The UVa-Wise Magazine - Spring 2009 by UVa-Wise

magazine.uvawise.edu

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Spring 2009

THE

CAMPUS LIFE Bethany Alder Flora ’96 shares her life and love of higher education PLUS | Improving Appalachian health: What UVa-Wise is doing | Margie Tucker’s childhood around the world

from the

Chancellor Dear Alumni and Friends, We were honored this spring as state and federal officials joined the UVa-Wise community and the family of Samuel Crockett Jr. to celebrate Founder’s Day and the rededication of Crockett Hall, the College’s first building. UVa-Wise has grown over the years, and Crockett Hall, named after one of the College’s founders, has witnessed it all. In this edition, alumni and former faculty and residents share their Crockett Hall memories as we celebrate the historic building’s rebirth as a “one-stop” center housing the offices of Admissions, Advising and Retention, Financial Aid, the Registrar and the Cashier. The UVa-Wise Magazine always features stories of successful and interesting alumni, including Bethany Alder Flora Chancellor David J. Prior (far right) presented a portrait of Samuel Crockett Jr. to the Crockett ’96, who is highlighted in this issue’s Hall namesake’s children, Samuel Robert Crockett III, Virginia Crockett Howell and Lou Crockett cover story. However, there is a Ayers, during Founder’s Day celebrations on April 13. generational twist to some alumni profiles in this edition. UVa-Wise students in Michael McGill’s feature-writing class penned alumni profiles, including one feature by Allie Robinson and several profiles in Classnotes. We hope our students gained valuable insights about life after college and that our alumni enjoyed learning more about our current students. Inside these pages you will read about how UVa-Wise and its Healthy Appalachia Institute are partnering with several distinguished organizations and institutions, including the University of Virginia, to examine the causes and to determine ways to alleviate the region’s health risks. The College’s outstanding science and nursing departments and our focus on Appalachian studies will help the Healthy Appalachia Institute improve health outcomes in the region. We know that a healthy Appalachia creates a vibrant economy and builds a better place for all of us to live and learn. As always, your continued and generous support is helping UVa-Wise grow in service to our students and our region, and for that we are most thankful. Sincerely,

David J. Prior Chancellor

SPR ING 2 0 0 9 • VOL . V III • NO. 2

Contents

Editor Roger Hagy, Jr. ’05 rbh8y@uvawise.edu

F EATURE EAT U RE S

Assistant Editors Kathy Still ’84 kls7ad@uvawise.edu Cassandra J. Sproles ’00 cjp2q@uvawise.edu Alumni Editors Pamela J. Collie ’93 pjc9w@uvawise.edu Jo Stewart ’84 js9w@uvawise.edu

The ‘Campus’ Life From life as a UVa-Wise student to working as assistant provost at Virginia Tech, Bethany Alder Flora ’96 lives a life of higher education. And she loves every minute of it.

P r i n c i p a l Ph o t o g ra p hy Tim Cox, Tim Cox Photo/Graphics Co n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r s Cortni Bailey Pamela J. Collie ’93 Roger Hagy, Jr. ’05 Kacie Rae Jessee Aaron Lee Chris Myers Allie Robinson Cassandra J. Sproles ’00 Kathy Still ’84

Healthy Appalachia Works Appalachia has significant health problems that are difficult but not impossible to solve. UVa-Wise is working aggressively with its partners to improve the health of Appalachian people.

C l a s s n o t e s L ayo u t & Cr o c ke t t H a l l I l l u s t ra t i o n Jenny Salyers Magazine Design Roger Hagy, Jr. ’05 rbh8y@uvawise.edu

Co n t a c t U s E-mail: magazine@uvawise.edu Phone: 276-328-0130 The UVa-Wise Magazine One College Avenue Wise, VA 24293 magazine.uvawise.edu

In Her Element UVa-Wise chemistry professor Margie Tucker shares memories of her globe-spanning childhood.

DE P A AR R TM E N NT TS S

Headlines @ Wise Athletics News Alumni News Classnotes OtherWise

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Headlines @ Wise

UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior, Southwest Virginia Community College President J. Mark Estepp,Virginia Highlands Community College President F. David Wilkin and Mountain Empire Community College President Terrance E. Suarez (all seated) are joined by Virginia Senator Phillip Puckett ’67, Delegate Dan Bowling and Delegate Bud Phillips ’74 for the Jan. 8 signing.

UVa-Wise, community colleges to allow simple transfer for software engineering students Leaders of UVa-Wise and the region’s three community colleges signed an agreement on Jan. 8 that will allow regional community college students interested in earning a software engineering degree to transfer easily to UVa-Wise. The agreement, inked by UVa-Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College and Virginia Highlands Community College, will help meet the increasing needs of Southwest Virginia’s emerging technology industry by allowing students to finish two years of study at one of the three community colleges and then complete the remaining two years of the program at UVa-Wise. UVa-Wise offers Virginia’s only undergraduate degree in software engineering. The College worked with the region’s legislative delegation, local governments, businesses and economic development leaders to create the software engineering program. “This agreement creates a regional network of accessibility to higher education, something the public expects of the region’s colleges,” said UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior during a ceremony at the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon. “This will bring tremendous opportunities to the young people of Southwest Virginia,” said Sen. Phillip Puckett ’67. Delegate Bud Phillips ’74 said the agreement is a

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significant event because education is the key to the region’s growth and prosperity. “In the end, the quality of the workforce will draw business and industry to our region,” Phillips said. “Our colleges are second to none in giving a world-class education to our students.” Delegate Dan Bowling said the agreement makes it easier for students to transfer from the community colleges to UVaWise with the assurance that all coursework meets the software engineering degree requirements. Mark Estepp, president of SWCC, said his college is honored and proud to be a part of the agreement. MECC President Terry Suarez said his college looks forward to seeing the results of the program. F. David Wilkin, president of VHCC, said the agreement is not an isolated event, as the colleges have worked together on many projects in the past. Higher education is up to the task of providing what the workforce needs, Wilkin said. The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science also provided support for the software engineering program. James H. Aylor, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, said the program will produce students who will be able to receive engineering degrees without leaving the region.

Edwards ’62 named 2008 Volunteer of the Year Robert C. Hancock Estate named Benefactor of the Year Wayne Edwards ’62 was named the 2008 Volunteer of the Year at UVa-Wise for his longtime support of the College. Chancellor David J. Prior presented the award to Edwards during the annual Benefactor’s Celebration on Oct. 11, 2008. Edwards began his teaching career at the College in 1968 after he received his master’s degree at Louisiana State University. He was volunteer director of the Alumni Association for five years in the 1970s. He served as the faculty athletic representative for two decades and has served on the Alumni Association Board for more than 30 years. Edwards also served as president of the Poor Farm Society for five years and served on the College Board. Over the years, Edwards has received many awards, including the College’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the

Wayne Edwards ’62 with a Crockett Hall-branded mirror, given annually to the College’s Volunteer of the Year.

Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2003. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 for his years of support for athletics. The Robert C. Hancock Estate was named the 2008 Benefactor of the Year. The Hancock estate donated more than $4 million for scholarships.

CA M P PA AIIG G N N EW S

Napoleon Hill Foundation gives $100K to scholarship fund The Napoleon Hill Foundation recently presented UVa-Wise with $100,000 for the Napoleon Hill Scholarship Fund. The fund provides scholarships for up to 10 of the College’s best and brightest students. Students in the Napoleon Hill Scholars program receive training on the principles touted by Napoleon Hill. The scholarship fund now stands at more than $500,000. The donation was made during the annual Napoleon Hill Day at UVa-Wise on Oct. 20, 2008. “The Napoleon Hill Scholars program is so beneficial to the College and its students,” said Jekeyma Robinson ’09 of Honaker. During the event, the scholars also heard words of encouragement from Jim Connelly, an entrepreneur and motivational author. Connelly warned the students they would face plenty of obstacles as they go through life, but practicing the principles Napoleon Hill taught in his many books

Noteworthy Benke, Wills appointed to preserve and chronicle UVa-Wise history Chancellor David J. Prior has tapped Brian Wills to serve as College historian and appointed Robin Benke as the first College archivist for UVa-Wise. Prior announced the appointments at the UVa-Wise Board’s March meeting. “Brian Wills literally wrote the book on the College,” Prior said, referring to “No Ordinary College,” a history of UVa-Wise penned by Wills. “Robin Benke has been collecting and preserving important College documents for years. Both responsibilities are now official.” Wills serves as the Kenneth Asbury Professor of History, and Benke serves as the director of library services and assistant professor of library science.

UVa-Wise named College of Distinction

Napoleon Hill Foundation President Jim Oleson presents a check to Chancellor David J. Prior contributing to the Napoleon Hill Scholarship Fund.

would help them meet any challenge. “It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s what you do about it that matters,” he said. Headquartered at UVa-Wise, the Napoleon Hill Foundation is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to promoting Hill’s philosophy. Hill was born in poverty in a one-room cabin on the Pound River in 1883. He became an advisor to presidents and a best-selling author.

UVa-Wise has been selected as one of 10 schools in the state of Virginia profiled in the 2008-2009 edition of “Colleges of Distinction.” Unlike traditional numeric-based college guidebooks, this book recognizes and appeals to students’ unique interests, realizing what may be the best college for one student may be vastly different than the best for another. Approximately 40 colleges in each of the six geographical locations in the United States were selected as meeting four key criteria that make a college truly exceptional: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes. These are the “hidden gems” of higher education institutions - as determined by a review board of academicians, guidance counselors and parents.

SPRING 2009

Headlines @ Wise CA M MP P AI AIG GN N N EWS

Eastman provides grant to UVa-Wise science department A $25,000 grant from Eastman Chemical will allow UVa-Wise to purchase and update research equipment and computer software for the Department of Natural Sciences. The grant solidifies Eastman’s growing relationship with UVa-Wise, said Sador Black, Eastman’s director of corporate analytical services. She said the money allows Eastman to help the College’s science department expand. “Eastman wants to build better relationships with colleges and universities in the area,” Black said. “We’re going to have people in our company leave or retire soon, and we want people who are pleased to be in the East Tennessee area work for us. We’re very pleased to provide the grant to UVaWise.” Eastman recruiter Judy Kibler said the Kingsport-based company has had success with UVa-Wise graduates hired over the years. “We have deep appreciation for Eastman’s support,” said Professor of Chemistry Van Daniel. “We have always had a very positive relationship with the company.”

Professor of Chemistry Van Daniel presents a plaque of appreciation to Sador Black, director of corporate analytical services for Eastman Chemical. Eastman presented a grant to the College for science equipment.

Ely ’90 named vice chancellor for development and college relations With more than three decades of service to the College, Tami Ely ’90 has been named vice chancellor for development and college relations at UVa-Wise. Ely, who most recently served as senior director of development, was officially named to the post in December 2008 after having served as interim vice chancellor since February 2008. “Tami has done an excellent job serving on an interim basis, and I am confident she will provide effective leadership as the College continues to increase its level of private funding and visibility,” says Chancellor David J. Prior. Ely becomes vice chancellor after working for three decades in various departments at UVa-Wise. Her extensive campus work experience gives her a firsthand understanding of the College’s institutional framework. “I’m excited about this opportunity,” Ely says. “I look forward to working with everyone on campus to determine the best ways to utilize our donors’ generous support for the best interest of the College and our students.” Ely also hopes to keep alumni engaged in UVa-Wise and sees them as instrumental in the College’s growth.

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“Our College is very young, but our alumni base is growing,” Ely says. “The majority of our alumni have graduated since 1990, so we are poised to build for the future. “UVa-Wise is also blessed with many hardworking volunteers, and we have a lot of leadership from our boards,” Ely says. The College tapped many of its volunteers as it began the $50 million “Fulfilling the Dream” fundraising campaign in 2006, led by a 13-member Campaign Cabinet. Ely says introducing current students to the UVa-Wise alumni program and building alumni chapters in various communities are prudent ways to create a strong support base.

Headlines @ Wise C AM P AIG N N EWS E WS

Asbury scholarship established for UVa-Wise athletes The Virginia-Kentucky District Fair and Horse Show Board of Directors recently established a scholarship at UVaWise in honor of the late Kenneth P. Asbury. Asbury, a longtime supporter of the Virginia-Kentucky District Fair, was one of the founders of the College. The scholarship will be awarded to student athletes at UVa-Wise. Fair Manager Lawton Mullins ’04 said the scholarship fund is a fitting tribute to Asbury’s decades of work to keep the fair operating. During more than 35 years of involvement, Asbury served as chairman of the Wise County Fair and later was instrumental in expanding it to the Virginia-Kentucky District Fair. Greg Gilbert, Asbury’s son-in-law and law partner, participated in the $10,000 check presentation with Mullins, UVa-Wise Foundation Board President Don Green ’61 and Carroll Dale, assistant vice chancellor for athletic development.

