Blue

Volume XI, No. 1

and Gold
December 2005

Board of Governors
Mr. Norris Kantor, Esq.
Chair
Mr. Jeff Forlines
Vice Chair
Dr. Louis Aikens
Mr. John "Jack" E. Caffrey
Ms. Anne Crowe
Dr. Lyn Guy
Mr. Edward Knight, III
Mr. Jack D. Stafford
The Reverend Garry D. Moore, Sr.
Mr. James J. Palmer, III
Dr. Norman Mirsky
Faculty Representative
Mr. Daniel L. Frost
Classified Staff Representative
Mr. Eli Sharp
Student Representative
Administrative Staff
Dr. Albert Walker
President
Dr. Don Smith
Interim Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Provost
Ms. Shelia Johnson
Vice President, Financial and
Administrative Affairs
Mr John Cardwell
Executive Director, Enrollment
Management; Interim Vice
President of Student Affairs
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/
Director, Institutional/Media
Relations
Dr. Thomas E. Blevins
Dean of the Virtual College and
Information Technology and the
School of Teacher Education;
Professor, English/Education
Dr. Felica Wooten Blanks
Executive Director of
Institutional Development and
Advancement; Director
of Title III
Mr. David Lord
Director of Human Resources
Blue and Gold
A quarterly publication for alumni
and friends of Bluefield State
College. This project is supplement-
ed by the Federal Title III/BRACE
Program.
2 NOVEMBER 2005 BLUE AND GOLD
A Message from the President
More than three years ago, I was selected to
serve as president of Bluefield State College.
Since then, I have seen this wonderful institution
of higher education face numerous challenges,
embrace several opportunities, and show resolve
and resilience as it moved forward.
As the 2006 regular session of the West Virginia
Legislature approaches, I have talked to several
state legislators, each of whom has been impressed
Albert L. Walker
by Bluefield State College’s academic excellence
President
and its ability to make a very positive difference in
the lives of its students.
For 110 years, Bluefield State College’s commitment of “making education
possible” has opened doors of opportunity for our graduates and their families, as
well as the region, state, nation, and world that benefit from the work of those who
studied here. It is particularly heartening to learn of the achievements of our alum-
ni and employees that are included within the pages of this publication.
Thanks for your interest in Bluefield State College. We are grateful for your
support and input.
Board of Governor’s News
The Bluefield State College Board of Governors received news of the reap-
pointment of three members and the appointment of one new member on October
27. In a letter to West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland, Governor Joe
Manchin confirmed the reappointments of Norris Kantor, Dr. Lyn Guy, and Anne
Crowe, as well as the appointment of James J. Palmer, III to the BSC governing
board. At its November 17 meeting, the Board elected Norris Kantor as chair, and
Jeffrey Forlines as vice chair.
Mr. Palmer replaces John Barnes, recently retired from the Board. He had
served as a member of the Board since its establishment (initially as an advisory
board, later becoming a governing board) in 1999. Mr. Barnes had also served as
Board chairman since 2003. Other members of the 2005-06 BSC Board of
Governors include Dr. Louis Aikens, Mr. John E. Caffrey, the Reverend Garry D.
Moore, Sr., Mr. Jack Stafford, Mr. Eli Sharp (student representative), Mr. Daniel L.
Frost (classified staff representative), Dr. Norman Mirsky (faculty representative).
Mr. Edward Knight, III, chair of the New River Community and Technical College
Board of Governors, serves as an ex-officio member of the BSC Board.
The Institutional Board of Governors, established by state statute, oversees the
operation of Bluefield State College. The Board’s duties include determining, con-
trolling, and supervising all financial affairs of the institution; developing a master
plan for the Institutional Compact and submitting an annual report to the West
Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC); submitting a budget
request to HEPC; reviewing all academic programs at the institution every five
years; exercising exclusive authority to approve teacher education programs at the
institutional level; administering personnel pursuant to uniform rule; administering
grievances; appointment and dismissal of the President, and evaluating the
President every four years. Other duties involve entering into consortium agree-
ments, delegating power to the President, abiding by existing rules regarding
acceptance of advanced placement credit, acquiring legal fees, setting tuition and
fees, and rescinding delegation of power to the President when necessary.
“Foot Strategies, LLC” Partners with BSC-Based
Organizations to Establish Technology-Reliant
Orthotics Design and Production Center
Their “blueprint” for success is a
“footprint.” Foot Strategies, LLC
recently announced plans to bring
together into one downtown
Bluefield, West Virginia location a
variety of business and educational
entities with a focus upon revolution-
izing the measurement, design, manu-
facture and shipping of custom-made
shoes and orthotics. Their manufac-
turing and sales center in the
Bluefield State College Research and
Development (BSC R&D)
Corporation Building is projected to
create more than 200 jobs within the
next three years.
Partnering with the Center for
Applied Research and Technology
(CART) at BSC and the BSC R&D
Corporation, and in conjunction with
relationships at the state and local
level, Foot Strategies will implement,
market, and utilize new technologies
to redesign the entire process
involved in the orthotic process.
“Our strategy is to develop the
most sophisticated foot scanning and
integrated manufacturing system in
the world, in conjunction with BSC
and CART,” noted Steve Kamalic,
Foot Strategies’ president. A foot
scanning system developed by CART
will permit the direct manufacture of
a commercially deployable, dynamic
imaging system that can be used for
the design, fabrication, and fitting of
custom orthotics, he explained.
Kamalic was extremely enthusiastic
about the partnership with BSC,
CART, and BSC R&D. Kamalic
added “We brought an idea to BSC
R&D and they filled in the blanks,
focused on our needs and brought in
the experts to make this a reality.”
“CART will integrate optical laser
scanning sensors and intelligent com-
munication systems on a portable,
three-dimension foot-scanning plat-
form,” added Bruce Mutter, CART's
director. CART will also integrate a
web-based communication system to
transmit measurement, viewing, print-
ing, milling, and lasting data files via
the Internet.
Through West Virginia’s econom-
ic development program, Foot
Strategies will hire, train, and re-edu-
cate a staff drawn from the local work
force. The company anticipates hir-
ing 35 employees in the first phase of
operations, with its staff expected to
grow to more than 200 over three
years. Plans call for the establishment
of a manufacturing center, distribution
center, and sales-based call center.
Production could begin as early as
Spring 2006, according to an organi-
zational timeline. Plans also include
at least one major medical conference
