Smith, the 2010-2011 student representative on the UVa-Wise Board, attended the event as well. “The trip to Charlottesville for President Sullivan’s inauguration was one of the most memorable moments of my entire college career,â€? Smith said. “I have always been proud to represent UVa-Wise in all that I do, but none more so than on that day.â€? $V WKH VWXGHQW ERDUG PHPEHU RI WKH 89D :LVH %RDUG 6PLWK ZDV DEOH WR UREH LQ WKH 5RWXQGD ZLWK RWKHU RIĂ€FLDOV DQG ZLWK President Sullivan. “Getting to share the moment with some of my fellow student leaders was incredible,â€? Smith said. “We all share a deep love for our college that I think it was one of those moments where we were all just in awe and truly honored to represent our fellow students on this momentous occasion.â€?

The students enjoyed the luncheon prior to the inauguration and were seated near NFL football star Tiki Barber.

Rasnick, who takes Smith’s place as the student member of the UVa-Wise Board, said the event was an unbelievable experience. ´,W LV KDUG WR Ă€QG ZRUGV WR GHVFULEH WKH DWPRVSKHUH WKDW ZDV SUHVHQW WKHUH DQG KRZ LW IHOW WR EH LQFOXGHG LQ VXFK DQ LPSRUWDQW event,â€? Rasnick said. “It was really great to see Tiki Barber and Governor McDonnell and to have lunch with them.â€?

14 UVa-Wise Magazine

7XUQHU UHWLUHV DIWHU \HDUV DW 89D :LVH :LWKLQ WKH ÀUVW ÀYH PLQXWHV RI PHHWLQJ &DWDQD 7XUQHU LW can be perceived that she is a woman well versed, direct, warm and caring. She draws you into her realm in a short period of time. Suddenly it is as though you have known her for years. $ VWUDQJHU WR IHZ VKH LV D ZRPDQ DV ZLOGO\ XQLTXH DV KHU ÀUVW name. When talking about her impending retirement, Turner makes it known that she does not plan to sit down and let life à RDW E\ $IWHU \HDUV RI EHLQJ D SURIHVVRU VKH LV FDVWLQJ ORQJ term plans aside to become a free spirit.

With a heartfelt laugh, the education professor will tell you students love to tease about a favorite hobby- she is an DYLG Ă€VKHUZRPDQ 6KH ZLOO JODGO\ VKDUH D PRVW IRQG PHPRU\ of catching huge stripers at Lake Powell in Utah, and then enjoying a tasty meal of the day’s catch that evening. In fact, VKH ORYHV WR Ă€VK VR PXFK WKDW VKH ERXJKW D VPDOO SRQWRRQ ERDW for that very reason. For her though, it is not about winning a WRXUQDPHQW RU KDYLQJ D Ă€VK WDOH WR WHOO ,W LV DERXW WKH SHDFHIXO experience of being one with nature. In her words, “It is my zen

experience.�

Turner was born in Harlan County, Ky. Growing up with her two siblings, she often spent time playing in her father’s small store, arranging canned goods on shelves. Her parents believed in the importance of education, and at the tender age of 16, she was sent to the Berea Foundation High School. Initially, Turner had archeological ambitions but obtained an undergraduate degree in English, even though she was employed teaching geology lab courses at the time.

She earned her Master of Arts in English at Eastern Kentucky University while teaching English at Berea, and earned a reading specialist degree along the way. Turner later became a learning center coordinator for the Bureau of Vocational Education, working with children on reading issues throughout the region. In the late 1980s, looking for a change, she attended the University of Tennessee and completed her PhD in education in 1991. While at UT, she was a placement coordinator for student teachers in the area school systems.

Following four years teaching at Carson Newman College, she decided to move closer to home. Turner became an education professor at UVa-Wise, where she has been the past 16 years.

7XUQHU KDV VSHQW PXFK WLPH Ă€QGLQJ ZD\V WR WHDFK “outside the box.â€? “Not all students will be on the same reading level,â€? she said. “Not all students learn the same way. Finding a way to capture attention and use topics that are relatable is key.â€?

Early in her career, she found that using unusual but simple components and visuals can help move students into a receptive state of mind. One of Turner’s best tales revolves around a missing doorknob and an eleventh grade inner city high school class. While teaching reading to a rather diverse and somewhat unruly group of students, she used the detached exterior doorknob to her classroom as a V\PERO RI ORFNLQJ RXW LQà XHQFHV DQG UHPLQGLQJ VWXGHQWV that it was their world inside the classroom. Each day she would bring the knob in, show it to the students at the start of class, and it redirected their attention. And, yes, it worked.

When discussing her retirement plans, it is easy to tell that she wants to leave things wide open without overly FRPPLWWLQJ $VLGH IURP WHDFKLQJ D IHZ ÀQDO FRXUVHV RYHU the next year, she hasn’t decided the exact path to follow.

Turner is considering whether to move closer to her siblings. With a brother in Arizona and a sister in Utah, the options for a change of scenery are certainly there.

Her passion for helping students learn to become successful teachers is evident. Even as she enters retirement, she lets the world know that they haven’t seen WKH ODVW RI &DWDQD WKH IHPDOH ÀVKLQJ SURIHVVRU — by Lanna Lumpkins

 Spring 2011 15

A Day of Service More than 300 students, faculty and staff spent a rainy 6DWXUGD\ SODQWLQJ Ă RZHUV SXOOLQJ ZHHGV SLFNLQJ XS roadside litter and performing a variety of volunteer tasks throughout the region.

The hard work was undertaken in honor of the April 15 inauguration of University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan. “Cavaliers Care: A Day of Service� took place on April 16, and involved work both on and off campus.

The projects stretched from Camp Bethel in Wise to Steele Creek Park in Bristol. “I think the Day of Service speaks volumes to the mission of the college and our goal in helping students become responsible citizens,� said Josh Justice ’07, assistant director of student activities and Greek life. “Their service to community organizations, the campus and national service groups is a testament to their goodwill and dedication to others.�

The volunteers participated in more than a dozen projects, ranging from sprucing up parks, weeding and planting on campus, and lending a hand at a nearby nursing home, to picking up litter and debris from roadsides.

Greek organizations, the Residence Hall Association, sports teams and the Student Government Association worked together to make the event a success. The event was so successful that organizers are planning now to make the Day of Service an annual activity. “With such an outstanding response from students this year, we have decided to make the Day of Service an annual event,� Justice said. “This is another great leadership opportunity that we offer our students and provides a great outlet with them to not only give back, but to connect with the community.�

16 UVa-Wise Magazine

Spring 2011 17

:

Program launches in Wise 7KH (IIHFWLYH 6XSHUYLVRU SURJUDP JUDGXDWHG LWV Ă€UVW FRKRUW RI OHDGHUV RQ 7KH University of Virginia’s College of Wise campus this spring. Since the program was launched in the fall of 2008 at the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon, it has produced more than 90 graduates who have learned to “Lead by Example,â€? the motto of the program.

The Effective Supervisor program is a comprehensive entry-level leadership-training program designed to build WKH FRQĂ€GHQFH RI WKRVH ZKR KDYH EHHQ QHZO\ SURPRWHG or have a goal to rise to front-line supervisory roles. In addition to newly promoted supervisors, experienced VXSHUYLVRUV RU WHDP OHDGV KDYH EHQHĂ€WHG IURP WKH program.

The Program’s Roots 7KH SURJUDP ZDV GHYHORSHG E\ WKH 2IĂ€FH RI (FRQRPLF Development team at UVa-Wise. When Shannon Blevins was KLUHG WR GLUHFW WKH QHZ 2IĂ€FH RI (FRQRPLF 'HYHORSPHQW LQ 2007, she was charged with determining ways that UVa-Wise could serve the region. She conducted a “Listening to the Regionâ€? tour with regional businesses and industries to determine employer needs. The need for leadership training was a common theme that Blevins heard from all sectors. The anticipated retirement of current managers would have a tremendous impact on RUJDQL]DWLRQV RYHU WKH QH[W Ă€YH WR \HDUV WKH EXVLQHVV OHDGHUV said. While leadership training was needed across all levels, the most acute training need was for front-line managers and team leaders.

Blevins, with input from business and industry and key mentors, developed a six-day program that focused the core competencies that a new supervisor would need to be successful. The Effective Supervisor program emerged from those basic concepts.

