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A host of Bluefield College faculty and staff earned a variety of professional development distinctions during the summer of 2012.

Chris Shoemaker

September 6, 2012

Dr. Cindy Bascom, professor of communication, was one of just seven college professors nationwide to be selected by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) to participate in a May 2012 Latin American Studies Professional Development Tour. Dr. Bascom traveled to Costa Rica and Cuba for experiential learning of the political, economic, social, and religious realities of Latin America.

Chase Neidig, sports information director and assistant coach for men’s soccer, became the head coach for women’s soccer in June 2012. He will continue serving as the men’s soccer assistant. Neidig is a former college and professional soccer player, who has recruited players at both the college and pro level as a high school and college coach.

President David Olive was invited to participate in a White House roundtable discussion with President Barrack Obama officials in April 2012. The gathering provided college presidents with the opportunity to share with the Administration their thoughts on college access, affordability, and completion, and to explore with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan ways to reduce college costs, make higher education more affordable, and regain America’s global leadership in higher education.

Vanessa Scruggs, development assistant, served as a summer 2012 volunteer for Taking Action for Special Kids (TASK). Scruggs also volunteered at Mountain Kids in July 2012 as part of her requirements as a student in the BC Teacher Education Program.

Three BC employees were selected by the Appalachian College Association (ACA) in July 2012 to participate in the ACA’s fall ARC (Access, Retention and Completion) Institute for Latino Student Success. Mark Hipes, director of traditional admissions; Dr. Rob Merritt, professor of English; and Kelly Somers, director of residence life will take part in the two-day workshop, scheduled for September 2012 to help prepare ACA member institutions for an increase of Latino students considering ACA colleges within the next five years. At the Institute, teams will learn best practices for helping students achieve success in higher education, acquire a better understanding of the cultural needs of Latino populations, and develop an initiative to support success of Latino students on their home campuses.

Five Bluefield College professors were promoted to deans in BC’s new academic structure that features schools and colleges. Dr. Emily Lambert, professor of biology and chair of the Division of Math and Science, was promoted to Dean of the College of Sciences. Dr. Carolyn Lewis, professor and director of nursing, was promoted to dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Rob Merritt, professor of English and chair of the Division of Language, Literature and Communication, was promoted to dean of the College of Arts and Letters. Dr. Larry Sinsabaugh, associate professor of management and associate vice president for inSPIRE online degree programs, was promoted to dean of the College of Professional Programs. And, Dr. Donna Watson, professor and chair of the Division of Education, was promoted to dean of the School of Education.

In addition, Dr. Bob Boozer, associate professor of psychology, was promoted to director of BC’s General Education program and chair of the General Education Committee.

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