to be held in the area each year.
Dr. Leonard Horowitz, a Board-
certified podiatrist who is Foot
Strategies’ Medical Director, added, “I
am most excited about the prospect of
combining BSC’s scientific skills with
the farsightedness of Bluefield, WV’s
business community to produce the
engine for new jobs in our ‘Four
Seasons Country.’”
“The mission of the BSC
Research and Development
Corporation is to serve as a catalyst
for aggressive community and eco-
nomic development through high
quality education and productive busi-
ness development, and by fostering
diverse employment opportunities,”
added Gerald James, Director of
Projects and Planning/BSC R&D
Corporation. “This project is a won-
derful example of local, county, and
state government partnering with
business and higher education to
bring new technology, processes, and
BLUE AND GOLD
products to the marketplace.”
James expressed special apprecia-
tion to Dr. Albert Walker, Dr. Felica
Blanks, Bruce Mutter, Norris Kantor,
Joe Hunnicutt, Mark Henne, and Janet
Bailey for their assistance throughout
the project development process,
along with Foot Strategies’ officials
Steve Kamalic, Dr. Lenny Horowitz,
and Dr. David Tsui.
In Memoriam
Dr. Helmut Nienstadt
Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Helmut Nienstadt, a
member of the Bluefield State
College faculty for nearly 17
years, passed away on October
31, 2005. He began teaching
at BSC in 1986, serving on sev-
eral committees, and he was
involved in grant writing and
community service initiatives.
Prior to his arrival at BSC,
Dr. Nienstadt served as a facul-
ty member at several institu-
tions of higher education,
including the University of
Connecticut, Western
Connecticut State College,
State University of New York
(Oneonta), and Pan American
University. He held a Ph.D.
from Yeshiva University and a
master's degree from San
Francisco State College, follow-
ing his graduation from the
University of California-
Berkeley.
NOVEMBER 2005 3
BSC Evolves to Meet Students’ Education Needs
students’ social and recreational
options have been enhanced, as well.
With a steadily growing percentage of
minority students, we serve the sec-
ond most diverse student body among
all colleges and universities in West
Virginia.
Academically, new degree pro-
grams, majors, and specializations
John Cardwell have been developed. Among these
Executive Director of
are a four-year Radiologic Technology
Enrollment Management
specialization and a Pre-Medicine
specialization. New minors have been
Bluefield State College is growing developed, and can be added to exist-
and changing as a baccalaureate insti- ing degrees, including Biology,
tution, with an emphasis on meeting Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Forensic
the evolving and emerging opportuni- Science, Geography, History,
ties of education, business and indus- Literature, Mass Communication,
try. Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology
Expanded student housing options and Writing. Within the Computer
permit more students from outside the Science degree there are now three
immediate area to attend BSC. Our different tracks: Programming,
Engineering Technology Programs at Bluefield State College
Reaccredited by ABET through 2011
The Accreditation Board for Technology and Computer Science.
Engineering and Technology (ABET) This process, which is conducted by
has reaccredited engineering technolo- approximately 1500 ABET volunteers lished annually by ABET on its web-
gy programs at Bluefield
State College through
September 30, 2011. ABET The Bluefield State College programs to receive ABET
very recently released reaccreditation include:
announced the decision fol-
lowing its thorough evalua- Architectural Engineering Technology (AS)
tion of the programs that Architectural Engineering Technology (BS)
included its representative Civil Engineering Technology (AS)
team’s site visit and recom- Civil Engineering Technology (BS)
mendation. Electrical Engineering Technology (AS)
“Bluefield State Electrical Engineering Technology (BS)
College elects to participate Mechanical Engineering Technology (AS)
in this accreditation Mechanical Engineering Technology (BS)
process,” noted Professor
Frank Hart, BSC
Dean/School of Engineering from the professional community, is
designed to advance and assure the
4 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD
Networking, and Information
Technology. Each has been designed
to equip our students with the knowl-
edge and skills that will prepare them
for productive, fulfilling careers.
BSC is still the most affordable
public college in the region and com-
bines leading-edge technology and
technique in the classroom with
smaller college friendliness and con-
cern for each student.
Bluefield State College continues
to position itself as a distinctive
choice among area colleges by
emphasizing strengths in allied health
and technology-related degrees.
While these are high-cost programs,
BSC remains committed to seeking
the resources to provide our students
with the most cost-effective education
possible.
quality of professional education.” A
list of accredited programs is pub-
site: www.abet.org
“Bluefield State
College is extremely proud
and gratified that our engi-
neering technology pro-
grams have met the rigor-
ous standards required for
ABET accreditation,”
added Dr. Albert Walker,
BSC President. “This vali-
dates the quality of the
programs, the excellence of
our faculty, the relevance
of the programs’ academic
content, and the very high
caliber of our engineering technology
graduates.”
 From the School of Arts and Sciences
by Dr. Martha Eborall, Interim Dean
From the theatrical stage to the
biomedical research laboratory, the
School of Arts and Sciences offers
the widest array of academic oppor-
tunities at Bluefield State College.
The School offers the following
diversity of programs: Humanities
(with English and Pre-Law special-
izations), Social Science (with
Geography, History, Political
Science, Psychology, and Sociology
concentrations), Applied Science
(with Pre-Medicine, Radiologic
Sciences, and Interdisiplinary spe-
cializations), Criminal Justice
Administration (with Corrections and
Law Enforcement majors), and the
nontraditional Regents Bachelors of
Arts (with various areas of empha-
sis). Minors are available in biology,
chemistry, criminal justice, forensic
science, geography, history, litera-
ture, mass communications, mathe-
matics, psychology, sociology, and
writing.
The School of Arts and Sciences
builds the academic foundation for
BSC degrees and the structure for
graduate and advanced professional
degrees. The developmental courses
taught in the School make education
possible for all. The mentor and
research experiences in the capstone
courses provide students with the
professional development and the
competitive edge they need to suc-
ceed.
The School provides the region
with cultural enrichment through the-
atre and musical productions, art
exhibits, guest speakers, and travel
opportunities. The School faculty
continue to share their diverse
expertise through professional pre-
sentations, books, research publica-
tions and documentaries.