The pilot program was launched in fall 2008 at the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center. Fourteen people from various sectors including website, customer services,

SPRING 2011

18 UVa-Wise UVa-Wise Magazine Magazine 18

wise

manufacturing, and academia participated in the cohort. From evaluations and input from participants in the pilot session, the program was UHÀQHG LQWR LWV FXUUHQW ÀYH GD\ IRUPDW

How it Works The program is comprised of ÀYH LQ FODVV VHVVLRQV ZKLFK PHHW RQ alternate weeks for 10 weeks. The program is based on core competencies that will help supervisors effectively manage, including: time management, communication, problem solving, team building, leadership, personalities, human resources basics, and performance mentoring and coaching.

The topics were compiled based on company needs and from Blevins’ personal experience as a new manager. “I remembered the struggles I had when I was newly promoted as a supervisor,â€? she said. “I began to think RI FRQFHSWV , ZRXOG KDYH EHQHĂ€WHG from learning early in my career.â€?

Out-of-class assignments, supplemental reading and online interaction with peers from class enhance the classroom experience. The program helps participants develop

leadership skills and it helps build FRQĂ€GHQFH “With this program, we focus on each individual’s experience,â€?

Blevins said. “It is not just about what they learn, but how they feel about themselves and their capabilities.�

Mentoring is Key The mentoring component is the most unique part of the Effective Supervisor program. Each student is connected with a mentor for the duration of the program. The mentor is an individual who has a wealth of experience in successfully managing people. The mentors are selected by Blevins and come from a range of industries. Mentors have come from manufacturing, education, energy, and professional services. “The mentor serves many roles in the Effective Supervisor program,�

Blevins said. “It gives participants an opportunity to customize their experience in the program. The mentor challenges the participant’s way of thinking and also holds them

accountable. The mentoring experience can also help professionals begin to build a network of contacts.�

In 2009, William Wampler joined WKH 2IĂ€FH RI (FRQRPLF 'HYHORSPHQW and became a critical part of the Effective Supervisor team. “I have more fun working with the Effective Supervisor program than anything else I do,â€? Wampler said. “I learn as much from the participants as I do leading the discussions. One of the special aspects of this course is the opportunity to work one-on-one with participants as a mentor.

Future Plans The graduates of the Effective Supervisor program are creating the need for more advanced leadership training. A leadership program for mid-level management is in the early development stages. “Now we have a critical mass of graduates from the Effective Supervisor program, we want them to continue to grow,� said Blevins.

The program is tentatively planned to launch in 2012.

Front row (left to right): Breanne Salyer ’05, Dolly Long, Stephanie Colley.

Back row (left to right): Christopher Hawkins, Stacy Rasnick, Tabitha Hammons, and Anthony Owens.

Spring 2011 19

6XUUHWW JLYHV EDFN E\ PHQWRULQJ RWKHUV In her role as mentor in the Effective Supervisor program, Stephanie Surrett ‘96 is quick to remind supervisors, frontline managers and team leaders that they must be the example in their organization rather than the exception.

When it comes to leading by example, Surrett has plenty of experience to share with the program participants she mentors. As founder and president of Stephanie Surrett & Associates, LLC, she has more than 18 years of experience in strategic planning, program and project management, business management, employee and training development, and business consulting. “Having served in supervisory roles myself, , KDYH Ă€UVW KDQG NQRZOHGJH RI WKH FKDOOHQJHV that supervisors face.,â€? she said. “The people of an organization are like the many parts of a machine. They are all independent, but they work together to make the organization run.

I have managed people and have learned a lot along the way.�

Surrett strives to pass those lessons learned along to the supervisors that she mentors. “It is one thing to learn a lesson yourself, but to have someone else take it and grow from it is very rewarding,� she said.

A mentor’s role in the Effective Supervisor program is as varied as the sectors from which the program draws its participants. The mentor can be used as a sounding board for new ideas, an objective opinion for workplace issues or a motivator for new personal goals. ´$V D PHQWRU , UHLQIRUFH ZKDW VXSHUYLVRUV OHDUQ LQ FODVV E\ KHOSLQJ WKHP WR ÀQG ZD\V WR LPSOHPHQW WKH FRQFHSWV LQWR WKH workplace,� Surrett said. She then holds supervisors accountable for that implementation in future mentoring sessions.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Surrett credits UVa-Wise with giving her a strong foundation to build a successful career. “Classes at UVa-Wise provided an emphasis on project-based learning, team work, public-speaking and presentation skills,� she said.

She was also active on campus in student government and Circle K, but it was her stint as a tutor in the Oral Communications Lab where Surrett found her love of helping others learn. “I found that helping others hone their skills helped me to hone mine as well,� she said Surrett has an MBA from Jones International University and is an active member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and Society of Human Resources Management. She resides in Abingdon with her husband, Michael, and children, Presley and TJ. Whether the experience was gained as a student on the UVa-Wise campus or in her career, Surrett uses the lessons she learned to give back to her community and contribute to building the leadership capacity of the region. — by Rachel Patton

Gifts to honor or remember loved ones Are you looking for a unique way to honor a friend or relative on a special occasion or a loved one who has passed?

Perhaps you are searching for the perfect gift in celebration of a holiday, birthday, anniversary or way to let a special person know you are thinking of them. Remember them with a gift that keeps on giving by making a tribute gift to UVa-Wise in their memory or honor. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of our students while helping the college continue

20 UVa-Wise Magazine

its tradition of academic excellence. UVa-Wise will notify the appropriate person or people of your thoughtfulness. Your tribute gift is tax-deductible, so you can give and receive at the VDPH WLPH )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 2IĂ€FH RI Development at 276-376-4523, e-mail annualfund@uvawise. edu or make your check payable to UVa-Wise Foundation and PDLO WR 2IĂ€FH RI 'HYHORSPHQW &ROOHJH $YHQXH :LVH 9$ 24293.

Daniel retires after 41 years at UVa-Wise Some people obviously love their jobs. Van W. Daniel III is one of these people. He knows how to capture the interest of his audience. While a lecture may not always sound entertaining to all who enter the classroom, he knows how to make it captivating for the right audience. And, this is why his students are some of his biggest fans. So when he announced his retirement plans after 41 years of service, it was met with mixed emotions from students and staff alike.

A rural youngster himself, who grew up in Castwell County, NC, Daniel initially considered a major in history or science. Once in college, he became focused on physics as a major and, by default, was required to enroll in a chemistry FRXUVH +H IRXQG KLV DIĂ€QLW\ LQ WKDW FRXUVH +H FRPSOHWHG his undergraduate work in chemistry and math. Five years later, he completed his PhD at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga, and started looking for a place to share his knowledge of substances, atoms, molecules, crystals and aggregates of matter. “I always wanted to teach and I needed a job,â€? he said. “The area was very similar to where I was raised, and I liked WKH PRXQWDLQV 7KHUH ZHUH PDQ\ Ă€UVW JHQHUDWLRQ FROOHJH students and that was an attraction.â€?

So, in 1971, without knowing exactly where Wise was, Daniel migrated northeast and eventually became more than just a teacher. He grew into a mentor, leader, volunteer and an avid supporter of the college and its mission. “It just felt right,� he says.

When asked what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a professor, he said it was “having a positive impact on students.� Daniel repeatedly reinforced his commitment to students and higher education. He has served as the pre-pharmacy advisor and was a founding member

of Sigma Zeta, the National Science and Mathematics Honor Society. The organization encourages and fosters the attainment of knowledge in the natural and computer sciences and mathematics and recognizes the attainment of high scholarship among members. Daniel still serves as the organization’s advisor.

While Daniel spent much of his career as the chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, he always made time for a well-rounded melting pot of added interests. He was a volunteer tennis coach at the college for nearly a decade. He served on the Pro-Art Association Board for several years and was a member of a local art gallery board and treasurer for the Charles Harris Gallery. Daniel helped start the FDPSXV¡ ÀUVW FRPSXWHU SURJUDP ZDV D PHPEHU RI WKH IDFXOW\ senate and has been the grand marshal of commencement exercises on multiple occasions. ,Q KLV RZQ ZRUGV KRZHYHU WKH PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW KRQRU that he received was the establishment of an endowed professorship in his name. The professorship honors Daniel’s extraordinary and longtime service to UVa-Wise, its students and the Department of Natural Sciences.

