2014-2015 Faculty Achievements
College of Liberal Arts
Summary of Achievements
The College of Liberal Arts, comprised of the Department of Behavioral Sciences, the Department
of Fine Arts, the Department of History and Social Sciences, and the Department of Languages
and Literature, is a large and diverse academic unit charged with servicing a considerable
percentage of the University’s basic curriculum. This past school year the faculty members in the
College of Liberal Arts were particularly active. The college faculty produced over twenty journal,
book, and other scholarly publications. The faculty members also presented over forty scholarly
presentations regionally, nationally, and internationally. The college also added a new Theater
Director, Mr. Kris Kuss, and a new lecturer in English, Dr. Samantha Lay.
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Key Achievements (Faculty and Departmental)
The Department of Behavioral Sciences moved to Spieth Hall in the spring 2015 semester.
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Mark Davis
Published one journal article, has one journal article in press for a fall publication date, and
published an edited book project with two colleagues.
Presentations:
Dr. Mark Davis
Davis, M.D., Freitas-Magalhães, A., Pivik, K. (2015, March). Emotional reactions to accent: An
investigation of language accent’s influence on cognition and emotion. Poster presented at the
International Conference of Psychological Science in Amsterdam, NL.
Davis, M.D. & Pivik, K. (2015, February). An investigation of emotional reactions to ethnic,
religious, and sexual orientation images. Poster presented at the Society for Personality and Social
Psychology Conference in Long Beach, CA.
The role of emotion in intergroup relations. Keynote address given at the 1st World Congress on
Facial Expression of Emotion, Porto, Portugal (2014, October).
The role of emotion in social rejection. Oral presentation given at the 1st World Congress on
Facial Expression of Emotion, Porto, Portugal (2014, October).
Dr. Nicole Farris
Presented two research projects at the Southwestern Social Science Annual Meeting in Denver,
CO.
“Narrowing the Pipeline? Assessing the Underrepresentation of Female STEM Faculty” Presented
at the 9th Annual International Conference on Sociology Meeting, Athens, Greece- May 2015.
“Kathoey: The Construction of Gender in Thai Ladyboys” Presented at the Southwestern Social
Science Association Meeting, Denver, CO- April 2015.
“Narrowing the Pipeline? An Ethnographic Approach to Studying the Underrepresentation of
Women in STEM” To Be Presented at the Southwestern Social Science Annual Meeting: Denver,
CO- April 2015.
Presented research at two conferences. The first was a research presentation at the at the Society
for Personality and Social Psychology in Long Beach, CA, and the second was a research
presentation at the first International Convention on Psychological Science in Amsterdam,
Netherlands.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Mark Davis
Served as the Interim Dean for the College of Liberal Arts, in addition to being the Chairperson
for Behavioral Sciences.
Currently the Vice President for the International Society on Facial Expression of Emotion, and
he was the Chair of the Organizing Committee for the 1st World Congress on Facial Expression of
Emotion held in Porto, Portugal last October.
Dr. Nicole Farris
Presented research and was a session panelist at the Annual International Conference on Sociology
in Athens, Greece. In addition, mentored several students’ research projects that were accepted
and presented at the same conference.
Served as the secretary and was elected as the President-Elect for the UWA chapter of Phi Kappa
Phi.
Serves in multiple roles for the Southwestern Social Science Association: is on the nominating
committee, Chair for the Women’s and Gender Studies Sessions on Gender, and serves as the
president for the Women’s and Gender Studies session.
Dr. Kelly Pivik
Moved to Assistant Professor of Psychology this year
Publications:
Dr. Mark Davis
Reducing Misanthropic Memory through self-awareness: Reducing bias. American Journal of
Psychology (In Press).
Electromyographic analysis of responses to third person intergroup threat. Journal of Social
Psychology. DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2014.972311 (2014).
Freitas-Magalhães, A. Bluhm, C., & Davis, M.D. (2014). The Science of Reading Human Faces.
Porto: FEELab Science Books. ASIN: B00OZ2DTQ6
Dr. Nicole Farris
Was the first editor on a book publication with Springer Publishers
Farris, D. Nicole, Mary Ann Davis and D’Lane Compton (editors). 2014. Illuminating How
Identities, Stereotypes and Inequalities Matter Through Gender Studies. New York: Springer
Publishers.
Department of Fine Arts
Presentations:
Dr. Manley Blackwell
Morris, Alexander and Blackwell, Manley. “Recital of Music for French Horn and Piano.” Senior
Recital at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 2 December 2014.
King, Martin, and Blackwell, Manley. “Recital of Music for French Horn and Piano.” Doctor of
Musical Arts Degree Recital at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 24 January 2015.
Buchannan, Janet, and Blackwell, Manley. “Recital of Music for French Horn and Piano.” Senior
Recital at the University of Alabama, 1 March 2015.
Dr. Manley Blackwell and Mr. Erik Larson
“Recital of Music for Oboe and Piano.” Part of the “Terrific Tuesday” Concert Series at Shelton
State Community College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 24 March 2015.
Mr. Erik Larson
Presented two guest lectures at the University of North Carolina Pembroke on October 10, 2014.
Appeared twice with the Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra (Southern Pines/Albemarle North
Carolina) in “The Orchestra Rocks,” Link Up concerts for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie
Hall, May 1-2, 2015.
Larson, Erik and the Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra. “A concert of Tchaikovsky and Debussy.”
Southern Pines, North Carolina, 10 October 2014.
Larson, Erik and the Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra. “The Orchestra Rocks.” A Link Up
concert for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York, Southern Pines,
North Carolina, 1 May 2015.
Larson, Erik and the Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra. “The Orchestra Rocks.” A Link Up
concert for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York, Albemarle, North
Carolina, 2 May 2015.
Ms. Jessica Smith
Presented three art exhibits:
The River Campus Art Gallery, Missouri Southeastern State University
The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (Watkinsville, GA)
National Juried Exhibition at Harper College (Palatine/Chicago, IL).
Presented paper, “Old School, New Tricks,” at the annual meeting of the Southeast College Art
Conference in Sarasota, Florida, on October 10, 2014.
“Off the Wall: Humor in Ceramics.” Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeast
Popular-American Culture Association Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, 3 October 2014.
“Old School, New Tricks.” Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeast College Art
Conference, Sarasota, Florida, 10 October 2014.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Manley Blackwell
Was an adjudicator for the Mobile Music Teachers Association District Auditions at The
University of South Alabama on April 18, 2015.
Department of History and Social Sciences
Key Achievements (Faculty and Departmental)
The most obvious achievements in the Department revolve around publications and presentations
by the entire faculty. Drs. Burnes, Griffith, and Haveman all had publications or work accepted
for publication. Dr. Burnes co-authored a book on the cultural history of Alabama; Dr. Griffith
has written a chapter for a book on honor and is seeking to expand that chapter into a book-length
study of Winston Churchill; and not only is Dr. Haveman’s first book on Creek Indians in the
process of publication, but he has also submitted another manuscript to the University of Nebraska
Press. In addition, Dr. Haveman has written a chapter in a book on the history of women in
Alabama. Also, Dr. Gentsch’s project on the Shiloh battlefield is in the revision process with the
US Parks Department.
The faculty members of the Department have kept up an impressive schedule of scholarly
presentations. Dr. Burnes presented papers on Alabama history and heritage at three conferences;
Dr. Dumas presented papers at two archaeological conferences; Drs. Gentsch and
Schellhammer presented their papers at a conference on the First World War; and Dr. Griffith
chaired a panel on Alabama politics at the Alabama Political Science Association Annual Meeting.
A number of faculty members in the Department hold important offices in state-level professional
organizations. Dr. Burnes is the treasurer for the Alabama Historical Association. In addition,
Dr. Burnes has been appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley to the Maritime Advisory Council and
Cahawba Advisory Commission. Dr. Dumas serves as Chair of the Council on Alabama
Archaeology and 3rd Vice-President for Membership/Development, Alabama Trust for Historic
Preservation. Dr. Gentsch continues to serve as the treasurer of the Alabama Association of
Historians while Dr. Riser serves on the board and Dr. Schellhammer serves as president-elect
of the same organization. In addition, Dr. Riser also serves on the board of the Alabama Historical
Association.
Finally, two faculty members serve as editors of state-level professional journals. Dr. Dumas is
editor of The Journal of Alabama Archaeology and Dr. Riser is editor of The Alabama Review.
Scholarly Research:
Dr. Tina Jones
Completed and submitted chapter for Their Life and Times, a collection of famous Alabama
women to be published by the University of Georgia. Chapter title: “Using the Language of Music:
the Life and Times of Ruby Pickens Tartt.”
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Tina Jones
President, Black Belt Heritage Area Board of Directors
President, Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation (statewide partner of the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, editor of the Trustee newsletter
Member of the Black Belt Action Commission, Marketing Tourism Committee
Member of the Alabama Folklife Association Board of Directors (board development committee)
Member, Southwest Alabama Tourism Board
Member of the Friends Board for the Alabama Department of Archives and History Black Belt
Community Foundation – Arts Committee, Community Associate
President, Sumter County Fine Arts Council
Presentations:
Dr. Valerie Burnes:
Burnes, Valerie. “The Impact of Police Actions on the Civil Rights Movement in Perry County,
Alabama.” Paper presented at the Alabama Historical Association Annual Meeting, Mobile,
Alabama, 10 April 2015.
Chaired a panel on minority experiences in Alabama at the Alabama Historical Association Annual
Meeting, Mobile, Alabama, 10 April 2015.
Burnes, Valerie. “What is the Black Belt: Geography and its Social Implications in West and
Central Alabama.” Presented to the honors class of Brophy Preparatory School of Phoenix, AZ, 8
April 2015.
Dr. Ashley Dumas
“Choctaw Pottery from Fort Tombecbe, 1736-1763.” Invited paper forthe symposium “Historic
Tribes of Mississippi and Alabama: Recent Developments in Chickasaw and Choctaw
Archaeology,” Southeastern Archaeological Conference, Greenville, South Carolina, 13
November, 2014. Revised and updated version presented at the Society for American Archaeology
conference, San Francisco, California, 16 April 2015.
“Archaeology of the French Bakery and Palisade at Eighteenth-Century Fort Tombecbe.” Alabama
Academy of Sciences annual meeting, Livingston, Alabama, 15 March 2015.
Dr. Jeff Gentch
Presented paper before the "The Legacy of the First World War" conference, Chestnut College,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in November 2014 about the development of the German 88mm
artillery piece.
Dr. Mark Griffith
Chair and Participant in the Roundtable on Alabama Politics at the Alabama Political Science
Association Annual Meeting.
Dr. Tina Jones
“History and Preservation Matter.” Alabama Museums Association Annual Meeting; Gadsden,
AL February 24, 2015.
“Roads, Where we are Going, We do not Need Roads!: A Discussion of Assessment.” ALAIR
annual meeting; Eufaula, AL April 10, 2015.
Jones, Tina Naremore and Angel Jowers. “Strike up the Band!: SACSCOC is Coming to Town.”
Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Annual Meeting; Nashville, TN. December 7,
2014.
Jones, Tina Naremore and Amy Jones. “iCommunicate: Striking the Right Chord with the QEP.”
Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Annual Meeting; Nashville, TN. December 8,
2014.
Dr. Richard Schellhammer
“The Road to Oblivion: The Loss of Historical Memory of the Great War in Film,” The Legacy of
World War One Conference, Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA (14-14 November 2014).
Publications:
Dr. Valerie Burnes
Burnes, Valerie and Robin McDonald, Black Belt Visions: A Cultural Survey of the Heart of
Alabama. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2015.
“Lakewood” (Sumter County), added to Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage, Alabama
Historical Commission
Craig-Wilson House (Dallas County), added to Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage,
Alabama Historical Commission.
Dr. Jeff Gentsch
Published review of Winston Groom's Shiloh, 1862 for Michigan War Studies Review, April
2015.
Dr. Mark Griffith
Winston Churchill and Honor: The Complexity of Honor and Statesmanship” Chapter in book
Perspectives on Modern Honor.
