BLUEFIELD STATE
across the stage, receive their diplomas
COLLEGE
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
James J. Palmer, III, Esq.
Chair
Mr. Larry Ratliff
Vice Chair
Dr. Lyn Guy
Norris Kantor, Esq.
Larry Morhous, Esq.
Mr. Sylvester Myers
Gloria Stephens, Esq.
Ms. Anne L. Taylor
Ms. Angela Lambert
Faculty Representative
Ms. Lisa Neel
Classified Staff Representative
Mr. Craig Caldwell
Student Representative
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. Albert Walker
President
Dr. Don Smith
Vice President for Academic
Affairs and Provost
Ms. Shelia Johnson
Vice President for Financial and
Administrative Affairs
Mr. John Cardwell
Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Thomas E. Blevins
Dean of the Virtual College and
Information Technology and the
School of Teacher Education;
Professor, English/Education
Dr. Tracey Anderson
Director of Institutional
Research and Effectiveness
Dr. Sapphire Cureg
Director of Multicultural Affairs
Ms. Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional
Advancement & Planning
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/
Director, Institutional/Media
Relations
BLUE AND GOLD
A publication for alumni and friends of
Bluefield State College.
This project is underwritten by the
Federal Title III/BRACE Program.
A Message from the President
Dr. Albert L. Walker
President
Summer is a wonderful time for
reflection and advancement in higher
education. As this issue of the Blue &
Gold goes to press, we are able to look
back fondly upon the College’s mid-May
commencement exercises. It was a joy-
ous time as 375 graduates, along with
their families and friends, celebrated this
milestone in their lives. Our returning
alumni rekindled fond memories of their
years as undergraduates, as well.
As May gave way to mid-summer,
BSC welcomed the first of two groups of
new students during a one-day orienta-
tion session. It was my pleasure to wel-
come these bright, ambitious students
and their families to campus and look
forward to a time in the not-to-distant
future when these students would walk
Board of Governors’ News
by James J. Palmer, III, Esq., Chair
James J. Palmer, III, Esq.
Chair
Each spring during the College’s
commencement, I am reminded of
Bluefield State College's very worthwhile
purpose. This year was no different. As
I scanned the capacity audience of stu-
dents, their families and friends, and
-2-
and move forward into the next chapter
of their lives.
At the same time, the College pro-
ceeded with work to complete its institu-
tional accreditation self-study and a 2011
visit from a Higher Learning
Commission/North Central Association
team. Bluefield State College has met
the rigorous standards to earn and main-
tain institutional accreditation since the
early 1950s, and we are committed to the
task of excellence required to sustain
accreditation in the future.
Additionally, we recently received
the outstanding news that the Bachelor
of Science in Nursing Program has
earned a ten-year continuing accredita-
tion from the Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education.
Certainly, recent economic develop-
ments on a national, state, and local level
have impacted Bluefield State College.
Importantly, the same spirit of resiliency
that has served the “College on the
Terraced Hills” so well through its 114
year history has, throughout this chal-
lenging period, proven invaluable once
again.
As a result, with your help and
insight, we are “Making Education
Possible” for this and future generations.
BSC faculty and staff, I saw faces beam-
ing with pride. Our most recent gradu-
ates walked across the stage, exchanged
firm handshakes with platform guests,
and returned to their seats with a diploma
in hand and opportunity there for the tak-
ing.
Bluefield State College has made
education possible for students from this
region for nearly 120 years and our grad-
uates have made a difference--in the
region, the state, the nation, and the
world. It’s not an overstatement to say
that many of our students would not have
had the chance to pursue their college
degrees if not for Bluefield State College.
That’s the reason that the members
(continued on page 4)
375 Degrees Awarded During BSC's 2009 Commencement
Three hundred seventy-five
(375) degrees were conferred during
Bluefield State College’s 112th com-
mencement exercises at the
Brushfork Armory, May 16.
Approximately 3000 people attended
the program.
Mr. Sylvester Myers, a BSC
alumnus, delivered the commence-
ment address. His autobiography,
From Coal Fields, to Oil Fields and
Dr. Bernadette Dragich and Dr. Albert Walker present
Beyond: A Life in Pursuit of All I
Could Be, is an inspirational tale of
his rags to riches journey from a
childhood in a McDowell County coal
camp to the presidency of his internation-
ally known
construction
cost-estimat-
ing manage-
ment firm with President Jonathan Murray, Faculty
offices at four
locations in
the United
States.
“Despite
Sylvester Myers
the grim news
Commencement Speaker about unem-
ployment and
layoffs, there
are jobs to be found in today’s economy,”
Myers told the BSC Class of ’09. He
cited the federal government, health care,
and education as areas where employment
opportunities were good. “Every field
will present opportunities to those individ-
uals who have skills, personality, passion,
and perseverance,” he added.
The audience of family members and
friends of graduates and community resi-
Class Valedictorians
(Left-to-right) Kimberly Reed, Gregory Michaelson
and Miranda Linkous
Gregory Michaelson were selected
to receive “Brian Delp Service
Leadership Awards.”
Nine members of the BSC Class
of 1959 returned to their alma mater
to participate in the program on the
golden anniversary of their gradua-
tion. BSC Alumni Association
President Dr. Joseph Lewis also
administered the alumni oath to all
members of the graduating class of
BSC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Awards to
2009.
Professors Roger Owensby and Carol Cofer.
dents also received greetings from
Bluefield State College President Dr.
Albert Walker, BSC Board of Governors’
chair Norris Kantor, BSC Alumni
Association President Dr. Joseph F.
Lewis, BSC Student Government
Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich, and
Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.
Three students with perfect 4.0 grade
point averages shared the distinction of Jody Burton
class valedictorian. They included Brian Delp Service
Miranda Linkous (B.A. in Humanities) Leadership Award Recipient
from Bluefield, West Virginia, Gregory
Michaelson (B.S. in Civil Engineering
Technology) from Bluefield, West
Virginia, and Kimberly Reed (B.S. in
Computer Science) from Peterstown, West
Virginia.
Carol Cofer, Professor of Nursing,
and Roger Owensby, Assistant Professor
and Department Head/Mining
Engineering Technology, were named the
“Bluefield State College Foundation Gregory Michaelson
Outstanding Faculty Award” recipients for Brian Delp Service
2009, and BSC seniors Jodie Burton and Leadership Award Recipient
Class of 1959 -- (Left-to-right) Gloria Williams Stewart,
Selba Meadows Boyd and Gaynell Hairston Gunn, (standing,
l-to-r) Warner Baxter, Sidney Lewis, Rev. Alvin Clay, Sr.,
John H. Neal, Dr. Raleigh Hairston and Thomas W. Lee.
-3-
BSC Student Team Finishes Third
Overall, During 2009 Intelligent Ground
Vehicle Vehicle Competition
“Anassa V,” an autonomous ground
vehicle developed, designed, pro-
grammed, and created by Bluefield State
College students, contended for another
world championship and finished third,
overall, during the recent “2009
Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition
(IGVC) Autonomous Challenge” at
Oakland University, Michigan. The four-
day competition attracted 52 entries from
institutions of higher education in the U.S.
and abroad.
The BSC student team included
Justin Milam, Matthew Duncan, Chris
Thompson, Saleh Alobaishi, Justin
Pennington, Louis McAllister, and Toni
Villanueva. “Our students did an outstand-
ing job,” observed Dr. Robert Riggins,
BSC Professor of Electrical Engineering
Technology. “They came really close to
winning championships in both the
autonomous and the navigation chal-
lenges. Out of 52 robots from around the
world, ours was one of three that compet-
ed 'neck and neck’ in the autonomous
race.” It was extremely encouraging,
Riggins noted, to see the BSC robot do so
well against vehicles developed by teams
of students representing major universities
and graduate programs. “We placed third
in Autonomous, fourth in Land
Navigation, and third overall (Lesko
Award).”
“We encountered some challenges,
like a thunderstorm at the wrong time,
interruptions in electrical power, and the
constant threat of rain, but our students
worked through them,” Riggins contin-
ued. “Anassa held first place for about
three hours during the final day of the
competition. I’m extremely proud of this
year's BSC team. Our students performed
very well in a pressure-filled situation.”
“The fact that Bluefield State College
was the smallest school in the competition
and was one of only a very few colleges
or universities there without an engineer-
ing graduate school makes our perform-
ance even more meaningful,” Riggins
concluded.
Board of
Governors’ News
continued from page 2
of your Board of Governors have commit-
ted themselves to serve. The dedication
of the BSC Board, a commitment to
strengthening the College and community,
are central to our purpose. As we entered
a new fiscal year in July, we saw the
departure of several wonderful Board
members whose terms here had expired.
We owe each a significant debt of grati-
tude.
At the same time, we welcomed to
the Board several new members, each
with a perspective and skill set that will
complement our ability to govern the
institution. We look forward to the new
year.
Throughout the process, we encour-
age the involvement of the College’s
alumni and friends. Your support and
input are essential to the growth and focus
of the school. Thanks for your help in
times past. We will need your wisdom
and assistance even more as Bluefield
State College moves forward into a prom-
ising, but challenging, future.

