Campus FYI - June 23

An internal newsletter for WSU Vancouver faculty and staff.

Why is this layout different? During the summer we're experimenting with new layout options to make Campus FYI easier to read on a variety of devices. Please send feedback to van.website@vancouver.wsu.edu

 
 

WSU Vancouver in the news

WSU Vancouver hosts financial aid workshops
June 10, 2014
The Oregonian
By Susan Green

Washington State University Vancouver will host the first of its series of on-campus summer financial aid and scholarship workshops from 5 p.m. to 6 ...

Working toward medical school to help heal others mentally, physically
June 5, 2014
The Advocate
By Katelyn Hilsenbeck

She decided to avoid the common (for hopeful medical students) biology major after visiting WSUV and meeting neuroscience faculty members and ...

How Clark County is moving the electric car forward
June 5, 2014
Vancouver Business Journal
By Courtney Sherwood

Ryno Motors, which started in Vancouver before moving to Oregon, partnered with Washington State University Vancouver to test its one-wheeled ...

Ginny and husband

Guido retires, Linda Eddy takes the helm

Ginny Guido retired in May after a seven-year career with WSU Vancouver as regional director and assistant dean for the College of Nursing. (See photo: Ginny and her husband celebrated her retirement at a gathering last month.) Linda Eddy, associate professor in the College of Nursing, has been named her successor. Linda joined the Vancouver faculty in 2004. She previously held faculty positions in nursing at Linfield Good Samaritan School of Nursing and Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing at Oregon Institute of Technology.

Grisha Alpernas

Grisha Alpernas to leave at month’s end

Grisha Alpernas, information technology director, has announced plans to leave WSU Vancouver at the end of June. Grisha joined WSU Vancouver in 2011. He and his wife are relocating to Salem, Ore. where his wife works and many of their family members currently reside.

“I am grateful to Grisha for his leadership in strategic planning and the upgrade of IT infrastructure on campus. I also extend my thanks for his contributions to the Diversity Council and diversity issues on campus,” said Chancellor Mel Netzhammer.

VIT will be managed by a leadership team until a new director is identified. The team includes:

  • Michael Caulfield, director of blended and networked learning, Office of Academic Affairs
  • Michelle Eccles, operations manager, VIT
  • Chuck Harrsch, manager of network and telecom services, VIT
  • Chris Rhoads, multimedia services coordinator, VIT

A search committee is being established to recommend a new director of IT to the chancellor. The search process is expected to take about 90 days.

Colorful hanging artwork with rings

"Fine Arts Student Exhibition" currently on exhibit

Through Aug. 30
Dengerink Administration Building Gallery

The second installment of the 18th annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition is now on display. Artworks by three seniors from the spring 2014 fine arts advanced painting class—Alisa Greenwood, Autumn Sailer and Janelle Williams—are featured.

Select Plus logo

Take advantage of SelectPlus to help find care providers for your family

As a benefit to employees, WSU faculty and staff have access to SelectPlus to help you find care and other service providers for your family. You have access to two SelectPlus programs through a membership paid for by WSU:

  • Sittercity offers individual in-home caregivers including babysitters, full- and part-time nannies, pet sitters, tutors, housekeepers and individual senior caregivers
  • Years Ahead offers a nationwide network of senior care providers, including certified senior care advisors for guidance, specialized facilities including memory and hospice care and independent and assisted living communities, and in-home healthcare and senior care companions

Learn more online.

500,000 Voices of SW Washington logo

500,000 Voices of Southwest Washington wants to know what you value

What do you value? Access to the arts? Charitable giving? Economic opportunity? Improved education? Decreased poverty? Healthy Living? Safe neighborhoods?

500,000 Voices of Southwest Washington is conducting a survey to chart the future of our region. Responses to the survey will be compiled and presented as part of a community report due out this fall. The results will define our region’s values and beliefs, so make your voice heard. Take the survey online.

