Grady went on to write his master’s Alabama attorney ... · 2 news briefs Reprinted with...

15

A Messagefrom thePresident

C • O • N • T • E • N • T • S

News Briefs ................................. 2

Campus News .............................. 6

FEATURESA Passion for Acting .............. 9Nursing Shortage ................ 10Omar’s Got the Blues ........... 12Why I Came to JSU ............ 13Teaching is a Passion........... 14Normal School Grad ............ 15Just 4 Kids .......................... 16

Sports ....................................... 18

Alum Notes ............................... 21

Visit our web site at www.jsu.edu/alumniE-mail address: [email protected]

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION:

Gem of the Hills is publishedsemiannually by the Division ofInstitutional Advancement,Jacksonville State University,700 Pelham Road North,Jacksonville, Alabama 36265-1602.

Volume 11, Number 1

EDITOR: .................................... Kaci Beatty

COPY: ........................................... Al HarrisKelly Milam

Victoria Oxley

DESIGN: ....................................Mary SmithStacy Wood

PHOTOGRAPHY: ................... Steve Latham

Copyright © 2004,Jacksonville State University

Dear Alumni and Friends,

At the Homecoming game, Jim Epikand I enjoyed a chat in which he ex-pressed a conviction that manyalumni want to know more about howto get involved in chapter buildingand other important work. Jim rein-forced what I already knew: thatalumni are enthusiastic and willing;they just need some specific ideas.

Jim (Class of 1983, with a BS in lawenforcement; ’87, with a master’s inpublic administration with a concen-tration in criminal justice) is thefounding president of our WashingtonDC alumni chapter. He joined effortswith Gordon Sumner (Class of ’75,music major), LTC Mike Lentz (Classof ’83, computer science) and others toorganize the robust DC chapter.Thanks to Jim’s remarks that day, wehave followed through with an articleon page 4 that is full of specific ideasour alumni can use.

Alan Grady of the Class of 1982 cred-its JSU’s Dr. Glen Browder for spark-ing his life-long interest in southernpolitical history and classmates RickBragg (formerly of the New YorkTimes) and Stacey McCain (Washing-ton Times) for his interest in writing.

Grady went on to write his master’sthesis on John Patterson, the formerAlabama attorney general. And,most recently, he wrote a book, WhenGood Men Do Nothing: The Assassina-tion of Albert Patterson. You’ll find thestory on page 2.

How is the nationwide nursing short-age affecting our College of Nursing?Student staff writer Kelly Milamfound that nursing applications areup as students enter this highly com-petitive field. Dean Martha Lavendarsays the shortage also challenges theUniversity in the area of faculty re-cruitment. Kelly’s story is on page 10 .

Alma Ingram Clinkscales, age 98, hasfond memories of the State NormalSchool, from which she earned herteaching certificate in 1928. Staffwriter Victoria Oxley paid a visit toMrs. Clinkscales home recently andcaptured thoughts for the interviewon page 15 .

Many other stories await you, and Ihope you will enjoy this issue of yourmagazine.

Sincerely,

William A. Meehan, President

JSU’s ChildDevelopmentCenter atMcClellan isnow open forbusiness. KristiTriplett givesan overview ofthe state-of-the-art facility.

ON THE COVER

page

9

Nursingf{ÉÜàtzx

10

Normal School Grad Still Spry

2

news briefs

Reprinted withpermission from TheJacksonville News

Sixty-five years ofMrs. Clifford SharpeCoffee’s 102 yearswere spent witheither pen in hand orseated in front of atypewriter.

Her stories werepublished by The

Jacksonville News and the News Bureau of JacksonvilleState University.

Mrs. Coffee died peacefully on Aug. 23. Her serviceswere August 26 - her 103rd birthday - at First UnitedMethodist Church.

At the age of 96, she was still driving herself to FirstUnited Methodist Church, social events and the beautyparlor in her 1970 Chevrolet, along with cooking andseeing to her household chores.

Mrs. Coffee met her late husband, Raymond “Red” KingCoffee while teaching piano in her hometown of Hartselle.He died 39 years ago.

It was her devotion to him that led the Athens Collegegraduate from a career as a piano teacher into his world ofnewspapers.

In 1937, they bought The Jacksonville News for $150.

As her husband busied himself with advertising, she didmuch of the typesetting, wrote most of the articles,editorials and created her column, “By the Grapevine,”which she continued to write for many years, even after atleast three retirements. She also taught piano lessons tolocal children.

“She was very energetic,” Consolidated Publishing Co.,president Phil Sanguinetti said, “She had to be.”

He remembers her as hard working and devoted to herchurch.

Mrs. Coffee walked several miles a day until she was atleast 90. After that she walked at least one mile a day. Shewas an avid reader and an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves.At night, she sang herself to sleep, reciting aloud the manyhymns she had memorized throughout her life.

Survivors include a daughter, Marion Currier of Jackson-ville; a sister, Mrs. John Harrison of Miami; two grand-children, Tyler Currier and his wife Sharon of Jacksonvilleand Constance Harrington and her husband Jim ofStaunton, Va.; and three great-grandchildren, Amy Nicole,Todd and Kate.

in memory of

Alan E. Grady applied for ad-mission to Jacksonville StateUniversity almost at the lastminute in the summer of 1975.The only dorm available at thatlate date was Albert PattersonHall, which had no air-condi-tioning and was not nearly asnice as it is today. “At that time,I had no idea who AlbertPatterson was,” admits Grady.

These days, Alan Grady is anauthority on the life of AlbertPatterson. Patterson, (whograduated from JacksonvilleState Normal School in 1921),is the subject of Alan Grady’snew book, When Good Men DoNothing: The Assassination ofAlbert Patterson. The bookdocuments the murder of theformer state senator in 1954, ashe ran for state attorney general,pledging to clean up PhenixCity, Alabama as his primarycampaign promise.

At that time, Phenix City wasknown as “sin city” for its repu-tation of prostitution, gambling,bootlegging and political cor-ruption. With millions of illegaldollars flowing through the city,the question surroundingPatterson’s murder was not why,but rather who.

Grady’s book is the result ofover a decade of research. “Theroots of this book go back to1991, when I wrote my Master’sThesis on John Patterson’s yearsas Alabama attorney general,”recalls Grady. A section of his

paper was the basic story aboutJohn’s father, Albert and his as-sassination. Through the privatepapers of John Patterson, mate-rial from the Office of AlabamaAttorney General, and morethan 40 interviews with survi-vors and eyewitnesses, the re-search has been assembled intoa gripping, controversial ac-count of the crime. JacksonvilleState University’s Dr. Harvey H.Jackson says, “The research isimpressive and well-organized.Mr. Grady has a sense of thedramatic and the story a realpage turner.”

While at JSU, Grady worked asa DJ and news director for cam-pus radio station,WLJS. “Two of mycohorts were RickBragg and StaceyMcCain, both ofwhom now areprominentwriters,” hesays. “Ifigured ifthey couldwrite for aliving, so could I!”

Alan Grady is a 1982 graduatefrom Jacksonville State Univer-sity with a B.S. in Education/Political Science and has hisMaster’s from the University ofAlabama in Huntsville. Gradyis a contractor for NASA’sMarshall Space Flight Center inHuntsville and is an avid stateand local historian. He is mar-ried to Gloria Sosa Grady, also a1982 JSU grad, and they have a17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son.

When Good Men Do Nothing:The Assassination of AlbertPatterson is published by TheUniversity of Alabama Pressand copies may be ordered atwww.uapress.ua.edu.

“When Good Men Do Nothing”The Assassination of Albert Patterson

by Alan Renfroe, ’88

Mr. Alan Grady

3WINTER 2004

Robbie Medders, a 1974 gradu-ate of Jacksonville State Uni-versity and associate director ofthe JSU Small Business Devel-opment Center, has beennamed the Association of SmallBusiness Development Cen-ters’ 2003 Alabama State Star.

Robbie got her start at theSBDC in 1982 and quicklydemonstrated an uncommontalent and drive for helpingsmall business owners over-come obstacles to success.During her JSU career sheagain became a student, and in’94 completed her MBA at JSU.

Today Robbie also directs theSBDC Government Procure-ment Technical AssistanceProgram, which helps busi-nesses gain government con-tracts.

The Small Business Develop-ment Center is a program ofthe Jacksonville State Univer-sity College of Commerce andBusiness Administration. TheSBDC operates as a divisionof the Center for EconomicDevelopment (CED).

The Association of SmallBusiness Development Cen-ters (ASBDC) recognizes anoutstanding SBDC employeefrom each state at their annualconference in San Diego, CA.These “State Stars” are all de-scribed as “commendable per-

Medders is a “Star”formers” who have made sig-nificant contributions to theirstate programs and have dem-onstrated a strong commitmentto small businesses.

“It was an honor to even benominated,” Robbie said. “Itwas very special to me to havebeen selected.”

