Dr.
Robert Schneider, Chair-Department
of Political Science
With the publication of vol. 1 no. 2 of this departmental newsletter, I
am happy to report that your response to our first effort has been gratifying.
We hope to hear from all of our alumni soon, and on a regular basis. The
department of political science here at UNCP is still your academic "home".
We want all of our past students to feel very much a part of our
exciting present. We are in the process of setting up a departmental home
page which will make it easy for you to visit us. See details in this NEWSLETTER.
The academic year just completed has had many highlights, the most prominent
among them are included in this newsletter. I would especially bring to
your attention the North Carolina Political Science Association meeting
hosted at UNCP by your department. Twenty-five universities were represented
in the research presentations and scholarly discussions which constituted
the two day program. The banquet speaker, North Carolina Secretary of
State Elaine Marshall, brought additional prestige to the event.
As you read about the student, faculty, and departmental activities of
this past year, and as you read about some of your fellow alumni, I hope
that you will feel a sense of ownership. I hope also that you will note
that there is now a political science fund in the university foundation
to which you may contribute. We hope many of you will help defray the
cost of this newsletter and contribute to student activities. The political
science fund is not for faculty. It will be used exclusively to support student academic travel, student programs, and student research.
Please see the fund raising message at the end of this newsletter and
respond as your heart dictates. I'm counting on some big hearts as we
seek to do more for our students.
Enjoy the news from "home." Talk to you next fall.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
During the 1996-97 Academic Year, the Political Science Club attempted some
fund raising (mild success only), organized a computer workshop, and sponsored
a career day and a select a major day. Pi Sigma Alpha and the Political
Science club assisted with departmental efforts to host the North Carolina
Political Science Association conference at UNCP. Students, working with
faculty, assisted in many of the preparations and hosting functions. Special
recognition goes to Virginia "Sissy" Sykes, Mary Strope, and Ed Beltz for
their hard work.
A departmental picnic, sponsored by the Political Science Club and held
at Dr. Trapp's "country estate," concluded the year. A plaque of appreciation
to the department was presented in the name of the class of 1997. Visit
the departmental homepage and click onto activities for some candid picnic
photos! DEPARTMENT EVENTS
.
Congratulations to outgoing student body president Curtis "Trey"
Allen III. Trey will be entering law school at UNC-Chapel Hill in the
fall 1997.
Congratulations also to Anthony Griffin on being accepted to Campbell
School of Law.
FACULTY ACTIVITIES
This is to update
you on UNCP political science faculty and their professional activities
since our last report in the fall of 96.
Liz Normandy has a forthcoming article in the Journal of Political
Science entitled "U.S.-Nigeria Relations in Historical Perspective."
She also has a forthcoming publication in the World Encyclopedia of
Political Parties and Systems entitled "The Ivory Coast."
Bob Schneider's article, "The United States," will be published
in this same encyclopedia. Frank Trapp has co-authored and published an
article entitled "the Potential for Terrorism in the Balkans"
in the Journal of Peace and the Sciences (Vienna International
Institute for Peace) vol. XXVII. Keith Boeckelman has two new publications,
"Governors, Economic Theory, and Development Policy" which appears
in Economic Development Quarterly and "Religiosity: A Source
of Black Environmentalism and Empowerment" which will appear in the Journal of Black Studies. Mike Hawthorne presented an evaluation
study to the North Carolina Client and Community Development Center. Mike
has been elected as the Secretary for the North Carolina Political Science
Association. He will also be teaching in the ICPSR Summer Program at the
University of Michigan.
In addition to these publications and activities, Keith Boeckelman presented
a paper at the Southern Political Science Association meeting in Atlanta,
Frank Trapp presented at the North Carolina Political Science Association,
and Bob Schneider participated in an academic assessment conference in
Asheville. All faculty have writing projects for conferences and future
publication in progress. In case anybody has ever wondered what University
faculty do outside of teaching class, or during the summer months, the
above is but a partial list of academic and professional activities which
keep them professionally involved. Needless to say, such professional
activity contributes to better classroom teaching. It also is an expected
or required part of the professor's job which enables the department and
the university to meet its obligations in professional and community service.
DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES--UNCP
HOSTS POL. SCI. CONFERENCE--
The NORTH CAROLINA POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION held its annual conference
March 21-22 on the UNCP campus. The conference was hosted by our department
of political science. Dr. Michael Hawthorne served as site coordinator.
The conference featured 50 research presentations over a two day period
and was attended by over 70 political scientists from 25 universities
in North Carolina and surrounding states. The event was held in the Chavis
University Center, with overnight guests staying in the Lumberton Quality
Inn (i.e. the old Ramada). The conference theme was "Politics and Change:
Towards the Next Millennium." Ten panels, with subjects ranging from politics
and public policy in North Carolin to Eastern Europe and Africa, constituted
the conference program. The Association was honored to have North Carolina
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall present a keynote dinner address on
the first day of the meeting. Her comments on her "race" against Richard
Petty in the fall of '96 were informative and entertaining. The department
hosted a reception before the dinner.
