Torch test - The Graduate School

1
June 2011
STRENGTH SKILL CHARACTER STRENGTH SKILL CHARACTER STRENGTH SKILL CHARACTER STRENGTH SKILL CHARACTER
3
Social Work student wins state
award. Business students
present study in Hawaii.
4
FSU Panama City establishes
STEM Institute.
5
FSU Panama City selected
as Project Lead the way
provider.
6
FSU Panama City Alumna
Anna Hull earns top honor in
education.
FSU Board of Trustees
meet in Panama City
T
he Florida State University Board of Trustees
met on Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 at
the university’s Panama City campus. It was the
second time that the 13 member governing board has met
at the Panama City campus and the first meeting since
the completion of the Holley Academic Center in 2009.
A community reception was held Thursday evening to
highlight the visit and emphasize the significance of the
branch campus.
“I think it makes a huge statement by the university
to have the Board of Trustees meet on our campus,”
said FSU Panama City Dean Ken Shaw.
The meeting provided trustee members the
opportunity to become familiar with the campus and
broaden their understanding of how FSU Panama City
serves students and the higher education needs of the
community and region. Many expressed how impressed
they were with the campus, particularly the Academic
Center and the facilities it provides to meet the needs
of students and the community.
New to the 2011-2012 FSU Board of Trustees is
former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
Allan Bense. A Panama City businessman, Bense, who
is an alumnus of FSU, co-chaired the FSU Panama City
Blue Ribbon Commission which made recommendations
on ways the FSU Panama City campus could increase
enrollment and establish self-sufficiency. The report
was presented to the Board of Trustees in Tallahassee
in November 2009. Bense was appointed to the Florida
State University Board of Trustees in May by Florida
Governor Rick Scott.
“Having been born and raised here in Bay County, it
is such an honor for me to be appointed to The Florida
State University Board of Trustees. I am grateful to
Governor Scott and I will do the absolute best job I can
to move Florida State University forward,” Bense stated.
Confronted with major legislative budget cuts for
the fourth consecutive year, FSU President Eric Barron
is firmly committed to protecting the university’s
academic quality and integrity. In the months ahead,
university administration will work toward reconciling
additional legislative funding cuts for the 2011-2012
budget year along with the expiration of funding from
federal stimulus money.
“Higher education has its challenges in today’s tough
economic times, when everyone is having to cut back
and maximize the impact of every dollar spent. As
a trustee, I will do the best I can to make sure that
Florida State University is prudent in how they spend
money, but mindful of the public policy issues that are
out there and need to be addressed by the university,”
Bense said.
Shaw provided the trustees an update which outlined
the efforts of FSU Panama City administration to
achieve self-sufficiency as mandated in 2009. The goal is
to increase enrollment to a minimum of 1400 students
by fall 2012.
“We’ve made significant steps towards accomplishing
our goal,” Shaw said. “The future looks bright for FSU
Panama City.”
A new budget model has been put in place for FSU
Panama City that will increase revenue based upon
enrollment growth at the campus. The new College
of Applied Studies administered by the Panama City
campus will provide increased flexibility to create new
academic programs such as the recent addition of the
Recreation and Leisure Services Administration and
Public Safety and Security undergraduate degrees.
“I am proud of our campus here in Panama City and
I understand the impact it has on our local economy,”
Bense continued. “We must continue to support
growth in enrollment to ensure that we are a viable part
of the FSU experience. I’m sure that with the support
of the main campus in Tallahassee we will continue the
positive momentum we began when Dr. Ken Shaw was
appointed as Dean of the campus in 2009.”
FSU Board of Trustees
Avi Assidon, President Student Government Association
Allan Bense, GAC Contractors, Panama City
Edward E. “Ed” Burr, Greenpointe Holdings, LLC, Jacksonville
Susie Busch-Transou, Tri-Eagle Sales, Midway
Joseph L. Camps, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., Southeastern Urological Center, P.A., Tallahassee
Emily Fleming Duda, Oviedo
Joseph Gruters, CPA, Shinn and Company, LLC, Bradenton
Andrew Haggard, Chair, Haggard Parks Haggard & Bologna, P.A., Coral Gables
Mark Hillis, Winter Park
Top to bottom: Trustee Chair Andy Haggard prepares to
begin the meeting. FSU President Eric Barron (right) and wife
Molly visiting with new trustee Allan Bense. Dean Ken Shaw
welcomes trustees and community at the evening reception.
State Representative Jimmy Patronis and FSU Assistant Vice
President for Governmental Relations Kathleen Daly attend
the reception.
James E. Kinsey, Jr., Kinsey Associates, Inc, Fort Myers
Sandra Lewis, Ed.D., FSU College of Education
Margaret A. “Peggy” Rolando, Shutts & Bowen, Miami
Brent W. Sembler, The Sembler Company, St. Petersburg
2
Campus Update
Vol. 18, No. 2
www.pc.fsu.edu
A bright future for FSU Panama City Ken L. Shaw, Ed.D.
Dr. Ken L. Shaw, Dean
kshaw@pc.fsu.edu
W
hat a privilege
The FSU Panama City STEM Institute was recently selected
it was to host as the only statewide provider for Project Lead the Way, a
the Florida national program designed to help teachers engage students in
State University Board of critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based learning
Trustees on Thursday, June and prepare students to take on real-world challenges. This is
2 and Friday, June 3 for a great validation of the effectiveness of the educator training
their regular meeting and program developed by the FSU Panama City Stem Institute
workshop! Accompanying and its education and business partners.
the Board of Trustees
Summer enrollment is up over last summer. This is great
was FSU President Eric news as it is a measure of the success of the enrollment growth
Barron, Interim Provost initiatives to which our faculty and staff are so committed.