Ninety percent of Alabamacompanies are consideredsmall businesses, and 75 per-cent of all job growth comesfrom small businesses.

Robbie went on to say thatone of her greatest sources of

CancerVax Corporation President and CEO David F. Hale(Class of ’70) was honored in June, 2003 with the Life Sci-ences Legend Award at the third annual BioFUSION LifeScience Achievement and Innovation Awards ceremony.

The ceremony, which is sponsored by The T Sector andBIOCOM/San Diego, recognizes innovators and leaderswho have contributed significantly to the growth and suc-cess of the San Diego life science industry.

”Our judges selected David Hale for the Life Sciences Legend Award because of hislifelong commitment to the San Diego life science community,” said KatherineHarrington, publisher of The T Sector, a magazine, Web site, email newsletter andevents company focused on San Diego’s high-tech and biotech industries. “For morethan 20 years David has provided leadership and inspiration to the companies, in-dustry organizations and individuals in our thriving local biotech industry.”

In addition to his position as President, CEO and Board member of CancerVax Cor-poration, Mr. Hale currently serves on the board of directors for biotechnology com-panies Santarus, Inc., Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc., Xcel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., andSkinMedica, Inc. He is also Chairman of the board of directors for LMA NorthAmerica, Inc. and BIOCOM/San Diego (formerly the Biomedical Industry Council),of which he was a founder.

An experienced biotech executive, Mr. Hale previously served as President ofHybritech, Inc., San Diego’s first biotechnology company, which was acquired by EliLilly & Co. He was also previously Chairman, President, and CEO of Gensia, Inc.(now Sicor, Inc.), a co-founder and Chairman of Viagene, Inc., and President andCEO of Women First HealthCare, Inc.

Mr. Hale is a founder of the UCSD CONNECT Program in Technology and Entrepre-neurship. Mr. Hale received his B.A. in biology and chemistry from Jacksonville StateUniversity.

CancerVax Corporation is a privately held biotechnology company focused on theresearch, development and commercialization of biological products for the treat-ment and control of cancer.

satisfaction is helping smallbusiness owners who, in turn,improve the economic climatein Alabama. “Our success isthe success of the people wehelp,” she said.

Alabama SBDC State Direc-tor Bill Campbell, who nomi-nated Robbie as the 2003 Ala-bama State Star, said,“Robbie Medders is a greatindividual with the ability tomake things happen. She ispositive, and has been with ussince day one of the JSUSBDC.”

Carolyn Minerich, presidentof Carmin Industries in Jack-

David F. Hale Receives Life SciencesLegend Award

sonville and Alabama’s SmallBusiness Person of the Yearfor 2002, credits JSU’sSBDC for helping her beginher business. She said RobbieMedders and others at theSBDC helped make innova-tive ideas become a reality.

SBDC offers assistance in thefollowing areas: Businessstartup, licensing, businessstructure, recordkeeping,taxes, insurance, businessplans, cash flow, financialstatements, and governmentprocurement services.

For more information aboutSBDC call 256-782-5271.

Mr. David F. Hale

4

news briefs

Bennett Named Chairman of theBoard of Trustees

Jim Bennett (Class of ‘62) ofHomewood recently suc-ceeded Pete Mathews aschairman of the JSU Boardof Trustees.

Mathews, who stepped downas chairman, served on theboard for 37 years and was amember of the institution’sfounding board created in1966.

As a fifteen-year legislativeveteran and two-term Secre-tary of State, Bennett joinedthe Riley Administration ascommissioner in the Depart-ment of Labor and chairmanof the Governor’s Commis-sion on Constitutional Re-form. Bennett’s responsibili-ties included overseeing theenforcement of labor legisla-tion and promotion of peace-ful settlement of labor dis-putes at the Department ofLabor.

lumni who stay involved in JSU after graduationserve as an inexhaustible poolof wise counselors andexperienced “ambassadors”who are eager to help others.

We need alumni to stepforward and take the initiativeto build chapters. The AlumniOffice can show you how – allyou need to do is let us knowyou are willing to help. JSUalso needs a strong base ofalumni interested in studentrecruitment.

Alumni are needed to helpJSU maintain a presence inlocal communities, where theycan engage in specificactivities – as individuals or asa team in local chapters — thatcan assist the transition ofgraduating high school seniorsto JSU.

To find out your nearestchapter, its leaders, and thelatest news, go to your alumniweb site at http://www.jsu.edu/alumni or call 256-782-5404.If you are interested in startinga chapter in a geographic orinterest area, where one doesnot exist, please contact us forguidelines and support.

Other Specific Ways AlumniCan Help:

✓ Talk to prospective or recenthigh school graduatesthrough career networkingand career counselingopportunities.

✓ Volunteer to represent yourcompany at JSU’s CareerDay events and encourageyour company to hirequalified JSU graduates. Tofind out more, call JSU’soffice of Career PlacementServices at 256-782-5482.Also, contact the office ofyour major discipline to findout whether they will beholding separate career fair

contacts. “Talk up” JSUevery chance you get.

✓ Promote JSU’s continuingeducation program. Formore information, call theOffice of ContinuingEducation at 256-782-5918.

✓ Visit campus wheneverpossible.

✓ Send news, photos and storyideas via e-mail or regularmail to the Alumni Officefor inclusion in the Gem ofthe Hills.

The Alumni Office can assistanyone who would like tovolunteer time or resources.Please contact the AlumniOffice at 256-782-5405 and letus know your particularinterests so we can help.

events for their students, asdone by the Department ofSociology and Social Workand the Department ofCriminal Justice.

✓ Become a member of theJSU Alumni Association andrecruit others to becomemembers.

✓ Form your own network ofJSU alumni friends and stayin touch.

✓ Help raise money forchapter scholarships.

✓ Host events that bringalumni together andpromote the continuedrelationships between theuniversity and its alumniand friends.

✓ Give testimonials toindividuals or groups ofhigh school students inspecific geographic areas orfields of study.

✓ Keep your personalinformation in our alumnidatabase up-to-date so thatinformation may be passedalong to you regardingspecific events or newsabout JSU.

✓ Support JSU’s affinityprograms – which meansbuying a JSU car tag andapplying for a JSU creditcard.

✓ Provide products or servicesfor silent auction items toraise scholarship funds atalumni events.

✓ Participate in alumni eventssuch as dinners, golftournaments, athletic events,on-campus events such asHomecoming, and othergatherings.

✓ Act as an informal“ambassador” ofJacksonville StateUniversity among yourfriends and professional

In 1962, Bennett received hisBachelor of Science degree inbiology from JacksonvilleState University. He also ob-tained a Master of Arts degreein higher education administra-tion from the University ofAlabama in 1980.

Bennett is married to theformer Luan Atkins of Bir-mingham and has two grownchildren, one step-child andthree grandchildren. He is amember of Trinity UnitedMethodist Church inHomewood.

Staying Involved: An Alumni Checklist

AIf you know of

someone needinginformation

about JSU, pleasevisit our web site at

www.jsu.edu/alumniand fill out the“Get Involved”

form.

GetInvolved

and help usGROW.

5WINTER 2004

Welcome aboard the followingnew or “renewed” chapters tothe JSU National AlumniAssociation:

The Greater WashingtonD. C. Area Chapter, Presi-dent Jim Epik ’ 83/’87

The Northwest Georgia AreaChapter, President BradButler ’95

The Talladega County Chap-ter, President Beth French ’93

scheduled this spring. Watchyour mail/email for surveyresults and information ontheir inaugural event in 2004.

What are the chapters in yourarea up to?

Calhoun County, led by EllenCole’91/’93 will be off andrunning in 2004 with businessafter hours socials in Jackson-ville and Oxford/Anniston aswell as some special events.

The Atlanta Area Chapter,led by Shane McGriff ’91 is

May. Watch your mail formore information.

The ROTC Alumni Chapter ,led by Bruce Pickette’68 hasbeen working hard over thepast year to secure thousandsin scholarships. Way to gogentleman and ladies!Our students appreciate yourefforts!

The Etowah County Chap-ter, led by Grover Kitch-ens’87/89 was revitalized lastfall with a chapter pre-game

Chapter News

The Washington D.C. AreaChapter held its inauguralevent on Oct. 3, 2003 at Ft.Belvoir, VA and raised over$700 in scholarship fundswhich were matched by thealumni association to bring agrand total of $1440. Way togo!!! Watch your mail/emailfor information on the nextevent this spring.

The NW Georgia Area islooking forward to 2004 andhaving a great start to reuniteall the alumni in the area. Staytuned for upcoming sportingevents including a Lookoutsgame in Chattanooga and apre-game event in the fallwhen JSU takes on UTC

The Talladega County Chap-ter has sent out surveys to de-termine what events will be

trying to secure a date withaward winning author RickBragg for speaking event thisspring and the annual golftournament will be held againin late spring.

