NSU Academic Times

We celebrated our Annual CBT Alumni Teach-In, accompanied by a 100-Year, Hawk and Roll Homecoming Rally. Wednesday, October 23rd, 10 am-2 pm, Come and Go event

• Free Hotdogs, Popcorn, Beverages, and Candy
• Played Bingo to win some amazing door prizes
• Engaged with other students, faculty, and student organizations
• Connected with Alumni during one of our three Alumni Guest Speaker Panels

Ace Institute

COE DEAN’S OFFICE

Dr. Vanessa Anton, Dean, serves on the national board of the Teacher Education Council for State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU). September 28-October 1, she traveled to St. Paul, MN, to assist with their national conference – Call to Action: Educator Shortages & Support – and attended board and member meetings.

Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) successfully completed the Quality Matters (QM) Master Reviewer Course.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood Education) presented “A Toolbox of Strategies for Nurturing Children Who Have Experienced Trauma” at the Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children’s annual conference in Broken Arrow, OK. This allocution underscored practical strategies for teachers to utilize as they create a safe and supportive learning environment in which children are able to establish a healthy and supportive relationship with a caring adult.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) and Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) attended the 17^th Annual Reading Conference hosted by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSHRE), featuring Dr. Sheri Vasinda - a professor of literacy at Oklahoma State University who specializes in supporting readers and writers who struggle. Dr. Phillips also serves on the conference committee.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) and Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) spoke to teachers in Ft. Gibson Public Schools about current trends and effective methods in special education.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) will be sharing the findings of research at the Council for Exceptional Children’s annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland in March, sharing a presentation entitled, “Creating Inclusive Environments: Collaboration, Student Engagement, and Evidence-Based Practices.”

Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Attachment: The Foundation of our Relationships” multiple times for the Legacy Family Network across northeast Oklahoma during the month of September.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) offered a review for the State’s early childhood education examination (OSAT) on the Tahlequah Campus, hosted by the RiverHawk Center for Teacher Excellence (RCTE).

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) facilitated a learning opportunity for the Ivy Learning Network titled “Art vs. Skill Development-How to Incorporate True Art Activities into the Early Childhood Environment.”

Dr. Stephan Sargent’s READ 4013: Content Area Reading Course was certified by Quality Matters with no conditions.

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) conducted nine dyslexia assessments recently: one in Marble City, one in Broken Arrow, one in Moffett, and six in Muldrow at Liberty.

Collaborating with Mr. Gary Wing at Grand View Public Schools, Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) is providing support for the 21st Century Grant.

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) continues to work with a teacher at Norwood and with the faculty at Marble City.

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) guides teachers at Stilwell Elementary School, providing coaching and observations for teachers of literacy.

At Shiloh Christian School in Tahlequah, Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) conducted professional development sessions in dyslexia and effectively working with struggling readers.

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading), together with Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) and a colleague at the University of North Texas (UNT), continues work preparing a dyslexia poster presentation for the conference of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

Little Rowdy Childcare Center

We are a CCAMPIS grant funded center here on the BA campus. CCAMPIS stands for Child Care Access Mean Parents In School. We can be a great resource for all Education students. We offers positions for Student Workers and Institutional Workers but we also offer internships! We are best suited for those doing their P2.

As a center we are seeking accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Interns can use their skills in lesson planning, observations, assessments etc. Our children learn through play about science, discovery, music to name just a few.

If you would like further information, contact Denise Tyrell, Director Little Rowdy, at tyrell@nsuok.edu, or 918-449-6254. You can also swing by the center located in the Education building room #139, the director's office is in room #146 and you are welcome to come by.

Dr. Brian Cowlishaw, Professor of English, presented a “Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma” book talk on Bang the Drum Slowly at the Stillwater Public Library on October 24.

Dr. Michelle M. Martin, Assistant Professor of History, recently traveled to Norman and attended a special two-day workshop for the Indigenous Truth Telling of Boarding Schools grant program. Other NSU COLA faculty and NSU employees involved with the grant initiative include Dr. David Corcoran, Assistant Professor of History; Dr. John McIntosh, Associate Professor of Geography; Dr. Jeromy Miller, Assistant Professor/Chair Cherokee and Indigenous Studies; Dr. Justin McBride, Associate Professor of English; Mr. Blain McClain, NSU Archives and Special Collections; and Britton Morgan, NSU History Major/Student researcher. Drs. Martin and McIntosh along with Blain McClain and Britton Morgan met with other participating institutions (OU, OSU, Utah State) and had the opportunity to speak with Indigenous boarding school alumni. NSU’s workshop participants also attended a special National Day of Remembrance for Boarding School Survivors/Alumni/Attendees event.

Dr. Martin also assisted with living history interpretation efforts at Fort Smith National Historic Site on Saturday, October 5th. The Fall Fest event organized by Fort Smith NHS shares the complex history of the fort and its role in the history of the American West and Indian Territory. Dr. Martin portrayed a U.S. Army laundress, the only official position for a woman in the 19th century military, and helped educate visitors. The current superintendent of Fort Smith NHS is Lisa Conrad Frost, a graduate of NSU and the Department of History.

Dr. Robyn Pursley, Professor of Drama, served as a judge and respondent for the Union High School One Act Festival on September 28th in Tulsa, OK. At the festival, seven high schools presented productions for consideration: Union, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Lincoln Christian, Booker T Washington, Owasso, and Deer Creek.

Dr. Elaina Ross, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, delivered a program to the Tulsa City County Library titled 'Building Effective Work Relationships.'

Dr. Sung-Kun (Sean) Kim, Professor of Chemistry, and his graduate and undergraduate students, Nicol Nightingale, Kong Lee, Connor Ferlazzo and Lydia Neff, published a paper titled “Modulation of Tumor Suppressor Genes by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy,” in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International with collaborator Dr. Jatindra Tripathy from Texas Tech University.

AJ Field, a senior in Freshwater Science presented at the national AISES conference in San Antonio on her undergraduate thesis work with Dr. Lizz Waring titled "Comparison of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in an Agricultural Runoff Stream and an Urban Runoff Stream". Kaitlin Branson, a graduate student in Natural Sciences, also presented at the national AISES conference in San Antonio on her thesis research with Dr. Lizz Waring titled "An Assessment of Carbon Storage Potential and Cultural Significance of Forested Conservation Easements in Northeastern Oklahoma". Lastly Dr. Lizz Waring co-led a seminar at the national AISES conference on "Interested in environmental careers? Learn how to find them and what you need to enter the field." with colleagues from the Ecological Society of America, the Native American Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Aaniiih Nakoda College Buffalo Research and Education Center.

Connor Ferlazzo and Brant Osborn who will be representing NSU at Research Day at the Capitol next spring! Their projects were selected by a faculty review committee across the university, representing the disciplines eligible for Research Day at the Capitol. Connor is mentored by Dr. Sean Kim and the title of his project is "Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases by a Novel Synthetic Hydroxamic Acid Compound". Brant is mentored by Dr. Deb Petrik and the title of his project is "Cell-Type Specific Manipulation of the Monocot Stomatal Complex: Employing amiRNA Mediated RNAi to Study Guard and Subsidiary Cells."

In partnership with the Oklahoma Education Association, Dr. Martha Parrott provides support for hundreds of future teachers and in-service professionals by hosting mathematics review sessions to prepare individuals for the mathematics portion of the Oklahoma Subject Area Tests (OSAT), which is one step in the certification process whether the candidate seeks traditional, emergency, or alternative certification. This is part of an on-going outreach opportunity not only for NSU students but also others throughout Oklahoma.  Recent workshops occurred September 4-5 with others planned for late November 2024.

Dr. Martha Parrott delivered professional learning on the campus of NSU-Broken Arrow during summer 2024 through a summer institute to provide training for current and aspiring mathematics instructional leaders as well as mathematics teachers across multiple grade levels. These professional learning opportunities continue throughout the year with Saturday follow-up sessions.  Funding for these institutes, which provides math leaders and teachers with materials and stipends, is made possible by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, FlightNight, AAON, and the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance.  These professional learning opportunities also serve to recruit new graduate students to the M. Ed. Mathematics Education program.  Dr. Parrott serves not only as the program chair but also advises all graduate students in the program including those who wish to complete the STEM Education Certificate – Mathematics Concentration.

36th Annual Optic Cup Golf Tournament

NSUOCO's Optometric Student Association (OSA) hosted their annual golf tournament at Cherokee Springs Golf Club in Tahlequah on September 7, 2024. The tournament serves as a fundraiser for students traveling to attend Optometry's Meeting, a national optometric professional development and continuing medical education conference. The tournament was a success with 20 teams and 80 players consisting of students, alumni, doctors, and industry representatives from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. OSA raised $8,998 for student travel grants to help our future optometrists attend the meeting in Minneapolis next summer.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Cherokee Nation, RXO Tulsa, HOYA, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, Truform, Mattingly Low Vision, My Family Eyecare, Pioneer International, and Drs. Jim & Tiffany Rankin. Also, a special shout out to Tahlequah Family Vision and Roberts-Philpott Eye Associates for donating sunglasses for the raffle!

Congratulations to first-place winners: Travis Larson, Alex Foree, Clint Kelly, and Daniel Linneman!  And a big round of applause for Alex Flores for winning the putting contest and scoring a brand-new Scotty Cameron putter!

Optometry Students Participate in Giving Sight Day

NSUOCO participated in Giving Sight Day on Saturday, September 28th, providing 32 free eye exams and 29 free pairs of glasses. We had 43 students, and several faculty, residents and staff volunteer their time for this wonderful event. Giving Sight Day is the annual "day of service" for Oklahoma optometrists to give back to their communities. The event aims to increase access to vision care for Oklahomans in need, engender goodwill in our communities, and introduce potential new patients to the importance of good vision care.

Fall 2024 Tahlequah Cares Event

NSUOCO provided vision screenings at the Fall 2024 Tahlequah Cares event on the afternoon of October 5th. This semiannual event is held to help underserved people in our community connect with available services. Vision screenings were provided for ~35 community members, with full eye exams being recommended for ~26. Eye exams will be available to these patients at little or no cost at the NSUOCO clinic and assistance will be given for those who need glasses.

Happy Fall!

Thank you for your cooperation and patience in submitting assessment data into our new system, Watermark’s Planning and Self-Study. Congratulations, you did it! Now that you have a baseline of data entered into Planning and Self-Study, this year’s reports will be tremendously easier. You will not have to repeatedly enter in your assessment measures into this year’s plan as they are already entered into the system. This solution stores all data that is entered indefinitely. All you need to do is select which outcomes and measures that were utilized this year and add student data into the system. So much easier!

We highly recommend and encourage you to start working on this year's reports, alongside updating your missions statements, curriculum and assessment maps, and outcomes within Planning and Self-Study. Starting this process sooner means you will not need to worry about these reports during a busy season. 

Resources to begin working on your reports

1. Faculty User Guide: Planning & Self-Study
2. Instructional Video: Assessment Reports in Planning & Self-Study
3. Planning & Self-Study Training Session

Additionally, three programs also underwent their five year program review, also within Planning and Self Study. In order to view the report documentation, please see below:

1. BS and MS in Criminal Justice and Certificates
2. BA History and Certificate
3. MS Leadership and Certificates

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also schedule an appointment with Karrine Ortiz, see below. She can help to walk you through the submission process.

NSU ASSESSMENT TEAM

Email: assessment@nsuok.edu

Cari Keller, Associate VP of Academic Affairs
TQ Campus Office: Seminary Hall 316
918-444-2065

Karrine Ortiz, Academic Process Coordinator
BA Campus Office:  Student Affairs 225
Phone: 918-449-6128

HELPFUL LINKS & WORDS REFERENCED:

Academic Assessment - Degrees Of Excellence

Workforce Development - Create A Badge

Social Education, the official journal of the National Council for the Social Studies, recently published an article drawing upon primary sources from NSU's Special Collections and Archives. "Centering Indigenous Voices in the U.S. History Classroom" demonstrates how a classroom examination of Cherokee perspectives during the Civil War can challenge stereotypes and highlight Indigenous agency while linking historical narratives to the present. It was co-authored by Dr. Iain Anderson, Graduate College Dean and Professor of History, with former NSU professors Dr. Farina King and Dr. Christopher H. Clark and Tahlequah Middle School teacher (and NSU alum) Trico Blue.

Sarah Burkhead Whittle, Instructor of Library Services, along with many dedicated NSU faculty and staff volunteers, collaborated to host the third annual Green Country Children's Book Festival on Thursday October 3. More than 600 3rd-8th grade students, plus 50 educators, from 13 schools around Northeastern Oklahoma attended the Book Festival held in the University Center in two half-day sessions. Here, students were able to meet, ask questions, and seek inspiration from middle grade authors/illustrator Chloe Burgett, Brenda Maier, and Chris Negron. 

The 2024 festival was sponsored by generous donations from Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Anna Mae Burkhead (in memory of John Burkhead), the Tahlequah Community Fund, BancFirst, Local Bank, a Rotary Community Action grant, Meigs Jewelry, the NSU Foundation, Christie Speake, and Laura Hulbert. These donations allowed each student to leave the Festival with a free book by one of the featured authors/illustrators. To find out more, please visit https://library.nsuok.edu/bookfestival. 

Brandon Martin received a scholarship from the Northwest Interlibrary Loan & Resource Sharing Conference to attend their annual virtual conference September 18-20, 2024.

Tom Rink, a member of the editorial board of Information Outlook (the quarterly trade publication for the Special Libraries Association), was interviewed last June by Lauren Hays for an industry blog (Lucidea).  The interview focused on the magazine and its recent relaunch after a several year hiatus. Lucidea is a Candian software company that offers products and services for library automation and knowledge management to special libraries.

Read the Interview Now!

Maria Souliotis, Instructor of Library Services at the John Vaughan Library, published an original article, "Mapping the Way: Teaching Music Information Literacy in the Contemporary Information Landscape" in Notes: The Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association, Vol. 81, No. 1. 

Maria Souliotis, Instructor of Library Services at the John Vaughan Library, published a review of the book Career Choices in Music beyond the Pandemic: Musical and Psychological Perspectives by Julie Jaffee Nagel in Notes: The Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association, Vol. 81, No. 1. 

World Fair

NSU's International Programs and Northeastern's Activities Board (NAB) hosted its yearly World Fair event on October 10th. This year's World Fair included 12 countries + 1 student-based cultural organization serving food from their home country/culture to all of the NSU community. For the first time ever, the World Fair was competitive and all NSU students, faculty, and staff that attended were able to vote for their favorite food. There was a top 3, as well as a prize for each placement. Team Vietnam took the win for the World Fair's best food, while the UK and We are Hmong Club (WAH) took 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. This year's World Fair was the largest one yet, with over 300 NSU students, faculty and staff trying foods made by international students. 

NSU's 100th Homecoming Parade!

The Office of International Programs and the International Student Organization were able to participate in NSU's Homecoming Parade on October 26. Several international students were able to walk the parade and represent their country to the NSU and Tahlequah Communities.

Happy Fall RiverHawks!

We are so grateful for the amazing efforts our faculty and staff have done over these last few months in the hopes of creating new opportunities for students and supporting existing projects here at NSU. They have been working hard to complete and submit proposals to help fund some fantastic programs and research.  Many others are still working on submitting proposals through OK-INBRE.

Dr. Sean Kim – INBRE Equipment

Jessica Lear – Tahlequah Community Fund

Katie Cochran – Proctor and Gamble

Dr. Roy Wood – Proctor and Gamble

Dr. Robyn Pursley – Tahlequah Community Fund

Dr. Richard Reif and Dr. Cari Keller – BRIDGES: Building Resources to Improve Digital Growth, Education, and Skills

Dr. Janaki Iyer – NIH R16

Dr. Lisa Bisogno and Dr. Jericho Hobson – Proctor and Gamble

There are still opportunities open to apply for funding. If you have and questions or need help, please feel free to contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RASP).

Oklahoma INBRE’s deadline is October 31^st

OSRHE Full STEM deadline is October 31^st

Hope you had a wonderful Fall Break and have a Happy Halloween!!

Jessica Secratt
Director of RASP
918-444-2243

Tory Lander
Assistant Director of RASP
918-444-2029

Grant Funding Resources

The following websites are an excellent starting ground to begin your search for grant funding.

OSRHE Grant Programs
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offer several grant programs to institutions of higher education.

Grants.gov 
Grants.gov is a source to find and apply for federal grants. All federal agency grant opportunities are listed, making grants.gov a great place to begin searching for a grant for which you would like to apply.

National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF is the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. NSF is one of the most substantial sources of federal backing in many fields, such as mathematics, computer science, and the social sciences.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; providing leadership in arts education. NEA is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
The NEH is an independent federal agency that provides grants for high-quality humanities projects. NEH grants typically go to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television and radio stations, and individual scholars.

Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council awards matching grants to cultural organizations, schools, and local governments to increase resources available to non-profit organizations producing community arts and arts education programs throughout Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC)
OHC provides funding and resources that support humanities education and vibrant cultural life for all Oklahomans. Eligible projects must support the OHC mission—to promote meaningful public engagement with the humanities.

How did you become interested in Optometry, and what brought you to the NSU? (Share your journey!)

I always had an interest in the medical field and wanted to go into healthcare some day.   I enjoyed math and science classes.  One of my best friends growing up his dad was an optometrist, and seeing how he treated patients, how he got to help people and interact with people that really sealed the deal for me.  I followed my wife, Dr. Jenna who is also a faculty member at NSUOCO, to Pacific University College of Optometry where we both went to optometry school.  Interesting fact, neither of us could have gone to the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry since we both were from North Dakota.  Before 2012, to gain admittance to NSUOCO an applicant had to be from Oklahoma or one of the states neighboring Oklahoma plus Nebraska.   We changed that in 2012 so applicants now can be from any of the 50 states.  

While at Pacific University, I found out I really enjoyed the ocular disease and surgical side of optometry.  I wanted to really focus on these areas and get the best training I could, so my professors at Pacific University recommended I come to Tahlequah and the Oklahoma College of Optometry since the state of Oklahoma is on the cutting edge of what optometrists can do.   Oklahoma optometrists have been helping their patients with laser procedures, injections and minor surgical procedures since the late 1980’s.  So it really was wanting the best clinical training with the broadest scope of practice that brought me to Oklahoma optometry and NSUOCO.   I did my residency here in 2009-2010 and just loved everything about this place.  The faculty are amazing, the family friendly environment, Oklahoma optometry is just awesome…..all of that made us want to stay, and when Jenna and I were offered faculty positions we accepted and joined the faculty in 2010.   We never had plans to be in Oklahoma, be in academia, or stay at NSUOCO after residency, but are so glad it worked out this way. 

What are some innovative teaching practices faculty are using in the classroom?

Faculty are using polling software to engage the students during lectures.  We are using the latest in technology to enhance learning of our students.  This may be through videos of procedures or eye conditions.  We have cameras on all of our slit lamp microscopes in all of our exam lanes across the clinic at NSU, and can record conditions that we see, and use those in the classroom to educate our students and residents.  Learning is so enhanced when an actual patient case is brought into the classroom where students can learn from real live patient encounters and cases.  We bring clinical technology into the classroom and lab utilizing the latest and greatest in equipment.   Our labs are really where the magic happens.  Students can learn from a textbook all day long, but the hands on learning is so critical to building these examination skills.  After all, at the end of the day we are performing eye exams on patients and students have to learn how to perform an eye exam on a patient.  So the hands on teaching and hands on skills are critical, and that is why labs are so important. 

