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Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) inducted 26 alumni and students into the public affairs and administration national honor society at a ceremony this spring.

Requirements for membership include 50 percent of the course work completed and a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Pi Alpha Alpha is the national honor society formed to recognize and promote excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration. The mission of the organization is:

• to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration,
• to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration, and
• to foster integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.

PAA membership identifies students with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers. PAA honorary membership identifies students whose careers have best advanced the ideals of integrity, professionalism and creative performance in public service.

The mission of PAA is advanced through the national organization and through the work of local Pi Alpha Alpha chapters established by collegiate programs in public affairs and administration, which are affiliated with the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

Currently, there are 125 Pi Alpha Alpha chapters, with a total membership of 25,786 individuals. Pi Alpha Alpha is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, the coordinating agency for collegiate honor societies.

Pi Alpha Alpha induction - Bottom row from left: Mary Locklear, Carol Hunt-Cummings, Mary Harrelson, Brenda Duarte, Jennifer Dowless, Dr. Dan Barbee (faculty). Top Row from left: Chris Harrelson, Dr. Robert Schneider (Political Science, chair), Miranda Haigler, Sherry Hunt (Education), Mary Nichols, Mickey Biggs, Amanda Crabtree, Billie Hunt (American Indian Studies), Lawrence Locklear (University and Community Relations), Dr. Nicholas Giannatasio (Political Science, MPA director), Dr. Fran Fuller (Political Science), Jennifer Watson and Dr. William Albrecht (Political Science). Other students inducted but not present are: Frederick Surgeon, Vickie Pait, Michaela Mackley (Business Services), Brian Brock, Bruce Blackmon (Financial Aid), Lan Cui, Yanqui Wang, Mary B. Locklear, Kristina Cummings, Shannon Tew, Caroline Dunnum, and Jiang He.

Outstanding MPA (public administration) Student of the Year Award - Lawrence Locklear (University & Community Relations), center, with Dr. Nicholas Giannatasio(left), MPA program director, and Luckey Welsh, CEO for Southeastern Regional Medical Center

Dr. Vest selected for Fulbright Fellowship

Dr. Jay Hansford C. Vest (American Indian Studies) was selected for a Fulbright Fellowship as visiting research chair in the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada for 2005 -2006.

Dr. Vest expects to engage his Fulbright appointment following the 2005 fall semester from December 2005 to August 2006. He will concentrate on his research of Pikuni-Blackfeet mythology and sacred geography with the intent on completing two book projects.

On April 18, Dr. Vest chaired the last AIQ Book Review Forum for spring semester 2005. Three papers were delivered: Dr. Stephen Bukowy, (School of Business) addressed Laura Woodward-Ney’s book, "Mapping Identity: The Creation of the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, 1805-1902"; Dr. Vest, addressed Bruce Granville Miller’s, "Invisible Indigenes: The Politics of Non-recognition"; and Dr. Anthony Curtis (Mass Communications) addressed, "Beyond the Reach of Time and Change: Native American Reflections on the Frank A. Rinehart photograph Collection."

There were approximately 20 faculty, staff and students present at the forum. The forum will resume in the fall, said Dr. Vest, forum coordinator.

Dr. Vest chaired the 1st annual Southeast Indian Studies Conference held at the Regional Center on April 14-15. There were 22 presentations given during the conference and more than 50 attendees, some from as far away as Ohio and other distant places.

Dr. Vest presented a paper, "The Adventures of John Lederer: Explorations and Oral Traditions," at the conference.

On the day following the conference, Dr. Vest presented a paper, "Academic Freedom: Ward Churchill and the Politics of American Indian Identity," to the Southern Sociological Society Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

Dr. Vest also had a paper published entitled, "The Lynchburg Tobacco Trade and the 19th Century Monacan Economy: Oral Traditions from the Blue Ridge at Hico - the Buzzard Rock," in Lynch’s Ferry, a local history journal in its Spring/Summer 2005 edition (pages 34-35, with illustrations from art student Georgia Ivie).