Dr. Chris Haveman
Rivers of Sand: Creek Indian Emigration, Relocation, and Ethnic Cleansing in the American South
(Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, forthcoming, February 2016).
“Creek Women in Jackson’s America,” in Lisa Lindquist Dorr and Susan Ashmore, eds., Alabama
Women: Their Lives and Times (Athens: University of Georgia Press, forthcoming 2017).
The Last Big Drove: Indian Removal and Van Buren, Manuscript submitted to University of
Nebraska Press.
Funded Grants:
Dr. Tina Jones
Service Learning Grant for Media Maniacs: Creating and Effective Public Relations Campaign.
Monies were used for the JN 320 Mass Media Writing Course and their Relay for Life service
learning project. Team Media Maniacs was named best UWA team at the 2015 Sumter County
Relay for Life. The Media Maniacs divided into three teams. As individual teams, Media Maniacs
I was awarded Fight Back Champion Team and Media Maniacs III was awarded 2nd place for
fundraising for a University Team. The entire Media Maniacs received a Silver Fundraising
designation raising over $3000.
National Endowment on the Arts. The grant was awarded to Alabama Public Television for their
series Journey Proud. For this project, I am named as a humanities advisory scholar.
Alabama Humanities Foundation – Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Grant to bring
HomeTown teams to Sumter County.
Department of Languages and Literature
Key Achievements (Faculty and Departmental)
In March, UWA Integrated Marketing Communications students placed in the following
categories at the 2015 Southeast Journalism Conference:
1st Place: Best Undergraduate Journalism Research Paper: Hayley Taylor
1st Place: Best Television News Feature Reporter: Tierra Robinson
1st Place: Best Public Service Journalism
3rd Place: Best Multimedia Journalist: Amanda Nolin
3rd Place: On-site News Photography: Ashleigh Winters
3rd Place: On-site Television News Anchoring: Callie Murphy
3rd Place: On-site Public Relations Competition: KaDarrius James, John McClung, Jordan Story
4th Place: Best Special Event Feature Reporter: Tierra Robinson
6th Place: Best Television News Feature Reporter: Hannah Riley
6th Place: Best Advertising Design: Michaela Perry
7th Place: Best TV Video News Program: Studio 96
9th Place: Best Multimedia Journalist: Tierra Robinson
In June, a search was held for a lecturer and Dr. Samantha Lay was hired.
Scholarly Research:
Dr. Alan Brown
Conducted research for book Images of Sumter County. Research involved combing local
museums and archives for photographs and information. (May 2014 and January 2015).
Conducted research for presentation of Panic in the Year Zero for Dr. Lesa Shaul’s “Dystopian
Literature” class on February 17, 2015.
Traveled to Columbus, Mississippi, to conduct research for book Haunted Golden Crescent.
(April 7, 8, and 11).
Conducted research for presentation of The Bodysnatcher (October 28, 2014), Baby Doll
(November 18, 2014), and Vertigo (February 23, 2015) for the University Film Series.
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Alan Brown
Book Images of Sumter County was published by the Arcadia Press on April 3, 2015.
Wrote a book review of Papist Devils by Robert Curran for the St. Austin’s Review.
Presentations:
Dr. Alejandro Azocar
*Workshop entitled “College Life in American Universities”. Guangdong University of Finance.
Guangzhou, China. December 8, 2014. Duration: 90 minutes.
* ESL testing of prospective Chinese students for the UWA-GDUF 2+2 program. Guangdong
University of Finance. Guangzhou, China, December 4-5, 2014.
Dr. Alan Brown
Read a paper titled “Poe’s Plagues: Mass Death in the Gothic South” at the Mississippi Philological
Association on January 23, 2015.
Read a paper titled “Hemingway in Key West: Birth of the Myth” at the annual meeting of ACETA
in Fairhope, AL, on March 14, 2015.
Read a paper titled “Baby Doll: Tennessee Williams’ Gothic Nightmare” at the Delta Blues
Symposium in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on April 10, 2016.
“Images of Sumter County.” Black Belt Symposium. Powerpoint. April 16, 2016.
Dr. Debbie Davis
“Crimes of Social Exclusion in Barbara Vine’s The Child’s Child.” Paper presented at the annual
meeting of the Mississippi Philological Association, Starkville, Mississippi, 24 January 2015.
Dr. Amy Jones
Jones, A. & Cooley, S. (2014). Beyond beauty and brawn: Winter Olympic athletes tackle gender
stereotypes. Women, Identities, and Culture, 1(1), 1-6.
Cooley, S. & Jones, A. (2015). A forgotten tweet: Somalia and social media. In Paterson, C. (Ed.),
Journalism and Social Media in Africa: Studies in Innovation and Transformation: Routledge
Press, Taylor and Francis Group.
iCommunicate: Developing, Marketing, and Assessing the QEP. Presented at the Annual meeting
of the Alabama Association for Institutional Research (ALAIR). Eufaula, Alabama. 9-10 April,
2015.
Jones, Amy H. John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!! Presented at the TED Talks
Tuesdays meeting held by the UWA College of Education. Livingston, Alabama. 14 October,
2014.
Dr. Amy Jones and Dr. Tina Jones
“iCommunicate: Striking the Right Chord with the QEP.” Presented at the Annual SACSCOC
meeting. Atlanta, Georgia. 6-9 December, 2014.
Mr. Greg Jones
“Focusing on Revision: How Instructor Expectations Build Communicative Competencies.”
Presentation at the 27th annual conference of the Alabama Association for Developmental
Education, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 11 October 2013.
Dr. Kendrick Prewitt
“Smoking What We Sell”: Two Observations, One Confession, and a Gentle Plea for a Broader
View of the QEP at UWA.” Mississippi Philological Association, Starkville, MS, January 2015.
Dr. Stephen Slimp
“Karl Löwith, Jacob Burckhardt, and the Meaning of History” 25th Annual Conference of the
Association of Core Texts and Courses, 11 April, 2015, Plymouth, MA.
Dr. Joe Taylor
Associated Writing Programs in Minneapolis.
Alabama Writers in Monroeville in May 2014.
.
Dr. Elizabeth Threatt
“Memory lifts its smoky mirror”: Autobiography, Recollection, and the Body in the Poems of
Adrienne Rich’”. American Literature Association. Spring 2015.
“Kathoey: The Construction of Gender in Thai Ladyboys.” Southwestern Social Science
Association. Spring 2015.
“Removal of the Self: Personal and Literary Reticence in the Poetry of Marianne Moore.”
American Literature Association, American Poetry Symposium. Fall 2014.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Alan Brown
Served as President of the Alabama Folk Life Association for 2014/2015.
Served as Recording Secretary for the Sumter County Fine Arts Council for 2015/2015.
Dr. Ana Capanegra
Participated in the ACFTL Workshop 4-Day OPI Assessment – Spanish (28 hours of
Professional Development) from June 9 – 12 at Brigham Young University
Participated in regular training sessions on the use of Blackboard Learn for Online classes,
University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL.
Designer and developer of hybrid courses for Beginner & Intermediate Level
Creator and developer of interdisciplinary Spanish Minor
Creator and developer of online Spanish classes
Spanish Club. Introducing students to the culture of the Spanish language through movies and
“Tertulias” set up every four weeks during the semester.
Dr. Debbie Davis
Vice President (2014-2016) and Treasurer (2015-2016), Alpha Delta Kappa, International Sorority
of Women Educator’s.
Dr. Amy Jones
Southeast Journalism Conference Faculty Delegate, Co-Chair of the Broadcasting Committee, and
Public Relations Judge.
Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents, President-Elect
Mr. Greg Jones
Judge for Feature Writing, South Eastern Journalism Conference, Lafayette, Louisiana. 21
February 2014.
Judge for Grove Hill Cultural Center's Annual Community Photography Contest. Grove Hill,
Alabama. 26 April 2014.
"Southern Expressions," a photographic gallery exhibition. Grove Hill Cultural Center. Grove Hill,
Alabama. April 2014.
Dr. Elizabeth Threatt
2015/2016 Co-Chair of Women and Gender Studies for Southwest Social Science Association
Current faculty editor of The Sucarnochee Review
“This November” and “Ode to My Appendix”. East Coast Literary Review. Spring 2015. (Poetry
Publication)
Professional Consultant:
Dr. Alan Brown
Wrote a manuscript review of the article “It’s Not about You: Loon Games on Walden Pond” for
The Journal of American Culture.
Filled out a survey regarding editorial selections for the next edition of The Shorter Edition of the
Norton Anthology of American Literature on April 22, 2015.
Wrote a manuscript review of Ghosts of Georgia for the University of Georgia Press.
Dr. Ana Capanegra
Math Series Books for Elementary Schools with bby Publications at UWA. Translation of
Introductions English to Spanish (2015).
Awards and Honors
Dr. Alan Brown
Received the Nellie Rose McCrory Service Excellence Award in March 2015.
Funded Grants:
Dr. Alan Brown
In January 2015, $1800 grant request for the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival was funded by the
Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Dr. Joe Taylor
Belles Letters 2, from Alabama State Council of Arts.
Publications:
Dr. Alejandro Azocar
Book chapter entitled “The Use of Poststructuralist Storytelling in Early Childhood Education
Research” in Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Care and Education: Critical Questions,
Diverse Imaginaries and Social Activism—A Reader. Marianne N. Bloch, Beth Blue Swadener,
and Gaile S. Cannella (Eds.) N.Y.: Peter Lang Publishers, 2014.
Book entitled Language Learning and the Spanish Educator’s Self: Deep Storytelling (In Press,
Expected November, 2014). Madison: Deep University Press.
“The Use of Poststructuralist Storytelling in Early Childhood Education Research”. In Bloch,
Marianne N., Swadener, Beth Blue & Canella, Gaile (Eds.) Reconceptualizing Early Childhood
Care and Education: Critical Questions, Diverse Imaginaries and Social Activism—A Reader.
New York: Peter Lang Publishers. (2014).
“The Instrumentality of Spanish in Early Spanish Education: Unraveling the Linguistic
Masquerade”. In Lightfoot, Theodora & Peach, Ruth (Eds.) Questioning the Discourses of Human
Capital in early Childhood Education: Reconceptualizing Theory, Policy and Practice. New York:
Palgrave Macmillan. (2015).
Dr. Alan Brown
Images of Sumter County. Arcadia Press April 3, 2015.
Book review of Papist Devils by Robert Curran for St. Austin’s Review.
Dr. Ana Capanegra
Reading to Writing: The Effects of Authentic Readings on Novice Spanish Students’ Writing.
Capanegra, A.I. (2014). Creative Practices in Language Learning and Teaching, 2(2), 1-26.
Dr. Elizabeth Threatt
Co-authoring an edited manuscript with Dr. Nicole Farris: International Handbook on
the Demography of Marriage and the Family. Contracted with Springer.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Alan Brown
Presented a workshop on comma usage to the Mississippi Writers’ Guild on July 26, 2014.
Dr. Elizabeth Threatt and Dr. Amy Jones
Professional email etiquette: Proper tone and style for any audience. Workshop presented at the
COE Grand Designs Luncheon. Livingston, Alabama. 24 February, 2015.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Summary of Achievements
Faculty (and students) in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics were authors or coauthors of approximately 20 papers or articles in scientific publications. They also delivered over
40 presentations at professional meetings. NSM faculty held a number of significant positions in
professional organizations, including associate editor positions for two professional journals and
the presidency of the Alabama Academy of Science. The College also hosted the 92nd Annual
Meeting of AAS. Perhaps most significantly, faculty in the College helped bring in approximately
1.5 million dollars in external funding.
Scholarly Research:
Ms. Chengke Liu
Cloned different genes from fungi and made constructs to express those genes in fungi to proceed the
NSF proposal.