With all of the great contributions Daniel has made to the college, don’t be surprised to see him making public appearances after retiring. Aside from gardening and “enjoying good food,� he is not a typical retiree who wants to take it easy. On the contrary, Daniel is only switching gears by getting ready to volunteer his time and energies to those organizations and endeavors that are near and dear to his heart. It is his turn to shine brighter than ever as he enters this post-higher education phase of life. — by Lanna Lumpkins

Spring 2011 21

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Chancellor David J. Prior and senior biology major Andrew Morgan traded places one day. Morgan sat in meetings with college administrators while Prior took notes in Margie Tucker’s organic chemistry class among other activities. The annual Chancellor for a Day event is sponsored by the National Residence Hall Honorary, which held a canned food drive contest to determine which student would get to don the title of “Chancellor� for the day. The drive brought in more than 1,000 cans of food for a local food bank.

Photos and text provided by the Highland Cavalier.

22 UVa-Wise Magazine

The C. Bascom Slemp Foundation and UVa-­Wise

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ohn T. Casteen III, President Emeritus of the University of Virginia, once said, “Precious to those who believe higher education to be a transformational social good is the Slemp Foundation’s support of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Through the advancement of the college, one can catch a gratifying glimpse of a future in which the people of Southwest Virginia are engaged in meaningful work, the economy is productive and Appalachian culture, flourishing.�

For decades, the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation has been a strategic partner in the upward trajectory of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The Foundation’s scholarship support for hundreds of students, as well as its essential role in academic enhancements and capital improvements, have provided tangible evidence of the transformational social good envisioned

by President Emeritus Casteen. This fall, the Slemp Foundation provided two gifts to the college that propelled its academic enterprise to an even greater level of excellence.

AIMING HIGH The Slemp Foundation awarded WKH Ă€UVW SULYDWH JLIW LQ WKH KLVWRU\ RI WKH college’s Appalachian Inter-Mountain Scholars (AIMS) program. Through the AIMS program, the college is changing the way higher education is administered in Southwest Virginia. “The AIMS program can be simply described as a blueprint for families and students to obtain a college degree,â€? said Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Rusty Necessary ’87.

Established in 2002 with only two students, the access and affordability initiative has grown and prospered to include 28 full-time students last fall who attended UVa-Wise during their

junior and senior years at no cost. “The investment by the Slemp Foundation has far reaching implications. We know that students who earn a degree here are far more likely to stay in the area as professionals,� Necessary said.

Students eligible for participation in the AIMS program come from schools in Wise, Lee, Scott and Dickenson counties and the City of Norton. More than 70 percent of these students are the ÀUVW LQ WKHLU IDPLOLHV WR DWWHQG FROOHJH and their retention rate at UVa-Wise is 93 percent.

THE BIG PICTURE The college also received support from the Slemp Foundation to enhance its developmental biology program.

The Foundation provided funding to purchase eight new stereomicroscopes for student research in teaching laboratories. Four of the microscopes have cameras, which allow students to take pictures of their experimental work.

Robin Cook-Hill, assistant professor of biology, said UVa-Wise had a need for the microscopes. “Prior to the Slemp Foundation funding, we did not have enough of the right kinds of microscopes to allow each student to actively participate in a range of actual research projects,� she said.

The Slemp Foundation’s generosity

also provided funds for a new color printer so the photographs can be further analyzed. The money also made possible the purchase of a new lens for the college’s Leica microscope, along with a new state-of-the-art computer equipped to process the work done using the microscope’s camera and software. With these innovative new tools, students who take developmental biology will better understand the underlying mechanisms that regulate such processes as fertilization, embryogenesis, differentiation and morphogenesis.

Cook-Hill summarized the VLJQLÀFDQFH RI WKH JLIW E\ VD\LQJ ´WKH overall capacity of the department to both conduct research and expand our FRXUVHV DQG ODERUDWRULHV KDV VLJQLÀFDQWO\ increased due to the generosity of the Slemp Foundation.�

The C. Bascom Slemp Foundation’s steadfast support of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is crucial to Southwest Virginia’s quality of life and future prosperity. Through its ongoing partnership with the college, the Slemp Foundation continues to transform lives in the region, ensuring meaningful work, a productive economy and the à RXULVKLQJ $SSDODFKLDQ FXOWXUH 3UHVLGHQW Emeritus Casteen speaks of with such fondness. – Thomas Galyean

Spring 2011 23

Construction U P D A T E

ŽŶǀŽĐĂƟŽŶ ĞŶƚĞƌ DĂƚĞƌŝĂů ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ǁŽŽĚ ĂƚŚůĞƟĐ ŇŽŽƌŝŶŐ ŚĂƐ ĂƌƌŝǀĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞĂĚLJ ĨŽƌ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ΨϯϬ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚLJ ŶĞĂƌƐ ĐŽŵƉůĞƟŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ĮdžĞĚ ƐĞĂƟŶŐ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƚĞůĞƐĐŽƉŝĐ ƐĞĂƟŶŐ ǁŝůů ůŝŬĞůLJ ďĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ŝŶ :ƵůLJ͘ ^ƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂů ĐŽŵƉůĞƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ďLJ ůĂƚĞ ĨĂůů͘

24 UVa-Wise Magazine

Fall 2010 24

^ŵŝĚĚLJ ,Ăůů dŚĞ ŵŝĚĚůĞ ƐĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĞdžŝƐƟŶŐ ^ŵŝĚĚLJ ,Ăůů ŝƐ͕ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƉĂƌƚ͕ ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂůůLJ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ͘ dŚĞ ŶĞǁ͕ ͞ǁĞƐƚ ǁŝŶŐ͟ ŽĨ ^ŵŝĚĚLJ ŝƐ ƐƟůů ƵŶĚĞƌŐŽŝŶŐ ǁŽƌŬ͕ ďƵƚ ŝƐ ŶĞĂƌůLJ ƌĞĂĚLJ ƚŽ ďĞŐŝŶ ĮŶŝƐŚĞƐ ŝŶƐŝĚĞ͘ ^ƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂů ĐŽŵƉůĞƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ǁŚŽůĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ďLJ ŵŝĚ :ƵůLJ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚLJ ďĞŝŶŐ ŽƉĞŶ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨĂůů ƐĞŵĞƐƚĞƌ͘

Spring 2011 25

alute S toG reear

T

Samantha Lester Mahoney ’00 and Nat Law ’99

KH VTXHDN RI VKRHV RQ WKH KDUGZRRG Ă RRU of the court. The steady thud, thud of EDVNHWEDOOV KLWWLQJ WKH Ă RRU WKH VZLVK RI WKH net as one sails through. The chatter of people on the bleachers, settling in for the games.

Larry Russell ’72, and wife Joannie with their granddaughter

26 UVa-Wise Magazine

Basketball games have begun the same way at Fred B. Greear Gymnasium for years. But Feb. 12 was likely the last time those sounds will be heard for a collegiate basketball game at UVa-Wise in Greear as teams look forward to playing in the new convocation center, set to open late fall. /DUU\ 5XVVHOO ¡ ZKR ZDV WKH Ă€UVW WR MRLQ WKH SRLQW FOXE in Greear Gymnasium. He played men’s basketball at the college from 1966 to 1969, and estimates he scored 1249 points in those three years. “I have a lot of memories in this gym,â€? he says. “I had a good time here – it’s sort of emotional saying goodbye. We had a lot of good games here, and I made a lot of friends.â€?

One of the best things about playing ball for then-Clinch Valley was the small-school atmosphere,� he says.

“I could always look up and there were fans,� he games,� he says. says. “Everyone knew me and I knew them.�

Steve Lawson, ’78, never played collegiate sports but Around the same time Russell was racking up remembers coming to games, even as a child.

