Blue Gold

Volume XIII
and
Janua
January
No. 1 2008
 2007-2008
Board of Governors
James J. Palmer, III, Esq.
Chair
Norris Kantor, Esq.
Vice Chair
Ms. Anne Crowe
Mr. Jeffrey Forlines
Dr. Lyn Guy
Larry Morhous, Esq.
John H. Shott, Esq.
Mr. Sylvester Myers
Gloria Stephens, Esq.
Ms. Angela Lambert
Faculty Representative
Mr. Daniel L. Frost
Classified Staff Representative
Ms. Ashley Froy
Student Representative
Administrative Staff
Dr. Albert Walker
President
Dr. Don Smith
Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Provost
Ms. Shelia Johnson
Vice President for Financial and
Administrative Affairs
Mr. John Cardwell
Vice President for Student
Affairs
Dr. Thomas E. Blevins
Dean of the Virtual College and
Information Technology and the
School of Teacher Education;
Professor, English/Education
Dr. Tracey Anderson
Director of Institutional
Research and Effectiveness
Ms. Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional
Advancement & Planning
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/
Director, Institutional/Media
Relations
Ms. Sapphire Cureg
Director of Multicultural
Affairs
Ms. Leah Taylor
Director of Human Resources
Blue and Gold
A publication for alumni and friends
of Bluefield State College. This
project is underwritten by the
Federal Title III/BRACE Program.
2 JANUARY 2008 BLUE AND GOLD
A Message from the President
It’s customary during the holiday season to count
our blessings. At Bluefield State College, we have been
blessed most recently on several fronts. First, the stead-
fast encouragement of the BSC family has been an
anchor of stability as the College has approached times
of continual change.
Our Board of Governors, the Higher Education
Policy Commission, and several key state elected offi-
cials have also offered guidance, insight, and invaluable
Dr. Albert L. Walker support.
President
We are also thankful for the continuing and grow-
ing opportunity to serve our students, community, state,
and nation. Our enrollment growth is made possible by a dedicated faculty and
staff, along with students and families who select Bluefield State College to contin-
ue their education. This investment of trust is not something we take for granted.
As we entered the holiday season, we offered numerous opportunities for the
community to join our students, faculty, and staff in a variety of educational and
entertaining activities. The annual “Battle of the Bluefields” saw Bluefield State
College and Bluefield College compete at the Ned Shott Gymnasium, with each
school winning one basketball game.
A variety of cultural programs gave the College and community other opportu-
nities to work together in a mutually beneficial “town/gown” relationship. The
Blue Chicory Players presented “Defying Gravity,” a wonderful play that enter-
tained and challenged its audience. Then, the holiday concert performances of the
Bluefield State College Jazz Ensemble and the Bluefield State College Community
Choir helped to usher in the yuletide season.
As we enter a new semester and year, we continue to embrace challenges,
looking for the opportunities that are imbedded within each of them. We are grate-
ful for your interest, your input and your help.
Board of Governors’ News
by James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair
It was with a feeling of pride and humility that I
recently accepted the opportunity to serve Bluefield
State College as chair of the institution’s Board of
Governors. During my term as a member of the Board,
my appreciation for the work of the Board and the mis-
sion of the College has grown significantly. The Board
has benefited from the leadership and vision of former
chairs Norris Kantor and John Barnes, and I look for-
ward to the challenges and opportunities that await
James J. Palmer, III
Chair Bluefield State College in the months and years to
come.
First, let me say that it is an honor to work with
Board members who are dedicated to the success of the institution. Their commit-
ment to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of the region and state are
steadfast, and the continuing success of the College is a result of the positive, con-
structive input of each of these constituencies.
(continued on page 5)
Enrollment Growth Continues with Freshman Class
John Cardwell
Vice President for
Student Affairs
Among the many encouraging
trends that have emerged as Bluefield
State College’s enrollment continues
to grow is the steady increase in the
number of freshmen choosing to fur-
ther their education at BSC. The
College’s “first-time freshman class”
(the number of students who are
entering college for the first time)
during the Fall 2007 Semester has
grown by more than 14% over the
previous year’s freshman class.
BSC Named One of "America's Best Colleges"
and "One of America's Best Black Colleges"
Bluefield State College has been
selected again as one of “America’s
Best Colleges” and one of “America’s
Best Black Colleges” by US News &
World Report. The publication bases
its annual selection of America’s out-
standing institutions of higher educa-
tion on a variety of factors, including
academic programs, faculty qualifica-
tions, students’ success, support, etc.
BSC was listed among the best col-
leges/comprehensive in the nation.
The publication recently released its
first-ever ranking of “America’s Best
Black Colleges,” and included BSC in
its “first tier,” or top-level ranking.
Additionally, BSC continues to
enjoy enrollment growth, with an
overall increase of more than 4% dur-
ing the 2006-07 academic year.
Bluefield State College wel-
comed 308 new freshmen when
classes began last August, an
increase of 38 over 2006 figures, and
nearly 50 more than the Fall 2005
first-time freshman class. That’s a
growth of 19% over the past two
years.
A considerable portion of the
growth has come in the number of
students enrolling after graduating
from area high schools that have tra-
ditionally been “feeder” institutions
for BSC. Additionally, the recently
established “border county” initiative
that creates a discount that makes
tuition less than traditional out-of-
state, but more than in-state, has
proven attractive to students from
several southwestern Virginia coun-
ties.
A growth in financial support is
also permitting us to begin awarding
academic scholarships in greater
numbers and we’re enjoying more
“We’re gratified by the enroll-
ment increases,” noted BSC President
Dr. Albert Walker. “Our focus upon
quality academic programs, 14 of
which are nationally accredited,
affordability, faculty qualifications,
and a student-centered climate are
some of the reasons we have grown.
We look forward to the future.”
“We offer the degree programs
business is buying,” added John
Cardwell, BSC’s Vice President for
Student Affairs. An education at
Bluefield State College is an outstand-
ing investment for individuals seeking
to acquire knowledge and skills that
will be relevant in the job market
today and in the foreseeable future.”
Nearly two-thirds of BSC’s full-
time faculty hold terminal degrees
success when we talk to outstanding
students about continuing their edu-
cation at Bluefield State.
Our Director of Admissions,
Kenny Mandeville, recently
observed, “Students and their fami-
lies are realizing that a degree from
Bluefield State College opens the
door for some outstanding career
opportunities. Our academic pro-
grams have ‘real world’ relevance in
fields that include technology, busi-
ness, computer science, research,
education, and allied health.”
Our enrollment growth is partic-
ularly encouraging at this time,
because it’s taking place despite a
significant drop in the size of this
region’s high school enrollment. A
talented faculty, dedicated staff of
employees, and helpful alumni and
friends are working together to make
this success possible. We are grate-
ful for your support.
and the College has achieved national
recognition for its recent success in
student engineering technology com-
petitions, allied health sciences gradu-
ates’ licensure passage rates, and
entrepreneurial initiatives.
Cover -- The Blue Chicory Players
at Bluefield State College present-
ed "Defying Gravity" by Jane
Anderson, November 29-
December 1. "Defying Gravity" is
a surrealistic look at the explosion
of the space shuttle Challenger in
1986. The cast includes Andrew
A. Lawrence, Karen Harvey,
Shamatee Mitchell, Nick Mosko,
Susan Gore, Becky Dale, and Jody
Neal.
BLUE AND GOLD JANUARY 2008 3
Sylvester & Janice Myers Honored as
Bluefield State College's "Executives-in-Residence"
Bluefield State College vides management support to
and the Bluefield City Board the President/CEO of SCMA
of Directors honored local and edits the corporation’s
residents Sylvester and Janice newsletter, SCMA
Myers during a series of Newsnotes.
events, November 13-14. “S.C. Myers and
The Bluefield City Board Associates is a highly
presented a resolution, salut- respected firm because of its
ing the Myers’ commitment proven ability to get to the
to excellence and service, truth in disputes between
during the Board’s November architects, contractors, and
13 meeting, and the College the government,” noted
featured presentations by Mr. Frank Hart, Dean of BSC’s
and Mrs. Myers during an School of Engineering
“Executives-in-Residence” Technology and Computer
Pictured (foreground/left-to-right) at a Bluefield City Board meeting
program on its campus, Science. “Sy and Janice have
are Karen Harvey (BSC's Director/Institutional Advancement
November 14. and Planning), Mrs. Janice Myers, Mr. Sylvester Myers, and succeeded because they are
Their visit to the College Dr. Albert Walker (BSC President). committed to excellence in
included Mr. Myers’ presen- all that they do.”
tation to engineering technol- At the luncheon in
ogy students and Mrs. Myers’ presen- Bluefield State College alumnus is their honor, Mrs. Myers added, “The
tation to students from the School of still going strong. opportunity to share our story with
Business. At a midday luncheon in Mrs. Myers is an alumna of students at Bluefield State College is
their honor, the Myers received Antioch College in Washington, D.C., ‘icing on the cake’ for us. We want to
Bluefield State College medallions completing additional graduate work give back, share our personal experi-
from Dr. Albert Walker, BSC presi- in Public Administration at George ence and inspire others to achieve.”
dent. Washington University in Washington, Mr. Myers added, “My 45 year
Mr. Myers’ recently published D.C. career has been a joy. I would not
book, From Coal Fields, to Oil Fields While in Saudi Arabia, she take anything for our journey, the
and Beyond; A Life in Pursuits of All worked with the U.S.-Saudi Arabian challenges and the satisfaction. The
I Could Be, is an inspirational tale of Joint Economic Commission as key to my success was hard work, and
his rags to riches journey from a Senior Administrative Assistant to the today has been like a surprise birthday
childhood in a McDowell County coal Director. The Commission was estab- party for me.”
camp to the presidency of his interna- lished to promote programs of cooper-
tionally known construction cost-esti- ation between the countries in the
mating management firm with offices fields of industrialization, trade, man-
at four locations in the United States. power training, agriculture, science
In his book and during his comments and technology. It operated more than
at BSC, he told of his days in the seg- 20 U.S. Government projects with a
regated Army during the Korean War, $100 million annual budget. Mrs.
his work in the Army Corps of Myers worked in a coordinative
Engineers, and he detailed an opportu- capacity on a daily basis with senior
nity that took him to Saudi Arabia for U.S. and Saudi officials.
a construction project with the gov- In 1988, after Mrs. Myers
ernment there. That preparation, plus returned with her husband to the
his commitment to continuing his United States from the Middle East,
education, led him to start his own she co-founded S.C. Myers &
construction management and cost Associates, Inc. (SCMA) in
engineering company. At 75, the Washington, D.C. Currently, she pro- BSC Alumnus Sylvester Myers