The Greater Rome AreaChapter, led by CarlaPatterson’89/99 has alreadystarted off the new year rightwith an alumni networking/prospective student receptionon Jan. 13th at the GreaterRome Convention and VisitorsCenter. Stay tuned for anotherRome Braves Outing thisspring.

The Hunstville Area Chap-ter, led by HeatherJohnson’97 will try not to getrained out this year and hostthe Show Choir for an eveningof dinner and entertainment in

picnic at the alumni house.The event was well attendedand we look for great thingsthis spring.

The Central TennesseeChapter, led by MariaAmado’94 is looking at 2004

as a year to get the chapter ona roll. Future activities mayinclude professional sportsoutings as well as dinner andfamily activities.

The Greater BirminghamArea Chapter, led by WayneCummings’69 has had an in-credible year with two verysuccessful events in the lastsix months. They are lookingfor continued support thisspring with possible dinners/sporting events/business afterhours/and theater events.

The Black Alumni ChapterAnnual Banquet/NetworkingReception is planned for Sat-urday, February 28, 2004 onthe 11th floor of the HoustonCole Library. The event isscheduled to begin with a re-ception at 5:30 pm, followedby an annual meeting with thebanquet beginning at 7pm.Please contact the office ofMulticultural Services to makeyour reservations at256-782-5275 or by email [email protected].

Reunion/concert set for April 3rd, 2004. If you have not received information in the mail about the event, please contact the alumni office at [email protected] or by phone at 800.231.5291, ext. 5404.

Alumni from the Greater Washington D.C. area join Jacksonville State University cadets at thechapter’s inaugural event at Ft. Belvoir, VA.

If you have any questionsabout Alumni Chapters inyour area, visit the JSUalumni website atwww.jsu.edu/alumni orcall the office at 800-231-5291 ext. 5404.

6

campus news

Jacksonville State University’sDr. Claudia McDade, directorof Learning Services and pro-fessor of psychology, recentlywent to England to take part ina session of the Oxford Uni-versity Round Table, whereshe presented a paper on phi-lanthropy.

The Round Table’s purpose isto promote human advance-ment and understandingthrough the improvement ofeducation. Oxford is the oldestEnglish-speaking university inthe world and lays claim toeight centuries of continuousexistence.

The following was excerptedfrom Dr. McDade’s discussionof her trip:

QUESTION: What did yougain from your Oxford expe-rience that will help you atJSU?

MCDADE: I have told my stu-dents about the differencesin institutions like Oxfordverses American schools likeJSU. And I will be doing aluncheon speech at a stateconference in November,where I will discuss the sta-tus of developmental educa-tion in England. I alsobrought back better presenta-tion skills.

QUESTION: Your researchpaper was titled, “Philan-thropy and the Human Rightto Health: In the Business ofEnhancing Life.” What wereyour main points?

MCDADE: That the most basicof all human rights is theright to health. If you are nothealthy you can’t live up toyour potential — you can’tget educated, you can’twork, you can’t do anything.And if we look at the AIDSpandemic in Africa as one ofthe most glaring of failuresof Western Society, we cansee that the entire Africancontinent is in dire need ofmedical education and care.In the next six to eight years80% of the people who livein Africa will be dead from

AIDS. And the United Statesis only now beginning to dosomething about it. The Eu-ropean Union has alreadyassisted with more moneythan we were even talkingabout giving, and it has onlymade a dent. Of the moneythat the U.S. has been talk-ing about giving, throughPresident Bush’s plan, only10% is earmarked for educa-tion and prevention — therest is for treatment. If weput all the money into treat-ment, then all we’re doing iscontinuing the lives ofpeople who are going to dieanyway, verses gettingpeople there to understandthe causes.

QUESTION: What were someof the conclusions youreached in your research onphilanthropy?

Dr. McDade Presents Research atOxford University

Special ThanksCharlie Waldrep’71, Head Football Coach Jack Crowe(center) and Kaci Beatty, Director of Alumni Affairs enjoya reception hosted by Mr. Waldrep and the law firm ofEmond, Vines, Gorham & Waldrep, P.C. in Kansas thispast September. Mr. Waldrep and the firm also helped toco-host the Pre-game festivities in Birmingham when JSUplayed (and defeated) Samford in November. Thank you forgiving back to JSU!

MCDADE: The foundations inour country are becomingmore interested in their bot-tom line in terms of findingways they can affect theirparent company positively.We’re in the middle of a ma-jor change in the way corpo-rate philanthropy is handled,and I think — especiallywith leading drug companiesand computer companies —that’s going to make a majordifference in global healthcare.

The AlumniAffairs Office isnow accepting

nominations foralumni of the

Year Awards for2004. Contact

the alumni officeto nominate

someone.

NowAccepting

Nominations!

7WINTER 2004

JSU is now the only Univer-sity in the region to offer anauctioneering school to helpstudents become licensed auc-tioneer apprentices.

JSU’s Auctioneer School willopen its first session beginningJanuary 30, 2004, continuingthrough February 8. Theschool will consist of 10 daysof training, starting on a Fri-day night and ending on thefollowing Sunday with agraduation ceremony.

Students will conduct a liveauction and attend 85 hours oftraining. Candidates must suc-cessfully complete a practicaland written examination inorder to graduate.

It all began when JSU re-ceived inquiries and a list ofneeds from seasoned auction-eers who were looking forcontinuing education opportu-nities. In response, JSU cre-ated an advisory council con-sisting of practicing auction-eers. The council established acurriculum, which JSU sub-mitted to the State Board ofAuctioneers for approval. JSUthen established the schoolthrough the Office of Continu-ing Education.

Continuing Education DirectorAnn Wells says, “JSU is com-mitted to the view that learn-ing is a lifelong process. Weare pleased this process nowincludes the auctioneeringschool, which is rich in tradi-tion and will provide qualityeducation for the profession.The school will promote thehighest ethical standards.”

Wells says auctioneering is afast-growing industry.

“Auctioneers are highly re-spected for their professional-ism and expertise in their cho-sen field. Many auctioneersspecialize in such areas as an-tiques and collectibles, auto-mobiles, business liquidations,charity auctions, machineryand equipment, livestock, realestate, and more.”

Wells adds that one of theschool’s goals is to see theauctioneering industry evolveto higher levels of expertiseusing qualified and seasonedauctioneering professionals todeliver the training.

She says instructors includepracticing auctioneers. Therewill also be teachers from theJSU music department to assistin teaching voice and breathingtechniques. Experts from JSU’sSmall Business DevelopmentCenter will also assist.

Rita Smith, coordinator of theAuctioneering School, says,“Auctioneering is another em-ployment option and a way toimprove quality of life.”

Wells says, “The AuctioneeringSchool will bring people ontocampus who would notordinarily come to JSU.”

She added, “Auctioneers arenot born — they are made.They will learn to chant evenif they think they can’t.”

The cost will be $575 and theAuctioneer School will servesurrounding states.

For more information call 256-782-5022 or 1-800-634-7199.

For the latest information on upcomingevents, vist www.jsu.edu/alumni

January 13Rome Area Alumni Chapter to host alumninetworking/prospective student recruitingreception at 6 pm at the Rome GreaterConvention and Visitors Center

January 31Former Women’s Basketball players, coachesand support staff reunion from 2-4 pm on the11th floor of the library

February 2JSU Scholarship application deadline

February 14On the Brink

February 21Preview Day at JSU

February 21Northeast Regional Basketball Tournament

February 26Higher Education Day in Montgomery

February 28Black Alumni Chapter Banquet

March 4-6OVC Basketball Tournament in Nashville

March 13Preview Day

March 22-26Spring Break/JSU Campus Closed

April 1Student Athlete Senior Banquet at Leone ColeAuditorium

April 3A Cappella Choir Alumni Concert

May 4May term/marathon classes begin

Go Gamecocks!

Go Gamecocks!

Go Gamecocks!

Go Gamecocks!

Go Gamecocks!

8

campus news

Mr. Jarrod Dudley has been named JSU’s new crosscountry coach.

Mr. Clint Carlson has been named vice president ofadministrative and business affairs.

Ms. Karen Davis of Jacksonville is the new director ofhuman resources.

Ms. Melanie Delap, CPA, of Jacksonville, is the newdirector of institutional development.

Dr. Marvin Jenkins, a Jacksonville State Universitygraduate faculty member and associate professor ofcounselor education, has been named acting associatevice president for student affairs. Dr. Jenkins assumesthe role following the retirement of Dr. Alice Cusimano.

Mr. David Dagostino has been named Head Coach forWomen’s Basketball.

Mr. Terry Schneider has been named Jacksonville StateUniversity’s new director of public safety.

Dr. Cynthia Harper ’71/74 of Anniston, has been namedacting dean of the College of Education andProfessional Studies.

Mr. Kevin Hoult ’97/99 has been named director ofUniversity Housing.