KRRSV WKH FROOHJH¡V Ă€UVW YROOH\EDOO VTXDG DQG ZRPHQ¡V ´7KH Ă€UVW WLPH , FDPH WR D JDPH ZDV Âľ KH basketball teams were being formed. Shirley Baker says. “I was still grade school age, and walked out here Mullins, ’72, was on both teams. from home to the games. I attended games when I was a “I had never personally played an organized girl’s student here – I’ve followed the teams for a long time.â€? sport,â€? she says. “When I arrived in ’68 there were no 'DYH %HQWOH\ ¡ ZDV LQ WKH Ă€UVW IRXU \HDU FODVV RI girl’s sports whatsoever.â€? students at Clinch Valley, and wrestled for the last year ,Q WKH Ă€UVW YROOH\EDOO WHDP ZDV IRUPHG and a half of his time at school. “Volleyball was new in this whole area at that “We’ll miss the old gym,â€? he says. “I had a lot of time,â€? she says. “The few volleyball teams in high fond memories.â€? schools played ‘slapball,’ hitting the ball with the palm But, he says, he’s excited about the new facility being of your hand.â€? built just beyond Carl Smith Stadium.

The volleyball and “I can’t wait until we get basketball girls ran with the in this new facility,� he says. “A same crowd, Baker says. facility has been needed for a “It was just a matter of long time, and it will just about getting people who would complete the facilities they need.� play,� she says. “There was no Chancellor Emeritus “Papa� recruiting whatsoever.�

Joe Smiddy was also in attendance Baker got involved with DW WKH Ă€QDO JDPHV DW *UHHDU the budding athletics program “I think this is a passing of because she lived in what is one time to another,â€? he says of now Bowers-Sturgill Hall, and the transition between Greear and she and her friends would walk the Convocation Center. “I think across the road to the gym and that the old gym will remind us of just shoot around. the past and the new Convocation Shirley Baker Mullins ’72 and her daughter Sarah Faculty took notice of the Center will be the beginning of a girls’ interest and the program started to develop. A new basketball program at the college.â€? janitor volunteered to drive the women to games. The He says he’s attended games in Greear “from the women used the men’s sports equipment until they beginning,â€? although he hasn’t made it to as many lately. could raise money to buy their own.

Smiddy says the gym was meant to be multi-purpose.

Baker is proud of the legacy of women’s sports at “We needed a place for activities and it had the college. classrooms and the court was general purpose,â€? he says. “I’m glad they found out girls are as important in “It was more for intramurals than inter-collegiate ball.â€? the sport as boys,â€? she says. “When I watch all those Concerts were also held in the facility, he says. girls play now and see their coordination‌it’s good to “The most famous person we had there – the largest watch it grow.â€? crowd we ever had there – was Ricky Nelson,â€? he says.

In the next few decades, the basketball program at “The second largest was Maria Von Trapp.â€? &OLQFK 9DOOH\ Ă RXULVKHG The Convocation Center will be used for many When he graduated in 1999, Nat Law was the purposes. all-time leading scorer in Clinch Valley history. In his “It will be a real addition for the whole entire area senior season, he scored an average of 24.25 points per because you can have conventions, tournaments‌ game. concerts,â€? he says. ´,W GHĂ€QLWHO\ EULQJV EDFN PHPRULHVÂľ WR EH SUHVHQW Smiddy, who has been known to pick a banjo in IRU WKH Ă€QDO JDPHV DW *UHHDU KH VD\V ´,Q , WKLQN front of crowds at sporting events more than a few times, 98 we were undefeated at home games in this gym.â€? says he’s hoping to continue the tradition with the new Law tries to keep up with the current teams from center. his home in Charlotte, N.C. “We’re hoping that we can be there on opening “Each year I’ve probably been to maybe one or night with some bluegrass band music,â€? he says. two games – Homecoming and one or two basketball – by Allie Robinson, ’11

Spring 2011 27

Athletics Maddi rides into the record books Few athletes have had as stellar a career at UVa-Wise as Maddi Ridenour ’11.

The Suffolk resident arrived on campus in the fall of 2007 after a exceptional high school career. While at Nansemond River High School, Ridenour earned All-South Eastern District and All-Region First-Team accolades and was selected to the All-Tidewater Second Team. Expectations for the left-handed slap hitter were high as she began her collegiate career at UVa-Wise. She did not disappoint.

Ridenour’s individual and team accomplishments during her four years as a Cavalier rank her as one of the greatest athletes to play at the college, and possibly the best softball player in the history of the program.

In her freshman season, Ridenour posted a .433 batting average, 68 hits, stole 36 bases and got on base at a .497 clip.

Each of those marks was single season UVa-Wise records at that time. Ridenour has since broken her own single season stolen base record. A strong freshman campaign brought the leadoff hitter several honors. Ridenour EHFDPH WKH SURJUDP¡V ÀUVW DQG only NAIA All-American when she garnered a spot on the second team list. She also earned All-Appalachian Athletic Conference and AllRegion XII status in 2008.

A year later, Ridenour kept hitting and kept running her way into the record books. The 2009 season saw Ridenour increase her stolen bases to 52, while collecting hits in 37 of the 49 games the Cavs played that season.

On April 1, 2009, Ridenour accomplished a feat that PD\ QRW VRRQ EH PDWFKHG ZKHQ VKH VWROH ÀYH EDVHV against Tennessee Wesleyan en route to a 5-2 Cavalier victory. Ridenour’s team improved as well as the Cavs won the AAC Tournament to advance to the NAIA

28 UVa-Wise Magazine

National Tournament. In aiding the Cavs to the national tournament, Ridenour scored two runs, stole a base and drove in a run as UVa-Wise defeated Union College 10-0 to capture the AAC Tournament crown.

The numbers continued to mount as Ridenour progressed to an upperclassmen. As a junior, she lined over 50 hits for the third consecutive season, while again leading the team in batting average and stolen bases. Once again, Ridenour earned all conference accolades for her efforts; the award was her third FRQVHFXWLYH ÀUVW WHDP VHOHFWLRQ This season, Ridenour carried a .403 batting average through the regular season and also broke the school’s all-time hits record. She has also swiped 29 bases in 2011 to add to her career stolen base record she broke as a sophomore. She also posted staggering batting average numbers over her career. Ridenour is a .380 hitter, an average that is nearly 20 points higher than any other player in UVa-Wise history.

Ridenour’s strong batting average has been helped by her strong eye at the plate as she has walked 66 times in her career, also a school record.

With a great collegiate FDUHHU DW D FORVH 5LGHQRXU LV RQH RI WKH PRVW SUROLÀF SOD\HUV LQ 89D :LVH KLVWRU\ 5LGHQRXU ZDV QDPHG ÀUVW team on the Mid-South Conference’s all-conference softball team. She has earned all-conference honors for each of her seasons as a college player. The previous three seasons she was named to the Appalachian Athletic Conference squad. Ridenour is the only Cavalier in the history of UVa-Wise softball to be named all-conference four times.

Ridenour graduated in May with a degree in health and physical education. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in kinesiology. – by Darrell Ely, ’10

s

A successful 2011 season for Cavalier baseball division title.

7KH ÀQDO JDPH RI WKH VHULHV EHORQJHG WR VHQLRU -RVK -RVHSK ZKR SLWFKHG D FRPSOHWH VKXWRXW JHP LQ KLV ÀQDO home start as a Cav. Joseph allowed just six hits, walked WKUHH DQG VWUXFN RXW RQH LQ WKH ÀQDO JDPH RI WKH 0LG South season to aid UVa-Wise in clinching the division title. At the plate, the Cavaliers were led by Brett Hylton who posted two hits, two RBIs, and a home run in the championship clinching victory. :KLOH WKH &DYDOLHUV GLG QRW ÀQLVK WKH VHDVRQ DV hoped, losing to Campbellsville University on day three of the Mid-South baseball tournament, it was a successful campaign nonetheless with UVa-Wise winning the Eastern Division with a roster mostly comprised of XQGHUFODVVPHQ )RXU &DYDOLHUV SOD\HG WKHLU ÀQDO JDPH in 2011, Luis Roa, Preston Smith, Billy Fox, and Josh Joseph all were key contributors to the club and will leave a lasting legacy.

5\DQ &URVE\ WKH &DYDOLHU DFH ÀQLVKHG WKH VHDVRQ ZLWK a record of four wins and three losses, with four complete games, 51 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.87. Crosby, who was named to the All-Mid-South Conference Team, was named two-time Mid-South Pitcher of the Week to go along with all conference honors.

Brad Ricker was also honored by the Mid-South, ZLQQLQJ D *ROG *ORYH IRU KLV ÀHOGLQJ SURZHVV LQ FHQWHUÀHOG IRU WKH &DYDOLHUV 5LFNHU D VSHHGVWHU RQ WKH EDVH SDWK ZKR VWROH EDVHV RQ DWWHPSWV ÀQLVKHG KLV career second all time in stolen bases.

