Blue Gold

Volume XIII
and
Augu
August
No. 2 2008

BSC’s 2008 IGVC

World Champions
 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 AUGUST 2008 BLUE AND GOLD
A Message from the President
The conclusion of an academic year is a particu-
larly exciting time in higher education. During the past
few weeks, the pace of things picked up noticeably
around the Bluefield State College campus. The tapestry
of these activities helped to remind us of what a great
institution we share.
Students wrapped up their studies, delivered some
outstanding presentations, attended and received recog-
nition at awards programs, and prepared for semester
Dr. Albert L. Walker exams. Alumni returned to their alma mater, members
President
of the class of 2008 celebrated their graduation, and
embarked upon an exciting new chapter in their lives.
As Dr. Brian Noland delivered the College’s commencement address, I took a
moment to look into the audience. I saw proud parents, spouses, relatives, and
friends. I saw our dedicated faculty and staff, and I saw Bluefield State College’s
tradition of excellence as it was embodied in the members of the Class of 1958
who had returned to celebrate the golden anniversary of their commencement pro-
gram.
Just as importantly, I saw promise and confidence. It was in the eyes of each
new graduate. Bluefield State College had filled an invaluable role in their lives,
preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that they would encounter. By
“making education possible” for these students, our College continued to fulfill its
very noble purpose.
Board of Governors’ News
by James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair
With the conclusion of another academic year, the
Bluefield State College Board of Governors salutes the
College, its graduating Class of 2008, its alumni, and its
employees for their collective success in “making educa-
tion possible.”
Your Board of Governors is composed of 12 tal-
ented individuals, actively engaged in the governance of
the institution. Our meetings include an emphasis upon
performance, vision, and direction. Our membership is
James J. Palmer, III
Chair diverse and we devote serious consideration to varied
points of view. Meetings often feature spirited discus-
sions as we encourage input from the College and community.
Recently, we said farewell to three Board members, Ms. Anne Crowe and Mr.
Jeffrey Forlines, whose appointed terms ended on June 30, and Ms. Ashley Froy,
whose elected term as the College’s student representative also ended on the same
date. Each has served the Board with distinction, and we gratefully acknowledge
their investment of time and talent as Board members.
The fiscal year ending this June was marked by achievement. The College
received a much appreciated increase in state appropriations. A vitally important
institutional strategic plan, charting Bluefield State College’s direction, is being
developed. Finally, several talented individuals continue to achieve regional,
national, and international acclaim for their success in research and grantsmanship.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to serving you in the years
to come.
Nearly 350 Degrees Awarded During
BSC’s 2008 Commencement
Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor
WV Higher Education
Policy Commission
Nearly 350 degrees were con-
ferred during Bluefield State
College’s 110th commencement exer-
cises at the Brushfork Armory, May
10. Approximately 3400 people
attended the program.
Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor/
West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission provided the
keynote address. He challenged and
encouraged the Class of 2008. “Tell
others how you were able to achieve
your dream,” he said. “Find ways to
give back and improve the lives of
others. In the process, you will enrich
your life, as well.”
The audience of family members
and friends of graduates and commu-
BSC Class of 1958, seated: Ernest E. Smith, Sr., James H. Foote,
Deloris G. Carter, Marva A. Moore and Lois H. Johnson; standing:
Azell B. Gittens, George N. Bowman, Amrizene C. Harris, Clark G.
Burnette and Harold G. Banks.
Sandra L. Payne
BSC Foundation Outstanding
Faculty Award
nity residents also received greetings
from Bluefield State College
President Dr. Albert Walker, BSC
Board of Governors’ chair The
Reverend James Palmer, BSC Alumni
Association President Dr. Joseph F.
Lewis, BSC Student Government
President Chris Majors, Faculty
Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich,
and Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.
Natasha Lee McMann (Bachelor’s
degree in Social Science) of
Marlinton, West Virginia was the
Class of 2008 valedictorian and
Tammy Marie Blankenship
(Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration) of Princeton, West
Virginia was the salutatorian.
Gene Whitlow
Brian Delp Service
Leadership Award
Sandra L. Payne, Assistant
Professor of Nursing, was named the
“Bluefield State College Foundation
Outstanding Faculty Award” recipient
for 2008, and BSC senior Gene
Whitlow was selected to receive the
“Brian Delp Service Leadership
Award.”
Ten members of the BSC Class of
1958 returned to their alma mater to
participate in the program on the
golden anniversary of their gradua-
tion. BSC Alumni Association
President Dr. Joseph Lewis also
administered the alumni oath to all
members of the graduating class of
2008.
Cover --This Bluefield State College
student team won the world champi-
onship in “Intelligent Ground Vehicle
Competition (IGVC) Autonomous
Challenge" at the recent IGVC event
at Oakland University, Michigan.
Pictured (left-to-right) are Dr. Bob
Riggins (BSC Professor of Electrical
Engineering Technology) and team
members Justin Milam (with mask),
Justin Stiltner, Bryan Lemon, James
Cardwell, Robert Riggins (a Virginia
Tech student and son of Dr. Bob
Riggins), and Brad Fields.
Additional team members not pic-
tured included Louis McAllister and
Toni Villanueva. The BSC team's
autonomous ground vehicle,
"Anassa IV" is pictured in the fore-
ground. (See article on page 4.)
BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 3
BSC Student Team Wins 2008
International Robotics World Championship
“Anassa IV,” an autonomous
ground vehicle developed, designed,
programmed, and created by Bluefield
State College students, won the world
championship in “Intelligent Ground
Vehicle Competition (IGVC)
Autonomous Challenge” at the recent
IGVC event at Oakland University,
MI. The four-day competition attract-
ed 36 entries from institutions of
higher education in the U.S. and
abroad.
“Approximately 30 Bluefield
State College students were involved
in the development of Anassa IV,”
observed Dr. Robert Riggins, BSC
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Technology. BSC students Justin
Milam, Brad Fields, Bryan Lemon,
Louis McAllister, Toni Villanueva,
and James Cardwell, and 2007 BSC
graduate Justin Stiltner participated in
the 16th annual IGVC event, May 30-
June 2. BSC student John Browning
was also actively involved by tele-
phone during the event.
“Our students were under a
tremendous amount of pressure during
the competition,” Riggins continued.
“They averaged only about three
hours of sleep a night because they
focused so hard on what they were
trying to accomplish.” The team
made adjustments on the vehicle, its
BSC Remembers William L. Jackson’s
Life of Service to the College
The
Bluefield
State
College
community
was deeply
saddened
when
William
Lawrence Jackson, who retired at
4 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD
programming, and its cameras, hoping
the changes would translate into opti-
mum performance. “I assigned two
team members to find an algorithm
that would permit the vehicle to make
a 180 degree turn that was required on
the course and we continued to tweak
everything up until a few minutes
before our final run, just prior to the 5
p.m. deadline on the final day of the
“The fact that Bluefield
State College was the
smallest school in the
competition and was one of
only a very few college or
universities there without
an engineering graduate
school makes our victory
even more meaningful.”
--Dr. Robert Riggins
event. We weren’t certain if our
changes and adjustments would be
successful because there was no time
to test them,” Riggins stated.
“Our robot was a crowd favorite
because it was the fastest in the com-
petition and had the ability to process
a large amount of information through
distributive computing,” he said.
“However, some of the officials at the
competition said the course was too
Bluefield State College nearly 20
years ago after 34 years of service to
the College, died earlier this year.
Jackson was awarded “Staff
Emeritus” status in 1997 and the
Bluefield State College Student
Government Association presents an
award named in his honor during each
spring’s SGA banquet.
Jackson, who retired in 1989 as
difficult to complete.” As ANASSA
progressed through the traps and over
the bridges, the crowd in attendance
took note. “When our vehicle began
to pass the points where other teams
had stopped, our students really got
excited,” the BSC faculty member
recounted. “When ANASSA went far-
ther than any other team before us,
our student started to jump on my
back and shout. Finally, when
ANASSA weaved through a gauntlet
of barrels and shot across the finish
line, the crowd cheered just as if we
were at a football game.”
The BSC students were then
approached by representatives from
several top defense contractors and
members of the US Army Tank-
Automotive Research, Development
and Engineering Center (TARMAC),
which was a primary sponsor of the
competition. “Our team’s success has
opened a door of opportunity for our
students and for our college,” Riggins
observed. “One of our students is
considering a job offer from TAR-
MAC. The fact that Bluefield State
College was the smallest school in the
competition and was one of only a
very few college or universities there
without an engineering graduate
school makes our victory even more
meaningful.”
Director of the College’s Physical
Plant, was much beloved by students,
employees, and community. “He was
a wonderful supporter of Bluefield
State College academics and athlet-
ics,” noted Terry Brown, BSC’s
Athletic Director, “and he was a very
important and positive presence for
several generations of our students.”
Enrollment Growth Continues with Freshman Class
John Cardwell
Vice President for
Student Affairs
Students who are actively
engaged in their college experience
are much more likely to succeed and
graduate. That belief, substantiated
by numerous studies, is the founda-
tion upon which Bluefield State
College has launched a peer mentor-
ing program that will positively
engage our new students in college
programs and activities.
During the 2007-08 academic
year, the West Virginia Higher
Education Policy Commission
announced a grant competition
designed to enhance student retention
and graduation rates. BSC was one
of only two West Virginia institutions
of higher education to receive a grant
through this program.
Our grant permits the College to
assist students experiencing academic
difficulty by placing them in a course
to help them develop strategies to
overcome identified challenges.
Additionally, a peer mentoring pro-
gram has been created. Through the
program, mentors will serve as moti-
vators for incoming freshmen by
focusing on the social and academic
responsibilities of new students.
The program will help new stu-
dents feel more at home, understand
the processes and procedures, and
know where to seek help. Each new
student will receive a student mentor,
who will be a resource for them.
Each mentor will contact an incom-
ing freshman by phone, meet their
mentee on campus, accompany them
during orientation, and serve as a
resource person through the fall
semester.
We encourage students to
become involved in college organiza-
tions and activities. Through this
program, we are promoting an
atmosphere affirming the belief that
we are all connected, strengthens our
new students’ sense of belonging,
and provides someone to whom then
can turn when assistance is needed.
The BSC mentoring program is
under the direction of Carolyn Kirby,
Student Service Specialist.