New Faces and PromotionsNew Faces and PromotionsNew Faces and PromotionsNew Faces and PromotionsNew Faces and Promotions

For the latest campus news and events, visit www.jsu.edu

Mr. Jarrod Dudley Mr. Clint Carlson Ms. Karen Davis

Ms. Melanie Delap Dr. Marvin Jenkins

Mr. Terry Schneider Dr. Cynthia HarperMr. Kevin Hoult

Mr. David Dagostino

Dr. Alice Cusimano recently retiredfrom JSU after nearly 35 years ofservice.

A JSU alumni, Dr. Cusimano receivedher B.S. of Secondary Education inBiology in 1970 and her Master ofEducation in 1972. She then went on toearn a Doctor of Education at theUniversity of Alabama in 1981.

She began her teaching career in the Anniston City schoolsystem, became a JSU Career Counselor and eventually beganteaching biology courses for JSU.

Later on she left her teaching position at JSU to become aGraduate Administrative assistant for the University ofAlabama, but she continued to counsel students at JSU.

After leaving her position as a Career Counselor at JSU, Dr.Cusimano became the Director of the Introduction to theUniversity Experience and Director of Student Developmentfor the University of Montevallo. She then decided to return toJSU as the Director of Student Development. In 1996, shebecame the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs andAffirmative Action Designate at JSU. She served in thisposition until her retirement in July of 2003.

Dr. Cusimano Retires

Dr. Alice Cusimano

Alan Renfroe Named Assistant Director ofAlumni AffairsMr. Alan Renfroe ’88, JSU’s newAssistant Director of AlumniAffairs is excited and enthusiasticabout his new position. “It is sucha pleasure to be able to serve myalma mater in this capacity,” saysRenfroe. “I’ve always hoped mycareer would bring me back toJacksonville State University.”Mr. Renfroe had previously served as Assistant Director ofAnnual Giving for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind,and commuted from Jacksonville to Talladega for more thanfour years. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in thealumni department and assist with JSU’s advancementefforts. I see so much potential and I can think of nothingbetter than working with my fellow JSU alumni. It’s great tobe so close to home, and it will give me the opportunity topursuit my Master’s degree.” Except for a six-month period,Renfroe has been a resident of Jacksonville for the past 20years. He and his wife, Elizabeth, who also attended JSU,have a 7-year old son who attends Kitty Stone Elementaryand a 4-year old girl who attends JSU’s Preschool program atMason Hall. Renfroe serves on the board of the JacksonvilleFirst United Methodist Church and is president of his NewBeginnings class. He and his best friend and fellow JSUalumnus, Tracey Tucker, play and perform acoustic music onthe weekends. Tracey and Allen, as they are called, havebeen playing music together since the days when they wereroommates at JSU.

Mr. Alan Renfroe

9WINTER 2004

ust a few of thehighlights of Dr. StevenJ. Whitton’s 30 years atJacksonville State

University include:

• conducting workshops at theAlabama ShakespeareFestival’s Theatre In theMind,

• traveling statewide as ascholar advocating the“Read Alabama” program,

• co-authoring the play “TheLate Mr. Shakespeare,” and

• writing over 150 bookreviews.

And Dr. Whitton did all thatwhile serving as a popular butdemanding professor ofEnglish.

“It started out 25 years agowhen a student asked me if Iwas going to audition for aJSU drama production. I didn’t

have any experience, but I au-ditioned anyway. I was castand I really enjoyed myself.Performing has ended up help-ing my teaching as well.Through the years, I taught anumber of dramatic literaturecourses. I have been cast insome of the plays I’ve taught.That’s really helped me withmy class work. It gives me afresh perspective,” says Dr.Whitton.

When preparing for an upcom-ing role, Dr. Whitton becomesa student and does a little re-search of his own.

“I tend to try to put out of myhead any movie or play ver-sion that I have seen. I try toresearch aspects of the charac-ter that I know nothing about.Beyond that, I really believethat if the playwright has donehis work properly then it willall be there in the words. I relyon how other people react inrehearsal and on clues in thescript.”

Dr. Whitton also helped estab-lish JSU’s annual HolocaustEducation project, and he par-ticipates in the JSU Writer’sBowl. He served as chair ofthe JSU Chapter of the HigherEducation Partnership Counciland now chairs the EnglishDepartment Honors Composi-tion Literature Committee. Heorganized the English Depart-ment Lecture Series.

Dr. Whitton finds time to helpthe community by serving onthe Board of Visitors of theCalhoun County CommunityFoundation, and he has been atutor with the Literacy Volun-teers of America.

Dr. Whitton was recognizedfor his achievements as recipi-ent of the Cleo and Carla Tho-mas Award for OutstandingCommunity Education andService in 2001 and the AnnaC. Grace Professorship of En-glish in 1994.

No matter how busy he maybe, Dr. Whitton always hastime for his students. He do-nates his time and theaterskills to student productions.He recently starred in “How ILearned to Drive” and “Visit-ing Mr. Green,” both directedby JSU students.

“One of the real treats for meis being directed by studentsbecause roles change. I am nottheir professor at that moment;I am one of their actors. In oneplay “Proof”, I worked withthree wonderful students and adirector, JSU drama faculty’sSusan McCain, who keptpushing me in the right direc-tion. Those are good times tome.”

Dr. Whitton says he does notintend to slow down any timesoon and is eager for newchallenges.

“I have played every type ofrole in Neil Simon’s plays. I’dlike to try something likeDeath of a Salesman just tosee if I could do it. Whetherit’s theater, competing athleti-cally or excelling academi-cally, just go for it. Have greatfun because you can’t havethat time back. It’s amazingwhat you can find time forwhen you’re enjoying your-self.”

by Victoria Oxley

J

Acting has become a passion for Dr. Steve Whitton. He hasperformed in nearly 50 productions since 1977, most recently inthe JSU production of “Proof.”

Photo by Jan Rhodes.

▲

10

When asked about the reason for the nursing shortage, Dr.Lavender replied, “One is that there has truly been ademographic shift in the United States. If you look at thebaby boomer population, you’ll find that that group is muchlarger than the Generation X and Generation Y groups thatare coming up behind them; therefore, we actually havemore people that are over forty in the nursing professionthan we do that are under forty.”

“Also, nursing is predominately a female profession; aboutninety-four to ninety-five percent of registered nurses arefemale. For a young woman today, there are so manyeducational opportunities. Women choose from medicine, tobeing an attorney, to being an engineer. They choose fieldsthat typically, in the past, have not been female career paths,but now they are. That has really made a difference.”

A nursing shortage, which began in the mid-1990s in California, has migrated eastward,

causing Alabama to experience a serious nursing shortage as well. Jacksonville State

University’s Dr. Martha Lavender, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, says

the shortage has an impact on JSU, as nursing majors find themselves in demand.

Last year, some of the state’s hospitals had many unfilled nursing positions.

“The third factor that has made a difference is salary. Thestarting salaries for registered nurses are not what they tendto be in other fields. Starting salaries for registered nurses innortheast Alabama range from $26,000 to $32,000 a year.”

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences admits studentsbased on the school’s faculty and clinical resources.

Lavender said, “I negotiate with all of the area nursingschools for clinical placement of students. Space is highlycompetitive. Since nursing is an applied science, qualityclinical learning experiences are crucial to a successfultransition into practice. The availability of clinical space andthe ability to recruit qualified faculty is a challenge. Fromthe beginning of enrollment into the upper division ofnursing, our students go to clinicals in their courses. They doa wonderful job.”

by Kelly Milam{ÉÜàtzxNursingf

11WINTER 2004

Due to the nursing shortage,JSU’s College of Nursing andHealth Sciences has receivedmore applicants than usual. Infact, its admission rate rose 21percent this year.

Media have drawn attention tothe fact that there is a need foradditional people to enter thenursing workforce. Anotherreason for the increase in thenumber of applicants is that theGallup poll that was released inFebruary 2003 shows thatnursing is ranked number one asthe most trusted profession.

The nursing shortagephenomenon is predicted to bepresent until the year 2030,which means that nursing is anexcellent career option foreveryone.

“I anticipate that our graduateswill continue to be heavilyrecruited. Only about 10.4 percent of allnurses in America have a master’s ordoctoral degree. About forty-three percentof all nurses have a baccalaureate orhigher degree, which puts them in atremendously competitive job market,”said Lavender.

When asked if there is a specific type ofnursing that is in higher demand, shereplied, “Many people believe that nursesspecialize at the baccalaureate level. Theydon’t; a graduate of our BSN program isprepared to work in any specialty area asan entry-level registered nurse. Whathappens is that they enter a baccalaureateprogram, which is an entry-level program,and they come out as a registered nurse

generalist. They have been exposed to allof the specialties. Specialization occurs atthe master’s level. JSU has faculty thatrepresent all of the specialty practices.”