5LJKW ÀHOGHU %UHWW +\OWRQ OHG WKH &DYDOLHUV LQ KLWWLQJ ÀQLVKLQJ ZLWK D EDWWLQJ DYHUDJH DQG D 236 RQ base percentage plus slugging percentage). Luis Roa led WKH &DYDOLHUV ZLWK ÀYH KRPH UXQV DQG UXQV EDWWHG LQ ZKLOH ÀUVW EDVHPDQ .LUN -HQQLQJV OHG 89D :LVH ZLWK D .533 slugging percentage.

7KH WHDP SLWFKLQJ VWDII ÀQLVKHG ZLWK DQ (5$ RI 4.55 to go with 17 wins, seven complete games and six VKXWRXWV 7KH &DYV ÀJXUH WR KDYH DQ LPSRVLQJ VWDII \HW again next season as three weekend starters return for coach Hank Banner’s ’92 squad. – by Darrell Ely, ’10

Athletics

A highly successful season ended with a Mid-South Eastern Divisional title for The University of Virginia’s &ROOHJH DW :LVH EDVHEDOO WHDP 7KH &DYDOLHUV ÀQLVKHG WKH season at 12-10 in Mid-South play to win the divisional title over the University of Rio Grande and Shawnee State University. Stallard Field, the home of the UVa-Wise baseball team, provided a major boost for the Cavaliers as WKH\ ÀQLVKHG DW KRPH RQ WKH VHDVRQ It was an up and down regular season for UVa-Wise, as WKH &DYDOLHUV FDPH RXW RI WKH JDWH RQ ÀUH UDFNLQJ XS VL[ conference wins in seven games to begin the conference slate, including wins at Campbellsville (regular season champion) and at Georgetown. However, the Cavaliers cooled off during the stretch run, as the team lost nine out of 13 games during the stretch to set up a showdown with the University of Rio Grande for the Mid-South Eastern Division title.

89D :LVH HQWHUHG WKH ÀQDO VHULHV RI WKH VHDVRQ QHHGLQJ to win three of four games to capture the divisional crown. Game one saw UVa-Wise send Ryan Crosby to the mound to square off against Desmond Sullivan; a PDWFKXS RI WZR HYHQWXDO ÀUVW WHDP DOO FRQIHUHQFH SOD\HUV 89D :LVH¡V ULJKW KDQGHU ZRQ RQ WKDW GD\ DV &URVE\ ÀUHG D complete game three hitter. The Warrenton native struck out six batters while allowing just one run in posting the victory.

The Red Storm of Rio Grande responded in game WZR E\ VFRULQJ WKUHH UXQV LQ WKH ÀIWK LQQLQJ RI D WLHG game. With the loss, the Cavaliers were forced to win WKH ÀQDO WZR JDPHV RI WKH VHULHV WR FODLP WKH GLYLVLRQDO title. Game three of the four game series was a back and IRUWK DIIDLU DV 5LR *UDQGH VFRUHG ÀYH UXQV LQ WKH ÀUVW WR WDNH D ÀYH UXQ OHDG 7KH &DYDOLHUV VFRUHG WZR UXQV LQ WKH ERWWRP RI WKH ÀUVW WR FXW WKH OHDG WR WKUHH EXW 5LR DGGHG two more in the top of the second to extend its lead back WR ÀYH UXQV $IWHU WKUHH VFRUHOHVV LQQLQJV WKH &DYDOLHUV came to the plate in the bottom of the sixth still trailing E\ ÀYH UXQV 89D :LVH UDOOLHG VFRULQJ ÀYH UXQV LQ WKH LQQLQJ WR WLH WKH FRQWHVW KHDGLQJ LQWR WKH VHYHQWK DQG ÀQDO regulation inning. The two teams traded scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth, sending the game deeper into extra innings. In the bottom of the ninth, Tommy Meier began the inning with a single and advanced to second on a Mason Mays groundout. Brett Hylton walked, which EURXJKW XS %ULDQ .LQJ ZLWK RQH RXW DQG UXQQHUV RQ ÀUVW and second. King singled and drove home Meier for the winning run and the Cavaliers kept their hopes alive for a

Spring 2011 29

+HDUQ WR FRDFK ZRPHQ¡V EDVNHWEDOO

Crosby, Ricker shine on Cavs’ diamond

Two UVa-Wise baseball players were honored for their performances during the 2011 season by the Mid-South &RQIHUHQFH 3LWFKHU 5\DQ &URVE\ ZDV VHOHFWHG ÀUVW DOO FRQIHUHQFH DQG FHQWHU ÀHOGHU %UDG 5LFNHU ZDV QDPHG D JROG JORYH ZLQQHU IRU KLV RXWÀHOG GHIHQVH This season, Crosby has been dominant for UVa-Wise on the mound. The junior right hander compiled a 2.18 earned run average while striking out 47 batters in 53 innings of work. Crosby began conference play by hurling consecutive complete game shutouts against Campbellsville and West Virginia Tech.

Ricker has consistently been the best defensive player for UVa-Wise since his arrival on campus. This season, Ricker posted D SHUIHFW ÀHOGLQJ SHUFHQWDJH ZKLOH DOVR SURYLGLQJ WKUHH RXWÀHOG assists.

Crosby and Ricker played a major role in the Cavaliers series win over Rio Grande to secure the Mid-South Conference Eastern Division crown. Crosby tossed a three hitter, allowing just one earned run to post a win in the series RSHQHU 0HDQZKLOH 5LFNHU PDGH RQH RI WKH ÀQHU FDWFKHV RI KLV FDUHHU LQ WKH VHULHV ZKHQ KH VODPPHG LQWR WKH FHQWHU ÀHOG wall preventing an extra base hit.

30 UVa-Wise Magazine

Athletics

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise welcomed a new coach to the Cavalier staff, as Abby Hearn was named the head coach of the women’s basketball program.

She joins UVa-Wise after four years as the head coach of the Eureka College women’s basketball and tennis teams. A coach with experience at many different levels, including the NCAA Division II level, Hearn replaces Doug Carter, who coached the team on an interim basis last season. $ WUDFN UHFRUG RI VXFFHVV IROORZV +HDUQ WR 89D :LVH EHJLQQLQJ ZLWK KHU ÀUVW coaching job as a graduate assistant at the University of North Dakota. The NCAA Division II program has accumulated multiple national titles in women’s basketball over its history. The next stop for Coach Hearn was Minnesota State University-Moorhead, where she served as an assistant coach from 2002-2004. Following her stint at MSUMoorhead, Hearn accepted a job at Ohio University, a NCAA Division I program, where she became the assistant strength and conditioning coordinator for the athletic department.

From there, Hearn had a two year stint at the University of Minnesota-Crookston as an assistant women’s basketball coach as well as the head coach of the women’s tennis and golf teams. During her tenure, Minnesota&URRNVWRQ VKRZHG D QLQH ZLQ LPSURYHPHQW LQ ZRPHQ¡V EDVNHWEDOO 7KH FRDFK WKHQ ZHQW RQ WR DFFHSW KHU Ă€UVW KHDG coach job at Eureka College. During her four-year stint at Eureka College, Hearn had success in both head coaching positions, producing a conference player of the year in each respective sport. “I would like to thank Chancellor David J. Prior, Athletic Director Danny Sterling and the search committee for giving me this tremendous opportunity,â€? Hearn said. “I am extremely excited and honored to join the UVa-Wise family, and to lead the Cavalier women’s basketball program into the futureâ€? “We’re very excited about having Abby as our women’s coach,â€? Sterling said. “She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program, and I think she will relate well to the student athletes and the community.â€?

Hearn will inherit a talented Cavalier squad, including All-Mid-South performers Amber Carter and Kristin 0XOOLQV 2YHUDOO 89D :LVH UHWXUQV QLQH OHWWHU ZLQQHUV IURP D VHDVRQ DJR +HDUQ¡V ÀUVW VHDVRQ DV WKH KHDG FRDFK ZLOO PDUN WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKH &DYV KDYH SOD\HG LQ WKH QHZ &RQYRFDWLRQ &HQWHU Hearn received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota before obtaining her master’s degree from North Dakota State University.

