Alumni News
Well-Deserved Recognition: Honor Society Chartered for ODU B.S.H.S. Graduates
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
With over 750 graduates since its inception in 1985, it's not hard for Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (B.S.H.S.) program director Dr. Jacqueline Sharpe '05 to convey its enormous impact. Her enthusiasm and passion for her students and subject is obvious in only a short conversation, making evident why the program is not only in high demand, but also producing successful alumni.
Sharpe's most recent effort of establishing a chapter of AUPHA (Association of University Programs in Health Administration) Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society and working towards certification by the same group will only increase the university's reputation in the field.
Among the B.S.H.S. program's nearly 200 current degree candidates are practicing EMT's, dental assistants, radiologic technologists, firemen and corpsmen. These applicants must have at least one year of experience and an Associate's Degree, and license and/or certification in good standing for admission and most are still actively working full time. Thanks to a strong partnership with Distance Learning, students can attend class remotely via satellite feed or video stream and immediately apply management skills learned in the classroom to their current jobs.
Sharpe is determined to make certain that graduates of the program benefit fully from their ODU degrees. As part of this strategy, she set her sights on the university joining AUPHA's prestigious ranks, thereby giving these future managers scholarship opportunities and professional resources.
After an extensive application process, ODU's inaugural Upsilon Phi Delta honor society cohort graduated in May 2010. The seven members were selected based on excellent performance in the classroom as well as their contributions to the profession.
The group should soon increase in number as membership is also available to alumni of ODU's program who can benefit equally by the resources made available through the association.
With the chapter now official, ODU is one of only three universities in Virginia with the honor society. Thanks to the vision of its leader, the caliber of its students and now national recognition, graduates of ODU's B.S.H.S. students will continue to represent healthcare management excellence in Hampton Roads and throughout the United States.
To learn more about AUPHA, visit the association's website. If you're a graduate of the program and would like to apply for membership, please contact Dr. Jackie Sharpe.
ODU Athletics' 2009-2010 Season of Success
Monday, July 26, 2010
ODU's student athletes have always been an excellent example of Monarch success both on the playing fields and in the classrooms. With the 2009-2010 seasons complete, this past year has been no different with members from each of the university's 18 intercollegiate teams garnering recognition for their performances, both among the conference and nationwide.
Men's Basketball captured both the regular season and tournament CAA championship as well as thrilled fans across the nation with their upset of sixth seeded Notre Dame in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Other CAA honors went to Coach Wendy Larry, CAA Coach of the Year, Samanatha Morrell of Women's Golf, CAA Rookie of the Year; Nadine Fahoum of Women's Tennis, CAA Player of the Year; Gerald Lee of Men's Basketball, CAA Tournament MVP and James Nicholson of Wrestling, CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year.
ODU also had its share of 2009-2010 All-American honors including Men's Soccer Nane Joseph, Wrestling's Chris Brown, Men's Basketball Gerald Lee, Football's Jonathan Plisco and Dustin Phillips as well as Sailing's Stephanie Roble and Michael Komar.
Academic honors went to members of ODU's Wrestling and Men's Soccer Team as well as to the entire Field Hockey team which led the nation with the best GPA for the second time in three years.
The numbers alone speak to Monarch athletics' long-standing tradition of commitment to excellence, but it is the coaches, students and administrators who make these outcomes possible. To learn more about the stories behind the stats, visit odusports.com.
Multiplying Resources for Math & Sciences Students
Monday, July 26, 2010
Ask a group of undergrads what their favorite subject is, and it's rare that they'll answer "Math!" In fact, it's an area of study that many rule as difficult and intimidating, especially at the collegiate level. But for students of sciences, business, engineering and health sciences– just to name a few – mathematics is an integral part of their curriculum and, ultimately their success.
In 2008, Dean Chris Platsoucas and Dr. Terri Mathews '83 & '08 joined forces to design, organize and maintain the Math Science Resource Center (MSRC) at ODU. Aimed at helping students– in particular freshmen– in introductory math and chemistry courses, the Center provides free in-person, online and peer-led tutoring programs.
The Center is open five days a week, with no appointment necessary. Students work in small groups and one-on-one with tutors who are trained by ODU faculty to effectively supplement their classroom teaching. Peer-led sessions within the residence halls provide a more relaxed and accessible setting. Meanwhile, MSRC has also purchased an online tutoring program, giving all ODU students, wherever they may be, an option for 24-hour assistance in a variety of subjects.
