Message from Dean Kenneth Teitelbaum

Large universities are known to be bureaucratic institutions, increasingly so during the last 50 years.  We all know what that means.  Change often comes at a glacial pace, unless dictated from above.  Reports and other paperwork can fill a victory parade down Broadway in New York City.  Decision making often emanates from some impersonal, hierarchical process.  Turf battles reign supreme.  But in fact it doesn’t always and everywhere within the institution have to be that way, not when highly competent, caring individuals are dedicated and intentional in their attempts to make changes, minimize red tape, be transparent about their actions, and work in more collaborative and collegial ways.  What I’m talking about here is not just re-thinking patterns of working, and not just re-structuring the systems that are in place, but re-culturing the way we go about doing things in higher education.  Call it “the audacity of hope” or whatever fits best, but I am optimistic that, step by step, we can create the kind of learning and working environment that faculty, staff and students can by and large enjoy.  Here, briefly, are a couple of examples from the Dean’s Office about positive changes that have recently been enacted:

We have about 20 scholarships given out by the College (apart from those in the eight academic units) but in recent years we have been very disappointed by the number of students who have applied for them.  “Free money” to qualified students! – and yet for some reason, the word has not gotten out to them or they couldn’t navigate the application process or something else intruded.  Very few applications were received.  This year Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Brad Colwell and others (including Brad’s secretary, Jody Miley) worked hard to clarify and publicize the availability of our College scholarships, the application deadline, our new scholarship website, etc.  The result is way more applications than were received last year, 330 from over 84 students (when before perhaps a couple of dozen students had applied).  This is what it means to be part of a “community,” where lines of communication are clearer, accessibility is promoted, involvement is encouraged, etc. – in this case (thanks also to the work of Development Officer Dave Ardrey and our many generous scholarship donors!) to provide financial assistance to deserving students.

Another example involves the work of Director of Teacher Education Jan Waggoner and her colleagues in the Office of Teacher Education Program (TEP) (such as Jenise Wilson, Linda Clendenin, Gwen King and Natalie Branca).  Reacting to the stressful economy that many of our students are experiencing, they contacted the company that publishes the textbook used for the EDUC 313 course and were able to have a customized copy published at a savings of 20%.  Similarly, student teachers expressed a need to have help in their job searches.  So our TEP Office contacted the Career Services Center and secured the help of Michelle Garrett of that office to participate in special student teaching seminars and coaching students individually as they write their resumes and post on the new Saluki Job Bank website.  In addition, student teachers expressed a need to be able to gain their certifications as soon after commencement as possible so we set up small group meetings during their student teaching semester, including at off-campus sites, to help them set up their Education Certification System (ECS) accounts. They can now receive their teacher certification within a matter of days after applying.  And finally, you might be interested to know that this office now not only handles fingerprinting for future teachers but also for those who study and work with the Clinical Center, Counselor Education program (EPSE), Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (RI), and Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program (RI).  This has meant serving many more students, e.g., from 332 in Fall 2007 to 561 in Fall 2008.   

What these few examples show, I think, are our successful attempts to positively change the culture of our College, even if in limited ways.  It’s incremental, I know, but perhaps significant nevertheless, especially in terms of the direction we are going in to better address the interests and concerns of our students.

No-Agenda Lunches with the Dean

A topic that is of great concern to everyone in the College, I know, is the budget.  When we know more about it, and have a better idea how it might affect our College, I’ll have more to share with you.  In the meantime, I’ve been discussing matters with Executive Council members, as well as at the first “No Agenda Lunch” that I hosted on Monday, January 26.  Indeed, at that lunch we talked about budget issues a lot, as well as other things, while we munched on pizza and drank our soda or water.  The maximum of eight faculty members joined me – from five different departments – and while I can’t speak for them, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion.  It was a great opportunity for us to informally share ideas and information, Dean to faculty and faculty to faculty across the college. 

I also had a specially scheduled “No Agenda Lunch” on Friday, January 30 (pizza and soda again!) with Rehabilitation Institute Director John Benshoff and eight staff members from the Evaluation and Development Center.  Our conversation focused mainly on the work of the Center (located on Lewis Lane, where we met for lunch).  I learned a lot about the center, in particular the important services they provide to young and older adults with disabilities, and enjoyed very much the chance to tour the residents’ rooms and talk briefly with the students who are living there.

The next “No Agenda Lunch” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, from noon to 1:00, in Wham 109.  If you’re interested in joining me, I think there are still a few available slots.  The final two lunches are scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, April 23.  The fare will always be pizza and soda, for ease of ordering.  To sign up, contact Carol Reynolds at crenolds@siu.edu or 453-7313.
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College-wide Meeting -- Date Change!!

