February 11, 2003

Strategic Plan Arrives

News from Ocala

Advocate for the Disabled Visits St. Louis

Solutions to Lowering Health Insurance Premiums

Webster Voices

Featured Administrator

Kampus Kudos

St. Louis Calendar Highlight

Service Anniversaries

New Employees

Strategic Plan Arrives

Later this week Karen Luebbert, chair of the Institutional Planning Committee and vice president and executive assistant to the president, will e-mail the Strategic Plan for 2003–2008 to the entire University. The plan, which was approved by the Board of Trustees at its December 5 meeting, provides guidelines for the University’s growth over the next five years. The recommendations take into account the University’s accomplishments since the 1995 strategic plan, as well as general trends in higher education. Campus directors, department chairs, and unit heads will have the opportunity to review the plan with their faculty and staff over the next few weeks and, in consultation with the appropriate vice president, they will respond to the document with specific proposals to make the strategic plan a reality. These proposals, Karen notes, should be measurable, "so we can track our progress along the way." Proposals are due April 1 and will be updated annually.

The Webster University envisioned in the strategic plan will not be unfamiliar. As Karen explains, "Internationalism is the thread that runs through this document." It emphasizes Webster’s "far-reaching network of campuses" and educating students "to reach their full potential as productive citizens in the global community." To facilitate this commitment, the plan calls for cross-campus integration and consistency; the easy, physical flow of students and faculty around the network; curriculum development for cross-cultural understanding; advanced technology to link students and teachers; expansion of the full-time faculty, and more. It also suggests that over the next five years the University will require additional classrooms, more residential beds, and a larger endowment.

Also included in the strategic plan is an "environmental scan," a broad survey of educational trends, which was researched by Chris Kemmerer, Institutional Research Coordinator, Executive Office, and an advisor to the Institutional Planning Committee. Her findings will help determine which path the University is likely to take when it comes to a fork in the road. For example, the scan reveals that domestically the number of traditional-aged students continues to grow, especially in the Western United States, and that the military market also remains strong. But it adds that for-profit institutions, corporate universities, and more-restrictive tuition reimbursement plans will heat up competition for education dollars. Internationally, the scan notes tremendous population growth in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, and it adds that the demand for American degrees on these continents "presents some attractive opportunities," especially in China. The scan concedes that "some regions will want courses taught in their native language and American institutions must have the flexibility to accommodate these needs." It urges "sensitivity and flexibility in shaping our educational offerings to suit various cultures around the world."

President Richard S. Meyers says that the strategic plan holds exciting opportunities. "I’m really looking forward to taking the University to new corners of the world. We have enjoyed swift expansion in China—moving from a single campus in Shanghai to an additional campus in Shenzhen and soon Chengdu. This kind of growth shows what is possible." He continues, "By constructing additional facilities on the St. Louis campus, not only will we be better able to serve undergraduate students from the United States but also we will open up possibilities for international students who wish to study at this campus. The Webster of 2008 holds great promise. I am thrilled that we will all be working together to make it a reality."

The Institutional Planning Committee worked on the plan for about two years, receiving input from throughout the University. Members of the committee include: Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business and Technology; Jim Brasfield, president, Faculty Senate, professor, Management, and Director, Health Services Management Program; Debra Carpenter, dean, School of Communications; Chris Dwyer, associate vice president, Development, Alumni and Development; Barb Ehnes, Media Relations Coordinator, University Communications; Brenda Fyfe, acting dean, School of Education; Dave Garafola, vice president, Finance; Larry Haffner, vice president, Information Technology; Chad Handshy, director, Resource Planning and Budget, Finance; Ted Hoef, dean of students, Student Affairs, Peter Sargent, Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts; Jim Staley, associate vice president, Academic Affairs; David Stone, director, Facility Planning; Bruce Umbaugh, associate professor, Philosophy; and David Wilson, dean, College of Arts and Sciences.

News from Ocala

GREAT PLACES TO WORK WINS NATIONAL AWARD

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) has awarded the Great Places to Work Project its Theodore Small Partnership Award. The award honors employers and workforce boards who have taken progressive steps in workforce development through innovative, cooperative relationships among the local workforce board, employers and other workforce and education organizations in the community.