As one of the 23 optometry training schools in the U.S., what do you see as the strengths of the Oklahoma College of Optometry?

Cherokee Nation Partnership	Our wonderful relationship with Cherokee Nation, who has been our partner in eyecare for 45 years.  We have 11 locations where we see patients across NE Oklahoma, and 10 of those locations are intimately tied to the Cherokee Nation.   Most of our patients that we see are Native Americans, and because we have so many patients to care for, it provides a wonderful clinical education for our students and residents.  I really believe our clinical education is one of the best in the nation.  It is what we are known for.   At the same time, our patients get to receive care from expert faculty who are leaders in their field, whether it is low vision, contact lenses, primary eyecare, vision therapy, pediatrics or many other areas.  It is such a mutually beneficial relationship between NSUOCO and Cherokee Nation.
Scope of Practice	Our scope of practice and relationship with the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP).  Oklahoma is viewed nationally and internationally as a leader in advancing optometry, and because of the optometric leaders we have in our state, it is just a great place to practice and educate the next generation of optometrists.   Not being from Oklahoma, I was amazed when I got here in 2009 seeing just how tight knit the optometry community was, how motivated they are to continually advance what we do, and how we work together, so at the end of the day we are ultimately helping our patients and the citizens of Oklahoma.
Class Size	Our class size of 28 students per class is definitely a strength.  We are continually told by our students that they love the class size, and the family friendly environment that we have at NSUOCO.  Students really get to know their faculty and staff, and faculty and staff really get to know the students, and that is a very good thing.   Optometry classes are very tight knit due to the size of the class.
Our Facilities	Our facilities are soon to be a very strong strength.  With the opening of our new building in the summer of 2025, we will have a state-of-the-art facility that will pair so nicely with the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center (CNOHC) which opened in the fall of 2019.   Both facilities are world class health facilities that Tahlequah and NE Oklahoma should be proud of.
Continuing Education & Advance Procedures	Our continuing education program and our advanced procedures course helps to lead the nation in educating optometrists nationwide and advance our scope of practice nationwide.  Oklahoma was the first state to get lasers and injections and surgical procedures.  Now there are 12 states that grant optometrists the authority to do laser procedures, and NSUOCO has trained the optometrists in all 11 other states to do these procedures and help their patients.  We are continually told how well NSUOCO serves our profession and our patients by helping other states expand their scope of practice.

Looking forward to 2025 when the new NSU Optometry complex opens, what features are you most excited about for students, faculty and community?

We are most excited to have a facility that matches the reputation of the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry.  It is going to allow us to see more patients, expand services, have the latest technology both clinically and in the classroom, and just build upon what has been going on at NSUOCO for the past 20+ years.   We have never had a building designed for optometry.  This building designed for optometry will allow us to be more efficient, more effective and do more for our patients, students, residents, and faculty.   The community is going to benefit from having more optometric services available for them, whether it is glasses and contact lenses or laser procedures and surgical procedures.   The facility is going to be able to house the first refractive surgery laser that has ever been present in Tahlequah.  Exciting times ahead!  I also think it will bring a sense of pride to the community.  Anytime we have a new facility or new program emerge locally there is always a sense of accomplishment and pride. 

How does the Oklahoma College of Optometry impact NSU and the community?

First and foremost patient care.  This calendar year 2024 we will likely go just north of 45,000 patient encounters across our 11 facilities.  We have faculty that are leading experts in their respective areas, whether it is vision therapy, contact lenses, retinal care, or laser procedures, and the care really is second to none here in Tahlequah.  NSUOCO is really a positive influence on the community as we have multiple continuing education conferences located at our facility every year that bring doctors to Tahlequah to get education from all across the state, region, country and world.  We recently had a doctor travel all the way here from Australia to shadow/observe our clinical care here and take continuing education here in Tahlequah. 

Dr. Roy Wood OER Grant

Dr. Roy Wood, a distinguished faculty member at Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology, has recently been awarded the prestigious OER Grant for his outstanding contribution to the creation of Open Educational Resources. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Wood shared his insights into the significance of OER and the impact of receiving the grant.

When asked about his inspiration for pursuing the creation of open educational resources, Dr. Wood emphasized the affordability factor for students. He highlighted that by utilizing OER, he could contribute to making college more accessible for students by providing free resources. Additionally, Dr. Wood mentioned the flexibility of OER licenses, which allow instructors to customize and remix content to suit their teaching needs, ultimately benefiting both students and faculty.

Receiving the OER Grant has significantly influenced Dr. Wood's work and the availability of his resources. He explained that the grant facilitated the creation of a new textbook titled "Introduction to Information Systems Management," tailored to his syllabus. Dr. Wood acknowledged the invaluable assistance of ChatGPT large language model (LLM) in expediting the research and writing process. The textbook has been well-received by students, with positive feedback emphasizing its organization, relevance, and cost-saving benefits. It is publicly available on the OSRHE OCO site.

View the Textbook!

In addition to the textbook, Dr. Wood has developed supplementary materials such as PowerPoint slides and quiz questions for each chapter. Furthermore, he has expanded his contributions by creating another OER textbook titled "Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning," which is publicly available on the OSRHE OCO site.

View the Supplementary Materials!

Reflecting on the broader impact of his resources, Dr. Wood envisioned their benefits for educators and learners within the field of CBT. He emphasized that OER not only provide affordable options for students but also offer flexibility for faculty to adapt and customize materials according to their teaching preferences. Dr. Wood's dedication to creating high-quality, freely accessible resources aligns with the mission of promoting accessibility and reducing college costs for students.

Dr. Roy L. Wood's contributions exemplify the commitment of Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology to innovation and excellence in education. For further information or inquiries, Dr. Wood can be contacted at wood79@nsuok.edu or 918-882-2711.

Dr. Roy Wood Publishes AI-Generated Textbook for MBA Course

Dr. Roy Wood, a professor at the College of Business and Technology at Northeastern State University, recently launched a new textbook titled Introduction to Information Systems Management. This innovative resource, created using AI tools, is now available online and is used in Dr. Wood's MBA 5533 class, "Information Systems for Managerial Problem Solving" (link to the book).

Key Themes and Content

The textbook covers a comprehensive range of topics essential to understanding information systems in the modern business environment. These topics include business information systems, computer hardware, software, networks, data management and analytics, e-commerce, decision support systems, cybersecurity, project management, and emerging trends in information systems. Dr. Wood carefully selected these subjects to align with the desired outcomes for his classes, ensuring the material stays relevant and engaging for students.

Inspiration and Creation Process

Dr. Wood was inspired to create this textbook due to the limitations he encountered with existing resources. He found that commercial textbooks often failed to meet his students' needs and were costly, while the open educational resources (OER) he used were quickly becoming outdated. After experimenting with OpenAI's ChatGPT, he decided to use this AI tool to develop a textbook tailored specifically for his MBA 5533 and IS 3063 classes.

The creation process was not without its challenges. Dr. Wood described it as a "learning process," where he iteratively refined the content using AI to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. He incorporated feedback from his students and added visually appealing elements, such as free photographs and company icons, to enhance engagement. Notably, the textbook has already attracted attention from professors at other universities, with two faculty members outside Oklahoma reaching out to use the book in their information systems classes.

AI's Role in Education

Dr. Wood believes that AI will play a significant role in education, particularly in the fields of business and technology. Quoting from Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning by Jose Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson, he emphasized that "AI is not here to replace teachers, but to enhance their capabilities and amplify their impact." He envisions AI being used to create tailored learning materials, reduce repetitive tasks, and elevate the focus to more sophisticated levels of education.

Future Projects

Looking ahead, Dr. Wood plans to continue his work with AI. He has already released a second open textbook, Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (link), and is currently developing a third text on technology management for NSU’s Bachelor of Technology degree courses.

Through these efforts, Dr. Wood aims to provide up-to-date information and free resources that will benefit students and educators alike, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in academia.

Ace Institute

ASSESSMENT

Ms. Lori Riley, Assessment Director, had an article published in the journal Intersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning titled “Praxis and True Dialogue: A Freirean Approach to Equity-Minded Data Work” in June 2024.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Dr. Jameie Combs (Special Education) was recently featured in the Tahlequah Daily Press, highlighting the exceptional work she performs in American Sign Language at NSU and for the region as a whole. Sign language classes are taught at NSU, with the possibility of earning a minor. Dr. Combs also is the campus advisor for the Talons American Sign Language (ASL) Club on campus and regularly offers opportunities for the community to be involved in ASL.

Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) has recently prepared two courses for Quality Matters certification. Both SPED 4063 (Classroom Management of Children with Exceptionalities) and SPED 4433 (Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Children) have received QM’s prestigious certification. Not only is Dr. Day successful in certifying her own courses, but she regularly helps other faculty as they prepare their courses for the QM certification process.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) served as a proposal reviewer for a recent NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) conference.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) presented the results of a recent research study entitled, "Ethical Decision-Making: Listening to Voices in the Field", at a recent NAEYC conference.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) shared, "A Toolbox of Strategies for Nurturing Children Who Have Experienced Trauma," at a recent OKAEYC (Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children) convention.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) submitted her online summer course, ECED 5513 (Diversity in Early Childhood Education), to Quality Matters for course review.

Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) is presenting "Attachment: The Foundation of our Relationships" multiple times across the Tulsa-Metro area during September 2024 for the Legacy Family Network. This presentation focuses on supporting foster and adoptive parents in recognizing their own attachment style and that of their children. In addition, Dr. McCombs shares strategies to strengthen existing attachment tendencies.

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) submitted his online course, READ 4013 (Content Area Reading), to Quality Matters for course review.

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) and Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) opened the first meeting of the Student Oklahoma Education Association/Aspiring Educators on the NSU-BA Campus by having Tulsa Classroom Teachers’ Association officer, Mrs. LeeAnne Jimenez, speak about the importance of belonging to the teachers’ association and the multitude of benefits it offers all educators.

HEALTH & KINESIOLOGY

The Department of Health and Kinesiology has expanded curriculum in their Recreation Program to include new classes in SCUBA diving, Community Recreation, Wilderness First Aid, Interpretive Guide Services, and Administration in Sport/Recreation Programs. The Recreation Program offers experiential learning courses presented in invigorating environments. Students learn a variety of recreational skills related to kayaking, canoeing, rescue skills, rappelling, climbing, orienteering, land navigation, outdoor cooking, wilderness survival, camping, hiking, wilderness first aid, lifeguarding, CPR, and SCUBA diving. Courses can be utilized for Health and Kinesiology’s new degree in Sports and Recreation Management, Recreation minor, several micro- credentials, or electives for students seeking a new experience. Recreation courses capitalize on NSU’s unique geographical resources to offer experiences outside of the traditional classroom. Questions about these courses should be directed to Dr. Chad Stangl stangl@nsuok.edu.

 

On September 14, the College of Liberal Arts hosted the Oklahoma Speech, Theater, and Communication Association Annual Conference. Faculty and students from across the state gathered for panels and workshops, as well as a keynote speech from Ryan Cannonie, J.D., alumnus of the Communication and Media Studies Department. Dr. Elaina Ross, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, was the 2024 Conference Planner and is now serving as OSTCA President for 2024-25. Dr. Kyle Vareberg, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, was awarded the Young College Teaching Award and serves as the Communication Association Division Chair. Amber Margarit, Instructor of Communication Studies and Director of Forensics, serves as the Forensics Division Chair. Cassie Freise, Instructor of Media Studies and Director of Student Media, served as the event Photographer.

Dr. Brian Cowlishaw, Professor of English, presented three Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma book discussions in August, in Claremore, Miami, and Hulbert. In September he will be presenting in Jay and Grove on Fire in Beulah by Rilla Askew, about the Tulsa Race Riots.

Dr. Michelle Martin's HIST/AIS 3723 Native American History students have been preparing to create a museum exhibit project by visiting the Cherokee National History Museum, the NSU Archives and Special Collections, and the Cherokee National Research Center. The students are researching the history of the Cherokee National Female Seminary, Seminary Hall, Cherokee educational sovereignty, and the life stories of some of the women who attended the Seminary. Their exhibit will be on campus this fall in conjunction with Native American Heritage Month in November.

Dr. Robyn Pursley, Professor of Drama, directed a musical theatre for young audiences production of The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck, an adaptation of the Beatrix Potter story. The play was presented to over 1700 elementary school students over the course of 12 performances at the NSU Playhouse on the Tahlequah campus. Scott Pursley, Professor of Drama, designed the lighting, scenery, and sound for the production. Robyn Pursley also designed the costumes and properties for the production. Farren Mayfield, Accompanist for the Music Department, provided the music recording for the performances.The production featured performances by 10 current NSU Drama students and a technical crew of 6 current NSU Drama students.

 

National Science Foundation Noyce Scholarship Recipients Selected for 2024-2025 and Engage in a Professional Learning Day August 16, 2024

The NSU Noyce Scholars Program is funded by a National Science Foundation grant which supports the preparation of STEM majors who will prepare to teach middle school or high school mathematics or science and provides much needed scholarships and unique educational opportunities to prepare STEM teachers who will serve students in high-need areas. The intended award amount $1,173,385 (Years 1 – 5).  The Noyce Scholars Program leadership team includes Dr. Martha Parrott (PI), Dr. Spence Pilcher (Co-PI), Dr. Stephan Sargent (Co-PI), and Dr. Luke Foster (Co-PI). 

NSF Noyce scholarship recipients for 2024-2025 were celebrated on August 16, 2024 while also engaging in their first of several professional learning days. Scholars began their day with a workshop led by Dr. Martha Parrott (PI) who helped Noyce Scholars develop a deeper understanding of what high quality mathematics and science tasks are. Students collected data while bouncing tennis balls, translated their data into a graphical representation, and determined the line of best fit. Later in the day, Dr. Carl Farinelli, Professor Emeritus, incorporated storytelling from his own life experiences to connect Noyce Scholars to the potential of place-based education. His talk, The Impact of Place and Circumstance on Learning, demonstrated the importance of place in learning.

Scholars were also celebrated through a scholarship signing event and were congratulated by Deans, Dr. Jessica Martin and Dr. Vanessa Anton.

2024-2025 Noyce Scholars Are:

• Allison Henry, Math Education
• Saabrina Albiter, Math Education
• Avi Delap, Math Education
• Rigoberto Gonzalez Jr, Math Education
• Eduardo Cresensio, Math Education
• Jaicee Lester, Science Education
• Mattie McClellan, Science Education
• Kylie Smith, Science Education

First Year Noyce Scholar Teachers 2024-2025:

• Alessandria Criscione, Broken Arrow Public Schools
• Tyler King, Union Public Schools

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Dr. Wendi Middleton is 1st author of a recent manuscript accepted for publication in the Journal of Environmental Health: Middleton, W., Becker, J., Peach, A., Tillewein, H., & Bresett, J. (2024). Qualitative Refinement of a Tick-borne Disease Survey. Journal of Environmental Health. The article will be featured in the November 2024 issue.

Gavin Caldwell and Billy Cantrell, Jr., two NSU Fish and Wildlife students, and Dr. Mark Paulissen, Professor Emeritus of Biology, have co-authored a paper with James Cordes, LSU-Eunice, Greg Sievert and Lynnette Sievert, Emporia State University, and James Walker, University of Arkansas that has been accepted for publication in The Sonoran Herpetologist. The paper is entitled: “Diploid Parthenogenetic Aspidoscelis tesselatus (Common Checkered Whiptail): Observations on the Species in Cimarron County in Extreme Western Oklahoma” and reports on observations made of the Checkered Whiptail lizard by Caldwell and Cantrell last summer. The species, one of the few lizards that is all-female and reproduces parthenogenetically, enters the state only at the northwestern edge of the Oklahoma Panhandle. It is so rarely observed that this paper is the first one published on this species in Oklahoma in over 70 years.

Tia Tafla was selected as the runner-Up for Outstanding Scholar from the College of Science and Health Professions to for her study at the annual 2024 Undergraduate Research Day at NSU.

Tia Tafla was selected for the Best Speaker award for her oral presentation at the annual 2024 Undergraduate Research Day at NSU held in Tahlequah on Apr 24th, 2024.

Al-Hussein Al-Kazaz and Kaliana Lee were awarded 2nd place in Sponsor’s award for Best Poster at the annual 2024 Undergraduate Research Day at NSU held in Tahlequah on Apr 24th, 2024.

Al-Hussein al-Kazaz, Tia Tafla, Kaliana Lee, Jacob Castaneda, and Alejandro Lopez presented their research at the Undergraduate Research Day held in Tahlequah on Apr 24^th, 2024. 

Dr. Janaki Iyer completed the ‘Inclusive STEM Teaching Course’ offered by the Inclusive STEM Teaching Project, an NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education program.

Dr. Janaki Iyer and Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo delivered a talk on ‘Responsible Conduct of Research’ for the 2024 Tulsa Area Bioscience Education and Research Consortium (TABERC) summer interns in June 2024. 

Dr. Janaki Iyer gave a talk on how to make a scientific poster to the 2024 Tulsa Area Bioscience Education and Research Consortium (TABERC) summer interns in July 2024.

Alejandro Lopez was awarded 3^rd place in the undergraduate poster presentation category his poster presented at the annual 2024 Joint meeting of TABERC, Oklahoma Society of Physiologists, and Tulsa Chapter of Society for Neuroscience held at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in July 2024.

Tia Tafla was awarded 1^st place in the poster presentation category in her group to at the 2024 annual Summer Undergraduate Research Program Symposium organized by OK-INBRE on July 23.

Dr. Janaki Iyer reviewed an article for the journal Tumor Discovery.

NSU Supports Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

At NSU Muskogee, our Occupational Therapy Program is proudly wearing purple and teal ribbons to advocate for mental health and raise awareness. We're committed to continuing these efforts to making a difference.

#SuicidePrevention #NSU #MentalHealthMatters #OT

Senator Lankford Tours New Optometry Building

We had the honor of welcoming Senator James Lankford and his wife, Cindy to campus on August 22, 2024. During their visit to Tahlequah, Drs. Earlena McKee and Neal Whittle led the Lankfords and NSU cabinet members on a tour of the future home of the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry.

SVOSH Honduras Mission Trip 2024

The dedicated SVOSH (Student Volunteers for Optometric Service to Humanity) team of eighteen NSUOCO optometry students, three doctors, and two family members traveled to Honduras in August for their annual mission trip. The team saw 571 patients over the course of four clinic days, serving in the communities of Flowers Bay and Coxen Hole.

The team collected, organized and provided over 500 pairs of free reading and distance glasses, as well as free sunglasses for every patient and their family. They referred fifty patients for a range of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, pterygia, and diabetic retinopathy. Artificial tears for dryness, allergy drops and a year supply of glaucoma drops were some of the treatments provided on site.

This year’s team consisted of fourth-year students Amanda Arie, Tate Buster, Calvin Chandler, Hayden Harness, Amy Lanzendorf, Charlea Leonard, and Emma Strunks; third-year students Haelyn DePriest, Elizabeth Garcia, Crystal Henderson, Deryn Hobbs Norman, Carlye Kennedy, Rebecca McNeill, Lan Nguyen, Cameron Williams, and Madison Wrather;  second-year students Lainee Winton and Jaden Wood; NSUOCO Alumni, Dr. Liz Fieser (of Liberal, Kansas) her sons, James and Josiah; and 2019 team doctors, Drs. Doug and Vicki Weiss (of Palmyra, Virginia). 