WSU Vancouver is one of eight project sponsors. The School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs will help tabulate survey results. Employees may participate in the survey from work so long as it doesn’t interfere with official duties and the timing is approved by your supervisor. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

 
 
Diane Binder

You're invited to a retirement celebration for Diane Binder

3 – 4 p.m. June 26
Dengerink Administration Building, Room 130

Diane Binder, program coordinator for veteran’s affairs in the Office of student Affairs, is retiring. She has worked for WSU Vancouver in various capacities since July 1996. Come to her celebration to share memories and wish her well in retirement.

WSU shield

Spring research awards announced

Congratulations to the following faculty members who received new research awards in April and May.

John Harrison, associate professor in the School of the Environment; and Stephen Henderson, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences

  • Integrating biogeochemistry and physics to understand hot spots and hot moments for nitrogen transformation in lakes and reservoirs, National Science Foundation, $574,997

Stephen Henderson, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences

  • Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of mangrove swamps in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: WSU component, Navy, $37,874
  • Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of mangrove swamps in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: WSU component, Navy, $122,874

Tracy Klein, assistant professor in the College of Nursing

  • Development of Nurse Practitioner Competencies for the Prescribing of Narcotics and Controlled Drugs, College Reg Nurses BC, $2,700
  • Nurse Practitioner Management of Psychotropic Agents for Pediatric Patients, Sigma Theta Tau Intl, $2,000

Stephen B. Kucer, professor of language and literacy education, College of Education

  • READ Informational Texts!, ESD #112, $35,584

Stephen Solovitz, associate professor in the School of Engineering and Computer Science

  • Collaborative Research: Measurement and Modeling of Air Entrainment and Ash Distribution in Weak Volcanic Plumes, National Science Foundation, $73,184
Pond drain in pretty lighting

Sustainability and the Environment Committee boasts accomplishments, announces new goal

The Sustainability and the Environment Committee meets monthly to discuss and expand the role WSU Vancouver plays in environmental sustainability.

You may have noticed a new Oregon Ash tree planted in the quad or that the ravine by the sports court is now lined with more than 130 trees to help build a riparian zone. These additions were promoted by the SEC and the Tree Advisory Committee to enhance our green spaces.

The SEC, with the help of Registered Student Organizations, will sponsor five events this academic year: Food Day, Make a Difference Day, Arbor Day, Earth Day and America Recycles Day. In addition, the SEC will launch an effort this fall to reduce campus paper consumption by 30 percent of its 2010. Be on the lookout for information about this campaign.

If you have any questions, please contact SEC Chair Dawn Freeman, 6-9628. Additional committee members include:

  •  John Benson, grounds and nursery specialist
  • Kevin Crowley, industrial hygenist
  • Michelle Eccles, VIT operations manager
  • Steve Fountain, clinical professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Kim Harless, undergraduate science student
  • Desiree Hellegers, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Tamara Holmlund Nelson, associate professor,  College of Arts and Sciences
  • James Martin, director for Facilities Operations
  •  Jackie McReynolds, senior instructor, department of human development
  • Scott Swenson, assistant professor of management, Carson College of Business
  • Steve Sylvester, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Paul Thiers, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Jude Wait, graduate science student
  • Shawn Welter, IT specialist III
Abril Hunt

Way to Go!

Abril Hunt elected president of WFAA

Abril Hunt, financial aid advisor, has been elected president of the Washington Financial Aid Association. WFAA is a professional membership organization that provides support for more than 300 financial aid professionals in the state of Washington with the goal of promoting higher education through the availability, support and administration of student financial assistance programs.

Reminders

Submit your event to NW Crimson & Gray by July 18, contact Maureen Keller

Submit entries to the WSU Vancouver community art show by Aug. 22, contact Dale Strouse

Sign up to Wave the Flag on Aug. 25, Lisa Abrahamsson, 6-9600

Loan a historical relic to the 25th Anniversary exhibit, contact Dena Keller

Save the date! 25th Anniversary Celebration on the Quad, 3 – 8 p.m. Sept. 6