In two semesters alone, almost 1,000 students attended at least one in-person tutoring session and nearly 3,000 students received online help.
Since its inception, the Center has produced great results: students who utilize its services have higher grade averages, better command over the subject matter and lower failure rate. Constant review and analyzation of the program has determined the impact "statistically significant." Moreover, the students themselves are grateful for the effect the resources have had on their performances.
As part of an ongoing evaluation, all students who use MSRC services are asked to complete a satisfaction survey. Their responses are overwhelmingly positive and many express their appreciation for the Center's effect on their grades.
"It's one thing to simply see an improved grade average," says Dr. Mathews. "It's an even better thing to witness students who once doubted themselves now succeed."
Developing Character: New Campus Housing Options Benefit Students and University
Monday, July 26, 2010
As a university that deeply values diversity and community, some of the most valuable experiences for ODU students happen outside of the walls of classrooms. As the university has transformed, a vibrant community has emerged, allowing Monarchs to develop life skills, personal relationships and a sense of independence – a transformation that often happens within residence halls.
To support growth of a residential campus, the university's Real Estate Foundation has partnered with Residential Housing Development, LLC to build The District at University Village, a privately-owned and managed student housing facility. Coming online this fall, this state-of-the-art, fully-furnished and amenity-filled apartment complex will accommodate up to 900 students, meeting their unique needs while also providing an innovative solution to the university's growing demand for more housing.
The apartments, which are leased by bedroom, will provide quality housing at the doorstep of campus. As an extension of the University Village, this new residential presence will only increase the vitality of the area.
Student response to the new option has been overwhelmingly positive, many of whom leased space before leaving for summer vacation. Meanwhile, this privately owned development allows the university to have more students on campus without the expense and support required for the construction and maintenance of a university-run facility.
When tenants' leases begin in August, they'll most likely celebrate the independence and convenience they'll find from on-campus apartment life.
But even more lasting, ODU's Tara Saunders '85 & '92, Executive Director of the Real Estate Foundation, explains, "the arrangement will allow more students to experience the cultural diversity and energy of the campus while building ODU relationships" – a combination she hopes will pave the way for their success long after graduation.
Learn more about the District at University Village online.
ODU Selected to Host 2012 & 2013 Field Hockey National Championships
Monday, June 28, 2010
The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Committee has selected Old Dominion University the host site for the 2012 and 2013 Field Hockey National Championships to be held at ODU's Powhatan Sports Center.
"Hosting any NCAA Tournament event is a significant honor and opportunity," said ODU Director of Athletics, Dr. Wood Selig. "To host a National Championship in a sport in which ODU has historically enjoyed so much success is an even greater honor for the University and Commonwealth. We look forward to providing all the participants and fans with a first class Championship experience while they are in Norfolk. It will be a Chamber of Commerce opportunity for our community and we will be prepared to make the most of it."
"This is exciting for the University and a great opportunity for our program," said ODU field hockey coach Beth Anders, the nation's winningest coach with a 511-166-7 record in 28 years.
The Lady Monarchs have won an NCAA best nine National championships, having reached 12 finals and 16 national semi-finals.
The Monarchs previously hosted the National Championships in 1985, 1986 and 2000 in Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
To follow ODU's renown field hockey program visit odusports.com.
Alumnus Eric Minus '97 Named Distinguished Educational Leader by the Washington Post
Friday, June 11, 2010
Eric L. Minus '97, principal of Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring, Md., recently was named the 2009-10 Distinguished Educational Leader for Montgomery County, Md., by The Washington Post.
Minus received a master's degree in community health from ODU's School Of Community and Environmental Health in 1997, and recently earned a doctorate in administration and policy studies from George Washington University. He holds a bachelor's degree from Hampton University.
"This has been a wonderful year for me professionally and I am extremely humbled by the accolades," Minus said.
Since 2004, when he became principal of Key Middle School, Minus has shown vision and commitment in bringing Key, a school that was lagging in academic focus, to one where there are high expectations, quality instruction, and a strong partnership with Key's staff and parent community.
His tenure has been marked by higher test scores and increased participation in above-grade-level mathematics courses. Key Middle School also received authorization for an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and the recently modernized school building was nationally certified as a "green" school.