Dr. Alissa Proctor serves at the NSUOCO SVOSH Faculty Advisor.

NSUOCO Welcomes the Class of 2028

Our newest class of future ODs arrived on campus August 14, 2024, participating in a full day of orientation activities including the Optometric Oath.  We wish a warm welcome to the Class of 2028 as they begin their path toward a rewarding career in optometry.

Lunch with the Deans

Our fall semester “Lunch with the Deans” event was held September 4, 2024. Students, residents, faculty and staff enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by The Dog Father food truck, thanks to our generous sponsor, Mary Ann Klassen with Meivertor. After a fun balloon dual  game, third-year student, Casey Nolan won the $100 prize. Congratulations Casey!

Academic Advising Community of Practice

The Tulsa Higher Education Consortium held the Academic Advising Community of Practice on our Broken Arrow campus on Friday, September 20th. Our academic advisors enjoyed a full day of professional development and networking with other academic advisors employed at the Consortium institutions (College of Muscogee Nation, Langston University, OSU-Tulsa, OU-Tulsa, Rogers State University, SNU-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, and University of Tulsa). 

Some key topics discussed were:

1. How to integrate student success coaching into academic advising.
2. Navigating difficult advising conversations.
3. Tailoring advising to diverse student populations.
4. Transforming advising with technology.

Happy Fall!

It is that time of year again. All Assessment Reports (Program, General Education, and Co-Curricular) are due September 30. Please read through the following information and submit your assessment reports in Planning and Self-Study.

Reporting this year looks different than previous years. NSU has sunset Anthology Portfolio (formerly Chalk & Wire) and we have now fully implemented the Watermark Assessment Solution Planning and Self-Study, which will be our new Assessment Reporting Tool. We have already assigned these reports to identified program leads. If we missed anyone, please let us know.

Resources

1. Faculty User Guide: Planning & Self-Study
2. Instructional Video: Assessment Reports in Planning & Self-Study

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also schedule an appointment with Karrine Ortiz, see below. She can help to walk you through the submission process.

We are also providing training for Program Leads and Department Chairs over Planning and Self-Study on October 4, 2024 at 2:00-3:30. The session will be led by a Watermark team who will guide trainees through the system. This training will focus on Mission Statements, PLOs, Outcome mapping, Curriculum mapping, and the Plans module in Planning and Self-Study.

If you are interested in attending this session, please contact us at assessment@nsuok.edu and let us know!

NSU ASSESSMENT TEAM

Email: assessment@nsuok.edu
Cari Keller, Associate VP of Academic Affairs
TQ Campus Office: Seminary Hall 316
918-444-2065

Karrine Ortiz, Academic Process Coordinator
BA Campus Office: Student Affairs 225
Phone: 918-449-6128

HELPFUL LINKS & WORDS REFERENCED:

Academic Assessment - Degrees Of Excellence

Workforce Development - Create A Badge

The College of Extended Learning Welcomes New Academic Advisor & Recruiter

The College of Extended Learning is proud to introduce their newest team member Crystal Dunbar, who will be stepping in as the new CEL Criminal Justice Academic Advisor and Recruiter. In this role, Crystal will be with our CEL students from the moment of recruitment up until the moment they walk the stage at graduation. This bond with our students begins at one of the many recruiting events Crystal will attend, at which she will promote both Northeastern State University and CEL Programs to possible students. Any students who decide they would like to enroll at NSU and pursue the CEL Criminal Justice program will then be added to Crystal's advising list to receive additional support and guidance through the program. This hybrid position allows Crystal the opportunity to build a strong bond with our students and become a valuable resource for their success at Northeastern State University.

Crystal graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2004. She received her Master’s in US political history from the University of North Texas in 2007. Growing up, Crystal lived in the suburbs of Houston, loving the Astros and Mexican food. Her mom worked for an airline which allowed for her family to travel frequently. This flexibility to travel allowed her to visit all 50 states and a dozen countries. Her favorite place to travel to is Yosemite National Park in California. Her family briefly bred Beagles, and she currently has a Beagle, Emma Faith.

Crystal comes to Northeastern State University with a long background in higher education and has held multiple positions ranging from adjunct instructor to working in the registrar. In her 15 years of teaching, she has taught both in-person and online courses at TCC, Amarillo College, and Oklahoma State University. In addition to her many years of teaching, Crystal has more than 10 years of experience in academic support and student support roles. Crystal is able to bring all of this experience and many skills and talents to her new role as an Academic Advisor/Recruiter here at NSU. Those of us in the College of Extended Learning are excited to welcome Crystal to our office and are looking forward to growing and working with her in the future.

Author contribution: Alexis St. John – CEL staff

Northeastern State University's Graduate College and Carl Albert State College Renew Graduate Assistant Program Agreement

Northeastern State University's Graduate College (NSU) and Carl Albert State College (CASC) have renewed their collaborative Graduate Assistant (GA) program, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. The renewal agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony on July 25, 2024, at CASC’s Sallisaw campus.

Exciting Opportunities for NSU Graduate Students

With the new agreement in place, NSU graduate students are once again offered a valuable opportunity to apply for GA positions at CASC’s Poteau and potentially Sallisaw campuses. These positions cover various departments, including instructional design, human resources, public relations, marketing, information technology, and coaching. This arrangement provides our graduate students with hands-on experience in their fields of study, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Benefits of the Program

The GA positions offer several benefits that enhance the educational and professional experience of participants:

• Financial Stipends: Graduate assistants will receive $3,000 per semester for full-time roles (20 hours/week) and $2,000 per semester for part-time roles (10 hours/week).
• Tuition Reimbursement: Participants are eligible for a $3,000 stipend per semester to cover six hours of NSU tuition.
• Room and Board: CASC will provide housing and meal plans if needed, making this an ideal opportunity for students residing in the southeastern Oklahoma region near Fort Smith.
• Limited Benefits: Additional benefits are provided as outlined in the agreement.

This program is particularly beneficial for online or commuter students based in the southeastern Oklahoma region, allowing them to gain valuable experience without having to relocate.

Highlights from the Renewal Ceremony

The renewal ceremony was a notable event, commencing with a warm welcome from CASC President Dr. Charles Falkner. CASC Regent Dwight Spencer then delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of the collaboration between the two institutions.

A central moment of the event was the signing of the renewed agreement by the presidents of the two institutions. Dr. Rodney Hanley of NSU’s Graduate College and Dr. Falkner of CASC signed the document, symbolizing their commitment to continuing and expanding the partnership. Dr. Hanley highlighted how the program aligns with NSU’s mission to provide immersive learning opportunities for graduate students. Dr. Falkner concluded the ceremony with a speech underscoring the value of the partnership for both institutions and their students.

The event concluded with a reception, allowing attendees to enjoy refreshments and engage in discussions about the future of the program and the opportunities it will provide for our graduate students.

Agreement Details

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) extends the collaboration for approximately three years, starting July 1, 2024, and concluding June 30, 2027. The agreement includes provisions for potential annual extensions beyond the initial term.

Under the terms of the MOU:

• CASC’s Responsibilities: CASC will provide financial stipends for each GA position, along with room and board. CASC will also assist in recruiting and training candidates and provide ongoing support and evaluation in collaboration with NSU.
• NSU’s Responsibilities: NSU will manage the hiring and onboarding processes, provide tuition reimbursement, and oversee the evaluation and assessment of GA performance. NSU will also handle the marketing and recruitment of students into the participating graduate programs.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to providing high-quality, experiential learning opportunities for our graduate students while enhancing the operational capabilities of both institutions. This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering academic and professional growth for our students, ensuring they gain meaningful experience and contribute to their fields of study. Both NSU and CASC are excited about the renewed collaboration and the positive impact it will have on our students and communities.

ISEP Campus Visit

From August 27-29, The Office of International Programs welcomed 2 representatives from the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), one of NSU's study abroad providers. ISEP is a Study Abroad provider that works with institutions around the globe to provide affordable exchange opportunities for university students. Currently, NSU is the only Higher Education institution in Oklahoma that is partnered with ISEP. 

During the visit, ISEP representatives, Graeson Dwyer (University Relations Manager) and Michael Alijewicz (Director of Student Success and Alumni Relations) were able to meet with International Programs, the Center for Tribal Studies, the Registrar, and the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Cari Keller, to discuss our partnership and how to better serve our student populations through Study Abroad. Additionally, ISEP was able to participate in our Study Abroad Interest meeting, where we had 30+ students attend and learn about NSU's Study Abroad programs.

ISEP has been a NSU partner for over 7 years providing long-term study abroad exchange opportunities for NSU students at NSU cost. NSU students can study abroad in 300+ universities in over 50 countries through ISEP. For several semesters, we have had at least one NSU student go abroad through ISEP. This Fall, we have 3 NSU students currently abroad in Japan, Chile, and Sweden, thanks to the opportunities provided by the NSU-ISEP Partnership.

Enrollment is up, students are on campus, and everyone is full steam ahead!  There are lots of opportunities coming around if you are looking for funding a student worker or scholarships for your programs. Some exciting news for RASP…our office is happy to introduce Ms. Tory Lander, the new Assistant Director of Research and Sponsored Programs Pre-Award office. Tory has been with NSU a while in post-award and decided to transition and learn the pre-side too. If you see her around, be sure and tell her congratulations and how happy we are to have her! Below are our stars for the last month that took the time to submit some grant proposals to various agencies:

• Dr. Weihuan Zhao - Center for Disease Control and USDA
• Dr. Chris Burba – ERISE Collaborative Proposal
• Dr. Kathryn Fuller – U.S. Department of Education
• Ms. Katie Cochran – U.S. Department of Education
• Ms. Whitney Arbaugh – U.S. Department of Education
• Dr. Jessica Secratt – National Science Foundation
• Dr. Jessica Martin – National Science Foundation
• Dr. Eloy Chavez – National Science Foundation
• Dr. Athena Wooldridge – National Science Foundation
• Ms. Lena Deere – U.S. Department of Education

It’s about that time of year to curl up with a hot cup of coffee, find a grant proposal, and work with RASP to start writing. As always, we are here to assist in any way to get you the funds you need to keep moving onward.

Academic Spotlight: Dr. Audell Shelburne

Dr. Audell Shelburne, Dean, College of Liberal Arts, shares about what being at NSU means to him, the mission and strengths of the College of Liberal Arts, and how the college impacts NSU and the local community.

Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts!

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Can you take us back in time and share what brought you to the NSU and what being here means to you?

I joined NSU in 2011 as the chair of Languages and Literature. I loved the challenge of coordinating faculty in different programs and working with students in different areas of the department. That experience led me to college leadership, first as assistant dean and now as dean. I love being at NSU and finding ways to contribute to Northeast Oklahoma. The faculty and students in our programs are doing amazing things, and I am proud to play a role in supporting them as they create their successes.

What is some of the best academic advice you received?

The best academic advice I ever received is probably to make it a habit to question my assumptions about things. Assumptions, by definition, are usually unconscious things, things we aren’t aware of. Examining assumptions requires considerable reflection and academic honesty. 

What is the mission of the College of Liberal Arts?

I’m not sure that this is the official line that is buried somewhere on the website, but the college is focused on creating and delivering the best opportunities for students to get the education they need to be successful in their professional and personal lives. In all of our programs, we strive to recruit and retain quality faculty who can create excellent programs and who can work with students to help them learn the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.

The official mission of the college is:

“Founded on the rich educational heritage of the Cherokee Nation, the College of Liberal Arts of Northeastern State University provides its diverse communities with lifelong learning through a broad array of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. With high expectations for student success, the College provides general education, challenging majors, quality teaching, research and scholarly activities, experiential learning opportunities, and programming to local and professional communities. The College's dedicated faculty and staff offer a service-oriented, supportive learning environment where students prepare to achieve professional and personal success in a multicultural and global society.”

About the College of Liberal Arts

What do you see as the strengths of the College of Liberal Arts?

The people—faculty, staff, and students!

I will resist the urge to name names because I couldn’t name everyone, but everyone contributes to the dynamic programming and vitality of the college. Of course, I have to mention the strength of our academic programs—both the breadth and depth of them—because we would not be successful without them. On both the graduate and undergraduate levels, we offer more than 30 degrees in fields as diverse as the Fine Arts--Art, Creative Writing, Drama, and Music—to the Social Sciences—Sociology, History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology—to Culture and Language—Cherokee and Indigenous Studies, Spanish—to professional degrees in Social Work. The diversity of our programming is one of the things I love the most about our college.

How does the College of Liberal Arts impact NSU and the local community?

The college offers many of the most visible events and opportunities for the community, so we add cultural life and quality of life to the surrounding community with more than 100 music and drama performances, the Sequoyah Institute, the River City Players, exhibitions at the Art Gallery, and more. We host the Sequoyah Fellow each year. In other words, we enrich our community. 

Last year, nearly four hundred students completed degrees in the College of Liberal Arts (380). That obviously has a major impact on those students, their families, and opens up all sorts of opportunities for them.

Beyond that, though, I love learning and helping people realize that learning is part of living a good life. Learning new things, discovering new information, is a way of life, not just a means to an end. It broadens our horizons and helps us see different possibilities. I think we sometimes forget that education can be transformative for individuals in ways that go beyond a paycheck. Improving employment numbers and increasing paychecks is important, certainly, but helping individuals become the best version of themselves is equally important because it makes life better for them, for their families, and ultimately for all of us.

Introducing Our New Academic Advisors: Emily Flores and Taylor Howell

We are thrilled to welcome two exceptional individuals to the College of Business and Technology advising team: Emily Flores and Taylor Howell. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success.

Emily Flores – Academic Advisor for the College of Business & Technology - Broken Arrow Campus

Emily holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and was inspired to become an advisor upon recognizing the critical role advisors play in student success. "I love having the ability to help students succeed in reaching their goals in the business industry," she shared.

Emily's responsibilities extend beyond helping students build their schedules and enroll in classes. She also directs students to resources that will aid their success both during their time at NSU and after graduation. Her advice to incoming students is to meet with an advisor every semester about enrollment. "We are going to stay on top of any prerequisites and class rotations for the students so that we can help make sure they stay on track and nothing gets missed along the way that could cause a delay in graduation. We are also going to be able to give suggestions for any elective classes they may need," she emphasized.

Taylor Howell – Academic Advisor for Business and Technology - Tahlequah Campus

Taylor, who graduated from NSU in 2018 and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, is equally passionate about guiding students. Her primary responsibilities include helping students reach their academic goals and referring them to necessary campus resources. "I am so excited for the opportunity to connect with and help students navigate higher education!" Taylor exclaimed.

Taylor’s advice for incoming business students focuses on effective time management and preparation. "Practice good time management, maybe create a routine for yourself, use a daily/weekly planner, or utilize your Google calendar!" she advised. She also encourages students to discover their unique study habits and make connections on campus. "Take the time to find study habits that work best for you individually... and make connections with other students and faculty/staff on campus. You can learn from them and this can help you with future opportunities!"

Emily and Taylor are eager to support our students and contribute to their academic journeys. Please join us in welcoming them to the College of Business and Technology!

Dr. Muhammad Asif Recognized for Insight in California Management Review Journal

The College of Business and Technology at Northeastern State University proudly recognizes Dr. Muhammad Asif for his recent contribution to the California Management Review Journal. In collaboration with Professor Cory Searcy, Dr. Asif's work, titled "ESG's Complicated Story," explores the business case for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

Their insight addresses common criticisms of ESG, such as concerns about its impact on economic returns, operating costs, and competitiveness, as well as skepticism regarding the science behind climate change. Despite these challenges, Dr. Asif and Professor Searcy emphasize that ESG can enhance financial performance, offer risk protection, and drive innovation.

They conclude that, “ESG investing is imperfect, but that doesn’t mean we should abandon the concept. Key concerns, such as the clear challenges in ESG measurement, scope, and weight, require further work. Counterevidence should be acknowledged and explored, recognizing that the business case for ESG is strongest over the long-term and for investors who prioritize environmental and social stewardship.”

We are honored to have Dr. Asif as part of our faculty, and we encourage everyone to read his insightful work. You can access the full article at the California Management Review.

Welcome Back: First-Year Students Kick Off the Semester with Desserts and Deans

The College of Business and Technology (CBT) is delighted to welcome our incoming first-year students to campus as they begin their academic journey with us. We’re thrilled to see so many new faces and to help you start this exciting chapter in your life.

As part of Welcome Week, we hosted the "Desserts with the Deans" event, a special gathering designed to help our new students feel at home. First-year students had the opportunity to enjoy delicious desserts while connecting with their peers and getting to know the deans who will support them throughout their time at CBT.

This event offered a great chance for students to relax, make new friends, and engage with the leadership of the college in a welcoming atmosphere. The enthusiasm and energy of our new students were a wonderful way to start the semester on a high note.

As we move into the semester, CBT remains committed to providing a supportive and engaging environment for all students. We’re excited about the many opportunities and resources available to you and encourage you to take full advantage of everything the college has to offer.

Welcome to CBT, and here’s to a successful and rewarding semester!

COE Fall 2024 Opening Meeting

Nominated by peers, Dr. Renée Cowan (Reading) was awarded the prestigious Dewberry Outstanding Faculty in Teaching Award in August 2024 by NSU’s College of Education. Also receiving Dewberry Awards were Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) for Outstanding Faculty in Service, and Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood Education) for Outstanding Faculty in Research.

Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) constructed eighteen “Take-Home Decodable Book Bags” built with the funding provided by the DaVinci Institute. These have been distributed to a first-grade classroom in a local school to help support continued phonics development while students are at home. 

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) conducted a three-day mathematics professional development session at Maryetta Public Schools for kindergarten to sixth grade teachers in July.

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) presented PPAT (one of Oklahoma’s teacher examinations) information for an Oklahoma Schools Advisory Council (OSAC) seminar for more than twenty in-service teachers. 

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) attended the Office of Special Education Program’s (OSEP) Project Directors Conference in Washington, D.C.

Under the direction of Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education), NSU hosted the “See My Ability” summer camp for youth and adults with disabilities, which provide to be a tremendous success.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood Education) presented at the OKAEYC (Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children) conference held on the Broken Arrow campus on July 27th with a presentation titled " How to Build Community in Your ECE Classroom.”

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood Education) presented at Community and Collaboration Day on August 14th to NSU Faculty and Staff. She co-presented with Candice Sanchez, Instructional Designer with NSU Online. Their presentation was titled "Tears and Triumphs: Working with NSU Online to reDesign your Bb courses."

Dr. Jason Proctor (Teacher Education) and Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) held mathematics professional development sessions at Madill Public Schools. Dr. Proctor mentored secondary teachers for his upper-level mathematics session; Dr. Garrett supported over forty early childhood, elementary, and middle school teachers in her session devoted to mathematics. Both professors accentuated the importance of putting thinking into the math classroom and how to help students navigate from “math doers to math thinkers.” 

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) attended Cognia/North Central School Accreditation’s “Impact Accreditation Conference” in Montgomery, Alabama. Knowledge gleaned from this experience will be extremely helpful to guide public and private schools in their accreditation and re-accreditation process.