BSC Board of Governors’ Memorial to June Oblinger Shott

We were distressed to learn of the death of June Oblinger Shott on Monday,
April 7, 2008. June Shott was an outstanding resident and citizen of Bluefield, West
Virginia, who truly believed in the old maxim of “it is better to give than to
receive.” Throughout her adult life, she willingly and graciously participated in a
multitude of local and regional charitable events which are far too numerous to list.
Following the death of her husband, Ned Shott, she continued the benevolent giv-
ing to educational and charitable organizations throughout southern West Virginia
and southwest Virginia that they had done prior to Ned Shott’s death. Some of the
recipients of her generosity were the City of Bluefield, Bluefield State College,
Bluefield College, Concord University, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, to
name but a few.
Not only was June Shott a major contributor to worthy causes, she also willing-
ly devoted hours of her time to serve on a multiplicity of boards, such as the Board
of Directors of Bluefield Regional Medical Center, the Board of Directors of Bluefield State College Foundation, and
Mercer Health Right, to name just a few. Not only was she generous with both her time and her money, but she was a
friendly, caring, outgoing individual who derived great pleasure from serving others and working for community bet-
terment. June Shott was a fully committed individual who truly believed in service above self.
In June Shott, Bluefield State College had a friend who could be counted upon to give good, sound advice and
who wanted to see the College continue to grow and benefit not only for its students and faculty, but for the entire
area in which it serves.
Our sister served her fellow human beings with honesty, keen wit, good humor, and a warm, friendly personality.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Bluefield State College Board of Governors does hereby record its deep
gratitude for the life of June Oblinger Shott and for the privilege we have had to share in the joy of her help, counsel
and support.

BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 5

BSC Hosts Second Annual Mine Rescue Competition, May 3
Although the disaster wasn’t real, ulate conditions they could face in an cation with other team members, and
the response was. Eleven outstanding actual mine rescue situation. Mining develop working relationships with
mine rescue teams from throughout experts evaluated the teams as they other teams.”
the region gathered at Bluefield State worked through their rescue problems Vendors whose businesses are
College to compete in the 2nd annual in the simulated mine environment. related to the mining industry were on
Mine Rescue Competition in site, as well. “CART is
early May. The event was pleased to have the oppor-
created and coordinated by tunity to support this
the National Mine Rescue event,” noted Bruce Mutter,
Association Welch Post 1- CART Director. “Our
Smokeeaters and was hosted involvement in assisting
by the Center for Applied the Mine Rescue
Research & Technology Competition is particularly
(CART) at Bluefield State appropriate because of our
College. commitment to Bluefield
Mine rescue contests are State’s Mining Engineering
designed to sharpen skills Technology program, par-
and test the knowledge of Mine rescue teams respond to a mock emergency ticipation in robotics-relat-
miners who may one day be during an 11-team Mine Rescue Competition ed initiatives and our col-
called upon to respond to a at Bluefield State College. laboration with Fenner
real mine emergency, accord- Dunlop Conveyor Belting
ing to the event’s director, Mike The field portion of the meet took in the Bluestone Regional Business
Plumley. The meet included a written place at the June Oblinger Shott and Technology Center.”
test, and also required teams to Sportsplex, adjacent to Dickason Hall The event’s sponsors included the
address a simulated problem resulting on the BSC campus. Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation,
in trapped miners who must be locat- “Competition of this kind calls Heintzmann Corporation, BrickStreet,
ed and rescued. attention to the need for the highest CONSOL, UMWA Local 1713, Lee
Each team learned the scenario, standards in mine safety,” Plumley Supply Company, A.T. Massey,
then addressed the challenge by work- said. “Participants can hone their Strada Products, and CART, Inc.
ing through a course designed to sim- mine rescue skills, improve communi-

BSC Receives Research Related Grant Awards

Bluefield State College’s research
grant success gained momentum with
news of several new grant-related
awards during the spring semester.
Dr. Tesfaye Belay, Assistant Professor
of Biology, wrote each of the grants.
A $15,000 pilot grant award from
the West Virginia Idea Network for
Biomedical Research Excellence
(WV-INBRE) pays stipends to under-
graduate research assistants and
underwrites the purchase of laboratory
supplies that help to sustain and
expand biomedical research at
Bluefield State College. Another WV-
INBRE $15,000 award paid for two
core instruments that are fundamental
for DNA testing and data analysis.
A $10,000 “Research Seed Grant”
from the NASA West Virginia Space
Grant Consortium, funds laboratory
supplies for BSC’s continuing NASA-
related research initiatives.
Additionally, the grant covers
expenses for BSC student Tanise
Montgomery’s participation in the
annual Biomedical Research
Conference for Minority Students in
Orlando, Florida.
The College was also selected to
receive one of eight mini-grants from
the West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission for research pro-
posal preparation.
During the past two years, Dr.
Belay has secured more than
$150,000 in grant funding for equip-
ment essential for infrastructure aug-
mentation and pilot project research.
“This grant support is essential for
enhancing the teaching and research
activities within the Bluefield State
College School of Arts & Sciences,”
he observed.

