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Athletic Director Dan Kenney announced a restructuring of the department. Rikki Cockrell was promoted to the new position of assistant athletics director for media relations.
She formerly served as sports information director and senior women’s administrator.

“I am truly thankful for this opportunity,” said Cockrell. “The added responsibility is welcome as I continue to grow professionally at an institution that is, itself, growing tremendously.”

Cockrell assumed the role of sports information director in May 2003 after serving as co-SID and graduate assistant for two years. In January 2004, she also took on the role of senior women’s administrator.

As assistant athletic director for media relations, Cockrell will be responsible for UNCP’s 14 varsity sports and the athletics Website. She will also be responsible for coordinating all broadcasting needs with WNCP-TV and serving as spokesperson for the athletics department.

A 2001 graduate with a Master’s of Science degree in Mathematics, Cockrell lettered all four years in basketball and softball.

Dr. Hossfeld wins grant, presents research

Dr. Leslie Hossfeld (Sociology) received a grant for $11,565 from the Center For Aids Research in Chapel Hill, N.C., to conduct research on “Identifying Culturally Specific HIV Risk Behaviors in Latino Population in Southeastern North Carolina.”

Dr. Hossfeld presented research on “Job Loss in Rural America” at a conference, entitled “In the Shadows of Poverty - Strengthening the Rural Poverty Research Capacity of the South,” that was co-sponsored by the Southern Rural Development Center and the Rural Poverty Research Center in Memphis, Tenn., in July.

Dr. Hossfeld also presented research on public sociology and community organizing at the annual national conference of the Society for the Study of Social Problems in San Francisco, Calif., in August.

She was also a discussant on the “Gender, Power and Embodiment” panel presentation at the 99th annual international meetings of the American Sociological Association in San Francisco in August.

And, Dr. Hossfeld was appointed to the Task Force on Public Sociologies for the American Sociological Association.

Lorna Ricotta selected for Leadership N.C. program

Lorna Ricotta (Alumni) was selected to join the 12th class of the “Leadership North Carolina” program.

Leadership North Carolina is designed to develop and engage informed and committed leaders by advancing their leadership qualities and broadening their understanding of and involvement in issues and opportunities facing our state. The program is aimed at persons who have demonstrated community and professional leadership experiences.

Six monthly, two-day sessions give class members a broader understanding of the State, with a focus on issues in the topical areas of: Economic Development, Education, Environment, Government/Politics, and Health/Human Services. Participants learn about the critical issues in these areas through discussions with top officials of the state, professionals in the areas, field trips and experiential activities.

Leadership North Carolina cultivates a network of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who represent the many geographic areas of the State and who are committed to volunteer service.

Dr. King to join MERLOT editorial board

Dr. Beverly King (Psychology) was nominated by UNC to be a member of the Psychology Editorial Board of MERLOT. The MERLOT project is an international initiative to enable faculty to integrate technology in higher education.

Twenty-one systems and institutions of higher education as well as the National Science Foundation support MERLOT. The National Learning Infrastructure Initiative of EDUCAUSE also endorses MERLOT. Over 100 faculty from these institutions have been performing the peer review of instructional technology, modeled after the peer review processes for research and scholarship.

The MERLOT project is an online community of faculty and institutions collaborating to increase the quantity of high quality, web-based, interactive teaching and learning materials. Finding web-based materials to incorporate into one’s course is just the first step for faculty. Faculty must also decide if the materials are correct, effective teaching-learning tools and easy to use. A continually growing collection of high quality online teaching and learning materials is realized through the peer review process.

Dr. Curtis working on public service outreach project

Dr. Tony Curtis (Mass Communications) is working with a local middle school in mass media, journalism, public relations and computer-mediated communications, involving space science and astronomy.

The program was developed by NASA’s Mars Student Imaging Project competitive team and consists of 40 eighth grade students at Marlboro County School of Discovery in Clio, S.C.