Virginia-Kentucky District Fair Manager Lawton Mullins ’04, UVa-Wise Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletic Development Carroll Dale, UVa-Wise Foundation Board President Don Green ’61 and Greg Gilbert, son-in-law and law partner of the late Kenneth P. Asbury, hold the check establishing a scholarship for athletes.

Wise Kiwanis Club donation creates funds, supports scholarship The Wise Kiwanis Club enhanced its tradition of support for UVa-Wise on Jan. 12 with a $98,000 donation that creates two new College funds and boosts an existing scholarship fund. A generous $83,000 gift creates the Wise Kiwanis Club Fund, an endowed fund to be used at the discretion of the College’s chancellor. A $5,000 donation creates an annual fund for Circle K International at UVaWise. The fund is created in honor of Kiwanis Club members Jim Collie and the late Emmet Low, an esteemed member of the College faculty and administration.

Scholarship established to honor founders of Wise Lions Club The Wise Lions Club honored four of its charter members by establishing a scholarship to benefit J. J. Kelly High graduates attending UVa-Wise. The Wise Lions Club Memorial Scholarship honors founders W.G. Bays, Earl D. Short ’56, Carl E. Triplett Jr. and Frank Caruso Jr. “The Wise Lions Club really loved them, so we decided to create this scholarship in their honor,” said Dr. William Goins, the club’s president.

The Wise Kiwanis Club also made a $10,000 allocation to the Clinch Valley College History Fund, a scholarship established in 2001 for history students. “From the beginning, Wise Kiwanis has been very supportive of the College,” said George Culbertson ’57, club

president and former interim chancellor of the College. The Kiwanis Club has supported the College in many ways throughout the years. In the past 15 years, the club has donated $120,000 to UVa-Wise to fund 20 projects, programs and scholarships.

Fulfilling the Dream...

Campaign Update

Goal

Gifts to date

Scholarships

$10 million

$ 18,871,410

Professorships

$ 3 million

$ 3,619,592

Academic Programs

$ 4 million

$ 3,201,322

Athletics

$ 8 million

$ 8,036,350

Dining Commons

$ 8 million

$ 4,000,600

Residence Hall

$ 2 million

Convocation Center Project $10 million $ (Supplemental funds for Convocation Center, Greear Gym renovation)

500

Center for the Arts

$ 4 million

$ 4,000,300

Great Ideas

$ 1 million

$ 3,571,528

Total

$50 million

$ 45,301,602

SPRING 2009

Headlines @ Wise

U.S. Sen. Webb visits UVa-Wise, discusses new GI bill During his first visit to UVa-Wise on Feb. 16, U.S. Senator Jim Webb said the College has a tremendous impact on the region and Virginia as a whole. Chancellor David J. Prior and Chancellor Emeritus Joseph C. Smiddy escorted Sen. Webb on a bus tour of the UVa-Wise campus following a meeting with the UVa-Wise senior staff. In a packed Chapel of All Faiths, Sen. Webb fielded numerous questions on a variety of national issues, including ways the new GI bill may help America’s veterans gain a college education. Sen. Webb’s father graduated from college after 26 years of night school. His father’s tenacity solidified Webb’s strong stance on access to education. He said making higher education possible is a top legislative priority, especially easing the process for the nation’s veterans by building legislative policies to help veterans take advantage of educational benefits. The Senator introduced the new GI bill on his first day in office on Jan. 3, 2007. The measure was signed into law on June 30, 2008. The legislation gives veterans of the post-Sept. 11 era comprehensive education benefits similar to the ones World War II veterans received.

Utilizing the view of campus from the fifth floor of the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center, UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior (right) highlights landmarks and construction projects for U.S. Senator Jim Webb.

Congress has approved several GI bills in past decades, but most of the measures were designed for peacetime veterans. The need for an update grew with the realities of wartime service, Webb said. The measure gives educational benefits to all members of the military who served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Activated reservists and National Guard troops also are covered. To qualify, veterans must have served at least three

to 36 months of active duty beginning on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Benefits include tuition, books and a stipend equal to housing costs in their area. Tutorial assistance and payments for licensure and certification tests are also in the package. Sen. Webb said the bill gives veterans up to 15 years after leaving active duty to use the benefits instead of the 10 years granted under the previous GI bill.

Faculty & Staﬀ Notes Harvey receives VMFA fellowship Art instructor Heather Harvey was recently honored with a fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Harvey was awarded the $8,000 fellowship Heather Harvey and to assist in the Del. Terry Kilgore ’83 creation of her artwork. She traveled to Richmond in February to receive the award in a ceremony featuring VMFA representatives

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and Virginia’s General Assembly, including Delegate Terry Kilgore ’83. Harvey won in the category of sculpture for her site-specific installations, a type of visual art designed for a specific gallery space, open area or architectural setting. Clark ’92 awarded NWP research grant Amy Clark ’92, assistant professor of English, has received a $5,000 research grant from the National Writing Project to conduct a study of how dialect influences student writing from elementary school through college. Clark will lead a team of teachers this year in data collection and analysis to determine dialect patterns in student writing. The results will be used in the development of culturally sensitive

approaches to teaching writing in areas with vernacular dialect patterns. Sheldon attends Israel seminar Garrett W. Sheldon, the John Morton Beaty Professor of Political Science, traveled in February to Israel to attend an educational seminar sponsored by the American Israel Policy Affairs Committee. He met with Middle Eastern political, media and spiritual representatives. Michael appears on C-SPAN2’s Book TV George Michael, assistant professor of political science, discussed his critical biography of radical right-wing activist and Liberty Lobby founder Willis Carto on C-SPAN2’s Book TV in January.

Headlines @ Wise

Students meet donors during annual scholarship luncheon UVa-Wise scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet their benefactors during the 18th Annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon on March 28.

RECENTLY ESTABLISHED SCHOLARSHIPS Tice Award winner Jade Bolling ’09 and Gigi Pippin ’73

Recently established scholarships announced at the luncheon include the following:

Lee Turner ’58, James Blackburn ’74 and Laura Barnett

• Kenneth P. Asbury Scholarship • Nell H. Asbury Scholarship • Dwaine Davis, Sr. Scholarship • Mark and Ruby Ely Scholarship • Ronald H. Heise Scholarship Award in Communication Studies • Dr. William C. Horne and Mrs. Rebecca Horne Scholarship Fund • Helen Popp Lewis Athletic Scholarship • Sister Ann Christina O’Sullivan Scholarship • Calvin and Fern Robinson Memorial Scholarship • Clyde Stacy Scholarship • Jimmy C. Stewart Scholarship • Thomas Walker High School Class of 1950 Scholarship • Westmoreland Coal Company and Penn Virginia Corporation Foundation Scholarship • Wise Lions Club Memorial Scholarship

Jeannie Asbury Stallard ’80, Nell Asbury and Tice Award winner Luke Parks

Allen Gregory, Ann Gregory and Travis Garrett

Samantha Burton and Marcia Mitchell

Angie Lewis Buchanan ’80, Chancellor David J. Prior and Lawton Mullins ’04

Tice Award winner and student speaker Bryant Gray

Ron and Julia Heise with Chancellor David J. Prior SPRING 2009

Chancellor David J. Prior, U.Va. President John T. Casteeen III, Samuel Robert Crockett III and Chancellor Emeritus Joseph C. Smiddy stand with the unveiled plaque that will hang in the newly renovated Crockett Hall.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner delivers remarks during the College’s 2009 Founder’s Day celebration on April 13.

Crockett family members (standing) Anne Ayers Busé, Wendell Ayers, Del. Anne B. Crockett-Stark, Samuel R. Crockett III, Paul Schmidt, Lillian Schmidt, Virginia Crockett Howell, (seated) W. Sam Crockett and Lou Crockett Ayers

Crockett Hall rededicated during Founder’s Day U.S. Sen. Warner, U.Va. President John T. Casteen III, Crockett family and others celebrate at UVa-Wise UVa-Wise rededicated the newly renovated Crockett Hall on Founder’s Day while honoring University of Virginia founder Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Crockett Jr., the University extension agent who played a pivotal role in the creation of UVa-Wise. During the April 13 celebration, U.Va. President John T. Casteen III said Crockett shared Jefferson’s dream of making higher education accessible to all of Virginia. Crockett Hall, the College’s original building, stands as a powerful symbol of the dream, Casteen said. “Can anyone doubt that he succeeded?” Casteen asked of Crockett’s determination that the new college would be a success. Casteen said UVa-Wise, created in 1954 (the year after Crockett met with

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local leaders who wanted a branch college in Wise), is the product of collaboration by visionaries who sought to create the type of college Thomas Jefferson had in mind. None had a stronger role than Crockett, Casteen said. Casteen said the development of UVa-Wise, originally named Clinch Valley College, represents a level of ingenuity and persistence not found in other colleges across the country. “The work of Samuel Crockett was essential to the College’s founding and growth,” said Chancellor David J. Prior. Originally used for classrooms and student residences, Crockett Hall was recently renovated and now houses the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar, the Cashier and Advising and Retention.

Samuel Robert Crockett III said he was with his father when the dream of creating a college in Wise was discussed with local leaders on a snowy winter evening in 1953. “It’s amazing to see it all 50 years later,” he said. “I’m overwhelmed. Thank you for this tribute to my father.” U.S. Senator Mark Warner called UVa-Wise “a college on the move” because of its aggressive new construction plan and its willingness to help the region’s economy by creating programs such as the new software engineering degree to prepare graduates for high-tech jobs. “Here at UVa-Wise, you are creating the workforce of the future,” Sen. Warner said. “I believe this College embodies the spirit of Mr. Jefferson’s work.”

If walls could talk... Alumni and Poor Farm residents share Crockett Hall memories BY CASSANDRA J. SPROLES ’00 If the walls of Crockett Hall could talk, they would have some pretty interesting stories to tell, much like some of the building’s former residents. The recently completed renovation of the College’s first building opened up a floodgate of memories from time spent in the 85-year-old structure that was the former Wise County Poor Farm. Former professor Ertle Thompson recalls setting up the College’s first chemistry lab in the basement of Crockett Hall using park benches for lab tables. Max Jenkins ’57 recalls attending biology lab with Joseph C. “Papa Joe” Smiddy. Jim Lipps ’56, a member of the first class and a College employee for nearly 42 years, remembers biology classes so large that they spilled out onto the upstairs porch of Crockett Hall. (Clockwise from top) Adrian Eldridge, Berva Minor and Agatha Petro reminisced about living on the poor farm Lipps’ wife Clara ’56 remembers riding before it became Crockett Hall (inset).They attended the rededication ceremony to take a tour of their old home. to College with her husband as early as Geneva McFall, who managed the Wise County Poor Farm. 4 a.m. so he could begin his work day The sisters returned April 13 for the rededication of by building a fire in the furnance. Lipps had a cot set up in Crockett Hall to see their former home and reminisce about life the basement where Clara could sleep while waiting for her on the poor farm. Though they saw a lot of changes, it seemed classes to begin. Lipps says that the coal for the furnace was easy for the ladies to remember the way things used to be. provided by George Wharton, who joined other members of “This was our living room,” Petro says of the Admissions the community in helping the College in its early days. lobby. “Back that way was the dining room, the kitchen and the In the early 1960s, the upper level of Crockett Hall was pantry,” she says, pointing to the Office of Admissions. turned into a men’s dormitory and soon after came the Walking through the cubicles, the ladies recall that establishment of a new tradition: the infamous water fights. in order to feed all of the residents, the dining room was “We would sit on the second-story porch and throw water populated with four long tables. They killed 25 hogs every balloons at kids from McCraray,” says Randy McMahon ’80. year and lived on what they could grow in the garden. On a particular fall night – when the cleanup of a water Eldridge pointed out a small space at one end of the Office balloon fight didn’t sound so appealing – Lewey Lee ’64 says of Admissions that they called the “pouting room,” where he, Roger Viers ’64 and several other Crockett residents made Geneva McFall would send the girls when they were pouting. plans that included a trip to the women’s dormitory. Down the hall, in what is now Advising and Retention, “We weren’t making just a social call, so to speak,” Lee Minor pointed out the spot where they would listen to says with a laugh as he describes what turned out to be an preachers who delivered a Sunday message from a small stage. expedition to secure certain items of ladies’ undergarments. Life at the poor farm was heavy with work, but the McFall Buck Henson, dean of students, was sent to interrogate the children always found time for entertainment. Minor recalled boys but failed to get any admissions of guilt. After a meeting roller skating on the building’s concrete floors and playing that same night, the boys decided to come clean, learning a hide and seek in an unusual place. lesson in the process. “One time we were playing hide and seek and we couldn’t McMahon believes the building has come full circle from find Adrian,” Petro recalls with a laugh. “So we went and told its early days as the College’s first building. Mother, and she found her hiding in a casket in the basement.” “It’s a great testimonial to Crockett that this is the first After finishing their tour in the basement, the sisters place students will see when they come on campus.” looked out onto campus with various questions about But life in the building wasn’t always about academia and construction and the future of the College, perhaps fun. Berva Minor, Agatha Petro and Adrian Eldridge remember remembering a time not so long ago when all of campus was Crockett Hall not as students, faculty or staff, but as young their playground. girls working with their brother Bill and parents Willie and SPRING 2009

Chancellor David J. Prior is surprised with a hug - instead of the traditional handshake - from Bryan Tolbert ’09 of Richmond.