The date of the Spring 2009 college-wide meeting has been changed from Friday, May 1 to Friday, April 10.  It will take place from 3:00-4:30, in Davis 105 (Auditorium).  I hope you can make it!  It will be preceded, earlier in the day, by our first COEHS Health Fair.  I’ll have more to say about both of these events in the next issue of this newsletter.

You might also be interested to know that the annual COEHS Ice Cream Social will be taking place this year on Wednesday, April 29 in the afternoon.  At the same time, we will be hosting our first COEHS Open House.  More information to follow.
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Information Needed

Please remember to respond to previous requests made for information about (1) international activities with which you’ve been engaged at SIUC during the last five years (to Dale Ritzel, Emeritus Faculty); and (2) editorial activities that involve serving as editor or editorial board member (to Jeanette Johnson, Web Specialist).  I’d like to be sure that these projects are as detailed as possible with regard to the contributions that are being made by members of our College.  Also, (3) remember that twice a semester I share research done by our faculty or staff to 160 school administrators.  It can be something that focuses on the experiences of children, adolescents, teachers, administrators, other staff members, and parents/families.  So far this year I’ve sent materials that focused on teaching young children with autism, health concerns of middle grades students, and establishing inclusive classrooms for young children.  Let me know if you have something that would be appropriate to share.
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COEHS Scholarship Brown Bag Series

On Tuesday, February 3, during a frigid day in southern Illinois, 15 people joined Phil Anton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, for his presentation on “Research and Rehabilitation: Using Exercise to Help Cancer Patients.”  This is a topic of personal interest to probably many people in our College, as I’m sure that many have had experience with cancer in some way, whether themselves or a family member or close friend.  As Phil made clear, what’s important is not just to treat the cancer (as oncologists do) but to treat the person as well.  This means providing ways to rehabilitate during and after treatment, both physiologically and psychologically, which is the work that he is engaged in, specifically with regard to providing exercise regimens for better physical and mental health.  In addition, Phil is doing research on the efficacy of the individualized programs that he provides to cancer survivors (through his Strong Survivors Program), with the initial data indicating that the exercising group experiences significant positive results in activities of daily living, fatigue, and quality of life.  It was a great hour and I’m most appreciative to Phil for speaking to us about his important work.  If you’re interested in what he had to say, you’ll be interested to know that we have now begun filming the Brown Bags presentations (if the presenter agrees and the technology cooperates) and posting them on our College website!  So his talk is now accessible to everyone, although I’d say that it’s not quite as good as having been there.

Faculty, staff and students joined Phil Anton for his presentation

Video taping the presentation [Click here to view the video]

Speaking of which, our next Brown Bag presentation/discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, noon to 1:00 p.m., in Wham 219 Conference Room.  Half the Department of Curriculum and Instruction will be presenting!  Well, no, not exactly.  But we will have Professors Kelly Glassett, Joyce Killian, Christie McIntyre, John McIntyre, Grant Miller, and Cathy Mogharreban sharing their work on “Teaching Candidates’ Constructions of Becoming a Teacher.”  I hope you’ll be able to join us.
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Invitation to Masquerade Ball

In the January 2009 issue of the COEHS Update, I provided information about the second annual trip to New Orleans being sponsored by Educ8kdz, which is a student organization of our Early Childhood Education Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.  Like last spring, the students and others who go on the trip will be helping out in a variety of ways in the post-Katrina schools and neighborhoods there.  In their continued attempts to secure funding for their trip, the organization is sponsoring a semi-formal masquerade ball with light hors d’oeuvres from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at the Von Jakob Winery in Alto Pass.  Tickets, available in Room 322 of Wham Education Building, cost $10 for adults and $5 for children or $25 for a family.  Those attending may bring their own masks if they wish.  Organizers will have adults’ masks available; children will have the chance to make their own.  To find out more about the masquerade ball, or the New Orleans trip, contact Christie McIntyre, Assistant Professor, at 618-453-4245 or cherimc@siu.edu.
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Physical Education Conference (and Volleyball Clinic) on Campus

Tony Calabrese (KIN) is again organizing the (5th) Annual Southern Illinois Physical Education and Health Conference, which will be held this year on Friday, March 6, from 7:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m., in Davies Hall.  In addition, a pre-conference volleyball clinic will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For additional information, contact Tony at 618-536-2431.
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Student Scholarship News!
Although I am not at liberty right now to reveal the person’s identity, I can tell you that an emeritus faculty member of our College has left through her estate a significant gift of over $75,000 to our College.  This gift is to be administered by the Dean’s Office for unrestricted student scholarships.  This is a wonderfully generous gift on the part of this long-time faculty member – and there will be many COEHS students who will benefit from her largesse.  I’m still thinking about how best to utilize these monies, over what period of time; suggestions are welcomed.  Thanks to Dave Ardrey for facilitating this gift.
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Grant Work