4 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

Bluefield Consortium Professional Development Schools
Receives $50K Grant Award from WV Department of
Education & the Arts and the Benedum Foundation
A $50,000 grant award Elementary, Princeton Primary,
from the West Virginia and Bluefield Intermediate
Department of Education & the schools and BSC in the consor-
Arts and the Benedum tium.
Foundation will provide a valu- Brian Perkins, a faculty mem-
able and substantial boost to the ber at Bluewell Elementary
Bluefield Professional School, is the public schools’
Development Schools (PDS) chair of the consortium. Sandy
consortium. The Bluefield PDS Puckett, a retired school admin-
focuses upon enhancing the istrator, serves as the consor-
preparation of teacher education tium’s liaison, visiting each
candidates, strengthening school and sharing information
instructional services to stu- Representatives of Bluefield State College's partner
throughout the year.
dents, and providing collabora- schools in the Bluefield Professional Development “New leadership directed at
tive professional development Consortium were honored during a recent ceremony at making the most of PDS oppor-
activities. the College. They included (left-to-right) Todd tunities has led to the awareness
Browning (Bluefield Middle School), Ashley Pettus
“This grant is the largest of new possibilities, bringing
(Montcalm Elementary), Sharon Reed (Bluewell
award ever received by our Elementary), Elizabeth Hollifield (Princeton Primary), back energy and new ideas,”
PDS and will underwrite a vari- and Lori Comer (Whitethorn Primary) and BSC presi- Steenken explained. “The mis-
ety of initiatives involving dent Dr. Albert Walker (representatives of PDS partner sion of developing quality edu-
members of our consortium,” schools Montcalm High School and Bluefield cators is the focus through com-
Intermediate School were unable to attend).
observed Dr. Betsy Steenken, munication and increased
BSC Teacher Education understanding between BSC
Program Director and the School recently joined Whitethorn and its public school partners.
grant’s project director. Montcalm Primary, Bluefield Middle, Bluewell There is a renewed sense of collabora-
Elementary and Montcalm High tion and optimism.”