Brushfork Elementary School and BSC “Partner”

to Develop Fourth Grade Students’ Writing Skills
Three years ago, Dr. Tamara mates. BSC) recalled. “Jenny wanted me to
Meade accepted an invitation to help Three years ago, Hill contacted show her students how to proceed
cultivate Brushfork Elementary Bluefield State College to request help through the writing process more
School students’ writing skills. The in improving her students’ writing completely.” Although the students at
success of the collaboration BSC and at Brushfork represented
with Ms. Jenny Hill's fourth two distinctively different age
grade class has resulted in groups, many principles involved in
the extension of their part- the writing process remained the
nership. same. “Jenny and I have talked
Meade, an Associate about how to modify these princi-
Professor of English at ples so that they are tailored to the
Bluefield State College, vis- needs and skills of her students,”
its Ms. Hill’s class on a regu- Meade continued.
lar basis, where students “The students have built a founda-
incorporate the principles of tion for written communication,”
writing they've learned into Hill said. “They have learned how
essays that are well organ- to move from pre-writing through
ized, effectively constructed, Students in Ms. Jenny Hill's 4th grade class at the entire writing process. They
Brushfork Elementary School are pictured with Dr.
and interesting. “These stu- Tamara Meade (back row, left) and Ms. Hill (back row, will have their work published in a
dents have embraced the chal- right) during a recent writing skills workshop. Dr. booklet, and they have enjoyed the
lenge, and they are develop- Meade visits Ms. Hill's class on a regular basis, help- experience.”
ing skills that will serve them ing students develop their creative writing skills. “The entire exercise has been
well for the rest of their energizing,” Meade summarized.
lives,” Meade observed. Prior to the skills. “I was very impressed that Ms. “These young students have an enthu-
Thanksgiving break, students com- Hill would seek help and was equally siasm for learning and they enjoy
posed essays that detailed three things impressed that she asked Bluefield writing. I believe they look forward
for which they were thankful, then State College for that help,” Meade to our sessions. I know I do.”
they shared their narratives with class- (who teaches writing composition at

BLUE AND GOLD NOVEMBER 2005 5

Homecoming 2005 Recap
An ambitious 12-event schedule Cherish Blackwell (Miss Freshman). active week that also included a cam-
marked Bluefield State College’s Well known area educator and pus carnival and picnic, homecoming
2005 homecoming, October 3-8. administrator Janet Williams (BSC parade, golf outing, and homecoming
Utilizing the theme “Peace, Love, and Class of 1974) delivered the dance.
Happiness,” BSC’s weeklong program Founder’s Day address to wrap up an
began with homecoming court elec-
tions.
Amy McPherson, Vice
President/Student Government
Association, was elected “Miss BSC,”
and Matt Faubion, a member of the
BSC baseball team, was voted “Mr.
BSC.” McPherson is also a member
of Gamma Beta Phi and Gamma Mu
national honor socities, and she is
treasurer of Delta Chi Omega sorority.
Faubion is a member of Delta Mu
Delta and Phi Beta Lambda honor
societies. Other members of the 2005
homecoming court included Michelle
East (Miss Congeniality), Josh
Sizemore (Mr. Congeniality),
Angenetta Lane (Miss Senior),
Corneta Monroe (Miss Junior), Anita Amy A. McPherson (Miss BSC 2005), Dr. Albert Walker, Heidi Bolden (Miss BSC 2004)
Hylton-Curto (Miss Sophomore) and are pictured during the College’s 2005 Homecoming program.

BSC Alumni Association’s 2006 Reunion Information

by Deirdre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs
The Bluefield State College single/double room is $104 and a eral sale. You are entitled to one
Alumni Association, New York suite is $159. Based on availability, self-parking space per room reserved.
Chapter, is honored and pleased to this rate may be extended 3 days prior Reservations can be made by calling
host the BSCAA 2006 National and/or 3 days after scheduled arrival 800-266-9432.
Reunion in Atlanta, Georgia, on July and departure dates. Please remember
27-30, 2006. Some very exciting, to make your
educational, and fun activities have hotel reserva-
been planned. We are looking for- tions on or
ward to seeing you there. before
The deadline for the $85 registra- Tuesday, June
tion fee is June 13, 2006. The fee for 27, 2006.
children (12 and under) is $40. The After the cut-
registration fee is $95, children $45 off date,
after June 13 and on-site. Requests Tuesday, June
for refunds must be received no later 27, 2006, the
than June 26, 2006. Please make your hotel will
check payable to BSCAA—New York review our
Chapter and mail to BSCAA—New reservations
York Chapter, P. O. Box 301225, and release the
Jamaica, NY 11430. unreserved Several former BSC athletes met in Washington, DC earlier this year to
discuss plans for establishing a Bluefield State College Hall of Fame.
The Renaissance Hotel rate for a rooms for gen-

