Faculty/Staff Accomplishments and Departmental News 3/29/17

In this issue we celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and staff in departments of chemistry, dance, English, international programs, marketing, music, and political science. We also share news from Student Leadership & Service and the Athletics program.

Professor of Dance Alyson Colwell-Waber led a panel presentation at the Mid-Atlantic South American College Dance Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on March 16, 2107. Joined by Barbara Dickinson of Duke University and Gerri Houlihan of Florida State University and recently retired Dean of the American Dance Festival, the presentation, “Against the Grain: Age & Dance Performance,” was the culmination of Colwell-Waber’s sabbatical project from last year.

Professor of Dance Carol Finley is the subject of a new Meredith Faculty Strong Story video. This new series will be used in Meredith recruitment efforts. Watch her video 

Assistant Director of International Programs Leila Ghannad presented at the North Carolina Association of International Educators (NCAIE) Conference on Friday, March 10. Our office has been working really hard to collect data about our international students and using that data to improve our best practices in supporting them. The presentation was on how to start researching and collecting data about our F-1 international student population. The name of the presentation is “Rethinking the Survey: Finding Tools to create an effective survey for your international student population.”

Three members of the Department of Marketing team, Marketing Content Strategist Gaye Hill, Video & Multimedia Designer Charlotte McKinney, and Writer/Content Specialist Reah Nicholson, attended the 2017 College News Association of the Carolinas (CNAC) conference, March 6-7. McKinney presented a session on “How to take compelling photos and videos with your phone.” Hill recently completed a term on the organization’s board.

Lab Manager of Chemistry, Physics and Geoscience Cassie Lilly presented the workshop “Case Studies in K-12 Lab Accidents and Safety Resources” to Wake County middle and high school teachers. The workshop is part of a series of safety workshops sponsored through the Education Subcommittee of the North Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society to provide information and professional development to K-12 chemical hygiene officers.

Assistant Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo was elected president-elect of the North Carolina Political Science Association for 2017-18 at the organization’s meeting on March 4. In this role, she will be the conference director for the group’s next conference.

Instructor of English Jason Newport gave a conference presentation on “The Current State of Reading, Writing, and Publishing in America” at the University of Pannonia, in Veszprem, Hungary, as part of the program of events for the university’s America Week (March 13–16). Newport also gave a joint presentation on “Strong Women: 100 Years of Women’s Progress in America” to two English-language classes at Janus Pannonius High School, in Pecs, Hungary, on March 17, at the invitation of the American Corner in Pecs, a U.S. State Department-sponsored initiative to highlight American culture.

Director of Instrumental Activities Jim Waddelow adjudicated 60 North Carolina public school orchestras at the 2017 North Carolina Music Educator Association Music Performance Assessment Festival.  On March 14, he served as guest clinician and conductor for an orchestra performance at Green Hope High School in Cary. He served as guest clinician and conductor for an orchestra performance at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte on March 15.

Departmental News

Faculty and Staff Invited to ComedyWorx Show April 5
Campus Activities Board is hosting a ComedyWorx Show on campus in Kresge Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5.  Students, Faculty, and Staff – and friends and family of our Meredith community – are all invited.  Since it is a family friendly show, please feel free to invite children of all ages to this event.  The show is free and there will be free food in the Cate Center lobby beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Door prizes also will be provided at this event.  Come out for a fun time! Email jenkinsc@meredith.edu with any questions. –Submitted by Cheryl Jenkins, Director of Student Leadership & Service

Sloan Family Student Leadership & Service Spring Break Trip
Over spring break, 31 Meredith students and three staff traveled to Charleston, S.C., to enhance their leadership skills and understanding of community issues. During the trip, students had the opportunity to network with a panel of local community leaders, learn about remedies for food insecurity by engaging in community service with the Lowcountry Food Bank and a tour of the Magnolia Community Garden, and explore Historic Charleston. The panel of local community leaders included co-founder and executive director of Charleston Hope Emily Hoisington, King Street small business owner Sarah Johnston, and Charleston District Twelve Council Member Kathleen Wilson. This trip, coordinated through the Office of Student Leadership and Service, is made possible by an endowment from Meredith alumna Carol Sloan, ’75. and her husband O. Temple Sloan, Honorary Co-Chair of the Meredith College Beyond Strong Campaign Planning Committee. –Submitted by Catie Trimble, Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Service

Summer Sports Camps
Looking for a youth summer sports camp for your child? A niece? Granddaughter? Friend? Look no further than the Meredith College Avenging Angels lineup, including basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball camps. Online registration makes the process simple, so register today!

Meredith Golf Classic
Take advantage of these warm winter temperatures to get that golf swing ready for the 19th Annual Meredith Golf Classic Monday, April 24 at Brier Creek Country Club. Not a golfer? No problem. Tournament organizers seek support of individuals, local businesses, and organizations with sponsorships, as well as items for the raffle and silent auction. Contact Golf Tournament Coordinator Fiona Barkley at ext. 2374 or barkleyf@meredith.edu with questions.