In July, Dr. Tobi Thompson, Director of the Cappi Wadley Reading and Technology Center and Brackett Endowed Chair of Reading, conducted 4 dyslexia assessments. She presented professional development sessions on At-Promise Readers and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia to Marble City and Brushy Schools on August 5th and 13th. In addition, she is working with Marble City to improve their Response to Intervention process. She has also been invited to speak at the Women Empowered for Democracy conference, Voices of Women, in Claremore on August 24. Her presentation is titled "Freadom: The Cost of Censoring Books in Public Schools.  She worked with Ms. Raedeen Wingate, an SLP from the University of North Texas, and Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) on the proposal "The Dyslexia Bias: Clarifying Misperceptions about Dyslexia in Schools and Clinical Settings," that has been accepted to the International Dyslexia Association's annual conference in October.

Educational Leadership

 

Dr. Samantha Benn-Duke (Tribal Tech, LLC) and Dr. Christine Hallman, Professor of Geography & Political Science, presented "Cultural Responsiveness in Grades 5-12 and Higher Education" at the Native American Student Advocacy Institute (NASAI) Conference, June 6, 2024.

Dr. Justin Kroll, Assistant Professor of Voice, Represented Tulsa Opera as a singer at Oklahoma Arts and Culture Day at Oklahoma State Capitol on April 11th. He also sang the national anthem at the Tulsa Drillers baseball game on May 27th.  In June, he performed the roles of Larry / Matt in Mollicone's chamber opera The Face on the Barroom Floor with Tulsa Opera. On June 29-July 1, Kroll attended National Conference of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in Knoxville, TN. And in August, Kroll is performing role of Nemorino in Donizetti's opera L'elisir d'amore Landlocked Opera in Columbia, Missouri.

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Dr. John McIntosh (Geography & Sustainability Studies), Dr. Sanchari Ghosh (Economics), Dr. Christine Hallman (Geography & Political Science), and Dr. Siewe Siewe (freelance Geographer) presented "How Crowded Is Too Crowded?  The Illinois River in Oklahoma" at the Ozarks Studies Association Conference, May 24, 2024.

Dr. Elaina Ross, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, led a program in July at the Tulsa City County Library titled 'Overcoming Job Interview Anxiety.'

Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel, Associate Professor of Political Science, completed OER 101 and Deep Dive courses through the Oklahoma Online Consortium this summer. She is contributing two chapters to a new OER Comparative Politics Case Study text publishing in December 2024. She is also contributing 4 chapters with auxiliaries to the second edition of a current OER Introduction to Comparative Politics text to be released in January 2026. Dr. Van Den Handel is deeply committed to reducing the cost of higher education materials for NSU students.

Dr. Chris Burba received a Department of Defense grant to purchase a confocal Raman spectrometer and an infrared microscope. The instruments will be used to investigate the origin of rechargeable battery capacity losses and to support on-going work in polymer electrolyte development, understanding the complex structure of ionic liquids, and other projects in the Department of Physical Sciences.

Dr. Chris Burba is serving as a co-PI on a multi-institution National Science Foundation E-RISE RII grant proposal. The project is aimed toward the advanced manufacturing of multifunctional materials for aerospace and energy applications.

Dr. Pamela Christol gave two presentations at the Oklahoma Science Teaching Association’s conference titled Science Safari: Exploring Best Practices in Science Education on June 8^th in Tulsa. The conference presentations included "Is It Right? Engaging Students to Think Using Discrepant Events" and "Science and Engineering Practices Unraveled".

Dr. Pamela Christol had an NSU booth focused on promoting NSU’s graduate programs at the Oklahoma Science Teaching Association’s conference titled Science Safari: Exploring Best Practices in Science Education on June 8^th in Tulsa.

Dr. Karl Kruczek and Dr. Luke Foster each led a one-week Algebra Course this summer as part of the NSU Summer Bridge Program. This intensive algebra course was developed to help incoming freshmen remove their math deficiencies, thus allowing them to enroll in college-level Math Pathway courses. Summer Bridge offers a combination of coursework, tutoring, group mentoring, and personal development workshops. Participants also have social activities and events, intended to build bonds between students and connect them to the campus community.

Jayme Myers, MHS, PA-C led a group of Physician Assistant Studies students to the American Academy of PAs conference in May in Houston, TX. The students were first time competitors against 96 other programs in the National Medical Challenge Bowl. They also competed for the first time in the annual iScan ultrasound competition. The students made us very proud and were only a few points away from the top 10 with over 50 teams competing. This competition is very special for our program as we are one of the only PA programs in the state offering point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training.

Dr. Lizz Waring received an Indigenous Voices travel scholarship to cover all costs to attend the Botany 2024 in Grand Rapids, MI from an NSF-funded program with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Botanical Society of America.

Dr. Lizz Waring, Brock Sellars, and Ben Woolen all attended the International Botany conference in Grand Rapids, MI in June. Brock Sellars, a senior in Bio Ed, presented a poster titled "The Sticky Business of Seed Dispersal: An Examination of Mucilaginous Seeds and Mammal Specimens". Ben Woolen, a senior in Integrative Biology, presented a poster titled "Impact of Particulate Size of Biochar on Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Zea maize" AND an oral presentation titled "The Tale of the Long Lost Lichen Collection in the Joe M Anderson Herbarium". Dr. Lizz Waring gave an oral presentation titled "The Triumphs and Pitfalls of Using Digitized Herbarium Specimens in a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE)".

A manuscript co-authored by Dr. Lizz Waring was published in Nature Ecology and Evolution in August 2024.  The manuscript is titled "Widening global variability in grassland biomass since the 1980s".

In July, Dr. Lizz Waring, Ashton Blackwell (Cell and Molecular Biology major), Zakori Blackwell (Cell and Molecular Biology major), and Ben Woolen (Integrative Biology - Organismic major) traveled to Norman for the Texas Oklahoma Regional Consortium of Herbaria (TORCH) annual meeting. Ashton and Zackori, along with honorary lab member Solaris, presented their poster titled "Petal Color Changes in Lythrum salicaria in Native Eurasian populations compared to Invasive North American populations". Their results came from a CURE done in their Biol 3003 - Plant Biology class.  Ben Woolen also gave a presentation on his research titled "The Tale of the Long Lost Lichen Collection in the Joe M Anderson Herbarium".

Dr. Weihuan Zhao and Dr. Pamela Christol hosted a new OSRHE Summer Academy titled “Robotics for Young Scientists and Engineers” June 10-14 this summer. Nine high school students participated in this Summer Academy located at the Tahlequah campus.

Using Light Boards 

Are you looking for ways you can create and facilitate engagement in your courses? Have you thought about Using Light Boards in Your Course? They can be an effective way to enhance teaching and learning experiences. 

Here’s a strategy to leverage light boards effectively:

1. Understand the Basics
   • Familiarize Yourself with the Equipment: Learn how to set up and operate the light board. Understand how to write on it, how to use markers, and how to manage lighting and camera setup.
   • Know the Capabilities: Light boards allow you to write and draw while facing the camera, making it easy to explain concepts visually while maintaining direct engagement with your students.
2. Plan Your Content
   • Identify Key Concepts: Choose topics that benefit from visual explanation, such as mathematical equations, diagrams, or processes.
   • Create a Script or Outline: Plan what you want to cover and in what order. This helps keep the session organized and ensures you cover all necessary points.
3. Design Engaging Lessons
   • Use Visuals Effectively: Incorporate diagrams, graphs, and equations. The light board is especially useful for subjects requiring a lot of visual explanation.
   • Incorporate Examples: Demonstrate problems or concepts using examples that are relevant to your students' needs and interests.
4. Record and Edit
   • Record Sessions: Use the light board to record your explanations. Ensure the lighting is good and the camera angle captures both you and the board clearly.
   • Edit for Clarity: After recording, edit the videos to remove any mistakes or pauses. Add annotations if necessary to emphasize key points.
5. Integrate with Online Platforms
   • Upload to Learning Management Systems (LMS): Make your light board videos accessible through your LMS or other online platforms where students can view them on demand.
   • Provide Supplemental Materials: Offer additional resources or handouts that complement the video content, such as notes or practice problems.
6. Encourage Interactive Learning
   • Incorporate Questions: Pose questions or problems during the video and provide solutions. This can make the content more interactive and engaging.
   • Host Live Sessions: Use the light board for live classes or Q&A sessions where students can interact with you in real-time, asking questions and discussing concepts.
7. Solicit Feedback
   • Get Student Input: Ask for feedback from your students about the effectiveness of the light board sessions. This can help you refine your approach and address any issues.
   • Adjust Based on Feedback: Use the feedback to improve your future videos or live sessions, making them more aligned with student needs.
8. Reflect and Improve
   • Review and Reflect: Periodically review your light board sessions to evaluate what’s working and what could be improved.
   • Stay Updated: Keep up with new techniques and technologies related to light boards to continually enhance your teaching methods.

By integrating light boards thoughtfully into your teaching strategy, you can create more engaging and effective educational content that leverages visual learning and direct student interaction.

For more information contact NSU Online at 918-444-5855 or nsuonline@nsuok.edu.

Welcome back Riverhawks! Hopefully everyone got some much-needed rest and relaxation and are ready for an engaging and educational school year! Research and Sponsored Programs was honored this summer to be able to see some of the grant programs offered and heard from some very satisfied parents that attended summer academies. The impact of grants thanks to all the faculty and staff who have participated have been profound. Grants this past year created over 73 jobs in the communities we serve, many of which went to students. Some of the pending grants submitted this summer included: 

Google Cybersecurity: Dr. Stacey White, Dr. Rad Alrifai, Dr. Eloy Chavez, and Dr. Rene Moquin

American Indians into Nursing: Dr. Heather Fenton and Dr. Sydney Dorrough

Promoting Access to Crisis Teams in a Native American Reservation Area: Dr. Sheila Self and Capt. James Bell

Oklahoma Teacher Connection RAFT: Dr. Jericho Hobson, Dr. Meagan Moreland, and Dr. Kelli Carney

Oklahoma Teacher Connection SPACEE: Dr. Lisa Bisogno, Dr. Tonya Garrett, Dr. Sherry Been and Dr. Brandy McCombs

Oklahoma INBRE ROA: Dr. Janaki Iyer

Oklahoma Forestry Department: Dr. Julia Rogers

TRIO Student Support Services: Ms. Lena Deere

National Science Foundation GRANTED: Dr. Jessica Secratt

Dept. of Education Basic Needs: Ms. Katie Cochran

National Science Foundation ERISE: Dr. Christopher Burba

As always, RASP is here to help any way we can with your big ideas and grant projects. There are many opportunities for both faculty and staff to find funding for your area to support students. Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops. 

All the best, 

Dr. Jessica Secratt, CRA
Director of Research and Sponsored Programs
Northeastern State University 
(918) 444-2243
secratjr@nsuok.edu

Skybound Success: Dr. Roy Wood and Tyler Utt Earn Drone Captain Certifications

There are a number of exciting changes upcoming in the Bachelor of Technology degree, including new courses on AI and Machine Learning, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Robotics and Unmanned Vehicles.  In the Unmanned Vehicles course, we are creating the opportunity for students to learn to fly quadcopter drones and prepare for their Federal Aviation Administration drone pilot licenses. 

In anticipation of this groundbreaking venture, the College of Business and Technology (CBT) has invested in four state-of-the-art quadcopter drones. Stepping up to the challenge, instructor Tyler Utt reflects, "Getting the Recreational license was an unexpected first step to a hobby that I really enjoy. As we introduce the Unmanned Vehicle Course, these licenses will be the first step in the student’s journey to go much further into the industry. For myself, it is a hobby. For others, it could be an entire career."

Dr. Roy Wood and instructor Tyler Utt have successfully completed their FAA Recreational Drone Pilot Certifications, showcasing their commitment to safe and responsible drone operation within the national airspace.

However, their journey doesn't end there. With aspirations soaring high, both Dr. Wood and instructor Tyler Utt are determined to pursue the next level of FAA certification for commercial drone utilization. Their aim? Not only to expand their own horizons but also to equip future students with the skills and expertise needed to soar to new heights in this dynamic field.

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OER Grant

Dr. Roy Wood, a distinguished faculty member at Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology, has recently been awarded the prestigious OER Grant for his outstanding contribution to the creation of Open Educational Resources. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Wood shared his insights into the significance of OER and the impact of receiving the grant.

When asked about his inspiration for pursuing the creation of open educational resources, Dr. Wood emphasized the affordability factor for students. He highlighted that by utilizing OER, he could contribute to making college more accessible for students by providing free resources. Additionally, Dr. Wood mentioned the flexibility of OER licenses, which allow instructors to customize and remix content to suit their teaching needs, ultimately benefiting both students and faculty.

Receiving the OER Grant has significantly influenced Dr. Wood's work and the availability of his resources. He explained that the grant facilitated the creation of a new textbook titled "Introduction to Information Systems Management," tailored to his syllabus. Dr. Wood acknowledged the invaluable assistance of ChatGPT large language model (LLM) in expediting the research and writing process. The textbook has been well-received by students, with positive feedback emphasizing its organization, relevance, and cost-saving benefits. It is publicly available on the OSRHE OCO site.

In addition to the textbook, Dr. Wood has developed supplementary materials such as PowerPoint slides and quiz questions for each chapter. Furthermore, he has expanded his contributions by creating another OER textbook titled "Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning," which is publicly available on the OSRHE OCO site.

Reflecting on the broader impact of his resources, Dr. Wood envisioned their benefits for educators and learners within the field of CBT. He emphasized that OER not only provide affordable options for students but also offer flexibility for faculty to adapt and customize materials according to their teaching preferences. Dr. Wood's dedication to creating high-quality, freely accessible resources aligns with the mission of promoting accessibility and reducing college costs for students.

Dr. Roy L. Wood's contributions exemplify the commitment of Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology to innovation and excellence in education. For further information or inquiries, Dr. Wood can be contacted at wood79@nsuok.edu or 918-882-2711.

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Reflections of Opportunity: The CBT Open House at NSU

In the heart of Northeastern State University's campus, the College of Business and Technology (CBT) opened its doors wide on March 27, welcoming students, faculty, and curious minds from all corners of the university.

The purpose was clear: to illuminate the diverse pathways available within the CBT and provide a glimpse into the future for those still navigating their academic journey.

Freshmen and sophomores who hadn't picked a major yet, as well as athletes, coaches, and anyone else on campus, came to check out what the CBT had to offer. They were guided by friendly faces—both students and teachers—as they wandered through the building, soaking up knowledge.

A highlight of the day was the spirited scavenger hunt, a playful yet educational adventure that led participants through the various rooms of the building. At each stop, students and faculty shared stories of innovation and inspiration, painting a vivid picture of the possibilities within the CBT.

Instructor Dana Boren explained that her favorite part of the day was seeing the building filled with people, all enjoying themselves and learning about the efforts made to create a cozy spot for CBT students.

Looking ahead, it was clear that this open house was just the start. It was a chance for the NSU community to come together, celebrate, and dream about what's next.

After all the laughter and chatter, one thing was for sure: the CBT open house had done its job. It had sparked curiosity, fired up imaginations, and reminded everyone that within those walls lay endless possibilities, waiting to be explored.

Dr. Sherry Been (Elementary Education) collaborated with Oklahoma educators at the OSU Writing Project Teacher Consultants meeting in Stillwater on Saturday, February 24th.

Dr. Sherry Been (Elementary Education) attended the Tulsa Community College Child Development and Education Spring Advisory Board Meeting. Representative Suzanne Schreiber shared current bills moving through legislation in the Oklahoma Legislature.

Dr. Lisa Bisogno (Special Education) served on several accreditation review committees.

Ms. Jameie Combs (Special Education) will be presenting at the Oklahoma Deaf Education Conference and Oklahoma Deaf Education Conference in Sulphur this summer.

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) was named a 2024 DaVinci Institute Fellow and has begun working on her project titled, "Decodable Book Bags: Leveraging the School to Home Connection to Support Phonics Instruction."

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) and Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) completed “The Power of Making Thinking Visible,” a four-week course from the Harvard Graduate School of Education/Project Zero.

Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) attended the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) 2024 Annual Virtual Conference. 

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) attended the Spring Workforce Development meeting at Tulsa Community College. 

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) completed Learning Management System training.

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) mentored five alternatively certified teachers to prepare and complete their PPAT (state teaching test) this semester. 

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) served in a judging role as an advisor for local and state robotic competitions.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) has prepared a presentation for Project DREAM’s (an OSEP Funded Grant) first cohort of scholars who will begin Fall 2024.

Dr. Jodi Legnon (Early Childhood), Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading), Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading), Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education), Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education), and Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) presented at the Celebration of Teaching held on the Tahlequah campus on Feb. 28^th.

Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “PACEs: Reviving Resiliency in Your Children” multiple times during the month of February to the Legacy Family Network in local surrounding areas.

Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) led the annual American Indian Professional Education Consortium (AIPEC) student immersive trip during Spring Break 2024. Cultural experiences included opportunities to interact with the Comanche & Kiowa Tribes. In addition, the teacher candidates led multiple lessons for two days at Riverside Indian School. 

Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Graduation Regalia: How we wear different gowns for different graduations!” to the Puppy Class of Aspen Creek Early Childhood Education Center (Broken Arrow Public Schools) on April 3rd, 2024.

Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) has been recruiting at the following events: Riverhawk Hype, Teacher Job Fair, and Full Intern Seminars. 

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) was a judge at the Bixby Robotics competition on Jan. 27th.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) traveled to Wuhan, China to teach for two weeks in March at Hubei University of Education.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) attended the TEACH conference held at Oklahoma City University on April 12^th.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) attended the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium Spring Convocation on April 18^th at the University of Oklahoma (Tulsa Campus).

Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) presented, “Growing Grit: Engaging Student in Making Thinking Visible to Cultivate Passion and Perseverance for Long-Term Goals” at the LCS Professional Development Seminar in March. 

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) has been diligently recruiting for the Graduate READ Program each Monday at various Tulsa Public School sites. 

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) and Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) assisted with the “Books 2 Kids” annual book drive hosted by KJRH on April 24^th, which supports Gaining Ground Literacy, a non-profit organization that recognizes inequities in access to books, literacy support, and opportunities for children living in economically disadvantaged communities. 

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Professor of Sociology and Dr. Suzanne Farmer, Professor of History presented at the Southwestern Social Science Association 2024 Conference in New Orleans, LA, on Friday, April 19. Their presentation was titled “This is What Feminism Looks Like: Building a Center for Women’s Studies in an Age of Hostility.” They discussed how they built the Center for Women’s Studies with campus and community support despite the culture wars.

Dr. Christine Hallman, chair of the Department of Geography & Political Sciences, was invited to speak to Dr. Lizz Waring’s, coordinator of the Freshwater Sciences program, Botany class on April 2nd about ancient bristlecone pines and their relevance to studying climate change, volcanic eruptions, and calibrating the radiocarbon curve. Hallman also gave a talk titled “Courageous Women, Overcoming Obstacles” on March 25th as part of Alpha Omicron Pi’s celebration of Women’s History Month. As part of NSU Libraries Earth Day events, Hallman co-led two nature walks on campus and gave a presentation titled “From Objects to Beings: Exploring the Rights of Nature and Our Fight for the Planet”.

Cherokee Nation held the first-ever Watercress Fest at Saline Courthouse on April 20th.  Dr. Hallman participated on the Land and Water Rights Panel and ring-counted an oak cross-section from a fallen tree at the courthouse.