Worked with Dr. Rick Nelson at The Noble Foundation for the manuscript
Reviewed manuscript for BMC Research Notes Journal
Dr. Ketia Shumaker
Visiting researcher and UWA student interns mentor/advisor on the Hardwood Genomics Project at
Penn State University funded by the National Science Foundation. (Summer 2014)
Visiting researcher and UWA student interns mentor/advisor on the Plant Detection of Herbivore
Feeding Project at Penn State University funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
(Summer 2014)
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Brian Burnes
Bebak, Julie, Bruce Wagner, Brian Burnes, and Terry Hanson. 2014. Farm size, seining practices, and
salt use: risk factors for Aeromonas hydrophila outbreaks in farm-raised catfish, Alabama, USA.
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, accepted August 5, 2014.
McAdam, Tara G. and Brian S. Burnes. 2014. A pilot study of the effects of environmental and
physiological stress on the conjunctival bacteria of college student contact wearers, BIOS, 85:86-94.
Dr. Brian Keener
Estes, D., A. Floden, T. Witsell, J. Shaw and B. Keener. Untangling the Viny Viornas: Taxonomic
studies in the genus &Nbsp: Clematis (Ranunculaceae).
Keener, B.R. and J.L. Clark. 2014. A new species of Cremosperma (Gesneriaceae) from northeastern
Peru. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 8:57-60.
Kwong, R.M., L.M. Broadhurst, B.R. Keener, J.A. Coetzee and G.D. Martin. Genetic analysis of native
and introduced populations of the aquatic weed delta arrowhead – implications for biological control in
Australia and South Africa.
Dr. Kevin Morse and Dr. Andrew Rindsberg
Where’s the buzz? Pollinator conservation in Alabama. Alabama Wildlife 78(2): 27-29. 2014.
Dr. Mustafa Morsy
Safaa Al-Hamdani, Austen Stoelting, and Morsy M. (2015). Influence of Symbiotic Interaction
between Fungus, Virus, and Tomato Plant in Combating Heat Stress. c. (In Press).
Microbial Symbionts: A Potential Bio-Boom. Journal of Investigative Genomics, Vol 2, issue 1. (2015).
Dr. Andrew Rindsberg
Broecker, Christopher, Martin, Anthony J., & Rindsberg, Andrew K. “Ichnodiversity vs. species
diversity: variability in trace fossils of the Pennington Formation (Lower Carboniferous), northwest
Georgia.” Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs 47.2 (2015): 20.
Chowns, Timothy M., & Rindsberg, Andrew K. “Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments in the
Silurian Red Mountain Formation of the Southern Appalachian Basin, USA.” In Holmes, A.E., ed.,
Diverse Excursions in the Southeast: Paleozoic to Present: Geological Society of America Field Guide
39 (2015): 95-143.
Coauthor of presentation at Association of Southeastern Biologist Annual Meeting in Spartanburg, SC.
Apr 2014.
Puckett, T.M., & Rindsberg, Andrew K., eds. Stratigraphy and Depositional Systems in the
Mississippian Strata of the Appalachian Plateau, Northwest Alabama. Alabama Geological Society,
Guidebook for the 51st Annual Field Trip, 216 p., 2014.
“An Introduction to the Mississippian Outcrop Belt of Northwest Alabama.” In Puckett, T. Markham,
& Rindsberg, Andrew K., eds., Stratigraphy and Depositional Systems in the Mississippian Strata of
the Appalachian Plateau, Northwest Alabama: Alabama Geological Society, Guidebook for the 51st
Annual Field Trip, p. 77-110, 2014.
“Day 1, Stop 4: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve.” In Puckett, T. Markham, & Rindsberg, Andrew
K., eds., Stratigraphy and Depositional Systems in the Mississippian Strata of the Appalachian Plateau,
Northwest Alabama: Alabama Geological Society, Guidebook for the 51st Annual Field Trip, p. 34-41,
2014.
“Ichnology of the Silurian Red Mountain Formation of Alabama and Georgia [abs.].” Geological
Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 47.2 (2015): 20.
“Ichnotaxonomy of Incomplete Trace Fossils” [abs.]. In Šimo, Vladimír, Starek, Dušan, Fekete, Kamil,
Olšavcký, Mário, Šurka, Juraj, and Tomašových, Adam, eds., 5th Workshop on Ichnotaxonomy,
Abstracts and Guide of Excursion, June 9th-13th, 2014, Bratislava and Smolenice, Slovakia: Geological
Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, p. 7-8, 2014.
“J-, U-, and W-shaped Burrows: How Growth Affects Form and Function in Ichnology” [abs.]. 10th
North American Paleontological Convention, Florida Museum of Natural History, Abstract Book:
Paleontological Society Special Publications, 13 (2014): 73.
Rindsberg, Andrew K., & Herr, Larry A. “Hackberry Emperor Thrives in Black Belt Habitat.”
University of West Alabama, Black Belt Connections 4.5 (2014): 6.
Rindsberg, Andrew K., & Statom, Richard A. “Hydrogeology of Colbert, Lawrence, and Franklin
Counties, Alabama.” In Puckett, T. Markham, & Rindsberg, Andrew K., eds., Stratigraphy and
Depositional Systems in the Mississippian Strata of the Appalachian Plateau, Northwest Alabama.
Alabama Geological Society, Guidebook for the 51st Annual Field Trip, p. 199-212, 2014.
Rindsberg, Andrew K., and Pashin, Jack C. “Day 2, Stop 1: Pride Mountain Formation [Hartselle
Sandstone] and Bangor Limestone at Fielder Ridge.” In Puckett, T. Markham, & Rindsberg, Andrew
K., eds., Stratigraphy and Depositional Systems in the Mississippian Strata of the Appalachian Plateau,
Northwest Alabama. Alabama Geological Society, Guidebook for the 51st Annual Field Trip, p. 47-52,
2014.
Presentations:
Dr. Janis Beaird and Dr. Jeffery Merida
Fatimah Alhassan, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the
Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. University of West Alabama
Undergraduate Research Symposium at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
(URS@NSM), March 10, 2015.
Fatimah Alhassan, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the
Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama State University College of
Science, Mathematics and Technology Annual Research Symposium, March 18-19, 2015.
Fatimah Alhassan, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the
Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama Academy of Science (AAS)
Annual Meeting, March 11-12, 2015, University of West Alabama.
Laila Alonazi, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Orange Extract on the Growth of
Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. University of West Alabama Undergraduate
Research Symposium at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (URS@NSM), March 10,
2015.
Laila Alonazi, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Orange Extract on the Growth of
Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama State University College of Science,
Mathematics and Technology Annual Research Symposium, March 18-19, 2015.
Laila Alonazi, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Orange Extract on the Growth of
Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama Academy of Science (AAS) Annual
Meeting, March 11-12, 2015, University of West Alabama.
Laila Ghazwani, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Ganoderma Mushroom Extract on
the Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. University of West Alabama
Undergraduate Research Symposium at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
(URS@NSM), March 10, 2015.
Laila Ghazwani, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Ganoderma Mushroom Extract on
the Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama State University College of
Science, Mathematics and Technology Annual Research Symposium, March 18-19, 2015.
Laila Ghazwani, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Ganoderma Mushroom Extract on
the Growth of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama Academy of Science (AAS)
Annual Meeting, March 11-12, 2015, University of West Alabama.
Tamara Smoot, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Pomegranate Extract on the Growth
of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. University of West Alabama Undergraduate
Research Symposium at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (URS@NSM), March 10,
2015.
Tamara Smoot, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Pomegranate Extract on the Growth
of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama Academy of Science (AAS) Annual
Meeting, March 11-12, 2015, University of West Alabama.
Tamara Smoot, Janis Beaird and Jeffery Merida, The Effects of Pomegranate Extract on the Growth
of Murine Tramp-C Prostate Epithelial Cancer Cells. Alabama State University College of Science,
Mathematics and Technology Annual Research Symposium, March 18-19, 2015.
Dr. Brian Burnes
Invasive aquatic plant monitoring and Sources of E. coli in Lake Martin, Alabama: The Potential Role
of Geese. Alabama Clean Water Partnership Steering Committee, October 27, Montgomery,
Alabama. (2014)
Sources of E. coli in Lake Martin, Alabama: The Potential Role of Geese. Alabama Water Resources
Association Conference, September 5, Perdido Beach, Alabama.
Dr. Jing Chen
Most likely path to the shortfall risk under the optimal hedging. 2015 Annual Meeting of the Alabama
Academy of Science. March 11-12, University of West Alabama.
Dr. Yun Ho Kim
Kim, Yun Ho, Riley, Zachary. Extraction of zanthoxylum clava-herculis bark. 2015 Annual Meeting
of the Alabama Academy of Science. March 11-12. University of West Alabama.
Dr. Yun Ho Kim and Mr. Carey Moore
Thinking outside the box: the effect of an informal setting on students. 2015 Annual Meeting of the
Alabama Academy of Science. March 11-12, University of West Alabama.
Dr. John McCall
Bonham, Caitlyn, McCall, J. Annual variation in fish assemblages using brackish pools on a northern
Gulf of Mexico barrier island. 2015 Alabama Academy of Science Annual Meeting, March 11-12,
University of West Alabama.
Shirley, Hannah, McCall, J. Seasonal changes in fish communities in nearshore habitats in Santa Rosa
Sound, FL. 2015 Alabama Academy of Science Annual Meeting, March 11-12, University of West
Alabama.
Dr. Kevin Morse
Invited by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to provide estimate for performing
quality assurance protocols on their taxanomic identifications.
Poster presentation with students Brianna Davis and Graham Berry for UWA URS@NSM entitled
“Species of mosquitoes found in Livingston, AL”
Dr. Mustafa Morsy
Aultman K., King R., Tubbs A., and Morsy M. (2015). Home Grown Bacteria, Can it Hold a solution
for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria? American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate
Educators (ASMCUE), Austin, TX, May 28-31.
Aultman K., Napier N., and Morsy M. (2015) A Discovery from Within: The Search for Antibiotics.
University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10. (Student
awarded the President’s award).
Barnhill B., Nemeth J., Rodriguez MJ, and Morsy M. (2015) Unraveling and Isolating Fungal
Endophytes from Alabama’s Plants. University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research
Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Clecker B, Armuelles H, Bonham C, and Morsy M. (2014) Bio-Boom: Enhancing crop production
using habitat specific fungal endophytes. American Society of Plant Biologist, Portland, OR, Jul 11–
14.
Cleckler B. and Morsy M. (2015) Bio-Boom: 3-Way Symbiosis aids in Tomato Thermo-Tolerance.
University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Cleckler B., and Morsy M. (2015). Bio-Boom: 3-Way Symbiosis aids in Tomato Thermo-Tolerance.
University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Cleckler B., and Mustafa Morsy (2015). Bio-Boom: Fungal Endophytes aid Tomato Fruit Quality.
Meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists (SS-ASPB), Dauphin
Island Sea Lab, March 28th – 30th.
King R., Tubbs A., and Morsy M. (2015) Home Grown Bacteria, Can it hold a Solution for Antibiotic
Resistant Bacteria? URS@NSM, Livingston, AL, Mar 10. (Student awarded the Provost’s award).
Larkin A. and Morsy M. (2015) Tomato taste better with fungi added. NSF AL-EpSCOR meeting,
Montgomery, AL, Jan. 29–1, 2015.
Larkin A., Clecker B., Sinha N., and Morsy M. (2015) Haven: Tomato tastes better with fungi added.
University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Quincy Barnhill, and Morsy M. (2015). Unraveling and Isolating Fungal Endophytes from Alabama’s
Plants. Meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists (SS-ASPB),
Dauphin Island Sea Lab, March 28th – 30th.
Spears D. and Morsy M. (2015) Effects of Fungal Endophytes on Crop Production. University of West
Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Spears D. and Morsy M. (2015) Fungal Endophytes and their effect on Agricultural Production. NSF
AL-EpSCOR meeting, Montgomery, AL, Jan. 29–1, 2015.
Spears D., Larkin A., and Morsy M. (2015). Effects of Fungal Endophytes on Crop Production.
Meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists (SS-ASPB), Dauphin
Island Sea Lab, March 28th – 30th.
Stanford H., Hubbard L., and Morsy M. (2015) The Dirty Truth: Antibiotics in Soil. University of West
Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL.