6 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC Engineering Technology Graduates
Conduct Architectural Forensic Study
Following his graduation from
Bluefield State College in 1988 with
bachelor’s degrees civil and architec-
tural engineering technology, life as a
Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer has
been anything but dull for Frank
Jenkins.
Jenkins, Senior Project Manager/
Associate for VIKA, Inc., recently
coordinated a forensic engineering
study of a New York City town house
following a construction accident that
claimed seven lives earlier this year.
“We completed a forensic survey of
the floor slabs and various other struc-
tural elements of the building,”
Jenkins explained.
In 2001 after the 9/11 attacks,
Jenkins and VIKA played a primary
role in the Pentagon reconstruction
project. The collaborative effort of
several firms resulted in shortening
the completion of the endeavor by 18
BSC Student Team Earns “Top 10%”
Ranking at International Business
Simulation Competition
A Bluefield State College student
team finished among the upper 10%
of all competing teams during the
recent Spring “Capstone Challenge,”
a global online business simulation
competition undertaken this fall by
more than 600 graduate and under-
graduate student teams worldwide.
BSC students Sara Bulford-Harper,
Kara Howell, and Sylvia Vass
achieved a ranking higher than a
majority of teams from larger univer-
sities and graduate school programs.
In Dr. Steve Bourne’s “Business
Strategy” course, BSC students take
part in the simulation “Capstone,” the
most widely used business training
months. “We’ve performed this type
of surveying several times,” he added.
“I am able to utilize the surveying,
engineering, and architectural skills
that I first developed during my time
at Bluefield State College--particular-
ly the civil and architectural engineer-
ing technology classes--when
involved in these projects.”
VIKA, Inc., a Washington
Metropolitan-based firm, offers full
civil engineering, planning, landscape
architecture, surveying, and GPS serv-
ices. Other BSC graduates employed
by VIKA include Ryan Scott (1999,
bachelor’s degree/architectural engi-
neering technology) and Alester
Sturdivant (2005, bachelor’s
degree/civil engineering technology.
“The education I received at BSC
has been invaluable in my career,”
Jenkins noted.
simulation in the world. “The experi-
ence is a ‘hands on’ exercise, where
students make business decisions in
situations that are very similar to
those they will make in a ‘real world’
setting,” explained Dr. Bourne, BSC
Professor of Business. “They develop
a business strategy and make adjust-
ments throughout the simulated chal-
lenge. They work together, consult
with each other, and apply much of
the knowledge they’ve acquired in
other Business courses.”
Although Dr. Bourne’s “Business
Strategy” students aren’t required to
take part in the “Capstone Challenge”
tournament, they can earn extra credit
BSC VITA Program
Completes 650+
Tax Returns for
Area Residents
Bluefield State College students
and accounting faculty volunteered
578 hours and provided income tax
preparation assistance for a record
650 of area residents during the
2008 tax season. The Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance (VITA) pro-
gram at BSC’s Bluefield campus
offered tax help at the College and
at selected sites throughout Mercer
County.
The BSC VITA volunteers pro-
vided assistance throughout
February, March, and April (through
the April 15 filing deadline).
“Volunteers alerted taxpayers to spe-
cial credits and deductions, helping
them in the preparation of forms,
answering questions, and providing
additional information,” noted
William Goodman, BSC Associate
Professor of Accounting. Goodman
said this year has been exceptionally
busy because of the added incentive
for people to file a tax return so they
will be eligible for the economic
stimulus funds.
for quality performance in the event.
“This tournament enables our student
teams to measure themselves against
other students from around the
world,” he continued.
“The success of Ms. Bulford-
Harper, Ms. Howell, and Ms. Vass is
much more than a reflection of the
information or strategies they’ve
learned in one class, because the sim-
ulation requires them to utilize les-
sons learned from all business disci-
plines,” Dr. Bourne summarized.
“Their performance is actually a
reflection upon the entire Bluefield
State College School of Business.”
BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 7
Spotlight on the Bluefield State College
School of Nursing and Allied Health
by Dr. Betty Rader, Dean
Dr. Betty Rader
Dean, School of Nursing
and Allied Health
Community service is a corner-
stone of the Bluefield State College
School of Nursing and Allied Health.
Each year, the School’s students and
faculty participate in service projects.
These initiatives enhance students’
understanding of their academic disci-
pline by providing opportunities to
apply in a practical setting the knowl-
edge they’ve developed in classrooms,
laboratories and clinical experiences.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
NURSING (BSN) PROGRAM
Our senior capstone course,
Senior Practicum, requires student to
develop and implement innovative
community service projects. This
year, two students collaborated with a
physical therapist to create an exercise
programs for residents of West
Virginia Manor, a Bluefield, West
Virginia apartment complex for elder-
ly and disabled residents. This exer-
cise plan was so well received that it
will now be incorporated into the
BSN curriculum for Community
Nursing Practicum this fall.
Other students’ projects included
teaching emergency care classes for
West Virginia Manor residents, devel-
oping (in English and Spanish) a sex-
ually-transmitted diseases fact book
8 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD
and information center, creating a dis-
aster preparedness plan for a rural
community in Monroe County, and
publication of a neurovascular assess-
ment form and a hypoglycemia treat-
ment card.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN
NURSING (ADN) PROGRAM
ADN students and faculty collect-
ed and delivered to the Free Clinic of
Mercer County more than $10 thou-
sand worth of medications. These
medications are used by economically
disadvantaged residents through the
Free Clinic program.
Students and faculty also collect-
ed socks for distribution at regional
nursing homes, presented educational
programs at the Wade Center in
Bluefield, conducted community
health fairs in Mercer and Raleigh
Counties, and held free blood pressure
and blood sugar screenings at a local
fitness center.
When national television person-
ality Dr. Phil McGraw visited
Bluefield last December, BSC ADN
students assisted the “Toys for Tots”
program and U.S. Marine Corps in
distributing holiday gifts to underpriv-
ileged children.
The 2007-08 year was marked by
significant achievement within the
School. For the third time in the past
four years, the Bluefield State College
Foundation’s “Outstanding Faculty”
award was presented to a faculty
member from the School of Nursing
and Allied Health. Another faculty
member was selected to serve as an
NCLEX test writer, and area hospitals
have increased their scholarship sup-
port for, and recruitment of, the
School’s graduates.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY AND
RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES PROGRAMS
For several years, the Radiologic
Technology program has incorporated
a volunteerism component. The Class
of 2008 completed 440 hours of com-
munity service, assisting with the
local chapter of the American Red
Cross, participating in the clean up of
the New River, and helping at local
hospitals and nursing homes. They
also radiographed candy at a local
hospital during the Halloween season
to confirm that the candy was safe to
eat. Students must work at least 20
hours in a volunteer capacity in a pro-
gram or initiative that is either health
care-related or college-related.
The program is designed to instill
a lifelong volunteer ethic for students,
while concurrently helping these
organizations expand their capacity to
serve and assist others.
Radiologic Technology program
director Melissa Haye has been
appointed to a term as the educator
representative on the West Virginia
Medical Imaging and Radiation
Therapy Board of Examiners, and
Angela Lambert (assistant profes-
sor/Radiologic Technology) is the fac-
ulty representative on the Bluefield
State College Board of Governors.
ACCREDITATION
The School’s programs--Associate
Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of
Science in Nursing, and Radiologic
Technology--have achieved national
accreditation by satisfying the high
standards of quality required by those
accrediting bodies.
The BSN program is currently
preparing to seek re-accreditation by
(continued on page 9)
Spotlight on BSC School of Nursing
and Allied Health
(continued from page 8)
the Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education and will welcome
a site visit by a CCNE accreditation
team of evaluators later this year.
The Radiologic Technology pro-
gram, accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology will host a
(JR-CERT) re-accreditation site visit
during the Spring 2009 Semester.
ADDITIONALLY. . . .
The School is actively participat-
ing in a nationwide study designed to
increase the number of highly quali-
fied nurses entering the profession
and meeting the nation's need to over-
come health disparities and improve
minority patient health. The study,
BSC'S 2008 Homecoming to Begin on October 11
This year's program to place special emphasis upon involving alumni
Jonathan Murray
President
Student Government Association
“We want to have a ‘true home-
coming,’ inviting as many alumni as
possible to return to their alma
mater,” noted Jonathan Murray,
which involves 53 Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, places spe-
cific emphasis on increasing the num-
ber of highly qualified African
American nurses.
The study considers topics includ-
ing curriculum and course develop-
ment prototype, strategies for teaching
at-risk students, conferences to share
best practices, consultation with
HBCU nursing programs, and a
review of national policies and rules
related to the National Council
Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for
Registered Nurses. A primary goal
involves the development of baccalau-
reate and associate degree nursing
programs that produce sufficient num-
bers of registered nurses, and more
specifically African American nurses.
Bluefield State College’s 2008-09
Student Government Association
President. “The theme for this year’s
homecoming is ‘BSC Will Light Your
Way.’ The weeklong celebration will
begin with a parade on October 11.”
“Although the full agenda for our
homecoming has not been finalized,
we want to honor the graduates who
attended here throughout the years,”
he continued. “SGA hopes this year’s
homecoming will bring back to the
campus a sense of the rich history of
Bluefield State.” Plans call for an
activity that will honor all former
homecoming queens.
“We are also planning a social
Opportunity for
Third Party
Comments
The Bluefield State College Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) Program will
undergo an accreditation evaluation by
the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) in November, 2008.
Any affected parties, including students,
alumni, faculty, and the practice commu-
nity have the opportunity to provide writ-
ten input into the deliberations of the
evaluation team. Interested parties are
invited to submit written and signed
third-party comments to:
Ms. LiAnn Shepard
Accreditation Assistant
Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036-1120.
All comments must arrive at the CCNE
office by October 11, 2008.
mixer on Friday, October 11 in the
Harris-Jefferson Student Center,”
Murray added. “We want current stu-
dents to get to know each other and
meet as many alumni as possible.”
Many BSC student organizations
have a rich history, the BSC SGA
President observed. “For example,
the Model United Nations was intro-
duced to our campus in 1982, more
than 25 years ago,” he said.
When plans for this year’s home-
coming celebration are announced,
they will be published on the
College’s website.
BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 9
From the Office of Institutional Advancement
by Karen Harvey, Director of Institutional Advancement
Engineer at GE Fanuc in
Charlottesville, Virginia, and a happi-
ly married father of two.
Holding our two main events
seven weeks apart caused a lot of
logistics work in addition to day-to-
day responsibilities (special thanks to
Lala Wooten for her dedication and
Karen Harvey
juggling skills). Therefore, we have
Director of Institutional Advancement decided to move the Scholarship
Recognition Dinner to the Fall
Semester. Please mark your calendars Case Mitchell (left, with his wife
First, I’d like to thank our donors for October 23, and watch for an invi- Allison), a 1995 BSC graduate was
for making this a very successful year. tation in September. the keynote speaker at the annual
We raised over $380,000 in individual When the Gala Auction commit- Scholarship Recognition Dinner.
gifts and held a Gala Auction in deductible.
March that brought in over A very special thanks to our
$15,000 on a cold, snowy night. Neighborhood Investment
The annual Scholarship Program Scholarship donors. We
Recognition Dinner in April distributed all the FY2008 state
gave us an opportunity to bring tax credits allocated by the West
donors and their scholarship Virginia Development Office
recipients together, and keynote ($45,825) and, after fees, raised
speaker Case Mitchell (Class of $88,900 in scholarships for stu-
1995) told an inspiring story of dents from disadvantaged back-
coming to Bluefield State grounds. We are in the proposal
College after faltering at another process for FY2009 and hope to
college. The care and instruction have even more tax credits for
he received from Engineering gifts of $500 and more. For
Attendees prepare to submit bids for items
Technology faculty including during the silent auction phase of more information on this pro-
Roy Pruett, Jr. enabled him to the Gala Auction. gram or others in the Office of
fulfill his dream of working for Institutional Advancement &
General Electric. Today he is a Lead tee met after the event for a “lessons Planning, please call me at 304-327-
learned” discussion, we 4031. And, again, THANK YOU!
agreed that moving that
event to April will help
avoid the inclement Brian A. Delp
weather that we experi-
enced in March. So, plan Memorial
for another fun evening 5K Run/Walk
where the College and
the community mingle to September 27, 2008
raise funds for the 9:00 a.m.
Unrestricted Annual
Fund. And check your N EW L OCATION
Carolyn Jamkhandi (left) receives the keys to
closets and garages for Glenwood Recreation Park
a vintage Mazda Miata from Karen Harvey (right) great stuff you’re ready Route 20
and Big Blue, during the BSC Gala Auction. to pass along to someone Princeton, West Virginia
else; these gifts are tax