Robert Bradley, university “Students First” really is more than a slogan at FSU Panama City.
vice presidents, and many Students find an environment here at FSU Panama City where
other
their success is a priority campus wide.
dignitaries. For most of the trustees, this
We look forward to the start of a new
was their first visit to the FSU Panama
academic year this fall and to welcoming
new students to FSU Panama City.
City campus. Many of them told me how
Florida State
impressed they were with the campus.
Florida State University was recently
They were especially complimentary of the
ranked 20th in Kiplinger’s Best Values
University Panama
facilities provided by the Holley Academic
in Public Colleges in 2011. Students
Center and how well they meet the academic
who attend FSU Panama City obtain the
City offers top quality
needs of our students while also serving the
same nationally recognized FSU degree
community.
and tuition value as students on the
academic programs
Our guests were warmly welcomed to Bay
main campus. Florida State University
County by over 150 community members
is also ranked in the top 50 for all public
at some of the most
during the Thursday evening reception.
universities in the United States. These
It was serendipitous yet very fitting that
rankings make Florida State University
affordable tuition rates
the meeting held on our campus was
Panama City not only a very affordable
former Speaker of the Florida House of
option to pursue an education, but
in the nation.
a prestigious university and campus
Representatives Allan Bense’s first meeting
since he was appointed by the Governor to
where students can obtain a high quality
the Board of Trustees. We, along with our
bachelor’s and master’s degree.
community, are excited that Allan was appointed to the Trustee
And here’s an important option for local and regional families
Board. He has been a strong supporter of both FSU Tallahassee to consider when discussing future college plans: saving nearly
and FSU Panama City.
$34,000 on the cost of their high school student’s undergraduate
So many good things are underway at FSU Panama City college degree. This is possible when a student chooses to attend
this summer. Middle school and high school students from a state or community college for the first two years of their degree
Bay, Gulf, Holmes and Washington County School Districts program and then attends Florida State University Panama City
are once again on campus doing incredible and fun activities in for two years to complete their bachelor’s degree. This cost
the summer STEM camps. In fact, while preparing this message, savings is based upon current tuition rates and estimated housing
the rockets launched outside by the students were streaking costs when compared to attending Florida State University in
past my window! We very much appreciate our Naval Surface Tallahassee. During these financially challenging times for our
Warfare Center Panama City Division partner and the work state and region, Florida State University Panama City stays
they have done to provide funding from the National Defense committed to meeting the higher education needs of students in
Education Program to sponsor the FSU Panama City STEM this region by offering top quality academic programs at some
Institute’s summer activities.
of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation.
“
”
Faculty News & Notes
Promotions
Geoffrey Brooks, Ph.D., College of Engineering,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
promoted to Research Associate in Electrical and Computer
Engineering.
Steve Leach, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences, Computer
Science Department, promoted to Associate in Computer
Science.
Stan Lindsay, Ph.D., College of Communication and
Information, School of Communication, promoted to
Research Associate in Communication.
Al Murphy, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences, Department
of Psychology, promoted to Research Associate in Psychology.
Rosemary Prince, M.S., College of Applied Studies,
promoted to Associate in Recreation.
Presentations
Hafiz Ahmad, Ph.D., College of Engineering, Department of
Civil and Environmental Engineering, presented “Evaluation
of a storm flow management design to contain runoff within
the watershed using ponds in a series,” co-authored with
Joseph Miller, at the Water Resources Management 2011
Conference, May 22-24.
Provost’s 90% list
The Provost’s 90% list recognizes faculty and instructors
who receive outstanding teaching evaluations at the end
of each semester. Student evaluations of teaching are a
measure of student satisfaction and confidence. Excellent
student evaluations are indicative that students feel they are
receiving a high quality educational experience.
The spring 2011 Provost’s 90% list includes: Hafiz
Ahmad, Ph.D., Jon Bailey, Ph.D., Jerome Barnes, Ph.D.,
Randy Blass, Ph.D., Kelly Forehand, M.Ed., Stan Lindsay,
Ph.D., Denise Montford, M.S.W., Tonya Nascimento, M.A.,
Amy Polick, Ph.D., Cristina Rios, M.Ed., Arlene Shaheen,
M.S.W., Caroline Woodyard, M.S.
Staff Award
Facilities and Maintenance
Coordinator Ron Whitas received
the highest award given by Vice
President John Carnaghi at the
annual FSU Office of Finance and
Administration award ceremony
in May. The PEP Award is given
to the employee that continually
exhibits service with Pride, Enthusiasm and Professionalism.
Whitas was commended for demonstrating the highest
degree of dedication to FSU and FSU Panama City and
for his commitment to service excellence.
Gail Robbins, Director
Office of Advancement
grobbins@pc.fsu.edu
Becky Kelly, Editor
rkelly@pc.fsu.edu
Noelle Stevens
Development & Alumni Affairs
nstevens@pc.fsu.edu
Christy Grant
Special Events
cgrant@pc.fsu.edu
Nicole Parker
Webmaster & Media Specialist
nparker@pc.fsu.edu
Helen Johnson
Program Assistant
hjohnson@pc.fsu.edu
The Torch, Volume 16,
Number 2, is an official bulletin
of The Florida State University
Panama City and is published
four times yearly. It is published
by the FSU Panama City
Office of Advancement to keep
students, alumni, friends, staff
& faculty informed about FSU
Panama City’s growth, change,
needs and accomplishments. To
suggest features or to inquire
about advertising, call (850)
770-2153, or e-mail: torch@
pc.fsu.edu. The Torch reserves
the right to refuse any materials
based on space availability and
appropriateness. Inclusion of
advertising does not constitute
an endorsement of the products
or services. Opinions expressed
in The Torch are those of the
authors and do not necessarily
represent the views of its editors
or policies of The Florida State
University Panama City. The
Torch is available in alternate
formats by contacting the
Office of Advancement. For
those who are hearing or speech
impaired, contact the phone
number through the Florida
Relay Service at 1-800-9558770 (voice) or 1-800-955-8771
(TDD). Download The Torch
from the FSU Panama City web
site: www.pc.fsu.edu.