Correction (to the April 1, 2005 report): Dr. Vest delivered a paper as a comment on oral tradition and technology entitled, "Spring Cycles: Planting in the Signs," to the Virginia Humanities Conference at Ferrum College, Ferrum, Va., in March.

Sewanee Review publishes article by Dr. Rundus

An article by Dr. Raymond Rundus (English, retired) on Joseph Mitchell was published in the literary journal The Sewanee Review. It appears in the Winter 2005 edition on pages 62-83.

Mitchell was a Fairmont, N.C., native who rose to prominence as a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. He published several books including “Joe Gould’s Secret,” which was made into a film after the author’s death in 1996.

“I have just now received two complimentary copies of this issue and have ordered several more,” Dr. Rundus writes. “It should be relatively easy to find the essay in Sampson-Livermore Library.”

The Sewanee Review is the oldest literary quarterly in the U.S. and played a role in Dr. Rundus’ interest in Mitchell.

“Noel Perrin's essay, also titled "Joseph Mitchell Reconsidered," appeared in the Spring 1983 issue of The Sewanee Review, which is available in a bound volume in the library,” Dr. Rundus said. “George Core was already the editor when Perrin's essay appeared, and it is of some significance that he insisted on the same title for my essay.”

“It is also somewhat of a coincidence that Billy Whitted's memorial service was held in Fairmont (I attended), as it was he who had generously given me, 20 or so years ago, one of the several copies he had acquired of the Spring 1983 volume,” he said.

Whitted was the long-time editor of the Fairmont Messenger-Journal and owner of The Book Trader in Fairmont, N.C. He was buried in Floyd Cemetery, where Mitchell is also interred.

Dr. Rundus said it is worth more than passing interest to observe that a new edition of Mitchell's only novel, "Old Mr. Flood," is just now coming out, with a foreword by Charles McGrath.

Mass Com represented at Chapel Hill conference

Anthony Curtis	Judith Curtis

Drs. Anthony and Judy Curtis (Mass Communications) on May 24 attended a conference at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill about collaborative activities among journalism faculties across the UNC system campuses and formation of a consortium on distance education in journalism. The conference was hosted by UNC-Chapel Hill deans at the School of Journalism and attended by faculty representatives from nine system campuses.

The group planned future communication about journalism courses via a new Web site for discussions using Blackboard and a listserv. In addition, the group perceived opportunities for cooperative and collaborative online projects with journalism faculty across the system, sharing distance education journalism course opportunities among campuses, and more conferences including some at UNCP.

Work by Paul Van Zandt in Rocky Mount show

Sculptures by Professor Paul Van Zandt (Art) were accepted into the 48th annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Rocky Mount Arts Center in Rocky Mount, N.C. The exhibition judges review works from slides and then the actual work.

Dr. Jones publishes article in journal

Dr. Ginny Pompei Jones’ (English) article entitled, “‘Making it Real’—Engaging the Imagination Through Research Topics,” was published in the April edition of English Leadership Quarterly, a National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) publication.

Donna Melvin accepted in doctoral program

Donna Melvin (Art) was accepted into the doctoral program in educational administration program at Fayetteville State University.

Dr. Labadie’s work on display on two continents

Three digital prints by Dr. John Labadie (Art) were juried into several exhibits, which tour Australia from April - October 2005. The exhibitions are associated with the 2005 International Digital Arts Association international juried competition, headquartered in Melbourne.

2005 International Digital Art Association exhibition schedule:

1. Academy Gallery UTAS Launceston, April 1 - 22;
2. Victoria College of Art Gallery at the University of Melbourne, April 29 - May 19;
3. Queensland University of Technology Art Museum, Brisbane (prints), July 7 – September 4;
4. Queensland University of Technology Creative Industries Gallery (new media), August 1 - September 4; and
5. College of Fine Arts at Sydney University, September 15 - October 15
   2005.