BSC's Model United

BSC’s “Anassa V” in Action
Bluefield State College students (left-to-right) Justin
Pennington, Matthew Duncan, Chris Thompson, and Salah
Alobaishi watch their autonomous vehicle, "Anassa V,"
as it negotiates the "Autonomous Challenge" qualifying
course during the 2009 IGVC championships while
an IGVC official (right) observes.
Nations Program Sponsors
Worldwide Travel
Opportunities
Join us for a Christmas holiday trip to Cairo,
Egypt (three nights) and cruise the Nile (four nights),
December 28, 2009-January 6, 2010 for $2,800.
We’re also planning a May 30, 2010-June 6,
2010 student-led trip, Washington, DC to Amsterdam
for $1,790.
Other trips include a June 17, 2010 trip to
London, Budapest (four nights) and Prague (four
nights) for $2,990 and a July 15, 2010 trip from Los
Angeles to Australia (18 days) for $4,890.
Additional information can be obtained by con-
tacting John White, Assistant Professor/Social
Science and BSC Model UN Program Advisor, at
jwhite@bluefieldstate.edu or call 304-327-4157.

-4-
BSC Baccalaureate Nursing Program Receives
Maximum Continuing Accreditation from Commission
on Collegiate Nursing Education
Bluefield State College’s
Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program
has been granted continuing national
accreditation by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a
national accrediting agency recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education. The
BSC program received continuing accred-
itation for the maximum ten-year period,
through the year 2019. CCNE, as the
only national accrediting agency to focus
exclusively on baccalaureate, masters, and
doctoral education programs in nursing
education, ensures the quality and integri-
ty of higher-education degree programs
preparing effective nursing professionals.
“CCNE accreditation means the BSC
BSN program meets the highest standards
and meets the needs of students, equip-
ping our graduates to provide high quality
nursing care to the people of this region,”
noted program director Beth Pritchett.
“Our program meets the needs of working
RNs with a design that utilizes ‘blended
learning,’ combining face-to-face instruc-
tion and online courses.”
ABOUT THE BSC BSN PROGRAM
For nearly 20 years, the BSC
Baccalaureate Nursing Program has pro-
vided learning opportunities for acquiring
the knowledge base and skills to practice
nursing at the professional level. A broad
perspective of nursing practices is pre-
sented in relation to management, leader-
ship, values and ethics, critical analysis,
research, and the application of the nurs-
ing process to families and other groups in
the communities.
Program faculty include Beth
Pritchett (Associate Professor & Program
Director), Betty Nash (Associate
Professor), and Dr. Betty Rader (Professor
and Dean/School of Nursing & Allied
Health). The program was first accredited
by the National League for Nursing in
1992 and has attained and maintained
continuing national accreditation by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education since 1999. The BSC BSN
program is offered in both Bluefield and
Beckley.
BSC BSN PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED
ONLINE IN THE FUTURE
“Because of its success on a regional
level, the BSC Baccalaureate Nursing
Program is preparing to seek Higher
Learning Commission approval to provide
the entire degree program online,” Dr.
Rader stated. “Once approval is obtained,
this program will be available throughout
the United States.”

BSC Nursing Students Discover "E-Fish-ent" Way

to Provide Pet Therapy for Residents at the Maples
Residents at The Maples in then implement change to address that
Bluefield have a new “big need. The process requires students
screen” entertainment system--a to utilize all of the knowledge and
55-gallon aquarium--courtesy of skills they’ve acquired throughout
two energetic and innovative stu- their BSN program experience.”
dents in Bluefield State College’s Bailey and Clay, who purchased the
Bachelor of Science in Nursing aquarium, expressed appreciation to
(BSN) program. To fulfill a Personal Touch Fish Store, the
course requirement, senior BSN Healing Hands Club at BSC, local
students Erica Bailey and Billy attorney Mark Wills, and anonymous
Clay conducted a needs assess- donors for their support of the project.
ment for a “change project” that Residents at The Maples attended a
could improve the quality of life BSC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) brief “unveiling ceremony” recently,
at The Maples, then decided upon students Erica Bailey (left) and when they saw the aquarium for the
the aquarium as a unique type of Billy Clay recently presented a first time. It is located adjacent to the
55-gallon aquarium to The Maples.
“pet therapy.” central dining area, in a portion of the
“We conducted quite a bit of facility that's frequented by residents
research into pet therapy programs,” Clay, maintenance resource.” and guests throughout the day.
an Oceana High School graduate, said. The BSC students are part of a senior The aquarium has generated quite a
“Pet therapy helps increase residents’ BSN cohort involved in community proj- bit of positive response, according to
receptivity to socializing, and it combats ects, as a requirement in the program’s Drema Keaton, The Maples’ activities
feelings of loneliness and depression.” senior practicum course, according to pro- director. “The residents love it,” she said.
“The aquarium gives residents a col- gram director Beth Pritchett. “Students “Some have already given names to the
orful, uplifting point of focus,” added are involved in a variety of projects, all of goldfish. It’s a positive, fun activity and it
Bailey, a graduate of Iaeger High School. which are designed to improve a targeted gives them a feeling of 'being connect-
“It can help decrease their blood pressure, population’s quality of life,” she noted. ed.’”
relieve stress, and it's a low risk, low “They conduct an assessment of need,

