Blue Gold

Volume XII
and
June
No. 2 2007
 2006-2007
Board of Governors
Norris Kantor, Esq.
Chair
Mr. Jeffrey Forlines
Vice Chair
Dr. Louis Aikens
Ms. Anne Crowe
Dr. Lyn Guy
Larry Morhous, Esq.
James J. Palmer, III, Esq.
John H. Shott, Esq.
Gloria Stephens, Esq.
Dr. Norman Mirsky
Faculty Representative
Mr. Daniel L. Frost
Classified Staff Representative
Mr. Kevin Pruitt
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
Ms. Karen Harvey
Director of Institutional
Advancement & Planning
Mr. Jim Nelson
Assistant to the President/
Director, Institutional/Media
Relations
Ms. Dedriell Taylor
Interim Director of Multicultural
Affairs
Ms. Leah Taylor
Director of Human Resources
Blue and Gold
A quarterly publication for alumni
and friends of Bluefield State
College. This project is underwritten
by the Federal Title III/BRACE
Program.
2 JUNE 2007 BLUE AND GOLD
A Message from the President
Each new semester in higher education is filled
with challenges, achievements, and a few surprises.
However, one of the most fulfilling events of our aca-
demic year at Bluefield State College occurs every May
when we salute the achievements of a new graduating
class, shaking their hands as they walk across the stage
at commencement. Now, the BSC Class of 2007 has
moved on, some to postgraduate programs and others
into careers.
Dr. Albert L. Walker Commencement is a time for renewal at Bluefield
President
State College, and it is an important milestone in the
continuum of our fine institution. The return of our
graduates, many of whom are either moving forward in successful careers or have
retired after many fulfilling years on the job, is tremendously satisfying.
Additionally, the period after commencement provides the College with a time
to assess its focus, sustain ongoing improvements, and prepare to welcome another
new group of incoming students in August. These students will carry the same
hopes, dreams, and excitement about the academic experience that awaits them at
Bluefield State College.
The pages of this Blue & Gold are filled with stories of achievement involving
our students, graduates, faculty, and staff. They also provide compelling examples
of how the Bluefield State College family is making a positive difference in our
region, state, nation, and world.
As the Class of 2007 moves on and the mid-August start of another academic
year approaches, we truly look forward to the renewing process that takes place
here, and we are grateful for your support that is so valuable as Bluefield State
College fulfills its mission of “Making Education Possible.”
Board of Governor’s News
by Norris Kantor, Esq., Chair
Making a positive difference--in this region, the
state, the nation, and the world. That’s Bluefield State
College’s legacy. As I conclude this term as chair of
the BSC Board of Governors, a moment of reflection
has brought fourth so many examples of how this
College continues to add to the quality of life of its
students and alumni, along with those touched by the
BSC family.
As an example of our graduates’ global impact,
Norris Kantor
Sylvester Myers, a BSC alumnus, has returned to this
Chair
area after a 25-year career with the US Army Corps of
Engineers, including 11 years as a “budget watchdog”
on a $20 billion military construction project in Saudi Arabia.
On a local basis, the Bluefield State College Summer Recreational Camp has
provided the opportunity for more than 70 area youth to improve their physical fit-
ness, acquire good health habits and augment leadership skills. The camp offered
daily physical activity and life enrichment programs.
(continued on page 7)
350+ Degrees Awarded During BSC’s 2007 Commencement
More than 350 degrees were con-
ferred during Bluefield State
College’s 110th commencement
exercises at the Brushfork Armory,
May 12. Nearly 3000 people attend-
ed the program.
Dr. Bruce Flack, Director of
Academic Affairs and Vice
Chancellor for State Colleges of the
West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission delivered the
keynote address. He challenged and
encouraged the Class of 2007.
Dr. Robert N. Riggins (right) was named the “Bluefield State
“Living a good life involves equal College Foundation Outstanding Faculty Award”
measures of work, play, love, and recipient for 2007. He received the award
friendship,” he noted. “The key is from Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President.
balance. Also, remember to thank
those who helped you reach this
point in your lives today.”
The audience of family members
and friends of graduates and commu-
nity residents also received greetings
from BSC President Dr. Albert
Walker, BSC Board of Governors
Vice Chair Jeffrey Forlines, BSC
Alumni Association President Joseph
F. Lewis, BSC Student Government
Vice President Kevin Pruitt, Faculty
Senate Chair Assistant Professor
Angela Lambert, and Staff Council BSC senior Mychal Guyton (right) was selected to receive the
Chair Carol Baldwin. “Brian Delp Service Leadership Award,” presented by
Joseph Kevin Kessler, II Joan Buchanan, Student Services Specialist.
(Bachelor’s degree in Electrical
Engineering Technology) and Kristin
Renee Youther (Bachelor’s degree in
Nursing) were named co-valedictori-
ans with grade point averages of
3.99. Both are Princeton, West
Virginia residents. Connie F. McNeill
(Bachelor’s degree in Criminal
Justice Administration) of Bluefield,
West Virginia was the Class of
2007’s salutatorian (GPA—3.94).
BSC Alumni Association
President Joseph Lewis, administered
the alumni oath to all members of the
graduating class of 2007, providing Three members of the BSC Class of 1957 returned to their alma
each new graduate with a comple- mater to participate in the program on the golden anniversary
mentary membership to the Alumni of their graduation. Pictured left-to-right are Philip Horton,
Carl Boyd, and Larkin Rucker.
Association for one year.

BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 3

Numerous Projects Enhance Appearance of Campus
Shelia Johnson
Vice President
Financial and
Administrative Affairs
Several campus improvement
projects have Bluefield State College
moving “back to the future.” Two
large, graphics-enhanced electronic
marquees now welcome students,
employees, alumni, and guests to the
College, where they will next be
greeted by the sight of broad new
steps leading to the Hardway Library,
New electronic marquees provide a
dynamic, effective way to deliver
BSC’s message.
significantly increased access and
parking options, 36 banner flags, a
stately kiosk, academic and office sig-
nage beside each building, and eleva-
tor/roofing improvements.
“The electronic marquees have
generated a tremendous amount of
positive feedback from the campus
and community,” observed Shelia
Johnson, BSC’s Vice President for
Financial and Administrative Affairs.
“They provide attractive, full color
4 JUNE 2007 - BLUE AND GOLD
displays for conveying information
and for promoting events and accom-
plishments of the College and the
region.” The larger marquee, located
on U.S. Route 52 near Dickason Hall,
greets thousands of motorists each
day with a variety of messages on its
16’x19’ screen and structure. The
other marquee, adjacent to the Harris-
Jefferson Student Center, provides
updates for motorists and pedestrians
approaching the east entrance to the
campus.
An 18’ tall kiosk provides a warm
welcome to motorists utilizing the pri-
The BSC Student Government
mary Rt. 52 entrance to the College, Association purchased 36 banners
and updated signage adjacent to each now on display throughout
building makes the campus more visi- the campus.
tor-and-student friendly. “We have “We’re also very grateful for the
made a concerted effort through this generosity of the Student Government
process to reflect the traditions of the Association, which underwrote the
College,” Johnson said. “There’s a purchase of 36 banners and flags,
continuity in appearance involving the depicting Conley Hall and citing the
kiosk, the marquees, the signage, and year of Bluefield State College’s
the banners. All are blue and gold, establishment,” Johnson stated.
and they utilize the same style archi- More campus improvements are
tecture that is reflected in many of the also on the way, according to
signature buildings on campus.” Johnson. “Future projects include an
A variety of “Americans with evaluation to consider the prospect of
Disabilities Act” projects now a food court on the ground floor of
improve access to several campus the Basic Science Building, as well as
buildings, including Hatter Hall, a variety of electrical and mechanical
Conley Hall, and the Hardway upgrades, new flooring, window
Library. “The campus is safer and replacements, and air conditioning in
more accommodating,” Johnson
Mahood Hall,” she stated.
added. Two new parking lots, one
between Hatter Hall and Conley Hall
and the other on the east side of
Hatter Hall, will increase the Cover Photo
College’s parking capacity while con-
currently opening up more parking A stately kiosk at the west-
availability for students and employ- ern entrance to Bluefield
ees desiring to park near specific aca- State College now welcomes
demic buildings. all students, faculty, staff,
Additionally, new roofs have been and guests coming onto the
installed atop the Brown-Gilbert Basic
campus via U.S. Rt. 52. The
Science Building and the Ned E. Shott
kiosk is just one of several
Physical Education Building, and the
elevators serving the Basic Science campus enhancement proj-
Building have been upgraded. ects currently underway.
Well-Known Area Educator's $148K Bequest Establishes
Endowed Scholarship at Bluefield State College
During
nearly five
decades as
an educator
and adminis-
trator, Billy
G. Moore
relied on a
Billy G. Moore
recipe that
Educator balanced
guidance,
discipline, and compassion, and
helped thousands of Mercer County
students. Now, his commitment to
education will be extended perpetual-
ly through the bequest of nearly
$148,000 from his estate.
“His very thoughtful, generous
gift will be used to establish the ‘B.G.
Moore Scholarship’ for students
majoring in teacher education,” noted
Karen Harvey, Director of
Institutional Advancement and
Planning at Bluefield State College.
“We are extremely grateful. This
endowed scholarship opens the door
of opportunity for deserving students
who, upon graduation, can extend Mr.
Moore’s love of learning to many
generations of students.”
Mr. Moore was a lifelong resident
of the Bramwell area and a World
War II veteran, having served in the
Army. A retired educator, he received
a master’s degree from West Virginia
University and additional graduate
study hours from WVU and Marshall
University. He taught in Mercer and
McDowell counties in West Virginia
and served as assistant principal and
principal at several schools in Mercer
County. Moore was a member of the
Mercer County Education
Association, the West Virginia
Education Association, and the
National Education Association.
Jim Shires, executor of Mr.
Moore’s estate, noted Mr. Moore had
“a heart for the underdog. As princi-
pal of several of the smaller schools
in Mercer County, he helped many
students who did not come from afflu-
ent backgrounds.”
“He was very, very interested in
being an enabler and encourager. He
was a strict disciplinarian, but tem-
pered his discipline with compas-
sion,” Shires explained.
“Unfortunately, we never had the
opportunity to thank Mr. Moore for
his generosity,” Harvey said. “No one
at Bluefield State College was aware
of the gift until after he has passed
away. We believe that expressing
gratitude for the support we receive
from alumni, community members,
and businesses is our most important
responsibility in fundraising. To that
end, we encourage those who have
included Bluefield State College in
their estates to let us know so that we
can properly say, ‘thank you.’”
Estate gifts can be made in a vari-
ety of ways, typically naming the
Bluefield State College Foundation as
a beneficiary of wills, insurance poli-
cies, and retirement accounts.
“Please let us know if you have
included Bluefield State College in
your estate, or if you would like,
information on how to do so,” Harvey
stated.

