Inga Puffer is one brave teacher. She teachers Seventh Grade Language Arts at Tanglewood Middle School in Greenville, SC. Yesterday, she let her father become part of her classes for a day. She made like I was doing her a favor to join her classes as they begin working on a speech about their hero. Her reaching out and letting me join her was the favor and it will be one of the memorable sabbatical moments from this Spring of 2011.
The assignment that she and a fellow teacher have given their students is to research a person they have identified as their hero. One major stipulation -- the person had to or has to be real. Superman, Supergirl, batman and robin were not working for this assignment. And, hours later I am still not certain if the guy who asked me if Superman is real was serious or messing around. Now, honestly, it is not that easy to tell with Middle Schoolers. They are not far from the age when they were asked to believe in Santa, the tooth fairy, the total triumph of good over evil. They really are working those things out in their mind. They may believe that a type of superman does exist to balance out some of the super bad they see and read about. This is an age that sort of eludes adult understanding as they are beginning to develop some sense of their own what it might be to think in "adult" terms. Cognitively, they are in a major life transition. I am glad there are people -- Middle School Teachers -- who do take the time to understand, who reach out to share and care and most importantly continue to prepare these students for what comes after this childhood. So, Middle School Teachers -- you are my heroes.
A couple of quick observations from my perspective as a college teacher:
-- It was fun being able to observe future college students in the making. As I talked with these four classes I began to compare these boys and girls with some of those I know at Coker.
-- Public speaking is one class I teach a lot and I believe you can become an excellent public speaker. These four classes showed me also that a couple of people might be born to it. We were talking mostly about how to construct an effective speech introduction. After the writing part of the class one girl volunteered. I think Eartha Kitt was her hero. She stood, then began to sing the opening lines of one of Kitt's songs. That quieted her classmates and GRABBED their attention -- exactly as I had been talking about. She is going to be good.
-- As we went around to the tables where the students were working, many would ask a question or ask me to read what they were doing. They were looking for that attention. Sometimes I would say -- Great, I am going to call on you. Quickly, they would make it known they did not want that MUCH attention -- they will single themselves out with some behaviors but they are not really wanting others to single them out.
-- The teachers are doing a great job of preparing the foundations. Even the guy who was not going to write anything (too cool for that) was able to provide me with a great reason there was nothing on his paper - "I need to do more research," is what he told me.
-- The techniques of effective introductions work. For one class, I improvised an introduction of one of the heroes -- Rosa Parks. I knew just enough to get the intro down and as I ended one boy to my right says -- "Where is the rest, I want to hear more." That could not have been a better reaction for the point that introductions are supposed to make you audience want to hear more.
So, I am not sure how much those Tanglewood Middle School seventh graders are going to remember about the four functions of an effective speech introduction but I am sure this experience is going to be one of the strong, positive memories of my sabbatical semester from Coker College.
So, Inga, and Phillip, thank you for letting your classes share with me.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Coker College takes to the court at the Time Warner Arena in Charlotte
cutline -- Coker takes a shot over the Barton defense at the Charlotte Time Warner Arena
(cutline -- Charlotte Bobcats in some pregame warm ups on Friday, February 11.)
Coker's Athletics operations and Development Office joined forces to draw attention to the proposed new Coker College Wellness Center that is under consideration for the Coker College community. Coker's Women's and Men's basketball teams played against Barton early on Friday (February 11) on the floor of the Time Warner Arena in downtown Charlotte. Then, later that night the Charlotte Bobcats took the floor against the New Jersey Nets in NBA action. Coker had invited board members, friends, supporters and alumni to enjoy these events in Charlotte and get a look at some proposed drawings for new Coker Wellness Center, which will also include new basketball and gym facilities.
The alumni I got to talk with were excited about the higher visibility that Coker is taking for this type of project. They enjoyed meeting with some of the coaches and getting to talk with some of this year's players. It was an exciting, interesting event from both the fund raising and athletic perspectives.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Conducting a survey of Coker Communication Grads
I have the privilege of being on Sabbatical this semester from my job at Coker College. For someone whose life is so wrapped up in the happenings of the college, this has not yet been as comfortable as you might imagine. But, as I hear a tidbit about a meeting or think about not having to lead an 8 a.m. class, it does get a bit more enjoyable.
One of the first projects of this sabbatical has been a survey of those who have majored or minored in Communication since I began teaching full time in 2000. We have a strong major but the number are not overwhelming. I have the survey on surveymonkey for computer response and in the first few days have had 22 grads.
One of the major areas of this survey is jobs. We are hoping that there will be some use for this data as we continue to move toward some outcome assessment of the major. My preliminary assessment is that more students than I hypothesized are in communication-related professions.