Washington D., Taylor A., and Mustafa M. (2015) Dirty Medicine: lifesaving antibiotics in local soil.
University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. Livingston, AL, Mar 10.
Dr. Andrew Rindsberg
“Estuarine ichnology in the Hartselle Sandstone of Alabama.” Alabama Geological Society Field Trip,
Florence, Alabama, 11 December 2014.
“Ichnology of horseshoe crabs (Limuloidea) in modern and ancient environments.” Annual Meeting of
the Alabama Academy of Science, Livingston, Alabama, 12 March 2015.
“Ichnology of the Silurian Red Mountain Formation of Alabama and Georgia.” Annual Meeting of the
Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 19 March 2015.
Dr. Hazel Truelove
A Qualitative Study of Mathematical Practices by Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers. 2015 Annual
Meeting of the Alabama Academy of Sciences. March 11-12, University of West Alabama.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. John McCall
Local Arrangements Chair, 92nd Annual Meeting of the Alabama Academy of Science.
President, Alabama Academy of Science
Dr. Mustafa Morsy
Associate Editor of the BMC Research Notes.
Associate Editor of the Journal of Investigative Genomics
Organizer of the 2th Annual Small World Initiative (SWI) Symposium, at the American Society for
Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE). May 28-31, 2015.
Peer Reviewer/Panelist of grant proposal for the National Science Foundation DUE and BIO
Directorate.
Session Chair, 28th National Council on Undergraduate Research Conference
Dr. Andrew Rindsberg
Chaired a theme session with Anthony J. Martin on “Traces Then and Now: One Ichnology.” Annual
Meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America, 20 March 2015.
Reviewed manuscripts for Acta Geologica Polonica, Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae,
Geodinamica Acta, Geological Journal, Geosphere, Journal of Paleontology, and Palaeogeography
Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology.
Served on Alabama Academy of Science Local Organizing Committee, January – March 2015
Professional Consultant:
Ms. Rita Bonner
Served as a professional consultant at Sumter Academy in the facilitation of the ALEKS computer
based math program.
Dr. Kevin Morse
Arranged and executed Professional Services Contract between UWA and Jefferson County for Cahaba
River TMDL Biological Assessments in the amount of $14,800.
Hired and supervised undergraduate student, Katie Edmondson, to help sort and pick benthic
macroinvertebrates.
Awards and Honors:
Ms. Rita Bonner
Gilbert Award honoree during the 2014-2015 academic year.
Funded Grants:
Dr. Jeffery Merida
Re-awarded $40,000 Grant for PBI Bloom Project.
Dr. Mustafa Morsy
Bio-BOOM: Boosting Crop Production using Alabama-specific Symbionts. USDA Specialty Crop
Block Grant –Farm Bill Program, May 2014; $25,000.
Confirmation of the roles of fungal genes in plant stress tolerance. The National Science Foundation,
Aug 2013, $548,000.
Dr. Mustafa Morsy, Dr. John McCall and Dr. Lee Stanton
Biology Opportunities and Scholarships for Success (BOSS). The National Science Foundation SSTEM, Aug 2013, $609,000.
Dr. Ketia Shumaker
Continued funding on a consulting project to fund two UWA undergraduates as summer interns at
Pennsylvania State University through a grant funded by the United States Department of Agriculture
Grant entitled “Plant Detection of Herbivore Feeding Cues: A Comparative Approach towards
Understanding Host Evasion $459,924 (2013-2014).
Continued collaborations with faculty member, Dr. Carlyon Copenheaver, at Virginia Tech University
on a United States Department of Agriculture Interdisciplinary Climate Education grant proposal
Funding extended by the National Science Foundation to support Ketia Shumaker and two UWA
undergraduates as summer research interns at Pennsylvania State University (awarded in 2014 for
summer 2015).
Received funding from the United States Department of Education under the Minority Science and
Engineering Improvement Program, Co-Principal Investigator, UWA’s Project Engage freshmen
retention program, $235,543 (2012-2015).
Mr. Micky Smith
$4000 grant to fund Sumter/Marengo Water Festival.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Andrew Rindsberg
“Fossils of the Black Belt: a Hands-on Fossil Workshop for Teachers.” Annual Fall workshop, led
together with David C. Kopaska-Merkel (Geological Survey of Alabama) and James P. Lamb (UWA),
21 October 2014.
“Stratigraphy and Depositional Systems in the Mississippian strata of the Appalachian Plateau,
Northwest Alabama.” Field trip led with T. Markham Puckett, Alabama Geological Society, Florence,
Alabama, 11-13 December 2014.
“Sequence Stratigraphy, Invertebrate Fauna and Ichnofacies of the Silurian Red Mountain Formation,
Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee.” Field trip led with Timothy M. Chowns, Annual
Meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America, Chattanooga, Tennessee,
20-22 March 2015.
Dr. Hazel Truelove and Dr. Jing Chen
Hazel Truelove and Jing Chen – “Magic with Cards”, Science Saturday Event, UWA.
College of Business
Achievement Report
MBA Program
First three graduates of the program – May 2015
57 Students currently registered in the program, 31 enrolled.
Lauren Miller and Qiuqi Hong (MBA students) received “Best Presentation” at the International
Conference on Learning and Administration in Higher Education – Academic Business World.
Nashville, TN. 20-22 May 2015. Title - "An Analysis of Graduate vs. Undergraduate Opinions of
Business Students Regarding Plagiarism."
International Programs
26 Chinese arrived August 2014, 32 will arrive August 2015
20 Chinese graduated May 2015
100% of applicants were accepted to attend graduate school
COB Summary
7 faculty participated in scholarly research
6 faculty published 16 articles in professional journals or conference proceedings
1 faculty published 2 books
10 faculty made 30 professional presentations
6 faculty made 30 recruiting presentations to high schools and community colleges
11 faculty held 25 positions in professional organizations
3 faculty provided consulting services
6 faculty received awards and honors
6 faculty secured $500,000 for 8 grants.
6 faculty conducted 11 workshops.
Accounting Finance and Economics
Scholarly Research:
Dr. Linyuan Cai
Public Policy: Welfare and Taxation
Bank Insurance in China
Dr. Joo Young Lee
Lee, Joo Young, and Lee, Youn Mi. “Economic Impacts on Family Issues.” January 2015 to
Present.
Lee, Joo Young, and Ha, Jong Wook, “A New Standardized Analysis for National
Competitiveness,” August 2009 to Present.
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Joo Young Lee
“Relative Price Variability and Inflation: New International Empirical Evidence.” Review of
International Money and Finance, Nov. 2014.
Lee, Joo Young, and Kim, Yeon Joon. “Sluggish Recovery from the Financial Crisis: Crowdingout Effect and Contagion.” Global Economic Review, Dec. 2014.
Presentations:
Dr. Uchena Akpom
“An Analysis of the Effects of 2011 Tornado on Housing Values in Alabama” Paper presented at
the annual meeting of the Academy of Economics and Finance, Jacksonville, Florida, 5 February,
2015.
“The Impact of College Size on Faculty Salaries: An Empirical Study.” Paper presented at the
annual meeting of the Southwest Society of Economists, Houston, Texas, 12 March 2015.
Dr. Mitzi Green, Dr. Janie Gregg, Dr. Aliquippa Allen and Dr. Uchenna Akpom
Co-authored presentation with Dr. Janie Gregg, Dr. Aliquippa Allen and Dr. Uchenna Akpom
that Dr. Gregg and Dr. Akpom presented for the March 2015 Southwest Academy of
Management conference: “Assessment: Keeping It Focused and Simple”
Dr. Joo Young Lee
Lee, Joo Young, and Lee, Youn Mi. “Too Expensive to Afford: Effects of Income Inequality on
Marriage Rate.” accepted for presentation at the International Academy of Business and Public
Administration Disciplines Conference, Orlando, FL, January 2016.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Linyuan (Adam) Cai
Taught GMAT material to UWA students applying to graduate school
Guidance of Chinese students in the Finance major including: writing graduate school
recommendations, developing volunteer positions for students to gain experience as teaching and
research assistants, and providing assistance for students taking the GMAT
Served on the COB and University Academic Council
Ms. Kristy Chapman
Attended the ASCPA’s Accounting Educator’s Conference
Took accounting seniors to the Annual Accounting Interview Day sponsored by the ASCPA in
Montgomery, Alabama. While there, students interviewed for positions with a variety of CPA
firms.
Served on the UWA College of Business Publicity Committee
Served as Faculty Senate Representative
Accounting Club Co-Sponsor
Dr. Mitzi Green
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Site Visit, Team Chair,
Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA, February 2015.
Dr. Joo Young Lee
Continues to serve as an editor for “Seoul Studies” a registered academic journal by Korean
Research Foundations, since August 2011.
Professional Consultant:
Ms. Kristy Chapman
Served as a volunteer Professional Consultant for Toxey Baptist Church, Toxey, Alabama.
Funded Grants:
Ms. Sharon Stipe
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program received a grant of $3,300 from Impact
Alabama and the IRS. The grant was awarded to fund the VITA program which provides free
income tax assistance and preparation to the UWA and west Alabama communities. Located in
Livingston and Demopolis, AL, the VITA clinic provides UWA accounting students an
opportunity to participate in a practicum learning environment while helping VITA clients. The
clinic provided income tax assistance to over 325 clients during the 2015 income tax filing season.
This grant has been renewed by the IRS and Impact for the 2016 income tax filing season.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Uchenna Akpom, Dr. Janie Gregg, Dr. Mitzi Green and Dr. Aliquippa Allen
“Assessment: Keeping It Focused and Simple.” Professional Development Workshop at the annual
meeting of the Southwest Academy of Management, Houston, Texas, 12 March 2015.
Business Administration and Management and Marketing
Presentations:
Dr. Aliquippa Allen, Dr. Adrian Doss and Dr. Russ Henley
Doss, A., Allen, A., Henley, R., McElreath, D., Hong, Q., Miller L. (2015). “Assessing Domestic
vs. International Student Perceptions of Plagiarism” Academic Business World International
Conference, May 20-22, Nashville, TN. – Best presentation
Doss, A., Allen, A., Henley, R., McElreath, D., Hong, Q., Miller L. (2015). “Assessing
Perceptions of Plagiarism: An Analysis of Domestic vs. International Opinions among Business
Students.” International Conference on Learning and Administration in Higher Education. May
20-22, Nashville, TN. – Best presentation
“Vulnerability and Resource Dependency of Nonprofit Organizations in Alabama’s Black Belt:
Call for a Better Measure of Perceived Revenue Diversification.” Association for Small Business
and Entrepreneurship. September 24-26, Memphis, TN. (2014).
Allen, A., McElreath, D., Henley, R., and Doss, D. (2014). “The GOMS Model and Public Safety
Management Education.” Academic Business World International Conference. May 21 –23, 2014.
Nashville, TN.
“We’ve Heard the Call, Crafted the Response, and Made the Connection between the Classroom,
Business, and Social Media.” ACBSP Region 3 Conference, Oct 9-11, Greensboro, NC – Region
3 “Best Presentation.”
“We’ve Heard the Call, Crafted the Response, and Made the Connection between the Classroom,
Business, and Social Media.” ACBSP Annual Conference, June 9-11, Philadelphia, PA. (2015).
Dr. Janie Gregg, Dr. Mitzi Green, Dr. Uchenna Akpom and Dr. Aliquippa Allen
“#*#%*@# Assessment %$#&#@*: Keeping it Focused and Simple,” submitted to Southwest
Academy of Management and accepted for presentation Mar 10-14, Houston, TX. (2014).