Dr. Albert Walker Appointed to

Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees
Dr. Albert 1, 2007. The Board of Trustees is the
Walker has policy-making body of the
accepted Commission.
appointment “I am honored to have been elect-
to the Board ed by my peers to serve on the HLC
of Trustees Board,” Dr. Walker stated. “The expe-
of the rience will provide perspective and
Higher insight into the process of regional
Learning accreditation.
Dr. Albert Walker
President Commission Dr. Stephen D. Crow, HLC
of the North President, sent written notification to
Central Dr. Walker, confirming his appoint-
Association of Colleges and Schools. ment to the Board. “I am delighted
Walker, who became Bluefield State that you have been chosen and that
College’s 12th president in 2002, will you are willing to serve,” wrote Dr.
begin his four-year term of service as Crow. “You will find serving on the
a member of the Board on September Board a significant and rewarding
experience personally, and I’m sure
you will contribute extensively to the
innovative thinking that has become a
hallmark of the Board’s delibera-
tions.”
The Higher Learning Commission
is an independent corporation and one
of two Commission members of the
North Central Association (NCA) of
Colleges and Schools, founded in
1895 as one of six regional institution
accreditors in the United States. The
HLC accredits and thereby grants
membership in the Commission and
the NCA to degree-granting educa-
tional institutions in a 19-state region
that includes West Virginia.

BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 5

BSC Donors and Scholarship Recipients
Recognized and Saluted at Bluefield State College Program
Dr. Donald Caudill
Featured Speaker
BSC Scholarship
Recognition Dinner
Scholarship recipients from
Bluefield State College, along with
the individuals and organizations
whose generosity provided those
scholarships, were saluted during the
annual BSC Scholarship Recognition
Dinner, April 26. Dr. Donald Caudill,
whose 2002 gift to the College estab-
lished an endowed scholarship, and
five of the BSC scholarship recipients,
shared with the audience of more than
150 their insights into the multidimen-
sional blessings experienced through
giving.
Caudill, Professor of Business and
chair/Organizational Management and
Leadership at Bluefield (VA) College,
established the “Brian Delp Service
Leadership Award,” in memory of
Delp, a BSC student who lost his life
five years ago while assisting a
stranded motorist. During his years as
a member of the BSC faculty, Caudill
had advised and taught Delp in sever-
al business courses.
“I give because I was blessed by
the gifts of others,” Caudill explained,
describing how the concern and sup-
port of others helped him grow and
achieve, despite a very modest start in
life. “I give to honor the memory of
my father (the late Alfred Caudill),
and to pay tribute to my mother’s
(Shirley Wampler Caudill’s) sacri-
fices,” he continued, saluting his par-
ents, whose selflessness helped to
make his dream of a college education
become a reality.
Caudill also noted that the act of
giving opens doors of blessing for the
giver. “The only things we get to
keep are the things we give away,” he
said, quoting Winston Churchill.
Finally, he said, “I give because it is a
joy to make a positive difference in
someone's life.”
BSC students Andrea Browning,
Howard Coston, Shamatee Mitchell,
Louie Rocchetti, and Sara Bulford
also discussed the importance of the
support they received through the
scholarship program at the College.
Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President,
John Cardwell, Vice President for
Student Affairs, and Karen Harvey,
Director/Institutional Advancement
and Planning, expressed their grati-
tude for the scholarship opportunities
created by the donors’ generosity, and
they saluted the students and their
families for their commitment to aca-
demic excellence.

June Oblinger Shott Pledges $100,000 to BSC

Well-known Bluefield philanthropist and volunteer
June Oblinger Shott recently pledged $100,000 to
Bluefield State College. The gift, presented to Dr. Albert
Walker, BSC President, will enhance a scholarship pro-
gram in her name, established at the College 11 years ago.
“June Oblinger Shott continues to make education
possible for many, many students at Bluefield State
College,” noted Dr. Walker. BSC’s Center for Extended
Learning and the College’s baseball complex have been
named in her honor, and the Physical Education Building
on campus was named in memory of her late husband,
Ned Shott.
“Bluefield State College has been blessed by her com-
mitment of service, energy, and enthusiasm,” added
Norris Kantor, BSC Board of Governors’ chair.

June Oblinger Shott and Dr. Albert Walker

6 JUNE 2007 - BLUE AND GOLD

 Employee Appreciation Day
The Bluefield State College Foundation’s “Outstanding
Classified Employee” awards for 2007 were presented to
Carol Baldwin (BSC Class of 1991) and David
Thomason during the annual “BSC Employees
Appreciation Day” program at the College. Both Baldwin,
Program Coordinator/ Student Support Services, and
Thomason, Campus Service Worker/Lead received a
plaque and BSC Foundation monetary award of $500 at
the ceremony.
BSC President Dr. Albert Walker made the presenta-
David Thomason tions. He saluted Baldwin, noting, "Her leadership and Carol Baldwin
Campus Service Program Coordinator
Work/Leader
commitment to service have been apparent throughout the Student Support Services
campus, among her peers, and in the community. Carol is a
BSC graduate, and has served on the College’s Board of Governors, as chair of Staff Council, and she was a represen-
tative on College Council. She is truly devoted to Bluefield State College.”
Walker recognized Thomason for his service to the College in a positive, student-focused manner. “David is an
individual who is quietly competent and has been a source of stability and positive energy at Bluefield State College
for approximately 10 years,” Walker said. “He is a great representative of the institution, and he is regularly willing to
go the ‘extra mile’ and make the extra effort to accommodate all requests.”
By a vote of her peers, BSC retiree Eva Saunders was awarded “Classified Emeritus” status, with all appropriate
rights and privileges. Dr. Dolly Baldwin, Donald Baldwin, Dr. Harriett Duncan, Mildred Jones, Alvin Lester, Dr.
Jack Kaufman, and Jerolee White (posthumous) were awarded “Faculty Emeritus” status. Dr. Robert Moore
received “Faculty and Administrator Emeritus” recognition during the program, as well.
Additionally during the awards ceremony, BSC employees were recognized upon the completion of five, 10, 15,
20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service to the institution, and special appreciation was extended to more than 20 indi-
viduals.

