June 7, 2012

Polk-Bland named to Dean position

Desiree Polk-Bland

Desiree Polk-Bland has been selected as Dean of Advising and Student Support. She will officially start her role on June 16.

“Desiree brings to our Student Affairs leadership team many strong organizational and leadership assets, among them a breadth of administrative experiences across institutional types, deep knowledge and experience in the area of academic advising, and a passionate commitment to community college students and their academic success,” said Dr. Jan Rogers, vice president for Student Affairs.

“She has degrees and professional experience that bridge both academic and student affairs work, “ said Rogers, “and she will provide much needed leadership in the development and refinement of a truly college-wide advising model.”

Polk-Bland will lead efforts to advance the operations and services of college testing, and oversee the Trio grant programs:  Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services. She will continue to lead the implementation of the new college success course and related activities with the Start Right project.

“Above all, Desiree has a proven track record of accomplishing results and leading change and transformation that supports the college's student success and attainment agenda,” said Rogers. 

Polk-Bland started at Columbus State as Director of Advising Services in 2008. Her biggest challenges in that role have been accommodating the continuous growth of the college while delivering quality academic advising for students.  “One of the biggest challenges currently is the Switch to Semesters, and ensuring accurate communication to our students,” said Polk-Bland.

“I’m excited to learn the new areas as quickly as possible, and work with the directors in those areas to set our vision for the future!”

Artwork of William Hemming on display in the Library

“Endgame” by William Hemming.

The Library will present the work of artist William Hemming this summer on floors 1 and 2. Hemming received his training from the Columbus College of Art and Design and from The Ohio State University. Landscapes, street scenes, and characterizations are his subjects of preference. He paints in acrylics with strikingly interesting color combinations. He has exhibited many times in Columbus and also in Marbella  and Barcelona, Spain.

As an admirer of paintings that reflect an artist's talent and honesty, Lanning Gallery owner, Ursula Lanning says she likes Hemming's paintings because they are “unspoiled and funny. He has a way of looking at the world in a humorous way," she says.

"His pieces are witty slices of life. He is what I would call a pure primitive artist. Some who do primitive art are out for sale reasons only. He does it because that is the way he sees things. It's a natural for him."

You can also view his work virtually at http://www.wchemming.com.

Volunteers needed for recycling project

Campus volunteers are needed to serve as CougRRR Cardboard recycling program “Captains.” Each captain will take responsibility for monitoring the designated cardboard drop-off/pick-up location(s) and serve as the CougRRR Cardboard contact in one Columbus State building, preferably for a year. The captain duties may be shared by two or more individuals per building.

You may be able to use this as a PERFORMs service goal by discussing the opportunity with your supervisor and receiving approval.

A meeting will be held in June and will be available by teleconference for Delaware Campus volunteers. Please send your contact information (including the building in which you work) to Hari Ruiz at cougRRR@cscc.edu to indicate your interest in volunteering to serve in this program. Interested individuals will be notified of the meeting particulars.

The CougRRR Cardboard program is a “win” because:

• Columbus State no longer pays to recycle cardboard, saving money.

• Columbus State bales and sells the cardboard, generating income.

• Cardboard no longer enters the waste stream, reducing environmental impact.

• A new service opportunity exists, providing you with a sustainable option!

Reminder: Mobile Mammography screening offered June 25

The James Care Mobile Mammography van will be on campus Monday, June 25, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the 11S lot across from Nestor Hall.  To make an appointment, call (614) 293-4455 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Sports and Exercise Studies names new members to Hall of Fame

Pictured at the ceremony are alumni Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Kory Hartman, Tim Davis, Greg Smith, and Aubrey Bush-Miller.

2012 Sport & Exercise Studies Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held May 31 in the Columbus State Conference Center, with four new members honored.

• 2004 graduate Miriam Baldwin-Burton, M.S., owner of Miriam Burton & Associates in Fort Myers, Florida.

• 2000 graduate Aubrey Bush-Miller, B.Ed., a physical education teacher and fitness professional from Raleigh, N.C.

• 2003 graduate Timothy M. Davis, M.S. coordinator, Regional Learning Center at Columbus State.

• 2008 graduate Kory J. Hartman, M.Ed., head baseball coach, Northwestern Ohio University, Lima, Ohio.

• 
  2002 graduate Gregory A. Smith, M.B.A., financial manager, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, Department of Defense, Columbus.

In addition to the SES Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees, the other 2012 awards included:

Dawn Skedell, B.S. - SES-Human Performance Center Associate of the Year. 
Dr. Kevin Rouch, J.D. - SES Adjunct Instructor of the Year.
John W. Tolbert III, M.A. - SES-Friend of the Program Award.