-5-
Meet BSC SGA President Montoya Kemp
Montoya Kemp
SGA President
Like most Bluefield State College
students, Montoya Kemp is a commuter
student. However, his trip to BSC has
been a little longer than most. It began in
the Bahamas and South Florida and
included stops in several major cities,
including Atlanta. His wealth of life
experiences has provided the preparation
for his responsibilities as the College's
new Student Government Association
president.
“My life story is a lot like an adven-
ture,” he noted while preparing for an
afternoon meeting on the BSC campus.
“When I arrived in Bluefield, I didn’t see
myself being involved with SGA, but the
more I learned about student government,
the more I realized that SGA can be a
facilitator and a cohesive force on campus
and in the community.”
After spending much of his childhood
in the Bahamas and Miami, Kemp gradu-
ated from high school in 1995. “I
enrolled in an internship program to
become a firefighter in Miami-Dade
County,” he recounted. “However, I
injured my back in a motorcycle accident
and couldn’t complete my training.”
He moved to Atlanta and worked in
the public relations office for a popular
record company. “Later, I received a call
from my sister, who had retired from the
Air Force and then had enlisted in the
Army,” he explained. “She was stationed
with the 304th in Bluefield, West Virginia
and was getting ready for deployment to
Iraq. She asked me to take care of her
son while she left for Fort Hood for train-
ing, then shipped out to Iraq, and that’s
how I came to Bluefield.”
Once in Nature’s Air Conditioned
City, Kemp began to make the adjustment
to a smaller community lifestyle. “After
living in several large cities, it was quite a
change,” he said. “I heard about Bluefield
State College, visited the campus, and
liked it.”
After enrolling in a communications-
based program, he changed his career
plans and academic major. “I met some
great faculty like Dr. Anthony Woart and
Dr. Howard Wade, and I decided to major
in sociology,” the BSC SGA President
stated. “I was also encouraged by (BSC
Model United Nations advisor) John
White to join the MUN program. That’s
when I grew more interested in SGA.”
His schedule is extremely active and
combines his career goals with his aca-
demic interests. “I work with Rescare, a
program to help supportive living for indi-
viduals with developmental or other dis-
abilities,” he said. Currently, he assists
two adults in their home environment,
regularly pulling eight-hour shifts. “I’m
able to put my education to work in the
real world.”
At the same time, he’s at the point of
an active SGA with an ambitious, service-
oriented mission. “SGA at Bluefield State
is basically a group of students who care
about what happens to their fellow stu-
dents,” he noted. “We seek to give stu-
dents a ‘voice’ and we want to work with
others to bring about positive change on
campus and in the community.”
Kemp expressed appreciation to out-
going SGA President Jonathan Murray
and the SGA senators who served in
2008-09. “They set the bar very high.
We want to continue their quest for excel-
lence.”

A “Banner” Year at BSC

Banners like these, which flank the Easley and Dr. Martin Luther King Bridges adjacent to the
Bluefield State College campus, are a visible, attractive reminder of the College's collaboration with
the community. They were mounted by the City of Bluefield following a series of activities involving
the City and BSC. BSC students and faculty painted the King Bridge, provided more than 500 hours’
of volunteer effort to assist area residents in completing their income tax returns, and conducted free
health education classes at the Wade Center and at Mercer Health Right.
BSC student service and Greek organizations took part in numerous community-oriented activities
including “Adopt a Highway,” Red Cross blood drives, Read Aloud programs in public schools, and
‘Toys for Tots.” Our students designed computer software for use by several organizations, including
the Mercer County Humane Society, Bluefield Union Mission, and Wade Center.
A more detailed list of BSC’s community service activities can be viewed online at: www.blue
fieldstate.edu/Documents/ProfessionalDevelopmentandCommunityService2009.pdf

-6-
BSC School of Business Student Earns Elite Ranking in
International Business Simulation Competition
A Bluefield State College student fin-
ished among the upper 7% of all compet-
ing teams during the recent “Capstone
Challenge,” a global online business sim-
ulation competition undertaken this year
by more than 940 graduate and undergrad-
uate student teams worldwide.
Competing as an individual against
multiple student teams from throughout
the world, BSC student Bob Brown fin-
ished 57th overall. His finishing position
ranked ahead of all 36 teams from West
Virginia University, and he placed higher
than any other entering team from the
entire state.
Brown, who is also the Assistant
Director of Human Resources at Flowers
Bakery, enjoyed the experience. “I liked
Nearly 400 Attend Bluefield State College's First
New Student Orientation Program of the Summer
A record number of students and fam-
ily members attended the first of this sum-
mer's two new and transfer student orien-
tation programs at Bluefield State College
in June. The event is designed to help
students complete the enrollment process,
work with advisors to complete their fall
semester class schedules, and gain greater
comfort and familiarity with the campus.
Additional programming was presented
for students’ family members.
Approximately 170 students and
more than 200 family members participat-
ed in the first orientation session.
“We are extremely encouraged by the
These students were among the 170 who
attended summer orientation activities at BSC.
learned in my pursuit of a degree in man-
agement and marketing. I was able to
develop an expanded spread sheet that
helped in the tracking processes of the
business simulation. As a result, I could
expedite some decisions and make projec-
tions that really helped throughout the
competition.”
“Bob’s success came against a field
that included teams comprised of graduate
students as well as undergraduate students
BSC student Bob Brown received from large universities,” noted Dr. Steve
elite status recognition in the Bourne, BSC Professor of Business. “His
Capstone Challenge business score surpassed that of teams from the
simulation competition.
University of Indiana, Vanderbilt
the competition…measuring myself University, the University of Notre Dame,
against others,” he said. “The Capstone and the University of Wisconsin, to name
Challenge drew upon everything I’ve a few.”
feedback received
from this session,”
noted John
Cardwell, BSC Vice
President for Student
Affairs. “By taking
part in orientation,
students have signif-
icantly increased the
likelihood that they
will succeed in col-
lege and achieve
their academic and
career goals.”
Students met A capacity audience participated in the College's
June 19 new student orientation program.
Service,” and online class opportunities.
with academic advi- A second orientation session was pre-
sors, as well as rep- sented in July. “Bluefield State is the
resentatives from most affordable public baccalaureate col-
Student Support lege or university in West Virginia, our
Services, financial graduates enjoy successful careers, and
aid, student affairs, our recently established border-county
and health services. tuition provides many out-of-state stu-
They also received dents with substantial tuition savings,”
training in college Cardwell added. Interested individuals
services, including are encouraged to contact the BSC
“Smart Thinking,” Admissions Office by phone at 304-327-
career planning and 4065 or e-mail bscadmit@bluefield
placement, “Degree state.edu
Works,” “Web Self-
-7-
Spotlight on the Bluefield State College
School of Arts & Sciences
by Dr. Tamara Ferguson, DeanOver the summer, many of the
Dr. Tamara Ferguson
Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
2008-2009 was a productive year for
the School of Arts and Science. The fol-
lowing minors were added to the curricu-
lum: Communication Arts, African
American Studies, Environmental
Science, and International Studies. The
International Studies minor will be offered
in collaboration with Concord University.
In addition, the Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-
Dentistry, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-
Medicine programs were added to the
school's program offerings. The curricu-
lum was also updated with an expanded
two semester sequence for Anatomy and
Physiology and Environmental Science
classes to meet the science general educa-
tion requirements.
“Imagine That.”
school’s faculty met with Dr. Tracy Director, Dr. Sharon Carr, is now
Anderson and me to map the school’s cur- planning the shows for fall semester.
ricula. This process resulted in clearly The school is also exploring articulation
stated programmatic learning outcomes agreements with the Greenbrier campus of
and identified assessments which will New River Community and Technical
result in stronger data for program College and with Southern West Virginia
improvement. Community and Technical College to ease
The school also began offering class- the transfer process and encourage com-
es at Stevens Correctional Facility to munity college students to pursue a four
inmates interested in earning college cred- year degree.
it. We are happy to assist the prison in
preparing its inmates to
re-enter society as pro-
ductive citizens, and
we support their efforts
to rehabilitate those
who are incarcerated.
Hopefully, many of
these individuals will
see that they can be
successful and will
continue working
towards a degree.
During the fall and
spring semesters, the
school's Blue Chicory
Players presented two
The cast (above) of "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black"
plays, “To Be Young, presented three performances during the
Gifted, and Black” and 2008-09 academic year.