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Scholarshp Luncheon

Allie Blevins and Fred B. Greear Jr.

Clifton S. Diaz, Courtney A. Coe, Kesha D. Perrigan, and Caleb A. Greene

Four students at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise were honored with the Tice Total Achievement Award during the 20th Annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon on March 26.

Kesha D. Perrigan, Caleb A. Greene, Courtney A. Coe and Clifton S. 'LD] ZHUH HDFK SUHVHQWHG ZLWK D FHUWLĂ€FDWH RI UHFRJQLWLRQ DQG D DZDUG The Tice award is presented to current UVa-Wise students who honor and encourage family values and community service, cooperation, creativity and scholarship. Faculty and staff nominate students.

The award is made possible through a generous endowment by Dr. Frederick Gordon Tice in memory of his grandparents and their children.

Kesha Perrigan is a junior and plays on the UVa-Wise softball team.

She has a strong sense of family values. She assists her parents in caring for KHU ÀYH VLEOLQJV ZKLOH MXJJOLQJ D IXOO FODVV ORDG VHUYLQJ DV D VWXGHQW ZRUNHU LQ WKH DFFRXQWLQJ RIÀFH DQG SOD\LQJ RQ WKH VRIWEDOO WHDP 6KH RIWHQ OHDGV volunteer efforts to help coach local travel teams, assists with the softball summer camps and volunteers in her hometown of Dante on the Dante Lives 2Q EHDXWLÀFDWLRQ SURMHFW Caleb Greene, a resident of Jenkins, is a junior. He looks forward to joining the Spanish honors society at the end of the semester. A double major in history and Spanish, his professors say he demonstrates the capability of becoming a bilingual person, and knowledgeable in Hispanic culture, and a potential scholar in the humanities. He hopes to aid his Spanish professor with research this summer.

Courtney Coe is a junior and a psychology major from Abingdon.

She plans to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She is a member of the volleyball team and is very active in a variety of charitable events.

She has participated in several mission trips at home and abroad. For her contributions, she received the “Teens Making a Difference Award� from the Bristol Herald Courier.

Clifton Diaz is a junior and a communication major. He served as freshman senator and currently serves on the honors program, online editor for the Highland Cavalier and is on the advisory board of the Cavalier News Media. A resident of Manassas, he has been active in many community activities such as a police volunteer for Prince William County; a volunteer for Kindervision, which is dedicated to the promotion of child safety; and the American Red Cross. He is the recipient of numerous community service awards and honors. He also hosts and produces many programs for the college’s television broadcast.

Betty Roberts with student Brooke Lawson and May Straughan

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Linda Aker Lane with students Trey Powers and Jordan Begley

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Jennifer Vance with Betty Bolling ’57 & ’70

Tice Recipient Courtney Coe with Sally Baird ’92 Â

Spring 2011 31

Carl Smith Stadium gets new AstroTurf ÂŽ

The Cavaliers will play on a new Astroturf surface when football season begins this fall at Carl Smith Stadium, Danny Sterling, the athletic director at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, said the Cavaliers have played their last 12 seasons on an $VWUR7XUIŠ 6\VWHP Ă€HOG DQG WKH VFKRRO ZDQWHG to bring a new championship-caliber surface to WKH VWDGLXP 7KH QHZ Ă€HOG LV QRZ $VWUR7XUIŠ GameDay™ Grass 3D52H. “To say that excitement is the word would be an understatement,â€? said Sterling. “We can’t wait for the QHZ Ă€HOG 7KH TXDOLW\ RI WKLV SURGXFW ZRQ XV RYHU We looked at other AstroTurfÂŽ installations at places

32 UVa-Wise Magazine

like Old Dominion and Wake Forest and there was no question. We also have a long history and relationship with AstroTurfŽ, so that made the decision an easy one.�

7KH Ă€HOG ZLOO IHDWXUH WKH UHYROXWLRQDU\ QHZ +RUVHVKRHÂŒ Ă€EHU 7KLV QHZ Ă€EHU LV HQMR\LQJ XQSUHFHGHQWHG VXFFHVV LQ WKH VSRUWV Ă€HOG PDUNHWSODFH GXH WR IDFWRUV VXFK DV LWV XQLTXH VKDSH 7KH Ă€EHU LV DQ “Omegaâ€? shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so WKDW WKH Ă€EHU UHPDLQV XSULJKW ORQJHU XQOLNH RWKHU Ă€HOGV ZKRVH Ă€EHUV TXLFNO\ Ă DWWHQ DQG VSOLW RU VKUHG DW WKH VSLQH 7KH +RUVHVKRHÂŒ Ă€EHU FRQWLQXHV WR VSULQJ EDFN WR LWV RULJLQDO FRQĂ€JXUDWLRQ HYHQ DIWHU \HDUV RI KHDY\ IRRW WUDIĂ€F RU H[SRVXUH WR XOWUD YLROHW UDGLDWLRQ 7KH Ă€HOG DOVR KDV D IDFH ZHLJKW RI RXQFHV RI Ă€EHU per square yard. This adds to the durability provided

E\ WKH ÀEHU VKDSH )XUWKHU HQKDQFLQJ WKH GXUDELOLW\ DQG VDIHW\ RI WKH ÀHOG LV WKH SURSULHWDU\ 5RRW=RQHŠ D GHQVH VXE OD\HU RI WH[WXUL]HG ÀEHUV ZKLFK DFW DV DQ LQÀOO VWDELOL]HU V\VWHP WR SUHYHQW PLJUDWLRQ DQG VSODVK RI WKH UXEEHU JUDQXOH LQÀOO ,Q H[WHQVLYH WHVWLQJ WKH +RUVHVKRHŠ ÀEHU performs most like natural grass from ball roll and slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurfŽ GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.

7KH +RUVHVKRHŠ Ă€EHU¡V VKDSH DOVR DOORZV LW WR UHĂ HFW OLJKW DQG KHDW DZD\ IURP WKH VXUIDFH 7KDW in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18 percent. “We are excited about the partnership with UVaWise,â€? said Bryan Peeples, president of AstroTurfÂŽ. ´,QVWDOOLQJ D FKDPSLRQVKLS FDOLEHU Ă€HOG LV D WHVWLPRQ\ to the commitment to the program. It’s also a game-

changer when it comes to the pride young athletes, and the community at-large, take in the school.� $FFRUGLQJ WR 6WHUOLQJ WKH ÀHOG ZLOO KDYH D KXJH impact on the current student-athletes at the school, as ZHOO DV LQà XHQFLQJ WKH GHFLVLRQV RI SRWHQWLDO &DYDOLHUV in the future.

7KH ÀHOG DW 89$ :LVH ZLOO DOVR DOORZ WKH VFKRRO to host, not only football games, but provide help in weather-related practice situations for the baseball and softball teams, and special events such as intramural championship games and other campus events. $GGLWLRQDOO\ WKH ÀHOG ZLOO SOD\ D ODUJH UROH LQ WKH community and will host little league games, as well as high school games, band camps, and summer camps.

The team will kick off the 2011 season at home on the new AstroTurfÂŽ on Sept. 3 against Webber International.

Spring 2011 33

AlumniNews +DPSWRQ 5RDGV $OXPQL *DWKHULQJ

Dozens of alumni from the Hampton Roads area gathered at Waterman’s Surf Side Grill in Virginia Beach to catch up on old times, learn about new programs and buildings at UVa-Wise and to make new friends across generations.

The Hampton Roads Alumni Gathering was organized by the UVa-Wise Alumni Association as part of an ongoing effort to develop alumni clubs in many regions of Virginia and surrounding states where UVa-Wise graduates live and work.

Establishing clubs encourages alumni to socialize as a group and to form strong regional bonds with each other, regardless of class year.

UVa-Wise alumni, through their jobs and community involvement, serve as ambassadors for the college. The Alumni Association plans to hold more gatherings in the future. Alumni who want to be involved may contact the Alumni Association at 276-328-0128 or visit the web at www.uvawise.edu/alumni for more information.