Board of Governor’s News

(continued from page 2)
BSC has embarked on an explo-
ration of research opportunities in
specializations that include nanotech-
nology, cyberinfrastructure,
autonomous robotics, and biomedical
science. Our graduates continue to
exceed state and national averages on
licensure examinations, with the BSC
radiologic technology class of 2007
achieving a 100% passage rate on the
American Registry of Technologists'
certification exam.
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.
JRCERT is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education as the
national agency for the accreditation
of educational programs for the radi-
ographer and radiation therapist, and
is responsible for all accreditation
actions.
The ongoing achievements of this
fine institution occur in an environ-
ment that is occasionally fraught with
challenge, often involving limited
resources and the dynamics of politi-
cal and social change. Your Board of
Governors is committed to charting a
course for successfully navigating
around or through those obstacles. It
has been an honor and distinct pleas-
ure to lead this dedicated, actively
involved Board.
Having now completed a two-
year term as chairman of the Board, I
want to offer my thanks and compli-
ments to the many fine faculty mem-
bers, classified staff, and presidential
staff whose combined efforts make
Bluefield State College such an out-
standing institution and provide guid-
ance and inspiration for its wonderful
student body. I have been richly
rewarded by working with and being
surrounded by so many fine people.
You have my thanks and my grati-
tude.

BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 7

Spotlight on the BSC School of Business
by Dr. Elaine Scott, Dean
Dr. Elaine Scott
Dean, School of Business
Nine students and two faculty
members from the School of Business
participated in the Phi Beta Lambda
(School of Business Student Club)
trip to New York City.
Two School of Business student
teams received special recognition
during the 2007 Collegiate MAXI
Competition sponsored by the Direct
Marketing Association of Washington
Educational Foundation. The Bronze
Award was presented to BSC students
Jennifer Bennett, Andrea Browning,
Katrina Hall, and Josh Hart. BSC stu-
dents Alethia Gore, Dijo Maiga, and
Irene Shaffer collaborated to earn
Dr. Steve Bourne Attends ACBSP Conference
Dr. Steve Bourne
Professor
While representing Bluefield State
College at the Association of
Collegiate Business Schools and
Programs (ACBSP) annual conference
in Orlando, Florida during June, Dr.
Steve Bourne (Class of 1974) took
full advantage of the opportunity to
participate in the four-day event.
8 JUNE 2007 - BLUE AND GOLD
Honorable Mention recognition.
Collegiate MAXI competition is held
in conjunction with the National
Collegiate ECHO competition spon-
sored by the Direct Marketing
Association Educational Foundation.
Students from colleges across
Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Delaware, and the District
of Columbia compete in this annual
event. Visiting Professor Susan Mann
is the faculty advisor.
The School of Business received a
Ford PAS Grant for $30,000. Susan
Mann is the principal investigator.
She will be developing a special
course to be taught on the BSC cam-
pus and at local high schools.
All School of Business faculty
participated in at least one national
conference and four research papers
were presented. Dr. Bourne presented
at the 2007 Annual Conference of The
International Academy of
Management and Business, as well as
the American Academy of Private
Practice in Speech Pathology and
BSC’s business degree programs hold
ACBSP national accreditation.
“The national conference provid-
ed an outstanding venue to gain
insight into the tools, techniques, and
networking opportunities that con-
tribute to teaching excellence,”
Bourne observed. He also represented
BSC’s School of Business at the
Eastern Council of Business Schools
and Programs’ meeting. The Eastern
Council is comprised of ACBSP
member institutions from five Mid-
Atlantic states and the District of
Columbia
“National accreditation through
ACBSP is extremely important for our
graduates,” Bourne explained. “Blue-
field State College doesn’t have the
immediate name recognition of most
Audiology. Dr. Scott presented at the
2006 International Business and
Economics Conference.
Professor William Goodman con-
tinued his work with the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance program. Four
hundred five taxpayers received tax
preparation assistance, over 300
returns were e-filed, and students vol-
unteered 307 hours.
The School of Business sponsored
a booth at the regional Women’s Expo
in October. Over 300 individuals
completed at least one of two ques-
tionnaires in that booth. The data col-
lected is part of an ongoing research
project, profiling attendees. The larg-
er survey specifically asked about
home ownership and use of real estate
agents. This survey is part of a data
collection in support of doctoral work
by Susan Mann.
Five School of Business faculty
member sit on local boards of direc-
tors. This is very time intensive and
is invaluable in terms of service to our
community.
large universities, but when our grad-
uates can tell an employer that
they’ve earned a degree from a
nationally accredited program, it truly
enhances their career opportunities. It
also helps our graduates who seek
admission into other institutions’ mas-
ters’ degree programs.”
BSC’s School of Business is
already preparing for its next accredi-
tation review by ACBSP. “This con-
ference presented focused sessions
that examined accreditation standards
and how to satisfy those standards,
along with workshops that explored
best practices and emerging trends in
the field,” he added. Bourne has rep-
resented BSC during the past five
ACBSP conferences.
BSC Students Tour New York Headquarters
of Major Global Advertising Agency
Their classroom was the creative
center of ad agency giant McCann-
Erickson Worldwide’s New York City
headquarters. Nine Bluefield State
College students and two BSC faculty
recently spent several hours as guest
of McCann-Erickson, gaining an
insider’s perspective of the dynamics
of global marketing and advertising.
The students are members of the
BSC chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a
national collegiate business organiza-
tion involved in promoting the per-
sonal and professional growth of its
members. Susan Mann (BSC visiting
marketing instructor) and Dr. Debbie
Halsey-Hunter (BSC business profes-
sor) accompanied the students during
their spring break trip to the Big
Apple. “The Advertising Education
Foundation assisted in arranging the
trip to McCann-Erickson,” Mann said.
“It was a wonderful experience. The
agency’s representatives took our
group through a case study detailing
Pictured from left-to-right: Jaynee
Huffman, Tammy Godfrey,
Sadie Hudson, Sylvia Vass and
Susan Mann Not pictured: Shelba
Dotson, Heather Cline, Cathy Bailey,
Alethia Gore, Susan Gore and
Dr. Debbie Halsey-Hunter
how new campaigns for clients like
Levi’s, Dentyne, Verizon, and
MasterCard were developed.” The
BSC contingent’s activities also
included attending the Broadway pro-
duction, “The Color Purple,” sightsee-
ing, and a carriage ride through
Central Park.
Students Tammy Godfrey, Alethia
Gore, and Sadie Hudson were among
the BSC PBL students who helped
conduct several fund-raising initia-
tives to underwrite the trip’s costs.
They recently recounted some of their
experiences. “The time at McCann-
Erickson has given me a new perspec-
tive on business and marketing,” Gore
said. “I now realize that, by using the
principles I’ve learned in marketing
classes at BSC, I will be more pre-
pared to start a business of my own.”
“I was impressed by the way a
major agency combines information
with target markets to develop a cam-
paign,” Hudson added. “The work we
do in class has a ‘real world’ rele-
vance.”
“The trip has made me think
about internships and experiences in
marketing, not only in this area, but in
other parts of the nation, too,”
Godfrey stated.