Faculty and students alike worked to make the event a success. Association
officers called it one of the best meetings in years. On a less serious
note, the "dollar draft" special served by the conference hotel lounge
was a huge hit with attendees with respect to the socializing and professional
networking aspects of the conference. UNCP, and Lumberton's Quality Inn,
put on an impressive show.
ALUMNI NEWS
THANKS TO ALL who responded to our first Alumni Newsletter. While the response
rate was not as high as we would have liked, nonetheless, we are appreciative
of those who took the time to answer our request. We look forward to hearing
from more of UNCP's ALUMNI. Here is what some of you had to say.
LT David R. Allen, USCGR, Assistant Chief, External Affairs Division.
David is a 1982 graduate, he is married to Captain Janet (Lane) Allen,
USAFR (1989 graduate). They have two girls and make their home in Alexandria,
VA. "I have been fortunate to have had two jobs in which my Political
Science degree was useful. The first was a position as an Air Force civil
servant managing a Family Support program, which required a degree in
social science. The second is my current position as a Coast Guard officer
managing our External Affairs Division in the Office of Reserve. In this
position we act as liaison between the Coast Guard and various DoD agencies,
as well as Capitol Hill association in the military coalition and members
of Congress. My concentration in Comparative Government (under Dr. Paul
Herrick) has also served me well." David has also been appointed as
the Native American Program Manager at Coast Guard Headquarters where
he hosted Dr. Joseph B. Oxendine as guest speaker for the Native American
Month Breakfast (November 5, 1996)
Matthew E. Chavis (1993 graduate) Matt is in his second year of MBA studies
at East Carolina University where he is the Graduate Coordinator for Residence
Life. Matt has held a variety of positions; Sales Consultant for P&A Investments,
Inc. in Laurel Hill, NC, manager for Waffle House, Inc., and was accepted
to NCCU School of Law. He is scheduled to graduate with an MBA degree
from ECU fall 1997 and he hopes to combine both degrees to manage in the
public sector and maybe teach at a community college.
Pachelli Egbuna (1983 graduate) is employed in the field of education.
Prior to becoming a teacher, he was an officer in the U.S. Army. Currently
he is the assistant principal in El Paso, Texas. Has also worked as a
Special Education teacher. "My experience at Pembroke was a wonderful
one." He accredits this experience to the kindness of Dr. Monte Hill
and Dr. Paul B. Herrick. These two professors helped me tremendously,
says Pachelli. As a foreign student, I could not have made it without
their kindness and support.
Lisa Davis Fields (1994 graduate) is an Account Manager - Sears Contract
Sales. Lisa will earn her Masters in Public Administration from Clemson
University in May 1997. Here is what Lisa had to say: "I also work
as a consultant to Property Management Companies to develop Resident Initiative
Programs that enrich quality of life for subsidized apartment communities.
Prior work was at Cornerstone Properties (CSP). At CSP I was an on-site
manager of a 96-unit Section 8 Apartment Community. For my Capstone Project
for my MPA I developed all aspects of a day camp for the children of Edgewood
Square Apts for the Summer 1997. I'm glad to hear the wonderful works
at UNCP --- including the start up of Pi Sigma Alpha. My undergraduate
education from UNCP (then PSU) prepared me for the challenges of graduate
school at Clemson University. Thank you to all the professors for their
help and dedication to turning out students who are ready for the world."
Harvey Godwin (1991 graduate) is President of West Eagle Job-Net, Inc.
Richard Dale Harford, Jr. a 1974 graduate with a minor in Political Science.
Richard makes his home in Lithia Springs, GA.
G. Timothy Harper (1981 graduate) is Director of Emergency Services Education
- Robeson Community College for the past five years. Timothy is a: Town
Councilman - Town of Rowland; Certified Firefighter II, Certified Emergency
Medical Technican, Certified Auxillary Deputy Robeson County Sheriff's
Dept.; Certified EMT Instructor/Coordinator with NC Office of EMS; Certified
Law Enforcement Instructor with NC Attorney General's Office; Graduate
of UNC Institute of Government Municipal Administration Program; and a
former employee with Lumber River Council of Governments as a Planner.
Grady L. Hunt (1986 graduate) is an attorney/partner in the law firm of
Locklear Jacobs & Hunt. "After graduating from PSU (now UNCP) I attended
law school at UNC-Chapel Hill. After graduating from law school in May
1989, I entered private practice and have been in private practice with
my present firm for the past seven years." Grady had this to say about
our first publication; "The publication is interesting and will be
a great way of keeping up with other alumni, present students and of course
the faculty. Keep up the good work. If I can be of assistance to your
program in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me."