For this morning's blog, the question I am highlighting is how they found out about the job they are in. The answer, especially for someone like me who got my real professional beginnings in the newspaper business, is surprising. Not a single one of the first 22 people saw their current job in a newspaper classified ad. The times are not changing; they have changed.
One of the first projects of this sabbatical has been a survey of those who have majored or minored in Communication since I began teaching full time in 2000. We have a strong major but the number are not overwhelming. I have the survey on surveymonkey for computer response and in the first few days have had 22 grads.
One of the major areas of this survey is jobs. We are hoping that there will be some use for this data as we continue to move toward some outcome assessment of the major. My preliminary assessment is that more students than I hypothesized are in communication-related professions.
For this morning's blog, the question I am highlighting is how they found out about the job they are in. The answer, especially for someone like me who got my real professional beginnings in the newspaper business, is surprising. Not a single one of the first 22 people saw their current job in a newspaper classified ad. The times are not changing; they have changed.
Cobras amped for Charlotte | SCNOW
Big day for Cobra Athletics
Hartsville is a small cosmopolitan city. Charlotte is a a much larger cosmopolitan city. And, Charlotte is about 80 miles north west of Hartsville. But, on February 10 the Charlotte Bobcat Arena will be the home venue for the Coker Cobras playing Barton. Those basketball games, women starting about 12:30 and the men at 2:30 will be a prelude to the Bobcats game that begins at 7:30 Friday evening. Some of Coker's followers and donors will also be at that Bobcat game to enjoy the professional sports atmosphere of the NBA and learn more about plans for a new field house complex for the Coker College campus. This should be an interesting day in Charlotte for the Cobras and their fans. Below is a link to a good story in the Morning News about today's games.
Cobras amped for Charlotte | SCNOW
Hartsville is a small cosmopolitan city. Charlotte is a a much larger cosmopolitan city. And, Charlotte is about 80 miles north west of Hartsville. But, on February 10 the Charlotte Bobcat Arena will be the home venue for the Coker Cobras playing Barton. Those basketball games, women starting about 12:30 and the men at 2:30 will be a prelude to the Bobcats game that begins at 7:30 Friday evening. Some of Coker's followers and donors will also be at that Bobcat game to enjoy the professional sports atmosphere of the NBA and learn more about plans for a new field house complex for the Coker College campus. This should be an interesting day in Charlotte for the Cobras and their fans. Below is a link to a good story in the Morning News about today's games.
Cobras amped for Charlotte | SCNOW
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The history of Black History at Coker College
Dean Jason Umfress addressed a letter to the Coker College Community that is really interesting and that makes some interesting reading. This is Black History Month and sometimes we hear questions about Why black history -- reason -- because it was so often ignored by those writing the histories. But I think it makes sense to share the thoughts Dr. Umfress shared. Earlier today I finished a Condolezza Rice's memoir, EXTRAORDINARY, ORDINARY PEOPLE, She addresses her experience at Stanford University in a couple of chapters of that book. We should know OUR history.
Here is Jason's letter:
Dear Coker,
I hope this message finds you well and staying warm/cool during this strange weather. South Carolina weather patterns can be so strange - warm one day and cold the next. Like we say around here, “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
The month of February is set aside every year as a chance for us as a nation to celebrate Black History month. I thought I would use this “Dear Coker” letter to reflect on the integration of our own college and honor those pioneering African Americans who paved the way for the integration process of our College.
Let me take you back to Coker College in the turbulent 1960’s. Our student population was very small (only a few hundred people)…we were very female (all female, to be exact)…and we were very White. Considering what was happening in the county in the way of the Civil Rights movement, the issue of racially integrating the college was complex enough. Coker’s integration challenges were compounded by the decision to integrate the campus along gender lines at the same time. In the History of the College, the author writes:
Issues surrounding diversity at Coker College centered on the two matters of gender diversity and racial diversity. Originally separate issues, they intersected in the 1960s as the College wrestled with the implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, no institution can escape the attitudes of its surrounding, nor could Coker College. Founded as a college for women by a retired officer of the Confederate Army, and located in Darlington County, SC, diversity at Coker occurred slowly as the institution distanced itself from prevalent attitudes about gender and race.
In the fall of 1967, Coker admitted its 1st two African American students – two females. Due to poor record keeping, only one of the two has been positively identified: Evelyn Alsbrooks. The documents don’t seem to indicate there were any protests, outrages or violence as a result of their enrollment, as had been witnessed at other institutions around the country.
Racial diversity and the movement toward integration was influenced most directly by outstanding members of the student body, faculty, and staff. Here is a list of instrumental and influential African Americans who have shaped our College into what it has become today:
1. 1st African American students admitted to Coker: Evelyn Alsbrooks and a “mystery woman” thought to be Evelyn’s sister, Alfrieda.
