Blue Gold

Volume XI
and
August
No. 3 2006

Board of Governors
Norris Kantor, Esq.
Chair
Mr. Jeff Forlines
Vice Chair
Dr. Louis Aikens
Mr. John E. "Jack" Caffrey
Ms. Anne Crowe
Dr. Lyn Guy
Mr. Edward Knight, III
The Reverend Garry D. Moore, Sr.
Mr. James J. Palmer, III
Mr. Jack D. Stafford
Dr. Norman Mirsky
Faculty Representative
Mr. Daniel L. Frost
Classified Staff Representative
Mr. Eli Sharp
Student Representative
Administrative Staff
Dr. Albert Walker
President
Dr. Don Smith
Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Provost
Ms. Shelia Johnson
Vice President of Financial and
Administrative Affairs
Mr. John Cardwell
Vice President of Student
Affairs
Dr. Thomas E. Blevins
Dean of the Virtual College and
Information Technology and the
School of Teacher Education;
Professor, English/Education
Dr. Felica Wooten Blanks
Executive Director of
Institutional Development and
Advancement; Director
of Title III
Dr. Tracey Anderson
Director of Institutional
Research and Effectiveness
Mr. David Lord
Director of Human Resources
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/
Director, Institutional/Media
Relations
Blue and Gold
A quarterly publication for alumni
and friends of Bluefield State
College. This project is underwritten
by the Federal Title III/BRACE
Program.
2 JULY 2006 BLUE AND GOLD
A Message from the President
As Bluefield State College prepares for the start of
its 112th academic year, I sincerely believe the institu-
tion is poised to achieve new milestones on a path of
excellence. Our Board of Governors, students, faculty,
staff, alumni, and friends have provided a synergy that
has created confidence and a continuing belief in the
College’s commitment to “Making Education Possible.”
Bluefield State College is proud of its recognition
for producing graduates who have become leaders in
Albert L. Walker their chosen fields in the region, the nation, and the
President
world. I am grateful for the commitment and dedica-
tion of the faculty and staff. These traits are critically
important components in achieving the College’s goals and objectives. In a state
and national climate of increasing costs and diminished resources, it is the human
capital of our faculty, staff, and administrators that makes the institution secure.
As we look toward planning, implementing, and initiating new programs and
projects, the support of our alumni and friends will be invaluable. The commit-
ment of resources and input from our alumni and friends demonstrates their will-
ingness to invest in Bluefield State’s promising future-sustaining our legacy of pro-
ducing leaders.
Within the pages of this publication are stories of successful graduates, aca-
demic achievements, ambitious projects, and a belief in our future of continued
service to students and community. Thank you for your interest, consideration,
encouragement, and support.
Board of Governor’s News
by Norris Kantor, Esq., Chair
A barometer for the success enjoyed by Bluefield
State College is contained in the pages of each edition
of the Blue and Gold. This issue is filled with new suc-
cesses and achievements, and it is particularly encour-
aging for your Board to work with the students, faculty,
staff, and administration of the College as it accepts
challenges and creates opportunities.
Recently, you have read stories detailing BSC’s
approval to add new academic degrees like the
Norris Kantor
Chair
Bachelor of Science program in Radiologic Sciences.
Progress continues as the College moves toward the
introduction of a Master’s Degree program in Business
Administration.
BSC’s students continue to achieve world class success in autonomous robot-
ics, exceed state and national averages on licensure examinations, and augment
their involvement in cutting edge research.
Concurrent with these developments, Bluefield State College has invested in
its community. Thus summer, BSC has hosted a College Summit and has estab-
lished a Student Success Center. Both initiatives are designed to help students
enroll in college, then succeed once they have begun their collegiate experience.
(continued on page 9)
More than 380 Students Received
Degrees During BSC's 2006 Commencement
Approximately 380 Bluefield
State College students received
degrees during Saturday’s 109th com-
mencement exercises at the Brushfork
Armory. Nearly 5000 people attended
the program. Former United States
Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige
addressed the Class of 2006, as well
as their families and friends, BSC
alumni, College representatives, and
other attendees.
Dr. Paige encouraged the gradu-
ates to use their skills, talents, and
education to enhance the community
and the world. He was introduced by
Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President.
The audience of family members and
friends of graduates and community
residents also received greetings from
Dr. Walker, BSC Board of Governors’
chairman Norris Kantor, BSC Alumni
Association President Dr. Louis
Aikens, BSC Student Government
BSC senior Heidi Bolden (right) received
the “Brian Delp Service Leadership
Award” from Amanda Delp Williams
(left), sister of the late Brian Delp.
President Eli Sharp, Faculty Senate
President John White, and Staff
Council President Carol Baldwin.
William Carl VanStavern (4.0 grade
point average) was recognized as the
College’s 2006 valedictorian, and
Janet Kay Shelton (3.92 GPA) was
honored as salutatorian. BSC senior
Heidi Bolden was selected to receive
the “Brian Delp Service Leadership
Award.”
Five members of the BSC Class
of 1956 returned to their alma mater
to participate in the program on the
golden anniversary of their gradua-
tion. Dr. Aikens also administered the
alumni oath to all members of the
graduating class of 2006, providing
each new graduate with a complemen-
tary membership to the Alumni
Association for the year.
Cover Photo: William Carl
VanStavern, BSC's valedictorian for
2005-06, was the bearer of the
ceremonial mace at the College's
2006 commencement exercises.
Photo by Samantha Craig