6 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD

National Science Foundation Awards $250K Grant
to Initiative Involving BSC, VA Tech, and
Galileo Magnet (Danville, VA) High School
Frank Hart, Dean, School of
Engineering Technology and
Computer Science
Bluefield State College, the
Galileo Magnet High School in
Danville, Virginia, and the Virginia
Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) at
Virginia Tech, recently received a
$250,000 grant to support a forward-
looking initiative for education in
cyberinfrastructure. The funds from
the National Science Foundation
(NSF) will be used over a period of
two years to develop and implement
the new course, broaden access of
high school and undergraduate stu-
dents to computer-related technolo-
gies, and encourage trained students
to pursue careers in informatics-relat-
ed projects.
Cyberinfrastructure is a relatively
new term for research environments
in which advanced computational,
data acquisition and management
services are made available to
researchers through high-performance
computer networks.
Frank Hart, Dean, School of
Engineering Technology and
Computer Science at Bluefield State
College, and a collaborator on this
grant, commented, “We are very
pleased to be part of what we see as a
groundbreaking educational project
for our students and faculty. Initiatives
of this type have the potential to drive
economic development in our region
by making sure that we are providing
our students — future members of the
workforce — with the right balance of
skills in key high-technology areas.”
BSC faculty members Dr. Martha
Eborall (Associate Professor of
Biology and Interim Dean, School of
Arts & Sciences), Bruce Mutter
(Associate Professor of Architectural
Engineering Technology), and Lionel
Craddock (Associate Professor of
Computer Science) will lead BSC’s
involvement in the project.

Beckley Campus
Associate Degree
Nursing “Breast
Cancer Expo”
A “Breast Cancer Expo” was pre-
sented by first year students in
Bluefield State College’s Associate
Degree Nursing Program on October
26 in Beckley.
Patient information and testimoni-
als were available, and proceeds from
a fund-raising activity at the event
were given to the “Relay for Life”
and to the “West Virginia Breast
Cancer and Cervical Screening
Program,” according to Debbie Vest, a
member of the College’s Associate
Degree Nursing faculty.
“This is a wonderful way for
these students to utilize their educa-
tion in a practical setting and, at the
same time, benefit the community,”
Vest noted.
BSC’s Sara Bulford Selected as
“Miss Southern West Virginia”
Sara Lynn Bulford, a junior at
Bluefield State College, was
crowned Miss Southern West
Virginia 2006. This 20-year old
Bluefield, West Virginia student is
majoring in Business Administration
with a specialization in accounting
and management. She will be rep-
resenting the southern part of the
state as she advances to compete
for the Miss West Virginia title in
June. For more information visit the
Southern West Virginia Pageant site
at www.southernwvpageants.org

BLUE AND GOLD NOVEMBER 2005 7

Bourne Honored as First Recipient of
James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business
Dr. Steve Bourne, the the Faculty Merit
first recipient of the Foundation of West
“James H. Shott Endowed Virginia’s “Professor of
Chair in Business” at the Year” award, and in
Bluefield State College, 1993 he received the BSC
was honored recently dur- Foundation “Outstanding
ing a luncheon program Faculty Award.” He is
that attracted community active in campus gover-
leaders, BSC faculty and nance and planning, hav-
staff, and members of the ing served on the BSC
honoree’s family. Board of Governors and
Dr. Elaine Scott, Dean the College Council.
of the BSC School of Bourne expressed
Business, introduced pro- appreciation for the sup-
gram speakers, including port of his family, the
John C. Shott, who reflect- Dr. Steve Bourne (right) was the guest of honor at a recent Shott Foundation, and his
program that commemorated his selection as the first
ed upon the life entrepre- colleagues. “This is a
recipient of the "James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business"
neurial accomplishments at Bluefield State College. He is pictured with Dr. Debbie working chair and will
of his father, the late James Halsey-Hunter, former Dean of the BSC School of Business. advance the School of
H. Shott (for whom the Business,” he said. “This
Endowed Chair in has taught at the College for 27 years. year’s project is the estab-
Business is named). “When I think of Additionally, he has 20 years’ experi- lishment of a Masters in Business
my dad,” Shott noted, “I know he ence as a management consultant and Administration (MBA) program. Our
must have been one heck of a good is a labor arbitrator and member of goal is to have the program in place
businessman. Steve, my father would the Federal Mediation and by the start of next year’s fall semes-
have been very pleased with your Conciliation Service Roster for West ter.” Bourne’s appointment as
selection as the first (endowed) chair.” Virginia and Virginia. A year ago, endowed chair is for a three-year
Bourne is a tenured full professor Bourne was one of three finalists for term.
in College’s School of Business and

BSC Named One of “America’s Best Colleges”

for Sixth Consecutive Year
For the sixth consecutive year,
Bluefield State College has been
selected as one of “America’s Best
Colleges” by US News & World
Report. The publication bases its
annual selection of America’s out-
standing institutions of higher educa-
tion on a variety of factors, including
academic programs, faculty qualifica-
tions, students' success, support, etc.
BSC was listed among the best col-
leges/comprehensive in the nation.
“Our focus upon quality academic
programs — 15 of which are national-
ly accredited — affordability, faculty
qualifications, and a student-centered
climate are some of the reasons we
have grown,” noted BSC President
Dr. Albert Walker. “We look forward
to the future.”
“We can offer the degree pro-
grams business is buying,” added
John Cardwell, BSC’s Executive
Director of Enrollment Management.
“We’ve been able to utilize a variety
of initiatives to expand opportunities
for students to earn their degrees, and
the response at the May 2005 com-
mencement program--500 graduates
and 5000 people in attendance--
demonstrates how many lives
Bluefield State College has been able
to touch.”
The College has achieved national
recognition for its recent success in
student engineering technology com-
petitions, allied health sciences gradu-
ates’ licensure passage rates, and
entrepreneurial initiatives.