The Mars Student Imaging Project, sponsored by NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (JPL) and Arizona State University's (ASU) Mars Space Flight Facility, allows students from fifth grade through college sophomore to take their own research pictures of Mars using a camera onboard NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft in orbit around Mars.

The team will have opportunity to work for three days with scientists, mission planners and educators at ASU in Tempe, Ariz. The School of Discovery is a public magnet school with about 150 students.

“The teachers are very eager to broaden the horizons of their students,” Dr. Curtis said. “The lead teacher, Joan Wafer, found me by accessing the NASA JPL Solar Systems
Ambassadors program Web site and then the UNCP Web site.”

“Before their school started this fall, I met with Mrs. Wafer, several other teachers and the school principal,” he said. “Then I met with the eighth-grade students.”

Dr. Curtis’ role includes: instructing students and teachers on the scientific method, space science, and research methods and design; teaching students how to write journalistic reports for mass media, research papers for sharing reports, and Web sites for public presentation; advising students working on the Mars imaging project competition,; orienting the students to the place of Mars in the Solar System; describing the history of Mars exploration with emphasis on NASA projects including Viking, Pathfinder, the Mars Exploration Rovers, Global Surveyor and Odyssey; explaining NASA and JPL structures in general and depicting planetary science with an emphasis on physical processes on Mars in comparison with those on Earth.

The School of Discovery student team will submit a science-research proposal, select a site on Mars for their research, receive an image of the selected site from the Odyssey satellite at Mars, and submit a final scientific report for publication in the on-line MSIP Science Journal.

With a strong written research proposal, the students could be selected to make either a three-day visit to the ASU Mars Space Flight Facility or else use distance-learning techniques including Internet video-conferencing, Web chats and teleconferencing.

The project curriculum is aligned with National Science Education Standards and fits within existing science curriculum. It teaches the required objectives and standards using real world science rather than worksheets or simulations.

The Mars Student Imaging Project is described at:
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/spotlight/msip01.html

Dr. Judy Curtis also met with the teachers and principal and is helping the students with their proposal writing and publishing their results.

Dr. Spivey leads student group to France

A student group traveled to France with Dr. Michael Spivey (Sociology) for a nine-day intense tour of Paris, Normandy and St. Malo.

Students, Candice Gooch, Jana Decker, Hope Robinson and Alisha Pittman, said the trip provided an “education of a lifetime!” Dr. Spivey said the students enjoyed the trip and learned a lot.

“I really enjoyed observing our students adapting to everyday life in France,” Dr. Spivey said. “I was very impressed by how well the students learned to navigate the subway system in Paris!”

“We toured France with two other student groups from the U.S., Florida and Los Angeles,” he said. “I have to brag on our students for their maturity and interest during the tour. We are planning another tour for next year."

The tour dates were July 12-20 and was organized by Explorica.com, an educational tour company.

“I liked this company because it provided an all-inclusive nine-day tour (including a 24-hour guide, who speaks the languages of the countries visited) for a really great price for students.” Dr. Spivey said. “I see this type of international tour as both highly educational for students and a service to the University and surrounding community (friends and family members are also welcome on the tours).”

“I must say that the UNCP students were very motivated to learn about French history and culture, and they sought out and enjoyed interaction with citizens of the country,” Dr. Spivey said. “Two events really stand out in my mind. One event we will never forget was sharing in the Bastille Day celebrations at the Eiffel Tower. Standing with hundreds of Parisians, we watched the fire works display over the Eiffel Tower.

“Another great moment was when our students took control of the Paris subway map and found the way to our destination,” he said. “They are already wanting to help organize another tour for next year!

If faculty, staff or students are interested in going on a tour to Europe next summer, please contact Dr. Spivey for more information at extension 6776.