Office of Advancement
4750 Collegiate Drive
HAC A313
Panama City, FL 32405-1099
Telephone: (850) 770-2150
Fax: (850) 770-2081
E-mail: torch@pc.fsu.edu
The Torch is printed by The News
3
Award
Social Work student wins prestigious state award
F
SU Panama City social work graduate Gary Virgin (‘10) was chosen as
the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Emerald Coast Unit
Student Social Worker of the Year in March 2011. Virgin was selected
as Student Social Worker of the Year from among 18 nominations submitted
by units throughout the state of Florida. He recently received his award at the
NASW-Florida Annual Social Work Conference in June.
Virgin is currently working towards his master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)
at FSU Panama City and is completing his field placement at the Gadsden County
Health Department. He is the MSW student representative to the Association of
Student Social Workers and the NASW. As student representative, he launched
a successful effort to host a luncheon for Panama City Student Social Workers
and social work students from across the state at the FSU College of Social
Work. Over 240 students attended the event on April 5, 2011. It was Virgin’s
goal to increase recognition of the College of Social Work both on campus and
throughout the state.
As a student at FSU Panama City, Virgin was very active in student organizations
on the Panama City Campus. He was the President of the Society of Student
Social Workers in 2010, the Panama City representative to the 62nd and 63rd
FSU Student Senate, President Pro Tempore of the FSU Panama City Student
Government Council (SGC), President of the Society of Journalism, and Editor
in Chief of The Signal, an online student newspaper. He also served as Vice
President of the Garnet Key Honor Society and was a member of Phi Alpha
Honor Society for social work students. He was consistently on the Dean’s list
each semester at FSU Panama City.
“There’s far more to being a student than just attending classes,” Virgin said,
“student organizations have allowed me to be involved and given me unique
opportunities. When I enrolled at FSU Panama City, I was encouraged by my
instructors to participate in activities outside the classroom,” Virgin continued.
“I learned how much community outreach enriches the college experience. It
enables social workers to put theory into practice.”
According to Claire Calohan, FSU Panama City social work faculty, “it is an
honor to be selected to be the Student Social Worker of the Year for the State
of Florida and be recognized by your peers in social work. There are 18 NASW
units in the State and each one submits a nomination from one of the social
work programs in colleges throughout the state. To receive this award means
Florida Student Social Worker of the Year Gary Virgin pictured with FSU Panama City
social work faculty member Claire Calohan.
that your accomplishments as a student serve as an example of what students
can achieve in this field.”
“I feel privileged to be numbered in the community of social workers,” Virgin
explains, “to be numbered among those of us privileged with education, having
made the choice to use that privilege to help those who for one reason or another
have been unable to help themselves.”
Virgin feels particularly indebted to his FSU Panama City social work
instructors, Calohan and Arlene Shaheen, for their commitment and dedication
to the field.
“They have touched many lives in our community through the students they
so painstakingly developed into competent social workers,” Virgin said.
Business students invited to present at international
business conference in Hawaii
S
enior business administration students Meloney Washington and Torrie
Cesaroni presented their independent study research at the 11th Annual
Hawaii International Conference on Business May 26 through 29. The paper,
which was a review of lending patterns and interest rates for the Small Business
Administration (SBA) 7(A) loan program, was part of a directed individual study
(DIS) led by FSU Panama City business faculty member Gary Bliss, D.B.A.
The project, originally started by Bliss, became a DIS when both Washington and
Cesaroni expressed an interest in furthering their knowledge in the field of finance.
“I personally like to know the nitty-gritty of subjects I’m interested in and actually
apply what I have learned,” Cesaroni said.
Bliss asked the students to help conduct research on moral hazard lending on loans
originating from banks using the SBA for new and existing businesses.
“The timing was great to have them assist me with this project,” Bliss said. “I
supervised and directed, but they did the work.”
According to Washington, they began the project by requesting a loan database
from the SBA and analyzing information.
“We performed a number of statistical analyses on the data and were able to
determine that some specific banks charged higher interest rates and used longer
terms on certain loans and other loan products were not being offered that would
better suit the needs of the customer,” said Washington.
Beginning in November 2010, the team met weekly before submitting their paper
in February 2011 to a peer review committee composed of business scholars and other
professionals in the field. Upon review, they were invited to attend the conference
and present their paper.
“I can say that I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our paper was accepted
for presentation at the conference,” Washington said.
“I knew we had put our heart into this paper and I personally thought it was a
great paper but to get that validation on my first assisted paper as an undergraduate
student, the feeling was amazing,” Cesaroni explained.
“The paper was written by all three of us,” explained Bliss, “but the presentation
was done completely by the students. Once the completed paper was accepted at
the conference, I left the presentation to them. In fact, I had no input on the actual
presentation.”
“It really didn’t hit me until after our presentation when a professor stated how
there were no undergraduate students he knew that he would even suggest join him
in writing a paper.” Washington said. “He was so impressed with our paper and told
us we should be very proud.”
Dr. Gary Bliss with Business Administration students Meloney Washington and Torrie
Cesaroni in front of Diamond Head in Honolulu.
Both students were able to finance most of the trip expenses through funding from
FSU Panama City Student Government Council (SGC).
“I would like to thank SGC for approving the funding for our travel,” stated
Washington. “If it wasn’t for them, we would not have been able to represent FSU
at the conference. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I met professors from
Jamaica, Hong Kong, Australia, India, Canada, and the U.S. It was an honor to
exchange thoughts and ideas.”