8 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC’s Faculty and Staff Accomplishments
Dr. Felicia Wooten Blanks,
Executive Director of Institutional
Development and Advancement and
Director of Title III, received the
Education Award at the 3rd annual
West Virginia Minority Business
Development Awards ceremony in
Charleston, West Virginia.
Dr. Alma Bennett, Assistant
Professor of Speech, presented a
paper at the Popular Culture
Association/American Culture
Association regional conference in
Jacksonville, Florida in October.
Dr. Bernadette Dragich,
Professor of Nursing and “George M.
Cruise Endowed Chair of Nursing,”
was a featured presenter at the recent
38th Biennial Convention of the
Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma
Theta Tau International, in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Dragich made
a presentation during the symposium,
“Leader’s Role in the Creation of a
Caring Environment.” The sympo-
Center for Applied Research & Technology at BSC Receives
$43K Grant from Rahall Transportation Institute
The Center for Applied
Research and Technology (BSC-
CART) at Bluefield State
College will receive more than
$43,000 through an agreement
with the Marshall University
Research Corporation on behalf
of the Nick J. Rahall, II
Appalachian Transportation
Institute (RTI). The agreement
may be renewed annually through the
year 2010.
The grant underwrites BSC-
CART’s costs related to providing
campus coordination services for the
Rahall Appalachian Transportation
Institute. The Institute was established
sium explored theoretical constructs
from nursing education and feminist
literature with a focus upon develop-
ing a model of caring in nursing edu-
cation.
Dr. Cravor Jones, Director of
Counseling Center, received his
Ph.D., majoring in counselor educa-
tion, from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg,
Virginia in May 2005.
The fourth regional fishing book
by Dr. Michael Smith, Associate
Professor of English, was recently
published. Fishing the Greenbrier
Valley: An Angler’s Guide includes
information to enhance the fisher-
man’s appreciation for, and under-
standing of, the challenges and oppor-
tunities embodied in the sport
throughout the lakes and streams of
the Greenbrier Valley region. Smith
has also written books that serve as an
angler’s guide for regions that include
the Roanoke Valley, New River
Valley, and Shenandoah Valley.
at Marshall University through a $12
million grant funded by the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s
Research and Special Program
Administration as a University
Transportation Center (UTC). RTI is
one of 33 UTC’s funded by the
Department of Transportation and
BLUE AND GOLD
Dr. James Voelker, Associate
Professor of Political Science, attend-
ed a teaching institute designed to
examine the political and scientific
ramifications of nuclear nonprolifera-
tion. The “2005 Summer Institute on
Teaching Nonproliferation” at
Washington & Lee University attract-
ed an international audience of 35
researchers and educators. The work-
shop was designed to help instructors
prepare course materials related to
weapons of mass destruction and non-
proliferation.
Dr. Anthony Woart, Director of
the Minority Health Institute and a
member of the BSC faculty, was
extended special recognition at the
Minority Access National Role
Models Conference in Las Vegas,
Nevada in September. He also served
as an expert panelist who considered
the topic, “Searching for Solutions in
Campus Laboratories.”
includes BSC among three col-
laborative institutions of higher
education.
Among CART’s duties are the
coordination of all activities
related to the program at BSC,
acting as a liaison between the
Rahall Transportation Institute
and its staff at Marshall and
other collaborative institutions,
and representing RTI at various public
and private meetings.
Additional information about
CART-related initiatives can be
viewed on the web at
www.cartlink.org
NOVEMBER 2005 9
Area Residents’ Generosity Helps Hurricane Katrina
Evacuees through Relief Program Initiated by
Minority Health Institute of BSC
Four Seasons Country residents
have responded with generosity to
assist Hurricane Katrina victims now
living in the area. Through a program
established by the Minority Health
Institute at Bluefield State College,
more than 1500 articles of clothing,
250 food items, and $500 in monetary
donations have been received and are
being distributed to individuals and
families displaced by the hurricanes
and now living in the area. Dr.
Anthony Woart, Director of the
BSC’s Second Year Nursing Students
Collect Nearly 4000 Pairs of White Socks Technology
for Diabetics Displaced by Hurricanes
Two months and nearly 4000 the south and in Mexico. 100% Passage Rate
pairs of white socks after they
launched their effort, second year stu-
dents in the Bluefield State College
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
program have sent those socks to dia-
betics displaced by the recent series of
hurricanes in the southern United
States and Mexico. The socks can
improve these victims’ ability to avoid
dangerous, diabetes-related foot ill-
nesses.
“Each year, our second year stu-
dents launch a service project that
addresses adult health challenges,”
noted Sandra Wynn, Interim ADN
program director. “This project focus-
es on a chronic illness, diabetes.”
Major complications facing diabetics
include foot ulcers, a heightened risk
for foot infections, and even amputa-
tions. The students collected 3992
pairs of brand new socks, which have
been shipped to hurricane victims in
10 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD
Minority Health Institute, reported
that there are eight victims of the hur-
ricane now residing in Princeton or
Bluefield.
“Hurricane Katrina was a natural
disaster that has psychological and
physical implications,” Woart noted.
“People from all walks of life have
responded liberally to the opportunity
to help, and we will continue to serve
as a ‘Katrina Relief Donations Center’
for the foreseeable future, even after
federal and state programs of this type
Radiologic
Graduates Achieve
“This threat is particularly acute
for diabetics affected by hurricanes,
because of the unclean living condi-
tions that can develop after disasters
of this magnitude,” Wynn observed,
adding that the American Diabetes
Association had launched a campaign
to collect and distribute diabetes med-
ications to Hurricane Katrina vic-
tims—an initiative that gave rise to
the BSC students’ project to collect
white cotton socks.
“The students really embraced the
idea,” Wynn continued. “They
received support from churches, the
region, and the College community.
This project helps our students assist
people whose lives have been impact-
ed by this disaster, and at the same
time, it is a vivid reminder to our stu-
dents that diabetics need to keep their
feet protected.”
have ended.”
“This has been a wonderful
opportunity for the Minority Health
Institute and for the residents of this
area to help the community of which
the College is a part,” Woart added.
Additional information can be
obtained by contacting Dr. Woart
(304) 327-4393 or (304) 327-4154 at
the BSC Research and Development
Corporation.
Bluefield State College’s 2005
Radiologic Technology graduates
have achieved a 100% passage rate on
the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists’ certification exam.
BSC RadTech program director
Melissa Haye has also confirmed that
100% of the students who sought
employment after graduation in May,
2005 are employed in their field.
“They are employed in areas includ-
ing general radiography, MRI,
radiation therapy, and computerized
tomography,” she said.
The BSC RadTech program is
accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT),
having received official notification
that it had been awarded continuing
national accreditation of eight years
from JRCERT in October, 2001.
Biomedical Research at BSC Focuses on Prevention and
Early Detection of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Dr. Tesfaye Belay
Assistant Professor of Research
The recently augmented biomed-
ical research capabilities at Bluefield
State College and the addition of Dr.
Tesfaye Belay as a member of BSC’s
faculty have paved the way for the
College to conduct research focusing
on methods of early detection and
prevention of sexually transmitted dis-
eases (STDs).
Dr. Belay, who recently joined the
BSC faculty after conducting post-
doctoral research at Georgia State
University and Clark Atlanta
University, has designed a research
initiative that considers the effect of
stress on the infection and transmis-
sion of chlamydia genital infection.
In addition, Dr. Belay intends to
expand community-based research to
increase public awareness and knowl-
edge of STDs, focus upon factors that
contribute to the transmission of
STDs, develop strategies to prevent
the spread of STDs.
Assisted significantly through a
grant from the West Virginia Idea
Network for Biomedical Research
Excellence (WV-INBRE) and the
Minority Health Institute at BSC, the
College has established a biomedical
research laboratory and is now a par-
ticipant in a statewide higher educa-
tion research network. “Through this
research laboratory, we can now pro-
mote basic biomedical research,
acquire extramural grant support, and
disseminate information on our
research findings to the scientific
community,” Dr. Belay continued.
His research initiative will also
help to prepare, motivate, and support
BSC students--particularly underrep-
resented minority students--to become
involved in research. “Additionally, a
plan is underway to seek funding to
provide opportunities to high school
students who can gain summer
research experience at the College in
the near future,” he explained.