Lavender added, “An important factorthat the public needs to be aware of is thatthe shortage of nursing faculty is evenmore severe than the workforce shortage.That is a factor for consideration as weaddress the workforce problem. Amaster’s degree is the minimum degreerequired for teaching in a university. Thepool of potential faculty is tremendouslysmall at the local and national levels. Infact, the HRSA (Health ResourcesServices Administration) has recentlyreleased a call for a program that provides

a fast-track option for nurses toreceive advanced degrees sothat they can teach. The facultyshortage is very serious.”

“The average age of a full-timeprofessor in a university in thiscountry is fifty-five. Theaverage age of a facultymember any rank is fifty-one.We have to replace faculty (asthey retire). Many folks hearabout the nursing shortage andthink, ‘we need to producemore nurses,’ but if you don’thave appropriately qualifiedfaculty, you can’t increase yourenrollment in your programs.You hear about when people gointo a health care facility andthey ring the call button andnobody comes; but as we’retrying to address that problem,we do it through education, andwe do have an issue with that.”

The nursing shortage is real,dynamic, and dangerous. Recent studieshave validated the positive impact ofbaccalaureate prepared nurses in thehealth care setting.

Lavender said, “At JSU, we will continueto strive for high quality, well-preparednursing graduates to serve as the nextgeneration of caregivers and nursingleaders.”

JSU provides you the opportunity to

obtain a Master of Science in Nursing

with a major in Community Health

Nursing. This degree will prepare you

to assume roles in advanced clinical

practice, education, management,

consultation, and research. These five

roles offer abundant opportunities to

work within all types of settings: adult

health, pediatrics, administration,

nurse manager, nurse educator, or

pursue national certification as a

clinical nurse specialist.

The CNHS offers a flexible schedule

and a course of study that allows you

to choose your population of interest.

You will individualize your advanced

practice experiences in settings

compatible with your career goals.

Contact the College of Nursing andHealth Sciences at 256-782-5428.

Jacksonville State’s Master ofScience in Nursing Degree

12

Blues Artist got his start at JSU.

mar Cunningham, a former member ofJacksonville State University’s Gospel Choir, isa fast-rising blues singer who’s just released hisfirst album, “Hell at the House,” landing inBillboard Magazine’s Hot 100.

Billboard says Cunningham is the first blackartist whose first blues CD has made its nationalchart. Billboard also listed Cunningham’s CD inits Top 20 Blues category.

Cunningham’s first recording of the title song wasmade in a friend’s acoustic-friendly bathroom, andthen it was burned to a compact disk and sent unsolic-ited to blues stations. It became an instant hit amonglisteners nationwide, and Cunningham soon foundhimself needing an agent and record producer.

The song is about a man who’s fed up with all thehassle he’s catching from another woman.Cunningham writes his own lyrics, and quickly pointsout, “These songs are not about me – they are fromstories I’ve heard or made up.”

Other titles include “Paycheck to Paycheck,” “OlderLove,” “Used and Abused” and “What Makes a Man.”

“I’m working full time in law enforcement and alsostill going to JSU to finish my degree, so it’s not likemy breaking into the entertainment world has to hap-pen or anything, but if I make it as a singer, then that’sokay too,” he said.

Cunningham, 33, a sergeant with the Ohatchee policeforce, recently pulled over a trucker from Mississippiwho recognized him as a blues artist.

“And I told him, ‘You’ve now got my autograph rightthere on your ticket.”

As if his recording success wasn’t enough,Cunningham has also become a successful author. Herecently published a book, You Be the Judge (Trafford,2002), about his experiences as a cop.

Cunningham said he got his start singing in JSU’s Gos-pel Choir in 1989. He sang at a friend’s wedding andmet someone who offered to record “Hell in theHouse.”

“We put up towels and sheets in his bathroom, and therecording stuff was in the kitchen, and I sang the wholealbum in the bathroom at his house. Actually, part of itwas in the bathroom, and part of it was in the closet.

“A promoter came to a club where I used to work secu-rity, and I gave her a copy of the CD. The next day shecalled me back and said, “Hey, you’ve got somethinghere.”

Cunningham’s label is On Top Records.

After four more courses, Cunningham will graduatefrom JSU and is planning on law school. His goal: en-tertainment law.

Performing the Blues may seem ironic for a gospelsinger, but Cunningham said the switch was a naturalprogression.

“Everybody has, at one point in time, had the blues, soif you make it through the blues you’ve got to bethankful to God that He brought you from one point toanother. So, I sing blues but I’ve got to say that myfirst love is gospel music and everything that I’m ableto do comes from God. In my songs, I’m just tellingsome of the hardships that I’ve been through and somehardships that my friends have been through, and I’mthankful to God that I made it.”

Cunningham says he writes his best songs by talkinginto a tape recorder while patrolling at night.

“I have two tape recorders in the car, and I just pickone of them up and sing a melody. I sometimes end upwith them on both machines, so I get off the tapes whatI need and leave the other.”

He says his inspiration “comes from living..

“I’ve seen a lot of things, I’ve been through a lot ofthings — this is really just a way for me to mend.”

Cunningham’s CD (as well as bookings for per-

formance appearances) is available by calling

205-444-1199. You can write to Cunningham

at [email protected].

For more information...

13WINTER 2004

uring Homecoming a year or soago, I told JSU PresidentBill Meehan how it was that I de-

cided to attend Jacksonville State Univer-sity. Bill then asked me to put pen to pa-per and tell my story: why I came to JSUas an undergraduate in 1971.

Growing up in what was then the verysmall town of Alabaster, Alabama, I de-cided my ambition was to continue mystudies in music with a focus on pianoand education. After visiting many col-leges and universities, including attendingsummer classes at Auburn University, Ithought my decision was fairly solid as tomy selection regarding a university. Mychoices were especially driven by the factI had been offered some degree of schol-arship funds from four major universitiesbefore visiting JSU.

Then one day my high school band direc-tor suggested I visit JSU and see what theUniversity had to offer regarding musicand band. So, on a bright, shiny morning Iheaded off to visit what I’d heard was the“Friendliest Campus In The South.”

First, I visited the Admissions Officewhere I was met by a very friendly lady,whose name unfortunately escapes me.She was extremely kind and helpful as Iinquired about various aspects of the Uni-versity.

As we finished this short but helpful con-versation she asked, “Are you busy?”

I replied, “No ma’am, not really.”

Next thing I knew I was meeting Dr.Lawrence Miles, dean of admissions. Hespent quite a bit of his time explaining infurther detail the advantages of attending

JSU. Dr. Miles even provided an8” x 14” paper outlining my entirecollege life for the next four years, shouldI pursue a degree in both music andeducation.

As we finished our discussion, Dr. Milesasked, “Are you busy?” to which I re-plied, “No sir, not really.” Next thing Iknew he was on the phone and I washeaded to the science building to meetDr. Rueben Boozer, dean of Arts and Sci-ence. We, too, discussed the pros of at-tending JSU, and he further convinced methat “JSU is a great institution of higherlearning” and how much they, (the peopleof JSU) would like me to be a part of it!

Well, “this is great,” I thought, thinking Iwas done. However, the tale doesn’t endthere. Suddenly, Dr. Boozer asked, “Areyou busy?” By now I had my reply wellrehearsed. “No Sir, not really!” Nextthing I knew he was on the phone talkingwith someone. Then I was off again, thistime to Mason Hall to visit with the headof the music department.

Dr. John Finley, head of music, met me atthe door of Mason Hall. After a shortconversation in his office he toured mearound Mason Hall explaining the facili-ties that the department had to offer in myquest to obtain a music and education de-gree. After the tour we returned to his of-fice, where he asked, “Are you busy?” (Iknow by now that you’re thinking I’mmaking this up, but, honestly, I’m not.)

This time, before I could reply, he wasalready on the phone asking someone ifshe could come to his office. In a few sec-onds Ms. Susie Francis, now Dr. SusieFrancis Dempsey, one of the piano in-

structors arrived and chatted for just a fewseconds before we were off again.

Then, before I knew it, we were on thetop floor of the Performance Center wherethey sat themselves by the piano andasked me to play something for them. So,thinking quickly, I sat down and at-tempted to play Chopin from memory.(That must have been a good laugh!)What was amazing to me, however,wasn’t that I was playing something frommemory on such short notice. It was thatwhile playing I was not thinking of themusic but of the events that day and howsurreal it was for me to be playing the pi-ano in the Performance Center, when ac-tually all I really wanted that day was acopy of the JSU catalog!!

Then, to my surprise, as I struck the finalchord, Dr. Finley stated that if I wouldcome to JSU I would be admitted to themusic department. Susie Francis thenstated that she would be my instructor.

I thanked them both, shook hands and de-parted Mason Hall for the walk back toBibb Graves and my car. Along my way Icontinued to think about what had tran-spired that day. I thought of just howfriendly the staff had been to me .