Sandra "Kay" Thompson Named BSC Foundation’s

“Outstanding Faculty Award” Recipient for 2006
Sandra “Kay” presentations at profes-
Thompson, assistant pro- sional conferences and
fessor of nursing at has been an active com-
Bluefield State College, munity volunteer.
has been named the She was previously cho-
recipient of the BSC sen to receive the “BSC
Foundation’s Outstanding Clinical
“Outstanding Faculty Faculty Award” by a vote
Award” for 2006. of students in the nursing
Thompson, who has program. Thompson has
been a member of the developed the course,
College’s nursing faculty “Introduction to
for 25 years, was chosen Community Health
by her peers to receive Nursing,” and she holds
the BSC Foundation membership in several
award, which was pre- professional organiza-
sented during the 2006 Sandra "Kay" Thompson (right), assistant professor of nursing, was tions including Sigma
recognized as the BSC Foundation's "Outstanding Faculty Award"
commencement exercis- recipient for 2006. Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President (left) made the Theta Tau International
es. She has made announcement during the College's commencement exercises. nursing honor society.
numerous health-related

BLUE AND GOLD JULY 2006 3

Spotlight on the BSC School of Engineering Technology
by Frank Hart, Dean, School of Engineering Technology
The School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science
offers learning opportunities in the
following programs: Architectural
Engineering Technology, Civil
Engineering Technology, Electrical
Engineering Technology, Mechanical
Engineering Technology, Mining
Engineering Technology and
Computer Science (with Program-
ming, Networking, and Information
Technology options). Four of these
programs (Architectural Engineering
Technology, Civil Engineering
Technology, Electrical Engineering
Technology, and Mechanical
Engineering Technology) enjoy
national accreditation at both the
associate and baccalaureate level by
the Technology Accreditation
Commission of the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and
Technology.
Our students enjoy a spirit of
competition, and this spirit carries
through from classroom and laborato-
ry experiences to extra-curricular
activities. They have won regional,
national and international competi-
tions against major universities while
representing the School and Bluefield
State College. Many “real world”
experiences are provided in their aca-
demic assignments. These furnish
clear expectations of what is encoun-
tered in industry. Employer and grad-
uate surveys provide evidence of
acceptance in industry and of contin-
ued growth after employment.
Our faculty members possess
diverse backgrounds of education and
experience. They average 10 years of
industrial experience and 17 years of
teaching experience. They hold
degrees from 28 different colleges and
universities. They have received
numerous awards, both in industry
and at BSC. Students recognize the
4 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD
enthusiasm of these faculty members
through industry-like assignments and
care for their professional develop-
ment.
Laboratories in the School are
filled with state-of-the-art equipment
and interfaced with computers. Some
of these laboratories receive industry-
sponsored donations of equipment and
software that keep us abreast of the
technology as it is developed. These
donations are the result of confidence
found in the experiences the students
enjoy.
Employment opportunities are
plentiful, and our graduates are com-
fortable in the industry and business
environment. Placement records
show our graduates are hired by
national and regional employers.
Several continue their education in
graduate schools, and a good track
record exists with regional graduate
schools.
CART
The Bluefield State College
Center for Applied Research and
Technology, Inc. (CART) provides
leadership in applied engineering
research and development. Such lead-
ership serves to enhance research,
contract development, grant, and
research contract administration serv-
ices for the Bluefield State College
School of Engineering Technology
and Computer Science.
CART is a state-chartered not-
for-profit corporation serving
Bluefield State College as an
approved cooperative organization.
The Center serves to enhance the
competitive position of research and
development; help promote the gener-
al economic development of the
region; expedite and simplify the
acquisition and utilization of research
contracts; improve technology trans-
fer, and; link applied scientific
research and technological advance-
ments to economic development of
the State of West Virginia.
Justin
Shrewsbury
Recognized as
Outstanding
Freshman
Justin Shrewsbury
Justin Shrewsbury, from Lashmeet,
West Virginia, has been selected as
the outstanding freshman in the
School of Engineering Technology
and Computer Science at BSC for
2006. He received the Claude B.
Dalton Award in recognition of his
outstanding academic performance.
Justin is majoring in Mechanical
Engineering Technology.
Professor Dalton taught math-
ematics to engineering technology
and computer science students for
over 20 years at Bluefield State
College. He was recognized for
being able to reach a broad cross
section of freshman in mathematics.
Graduates frequently attest to the
fact that Professor Dalton made a
difference in their success in col-
lege.
Center for Applied Research & Technology at BSC
to Enter DARPA’s “Urban Challenge” in 2007
CART is getting ready for
another “Grand Challenge.” The
Center for Applied Research and
Technology (CART) at Bluefield
State College will enter the
Defense Applied Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) 2007
grand challenge event. The U.S.
Department of Defense-spon-
sored competition named the
“DARPA Urban Challenge,” will
feature autonomous ground
vehicles executing simulated
military supply missions safely
and effectively in a mock urban
area.
A year ago, an autonomous
ground vehicle (“Scorpion-fox”) out-
fitted by Team CART of BSC, work-
ing alongside Preferred Chassis
Fabrication, Inc. of Tucson, Arizona,
moved through six rounds of qualify-
ing in the DARPA event, advancing
from the original field of more than
200 entrants, to reach the round of the adding another dimension to the
final 48 teams, coming within one
round of earning a spot in the Grand
The CART "Scorpion Fox" team is pictured
in Tucson, Arizona, with its autonomous
ground vehicle, during qualifying activities
for the 2006 DARPA "Grand Challenge."
Challenge, a 200-mile race through a
rugged desert and mountain course
that tested the vehicles’ ability to
navigate themselves independently
through and around a variety of ter-
rain challenges.
The 2007 DARPA Urban
Challenge will take place in a yet to
be disclosed metropolitan setting,
event. “We’re certainly looking for-
ward to this new event,” noted CART
Director Bruce Mutter. “In the
past, we’ve lacked the financial
resources of many DARPA
teams, but we’ve still been able
to combine ingenuity and cre-
ativity to more than hold our
own with the best industrial and
academic organizations in the
Grand Challenge. Additionally,
the competition is an inspiring
‘real world’ applied research
experience for our students and
helps them visualize the limit-
less potential for their future
careers in engineering technolo-
gy.”
DARPA will award prizes for the
top three autonomous ground vehicles
that compete in a final event where
they must safely complete a 60-mile
urban course in fewer than six hours.
First prize is $2 million. To succeed,
vehicles must autonomously obey
traffic laws while merging into mov-
ing traffic, navigating traffic circles,
negotiating busy intersections, and
avoiding obstacles.