School of Business Recognizes Students of the Year

Tammy Blankenship Sylvia Vass Karen Thompson

Senior of the Year Junior of the Year Sophomore of the Year

The first BSC School of Business Student of the Year awards were presented to three students at the annual Awards
Banquet in April, 2007. The Senior Business Student of the Year, Tammy Blankenship, received $500 in Norfolk-
Southern stock sponsored by Pocahontas Land Corporation. The Junior Business Student of the Year, Sylvia Vass,
received $500 in Harley-Davidson stock sponsored by Cole Harley-Davidson. The Sophomore Business Student of the
Year, Karen Thompson, received $500 in Citizens Communications stock from by Citizens Communications. Next year
organizers hope to expand the program to recognize outstanding students in each specialization and accountancy at a
special School of Business Awards Dinner.

BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 9

BSC Student Teams Finish 1-2 in 30-Team
Academic Mock Crime Scene Competition
Although they at Bluefield State pre-
weren’t as famous as pared us for the
their “CSI” television Wheeling experience,”
show counterparts, two noted BSC student
four-student teams Karen Billings.
from Bluefield State “Some of the stu-
College proved to be dents from other
just as proficient as schools had the benefit
they swept first-and- of being enrolled in
second place honors at entire programs of
the Mock Crime Scene study that were based
Competition during the on forensics. The fact
spring semester at that we did so well in
Wheeling Jesuit this event with only
University. Bluefield State College students (front row, left-to-right) Kamran Zaheer, one forensics course
The BSC students Jennifer Hornick, Mary Lewis, Andrea Chambers, Marie Bowden, currently on the BSC
(back row, l-to-r) Kendra Harman, Mark Millin, Jennifer Alley, Jonathan
involved in the event Hall, Karen Billings, and Kimberly Phelps swept first and second place
schedule says a lot for
included: Jennifer honors at a recent 30-team academic mock crime scene investigation our faculty and for our
Hornick, Mary Lewis, competition in Wheeling. student teams,” she
Andrea Chambers, added.
Marie Bowden, Kendra Harman, investigation. Four student teams The course gives students an
Mark Mullin, Jennifer Alley, Jonathan were introduced to individual “crime understanding that a career in forensic
Hall, Karen Billings, Kimberly scenes” and given 15 minutes to ana- science involves a solid background
Phelps, and Kamran Zaheer. They lyze their findings. The mock crime in natural sciences, coupled with an
were accompanied by BSC faculty scenes were set up by forensics appreciation for the legal considera-
members, Dr. Patrick Muldoon and experts and local government officials tions involved in forensic investiga-
Professor Mike Lilly. to simulate the look of staged criminal tions.
The competition provided stu- activity. The BSC students prepared Additional information concern-
dents interested in criminal justice, for the competition by taking part in ing the course can be obtained by
social science, psychology, and other two mock crime scene investigations contacting Dr. Muldoon by email at
majors a chance to learn from experts set up by State Police and area local pmuldoon@bluefieldstate.edu or by
as safety forces visited the WJU cam- law enforcement personnel. telephone at (304) 327-4167.
pus to assist with the staged crime “The investigations we conducted

William B. Caruth, Jr. Memorial Jazz Festival and Concert

at Bluefield State College
The Bluefield State College Jazz
Ensemble presented its annual Spring
Jazz Concert on May 7 in the Basic
Science Auditorium on the BSC cam-
pus. Now in its 38th year, the Jazz
Ensemble is a unique combination of
area musicians dedicated to the per-
formance of the finest arrangements
featuring the big band sound.
William B. Caruth, Jr. The day’s activities included a
school band festival throughout the
morning and afternoon on May 7, fol-
lowed by the concert. The combined
event has been named the “William B.
Caruth, Jr. Memorial Jazz Festival and
Concert,” in honor of the late William
B. Caruth, Jr. who directed the BSC
Jazz Ensemble for many years follow-
ing the death of his father, William B.
Caruth, Sr., who had directed the Jazz
Ensemble since its inception.