Drs. Lizz Waring and Christine Hallman, along with other Save the Illinois River board members and the Kirkpatrick Foundation, coordinated the premiere of The Humane League documentary, Common Enemy, discussing the impact of confined animal feeding operations in Oklahoma.  This event included a reception and a panel discussion.

On April 24th, six social science honor societies inducted seventeen NSU students into the following prestigious organizations: Gamma Theta Upsilon, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Alpha Theta, Triota, Alpha Kappa Delta, and Pi Gamma Mu with the following faculty advisors Dr. Christine Hallman, Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel, Dr. Denis Vovchenko, Dr. Suzanne Farmer, Dr. Jennifer Edwards, and Drs. John McIntosh and Dave Corcoran, respectively.

 

Dr. Audell Shelburne, Professor of English, had two poems accepted for publication in the upcoming June issue of Verse Virtual. The poems are titled "Real Questions" and "Self-Knowledge."

The Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions hosted an open house on the Broken Arrow campus on Friday, April 26th to recruit new students to NSU-BA and showcase their programs in natural science, mathematics, computer science, and health professions.  The open house was well attended by students from TCC, their families, and NSU faculty.  The event began with a catered luncheon, short talks by the Dean Jessica Martin, Associate Dean Sydney Dorrough, and Department Chairs, and concluded with tours of CSHP clinics and labs including new engineering labs to be opened in the fall of 2024.

Dr. Albinescu's research students, Sallie Nguyen and Paul Vue presented a poster at the NSU Undergraduate Research Day 2024, titled Synthesis of Vitamin D2 Sulfur Dioxide Adducts as Intermediates in the Synthesis of 1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D5.

Dr. Chris Burba co-authored a paper titled "A Computational and Spectroscopic Analysis of Solvate Ionic Liquids Containing Anions with Long and Short Perfluorinated Alkyl Chains" in the journal Molecules.

Students in Dr. Chris Burba's Applications of Computational Chemistry (CHEM 4631) participated in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). The project explored cation-solvent binding interactions for a family of materials that have applications in lithium batteries.

Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo attended the OK-INBRE Spring Faculty Retreat at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on April 19, 2024. The retreat included talks about funding opportunities and engaging students in research and classroom.

The Medical Laboratory Science program at NSU (including Dr. Dianne Kirk, Ms. Mitzie Miller, and Dr. Sallie Ruskoski) hosted the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Oklahoma Society One Vision Annual Seminar and Delegate meeting on April 27, 2024 at the Broken Arrow campus. There were many scientific talks pertaining to the medical laboratory science field. The keynote speaker was Dr. Patricia Tille, author of Bailey & Scotts Medical Microbiology textbook. For more information about the medical laboratory program, email the program at mls@nsuok.edu.

Dr. Elizabeth Waring was awarded $13,000 from EPSCoR as part of the EPSCoR REU program for her project titled "Exploring the Effects of Biochar Particle Size on Nutrient and Microbial Levels in Water Runoff".

Annual Eyeball Event Held

Our annual Eyeball was enjoyed by students, faculty and staff. This event took place at Cherokee Nation Casino. This formal event includes dinner, dancing, awards, and scholarships.

NSUOCO Class of 2024 Commencement Held

NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry Class of 2024 Commencement was held May 10^th at the Center for Performing Arts on the NSU Tahlequah campus. Twenty-nine new doctors of optometry were honored as were an excellent group of residents nearing completion of their one-year residency programs. We are so proud of these students for their hard work and persistence over the past four years.

2024 Summer Youth Camps

Learn More about CEL's Summer Youth Camps!

Maria Souliotis was reelected to the position of Mountain-Plains Region Chapter Liaison to the Music Library Students & Emerging Professionals (MLStEP) group, an affiliate organization of the Music Library Association (MLA). She will serve her third consecutive term during the 2024-2025 academic year, representing members from 13 states (AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, SD, UT, & WY) and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

The Office of International Programs hosted their annual International Student Graduation on April 26, 2024. The International Student Graduation is a celebratory event recognizing upcoming Spring and Summer international student graduates, as well as exchange students completing their program at NSU. This year, we had six international students being recognized for their hard-working efforts in completing their education at NSU. Of the six students, two of them were graduate students, three were undergraduates, and one was an exchange student from our partnering university, Aoyama Gakuin University. Countries represented at the graduation include: Kazakhstan, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Carla Swearingen, Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jerrid Freeman, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Dr. Iain Anderson, Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs attended this celebratory event and recognized each student with a congratulatory certificate, an academic stole, and a pin of the student's home country. 

The Office of International Programs is incredibly happy to witness international students accomplish such an important milestone in their academic journeys. 

We had another great employee recognition event this year. Thank you to all of you that took the time to write grants and pursue external funds for your students and impactful research. You all continue to shatter records and make huge differences in the lives of those around you.  A few of the grant submitted this month so far, with more coming along the way. I hope you will take the time to join our guest NIH trainer on May 30 on the Broken Arrow campus to learn more about how grants can help you with your dreams and goals.

Ms. Leigh-Anna Miller – Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Dr. Heather Fenton – Department of Health Professions Support

Chief James Bell – U.S. Department of Justice

Dr. Sheila Self – U.S. Department of Justice

As always, we are here to help. I appreciate you all. Have a wonderful and restful summer.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
(918) 444-2243

Q&A with Retiring Faculty & Administrators

CBT faculty retirements this spring: Dr. Dilene Crockett, Dr. Art Gilbert, and Dr. Mitch Ricketts

Retirements this spring for the College of Business and Technology bring a fond farewell to three beloved faculty members: Dr. Dilene Crockett, Dr. Art Gilbert, and Dr. Mitch Ricketts. Each has been a vital part of Northeastern State University (NSU), leaving behind a legacy of teaching, guidance, and care. Let's take a closer look at each of their journeys.

Amber Kennedy Is A Driven Senior at NSU

Amber Kennedy is a driven Senior at NSU, passionately pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Organizations Administration. Hailing from Broken Arrow, OK, she distinguished herself at Eastern Gateway Community College as an online student, graduating Magna Cum Laude and earning membership in the Community College Honors Society.

As a Non-traditional online student at NSU's Broken Arrow campus, Amber brings a fresh perspective to her studies. Recently, she secured an internship with the Mayo Clinic's Leadership and Development Team. In this role, she delved into research projects, presentations, and data collection, gaining invaluable insights into executive succession and what leadership should be in healthcare. Amber is grateful to have a mentor who guides her through project coordination and assists with career moves. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic provides her with leadership classes, insights into their establishment, and access to networking opportunities.

Set to graduate in May of 2024, Amber's journey has been marked by dedication and excellence. Applying for the Non-clinical Administration internship has proven to be a pivotal move, fueling her passion for excellence and fortifying her commitment to learning. With a clear vision of making a positive impact in healthcare, she is poised to become a transformative leader in the field. This internship opportunity has solidified her path towards achieving her aspirations and has equipped her with the necessary skills to drive meaningful change in healthcare administration.

NSTI Grant and Sponsoring Camp

Click here to view the camp flyer and schedule!

CBT was awarded the NSTI Grant and sponsoring camp for the second year in a row! Experience the thrill of discovery and exploration at the National Summer Transportation Institute! Dive headfirst into the dynamic world of transportation during an action-packed two weeks filled with hands-on activities and immersive learning. From mastering the aerodynamics of flying a frisbee to delving into the intricate logistics of rail transportation, each day offers new challenges and exhilarating experiences. Engage in team-building exercises like the adrenaline-pumping Time Bomb Name Game and the thrilling Motorized Paper Airplane Competition. Explore diverse modes of transportation, from soaring through the skies in a virtual reality experience to constructing drones and testing their flight capabilities. Whether you're navigating waterways or envisioning the future of transportation, NSU Broken Arrow is the ultimate destination for aspiring transportation enthusiasts to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and innovation.

Students entering grades 9-12 with a minimum 2.5 GPA and who have completed Pre-Algebra or higher are encouraged to apply for the National Summer Transportation Institute! With space limited to just 15 students, act fast to secure your spot in this thrilling two-week journey of discovery. Hosted at Northeastern State University Broken Arrow Campus, each day promises excitement and learning as we explore the diverse realms of transportation. Don't worry about transportation; we've got you covered with daily transport from NSU Tahlequah campus. From June 3rd to June 14th, 2024, join us Monday through Friday for an unforgettable adventure—all at no cost to participants, thanks to generous funding from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Federal Department of Transportation. Embark on this epic voyage with us and unlock the secrets of the transportation world! Apply now and ignite your passion for innovation and exploration!

To apply, please fill out the 2024 NSTI Camp Application (Google Form) before May 10, 2024.

Click Here to Complete the Application! 

Additional Information:

Drop-Off Tulsa Area Students: Check-In is on Monday, June 3rd at the NSU Broken Arrow Campus, first floor of the Business and Technology Building in room 138. Please plan to arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. If you are dropping off your student and need a drop-off earlier than 8:00 a.m., please contact Dr. Tena Wooldridge at wooldria@nsuok.edu so that we can make arrangements for the building to be open and for someone to be available.

Drop-Off Tahlequah Students: NSU Professor Emeritus, Kin Thompson will be transporting you to the Broken Arrow campus on Monday.  Please meet Kin Thompson in front of the University Center on the NSU Tahlequah campus each weekday, ready to leave by 8:00 am.

Evening Pick-Up: Students should be picked up by 5:00 p.m. on their respective campus (BA or Tahlequah) each camp day.

Food: All lunches will be provided as well as snacks; however, if your student is picky or you have concerns due to dietary restrictions, you may also elect to bring lunch or snacks as well. We are fortunate that many of our venues are hosting lunch when we visit. This will likely mean pizza or sandwiches can be expected on those days. If there are any food concerns, please feel free to email Dr. Tena Wooldridge at wooldria@nsuok.edu.

Attire: Students should wear comfortable, classroom-appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes. We will be touring different types of locations and flip-flops or sandals may not be allowed in some of the facilities. For the classroom activities, you may elect to bring a light jacket or a sweatshirt. For some tours, you will have a safety vest and a hard hat. These will be provided for each student and are yours to keep.

Tech Devices: We recognize that students will likely have cell phones but ask students to refrain from using devices during discussions, activities, or at venues where many experts are donating their time to make this a rewarding experience for students. There are break times when the use of cell phones is appropriate.  Please do not bring laptops or other tech devices or valuables to the camp as you will not need them, and we are not able to store these items.

Chaperones: In addition to NSU faculty we have undergraduate students who will be assisting with activities and other events.

SHRM Student Organization

SHRM, which stands for The Society for Human Resources Management, is an organization dedicated to ensuring that HR departments align with an organization's mission, vision, and goals. It offers continuous education, resources, and networking opportunities to help HR professionals advance in their careers. For students, SHRM provides insight into HR career paths, mentorship opportunities, and connections with potential employers.

Members of SHRM benefit from enhanced employee engagement, motivation, and retention by fostering a culture of learning and development within organizations. This enables organizations to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.

SHRM organizes various events and activities, including workshops on resume building and LinkedIn, speakers covering diverse business topics, networking events, and charitable initiatives.

Involvement in the SHRM student organization prepares students for future HR careers by connecting them with industry professionals and peers who share similar aspirations. Through workshops, seminars, and conferences, students can develop essential skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Additionally, participation in the student chapter enhances a student's resume.

Mental Health Day @ NSU-Tahlequah

On April 8, Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology with student President Alejandro Briley and Faculty Advisors Dr. Kevin M. P. Woller and Dr. Johnny Kirk, and the Psychology Club with student President Nathan Armstrong and Faculty Advisor Dr. Beth Bowin, along with the NSGA put on the first ever "Mental Health Day" at NSU-Tahlequah.

The overall intention of Mental Health Day was to partner with and bring local psychological and physical mental health professionals to NSU. Our goal was to bring as many participants as we could to campus to work collaboratively to improve the mental health and emotional well-being of the NSU administration, faculty, staff and students, as well as the local Tahlequah and Muskogee communities and others. Participants will had resource tables with information about mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities.

Participants for the event included: Psi Chi, Psychology Club, the Department of Psychology & Counseling, Circle of Care, the Cherokee County Health Services Council, Cherokee Nation Human Services, Cherokee Nation - One Fire, Echota Behavioral Health, Evolve Professional Counseling, Grand Mental Health Center, 

Green Country Behavioral Health Services, NSU Hawkreach, Help in Crisis, Northeastern Health System - Addiction Resource Center, NSGA, Onward and Upward Pediatric Therapy, Opioid and Stimulant Prevention - NSU, and The Palms Massage and Wellness.

Psychology Students Present at Regional Conference in San Antonio

Seven psychology majors, Alejandro Briley, Emily Farris, Karly Kirk, Katy Chadwick, Chloe White, Tommy Burkhammer and Clayton Mosley presented four different research projects at the Southwest Psychological Association (SWPA) yearly conference in April. The topics of the posters were varied, from how different genres of video mediated stress responses, different coping mechanisms for dealing with historical trauma, using regression to predict health from measures in multiple interpersonal and intrapersonal questionnaires and examining if Cordyceps mushrooms can increase cognitive speed and accuracy.

Four faculty Drs Bowin, Byers, Kirk and Woller attended and mentored the students. Their presentations were well attended and the students defended their projects extremely well. The P&C faculty who attended have begun recruiting new research assistants and have numerous projects underway, in the IRB stage and discussion stage.

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Dr. Sophia Burch was a Spotlight Presenter at the 2024 DaVinci Institute Spring Awards celebration held at the Oklahoma History Center on March 29. Dr. Burch was awarded the 2023 DaVinci Creativity Fellowship for her proposed project that investigates the impact of teaching creatively on teachers’ perceptions of their own ability to teach creatively.

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) was named a DaVinci Institute Fellow by the DaVinci Institute of Oklahoma. 

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) shared, “Pathways to Earning a Master's Degree,” at the 2024 Celebration of Teaching event. 

Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) and Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education), along with NSU students Railey Field and Joshua Lancaster, provided various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities for Liberty Elementary's “Wings and Wheels” family STEM night.

Dr. Kari D. Henry Hulett, Educational Leadership faculty, recently attended the Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference in Anaheim, California. Dr. Henry Hulett was chosen to participate in the 2024 Dr. W. Robert Houston Leadership Academy, which focused on developing equitable opportunities for students from diverse populations to seek teacher education opportunities.  In addition to attending the Leadership Academy, Dr. Henry Hulett presented with two groups of teacher educators from various universities across the country. The first presentation, “Professional Induction for Education Professors: Multiple Career Phase Perspectives,” was a 90-minute session focused on mentorship of new faculty from the perspectives of early career, mid-career, and senior faculty in teacher education.  The second session, Cultivating Insights: Unveiling Research on K-12 Teacher Retention Through Collaborative Inquiry,” was a 60-minute session focused on sharing the experiences and progress of the 2023 ATE Inquiry Initiative group on K12 Teacher Retention.

Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) presented a session at the 2024 Celebration of Teaching entitled, "Cracking the Code: The Mystery Behind Learning to Read." Approximately 25 high school students interested in a career in teaching attended the session. Attendees participated in a hands-on literacy activity and sought information about the teaching profession.

Dr. Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Trauma Responsive Practices in the Classroom” for the professional staff at Okemah Public Schools. 

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) recently visited and spoke at seven (7) public schools in Tulsa County recruiting for the graduate reading program.

On Saturday, April 27, Dr. Brian Cowlishaw, Professor of English, served as an official Word Pronouncer for the North South Foundation's annual Spelling Bee. NSF competitions provide scholarship funds for Indian and Indian American children.

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Professor of Sociology and Dr. Shannon Farmer, Professor of History presented at the Southwestern Social Science Association 2024 Conference in New Orleans, LA, on Friday, April 19. Their presentation was titled “This is What Feminism Looks Like: Building a Center for Women’s Studies in an Age of Hostility.” They discussed how they built the Center for Women’s Studies with campus and community support despite the culture wars.

Dr. Robyn Pursley, Professor of Drama, Scott Pursley, Associate Professor of Drama, Dr. Joseph Bello, Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Cheryl Van DenHandel, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Lindsay Silver, Assistant Professor of History, were all recognized as Top 10 Riverhawks by the Northeastern Student Government Association.

Dr. Elaina Ross, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, presented a program titled 'Decoding the Job Description' at the Tulsa City County Library.

 

Dr. Rad Alrifai made the following peer-reviewed presentation, “Using Generative AI To Design Programming Assignments In Introduction To Computer Science” at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Central Plains 2024 Conference, April, 2024 at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa.

Dr. Chris Burba presented two papers at the American Chemical Society Spring 2024 meeting, March 17 to 21 in New Orleans. One is an oral presentation titled "Solvent structure effects on the physicochemical properties, ionic association, and complex cation stability of solvate ionic liquids," and the other is a poster presentation titled "Tetrabutylammonium bifluoride-based polymer electrolytes for fluoride-ion batteries."

Drs. Sapna Das-Bradoo, Janaki Iyer, Dianne Kirk, Jessica Martin, and Dulanjani Wijayasekara hosted a group of 9th graders from Broken Arrow High School for a laboratory experience exploring plant and animal cells at the Broken Arrow campus on April 2, 2024.

Dr. Katy Fuller’s Community Nutrition class is working hard on their Program Planning projects. The class has had thought provoking discussion about Food Insecurity as a community and among college students. They have also discussed Rowdy's Resource Room in Muskogee and other options to combat food insecurity among our student body at NSU.

Dr. Katy Fuller attended the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spring conference in Oklahoma City, April 11-12, 2024.

Dr. Janaki Iyer and her undergraduate student, Alejandro Lopez, were invited by OK-LSAMP to attend the National Science Foundation site visit on March 25^th at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.

Dr. Janaki Iyer spent an afternoon on March 27^th with 3^rd grade students at Cedar Ridge Elementary School as part of the Math Mentors program organized by the Tulsa Regional Stem Alliance.  

Dr. Janaki Iyer was selected as a DaVinci Institute 2024 Creativity in Education Fellow for her creative work in higher education. Her proposal is titled, "The Impact of Collaborations in Promoting Creative Thinking". The 2024 Awardees were celebrated at a dinner on March 29th at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Janaki Iyer reviewed an article on novel treatments for treating breast cancer for the journal Biomolecules.  

Dr. Janaki Iyer served as a judge for the SeaPerch competition organized by the Tulsa Regional Stem Alliance on March 30^th.

Dr. Sean Kim co-authored a research paper titled “The Effect of Conserved Histidine on the Proximity of Fe-S Clusters in Adenosine-5′-Phosphosulfate Reductases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enteromorpha intestinalis” in the journal Microbiology Research with collaborators Dr. Jung-Sung Chung from Gyeongsang National University and Dr. Thomas Leustek from Rutgers University.

Dr. Wendi Middleton graduated from the Educators’ Leadership Academy Transformative Leadership Academy on March 28th.

Dr. Wendi Middleton in collaboration with Sara Nichols from the Port of Muskogee hosted a Community Health Career Fair on the NSU Muskogee Campus on April 4th for 9th graders to explore career paths. Community Members were also welcomed to attend during the latter half of the event.

As part of National Public Health Week, two of our MPH students were featured in the OPHA Public Health Education and Health Promotion Student Showcase on April 2^nd.