More than 200 Scholar-Athletes Participate in BSC’s

Engineering Technology Olympics
Students in the Bluefield
State College School of
Engineering Technology under-
stand that the school’s academ-
ic requirements are demanding,
but they recently found that the
experience can be fun, as well.
More than 100 area students,
primarily from BSC, participat-
ed in the 17th annual
Engineering Technology
Olympics at the Bluefield City
Park.
The event combines aca-
demic and athletic competition,
with students vying for first
place in categories including
balsawood bridge building, a
great boat race, concrete cylin-
der toss, digital logic, basketball,
softball, tug-of-war, field math,
horseshoes, and more. A mid-
day cookout was included, as
well.
“The Engineering Technology
Olympics gives our students a
chance to relax, enjoy the com-
petition, and see their faculty in
In the annual BSC Engineering Technology Olympics’ an outside-the-classroom set-
softball competition at the Bluefield City Park, hitters ting,” noted Frank Hart, Dean of
are required to run the bases in a counterclockwise the School of Engineering
direction. The “Olympics” helps area students in
engineering and technology majors to relax and com-
Technology. “It’s a highlight of
pete in athletic and academic events. our semester every spring.”

BLUE AND GOLD JULY 2006 5

 Join Bluefield State College Foundation
Four-Day Bahamas Cruise - January 4-8, 2007
Aboard Carnival’s “Celebration”
Hosted by BSC’s President and First Lady,
Drs. Albert and Kulwinder Walker
This four-day cruise gives you a full weekend of excitement in both Freeport and Nassau. Not
only will you have lots of fun snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing and snapping up duty-free bar-
gains, but in Nassau you have time for some of the exciting Caribbean nightlife!

SHORE EXCURSION OPTIONS:

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Bahamas Nordic Walking Blue Lagoon Island

Tranquility Shores Beach Glass Bottom Boat
Kayak and Snorkel Ardastra Zoo
Lucayan Country Club Garden and City Tour
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Freeport Dolphin Encounter Athol Island Snorkel
Cable Beach Golf Club
Pearl Island Snorkeling
Powerboat to Blackbeard’s Cay with Stingrays

Deposit: $200 per person

Because availability is limited, contact AAA Travel as soon as possible.
Final payment: November 1, 2006

For Full Details Contact Your Cruise Professional:

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622 Commerce Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
304-327-8187 or 800-642-5878