10 JUNE 2007 - BLUE AND GOLD

Dr. Foster Retires with 38 Years of Service
Dr. Lewis Foster retired from the ranks of the Bluefield State College faculty at the end
of the Spring 2007 Semester, capping a career in higher education that began 38 years earlier.
The highly respected Professor of Physics received numerous honors from college, regional,
and state level education organizations, and he served in many civic, professional, and volun-
teer organizations.
A graduate of Clemson University, Dr. Foster earned a Ph.D. in Physics from Virginia
Tech. He joined the BSC faculty in December, 1969, was granted tenure approximately four
years later, and was promoted to the rank of full professor in 1978.
During his years at Bluefield State College, he served as the College’s Interim President
Dr. C. Lewis Foster
School of Arts in 1988. He was also a former chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and held membership
and Sciences on the Institutional Board of Advisors.
Retired Professor Dr. Foster received the “Harrison Ferrell Award for Teaching Excellence” at BSC in
of Physics 1980, and was one four finalists selected for the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia’s
“Professor of the Year” award in 1987.
He was the College’s Dean of Academic Affairs for five years, and held membership on the American
Association of Physics Teachers, the West Virginia Academy of Sciences, and the Virginia Academy of Sciences.

Honors Program Students Travel to Atlanta, Georgia

by Dr. Tracey Anderson, Director, Institutional Research and Effectiveness
This spring five of the the Scenes Tour” of the
Bluefield State College’s Georgia Aquarium. This one-
Honors Program students trav- hour activity presented stu-
eled to Atlanta, Georgia for dents an opportunity to learn
their annual trip. These stu- how the aquarium cares for
dents were accompanied by and feeds all of its aquatic life
their advisor, Dr. Tracey as they visited the animal diet
Anderson and Ms. Dedriell kitchen and veterinary clinic.
Taylor, Interim Director of In addition, students were
Multicultural Affairs. The able to see the aquarium’s
annual trip is designed to ocean exhibit and observe the
expose students to cultural and world’s largest fish, the whale
educational experiences in shark.
which they would not encounter The final evening of the trip
on a daily basis in West ended with the dinner theatre,
Standing in front of a Martin Luther King Jr. - themed quilt
Virginia. are Honors Program students (left-to-right)
“Medieval Times.” As stu-
The trip started with a visit Mychal Guyton, Tabatha Pack, Patience Hall, Stacy dents enjoyed a feast fit for a
to the Martin Luther King Jr. Nicholson, and Weston Monk. king, they were entertained by
National Historic Site where the medieval competition of
our students gained insight into the communities. A tour of King’s boy- flag tossing, ring piercing, javelin
Civil Rights Movement. An especial- hood home site, as provided by the throwing, jousting and horsemanship.
ly powerful display, “Children of National Park Service, gave a detailed This experience gave the students the
Courage,” illustrated the struggles of look into King’s childhood as he flavor of medieval times, with the
children during the Civil Rights interacted with his siblings and his authentic weaponry and costumes
Movement and challenged today's community during youth. which allowed them to feel the excite-
youth to become involved in their Next, students received a “Behind ment of this era.

BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 11

 BSC Honors Five Alumnae as "Pioneers in Education"
Bluefield State College alumnae (left-to-right) Susie Guyton,
Fannie Simpson Poole, Virginia Clark Hebert, and Eunice
Burrell Fleming were honored as “Pioneers in Education”
during a recent program at BSC. Harriette Simon Wright,
who was unable to attend the program, was also honored
as a “Pioneer in Education.”
Recalling the life lessons they learned as Bluefield
State College students and later passed along to several
generations of students during a combined 175 years in
area classrooms, five BSC alumnae were honored during
the recent “Pioneers in Education” program at Bluefield
State College.
The honorees included Virginia Clark Hebert (BSC
Class of 1932), Fannie Simpson Poole (BSC class of
1942), Eunice Burrell Fleming (BSC Class of 1944),
Harriette Simon Wright (BSC Class of 1951), and Susie
Guyton (BSC Class of 1953). During a 40-minute video
that included excerpts from interviews with each honoree,
the BSC alumnae told of the instruction, love, discipline,
commitment to excellence and direction they received
from faculty, administrators, and fellow students during
their years at the College.
BSC archivist Peggy Turnbull and the College’s
Director of Television Services Jerry Connor collaborated
to produce the interviews and the video, and the program
was organized by Dedriell Taylor, BSC’s Interim Director
of Multicultural Affairs, and the Multicultural Affairs
Advisory Committee.
“These five alumnae are examples of what education
is truly all about,” noted Norris Kantor, chairman of the
BSC Board of Governors. “It is very fitting that we rec-
ognize their years of success and achievement.”
Dr. Don Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs,
added, “These five pioneers have truly persevered. Today
is a celebration of their distinguished careers.”
Each honoree received a plaque of appreciation from
the College, along with gifts from the BSC Black Student
Organization, and flowers from the School of Education.
Dr. Thomas Blevins, Dean of the School of Education,
and Dr. Elisabeth Steenken, Director of Teacher
Education, also saluted the achievements of the “pio-
neers.”
The program in the Hebert Gallery, Harris-Jefferson
Student Center, attracted students, faculty, staff, alumni,
and community leaders.