"I want [students] to be critical thinkers and problem solvers," Minus said. "I want to make sure that a balance exists between an awareness of what our kids need academically and what they need socially and emotionally."
Community Superintendent Ursula Hermann describes Minus as a compassionate and knowledgeable leader. "He has essentially recreated his school," she said. "High expectations drive his work for his students, his staff, his parent community, and himself."
Minus started his career as a middle school teacher in Newport News, and later taught at the high school level and served as a middle school assistant principal in Montgomery County Schools before joining Key Middle School as principal.
A video about Minus and the work he and his staff have done at Key Middle School was published and aired on local MCPS and Comcast stations. It can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_sRgLg8HX4.
President Broderick Appointed to Governor's Commission on Higher Education
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Old Dominion University President John R. Broderick was appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to the Governor's Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment.
"This Commission will play a pivotal role in the effort to make Virginia a more-highly educated state where businesses seek to locate and good jobs are available to our citizens in the communities they call home," McDonnell noted in the May 28 announcement. "We must make higher education more affordable and accessible for Virginians, and expand pathways to earning a college degree.
"Our institutions of higher learning are known worldwide for their innovation, research and quality. Here in Virginia they are job-creators and economic drivers. We must ensure they continue to operate at the highest levels, while remaining accessible to Virginia students."
In addition to Broderick, the commission includes the presidents of seven other Virginia colleges and universities, as well as a number of business, education policy and government officials.
"I am honored to be chosen by Gov. McDonnell for this important initiative, and pledge to work tirelessly with my colleagues to ensure the goals of the commission are met and Virginia's outstanding higher education institutions have a sustainable road map for their - and the Commonwealth's - future success," Broderick said.
Read full article.
Future ODU Alumnus Heath Studer Selected to Blog for Wall Street Journal
Monday, April 12, 2010
It's a scary time for soon-to-be graduates of Old Dominion University and every other school in the United States. Students are getting ready to take the leap into an uncertain job market, armed with energy, hopes and dreams, but facing a challenging economy.
Six graduating seniors are sharing their experiences of the transition from school to the working world in The Wall Street Journal's "Hire Education" blog. And one of the six, 24-year-old Heath Studer, will soon graduate with a B.S. in communication from ODU.
"I have enjoyed my experience and I'm especially grateful for it. I hate to admit this, but I have probably put more effort into my job search now because I have the blog than I would have had I not been given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Studer said. "Because of the blog, I've gained a lot of confidence and am less hesitant to approach people with questions regarding the job search process and their own experiences looking for work out of college."
The first member of his family to attend college, Studer moved from central New York to Fort Jackson, S.C., for military training. He was attracted to the Hampton Roads area after finishing his training, and completed an associate degree at Thomas Nelson Community College, then transferred to ODU to earn a bachelor's degree.
Studer, who is engaged but with no wedding date set, has worked a number of jobs, most recently as a security guard at the Williamsburg Marriott, while attending ODU. He's ready to take on the full-time working world, but as he wrote in The Wall Street Journal, a little daunted by the process. "We are faced with having to transition into a job market that is turbulent at best. Scary? Heck, yeah. But that is what makes this an exciting time in our lives," he wrote.
Studer was chosen to be one of The Wall Street Journal's six graduating bloggers including peers from the University of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan University and Barnard College.
The Journal describes Hire Education as a blog for, about and by people getting ready for the transition from college to the working world. Tracking six seniors on their hunt for meaningful work, the Journal will seek advice from recruiting and career-services professionals to help weave the narrative of their lives.
Studer is thrilled to be able to take part. He's hoping it might give him a tiny advantage in a very competitive job market.
"It's hard. It takes a lot of flexibility, hard work and dedication. Unless you're one of the lucky few who know exactly what it is that they want to do with their lives, you're forced to begin thinking about finding a job in a job market which is dismal," Studer said.
But he's optimistic that things will go well for him if he sticks to it.
Studer may have reason to be more optimistic than many of his classmates, because he thinks employers are looking for young people with motivation and ideas, things he has plenty of.
"I think that if college graduates know the value they can add to an organization and can communicate this value as somehow helping an organization reach its short-term and long-term goals, then he or she is one step closer to leveraging a depressing job market. It's a lot of hard work but it's completely possible. Anything is possible."
Read Studer's and his peer's blog entries by visiting the Wall Street Journal online.