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Aliquippa Allen
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Region 3 President-elect
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Marketing Committee
Alabama Committee of Excellence (ACE), Sustainability Committee
UWA Strategic Planning Committee
University Academic Council
UWA’s Gilbert Award Committee member
Search Committees (Director of International Programs, UWA Presidential Search Committee,
COB Administrative Assistant)
COB Assessment Committee
COB Strategic Planning Committee
Homer Awards Committee member
Resource Chairperson, Demopolis Area Habitat for Humanity, INC
Grants Chairperson, Demopolis City School Foundation
Executive Committee Member, Demopolis City School Foundation
Judge:
Feb 2015 – Judge – Toastmaster’s Area 25 Contest, Livingston, AL
Apr 2105 – Judge – Toastmaster’s Division 77 Contest, Birmingham, AL
Volunteer:
Feb 2015 – Guest Speaker, Brown Technical Center, Livingston, AL
Dec 2014 – Coordinator, Angel Tree (support needy families) Christian Chapel Baptist Church,
Demopolis, AL
Attendee/Participant:
May 2015 – Participant, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Meeting
Mar 2015 – Alabama Association of Higher Education in Business Conference, Point Clear, AL
Mar 2015 – UWA Spring Preview Day, Livingston, AL
Mar 2015 – Ultimate Women's Power Luncheon - Congresswomen Sewell & Johnson,
Birmingham, AL
February – UWA NetSupport Software Training, Livingston, AL
Jan 2015 – Toastmaster International Training Seminar, Birmingham, AL
Nov 2014 – UWA Fall Preview Day, Livingston, AL
Aug 2014 – State Superintendent of Education Town Hall Meeting, Demopolis, AL
Aug 2014 – WEAVE training, Livingston, AL
Dr. Janie Gregg
President – Southwest Academy of Management 2014-2105. SWAM is the Southwestern regional
organization representing the Academy of Management. The Academy of Management is the
premier organization representing management academicians and practitioners in the USA and
other countries in the world. AoM also publishes the Tier 1 journals in management used to
determine strength of research in most AACSB and ACBSP university evaluation programs in the
management field.
Presided over: “Special Session: SWAM Business Meeting.” Academy of Management Meeting.
Philadelphia, PA. August 2014.
Presided over: “Special Session: SWAM Officer’s Meeting & Breakfast.” Southwest Academy
of Management. Houston, TX. March 12, 2015.
Presided over: “SWAM Annual Business Meeting.” SWAM. Houston, TX. March 13, 2015.
Reviewer: Journal of Business Ethics. Asked to review 2 papers during 2014/2015.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Aliquippa Allen, Dr. Russ Henley and Dr. Adrian Doss
Best Presentation: (2014). “We’ve heard the call, crafted the response, and made the connection
between the classroom, business, and social media.” Region 3 ACBSP conference, Oct 9-11,
Greensboro, NC – Region 3.
Dr. Janie Gregg
Chosen for inclusion in the 2014 Edition of Global Who's Who
Funded Grants:
Dr. Aliquippa Allen
Mentor Partnership: National Young Famers Educational Association (NYFEA) and the
University of West Alabama -- $50,000.00.
Alabama Department of Public Health Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the
University of West Alabama - $5,000.00.
Dr. Janie Gregg
Sam’s Step-up for Small Business Grant. Obtained via Enactus to help two small businesses in
Livingston. $1,500.
WalMart Women’s Economic Empowerment Grant. Obtained via Enactus to offer computer
classes to older women in the surrounding area. $1,500.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Aliquippa Allen
“Building a Winning Team.” Mississippi Credit Union Association Annual Conference, May 15,
Biloxi, MS. (2015).
“How Do We Tell “Our Story,” West Alabama Mental Health Annual Conference, Oct 24,
Demopolis Higher Education Center, Demopolis, AL. (2014)
“Public Speaking” Marengo County Youth LEAD, Demopolis, AL. (2014)
Dr. Janie Gregg, Dr. Mitzi Green, Dr. Aliquippa Allen and Dr. Uchenna Akpom
#*#%*@* Assessment %$#&#@*: Keeping it Focused and Simple. Conducted workshop for
College of Business Faculty as training for Assessment Committee on the use of tools created for
assessment for ACBSP accreditation in our College of Business.
CIS/Technology
Scholarly Research:
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
Organized a field trip for the students to Robotics Technology Park at Decatur, AL and consulted
with the collaborators at the park for grant writing questions of EDA solicitation listed in first item
towards Robotics Labs Development at UWA. February 19 2015.
“Integration of Automated Intrusion Detection and Web Service Alarm System using ARM
Microprocessor,” This project work has potential of turning the opportunity for entrepreneurship
and patent application. Spring 2105.
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Shaheen Ahmed
Ahmed, S. and Babski-Reeves, K. (In Review). Effect of Seat Backrest Angle on Sitting
Discomfort in Simulated Driving Tasks. SAE International Journal of Transportation Safety.
[From my MS thesis].
Ahmed, S., Babski-Reeves, K., Webb, H., DuBien, J., & Strawderman, L. (In Review). Effect of
Ethnicity in Prolonged Mentally Demanding Work-task. International Journal of Industrial
Ergonomic. [From my dissertation].
Ahmed, S., Babski-Reeves, K., Webb, H., & DuBien, J. (In Review). Effect of Task-Dependent
and Personal Factors to Affect Fatigue in Prolonged Mentally Demanding Work-Task. Journal of
Ergonomic. [From my dissertation].
Ahmed, S., Webb, H., Babski-Reeves, K., DuBien, J., & Knight, A. (In Submission Process). The
Effectiveness of Saliva Cortisol as an Objective Measure of Human Fatigue. Journal of Applied
Ergonomics. [From my dissertation].
Ahmed, S., Babski-Reeves, K., Webb, H., & DuBien, J. (In Submission Process). Quantifying
Fatigue in the Workplace. Journal of Human Factors. [From my dissertation].
Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Balu Gokaraju, Dr. Adrian Doss and Dr. Donald Yessick
“Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education” Journal of Applied Technology Management
and Engineering, in first review Spring 2015.
Dr. Adrian Doss
McElreath, David, Daniel Doss, Carl Jensen, Michael Wigginton, Robert Nations, Jeffrey van
Slyke, and Julie Nations. Foundations of Emergency Management. Dubuque, IA: KendallHunt Publishing, 2014.
Doss, Daniel, William Glover, Rebecca Goza, and Michael Wigginton. The Foundations of
Communication in Criminal Justice Systems. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2015.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
Caves, L., Yessick, D., and Gokaraju, B., Engineering Journal Submitted to the BEST Robotics
Hub at Tuscaloosa, AL in fulfillment of the BEST Robotics Competition conducted on Oct. 19
2014. In Preparation.
Dr. Balu Gokaraku, Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Shaheen Ahmed and Dr. Donald Yessick
“Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education” Journal of Applied Technology Management
and Engineering, in first review.
Presentations:
Dr. Shaheen Ahmed
The Ergonomic Teaching and Learning Application of Human Factors & Ergonomics in Effective
Class Room Teaching. 17th Annual Applied Ergonomics Conference in Orlando, Florida, March
24-27. (2014)
Ahmed, S. & Babski-Reeves, K. (2014) A Pilot Study on Human Fatigue: Induced by Prolonged
Mentally Demanding Work-Tasks. 17th Annual Applied Ergonomics Conference in Orlando,
Florida, March 24-27.
Dr. Shaheen Ahmed, Dr. Donnie Cobb Dr. Adrian Doss, Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr.
Donald Yessick
Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education. 2014 Annual Conference of the Association of
Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. St. Louis, Missouri, November 19-22.
(2014)
Dr. Donnie Cobb
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 class 9:05am. September 10, 2014
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 class 10:10am. September 10, 2014
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 class. September 11, 2014
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 class. September 22, 2014
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 class. September 25, 2014
CIST Presentation/Recruiting Sumter Academy, September 29, 2014
CIST Presentation UWA Educational Outreach Summit Demopolis, AL October 8, 2014
CIST Presentation UWA Fall Preview Day. October 11, 2014
CIST Presentation Demopolis High School, October 28, 2014
D. Cobb, C. Caudle, Presentation/Recruiting to Regional Career Fair Thomasville, AL.
November 8 – 9, 2014
CIST Presentation and Recruiting to Linden High School, February 6, 2015
CIST Presentation and Recruiting to Marengo Academy High School, February 6, 2015
CIST Presentation to UWA 101 STEM Class, February 9, 2015
Presentation and Recruiting Shelton Sate Community College. February 18, 2015
CIST Presentation to Demopolis Rotary Club, February 25, 2015
CIST Presentation and Recruiting Shelton State Community College. February 26, 2015
D. Cobb, J. Brown, S. Colburn, R. Willis, B. Criswell, and P. Carlisile., Presentation to Regional
High School Principles and Counselors at UWA. March 11, 2015.
CIST Presentation and recruiting at Pickens County High School. April 6, 2015
CIST Presentation and recruiting at Gordo High School, April 7, 2015
CIST Presentation and recruiting at Hale-Perry County Career Fair. April 8, 2015
Presentation and Tour of CIST department to Mannington Wood Floors HR. Department, April
23, 2015.
Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Balu Gokaraju, Dr. Shaheen Ahmed, Dr. Adrian Doss and Dr.
Donald Yessick
Presentation of “Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education” to Grand Designs Luncheon,
January 29, 2015.
Presentation of “Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education” to Alabama Association for
Institutional Research (ALAIR) Conference, Eufaula, AL. April 9, 2015.
Presentation of “Using GIS for Recruiting in Higher Education” to Tuscaloosa GIS User
Showcase, Tuscaloosa, AL, April 10, 2015.
High Schools, Community Colleges, Business and Industry:
Dr. Donnie Cobb and Dr. Wayne Bedford
CIST Presentation/Meeting with Anderson Hospital Information Technology Dept for UWA
internships. January 23, 2015.
Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Adrian Doss, Dr. Balu Gokaraju, and Dr. Donald Yessick
Presentation at Livingston Community Center for Sumter Central Career Fair, April 29, 2015.
Dr. Donnie Cobb and Dr. Balu Gokaraju
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Demopolis Fall, 2014.
Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Demopolis High School
Students Fall 2014, at Guy Hunt.
Presentation about the Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology programs and courses and
Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Wilcox Community College – March 4,
2014.
Presentation about the Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology programs and courses and
Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Westervelt and Cemex Industry – March
13, 2014.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Foster Farms – March 18,
2014.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Pickens Co. HS April 11,
2014.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Alabama Power Co. May
30, 2014.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Mr. Raymond Smith from
Dept. of Labor office at Atlanta, GA as a part of site visit regarding DOL grant award. July 28,
2014.
CIST Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Greene County
High School, February 10, 2015.
Presentation at Livingston Community Center for Sumter Central Career Fair, April 29, 2015
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to prospective students and
parents, May 2015.
Presentation about the Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology programs and courses and
Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to RockTenn Industries, May 12, 2015.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Wilcox county
government officials such as Mayor etc. May 2015.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Mannington Wood Floors
Industry, May 2015.
Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Balu Gokaraju, Dr. Donald Yessick and Dr. Ken Tucker
D. Cobb, B. Gokaraju, and D. Yessick. J. Brown, P. Johnston, and K. Tucker. Presentation and
Grand Opening of Automotive Technology Building.
Dr. Donnie Cobb and Mr. Curtis Jones and Ms. Veronica Triplett
Attended Alabama Automotive Manufacturing Association (AAMA) Meeting October 9 – 10,
2014.
Dr. Donnie Cobb and Mr. Curtis Jones
Presentation and tour to visiting Wilcox representatives about Computer Information Systems,
Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology, and Automotive Technology, May 6, 2015.
Presentation and tour to visiting bankers about Computer Information Systems, Industrial
Maintenance, Engineering Technology, and Automotive Technology, May 28, 2015.
Dr. Adrian Doss
McElreath, D., Doss, D., Jensen, C., Wigginton, M., Mallory, S., McElreath, L., Williamson, L.,
Lyons, T., and Flaschka, W. "A Violation of the Principal-Agency Agreement: The FBI’s
‘Mississippi Hustle’ Investigation of the Mississippi Department of Corrections," Paper presented
at the Academic Business World International Conference. Nashville, TN. 20-22 May 2015.
Williamson, L., McElreath, L., Doss, D., McElreath, D. "Reassessment of Confinement Priorities
in Mississippi." Paper presented to the American Society of Criminology. San Francisco, CA.
19-22 November 2014.