BSC School of Education Alumni Recognized

As Regional Teachers of the Year
Bluefield State College alumni Ronald Perry (Class of 1977)
and Rama Cardwell (Class of 1982) were recognized for their excel-
lence as public school teachers, during recent ceremonies. Perry, a
veteran educator who has taught at Glenwood School in Mercer
County for 28 years, was named the “Outstanding Teacher of the Two
Virginias,” during a “Tea for Teachers” program sponsored by First
Community Bank and the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Approximately
75 area teachers were nominated for the award.
Cardwell, a teacher at Bluefield Intermediate School, was
Rama Cardwell selected as the “Teacher of the Year” by the Bluefield, Virginia Wal- Ronald Perry
BSC Class of 1982 BSC Class of 1977
Mart, in conjunction with Wal-Mart’s long-term commitment to sup-
port education throughout the United States. The Local Teacher of the Year honor is awarded by each Wal-Mart and
Sam’s Club to an outstanding teacher in their area during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Winners are
selected in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. These teachers receive a $1,000 educational grant for their schools and are eli-
gible to apply for the state Teacher of the Year award.

12 JUNE 2007 - BLUE AND GOLD

BSC’s Faculty and Staff Accomplishments
Lisa Bennett, Counselor/Student
Support Services, has been elected
and installed as Treasurer of the
Business and Professional Women’s
Club of Oak Hill. Previously, Bennett
received the “Spirit Award,” which is
presented to a member who exceeds
expectations within the Club, takes on
numerous projects, and helps when
needed.
Dr. Warren Burch, Associate
Professor of Mathematics, attended
the Statewide County Mathematics
Leadership Institute of the West
Virginia Department of Education
Office of Instruction in Charleston in
June. Burch learned how to evaluate
mathematics programs in public
schools and will now assist in evaluat-
ing such programs during the next
academic year. He has also been con-
tracted to write 16 items for the math-
ematics portion of the ACT.
Gerald James, Business
Development Director/BSC Research
and Development Corporation and co-
chair/Mountain-South Incubator
Association (MSIA), helped to devel-
op and deliver a program featuring
MSIA during the National Business
Incubator Association’s 21st interna-
tional conference in Seattle,
Washington.
Roy Grimes, Director of
Intramurals and Student Services
Specialist, participated in the recent
National Intramural and Recreational
Sports Association Conference in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Karen Harvey, Director of
Institutional Advancement and
Planning, was the speaker at the annu-
al banquet of Vision Quest
Neighborhood Foundation in April.
Susan Mann (BSC Class of
1992) Visiting Instructor of
Marketing, has been selected for
inclusion Who’s Who Among
American Teachers and Educators for
2006-2007.
Debbie Pittman, Professor and
Department Head, Computer Science,
has received certifications for Word
and PowerPoint. She was also named
the BSC Student Organization
Advisor of the Year and received spe-
cial recognition from the Student
Government Association for assisting
in their events and for writing the
software for the SGA elections.
Sarita A. Rhonemus, (BSC Class
of 1990) Director of Outreach
Programs, participated as an invited
panelist during the Third Regional
Conference On Helping America’s
Youth, in Nashville, Tennessee. First
Lady Laura Bush delivered the
keynote address at the Tennessee State
University-based conference.
Dr. Howard Wade, Associate
Professor in History, has been named
the Bluefield State College Student
Government Association’s “Instructor
of the Year” for 2006-2007.
Four members of the Bluefield
Professional Development Schools
(PDS) partnership delivered a featured
presentation during the recent
National PDS Conference in Las
Vegas. They included Dr. Betsy
Steenken, BSC’S Director of Teacher
Education; Brian Perkins, Bluewell
Elementary School; Donna Jackson
and Vickie Witt, Bluefield Middle
School. Their presentation, “How
One PDS Partnership Got its Groove
Back,” shared their experiences as
they sought to regain the original
momentum fostered by the initiation
of the partnership in 2003.
Several scholarly papers prepared
and submitted by Bluefield State
College faculty members have been
accepted for presentation at the 2007
American Society of Engineering
Education (ASEE) Annual Conference
and Exposition in Honolulu, Hawaii
this summer. The conference brings
together more than 2000 engineering
educators, vendors, and publishers.
BSC faculty involved in the develop-
ment of the papers include Frank
Hart, Dean, School of Engineering
Technology and Computer Science;
Bruce Mutter (BSC Class of 1986),
Vice President/Operations, CART;
Lionel Craddock, Associate
Professor, Computer Science; Dr.
Martha Eborall, Associate Professor,
Biology; Dr. Lewis Foster, Professor
of Physics; Roger Owensby (BSC
Class of 1979), Assistant
Professor/Department Head, Mining
Engineering Technology; Akhtar
Safder, Associate Professor,
Mechanical Engineering Technology,
and; Dr. Robert Riggins, Professor/
Electrical Engineering Technology.
Biomedical research conducted by
two Bluefield State College students
and two BSC faculty was featured at
the American Society for
Microbiology’s 107th General
Meeting in Toronto, Canada in May.
The five-day program, May 21-25 at
the Toronto Convention Center spot-
lighted nearly 300 individual collo-
quia, symposia, roundtable discus-
sions, award lectures, and poster ses-
sions. The work of BSC students
Patience Hall and Todd Jamrose,
coordinated by Dr. Tesfaye Belay,
Assistant Professor/Research and Dr.
Anthony Woart, Associate Professor/
Sociology and Director/Minority
Health Institute, focused upon
chlamydia-related disease.
Fall Semester
Registration
August 16-17, 2007
Classes Begin
August 20, 2007
BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 13
 From the Desk of Joseph F. Lewis
President, Bluefield State College Alumni Association, Inc.
Congratulations to the class of 2007 for their outstanding achievements and for staying
the course to join a unique group of individuals called alumni. The College has now pro-
duced its 110th graduating class and continues to advance its legacy by sending outstand-
ing individuals into various fields of endeavor. Your accomplishments and those of the
College speak volumes for the historical value of the College, and will ensure a bright
future for the students.
History has shown that the college of the future will be judged by the real life test of
the products it produces. No college will rise above the fray and be a better institution
than the alumni who represent the college. In my new role as president of the Alumni
Joseph F. Lewis Association, I am committed to building an association that will provide greater support
BSCAA President
for the College. Our Alumni Association is an organization where people of all colors,
creeds, or national origin who love BSC and pool their resources to provide an opportunity to help more people realize
the American dream.
The time has come for BSC to take its rightful place among the elite historical colleges who were pioneers in pro-
viding humanitarian and educational opportunity for those who were denied the privilege. I challenge the graduates of
2007 and those who were privileged to teach or in some other way participate in their success to join the Alumni
Association and help make a difference. Every 2007 BSC graduate has a (1) one-year free membership in the Alumni
Association with full rights and privileges. Contact the Alumni Association office and let’s go to work and make your
year count.
Again, congratulations to the class of 2007. The world is your catalog; you can now start placing your orders.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