2. 1st African American SGA President: Johnnie Dawkins (1976)
3. 1st African American May Queen: Vikki Sheryl Coleman (1978)
4. 1st African American on faculty: Dr. Ernest Nichols, Professor of Education (1973)
5. 1st African American to receive the Master Professor Award: John Foster (1995)
6. 1st African American senior staff person: George Hogan, Asst Director of Military Programs (1986).
7. 1st African American Dean of Students (or the equivalent): Shelia Hill (1990).
8. 1st African American Officer of the College: Dr. Ron Carter, Provost (1997).
Although they may not have realized it at the time, these individuals were pioneers. They most certainly faced challenges as they bravely walked into our Coker community. Much like the Rosa Parks, James Merediths, and Fannie Lou Hammers, these people chose to bravely face the status quo in pursuit of equality for all. For this, they should be honored and remembered.
Today, as we look around our campus, we take note of how diverse we are. Minority students make up 40% of our student population - far above the national average at other institutions of higher education. We interact with people from all races, genders, cultures, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. It is important for us to pause to remember that these things didn’t happen overnight. Brave men and women who came before us broke those social and cultural norms so that we might enjoy a campus that is more inclusive and welcoming of its community members.
While we as a community have come a long way since the 1960s, the work is far from done. We must continue to strive to be inclusive and respectful of our community members. We must continue to value diversity of background, culture, and thought. We must continue to appreciate the value added to our educational experience from being around people who are different from us. We must continue to educate ourselves on, and be open to, other cultures. We must continue to strive to be the Coker College we all know we can be. Let this be our aim.
Stay Engaged,
Jason
Jason W. Umfress, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Coker College
Here is Jason's letter:
Dear Coker,
I hope this message finds you well and staying warm/cool during this strange weather. South Carolina weather patterns can be so strange - warm one day and cold the next. Like we say around here, “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
The month of February is set aside every year as a chance for us as a nation to celebrate Black History month. I thought I would use this “Dear Coker” letter to reflect on the integration of our own college and honor those pioneering African Americans who paved the way for the integration process of our College.
Let me take you back to Coker College in the turbulent 1960’s. Our student population was very small (only a few hundred people)…we were very female (all female, to be exact)…and we were very White. Considering what was happening in the county in the way of the Civil Rights movement, the issue of racially integrating the college was complex enough. Coker’s integration challenges were compounded by the decision to integrate the campus along gender lines at the same time. In the History of the College, the author writes:
Issues surrounding diversity at Coker College centered on the two matters of gender diversity and racial diversity. Originally separate issues, they intersected in the 1960s as the College wrestled with the implementation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, no institution can escape the attitudes of its surrounding, nor could Coker College. Founded as a college for women by a retired officer of the Confederate Army, and located in Darlington County, SC, diversity at Coker occurred slowly as the institution distanced itself from prevalent attitudes about gender and race.
In the fall of 1967, Coker admitted its 1st two African American students – two females. Due to poor record keeping, only one of the two has been positively identified: Evelyn Alsbrooks. The documents don’t seem to indicate there were any protests, outrages or violence as a result of their enrollment, as had been witnessed at other institutions around the country.
Racial diversity and the movement toward integration was influenced most directly by outstanding members of the student body, faculty, and staff. Here is a list of instrumental and influential African Americans who have shaped our College into what it has become today:
1. 1st African American students admitted to Coker: Evelyn Alsbrooks and a “mystery woman” thought to be Evelyn’s sister, Alfrieda.
2. 1st African American SGA President: Johnnie Dawkins (1976)
3. 1st African American May Queen: Vikki Sheryl Coleman (1978)
4. 1st African American on faculty: Dr. Ernest Nichols, Professor of Education (1973)
5. 1st African American to receive the Master Professor Award: John Foster (1995)
6. 1st African American senior staff person: George Hogan, Asst Director of Military Programs (1986).
7. 1st African American Dean of Students (or the equivalent): Shelia Hill (1990).
8. 1st African American Officer of the College: Dr. Ron Carter, Provost (1997).
Although they may not have realized it at the time, these individuals were pioneers. They most certainly faced challenges as they bravely walked into our Coker community. Much like the Rosa Parks, James Merediths, and Fannie Lou Hammers, these people chose to bravely face the status quo in pursuit of equality for all. For this, they should be honored and remembered.
Today, as we look around our campus, we take note of how diverse we are. Minority students make up 40% of our student population - far above the national average at other institutions of higher education. We interact with people from all races, genders, cultures, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. It is important for us to pause to remember that these things didn’t happen overnight. Brave men and women who came before us broke those social and cultural norms so that we might enjoy a campus that is more inclusive and welcoming of its community members.
