Welcome Back! 2010-2011

1. Welcome Back! 2010-2011

2. Introductions and Acknowledgements • Dr. Kimberly Childs, Interim Dean • Dr. Dan Bruton, Interim Associate Dean • Dr. Harry Downing, Chair – Physics and Astronomy • Dr. Dennis Gravatt, Chair – Biology • Dr. Michael Janusa, Chair – Chemistry • Dr. LaRell Nielson, Chair – Geology • Dr. Debbie Pace, Chair – Mathematics and Statistics • Dr. Glenda Walker, Director – DeWitt School of Nursing • Dr. Robert Stewart, Director - Biotechnology

3. Center and Program Directors/Advisors Centers of Excellence: Approved in 2010 • Science Research Center Dr. Bea Clack, Director • STEM Research and Learning Center Dr. Kimberly Childs, Director • Statistical Consulting Center Dr. Greg Miller, Director Ongoing Professional Programs: • Pre-Health Professional Programs Dr. Kevin Langford, Director • RN to BSN Nursing Transition Program Dr. Karen Migl, Program Advisor • Pre-Engineering and Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Program Dr. Dan Bruton, Program Advisor

4. Advising Center and Dean’s Office Staff Dr. Dan Bruton, Director of Academic Advising • Ms. Trina Menefee, Academic Advisor • Ms. Lynsey Cortines, Academic Advisor Dean’s Office Staff • Ms. Lisa Eddings, Assistant to the Dean • Ms. Linda Stovall, Administrative Assistant

5. Our Departments at Work… Looking back at the year that was and forward to the year to come…

6. Physics and Astronomy Highlights from 2009-10: • Participated in a faculty/student tour of Lockheed Martin. • Hosted Physics Olympics for high school students and UIL competition in Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. • Conducted observatory Tours for local boy scouts, LeTourneau University and SFA 101. Plans for 2010-11: • Host regional meeting of the Texas Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society and Zone 13 of the Society of Physics Teachers.

7. Biology Highlights from 2009-10: • Promoted the preservation of East Texas waters through the WET (Waters of East Texas) Center. Projects through the Center involved undergraduate and graduate students (Dr. Michael Collyer, founding member). Plans for 2010-11: • Implement the LEEF (Li-Cor Ecophysiology Education Fund) grant to promote the use of portable photosynthesis/gas exchange system in universities involving undergraduate research projects in plant physiology, soil and insect respiration research.

8. Chemistry Highlights from 2009-10: • Funding from the Welch Foundation: “Enhancing Undergraduate Research” with continued funding for 2010-11 • 6 undergraduate research projects presented at University Undergraduate Research Conference • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer operational • Organic Chemistry II for Dummies, Dr. John Moore Plans for 2010-11: • Continue efforts in undergraduate research projects. • Chemistry: The Core Concepts, in press, Dr. Michael Janusa

9. Geology Highlights from 2009-10: • American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Student Chapter ranked fourth in the world at the April 2010 meeting in New Orleans. Chapter president: Sarah Powers; Chapter advisors: Dr. LaRell Nielson and Dr. Wes Brown. • Outstanding graduate poster at the South-central GSA in Branson, Missouri – Travis Taylor. Faculty advisor: Dr. Voker Gobel. Plans for 2010-11:

10. Mathematics and Statistics Highlights from 2009-10: • Grant-funded Projects:  External – National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; Internal - Faculty Activity Grants • Outreach:  Expansion of dual credit program for rural students; Presentations to middle and secondary students (Math Blitz and other individual faculty presentations) • Renovation of space for an undergraduate research lab Plans for 2010-11: • Expand on activities from last year and build on current efforts related to undergraduate research. • Complete plans for revisions to the undergraduate major and a review of graduate programs.