Spring
Semester
Registration
January 12 and 13, 2006

Classes Start
January 17, 2006

For additional
information,
call (304) 327-4065
Well known Bluefield photographer Mel Grubb (left) and
BSC President Dr. Albert Walker visit during Grubb’s photo exhibit www.bluefieldstate.edu
at the Hebert Gallery, Harris-Jefferson Student Center.

BLUE AND GOLD NOVEMBER 2005 11

 From the Desk of Dr. Louis Aikens
President, Bluefield State College Alumni Association, Inc.
Greetings! This has been an exciting year. As we close out this calendar year, I con-
tinue to be both delighted and saddened. In the area of delights, I am of the opinion that
we have accomplished some significant things during 2005.
First of all, our $100,000 obligation to the College for the renovation of Hatter Hall
has finally been completely paid, largely due to the consistent work of our Hatter Hall
Committee. This committee has worked tirelessly in managing several fund raising activ-
ities directed at members of the Alumni Association who responded exceptionally well.
Both the committee and the responding members are due our sincerest thanks and con-
gratulations.
Dr. Louis Aikens
Secondly, our Scholarship Committee successfully completed the distribution of
grants to BSC students for the 2004-05 academic year. While $15,000 was appropriated for this program and approx-
imately 30 students applied, many of whom did not qualify, 15 grants were awarded. Three of the awardees declined
the grant, leaving a total of twelve students who received grants of $1,000 each.
Another delight resulted from a meeting of former athletes of BSC, who met during the past summer in a “get
together” in the Washington, DC area. Included in the many discussions, the idea of a BSC Hall of Fame was dis-
cussed. Subsequently, a committee was formed and that committee is in the process of developing plans for the start
of a BSC Hall of Fame. You will be hearing more of this at a later date.
In another instance, after a request from the coaches of the men’s and women’s basketball teams, we were suc-
cessful in encouraging members of the Association to contribute to a fund set up to provide a “meal program” for the
team members.
While these are just some of the delights, we continue to struggle with, and I am personally saddened by our
membership situation. As I have stated before, for some reasons (and I wish I knew what they were) graduates of the
1960’s through 2005 have not, with a few exceptions, joined the Association. Consequently, what we have is essen-
tially a black Alumni Association and that should at least be disturbing to some of you as it is to me. I am again
extending my hand to those hundred of graduates and soliciting their membership in an organization that with proper
backing could be a more tremendous asset to our College. It continues to be amazing that a little effort from a lot of
people can go a long way. Become a part of the solution.