To this day, I believe that attending JSUwas the smartest decision I made regard-ing my college career. Why? Becausewhen I left that day, and then when I lefton my last day after graduation, I knewthat JSU’s slogan was not, nor had everbeen, just empty words. Those wordswere, indeed, fact. Then, as now, JSU istruly the “Friendliest Campus In TheSouth.” And I hope that never changes!

D

14

For more than 25 years Colley has been working toimprove educational outcomes for individuals withexceptionalities, students with disabilities, and also giftedindividuals.

“When we speak of children with exceptionalities, wemean children who are learning disabled, mentallyretarded, autistic, and children identified as having ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder), speechimpairments, and multiple handicaps, and also childrenwho have on-going health problems like being diabetic orhaving cancer. Special education is a whole array ofexceptionalities.”

“The beauty about what is going on in special educationnow is that most of the children are in the regularclassroom. The regular classroom teacher and the specialeducation teacher are working together as a team trying tomeet the needs of those students who have been identifiedas special education candidates.”

“The beauty of both (regular teachers and special educationteachers) being in the classroom is that they can worktogether to meet the needs of children having academicdifficulties.”

QUESTION: What is the Council for Exceptional Childrenall about?

COLLEY: We encourage all of our education majors tobecome members of this international organization,which serves as advocates for children with specialneeds. We are also advocates for governmental policies.We are also visible in the community. We often workwith The Ark of Calhoun County. We are in the process

now of collecting books for children. Just recently, wesponsored an autism workshop on campus. Periodicallywe sponsor workshops to help children and would likemore people to be involved. We want the children to bethe best they can possibly be when they leave JacksonvilleState University.

QUESTION: How is the Council for Excellence connectedto the community?

COLLEY: We volunteer in the schools and volunteer forSpecial Olympics when they are in the area. We try tomake ourselves very visible because most of the studentswill hopefully become teachers in some of thesurrounding schools.

QUESTION: What activities have you planned for this yearfor the Council?

COLLEY: We held food drives in November and inDecember. In the midst of these activities we are alsoplanning a book drive to collect books. One of the goalsof the Council, especially at the international level, is toencourage reading. Some of the children do not havebooks in their homes, so our students are collecting booksfor them. We are involved in activities one would notnormally associate with a council for children. Don’t besurprised to see us doing a variety ofactivities here on campus.

For more information about specialeducation or the Council for ExceptionalChildren, contact Ms. Blanche Colley at256-782-5183.

Teaching is a PASSION

very teacher is a special education teacher, according to JSU’sBlanche Colley, instructor of special education and advisor to theCouncil for Exceptional Children.

“In the classroom there is a mixture of students, and as a teacher you haveto know what to do when you have a child who has difficultycomprehending or a child with auditory or visual processing or withdyslexia. There are no perfect classrooms,” she says.

E

15WINTER 2004

Normal SchoolGrad Still Spry

runs in my family, from mygranddaughter to her parentsto me and all the way up tomy great-granddaddy.

Question: How many childrendo you think you taughtover the years?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Oh, I don’tknow. I started teaching firstthrough sixth grade in a one-room schoolhouse. I taughta lot of children. A lot.Thousands.

Question: Do you know ofany students that you taughtthat went on to attend JSU?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Oh, sure. Iknow lots. I still hear fromsome of them. I keep in con-tact with one boy I taughtwhen he was in first gradebut he is 75 years old now.

Question: Do you think youinfluenced any of them toattend JSU?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Oh, whoknows. I don’t know.Maybe. On my 98th birth-day a lot of my old studentscalled, some sent pictures ofthemselves now. It was nice.

Question: What type of de-gree did you earn while at-tending JSU?

Mrs. Clinkscales:Normal. Iwent when it was just a nor-mal school. I never earned adegree. I just took classes soI could teach.

Question: What type of careerdid JSU help you toachieve?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Just teach-ing. I taught for 44 years. I

was an elementary schoolteacher. I taught at St. ClairCounty for 24 years andthen Pell City for twentymore. I retired from PellCity but still substituted. Ienjoyed every minute ofteaching. I still miss it, evenat 98, but I helped teach mythree grandchildren too sothat helped. I just love toteach. I taught my daughterto read at age three.

Question: Did anyone in yourfamily attend JSU after you?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Yes, mydaughter, Dr. Sue Granger,graduated from JSU and gother master’s. My grand-daughter got her master’sthere too. I have anothergranddaughter who is a se-nior at Auburn. Sue and herhusband, Dr. ParkerGranger, both taught at JSU,too, but they are retired now.

Question: Did you participatein any JSU activities?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Not really,I tried to just focus on mystudies. I wanted to teachand I was kind of a home-body. I’m a little shy.

Question: Do you keep intouch with anyone youwent to JSU with?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Oh, honey,they are all gone now. I’mthe only one left. I did keepup with a few though.

Question: What is your bestmemory of JacksonvilleState?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Dorm life!I loved living in the dorm. Ihad never been away fromhome before, so I likedhaving my freedom. I lovedit! I always enjoyed the sur-roundings as well. Verypretty.

Question: How has JSUchanged since your gradua-tion?

Mrs. Clinkscales: Well, Idon’t really know. I haven’tbeen there in a long time. Idon’t get around verymuch. I just like to go onvacation with my familyand knit on my quilt. JSUis still pretty. I moved backhere in 1978 and I havelived here for 25 yearsnow. I’m sure it’s very dif-ferent.

graduate of the Normal School Class of 1928,

Alma Ingram Clinkscales of Jack-

sonville is one of JacksonvilleState University’s earliestgraduates.

At 98 years old, Mrs.Clinkscales remains spry andremembers JSU fondly. Wecaught up with her recentlyand inquired about these past75 years.

Question: Where are youoriginally from?

Mrs. Clinkscales: I’m fromPell City, St. Clair County.Actually, I am fromEasonville. I moved to PellCity after it flooded. Thewhole town was flooded andthey built Lake Logan Mar-tin over it. Everything wasgone. I get sad every time Ilook at the water now be-cause my grandfather’s farmis underneath there.

Question: Why did you de-cide to come to JSU?

Mrs. Clinkscales: It was closeto home. I had never beenaway from home and Ididn’t want to go too far,even though coming hometo Pell City was difficult inthe 1920s. I had heard manygood things about JSU and alot of my friends were goingthere. And I wanted to teach.JSU gave out teaching cer-tificates. Teaching was all Ihad ever wanted to do. Ilove children. I thoughtabout teaching all my life.I’m glad I chose it. Teaching

An interview with Mrs. Alma Ingram Clinkscales by Victoria Oxley

A

Mrs. Clinkscales enjoys quilting in her spare time.

–Kristi Triplett, Director,Child Development Center,

Jacksonville State University

QUESTION: What is the purpose andlocation of the Child DevelopmentCenter?

TRIPLETT: The JSU Child DevelopmentCenter is an extension of JSU’s learningenvironment. We are a child care facilitythat provides quality child care to thesurrounding community and gives JSUstudents an opportunity to participate inpracticum experiences offered at ourcenter. We are opened Monday thruFriday 7:00 am till 6:00 pm. We provideservices for children ages 6 weeks oldthrough 12 years of age. We are locatedat 415 Castle Ave. Anniston, atMcClellan.

QUESTION: Tell us about the teachers thatare employed at the Child DevelopmentCenter.

TRIPLETT: Each classroom has a certifiedlead teacher and two teacher assistants.We have on staff a teacher that teachesSpanish and gives music instruction. Wealso have a signer that teaches the childrensign language. We are in the process ofhiring an L.P.N. She will be giving thechildren lessons and units on health andnutrition.

QUESTION: What kind of curriculum doyou use?

TRIPLETT: We use the “CreativeCurriculum” as a framework for ourlesson planning. All of our lessons arebased on research, tried and true —developmentally appropriate practices.We feel that it is very important to giveour children choice. The classrooms are

“All of our lessonsare based on research,tried and true —

developmentallyappropriate practices.”

Mrs. Kristi Triplett ’82/03

Not long after graduation, Kristi and Jim moved away from Jacksonville to begin their lives together, not knowing that 15 yearslater they would be back. While Kristi was attending graduate school at JSU, she learned about the Child DevelopmentDirector’s position. She was encouraged by others because of her background in education and soon landed the job. Kristi saysthat her strong ties to Jacksonville have only helped her in her current position. Immediately after college, Kristi taught atKitty Stone Elementary and Sacred Heart. Today, one of her teacher’s assistants at the Development Center was a kindergar-ten student of Kristi’s at Kitty Stone. She also taught the aunt of one of the 4 year old students in the program.The Triplett family resides in Graham, AL. Jim is in municipal government in Carrollton, GA. So each morning, the husband andwife part separate ways to go to work while Kimberly, their oldest daughter, takes herself, sister Kelly and brother Drew toschool. It is about an hour drive for Kristi each morning to get to work but she says it is a very rewarding job and she looks for-ward to seeing the children at the center each day. She gives the following overview of JSU’s new state-of-the-art facility.