COMMENCEMENT 2009

Governor Kaine congratulates graduates Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine delivered the keynote address for the 299 graduates of UVa-Wise and hundreds of their friends and family who gathered for the May 16 ceremony at Carl Smith Stadium. The governor said he has learned a lot from interacting with students and others involved in education during his 15 years in public office. “You’ve taught me to be more optimistic about tomorrow,” he said. “I see in you a public spirit. I see openness, resilience and a community spirit. I congratulate all of these graduates. Because of all the preparation, love and care you have received, we are expecting very much out of you.” Education is the most essential thing a government can do, said Governor Kaine, who helped get a $1.6 billion bond package approved last year to improve access to public education. In 1954, when the College opened, Virginia had a small percentage of its young people in college compared to other states, the governor said. As a result, Virginia was ranked 36th in the nation in per capita income. Today, Virginia has strong educational programs from kindergarten through higher education. The Commonwealth

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ranks fifth in the nation in per capita income, Governor Kaine said. The investment Virginia makes in higher education will keep the state strong, he said. Virginia has succeeded in higher education, but there is room for improvement. Higher education must continue to be accessible, he added. “We have to do a lot better,” he said. “There is no

Governor Timothy Kaine addresses the Class of 2009.

Ring ’09 to pursue doctorate in audiology

Emily Atkins ’09 receives a kiss of congratulations from her mother after Commencement.

successful future for us as a nation if we just basically put a ceiling on higher education. We have to get better at it. That is where UVa-Wise comes in because this school got started precisely to deal with that issue.” UVa-Wise also graduated its first software engineering program students. Governor Kaine said the fact that the College is the only one in Virginia to offer software engineering degrees shows UVa-Wise continues in its mission to make education accessible. Kaine’s father-in-law, Governor Linwood Holton (a native of Big Stone Gap), also attended the ceremony. Holton was governor during the College’s fledgling years. Holton told the crowd he was honored to visit the College again to see all the growth and development. Chancellor David J. Prior reminded the graduates that they are a part of the growing culture of education in the region, and he urged each one to pass the gift of learning to others in the community. Each graduate received a copy of the book “The Little Engine That Could” as a gift from the College and the Napoleon Hill Foundation. Prior asked the graduates to encourage a child to dream of going to college by reading the book to a youngster in the coming weeks.

Nicolette Cox ’09 of Wise

At first glance, majoring in biology and communication studies at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise might seem a bit inconsistent, but it is all part of the plan for Pound native Stephanie Ann Ring ’09 to earn a doctorate in audiology. The 23-year-old magna cum laude member of the Class of 2009 delivered the “Moment of Reflection” during Commencement 2009. She took a few communication classes as a break from the rigors of biology and to improve her overall communication skills. “I didn’t want to let them go,” she says of the communication classes, which led to her double major in biology and communication. “I know I will use parts of both majors as I work toward my doctorate in audiology. I also want to obtain a dual licensure in speech pathology.” Spending quality time with her grandfather, who had hearing difficulties, led Ring to her chosen career path. Shadowing local audiologist Fredia Helbert solidified her goal to either attend James Madison University or the University of Tennessee after leaving UVa-Wise. “I want to make a difference,” she says. “I feel I have received a very strong background in science here at UVa-Wise and advanced my communication skills.”

Maggard ’09 soars toward pharmacy school Having options is important to Andrew J. Maggard ’09 as he leaves UVa-Wise with a biochemistry degree and prepares for pharmacy school at Virginia Commonwealth University. Maggard, a summa cum laude member of the Class of 2009 and a Wise native, delivered the “Challenge to the Graduates” during Commencement 2009. He opted to major in biology but quickly grew fascinated by organic chemistry. The option to major in biochemistry solved Maggard’s dilemma and put him solidly on the pharmacy school path. “With biochemistry, I could still get a four-year degree and meet all the requirements for pharmacy school,” Maggard says. “Pharmacy has lots of good options. It offers flexibility and the field is wide open right now. I can work in a retail or hospital pharmacy, or I can work in the pharmaceutical industry.” The 22-year-old is no stranger to hard work, determination and self-reliance. Last year, Maggard climbed into the cockpit of a Cessna 172 and took his first solo flight so he could receive his pilot’s license. He plans to use his flying skills for personal transportation. “It was the first time I was on my own up there with no instructor to guide me or tell me what to do,” he says of his solo flight. “It builds a lot of confidence in yourself. It made all the hard work and effort worth it.”

SPRING 2009

Stepping out Whether in sunshine or (in this case) rain, Bethany Alder Flora ’96 thrives in a collegiate atmosphere. “There’s something energizing about being on a college campus,” says the 34-year-old Virginia Tech assistant provost.

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campus the

life

Who says the campus experience ends at graduation? From life as a student at UVa-Wise to working as assistant provost at Virginia Tech, Bethany Alder Flora â&#x20AC;&#x2122;96 lives a life of higher education. And she loves every minute of it.

By Roger Hagy, Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05

SPRING 2009

cosystems of creative energy.” That’s how Bethany Alder Flora ’96 describes a college campus. And she does it with a poetic elegance. Flora should know plenty about campuses, as she has spent her youth, young adulthood and career experiencing the various facets of higher education. Now, at 34, Flora has climbed to the senior leadership ranks at Virginia Tech, where she serves as assistant provost. “There’s something energizing about being on a college campus,” Flora says. Flora brought that energy when she returned in January to her alma mater to deliver remarks at the UVaWise faculty workshop about her work and research in higher education. Her passion for higher education is further apparent when listening to Flora discuss her career, beginning with her first job as an adjunct instructor teaching in two of Tusculum College’s academic programs: business courses in the organizational management program and a course in the general education curriculum entitled “Our Lives in Community.” “In ‘Our Lives,’ my students would write about their service-learning, outreach and volunteer experiences in journals for English composition credit,” Flora says. “They were from all disciplinary backgrounds, so seeing them open themselves up to new ideas... there was such an energy behind it.” Flora is similarly enthralled by her current position at Virginia Tech, which involves the search for, hiring of and periodic evaluation of senior-level academicians. “Just this morning, I’ve been on the phone with two

candidates for a dean’s position,” Flora says on a rainy March afternoon sitting inside Burruss Hall, where she and other Tech executives do most of their work. “Virginia Tech is highly competitive for administrators at the international level, so the searches we do are significant.” Flora also assists in the ever-present credentials review of more than 2,000 faculty members. If a faculty member has a Ph.D. in one field and is teaching in a different field, she helps in determining if that person is qualified to continue teaching under their current circumstances or if changes should be implemented. As Flora recounts stories about humorous reference calls and interesting candidates (without using names, of course, to protect the innocent or otherwise), it’s easy to see why she finds the higher education atmosphere so alluring. She clearly loves a college campus and in many ways defines herself by the campuses she has known. “My mom and dad went to Berea College, so attending college was always expected of me,” Flora says. “I always had some type of exposure to higher education and really loved college campuses early on.” A native of Meadowview, Flora grew up living with her single mother on her grandfather’s dairy farm. In eighth grade, she and 11 other students from throughout the nation were invited to the University of Kentucky for an Appalachian scholars program funded by the National Science Foundation. The program’s aim was to get students from the Appalachian region interested in the sciences. She later attended governor’s school at Virginia Highlands Community College. After high school, Flora attended Averett University for one year before deciding to transfer to Clinch Valley College (now UVa-Wise). Her main reason? “The cost,” Flora says. “In essence, I was number six in my family to start college. I didn’t want to be in debt when I graduated.” And graduate debt-free she did. Volleyball scholarships covered her tuition, and work as a resident advisor (RA) covered her room and board. “The College really prepared me for leadership,” Flora says. “Serving as captain of the volleyball team gave me leadership responsibilities, and I can’t discount the training we received as RAs.... We were immersed in training that helped us develop our leadership skills.” As an RA, Flora had the chance to live throughout the campus, including the College’s townhouse apartments near downtown Wise and Crockett Hall before it was closed for renovations a few years later. In Crockett, Flora lived in the room directly behind the front porch, allowing her to easily keep an eye on the building’s goings-on.

“I always had some type of exposure to higher education and really loved college campuses early on.”

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Looking back When an Outpost yearbook was brought out, Flora was pleasantly surprised and immediately began reliving memories and pointing out former classmates. Flora says the people at the College made a difference in her life: “There was such a sense of support and belonging.”

“There was a handful of females, but Crockett Hall was purely male otherwise,” Flora says. “I had mostly male athletes, including big football players, in my building, and the most they acted up was when they were playing Nintendo tournaments, and no one liked to lose. I just had to go say, ‘Guys, hold it down.’ “They were so much fun,” Flora says, trailing off and clearly reminiscing about other memories of the students she advised. Flora admits that early in her college career, she focused perhaps too much on fun. “I won’t lie; I let athletics get in the way of my studies,” says Flora, who started out as an English major before switching to business to study under professors like Peter Yun. “I’ll never forget the day after that international economics class when he pulled me aside and said I wasn’t living up to my full potential. I was stunned that, first, he had noticed, and second, that a smart professor in economics thought I had potential.” Flora never forgot Yun’s words and hunkered down to work harder. “I really loved that experience, taking classes from Guy Briggs, Chris Achua, Peter Yun, Gary Stratton,” Flora says. “Because of my doctoral work in education, I can recognize good pedagogy now, and they were using it.” Faculty members offered genuine concern for her and her classmates, Flora says. “I remember during one exam week, the faculty actually fixed breakfast for us,” Flora says, referring to an

exam week tradition that continues at the College today. “That type of care for me and knowing that I wasn’t going to fall through the cracks... these people cared about me as a person.” Flora fondly recalls Gary Stratton playing basketball with students at the townhouses and Chris Achua bringing his children to volleyball practice. “They weren’t just people on a pedestal that you esteemed as professors,” Flora says. “They were people who invested in your life outside of class, too.” Faculty weren’t alone in taking time out for students. Flora notes that she was a student during Jay Lemons’ chancellorship, and he made a clear impact on her life. “I credit [Chancellor Lemons] for piquing my interest in higher education administration,” Flora says. “He had such a student-centered approach. It wasn’t unusual for he and his wife to invite students to their house for lunch or to attend volleyball games.” However, it was something Lemons said during Flora’s graduation that changed her life forever. Just before graduating from the College, Flora found out she was pregnant with her first child, Jonah. She now faced two challenges: life as a young professional and life as a young mother. Suffice it to say, Flora was nervous about the future. During Commencement exercises, however, Chancellor Lemons offered special recognition for Rhonda Bentley ’96, one of Flora’s classmates and a longtime staff member of UVa-Wise. Flora was instantly reminded of SPRING 2009

Bentley’s own challenges as a single mother. “Rhonda worked full time and went to school part time and would bring her son to classes with her,” Flora recalls. “He would sit there quietly, and she would make sure he was entertained the entire time. I watched her work, go to school and be a single mom, and I admired her for it.” So when Lemons commended Bentley for her perseverance to obtain her education, Flora made a lifechanging realization: “I thought, ‘Wow, I really can do that,’” Flora says with a soft laugh. “I resolved myself at that moment to go on, that I will continue my education. “That really inspired me,” Flora continues. “Who ever thinks a commencement speech would have that kind of impact? Watching Rhonda do it and knowing that I could do it.... I never forgot that.” Fresh out of college, Flora worked for the Boys and Girls Club in Bristol and served as a production control specialist for Ball Corporation, also in Bristol. She worked at Ball for four years while pursuing a master’s degree at Tusculum College in organizational management. After Flora earned the master’s degree, Tusculum invited her to be an instructor in the organizational management program and the on-campus residential commons program with a service-learning/English composition course. “I decided then that I really loved higher education,” Flora says, and she drove hard to establish a career in the field. Post-Tusculum, Flora worked at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center as the site director for Radford University. In 2004, she went to Radford’s campus to serve as director of graduate recruiting before ultimately arriving at Virginia Tech in March 2007 to serve as special projects coordinator and to earn her Ph.D. Her arrival at Tech was a trial by fire, however. Within weeks, Flora and the rest of the Virginia Tech community faced the tragic mass shooting of 32 students and faculty on April 16. “I was in a classroom when the lockdown occurred,” Flora recalls. “My immediate role in the provost’s office that week was to triage the flood of e-mails the provost received. “It was overwhelming, but the people I work with, they are solid,” Flora says. “They have the utmost integrity. It’s always about doing the right thing.” In the aftermath, Flora continued to assist with responding to messages to the provost’s office, some of which were expressions of condolences, frustration, hurt and anger. However, a large portion served more as encouragement. “It was such an honor to be on the receiving end of

“I resolved myself at that moment to go on, that I will continue my education.... Who ever thinks a commencement speech would have that kind of impact?”