McElreath, D., Doss, D., Wigginton, M., Jensen, C. "The End of the Mississippi Experiment with
Conjugal Visitation." Paper presented to the American Society of Criminology. San Francisco,
CA. 19-22 November 2014.
McElreath, D., Doss, A., Jensen, C., Williamson, L., and Lyons, T. “Reflections, Observations,
and Reactions to the 2014 Mississippi Corrections and Criminal Justice Task Force: Mississippi’s
Next Step to Reform the System,” Paper presented to the Southern Criminal Justice Association,
Clearwater Beach, FL, 17-20 September 2014.
Dr. Adrian Doss, Dr. Aliquippa Allen, Dr. Russ Henley
Doss, D., Allen, A., Henley, R., McElreath, D., Miller, L., and Hong, Q. "An Analysis of Graduate
vs. Undergraduate Opinions of Business Students Regarding Plagiarism," Paper presented at the
International Conference on Learning and Administration in Higher Education – Academic
Business World. Nashville, TN. 20-22 May 2015.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology labs for the Spring Preview Day
at Guy Hunt Hall on April 6th, 2015.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
Organized demonstration of Mechatronics and Robotics for the Division of Online Programs
workshop in Higher Ed Center, Demopolis, AL in Fall 2014.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs, to Sumter Central High
School Robotics Club on Oct. 9, 2014 at Guy Hunt.
Organized demonstration of Mechatronics and Robotics at the Career Fair of Sumter County
School District conducted at the Community Center of Livingston, on April 30, 2015.
Don Yessick, B. Gokaraju, Dalton Speed, Justin Holliday, “Integration of Automated Intrusion
Detection and Web Service Alarm System using ARM Microprocessor,” Poster Presentation at
Undergraduate Research Symposium, March 10 2015, UWA SUB.
Assembled the mechatronics and robotics projects for a two day workshop at the Thomasville
Career Fair. January 2105.
Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to South Fresh Farms, May
2015.
Dr. Donald Yessick
Mechatronics and Robot Demonstration, Robotics Expo at Sumter Central High School, Fall
2014.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Shaheen Ahmed
2014 International Annual Meeting of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Chicago,
IL. Article presentation, chairing a sessions, co-chair two sessions, and mentoring a PhD candidate.
17th Annual Applied Ergonomics Conference, Orlando, FL. Two Posters Presentation, RoundTable Speaker, and Session Chair.
Manuscript Reviewer:
Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation.
Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings.
Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE
Journal of Advances in Mechanical Engineering
Book Reviewer: Human Factors and Ergonomics for Taylor and Francis Publisher
Accreditation Evaluator for Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
(ATME)
Dr. Donnie Cobb
Presiding officer “Basileus” Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Professions in
Technology November 2014 ATMAE Conference and Epsion Pi Tau induction ceremony.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
Nominated for NSF Computer Science Panelist for CE-21 proposal solicitation issued by NSF.
Invited Judge for Poster Presentation Session in the Undergraduate Research Symposium
conducted by College of NSM at UWA.
Holding the position of Secretary for the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter at UWA.
Faculty Search Committee for filling the position of Tenure Track Assistant Professor for
Instructional Leadership in the College of Education.
In coordination with the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter Committee, organized Phi Kappa Phi Faculty
Colloquium in Fall 2015.
In coordination with the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter Committee, organized Phi Kappa Phi student
social meeting in Fall 2015.
Developed course curriculum and laboratory for TY-272 Faultable Industrial Motor Controls and
troubleshooting.
Developed course curriculum and laboratory for TY-282 Advanced Programmable Logic Control
Programming.
Developed course curriculum and laboratory for TY-283 Microprocessor and Micro-controller
Programming course.
Attended GIS of Alabama first annual conference in Gulf Shores, AL on April, 2015.
Attended Week Long Training workshop with Festo Industries for Mechatronics on Oct, 10 2014.
Mr. Curtis Jones
Served as a Team Leader Evaluator for National Automotive Education Training Foundation
(NATEF). Evaluated the Baldwin County Automotive Program. October 2014.
Served as a Team Leader Evaluator for National Automotive Education Training Foundation
(NATEF). Bevill State Community College Automotive Program for Re- Accreditation. March
2015.
Recertification as a Master Automobile Technician from the Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE). May 2015.
Dr. Donald Yessick
Chair, Standard 5 Committee, UWA COB, March 10, 2014 – May 8, 2015.
UWA Senator, CIST COB, UWA Faculty Senate
Faculty Handbook Committee, UWA Faculty Senate
CIS Faculty Search Committee, Summer 2015
Attended Week Long Training workshop with Festo Industries for Mechatronics on Oct, 10 2014.
Professional Consultant:
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
“Proposal Submitted for Implementation of Scholarly Collaboration Network Software design”
was conducted for corporate industry IgnoSolutions Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, India.
“Feasibility Study for Drone Fleet Management for the Corporate Industry eMcredible Mobile
Solution Pvt. Ltd., California, USA.
Statistical Report submitted to the Division of Nursing for their Proposal of increase the threshold
of pre-test NCATE entrance exam based on 6 years of grade performance based statistical data.
Collaborated with V. Triplett of CBES, College of Business for the Proposal of National Summer
Transportation Initiative for summer 2015.
Dr. Donald Yessick
Co-developed a Java/Fortran solution to find the global minimum of a one dimensional function
using the function expression and desired interval to minimize the function in cooperation with
Noureddine Hannoun of the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene. Algeria
Amraoui Rania, Hanoun, et.al. Optimization Problem: Finding the Global Minimum of a One
Dimensional Function Using the Function Expression and Desired Interval to Minimize the
Function. University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene. Algeria
Latosha Caves et al, Monkey Ball, a 3D video game in Scratch created by students in Latosha
Caves technology and robotics class, Sumter Central High School used in Engineering Expo, April
28, 2015.
Researched creation of 3D video games in Scratch for Latosha Caves, Sumter Central High School.
Developed new course: CS375 Java GUI development
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Donnie Cobb
Loraine McIlwaine Bell Trustee Professor Award 2014-2015 Academic Year.
Presiding officer “Basileus” Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Professions in
Technology November 2014 ATMAE Conference and Epsilon Pi Tau induction ceremony.
Dr. Adrian Doss
2015 Academic Business World International Conference – Best Presentation Award.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
Mentor for Sumter County High School Robotics Team, which participated in BEST Robotics
Competition on Oct 19, 2014.
Invited and Inducted by the “MultiDisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute” (MDPI) to be an
official Reviewer to the Journal “Sensors.”
Nominated by the National Science Foundation as a Panelist for the Computer Science Disciplines
of NSF in April 2015.
Invited talk through Faculty Spotlight at the Office of Sponsored Programs, UWA.
Dr. Donald Yessick
Mentor for Latosha Caves Sumter County High School Robotics Team, which participated in
BEST Robotics Competition on Oct 19, 2014.
Mentor for LaTresta M. Deavers-Maxwell Livingston, Jr. High School, which participated in
BEST Robotics Competition on Oct 19, 2014.
Funded Grants:
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
Gokaraju B., (Co-PI) ($500,000) “Simulation, Modelling and Visualization of Urban
Infrastructures and Human Behavior under Extreme Conditions” in collaboration with Oakridge
Research National Labs, Tennessee, University of Knoxville, Tennessee, Mississippi State
University, MS. Submitted to NSF in Spring 2105.
Gokaraju B., (Co-PI) (~ $2.42 Million ), “High School Data Integrated and Enabled Science
Education Landscape (High School DIESEL),” in Collaboration with Faculty from College of
Education, UWA High School of North Carolina, Oakridge Research National Labs, (ORNL).
Submitted to NSF in Spring 2015.
Gokaraju B., (Co-PI) (~ $294,525), Engaging Mathematics Preservice-Teachers of West
Alabama through Engineering Resources (EMPOWER, in Collaboration with Faculty from
College of Education, UWA. Submitted to NSF in Fall 2014.
Gokaraju B., (Co-PI) (~ $1.49 Million) 3D Mathematics through tinkering and engineering
reinforcements (3D MATTERs), in Collaboration with Faculty from College of Education, UWA.
Submitted to NSF in Fall 2104.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donnie Cobb
Gokaraju, B., Principal Investigator, Cobb, D., Co-Principal Investigator “ESRI and PCI
Geomatics Natural Resources Imagery Grant for $100, 000,” Annual Report Submitted, June 2,
2014.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Ms. Veronica Triplett
B. Gokaraju., (PI) V. Triplett (PA), and S. Turner ($60,000) “Motivating African-American
Youth through 3-D technology And Engineering (MAY-DAE) for STEM career pathways (MAYDAE for STEM)”. In co-ordination with CBES, COB. May 2015.
Award of $30,000 from Alabama Department of Transportation, Contributed Proposal Narrative
and Equipment Budget narrative and collaborated with V. Triplett (PI) of CBES, College of
Business for the Proposal of National Summer Transportation Initiative for Summer 2015.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju, Dr. Wayne Bedford, Dr. Donnie Cobb, Dr. Ken Tucker, Dr. Donald
Yessick, Mr. Curtis Jones and Mr. Dale Acker
($150,000), Presentation and Demonstration of the Engineering Technology Labs to Alabama
Power Co. on May 30, 2014 that led to a donation for Mercedes Benz Automotive Technician
Certificate Program partnership.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
B. Gokaraju (PI) and D. Yessick., ($1.1 Million) “The University of West Alabama, THE WEST
ALABAMA ECONOMIC GROWTH INITIATIVE,” Proposal submitted to the Economic
Development Authority (EDA), in December 1, 2104.
“Integration of Automated Intrusion Detection and Web Service Alarm System using ARM
Microprocessor.” This project work has potential of turning the opportunity for entrepreneurship
and patent application. Spring 2105.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
Yessick, D., and Gokaraju B., (CO-PI) and ($220,000) submitted a grant proposal to Alabama
department of Board of Education “Advanced Industrial Maintenance Training program” in coordination with Demopolis City Schools (DCS), March 2014 to July 2016.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick and Mr. Ken Walker
($ 200,000) are awarded by Alabama Department of Board of Education, CTE, for “Advanced
Manufacturing and Production Technology Training program” in co-ordination with Greene
County Career Center, April 2014 to July 2016.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Donnie Cobb
Two week workshop for STEM learning and project experience for National Summer
Transportation Initiative (NSTI) project conducted by CBES, College of Business at UWA.
Summer 2014.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju
2 week workshop towards STEM learning and project experience for National Summer
Transportation Initiative (NSTI) project conducted by CBES, College of Business at UWA. June
2015.
2 hour workshop conducted on June 18th, 2015 for Upper Bound Students at UWA.
3 day robotics workshop conducted for UWA Campus School in July 2015.
Dr. Balu Gokaraju and Dr. Donald Yessick
2-Day Workshop organized for presentation and demonstration of the Engineering Technology
Labs, projects and programs to the project Engage STEM students for two days in April 2015.
Science Saturday Workshop conducted in coordinated with College of NSM in Fall 2014.
Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education
Summary of Achievements
The Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education (COE) wishes to report the Summary of Achievements
by its faculty during the 2014-2015 academic year. Faculty had a total of eighteen publications of
research and scholarly work. Faculty made over fifty presentations at national, state and regional
meetings. Faculty also conducted twenty one workshops in their field of expertise throughout the
service area. Five new grants were awarded to the COE ($185,010 total) and three previously
awarded grants are being continued.
Staying true to its mission, COE faculty members continue to provide service to partnership
schools with each faculty member volunteering a minimum of twenty hours in the classroom and
at school related functions each year. In addition to institutional service, faculty serve in leadership
capacities in numerous professional organizations.
Notably, the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) renamed the SEATA District
Award to the R.T. Floyd District Award and the University of West Alabama named the Athletic
Training Center the R.T. Floyd Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Center. Likewise, Brad
Montgomery was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Hall of Fame.
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
National Presentations:
Dr. Esther Howard, Dr. Andrea Minear & Dr. Melina Vaughan
edTPA: A Performance-Based Approach to License Early Childhood Teacher Candidates .
