Prospective BU students visit campus

Admissions office student tour guide Frangel Martinez, center in black jacket, answers questions on July 15 from prospective students and parents on the Academic Quad. Roughly 40 students with their parents visited campus, which is typical during a summer weekday. More about admissions...

NFL player, BU alum creates scholarship

New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Jahri Evans, a '06 BU graduate, established a full scholarship for out-of-state minority students enrolled in BU's Master of Science in clinical athletic training program. Lauren James-Penn, of Houston, Texas, is the first recipient of the annual Jahri Evans Scholarship.

BLOOMSBURG — New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Jahri Evans, a Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania graduate, has established a full scholarship for out-of-state minority students enrolled in BU's Master of Science in clinical athletic training program.

Lauren James-Penn, of Houston, Texas, is the first recipient of the annual Jahri Evans Scholarship, which begins with the 2009-10 academic year. Evans, who graduated in May 2007 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science, has pledged to cover tuition and fees for a student on an annual basis.

"It's always good to help someone in need further their education," said Evans, a Philadelphia native and two-time All-American at BU. "Bloomsburg was instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I was brought up to always give back and be grateful for what you have. This is a great program and great place to go to school."

James-Penn, who recently earned a bachelor's degree in health and kinesiology from Prairie View A&M University, said the scholarship enabled her to relocate from Texas to study in Pennsylvania's only entry-level master’s program in athletic training and one of 16 offered nationally.

"This was exactly what I was looking for in a graduate program," James-Penn said. "This program really prepares you for the national certification exam."

Joe Hazzard, program director of BU's clinical athletic training program, said the scholarship not only benefits the graduate program but builds on the university's diversity initiatives. "Jahri has helped tremendously to get Lauren here and make this a reality for the program and university," Hazzard said.

According to Evans, the scholarship also enables him to stay closely connected to the university. "I still feel a part of Bloomsburg," he said. "It will always feel like home."

Evans, a fourth-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft, has played in every game of three seasons with the Saints and recently signed a one-year contract as a restricted free agent. In addition to the annual scholarship, Evans has a foundation for educational and charitable purposes that provides scholarships to college-bound students and sponsors an annual football camp.

Visit BU sports' YouTube site to see what Evans says about the upcoming NFL season.

Long named interim VP for student affairs

Jeffrey C. Long was appointed on July 24 to serve as BU's interim vice president for student affairs, filling the vacancy created by Preston Herring's recent death following a long battle with cancer. Long, assistant vice president for student life for the past nine years, now leads the university division devoted to students' lives outside of the classroom.

Student Affairs includes admissions, student activities and residence life, student standards, student health and counseling, career development, drug and alcohol intervention programs. Long will also oversee auxiliary enterprises, including Kehr Union, the University Store, the Child Center, the Student Recreation Center and dining services.

Long holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from BU, master's degree in anthropology from the State University of New York in Albany, master's degree in education from the College of St. Rose in Albany and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Georgia. In addition, Long has held administrative and faculty positions at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, College of St. Rose and Georgia.

BU receives 10-year reaccreditation

For the seventh time, BU received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, reaffirming the quality of the university's education, leadership and self-study process. The accreditation ensures BU remains eligible for federal funding, federal student aid and research grants.
BLOOMSBURG — For the seventh time, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), reaffirming the quality of the university's education, leadership and self-study process.

"This is good news," said BU President David Soltz. "The reaccreditation gives us solid building blocks to improve on our success and create a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure our success continues well into the future. I truly appreciate the time and effort of the many faculty and staff who assisted with the self-study."

The commission approved BU's latest 10-year reaccreditation at its June 25 meeting. BU was first accredited in 1950. Richard Baker, chair of BU"s Middle States steering committee, said MSCHE is the university-wide accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation ensures BU remains eligible for federal funding, including federal student aid and research grants, according to Baker.

"It's also an opportunity to have individuals from eight peer institutions review our programs and provide a comprehensive assessment of how well the university is fulfilling its mission," Baker said. "And, as a result of the institution's internal self-study process, BU is already reviewing its general education curriculum and will begin the process of reviewing its mission and preparing a new comprehensive five-year strategic plan, which will carry us well into the next decade."

Among the highest commendations, MSCHE said BU remains financially strong because of its extensive annual planning and budgeting activities. BU also ranks near the top of the 14 PASSHE institutions on several measures key to attracting new students.

Baker said the first step is to implement the recommendations and suggestions from the self-study and MSCHE review. A monitoring report will be submitted in 2011 to affirm BU has complied with the commissions' recommendations regarding strategic planning and general education. MSCHE is a voluntary, nongovernmental membership association that defines, maintains and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations and resources. It uses 14 accreditation standards to examine each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs. The standards are mission and goals; planning, resource allocation and institutional renewal; institutional resources; leadership and governance; administration; integrity; institutional assessment; student admissions and retention; student support services; faculty; educational offerings; general education; related educational activities; and assessment of student learning.

