K-STATEMENT FOR KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY and STAFF

K-STATEMENT index                                May 17, 2007 / Vol. 29, No. 21

ENGLISH NAMED NEW DEAN FOR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING John R. English has accepted the position of dean of engineering. He has been head of the department of industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, since April 2000. English, who will begin his new post in late July, succeeds Terry King, who left K-State in 2006 to be provost at Ball State University. Richard Gallagher has served as interim dean since June 2006. "We are delighted to welcome John English to K-State," said Provost M. Duane Nellis. "He has a comprehensive background in engineering leadership and innovation. He has been an effective researcher who also has been recognized for his outstanding teaching. As one who understands the technical needs of today's engineering college, he will be an excellent leader for the College of Engineering." BARNHART TO HEAD AVIATION Following a national search, R. Kurt Barnhart has been named head of K-State at Salina's aviation department. He will start his new position in July. "Kurt will bring a depth of knowledge and aviation experience to this position," said Dennis Kuhlman, dean of K-State at Salina. "We are certain that he'll be instrumental in taking K-State aviation to the next level." Barnhart has been acting chair of Indiana State University's aerospace technology department, where he also has served in a teaching capacity since 1996. He has been a National Association of Flight Instructors' Master Flight Instructor since 2003 and brings industrial experience from Allison Engine Co. -- now Rolls Royce -- and American Trans Air. Legislative report OH, BY THE WAY... BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION All benefits eligible employees of K-State have a basic term life insurance policy equal to 150 percent of their annual salary. Employees designate primary beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries, if desired, for this life insurance plan. Life events occur from time to time whereby designated beneficiaries change; therefore, it is important to periodically review these designations to assure they are current and accurate. Changes can be made at any time by completing a new KPERS-7/99 form and submitting it to the Division of Human Resources, 103 Edwards Hall. This form can be found on the Human Resources Web site at http://www.k-state.edu/hr/forms Questions should be addressed to Benefits Administration, Division of Human Resources, at 532-6277. VIDEO, AUDIO CONFERENCING FOR STATE The Kansas Regents Network in Dole Hall can help K-Staters with audio and video conferencing needs. Worldwide video conferencing is available, in addition to TELENET 2, featuring 22 Kansas sites. Audio conferencing can include up to 72 lines and features recording, play-back on demand and other elements. For audio and video conferencing needs, contact the Kansas Regents Network at 532-5995 or t2net@k-state.edu. Their Web site is http://www.telenet2.k-state.edu   ON CAMPUS May - June   -21 Kemper Gallery exhibit A faculty art show will be available in Kemper Gallery through Monday, May 21. The gallery is in the K-State Student Union and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The show is sponsored by the Union Program Council. 23 Classified recognition event The 30th annual Classified Employee Recognition Ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, in the K-State Student Union Main Ballroom. 28 University holiday 30 Faculty/staff golf A faculty/staff golf tournament will be Wednesday, May 23, at Colbert Hills Golf Course. Tee times are available between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A $4.28 per team intramural fee will be collected at registration time with Recreational Services. Green fees and cart are $45 plus tax; tournament entry fee is $1. Both will be collected at the course prior to play. The deadline for entering a foursome is Wednesday, May 23. Call John Wondra, 532-6980, with questions. 31 Michael Krueger lecture Michael Krueger, the 2007 Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Gift Print Artist, will present a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at the Beach Museum. Krueger is an associate professor of printmaking at the University of Kansas. The exhibit "Michael Krueger: 2007 Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Gift Print Artist" will be available at the museum through July 1. June 6 Classified Senate meeting Classified Senate will meet at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, in the Edwards Hall conference room. Wefald still revered at SMSU Mention the name Jon Wefald around campus and things stop. There's a hushed reverence when people talk about the man. Jon Wefald. The guy who saved Southwest Minnesota State University. Read more   Bringing climate change home How do climate change and other global environmental changes affect the average Kansan? Researchers at K-State are working to find out. Read more   UP CLOSE Recording history History can only be preserved if there is someone willing to listen to and record it. For an older generation of Kansas farmers, that person is Greg Stephens. Read more   PLAUDITS WILLIAMS HONORED FOR TEACHING Kimberly Williams, professor of horticulture, forestry and recreation resources, is receiving the Teacher Fellowship Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. Williams will be recognized with a plaque at the annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture conference June 20-22 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The award recognizes individuals whose efforts represent the very best in agricultural higher education. Criteria included in the selection process are statements from current students, alumni, administrative officers and peers. Factors such as availability to students, teaching innovations and departmental activity are also evaluated. "I am especially honored to receive this award because it required letters of support from my former and current students," Williams said. "As teaching faculty, it is very rewarding to have students return after working in the industry for which your courses helped prepare them to learn that they valued your instruction and advising and that it helped them succeed." PRESIDENTIAL AWARD PROMOTES