Bluefield College honored its employees during a year-end awards ceremony, May 5, which featured the presentation of Service Awards to a host of longtime faculty and staff and the naming of Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award recipients.
President David Olive welcomed the BC employees to the traditional culmination event. He spoke about the accomplishments of the 2010-’11 academic year, including improvements to classroom technology, renovations to the Bookstore and the Student Activities Center, and the addition of a new nursing program. The president also expressed appreciation to those responsible for BC’s success.
“It’s been a great year at Bluefield College, and this is a fun time to celebrate our accomplishments and to recognize those who have achieved service milestones,” Dr. Olive said about the awards ceremony. “Great things are happening on campus, and even more exciting things are on the way, thanks to your efforts and commitment to the school.”
The president presented the 2011 Wampler Caudill Distinguished Faculty Award to Dr. Cynthia Bascom, associate professor of communication, for her classroom excellence, Christian character, and professional, community and church involvement.
“She has an outgoing personality with an enthusiasm for life-long learning and a sincere intent to walk with personal integrity, courage and generosity,” Dr. Olive said. “She has a passion to help students reach their full potential, and we thank her for her commitment and service to Bluefield College.”
Dr. Bascom joined the Bluefield College faculty in 2005 with a Ph.D. in mass communication and a background in the art, science, and business of communication. Since joining the BC family, she has received a study grant from the Appalachian College Association, developed an on-campus High School Speech Contest, become a faculty mentor for the Living Learning Community initiative, and spearheaded the creation of a graphic design concentration within the communications major.
The 2011 Distinguished Staff Award went to Mark Hipes, director of traditional admissions, for his “enthusiasm,” “wonderful leadership qualities,” and “passion for helping others.”
“He is very dedicated to the growth and mission of Bluefield College,” Dr. Olive said. “He is a great leader and a caring boss, who exemplifies a Christ-like spirit. He is a Godly young man and a truly devoted Christian, who lives to serve a higher purpose and strives to do the best in all he does.”
Hipes guided a four percent increase in traditional student enrollment at BC this past fall, leading the school to its largest number of traditional students on campus since the fall of 2004, “all while delivering excellent management skills to drive his team to success.” Since joining the BC staff in 2006, he has worked his way up from admissions counselor to interim director of traditional admissions in 2009 and then director of traditional admissions in 2010.
The year-end faculty/staff awards ceremony also included the presentation of several Service Awards, recognizing employees for longevity and loyalty to the school, including 30-year Service Awards to Sandra Elswick, assistant professor of mathematics, and Clay Wagner, a member of BC’s maintenance staff.
Dr. Scott Bryan, professor of exercise and sport science, received a 25-year Service Award. Walter Shroyer, professor of art, earned a 20-year Service Award.
Ten-year Service Awards were presented to Lynne Bartlett, reference librarian; Ruth Blankenship, vice president for advancement; Crystal Kieloch, director of academic support services; Nora Lockett, director of library services; Rebecca McCoy-Reese, assistant professor of theatre; Dr. Doug Minnix, associate professor of exercise and sport science; Charles Reese, assistant professor of theatre; and Kevin Rolen, assistant director of campus safety.
And, Five-year Service Awards went to Amanda Parks, administrative assistant for academic affairs; Kelly Somers, director of residence life; and Mike White, head coach for baseball.