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those e-mails,” she says. “I read messages from the higher education community, with people saying, ‘You’re doing a good job and we’re with you.’ That meant so much during a time when we were all still in shock and grieving.” Flora had the unique responsibility of working with Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger’s internal review committee to examine the interface between academic affairs, judicial affairs, the police department and the counseling center, and she helped with the university’s Norris Hall Task Force to determine the future usage of the building where most of the shootings occurred in 2007. “That was very difficult but very gratifying,” Flora says. The group’s final recommendation was to establish a Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention, an Office of Outreach and Engagement and to continue to house College of Engineering academic programs while also developing research space for students and faculty.

ow, two years later, Flora has received her doctorate and serves as assistant provost. Unsurprisingly, she enjoys opportunities to conduct research. “My research now is looking at higher education centers and using them as proxies for the higher education system as a whole,” Flora says, referring to how such centers commonly bring together colleges and universities to offer programs under the same roof. “I’m interested in the notion of publics and privates competing and collaborating in one amalgamation for the higher education system,” Flora explains. “Educators from different institutions could work together in interdisciplinary projects and offer something unique.” A love for education is prominent in Flora’s personal life, too. At New Horizons Church in Radford, where she, her husband Bill and their four children attend, Flora has helped develop a new “rotation” curriculum for children’s Sunday school classes. One example Flora uses is that when learning about Noah’s ark, students will build an ark in wood-working one week and make ark cookies in cooking class the next week. Working with children each weekend is a clear reminder of what Flora misses in her professional career. “I would like to work with students more,” Flora says. “I would love to have a career that is half-faculty and halfadministrator.... It would have to be a huge balance, but I really see myself doing that. I think it can be done.” If anyone can achieve that balance, Flora is a prime candidate, thanks to her excellent track record and quick climb on the professional ladder. Characteristically, she brushes off the acclaim. “There’s nothing special about me. I’m blessed. I have a great family and faith in God to use me wherever I am,” Flora says. “I just had really good people in my life who saw potential and encouraged me.” Many were at UVa-Wise. “There was such a sense of support and belonging,” Flora says. “I cannot imagine having a better undergraduate experience. I could do it all, and I’m not sure I could have done it all anywhere else.”

Living the ‘campus’ life at UVa-Wise today “If a student says there’s nothing to do on this campus, then they’re hibernating in their room.” Gary Juhan, vice chancellor for administration at UVa-Wise, is absolutely right. Today, campus life is a pillar of the institution, with more than 60 student organizations, more than 200 activities held in the past year and participation climbing steadily. The College’s reputation for student life is equally impressive. For five consecutive years, UVaStudents enjoy Wise has been honored as School of the Year at the the amenities of annual Virginia Association of College and University the C. Bascom Residence Halls Conference. Slemp Student Student affairs staff like Angela Lemke, director Center, a highlight of residence life, agree that students are the driving of student life on campus. force behind campus life’s growth. “A lot of our success comes from the dedication of the students,” Lemke says. “They want to make sure this campus is the best place for their peers to live.” Formal student life-centered programming hasn’t always existed at the College, however. Juhan says that when he came to the College in 1995, many core components were missing, including full-time staff for counseling, residence life and intramurals. “A student was running intramurals,” he says, “and the equipment closet in Crockett Hall looked like a bomb had gone off in it.” Under Juhan’s leadership and with the support of former chancellor Jay Lemons, the College took steps to gain those missing components, and a structured student affairs operation was formed. “It takes people, programs and resources,” Juhan says, “but it also takes long-term commitment to the institution.” Juhan says the addition of the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center was a major turning point for student life at the College. The Slemp Student Center stands as both the center of campus and the center of student life, with recreational areas and office space for student organizations. “In terms of the activities and events in the facility, it’s hard to even think back to the time before the Student Center opened,” says Julie Adkins Scott ’03, director of the Slemp Student Center. “We always have something going on,” says Chris Davis ’99, associate director of the Slemp Student Center. “We try to find something students can enjoy.” On the intramurals front, Davis takes student teams to tournaments throughout the Southeast. “You don’t see small schools like UVa-Wise at the tournaments, which speaks volumes about us,” Davis says. “The students enjoy getting off campus and competing against other schools.” On campus, Davis is excited about the opportunities that will be available with the completion of the new Convocation Center. Intramural games can have more time in the Fred B. Greear Gymnasium, and a second facility will open the door for new activities. Josh Justice ’07, assistant director of student activities and Greek life, and the Student Activities Board organize in-house and contracted entertainments events on campus. Justice hopes to bring higher-profile entertainers to campus. “We have a great lineup of entertainers now,” Justice says, “but it’s always great to bring in people with wide recognition, too.” Example? Kelly MacFarland, a contestant on the first season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” will come to campus this fall. “We’re just trying to come up with great ideas and ways to improve on what we already have,” Justice says.

SPRING 2009

Helping hand Christine Shachtman, a mobile mammography technologist for the University of Virginia Health System, conducts a mammogram for a patient. The Health System, Healthy Appalachia and the Health Wagon brought the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile digital mammography van to Southwest Virginia to offer free screenings and follow-up care for uninsured patients.

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woâ&#x201E;&#x17E;ks

HEALTHY APPALACHIA

Appalachia is known for its natural beauty and its proud, hard-working people, but a shadow that has fallen across the mountains is slowly robbing generations of Appalachians of the long and healthy lives enjoyed by most of the nation. Appalachia has significant health problems that are difficult but not impossible to solve. UVa-Wise is working aggressively with its partners to improve the health of Appalachian people.

By Kathy Still â&#x20AC;&#x2122;84

SPRING 2009

he Healthy Appalachia Institute, a partnership between the University of Virginia, UVa-Wise, the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium and the Appalachian Regional Commission, is working to develop the right strategy to foster a more healthy region. “There is an unequal burden of suffering,” says David Cattell-Gordon, director of rural network development with the University’s Office of Telemedicine and Emily Couric Cancer Center. “We lead the state in a number of significant health risk factors. Add the fact that we have high rates of poverty and large numbers of uninsured, and you end up with a high rate of early mortality.” Healthy Appalachia began with the primary goal of changing those factors so Southwest Virginia becomes a national model for solving health problems for rural areas in a lasting way. Appalachia is a stubborn region. The same hardworking people who carved out a way of life in the rugged region often show an ingrained tendency to resist change when offered by outsiders. The slightest hint of a needed cultural shift can stiffen the spines of the region’s most open-minded citizens. Those involved in the Healthy Appalachia Institute realize the region must find a solution that works for the area. “The only way we can solve the region’s health issues is to find a solution born of this region,” Cattell-Gordon says. “There are also a tremendous amount of work injuries and high rates of disability with pain medications prescribed and not managed well, leading to staggering rates of fatal unintentional drug overdose, broken families and five times the state rate in the number of children in foster care.” Cattell-Gordon says the basic plan is to use the resources of UVa-Wise and all the sectors of the community to develop a viable and innovative strategy. “The solutions are going to come from us,” he says. “We have more power than we realize by working together. Collaboration is the base of the model.” According to Gary Crum, who leads Healthy Appalachia in Wise, that collaboration is broad and deep. “Critical thinkers, scholars, system planners and leaders in government, education, business and health care are crucial to our efforts,” Crum says. “Public forums have given our citizens the opportunity to help form the best strategies for improvement. With financial support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Virginia Community Healthcare Association, as well as assistance from the Virginia Department of Health, Healthy Appalachia is building the capacity to assist the people of our region.” Having the region’s only four-year state liberal arts college involved in finding health care solutions may seem odd at first glance, but Cattell-Gordon says UVa-Wise is a natural fit. The College’s strong science and nursing departments are producing effective and powerful health care workers throughout the region, he says. Traditional liberal arts courses, especially those with a strong emphasis on Appalachian studies, combine to create the perfect spot to nurture health care improvements. Add

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an engaged faculty and the core of Healthy Appalachia is formed, he says. The next natural phase is for partners to share research and resources and work on standards for community-based participatory research. Participants have formed Healthy Appalachia Scholars, a group of select students who will examine health disparities in the region and participate in clinical experiences. The scholars will work with groups such as Remote Area Medical, a mobile clinic that brings health care to rural areas worldwide, and the Health Wagon, a local organization that operates mobile clinics. Cattell-Gordon says the students will travel to the University in Charlottesville to work with professors and students in laboratories. “We are working with incredible resources in our region and within the University like telemedicine, the Center for Global Health, the Cancer Center, Public Health Sciences, the Office of Economic Development and the schools of Medicine and Nursing to advance our cause,” he says. “There is no more reason for people to die of the diseases they are dying of here because of the lack of access to our collective resources and specialty care.” The Healthy Appalachia Institute also serves a vital planning function by working closely with the Southwest Virginia Health Authority. The Institute and the Authority have a strong partnership and a solid commitment from the region’s state lawmakers. Crum, who also serves as the executive director of the Graduate Medical Education Consortium (GMEC), is coordinating the work from his office at UVa-Wise. He steers the programs toward the goal of improving

PHOTO BY DAN ADDISON, U.VA. PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Regional cooperation “Critical thinkers, scholars, system planners and leaders... are crucial to our efforts,” says Gary Crum, who leads Healthy Appalachia in Wise. “Healthy Appalachia is building the capacity to assist the people of our region.” Healthy discussion Dr.Wende M. Kozlow, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia, consults with patient James Alvie White of McClure.

the health outcomes in Appalachia and serves as interim director of the Health Authority. “The potential for Healthy Appalachia is tremendous,” Crum says. “There is a mutual commitment to improving the health of the region. We are coming together to see what needs to be done first.” Giving structure to health care planning in the region is vital for real change, Crum says. “We are not here to change our culture,” Crum says. “We are here to understand how to work in the culture and respect the values of the people in Appalachia. There are many reasons people take chances with their health. Our goal is to find the reasons why and help people understand the risks they are taking.” The partners work together to offer direct outreach and clinical programs funded by the Virginia Tobacco Commission and organized through work with the University’s Emily Couric Cancer Center and the Office of Telemedicine. In December, the University of Virginia Health System and Healthy Appalachia, working with the Health Wagon, brought the University’s mobile digital mammography van to a sewing factory in rural Dickenson County to offer free screenings and state-supported follow-up care for uninsured patients. The need for the service was apparent, Cattell-Gordon says. The mobile clinic found 10 abnormal mammograms out of the 43 women screened. “Only 37 percent of women eligible for free breast exams in the region get one,” Cattell-Gordon says. “The far Southwest Virginia region has a low incidence of breast cancer, yet women here die from the disease at the same

Finding a solution “The only way we can solve the region’s health issues is to find a solution born of this region,” says David Catell-Gordon, director of Rural Network Development with the University of Virginia’s Office of Telemedicine and Cancer Center.

rate as the rest of the Commonwealth. The reason is that women here do not get screened at the same level as the rest of Virginia. Because of that, few cancers are diagnosed at the local, more easily treatable stage.” Appalachian women tend to avoid health care because they worry about the expense to their families. The best way to encourage more participation and more screenings is to reach women through their family relationships and by bringing the resources to them where they live and work, Cattell-Gordon says. A local woman who received an abnormal screening at the mobile unit and was diagnosed with a local stage cancer brought her two daughters back for a baseline mammogram when the mobile unit returned this spring. Having a healthy workforce is vital to having a vibrant, productive region. Healthy Appalachia Works, a related project, emphasizes the link between a strong economy and the health of a region’s workers and focuses primarily on the health of working people. A special emphasis is placed on working women in the region since many work in service industries that offer little or no health insurance benefits. Healthy Appalachia Works is funded through a $1 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission given to the University of Virginia Cancer Center to promote advanced health care in the region. Healthy Appalachia Works promotes economic development by improving access to health care, improving educational programs and establishing new telemedicine sites. The program also improves distance learning and clinical training for the region’s health care workers. “We’ve put our homegrown framework for success together and we are moving forward,” Cattell-Gordon says. “The strategic blueprint is underway and we are now at a strategic inflection point that can transform constant sorrow into continuous hope. We are at a moment in time when we will look back and realize that this is when the action we took is the action that changed it all.” Read more about Healthy Appalachia at www. healthyappalachia.org. SPRING 2009

The right chemistry Not every UVa-Wise student may know that chemistry professor Margie Tucker grew up around the world.

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In element her

Five countries, three coup attempts and a wagon full of gypsies. A Hollywood film would do well to have those ingredients, but in fact, they’re part of chemistry professor Margie Tucker’s globe-spanning childhood.