Whitney Pingleton, B.S.W., M.L.S.I.P.L (she/her) is currently a Masters of Public Health Leadership student at Northeastern State University.  She presented her capstone project titled "How do you get your Info?" which aimed to discover if social media is being used as a source of health-related information; specifically, concerning COVID-19, and whether it predicts a person’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Gori Gabrovska (she/her) is currently a Masters of Public Health Leadership student at Northeastern State University.  She presented her capstone project titled “A Survey Based Research Among Healthcare Professionals on HPV” which aimed to determine the overall level of awareness, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers at OU Medical Center regarding HPV. Additionally, the study aimed to assess their adherence to vaccination as these individuals play a crucial role in educating patients and promoting preventive measures.

Tuesday, April 9th was the 4th Annual Autism Acceptance Social hosted by the Speech-Language Pathology undergraduate students and coordinated by the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) student organization. Students and faculty provided resources and information to attendees. The Social included sensory activities, games, food, and a poster contest. It was a great day!

The NSU/GRDA Early Research Experience has begun. Along with Dr. Elizabeth Waring, Dr. Elizabeth Burba, and Courtney Stookey (GRDA biologist), eight freshmen and sophomore students will spend four weeks learning about water research done by NSU and the GRDA.  The students selected for the program this year are: Jericho Cooper, Aminah Ganem, Eileen Jeschke, Brad Merrill, Cody Neal, Rebecca Partyka, Ali Purcell, and Isaac Secratt.

Dr. Weihuan Zhao and her colleagues Xun Wang (University of North Texas), Jonisha Pollard, and Susan S. Xu (both from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) published a paper in the journal Case Studies in Thermal Engineering titled, “Experimental study on the thermal protection enhancement of novel phase change material integrated structural firefighting gloves under high-heat exposures”.

“Topping Out” Ceremony Held at New Optometry Facility Construction Site

Thursday, April 11 a “Topping Out” ceremony was held where the final structural beam was lifted into place on the third floor of the new optometry building. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to sign the final beam and watch as it was raised and placed. This ceremony is a celebratory milestone in the construction process. The tradition symbolizes the completion of the structural phase of a construction project and occurs when the highest point of the building, often the final beam, is put in place, acknowledging and thanking the construction team, architectural team and subcontractors.

Happy Spring!

The Assessment Team hopes that you have had a wonderful semester thus far. As we get ready for finals and the end of term, know that the Assessment Team is here to offer support for our faculty and staff.

NSU is currently in an assessment transition. We are moving from Anthology Portfolio to several new assessment solutions offered by Watermark! We are extremely excited about what this new system offers and the support that it provides. We are implementing three new solutions by Watermark: Student Learning and Licensure, Planning and Self-Study, and Outcomes Assessment Projects. Our team has undergone training within the Student Learning and Licensure system and are getting ready to roll this system out to various departments and programs. Additionally, this semester we have been training in the Planning and Self-Study solution. This is extremely exciting and important as several programs begin their Self-Studies later this year.

Planning and Self-Study houses locations for strategic planning, curriculum mapping, annual assessment, and self-study reports. This convenient tool is live, so that your constituents are able to see updates as they happen within the system. Furthermore, it offers templates for program and institutional accreditors, while also being able to fully integrate into Blackboard and Banner.

As we wrap up our implementation process for Student Learning & Licensure and begin this process for Planning & Self-Study, we are mindful of the future needs NSU may have for these solutions. Please keep an eye out for training offered in these various solutions in the near future so that you are able to fully utilize these products to their fullest potential!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also schedule an appointment with our Graduate Assistant, see below, and they can help to walk you through the submission process.

NSU ASSESSMENT TEAM
Email: assessment@nsuok.edu
Dr. Cari Keller, Graduate Dean/Exec. Dir. Assessment & Planning

Karrine Ortiz, Graduate Assistant
BA Campus Office: Student Affairs 225
Phone: 918-449-6128

Helpful Links and Words Referenced:

• Degrees of Excellence
• Workforce Development: I Want to Create a Badge
• Watermark Products (Google Slides)

As the semester wraps up and students are beginning to study for testing, only one thing is on our minds in RASP…Research. Students conducting their own research and participating with faculty mentors in research activities across campus are great opportunities for students to learn and grow. Our office assists many faculty with grants that involve immersive opportunities for students, lab supplies, equipment, student wages, and other assistance to drive our research endeavors forward. Including students in research at NSU is one of the many things faculty here do an amazing job of. Below are a few opportunities that were applied for in late March and early April:  

Dr. Eloy Chavez – U.S. Department of Labor

Dr. Cammi Valdez – Oklahoma Inbre SMART

Ms. Julia Rogers – Oklahoma Forestry

Dr. Janaki Iyer – Oklahoma INBRE ROA

To celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and staff applying for external funding, employee recognition will recognize the grant recipients from April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024 on April 25^th, 2024 from 2-:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. I hope we as an NSU family can continue shattering grant recipient records to bring many more opportunities to our community and the students we serve.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
(918) 444-2243

Q&A with Retiring Faculty & Administrators

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Join the Ethics Bowl: A Path to Debate, Skill, and Diversity

Let's talk about the Ethics Bowl competition. What exactly is it? Well, it's organized by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics every Fall, and here's how it goes: students receive a set of short case studies at the beginning of September. They then have about six weeks to dive into each case, doing research and preparing for a persuasive speech competition. Despite its reputation as a "Business Ethics" event, the cases cover a wide range of subjects beyond just business. Each case presents an ethical dilemma, some real-life and some hypothetical, and they cover topics like medicine, science, politics, and more.

Now, this isn't your typical debate, as teams aren’t assigned a position (in debate they would call it affirmative or negative). Instead, team members work collaboratively to determine their position. You can even agree with the other team! The first event happens in mid-October at the State level, followed by a Regional level competition in mid-November. Fun fact: in 2022, NSU hosted one of these competitions.

So, what's the toughest part of the competition? According to Professor Vickers, it's the recruiting process. While they do find great team members, they often join in their Junior or Senior years, leaving only 1-2 years of eligibility. As for the competitors, the real challenge is navigating differing opinions on what's right or wrong. It's not always black and white, and team members often find their opinions evolving as they delve deeper into a case.

If you're interested in joining the team, here's what you need to know: There are up to 10 spots available, and recruitment usually kicks off in the Spring at various NSU events. Any undergraduate student can participate, regardless of their major. In fact, the more diverse the team in terms of majors, the better and more well-rounded they’ll be. Plus, here's a bonus: participants can earn three hours of course credit by enrolling in the Ethics Practicum course.

So, whether you're into debate, want to boost skills valued by employers and grad schools, or just love good competition, reach out to team coach Brian Vickers at vickersb@nsuok.edu. He's on the lookout for new team members now, and you might just be a perfect fit!

Experiential Learning Program - Dana Boren

Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology (CBT) is home to an exemplary Experiential Learning Program (EL) that transcends traditional education boundaries. In conversations with Professor Dana Boren, the essence of this program emerges vividly.

Within the CBT at NSU, EL isn't just about theoretical knowledge; it's about translating classroom learning into real-world impact. From marketing and management to healthcare and project planning, students engage in a diverse array of hands-on projects. They don't just attend classes; they attend board meetings, tour industries, and network with professionals, immersing themselves in the realities of their chosen fields.

Recent projects, such as the economic impact study for Tahlequah's turf fields expansion, underscore EL's community-oriented focus and tangible outcomes. These projects, deeply embedded within the local community, showcase the practical implications of academic learning.

What distinguishes CBT's EL Program is its student-centered approach. Students are not passive observers but active leaders. They select projects aligned with their passions and drive them forward under faculty guidance. This autonomy fosters critical thinking, active listening, and project management skills vital for success in today's competitive job market.

Moreover, the program emphasizes skill development. Through client interactions, students learn to navigate complex business dynamics, collaborate effectively, and manage projects efficiently. They are encouraged to make mistakes, learn from them, and emerge stronger, ready to face the challenges of the professional world.

CBT's EL Program offers a unique proposition: real-world exposure. Placing students at the forefront of genuine projects equips them with tangible experiences for their resumes and invaluable connections for their future careers. It's not just about academic achievement; it's about empowering students to thrive in their respective fields.

In essence, Northeastern State University's College of Business and Technology's Experiential Learning Program isn't just an educational initiative; it's a transformative journey. It's about turning academic knowledge into real-world impact, empowering students to become leaders in their chosen fields. Through EL, CBT at NSU doesn't just educate; it inspires and prepares students for a lifetime of success.

CBT Advisory Board Member Honored as NSU Centurion

Andrea Tucker received the NSU Centurion Award for her exceptional contributions and leadership within the Northeastern State University community. Her dedication and impact at NSU were recognized through this prestigious honor.

Andrea Tucker's life shifted gears when she began her education at NSU in 2003. A recently single mother of four children, all under the age of six, she recognized the importance of completing her education to provide a better life for her family. Choosing NSU-BA allowed her children to remain in their familiar school and daycare in Broken Arrow.

"After earning my Bachelor's degree in 2005, I continued into my Master’s – which was on the Muskogee campus at the time," Andrea reflects. "I will never forget the nights sitting on my living room floor surrounded by my children as they 'studied' their Dr. Seuss books and I studied with my college textbooks. I knew in those moments that I was living an example in front of them, hoping they’d remember the resilience and effort over the hardships and struggles."

Transitioning into her career at Merrill Lynch in 2006 while pursuing her MBA, Andrea remains grateful for the support and connections she found within NSU's faculty and staff.

"After graduating from NSU, I felt a sense of loss without the NSU connections. Joining the NSU Alumni Association’s Board of Directors provided me with the opportunity to reconnect with the University and give back," Andrea shares. "Serving on the board, I held various roles, chaired committees, and eventually served as President for two consecutive terms. I’ve had the honor of contributing to different search committees, including Athletic Director and Presidential Search committees. Building connections with staff, alumni, community, and industry partners is crucial for our University, and I am pleased to serve with a strategic mindset for the University’s future."

Staying connected to the university through board service and volunteer efforts is rewarding for Andrea, knowing that NSU played a pivotal role in shaping her into the woman she is today.

Regarding her NSU Centurion award, Andrea remarks, "This award was a complete surprise and has been a humbling experience, joining an esteemed group of previous awardees whom I respect and admire."

 

Dr. Sherry Been (Elementary Education) is reviewing manuscript submissions for The New Teacher Advocate.

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) completed the Dyslexia Awareness Training Course from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. 

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading), Dr. Barbara Jones (Educational Foundations), and Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) are participating in a rigorous course from the Harvard Graduate School of Education entitled, “The Power of Making Thinking Visible.”

Ms. Barbara Fuller (Curriculum and Instruction) has planned a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) trip in July to university campuses in Austria and Germany.

Dr. Garrett (Elementary Education) partnered with Glenpool Public Schools to facilitate professional development in mathematics this semester.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education) presented, “Pathways to Earning a master’s degree,” at the Celebration of Teaching event on the NSU-Tahlequah Campus.

Dr. Jarilyn Haney (Special Education), Dr. Renee Cambiano (Educational Leadership), Dr. Henry-Hullett (Educational Leadership), and Dr. Kathy Seibold (Teacher Education) participated in two alternative pathway to teaching sessions (Tahlequah and Muskogee Schools).

Dr. Kari Henry Hulett and Dr. Maria Gray were invited to discuss "Teacher Presence and Authenticity in Online Education" via a two-part series on the Digital2Learn podcast. Emphasizing the importance of teacher presence in the online classroom, they spoke with moderators about their experiences in teaching online and offered advice for educators teaching in similar online environments. The two-part presentation is available on the Digital 2 Learn podcast website. 

Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), Dr. Christine Gleason (Elementary Education), and NSU students Railey Feild and Joshua Lancaster provided exhilarating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities for Liberty Elementary School’s “Wings and Wheels” family STEM night.

Dr. Heidi W Jenkins (LIBM) recently presented her research on nonviolence in young adult literature at the Oklahoma Library Association’s 2024 Conference and at the A Call of Our Time: Awakenings to Nonviolence in Curriculum and Education Conference at Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Trauma Responsive Practices in the Classroom” for Okemah Public Schools as well as for NSU’s American Indian Professional Education Consortium Grant Students.

Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) accepted the position of Coordinator for Field Experiences & Seminars for NSU’s College of Education.

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) presented, "Beyond the Programs: Foundational Literacy Strategies for Classrooms with Emergent Learners" at the Literacy Innovation Conference in March along with Dr. Hiawatha Smith of The University of Wisconsin - River Falls. 

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) continues to help PK-12th grade schools across Oklahoma as they journey through their accreditation process. 

Dr. Chris Malone, Professor of English, presented a paper entitled “Towards a Beat Pedagogy” at the Southwest Popular/American Culture Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 21-24.

Dr. Michelle M. Martin, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History, recently curated a book exhibit in the John Vaughn Library in recognition of Women's History Month. On March 30th Martin will be giving a public lecture on the Civil War life of Emma Caroline Morley at the Honey Springs Battlefield state historic site in Checotah. You can access the following link for more information: Women's History Month Lecture

Dr. John McIntosh, Associate Professor of Geography, Dr. Siewe Siewe, Assistant Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Christine Hallman, Professor of Geography, offered faculty, staff, and students from the College of Science a GIS Workshop in February where participants worked through a hands-on activity focused on water.  This is the third workshop in the GIS Workshop Series since it began fall 2022.  They also engaged in conversations about GIS use across campus and potential science-related GIS applications.

The Spring 2024 Biology and Chemistry Seminar Series began on February 9 on the Broken Arrow campus. The first talk was delivered by two students, Ms. Lydia Ostmo and Mr. Jonathan Crosse. Both are graduate students in the Master of Science in Natural Sciences program. Dr. Sean Kim, the Program Chair introduced the graduate program and students to the audience. Each graduate student talked about their academic journey, graduate research, and future career goals. Both the talks were very well received by the audience which comprised mainly of undergraduate students. The Biology and Chemistry Seminar Series on the Broken Arrow campus is organized by Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo.

Dr. Das-Bradoo received funding from OK-INBRE and NSU Faculty Development to attend the conference “Evolution and Diversity of the DNA Damage Response” in Lonavala, India. The conference was organized by the European Molecular Biology Organization and was held from February 19 to 23, 2024. Research from Dr. Das-Bradoo’s group was selected for presentation at the conference.

Dr. Nnamdi Ekesi and Dr. Deborah Petrik submitted an OK-INBRE Equipment Grant on March 1, 2024 to purchase a new autoclave for the Science Laboratory building in Tahlequah.

Dr. Nnamdi Ekesi was selected as the "Esteemed Advisor 2024" by students in the Honors Program.

Dr. Lucas Foster and Dr. Karl Kruczek have been working on a Collaborative Research and Development (CoRD) team project with Heather Lester at Connors State College and Susan Kirk at Tulsa Community College.  The goal of the CoRD project, funded by the Math Inquiry Project at Oklahoma State University, is improving entry-level mathematics at Oklahoma colleges and universities. The project, titled “Productive Struggle, Persistence, and Perseverance” was published on the Mathematical Inquiry Project (MIP) website in November 2023. Foster and Kruczek recently had an opportunity to share their research project at the 51st Annual Research Council on Mathematics Learning (RCML) Conference at the University of South Carolina on March 1, 2024. Visit the MIP website to learn more about this great research!

Dr. Janaki Iyer reviewed a scientific manuscript for a journal from MDPI publishers.

Dr. Janaki Iyer spent an afternoon on March 5th with 3rd grade students at Cedar Ridge Elementary School as part of the Math Mentors program organized by the Tulsa Regional Stem Alliance. 

Dr. Jessica Martin hosted the chemistry class from Immanuel Lutheran Christian Academy at the Broken Arrow campus on March 5th for an exciting experiment exploring chemical principles with colorful transition metal complexes.

Dr. Deborah Petrik is 3rd author of a recent publication in New Phytologist: Tryfona, T., Pankratova, Y., Petrik, D., Rebaque Moran, D., Wightman, R., Yu, X., ... & Dupree, P. (2024). Altering the substitution and cross‐linking of glucuronoarabinoxylans affects cell wall architecture in Brachypodium distachyon. New Phytologist.

Oklahoma Research Day

Faculty and students from the College of Science and Health Professions attended the Oklahoma Research Day events on March 8, 2024 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

Sarah Saleh, a masters student in Dr. Nathan Green's lab, presented a poster titled: "DNA Conjugated Gold Nanorods Towards Energy Transfer Complexes" at the 2024 Oklahoma Research Day on March 8th on the UCO campus in Edmond.

Araceli Goodrich also shared this same content as an approved poster session at the NACADA (The Global Community for Academic Advising) Region 4 & 7 Conference in New Orleans, LA, February 25-27. This was Araceli's first regional conference presentation, and was supported in New Orleans by five other members of the NSU advising team. NSU Academic Advisors and advising leadership have presented at the NACADA regional conference for each of the past 6 years, working to contribute to the practice and research of effective academic advising. 

On February 15th, Advising hosted a "Fall in Love with Advising" event, providing an opportunity to connect advisors and faculty across campuses and disciplines. Faculty were able to share resources regarding programs, courses, scholarships, research opportunities, student organizations, etc. to help advisors better advocate for academic programs, answer student questions, and support students and faculty along the way. 

Faculty, Staff and Students Invited to participate in the 51st Annual Symposium on the American Indian

The American Indian Heritage Committee invites all faculty, staff and students to attend the 51st Annual Symposium on the American Indian, to be held April 15-20, 2024. This year’s theme, "Indigenous Scholars Speak on Sovereignty: 100 Years after the Indian Citizenship Act", seeks to provide a platform for today’s Indigenous Scholars to share their perspectives on sovereignty, Indigenizing education and scholarship, as well as highlighting the Indian Citizenship Act which was passed in 1924.  Tribal sovereignty has been at the forefront of discussions in higher education and in the media since the Supreme Court McGirt ruling.  Similarly, we have seen an increase in the number of institutions adopting land acknowledgments, revising curriculum and practices to include more Indigenous knowledge, and those who have forged/are forging more genuine and reciprocal partnerships with Tribes.  The primary goal of the Symposium is to broaden the audience perspectives on these topics which are especially relevant to our Tribal communities.  Topics specifically addressed by the keynote scholars include history, law, and literature.  All events are free and open to the public; more info can be found at NSU Symposium.

Wednesday | April 17 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am
The Future of Oklahoma and Indian Country after McGirt v. Okla.
Robert Miller J.D., Eastern Shawnee

Thursday | April 18 | 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Homesteading Indian Country: American Indians, Land, and the American Dream
Dr. Kasey Keeler, Tuolumne Band Me-Wuk Tribal citizen

Northeastern State University Hosts the First Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon

Author contribution: Alexis St. John – CEL staff

On Wednesday, March 6, Northeastern State University’s College of Extended Learning hosted their first annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon to show their gratitude to those risking their lives to protect and serve our communities. The Dean of the College of Extended Learning, Dr. Eloy Chavez, has worked closely with law enforcement agencies in and around Green Country over the years to prepare tailored programs that help officers reach their educational goals while keeping their busy schedule in mind. Today, Dean Chavez’s College offers multiple programs including a Certificate of Emergency Management and Planning, Criminal Justice Degree Completion Program, and even a Crime Scene Investigators program. The College of Extended Learning also offers a pathway in using previous work experience towards obtaining college credits called a Prior Learning Assessment or PLA. Through multiple partnerships with local law enforcement, Dean Chavez was able to tailor the PLA to offer an opportunity for  officers to use their CLEET training towards obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This close working relationship with these law enforcement departments has further shed light on what these selfless and dedicated individuals sacrifice and the importance of creating public opportunities to honor and appreciate these individuals for protecting our communities.