When Kristi Triplett ’82/’03 decided to attend JSU, she never dreamed how much theUniversity would be a part of her life. Meeting her husband, Jim Triplett’ 82 while inschool and marrying shortly after graduation, Kristi automatically was thrown into the mix

of generations of JSU grads. Jim’s grandmother, Madge Grogan Boozer graduated from JSU in1921 when it was the State Teachers College. Jim’s father Ken Triplett also graduated from JSUin 1970. Kristi’s family also brought more grads into the Triplett family with her sister Karol LeiCox Hanson graduating in 1990 and 1995. Lei followed in her sister’s footsteps by meeting andmarrying her first husband at JSU, Chris Maynard Cox’89/90. Chris was diagnosed with a braintumor at the age of 32 and passed away.

set up with learning stations or centers. Childrenare allowed to select a learning center and havefun learning. Routine is another component ofour curriculum. Children at this age need tounderstand and learn about basic concepts thatmust be done daily, such as cleaning up andbrushing our teeth after a meal.

QUESTION: Tell us about your facility and anyunique features.

TRIPLETT: We are housed in a state-of-the-artfacility that has child centered bathrooms, lowwater fountains and sinks and age appropriatefurniture. It is a colorful facility where thechildren feel right at home. All of our classroomshave security cameras for monitoring in ouradministrative area and we are working to provideInternet access for our parents to be able to pulltheir child up on their computer at home or work.We also have cameras located outside for securityon our playgrounds and external entrances. Allvisitors must show identification before they areallowed through our front security door.

QUESTION: What are your immediate goals forthe center?

TRIPLETT: One of our most important goals is toobtain accreditation from the NationalAssociation for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC). This is an organization that promotesquality developmental resources and initiativesto enhance efforts of others trying to improve thepractices of early childhood professionals. We arecurrently going through the self-study phase ofthe accreditation process. We are striving to meetstate standards and continue toward nationalstandards. We are examining research providedby the NAEYC organization to ensure that weare providing students and the community withthe best childcare available and providing thenecessary tools needed to be leaders and pro-active professionals.

L-R, clockwise: Son, Andrew Triplett, 13;Husband, Jim Triplett; Daughter, Kimberly Triplett,16; Daughter, Kelly Triplett, 14; Kristi Triplett

For further information about JSU’s ChildDevelopment Center, check out the center’s website at www.jsu.edu/depart/edprof/cdc orcall 256-782-8600.

▲

18

jsugamecock

ALL-CENTENNIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEDAs part of the celebrationof 100 Years ofGamecock Football, 43individuals have beennamed to the JacksonvilleState UniversityCentennial Football teamby the Football J-Club.

Among those selectedinclude seven formercoaches, including BenHarris, Don Salls, JimBlevins, Charley Pell,Clarkie Mayfield, JimFuller and Bill Burgess.

The list includes 15former All-Americans, 19professional footballsignees, eight JSU Hall ofFame Players and fiveHall of Fame coaches. Itincludes JSU’s all-timeleading rusher (Boyce

Callahan), passer (Ed Lett),punter (Gregg Lowery) andreceiver (Joey Hamilton).

OFFENSE ENDS:Rusty Fuller, Butch Barker,Terry Owens

TACKLES:Calvin Word, Bruce Nichols,Tom Langston

GUARDS:Joe Billingsley, Jodie ConnellJim Glasgow

CENTER:Keith Henderson

QUARTERBACKS:Dieter Brock, Ed Lett,David Gulledge

RECEIVERS:Donald Young, Joey Hamilton

RUNNING BACKS:Bubba Long, Boyce Callahan,John Williams, Billy Hicks

DEFENSE ENDS:Jesse Baker, David RadfordRay Burgess

TACKLES/NOSE GUARDS:Sam Johnson, KeithMartin, Alvin Wright, BullBailey

LINEBACKERS:Gary Godfrey, Ja KarlBarnett, Eric Mims, GregRobinson

BACKS/SAFETIES:Eric Davis, Ray VinsonTerry Harris, Terry ShakyHodges

SPECIAL TEAMS

PUNTER:Gregg Lowery

PLACE KICKER:Chris Hobbs

RETURN SPECIALIST:Danny Lee

COACHES:Ben Harris, Jim Blevins,Don Salls, Charley Pell,Clarkie Mayfield, Jim Fuller,Bill Burgess

JSU Players Receive HonorsJacksonville State’s Christina Cary was chosen the 2003 OhioValley Conference Player of the Year, edging out MoreheadState’s Cherelle Lampkins in voting by the league’s volleyballcoaches. Cary’s Jax State teammate, Shari Weyer, was selected2003 OVC Freshman of the Year.

Cary, a 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter/middle blocker from SanFrancisco, Calif., was the first person to earn volleyball’s OVCPlayer of the Year honors in her institution’s first year of OVCmembership. She ended the season 10th in the OVC in kills(3.68 kpg) while hitting at a league-high .395 clip, which ranks

15th nationally and set a conference and JSU record. Afirst team All-OVC selection, Cary has hit .500 or better ineight contests this season, committing a total of 103 errorsin 801 attempts, and has recorded 24 double-figure killefforts in 31 outings, including a career-high 24 killsversus Tennessee Tech.

Weyer, a 6-foot-4 native of Ferdinand, Indiana, is the firstmiddle blocker to be named OVC Freshman of the Year. Asecond team All-OVC pick, she sports the league’s second-highest attack percentage (.364) while also ranking third inblock average (1.04 bpg) and fourth in total rejections(117). Weyer has registered five or more blocks in 11contests this season, including a season-high nine againstDavidson.

“It was an unbelievable honor for Chrissy (Cary) to berecognized for her accomplishments,” said JSU head coachRick Nold. “We revolve our offense around her and Shari

(Weyer) and it is an honor for our team as well for giving themthat opportunity by passing the ball well and giving them thatsupport. It is also great for Shari and Jessica (Starck) to berecognized as two of the top players in the conference asfreshmen, when they have so much to learn.”

Weyer was also named to the All-OVC Second Team, whileStarck was named to the All-OVC Freshman Team and the All-OVC Second Team.

The Gamecocks finished the season with an overall record of 23-8 and finished the regular season second in the OVC. This yearmarks the best win percentage in JSU volleyball history.

Attention all formerwomen’s basketballplayers and supportstaff. Join us for areunion just for you onSaturday, January 31,2004 from 2-4 pm onthe 11th floor of theHouston Cole Library.The JSU women’s teamplays E. Illinois at 5 pmand all former playersand support staff willbe introduced athalftime. The JSUmen’s team will alsoplay E. Illinois at 7:30pm.

Please contact thealumni office at256-782-5404/ 800-231-5291 ext. 5404for more information orto reserve your seat!Hope to see you there!

Reunio

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lanned

19WINTER 2004

The Jacksonville State soccerteam made a lasting impres-sion on the Ohio Valley Con-ference during the 2003 seasongoing 11-5-4 and earning athird-place finish in the con-ference race during the team’sinitial season in the league.

The Gamecocks went 5-1-3 inconference play, including a 2-0 OVC tournament win overTennessee Tech on November4th at home to advance to theFinal Four round in Birming-ham. JSU fell to eventual

2004 JSU Baseball Schedule

2/18 vs Alabama 6:30 p.m.2/20 at LSU 6:30 p.m.2/21 at LSU 2:00 p.m.2/22 at LSU 1:00 p.m.2/27 vs Middle Tenn. 3:00 p.m.2/28 vs Middle Tenn. 2:00 p.m.2/29 vs Middle Tenn. 1:00 p.m.3/2 vs South Alabama 6:30 p.m.3/3 vs South Alabama 3:00 p.m.3/5 at Louisiana roe 7:00 p.m.3/6 at Louisiana roe 3:00 p.m.3/7 at Louisiana roe 1:00 p.m.3/9 vs Toledo 6:30 p.m.3/12 vs NW Louisiana 6:30 p.m.3/13 vs NW Louisiana 2:00 p.m.3/14 vs NW Louisiana 1:00 p.m.3/16 at UAB 6:00 p.m.3/19 vs Purdue 6:30 p.m.3/20 vs Purdue 2:00 p.m.3/21 vs Purdue 1:00 p.m.3/24 vs Alabama A&M 3:00 p.m.3/27 vs Samford (2) 1:00 p.m.3/28 vs Samford 1:00 p.m.3/30 at Alabama A&M 2:00 p.m.3/31 at Alabama State 1:00 p.m.4/3 vs SE Missouri (2) 1:00 p.m.4/4 vs SE Missouri 1:00 p.m.4/6 at B’ham-Southern 6:00 p.m.4/7 vs Alabama State 3:00 p.m.4/9 at Eastern Illinois (2) 1:00 p.m.4/10 at Eastern Illinois 1:00 p.m.4/17 vs E Kentucky (2) 1:00 p.m.4/18 vs E Kentucky 1:00 p.m.4/20 vs Troy State 6:30 p.m.4/24 at Morehead State (2) 2:00 p.m.4/25 at Morehead State 1:00 p.m.5/1 vs Tennessee Tech (2) 1:00 p.m.5/2 vs Tennessee Tech 1:00 p.m.5/8 at Tennessee-Martin (2)1:00 p.m.5/9 at Tennessee-Martin 1:00 p.m.5/11 vs UAB 6:00 p.m.5/15 vs Murray State (2) 1:00 p.m.5/16 vs Murray State 1:00 p.m.5/18 at Troy State 6:00 p.m.5/21 at Austin Peay (2) 4:30 p.m.5/22 at Austin Peay 2:00 p.m.