By Cassandra J. Sproles ’00

SPRING 2009

he may seem like a mild-mannered chemistry professor, but Margie Tucker’s students are actually learning from a globetrotter who has more unique elements in her life story than the periodic table from which she teaches. Her story begins with her father, Ned McGee, who enlisted in the Navy following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He took radio classes, learned to operate a flying boat and saw action in the Pacific Theater. He later sought to re-enlist after seeing the destruction wrought by the deadly explosion of a fertilizer ship in Texas City, Texas, in April 1947. He was recruited to join the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command. Soon after, he moved to California where mutual friends introduced him to Margaret, a young woman from Elizabethton, Tenn., whom he would marry and take on a whirlwind adventure across the world. Margie was born in Baghdad, Iraq, but the family only stayed there for a short while, leaving in February of 1958. Around the same time there was a coup, and the prime minister was deposed and murdered by the crowds, as were the king and most of his family. McGee, who had studied Arabic, had been friendly with both the prime minister and the general who led the revolution. Shortly before the coup, he visited the prime minister’s palace to view some ancient Arabic scrolls. “But he was better friends with the general,” she says. From Baghdad the family - Ned and Margaret McGee, along with children Michael, Elizabeth, Margie and Kathy - moved to Ethiopia where McGee had lived in 1947. It was during that time that her father was friends with the English chief of police in the town and took the chief flying in his own personal airplane. “The next day there was an article in the London Times that McGee and the chief were looking for rebels from the airplane,” Margie says. “My father got a telegram from the State Department that said, ‘Sell the airplane!’” Even though Margie was very young, the 2 ½ years in Asmara, Ethiopia, left her with some vivid memories, including the swarms of locusts that she and her siblings thought were fun to crunch while playing as well as trips to the Red Sea and to Egypt to see the pyramids. Margie says some of the details of her family’s life abroad were recently uncovered in letters from her mother to her grandmother. “My grandmother made our clothes, so my mother would write that the girls needed dresses or my brother needed pants and what size we were in at the time,” Margie says. “Then, in the middle of these homey letters would be a paragraph about things like the revolution in the Belgian Congo.” Only a short distance away in Asmara, the McGee family was once again in the midst of a coup. While the reigning emperor, Haile Selassie, was on a state trip to Brazil, his Imperial Guard staged an unsuccessful coup. The attempt lacked support and was put to an end by the Army, Air Force and police in Asmara. When Selassie returned, there was a reception to welcome him back. “My father called my mother and told her to put

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C Quite the collection

As a chemistry professor, Margie Tucker works closely with chemical elements, but her time abroad features elements that combine to form fascinating stories and vivid memories.Take a closer look at some of Tucker’s most interesting keepsakes. 6

O I

Crafted from rock taken from the Dead Sea, this vase, not to mention the photo album below it, are two of Tucker’s many treasures from her time abroad. Old photographs, like the one of the McGee home in Baghdad, Iraq (top) and the Great Pyramids (bottom), chronicle Tucker’s extraordinary childhood adventures. Items like this double-necked kora from Africa, are among the heirlooms Tucker and her siblings collected during their world travels.

on her best dress and come down to the airfield for a reception. My parents were introduced to the Emperor,” Margie says while pointing to a photo of Selassie on a bookshelf in her office. En route back to the United States after the stint in Ethiopia, the family flew to Germany where a 4-year-old Margie would see something entirely new. “When we got off the plane, my mother said I turned to her and asked what the green stuff was growing from the ground,” she says. “I had never seen grass until then.” After living in the United States for three years, the McGees moved to Beirut, Lebanon. “Beirut was exciting every single day,” she says. “The sounds were different, the language was beautiful, the smells were different, and the food was really good.” It was the early 1960s and anti-American sentiment was building. The McGee family felt it the day a young man from two floors above their apartment balcony fired a gunshot at Margie, her sister and her mother. “I heard the bullet fly past me and into the apartment,” Margie recalls. “My mother told my sister and me to drop down to the floor and crawl into the door.” No one was harmed during the incident, but Margie says she and her siblings learned how important instant obedience was in their situation. While in Beirut, Margie had the opportunity to experience many of the ancient sites and the beauty of Lebanon. Some of her favorites were the Six Pillars of Jupiter at the Roman ruins in Baalbek in Bekaa Valley and the River of the Dog.

Anti-American feelings were still prevalent when the McGee family moved to Athens, Greece, in December 1966. Margie says “waves of assassinations” occurred following the murder of the American attaché to Jordan, who was a friend of her father. In June 1967, a six-day war in the Middle East sent American expatriates living in Beirut to Greece to seek shelter. Part of her father’s job was to find housing and arrange medical care for those arriving in Greece. In 1967, just as had happened in Baghdad and Ethiopia, the McGee family once again found themselves in the midst of a coup when a group of colonels from the Greek military took over the government of Greece. “The American radio station that we always listened to was playing the same song over and over again, so my father knew something was happening,” Margie says. “He went out and then came back home to put on his uniform. That was the scariest part to us, because we knew something was really wrong.” Margie recalls the new government establishing a curfew and a “no congregating” rule for a short while after the coup. The rules must not have stayed in place for very long because Margie says she and her siblings roamed freely in Athens. “We lived at the beach in the summertime,” she says. “We would leave the house in the mornings and not come home until dark. There were open-air theaters, bumper cars and a free shuttle to the Air Force Base where we could see movies for a quarter.” The McGee family took sightseeing trips to the

Corinth Canal, the Parthenon, Delphi (which was her favorite of all) and a ruined Byzantine town near Sparta. Her parents and family friends traveled there to see some mosaics while the McGee siblings and their friends played hide and seek in the ruined town. “It was the perfect place to play hide and seek,” Margie recalls. “Years later, I read that following World War II communist guerrillas were hunted down in this town by noncommunist guerilla bands and that really shook me up.” And then there were the gypsies. It all began on a “family vacation” to Thessalonika. Margie says her father was supposed to meet a communist contact from one of the Eastern European nations at a trade show. His contact didn’t show up on time and finally when he appeared a couple of hours later, he was terrified. “The original plan was that we were going to spend a day doing ‘touristy’ stuff in the city, then return home the following day, but the contact was so frightened that Dad changed our plans. He roused us out of bed at first light the next day, piled us in the car and hauled us home,” Margie says. “It was on the way home that we had our gypsy adventure.” The family was stopped on the side of the road having a nice picnic lunch when a couple of wagons full of gypsies pulled up behind them and approached them. Margie says they were very threatening and hostile. “We pulled up stakes and got the heck out of Dodge for the second time that day,” she says. The whole trip had a generalized sense of danger, she says. It felt more dangerous than times like the coups, which, in fact, were probably more dangerous. “There was just a tremendous sense of menace, and the incident with the gypsies made it worse,” she says. “My sister Elizabeth later said that she thought there would be four little graves along the Bulgarian border – or the four of us would be learning to speak Bulgarian.” The menace of gypsies was soon replaced by that of the Vietnam War. Margie’s brother was of age to be drafted and her father was eligible to be sent, but neither was called to go. Instead, her brother attended East Tennessee State University. The family later moved to Massachusetts where they lived for three years. Eventually, Margie’s sister moved to Tennessee and her father retired and bought a house in Johnson City, Tenn. Her father enrolled at ETSU, followed later by his wife, Kathy and Margie, who earned a B.S. and Ph.D. there. While at ETSU, Margie married Jim Tucker. They have three children, Tracy Faul, Jonathan Tucker and Rachel Tucker, and three grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel and Jacob. In 1992, Margie came to work at UVa-Wise, where she has gained a reputation for being tough but fair – and above all else, a great teacher of the sciences. Next fall, Margie will assume yet one more title when she takes over as chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and continues to help grow the department and the Fellowship in Natural Sciences (FINS) program that she helped create in 2002. It’s a position that she admits is pretty scary – but maybe not quite as scary as those gypsies. SPRING 2009

driving

Portrait of an auto Herron says his personal favorite among his paintings is “A Well-Deserved Repose,” featuring a “car’s eye view” of a blue Cobra.

nside every man is the dream he held as a boy. Most men don’t get to see those dreams fulfilled. Rick Herron ’82 is an exception. He says he’s lucky to have found a passion in cars when he was just 8 years old. Herron first saw his dream career spark during a stint in the automotive parts and repair industry, followed by a career painting portraits of classic American cars. Now Herron serves as the chief designer for ERRA, a private startup electric car company based in San Antonio, Texas. Currently Herron works at home in California, but once ERRA’s factory has been built in Somerset, Ky., he will oversee the draftsmen who will work out the details of the cars Herron designs based on ideas of the company’s CEO Jim Hogarth. Herron’s day starts at around 3 a.m. He gets up and sits down in his living room in front of several screens and a Mac computer. He opens a program called solidThinking, which he describes as Adobe Photoshop in 3D. He can rotate the vehicles on the screen and make changes before the factory opens. “I can be lost in work for three or four hours, and that’s just wonderful,” he says. He says part of the interest in the company was spurred by his passion for environmental activism, which

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force

Rick Herron ’82 finds artistic value - and success - in painting cars and designing environmentally friendly automobiles. BY ALLIE ROBINSON, UVA-WISE STUDENT

included a run for Congress in 2000 on an environmental platform. “We’re wearing the planet down,” Herron says. “We have 6.5 billion people, all sucking up resources: trees, iron ore, water.... So when [Hogarth] told me these were electric vehicles, I was like, okay, I’m on board.” He says the company has invested in breakthrough battery technologies. “[It] leaves the competition behind in every respect in regard to durability, battery life and miles per recharge per comparable vehicle weight,” he says. The company uses nickel hydrogen batteries similar to the type made for spacecraft. “I think it’s great,” he says. “We need to do something. This country is losing its manufacturing base, so we need to rejuvenate that.” But the reason Herron got to know Hogarth was because of Herron’s earlier career painting automobiles. Herron first picked up a paintbrush as a young boy and says that while he was attending UVa-Wise, he took both art classes the College offered at the time. Later he took classes in graphic design at Northern Virginia Community College

and began painting American classic and muscle cars. He says America has produced the most exciting automotive designs. “When you look at the history of automobiles, there are many American models that stand out,” he says. “The classics of the ‘20s, ‘30s and early ‘40s have to stand out as the most innovative in the long history of the automobile.” He says automobiles are one of the most dominant art forms present today. “Today automobiles have taken the place that sculpture and, in some cases, architecture had during the Renaissance,” he says. “For better or for worse, the automobile has dominated the lives of mankind since the 1900s.” At one point, Herron even had licensing with Carroll Shelby, the former racecar driving legend and namesake of Shelby cars. He has been commissioned

Rick Herron ’82 and his wife Victoria Fritz Herron ’82

by Mercedes-Benz, and the painting he did for the company was sent to a new dealership in San Jose, Calif. But most of his commissions, he says, have come from individuals like Hogarth. Herron had designed a car he called “Valkyrie.” Hogarth saw the work and asked Herron to come on board with the electric car company. “Jim saw my artwork and the scale models I had done on my site and he called me up,” he says. Herron considers himself to be more of a designer than an engineer, but he has a broad knowledge of vehicles. His artwork is still on his Web site, classicautorenderings.com, but he says he has not added art to the site lately. Art is important, he says, but “we need these electric vehicles.” And so his interest – and passion – has led to his career. However, one might say that he wouldn’t have gotten so far with his artwork had it not been for his wife, Victoria Fritz Herron ’82. “Vicky” transferred to UVa-Wise from her hometown of Nice, France. She and Rick, who was born in El Salvador the son of a Foreign Service diplomat, met early one Saturday morning over breakfast at the College’s cafeteria. “She and I were the only people there except for the cafeteria workers,” Herron recalls. “She says that I asked if I could sit with her, and I say that she asked to sit with me. But anyway, it was kind of silly two of us sitting up there eating breakfast alone.... So we decided to talk and that’s how it started.” The two married in 1982. After graduation, Vicky got a green card and was hired as a French-speaking analyst in 1985 by the World Bank. In 1986, Rick suffered a bout with Crohn’s disease and the two went to live on Vicky’s parents’ farm in Nice so Rick could receive medical attention from the French health care system. Their daughter Virginia was born in Nice. Upon their return to the United States, Vicky continued working at the World Bank while Rick worked for Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He had a relapse with Crohn’s, quit his job in 1994 and enrolled in classes at NVCC in 1997. In 2007, Vicky decided she wanted a change and got a job with the Peace Corps. “Because we are a field office [one of nine regional recruiting offices], my

job covers everything from administration to budgeting, to HR functions, to liaising with our headquarters in Washington, D.C.,” she says. “Every day is different.” Vicky says she has fond memories of UVa-Wise not only because she met Rick there, but also because of the sense of community, even for a “young French woman.” “I felt as if I had found a new home,” she says. “Professors, staff and students were willing to go out of their way to help.” Rick says he too has fond memories of the College, and that he remembers bluegrass music festivals held on High Knob and road rallies the fraternities held on the back roads of Wise County. But most of all, he says, he was impressed by the faculty. “They amaze me with their dedication,” he says. “Every professor I had during those years contributed favorably to my education. The English department instilled in me the need for research and for doing the best job possible. This liberal arts education carried forward with me for all the subsequent years. “I think that every one of us is capable of creating things of beauty – not only in the arts but in all the disciplines,” he says. “These works... can be creating a business model or a mathematical formula. I think that creativity is something that is willfully generated by the individual.”