The MSCHE evaluation team visited the university from April 5 to 8. The team conducted interviews with students, faculty, staff and administrators. According to Baker, each team member had a background in an administrative and/or academic area and was responsible for reviewing that portion of BU's operations. BU's self-study, conducted over the 2007-08 academic year, included a survey of faculty, staff and students covering several areas of the university, such as its mission and student learning. The study also contained recommendations that will be included in BU's strategic planning and budget process.

BU last received a comprehensive evaluation in 2004. The next periodic review report, which is done halfway through the 10-year reaccreditation cycle, is due in 2014 with the next self-study evaluation due in 2018-19. Visit here to view BU's self-study process and results.

BU professor named Fulbright Scholar

Gregory Zimmerman, an associate professor of physical chemistry, has been granted a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research at the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario. Zimmerman will spend nine months, beginning in September, conducting research for a project relating to the development of new generation nuclear reactors.

As a Canada-U.S. Fulbright visiting chair, Zimmerman will examine the properties of corrosion products of nickel alloy pipes in closed water loops that are subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Zimmerman will be working with Peter Tremaine at the University of Guelph, whose group is one of the only two groups in the world with the technical instruments capable of producing the temperatures and pressures needed.

BU crew helps improve creek bank

United Water Pennsylvania recently partnered with BU, the Fishing Creek Watershed Association and its water customers to preserve the environment along Fishing Creek. Nearly 100 participants canvassed the creek banks on July 11, including 47 high school students taking part in TRiO Upward Bound at BU, who helped seed and mulch the bank and pick up debris. More on TriO Upward Bound ...

State system sets tuition for 2009-10

BU students will see a 3.7 percent tuition increase for the coming school year after the State System of Higher Education board of governors approved the new tuition rate on July 16 for the system's 14 member institutions. Tuition for a full-time resident undergraduate student will increase by $196 to $5,554, while full-time nonresidents will pay a maximum of $13,886, reflecting the same 3.7 percent increase.

Web specialist receives STRIVE Award

Judy Ohl was recently honored with the quarterly STRIVE (Staff and Team Recognized in their Valuable Efforts) Award, recognizing her efforts in Web design, Web page development and collaborative work with the communications and technology offices. Ohl was also recognized for her work in implementing BU's social networking media, such as Facebook, Twitter and BU President David Soltz's blog.

Pictured are Soltz, Ohl and Jim Gessner, director applications development and operations, who nominated Ohl for the award. Questions and nominations for the next STRIVE Award can be made by e-mail.

BU alums enjoy time at Knoebels

More than 100 BU alumni and their family attended BU Alumni Day at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg on July 11, which was one of 10 events being held this summer by the BU Alumni Association.

Shown here are Jeffrey Warren, '94, holding his son, Jeffrey Jr., with BU President David Soltz and Kathleen Hozza Warren, '94, holding her daughter Mikayla. More...

Area students explore math and science

More than 70 middle and high school students participated in BU's annual math and science camps from July 6 to 16, where they learned computer animation, how police recover erased computer files and explored different aspects of math and science through class presentations, hands-on activities and demonstrations.

BU summer freshmen honor Mandela

Nearly 200 BU students enrolled in ACT 101/EOP committed 67 minutes to community service each day from July 20 to 24 to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 67 years of service to the world. Students will volunteer at St. Columbia Catholic Church, AGAPE Love from Above To Our Community and the YMCA.

BU faculty named Fulbright Scholars, pair will study and teach overseas

Michael Patte, associate professor of secondary education and educational studies, and Gary Wassmer, associate professor of biological and allied health sciences, have been awarded Fulbright fellowships. Wassmer will go to Uganda in August to teach entomology, while Patte will travel to the United Kingdom in the spring to teach and conduct research on playwork.

Patte will conduct research at Leeds Metropolitan University. Playwork, with its roots in Europe, is concerned with providing play environments where children can laugh and cry, explore and experiment, create and destroy, achieve, feel excited and elated. One of the major goals of Patte's Fulbright Fellowship is establishing playwork as a profession in the U.S. as a means to restore play to children's lives.

BU sports now on YouTube

BU's sports information has launched a YouTube channel, featuring the latest developments and advancements of BU sports teams, athletes and facilities. Interviews with coaches and athletes will also be a constant fixture. Among its features, the channel hosts video of the latest phase in the Nelson Field House and Danny Litwhiler Field renovations. More ...