10 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC Honors Program Students Travel to Savannah, Georgia
Shortly after spring Haunted City” where they
semester final exams, five listened to chilling stories
Bluefield State College and walked through neigh-
Honors Program students borhoods of Savannah’s
traveled to Savannah, “haunted” past and present.
Georgia for their annual The final day of the
trip. These students were trip was spent at Tybee
accompanied by Honors Island. As students
Program advisor, Dr. climbed to the top of the
Tracey Anderson. The lighthouse there, they
trip permitted students to enjoyed a breathtaking
encounter cultural and view of the island and the
educational experiences Atlantic Ocean. Students
beyond the borders of also explored the small
Pictured with Savannah's Talmadge Memorial cable-stayed
West Virginia. bridge and the Savannah River Queen as the backdrop are Tybee Island Marine
The trip started with Honors Program students (left-to-right): Stacy Nicholson, Science Center whose mis-
an Old Savannah Trolley Sheila Bailey, Weston Monk, Kristen Williams, and Kayla Fazio. sion is to “promote the
tour of the historic district appreciation, conservation,
where visitors are treated were also able to explore the and understanding of the
to an historical overview of one of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia
largest Urban National Historic where original murals and stained through education and service.” In
Landmarks in the United States. glass had recently been refurbished. addition, students were able to spend
Students enjoyed riding through histo- Next, students set sail on the time at the beach sightseeing for dol-
ry, experiencing James Oglethorpe’s Savannah River Queen for a cruise up phins.
plan for creating the city of the Savannah River. The boat’s cap-
Savannah’s layout, including Spanish tain provided an overview of the har- Submitted by
moss-draped oak trees, stately histori- bor and port’s history. Later in the Dr. Tracey Anderson
cal mansions, and historic district evening, students took a guided walk- Director of Institutional
squares. During this tour, students ing tour through “America’s Most Research and Effectiveness