From the showroom Multiple angles show the “Zeta,” a concept car Herron designed using the solidThinking 3D design software.

SPRING 2009

dream B U I L D I N G The “Building the Dream” construction phase continues at UVa-Wise, with several projects expected to finish up later this year.

Smiddy Hall renovation and IT facility construction

he new Information Technology wing of Smiddy Hall is growing quickly as walls have been completed on the first floor. Steel erection and metal deck installation will begin shortly, with more brick work to follow. The IT wing is scheduled to be complete in December 2009 and will be followed by the renovation of Smiddy Hall, which will finish up in December 2010.

Dining Commons (left) and Center for the Arts

Permanent power has been established in the Center for the Arts, allowing workers to begin elevator installation. Concrete corridors have been polished and stained and work is continuing on sheetrock installation and painting. The metal roof is nearly complete and windows are being installed. Exterior brick work is complete. The Center for the Arts is scheduled for an early August completion. Next door, the exterior brick and precast work is nearly complete on the new Dining Commons. The inner workings are underway, including framing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. With the intricacies of installing and coordinating the vast array of new kitchen equipment, the Dining Commons schedule is slightly behind the residence hall, with completion scheduled for late August or early September.

‘ New residence hall

With exterior brick and roof work nearly complete, most of the work on the new residence hall has moved to the inside. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is ongoing. Window framing and glass will be installed in the near future. The building is expected to be ready to welcome new students in early August. The finish line is in sight with the renovation of the original Science Building wrapping up this summer. Installation of light fixtures, lab casework, fume hoods and ceiling grids is ongoing. Completion of the offsite greenhouse and observatory will follow shortly.

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Renovation of the original Science Building

Español

Lecciones en

If you don’t already know, that headline reads “Lessons in Spanish,” which is exactly what UVa-Wise professor and Ecuador native Rut Roman is offering local children each week through fun storytelling and an approachable style.

Spanish storytelling Rut Roman tells a story about “dinosaurios” to children at the public library in Wise.

rofessor Rut Roman is wrapping up her first year of teaching language and literature at UVa-Wise, but already she is cultivating a new crop of scholars on Friday mornings at the public library in Wise. On this particular Friday morning, the library doors swing open and the boisterous gang makes its way toward an inviting rug in the center of a colorful room. “¡Hola!” some shout when Roman, a native of Ecuador, arrives. Surrounded by more than a dozen preschoolers, Roman opens a book and weaves a tale in English with a hearty sprinkling of Spanish. The children are mesmerized by the sound of the unfamiliar words as Roman spins a story about “dinosaurios,” or dinosaurs. The youngsters need no coaxing to try out a new Spanish word or phrase. The words are fresh and tantalizing to their ears and tongues. Any restless fidgeting stops abruptly when Roman rolls her “R”s. An eager tyke bolts up from the rug, pumps his arm and shouts “la cola grande” when Roman points to a toy dinosaur’s large tail. Parents, perched precariously on tiny chairs that ring the wall, gasp in awe as another boy masters the Spanish translation for the dinosaur’s sharp claws. Roman simply smiles and continues the story. The children are riveted by the “dinosaurios” as Roman seamlessly moves from English to Spanish. The adventure ends way too soon for the enthralled children as Roman softly closes the book. The preschoolers, blissfully unaware that they just had a Spanish lesson, get ready for a round of show-and-tell as Roman departs for the day. “I think this is a wonderful program,” says Wise resident Sonya Vicars ’94, mother of 3-year-old Benjamin.

BY KATHY STILL ’84

“Benjamin loves it. This is very beneficial for the children.” Roman sees the benefits, too. Spending a small amount of time at the public library on Fridays is a small price to pay to introduce youngsters to a new language. “One of my favorite things in the United States is the public library system,” Roman says. “The children’s sections are wonderful.” Roman, a graduate of the University of Maryland, spoke with the library staff and offered to read to the children. It was an offer readily accepted. “I’m reading to my future students,” Roman says. “It’s remarkable how fast they catch on. The children have the best pronunciations and are not shy about rolling their “R”s. They are getting used to hearing their voices in another language.” She admits the time gives her a chance to clown around – something she can’t do in the college classroom. “I’m having a lot of fun,” she says. “I think this is helping me, too, since English is my second language. It helps the children and their families see how a second language is beneficial. With today’s job market, people will need a second language in this country. I can’t think of an area where Spanish-speaking skills will not be needed.” Roman, who has lived in the United States for eight years, is participating in the College’s second trip abroad to Ecuador. The students will learn Ecuador’s oral traditions and will visit places they have read and heard about in their studies. And about 12 years from now, there is a good chance that Roman’s penchant to plan ahead will pay dividends when she walks into a Zehmer Hall classroom and hears a hearty “¡hola!” from a former preschooler she read to on Friday mornings at the library. SPRING 2009

Athletics News Victory! The Lady Cavs softball team won the Appalachian Athletic Conference title and landed a trip to the NAIA National Championship in Alabama by dusting Union College 10-0 in a five-inning game. The Lady Cavs held its four opponents to three runs in 26 innings in the tournament with two shutouts with outstanding defense and top-notch pitching from Lauren Snead. After being left off the All-Conference team despite leading the league in strikeouts, second in wins and third in ERA in the regular season, Snead proved to be almost unhittable over 24 innings. The junior notched her second shutout in four games in the tournament by firing a one-hitter in the title game. The Troutville native struck out 33 batters, allowed only nine hits and recorded a 0.88 ERA in the four games. The victory at Domtar Park in Kingsport marks the third time in five years that the Lady Cavs qualified for a trip to the nationals. The team entered the AAC tournament as the favorite, but sleepy bats were troublesome in the early matchups. The Lady Cavs (31-15) wrapped up the title by scoring nine of the team’s 10 runs against Union in the first inning. The game ended in five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule. Bobbi Mihelarakis ’09 led the offense with two singles and two RBIs. Ridenour scored twice and hit a line drive that resulted in another Lady Cavs score. Brittany Russell, Tina Vaughan and Holly Gilliam each scored once while Ashlee Washburn, Hannah Ellis ’09 and Kaitlin Bennett recorded RBIs. In the first inning, Ridenour walked and stole second base. Mihelarakis hit a single, and Britney Lawson ’09 walked to first to load the bases. With one out, Ellis drove in a run just before an errant throw by the Lady Bulldogs resulted in three more runs for the Lady Cavs. UVa-Wise scored five more runs in that inning. A run by Gilliam put the Lady Cavs up 10-0 after two innings. Lawson powered her way to 19 extra base hits of her 48 on the season with a team-leading nine home runs and 30 RBIs. The senior set the career home run record early in the season and has 31 total career home runs. She also has the career marks for triples, slugging percentage and on-base percentage along with being the third Lady Cav with 200 hits and 100 RBIs. Ridenour became the most prolific stolen base threat in program history. She swiped 52 bases in 2009 for the fourth best in a single season in the NAIA record books. Mihelarakis, Ellis, Mary Wilson, Brittany Tunnell ’09 and Melanie Sutherland ’09 made their second trip with the team to the NAIA National Championship as key parts in the success of the team.

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Lauren Snead (left) and Hannah Ellis ’09 celebrate the Lady Cavs’ victory.

PHOTOS BY EARL NEIKIRK

Lady Cavs win AAC softball title

The 2008-2009 Lady Cavs softball team includes (front row) Sara Maupin, Bobbi Mihelarakis ’09, Brittany Tunnell ’09, Britney Lawson ’09, Brittany Russell and Hannah Ellis ’09, (second row) Tina Vaughan, Holly Gilliam, Megan McCoy, Kaitlin Bennett, Melanie Sutherland ’09, Mary Wilson and Lauren Snead, and (back row) Assistant Coach Chuck Banner, Head Coach Tori Raby-Gentry, Kesha Perrigan, Ashlee Washburn, Maddi Ridenour and Assistant Coach Shelley Newton.

Spenilla retiring after 24 years at College Danny Sterling named new athletic director Ray Spenilla, director of athletics at UVa-Wise, is retiring after 24 years of service to the College. He will be succeeded by Danny Sterling. Spenilla, a Coeburn native, came to the UVa-Wise campus in 1985. He took the reigns of a struggling baseball program as one of only two full-time coaches on campus when the College had no sports scholarships, athletic trainers or assistant coaches. A standout baseball player at Eastern Kentucky University, Spenilla guided the College to its first winning baseball season and its first NAIA championship. Under his leadership, the UVa-Wise baseball team claimed two league championships, recorded five district post-season playoff appearances and won more than 200 games. During his 11 years as head coach, Spenilla was named both NAIA District Coach of the Year and Area Small College Coach of the Year. In 1998, he received the University of Virginia’s Harrison Award for Excellence. A year later, UVa-Wise formally recognized his coaching efforts by inducting him into the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The veteran coach stepped into the athletic administration level when he accepted the College’s 1996 offer to become the associate director of athletics. After five years in that position, he took over the daily operations of the athletic department as director of athletics and has been instrumental in the Highland Cavalier teams having their biggest

success in the history of the College. New athletic director Danny Sterling has spent the past three years at Longwood University after 11 years as a member of the UVa-Wise athletic staff. While at Longwood, Sterling served as the associate athletic director for internal operations. When Sterling arrives this summer, UVa-Wise athletics will enter one of its most exciting and challenging times during the next few years as it switches to the Mid-South Conference. “I am very pleased Danny will be returning to the college as athletic director,” said Gary Juhan, vice chancellor for administration. “He has a great understanding and appreciation for our College as well as the region.” Upon leaving the Wise campus, Sterling accepted the head athletic trainer position with Longwood in 2006. Along with being the athletic training department director, he assisted in the NCAA Division I certification and reclassification process. After one year, he was promoted to the assistant director of athletics for business operations. In the position, Sterling had direct supervision of ticket sales and marketing, the athletic training department, strength and conditioning and laundry operations. He also oversaw the men’s tennis, women’s tennis and field hockey programs along with event operations, game management and management for human resources and capital planning.

Ray Spenilla

Danny Sterling

Rainey ’05 named new volleyball coach Former two-sport Lady Cav Kendall Rainey ’05 is leaving her post as director of softball operations at the University of Tennessee to start her first head coaching appointment as the new women’s volleyball coach in June. Rainey takes over a young Lady Cavs team that went 11-17 last fall. The new coach earned NAIA AllRegion XII and All-Appalachian Athletic Conference acclaim in both volleyball

and softball. She received All-Region XII and All-AAC status as a senior and made the All-AAC Tournament team in 2002 and 2003. She was also Academic AllAAC three seasons and holds the school career record for assists. She received a master’s degree in sport studies with a concentration in sports management from the University of Tennessee and is currently pursuing a doctorate in sports studies. SPRING 2009

Alumni News

Kim Mathes-Moore ’02 and Nelson Metheney recently were inducted into the UVa-Wise Athletic Hall of Fame. Anthony Richards ’97 (not pictured) was inducted, as well.

Three inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame Kim Mathes-Moore ’02, Nelson Metheney and Anthony Richards ’97 were inducted into the UVa-Wise Athletic Hall of Fame during a Feb. 14 ceremony in the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center. The UVa-Wise Athletic Hall of Fame Committee honors those who have made significant contributions to the College’s athletic programs. Kim Mathes-Moore played volleyball and served as volleyball coach. She had the most assists per game in 2001, most set assists and the second highest season attack percentage. She holds the career record for highest attack percentage. She served as head coach for four seasons, leading her teams to their first winning season, regional berth and AAC championship. Mathes-Moore teaches health, physical education and driver’s education at Powell Valley High. She lives in Big Stone Gap with her husband Zack Moore ’04. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Nelson Metheney, a hurler for the Highland Cavalier baseball team, during his junior year at UVa-Wise. He was the 1993 NAIA national

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strikeout leader and holds the College season records for most strikeouts and most strikeouts per nine-inning game. Metheney attended UVa-Wise from 1989 through 1993. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Radford University. He works as vice president of surety bonding with HSH Insurance, Inc. A member of the Grandin Theatre Foundation Board, Metheney is treasurer of the Greater Roanoke Valley’s Valley Character and serves as a youth baseball coach. He and his wife Heather live in Salem with their four sons. Anthony Richards, a receiver on the Highland Cavalier football team, set career records for pass receptions and receiving yards. He holds the record for career punt return yards, punt return touchdowns and average yards per punt return. In his last season on the UVa-Wise gridiron, Richards set season records for receiving yards receptions and average yards per punt return. Richards served three years in the U.S. Army, including an 11-month tour in Afghanistan. He is employed as a cost analyst with MCR Federal in the District of Columbia.