While we as a community have come a long way since the 1960s, the work is far from done. We must continue to strive to be inclusive and respectful of our community members. We must continue to value diversity of background, culture, and thought. We must continue to appreciate the value added to our educational experience from being around people who are different from us. We must continue to educate ourselves on, and be open to, other cultures. We must continue to strive to be the Coker College we all know we can be. Let this be our aim.
Stay Engaged,
Jason
Jason W. Umfress, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Coker College
Noted Activist for Children to Speak At Coker College Graduation
Coker College's 2011 graduates will have Marian Wright Edleman as their graduation speaker. This announcement was in the current issue of THE MORNING NEWS in Florjavascript:void(0)ence.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Coker College Establishes "Last Lecture" Series
For nearly ten years I had the opportunity of teaching the Coker Communication Senior Seminar. This is our Capstone Course. During those years I established a section called 'Tuesdays with Morrie' that was based on a book by that name. I used it as an opportunity for the students to get life lessons from faculty, staff and others with whom they might not normally have regular interaction. The cooperation was amazing as lots of people came in to share with the students.
Just recently, the college has established a "Last Lecture" series that begins this year giving retiring faculty the opportunity for that LAST LECTURE. I think this is a fantastic idea and really hope students take advantage of the wisdom that I know is going to be shared.
Barb Steadman, our new director of media relations, prepared the following news release about this series and I am including it for convenience in the blog. You can find it on the Coker web site:
Coker College Establishes “The Last Lecture Series”
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Feb. 1, 2011 – Coker College President Robert Wyatt announced today that the college is establishing a new program, The Last Lecture Series, to celebrate academic excellence and individual achievements of Coker faculty.
“It has been several years since computer science professor Randy Pausch gave his now-famous lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. His presentation drew millions to his story and to a greater appreciation for the importance of taking full advantage of individual opportunities—regardless of one’s challenges—in the quest for achievement,” Wyatt said.
“Colleges are not immune from the tendency to take more note of obstacles than opportunities. It is incumbent on an institution as blessed as Coker College is with talented, accomplished faculty to look beyond the obvious boundaries, to redefine what it means to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. In establishing this forum for retiring faculty presentations, we invite students of all ages to pay tribute to excellence and step into stories that will inspire greater individual and shared successes than we have yet imagined,” he said.
In its inaugural year, The Last Lecture Series will include four presentations:
* Joseph H. Rubinstein, Professor of Education – Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
* Russell R. Hamby, Professor of Sociology – Mar. 22, 7 p.m.
Charles W. Coker Auditorium in Davidson Hall; Reception in the Drawing Room
* Deborah I. Bloodworth, Associate Professor of Theater – April 1, 3:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
* Patricia G. Lincoln, Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Biology – April 18, 7:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
The Last Lecture Series is free and open to the public.
-------------------------------------------------
Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
// - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Barb Steadman
Director of Media Relations
Coker College
Just recently, the college has established a "Last Lecture" series that begins this year giving retiring faculty the opportunity for that LAST LECTURE. I think this is a fantastic idea and really hope students take advantage of the wisdom that I know is going to be shared.
Barb Steadman, our new director of media relations, prepared the following news release about this series and I am including it for convenience in the blog. You can find it on the Coker web site:
Coker College Establishes “The Last Lecture Series”
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Feb. 1, 2011 – Coker College President Robert Wyatt announced today that the college is establishing a new program, The Last Lecture Series, to celebrate academic excellence and individual achievements of Coker faculty.
“It has been several years since computer science professor Randy Pausch gave his now-famous lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. His presentation drew millions to his story and to a greater appreciation for the importance of taking full advantage of individual opportunities—regardless of one’s challenges—in the quest for achievement,” Wyatt said.
“Colleges are not immune from the tendency to take more note of obstacles than opportunities. It is incumbent on an institution as blessed as Coker College is with talented, accomplished faculty to look beyond the obvious boundaries, to redefine what it means to be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. In establishing this forum for retiring faculty presentations, we invite students of all ages to pay tribute to excellence and step into stories that will inspire greater individual and shared successes than we have yet imagined,” he said.
In its inaugural year, The Last Lecture Series will include four presentations:
* Joseph H. Rubinstein, Professor of Education – Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
* Russell R. Hamby, Professor of Sociology – Mar. 22, 7 p.m.
Charles W. Coker Auditorium in Davidson Hall; Reception in the Drawing Room
* Deborah I. Bloodworth, Associate Professor of Theater – April 1, 3:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
* Patricia G. Lincoln, Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Biology – April 18, 7:30 p.m.
Watson Theater in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center; Reception in the Stein Gallery
The Last Lecture Series is free and open to the public.
-------------------------------------------------
Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
// - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Barb Steadman
Director of Media Relations
Coker College
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