Attention Graduates


Now is the time to join the Bluefield State College Alumni Association. Annual dues are $30 and
Life Membership is $300. Please complete the information below, detach, make checks payable to
BSCAA and mail to:
Mildred Washington, Chairperson
450 W Columbus St.
Pickerington, OH 43147

Name Class of

Address

Telephone

E-mail

12 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD

Alumni Updates
Alumni Updates
Requested
If you have received awards, pro-
motions, accomplishments, recog-
nition, have married or recently
welcomed an addition to your
family, please let us know.
Mail your news to
Karen Gordon
College and Media Relations
Bluefield State College
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
by FAX to 304-327-4581or by e-
mail to kgordon@bluefield
state.edu
1960s
Ruth Payne Brown, Ph.D.,
(1955) attended and represented the
Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority at its
Leadership Conference. The confer-
ence, “The Spirit of Leadership” was
held August 2-7, 2005 in Paradise
Island, Bahamas. Dr. Brown, a
Golden Soror, was also recently
elected as Vice President for
Operations for Epsilon Omega chap-
ter in Baltimore. She was initiated
into the Beta Omicron chapter, Alpha
Kappa Alpha at Bluefield State
College and served as its President
as well as Dean of Pledges during
her tenure as a student.
1960s
Gloria Jackson-Gibson (1968)
retired from the Alexandria (Virginia)
City School System after 36 years of
service in the field of education. Her
career began in the Newark (New
Jersey) City Schools where she
taught social studies and English.
She earned a master's degree in
special education from Trinity College
and while teaching in Alexandria, two
educational initiatives afforded her
the opportunity to visit and observe
schools in Cuba and Durban, South
Africa.
Betty Crews Graves (1961)
competed in the Northern Virginia,
state and national Senior Olympics.
She won gold and silver medals in
region and state and a fourth place in
bowling at nationals in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. She also participated
in the Mrs. Virginia Senior Pageant
and won three awards. She retired
from the Fairfax County School sys-
tem in 2001.
King Harvey, Jr. (1961) was
appointed to the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Review
Committee and to the Grievance
Panel for a three-year term. He is
president of the North Lake
Community of over 800 homes in
Roanoke, Virginia.
The Reverend Konnie G.
Robinson (1966) was honored with
the Citation Award by the Eastern
Regional Conference of the National
Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. in
April 2005. In June 2005 he celebrat-
ed his “Twentieth Pastoral
Anniversary” at the Union Chapel
Baptist Church in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina. He is a retired high
school guidance counselor from the
Forsyth County School system in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
1970s
Cathy Hoops Blevins (1976)
received the Newspaper in Education
Award for her innovative approach to
using a newspaper in her civics
classes at the 30th annual Fall
Conference of the Southwest Virginia
Reading Council. She is a teacher at
Graham Middle School in Bluefield,
Virginia.
James S. Hoge (1977), general
manager and president of Z88.3, a
group of not-for-profit Christian radio
stations in Orlando, Florida, received
two awards (Large Market of the
BLUE AND GOLD
Year and Rob Gregory Award) from
the Gospel Music Association.
Vernon Oakes, (1970) president
and founder of Oakes Management,
Inc. in Washington, D.C., has accept-
ed an invitation
to serve on the
Board of
Directors of the
West Virginia
Access Center
for Higher
Education
(WVACHE). He recently announced
the establishment of the Bluefield
High School Alumni Scholarship.
The Community Foundation of the
Virginia's manages this newly estab-
lished scholarship fund.
1980s
Catherine A. Hendrickson
(1983) was promoted from Inventory
Specialist to Senior Inventory
Specialist for the internal audit
department at Home Depot. She is
responsible for the Baltimore/
Washington, DC market of 75 stores.
J. Gregory Spry (1983/1984) is
employed as a Production Supervisor
at Cardinal IG, a new state-of-the-art
insulating glass manufacturing facility
in Vinton, Virginia.
1990s
C. David Gilmore (1993) is an
Assistant Professor of Nuclear
Medicine at Massachusetts College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in
Boston. He is also the clinical coor-
dinator for the program which has
clinical affiliates with the Harvard
Medical School hospitals in Boston,
Massachusetts.
Robert Head (1990) received a
first place award in poetry for his
work, “The Resurrection of Osceola”
from the West Virginia Writers, Inc. in
June 2005.
(Continued on page 14)
NOVEMBER 2005 13
Alumni Updates
continued from page 13
Cynthia Leigh Higgins (1997)
was promoted to Vice President-
Internal Audit and Compliance Officer
at First Century Bank, N.A., in
Bluefield, West Virginia.
Eric Hontz (1997) and his wife,
Amy, announce the birth of their
daughter, Riley Marie, born October
15, 2004. He is a certified personal
trainer at Cross Court Athletic Club in
Easton, Maryland.
Patricia Mullens (1995), a nurs-
ing faculty member at Cabarrus
College of Health Sciences Concord,
North Carolina, received the 2005
“Educational Excellence Award.” The
award is presented to the faculty
member who exemplifies excellence
in teaching and excels in the college
learning environment.
Selena Smith (1996) received a
master degree in health administra-
tion from Pfeiffer University. She is
employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield
of North Carolina in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina.
Samantha Keene Williams
(1998) received a Masters of
Education degree in Curriculum and
Instruction from Averett University,
Danville, Virginia in April 2005. She is
employed by the Pittsylvania County
School System as a sixth grade sci-
ence teacher.
2000s
Samantha G. Berry (2005) mar-
ried Jason E. Choate (2003) on
August 20, 2005. She is employed at
Princeton Community Hospital as a
radiologic technolgist and he is a ser-
geant in the West Virginia Amy
National Guard’s 1st 150th Armor
Battalion in Brushfork, West Virginia.
Scott Britton (2000) and
Amanda England (2001) announce
their engagement and an August 2006
wedding is planned.
Van Dillon (2002) received a
Masters of Divinity degree from the
Candler School of Theology of Emory
University. He was appointed by the
Baltimore-Washington Conference of
the United Methodist Church to serve
as the parish coordinator of the West
Morgan Parish.
Ryan S. Farmer (2004) married
Amy Adkisson in January 2005. He is
a staff engineer for Civil and
Environmental Consultants, Inc. in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rebecca A. Johnson (2000)
married George A. Shupe on June 4,
2005. She is employed as a laborato-
ry technician at Clinch Valley Medical
Center in Richlands, Virginia.
Melissa Dawn Leedy (2002)
married Kennith Leslie Cumbow on
October 22, 2005.
Kimberly Ann Long (2002) mar-
ried Stephen A. Barnes on May 7,
2005. She is employed as the region-
al property manager for A.J. Dwoskin
& Associates, Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia.
Heather Sue Meadows (2004)
married Kevin David Clay on August
12, 2005. She is employed by the
Citizens Conservation Corps as the
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Coordinator.
Jennifer Boothe (2001) married
Stephen Johnson on October 14,
2005. She is a database technician
for the Admissions Office at Bluefield
State College.