“Having a paper accepted for presentation at an international conference
demonstrates the quality of students we have at this campus and attending the
conference demonstrates the opportunities students have at FSU Panama City,” said
Bliss. “These two students represented FSU at this conference in a quality manner
4
Florida State University Panama City
STEM institute
Institute Partners
Applied Research Associates
ARINC
AT&T
Bay County Economic
Development Alliance
Bay County Chamber of
Commerce
Burke, Blue, Hutchison,
Walters & Smith
Gulf Coast State College
L-3 Communications
McNeil Carroll Engineering
National Defense Education
Program
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Panama City Division
Northwest Florida
District Schools
SAIC
I
n January 2011, The Florida State University Board of Trustees approved FSU Panama City’s application to
establish the FSU Panama City STEM Institute. The creation of the new Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM) Institute provides FSU Panama City with an organizational structure that allows for
more direct funding of STEM initiatives, expanded professional development for area teachers and enables better
coordination of regional STEM activities.
The mission of the new FSU Panama City STEM Institute is to promote educational excellence by: providing
educators with professional skills and research-based practices that foster exemplary teaching and inspire meaningful
learning in the STEM disciplines; creating quality learning experiences for K-12 students; and establishing and
maintaining vigorous partnerships among STEM stakeholders.
Currently FSU Panama City supports, engages in or is recognized for a number of STEM activities. The
establishment of the institute is the next step in the ongoing progression and development of the STEM initiatives
FSU Panama City began in the summer of 2008 and has continued to foster and expand since that time. The Summer
STEM activities program continues to provide professional development for math and science teachers from Bay, Gulf,
Holmes and Washington county school districts that directly impacts student learning in the classroom throughout
the school year. Teacher training is first applied in the STEM middle school and high school summer activities camps,
which include a hands-on approach to robotics, environmental and civil engineering, rocketry, and acoustics.
“Since 2008 over 125 teachers have been trained and nearly 700 middle and high school students have
participated in our summer programs,” FSU Panama City dean Ken Shaw said. “This new initiative is actually
formalizing and placing a name on what FSU Panama City has done over the past three years.”
A number of defense contractors and institute partners have stepped forward to provide unique on site learning
opportunities for regional students and teachers. Through a Bay Education Foundation grant, L-3 Communications
recently hosted 13 high school juniors and seniors at their facilities from June 6 through 9 to work on acoustics
projects. Another 8 students repeated the acoustics work June 13 through 16.
Training on the acoustics module was also provided for five teachers through the Center for Advancement
of STEM Education (CASE) headquartered at Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland. Four teachers from the
18 applicants were selected to participate in the summer “externship.” For the first time through this program, the
teachers will be employed for four weeks at ARINC and SAIC to gain real-world experience in defense contracting.
Other accomplishments and initiatives enacted since the establishment of the FSU Panama City STEM
Institute include:
• Use of the gaming software Tabula Digita in participating classrooms in the region and during the Summer
STEM activities camps
• Inclusion in a grant application by the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium to assist in providing summer
enrichment STEM activities for gifted and talented students within the region
• Inclusion in an National Science Foundation (NSF) grant application by Northwestern University to expand
the use of the STEM Materials World Modules throughout the region served by the FSU Panama City STEM
Institute
• Selected as the State of Florida Engineering Affiliate for Project Lead the Way, a national project for engineering
and biomedical curricula
• Recipient of a statewide STEM award for Business Partnerships from STEMFlorida
• Recipient of a statewide STEM award for Professional Development from STEMFlorida
The many collaborative efforts underway with the Institute’s business and community partners will continue
to expand the reach and effectiveness of the FSU Panama City STEM Institute well into the future. Given the critical
shortage projected within the next decade of professionals entering the workforce in the fields of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics in the United States, these are extremely important initiatives. The FSU Panama City
STEM Institute’s investment today and in the years to come in educating the next generation of STEM professionals
will make a significant contribution to the economic development of our community, region and state.
5
FSU Panama City chosen as
Project Lead the Way provider
by Ginger Littleton, Executive Director, FSU Panama City STEM Institute
P
Top to bottom: Students study robotics, rocketry and
environmental sampling at STEM camp.
roject Lead The Way (PLTW) is the
leading provider of rigorous and innovative
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) education curriculum programs used in
middle and high schools across the U.S. FSU Panama
City has been chosen as the Florida Engineering Affiliate
to provide PLTW training and to increase the numbers
of PLTW courses being offered across the state.
STEM education is at the heart of today’s hightech, high-skill global economy. For America to remain
economically competitive, our next generation of leaders,
the students of today,
must develop the criticalreasoning and problemsolving skills that will
help make them the most
productive in the world.
STEM education
programs like the one
offered by PLTW engage students in activities, projects,
and problem-based learning (APPB), which provides
hands-on classroom experiences. Students create, design,
build, discover, collaborate and solve while applying
what they learn in math and science to the world’s
grand challenges.
PLTW's comprehensive curriculum for engineering
and biomedical sciences was collaboratively designed by
PLTW teachers, university educators, engineering and
biomedical professionals, and school administrators to
promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation and
real-world problem solving skills in students.
FSU Panama City’s selection as the PLTW
Engineering Affiliate for Florida means that all teachers
who are approved to teach PLTW courses may be trained
through FSU Panama City. The staff of the FSU Panama
City STEM Institute will plan and oversee the PLTW
training and will coordinate with the various schools
and school districts that are PLTW certified.
PLTW courses range from Gateway to Technology
designed for middle school students to Introduction to
Digital Design for high school students. These programs
include a range of courses which ensures that students
fully grasp the elements of
problem solving that are
inherent in STEM careers.
Students who complete
PLTW courses are well
prepared for college success
in mathematics and science
and in general move into
college science and engineering programs at a much
higher rate than others. FSU Panama City and its
STEM Institute are committed to increasing the
pipeline of STEM professionals by helping to ramp
up student performance in both mathematics and
science. Becoming the PLTW Engineering Affiliate for
Florida is another method of increasing that pipeline.
By training teachers in this curriculum, by marketing
PLTW to new schools and by continuing to focus
on STEM education, FSU Panama City is rapidly
becoming an important center of STEM education
for the state.