Presentation at the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators Conference, New
Orleans, LA. (June, 2015).
Dr. Lynn Kelley
“The NCSS Elementary Notable Book Lesson Plans!” Presentation NCSS National Conference,
Boston, MD, November, 2014.
Dr. Amanda Pendergrass
The colors of us. Presented with the Elementary Community at the annual meeting of National
Council of the Social Studies (NCSS): Boston, MA. (2014, November)
Dr. Jodie Winship
Attitudes are Contagious! Presented at the Nation Council for Exceptional Children Annual
Conference, San Diego, CA (April, 2015).
Regional Presentations:
Dr. Erica Tanner and Dr. Nisha Warbington
Creating Community in a Virtual World: Ways to Enhance Connectivity for Online Students.
Presented at Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference in
Birmingham, AL. (2014).
State Presentations:
Dr. Mae Daniel and Dr. Dana Rolison
Making the difference with differentiated instruction. Presented at Mississippi Reading
Association Annual Conference, Biloxi, MS. (2014).
What’s the difference? Making every minute count. Presented at Mississippi Early Childhood
Associations 60th 2014 Annual Conference, Hattiesburg, MS. (2014).
Dr. Esther Howard
Howard, E., & Jones, C. (2014). STEAM Outdoors. Presented at the Mississippi Early Childhood
Regional Conference in Biloxi, MS, May 2014.
Howard, E., & Jones, C. (2014). STEAM Outdoors. Presented at the Mississippi Early Childhood
Regional Conference in Greenville, MS, June 2014.
Howard, E., & Jones, C. (2014). STEAM Outdoors. Presented at the Mississippi Early Childhood
Regional Conference in Tupelo, MS, July 2014.
Dr. Lynn Kelley
Kelley, L., and NCSS Early Childhood/Elementary Community. “Integrating the Curriculum
through the use of Notable Books.” Presentation at the Social Studies Council of Alabama Annual
Convention, Birmingham AL, 2014.
Kelley, L. and Freeman, L. "Using the Common Core to Integrate Social Studies and Literacy"
presentation at the annual Teaching and Learning Conference, McNeese State University, Lake
Charles, LA. 2014.
Dr. Erica Tanner
Oh, the Things You Must Know: Effective “Close Read” Strategies for Young Readers
Presentation at Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference in Hattiesburg, MS. (2014).
Dr. Melina Vaughan
Engaging STEAM through Meaningful Classroom Conversations. Presented Mississippi Early
Childhood Conference in Biloxi, MS. (2014).
Engaging STEAM through Meaningful Classroom Conversations. Presented Mississippi Early
Childhood Conference in Greenville, MS. (2014).
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Lynn Kelley, Dr. Andrea Minear & Dr. Dana Rolison
Reading Fair Judges at multiple schools throughout the school year
Dr. Erica King
MSERA Annual Conference Proposal Reviewer; CEC TED Annual Conference Proposal
Reviewer.
Dr. Lynn Kelley
Reviewer for Social Studies Research and Practice socstrp.org
Delegate to the NCSS House of Delegates: Elementary Community of the National Council for
the Social Studies; Outgoing NCSS Community Chair.
Dr. Andrea Minear
Board of Reviewers – Reviewed articles for Social Studies Research and Practice – a Peer
Reviewed Online Journal http://www.socstrp.org
Dr. Amanda Pendergrass
NCSS Early Childhood/Elementary Community Vice-Chair; Association for Childhood Education
International Article Reviewer; Birmingham-Southern College Tenure Reviewer.
Dr. Erica Tanner
Reviewer for the Southern Early Childhood Association’s publication Dimensions; Reviewer of
new children’s literature for the Southern Early Childhood Association; Reviewer for the Annual
Conference of the Mid-South Educational Research Association.
Dr. Jodie Winship
Past President, Alabama Council for Exceptional Children
Funded Grants:
Dr. Melina Vaughan
Piloting and Implementation of edTPA within the College of Education at the University of West
Alabama. ALSDE Grant Award: $15,000. (Spring 2015).
Dr. Andrea Minear, Dr. Esther Howard, Ms. Annie Upchurch, Dr. Amanda, Pendergrass,
Dr. Jodie Winship & Dr. Melina Vaughan
First Class Pre-K, UWA Campus School. OSR Grant Award: $119,000. (Spring 2015).
Publications:
Dr. Reenay Rogers, Dr. Jodie Winship, & Dr. Yan Sun
(2015) Systematic support for STEM pre-service teachers: An authentic and sustainable fourpillar professional development model. Innovative professional development methods and
strategies for STEM education. Hershey, PN: IGI Global.
Dr. Melina Vaughan & Dr. Esther Howard
(2015). F is for Friendship, A Quilt Alphabet. NCSS Notable Trade Book Lesson Plan. Social
Studies Research and Practice. Vol.10-3.socstrp.org
Dr. Esther Howard & Dr. Melina Vaughan
(2015). The Flag We Love. NCSS Notable Trade Book Lesson Plan. Social Studies Research and
Practice. Vol.10-3.socstrp.org
Dr. Lynn Kelley
(2015). Questioning through peer interviews. Social Studies Research and Practice. vol.103.socstrp.org
Kelley, L., and Brown, T. (2015). While you were sleeping. Social Studies Research and Practice.
vol.10-3.socstrp.org
Dr. Lynn Kelley and Dr. Jodie Winship
Kelley, L., Winship, J., Morgan, J. & Poole, C. (2015). Inventions. Social Studies Research and
Practice. Vol.10-3.socstrp.org
Department of Instructional Leadership and Support
Scholarly Research:
Dr. Martha Hocutt
Ray, B.B., Hocutt, M., & Hooley, D. (2014). Use of an online simulation to promote content
learning. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design, 4(1), 43-57.
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
Chan, W.Y., Hollingsworth, M., Espelage, D., & Mitchell, K. (2015).
understanding of intervention for culturally diverse communities.
An ecological
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth & Dr. Reenay Rogers
Collaboration in higher education: A comparison of wikis with traditional formats. Manuscript
submitted for publication. (2015)
Dr. Yan Sun
Sun, Y. & Strobel, J. (preparing revisions). The impact of student teaching experience on
pre-service teachers’ readiness for technology integration: A mixed methods study. Educational
Technology Research and Development.
Dr. Celeste Wheat
Wheat, C. A. & Hill, L. H. (Under review, 2014). The leadership styles and practices of
women key-line administrators and presidents at doctorate-granting universities: a qualitative
inquiry. Under review with The Review of Higher Education.
Wheat, C. A. & Hill, L. (Under review, 2015). The role and influence of mentors and
role models on university women leaders’ career paths to the university presidency. Under review
with The Journal of Higher Education
Papers/Books/Articles:
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
The ethics of counselor self-care [Web blog post]. Retrieved from
http://www.aacc.net/2015/04/02/the-ethics-of-counselor-self-care/ (2015, April 2)
Wellness: Paradigm for Training and Practice, In Ideas and research you can use: Vistas 2012.
Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas (2015).
Dr. Reenay Rogers, Dr. Jodie Winship and Dr. Yan Sun
(Accepted). Systematic support for STEM pre-service teachers: An authentic and sustainable fourpillar professional development model. In Dikilitaş, K. (Ed.). Innovative professional development
methods and strategies for STEM education. MePA: IGI Global.
Dr. Yan Sun
Sun, Y., Teslow, J., & Strobel, J. (under review). Assessing K-12 Engineering Education
Curricula from a Holistic Perspective. In Wyse, D., Hayward, L., and Pandya, J. (Eds.).
Curriculum subjects. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Presentations:
Dr. Barry Green-Burns
Counseling Families of Deployed Military Personnel presented at the annual Alabama Counseling
Association Meeting. (November, 2014)
Dr. Martha Hocutt and Dr. Reenay Rogers
Web 2.0: Ideas and Samples for K-12. Florida Educational Technology Conference. Orlando, FL.
(2015).
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
The Virtues, Narrative, and Resilience Conference, Character, Resilience, Wellness – A Threefold
Cord. Sewanee, Templeton Foundation and The University of the South (April).
Hollingsworth, M.A., Dean, D., & Sornsin, L. (2014, June) UWA Campus Suicide Prevention
SAMSHA Annual Grantee Conference, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth and Dr. Barry Green Burns
Keeping the Circle Unbroken: Helping Children of Returning Vets.
Association Annual Conference, Huntsville, AL (2014, November).
Alabama Counseling
Dr. Pam Rochester
Presentation at the Military Child Education Workshop, Meridian, MS. (2015)
Dr. Reenay Rogers
Wikis: Who, What, Where, and How? Presented at UWA Summer Online Conference. (2014)
Don’t Just Stand There: Start Flipping! Tools and Tips for Creating a Flipped Classroom
presented at the Alabama Educational Technology Conference. (2015)
Engage in STEM! Project Engage Leads to Success in STEM presented at the Alabama
Educational Technology Conference. (2015)
Pratt, M., Stevenson, R., & Rogers, R. R. H. (2014) Watchful Eyes: Proven Strategies for
Delivering Secure Online Test Proctoring in Online Distance Education Programs presented at
EDUCAUSE 2014.
Dr. Reenay Rogers and Dr. Jan Miller
Don’t Just Stand There: Start Flipping! Tools and Tips for Creating a Flipped Classroom
presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference. (2014)
There’s an App for that! 20+ Apps Educators Can’t Live Without presented at the Georgia
Educational Technology Conference. (2014)
Engage Online Learners with Lecture Capture – accepted at Campus Technology Fall Forum with
Dr. Jan Miller (Accepted-not presented) (November, 2014).
Dr. Susan Cordell & Dr. Reenay Rogers
Make Connections! Increase Your Professional Learning Network with Technology. Session
accepted by the ALNBCT (Alabama National Board Certified Teachers) Network for presentation
at annual conference, January 24, Birmingham, AL. (Accepted-not presented) (2015).
Dr. Yan Sun
Sun, Y. & Strobel, J. (2015). The K-12 STEM School-Industry Partnership: Where it is and
where it should go? American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2015 Annual
Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Nisha Warbington
"Grand Slam! Fun Features in Blackboard" Presented at University of West Alabama Online
Faculty Training (July 2014).
“Team Management through Team Building" Presented at Sumter County Board of Education
Professional Development (August 2014).
"Creating community in a virtual world: Ways to enhance connectivity for online students"
Presented at Southern Association of Counselor Education Supervision Conference (October
2014).
Dr. Celeste Wheat & Dr. Martha Hocutt
Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate with Technology. Presentation at the annual
Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC), Birmingham, AL. (2015, June 11).
Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate: Using the 5E Learning Cycle to Create
Active Learning Environments with Effective Technology Tools. Presentation at the annual
University of Southern Mississippi Educators Connect Conference, Hattiesburg, MS. (2015,
February 17).
Dr. Celeste Wheat
The Role and Influence of Mentors and Role Models on Women’s Career Paths to University
Leadership. Paper accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Mid-South Educational
Research Association (MSERA) Conference, Nashville, TN. *This paper was accepted for
presentation at the MSERA, but not presented. (2014, November 5).
Creating Collaborative and Experiential Learning Environments. Presented at The University of
West Alabama’s Annual Online Teaching Conference. Livingston, AL. (2014, July 24)
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Susan Cordell
Appointed by the ALSDE to the 2014-2015 Library Media Task Force. The task force is charged
with revising the state's school library media standards.
Dr. Martha Hocutt
Served as a Board Member – UA/UWA Regional In-Service Center.
Dr. Reenay Rogers
Served in the following professional capacities:
Peer Reviewer for Florida Educational Technology Conference Sessions
Peer Reviewer for research paper submissions at International Society for Technology in
Education
Grant Reviewer for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
Dr. Pamela Rochester
Served as a Board Member for the Elizabeth Louise Ramsey Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Dr. Yan Sun
Served as:
Editorial Board member of Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)
(reviewed paper “AN INTERACTIVE APPROACH FOR INFORMING PRE-COLLEGE
STUDENTS ABOUT ENGINEERING FIELDS - THE IIT PRETRANS PROGRAM”)
Reviewer for IGI publication (reviewed the chapter the chapter "The Impact of Pre-service
Teachers’ Reflection on their Instructional Practices")
Professional Consultant:
Dr. William Green-Burns
Served for the last two years and currently as a member of the Sumter County DHR Quality
Assurance Team.