OVC champion and NCAAtournament participant EasternIllinois in the semi-finals toclose out the season.

Beginning the 2003 campaignin a new conference was notthe only new experience forthe Gamecock soccer team.JSU officially moved into thenew JSU Soccer Complex lo-cated between Rudy AbbottBaseball Field and PeteMathews Coliseum on the JSUcampus.

The new facility provides theJax State soccer program witha state-of-the-art 120x75-yardplaying surface with sub-sur-face drainage and Bermudagrass. JSU head coach LisaHowe said the soccer programshould greatly benefit from thesetup from the previous facility.

“I think the new field will

Soccer Team Fairs Well in First Ohio Valley Conference Season

sports

Members of the JSU soccer teamwarming up on their new field.▲

make an impact on our pro-gram,” said Howe, who com-pleted her ninth season withthe Gamecocks, compiling a79-77-15 record at the school.“The field we have played onin the past was 104 yards longand playing on a larger fieldhas made a difference in theway we play. The new fieldalso gives the team somethingthey can call their own.”

JSU Softball Player Dies in Accident

2004 JSU Softball Schedule

2/18 vs Alabama State 4:00 p.m.2/21 at TBA / Hornets Classic2/24 vs UAB 4:00 p.m.3/6 vs Lipscomb 1:00 p.m.3/7 vs Alabama A&M 2:00 p.m.3/9 vs B’ham Southern 5:00 p.m.3/10 at U. of Alabama 6:00 p.m.3/12 at TBA / Winthrop Tournament3/17 vs Tulsa 4:00 p.m.3/18 vs U. of Tenn.-Chatt. 4:00 p.m.3/20 Rebel Spring Games3/27 at Austin Peay 12:00 p.m.3/28 at Austin Peay 12:00 p.m.4/3 vs Eastern Kentucky 1:00 p.m.4/4 vs Eastern Kentucky 1:00 p.m.4/7 vs Samford 5:00 p.m.4/9 vs U. of Tenn. Martin 3:00 p.m.4/10 vs U. of Tenn. Martin 12:00 p.m.4/13 vs Samford 6:00 p.m.4/17 at SE Missouri 1:00 p.m.4/18 at SE Missouri 1:00 p.m.4/20 at Lipscomb 2:00 p.m.4/21 at Tennessee State 2:00 p.m.4/24 at Eastern IL 12:00 p.m.4/25 at Eastern IL 12:00 p.m.4/28 vs Tennessee State 3:00 p.m.5/1 vs Tennessee Tech 1:00 p.m.5/2 vs Tennessee Tech 1:00 p.m.5/8 at Morehead State 12:00 p.m.5/9 at Morehead State 12:00 p.m.

Playing on a new field pro-duced several positive resultsfor JSU this season. TheGamecocks went 7-1-1 athome this year, with the onlyloss coming to the Universityof Alabama in the seasonopener. After one year of playin the OVC, JSU still has anunbeaten record at homeagainst conference foes with a4-0-1 mark.

The JSU Athletic Department is sad to announce that soft-ball player Tera Marie Ross passed away in an automobileaccident on her way home to Florida for theholidays.

Ross, 22, was a native of Cooper City, Fla., andwas a three-year starter for Coach JanaMcGinnis and the Gamecock softball team. Shewas also the president of the Student-AthleteAdvisory Committee and was inducted into theScholar-Athlete Hall of Fame.

Ross was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer south onthe Florida turnpike when the vehicle crossed the medianand collided head-on with a northbound 2002 Volvo freighttruck, according to Florida Highway Patrol officials.

Ross earned Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher-of-the-Weekhonors once last season and finished the year with a 19-6record, 142 strikeouts and a team-best 1.17 ERA.

20

On Saturday, December 6, 2003, the Athletic Departmentinducted 36 student athletes into the 2002-2003 class of theScholar Athlete Hall of Fame.

The ceremony took place at halftime of the men’s basketballgame, JSU vs. Tennessee Temple.

To qualify, the student-athlete must earn a cumulative gradepoint average (GPA) of at least 3.5 or have at least 28 hoursand a 3.5 GPA during the previous school year (Fall 2002,Spring 2003, and Summer 2003). The student-athlete musthave been a participant during the previous school year.

2002-2003 Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame Inductees:Matias Anselmo Golf Buenes Aires, ArgentinaNathan Applebaum Rifle Hazel Green, ALGabriela Baca Tennis Quito, EcuadorJennifer Brenneman Volleyball Minier, ILClint Carroll Baseball Tuscaloosa, ALNcKell Copeland Basketball Marietta, GARachel Countryman Softball Steele, ALJames Denson Basketball Walnut Grove, MSRachel Doak Cross Country/Track & FieldAmber Dudley Cross Country/Track & FieldMichelle Dushner Tennis Savannah, GAKristen Fleeger Soccer Kingwood, TXJosh Forrest Baseball Heflin, ALJeremy Franklin Rifle Jemison, ALJosh Gibbs Rifle Eightmile, ALKim Halbach Volleyball Burlington, WisconsinBrian Haskins Baseball Hokes Bluff, ALElizabeth Hendricks Soccer Des Moines, WARuben Herrera Tennis Caracas, VenezuelaShanelle Howell Golf Freestate, South AfricaJason Horn Baseball Montgomery, ALSomer Leathers Tennis Jacksonville, ALCecelia Lounder Soccer Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaAshley Martin Soccer Sharpsburg, GAHeather Miller Tennis Gadsden, ALKrista Miller Soccer League City, TXBreanne Milne Soccer N. Vancourer B.C.Kelly Nye Basketball Brentwood, TNKim Peterson Soccer Laurel, MarylandTate Robbins Rifle Bellingham, WATera Ross Softball Cooper City, FLStacey Smith Softball Oxford, ALAllie Simons Softball Columbia, SCChristina Simpson Soccer Glenbrook, NSW, AustraliaSarah Taylor Volleyball Nashville, TNKisha West Volleyball New Castle, IN

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Six JSU Players Earn All-OVC HonorsSix Jacksonville State players were named to the All-Ohio Val-ley Conference football team.

Senior runningback Kory Chapman (Batesville, Miss.) earnedfirst-team honors after rushing for 1,285 yards, just the thirdplayer in JSU history to rush for more than 1,200 yards in asingle season.

Senior offensive lineman Levet Jones (Prichard) and junior two-time All-American punter Richie Rhodes (Alexander City) werealso both named to the first-team.

Rhodes, a four-time OVC Player-of-the-Week, led the Ohio Val-ley Conference in punting with an average of 41.2 yards perpunt, including a season-long punt of 68 yards. The junior alsohad 15 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Jones anchored an offensive line that led the Ohio Valley Con-ference in rushing with 254.64 yards per game and finished na-tionally ranked seventh.

Senior Mark Tibbs (Panama City, Fla.) and junior JonathanCrutcher (Huntsville) each earned second-team honors.Crutcher led the Gamecock in tackles with with 60 tackles andhad three fumble recoveries. Tibbs helped the Red-Bandit de-fense to lead the OVC in rushing defense and ranked No. 9 inthe country.

Steven Lee (Citronelle) was named to the honorable-mentionteam after kicking the three longest field goals in school historythis season, including a 52-yard field goal against Murray State.

Jacksonville State (8-3, 7-1 OVC) won the OVC Title with 22-17 win over Southeast Missouri State (5-7, 5-3) on Saturday,November 22 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The win gave theGamecocks an automatic berth to the NCAA playoffs.

JSU made their 11th NCAA Play-off appearance. The Game-cocks advanced to the NCAA post-season in: 1977, 1978, 1980,1981, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992. This was JSU’sfirst post-season appearance since moving to I-AA in 1995.

The OVC Championship was the first for Jax State and the firstconference championship since 1992. JSU now has 17 Confer-ence Championships. The Gamecocks won 10 Gulf South Con-ference Championships, five Alabama Collegiate ConferenceChampionships and one Mid-South Championship.

Gamecocks are OVC Champions

Mark Tibbs

Richie RhodesKory Chapman

Steven Lee

Levet Jones

Jonathan Crutcher

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