STEM students sizzle at FSU Panama City
by Ginger Littleton
W
hile some students are sleeping late and
enjoying the slow pace of summer, other
students are programming robots, collecting
bay creatures, designing and testing rockets or studying
the science of sound. For the students attending the
FSU Panama City STEM Institute’s Summer STEM
Camp, days begin at 8:30 am and the action doesn’t
slow down until 3:00 pm when parents pick up their
hot and tired scientists and engineers-to-be.
The Summer STEM Camp is in its fourth year and
each year has been funded by the National Defense
Education Program under the direction of Edward
Linsenmeyer, Outreach Coordinator at the Naval Surface
Warfare Center, Panama City Division. Linsenmeyer, in
addition to planning with the FSU Panama City STEM
Institute staff, provides practicing scientists and engineers
to work with the Summer STEM Camp and its teachers.
The model for the Summer STEM Camp is to provide
professional development for teachers from Bay, Gulf,
Holmes and Washington counties and to have them
work alongside the Navy STEM professionals to gain
knowledge about robotics, hydraulics, acoustics and the
environment. Once the teachers and STEM professionals
complete the professional development program, students
arrive for their camp which provides the opportunity for
the teachers to actually practice what they have recently
learned. The Navy STEM professionals join the teachers
in working with the students during the camp. The
student teams compete for points as they problem-solve
and complete a predetermined mission involving science,
robotics and engineering. The most important portion of
this model is the actual implementation of this learning
back into the teachers’ schools and classrooms where they
implement what they have learned and practiced over
the summer. The Navy STEM professionals continue
their participation by visiting classrooms to work with
students during the school year.
The model of learning, practicing and implementing
with the support of the STEM experts along the way has
proven quite successful. The FSU Panama City STEM
Institute has now trained 125 middle and high school
teachers and 650 students in the Summer STEM Camp.
While the original focus has been middle and high school
educators and students, the 2011 Summer STEM Camp
has also included some fourth and fifth grade teachers.
These teachers now have a solid grasp of what STEM
professionals do, an understanding of robotics and their
potential for classroom success as well as the experience of
providing the essential hands-on, inquiry-based learning
that makes math and science both fun and relevant.
The Summer STEM Camp began in 2008 and was
initiated by Dr. Dave Skinner. The retired Civilian
Director of NSWC PCD, Skinner taught electrical
engineering at FSU Panama City and through his Navy
connections was able to work through NSWC PCD to
secure partial funding for the Summer STEM camps.
Unfortunately, Skinner passed away in 2010, but his
STEM legacy lives on through the FSU Panama City
STEM Institute’s Summer STEM Camp. Here his
enthusiasm for learning and his joy for problem solving
and meeting a challenge has inspired literally hundreds
of middle and high school students!
Top to bottom: Students enjoy robotic programming at the
2011 STEM camp. Dr. Ace Summey, Technical Director, NSWC
PCD, discusses Tabula Digita with students.
6
Alumna Anna Hull wins national teaching award
A
nna Hull (MA ’94) has become a teaching celebrity here in Bay County.
After 20 years of teaching, Hull’s dedication to her profession and particularly
to her students was rewarded when she received three prestigious educator
awards. In February 2010, Hull was named Bay County Teacher of the Year. She
was honored again at the State Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony in June where
she received the Mary Brogan “Excellence in Teaching” Award presented by the
Chancellor of the State University System of Florida Frank Brogan.
“The Mary Brogan Award demonstrated, to me, that people recognize what is
truly important in a classroom and in teaching,” Hull said. “It is about teachers,
children and parents making a connection and building relationships. It is about
what you do in your classroom that’s not always academic.”
To top off her accomplishments, Hull was surprised in September 2010 with the
Milken Educators Award which is given to the nation’s top teachers. The Milken
Awards are the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition and has been tagged as
the “Oscars of Teaching.”
For Hull, each of these honors highlight what she values most.
A teacher at Patronis Elementary School for the past 15 years, Hull’s teaching
style often combines academic lessons with service based projects. Her students
have conducted interviews recognizing veterans in the community, collected toys
for Iraqi children, conducted clothing drives for their “sister school” in Tanzania
Africa, and honored our fallen military heroes.
Anna Hull was honored to be named a Milken Educator in 2010.
This type of project-based learning is why Hull was selected to be a 2011 Milken
Fellow. The merit-based Lowell Milken Center Fellowship is awarded to “educators
who have distinguished themselves in teaching understanding and respect through
project-based learning.” This summer, Hull will travel to Ft. Scott, Kan. to develop
and participate in project-based learning and historical research that celebrates unsung
heroes from around the world.
Hull consistently demonstrates her passion for
teaching and service. In September 2010 Hull
traveled to Africa to provide support and training for
It is about
a second teacher at the Upendo School near Moshi,
Tanzania. Approximately 73 kindergarten and first
teachers, children
grade children attend one school from across Tanzania
with one teacher in charge of teaching English, Swahili
and parents making and Masai.
Hull is also an adjunct instructor in Elementary
a connection
Education at FSU Panama City. Beginning in fall
2010, she has taught Reading/Early Literacy Learning,
and building
Language Arts in the Elementary School and Directed
Field Experience where she reviews student teaching
relationships.
portfolios. Teaching at the college level was something
Hull had always wanted to do.
“It is important for me to be able to share my
classroom experiences across grade levels, especially with students who are just
beginning in the education field,” Hull explained. “I share samples of my elementary
students’ work with them, as well as my real life, everyday experiences in the classroom.”
“The education program at FSU Panama City provides a tremendous opportunity
right here in our district to get a quality education that is based on current research
strategies and instructional practices.”