Dr. Labadie currently has three digital prints exhibited in an international juried exhibition in Venezuela. His works will be exhibited in the "Salón de Arte Digital - IV Edición - Maracaibo 2005." This is an on-site exhibition of many forms of digital art held in Maracaibo, Venezuela during May - June 2005 in various locations throughout the city.

Salón de Arte Digital is an annual exhibition of digital art that takes place in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo. All activities in this event are dedicated to promote the use of digital tools, and include forums related to science, art, work and recreation.

Ralph Steeds showing in Bulgaria

Professor Ralph Steeds (Art) had three prints accepted for an international juried exhibition at Lessedra Gallery in Sophia, Bulgaria.

Janette Hopper exhibited in LA show

Janette Hopper's work "Blood Sun" was accepted into a juried projection exhibition in Los Angeles, Cal., at the 2nd annual Artivist Film Festival and Artivists Awards, April 20 – 24, 2005. More than 70 films were presented from 26 countries as well as the projected art exhibit.

LA Mayor James K. Hahn officially proclaimed Wednesday, April 20 as “Artivist Day,” a day to celebrate activism through the arts in Los Angeles. Curator/Liaison Laura Nelson said 6-8,000 people attended the show.

Award aids research on book for Dr. Reising

Dr. Robert Reising (English, retired) was a beneficiary of a Fayetteville Observer Pat Reese Fellowship award with sports reporter Brett Friedlander. It allows the pair to research and write “Chasing Moonlight,” a biography of Dr. A. W. “Moonlight” Graham, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., (born in 1879) and brother of Frank Porter Graham, the late president of the UNC System.

The $5,000 grant permitted Friedlander and Dr. Reising to travel to Chisholm, Minn., Dr. Wright's home for over half-a-century prior to his death in 1965, to interview his friends, study his medical practice and visit and photograph sites important in his personal and professional life.

Dr. Graham enjoyed a long professional baseball career, playing briefly with the New York Giants in 1905, and came to international attention in Kevin Costner's 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” based on W. P. Kinsella's 1982 prize-winning novel “Shoeless Joe.” In his last film role, Burt Lancaster played Dr. Graham and James Earl Jones, who appeared at UNCP recently, also starred as Graham.

“The award will allow Brett and me to travel to Rochester, Minn., Scranton, Pa., and Boston, Mass., for additional research in the near future,” Dr. Reising said.

Dr. Reising accepted a position as professor of literacy education in the graduate school of the College of Education at The University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) in Kentucky. He will teach courses in the “Teaching of Reading and Writing for K-12 teachers” and supervise the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Jessica with some of her favorite professors, Dr. Merrill Miller and Dr. David Nikkel, both with the Department of Philosophy and Religion.

Jessica Lane Hammonds graduates from UNCP

Jessica Lane Hammonds graduated from UNCP on May 7, 2005. The daughter of Wanda (Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice) and Rev. Jimmy D. Hammonds, Jessica majored in philosophy and religion with a minor in English literature.

Christen Dial graduates from Purnell Swett

Christen Marie Dial graduated from Purnell Swett High School on May 27, 2005. She is the daughter of Darlene Dial (Business Services).

Charlotte Johnson graduates from UNC-Chapel Hill

Charlotte Lee Johnson, daughter of Sylvia T. Johnson, (HCAPS) graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill May 15, 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in pychology. Charlotte will attend Campbell University School of Pharmacy in the fall.

Brian Thompson graduates from NC State

Brian Thompson graduated from NC State University on May 14, 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering. He is the son of Debbie (Education) and Dr. Matthew Thompson.

Ryan Jacobs earns Associate degree from RCC

Ryan Kent Jacobs received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Robeson Community College on May 19, 2005. He earned the degree in information systems with network and support concentrations. He is the son of Brenda Jacobs (Music).