6 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC Foundation Outstanding Classified Employees And
2006 Retirees Honored
BSC staff members Deidi Rose (left)
and Tom Harrison were selected to
receive the Bluefield State College
Foundation's "Outstanding Classified
Employee Awards" for 2006.
The Bluefield State College
Foundation’s “Outstanding Classified
Employee” awards for 2006 were pre-
sented to Tom Harrison and Deidi
Rose during the annual “BSC
Employees Appreciation Day” pro-
BSC Office of Institutional Development & Advancement
Receives $15K NASA Grant Award
Dr. Felica Wooten Blanks
Executive Director of Institutional
Development and Advancement
The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) has
announced its approval of a $15,000
grant proposal in support of the
Emerging Leaders Program at
Bluefield State College. Dr. Felica
Blanks, Executive Director of
Institutional Development and
gram at the College. Both Harrison,
the College’s Director of Career
Planning and Placement, and Rose,
the College’s point of contact for sev-
eral Enrollment Management pro-
grams, received plaques and BSC
Foundation monetary awards of $500
at the ceremony.
By a vote of their peers, BSC
retirees Clifford Neal and Darlene
Buchanan were awarded “Classified
Emeritus” status, with all appropriate
rights and privileges.
Bluefield State College held a
retirement reception recently to honor
Alvin Lester (Professor and Depart-
ment Head/Civil Engineering
Technology), Remona Finney
(Assistant Registrar), and Dr. Alma
Bennett (Assistant Professor/Speech).
“These individuals have served this
institution with distinction and excel-
lence for a combined total of nearly
Advancement at BSC, submitted the
proposal.
According to Dr. Blanks, “BSC
received this grant through our part-
nership with the NASA West Virginia
Space Grant Consortium. This grant
will enhance our efforts to provide
leadership training opportunities as
well as scholarships for students par-
ticipating in the program.”
“Additionally, the overall grant
will allow other state institutions,
including West Virginia State
University and West Virginia
University, to launch initiatives to
replicate our Emerging Leaders
Program.”
Four years ago, the BSC Office of
Institutional Development and
Advancement received grant support
Pictured (left-to-right) are Dr. Alma
Bennett, Professor Alvin Lester, and
Ms. Remona Finney, during a recent
retirement reception in their honor.
They served with distinction at BSC for
a combined total of nearly 70 years.
70 years, as skilled and caring mem-
bers of the College community, and
we extend our best wishes to both
upon the occasion of their retire-
ment,” BSC President Dr. Albert
Walker noted.
from NASA that established an
Emerging Leaders Institute to offer a
holistic approach for preparing
African-American students for future
opportunities in science, math, and
technology-oriented fields. The pro-
gram also provided a support system
to address the academic, social, cul-
tural, and personal development needs
of African-American students who
enroll in NASA-related programs at
BSC.
“We are very pleased that NASA
continues to assist our leadership pro-
gram. With continued support, we will
be able to foster a new generation of
multicultural academicians within the
fields of science, technology, engi-
neering and mathematics,” Blanks
said.
BLUE AND GOLD JULY 2006 7
Student Success Center Working Effectively
John Cardwell
Vice President for
Student Affairs
A creative, proactive approach
designed to help students succeed as
freshmen, then make a smooth transi-
tion into their sophomore year of col-
lege has taken flight at Bluefield State
College, and the response to the pro-
gram has been extremely encouraging.
A Student Success Center, under-
written by a $7500 mini-grant from
the West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission, has been estab-
lished at BSC, whereby several coor-
dinated activities have been initiated
with a goal of improving the
College’s freshman-to-sophomore
retention rate for first time, full-time
students.
“We have been able to implement
a wide range of activities to help these
students,” noted John Cardwell,
BSC’s Vice President for Student
Affairs. Approximately 300 freshmen
and transfer students will take part in
the program over the summer months.
“Students come to campus for a
three-hour session, where they receive
a more comprehensive advising expe-
rience,” he added. “Through this pro-
gram, participating faculty advisors
have already received training that
helps them evaluate students’ career
goals, academic strengths and chal-
lenges, and personal situations likely
to impact their academic success.
Students who look to be more ‘at risk’
after the advising session will be
assigned to a mentor (faculty, staff, or
student) who will work closely them
during their first semester of college.”
Participating students learn about
financial aid and Student Support
Service opportunities, receive web
self-service module training, tour the
campus, and begin the college adjust-
ment process, he said.
“Additionally, faculty who take
part in advising through the Student
Success Center can then share their
understanding with their peers, help-
ing to augment the quality of advising
across the campus,” he observed.
“At the end of the summer, each
freshman and transfer student going
through this program will be brought
back to the College for an orientation
session, Cardwell stated. “The
Student Success Center represents the
expansion of a college-wide commit-
ment to retention.”

BSC Establishes “Humanitarian Athletic Award”

in Memory of Former Student-Athlete Brian Delp
The Bluefield State College ath- must be nominated by a member of nominations/applications must be sub-
letic department recently announced the BSC Athletic Committee, and mitted by April 1.
the establishment of the “Humanitar-
ian Athletic Award,” a scholarship in
memory of the late Brian A. Delp, a
BSC student-athlete who lost his life
while assisting a stranded motorist
four years ago. Samuel and Carla
Delp, parents of the honoree, partici-
pated in a brief press conference at
the College, during which the scholar-
ship was announced.
“Brian was an exceptional per-
son,” noted BSC athletic director
Terry Brown. “He was a humanitari-
an, a leader, and an excellent student
athlete.” Scholarship applicants must
be BSC student-athletes, two-year let- Pictured (left-to-right) are BSC athletic director Terry Brown, Mrs. Carla Delp
ter winners, and they must maintain at and her husband, Mr. Samuel Delp, during a recent ceremony announcing
least a 2.5 grade point average, the establishment of the ‘Humanitarian Athletic Award,’ a scholarship
in memory of the Delps’ son, the late Brian Delp, a BSC student-athlete who
according to Brown. Student-athletes
lost his life four years ago while assisting a stranded motorist.