Hull took advantage of this opportunity, earning her master’s degree in Elementary
Education from FSU Panama City when she was just starting out as a new teacher
in Bay County.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to go to graduate school while continuing to
work full-time,” Hull said. “The campus is an excellent resource for learning right here
in our community. I feel fortunate to never have had to leave home to reach my goal.”
To Hull, the honor and attention she has received this past year doesn’t quite
seem real.
“To be recognized for doing the work that is one of the passions of my life is such
an honor and so unexpected,” Hull said.
A native of Bay County, Hull is leaving her mark on the community she grew
up in while impacting Florida’s future citizens and leaders in the classroom. Hull’s
tenure as an educator goes beyond Patronis Elementary School as she attempts to
leave a legacy for the next generation of teaching professionals.
“
”
Great Degree. Great Campus.
• A top 50 U.S. Public University offering affordable, high-value education
• Over 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Personalized academic plans
• Financial aid, scholarships, veteran and military education benefits
• Work study, internships, clubs and organizations
• FSU Panama City makes it easy to transfer and complete your degree
NEW THIS FALL!
master of science in
reading and language arts
The newly revised program will includes certification in reading and language arts, a
combination of face-to-face and online courses and faculty experience in K-12. For more
information contact Marion Fesmire, Ed.D. at 850/770-2265 or mfesmire@pc.fsu.edu.
Apply Now
Undergraduate deadline is August 1
Toll Free 866.693.7872 • Admissions 850.770.2160
pc.fsu.edu
7
Have a question
or need help?
Look for the GOLD Badge
Faculty and staff proudly wear a gold name badge and are prepared to go above and beyond to provide
assistance and ensure the success of students. FSU Panama City is committed to putting students first.
Angela Sexton: Academic Coordinator
A
ngela Sexton has recently accepted the
position of academic coordinator for the
university’s new College of Applied Studies
administered from the Panama City campus.
Formerly the coordinator for the Career and
Writing Center, Sexton’s new role capitalizes on
her experience with students and faculty and her
organizational knowledge to provide students with
the most comprehensive and reliable information.
Sexton is always ready to put students first at FSU
Panama City.
New and prospective students to the College
of Applied Studies will undoubtedly have many
questions regarding admissions, registration,
general education and degree requirements,
and course scheduling. Academic advising is an
invaluable resource.
“If students know there is “one stop” for answers
to urgent questions they can relax,” Sexton said.
“It is important that students know we are here
to help. Sometimes students just need someone
to listen to them and hear their concerns, whether
academic or personal, and offer encouragement as
they navigate their academic career.”
Currently degree programs offered by the
College of Applied Studies include Recreation and
Leisure Services Administration, Public Safety and
Security and the online Graduate Certificate in
Event Management. Prospective students looking
at these programs need to see Sexton for general
advising and eventual placement with a faculty
program advisor once they are accepted into the
college.
Students, regardless of their academic college,
can also benefit from Sexton’s advising. In addition
to reviewing and evaluating admissions applications
for the new college and general academic advising
for all programs, Sexton is the primary CONNECT!
advisor. The CONNECT! program is an advising
and matriculation agreement between Gulf Coast
State College and FSU Panama City. Freshman and
sophomore level course requirements are completed
at Gulf Coast State College and junior and senior
level course requirements are completed at FSU
Panama City. It is a seamless four-year degree from
A.A. to Bachelors.
Sexton is also responsible for student mapping.
“Each academic discipline has its own unique
map,” Sexton said.
Full-time students are mapped in the spring
and fall semesters which means that their academic
performance is reviewed to make sure they are
meeting all of their major’s requirements. If the
review indicates a mapping stop, the student is
considered off-course and a hold is placed on
their registration. Two mapping stops means a
student has to change majors. Sexton is there to
guide students who encounter a mapping stop
and get them back on track.
“There is so much for a student to consider when
they register for classes. Sometimes students are
unaware of the rules regarding extra credit hours
or the university’s undergraduate requirements,”
Sexton said. Not knowing could cost extra time
and money.”
The extra credit hour rule applies to students
entering fall 2009 or later and mandates an extra
surcharge for credit hours earned in excess of 120
percent of degree requirement. In addition to a
student’s program requirements there are four
university requirements that all students must
complete which include computer competency,
multicultural understanding, oral competency and
foreign language. By connecting with an advisor
a student can make sure they are completing all
graduation requirements to earn their degree.
“All students need to see an academic advisor,”
Sexton said. “I can help them navigate the logistics
but it is essential that they create a partnership
with a member of their faculty. Advising can make
a significant difference in the student achieving
their academic and professional goals. My goal
is to ensure that each student has the tools and
guidance necessary to achieve these goals.”
Contact Information:
Angela Sexton
Academic Coordinator
College of Applied Studies
850/770-2178
asexton@pc.fsu.edu
FSU
@Panama City
Congratulations to our Summer
Holly Roxanne Adams
Melissa Amber Cope
Jonathan Paul Grubbs, Jr.
Linda L. Long
Joseph Michael Adams
Laura A. Corder
John Modesto Guerra
Amanda J. Lorenz
Lorena Denise Aguilar
Linda Jeannine Weller Cooper
Thomas Lee Haessly
Mario Anthony Luppino
Shahrzad Alaghemand
Carie Ann Cox
LaAnne Dybdal Hair
Ashley Suzanne McAlister
Danielle Nicole Alexander
Griffin Edward Cronk
Patti Ann Fenaes Hall
Christy Diane McAllister
Maryann Alexander
Holly Cassandra Cross
Joseph A. Harasimowicz III
Renee McCalmont
Shelley C. Allen
Jennifer Lauren Csenge
Fontella L. Hardman
Julianne Rose McCutcheon
Jennifer L. Ashley
Chiara May Cunnigham
Erin Elizabeth Harrold
Marie W. McDougald
Anna-Lee Atkinson
Sarah Catherine Cusick
Jeremy Hatcher
Amanda Nicole McElreath
Sandra Lee Atkinson
David Jonathan Dadouche
Shannon Alicia Hatcher
Anna Leigh McFarland
Kelly Lyn Ayers
Nicholas Joseph Dale
Brett Duane Haskell
Brian Joseph McKay
Jantzen Daniel Bailey
Cassaline Joy Davis
Aaron Hedman-Deforest
Laura Ann McManus
Delbert Ray Baker, Jr.