Alumni Obituaries
The Bluefield State College community was deeply saddened by news of the In Memoriam
death of several alumni listed on this page. Among those passing away recently
were Willis C. Gravely (Class of 1936), Dr. Mary W. Martin Claytor (Class of Charles Edward Beckett
1949) and Ms. Hattie Holley Heath (Class of 1922).
Lloyd E. Bond
Mr. Gravely was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BSC, who managed the
debate team and sang in two college choirs. He enjoyed a distinguished career as Robert D. Cartwright
an educator, and he was a founding member of the BSC Alumni Association’s Virginia Thompson Craig
Cincinnati chapter and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He composed Richard L. Gainer
the poem, “The Big Blues,” which has been placed among the historical papers dis- Eugene Ray Hager
played in Hatter Hall.
Leroy High
Dr. Claytor, after graduating from BSC, earned her Masters and Ph.D. degrees
from West Virginia University and The Ohio State University. She taught in public John Douglas Kidd
schools in West Virginia and Ohio and was a leading developer of the Columbus Jerry Michael McConnell
Public School Counseling System. David Lee Sammons
Ms. Heath, 103, was the most senior alumna of Bluefield State College. She Arthur F. Thomas
began teaching at an elementary school for African-American children in Tazewell
Debra Meadows Thomas
County, also serving as principal, mentor, and role model. In 1966, she was named
“Teacher of the Year” by the Jeffersonville Women’s Club. In 1999, the Tazewell Alan “Scotty” Tucker, Sr.
Town Council designated July 10 as “Hattie Holley Heath Day,” in recognition of
her lifelong commitment to education and community.

14 NOVEMBER 2005 - BLUE AND GOLD

 BSC Men’s Basketball Schedule
January 5 Salem International Salem, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 7 West Virginia State Institute, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 12 Concord University Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 14 University of Charleston Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 16 Ohio Valley Parkersburg, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 19 Alderson & Broaddus Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 21 West Virginia Wesleyan Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 26 Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV 7:30 p.m.
January 28 Glenville State University Glenville, WV 7:30 p.m.

February 2 West Virginia Tech Montgomery, WV 7:30 p.m.

February 4 Fairmont State College Fairmont, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 10 Wheeling Jesuit Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 11 West Liberty State Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 16 Concord University Athens, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 18 Davis & Elkins Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 20 West Virginia Tech Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 23 West Virginia State Bluefield, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 25 University of Charleston Charleston, WV 7:30 p.m.
February 28 WVIAC Tournament TBA TBA

BSC Women’s Basketball Schedule

January 5 Salem International Salem, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 12 Concord University Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 14 University of Charleston Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 16 Ohio Valley Parkersburg, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 19 Alderson & Broaddus Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 21 West Virginia Wesleyan Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 26 Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV 5:15 p.m.
January 28 Glenville State Glenville, WV 5:15 p.m.

February 2 West Virginia Tech Montgomery, WV 5:15 p.m.

February 4 Fairmont State Fairmont, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 6 District of Columbia Bluefield, WV 6:30 p.m.
February 10 Wheeling Jesuit Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 11 West Liberty State Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 16 Concord University Athens, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 18 Davis & Elkins Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 20 West Virginia Tech Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 23 West Virginia State Bluefield, WV 5:15 p.m.
February 27 WVIAC Tournament TBA TBA

BLUE AND GOLD NOVEMBER 2005 15

Raleigh County’s Charles
Richmond Named Outstanding
Freshman at BSC’s School of
Engineering Technology and
Computer Science
Charles “Tommy” Richmond has been named the out-
standing freshman in the School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science at Bluefield State
College. He will receive the “Claude B. Dalton Award” in
recognition of his outstanding academic performance.
Richmond, from Daniels, West Virginia, is majoring in
Civil Engineering Technology.
The award was established in honor of the late Claude
B. Dalton, who taught mathematics to engineering tech-
nology and computer science to BSC students for more
than 20 years. “He was regularly recognized for his abili-
ty to reach a broad cross-section of freshmen in mathemat-
ics,” noted Frank Hart, Dean/BSC School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science. “Graduates often
attribute a significant measure of their success in college
to their experience as students of Professor Dalton.”
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
Address Service Requested
www.bluefieldstate.edu
Panama Canal Cruise
12 Day - 11 Night
“Brilliance of the Seas”
The Columbus chapter of the Bluefield State
College Alumni Association presents a 12 day/11 night
Panama Canal cruise. The Royal Caribbean Cruise
Lines cruise liner, “Brilliance of the Seas,” will depart
from Miami, Florida on November 20, 2006, with ports
of call including Aruba, Curacao, Panama, and Costa
Rica. Rates begin at $2082 (per person, double occu-
pancy, including cruise, port charges, airfare from
Columbus, government fees, taxes, and transfers). An
initial deposit of $550 per person is required to secure
reservations and assign cabin numbers.
Final balance is due by August 11, 2006.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting
Ms. Mildred Washington (614) 837-6632.
STD MAIL A
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #139
Bluefield, WV 24701