Board of Governors’ News

(continued from page 2)
Additionally, the Board and the
BSC community are extremely grate-
ful for the support of our legislative
representatives, state leadership, and
the Higher Education Policy
Commission. The collaborative ener-
gies of these individuals and groups
were invaluable in the decision to
award the College a special appropri-
ation that significantly offset funding
lost as an unintended consequence of
higher education legislation enacted a
few years ago.
On a more locally-focused front,
Bluefield State College’s continuing
enrollment growth is extremely
encouraging. Students and employers
are endorsing the College’s mission,
career-focused academic programs,
affordability, and commitment to edu-
cational excellence.
As we begin a new semester and
new year, it’s appropriate to salute
Bluefield State College’s rich heritage
as a Historically Black College. The
resiliency of the institution’s leader-
ship, students, employees, and sup-
porters during and following the years
of its establishment in 1895 are out-
standing profiles in courage. Black
History Month activities at the
College in February will give all of us
a time for reflection as we honor lead-
ers--both nationally and locally--for
their spirit of strength and sacrifice.
Finally, on behalf of the Board of
Governors, I encourage each of you to
support your College with your input,
insight, and resources. We wish each
of you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling
new year.

BLUE AND GOLD JANUARY 2008 5

Aaron Saunders Credits BSC for Helping Him
Enjoy Successful Career
Aaron Saunders
Bluefield State College
Alumnus, Class of 1976
Aaron Saunders has never met a
stranger. His outgoing manner and
genuine interest in the “sales” dynam-
ic, along with the work ethic he
learned at home, have helped the
friendly Bluefield State College grad
enjoy a successful career as an entre-
preneur, corporate executive, bank
board chairman, and commercial real
estate owner/broker.
After graduating from Graham
High School in 1972, he chose
Bluefield State College to continue
his education. “My parents, siblings,
and uncles attended BSC, and my
mother worked at the College,” he
recounted. “Bluefield State let me
stay close to home. The tuition was
affordable, and it was a good fit for a
small town guy like me.”
He enrolled in the teacher educa-
tion program and was proceeding
toward his degree when a conversa-
tion with former Dean of Career
Development and Placement Wanda
Moore led to a shift in his career path.
“Dean Moore saw me on campus one
day and mentioned that Carter
Machinery in Bluefield was looking
for a part-time employee,” he said. “I
applied for the position and was hired
as a warehouse employee.” This
spurred his interest in business, and
when he met a Carter Machinery
salesman, he decided to take more
business courses at BSC.
6 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD
“I arranged my academic schedule
so I could complete my classes by
noon,” he continued. “I continued to
work at Carter Machinery even after I
got my bachelor’s degree in 1976 and
learned a tremendous amount during
my time there.”
Aaron’s love of tennis also helped
open doors in the business arena. “I
began playing tennis when I was in
high school and spent a lot of time at
the Bluefield city tennis courts,” he
added. “I met several individuals who
were doctors, lawyers, and business
leaders.” One of those men, “Spud”
Hancock, became Aaron’s tennis dou-
bles partner. Spud was also the
regional sales manager for Parker-
Hannifin (a world leader in the manu-
facture of motion and control tech-
nologies and systems). “At the
Bluefield Coal Show, he introduced
me to Bill Eaton, Parker-Hannifin’s
regional sales manager, who invited
me to travel to Greensboro, North
Carolina for a job interview. Just a
few moments after I had returned to
Bluefield following the interview, Mr.
Eaton called and said, Don’t take
another job. We want to hire you.”
As a salesman, Aaron followed Spud
Hancock into his sales territory, learn-
ing more about the sales dynamic
with each call. Locally, investment
counselor Ron Campbell also served
as a mentor for the rising young exec-
utive.
In 1987, Aaron’s climb up the
corporate ladder accelerated. “I was
promoted by Parker-Hannifin and
moved to Greensboro, then received
five promotions in six years, moving
to Minneapolis, then to California,”
he continued. “When the opportunity
arose to buy a Parker-Hannifin distrib-
utorship in Phoenix, I decided to pur-
chase it.” He owned and operated the
distributorship for 12 years.
He agreed to serve on the Arizona
Governor’s Small Business Council
and he joined the “Phoenix 100”
Rotary Club, whose membership
included former US presidential nom-
inee Barry Goldwater and US
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day
O’Connor.
At that time, he decided to expand
his business interests to include real
estate and banking. “I understood the
importance of diversification in edu-
cation and business,” he said,
“because it provides protection and
the concurrent opportunity for growth
in a variety of areas. I could also look
for synergies among my ventures.” He
joined the Board of Directors of
Valley Bank (Arizona) and soon
worked with the bank’s chief financial
officer and chief executive officer to
start Gold Canyon Bank. “There were
similarities in all of my activities--
each involved a balance sheet and
‘profit-and-loss’ statement, he
explained. “Each included the sales
dynamic in some fashion. I had
always enjoyed being in a setting at a
plant or business, asking questions,
learning what the owner/operator
wants and needs. Frank Sinatra once
said, of himself, ‘I’m an old saloon
singer.’ Well, I’m an old peddler. In
everything I’ve done over the past 30
years, I have always relied on listen-
ing, learning, and selling.”
His diversified portfolio now
includes operations in distribution and
finance, real estate, hydraulic pneu-
matic manufacture, and marketing.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to study
successful people and learn what has
made them successful. My goal has
been to use what I have learned,” he
added.
(continued on page 12)
In Memoriam
Dr. William Brothers, who retired from Bluefield State College as Vice President and
Dean of Students in 1988, died during holiday season. He served BSC for 22 years,
coming to the College in 1966. He was appointed to the position of Interim President of
BSC in 1978. During his years at the College, he was also the Registrar and Director of
Admissions. His career in education also included eight years as a teacher in Roanoke
Virginia and several years as a teacher and administrator in Tazewell County, Virginia.
Dr. William Brothers