Jennifer Nicole Davis
Leslie C. Henderson
Heather Christine McSpadden
Michael A. Banner
Jody WIlliam Davis
Kyla Rae Herndon
Todd Preston McVey
Sarah Elizabeth Barber
Jacquelyn Bailey Decker
Alison Lacey Herring
Keith M. Maceluch
Wesley Allen Barfield
Maegan Lauren Demoss
Erica Day Hewitt
Lisa Elaine Magnum
Braytez Jalita Barnes
Gonca Firat Dequeant
David L. Hickman
Shane Everett Magnus
Justin Andrew Barnes
Amy Catherine Deramo
Kendall Alexandria Hicks
Jennifer Thompson Mallon
Sheena K. Barron
Angela K. Devoy
Wesley Gene Hicks
Bradley Allen Malott
Karinia C. Basford
Corey Ann Dobridnia
Christina Marie Hill
Michael S. Manley
James William Batton
Jacqueline Mayah Don
Kayla Marie Hilley
Molly Deanna Manuel
Kimberly Suzanne Bazzle
Brittany Lee Dorko
Chase Adams Hilyer
David Douglas Swanson Marín
Katie Elizabeth Beard
Jason Michael Duff
Randi Charrell Hilton
Tiffany A. Marlin
Rima Beck
Leah Palmer Dunham
Jacqueline Anne Hinds
Heather Lynn Marshall
Brent Kendall Bedini
Sarah Jeanette Dunn
Paul Martin Hinds
Angela Elaine Martincich
Tania Gonzalez Beltran
John Randall Dupree
Thomas M. Hodges
Richard Matteo Martincich
Tomila Lee Ann Benefield
Leo Allen Durham
Stephen Hontscharik
Raymesha Alexischion Mathis
Kimberly J. Bennett
Marietta A. Drew
Zachary James Hoskins
Heather Rae Mazzara
Drew D. Benton
Joseph William Edstrom
Brandi Key Howell
Lily Katherine Meadows
Pamela Jo Best-Gades
Sarah E. Edstrom
Jason W. Hughes
Jennifer East Mefford
Cynthia Elaine Biddle
Harold M. Edwards III
Bridget A. Huguenard
Megan Kara Meints
Tiffany Carol Birge
Kristen Marie Ellis
Christine Yi Hurst
Joshua Edward Mercer
Matthew Scott Booth
Sofia Yousef Elsagga
Kristina Anne Jackey
Suzanne Alaine Mercer
Kristy Rose Bouthot
Krista Elise Faulkenberry
Jacquelin Antoinette Jackson
Alison Marie Metcalf
Teena Cherie Bradley
Chelsea Byrd Fayne
Kenya Shermaine Jackson
Casey L. Meunier
Jennifer R. Brandow
Bennette Alyssa Felder
Joseph Patrick Jefferies
Crystal L. Michel
Keli Y. Brannan
Hallie A. Fernandez
Kathleen E. Jenkins
Christopher Randall Miller
Angela Michelle Brannon
Kelli Ferns-Siller
David Craig Jernigan, Jr.
Sara C. Miller
Bobbie Jackson Brannon
Megan Nicole Ferrara
Korina Marie Johnsen
Abbey Nichole Mills
Michael Andrew Braunz
Meredith M. Finch
Hannah Ruth Johnson
Stacey Anne Minkey
Danielle C. Brennan
Nicole M. Finch
Michael A. Johnson
Daniel A. Moldenhauer
Amanda Elizabeth Brickner
Taylor Elizabeth Finch
Sabrina Dawn Johnson
Cayla Faith Monaghan
Christopher William Brim
Christopher Ryan Flowers
Latasha Jones
Ana Alexandria Montero
James D. Britton
Jennifer C. Foeller
Rachel Catherine Jones
Jacob A. Moore
Nancy Anne Brockman
Kristen A. Fondren
Jeffrey Allan Kaspar
Amanda Suzan Morgan
Kayla Nicole Brown
Logan Austin Fowler
Sandra D. Keethler
Kathryn L. Morgan
Robert Moore Brown, Jr.
Kathrine Mary Frewin
Aubrey D. Keifer
Chester L. Morrison
Cassie A. Buck
Amanda Kay Frith
Dustin Kelly
Jason Dale Moss
Donald George Buening
Sarah G. Gagliardi
George A. Kelly
Kristin L. Mullins
Sebrina Nordgren Burke
Brandi Lynn Gainer-Baldin
Kevin Patrick Kelly
Rachel Anne Murks
Chelsea Suzanne Burkhart-Smith Gregory Charles Gallagher
Erica Marie Kennan
Sajeev Chandra Nair
Christopher C. Burlon
Taylor Elyse Garrett
Sean Michael Kerrigan
Michele Gilberg Negri
Jordan W. Burnett
Marian Darlene Gay
KieVonne Denise King
Frances Janice Negron
Mia Maru Burton
Kailyn Howard Gentry
Lynsey Leigh King
Meghan Carey Nels
Debra Kay Byrd
Julia E. George
Nina Ozley Krishack
Wanda Jean Nelson
Lori Sullivan Cannon
Mark Gerlexz
Brian L. LaFrance
Tatsiana F. Nevar
Salvadore Joseph Cantavespre
Richard C. Gravatt, Jr.