Twenty-Seven Students Welcomed into

BSC's Emerging Scholars Program
The highly successful “Emerging
Scholars Program” at Bluefield State
College entered its tenth year of operation
recently. Twenty-seven students are
enrolled in the six-week program which is
designed to increase students’ awareness
that a college education is possible for
them and that they can succeed in college,
according to John Cardwell, BSC’s Vice
President for Student Affairs. The tuition-
free program concentrates upon stimulat-
ing the interest of prospective college stu-
dents, providing information about college
life and helping those students achieve
their educational goals.
“We work with a variety of students-
some traditional (18-24 years of age) and
some nontraditional (25 years of age and
older),” Cardwell added, “and we’re
extremely impressed by their commitment
and desire to learn.” The Emerging
Scholars program (ESP) focuses upon
assisting individuals with either a GED or
a high school diploma and a desire to pur-
sue a college education.
ESP coordinator Carolyn Kirby calls
the BSC program “one of the most
rewarding of my professional career. I
look forward to continually improving the
services that we provide to our students,”
she added.
Emerging Scholars participants
receive individualized instruction in math,
English, and reading, designed to prepare
them to successfully complete college-
level math and English in the Fall 2009
semester. Program participants can also
take a computer class and an orientation
course for college credit. Additionally, the
BSC Student Support Services staff con-
duct workshops to enhance the life man-
agement skills instruction received by the
students. “During the approaching aca-
demic year, Student Support Services staff
will serve as advisors for students in the
Emerging Scholars program, providing
academic, career, and personal counsel-
ing,” Cardwell observed.
“A key to the program's success has
been the commitment of the faculty and
staff, who have given up a summer to
work with those in the program,” he
added. Students in the program meet four
times each week, through the end of July.

-8-
BSC Launches Inaugural “Study Abroad” Program
Their classrooms included a rain for- enced a visual feast of tropical flowers things in nature. There was a certain
est, a pineapple plantation, and a tropical and butterflies during a butterfly garden amount of effort, time, and expense
wildlife sanctuary. The experience was visit. Tours of pineapple, banana, and cof- involved in preparing for our study abroad
unforgettable. Bluefield State College fee plantations familiarized the students trip, but the experience was certainly
students Crystal Richardson and Pamela with the agriculture of Costa Rica. worth the effort.”
Parsons recently joined faculty “Dr. Eborall’s enthusi-
member Dr. Martha Eborall for asm and persistence were keys
a ten-day tour of Costa Rica— to creating this study abroad
BSC’s first ever Study Abroad milestone at Bluefield State
program, and they’ve become College,” noted Dr. Sudhakar
enthusiastic advocates for future Jamkhandi, Director/Office of
study abroad initiatives at the International Initiatives at BSC.
College. “She and Lee Donnell, an
“As an undergraduate, I adjunct faculty member who
took part in an international teaches Spanish at BSC, col-
internship to Zambia and laborated to arrange this study
Zimbabwe, and I wanted our abroad initiative.”
students to have the same type Since their return, the
of opportunity,” Dr. Eborall BSC contingent has conducted
related. “When I designed the meetings for other BSC stu-
course, “Ecology of Costa Bluefield State College’s first Study Abroad program provided dents and faculty, explaining
Rica,” students were given the students an opportunity to experience the culture and the details and exploring the
option of a study abroad experi- ecology of Costa Rica. Pictured (left-to-right) in the midst opportunities created through
ence.” of a forest in Costa Rica are Dr. Martha Eborall study abroad experiences.
(BSC Professor of Biology) and BSC
During their trip, students Several of Dr. Eborall’s col-
students Pamela Parsons and Crystal Richardson.
hiked the Escalonia Cloud leagues are now beginning to
Forest Trail to the Poás Volcano. They “This trip gave deeper meaning to consider offering study abroad programs,
explored the upper rainforest canopy via everything we studied,” Richardson according to Dr. Jamkhandi.
aerial tram, suspension bridges, and observed. “I am an environmental sci- “Several goals have emerged,” he
canopy zip lines. Cruising the rivers and ences major, and because of the trip I continued. “We want to encourage more
canals of Tortuguero National Park and have been able to establish contacts with faculty to design and implement study
the Caño Negro wildlife refuge, the stu- representatives at Tortuguero Park. I hope abroad programs, and we hope more stu-
dents observed wildlife such as caimans, to return there to volunteer with sea turtle dents will participate in these programs.
howler monkeys, toucans, and water- rescue efforts in the future.” Additionally, we want to augment our
walking lizards. The students visited the For Parsons, a Social Science major, knowledge of other cultures through trav-
Green Turtle Research Station and walked the trip encouraged her to take time to el and language study and, just as impor-
along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches, observe, learn from, and appreciate things tant, learn to accept and appreciate other
where they learned about sea turtle con- around her. “We were able to live ‘it,’ cultures.”
servation efforts. They travelled from the instead of read about ‘it,’” she said. “I Additional information about BSC’s
Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast, wit- witnessed the colors of the country, I felt study abroad activities can be obtained by
nessing Costa Rica’s incredible biodiver- the heat, and I met the people of Costa contacting Dr. Jamkhandi (304-327-4036,
sity in a variety of ecozones. They experi- Rica. As a result, I now pay attention to sjamkhandi@bluefieldstate.edu)