Dr. Patricia Mulvey, a member of the BSC faculty for more than 28 years, passed away
just before Christmas. Dr. Mulvey, a Professor of History, was a very active campus and
community volunteer and she served as a co-sponsor of the Bluefield State College chap-
ter of Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences. She also partici-
pated in several Faculty Development of Curriculum in International Studies (FACDIS)
conferences.
Dr. Patricia Mulvey

Elizabeth “Betty” Robertson, who was awarded “Faculty Emeritus” status at Bluefield
State College in 1975, also died in December, 2007. She was a recipient of the Town of
Athens, West Virginia’s “Elder Citizen Award.” She was a Mercer County public school
teacher for many years, teaching a night class at Bluefield State College in 1967 when
she accepted a fulltime faculty position at the College. She continued to serve after her
retirement as a teacher in the first Developmental Learning Laboratory at BSC in 1971.
Elizabeth Robertson

Bluefield State College

Speakers Bureau
The Bluefield State College Speakers Bureau was created to be a resource for civic, non-profit, educational, and
service organizations across West Virginia. Respected speakers from a variety of fields are available to deliver presen-
tations on a wide range of interesting topics, including, but not limited to:
Homeland Security American Presidents
Theatre and Storytelling Ancient Art
Social Capital Mining
Criminal Justice & Corrections Arts in Education
Women's Issues Fishing
Planned Giving Information Literacy
International Topics BSC Research & Development Corporation
High Energy Physics Competing in Today's Job Market
Marketing
The Speakers Bureau is an excellent and easy way to provide programs of substance, offering relevant learning
opportunities. Presentations are designed to inform and stimulate audiences in an entertaining and educational man-
ner. More information is available on the Bluefield State College website at www.bluefieldstate.edu

BLUE AND GOLD JANUARY 2008 7

Spotlight on the Bluefield State College
School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science
by Frank Hart, Dean
Frank Hart
Dean, School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science
LEADING CHANGE -
GIVING BACK
Our graduates are educated and
prepared to continue to learn and con-
tribute to the economy. They are pre-
pared to lead change and to give back.
We help define change. We must
change how we give back. When col-
lege rankings are presented, one
measure of quality is the percentage
of alumni who give back to the col-
lege.
Feedback from ET and CS gradu-
ates is important in shaping our cur-
ricula. Collectively, our grads
describe work and life conditions our
students will encounter.
We live in an information world.
The pace of change in increasing.
We must change.
Change will not be easy.
Globalization will not stop.
Technology will not slow down.
We must be associated with risk.
Giving back makes us better and
opens doors for others.
Education in Engineering
Technology and Computer Science
will create value and add to the
economy.
Employers appreciate the work
ethic of BSC graduates. This work
ethic is required for industry to com-
pete in this global economy. Our top
notch faculty members enjoy an aver-
8 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD
age of ten years of industrial experi-
ence; good work ethic is an expecta-
tion of students with this faculty. This
work ethic attribute leads to our grad-
uates accepting responsibility, accept-
ing change, and being competitive in
the work place. Our graduates add
value to the industry, to the economy,
and to the quality of life of others.
Our ET and CS programs have
long enjoyed external recognition by
industry. We have not enjoyed a simi-
lar level of financial recognition
through state appropriations. We are
not competitive when attempting to
recruit replacement faculty for our
programs. We are not competitive
with funding for student activities.
However, our students have a record
of success when competing with peers
from other institutions. It is difficult
to measure the value added in these
events, but often these type experi-
ences add more than just the knowl-
edge acquired from taking another
course. We desire to build the lead on
our competitors (other ET and CS
programs), then let them catch up,
then build the lead again. Industry
must do this; we must too.
Although the State of West
Virginia provides funding to Bluefield
State, that funding represents approxi-
mately 25 percent of the college
budget. Shortfalls in budget have
impacted the School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science.
Based on FY 2008 appropriations, the
average state appropriation per FTE at
public baccalaureate institutions in
West Virginia (excluding WVU and
Marshall) was $5,010; the state appro-
priation for BSC was $3,619/per FTE.
This shortfall places our students at a
disadvantage. In-kind contributions
from industry over a sustained period
of time have really made a difference
for our programs. Sustained support
(giving) from our ET and CS alumni
can make opportunities happen.
To continue the quality of educa-
tion our graduates have enjoyed, your
financial support is needed. The
School needs donations to create stu-
dent scholarships, to fund student
projects and professional develop-
ment, to recruit the best students, and
to endow new professorships. These
donations come primarily from alum-
ni, industry and friends of the
College. Several industries match
your donations.
Your contribution means the dif-
ference between our students receiv-
ing an education that is adequate and
one that is outstanding. It is impor-
tant that our graduates give back, or
“pass it on” to the next generation of
students. Your support is needed now
more than ever to sustain our progress
and improve program offering to stu-
dents.
Karen Harvey is our new Director
of Institutional Advancement, and she
is interested in reaching you. You can
make a pledge or make a payment on
an existing pledge or request informa-
tion on donating gifts by visiting the
webpage: http://www.bluefield
state.edu/Advancement/give.htm.
Donors can click on the icon on this
page and make their gift via PayPal or
any variety of credit cards and can
designate the School/program/purpose
for which they want to designate their
donation.
Time passes. We lose touch with
our BSC family. Reconnect with us
by emailing frankh@bluefieldstate.
edu or other faculty members. The
School of Engineering Technology
and Computer Science is doing well.
Help us recruit the best students.
“Crow” about your education.
Continue hiring our grads. Give back.
From the Office of Institutional Advancement
by Karen Harvey
Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional Advancement
I’d like to encourage all alumni
and friends to consider making a gift
that will make a difference in the lives
of our students. We’ve made it easier
than ever with the recent introduction
of online giving. Visit the Advance-
ment web page at http://www.blue
fieldstate.edu/Advancement/index.htm
and just click the “Make a Donation”
button. A gift of any amount will be
appreciated.
Fans of eBay and internet shop-
ping will recognize the link to PayPal,
which makes online transactions
secure and simple. Those who already
have PayPal accounts know the ropes;
those who don’t will find clear
instructions. All can be assured that
their financial information remains
confidential - we only receive the gift,
not the details of the checking or
credit card account. Donors who
choose to give this way don’t even
have to establish PayPal accounts to
make their gifts, although that option
is available.
Donors can designate a gift to a
particular School, scholarship fund, or
other use by specifying that in the
“Item” box that appears in the first
screen. Unrestricted gifts are especial-
ly welcome, too, as those funds can
be used to meet emergencies, unex-
pected opportunities or obligations, or
needs for which there are no dedicat-
ed funds. An unrestricted gift can be
made by writing “Annual Fund” in
the “Item” box on the PayPal screen.
Please be sure to complete the address
information so that we can express
our thanks and send a receipt for tax
records.
We’d like to hear donors’ feed-
back on how this option works, too.
Please send a note to me at
kharvey@bluefieldstate.edu or call
304-327-4031. Thank you!