BU hosts 200 soccer coaches for the fifth straight summer

The National Soccer Coaching Association of America returned to BU for the fifth straight year recently to conduct a series of coaching academies on the upper campus. Roughly 200 soccer coaches from across the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, India, Jamaica and England participated in the training. Michael Collins

BU community mourns the loss of a faculty member

Michael Collins, a theatre arts professor and frequent guest actor and director at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, died unexpectedly on July 16. Collins, who came to BU in 1989, taught performance courses, directing, scriptwriting and directed more than 30 shows on campus.

Memorial service information was announced at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were handled by Dean W. Kriner Funeral Home, Bloomsburg.

Long-time administrator loses battle with cancer

Preston Herring, vice president of university and student affairs, died on July 14 following a long battle with cancer. During nearly 15 years at BU, Herring led the university division devoted to students' lives outside of the classroom, which included admissions, career development, student standards, student activities and residence life, student health and counseling, intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports and drug and alcohol intervention programs.

A memorial service was held on July 18 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg. The family internment was at New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg, followed by a reception at the Kehr Union Ballroom.

BLOOMSBURG — Preston Herring, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's vice president for university and student affairs, died July 14 at Geisinger Medical Center, following a long battle with cancer.

During nearly 15 years at BU, Herring led the university division devoted to students' lives outside of the classroom. Student Affairs includes admissions, career development, student standards, student activities and residence life, student health and counseling, intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports and drug and alcohol intervention programs. He oversaw auxiliary enterprises, including Kehr Union, the University Store, the Child Center, the Student Recreation Center and dining services. For five years, he also directed university relations, encompassing alumni affairs, communications, development and government relations.

"Dr. Herring's dedication to each student's experiences both inside and outside the classroom was evident in every decision he made and every project he led," said BU President David Soltz. "He took great pride in developing the concept for the Warren Student Services Center, which transformed the former library into a central location for student and academic services. He believed strongly in the importance of providing safe, high-quality housing for students, both on campus and in town, and worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between town residents and our students.

"As a member of my President's Advisory Council, he provided valuable insight. He was the ultimate professional and a true gentleman whose wise counsel we all will miss."

Earlier in his career, Herring served as Rochester Institute of Technology's director of housing and residence life, assistant vice president for student affairs and associate vice president for student affairs. He was director of administration for the University of Louisville's School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, and assistant to the chairman for Michigan State University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomechanics. He also worked in student life positions at the University of Vermont, Kent State University and Michigan State University.

Herring earned a doctoral degree in administration and higher education from Michigan State University, a master's of education from the University of Vermont and a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son, Bryce; daughter, Ashleigh Spiegel; and grandson, Matthew Spiegel.

The public viewing will be Friday, July 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Dean W. Kriner Funeral Home, Bloomsburg. Herring's memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg. The family internment will be at New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg, followed by a reception at the Kehr Union Ballroom.

BU bids adieu to long-time patrolman

Corp. Duy McBride recently retired after 29 years of service with the BU Police Department, which hosted a retirement party for him on July 8. Pictured (L-R) McBride, Sam Haynes, police officer, Sue Snyder, administrative assistant, Rose Andreas, clerical supervisor and Dan Pitonyak, police officer.

Postcard exhibit continues

A traveling exhibit, "PostSecret: Confessions of Life, Death, and God", continues its two-month stop at BU's Haas Gallery of Art through July 15. The exhibit presented 160 postcards with private thoughts concerning spirituality and religion.

It was organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington D.C., in cooperation with curator Frank Warren. More ...

BU forensics camp sparks interest in middle school students

A group of 13 North Schuylkill middle school students recently completed a four-day computer forensics camp coordinated by BU as part of the Workforce Leadership 2+2+2 grant program. The camp gave students, in sixth through eighth grade, a glimpse into computer forensics with hope of sparking an interest in them to study computer technology in high school.

BU has participated in the workforce leadership grant program, which is funded by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, for the past three years. The grant has helped BU form partnerships with Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, Northumberland County Career and Technical Center and the North Schuylkill School District to transfer credits of students studying in the information technology and computer forensics curriculum.

Students attend leadership retreat

Thirteen BU students representing various campus groups attended the 4th Annual Student Leadership retreat on campus from June 18 to 20. Students were from the Student Organization of Latinos, Black Cultural Society, Ladies First, Men of Intelligence Notability and Desire, Vice Versa and Aquiy Ahora. More ...

Freshmen urged to test 50-foot climbing wall

BU's Quest invited freshmen to try their skills on the climbing wall near the Nelson Field House on the upper campus and prepare for a weekend hike at Ricketts Glen, as well as other adventure courses freshmen could participate in. More on Quest...