Order up! Alumni provide campus picnic for students UVa-Wise alumni prepared lunch for students, faculty and staff for the 22nd Annual Student-Alumni Picnic on April 29 in the Betty J. Gilliam Sculpture Garden.

What’s cooking? (Left) David Amos ’03, Ed Roop ’76 and Sharon Daniels ’88; (above) Dawn Gilbert ’82, Rhonda Perkins ’73, Sheila Cox Combs ’72 and Gina Chisenhall ’89

UVa-Wise, NCH host community golf tournament The UVa-Wise Alumni Association, UVa-Wise Athletics and Norton Community Hospital hosted the 14th Annual Community Spring Swing golf tournament on April 17 at the Lonesome Pine Country Club in Big Stone Gap. Spring fever (Clockwise from top) Brian Blanton ’92, David Adkins ’93, Russell Wampler ’90, Rick Mullins ’91 and Kevin Mullins ’93; Student Government Association President Travis Brannon; and Brandon Bolling ’98 and Mike Mullins ’75

Mark your calendars for

ALUMNI

HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2009 Oct. 2-3, 2009 Reconnect with fellow alumni, old friends and former professors while watching the Cavs take on Georgetown! Watch your mailbox and e-mail inbox and the Alumni Web site at www. uvawise.edu/alumni.html for more info, coming soon.

SPRING 2009

Classnotes

What’s new? Share your alumni updates with us. E-mail news and photos to alumni@uvawise.edu.

CLASS OF 1958

CLASS OF 1984

Judy Bond completed her higher education at the Medical College of Virginia and the University of Miami. Judy is a retired oncology nurse and resides in Miami Shores, Fla.

Brian Calhoun recently joined UVa-Wise as an assistant professor of public relations and advertising in the Department of Communication Brian Calhoun ’84 Studies. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, where he worked for 17 years in the Cooperative Extension Division.

CLASS OF 1959 Faye Metzl earned her B.A. in mathematics from Mary Washington College in 1962. Faye has two adult sons, Ronald and David. She resides in Fort Mill, S.C. CLASS OF 1971 Brenda Johnson, on her first visit to the West, served for three months as a volunteer ranger at the Grand Canyon. Working in the visitor center headquarters, she presented a daily program for tourists. She encourages her fellow alumni to volunteer in their communities.

Robert Edgar Childress Jr. received his M.A.E. in history from Emory and Henry College in 2006 and is employed with Buchanan County Public Schools. On Dec. 15, 2008, he cast the 9th District’s Presidential Electoral College ballots in Richmond. CLASS OF 1985

Tim Spicer earned his M.Ed. in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University in 1997. Tim is a principal with Scott County Public Schools. He and his wife Joanna Spicer ’85 live in Gate City and have two children, Jedediah and Caleb. CLASS OF 1989 John Barton received a master’s degree in 1991 and a Ph.D. in 1994 in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia. He is chief scientist for Battelle. John and his partner Steven live in Richmond, Ky. J. David Fig is the general manager for Palmetto Networks, LLC. He resides in Greenville, S.C., with his wife Penny and children Garrett, Tuesday and Tristan. Travis Snyder is the distribution center manager for Petroleum Marketers, Inc. He has one son, Alex, and resides in Selma.

CLASS OF 1974 Giles Hall is employed with Augusta County Public Schools as a U.S. government teacher and assistant varsity football coach. Giles is celebrating his 28th year teaching and coaching football. CLASS OF 1976 Everette B. Orr was recently recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of the best financial planners in the metro Everette B. Orr ’76 Washington, D.C., area. He and his wife Linda live in McClean. They have six children and nine grandchildren.

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Ben Mays is a technical director for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at UVa-Wise. He received his M.F.A. in theatre arts and Ben Mays ’85 design from the University of Louisville. His responsibilities include design and implementation of all technical aspects of theatrical productions, teaching technical design, supervising student use of equipment and management of the scheduling and maintenance of all theater spaces. Ben lives in Castlewood with his wife Kim and son Alex, who is attending Southwest Virginia Community College studying art and graphic design.

CLASS OF 1990 Vickie Lynn Woods Barton is a media specialist teacher with Dickenson County Public Schools. She and her two adult children, James and Sally, are strong supporters of the Dickenson County Relay for Life, following the death of her husband Cecil in 2007. Vicki M. Swiney is the business manager for Red Onion State Prison in Pound. Vicki and her husband Gregory live in Clintwood with their two children, Spencer and Lonnie Jo. CLASS OF 1991 Donald G. Ramey was recently selected to establish a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage as assistant professor of military science.

Short ’71 named Wise County Citizen of the Year Daniel P. Roop is assistant principal at Pound High School in Wise County. He earned his M.A. in 1994 and his Ed.S. in 2002 from Virginia Tech. Daniel and his family live in Norton. CLASS OF 1992 Karen Davis-Beggs received her M.A. in education, curriculum and instruction from Tusculum College and was presented with high honor cords for maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Karen now is enrolled in the educational specialist program at Lincoln Memorial University, and, upon completion, she plans to participate in the inaugural year of LMU’s doctoral program in educational executive leadership. Karen and her husband Mark are proud of their daughter Avalon as she began kindergarten this year.

The crowd grows silent as warm tones from a battered guitar fill the gallery room at the Lonesome Pine Regional Library. A strong and heartfelt voice emerges as Ron Short ’71 sings songs inspired by the stories and heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. Because of his deep understanding of the Appalachian culture and his willingness to share this understanding for more than three decades, Short was honored with the 2008 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award by the Wise County Chamber of Commerce. A Clintwood native, Short is a musician, singer, songwriter and producer who has written plays and scores for Roadside Theatre, a traveling theater that portrays the history and lives of Appalachian people. He enjoyed a childhood filled with music and stories passed down from his family. “If you really want to know about people, ask them to tell you a story and you will learn more about them and their lives,” Short says. “If you really want to know what lies in a person, ask them to sing you a song and that is where all these elements come together. People can hear this in the music and it appeals to them and sometimes it transforms them.” Short was the first in his family to obtain a college degree, and college provided an ample opportunity to meet people and other musicians. Short’s first band played a small folk-blues concert on campus and the positive reaction encouraged him to continue writing and performing. Short received the UVa-Wise Outstanding Alumni Award in 2002. He cherishes the roots that bind him to the College. He wrote the score for “Miners and Millhands,” a 2005 UVa-Wise theater production featured during the College’s 50th anniversary and expressing the importance of the College and its influences on the town and its history. - Aaron Lee, UVa-Wise student

Karen Davis-Beggs ’92 with family

Kim Davis is a sixth-grade language arts/ social studies teacher for Surry County Public Schools. She and her husband Whitney make their home in Mount Airy, N.C.

degree from UVa-Wise, as she d f W h is able bl to educate and work closely with chiropractors worldwide.

CLASS OF 1993

Sandy Hunsucker Holbrook is an associate professor with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, where she has been employed for the last 15 years. She received a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Kentucky in 2001. Sandy and her K husband Jody have two sons, Justin (18), h who is a freshman at the University w of Kentucky, and Hunter (12). The o Holbrook family resides in Jenkins, Ky. H

Essie L. Grant is currently employed with Foot Levelers, where she oversees international accounts. Her career path has allowed her to utilize her French

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CLASS OF 1994

Mark J. Smith is the h wastewater treatment plant operator for the Coeburn-Norton-Wise Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. He received an A.A.S. in business management in 1998 and an A.A.S. in environmental science/water and wastewater plant operations from Mountain Empire Community College. Mark and his wife Susan live in Dryden. CLASS OF 1995 Paul Clendenon is a teacher and coach at Powell Valley High School in Big Stone Gap. He is currently pursuing a master of education degree from the University of Virginia.

SPRING 2009

Classnotes Natalie Burgess McGrath is a special education language arts teacher for sixth- to eighth-grade students for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with administrative emphasis. Natalie and her husband of nearly 10 years, Jim, have two daughters, Haley Elizabeth Joyce (8) and Abigail Jillian Hope (3). Cheryl Elaine Smith Appel received a certificate of advance study in geographic information systems from the University of Denver’s University College in 2005. Cheryl and Dan Appel were united in marriage at Peaceful Valley Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains on Sept. 20, 2008. CLASS OF 1996

Kevin R. Stovall is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. Kevin has two children, Mikayla and Sierra.

is employed by Scott County Public Schools. They reside in Kingsport, Tenn. CLASS OF 1999

CLASS OF 1997 Autumn Sargent Alvarez married David Maxey on March 21. The couple resides in Vinton with her two daughters, Isabella and Hannah. Autumn Alvarez ’97 with family Autumn is a clinical pharmacist at the Salem Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.

Rebecca Cure earned a Master of Library Science degree from Marshall University in 2007. She is a library media specialist with Pike County Public Schools. Rebecca and her husband Brad and their daughter Amelia live in Elkhorn City, Ky. Jacob Somervell and Cyndy Stapleton Somervell and their son Steven welcomed daughter and little sister Katherine Elaine on Dec. 9, 2008.

Children of Jacob and Cyndy Somervell ’99

CLASS OF 2000 G. Wallace Elliott is the owner of Ambulance Service of Bristol, Inc. He earned an M.B.A. from King College in 2004. He resides in Bristol, Tenn., with his wife Stephanie and two children Jackson Wallace and Turner Evan. Anthony Guardiano has been promoted to claims service center manager with Progressive Insurance. Anthony resides in Virginia Beach.

Marla Meade ’96 & Suzanna Bevins Mullins ’02

Marla Meade and Suzanna Bevins Mullins ’02 traveled to Paris in November 2008 to attend an EF Educational Tours workshop. Marla teaches Spanish at J.J. Kelly High School, and Suzanna teaches French at Coeburn High School.

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Gretchen Schuyler Brenckle ’97 and Joseph John Brenckle III were married June 29, 2008, at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The bridal Gretchen Schuyler Brenckle ’97 party included with husband (above) and bridal Shelley party (below) Overstreet Braby ’97, and Tasha Allison Marvin ’98, and guests included Carson Hale ’96 and Heather Presgraves Hale ’96. Gretchen received a master’s degree in school counseling from Marymount University in May 2008. She now works as an elementary school counselor for Arlington Public Schools. Gretchen and Joe reside in Washington, D.C. CLASS OF 1998 Kellie Kristin Young married William Jason Blackwell on July 12, 2008, in historic Jonesborough, Tenn. Kellie

Delya Pilkenton Branham is a pharmacist with Costco Pharmacy. She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 2004. Delya and her husband Ted welcomed their second child, Jenna Leann Branham, on July 12, 2008. She joins her brother Joseph (3). They reside in Spotsylvania. Tonya Sanders is in accounting with Maggard Sales & Service, Inc. She received her M.B.A. from King College in 2008. Tonya and her husband Bobby have one child, Olivia Grace. CLASS OF 2001 Lakesha Anderson received a master of arts degree in 2004 and plans to receive her Ph.D. in health communication in 2010. Her research focus is in female reproductive and mental health communication. She is an instructor at George Mason University, teaching public relations and rhetorical communication. She currently serves on the UVa-Wise Alumni Board of Directors as an at-large member. Lakesha and her husband Jerrad Anderson ’01 have two children, Akasha and Exodus. Gerald Douglas Arrington is owner and an attorney for Arrington Law Office

Classnotes PLC in Grundy. He practices law in criminal defense, personal injury and domestic relations. Gerald and his wife Christine Arrington ’05 reside in Breaks with their two sons Dylan Alexander (8) and Jackson Douglas Kade (2). Austin Crumpton is an assistant vice president/business development officer for TruPoint Bank. Austin lives in Grundy with his wife Jennifer and their son Alex (5). Kandace Miller-Phillips married Jeffery Phillips in June 2006. Kandace graduated Daughter of Kandace from East Miller-Phillips ’01 Tennessee State University in 2007 with a master’s degree in clinical social work. She is employed at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion as a certified substance abuse counselor and clinical social worker. Jeffrey and Kandace welcomed their first child, Aubri Angelina, on April 17, 2008. Jason Underwood and his wife Naomi welcomed their first child, a daughter, Abigail Rae, on Dec. 2, 2008.