CONSOL, Inc. Presents $25,000 Scholarship Donation to BSC

Mining Engineering Technology Program
CONSOL, Inc. program on a continuing
recently made a $25,000 basis. This most recent gift
donation in support of brings to more than
Bluefield State College’s $250,000 the total amount
mining engineering tech- of CONSOL’s contribu-
nology program. Gerald tions to the program.
Kowzan, CONSOL’s Nearly 100 BSC students
Manager of Human have benefited from
Resources, made the CONSOL’s scholarship
presentation to Dr. Albert support over the past 27
Walker, BSC President, years, and more than 60
Roger Owensby, BSC BSC graduates have
Department Chair of accepted employment with
Mining Engineering CONSOL.
Technology, Frank Hart, CONSOL, Inc. recently made a $25,000 donation in support of Bluefield CONSOL also makes
Dean/BSC School of State College’s mining engineering technology program. Pictured (left-to- available special scholar-
Engineering Technology right) during a brief ceremony at the College when the CONSOL gift was ships for minorities and
and Computer Science, received are: Roger Owensby, BSC’s Department Chair of Mining women. These scholar-
Engineering Technology, Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President, Gerald
and Dr. Don Smith, BSC Kowzan, CONSOL’s Manager of Human Resources, and Dr. Don Smith, ships are granted individu-
Vice President, BSC Vice President, Academic Affairs/Provost. ally as students are recruit-
Academic Affairs/ ed and choose careers in
Provost, during a brief Since 1980, CONSOL has supported the mining industry.
ceremony at the College. BSC’s mining engineering technology

BLUE AND GOLD JANUARY 2008 9

Bluefield State College’s
Musical Heritage
Harlem Renaissance composer Maceo Pinkard was born in Bluefield, WV in 1897, attending classes at Bluefield
Colored Institute (which was subsequently renamed “Bluefield State College”) in the “19-teens.” After moving to
New York City, his “Oh, You Darktown Regimental Band” was published in 1920 by the first Black-owned music
publishing company, Pace and Handy. Among his most famous compositions are “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Them
There Eyes,” and “Sugar.” In 1926, he became one of the first composers to join the American Society of Composers,
Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
Teddy Weatherford, according to “Answers.com,” was “one of the greatest jazz pianists that no one has ever
heard of.” He was born in Pocahontas, Virginia and raised in Bluefield, West Virginia, attending Bluefield Colored
Institute in the early 1900s. Weatherford learned to play the piano in New Orleans and soon became an impressive
virtuoso. In Chicago, he worked with several top jazz orchestras, including those led by Jimmie Wade and Erskine
Tate (during the same time that Louis Armstrong was also a member of Tate’s Vendrome Orchestra. He spent most of
the remainder of his life in Asia (leading a band at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay), dying in India at age 41.
The legendary Duke Ellington appeared in concert on two occasions in Bluefield. In April, 1955, the Alpha Zeta
Lambda Chapter of Alphi Phi Alpha fraternity brought Ellington and his band to the city to entertain more than 500
guests. According to the New York Amsterdam News, it was noted that guests traveled from as far away as New
Jersey and Tennessee to attend the event. The concert took place on Ellington’s birthday, so his fraternity brothers
rolled out a cake and wished him a “happy birthday.” In 1966, he returned to Bluefield to perform at the City
Auditorium. On this occasion, a capacity audience of more than 1600 turned out for the program.
Eugene Wayman Jones, a Bluefield State Teachers College graduate (Class of 1938) wrote the lyrics to the
“Bluefield State College Hymn.” He later became head of the Department of Social Sciences, Monongalia High
School. His “A Cappella Choir” from Monongalia HS entertained at the White House. He founded the Philadelphia
Cotillion Society and Guild in 1949.
Dr. Cortez Reese, a music professor at Bluefield State College (1947-1972), also directed the BSC choir. His col-
lection of wire audio recordings from southern West Virginia included numerous African American folk music and
spiritual songs. A CD, “Work and Pray,” includes vocals by former BSC President Dr. Henry Lake Dickason, alumna
Memphis T. Garrison, and school physician Dr. P.R. Higginbotham. His 1000-page doctoral dissertation (University
of Southern California, 1955) includes songs collected by alumnus Dr. Louis Aikens and former BSC librarian Alberta
Calvin. The Reese collection also included railroad songs that helped to make the laborious work on the railroad more
tolerable.