In Memoriam Cover Story

Former BSC Employee BSC Night at the Orioles
Montoya Kemp (standing/center), Bluefield State College
The Bluefield State College com-
Student Government President, and Betsy Plumley (kneel-
munity was saddened by news of the
ing) BSC SGA Vice President, are flanked by the Baby Bird
death of Ms. Marion L. Hawthorne,
(the Bluefield Orioles’ mascot) and Big Blue (the BSC mas-
an employee at BSC for 12 years.
cot) during “BSC Night at the Ballpark,” July 13. The event
Ms. Hawthorne, who accepted a posi-
at Bowen Field in Bluefield attracted nearly 3,000 fans and
tion in the College’s maintenance
friends.
department on October 1, 1972,
served the institution through
Marion L. Hawthorne October, 1984.

-9-
BSC Faculty Land Research Grants
Dr. Tesfaye grant funding from WV-INBRE to pro-
Belay mote basic biomedical research and
(Associate strengthen the infrastructure for biomed-
Professor of ical research within the BSC School of
Biology, Arts and Sciences.
Bluefield State Dr. Belay has also been selected to
College) has receive a $20,000 research grant from the
received a NASA West Virginia Experimental
$99,000 grant Program under the collaborative research
Dr. Tesfaye Belay subaward from program between Marshall University and
the West Bluefield State College. This collaborative
Virginia-Idea research work will be performed in the
Network for Biomedical Excellence (WV- labs of Dr. Belay at BSC and Dr. Hongwei
INBRE) to sustain and expand biomedical Yu at Marshall University.
research at BSC. A grant to support the Bluefield State
Bluefield State College is among the College campus suicide prevention pro-
selected institutions of higher education in gram has been awarded to the College.
the State of West Virginia who have part- The grant, totaling $10,000, was presented
nership with WV-INBRE to enhance their to BSC by the Morehouse School of
capacity for educating and training their Medicine Psychiatry/ Cork Institute
faculty and students in biomedical HBCU Center of Excellence. As author
research. During the past three years, Dr. of the grant, Dr. Anthony Woart (BSC
Belay has received more than $160,000 in Professor of Sociology and Director,
CART at Bluefield State College and Fenner Dunlop Receive
"Innovation Award" at SWVTC's Annual Awards Banquet
By developing a “smart sys-
tem” that anticipates failures and
pinpoints problem locations with-
in a conveyor belt system, Fenner
Dunlop and the Center for
Applied Research & Technology
(CART) at Bluefield State
College were named recipients of
the “Innovation Award” at the
recent Southwestern Virginia
Technology Council’s (SWVTC)
10th annual gala, tech expo and
awards ceremony. Lyn
McDermid, Senior VP and Chief
Information Officer for Dominion CART and Fenner Dunlop recently received an
Resources, was the featured "Innovation Award" for their collaborative success
in developing a "smart" conveyor belt system.
speaker at this year’s program
Pictured at their facility in the Bluestone Business
hosted by Virginia Highlands and Technology Park are (left-to-right) Mick Twigger,
Community College. Senior Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, John
CART and Fenner Dunlop Browning, CART, Inc., Bruce V. Mutter, CART, Inc.,
have collaborated for several James Craig, Fenner Dunlop, Brett Butler, CART, INC.
months at their location in the Applied Research Assistant(ARA), Mark Myers,
Bluestone Business and Electrical Engineer, Fenner Dunlop, and Heather
Technology Park to develop the Williams, CART, Inc.
smart conveyor belt system. The
- 10 -
Minority
Health
Institute),
noted, “I am
pleased that
BSC will be
able to offer
these services
to our students
and the college Dr. Anthony Woart
community as
a whole. The
BSC Suicide Prevention Program is
designed to accomplish several vitally
important goals. These include develop-
ing and implementing a sustainable stu-
dent support network for a campus-based
suicide prevention, awareness, and train-
ing program, as well as an increase in stu-
dents' awareness and utilization of cam-
pus-based suicide preventive services.”
technology permits belt operators
to plan repairs rather than just react
to failures, saving business owners
a substantial amount of money by
preventing unscheduled down-time
due to unanticipated belt breakage.
“Conveyor belt systems are prima-
rily utilized in this region by the
coal industry,” explained Bruce
Mutter, CART CEO. “A single
broken belt can result in a produc-
tion loss of more than $250,000 per
day.”
At the Bluestone Business and
Technology Park, Fenner Dunlop
and CART are working together on
the product manufacturing process
and they anticipate the start of pro-
duction later this summer. Fenner
Dunlop has received approximately
50 orders prior to product comple-
tion, and a full scale belt is in place
at their facility, while the technolo-
gy continues to be refined and aug-
mented on a daily basis.
BSC’s Faculty & Staff Accomplishments
Dr. Tom Blevins (1971) Dean of the
Virtual College & Technology and the
School of Education at Bluefield State
College and Director of Instructional
Technology Planning & Coordination with
the WV Higher Education Policy
Commission, has been appointed to the
National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE) Board of
Program Reviewers (BOPR). Dr. Blevins
was also recently named to the Higher
Learning Commission’s Accreditation
Review Council. As a member of the
Accreditation Review Council, Blevins
will be part of the Commission’s decision-
making processes, and will serve on
Readers Panels and Review Committees.
Dr. Blevins was also elected to a four-year
term as a member of the Bluefield (WV)
City Board of Directors.
Dr. Warren Burch was promoted
from Associate Professor of Mathematics
to Professor of Mathematics.
Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Director of
Multicultural Affairs, was recently hon-
ored during the first annual Commission
on the Status of Iowans of Asian and
Pacific Islander (CAPI) Heritage ceremo-
ny at the Iowa State Capitol Building.
Dr. Cureg received the 2009 “Leadership
Award,” along with other former members
of the Asian American Council Board,
Iowa Asian Alliance, Iowa Asian Alliance
Board, and Governor’s Asian and Pacific
Islander Advisory Council. She continues
to provide her voice and energy on issues
surrounding the Asian-American experi-
ence, particularly the assimilation of new
immigrants and refugees in Iowa.
BSC faculty members collaborated on
two scholarly papers that were presented
at the 2009 American Society of
Engineering Education Annual
Conference and Exposition in Austin,
Texas. Frank Hart (Dean/School of
Engineering Technology & Computer
Science) and Bruce Mutter (1986)
(CEO/Chair, Center for Applied Research
& Technology-CART) presented a paper
describing collaboration opportunities
with local industry arising from CART’s
operations at BSC. Roger Owensby
(1979) (Associate Professor and
Department Head/Mining Engineering
Technology) and Mike Plumley (1986)
(Adjunct Professor/Mining Engineering
Technology) worked in collaboration with
Hart and Mutter to produce and present
the paper, “Development of a Web-Based
Course in Miner Safety Training.”
Dr. Pat Hilton (Professor of
Education) and Dr. Elisabeth Steenken
(Director of Teacher Education and
Associate Professor) attended the Great
Teachers Seminar at North Bend State
Park from June 22-25, 2009.
Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Dean of
School of Arts and Sciences/Associate
Professor of English, was granted faculty
tenure status.
Melissa Hayes, Director/Assistant
Professor of Radiologic Technology, was
appointed to the Glenwood Park Board of
Directors by the Mercer County
Commission. She was also elected
Secretary to the West Virginia Medical
Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of
Examiners for the 2009-10 year and will
serve on the ethics committee (and as the
educator on the board).
Carolyn Jamkhandi (2000),
Administrative Associate/School of Arts
& Sciences, has earned five professional
training certificates through online classes
offered by Hewlett Packard and has com-
pleted three additional non-certificate
training programs.
Carolyn Kirby, Student Services
Specialist, received the “Flame Award”
from the Student Government Association
this spring.
Michelle Noe, Accounting Assistant
I, received an Associate of Science degree
in General Business from New River
Community & Technical College on
(continued on page 12)