The Great Places to Work Project assessed work life at 55 companies in three counties. Webster participated in the project partnership by conducting workshops.

NAWB reviewed 60 applications and presented only four awards. According to Donna Delahunty, Ocala’s community relations coordinator, the board "used two sets of criteria to judge the applications, and we ranked in the top ten in both!" Several members of the Great Places to Work Project will travel to Washington, D.C., in early March to accept the award at NAWB’s annual forum.

Advocate for the Disabled Visits St. Louis

Don Bartlette, an activist for the disabled, spoke at the St. Louis campus in early February.

Building on the success of several programs that it sponsored in October for National Disability Awareness Month, the University’s Accessibility Committee recently welcomed Don Bartlette, a motivational speaker and educator, to the St. Louis campus for a two-day visit. According to Mary Bevel, assistant professor, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Barbara Stewart, assistant director, Academic Resource Center, both members of the Accessibility Committee, Bartlette "exemplifies the possibilities of success. He is a positive role model and an inspiration."

During class talks, a brown bag lunch, a public lecture and other engagements, Bartlette emphasized that people and institutions need to show "compassion" for people with disabilities. Sensitivity was something that he saw precious little of growing up as a Native American in North Dakota, handicapped by a severe cleft palate that left his face disfigured and made it impossible for him to speak or eat properly. Rejected by his father, his community, and his school, it was only through the intervention of a well-to-do white woman in his small town that Bartlette managed to get the surgery he needed and the education he deserved. Although he suffered repeatedly over the years, including a night of sexual abuse at the hands of policemen, he went on to become the valedictorian of his high school class and earn a doctorate in special education from the University of Michigan.

According to the Faculty Handbook, the Accessibility Committee’s mission is "to create and maintain an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff may learn and work to their fullest potential." Barbara and Mary add, "We strive to provide increased awareness and a sense of purpose in the University community to support physical, intellectual, emotional and social access to all individuals."

President Richard S. Meyers, who attended one of Bartlette’s presentations, says, "Don Bartlette has one of the most compelling stories I have ever heard. He was inspirational and a tour de force, in a controlled, honest style. The way he presented his message of inclusion and love was one of the highlights of the academic year and hopefully made enough of an impact on the campus for significant progress to be made in these critical areas of compassion and the meaning of life."

Bartlette’s visit was made possible through the cooperation and financial contributions of the Multicultural Center, the Multicultural Studies Committee, the Academic Resource Center, the School of Education, and a dedicated contribution from an M.A. alumnus to the Accessibility Committee.

Barbara and Mary say, "We would like to continue to provide similar learning opportunities to our Webster family and look forward to the support and participation of all Webster faculty and staff."

Click to see and hear some of what Don Bartlette said: high res low res

Solutions to Lowering Health Insurance Premiums

FROM EMILY STEVENS AND OTHER STUDENTS IN KIT JENKINS' PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS CLASS

It’s hardly news that health insurance costs are at an all-time high. Webster University staff and faculty have the ability to help lower future cost increases.

According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Webster University’s prescription claims are 23 percent of total insurance claims, higher than the national average of 12–16 percent. Purchasing brand name drugs contributes to Webster's high prescription claim rate and helps drive up the University's insurance premiums. Generic drugs are cheaper, so when they are purchased they help keep insurance premium costs low.

"If Webster staff and faculty simply switched from brand name prescriptions to the generic equivalent, whenever possible, they would save money first at the register, and second through lower insurance premiums," states Betsy Schmutz, director of Human Resources. Employees pay a co-pay of $10 for a generic prescription whereas brand name prescriptions cost $20–30. "Using mail order prescription services is another easy way to save," adds Betsy.

A large number of brand name prescriptions have a generic equivalent, which are approved by the FDA. The ingredients are the same but generic drugs are less expensive.

Information about generic drugs is available at local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and online at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Web site. Patients should speak with their physicians if they have questions or concerns about about switching their medications. Tell your doctor that your prescriptions cost you less money if they’re for generic drugs. Ask him or her to prescribe generic drugs when they are available.

Currently approximately 650 faculty and staff members subscribe to Webster’s medical insurance plan; switching to generic prescription brands and using mail order services could help reduce costs for everyone.