Posing in front of the Eiffel Tower	On the beach in Normandy

Hansen studied Shakespeare on two continents

Holden Hansen (Theatre) studied staging conditions for Shakespeare productions in Staunton, Va., and London, England, thanks to a National Endowment for the Humanities grant of $3,250. He worked on re-creations of the Blackfriars (Staunton) and Globe (London) theatres.

Dr. Vest presents paper in Italy

Jay Hansford C. Vest (American Indian Studies) presented his paper, “Organicism and Pikuni-Blackfeet Mythology: Paradigms of Mythographical Discourse Analysis,” to the second international conference on New Directions in the Humanities, at the Monash University Centre in Prato, Tuscany, Italy, in July 2004.

Dr. Ashraf’s paper accepted for presentation

The Southern Economic Association accepted a paper by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf (Business), entitled “Is Female Employment in ‘High-Powered’ Occupations Region Sensitive?” for presentation at its annual conference on November 21-23.

In this study, Dr. Ashraf focused on the factors that affect the probability of female presence in traditionally male-dominated, “high-powered” occupations. A white-collar occupation where there are at least 75 percent male is defined as a male-dominated occupation in this study. These occupations include, but not limited to, doctors, lawyers, scientists, university professors, CEOs, etc. The study investigates the role of factors such as education, age, marital status, number of children, etc. in determining the probability of females’ presence in a traditionally male-dominated occupation.

In the study, Dr. Ashraf, investigated whether the factors affecting the presence of females in a “high-powered” occupation are region sensitive. That is, if a given factor is significant in the South but not in the North. The answer to this question will not only help the policy makers to focus on problem areas but also help females to seek better job opportunities.

Using the one percent “Public Use Micro Data Samples 1990” and one percent “Public Use Micro Data Samples 2000” data, Dr. Ashraf further investigated whether the significance of these factors changed over the decade. Preliminary results of the study indicate that age and marital status have a negative impact on the probability of females being in so-called “high-powered” occupations, whereas the level of education affects this probability in a positive way.

Locklear wins American Miss Pre-teen North Carolina

Miss Alexis Vivian Locklear, daughter of Marla (Athletics) and Phil Locklear, captured the title of National American Miss Pre-Teen North Carolina on Aug. 7, 2004.

The pageant was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Locklear competed against 76 girls from across North Carolina in the 10-12 age division. As a “no make-up pageant,” the competition included formal wear, personal introduction, interview and community involvement. Trent Locklear escorted Alexis during her formal wear competition.

Locklear advances to the national competition to be held in Anaheim, Cal., during Thanksgiving week. By winning the state title, she earned $1,000 cash award, crown, banner, travel expenses paid to compete in the nationals, two VIP passes to Disneyland and a Hollywood tour while in Anaheim.

Locklear also won the best casual wear (optional) contest and was awarded $250 cash and a trophy. The theme of her outfit was “Pretty in Pink” and “Jammin’ in Jeans.” She also competed in the optional talent contest and was first runner up with her rendition of “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.” She received a trophy and was invited to perform at the pageant finale.

Following the competition, Alexis said, “I am very excited and honored to represent the great State of North Carolina at the national pageant. My hard work paid off and I am now Hollywood bound.”

The National American Miss Pageant is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. The pageant is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation with emphasis placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition and setting and achieving personal goals.

The pageant seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future. Visit the National American Miss website at www.namiss.com for more information.

Staff Cookout was August 11

Cooks for Cookout – from left: Bryan Hunt (Physical Plant), Larry Gales (Physical Education), Annette Gwalthney-Jones (HR) and Vinson Jacobs (Physical Plant)

Entertainment for the Staff Cookout was Tim Van Hooser (Library).

Prizes galore – Jeff Lowry (Physical Plant) was a lucky prize winner. Jeff also did set-up work for the Cookout.

Health Fair – Before the Cookout on August 11, Healthkeeperz, a home health care and pharmacy in Pembroke, delivered a health fair. Here, Evelyn Cheek (Counseling and Testing) gives a sample of blood to Wanda Locklear of Healthkeeperz.