Bluefield State College Bluefield State College

Community Choir Jazz Ensemble

10 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC Receives Social Justice Grant Award
from WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Dr. Sapphire Cureg
Director of Multicultural Affairs
The coordinated effort to promote
understanding of, and respect for,
diversity at Bluefield State College
received a momentum-creating boost
recently. The West Virginia Higher
Education Policy Commission
(HEPC) announced its decision to
award a $9600 Social Justice
BSC Delegation Attends "Association for the Study of African
American Life & History" Conference in Charlotte
Dr. John Hope Franklin
was honored at the
ASALH conference.
A three-member delegation,
including students from the Bluefield
State College chapter of the
Association for the Study of African
American Life and History (ASALH)
participated in the recent ASALH
national conference in Charlotte,
North Carolina. The five-day confer-
ence, whose theme was “From
Slavery to Freedom--Africans in the
Initiatives grant to the College.
Dr. Sapphire Cureg, BSC’s
Director of Multicultural Affairs,
wrote and submitted the grant. “This
grant will help to underwrite the plan-
ning, programming, and enacting of
diversity initiatives and multicultural
learning experiences during the cur-
rent academic year,” she said. The
plan includes providing students,
employees and the community-at-
large with access to systematic and
formal cross-racial and cultural oppor-
tunities that include training, lectures,
seminars, and workshops.
“We will celebrate eight ‘Heritage
Month Remembrances,’ partner with
two area middle schools, conduct a
‘Community Cross-Cultural
Americas,” included a variety of ini-
tiatives designed to promote, research,
preserve, interpret, and disseminate
information about Black life, history,
and culture to the global community.
BSC students Marviene Johnson
and Mychal Guyton, and BSC
Program Manager Terry Thompson
took part in the activities, including
the African American Heritage Tour
of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the
annual ASALH banquet, honoring Dr.
John Hope Franklin, the James B.
Duke Professor Emeritus of History at
Duke University. ASALH is the old-
est organization in the world dedicat-
ed to the study and promotion of
Black history.
“The most memorable part of the
trip, for me, was meeting Dr.
Franklin,” Guyton said. “His impact
upon American and African American
history is well documented. Just
BLUE AND GOLD
Education Day,’ work with faculty to
integrate the themes of multicultural-
ism and/or diversity into their offer-
ings, and provide on-campus cultural
sensitivity training,” Cureg added.
“We are grateful for the support
of the Higher Education Policy
Commission, and we are confident
that their investment in these initia-
tives will cultivate a greater apprecia-
tion for diversity and multiculturalism
at Bluefield State College,” she stated.
Additional information regarding
the activities of the BSC Office of
Multicultural Affairs can be obtained
by contacting Dr. Cureg by phone
304-327-4512 or by e-mail
scureg@bluefieldstate.edu.
being in his presence was motivating
and inspiring. I realized during our
conversation that I was talking to
‘living history.’”
“I was inspired during this con-
vention to encourage young people to
seek higher education,” Johnson
added. “I left the meeting proud to be
a member of such a wonderful organi-
zation. I am grateful for our ASALH
chapter at Bluefield State College and
Dr. Howard Wade (BSC Associate
Professor of History and BSC
ASALH chapter president) for making
it possible for me to experience an
unforgettable event.”
“I have never attended a confer-
ence that brought together such a
diverse group of people from all over
the country,” Thompson noted. “The
recognition extended to Dr. Franklin
during the closing banquet was very
richly deserved.”
JANUARY 2008 11
BSC Alumni Association Scholarship Recipients Honored
The Bluefield State College Alumni Association has
presented scholarships to 15 BSC students for the 2007-08
year. They include (front row, left-to-right) Adizatou
Maiga, Stacy Nicholson, Shawnta Ware, Ashley Collins,
and BSCAA scholarship committee member Velma
Bradshaw; (second row, left-to-right) Howard Costen, Eva
Grose, Olusolape Adenupe, Saul Sarr, Catrice Robinson,
and BSCAA scholarship committee chairman Ergie Smith,
and; (third row, left-to-right) BSC scholarship committee
member Thomas Mack, and scholarship recipients
Edmond Smith and Sasha Simmons.
Not pictured are BSCAA scholarship recipients Rachel
Ellis, Erik Guyton, Marviene Johnson, Abdul Nasiru and
committee members Ora Johnson, Virginia Hebert, and
Sue Guyton.

Save the Date!

BSCAA Reunion
July 24 - 27, 2008
Columbus, Ohio

More information coming soon!

BSCAA Cruise Aaron Saunders feature

The Columbus, Ohio chapter of the BSC Alumni (continued from page 6)
Association presents the “Egypt and Eastern He is now moving toward establishing a business base
Mediterranean Cruise” with Royal Caribbean Cruise in the Bluefield area. “I love this region,” he said.
Lines, 12 days/11 nights, April 20, 2009. An initial “There’s such a willingness to work among the people
deposit of $550 for double, $1,100 for single, is required here and, with the right opportunities available, the area
on or before February 22, 2008 to secure reservations, can thrive again. Bluefield State College can, and should,
with the final balance due on or before January 12, 2009. play a primary role in the process.”
Rates (Inside Cabin--$3,035, Outside Cabin--$3,425, and
Balcony Cabin--$3,805) are per person and include
cruise, port charges, airfare from Columbus, Ohio, gov-
ernment fees, taxes and transfers. Passport required.
For more information, please contact Mildred
Washington at 614-837-6632.