11. DeWitt School of Nursing Highlights from 2009-2010: • The Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing state of the art learning center opened on January 21, 2010. Admitted 80 students for fall 2010 – the largest class to date. • The Ed and Gwen Cole Simulation Laboratory named a Laerdal National Simulation Center of Excellence, one of 14 in the nation. • Received commendation from the Board of Nursing for a 97.3 % pass rate on the NCLEX. • Completed a THECB study with 14 other nursing programs in East Texas to examine factors related to attrition. Worked collaboratively with Dr. Greg Miller of the Statistical Consulting Center. Plans for 2010-11: • Work with the THECB to implement Region 4 nursing retention strategies throughout the state of Texas. • Begin plans for a master’s degree program.

12. Biotechnology Highlights from 2009-10: • Revision of core curriculum • Increase in enrollment • Faculty participation in international collaborations • Collaborative research efforts between the SFA SRC and UT Tyler UTHSCT. Plans for 2010-11: • Continuation of research efforts • Effective implementation of core curricular revisions

13. Capitalizing on our Strengths as the College of Sciences and Mathematics Our Mission Statement The primary mission of the College of Sciences and Mathematics is to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Through excellent teaching, research, and other scholarly activities, the College provides students with the following: • the knowledge and skills necessary for life-long learning; • an understanding of the world in which we live and preparation to assume roles in leadership, responsibility, and service to society; and • the ability to comprehend scientific and mathematical advancements that impact society and benefit future generations. What is our collective, shared vision?

14. A Question to consider … As a College, what is our collective, shared vision? Consider what is happening on the national landscape and how can we be part of the solution to national concerns within our disciplines.

15. What is the National STEM Initiative?(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is education within our disciplines and is a priority-one concern at the national level. STEM Initiatives have surfaced to the top of funding priorities for various national agencies. Although the United States has the most innovative and technologically efficient economy in the world, the STEM education system is failing to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workforce . (National Science Board, 2007).

16. From the National Academies … “The danger exists that Americans may not know enough about science, technology, or mathematics to contribute significantly to, or fully benefit from, the knowledge-based economy that is already taking shape around us.” Rising Above the Gathering Storm (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, 2007)

17. What we need, nationally: • An estimated 12.9 million workers reported needing at least a bachelor’s degree level of S&E knowledge with 9.2 million reporting a need for knowledge of the natural sciences and engineering. • The need for S&E knowledge is more than double the number in formal S&E occupations, suggesting the pervasiveness of technical knowledge in the modern workplace. (NSB Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 – S&E Labor Force)

18. Before it's too late: A report to the nation Although much has been done to promote STEM education, we have yet to capture the attention of our students in mathematics and science. (Glenn Commission, 2000)

19. Where does this put us? We have a precedent to embrace change … Sputnik! • Precedent-shattering Federal assistance to education was provided via agencies such as the Department of Defense (National Defense Education Act) and the National Science Foundation. • New curricula in mathematics and science were researched, field-tested, and implemented. • A national movement to improve the teaching and learning of these core disciplines emerged. • The number of qualified graduates in STEM fields surged.

20. Recommendations from the National Science Board • Establish Centers for Excellence to research and develop new curricula, effective teaching strategies, and professional development models at all levels of the educational infrastructure. • Develop programs that encourage student interest in STEM fields at all levels; K – 12, undergraduate, and graduate. • Develop human capital in STEM fields. • Support and grow programs that build bridges between K-12 and higher education, such as the highly successful model, NSF Math Science Partnerships (MSP) programs. • Support STEM professionals who wish to pursue research on teaching and learning in their respective STEM fields.

21. In Summary: To have a well-trained workforce, we must educate undergraduates in STEM fields, preparing them as K – 12 math/science teachers, for graduate education that leads to a professional career as an academic or research scientist, or for the increasing number of jobs that require scientific and technological expertise. (Subcommittee on Research of the Committee on Science U.S. House of Representatives, March 2006)

22. A Final Thought… What I do today is important because I am paying a day of my life for it. What I accomplish must be worthwhile because the price is high. Anonymous