Pat Gilley Retires After 30 Years’ Service to BSC

After more than 30 years of dis-
tinguished service to Bluefield State
College, Patricia “Pat” Gilley retired
on June 18, 2008. Gilley, a BSC
graduate (Class of 1995), was an
Admissions Counselor. Kenny
Mandeville, the College’s Director of
Admissions, observed, “I had the
pleasure of working with Pat in the
Admissions office for over 28 years.
Pat organized and developed many of
the office procedures that are still
being used today.”
“She was always trying to
improve the way things were done,”
he continued. “Pat made the
Patricia Gilley
Admissions Office one of the most
efficient offices in the Enrollment
Management area. While working full
time, she pursued and obtained a
bachelor’s degree from BSC. Her
knowledge and experience can’t be
replaced. She will be missed by co-
workers and friends.”
John Cardwell, BSC’s Vice
President for Student Affairs and
Enrollment Management, added, “Pat
had the ability to make our students
and prospective students feel at ease
when she talked to them. She had a
very calming, reassuring influence
upon these students and their families.
She had a thorough knowledge of the
College and helped many, many stu-
dents embark on their college experi-
ence.”

BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 11

Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter Named
“James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business”
Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter
Professor of Business
A veteran educator who is very
active in civic and professional
organizations has been named the
“James H. Shott Endowed Chair in
Business” at Bluefield State College.
Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter, a former
Dean of the School of Business at
BSC, succeeds Dr. Steve Bourne as
the School’s Endowed Chair.
Announcement of her appointment
was made during the School of
Business Awards Program in May.
“Dr. Halsey-Hunter has been a
member of the Bluefield State College
family for 24 years and she is a recip-
ient of the Bluefield State College
Foundation’s Outstanding Faculty
Award,” commented Dr. Albert
Walker, BSC President. “She serves
on numerous community and profes-
sional organizations, including the
Bluefield Rotary Club, Bluefield Sales
Executives Club, West Virginia
Business Education Association, and
Women in Search of Empowerment.
She is very deserving of this appoint-
ment.”

Two BSC Students Embark Upon Eight-Month

Academic/Work Program at Walt Disney World
Bluefield State College stu- pleted the program is that every-
dents Zach Jones and Logan one loved it. It is an excellent
Shortridge have entered the learn- resume booster.”
ing experience of a lifetime. The The Disney College Program
BSC School of Business students also offers courses on-site so that
are participants in Disney’s students can remain on pace for
College Program, a work-integrat- earning their degree. Program
ed learning opportunity at Walt participants also enjoy the expe-
Disney World Resort in Orlando, rience of working for Disney
Logan Shortridge Zachary Jones
Florida. and living in an on-campus
Dr. Steve Bourne, BSC apartment complex that houses
Professor of Business, began a other Disney College program stu-
dialogue with the Walt Disney ‘Disney Exploration Series’ course dents from around the world.
that permits students to earn academic
World’s Director of College Programs Dr. Bourne also observed that
credit for participating in the lecture
earlier this year. “A series of discus- series.” BSC is in the process of adding a
sions followed, and I held a few infor- “I’m attending the Marketing/ “Business Internship” course that stu-
mation sessions for our students when Communication lecture series,” dents can use to earn credits. Both
I returned to campus,” Dr. Bourne Shortridge said. “I’m learning from Jones and Shortridge are also taking
explained. “Zach and Logan were several CEOs and other Disney mana- distance learning classes from BSC
selected to participate in the program. gerial employees as they discuss their while at the Disney College Program.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for them roles, educational background and job “Without our faculty, our Disney
to live, earn income as they work, and insights.” College opportunity would not be
interact with a very diverse group of Jones, whose career goals include possible,” Shortridge stated. “We will
students. They are studying at Disney working at Disney World, is also meet people from different back-
University and attending the Disney excited. “I’m meeting as many peo- grounds and cultures. It’s a great
Executives-in-Residence lecture ple as possible,” he added. “The con- experience.”
series. At BSC, we are also creating a sensus among students who’ve com-