Sylvia Chavis has two graduates this spring

Anastasia Chavis	Deidre Chavis

Anastasia Ellyna Chavis, daughter of Sylvia Chavis (Admissions) graduated from Purnell Swett High School on May 27, 2005.

A second daughter, Deidre Kelli Chavis, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill on May 15, 2005.

Patrick Jacobs graduates from Purnell Swett

Patrick Lynn Jacobs, son of Debbie (Disability Support Services) and Mark Jacobs, graduated from Purnell Swett High School on May 27, 2005.

He was recently recognized in Who's Who Among American High School Students and Who's Who Among American High School Students - Sports Edition. Patrick was awarded academic letters during Purnell Swett's Academic Awards Banquet held on May 9. He plans to attend UNCP this summer.

Matt Kenney graduates from Lumberton High

Matthew Kenney, son of Dan (Athletics) and Mira Kenney, graduated from Lumberton Senior High School on May 27, 2005. He will enroll at UNC Wilmington in August.

Blair Mills joins HCOP summer program

M. Blair Mills, daughter of June Mills (Library), will take part in the Summer Enrichment Program, sponsored by the Health Careers Opportunity Program. She will intern with the Southeastern Veterinary Hospital in Lumberton six hours daily, for four weeks. She is also taking two summer classes and performing work-study.

Jonathan Bigelow graduates from Duke

Jonathan Bigelow graduated from Duke University on May 15, 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He majored in classical studies and minored in German and English. He is the son of Scott (University & Community Relations) and Gayle Bigelow.

Jonathan was honored at a May 14 awards ceremony with the William J. Griffith Award for university service. He was president of the Duke Union and one of three finalists for a young trustee position.

June Birthdays:
Lori Balke
James Bass
Patsy Bass
Sharon Blue
Robert Brown
Lois Bullard
Patrick Cabe
Eugene Douglass
Dennis Edgell
Emma Evans
Michael Fairley
Paul Flowers
Elinor Foster
James Frederick
Fran Fuller
William Gay
Gregory Harris
Karen Helgeson
David Helton
Cammie Hunt
Kimberly Hunt
Billie Jones
Bridget Jones
Karen Jones
Julie Layne
Bonnie R. Locklear
Caverlen Locklear
Jennifer Locklear
Jennifer Lowry
Monika Lowry
Robert Matthews
Thomas McCarthy
Kristin McCoy
Phyllis McGirt-Hunt
Gail Morfesis
Sara Oswald
Penny L. Oxendine
James Parker
Mark Payne
Chris Perry
Veronica Powell
Rebecca Roberts
Mary Russell
Jean Sexton
Esther Simmons
Shelby Stephenson
Sandy Stratil
Aubrey Swett
Debra Thompson
Jennifer Twaddell
Blake Tyner
David Underwood
Sharon Vanwright
Mark Vesely
Rebecca Vogler
Mary Walker
Shannon Wharry
Justin Winans

Weddings

Ivey Pope and Cale Tart were married May 21, 2005, in Beaufort, N.C. Ivey is the daughter of Beth (International Programs) and Stan Carmical.

Births

Cpl. Steven Collins (Campus Police) and his wife had an eight-pound baby girl on May 26, 2005.

Deaths

Lorener Brayboy Belk died May 23, 2005. She was the mother-in-law of Shelia Brayboy (HCOP) and the mother of Gene Brayboy (Sponsored Research and Programs, retired). She was a resident of Zebulon, N.C.

Sharon Lynn Hunt, sister of Willie Hunt (Business Services) died May 19.

New Hires
Jimothy Locklear – Electrician, Physical Plant
Amy Hunt - Office Assistant, School of Education
Alice Locklear - Office , School of Education
Karen Miller - Processing Assistant, Bookstore
Bernice Oxendine - General Utility, Worker Physical Plant
Molly Edwards - Site Coordinator, Continuing Education
Robert Cooper - Assoc. Dir/Student Activities
Roger Locklear – Housekeeper, Housing

Promotions
John A. Locklear - Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Plant