12 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

From the Desk of Joseph F. Lewis
President, Bluefield State College Alumni Association, Inc.
When you read this article, hopefully, each of you will have had a wonderful
Thanksgiving Holiday and Christmas and can look forward to a Happy and Prosperous New
Year. There were probably as many things and as many ways for giving thanks as there are
alumni, and I pray that each of those included life, hope, and prosperity.
With life and a lot of other blessings in this festive time of year, I am thankful to
Bluefield State College for allowing me the privilege of becoming one of its students. Many
students with no other college opportunity available were given work scholarships and other
aid to attend Bluefield State. A number of these individuals have gone on to make outstand-
ing contributions to this nation and carry on the name and tradition of Bluefield State
Joseph F. Lewis
BSCAA President
College.
The College must continue to be vested deep in its historic tradition in order to pro-
vide hope and prosperity to individuals with less access to the American dream. In my view, the task for the college
and city in the next decade is to develop a coalition to return the city and the college to their original prominence. In
1952 when I enrolled in the college, the downtown area was buzzing with shops, restaurants, hotels, movie houses and
other business ventures. The college atmosphere was a wonder to behold and afforded the students an opportunity for
learning and socialization on par with all the other institutions of higher learning. Now that the downtown buzzing and
the campus atmosphere are gone, the college and the city can work together to rectify the situation.
A partnership between the city and college in the future would provide economic strength and attractiveness with
the potential to provide a bonanza of growth and development for the college, city, and the state. Given the historical
role the normal school (which became Bluefield State College) played in the developmental history of West Virginia,
the state must also exercise its responsibility to preserve the history of the state. When great minds work together,
amazing things are accomplished, and I look forward to experiencing the emotions of the results. May the spirit of the
season bring you peace and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Joseph F. Lewis
President

Attention Graduates
Now is the time to join the Bluefield State College Alumni Association. Annual dues are $30 and Life
Membership is $300. Please complete the information below, detach, make checks payable to BSCAA and
mail to:
Mildred Washington, Chairperson
 450 W. Columbus St.
Pickerington, OH 43147

Name Class of

Address

Telephone

E-mail

BLUE AND GOLD JANUARY 2008 13

BSC’s Faculty and Staff Accomplishments
Dr. Tom Blevins, (BSC Class of accreditation committee activities Kirby, have announced the birth of
1971) Dean of the Virtual College and with NCATE. Blevins has also chaired their daughter, Jacqueline Faith, born
Technology/Dean of the School of the Technology Committee efforts this October 1, 2007.
Education, took part in several higher summer to finalize technology orders David Sexton, (BSC Class of
education-related initiatives through- and installations for the new Erma 1988) database administrator, and his
out the summer. In June, he partici- Byrd Higher Education Center located wife Kim have announced the birth of
pated in the National Council for in Beaver, West Virginia. their daughter, Aurora Briar, born
Accreditation of Teacher Education Marcy East, Bluefield campus December 14.
(NCATE) Board of Examiners (BoE) bookstore assistant, married Jeff Dr. Michael Smith’s recently
Chair Refresher Course and he served Swecker on September 1, 2007. published book, Fishing Virginia’s
as a Consultant-Evaluator/Peer The artwork of Allen Jonas, a Highlands, is now available. Smith,
Reviewer for the Higher Learning former Bluefield State College art Associate Professor of English, has
Commission of the North Central professor who retired in 1994, was also written books that serve as an
Association of Colleges and Schools’ displayed at two major art exhibits in angler’s guide for regions that include
focused visit to Tiffin University, West Virginia--the “Exhibition 280” at the Roanoke Valley, New River
Ohio, to approve six new online the Huntington Museum of Art, and Valley, Shenandoah Valley and
degree programs. In July, Blevins “Life Size,” at the Art Store in Greenbrier Valley.
attended the BlackBoard conference Charleston. Two of Jonas’ works, Dr. Jim Voelker, Associate
in Boston, Massachusetts and he par- “Last Chance,” and “The Sky is Professor of Political Science, was
ticipated in the Association for Falling,” were included in Exhibition among 20 faculty members selected
Educational Communications and 280, a juried art show that started in nation wide to participate in the U.S.
Technology (AECT) Summer 1953. Institute of Peace 2007 College and
Leadership Executive Board meeting, Carolyn Kirby, Student Services University Faculty Seminar, July 10-
delivering a presentation on AECT Specialist, and her husband, Doug 15, at the Institute headquarters in
Washington, D.C. The U.S. Institute
of Peace is an independent,
Three Veteran Employees Retire Congressionally-funded organization
with the unique mission of nonparti-
san research, innovative educational
programming, and direct peace build-
ing efforts around the world. The
purpose of the faculty seminar was to
increase participants’ knowledge of
global conflicts and to help them inte-
grate peace study concerns into their
Lois Brown Hilda Cochran Rita Hill courses and programs of study.
Accounting Clerk III Information Systems Professor of English Earlier last summer, Dr. Voelker was
Specialist named 2007 Educator of the Year by
the Bluefield, Virginia Rotary Club
Bluefield State College recently honored three retirees whose careers for his work coordinating a number of
included a combined 80 years’ service to the College. They were Rita Hill literacy education projects sponsored
(English Professor), Lois Brown (Accounting Clerk III), and Hilda Cochran by the Rotary Club locally.
(Information Systems Specialist).
Hill joined the BSC faculty in 1966 and was once the chair of the for-
mer Department of Humanities. Brown was a College employee for 20 Check out the
years and Cochran for 18 years. Both are Bluefield State College graduates.
“Each of these retirees served the College with distinction and a com- BSC website
mitment to excellence,” noted Dr. Albert Walker, BSC’s president. “We
wish them continued success and fulfillment in their retirement.”
at
www.bluefieldstate.edu