12 AUGUST 2008 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC’s Faculty and Staff Accomplishments
Louis S. Belt, BSC Mens and
Womens Tennis Coach, married
Tonya L. Quesenberry on November
10, 2007.
Dr. Tom Blevins (1971), Dean of
the Virtual College and Technology
and the School of Education, attended
the Blackboard International
Technology Conference in Las Vegas,
Nevada, July 14-18, representing the
West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission. He also repre-
sents HEPC in the Southern Regional
Education Board SCORE (Scaleable
Content Object Respository) project
which leverages learning objects
developed for use with course man-
agement systems in web delivered
courses. Additionally, Blevins has
been selected to chair an NCATE
(National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education) accreditation visit
to LaGrange (GA) College this fall.
Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Director of
Multicultural Affairs, and Anita
Davis, Administrative Assistant,
attended the Association of
International Educators’ 2008 annual
conference, “Shaping the Future of
BSC “Employee Appreciation Program” Recognizes College
Faculty and Staff for Performance and Service
Kenny Mandeville
Director of Admissions
The Bluefield State College
Foundation’s “Outstanding Classified
Employee” awards for 2008 were pre-
sented to Kenny Mandeville (Director
of Admissions) and Linda Ruble
International Education,” in
Washington, DC. The conference
attracted 9500 educators from more
than 100 countries.
Marviene Johnson, Administra-
tive Secretary Sr. for the School of
Education, graduated from Bluefield
State College in May 2008 with a
bachelor of science degree in business
administration and was elected to
Who’s Who Among Students in
American Universities & Colleges
for recognition of outstanding merit
and accomplishments as a student.
Michael Lilly, Professor of
Criminal Justice Administration, has
been appointed the BSC’s representa-
tive to the West Virginia Consortium
for Faculty and Course Development
in International Studies (FACDIS).
Bruce Mutter (1986), Associate
Professor/Architectural Engineering
Technology, has accepted appointment
as President, CEO, and Board Chair
of CART Inc. at Bluefield State
College and as the Associate Dean of
Applied Research for BSC.
Lisa Neel (2005), Purchasing
Assistant III, and her husband, Mark,
(Bookstore Assistant) during the
annual “BSC Employees Appreciation
Day” program at the College, May 7.
Both honorees received a plaque and
BSC Foundation monetary award of
$500 at the ceremony. BSC President
Dr. Albert Walker made the presenta-
tions.
During the ceremony, “Faculty
Emeritus” status was awarded to Dr.
Lewis Foster, Ms. Rita Hill, and
(posthumously) Dr. Patricia Mulvey.
BSC retirees Hilda Cochran and
Shelva Ray were awarded “Classified
Emeritus” status. Additionally,
employees were recognized upon the
have purchased PanCor, Inc.
(AAMCO) Transmission in Princeton,
West Virginia.
Dr. Elaine Scott, Dean for the
School of Business, facilitated an
“Investing for Women” workshop in
Ashland, West Virginia, focusing upon
information for future financial secu-
rity. Topics included budgeting, wise
use of credit, investment pyramid,
stocks, bonds, mutual funds and
retirement planning.
Dr. Bob Vicars, Professor of
Business, has written an article,
“Utilizing Empirical Research to
Facilitate a College Leadership
Team’s Decision Making” for the
Leadership and Organizational
Management Journal.
Sandy Wynn, Interim Director of
Associate Degree Nursing, has been
named the Director of Associate
Degree Nursing program at Bluefield
State College and has been appointed
Vice President of the West Virginia
Organization for Associate Degree
Nursing.
Linda Ruble
Bookstore Assistant
completion of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30,
35, and 40 years of service to BSC,
and special appreciation was extended
to more than 20 individuals for their
service to the College and community.
BLUE AND GOLD AUGUST 2008 13
 Discover Europe - January 2-10, 2009
Deadline: September 15, 2008
You are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris during a “Discover
Europe” tour coordinated by John White, Associate Dean/Arts & Sciences, at
Bluefield State College. Travel plans call for departure from Washington, D.C.,
on January 2, 2009, aboard Air France's direct service to Paris. Upon arrival,
you will receive a brief orientation, after which you will take part in a panoramic
tour of the city, including visits to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and
more.
Full excursions including a trip back in time, to the 17th century and the
glory days of King Louis XIV, and Versailles--the ultimate royal residence, and
the Queen’s hamlet, where Marie Antoinette and her court play-acted at rural
life. During two free days in Paris, you will have the opportunity to explore
points of particular interest, before returning to the U.S. on January 10.
Cost of this itinerary, based upon 20 occupants is $2780 per person, double
or triple occupancy. (Single supplement: $650) This includes roundtrip air on
Air France from Washington Dulles (all customs fees and airport taxes are
included); seven nights' accommodation in a superior class hotel (all hotel taxes
and service charges included); a fully-qualified courier throughout, continental
breakfast daily and two dinners, entrance fees to all sites included in the itiner-
ary, and complete travel insurance. Deadline is September 15, 2008 for a $500
deposit, with final payment due by November 1, 2008.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Professor White.
John White
Telephone: (304) 327-4157
E-mail: jwhite@bluefieldstate.edu
(College credit available for qualified participants)