This importance to honor those that have sacrificed so much without hesitation brought about the idea for the College of Extended Learning to host an appreciation event to give thanks to our local law enforcement officers. To show their appreciation Jessica Williams, the academic advisor for the Criminal Justice Degree Completion Program, personally went to every department in and around Green Country to invite them to an appreciation lunch on NSU’s Broken Arrow Campus. On the day of the luncheon, law enforcement officers started trickling onto campus from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Jenks Police Department, Claremore Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. The event began with a keynote presentation by Dr. Rebekah Doyle, a criminal justice professor and the coordinator for the Certificate of Emergency Management and Planning program, who gave a beautiful speech titled “Heroes”. In her speech she spoke of the heroes that protect our communities, oftentimes with their lives, and how their dedication and selfless acts deserve immense gratitude and appreciation. She highlighted experiences she’s had with law enforcement that drove home the reasons why we must make time to give back to these selfless individuals for their heroic acts and bravery. Dr. Doyle urged the officers in attendance to stay and enjoy the luncheon to the fullest before everyone stood to grab their meals. After lunch those in attendance spent another two hours discussing their roles in our community, connecting through their shared experiences, and bonding through the brotherhood they share. The luncheon ended with officers leaving Northeastern State University’s Broken Arrow Campus with full stomachs, big smiles, and new relationships with hopes to return in 2025 for the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon. 

NSU’s College of Extended Learning wanted to sincerely thank the officers from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Jenks Police Department, Claremore Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office for attending the event. A special thank you to Chief Franklin of Tulsa Police, Chief Berryhill of Broken Arrow Police, and Chief Cox of Claremore Police. 

Sarah Burkhead Whittle, Instructor of Library Services and Librarian for the College of Education, presented three workshops entitled “Reading for Fun in College (Yes, it’s Possible!)” during the NSU College of Education Celebration of Teaching on February 28.

LUNAR NEW YEAR 2024 - YEAR OF THE DRAGON 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DAY @ OKC Capitol 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Happy Spring RiverHawks!

With the semester in full-swing, everyone is running busy and grant activity at NSU is no different. Research is a hot topic on our campus this month with many participating in Oklahoma Research Day, Research Day at the Capital, and Undergraduate Research Day soon. This is a great time for faculty to think about pursuing a grant for things like funding student research assistants, lab supplies, lab equipment, and other needs for both you and your students engaging in immersive learning activities. Some of the recent grant submission to support NSU’s mission and values include:

• Dr. Nnamdi Ekesi and Dr. Deborah Petrik – National Science Foundation Equipment Grant
• Dr. Michael Morgan – INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research
• Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo – INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research
• Dr. Janaki Iyer – INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research
• Dr. Stacey White, Dr. Eloy Chavez and Dr. Rad Alrifai – Google Cybersecurity Clinic
• Dr. Sean Kim – OK INBRE SMART
• Dr. Sarah Whittle – Carolyn Watson Foundation
• Dr. Courtney Hamby – Carolyn Watson Foundation
• Dr. Robyn Pursley – Oklahoma Arts Council
• Dr. Deborah Petrik – OK INBRE Equipment
• Dr. Dulanjani Wijaysekara – OK INBRE Equipment
• Dr. Ben Hay – Oklahoma Arts Council
• Dr. Eloy Chavez – Oklahoma Arts Council
• Dr. Jordan VanHemert – Oklahoma Arts Council
• Dr. Weihuan Zhao – OSRHE Steam Academy

If funded, these grants would have an impact of over $1.5 million to NSU. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of going through the grant process knowing there is no guarantee of funding. The positive thing about putting one together is you have a great base started for other grants, and our office is here to help adjust budget needs and meet one on one to answer any questions or provide examples.

Have a wonderful semester and remember to get out and enjoy the beautiful Oklahoma weather!

All the best,
Jessica Secratt
NSU Research and Sponsored programs

MBA Program

Northeastern State University's MBA program is at the forefront of academic excellence and professional development, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of today's business landscape. The program has a diverse array of nine concentrations: General Management, Business Analysis, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Informatics, Native American Enterprise, Managerial Accounting and Finance, and Environmental Health and Safety Management. Complementing these concentrations are the Strategic Human Resource and Operations Leadership Certificates, designed to equip students with the strategic acumen and leadership skills vital for success in today's competitive marketplace.

Notably, the program has experienced an impressive 230% increase in enrollment since 2017, a testament to its dedication to delivering quality education and fostering student success. By offering a fully online learning experience supplemented with frequent Zoom sections for quantitative classes, Northeastern State University ensures accessibility and support for students nationwide. Moreover, the program's commitment to diversity is evident in its student body, which hails from coast to coast, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.

In addition to academic excellence, Northeastern State University's MBA program is dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections between students and prospective employers. Through participation in multiple career fairs within a 100-mile radius and monthly online webinar information sessions, students have ample opportunities to network and explore career pathways.

Join Northeastern State University's MBA program and embark on a transformative journey toward unlocking your potential and achieving your professional goals in today's dynamic business environment.

Spotlight: Supply Chain & Logistics Conference at NSU Broken Arrow

Date: March 7, 2024

The College of Business and Technology at Northeastern State University (NSU) Broken Arrow campus is set to host the eagerly anticipated Supply Chain and Logistics Conference for the third consecutive year. Dr. Roy Wood, providing valuable insights into its objectives and significance, graciously answered some questions about the conference. With a wealth of insightful content and invaluable opportunities awaiting attendees, let's delve into what this year's conference has in store.

What to Anticipate:

This year's conference is tailored exclusively for high school students, offering them a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic realm of Supply Chain and Logistics. From exploring career opportunities to delving into international aspects and opportunities, attendees will gain invaluable insights. A highlight of the event includes a static display featuring a tractor-trailer, forklift, and other essential logistics equipment, providing a hands-on experience.

A distinguished lunch panel comprising NSU, TCC, and Tulsa Technology Center educators will provide guidance and expertise. Additionally, keynote speakers, and seasoned professionals in the field, will share their wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering inspiration and practical advice to aspiring minds.

What Sets This Year Apart:

Unlike previous editions, this year's conference focuses exclusively on high school juniors and seniors, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to potential career paths. By targeting students with an expressed interest in the supply chain and logistics workforce sector, the conference aims to ignite passion and curiosity, encouraging them to explore lucrative opportunities awaiting them upon graduation.

Impact on Students and Industry:

The impact of this conference extends far beyond its duration. Many students remain unaware of the diverse array of opportunities within the supply chain and logistics sector, including vital supporting careers in areas such as Human Resources, Information Technology, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. By enlightening and engaging young minds during their formative years, the conference equips them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future education and career paths, ultimately bolstering the industry with a skilled and motivated workforce.

In conclusion, the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference at NSU Broken Arrow is a beacon of education and opportunity, illuminating pathways to success for the next generation of industry leaders. As attendees converge on March 7, they embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment, poised to shape the supply chain and logistics future.

Dr. Sherry Been (Elementary Education) has been invited to attend the prestigious Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI) leader retreat in the summer 2024.

Mrs. Jameie Combs (Special Education) recently completed several continuing education units focused on Power, Privilege, and Oppression in Deaf History and Culture.

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) has been nominated for the DaVinci Creativity in Education Fellow Award and has finished her submission for Decodable Book Bags: Leveraging the School to Home Connection to Support Phonics Instruction.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) published an article in the Tulsa Kids Magazine. Her manuscript, Learning to Read Versus Learning to Love Reading, explains the importance of providing rich opportunities for reading and writing in the daily lives of young children.

Mrs. Barbara Fuller (Innovation Discovery Education Academy) received a pilot grant to partner with Briggs elementary and is in the process of hiring personnel for the grant.

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) shared a math professional development session at Milwood Public Schools and plans to conduct another session in February. She also will be presenting two middle school math sessions at the Osage County Winter Conference in January.

Dr. Haney (Special Education) is working with Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Counseling programs at NSU to ensure Project DREAM, an Office of Special Education Grants (OSEP) funded grant, is ready for applicants.

Dr. Heidi W Jenkins (Educational Leadership/School Library Media) served as an application reviewer for the Polly Clarke Award. The Polly Clarke Award is given out by the Oklahoma School Librarians Division (OKSL) of the Oklahoma Library Association and honors an Oklahoma school librarian who has been instrumental in the establishment of an exemplary school library that serves the instructional needs of teachers, students, and administrators.

Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading), Dr. Kelli Carney (Library), and Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) hosted a Celebration of Teaching on the NSU-BA campus, funded by an Oklahoma Teacher Connection (OTC) Grant, hosting over 100 senior high school students for a day of fun and learning. 

Dr. Meagan’s Moreland’s (Reading) last two news segments on Tulsa’s KOTV (Channel 6) aired on December 15^th and January 18^th.

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) has submitted a manuscript for publication with the lead author Dr. Lily Cheng, from HUE in China titled “ Retaining Preschool Teachers.”

Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) and Dr. Amanda Wilson (Oral Roberts University) published Literacy Learning Using Large-Format Class Books in the Winter 2024 issue of Teaching Young Children, the “flagship” journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Mrs. Lori Riley (College of Education Assessment) is conducting informative training sessions for the university’s new “SLL” platform (replacing Chalk and Wire) on Friday, February 23 by Zoom from 10a-12p.

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) has been elected as a Program Coordinator for the College and Adult Literacy Division of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) as well as to a two-year term as a Board of Director for ALER’s Historian Committee.

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) and Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) attended the “Bringing Writing to Life: Exploring the Science of Writing Instruction” workshop presented by The Collaborative Classroom. 

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) and Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) provided professional development for the PK-5^th  grade teachers at Salina Elementary School over effective, evidence-based writing instruction. 

On February 29, Dr. Brian Cowlishaw, Professor of English, presented a "Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma" book talk on the novel Wonder at the Miami Public Library.

This past fall, Dr. Hardbarger, Associate Professor in the Department of Cherokee & Indigenous Studies, led a talk with filmmaker Mohamed Sleiman Labat at Tulsa's Arab Film Fest. The featured documentaries centered on topics surrounding indigeneity, environment, sustainability, and traditional ecological knowledge for the Sahrawi in the Western Sahara.

Dr. Audell Shelburne, Professor of English, had two poems accepted for publication in the upcoming March issue of Verse Virtual. The poems are titled "Hold" and "I Had a Dream" (a quote from Bottom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, not the famous line "I have a dream..." from Martin Luther King, Jr.). In early April, Dr. Shelburne will be presenting a reading from a collection of poems titled A Fine Line at the Scissortail Creative Writing Festival at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel's article, "The Rise of the Women's Movement in Oklahoma" was published in the latest edition (Vol. 33) of the Oklahoma Politics journal. Van Den Handel also gave a talk titled "Middle East Update" as part of the Great Decisions Lectures at the Muskogee Public Library on Thursday, February 15th.

Dr. Denis Vovchenko, Professor of History, had an article accepted for publication in a leading international relations journal. The article is titled “Army and Progress? The Russian and Greek Reactions to the 1903 Coup in Serbia and the Young Turk Revolution of 1908,” and is forthcoming in International History Review.

Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo is the recipient of the Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Regional University/Community College from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Dr. Das-Bradoo was selected for her dedication to undergraduate education, high quality teaching, and inclusion of undergraduate students in research. Her students wrote letters of support for the nomination and spoke of her skill in explaining challenging topics, engaging students in science, and caring nature.

Dr. Elizabeth Burba was awarded a 4-year, $105,852 grant from Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for the assessment of bat communities in eastern Oklahoma.  An emergent fungal disease known as whitenose syndrome has been decimating populations of many bat species with declines as much as 90% in areas infected with the fungus. The purpose of the grant aims to survey bat communities of Eastern Oklahoma to compare current abundance, distribution, and species composition to a survey conducted 25 years ago, prior to the introduction of whitenose syndrome.  Collected bats will be assessed for several health parameters to assess severity and spread of whitenose syndrome in Oklahoma. New survey sites are also proposed to generate baseline population info that may be used to monitor future population changes and aid in developing effective conservation measures. This grant will also support several student workers with paid opportunities to conduct research and gain job-related skills.

The Water Regulation and Professions in Water Science classes took a joint field trip to GRDA Ecosystem and Education Center in Langley, OK.  Students were able to tour Pensacola Dam and the state-of-the art Water Quality Lab to learn how the Grand River Watershed and Oklahoma's Scenic Rivers are monitored and managed. Students learned about environmental problems we face in northeast Oklahoma, research and monitoring that help mitigate these problems, and internship opportunities for students wanting to learn these job-related skills.

NSU has exceeded its first-year goal to recruit and retain Noyce Scholars. The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, Increasing and Inspiring Highly Effective Secondary STEM Teachers for High-Need, Culturally Diverse School Districts, supports students who major in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics and are willing to teach middle school or high school STEM subjects in a High-Need school district. Made possible by a National Science Foundation grant #2243169, this scholarship award will cover the full cost of attendance up to $18,000 for students in the final two years of their undergraduate STEM degree. This grant program provides enhanced teacher preparation experiences to support future teachers who will serve in high needs school districts and removes the financial barrier of becoming a STEM teacher. Project personnel include: Dr. Luke Foster (Co-PI), Dr. Spence Pilcher (Co-PI), Dr. Stephan Sargent (Co-PI), and Dr. Martha Parrott (PI).

Dr. Tracy Freudenthaler, Assistant Professor in the MPH Program, has been invited to serve as a medical history reviewer for the Ulster Medical Journal. The UMJ is a general medical journal that dates back to the mid 1800’s in Northern Ireland.

Deb Hyde’s Environmental Geology class conducted experiments using water collected from Beta Pond on the Tahlequah campus. The students added different concentrations of nitrates and phosphates which are common aquatic pollutants introduced into the natural system by fertilizers and detergents. The following week, student researchers prepared wet mounts of their control and experimental treatment samples and counted the microscopic algal cells in each. Results of this experiment indicated that a lower concentration of a combination of nitrate and phosphate pollutants produced the greatest increase of algal cells compared to the control samples after just one week in room temperature. If time allowed, students would like to extend the project by adjusting the time and temperatures of the incubation period in additional experiments.

Dr. Janaki Iyer spent an afternoon on February 6th with 3rd grade students of Cedar Ridge Elementary School as part of the Math Mentors program organized by the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance.

Dr. Martha Parrott, Professor of Mathematics, presented Inspired Mathematics Leadership:  What Really Matters as part of a series to provide training for aspiring and current mathematics instructional leaders at NSU-Broken Arrow on Saturday, February 3.

Update on the CUREs Projects:

The Fellows and Mentors selected to develop course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) as part of the National Science Foundation grant program are teaching the classes with the CUREs they developed this semester. CUREs are learning opportunities in which all students in a class will collaboratively explore a research question or problem. A description of each new CURE is below:

CUREs in Computer Science focused on Artificial Intelligence: Generative artificial intelligence (chatGPT) is quickly becoming a part of higher education. This semester Dr. Ernst Bekkering has started using AI to generate C++ code in the introductory programming class, CS2014. In the software engineering class CS4203, it has been used to generate project requirements. In the software testing class CS 4103, it is being used to generate programs in Java to be tested as part of the course.

Antimicrobial Resistance: In a new and research-intensive section of BIOL 3224L Microbiology Lab, Dr. Nnamdi Ekesi and his students are using CURE-based approaches and state-of-the-art protocols to explore the issue of antimicrobial resistance within the Tahlequah community.

Where NSU students help astronomers discover "What's Out There?": Ms. Deb Hyde has developed a new and exciting project embedded in SCI 1314 Astronomy Lecture and Lab course. The Spring 2024 semester includes an opportunity for students to participate in expanding the human understanding of the Universe, all while earning NSU physical science lab credit in an online course.

Scientific research with deep learning: Students in Dr. Rui Zhang’s PHYS 4351 Special Topics in Physics course are participating in an embedded research experience focused on computer and deep learning. The class is developing a research project together starting from learning the basics of deep learning such as Python language and Google Tensor Flow. Then, students in the class will collaboratively build up a model to research an image recognition problem in science in collaboration with Dr. Cammi Valdez.

The faculty developing these CUREs are supported by four project mentors, Dr. Luke Foster, Dr. Jim Hicks, Dr. Janaki Iyer, and Dr. Lizz Waring. These CUREs are made possible by a National Science Foundation Grant ($287,614) under the direction of Dr. Jessica Martin (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Martha Parrott (Co-Principal Investigator).

Happy February!

The Assessment Team here at Northeastern State University wants to make sure that we honor and cherish Black History Month by acknowledging and representing contributions of African Americans that have been historically overlooked in higher education. For more information on possible learning opportunities about this month, please visit the Smithsonian Institute.

Thank you for your patience in receiving feedback for the Assessment Reports this year. As we have announced previously, NSU is currently in an assessment transition. We are moving from Anthology Portfolio to several new assessment solutions offered by Watermark! We are extremely excited about what this new system offers and the support that it provides.

Due to this, we reverted back to submitting paper versions of the reports. This process is slower and more convoluted, which makes gathering feedback for the reports even longer. However, we should be able to provide feedback shortly! Keep an eye out for our responses.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also schedule an appointment with our Graduate Assistant, see below, and they can help to walk you through the submission process.

HELPFUL LINKS & WORDS REFERENCED:

Academic Assessment - Degrees of Excellence

Workforce Development - Create A Badge

Upcoming Events

Event Details: Cybersecurity For Business Conference

• March 29, 2024
• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• $95 Registration Fee Per Participant, Includes Lunch
• NSUBA Campus Administrative Services Building
• Click here to register!

Description:

The Cybersecurity for Business Conference provides participants with an opportunity to learn valuable insight into Cybersecurity and AI while expanding their professional network to explore the latest advancements in the field. The Conference will open with a Keynote Speaker presentation by Michael Dellinger, Chief Information officer for the City of Tulsa. During the conference there will be short break-out sessions with topics including (but not limited to) AI Technical Foundations, How to Prevent Hacking, and the use of AI and ChatGPT in your Business. In addition to the break-out sessions there will be a panel discussion, titled “Recovery from the Unthinkable”, addressing current challenges and future opportunities in the field providing participants an opportunity to stay ahead in an ever-evolving technological world. Finally, all registered participants will be entered into a drawing to receive a free course relating to Cybersecurity and AI valued at up to $3,500.

Event Details: ACT Prep Camp

• March 30, 2024
• 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• $85.00 per student, includes a workbook
• NSUBA, Education Building, Room 119

Click here to Register Today!

The ACT Prep Camp offers students the opportunity to identify their strengths and weaknesses and teach them skills to better prepare them for what to expect on test day.  What sets NSU’s ACT Prep Camp apart, is that it is taught by Karen Ignatius who currently spends her summers writing ACT questions as a consultant for the Educational Testing Service. Karen began by tutoring the SAT in 1979 and writing these exams by 1989. She then began tutoring the ACT in 1983 and writing exams in 1990. In her 50+ years in education, she has been able to apply much of what she has learned in her Masters of Education program to help countless students succeed on these exams by improving their scores and earning scholarships. Students will be given a workbook that has been created by Karen which includes testing tips, study skills specific to the ACT exam, and sample practice tests. Students will need to bring a paper and a pen for note taking and an ACT approved calculator (4-function, scientific, or graphing), as well as their own lunch for a one-hour lunch break.