Speaking of money . . . I’m not sure if we can continue to increase our level of external grant funding at the rate that has taken place during the last several years, which was detailed in the December 2008 issue of the COEHS UPDATE newsletter (e.g., 67% since 2004).  One reason for saying this is that our Research Project Specialist/Grants Coordinator, Susanne Ashby, has resigned her position with us, or at least 75% of it.  (She is now working with us on a 25% contract, so that she can continue on the grants that are ongoing.)  Unfortunately, because of budget considerations, as of now we are not replacing her.  I want to wish Susanne well in her future pursuits and thank her for the terrific work she did for our College, helping us to attain such a high level of external grant funding.

On the other hand, the FY09 year doesn’t look like it’s going to be “chopped liver” either.  (Is that more of a NYC expression?  I’m not sure.  Should I instead be referring to “biscuits and gravy”?)   Here is a listing of some of the grants that have been secured by February 1:

If you would like to pursue external grant funding but aren’t sure how to proceed, please meet with Associate Dean for Administration Jim Bordieri (as well as staff from the Office of Research Development and Administration  [ORDA] on campus). 
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Department Chair Announcement

It is my great pleasure to announce that the new Chair of the Department of Health Education and Recreation is Dr. Joyce Fetro, a full professor in the department who has been serving since January 1 as its Interim Chair.  We conducted a national search for this position and held extensive campus interviews with two other candidates besides Joyce, both from programs elsewhere in the country.  While these two other finalists were certainly well qualified, in the end we felt that we already had the most qualified of the applicant pool.  Please join me in welcoming Joyce as our permanent HER Department Chair!
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• John McIntyre (CI) is being honored at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators with the Distinguished Teacher Educator Award, which takes place in Dallas on February 14-18.  This is one of the organization’s highest national recognitions; the ATE website refers to recipients (one a year) as those who are “in higher education or state departments of education who have advanced the profession of teacher education.”  The award brings well-earned honor to John, primarily of course, but also perhaps to our Teacher Education Program, since he has played and continues to play an active role in its organization.  Congratulations to John for this national award! 

• Phil Anton (KIN) and Laura Rogers (SIU Medical School) are the recipients of a $40,000 grant from the SIU Medical School in Springfield to study the effects of resistance training on lean body mass in head and neck cancer survivors going through radiation treatment.  Their research will begin in early April.

• Julie Partridge (KIN) and M.S. Wiggins published “Coping styles for trait shame and anxiety intensity and direction in competitive athletes,” in Psychological Reports, 108, 703-712.

• Michael Olson (KIN) and L. Li and M. Solomonow published “Interaction of viscoelastic tissue compliance with lumbar muscles during passive cyclic flexion—extension,” in Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 19, 30-38.

• Toby Brooks (KIN) was selected to assist in the development of a new curriculum designed by the International Youth Conditioning Association, in partnership with the National Personal Training Institute. 

• Taeho Yoh (KIN) and Heewon Yang (HER), with M. Mohr, published “Assessing Satisfaction with Campus Recreation Program among College Students with Physical Disabilities,” in International Journal of Sport Management, 9(4), 394-406.  Taeho and Heewon (with S. Gordon) also co-authored “Status of participation in physical activity among international students attending colleges and universities in the United States,” in The College Student Journal, 42(4), 1110-1117.

• Heewon Yang (HER) and Marjorie Malkin (HER) co-authored “International perspectives of therapeutic recreation,” in Norma Stumbo (Ed.), Professional Issues in Therapeutic Recreation: On Competence and Outcomes.

• Heewon Yang (HER) made two presentations at the recent meeting of the Illinois Recreation Therapy Association:  “Understanding personality disorders: Implications for therapeutic recreation” and “Cardiovascular disorders: Prevention and Intervention.”  Heewon also had two presentations published in the Proceedings of the 2008 American Therapeutic Recreation Association, with the meeting taking place in Reno, Nevada:  (1) co-authored with Y. Lee and D.C. Malloy on “International study of the influence of medical codes of ethics among health care professionals: Preliminary findings and implications to therapeutic recreation”; and (2) co-authored with Marjorie Malkin (HER) and L. Guo on “The Effectiveness of T’ai Chi on balance among older adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Stephen Brown (HER), with D. Ruschhaupt and D.A. Birch, published “Use of participant response systems by health education centers,” in The Health Education Monograph Series, 25(1), 53-59.  Stephen also co-authored, with H. Lee, M. Mitchel and G.R. Schiraldi, “Correlates of resilience in the face of adversity for Korean women immigrating to the U.S., in Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 10(5), 415-422.