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

14 AUGUST 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 304-327-4581 or e-mail
kgordon@bluefieldstate.edu
1930s
Mrs. Alvicia Hooper Thorpe
(1933) was hon-
ored on April 12 at
a luncheon spon-
sored by Alpha Phi
Omega Chapter of
Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority,
Inc. in Danville, Virginia. Mrs. Thorpe
has been an active member of the sorori-
ty for 70 years. Because of her contribu-
tions and dedication to the students of
the former John M. Langston High
School, the alumni and Alpha Phi Omega
established a scholarship in her honor on
April 19, 2008.
1960s
Dr. Deborah Byard Campbell
(1968) has recently returned from a visit
to Monrovia, Liberia (where she met
with the Liberian President), and Porto
Novo, Benin. She is associated with
F3B-Scholar-Athlete Program, a non-
profit organization that conducts summer
basketball clinics for American and
African-American teenaged girls to
encourage cultural understanding. Dr.
Campbell, is owner of D. Byard
International LLC, an online travel book-
ing service.
Betty Ann Crews Graves (1960)
participated in the Virginia Beach Senior
Games in May. She won two gold, one
silver and one bronze medal and quali-
fied for nationals. She will bowl in the
USBC Women Championship Games in
Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Robert L. Harrison, Jr. (1968)
was promoted from Chairperson of the
Education Department to Dean of the
College of Professional Studies at West
Virginia State University in Institute,
West Virginia during the 2007-2008 aca-
demic year.
1970s
Dewey Carr (1974) is the mortgage
loan officer for MCNB Banks in
Princeton, West Virginia.
Lillian V. Grigsby Perry (1970)
was recently honored at the organiza-
tion’s fifth annual Celebration of
Teaching in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
She is a teacher at Clairton City High
School.
1980s
Sylvester C. Myers (1986) was the
keynote speaker at the annual
Morgantown/Kingwood branch NAACP
Freedom Fund Banquet.
Randolph B. Phillips (1989) is the
Superintendent of Tazewell Correctional
Unit #31.
1990s
Ralph Michael Cochran (1991)
received his master of science in educa-
tion degree from Saint Joseph’s College
of Maine in December 2007. He is cur-
rently Assistant Professor of Radiologic
Technology at Southwest Virginia
Community College and serves as the
executive secretary for the Virginia
Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Dennis Jarvis, II (1995) is the
director of the Mine Safety Technology
Consortium (MSTC) in Montgomery,
West Virginia. MSTC is a principal
component of a parent project underway
at Marshall University’s Center for
Environmental, Geotechnical and
Applied Sciences.
Candace Miles Lawson (1991) has
had her first book, Redeemed, released
nationwide in January 2008 in both
paperback and audio book.
Amee Elizabeth Barrett Sparks
(1999) received a masters degree in read-
ing from Radford University on May 3,
2008. She is employed by the Tazewell
BLUE AND GOLD
County School Board.
Patrick Standard (1994) is a
Casualty Adjuster II for Crawford &
Company in Beckley, West Virginia.
2000s
Sabrina Bailes, RN (2005) was
named the 2007 “Nurse of the Year” by
Carilion Roanoke
Memorial Hospital
in Roanoke,
Virginia. She has
received this award
for the past two
years. She is a
trauma nurse in the
Emergency Department.
Sara L. Bulford (2008) married
Larry D. Harper, Jr. on August 11, 2007.
David Matthew Farr (2002) mar-
ried Leslie Dianne Mays on May 17,
2008. He is employed with Legacy
Resources.
Mychal Guyton (2007) has been
selected to participate in the 2008-2009
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for
Young Professionals, a year-long, feder-
ally-funded pro-
gram for study and
work in Germany.
Through this
exchange program,
Mr. Guyton will be
part of a group of
75 Americans who will participate in two
months of intensive German language
training, four months of study at a
German university or professional
school, and a five month internship with
a German company (internships vary
according to professional field and previ-
ous work experience).
Kerry J. Johnson (2004) is the net-
work engineer for Virginia Polytechnic
Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Robin Boothe Johnson (2004) is
the Director of In-Service, Education,
Infection Control, and Employee Health
for the Springfield Center in Lindside,
West Virginia.
Tyler Pruett (2008) is the head
coach for the softball team at Bluefield
State College.
(continued on page 16)
AUGUST 2008 15
Klingensmith Cup Results Alumni Updates
continued from page 15
Heather Hart (2008) married Terry
Waddell, Jr. on June 23, 2007. Heather is
employed at Echo Star and Terry is attending
Bluefield State College and is employed at
Ammar’s Warehouse.

In Memoriam
BSC Students and Alumni
Eleton Rosenbrough Brown
Irma Cabiness
Barbara Louise Conner
KLINGENSMITH CUP CHAMPS June M. Eye
(Left-to-right) Don Brizendine, Tony Brizendine, Dave Lester L. Hawkins, Jr.
Klingensmith, Tom Nuckols and Jim Goodwin Marsha Sharon Jones
The howling winds, which gusted up to 65 miles per hour, made Charlie L. Lipscomb, Sr.
scoring conditions extremely challenging, but not so difficult that they Darrell Franklin Muncy
Sonya S. Murphy
deterred several groups of intrepid golfers who participated in the 21st
Hattiestien Martin Neal
annual Klingensmith Cup Golf Tournament at Wolf Creek Golf Course. Anna Morgan Rice
The tournament, sponsored by the Bluefield State College School William D. Sadler
of Engineering Technology and Computer Science, brought together Harold L. Spencer, Sr.
several four-golfer teams in a “captain’s choice” tournament. It attract- Harry Carson Thacker
ed a wide range of BSC alumni, students, faculty, and staff who Helen Wisdom
demonstrated their golf skills while renewing old acquaintances and
networking with others having common interests.
Jim Goodwin, chairman of the Fairmont State University
Department of Technology, recorded a hole-in-one on the par three
16th hole, leading his team to the championship in this year’s event.

STD MAIL A
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219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701 Bluefield, WV 24701
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