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Webster Voices

Reflections on Columbia

William Hoffman is a retired air force officer. He served 10 years at Air Force Space Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following retirement he was employed at ARINC, developing satellite operator’s multimedia training systems and was lead systems engineer on the global positioning system ground control segment. He has been teaching at Webster’s Colorado Springs campus since 1983 and teaching Space Systems courses since 1989. Under his guidance, the SPSM6000 students have been actively involved in working on special projects supporting the Governor’s Office of the Space Advocate in formulating strategic plans for expanding commercial space activities in Colorado. You can write to him via his e-mail address: hoffmanwc@alumni.webster.edu

Photo courtesy-NASA

The space shuttle Columbia is lost. What caused the destruction, we may never know for sure, but the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineers, scientists and managers will certainly expend a tremendous amount of effort in piecing the accident together and making as many scientific assumptions as can be made with the limited data they will have collected .

Seven lives were lost, an expensive space craft destroyed along with dozens of experiments , but not the vision or the courage that these astronauts, and the dozens more that are waiting to follow in their footsteps, exhibit routinely in their dangerous profession. Riding a shuttle has been likened to sitting on a million pounds of explosives and being blasted into the heavens. It is the technology of today and the means of learning how to get into space and work in a very harsh environment. Seventeen years have passed since Challenger, another mishap in the risky business of going into space, occurred. Fourteen lives and two shuttles have been lost in a program of exploration that rivals the building of the great pyramids. But many Americans have lost sight of the daily risks these astronauts have been taking since Challenger. Every launch is risky. Every extra-vehicular activity is risky. Every re-entry is risky. Yet, one astronaut when interviewed by the media following the loss of Columbia said, "… his greatest fear was not the possibility of death as a result of his work in space, but the possibility that he would not get an opportunity to fly into space." Astronauts truly are a brave group of individuals facing the dangers of space. But it is their curiosity that drives their ambition to explore. Their unending desire to learn and explore helps them overcome any fears.

Photo Courtesy-NASA

Space is not the final frontier, it is the next frontier. We have just begun to scratch the surface, learning to crawl into space via explosive rocket engines. We have ventured out to the moon and back. But space is endless, at least at this point in our short history in the vast universe. There are infinite frontiers to explore

The International Space Station has now been a permanent presence in space for two years. With three humans aboard, it holds the promise of future missions back to the moon and onward — to Mars and other planets outside our solar system. Throughout history people have always been adventurous. We have crossed great expanses of uncharted land, seas, polar icecaps, and mountain peaks because we need to see what lies beyond. We need to explore and discover. It is our nature as sentient beings to understand our surroundings. We must satisfy our curiosity and cross that next void of unexplored territory known as space.

Photo Courtesy-NASA

The commercial space industry is alive, well and growing rapidly. In 1999, the space industry generated direct (world) revenues of approximately $68 billion. This is expected to increase to $199 billion by 2010, almost tripling over the next 10 years, an average growth rate in excess of 10 percent per year. This growth will demand more brave individuals to explore and develop a commercial presence in space. Space is the place where a number of existing commercial technologies that affect our daily lives come from. Space is where our weather broadcast photos come from; where most of our television signals are broadcast direct to our homes from; where our telephone, radio and pager messages come from. There is a list of beneficial spin-offs, too numerous to list in this article, that are the result of human space exploration and experimentation.

Webster University offers a master of science degree in Space Systems Operations Management and has a number of students and alumni who are working in the space profession. Our graduate students are exposed to a broad range of pertinent topics that can prepare them to work in a variety of positions in commercial as well as government space programs. They are learning the critical skills needed to manage, engineer and operate complex space systems. We have planners, administrators, testers, engineers, program managers, scientists, and even astronauts who have completed our program and have gone into the business of space.

Eileen Collins—astronaut, first female shuttle pilot and Webster alum—flew aboard Columbia on her first mission into space. It was her dream to fly into space. She made it! When asked, other Webster Space students share her dream. To fly into space, even once, would be the culmination of their dreams. Not one student that I am aware of has said this space business is too risky to continue or that the loss of the Columbia and its crew was too painful and too costly. Even the crew's family members have gone on record saying space exploration must continue as it is the nature of our existence.