Blood pressure check – Jennifer McLean (TRIO) has her blood pressure checked by Aleshia Clark of Healthkeeperz.

Birthdays, September 1-14

William Albrecht
Dan Barbee
Carla Baxley
Mary Beaver
Rebecca Berdeau
Charlie Britt
Carmen Calabrese
Lela Clark
Donna Dial-Jacobs
Eleanor Fields
Kay Freeman
Neil Hawk
Ann Jacobs
Billy Jacobs
Paul Killian Jr.
Janice Locklear
Rosie Locklear
Teresa Lowery
Sivanadane Mandjiny
Kimberly Moser
Terry L. Oxendine
Vivian Oxendine
Enrique Porrua
Felicia Scott
Rose Sheffield
P. J. Smith
Gary Strickland
Lori Wiggins
Sandra Wilcher

New Hires

David Tolar - Grounds Technician, Physical Plant
Lynn Hardin - Program Assistant, Education
Charles Tita - Director of Distance Education, Continuing and Distance Education
Kapica Davis – Lecturer, Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER)
Xin Li - Assistant Professor, Business
Karen Granger - Lecturer, Education
George Pitner - Assistant Professor, Psychology
Kevin Freeman - Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science
Surrie McNeill - Assistant Professor, Nursing
Craig Shoulders – Professor, Business
William Gay - Assistant Professor, Art
Rosendo Garcia II – Lecturer, HPER
Edwin Mensah – Instructor, Business
Shilpa Pai - Assistant Professor, Psychology
Elizabeth Kelly - Assistant Professor, Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice
Kristen Nusz - Dance/Cheerleading Coach, HPER
Stephen Robison - Assistant Professor, Art
Steven Ramey - Assistant Professor, Philosophy and Religion
Jennifer Twaddell - Assistant Professor, Nursing
Joyce Stanley - Assistant Professor, Nursing
Deborah Hanmer – Lecturer, Biology
Michael Roberts – Lecturer, English, Theatre and Languages (ETL)
Jan Gane – Lecturer, ETL
Carla Reyes Rodriguez – Lecturer, ETL
Zoe Locklear – Professor, Education
David Oxendine – Lecturer, Education
Cynthia Herndon - Assistant Professor, Nursing
Jason Davis – Lecturer, Chemistry
Sailajha Vallabha – Lecturer, Chemistry
Amy Johnson- Lecturer, Chemistry
Martin Montoya, Visiting Assistant Professor, Sociology
Kyle Savage – Lecturer, HPER
Cynthia Smith - Site Coordinator, Continuing Education
Jing Gao - Associate Director, International Student Services
Derek Brewer - HVAC Mechanic, Physical Plant
Kimberly Hunt - Office Assistant, Physical Plant

Promotion

Joanne McMillan, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources
Cynthia Revels - Personnel Assistant, Human Resources

Transfer

Teresa Bryant, Administrative Secretary, Student Activities

Reallocation

June Mills, Library Technical Assistant, Library
LaRhonda Allen, Administrative Secretary II, Alumni Relations

Births

Pecouse (Chancellor’s office) and James Lucas announced the birth of their son, James Payton, on August 2, 2004.

Congratulations to Jodella and Joey Locklear (UCIS) on the birth of their son, Jaylen Lemark, on Friday, August 20, 2004.

Deaths

Nancy Starnes’ (English) mother-in-law, Fannie K. Starnes, died August 28, 2004, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. She was 91 years old.

Millie Jacobs’ (Accounts Payable) sister, Vickie Hammonds, passed away on August 29, 2004.

Weddings

Channing and Emily Jones were married April 17, 2004, at 4 p.m. at Prospect United Methodist Church. Channing is the son of Dr. Diane O. Jones (Student Affairs) and Emily is a former staff member (Distance Learning) and the daughter of Warren Love (Media Center). Emily shared this photo.