8 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD

“College Summit” Workshop at BSC Will Help
Approximately 40 West Virginia Students Enroll in College
About 40 students from selected
high schools in southern West Virginia
participated in the second annual four-
day “College Summit” workshop at
Bluefield State College, June 29-July
2. With an emphasis upon ensuring
that West Virginia high school stu-
dents who can succeed in college
actually make it to college, College
Summit’s presentation at BSC was
one of a series conducted by the
organization at West Virginia colleges
and universities during the summer
months.
During their workshop, students
were housed at the Upperclassman II
in Bluefield. They completed an on-
line college application, received one-
on-one college counseling, and wrote
a personal statement they can utilize
for scholarships or as an entrance
essay for college. They also received
Sarita Johns-Gattuso
Executive Director/WVACHE
resources, training, and encourage-
ment to strengthen the belief that they
are “college capable.”
“In West Virginia, we have so
much talent that remains uncovered,”
commented Sarita A. Johns-Gattuso,
executive director of the West Virginia
Access Center for Higher Education
(WVACHE). “Our mid-tier students
just need someone who cares, some-
one who believes in them, and some-
one who will provide accurate infor-
mation regarding access to college,”
West Virginia College Summit is the
capstone for the WVACHE program,
helping those students who don’t
know they are college material to
realize that they, too, can go to col-
lege and be successful, she added.
College Summit is a comprehen-
sive college transition system that
includes intensive summer workshops,
a curriculum guide to lead students
through the high school-to-life transi-
tion, and on-line tools to help students
and educators manage the transition
process. “We’re grateful for the sup-
port provided by the Upperclassman
II, the participating high schools, col-
lege personnel, and College Summit
staff and administrators,” Johns-
Gattuso observed.

Board Chair’s
Column
continued from page 2
For the sixth consecutive year, sum-
mer recreational and sports camps
have given many disadvantaged chil-
dren the type of positive, productive
activities that are invaluable as they
grow and mature.
It is encouraging that the College
has also received a growing amount
of support from individuals within the
legislative and executive branches of
state government. Certainly, the
momentum exists for continued suc-
cess. Your interest, input, and support
are vital for continued growth. Your
Board sincerely appreciates your
Dr. Brian Noland (left), the new Chancellor/WV Higher Education interest and invites your involvement
Policy Commission, is pictured with BSC President Dr. Albert Walker, in helping to chart the future of
who welcomed the Chancellor during his recent visit to the campus. Bluefield State College.

BLUE AND GOLD NOVEMBER 2005 9

Five Regional Leaders and Four Bluefield State College
Student Leaders Honored at “Spirit of Bluefield Awards
Ceremony”
Often, leaders who make a posi- and promoting the their region and/or Institutional Development and Ad-
tive difference in their communities Bluefield State College,” noted vancement and Administrator, Title III
do so in a quiet, understated way. On Dedriell Taylor, BSC’s Director of - BRACE at BSC); Civic
May 22, nine of these unsung heroes Development/Research. Involvement-Mr. Blaine Braithwaite
were recognized during the first Bluefield attorney Norris Kantor (President, South Bluefield
“Spirit of Bluefield Awards received the “Spirit of Bluefield Neighborhood Association), and;
Ceremony,” sponsored by the BSC Award for Outstanding Leadership.” Volunteerism-Mrs. Sue Guyton
Foundation and the College’s Office Kantor is actively involved in numer- (retired educator).
of Institutional Development and ous civic endeavors and also serves as BSC students who were recog-
Advancement. chairman of the BSC Board of nized during the program included:
“The purpose of this event was to Governors. Government-Eli Sharp; Education-
recognize and honor members of the Other Community Award recipi- William Aliff; Civic Involvement-
Bluefield community who most fully ents included: Government-The Mychal Guyton, and; Volunteerism-
demonstrate the spirit of community Reverend Garry Moore (Mayor, City Weston Monk.
service by fostering a sense of of Bluefield, WV); Education-Dr.
‘belongingness’ as well as supporting Felica Blanks (Executive Director,

Cruise Nursing Conference Attracts Capacity Audience

Barb Bancroft’s kept them laugh- bananas and spinach, and you can be Dean/BSC School of Business, was
ing and learning. As a featured speak- vaccinated by eating a fruit or veg- also a featured speaker. Her topic was
er during the George M. Cruise etable,” she noted. “Ten Steps to Financial Security for
Nursing Conference, sponsored by Dr. Elaine Scott, Interim Health Care Providers.”
Bluefield State College’s
School of Nursing and Allied
Health, Bancroft’s presenta-
tion, “Shampoos, Tattoos, and
Barbecues,” provided a capaci-
ty audience of health care pro-
fessionals with an update on
current issues in infectious dis-
eases.
The executive director of a
Chicago-based continuing edu-
cation firm for health care pro-
fessionals, Bancroft covered
topics including global warm-
ing and travel, bioterrorism,
food-borne illnesses, and
infectious agents and their
relationship to acute and
chronic disease. She also dis- Barb Bancroft (center), a nationally recognized speaker on health care,
cussed innovations in vaccine addressed a capacity audience during the recent George M. Cruise
Nursing Conference in Princeton. She is pictured with Dr. Betty Rader
delivery. “Within ten years, (left), Interim Dean/Bluefield State College School of Nursing and Allied
vaccines can be grown in foods Health, and Dr. Bernadette Dragich (right), Professor of Nursing and the
like potatoes, tomatoes, "Cruise Endowed Chair Of Nursing" at BSC.