Space is not a void where life ends, rather it is a place where exploration begins and dreams are fulfilled. It is a place that promises to be more than just an adventure, but also an economic opportunity for those willing to make the journey.

To learn more about the Space Systems Operations Management Program, click here.

Featured Administrator

"You Light Up My Life"

St. Louis’s Arts & Education Council has awarded Peter Sargent, Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, its Excellence in the Arts Award. Presented annually, the award honors community members for their contributions to arts in St. Louis. Peter is a lighting designer, but the lengthy biographical profile, which appeared in the program book, explains that he has accomplished much more. "Sargent created The Conservatory of Theatre Arts in the fall of 1967 and became the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance in 1968. After 20 years as Chair, he was appointed Associate Dean of Fine Arts and guided the Departments of Art, Music, Theatre and Dance to establish the College of Fine Arts, which became a reality in 1994. He served one year as Acting Dean and was named Dean in June 1995. The College was named the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts in 2000. The College has become a dynamic force as an institution that trains future artists in studio and the performing arts, and recently developed a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Management and leadership under the direction of Joanne Kohn."

Click to see the video, produced by Media Pulse, for the award ceremony, high res low res

Alice Gerdine, widow of President Leigh Gerdine, was also honored for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.

Darl Champion, adjunct professor, Pope AFB, has co-authored Introduction to American Policing (Glencoe Press/McGraw Hill). The textbook examines American policing—past, present and future—and includes numerous special features, such as experiential and critical thinking exercises and a Web site to support the text.

Gloria Grenwald-Mayes, associate professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences, presented "The Relationship between Current Quality of Life and Family of Origin Dynamics for College Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," at a conference in Shanghai. She also led a workshop on "Understanding and Working with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children: Teachers and Parents," at South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.

Don Corrigan, professor, Communications and Journalism, spoke to the Kirkwood Area Chamber of Commerce about "Starting a Small Business and the Power of the Local Press"; he published several articles in the St. Louis Journalism Review, including an article on government secrecy, new restrictions on the Freedom of Information Act, and the impact on the press; he attended the College Media Association convention where The Journal, which he advises, received an award in the category of column writing; he collected seven awards at the Missouri Press Association meeting; and he presented "Starting a Community History Beat," at the National Newspaper Association convention. The paper will be published in an upcoming edition of the Grassroots Editor.

Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, continues to record many concerts in the St. Louis area, including the season premiere concert by CHARIS, the Saint Louis Women’s Chorus; "A Saint Louis Holiday," performed by the Gateway Men’s Chorus at the Grandel Theatre, and a holiday concert by Washington University’s Chamber Chorus.

Glen Martin, adjunct professor, Pope AFB, N.C., was appointed by the governor of North Carolina to serve as a member of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.

Keep us posted on your professional activities and send us your story ideas by completing the UFO form.

St. Louis Calendar Highlight

Committed Film

The Webster Film Series presents the annual Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, on Tuesday evenings, February 11, 18, 25, and March 4 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium. The festival showcases the heroic stories of activists and survivors from all over the world putting a human face on threats to individual freedom and dignity and celebrating the power of the human spirit and intellect to prevail. This year’s touring festival covers topics such as an investigation of Augusto Pinochet, war photographer James Nachtwey, and genocide in Rwanda. $4 admission to Webster faculty and staff.

For more information on St. Louis events, check the online calendar.

Service Anniversaries

February 2003

The University extends its appreciation to the following individuals who have ably served the institution for many years:

Luigi Scire, associate director and coordinator/coach, Admissions, 15 years.

Henry McCall, skilled facilities operations, Facilities Operations, 10 years.
Kay Sanders, publication production manager, Marketing, 10 years.
Julie Snorton, accounts payable supervisor, Accounts Payable, 10 years.

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New Employees

A warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:

Mark Bozik, Northwest Plaza, ext. 5955, replaces Mike Gorzel, who transferred to the WingHaven campus

Laurence Brooks, Charleston, S.C., Metro Campus, 843-744-8488 or speed dial #6 018, replaces Damond Dawson.

Tracie L. Ondera, secretary, Columbia, S.C., Metro Campus, speed dial #6 083, replaces Anna Todd.

Joyce Peavy, assistant director, Brooks AFB, San Antonio, Texas, 210-536-3373.

To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.