Top row: Fran Hunt ‘80 and Bob Sage ‘79 Bottom row: Martha Hankins Hunt ‘81, Roseanne Letson‘81, Valerie Lawson ’87 & Pam Collie ’93

Below: Tommy J. Taylor ’62 and wife Phyllis

Top Row: Preston Brickner ’04, Rob Fairchild ’06, Holland Almer ’06 and Max Ward ’10, Seated: Meghan Gaines, Sara Froehler and Mike Froehler ‘03

34 UVa-Wise Magazine

s Top left: Amanda and Stephen Anderson ‘01, Graham Marsteller ’99 and wife Sarah, Yohan Gipson ’01, Coach Bill Ramseyer and Charlie Calton ‘02 and wife Ashley.

Second row: Andrew Maggard ‘09, Middle photo: Ed Roop ’76, Pam Collie’ 93, Warren Leap III ’00, Cathy Sandidge ‘71, Rick Mullins ’91, Tami Ely ’90, Adam Bell ’00, Rhonda M. Perkins ’73, and Brian Blanton ’92. Third photo: Marty H. Kilgore ’87 and husband Jerry Kilgore ‘83

Richmond

The banks of the James River were full of Cavaliers on May 21 as nearly 70 alumni gathered at the Dominion Riverside Café for fun, fellowship and a stroll down memory lane. In addition to the fabulous food, the crowd was entertained by the God Fearin’ Snake Handlers, a band featuring alumnus Charles Hartgrove ’97.

Top row: Charles Hartgrove ’97 and the God-Fearin’ Snake Handlers, Ed Roop ’76, Jessica Cain ’05 and Winston Ely ’61.

The Richmond gathering drew alumni from several decades. The First Annual Cavalier Alumni $elebration in Virginia’s capital was a success.

Competition was ÀHUFH EXW IULHQGO\ for the $5,000 grand prize.

Spring 2011 35

C 2011

36 UVa-Wise Magazine

Spring 2011 2011 37 37 Spring

Class 66

Bill Miller is in sales with Nash and Powers Insurance. Bill and his wife Trish reside in Bristol, Va.

70

Charles David Bentley and his wife, Katherine Sue ’81, are both retired teachers. Dave served as a basketball coach at J. J. Kelly High School and UVa-Wise. They have two sons, Jared ‘95 and Matthew.

Sharon Rudder has recently retired from Wise County Public Schools with more than 35 years of service. She and her husband Ed have three children— Brandi Kilgore Stanley ’99, a stayat-home mom, Kristal Kilgore Bruce, D à LJKW QXUVH DQG 0RUJDQ 5XGGHU Kiser, who works for the University of Virginia in Abingdon. Sharon’s oldest granddaughter, Taylor Helbert, is a freshman at UVa-Wise this year.

71

Albert S. Johnson is a retired principal from Louden County Public Schools. He and his wife Sandy ’71 have two adult children, Jeannie and Amanda. The Johnsons reside in Johnson City, Tenn.

72

Larry D. Russell is a retired teacher and is the head football coach at Chilhowie High School. Larry and his wife, Joanie, reside in Chilhowie, Va. Danny Jessee has taught math at Abingdon High School for the past 38 years and has been named Secondary Teacher of the Year. Jessee has served on various committees and coached the SWAC teams at

38 UVa-Wise Magazine

Abingdon High. Danny has a master’s degree from Radford University. His love of teaching has inspired many students to continue their studies in higher education. Danny and his wife Rosemary reside in Bristol and have two daughters, Brittany and Tiffany.

77

Frankie Holbrook recently spent a week touring Cuba as a member of The New York City Labor Chorus. Performing in John Lennon Park in Havana was one of the highlights of the trip. Frankie lives in New York City and is a consultant to the chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group.

84

Lori Petterson received her Master of Arts degree in Arts Management from George Mason University in January 2011. She will be retiring from George Mason in the spring of 2012 after 27 years of service, where she currently serves as a special projects writer/editor for the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

85

Kathy Roark Cannon is a Title I instructional specialist with Norfolk Public Schools. She received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia in 2007 and is currently an ABD-doctoral candidate at George Washington University. Her husband, Robert ’84, is a district manager with Republic National Distributing Company, Inc.

90

William E. Sluss was recently appointed as a FKLHI ÀQDQFLDO RIÀFHU with Digital Development Partners in City of Industry, Calif.

95

Billie Hill Murray works with the American Lung Association in Southwest Virginia with the NOT ON TOBACCO PROGRAM, where she promotes smoking cessation education. She and her husband Walter reside in Bristol with their four children—Aaron, Jennifer, Marisa and Rebecca.

Patsy Lambert Tankersley resides in Rineyville, Ky, with her husband Ralph. She has two sons, Howard, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and Jeffrey. Howard’s daughter Elizabeth is a junior at the University of Kentucky researching language on a grant study at Lancaster University in Lancaster, England.

Jason Wampler has accepted a position as a process engineer with CSL Behring in Kankakee, IL. CSL Behring processes blood plasma to make treatments for hemophilia, blood cancer and other rare blood disorders.

96

Wendi Collier lives in Marietta, Ga, where she is a tax planner with Willford & Associates PC.

97

Benjamin C. Mullins is a partner with Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP. In August 2010, Benjamin and his wife Skyli, and big sister, Autumn Star Mullins, welcomed Benjamin

sNotes Stay in touch

To submit a classnote, visit www.magazine. uvawise.edu

Tatsu Mullins. The Mullins family resides in Knoxville, Tenn.

98

Kara Goins and David Adkins ’93 welcomed their daughter, Juliana Elise Adkins on March 25, 2011.

Kara is a premier client manager for Bank of America, and David is a contractor with The Contractor Yard, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Juliana Elise Adkins

00

her MBA in December 2010 with a FRQFHQWUDWLRQ LQ ÀQDQFH IURP .LQJ College. She is an assistant vice president and banking center manager with Bank of America. Her husband Jonathan is a lineman with Pike Electric.

02

Troy Cutchin is an inside sales manager with Burlington Medical Supplies in Newport News, Va. He oversees the expansion of the medical, veterinarian and dental markets and assists in the launch of the manufacturer’s new products and services.

Whitney Wells is a counselor for Student Support Services and an ADA coordinator of disability services at UVa-Wise.

04

Rick Brown is a senior associate with Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. Rick and his wife, Rachel ’04, live in Piney Flats, Tenn, with their three children, Raelyn, Harlie and Annsleigh.

Stephanie Tolliver Osborne was named the 2010-2011 Instructor of the Year at Gaston College in April.

Kimberly D. Mathes-Moore is a physical education teacher and volleyball coach at Powell Valley High School with Wise County Public Schools. Her husband, Zack ’04, is men’s basketball coach and physical education teacher at Powell Valley High School. Kimberly and Zack, along with their daughter Aubrey reside in Big Stone Gap, Va.

Samantha Lester Mahoney and her husband Mark ZHOFRPHG WKHLU ÀUVW FKLOG 5\GHU in 2010. The Mahoneys live in Martinsville, Va. Osborne was selected as the Faculty of the Year for the Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences in March 2011. She serves as the director of the Gaston College Writing Center.

01

James Matthew Wilson is a family medicine physician at McLeod Regional Medical Center, and his wife, Jessica ’01, is a medical technologist.

The couple welcomed their son, James Andrew Wilson, on June 14, 2010.

They reside in Florence, S.C. Kristen Dotson Hincher completed

James Wilson ’01 and family

Lauren A. Mullins is employed with PerfectServe as a market strategy analyst. She received an MBA from East Tennessee State University in 2006 and resides in Knoxville.

Spring 2011 39

05

Tiffany Jade Burchette received her doctorate of ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in May of 2011.

ClassNotes

Michael Goforth received his master’s degree in educational administration from Lincoln Memorial University in 2010.

Michael was named the Region D and Group A, Division 1 State Coach of the Year. He led the J. I. Burton girls’ basketball team to win the State Championship. Michael’s wife, Megan D. Goforth ’05, teaches at J. J. Kelly High School.

Terry Curtis Fultz is a laboratory technician at Eastman Chemical Company. His wife, Nellibrooke ’07, teaches chemistry, physics and physical science at John I. Burton High School in Norton. The couple resides in Kingsport, Tenn.

06

Scott McDaniel and Jade ’10 celebrated one year of marriage on Jan. 2, 2011, and reside in Dayton, Ohio. Scott is pursuing a PhD in theology at the University of Dayton. He is a graduate teaching assistant and received a fellowship last summer for his independent research. Jade is pursuing a master’s

40 UVa-Wise Magazine

degree in English literature and FHUWLÀFDWH LQ ZRPHQ·V VWXGLHV DW Wright State University. She is also a graduate teaching assistant and guitar/ ukulele instructor at McCutcheon Music in Centerville, Ohio.