UNDERGRAD RESEARCH Lorena Passarelli, assistant professor of biology, has won the inaugural Presidential Distinguished Faculty Award for the Mentoring of Undergraduate Students in Research, which includes $2,500 and a plaque. The award, given to an assistant, associate or a full professor, is based on mentoring performed in the previous academic year. "K-State encourages undergraduates to harness their talent and enthusiasm for research, starting as soon as they arrive on campus," said Jon Wefald, university president. Passarelli teaches virology and biology in addition to running her molecular virology lab at K-State. Her history of mentoring undergraduates stretches back to 1991, when she was teaching at the University of Georgia in Athens. Since then she has been a mentor for the American Society for Microbiology Undergraduate Research Program, the Latino Institute Program and K-State's Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Passarelli said she makes a point of discovering the strengths of her students so that she can match their qualifications with fellowships and other opportunities. WILEY TO HEAD MINORITIES IN AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION Zelia Wiley, assistant dean of diversity at the College of Agriculture, has been named the national president of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, a professional organization. Wiley was elected to the position at the organization's national conference, March 29-31, in Birmingham, Ala. Her term will last through 2008 and she will continue to serve on the executive committee the following year. "I have been a member of this organization since I was a student myself and that gives me the distinction of being the first national president who has gone through the ranks of our prestigious organization," Wiley said. "I am so pleased to have witnessed the growth of our society firsthand as well as be a part of the organization's success." Wiley is the adviser to the K-State chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, a national society of undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. MARSTON DOUBLY RECOGNIZED THIS SPRING Richard Marston, university distinguished professor and head of the department of geography, has been honored by the Association of American Geographers and by the department of geosciences at Oregon State University. Marston received the Distinguished Career Award from the Association of American Geographers' Mountain Geography Specialty Group and presented the Past President's Address at the association's annual banquet. According to the association's executive director, Doug Richardson, the banquet attracted the largest paid audience in recent memory to hear Marston's address "Land, Life and Environment Change in Mountains." The annual meeting, April 17-21 in San Francisco, was the 103rd for the association. A second recent honor to Marston was the 2007 Geosciences Distinguished Alumni Award from the department of geosciences at Oregon State University. The award, established in 2006, is given to former students of the department who have distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to their community. Marston earned his master's in geography in 1976 and his doctorate in geography in 1980 from Oregon State. He also has served on the department's Geosciences Board of Advisers since its inception in 2001. He received the award April 27. WESCH HONORED BY WIRED Michael Wesch joined J.K. Rowling, Arnold Schwarzenegger and 19 others as winners of this year's Rave Awards from Wired magazine. Wesch, assistant professor of cultural anthropology, was honored in the video category and is called "The Explainer" in the issue. He created a video explaining Web 2.0 that has been viewed more than 2.2 million times on YouTube, an online video-sharing community, since its release Jan. 31. Web 2.0 is the so-called "second wave" of Web-based services allowing people to network, share and collaborate online. Wired's Rave Awards salute the "people changing your mind," according to magazine. They honor innovators, instigators and inventors in a range of categories including technology, business, music, film, games, industrial design and blogs. Wired reports on how technology affects culture, the economy and politics. The winners of the Rave Awards were honored April 27 in San Francisco. Wesch's video can be seen at http://youtube.com/watch?v=NLlGopyXT_g STONE RECEIVES COLLEGE OF AG'S ADVISER AWARD Loyd Stone, K-State professor of agronomy, was named the academic adviser of the year at the College of Agriculture Student Council annual awards assembly. The outstanding adviser of the year award recognizes excellent advisers who go beyond the basic requirements of their duties. The award is made based on evaluations completed by the advisees of the person nominated. EDUCATION COLLEGE HONORS SERVICE, RESEARCH The College of Education is honoring two of its faculty for achievements in service and research. Marjorie Hancock, a professor of elementary education, has won the award for faculty excellence in research and creative activities. Gail Shroyer, a professor of elementary education, received the college's award for faculty excellence in service. Hancock teaches undergraduate pre-service teachers and graduate courses in reading. She also coordinates the college's graduate programs in curriculum and instruction. She emphasizes literature-based literacy instruction, and she finds that her research has been extended through the work of her Ph.D. students, many of whom are now teacher educators elsewhere. Shroyer has taught more than 20 undergraduate and graduate courses on science education, curriculum development, teacher research and school improvement in her years at K-State. She also directs the K-State Professional Development School Partnership, which involves faculty, teachers and students from colleges and school districts across the state. Shroyer also is a principal investigator of a grant to redesign the College of Education's undergraduate teacher-preparation program. PAUL RECEIVES FULBRIGHT-HAYS GRANT One professor will use a notable geography grant to head straight for disaster. Bimal Paul, K-State professor of geography, along with two professors from other schools, has been awarded a $64,000 Fulbright-Hays grant for the project, "Natural Hazards and Related Health Issues in Bangladesh: Standards and Issues Based Geography