BSC “Employee Appreciation Program” Recognizes College

Faculty and Staff for Performance and Service
The Bluefield State College Lori Dials, Bryan Edwards, Vanessa
Foundation’s “Outstanding Godfrey, Ray Guy, Larry Hamlin,
Classified Employee” awards for Ronald Patterson, and Elisabeth
2009 were presented to Lisa Neel Steenken; Ten Years: Fred Hardee,
(Purchasing Assistant III, Staff Lisa Neel, Tony Papa, and Suzanne
Council chair) and Kathy Kessinger Soucier; Fifteen Years: Shelia
(Accountant) during the annual Hallman-Warner, Kathy Kessinger,
“BSC Employees Appreciation Day” Susan Shrader, and Danny Thomas;
program at the College. Both hon- Twenty Years: Lydia Milam, Betty
orees received a plaque and BSC The Bluefield State College Foundation's “Outstanding Nash, Bruce Mutter, and John Snead;
Foundation monetary award of $500 Classified Employee” awards for 2009 were presented Twenty-five Years: Anita Davis,
at the ceremony. BSC President Dr. to Lisa Neel (Purchasing Assistant III, Staff Council Deborah Halsey-Hunter, Frances
Albert Walker made the presenta- chair) and Kathy Kessinger (Accountant) Jones, and Andrew Kulchar; Thirty
tions. during the annual “BSC Employees Appreciation Day” Years: William Aldridge and James
During the ceremony, Faculty program at the College. Harrison; and Thirty-five Years:
Emeritus status was awarded posthu- Bob Vicars.
mously to the late Professor William upon the completion of five, 10, 15, 20,
Goodman, and Classified Emeritus status 25, 30, and 35 years of service to BSC.
was awarded to Ms. Remona Finney. BSC Employee Years of Service
Additionally, employees were recognized Awards, 2009: Five Years: Wally Adkins,

- 11 -
BSC’s Faculty & Staff Accomplishments
BSC To Offer
continued from page 11
May 15, 2009. She is pursuing a English and Associate Dean/School of Yellow Ribbon
degree in business administration at BSC. Arts & Sciences, was among the fisher-
Roger Owensby (1979) (Associate men featured in the article, “Smallmouth G.I. Benefits to
Professor & Department Head/Mining
Engineering Technology) has been induct-
Heaven,” published in the July 2009 edi-
tion of Virginia Wildlife magazine.
Military Veterans
ed into the West Virginia Bowling Hall of Dr. Howard Wade, Associate
Fame. Professor of History, was the BSC Student
Ms. Susan Nunley was promoted Student Government Association’s
from Nursing Instructor to Assistant “Faculty Member of the Year, 2008-
Professor of Nursing. 2009.”
Vickie Jane Richardson, Gene A. Wyatt, Jr. (1979), an
Programmer II in the library, received an adjunct instructor in mathematics, has
Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science been selected for inclusion in “Who’s
from Bluefield State College on May 16, Who Among America’s Teachers.” He
2009. has also been invited to join the
Dr. Michael Smith, Professor of Mathematical Association of America.
Bluefield State College recently
received approval from the
BSC Students & Faculty Member Take Department of Veteran Affairs and
Part in American Society for West Virginia's Governor Joe
Manchin to participate in the Yellow
Microbiology General Meeting Ribbon Program, a provision of the
Post 9/11 Veterans Education
Bluefield State College students Amanda Cochran, Elisha Martin, Kayla Fazio,
Tanise Montgomery and BSC faculty member Dr. Tesfaye Belay represented the Assistance Act of 2008. Bluefield
College at the annual General Meeting of American Society for Microbiology in State is among hundreds of colleges
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 17-21. The American Society for Microbiology is the and universities across the country
oldest and largest single life science organization in the United States, with more that are taking part in this enhanced
43,000 members from all around the world. education program.
“This is the first student The Yellow Ribbon Program
group from BSC to partici- allows for institutions of higher
pate in this prestigious scien- learning to provide tuition assistance
tific society of individuals for expenses that exceed the highest
interested in the microbio- public "IN STATE" undergraduate
logical sciences,” noted Dr. tuition rate. "This is great news for
Belay, BSC Associate out of state post 9/11 veterans who
Professor of Biology. “At wish to attend Bluefield State
the general meeting, the stu- College and take full advantage of
dents exchanged information the many programs offered. “We
with other microbiologists look forward to meeting and work-
and gained insight across a ing with military veterans who can
variety of scientific disci- benefit from this program,” noted
plines. The students also Megan Mohn, BSC’s Associate
A BSC delegation including (left-to-right) Dr. visited several exhibit booths Registrar. “We are proud to be a
Tesfaye Belay and BSC students Tanise and learned more about part of this historical initiative.”
Montgomery, Kayla Fazio, Elisha Martin, and Mohn noted that funds are also
cutting-edge technology and
Amanda Cochran participated in the recent available to dependents and spouses
annual General Meeting of the American
laboratory supplies for their
research.” of veterans and other federal tuition
Society for Microbiology. assistance programs.
The research works are
being supported by grants awarded to Dr. Belay by the West Virginia IdeA Network of For more information about the
Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) and NASA WV EPSCoR. new GI Bill, contact Mohn at (304)
“The students and the School of Arts and Sciences at Bluefield State College are 327-4064 or mmohn@blue
most appreciative for the support of the Office of the Vice President/Student Affairs and fieldstate.edu or visit
Enrollment Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, NASA WV EPSCoR, Ms. www.GIBILL.VA.gov
Erica Martin, Mr. Doug Cochran, and Dr. Amin for financial support and making it pos-
sible to attend the conference,” Dr. Belay said.