10 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC’s Faculty and Staff Accomplishments
John Cardwell has been elected
as the new state representative for the
West Virginia ACT state organization.
Cardwell, Vice President for Student
Affairs, was elected to a three-year
term. He will serve as the state orga-
nization’s primary point of contact
with institutions and/or organizations
that elect to participate in its work,
and he will be the designated recipi-
ent of information from, and assis-
tance by, the state organization.
Dr. Bernadette Dragich,
Professor of Nursing, was one of the
co-authors for the instructor’s
resource manual for Maternal and
Child Nursing (second edition), pub-
lished by Prentice Hall Health. She
has also contributed to the Ball and
Bindler (2003) Pediatric Nursing
Companion website for Prentice Hall.
She will be presenting a workshop,
“Drug Endangered Children: What
the Pediatric Health Care Provider
Needs to Know,” at the WV Annual
Statewide Prevention Conference in
November in Charleston, West
Virginia.
Marviene Johnson, Administra-
tive Secretary Senior for the School
of Education, received an associate of
science degree in general business
from New River Community and
Technical College in May 2006.
Dr. Patricia Mulvey, Professor
of History, was among 12 participants
from West Virginia colleges and uni-
versities to attend the recent John A.
Maxwell Scholar-Diplomat Program,
“The UN Today: Millennium Goals
and Reform Agendas,” in Washington
D.C. The three-day event was spon-
sored by the West Virginia Consor-
tium for Faculty and Course Develop-
ment in International Studies
(FACDIS).
Lisa K. Neel, Purchasing
Assistant III, received a bachelor of
science degree in applied science
from Bluefield State College in May
2005.
At a recent West Virginia Library
Association conference, Archivist
Peggy Turnbull was a co-presenter
on a program that considered chil-
dren’s use of websites for reference
purposes. The program, “Smokey the
Bear, Canine Heroes, and Ben’s
Birthday: Collection Development
for Children’s Web-based Reference
Resources,” was a featured activity at
the WVLA “Spring Fling” in
Flatwoods, West Virginia.
Dr. Jim Voelker, Associate
Professor of Political Science, was
honored for his work on several local
and international literacy projects,
including the Books for Africa
Project, through which a number of
BSC faculty donated new and used
textbooks. The Bluefield, Virginia
Rotary Club named Voelker a Paul
Harris Fellow at its annual banquet in
June. A $1,000 donation by the local
club was made in his name to the
Rotary Foundation of Rotary
International to further the organiza-
tion’s service and humanitarian
projects.

New Year’s Eve

Excursion to Spain
Visit -- Seville, Costa Del Sol and Madrid
December 28, 2006 - January 6, 2007

Air Transportation -- $250 Deposit by September 1, 2006
British Airway to London Price is $2200.00 per person double occupancy
London to Seville - Iberia $350 single supplement

8 nights first class hotels Final Payment is due October 25, 2006

Breakfast Daily We are holding only 20 seats.

3 Dinners For information contact

John White

All Entrance Fees jwhite@bluefieldstate.edu
304-327-4157

BLUE AND GOLD JULY 2006 11

BSC Graduate John Hairston, Jr. Named
NASA Agency Administrator
John M. Hairston, Jr.
NASA’s Assistant Administrator
John M. Hairston, Jr., NASA’s
new acting Assistant Administrator for
Education, has traveled many miles
since the days of his youth when he
attended a two-room school in Wilcoe
(WV). However, he credits the edu-
cational foundation he received in
McDowell County public schools and
at Bluefield State College with pro-
viding a firm foundation for his career
in education.
Hairston directs the external pro-
grams directorate at NASA’s Glenn
Research Center. “My responsibilities
include designing, developing, and
initiating educational programs for K-
12 and higher education,” he
explained during a phone interview on
June 15, his first day in his new posi-
tion. “Our course content should be
relevant to academia and to NASA
career-related professions.”
The career educator and admin-
istrator credits his parents--Fern
Delores Hairston and the late John M.
Hairston--with developing his appre-
ciation for the importance of educa-
tion. “My parents said I’d be the first
member of our family to graduate
from college,” he recalled. “They
didn’t know how I’d do it, but they
believed that I would.”
“I grew up in Wilcoe, near
Gary,” he continued. “It was a com-
12 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD
munity that cared.” While attending a “I have thoroughly enjoyed the expe-
two-room elementary school with a rience.”
pot-bellied stove supplying heat in the He has received numerous
winter, Hairston was taught by Mrs. awards including NASA’s Exceptional
Leslie Robinson. “I remember that Achievement Medal and NASA’s
she often told me, ‘You’ll be a star.’” Medal for Outstanding Leadership.
Upon graduation from Gary District He was appointed to the Dr. Martin
High School, the 17-year old Hairston Luther King Ohio State Commission
seriously considered enlisting in the and was presented a Congressional
Marine Corps. His father, though, Record Commendation from
had other ideas. “My dad had been Congressman Louis Stokes.
wounded in the war, and the military “Bluefield State College alumni
was not what he wanted me to do,” are everywhere in the world, and
Hairston explained. they’re doing well,” he said.
He enrolled at nearby Bluefield
State College. “The dietician at the
College had an extra room at her resi-
dence, so I stayed there when I started
out at Bluefield State,” he said. His
Fall Semester
memories of BSC are fond ones. “I
fell in love with the school and gradu- Registration
ated in three-and-a-half years.
August 17 - 18, 2006
Bluefield State was a nurturing
school--they didn’t throw you to the Classes Start
wolves. I remember the faculty, peo- August 21, 2006
ple like (the late) Mrs. (Othello
Harris-Jefferson. They were very
hard, but fair.”
Hairston earned a master’s
degree from Cleveland State Full-time Tuition
University, then completed several In-state -- $1,824*
courses at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy
School of Public Policy. “Actually, I Out-of-state -- $3,880*
found that my academic challenges at
Cleveland State weren’t as difficult as
Metro Rate
my undergraduate courses. Bluefield
(Counties Bordering West Virginia)
State had prepared me well,” he
$2,860*
observed.
“The support I received from my
*per semester, plus lab fees
family and my teachers in McDowell
County and at Bluefield State was
invaluable,” he summarized.
After 27 years as an educator For additional
and administrator in the Cleveland
City School System, Hairston joined
information,
NASA in 1991. “At 48 years of age, I call (304) 327-4065
decided to change careers. I prayed www.bluefieldstate.edu
about it and made the move,” he said.
From the Desk of Dr. Louis Aikens
President, Bluefield State College Alumni Association, Inc.
As this is being written, plans are proceeding at a rapid rate for the biennial Bluefield
State College Alumni Association reunion in Atlanta, GA. At each reunion, BSC gradu-
ates have the opportunity to get together, share memories, and enjoy the fellowship of oth-
ers with whom they have the common bond of a love for Bluefield State College. The
next edition of the Blue and Gold will provide a pictorial narrative of the highlights of the
Atlanta reunion.
Additionally, within the pages of this Blue and Gold, you will see the Bluefield State
College Alumni Association's scholarship recipients for the 2006-2007 year. Your Alumni
Association is justifiably proud of its role in helping these most deserving young men and
Dr. Louis Aikens
women realize their dream of a college education at BSC. In fact, one of the missions of
the Alumni Association involves fund raising (approximately $15,000 this year) for scholarships.
Obviously, the larger our membership, the greater the potential to increase our scholarship support. Thus,
once again I am inviting you to consider the benefits and opportunities of membership in the Bluefield State College
Alumni Association. You can enjoy many activities like our reunion and, at the same time, help many students attend
and graduate from our alma mater. Please consider completing the application below and joining your Alumni
Association.