Curricular Project for Grades K-16." As part of the project, 15 teachers from schools and universities across the United States will visit the People's Republic of Bangladesh in July to study areas affected by flood, cyclones, tornadoes and drought. The team will then develop U.S. geography standards and issues-based curricular materials focusing on how people living in Bangladesh cope with their many natural hazards and the influence such disasters have had on health issues in the area. K-STATE AT SALINA COURSE HONORED The K-State at Salina course Corporate and Business Aviation Management has been recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of its Professional Development Program courses. The class, taught by Jimmy Splichal, associate professor of aviation, was reviewed by an association panel consisting of many of the nation's leading business aviation professors and was accepted on first submission. Students taking the class will receive credits and a certificate from the National Business Aviation Association toward continuing training offered by the association, including Certified Aviation Manager training. CAPD HONORS ITS OWN The College of Architecture, Planning and Design presented various honors at its May commencement ceremony. K-State's Sheri L. Smith, whose specialties include community development and urban infrastructure, received the 2007 McElwee Faculty Teaching Award. Former and current students nominated Smith, an assistant professor of landscape architecture and regional and community planning, for her energy, enthusiasm and an ability to encourage classes large and small to participate in making a topic relevant to real-world concerns. In addition, the college presented a Distinguished Service Award for exemplary contributions to K-State, the college and professional communities, to Diane Potts, assistant to the dean of K-State's College of Architecture, Planning and Design. Potts manages the increasingly complex fiscal affairs at the college as well as such events as the annual Telefund and DesignExpo. In addition, she arranges art exhibits and competitions for faculty and students, oversees the college's speakers series and is responsible for the college's public relations and promotions. Two alumni also received Distinguished Service Awards.   POINTS OF PRIDE Nuclear engineering program reaches milestone K-State's nuclear engineering program is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a department. K-State established the nuclear engineering curriculum in 1952 under the department of chemical engineering. In 1964, K-State's program became the first program in the nation to gain accreditation. Recent research projects at K-State's nuclear engineering program are making an impact on areas outside of the discipline, from archeology to anti-terrorism efforts. In January, K-State established a collaborative effort with the three other Big 12 universities with nuclear engineering programs to offer shared online courses for the Big 12 engineering colleges that currently do not have nuclear engineering programs.   NOTEWORTHY Stephen White, pictured at left, arts and sciences, has been elected an honorary member of K-State's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. Bob Krause, pictured at right, institutional advancement, was named an honorary member of K-State's chapter of Mortar Board national college senior honor society. More Noteworthy   K-STATE AWARDING PROMOTIONS, TENURE TO 45 FACULTY MEMBERS K-State is awarding promotions to 44 faculty members and tenure to 23 faculty members. Of those being promoted, 22 are becoming associate professors and 22 are becoming full professors. The promotions in rank and the granting of tenure were approved by Jon Wefald, K-State president. They go into effect July 1. Faculty earning promotions to full professor include: Anindya Banerjee, computing and information sciences; Dana Britton, sociology, anthropology and social work; Glen Brown, art; Susan Brown, biology; Edward "Ted" Carey, horticulture, forestry and recreation resources; Louis Crane, mathematics; Brett Esry, physics; Roman Reddy Ganta, diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Kevin Gwinner, marketing; James Hamilton, philosophy; Swinder Janda, marketing; Timothy Keane, landscape architecture and regional and community planning; Bradley Kramer, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering; Twig Marston, animal sciences and industry; Om Prakash, biochemistry; Raymond Rowland, diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Silvia Sauter, modern languages; James Sherow, history; Charlene Simser, university libraries; David Stone, history; William Turnley Jr., management; and Kun Yan Zhu, entomology. Faculty earning promotions to associate professor and tenure include: Soontae An, journalism and mass communications; Dale Askey, university libraries; Dale Bremer, horticulture, forestry, and recreation resources; Kathy Brockway, arts, sciences and business; Troy Brockway, aviation; Judith Collins, arts, sciences and business; Christopher Culbertson, chemistry; Sanjoy Das, electrical and computer engineering; Todd Easton, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering; Carolyn Ferguson, biology; Shawn Hutchinson, geography; Hyun Seung Jin, journalism and mass communications; Sara Kearns, university libraries; Richard McFarland II, marketing; Gerad Middendorf, sociology, anthropology and social work; Dunja Peric, civil engineering; Susan Rodgers, English; Dmitry Ryabogin, mathematics; Brett Sandercock, biology; Tracy Turner, economics; Donghai Wang, biological and agricultural engineering; and Young-Ok Yum, speech communication, theater and dance. Faculty earning tenure include: William Dunn, associate professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering.   OPPORTUNITIES CLASSIFIED • A recording of classified job opportunities is available 24 hours a day on the Employment Information Line, 785-532-6271. • A list of employment opportunities is posted at www.k-state.edu/hr/ • For additional information, call 785-532-6277 or come to the Division of Human Resources in 103 Edwards Hall. Applications are accepted 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. UNCLASSIFIED • A complete listing of vacancies can be seen at www.k-state.edu/affact/ • For additional information, call the office of affirmative action at 785-532-6220 or come by 214 Anderson Hall.