Event Details: College of Education Summer Youth Academies

• Camps offered all Four Weeks of June (June 3-28, 2024. Must register for all 4 weeks individually)
• Registration Opens March 1, 2024
  • Click here to access the registration page!
• $125 before April 1, $150 after April 1
  • Early Drop-Off and Late Pick-Up offered for additional $25 per week

NSU is proud to bring you the College of Education’s STEAM Summer Youth Academies which brings four individually themed academies for children aged 4-12. Each week holds sessions for each age group (4-5 year olds, 6-8, 8, and 9-12) that are curated to that group’s interests allowing for students to become more engaged to learn while having fun! Some examples of these themes could be LEGO Week, MineCraft Experience, or an opportunity to let your kiddo step into the shoes of a wacky scientist. During their time here at NSU, students will be provided all materials needed for their STEAM week as well as a t-shirt. Registration will open March 1 for all four weeks of the STEAM Summer Youth Academies.

Brenda Bradford, Head of Archives and Special Collections will serve as a grant review panelist in the state's upcoming funding cycle for the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Pamela Louderback was selected to the Fulbright Specialist Program

Pamela Louderback was selected to the Fulbright Specialist Program. She will remain on the Specialist Roster for a three-year term through February 2027 to be matched with host institution’s projects abroad during that tenure. In an effort to promote cultural awareness in the field of professional librarianship, Pamela’s project plan consists of designing culturally responsive pedagogy and practices, teaching strategies and curriculum for both pre-service teacher librarians and practicing librarians to become more culturally competent. Her work aims to embed diversity into librarianship ‘as an important and required component of LIS curricula and to work with Indigenous community members to ensure the local context, culture, and history are valued as integral to the education process.  

The Fulbright Specialist Program, part of the larger Fulbright Program, was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions.

Specialists, who represent a wide range of professional and academic disciplines, are competitively selected to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster based on their knowledge, skill sets, and ability to make a significant contribution to projects overseas. Once abroad, Specialists partner with their host institution to conduct project activities in support of the host institution’s priorities and goals. 

The Fulbright Specialist Program offers year-round project opportunities of two to six weeks in length at international host institutions from over 150 countries and other areas.

NSU Online Updates

As the next step in NSU’s continuous improvement efforts, NSU Online has been working to revise and update the Online Educator Certificate and related policies.  The Online Educator Certificate policy, originally published in 2013, is dated, and changing accreditation expectations for online course environments, revised State Regent policies, and new federal guidelines necessitate this update.

Jerol Skinner, NSU Online Executive Director, and Dr. Pam Fly, Academic Affairs, have been meeting with department chairs to discuss changes to the policy. Definitions have been added, with particular emphasis on the federal definitions of regular and substantive interactions (RSI). These expectations increase the accountability of institutions to implement policies that ensure students’ academic engagement and success.  Other updates include the following:

• Renaming OEC 1 to LMS Skills and OEC 2 to Course Development and Design Skills.
• Expanding training options for Course Development and Design Skills to include in-house and Quality Matters courses.
• Reviewing policies and practices to align with OSRHE, HLC, and US Department of Education guidelines.
• Revising and editing policies to improve clarity while removing dated portions.

Now that NSU Online is more fully staffed with the needed Instructional Designers and a Media Developer, departments requesting new online certificates and programs will develop an Online Roadmap and Benchmark Plan that outlines course development benchmarks for online environments. This process ensures that the NSU’s online offerings are characterized by good instructional design and that faculty receive appropriate training to help students be successful in online environments.

These improvements are an outgrowth of the eLearning Strategic Plan that was developed during the 2022-23 academic year. This strategic plan aligns with elements of the new NSU Strategic Plan 2023-28 which features outcomes highlighting the importance of online learning.

The Spring 2024 International Student Orientation was held on January 11, 12, and 15, 2024. NSU's Office of International Programs was able to welcome 13 students to NSU Tahlequah. Students' home countries include: China, Vietnam, Ukraine, UK, Australia, Bolivia, and Chile.

Various campus partners met with our students to discuss their resources to maximize their student experience while living on campus. Additionally, President Hanley and Dr. Iain Anderson, Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, were able to welcome our students on their first day of orientation.

On behalf of International Programs, we want to thank all campus partners, NSU's President, and and Assistant Vice President, for being a part of International Student Orientation this semester. We look forward to witnessing the journey our new students will embark on as NSU International RiverHawks.

Academic Spotlight: Student Disability Services

Marcey Mitcham, Sr. Coordinator of Student Disability Services, shares about the mission of the office, frequently asked questions, resources and workshops.

What is the mission of Student Disability Services?

What resources does the office provide to students?

Accommodations Coordination: I work with students to determine appropriate accommodations based on their individual needs and documentation.

Alternative Format Materials: Students may be able to request course materials, such as textbooks or handouts, in alternative formats, such as electronic text, audio, or Braille.

Testing Accommodations: I often coordinate testing accommodations, such as extended time, a distraction-reduced testing environment, or the use of assistive technology, for students with disabilities.

Advocacy and Support: I provide advocacy and support services to help students navigate academic, social, and administrative challenges related to their disabilities.

Referrals to Community Resources: I can provide referrals to external resources and support services in the community, such as healthcare providers, counseling services, or vocational rehabilitation agencies.

What are some frequently asked questions Student Disability Services receives?

Students often ask what accommodations are available. As stated earlier these are determined on a case by case basis so I will meet with the student to help determine the best accommodations to meet their needs. Students also frequently ask how to request accommodations. I'm happy to report this process has been moved online and is available here. Students must renew their accommodations each semester and they may renew using the same link. 

What workshops does your office offer to the campus community?

I am delighted to offer workshops for our campus community, aimed at fostering disability awareness, education, and inclusion. On March 4th, we will be hosting an event in the Underground from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in honor of Disability Awareness Month. Please drop by to access educational materials and engage in meaningful discussions.

Dr. Tim Hart

Business Administration Department Chair

New Business Administration Department Chair

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College of Business and Technology Oklahoma Works Grant

The College of Business and Technology and Ship Premier Logistics, LLC have once again been awarded an Oklahoma Works grant, marking their third consecutive award. This grant will further support our ongoing efforts to inform and enhance the Supply Chain and Logistics Workforce.

In the previous two years, the college collaborated with community organizations to conduct and refine a sector workforce study. This study provided valuable insights into the industry and paved the way for the creation of an informational website called the Supply Chain & Logistics Workforce Partnership.

The website serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to learn more about careers in the Supply Chain and Logistics sector. It provides information on different career paths, educational requirements, and job opportunities within the industry.

The College of Business and Technology also hosted two successful conferences at NSU Broken Arrow. These conferences brought together industry professionals, educators, and students to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field of Supply Chain and Logistics.

This year, the college is shifting the focus of this free conference to high school students on March 7, 2024. Recognizing the importance of introducing young minds to the promising careers in this sector, we aim to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse opportunities available in Supply Chain and Logistics. Through interactive sessions and workshops, students will get a firsthand experience of the industry and gain insights into potential career paths.

By partnering with Ship Premier Logistics and leveraging the Oklahoma Works grant, the College of Business and Technology continues to make significant strides in improving the Supply Chain and Logistics Workforce. We remain dedicated to empowering students and raising awareness about careers in this thriving industry.

 

Dr. Lisa Bisogno (Special Education) received NSU’s 2023 Collaboration Champion Award.

Dr. Brandy Brandy-Lea McCombs (Elementary Education) accepted the role of AIPEC Coordinator for Field Experiences & Seminars for the 2023-2024 academic year at NSU.

Dr. Kelli Carney recently served as a CAEP site visit reviewer for in-state and out of state institutions with teacher education programs.

Ms. Jameie Combs (Special Education) led NSU’s students of American Sign Language (ASL) as they hosted an outstanding Deaf Awareness Week. 

Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) is serving on the Oklahoma Literacy Association (OLA) Awards Committee. 

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) participated in “Together We Read” in November. She read books to children in Pre-K classrooms at Rosa Parks Head Start.

Dr. Anita Ede (Early Childhood) presented "No One Wants to Play with Me" at the Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children’s annual conference.

Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) and Dr. Jason Proctor (Teacher Education) participated in the Passing Score Committee for the Mid-level Math OSAT (a state test for teachers).

Dr. Christine Gleason (Elementary Education) presented at 2023 OER Summit on using Open Educational Resources to reduce barriers to inclusion. 

Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) has been invited to serve on the Tulsa Public Schools Title III Leadership Advisory Council.

Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) and Dr. Christie Gleason (Elementary Education) submitted OSRHE Summer Youth Academies grants for both campuses.  

Dr. Kari D. Henry Hulett, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, was selected to participate in the 2024 Dr. W. Robert Houston Leadership Academy by the Association of Teacher Educators. The purpose of the Leadership Academy is to expand knowledge and skills of teacher educators within the association’s membership that “ATE leadership believes to have the attributes, talent and commitment to become influential” educational leaders.

Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) appeared again on Tulsa’s KOTV (Channel 6) sharing, “Literacy and No-Bake Apple Cookies.” 

Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) presented multiple sessions at Fort Gibson Public Schools Professional Development Day in October.

Dr. Jason Proctor (Teacher Education) provided training for secondary math teachers in the Wilburton and Glenpool school districts. 

Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) submitted Literacy Learning Using Large-Format Class Books for the NAEYC publication Teaching Young Children. This manuscript will appear in the upcoming winter issue, published in January 2024. 

Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) is serving as a board member for the Oklahoma Conference of Catholic Schools Accreditation Association (OCCSAA). 

Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) and Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) presented a workshop at Maryetta Preschool in Stilwell over developmentally appropriate practices in phonics and word study for the primary teachers. 

Dr. Brian Cowlishaw, Professor of Languages and Literature, is hosting "Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma" book talks on Raymond Chandler's novels The Big Sleep and The Long Goodbye, at the Delaware County Library on Jan. 18 and the Grove Public Library on Jan. 23.

Drs. Pamela Christol and Nathan Green were awarded $21,000 for the Get Green for Blue Summer Academy. This summer academy, for 8th through 10th graders, is in its 15th year of educating local students about water conservation and quality analysis.

Dr. Tracy Freudenthaler, MPH, Assistant Professor in the MPH Program, is leader of the Tulsa chapter of the NCCC. In support of January’s National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Freudenthaler coordinated a cervical cancer and HPV prevention webinar for a state audience. Partners included the Oklahoma Public Health Association, NCCC chapter leaders, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The webinar provided tangible resources from OSDH related to pap smear screenings and follow up care for abnormal results. Unfortunately, Oklahoma ranks higher than the national average for both cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In addition, we fall behind the national average for HPV vaccination.

Dr. Janaki Iyer served as a judge for the poster presentation competition of the Tulsa Regional Stem Fair held in Tulsa. 

Dr. Martha Parrott, Professor of Mathematics, presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the premier mathematics education event, on October 25-28, 2023 in Washington DC.  Her presentation topic focused on how to support deeper thinking through high quality mathematics tasks. 

On December 2, 2023, Dr. Martha Parrott presented Making Learning Meaningful through Mathematical Modeling at the Osage County Interlocal Cooperative (OCIC) to support the best practice of classroom teachers in northeast Oklahoma. 

Welcome Back!

The Assessment Team hopes that you enjoyed the Fall semester. The completion of another successful semester reminds us all to be thankful for hard work and dedication to your craft. Congratulations on making it to another year!

NSU is currently in an assessment transition. We are moving from Anthology Portfolio to several new assessment solutions offered by Watermark! We are extremely excited about what this new system offers and the support that it provides. We are implementing three new solutions by Watermark: Student Learning and Licensure, Planning and Self-Study, and Outcomes Assessment Projects. Our team has undergone training within the Student Learning and Licensure system and are getting ready to roll this system out to various departments and programs. Now that we have finished this training, we will begin working in the Planning and Self-Study solution. This is extremely exciting and important as several programs begin their Self-Studies later this year.

Planning and Self-Study houses locations for strategic planning, curriculum mapping, annual assessment, and self-study reports. This convenient tool is live, so that your constituents are able to see updates as they happen within the system. Furthermore, it offers templates for program and institutional accreditors, while also being able to fully integrate into Blackboard and Banner. For more information regarding this solution and the two others mentioned, please see the presentation slides linked below!

We will be utilizing pilot groups with all of our new solutions. Please do not be alarmed if your program is not involved yet! We have been advised by our solution managers that starting small and working our way up to full Institutional implementation is the best pathway forward, a plan that is utilized by almost all of their partners in higher education. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding training in these new solutions, as that information is coming soon!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also schedule an appointment with one of the Graduate Assistants, see below.

HELPFUL LINKS & WORDS REFERENCED:

Watermark: An Introduction To Data Collection Presentation Slides

Academic Assessment - Degrees of Excellence

NACE Web Career Readiness

NSU Workforce Development

Jannette DeMary, Instructor of Library Services and Resource Coordinator for the Colleges of Optometry and Health Sciences, received her Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma on December 15, 2023.

Brandon Martin has been elected as Board Member - At Large for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries, Inc. (OK-ACRL) for 2024/2025.

Sarah Burkhead Whittle, Instructor of Library Services, will serve as the President of the Oklahoma chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries for 2024. OK-ACRL is a professional organization for all Oklahoma students, librarians, and individuals interested in academic librarianship, which develops programs and services to help academic and research librarians learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community.

Learn More about ACRL History

In 2023, NSU Online proudly collaborated on seven courses, assisting them in earning the esteemed Quality Matters Certification. We're thrilled to share that three more courses have been slated to receive QM certification in January alone, with four more preparing for the review.

Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to the following faculty members for their dedication and hard work toward achieving success this semester:

Dr. Maria Gray - EDUC 5103
Dr. Arthur Wendorf - University Strategies & Span 1123

Your commitment to online quality inspires us all! Let's continue striving for quality education together.

Does anyone know what time it is???

FACULTY RESEARCH TIME!

Whether you are a new or seasoned faculty member, the faculty research (FRC) grants are for you! NSU supports faculty research efforts annually by offering FRC grants each year to faculty to support their research and scholarly activities. FRC funds can be used by a faculty to hire student workers, summer salary to allow for time on their project, materials, software, and even travel. If you need help developing your proposal or your budget, simply shoot us an email. We are happy to help! More information on FRC grants with the grant templates can be found by typing in “Faculty Research” in the search box on the NSU webpage. FRC grants are a great first step into larger grants and get you familiar with the grants process at NSU. Although we had a short month with the holidays, below are some of the great proposals submitted the month of December: 

Dr. Athena Wooldridge – National Summer Transportation Institute

Dr. Stephanie Jones – National Summer Transportation Institute

Dr. Jordan VanHemert – Oklahoma Arts Council Jazz Lab Assistance

Dr. Weihuan Zhao – ASHRAE, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients

NSU is off to a record-breaking start with new grants awarded. This brings with it a tremendous amount of support to the students and the community we serve.

As always, let us know how we can help. YOU make NSU a great place for students and the community.  We sincerely appreciate you all.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
(918) 444-2243

The Office of International Programs is excited to announce a significant milestone in its international collaboration as NSU welcomes 96 new students from our partner university in China, Guangdong Construction Technician College (GCTB).

Beginning this spring, these students will engage in online classes from China, marking a robust expansion of academic collaboration between the two institutions. This cohort of students are expected to graduate from NSU in Fall 2025 with a Bachelor of Technology. They have the option to finish the program online or come to NSU in person during their last year. 

This collaboration reflects the deepening partnership between NSU and GCTB, fostering cross-cultural exchange and enhancing educational opportunities for students on both sides of the globe.

Academic Spotlight: Deb Hyde

Deb Hyde, Geoscience Instructor, shares about her interest in geosciences, SCI 1314 Astronomy Lecture and Lab course, and what it's like taking a class with her.

How did you become interested in geosciences?

As an undergraduate, I was a non-traditional student. I was a single parent working at NSU in food service. (This was before Sodexo contracted with NSU). I decided to go back to school and get a degree in Science Education with a Biology emphasis.  I enjoyed science classes that I took in high school and I thought, “I can do that!”  To improve my employability, I planned to get Oklahoma certified in all of the secondary science disciplines including Earth Science.

I really enjoyed the Earth Science and Historical Geology courses that I took with my predecessor, John Simms, who taught geology at NSU for 30 years before I was hired in 2008. While working on my bachelor’s degree, I was a lab assistant for Mr. Simms for a year. This proved to be invaluable experience, since I was lucky enough to inherit the rock and fossil sample collections which he and his wife (also a paleontologist) spent years gathering and left with NSU for students to learn from in perpetuity.

When I graduated from NSU, I wasn’t able to find a teaching job right away because I didn’t want to move away from the Tahlequah area. Three years later I got my first teaching job at Stilwell High School. A year after that I was hired to teach at Tahlequah High School where I taught a variety of science courses during the eight years I worked there. I also worked on my Geoscience Masters Degree through Mississippi State University’s online Teachers in Geoscience program. Soon after I finished my MS degree, I learned that Mr. Simms was retiring from NSU. I applied for the job, not expecting to get it since I didn’t have a PhD. To my surprise they did hire me and the rest is history.

What are your research interests and specialties?

My research interests include environmental water quality and geoscience education.

What type of research experience will be part of the new SCI 1314 Astronomy Lecture and Lab course?

SCI 1314 Online Astronomy is not a “new” course. However, the inclusion of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience as part of online Astronomy is new! Online Astronomy students will have two seven-week long projects that include interpretation and analysis of astronomical data accessed through an online platform called Zooniverse which is a collection of online scientific research projects organized by University professors located all over the world.

The first project, called “Planet Four”, includes tutorials and online group discussions on a variety of topics related to the planet Mars. Then it asks students to classify images of the surface of Mars which are used by astronomy researchers from other universities, leading to scientific publications. They will not only learn about the fourth planet, but about how this science can potentially help us better understand Earth’s weather and climate.

The second project is called Galaxy Zoo. After some background instruction, students will be asked to classify images of galaxies and then analyze their classifications as compared with the rest of the class and the rest of the citizen scientist community. This exercise assists students in understanding that science is a dynamic discipline, ever changing as new discoveries and insights arise, and one in which they can be involved.

What inspired you to develop this new online astronomy class?

I was inspired by the excitement I get making progress on my own research and wanted my students to experience some of the same. Those types of experiences create real connections between students and the subject matter when they are actually engaged in discovering what’s next in science. They understand the process of science when they are part of it!

What is it like taking a class with you?

One of my favorite student comments on their instructor evaluations was “Professor Hyde even makes learning about rocks interesting, and that’s not an easy thing to do.”

I am excited about geoscience and science in general and try to convey that to my students. Thinking back to when I was a student, I always learned better from instructors who enjoyed what they were doing. If I am not interested, how can I possibly expect my students to be?

I also try to keep in mind a central theme of education which is that “students won’t care to learn until they learn that you care.” I want all of my students to be successful in my geoscience classes.

Our students come with a huge variety of challenges from outside the classroom. My geoscience classes are presented either completely online or in blended formats (with lectures online and labs in person for two hours, one day a week). This provides flexibility within each week for students to choose when they complete the necessary classwork. For all my classes, I like to stay well-organized and explain class explanations well in advance, so students can make good time-management decisions and be successful. I strive to be accessible and respond to student questions and concerns.