Dr. Debbie Hildreth
Consulted with the Instructional Coach at a Tuscaloosa Elementary School to plan upcoming book
study.
Dr. Martha Hocutt
Served as Panel Chair, Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) No Child Left Behind
Content Mastery Grants and as Reviewer for Journal of Interactive Online Learning.
Dr. Nisha Warbington
Provided professional consultations with Tuscaloosa County Schools, Capitol School, and Sumter
County Board of Education.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Celeste Wheat
2014 Nominee for the Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Female
Educators at The University of West Alabama Chapter.
Dr. Reenay Rogers
Inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Funded Grants:
Dr. Celeste Wheat, Dr. Martha Hocutt & Dr. Yan Sun
Received the Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant (2015). Steelcase Education fund
for creation of an active learning classroom in Lyon Hall at the University of West Alabama.
Primary Investigators: Dr. Celeste Wheat and Dr. Martha Hocutt. (Funded, up to $50,000.00).
Dr. Reenay Rogers
Continued to serve as Co-Principal Investigator on Project Engage- U.S. Department of Education
MSEIP grant.
Dr. Celeste Wheat
Served the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA) as a Member of Graduate
Student Advisory Committee, which recommends and conducts activities to encourage graduate
student membership and participation.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. William Green-Burns
Conducted the following workshops:
 Feb. 16-2015 workshop for Janitorial and Kitchen workers for Sumter County public Schools.
 Fall 2014-Bullying Prevention groups for 4th and 5th grades Sumter Academy
 Workshop for Faculty @ Sumter Academy August 2014
 Bullying Prevention Groups for two 4th Grade classes @ Livingston Elementary School Spring
2015
 January 2015-Workshop-for the Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams.
Dr. Debbie Hildreth
Currently chairing Leadership Institute Committee in preparation of proposed event in spring,
2016.
Dr. Martha Hocutt
Conducted iPad Training for Project Engage Students.
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
Counseling Special Populations (Military Children, English as a Second Language students),
UWA Online Outreach Summit, Demopolis, AL. (2014, November)
Raise the Bar with Online Group Work – UWA Division of Online Programs Annual Conference,
University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL. (2014, July)
Dr. Ann Hollingsworth, Dr. Reenay Rogers, Dr. Jan Miller & Dr. Celeste Wheat
Lead from the Inside Out – Consultation with Sumter County School District Leadership for
School Year 2014/2015, Livingston, AL. (2014, August).
Dr. Celeste Wheat
Conducted the following workshops:
 The Essential Qualities of a Leader: Initiative and Responsibility. Workshop presented at Sumter
Count Schools Administrators. Livingston, Alabama, August 6, 2014.
 In-service Training for Residence Life Assistants. Understanding Higher Education Today.
Presented at The University of West Alabama. Livingston, AL, 12 August 2014.
 Leadership Development: Initiative and Responsibility. Workshop presented to UWA
PanHellenic Sororities. Livingston, Alabama, October 6, 2014.
 Professional Preparation Workshop for Teacher Interns. Presented at The University of West
Alabama. Livingston, AL, 8 October 2014.
 In-service Training for Residence Life Assistants. Careers in Student Affairs. Presented at The
University of West Alabama. Livingston, AL, 8 October 2014.
 Career Preparation Workshop Series. Workshops presented to Dr. Nicole Farris’ classes at The
University of West Alabama. Livingston, AL, fall 2014 and spring 2015.
Department of Physical Education & Athletic Training
Presentations:
Dr. Gunars Cazers
Provided the following presentation:
 “Life History of an Exemplary American Female Physical Education Teacher.” Poster presented
at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Dance, St. Louis, Missouri, 2 April 2014.
Dr. R. T. Floyd
Provided the following presentations:
“The Elbow and Forearm” 30th Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Training Student
Symposium, Atlanta, GA.
“Enhancing Life Long FUNction” Livingston Book Club, Livingston, AL
“Taping, Wrapping & Bracing Challenges on a Limited Budget” Injuries in Football Course,
Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Pensacola Beach, FL.
“Ethics of Athletic Training” & Group Discussion Moderator, Gulf South Conference Athletic
Trainers Meeting, Columbus, GA.
University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Training Student Workshop, Hattiesburg, MS.
Presented on the following topics: “The Evaluation Process,” “The Ankle and Lower Leg,”
“Developing Equipment and Supplies on a Minimal Budget.”
“How to Use NATA Foundation Position Statements in Athletic Training,” 3rd Annual UWA
Athletic Training Alumni Reunion, Livingston, AL
“Ethics of Athletic Training” & Group Discussion Moderator, 3rd Annual UWA Athletic Training
Alumni Reunion, Livingston, AL.
“Ankle Evaluation, Improving the Specifics of your Evaluation Techniques,” Encore-Uhler Sports
Medicine Sports Medicine Symposium, Orange Beach, AL.
Mr. Brad Montgomery
Provided the following presentation:
Tissue Regeneration: Rebuilding the Injured Patient: Implications to Athletic Training Practices,
June 2015. 66th National Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, St. Louis,
MO.
Dr. James Robinson
Provided the following presentations:
The Effect of Concussion on Academic Performance of Division II Student-Athletes, March 2015.
J. Farris, B. Hynds, A. Henderson & J. Robinson, PhD. University of West Alabama
Undergraduate Research Symposium, Livingston, AL.
Nutrition in Division II Collegiate Baseball Players, March 2015. A. Henderson, B. Hynds, J.
Farris & J. Robinson, PhD. University of West Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium,
Livingston, AL. Winner Richard and Madoline Thurn Award.
Athletic Trainers’ Ability to Recognize and Aid in the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders,
March 2015. E. Watkins, B. Rodden, ATC & J. Robinson, PhD. 40th Annual SEATA Clinical
Symposium & Members Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Dr. Gunars Cazers
Began as College Council Chair-Elect, Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD).
Dr. R.T. Floyd
Served as Director of the 2015 Southeast Athletic Trainer’s Association Athletic Training Student
Annual Competencies in Athletic Training Workshop, President, National Athletic Trainers
Association Research and Education Foundation Board.
Served as President of the Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents for 2014-2015
Served as chair of the Higher Education Partnership Board of Directors
Represented the National Athletic Trainers Association Research and Education on Athletic
Training Strategic Alliance
Served as webmaster for the National Athletic Trainers Association Research and Education
Foundation District websites, Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, Alabama Athletic
Trainers’ Association, and Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents.
Mr. Brad Montgomery
Served as Chairman as Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
Dr. James Robinson
Served in the following professional capacities:
 President Phi Kappa Phi
 Board member Livingston Country Club
 Membership coordinator Livingston Lions Club
Dr. Natasha Satcher
Began as Chair-Elect for Recreation Council-Alabama State Association for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD).
Awards/Honors:
Dr. R. T. Floyd
Southeast Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) renamed the SEATA District Award to the
R.T. Floyd District Award.
The R.T. Floyd Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Center Dedicated by the University of
West Alabama.
Mr. Brad Montgomery
Was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Hall of Fame.
Dr. James Robinson
Received the following honors and awards:
Winner-Richard and Madoline Thurn Award for Undergraduate Research. University of West
Alabama Undergraduate Research Symposium. College of Natural Science and Mathematics.
Blue Key Honorary Faculty Inductee
Phi Kappa Phi Partnering for Success, University of West Alabama Delegate, Biennial
Convention, St. Louis, MO
Funded Grants:
Dr. R.T. Floyd
Continued implementation of an Athletic Training Outreach Grant. from E. Lyle Cain, Jr., M.D.,
Champion Sports Medicine, and St. Vincent’s Birmingham. Funded for $330,000 for five years.
Continued implementation of a Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center grant for utilization in
funding our athletic training students to travel to Meridian for clinical experiences. Funded for
$15,000.
Continued a St. Vincent’s Birmingham Sports Medicine Grant for athletic training personnel.
Funded for $20,000.
Ms. Amy Menzies
Received a grant for 1-PowerFlex School Sample Pack funded by Andover Healthcare, Inc,
Salisbury, MA for $610.
Dr. James Robinson
Received a grant from the Professional Disc Golf Association Innovation Grant Program for $500.
Workshops Conducted:
Dr. Natasha Satcher
Conducted the following workshops:
Reflection of Women of Color Workshop- Mississippi State University
Health and Fitness Workshop, Livingston, AL
Community Service:
The Athletic Training Faculty & Staff with assistance from the physicians at Andrews Sports
Medicine & Orthopedic Center provided pre-participation physical examinations for
approximately 220 high school and junior high athletes.
Dr. R. T. Floyd
Provided athletic training and sports medicine consultation to area schools, physicians, physician
assistants, physical therapists and people in the West Alabama service area.
Mr. Brad Montgomery, Ms. Whitney Smith and Mr. Ben Stewart
Taught CPR/AED Professional Rescuer to the Athletic Department Staff and the Athletic
Training faculty, staff and students.
Publications:
Dr. Gunars Cazers
Cazers, Gunars, and Curtner-Smith, Matthew. “Life History of Karen: A Physical Education
Teacher Educator with an Impairment.” Palaestra 28.2 (2014): 47-53.
Dr. James Robinson
“The University of West Alabama Strength and Conditioning Tutorial Volume 3” May 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xxvhjaJJJbOaI7ZgtsdLA
Library
Summary of Achievements
Scholarly Research:
Ms. Breagan Abernathy
Ongoing: UWA Yearbooks Collection-Alabama Mosaic
http://digital.archives.alabama.gov/cdm/search/collection/uwa
Digitized approximately 5,300 pages of university archives including 26 yearbooks, 6 boxes of the
Ruby Pickens Tartt Collection, & the Masquer’s Scrapbook
Research on mentoring in the library & information profession. Article submitted and currently
under review.
Ms. Shelia Limerick
College student publications and archival importance
Conservation and preservation
Processing archival collections
Digitizing archival collections
Papers/Books/Articles:
Ms. Shelia Limerick
Faculty Advisor, The Sucarnochee Review, Volume 21, 2013/14
Editor, The Sucarnochee Review, Volume 22, 2014/15 (10-year Anniversary Issue, published
with Volume 21 as a double issue)
Offices/Positions in Professional Organizations and/or Other Significant Professional
Activities i.e. Panelist, Judge, Accreditation team:
Ms. Breagan Abernathy
Chair, Professional Education Committee- Instruction Section: Association of College and
Research Libraries Chair, Handbook Committee- New Member Round Table: American Library
Association.
Member, Membership and Mentoring Committee: Southeastern Library Association
Member, Online Content Committee: Network of Alabama Academic Libraries
Attended “CONTENTdm: A complete solution for managing digital collections”- OCLC Online
Webinar.
Attended “Conservation Demystified”- Northeast Document Conservation Center Online
Workshop.
Attended “Historical Records Grant Workshop”- Alabama Department of Archives & History,
Demopolis, AL
Ms. Shelia Limerick
Member, Digital Content Committee, NAAL
Member, UWA Faculty Senate Subcommittee on the Faculty and Professional Staff Handbook
Secretary, Faculty Senate Committee
Member, Friends of the Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library
Member, American Library Association
Vice President for Programs, Sumter County Fine Arts Council
Professional Consultant:
Ms. Breagan Abernathy
Presented a program on the history of the Livingston Book Club utilizing university archives
Wrote and received $500 grant from the Presbyterian Historical Society to digitize church records
of First Presbyterian Church, Livingston, AL.
Advisory Board Member of the Sumter County Fine Arts Council
Awards and Honors:
Ms. Breagan Abernathy
Inducted into the Alpha Pi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Education Sorority
Workshops Conducted:
Ms. Breagan Abernathy
Partnership with Ruby Pickens Tartt Library-led a 4-week beginning computer class for adults