14 JANUARY 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

Alumni Updates
Alumni Updates
Requested
If you have received awards, pro-
motions, accomplishments, recog-
nition, have married or recently
welcomed an addition to your
family, please let us know. Mail
your news to:
Karen Gordon
Bluefield State College
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
or FAX to 304-327-4581or e-mail
kgordon@bluefieldstate.edu
1980s
H. Todd Comer (1989) has been
appointed Facility Manager for Progress
Rail Services at Raceland Car Shop,
Raceland, Kentucky.
Susan
England-Lord,
Assistant Professor
of WVU Extension
for Wyoming
County was hon-
ored at the
National
Association of Extension 4-H Agents
conference in Atlanta, Georgia, October
21-25, 2007. She received a National
25-year Service Award at a banquet on
October 25. This award is presented to
an NAE4-HA member with 25 years of
service to Extension youth programming.
The 25 Years of Service award is based
on work with professional associations
and Extension committees, professional
improvement, professional accomplish-
ments, personal interests, and communi-
ty contributions.
Stacy Fowler (1989) received his
master of science degree in civil engi-
neering from the University of Central
Florida in May, 2007.
Craig Havens (1981) is the boys
head basketball coach at Bluefield High
School.
Christopher P. Jackson (1985) is
the Senior Pastor of the Simpsonville
First Free Will Baptist Church.
1990s
Andy Babish (1995), PE, is the
State Materials Engineer for the Virginia
Department of Transportation.
Steve Belcher (1999) graduated
from the West
Virginia School of
Osteopathic
Medicine with the
degree of Doctor of
Osteopathic
Medicine, May
2007.
Scott Graves, Ph.D. (1998) has
accepted a position at Bowling Green
State University as an Assistant
Professor of School Psychology.
Eric Hontz (1997) and his wife
Amy have announced the birth of their
second child, Camden, born on February
24, 2007. Eric is currently employed by
Inquiries Incorporated (a pre-employ-
ment and background investigation firm)
as a Compliance and On-Line
Investigations Manager.
Charlene Lawson (1993) received a
Masters of Arts in Mathematics degree
from the University of Virginia on
August 18, 2007. She is a teacher at
Galax High School in Galax, Virginia.
Kevin Long (1999) and his wife,
Shannon, announce the birth of their
daughter, Alexa Rebekah, born October
1, 2007. He is employed as an applica-
tion specialist with Konica Minolta
Business Solutions in Greensboro, North
Carolina.
Julie Anne Mandeville (1998) mar-
ried Christopher S.
Fleming on
October 6, 2007.
She is employed as
a case manager for
the law firm of
Phillips & Webster,
Seattle,
Washington.
Charity McDaniel (1992) graduat-
ed with a Master’s degree in Educational
Leadership and Policy Studies from
Virginia Tech. She is the assistant prin-
cipal at Richlands Middle School.
Micheal Proffitt (1995) was elected
for a third consecutive year as
Secretary/Treasurer for The Mercer
BLUE AND GOLD
County Fireman’s Association. He is also
a 25 year veteran of the Bramwell
Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a
1st Lieutenant and a telecommunicator
with the Mercer County E911 in
Princeton, West Virginia.
2000s
Heather Meadows Clay (2004) is
an Associate Applications Developer
Analyst at Chesapeake Energy’s Eastern
Division Headquarters, in Charleston,
West Virginia. She is currently pursuing
a Master of Science degree in Software
Engineering from West Virginia
University.
Adam Culver (2002) and his wife
Jessi have announced the birth of their
son, Kyle Julian, born on December 14.
Kenneth Fain (2001) is a Civil
Designer II for ColeJenest & Stone, P.A.
in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lisa Fenton (2006) is the Executive
Office Manager and Human Resource
Manager for Singer Associates Fire
Equipment in Manassas, Virginia.
Kim Gammon Graves (2000) is
employed as a Registered Nurse at St.
Vincent Children’s hospital in Toledo,
Ohio.
Kellie Jo Guella (2002) is
employed with the Social Security
Administration. She married Brian
Blankenship July 22, 2006.
Kory Hedrick (2007) is a Civil
Designer I for ColeJenest & Stone, P.A.
in Charlotte, North Carolina in the
Healthcare division.
Robin (Boothe) Johnson (2006)
and Kerry Jay Johnson (2004) have
announced the birth of their son, Tanner
Kerry Johnson, born October 20, 2007.
Jennifer Rose Kennedy-Brown
(2000) and Michael Brown (2001) have
announced the birth of their son, Jacob
Michael Brown, born September 6,
2007.
W. Larry Lockhart, Jr. (2000) has
been promoted to Project Manager of the
Healthcare division for ColeJenest &
Stone, P.A. in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He passed the Principals and Practice
Examination in April 2007 as a
Registered Professional Engineer.
(continued on page 16)
JANUARY 2008 15
Alumni Updates
continued from page 15
Carolyn Bridgett Morrison (2001) 6 multi-subject certification. She received Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic
graduated from the a masters degree in Reading from Sciences from Florida Hospital College of
West Virginia Marshall University in 2006, PreK-Adult. Health Sciences on August 16, 2007. She
School of She is a reading specialist in McDowell is employed by Carillon New River
Osteopathic County at Fall River Elementary. Valley Medical Center in Radford,
Medicine with the Hayley E. Shaffer (2003) received a Virginia.
degree of Doctor of
Osteopathic
Medicine, May, In Memoriam
2007. BSC Students and Alumni
Feleesha Nester, (2005) married
Corey D. Allison, Sr. Florestine Holland
Patrick Moran on April 29, 2007. She is
Langston (Butch) Bowles, Jr. Floyd Lacy Jackson
employed as a paralegal for Kathryn
Bishop Harold D. Beaver William “Specks” Johnson
Bayless in Princeton, West Virginia and
Ronald “RB” Bompus McDaniel Marsh
was selected for inclusion in Madison’s
Cuyla Sword Brown Ruth Vance Patterson
Who’s Who of Professionals, having
Thomas James Burton William B. Patterson
demonstrated exemplary achievement and
Linda Chambers Thomas W. Robertson
distinguished contributions to the business
Bertha Branch Mitchell Davis Alice Tyson Scruggs
community, 2007-2008.
Aldie Delp Joseph Fitzgerald Street, Sr.
Amy Hillary Oliver (2001) recently
Peggy Morgan Green Earl Joseph Williams
earned certification in Multi-categorical
James Scott Herndon Harriette S. Wright
education for LD, BD, and MI. She also
Juanita Hogan Hill
has Social Studies 5-9 and Elementary K-

STD MAIL A
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #139
219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701 Bluefield, WV 24701

Address Service Requested

Give Online!

Now you can make a gift

and make a difference
through BSC's website:

www.bluefieldstate.edu/
Advancement/index.htm