Kelley Marie Landers
Jodie Ellen Newsome
Michaela Heather Carl
Kayla Michell Gibbens
Heather Elizabeth Marie Lang
Joelle Elizabeth Nielsen
Christophper Ryan Cashman
Benjamin Joel Gibson
Lisa Diane LaWarre
Monique Alene Niessner
Cheryl Ann Cathey
Kristi Carter Gibson
Natalie Alicia Chan Lawson
Martha Leigh Nikides
Jessica Fawn Chapman
Gregory Brian Gillman
Jordan Christopher Leake
Bradley James Nissley
Christen Annah Chason
Tiffany Cecilia Godwin
Jessica Marie LeBrun
Dawne Yvette Noble
Kierra Tranese Chisolm
Jordan Duane Gold
Darlene O. Ledbetter
Valerie Amber Noles
Rebecca Leigh Christopher
Stephanie L. Golden
Barry Justin Lee
Jordan Ashley Osborn
Erica Christine Citrigno
Carmel M. Gorin
Kimberly Suzanne Leeds
Jordan Leigh O’Toole
Sara Lynsey Clarke
Lucie C. Grabner
Melissa Joy Lessig
Olivia R. Owens
Lindsey Joy Cobb
Kenneth Cody Alto Gray
Brittany Kayla Lewis
Yvonne Maria Ozarowski
Michelle Kelly Cohn
Forest B. Green III
Christina M. Libby
Dennis Eric Pake
Auston James Conrad
Renee Sheree Griggs
Kriston Laine Lipham
Justin C. Palmer
Jeremy Francois Constantin
Stephen Neil Groover
Daphne Kaye Lister
Nicole Ann Parker
Siara Brittany Parrish
Jessica Lynn Pascal
Katherine Elizabeth Pattillo
Gus Alan Penton
David Lee Peters
Joaquin Jamaal Peterson
Heather Thuykim Phan
Patricia A. Phillips
Brett Shay Pierce, Sr.
Gail Campbell Pike
Amy Buchanan Pitts
Derick Alan Poppelreiter
Katrina Marie Porter
Christopher Scott Powell
Miranda Lindsay Powell
Kenneth Richard Preuss, Jr.
Christen Danyelle Pries
Shane A. Raffield
Peggy D. Rambosk
Kayla Breann Ramer
Michelle Nicole Ravin
Tori Miquelle Rea
Rebecca Lyn Reeder
Nicholas Anthony Reeves
Elizabeth L. Reilly
Laura L. Reisdorf
Michael D. Remick
Asher Revah
Sean Reynolds
Jessica Marie Rhodes
Robert Richardson II
Robert Wesley Richardson
William Carter Rinaman
Shawn Aaron Rizzuto
Savannah Marie Robbins
Kelley Leigh Roberts
Kimberly Nichole Roberts
Janice Nicole Roby
Sherryl Lynn Rodriguez
Jerry M. Roe
Jennifer Annemarie Rollins
Jacob Randolph Rouse
Michael Wayne Rutledge
Michelle Andrea St. Amand
Zacarias Sanchez
Michelle Gentry Sandler
Tia Marie Sanford
Carla Shaw Santiny
Melinda May Schiermyer
Jvincent C. Schmidt
Tracy Leigh Scott
Angela Dawn Segers
Meghan Diane Sexton
Alicia M. Sheffield
Nicole Leanne Shriver
Amanda Marie Simmons
Tina Nichole Sims
Jesse Denton Slappey
Russell Lawrence Sloan
Leslie Waters Smelcer
Jennifer Keyserling Smith
Jillian Nicole Smith
Abby Lynn Spear
Jonathan Michael Spears
Gina Elizabeth Spease
Kayla N. Speckman
Kimberly Denise Spencer
Valerie Marie Spitznagel
Michaela Nicole Spires
John Bryan Sprouse
Brittney Nicole Squires
Paden Kyle Standifer
Hilary Scott Stanton
Brianne Bowie Starkey
Chad Everett Steele
Thomas Paul Stegeman
Eric John Stevenson
Elbert Daniel Stewart II
Richard C. Stewart II
Joshua Lee Strickland
Rebecca Angela Sullivan
Brittany Anne Tampellini
Adam Randolph Taylor
Alicia Nicole Taylor
Dana K. Teall
James A. Thaxton
Kelly Christine Thomas
Kerri Faye Thomas
Temara Jakeisha Thomas
Rachel Marie Thompson
Lauren Nichole Thornton
Yolonda Monique Tingler
Erica M. Todd
Brandon Dale Traffanstedt
Curtis Brendt Trexler II
Catherine D. Tucker
James Edward Tyre
Steven Theodore Vaggalis
Holli Gayle Van Camp
Nicole VanSchoick
Ashleigh Caporale Varghese
Anastasia Eugenia Vasiliades
Kerry Lousie Vickery
Kimberly L. Vienneau
Gary Virgin
Ryan Tate Vittetoe
Heather Von Tate
Scott Daniel Waddell
Jessica D. Walden
Jessica Lynn Walker
Jodi Ann Waller
Katie Lynn Warren
Meloney Erica Washington
Alexander Clifton Webb
Kimberly Ann Weber
Rebecca Alane Weber
Christianne L. Webster
Jessica Renee Weeks
Terry Wayne Weeks
Justin Dale Weinmann
Brian Keith Welch
Rebecca Belote Westerfield
Aaron Thomas White
Charles Dean Whidden II
Ian Randall Wilkins
Candace N. Williams
Elizabeth Nicole Williams
Amber Lee Wilson
Thomas A. Winterman
Katherine Alis Winton
John James Wobser
Elizabeth Marie Wood
Rhonda Rose Woodward
Caroline Scott Woodyard
Andrew Steven Wright
Chase Calvin Wright
Thomas Gordon Wright
Lisa Marie Yeater
Katherine Annette Yglesias
Jennifer Lynn Yoshioka
TOLL FREE 866.693.7872 • ADMISSIONS 850.770.2160 • FINANCIAL AID 850.770.2170 • pc.fsu.edu