White ’73 helps hospitals improve Thelma White ’73 describes herself as a bit of a workaholic. She is a businesswoman, author and philanthropist who has never forgotten her home in Virginia. With two companies in Minneapolis, Minn., White credits her success to her time at UVa-Wise, formerly Clinch Valley College. And to show her appreciation, she likes to give back to the College. White started out as a nursing and pre-med major at the College and now owns American Medical Auditors (focusing on the insurance industry and workman’s compensation) and TMCK Associates, an auditing and accounting firm that works with hospitals of all sizes, helping them find ways to operate to their fullest potential. “The hospitals that I have enjoyed the most have been some of the smallest or hospitals that have been ready to close their doors at the time we go in,” White says. “It may take a year, but we’re able to turn that hospital around.” Just as White knows small hospitals need her help, she also knows that back in her beloved Virginia, there are students at a small college that need her help, too. She supports UVa-Wise through a scholarship set up by TMCK and her work with the Alumni Association and the College’s cheerleaders. White also helped raise money to build Carl Smith Stadium when the Highland Cavaliers were still playing games at J.J. Kelly High School. “I think attending UVa-Wise – the people that you interact with, your professors – it gives you a good solid background that actually gives you confidence,” White says. A former member of the College’s Young Republicans, White recently published “The Race for the White House 2008,” which chronicles two years of campaigning. Even though her success has taken her far from home, White says Virginia and her alma mater will always be on her mind. “I never really left Clinch Valley College,” she says. “I may not be there physically, but it is still a part of me.” - Cortni Bailey, UVa-Wise student

her husband is employed with the Town of Big Stone Gap Police Department.

CLASS OF 2002 Stephanie Mae Brumfield Miller is a NASM-certified personal trainer and pro figure champion. She is manager at Bates White, owner of Core Nutritionals. Stephanie and Douglas Allen Miller were married in October 2006. Both are drug-free IFPA Champions. The couple lives in Arlington. Beth Riggs and Matthew Laney were united in marriage on Aug. 16, 2008, in Big Stone Gap. Beth is a price book manager for Riggs Oil Beth Riggs ’02 and husband Company, and

Jason M. Robinette is a juvenile justice FSW III with the State of Tennessee. Jason resides in Kingsport, Tenn. CLASS OF 2003 Billy R. Robinson Jr. is the assistant director of finance for the County of Roanoke. He and his wife Jeria Kiser Robinson ’03 have one child, Peyton. The family lives in Salem. Rhonda Davis Widener and her husband James welcomed their first child Malarie on Sept. 15, 2008.

Son of Troy Vaden ’03 and Meredith Ness Vaden ’04

Troy Vaden and Meredith Ness Vaden ’04 welcomed their son Brody Elby on July 20, 2008. He weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. Meredith is employed by Chesterfield County Public Schools, and Troy is the manager of King’s Korner Catering. CLASS OF 2004

Daughter of Rhonda Davis Widener ’03

Jessica Bruley Dehond is a vascular ultrasound technician with CVTSA, a physician’s office in Fairfax. Jessica

SPRING 2009

Classnotes married Dennis Dehond ’02 in 2004. On March 14, 2008, they welcomed a son, Benjamin. Brandon Green plans to graduate from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech this spring. Jacob Johnston is pursuing a career in media. He has worked for ESPN/ ABC, directed television shows, covered basketball for the University of Kentucky, and handled promotions for the Lexington Legends professional baseball club and promotions for Liberty University. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in communications at Liberty University. Lindsay K. Mabe is a math teacher at Powell Valley High School. Matthew Stanley and Kimberly Moffitt Stanley ’06 were married July 19, 2008, at the Wise First Church of God. The couple’s wedding party Matthew Stanley ’04 and Kimberly Moffitt Stanley ’06 included Adrian White ’01, Matthew Slemp ’05 and Emily Blanton Wyatt ’06. Matthew is employed at the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy in Big Stone Gap as a programmer analyst. Kimberly is a fourth-grade teacher at Powell Valley Primary School in Big Stone Gap. The Stanleys reside in Wise. Eric Richardson has joined King College as an assistant professor of management and marketing. He is nearing the dissertation phase of his doctorate program in organization management (emphasizing human resource management with a minor in health care administration) at Capella University.

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Michael Sutherland is attending the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech. Michael plans to graduate in 2012.

CLASS OF 2006

CLASS OF 2005

Kristina L. Charles is a family day care home provider with the Wise County Department of Social Services. She has two children, Dakota (21) and Savannah (12).

Sarah Huggins is pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy and administration. She currently serves as executive director of the nonprofit organization GRASP and legislative assistant to Senator Walter Stosch.

Cleopatra Lightfoot is an appeals coordinator with the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. She completed a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is attending Argosy University in pursuit of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.

Erin Dean serves as a manager with Dominion Management Services. Her husband Matthew Dean ’07 was promoted to senior accountant for Hantzmon Wiebel LLP of Charlottesville upon his passing of the CPA exam in October 2008. The couple resides in Charlottesville.

Ashley Brianna Sheppard is a lab technician with HepatoSys, Inc. CLASS OF 2007 Erica Ferrell and Kevin Griffitts were married May 24, 2008, in Richlands. The couple’s wedding party included Tiffany Fannon ’08, Johanna Dingus ’07 and Shadrack Nthusi ’08.

Michael Goforth ’05 and Megan Dean ’07 with fellow UVa-Wise alumni

Erica Ferrell and Kevin Griffitts ’07 with wedding party, including fellow alumni

Michael Goforth and Megan Dean ’07 were married July 21, 2007. Michael teaches and coaches varsity basketball at John I. Burton High School in Norton. Megan is an English teacher and coaches volleyball and softball at J.J. Kelly High School in Wise. Members of their wedding party included Heather Gentry Johnson ’05, April Dameron Charles ’04, Ashley Addington ’07, Meagan Jones ’06, Kathy Mahan Mason ’05, Jenny Dean ’01, Kristen Dean-Needham ’95, Elijah Helton ’05, A.J. Hoffman ’03, Lucas Shortt ’05 and Michael Paul Berry ’06.

Terri Anne Hill-Funk is a business teacher with Russell County Public Schools. Terri Anne and her husband Brock Funk ’08 live in St. Paul. Terri Anne is pursuing an M.B.A. at King College.

Anthony Graham joined the UVa-Wise Office of Admissions as an admissions counselor in December 2008. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Virginia. Anthony and his wife Sabrina reside in Big Stone Gap.

Sharon Marcella Lary is employed with St. Mary’s Medical Center in Indiana. Michael McBride will graduate from Radford University this spring with a master’s degree in counseling and human development with a concentration in student affairs administration. Mallory Mullins is pursuing an M.B.A. at King College. She is the executive assistant to the vice president of corporate development for Eastman Chemical Company. Mallory resides in Kingsport, Tenn.

Classnotes Brian K. Stiltner is attending the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech. Elizabeth Kiser Slone is a teacher with Dickenson County Public Schools. Elizabeth and her husband J. Wesley Slone live in Clintwood. Adam Wright is a train master with Norfolk Southern. Adam and his wife Tracey Evans Wright ’07 live in St. Paul. CLASS OF 2008 Kimberly Renee Hayes is employed at the Marion Youth Center as a mental health counselor. Christy Lee Fields Owens and her husband Zack welcomed their first child Kylar Lee on Sept. 23, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs. 8 oz. and was 23 inches long.

Perry ’86 returns to region as Wise County schools superintendent “There’s no place like home” may be one of the most famous lines from “The Wizard of Oz,” but the words couldn’t be truer for Jeff Perry ’86, superintendent of Wise County Public Schools. Perry, who grew up in Pound, never imagined he would move halfway across the country. After leaving Wise County for a position in Montgomery County and then heading to Colorado, he says he always knew he wanted to return home. When he heard the superintendent job opened up in Wise County last year, many factors drew him back to the area, including the family and friends he had here. Another factor for his return was the possibility of coordinating the consolidation of county high schools. “I kind of enjoy the challenge of working out something that is very complicated and complex, and I’ve actually been involved in two substantial school building projects (in previous positions),” Perry says. “So professionally, (returning) provided the kind of challenges that I enjoy.” Community resistance to consolidation has died down somewhat, but Perry believes there will always be people who don’t agree with the decision. His job is to carry out the decision of the school board, and he says consolidation will eventually have to occur. Beyond consolidation, Perry is implementing a new program with Wise County teachers known as “Brain Lectures,” focusing on brain-based learning research. Perry has delivered the lectures nationwide. Perry’s passion for education is evident, but he grew up during a time when education beyond high school was not common. Teachers at Pound High School encouraged him and others to attend college. And go to college is exactly what Perry decided to do, enrolling at what is now UVa-Wise. “Around my junior year I realized that the thing I wanted to do was work with children,” he says. “I think that if I had gone to a larger school, I would not have been as successful.” Perry credits a lot of his success to the professors he encountered at the College, including history professor Stan Willis. Perry says faculty were student-centered and focused on students’ success. Working in education, he says, is one of the most rewarding careers he can think of and is very thankful to all those who helped him reach this point. “A rewarding life is doing the kind of things that you enjoy and devoting your life to things you feel are meaningful and valuable and adding back to society,” he says. “And I think education, for me, has especially done that; it has enabled me to give back to a community that has given me so much, and hopefully I’m doing that.” -Kacie Rae Jessee, UVa-Wise student

In Memoriam Johnny Mack Clarke ’78 passed away Feb. 26. A native of Norton, he was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. He was an ESL teacher for Greenville County Public Schools and had taught internationally. He had also worked for the UVa-Wise Post Office. Mary Jane Brummitte ’87 passed away March 15 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. For five years, she taught special education at Coeburn Middle School for Wise County Public Schools.

Valerie Ward Foutz ’94 passed away April 16 after a seven-year battle with cancer. Valerie was an assistant principal at Allegheny High School from 2004 to 2009. She was an English, French and Latin teacher at Lord Botetourt High School from 2001 to 2004 and an English teacher at the Academy of Arts, Science and Technology in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from 2000 to 2001. She was also an English and French teacher at Coeburn High School from 1994 to 2000, where she coached softball, cross country, cheerleading and tennis. She also kept the records of and managed the wrestling team. She

earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Radford University in 1999. Robert R. Mullins Jr. ’00 passed away Feb. 5 as the result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was a former sports writer for the Norton Press and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of the Kentucky National Guard and a security guard for the Department of Military Affairs for the State of Kentucky.

SPRING 2009

OtherWise

Now online Visit The UVa-Wise Magazine Online (above left) at magazine.uvawise.edu and check out exclusive online content and a new way to view the print version online (above center). If you’re a Facebook user, become a fan of the magazine to access our Facebook page (above right). Just search for “The UVa-Wise Magazine” and click “Become a Fan” to access new content and interact with other alumni and readers.

Connect with the magazine online Visit the new Web site, become a fan on Facebook and read the magazine in a new way Readers, you can now experience The UVa-Wise Magazine in three new ways: online, online and, well, online. Visit the newly launched magazine Web site at magazine.uvawise.edu to read the latest issue’s feature stories, including additional photos not included in the print version. (In some cases, you might even find videos to supplement a story.) You can also view the latest Classnotes and submit your own alumni updates and news. From the Web site, you can also

view a sleek, new online format for The UVa-Wise Magazine, made possible by Issuu. Virtually flip through the pages of the magazine just as if you’re reading the print version in person. You can also view past issues of the magazine on the new Web site and using the new online viewer. Finally, if you’re a member of Facebook, look us up and become a fan. Just search for “The UVa-Wise Magazine” in the top right corner of any page on Facebook and click “Become a Fan.” On

Koller’s latest ‘Crockett Hall’ painting donated to College “Crockett Hall in Winter,” a painting by Betsy Ross Koller, was recently donated to UVa-Wise at a reception at the Collier Athletic Club in Naples, Fla. Koller’s painting of the College’s first building illustrates the building’s past as part of the Wise County Poor Farm and is a companion piece to her 2004 summer painting “Crockett Hall.” “Crockett Hall symbolizes so much of what UVa-Wise is all about,” Koller says. “I’m proud to be part of that heritage.”

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our magazine page, you can share your photos, feedback and story ideas and view exclusive online content submitted by alumni and fellow magazine readers. It’s also a great way to connect with other alumni you may find in the ranks of magazine fans. The UVa-Wise Magazine is more than just this printed copy you received in the mail or picked up locally. We’re online and we want you to connect with us and become involved! Do you have our next big story?

We want to hear from you! This summer, a random sample of our readers with e-mail addresses on file will receive an invitation to participate in a brief online survey about The UVa-Wise Magazine. If you receive an invitation, please take a moment to answer the questions and share your thoughts. Koller developed her unique artistic style while living in Switzerland. Her work has been featured on Nestlé products and has helped UNICEF raise $4 million.

And if your name is not randomly selected to complete a survey, we still want to hear from you! E-mail us at magazine@ uvawise.edu and share your thoughts, concerns, suggestions and questions.

Wanted: Your alumni news & photos!* We welcome your news for Classnotes.* Please e-mail news of your personal and career achievements and service to alumni@uvawise.edu, or mail this form to: Office of Alumni Relations, The University of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College at Wise, One College Avenue, Wise, Virginia 24293. You may also visit our Web site at magazine.uvawise.edu to submit your Classnotes. Full Name (include maiden name) ____________________________________________________________________Class Year _____________ Home Address __________________________________________________________ E-mail Address _______________________________ City __________________________________________________________________________ State _________________ Zip ______________ Home Phone (

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* Please note that Classnote Information provided will be published in a future edition of The UVa-Wise Magazine unless you note otherwise. When submitting digital photographs, please ensure image is at least 300 dpi.

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