07

Rachel Helton is an assistant director of care coordination with Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. Rachel lives in Wise, Va. Michael G. McBride is a counselor of business, humanities and social services at Virginia Highlands Community College.

Josh Justice received a Master of Arts degree in Community and Organizational Leadership from Emory & Henry College in May 2011. He currently serves as an assistant director of Student Activities & Greek Life at UVa-Wise and joins the UVa-Wise Alumni Association Board this year. Josh lives in Wise.

and his wife, Victoria’10, live in Wise with their daughter, Olivia.

Kimberly Renee Hayes of Marion and Mark Anderson Moss of Gretna were united in marriage on Oct. 30, 2010 at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Va. Kim is a therapeutic day treatment counselor with Family Preservation Services, Inc. and Mark is a case management counselor with the Virginia Department of Corrections. The couple lives in Marion with their golden retrievers, Ryley and Parker.

09

)HVWXV $PDUWHLÀR

is a registered nurse with Johnson City Medical Center of the Mountain States Health Alliance.

Santana Leigh Vasquez is a technical recruiter with Evolvent Technologies, Inc.

Reagan Cecil is a receptionist in a ORFDO SK\VLFLDQ·V RIÀFH DQG VXEVWLWXWH teaches in Buchanan County Public Schools.

08

Jessica A. Herrington works at the University of Miami in Events Management-Advancement.

Brandon Bevins is a supervisor with &UXWFKÀHOG %UDQGRQ

In Memoriam David S. Roberson ’67 passed away on Nov. 9, 2010. Dave retired from the Virginia Department of Health as an environmental specialist in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dianne, and their son Darren.

Curtis Robinette Shortridge ’70 passed away on Dec. 27, 2010. Curtis was a United States Air Force veteran. He retired from the Buchanan County School system. He dedicated his life to athletics and his students. He enjoyed music, song writing, and writing short stories, having several published. He is survived by daughter Kristin, and sons, Logan and Lucas.

Hays/Moss wedding

Hannah Ellis Hooker and Chad Hooker ’10 welcomed daughter Jordyn Rylee on April 1, 2011.

Travis Brannon has completed KLV ÀUVW \HDU RI ODZ VFKRRO DW :HVW Virginia University College of Law and is focusing on energy law.

This summer he will be a law clerk IRU WKH ÀUP RI %RZOHV 5LFH LQ Charleston, W.Va. Pance Kecev is employed with Wolfe, Williams and Rutherford as a law clerk.

Jordyn Rylee Hooker

Britney Lawson Salyer is a teacher and coach with Scott County Public Schools. Her husband, Jonathon Salyer ’08, teaches and coaches in Russell County Public Schools. The couple resides in Castlewood, Va.

Alicia Richards is a special education teacher’s assistant with the Tuscarora High School in Loudon County, Va.

10

Josh Vaughan is employed as a consultant with CGI Federal in Lebanon, Va.

Marshell Bradley is the academic coordinator for Student Support Services and the Tutor Connection for UVa-Wise.

Ralph Vanover ’71 passed away on March 28, 2011. Ralph was a life-long resident of Dickenson County and was well known for his excellence in photography. He was a charter member of the Clintwood Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Pat Vanover, and son and daughter, Adam and Amanda.

Gregory Joe “Greg” Vanover ’72 passed away on April 14, 2011. He is survived by his mother, Helen, his sister Sheila, and his brother, Gary.

Greg was a resident of the Darwin Community in Dickenson County.

Anthony “Tony” Pyanoe ’79, passed away on April 30, 2011 He is survived by his wife, Nancy’79, and three children, Julina, Dominic and Anthony Rhonda Baker Whitaker ’86 passed away on Jan. 20, 2011. Rhonda was a former school teacher at Bell County High School in Pineville, KY, the Wise County Public School System and was a former employee of the Wise County Health Department and Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. Julie Carter Bray ’87 passed away on Nov. 14, 2010. Julie served on the UVa-Wise Alumni Association Board of Directors. A scholarship has been established in her memory at the college by her friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Emory Dean Bray III and four children, Elizabeth, Katherine, Emory and Carter.

Jennifer Knight Johnson ’08 passed away on Jan. 17, 2011. While attending UVa-Wise, Jennifer was a member of the Honor Court and the International Club.

Spring 2011 41

Denning shines at UVa-Wise Naana Denning ’11 found UVa-Wise on the Internet when she and her sister were searching for colleges during her senior year at Thomas Edison High.

The Alexandria resident had never been to Southwest Virginia, but she applied for admission and was invited to visit for orientation. “I fell in love with the college and the people here,� she said. “I’ve always been an independent but studious student. I wanted to be focused on academics, but still be part of the social life in college. The welcoming atmosphere was special.�

Denning was not deeply involved in extra curricular activities at Thomas Edison, but she was a member of the Key Club. She decided that college was the perfect backdrop to get more involved, but it took time to make the change. “As a freshman, I was the shy person who stayed in the residence hall and wouldn’t do anything,� she said. “I’m still an introvert, but I became a resident advisor in my sophomore year and I really had to come out of my shell a bit.�

She became a tutor and got to know most of the students on campus. In turn, they got to know her. ´,¡YH FKDQJHG D ORW ¾ VKH VDLG ´, IHHO FRQÀGHQW WRR ¾ VKH VDLG ´,Q DQ\ FDUHHU \RX are going to have to talk with people. You have to step out.�

Denning, the youngest of three siblings, credits UVa-Wise with helping her reach her potential. “My four years here were the best experiences of my life,� she said. “I am really thankful for the opportunity I have received here academically and socially. The professors and staff really care about the students.�

Denning arrived at UVa-Wise with the intention of pursuing a medical career. After four years of stringent study, Denning graduated in May with a biology degree. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University next to study in the biomedical program before pursuing medical school. “The science program here is very intense,� the soft-spoken Denning said. “I’ve learned a great deal from the professors here at UVa-Wise. I feel as if I’ve actually accomplished something. I’ve gone a step forward and challenged myself.�

Belcher heads to medical school Rachel Belcher ’11, an honors graduate, is leaving The University of Virginia’s College at Wise with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, but the Pound resident plans to return to Southwest Virginia as a physician after completing medical school at the University of Virginia.

Belcher, 22, has distinguished herself at UVa-Wise for her thorough research and dogged determination to use her education to help others. She spent two months in Africa with the University of Virginia’s Center for Global Health, where she completed research on a project entitled “Water and Health in Limpopo.â€? Belcher is WKH Ă€UVW 89D :LVH VWXGHQW WR WUDYHO ZLWK WKH &HQWHU IRU *OREDO +HDOWK While in Africa, Belcher noted similarities between health issues there and in the Appalachian region of the United States. She returned home with a profound feeling of how privileged she is to call Southwest Virginia home. “It opened my eyes to the health parallels there and in Appalachia,â€? she said. “It showed me that you don’t have to go halfway around the world to help people. You can help in your own backyard.â€?

Belcher worked with the Healthy Appalachia Institute on a breast cancer UHVHDUFK SURMHFW VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ RQ WKH DELOLW\ RI ZRPHQ LQ WKH $SSDODFKLDQ UHJLRQ WR JHW WUHDWPHQW ,W VROLGLĂ€HG KHU GHFLVLRQ WR UHWXUQ KRPH WR SUDFWLFH PHGLFLQH “It is very important to me,â€? she said. “It is one of the reasons I want to be a doctor.â€?

The four years she spent at UVa-Wise prepared her for many challenges. “I couldn’t say enough about my time here,â€? she said. “It has turned out to be phenomenal. All my professors know me and go above and beyond to help me.â€? ,Q KHU VSDUH WLPH %HOFKHU HQMR\V DWWHQGLQJ EDVHEDOO JDPHV ZLWK KHU Ă€DQFp %UHQW 0XOOLQV 7KH\ DOVR VSHQG WLPH Ă€VKLQJ DQG riding all-terrain vehicles. An avid reader, Belcher is the daughter of Liz and Gerald Belcher of Pound.

42 UVa-Wise Magazine

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Alumni

Homecoming Weekend

September 23-24, 2011