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 JULY 2006 13

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
College and Media Relations
Bluefield State College
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
or FAX to 304-327-4581or e-mail
kgordon@bluefieldstate.edu
1950s
Orphus Taylor (1954) has been
named Assistant Mayor of the
Springfield (OH) City Commission.
Taylor, who received a master's
degree from Wright State University
and is retired
from the Dayton
Public Schools
as a school psy-
chologist, was
the top vote get-
ter in the City
Commission
Orphus Taylor election. She
also serves as
liaison to the
Clark County Board of Health,
Transportation Coordinating
Committee, Human Relations Board,
Coalition of Neighborhood
Associations, Mediation Board, and
Senior Advocacy Group
Empowerment. She is a past recipi-
ent of several awards including the
National Council of Negro Women
Playwright of the Year, Thomas
Jefferson Democrat of the Year,
Democrat Hall of Fame, and Clark
County Democratic Party Chairman's
Award.
14 JULY 2006 - BLUE AND GOLD
1960s
Robert L. Hawthorne, II, (1965)
retired as an educator after 38 years.
Thirty-four years were spent as a
central office
administrator
and as an ele-
mentary school
principal.
Through the
Education
Policy
Robert L. Fellowship
Hawthorne Program, he
studied and vis-
ited educators and students in nine
countries. He is a member of the
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
1970s
Mitchell Estep (1979) was hon-
ored at the 2005 Iaeger High School
football banquet for 25 years of dedi-
cation as the school’s head football
coach. Under his direction, the team
has advanced to ten playoff seasons,
with 168 wins and 105 losses.
CAPT Norm Holcomb, CHC,
USN (1972) has been retained on
active duty beyond his mandatory
retirement date, following more than
30 years of military service. The
Navy informed him that "an immedi-
ate need exists for your expertise."
In addition to holding a bachelor’s
degree from Bluefield State, CAPT.
Holcomb has earned Masters
degrees from Duke University,
University of the South, Eastern
Connecticut State University, Salve
Regina University, California State
University, and Troy State University,
and he has earned a doctorate from
Vanderbilt University. He has
received more than 30 military
awards and decorations and has
served the United States through five
wars/conflicts.
Elena Romeo (1975) has been
elected President of the Palm Beach
County (FL) Library Association. She
received a Master of Science in
Library Science in 1988 from the
University of Tennessee. She is
director of Palm Springs Public
Library in Palm Springs, Florida.
1980s
E. Scott Browning (1982) was
promoted to branch manager at the
Bluefield office for First Community
Bank, N.A. He is a graduate of the
West Virginia School of Banking and
works with various community organ-
izations.
1990s
Michael S. Bales, Jr. (1997)
serves as the Grants Accountant for
the Southwest Virginia Community
College in Richlands (VA).
Heather Diane Blackwell (1996)
married Dwayne A. Duncan (1994)
on August 17, 2006. She is
employed as an accountant with
Smith Services, Inc.
Kevin DeWitt (1997 and 1989)
was appointed Assistant Area
Engineer for construction of six coun-
ties for the Department of
Transportation in Georgia.
Frank (Chuck) Dorsey (1993)
won an Ruth L. Kirschstein National
Research Service Award from the
National Institute of Health. He
received a Ph.D. in molecular sci-
ence from the University of
Tennessee. He is employed at the St.
Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis,
Tennessee where his research focus-
es on understanding the molecular
mechanisms in cancer development
and treatment.
Cassandra Martin (1992) is
employed by the Salvation Army as
the Divisional Accounting Manager.
Richard Lee Toler, DO, (1992)
graduated from the West Virginia
School of Osteopathic Medicine with
the Degree of Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine, May 27, 2006.
(continued on page 15)
Alumni Updates
continued from page 14
Stacy Burress Tramel (1999)
and her husband, Keith, announce the
birth of their second child, Braxton
Cole, born June 12, 2006.
2000s
Samantha Elise Burgess (2005)
married John Roman Vaught on April
29, 2006. She is employed by
Concord University.
Jessica L. Stone (2005) married
Edward S. Barrett on August 13,
2005. She is employed by Lively and
Associates, CPA in Princeton (WV). tion in many years. He is an elemen-
Ronnell Thompson (2005) made tary teacher at Sunrise Elementary in
his debut with People’s Theatre in Orlando as a fourth grade teacher.
Orlando (FL). Ronnell had the lead
role of Dap Dunlap in Spike Lee’s
stage version of “School Daze.” (Set
in the late 1980’s, “School Daze”
examines the tensions, biases, and In Memoriam
frustrations of middle-class black
youth at a southern college campus. A
politically aware student [Dap] and a Harry L. Hicks, Jr.
popular fraternity leader have varying David “Crockett” Michael, II
views on their own identities.) Keisha Powell Vest
Ronnell also played the role of Hoke
Coleburn in “Driving Miss Daisy” for
Bluefield State’s first theatre produc-