- 12 -
From the Office of Institutional Advancement
by Karen Harvey, Director of Institutional Advancement
Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional
Advancement & Planning
The Bluefield State College
Foundation was established 40 years ago
to “foster and promote the growth,
progress and general welfare of Bluefield
State College” (Articles of Incorporation,
February 6, 1969). A testamentary gift of
$15,000 from the estate of Lola Lavender
Foundation Secretary Connie
Saunders noted posthumous recognition
of estate gifts from Othello Maria Harris-
Jefferson, Billy G. Moore, Daniel S.
Stevens, Katharine Tierney, and Bertha
Underwood at The Pillars inauguration
ceremony. It is a sad fact that recipient
organizations cannot personally thank
donors for estate gifts unless they are noti-
fied prior to the donor’s passing.
Happily, some BSC alumni and
employees have made their estate inten-
tions known. At The Pillars ceremony, Mrs. Grace Toler and Mr. Thomas
Foundation Treasurer Elizabeth Pruett Mack participated in "The Pillars"
gave charter member pins to Carl and ceremony, in which their aunt, the
Selba B. Boyd and Deborrah Pittman, the late Mrs. Lola Mack, was honored.
Computer Science department head.
Unable to attend were alumni Thomas G.
and Nancy Blevins Bodnar and BSC
employee Ralph Patsel.
Estate gifts, most of which are made

Lola Mack was Valedictorian of the Class of 1929

at Bluefield State Teachers College. The College
immediately hired her, and she served as presi-
dent of the Women’s Grand Worthy Counselors
of Calanthe of West Virginia for 33 years. An
entrepreneur, Mrs. Mack owned real estate and
other properties in Bluefield and Charleston,
Mrs. Selba Boyd and her husband, Mr.
West Virginia, and established the Excelsior Carl Boyd were also recognized as
Cosmetic Company. She passed away in 1965. charter members of "The Pillars" for
their commitment of an estate gift to
the BSC Foundation.
Mack provided the initial funding of the through wills such as Mrs. Mack’s, often
Foundation. Mrs. Mack’s gift and her are the gifts of a lifetime: the greatest gift
years of service to Bluefield State College an individual ever makes. They also typi-
- both as an alumna and faculty member - cally provide the largest contributions that
were recognized in a ceremony on May nonprofit organizations receive. When
15, 2009 inaugurating the Foundation’s these gifts are used to create an endow-
planned giving society, The Pillars. ment, they establish a firm financial base
I am indebted to her nephew, Thomas that assures the organization’s ability to
Mack, for making me aware of a publica- endure and fulfill its mission.
tion, Lola Mack’s Philanthropy, which We are grateful to the donors men-
details the achievements of her life and tioned here and hope that others who have
the origins of the BSC Foundation. The included the Bluefield State College
document had not survived several moves Foundation in their estate plans will let us
of the Office of Institutional Advancement know so that we can personally express
and Planning, but copies are now on file. our thanks to them. Deborrah Pittman was honored as
Mr. Mack and his sister, Grace Toler, Karen Harvey can be reached at 304- a charter member of "The Pillars"
spoke briefly about their aunt at the cere- 327-4031 or kharvey@bluefieldstate.edu for her commitment of an estate
mony and accepted a charter member pin gift to the BSC Foundation.
on her behalf.

