Dr. Michael Novak Still Puts Students First
By Erin Hege, '04

After almost 20 years at Meredith College, Dr. Michael Novak's first priority has not changed. Teaching in the classroom is Novak's favorite pastime because of his passion for the curriculum and, more importantly, the students he is able to reach.

Novak is the head of the history and politics department, but his niche is teaching Western Civilization to freshmen and sophomore students.

"Western Civilization is sometimes my one chance to get students to look at history differently," Novak said. "It is exciting to open their eyes to this course of study."

Currently, there are almost 100 students majoring in programs offered by the history and political science department. He is often able to keep up with students from their freshman year until years after they graduate.

"It's so rewarding to see students through the major and follow them for 10-15 years after they graduate to see the lives they have built for themselves," Novak said.

Outside of the academic arena Novak enjoys playing on the athletic court. He participates in faculty vs. students tennis and basketball matches and can often be found picking up a doubles match on the tennis court with students and faculty.

His athletic hobbies make it enjoyable for him to be the faculty representative for Meredith athletes. A former collegiate athlete himself, Novak understands the dedication these students have for their sport and their academics.

As he approaches his 20th year at Meredith this loyal NC State and Cleveland Indians fan has not lost sight of the true meaning of teaching.

Novak said, "Watching the student who in her freshman year couldn't look you in the eye when talking (to watching) her become the executive assistant to the NC Speaker of the House is incredible."

"Being in a classroom is my favorite place to be. Anytime a student lights up on something makes it all worthwhile," he added.

McCullough Named Business Woman of the Year

Claire McCullough, assistant vice president for graduate and professional studies at Meredith College, has been selected as Business Woman of the Year by the Raleigh chapter of the Business and Professional Women's organization (BPW/Raleigh).

McCullough will compete for the BPW statewide honor in the fall. Each year BPW/Raleigh selects a local candidate to be honored as their Business Woman of the Year. She must exemplify the ideals of BPW in action by being a role model and leader of integrity who has made significant contributions to her field of endeavor, other women and her community.

BPW/Raleigh, founded in 1919, is a local organization working to obtain political, professional and personal growth for working women. It counts among its members working women in all positions including business owners, corporate executives, professionals and elected officials.

McCullough holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.

Teaching Fellows Program Looking into Another Successful Year
By Erin Hege, '04

The Teaching Fellows Program is in the height of its busy season with student teaching, trips, seminars, retreats and recruiting efforts for next year. Meredith just finished the recruitment season for potential North Carolina Teaching fellows and has a positive outlook for next year's incoming class.

Teaching Fellows Director Allynna Stone is excited about the promising students interested in Meredith next year.

Almost 150 potential North Carolina Teaching Fellow recipients have chosen Meredith as one of their first five choices as a college. This month, the results of Meredith's recruiting efforts will be realized when the state selects the scholarship winners.

Currently there are around 65 Teaching Fellows at Meredith, and Stone is anticipating bringing in a cohort class between 15-30 for next year. The current Teaching Fellows are assisting in the recruitment process by making phone calls, giving campus tours and emailing prospective students.

Stone said, "The current Teaching Fellows are making a tremendous impact on the way we recruit new Teaching Fellows. High school students are able to call or email them with their questions and hear answers from current fellows who were in their position just a few years ago."

The Meredith College Teaching Fellows Program has many benefits that are attractive to prospective students. Stone said, "The quality of the teacher education program at Meredith and the strength of the School of Education faculty and curriculum, are some of the best in the state." Stone also takes pride in Meredith's study abroad component, service learning opportunities and the two-year internship program to the educational track.

Stone said, "This year has been busy and challenging with so many events and different recruitment efforts. Meredith offers the Teaching Fellows the 'personal touch' that is so important in this program. Our current fellows are exemplary students on campus academically, in service roles and in leadership positions."

"This year's freshman class is representative of the highest quality of Teaching Fellows," Stone said. They all have very high GPAs, SAT scores and are in the top 8-9% of their graduating high school classes. I expect the very same from next year's Teaching Fellows."

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