BSC Alumni Association Scholarship Recipients

for 2006-2007 Announced
Front row (left-to-right): Velma Bradshaw, Virginia Hebert, Brenda
Martin, Jennifer Hornick, Toya Hairston, Brenda Wade, and Sue
Guyton. Second row (left-to-right): Ora Johnson, Catrice Robinson, Hairston, Jennifer Hornick, Marviene Johnson,
Shamatee Mitchell, Olusolope Adenupe, and Marviene Johnson.
Third row (left-to-right): Rashida Dickerson, Stacy Nicholson, Saul Stacy Nicholson, Catrice Robinson, Kayla Rose,
Sarr, Abdul Nasiru, Danny Dillow and Mychal Guyton. Not pictured
are Aaron Birchfield and Kayla Rose.
Bluefield State College Alumni Association
scholarship recipients for the 2006-2007 academic
year have been announced. Each of the 16 stu-
dents will receive a $1000 scholarship from the
Alumni Association. Recipients must be BSC stu-
dents, having passed at least 12 hours per semes-
ter while maintaining a grade point average of 2.0
or better.
Each year, the BSCAA awards $15,000-
$25,000 in scholarships through funds contributed
by 13 local Alumni Association chapters through-
out the United States. Since its establishment, the
BSCAA has contributed more than $1 million in
scholarship support.
The recipients of this year’s awards are
Olusolope Adenupe, Aaron Birchfield, Rashida
Dickerson, Mychal Guyton, Danny Dillow, Toya
Brenda Martin, Abdul Nasiru, Shamatee Mitchell,
Saul Sarr, and Brenda Wade.

B.S.C.A.A. scholarships are available each March

in the Office of Institutional Development and Advancement.
Additional information about the BSCAA scholarship program
can be obtained by contacting Ergie R. Smith, Jr.,
118 Ovenbird Circle, Princeton, WV 24740;
Phone: 304-487-6756.

BLUE AND GOLD JULY 2006 15

Six College Job Fair at BSC Attracts
Record Number of Participants
Recruiters from 62 employers spoke to 380 current and former students during the 18th annual Spring Job Fair at
Bluefield State College, April 13, 2006. The event is a collaborative project involving BSC, Concord University,
Bluefield College, New River Community and Technical College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and
Wytheville Community College. It is designed to provide an opportunity for students, recent graduates, and other
individuals pursuing career interests to meet and discuss options with potential future employers.
“This year’s event attracted a record number of job seekers, as well as the second highest number of employers
and recruiters in the 18-year history of the program,” noted Tom Harrison (Class of 1975) BSC’s Director of Career
Services. “The Job Fair brings employment opportunities to students approaching graduation, along with recent
graduates. It also provides a laboratory-type learning experience for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who get to
meet and talk to prospective employers.”
Bluefield State College’s Student Support Services (SSS) program worked with the College’s Career Services
program to assist students from BSC and NRCTC to benefit more fully from the opportunities created by the Job
Fair. The SSS workshops “Life After Graduation” and “Job Search Strategies” preceded the Fair, and a “Career
Portfolio Development” program was offered shortly after the Job Fair. Each student taking part in the Job Fair
received a vendors’ map, noting the location of each recruiting organization, as well as the academic areas of empha-
sis sought by each recruiting organization.
Harrison observed that approximately a dozen students who met with prospective employers at prior Job Fairs
returned this year in the role of recruiters for the organizations with which they are now employed. He also
expressed special appreciation to each collaborating institution for its assistance. “Many people worked together to
make this event successful,” he said.

STD MAIL A
Non-Profit Organization
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Permit #139
Bluefield, WV 24701
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Bluefield, WV 24701
Address Service Requested

www.bluefieldstate.edu