- 13 -
From the Office of Alumni Affairs
by Deirdre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs
Deirdre Guyton
Director of Alumni
Affairs
May is always an exciting month for
me. Winding down from a successful
school year and meeting so many intrigu-
ing people from the 50 year class. And no
matter where you are or what you are
doing, there is always someone you meet
who has a “tie” to Bluefield State College.
We are so rich with history.
The first weekend in the month I had
the opportunity to attend an informal
social at the home of a prominent attorney
John Lewis Washington was honored
in April as “Person of the Month” at St.
Phillip’s Church for his many years of
active participation. “Big
John:”or the “Big Un” as
he is affectionately known
was born August 21 in
Roanoke, Virginia where
he grew up and completed
his elementary and second-
ary education. He began
his formal education at
Bluefield State College,
majoring in secondary edu-
cation, played football for John Lewis
the Big Blues and joined
Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc. He contin-
ued his educational pursuit at Howard
University, earning a Master’s Degree in
1966. John was passionate about ending
segregation so while in D.C. he took part
in the “March on Capital Hill” in support
of the Civil Rights “March” in Selma,
Alabama.”
John has had some interesting experi-
ences! In 1961 he worked as a meat cutter
and his wife who are both alumni. As
always, I meet people from another sec-
tion of the business world.
On Saturday, I was to meet
another person Dr. Carolyn
W. Meyers, President of
Norfolk State University who
was in town to speak at the
Mountain State Bar
Association's Banquet. She
spoke of her grandfather,
Julius Tonsler and her moth-
er Eva Tonsler Winstead,
graduates of Bluefield State
College. Now mind you, Mr.
Tonsler is a graduate of the
30’s but as a child watching
my brother play football at Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers gious club---ALUMNI!
President
Bluefield High School, I
Norfolk State University
would always see him in his
baseball cap attending the games. I
chuckled when I went to escort Dr.
Meyers to the event and saw that she was
carrying her baseball cap-just in case it
for Desert Inn Restaurant. From 1962-64
he worked as a Parole Officer. In 1966, he
became Chief of the After Care Section in
the central office of Ohio
Department of Youth
Services. He later became
Chief of Institutions for
Ohio. He retired in 1988.
After retiring, John
could and did devote more
of his time and talent to St.
Philips serving on Vestry as
a Junior Warden as well as
the Stewardship
Washington Committee. He chaired the
Capital Campaign Fund
and has faithfully served on BBQ’s, Fish
Fry’s, and Easter Breakfast and Food
Pantry projects for years.
John and his wife Mildred, also an
active alumnus, reside in Pickerington
where he served on the City Council. As
involved as they have been, raising their
families, the Alumni Association has
always been a part of their lives. Last
summer as we celebrated our 18th
- 14 -
was to rain. Her mother was Miss BSC in
1942 and graduated from the institution in
1944. Needless to say I had
an enjoyable evening repre-
senting the institution and
talking with Dr. Meyers.
The third weekend was
even better! I was so excited
about seeing and meeting
some of the 50 year graduates
for the first time. It is always
exciting to put a name with
the face. But it even more
exciting seeing students that I
come in contact with, on
occasion, march in and later
become members of an presti-
Congratulations to each of
you. I hope that each of you
will become involved with the institution-
giving back to the institution-whether it is
monetary or volunteering take pride in the
institution you attended.
Reunion in Columbus, at each event,
Bluefieldians were greeted by “Big
John’s” smiling face. In years past, he has
served as National Fund Raiser Chairman
and Mid-West Regional Director, and co-
Chair of the National Reunion. Locally he
has served as President, Vice President
and Treasurer of the Columbus Chapter.
Special thanks to Mrs. Lillian Holly
and Justine Jackson for their
assistance in this section of the journal.
Alumni Weekend
September 25-27, 2009
Tentative plans are being made
for a good time. If you are inter-
ested in assisting, please email
me dguyton@blue
fieldstate.edu or call 304-327-
4569. Also, the website is up
and running. I would enjoy your
comments.
Alumni Updates
Alumni Updates
Requested
If you have received awards, pro-
motions, accomplishments, recog-
nition, have married or recently
welcomed an addition to your fam-
ily, please let us know. Mail your
news to:
Karen Gordon
Bluefield State College
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
or FAX to 304-327-4581or e-mail
kgordon@bluefieldstate.edu
1960s
Betty Crews Graves (1960) will be
participating in the Senior Olympics in
Reno, Nevada and San Francisco,
California in the summer of 2009. She is
a retired Fairfax County Virginia teacher.
1980s
Rachel J. King-Rozzel, RN (1988)
employed by Fresenius Medical Care of
North America
(Dialysis), is the Acute
Care Coordinator of
six Acute Dialysis
Units (Bluefield
Regional Medical
Center, Princeton
Rachel J. Community Hospital,
King-Rozzel
Princeton Health
South Rehabilitation, Beckley
Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley
Veterans Administration Hospital and
Greenbrier Medical Center (opening
August 2009).
Carolyn Stuart (1988 & 1990)
holds a Master of Arts in Counseling
from Marshall University and received a
Ph.D. in Counselor Education from
Virginia Tech in September, 2008. She
serves as the Director of Counseling at
Halifax Community College in Weldon,
North Carolina.
1990s
Todd Day (1996)
is the Vice Chairman
of Corte & Fort
Chiswell Construction
Company, Inc. He
was formerly the town
manager for the Town
Todd Day
of Bluefield
(Virginia).
Jennifer Douglas (1998) is the
Director of the West Virginia Courtesy
Patrol.
Roy Scott Lester (1993) was
recently promoted to assistant engineer-
ing manager at SUMITOMO.
Kevin Long (1999) is a Tech
Service Specialist II for Ricoh Business
Solutions in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina.
Kyle Lovern (1993) recently had
his first book pub-
lished, Appalachian
Case Study: UFO
Sightings, Alien
Encounters and
Unexplained
Phenomena. His sec- Kyle Lovern
ond book, a sequel,
will come out later this
year. He is a former radio and newspaper
journalist and currently is a free lance
writer.
Mike Watson (1993) was promoted
from assistant town manager to town
manager for the Town of Bluefield
(Virginia).
2000s
Amy Hall Cowan (2001) received a
master’s degree in special education
from North Carolina Central University
in May 2008 with Magna Cum Laude
honors. She is a special education
teacher at C. W. Stafford Middle School
in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Melissa Leedy Cumbo (2002) and
her husband, Kenneth, announce the
birth of twin sons, Colton Gunnar and
Caleb Bear, born May 7, 2009. Melissa
is employed by CNX Gas.
- 15 -
Kim Long Barnes (2002) and her
husband, Steve, announce the birth of
their second son, Asher Easton, born
May 3, 2009. Kim is employed as a
Contract Manager for the Concessions &
Property Development Department with
the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority (Dulles International Airport)
Julie Mandeville Fleming (2002) is
a Case Manager for the Harris Law
Firm-Nevada Injury Lawyers in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Kevin M. Gordon (2000) received
the Customer Allegiance Star Award and
is an Applications Engineer for Thermo
Fisher Scientific of San Diego,
California.
Jared Shrewsbury (2006) is Field
Service Representative for Joy Mining
Machinery, Duffield, Virginia.
In Memoriam
BSC Students and Alumni
Nancy Louise Payne Anderson
Oma Marie Barnett
Clarence Oliver Baumgardner
Jason Dwight Bowling
Thomas Joe Catron
Roger Childers
Dorcus Hess Claytor, Jr.
Deborah Jade “Dee” Cooke
Joyce Pickett Havens
William Howard “Willie” Jarvis
Roy Jennings, Jr.
Conwell Jones
John Ambrose Jones
Betty Lou Mabe
Desdemona Henderson Martin
Levi Moorman
Alice Hubbard Pannell
Thurman Whitt Perdue
Mary Ann Green Smith
Lyle Landon “Lannie” Stike, Jr.
Judy Wells
Ruby Childress Woosley
BSC Radiologic Technology Graduating Class of 2009
Achieves 100% Passage Rate on Certification Examination
by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Bluefield State College’s 2009 Radiologic Technology grad-
uates have achieved a 100% passage rate on the certification
examination by the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists.
The BSC Radiologic Technology program is accredited by
the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education as the national agency for the accredi-
tation of educational programs for the radiographer and radiation
therapist, and is responsible for all accreditation actions.
BSC’s 2009 RadTech graduates who passed the certification
examination include: Trista Bailey, Caroline Blevins, Rebecca
Bradley, Rachelle Coburn, PrezLee Dalton, Ashley Duncan,
Adam Finley, Lloyd Fitzgerald, Ashleigh Freeman, Kendra
Harman, Evan Harris, Jamie Haynes, Heather Kincaid, Cassie
Manning, Stephanie McGlothlin, Michele Merrill, Laura Peery,
219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701
Address Service Requested
Krystal Scott, Andrea Sears, Amanda Shupe, Amanda Stewart,
Samantha Williams, and Gracie Wooldridge.
The students were honored at a pinning ceremony in May.
The outstanding clinical award went to Rebecca Bradley and the
outstanding academic award was presented to Caroline Blevins.
The JRCERT Certificates of Excellence determined by the facul-
ty to be the students who most closely fit the description of the
professional and ethical technologist were awarded to PrezLee
Dalton and Caroline Blevins. All students received their radio-
logic technology pin at this ceremony.
Faculty include: Melissa Haye (program director), Angela
Lambert (clinical coordinator), Vanessa Godfrey (didactic
instructor), Robin Gibson (PCH Clinical Instructor), Richard
Gibson (BRMC Clinical Instructor), Amy Bennett (BARH
Clinical Instructor), and Jennifer Shelton (VA Clinical
Instructor).
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U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #139
Bluefield, WV 24701