• Roberta Ogletree (HER) and Joe Visker (PhD student in HER), presented a poster session on “Oral Sex Education and Behavior: A Preliminary Study” at the national conference of the American School Health Association that took place in Tampa, Florida in November.

• Roberta Ogletree (HER) was elected to a five-year term on the Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialists of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

• Dale Ritzel (Professor Emeritus in HER) presented on “Environmental and health issues relating to flooding on the Mississippi River” at the Second Annual Meeting of the International Consortium for Interdisciplinary Education about Health and the Environment (Hands-on-Education), which took place on December 18-20 at the University of Cologne, Germany.

• A number of students from the Department of Health Education and Recreation have been particularly active during the last several months.  For example:

• Jevonne Bradley, a Ph.D. student with a concentration in Health Education, presented on “The Constructivism Theory” at the Hawaii International Conference on Education that took place in Honolulu in January.

• James Teufel, a Ph.D. student with a concentration in Health Education, had two articles published in the 2008 issue (volume 25[3]) of The Health Education Monograph Series: Student Monographs:  “Exploring influences on evaluation in health education: A Delphi Technique study” and “Avoiding errors in health education: Omitted variables and the equivalent models problem.”  Eric Davidson, a Ph.D. student with a concentration in Health Education, had an article published in the same journal:  “Influenza prevention and vaccination: Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of college students.”  (The journal is published by Eta Sigma Gamma, the national Health Education honorary.)

• Fatimah Ali-Ferre, a student in the Master’s in Public Health program, had a short article published in the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Education and Health Promotion Fall 2008 newsletter.  The article focused on Immigration and Women’s Health. 

• Lisa Jaquez, a student in Community Health Education, has been named the second recipient of the Outstanding Health Educator Major of the Year by the American Association for Health Education.  This is the second health education major this year to receive the award.  Earlier this semester, another SIUC health education major, Bethany Carriger, was informed of her award by the same organization (as a School Health Education major).  This award is presented to one outstanding undergraduate student majoring in health education/promotion from each degree track of those universities that prepare health education majors.  The awards will be presented during a two-hour ceremony at the annual AAHE Convention on March 31-April 4 in Tampa, Florida.

• Two students received Southern Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Graduate/Undergraduate Student Scholarship Awards for 2008-2009.  They are:  Jessica Conyers (master’s student in Recreation) and Joshua Sheehan (undergraduate student in Recreation).  The awards are for $1,000.  Also, several graduate and undergraduate members of the SIUC Student Recreation Society have been awarded $200 IPR Conference Attendance Assistance Scholarships.  They are:  Brian Croft, Cory Maria Dack, Carl Lass, Ryan Oleszkiwsicz, and Joshua Sheehan.

• Brett Billings, an undergraduate student in Recreation, received a President’s Volunteer Service Award (Bronze) from the Shawnee National Forest.  He received this national award for his 191 volunteer hours working with the Mississippi Bluffs Rangers District.

• Elisabeth Reichert (SW) was an invited guest of Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for their Social Work and Human Rights Conference.  On January 13, she co-presented with Aziz Alberaithen of Saud University on “Ethics and Human Rights.” 

• John Benshoff (RI chair), with M. Barros-Bailey and J. Fischer, co-authored “Rehabilitation Counseling in the Year 2011: Perceptions of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors,” in Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 52(2), 107-113.  (Dr. Fischer holds an Rh.D. from our Rehabilitation Institute and is currently a faculty member at the University of Idaho.)

• Morgan Chitiyo (EPSE) co-authored two articles with J.J. Wheeler:  (1) “Analyzing the treatment efficacy of a technical assistance model for providing behavioral consultation to schools,” in Preventing School Failure, 53(2), 85-88; and (2) “Challenges faced by school teachers in implementing Positive Behavior Support in their school systems,” in Remedial and Special Education, 30(1), 58-63.
• Brad Colwell (COEHS Associate Dean) published “Survey of Illinois Law:  Significant Developments in Education Law 2007,” in Southern Illinois University Law Journal, 32, 827-864.  His co-authors are Brian Schwartz and Phil Milsk.

Please continue to submit “good news” to your Chair/Director, who will send them to Carol Reynolds of the Dean’s Office, crenolds@siu.edu . . . and look for more “Did you know that?” in the next issue of the COEHS UPDATE.
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