Joseph F. Lewis
President

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

14 JUNE 2007 - 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
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) par-
ticipated in the Senior games at
Virginia Beach in May, 2007. She
won a gold and bronze medal in
bowling and a silver in basketball
free throw, and a gold in softball hit
and throw.
1970s
Mary Darlene Coon Clark
(1972) retired from the McDowell
County School system in June 2004
after teaching for 32 years in music
education. She has had several
poems published in the last two
years in the International Library of
Poetry and is a substitute teacher for
the Mercer County School system.
Gail Davis Russell (1970) has
been named a Maxine Smith Fellow
by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
The fellowship enhances college
administrators’ work experience and
career development. She has also
been named director of the Center
for Teaching Arts and Technology at
Roane State Community College in
Harriman, Tennessee.
1980s
Tracy Kegley Dransfield (1989)
is the executive director for Preferred
Hospice. She has a master’s degree
in sociology from the University of
Tennessee.
Pam Lucado (1986) received
the Mercer County Schools’ 110%
Club award from the Mercer County
Board of Education. She is a physi-
cal education teacher at Bluefield
Middle School.
Dennis Vance (1989) is
employed by Perini Management
Services, Inc. as the Program Safety
Manager-South Iraq for the overhead
coverage system project. In 1992 he
received a master’s degree from
Marshall University.
1990s
Rebecca Hedrick Farley (1998)
and Matthew Farley (1998)
announces the birth of their twin
sons, Michael and Andrew, born
August 22, 2006. They have another
son, Brady. Matthew is a Captain
in the Air Force and is a Weapons
Systems Operator on the B-1
Bomber.
L. Case Mitchell (1995) graduat-
ed in May 2007 with a master’s
degree in systems and information
engineering at University of Virginia.
He was married in 1998 and has two
sons.
From Coal Fields to Oil Fields &
Beyond - A Life In Pursuit Of All I
Could Be, a memoir by Sylvester C.
Myers has been
accepted by a
TAMARACK
juried panel of
West Virginia
published
authors and lit-
erary experts.
The memoir is the third publication
by an African American author in the
TAMARACK Book Store.
Johanna Sabo-Buckner (1999)
announces the birth of her fourth
child, John Wyatt Buckner, born on
June 4, 2007.
Kevin Stewart (1990) has
recently written a book, The Way
Things Always Happen Here. He is
a professor of English and creative
writing at Potomac State College.
2000s
Jenenna (Boothe) Baker (2004)
and James “Ritchie” Baker (2000)
announces the birth of their son,
James Jordan, born on March 19,
2007.
Leah L. Burford (2001) and her
husband, Eugene, have opened a
bed and breakfast, The Hillsboro
House, in Hillsboro, West Virginia.
Melissa Leedy Cumbow (2002)
is a land record analyst for CNX Gas
Company, LLC. In 2003, she
received a master’s degree from
Mountain State University in Strategic
Leadership.
Lisa G. Fenton (2004) is an
executive office manager for Singer
Associates.
Kevin M. Gordon (2002) has
been promoted to regional technical
support engineer for Thermo Fisher
Scientific.
Deana Hicks (2004) graduated
from Wytheville Community College
with a degree in dental hygiene.
Patti Owensby (2004) is a
draftsman in environmental permit-
ting for CNX Gas Company, LLC.
In Memoriam
Troy Wesley Alley
Bobby B. Blevins
Annette E. Elliott
Mattie Louise Gardner
Bernice Sawyer Gomer
Clarence Harmon
Barbara Jean Barron Harris
Deacon Samuel C. Hazzard, Sr.
Flora Harris Hunt
Jeffrey Wayne Johnson
Deloris Jividen Jones
Earnest “Dubois” McClinick
Chris Carol Bone Moore
Anna Lee Neel
Jasper Lawrence Releford
Amber Nicole Sweeney
BLUE AND GOLD JUNE 2007 15
BSC Expresses Support for Virginia Tech
Following April 16 Tragedy

The Bluefield State College community joined the nation and the world in supporting the Virginia Tech family following the
tragic events of April 16 at the Blacksburg campus. Friday, April 20 was designated as “Orange and Maroon Day” at BSC. More
than 100 students, faculty, and staff attending a midday ceremony at the Conley Hall flagpole (left, above) for a time of reflection
and prayer.
Additionally, BSC students Jennifer Kinkaid and Andrea Browning (right, above), members of Phi Beta Lambda, lit candles
of hope to remember the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy during a program in the Hebert Gallery, Harris-Jefferson Student
Center. Speakers at the event, attended by the Bluefield State College family and local community, included the Reverend Garry
Moore, mayor of the City of Bluefield.

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