Sonny Eugene Kirkley (1987 graduate) is the Assistant Director, Laboratory
for Research & Development in Teaching & Learning, Center for Excellence
in Education at Indiana University. He is also an adjunct faculty in Instructional
Systems Technology. Sonny says "I am currently completing my dissertation
in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University. My current
work involves researching & developing products for delivery education
over the Internet. From 1987 to 1992 I worked as a campaign consultant
managing two congressional campaigns, working on two presidential campaign
staffs, and working at the NC Democratic Party HeadQuarters."
Joseph W. Osman (1993 graduate) is an attorney with the law offices of
Page & Rogers, P.A. He graduated from Norman A. Wiggings School of Law,
Campbell University, 1996. Successfully passed N.C. Bar Exam, July 1996
and sworn in at Lumberton, NC on September 11, 1996. A member of Campbell
University's Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) trial team.
Regional finalist, 1996. Runner-up, Best Advocate, National Institute
of Trial Advocacy (NITA) "Tournament of Champions" trial competition,
1995. Member of NC Bar Association, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, ATLA,
The Order of Barristers Honor Society. Who's Who in American Colleges
& Universities, 1995-1996; Who's Who: American Law Students, 1995 & 1996.
Married on August 6, 1995 to Janna S. Osman.
Catherine K. Pinkston (1995 graduate) is employed with the Scotland County
Juvenile Services (Alternatives to Detention Counselor). She has been
with the agency almost two years. "I wanted to say, that my time at
UNCP (PSU then), with special recognition to the Political Science Department,
helped me tremendously in preparing for this work. The high work ethics
of our department along with the intellect made me eager to learn! Thanks!!"
Michael Polk (1990 graduate) is employed with the Greene County Department
of Social Serivces. Michael says that he is presently serving as Social
Worker Case Manager for the Community Alternative Program for Disabled
Adults (CAP/DA). The CAP/DA program assists individuals who might be at
risk of being placed in a nursing home to remain safely in the community.
Bobby D. Scott, MPA (1990 graduate) is self-employed (Scott Management
Group Healthcare and Management Consulting, Major Contractor - JCAHO).
"Since graduating from UNCP, I have worked extensively in developing
management systems for small and medium-sized multispecialty group practices.
I received a Masters in Public Administration from North Carolina State
University in 1993 and am currently in the process of applying to several
notable Doctorate programs. Additionally, I have opened a modest office
in Lumberton, and have joined a number of professional associations including
the ASPA, ACHE, NACHC, MGMA, and the American Management Association.
My future plans include permanent relocation to a metropolitan statistical
area, and continuing my education in areas not directly related to public
administration such as computer/electrical technology, law, theology,
etc."
Douglas H. Smith (1981 graduate) is self-employed and lives in Rockingham,
NC
Carla Hobbs Stephens (1985 graduate) is Finance Director for the town
of Zebulon, NC. She has been in this position since August 1992 and is
responsible for all financial transactions for the town. Received her
Masters degree in Public Affairs from NC State University in July 1987.
Carla is married and has a 3 year old son, Hunter. Her second child was
due in November 1996.
Robert T. Williamson, Jr. (1992 graduate) is Fire Captain at St. Johns
Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. Also president of Sea Island Lawn Care.
"I moved to South Carolina in October of 1992 to be near my girlfriend
(now my wife), a former UNCP student who transferred to the Medical University
of South Carolina-Pharmacy. In order to occupy my spare time, I started
a landscape business in 1994 servicing the upscale communities of Kiawah
and Seabrook Islands. In May of 1995, my wife (formerly Lara T. Gray)
graduated with a BS in Pharmacy and we were married in July." Robert
and his wife are considering buying a Medicine Shoppe franchise to be
opened near the barrier islands. "Thanks for a strong educational
foundation that without it, none of this would have been possible."
Dr. Paul B. Herrick (former faculty member) also responded to our newsletter.
"UNCP--impressive. Every time I hear about you guys things are getting
better. I also really enjoyed the newsletter. The faculty is impressive.
Congratulations! Please keep me on your mailing list. I look forward to
hearing from alums that I taught." Dr. Herrick will be publishing
his first novel, Appalachian Love Story, this summer (July 23,
1997) and a second novel will be forthcoming.
Thanks again to those who took the time to respond and inform us about
what's been happening with you since graduating. We are certainly proud
of each of you and your accomplishments. Your words of encouragement to
continue doing for others as we have done for you is an inspiration. It
is always gratifying to know that we made a difference in someone else's
life. As each of you have made your impact on the university community,
continue to impact others with your time and talent. We look forward to
hearing from more of you.
For more information click here ALUMNI DIRECTORY.
Updated:
Monday, June 30, 2008
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