March 11, 2003

University Names Commencement Speaker

Military Campuses Ready in the Event of War

Webster Alum Plays Major Role in Columbia Investigation

Humane Degree

Renovations Continue in Webster’s Historical Core

News from Student Affairs

Featured Administrator

Kampus Kudos

St. Louis Calendar Highlight

Service Anniversaries

New Employees

Condolences

University Names Commencement Speaker

Commander D. Michael Abrashoff, a former ship captain with a successful management style, will speak at the 2003 St. Louis commencement.

The University has invited Commander D. Michael Abrashoff to address the class of 2003 at the St. Louis commencement on Saturday, May 10. Abrashoff is the author of It’s Your Ship, an account of his experience at the helm of the U.S.S. Benfold, a billion-dollar Navy warship with a 310-member crew. He was selected to command the Benfold at the age of 36. At the time he was the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific Fleet. He spent the next two years transforming the ship through his grassroots leadership principles, which empowered the crew to take responsibility for excellence. Abrashoff says, "The most important thing that a captain can do is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew."

Under Abrashoff’s command, personnel turnover on the Benfold decreased to an unprecedented 1 percent. The rate of military promotions tripled and operating expenses dropped by 25 percent. Thanks to his good efforts, the Benfold became regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, winning the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness.

Abrashoff graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1982. He helped draft the air defense plan for naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 1990 and served as the executive officer of the cruiser, Shiloh, which traveled to the Persian Gulf in support of U.N. sanctions against Iraq. Abrashoff went on to become the military assistant to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry in 1994, working on critical missions of national security, visiting 54 countries and logging roughly a quarter of a million miles.

Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership. In September 2002, he spoke in St. Louis at the Edward Jones Auditorium as part of the School of Business and Technology’s Speakers Series.

Military Campuses Ready in the Event of War

With the threat of war looming, Webster’s military campuses may soon face a situation similar to the period immediately after 9/11, when 14 campuses were forced to relocate away from military installations. Should this be the case, Webster will be better prepared than it was in 2001, when campuses responded on an ad hoc basis. Today formal contingency plans are in place for emergency relocation.

According to Randy Wright, associate vice president, Academic Affairs, and director, Military Programs, a committee formed in the aftermath of 9/11 recommended that campuses prepare formal relocation plans. "St. Louis has not put together a single contingency plan," says Randy. Instead, military directors have prepared site-specific plans that have involved them in negotiations for alternative classroom and administrative space, interim phone systems, and state approvals to operate off base. In effect, site directors have been asked to "create a portable office" for short-term relocations. "The Webster directors have had a lot of input into this," he says. "We’ve asked our directors to think about this, to work with their folks to do this. They have a lot of ownership" in the alternative arrangements.

For example, at Memphis NSA, Director Carol Nelson and Connie Milner, the department assistant, have been classified as "essential personnel" and will be allowed to conduct University business from the base in the event of war. Faculty and students, however, will not have access to the base for at least 5–10 working days following the outbreak of war, so classes will move off base. Carol has made arrangements to rent four classrooms at the nearby Lighthouse Christian Academy. She has also made arrangements to communicate with faculty and students via cell phone, TV, and the Web, and she maintains a portable "war chest," with vital information for carrying on University business. Carol says that the only thing she will lack is ready access to a fax machine.

The military has also played a leading role in preparing Webster campuses for emergency and wartime footing. Since 9/11 Webster students have been required to display special identification when they attend classes on base. Randy says, "In some instances, some students have had to submit information voluntarily for a cursory background check . . . . That’s the way things are working this year and that’s the way they will continue to work unless there is a serious conflict." He adds, "I’m not aware of anyone who has objected to this; I’m not aware of anyone who’s been denied an I.D.; and I’m not aware that it’s become a big issue for students."

In addition, education services officers at a handful of military campuses, like McConnell AFB, have taken extra steps to make sure that the learning community on their bases stays together during periods of high alert. "They’ve made plans to move everybody — students, counselors, and all of the colleges and universities that operate on base — as a whole," says Randy. "Where the military has made these arrangements, it’s our strong desire to remain a part of the education center and to move as part of that."

As the United States prepares for war, Randy says he does not expect to see much of a dip in enrollment. Several of Webster’s military sites, including Camp LeJeune, N.C., Fort Stewart, Ga., Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Bragg, N.C., "do have forces that are involved in warfare," says Randy. "But the rest of the installations we’re on have a support or a training function. We don’t really expect to see a huge deployment of military students at a lot of our bases." The University has budgeted for possible deployment at a handful of campuses, but to date enrollment has not been effected anywhere.

Webster Alum Plays Major Role in Columbia Investigation

Major General Kenneth W. Hess, M.A.’76 (Human Relations and Management from the Del Rio, Texas, Campus), has been appointed to the 11-member Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board.

Major General Kenneth W. Hess, M.A.’76 (Human Relations and Management from the Del Rio, Texas, Campus), has been appointed to the 11-member Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board, which will provide an independent review of the events and activities that led up to the loss of the Columbia.

Maj. Gen. Hess is the Air Force Chief of Safety, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander, Air Force Safety Center (AFSC), Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The AFSC develops, executes and evaluates Air Force ground, weapons, space and system mishap prevention, and nuclear surety programs to preserve combat readiness. It conducts research to promote safety awareness and mishap prevention, oversees mishap investigations, evaluates corrective actions and ensures implementation. The center also develops and directs safety and operational risk management education courses.

General Hess entered the Air Force in 1969 through Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and has extensive staff experience at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Joint Staff and U.S. Pacific Command. He has commanded three Air Force wings, including the 47th Flying Training Wing, 374th Airlift Wing and 319th Air Refueling Wing. Prior to assuming his current position, General Hess was Commander of 3rd Air Force, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. He is a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in various aircraft.

Humane Degree

Webster University and the Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, have entered a partnership to offer an online M.A.T. emphasizing humane and environmental education. Beginning in the summer of 2003, this program will teach students how to develop, implement and evaluate educational programs that emphasize character development and respect for animals and the environment. The Humane Society’s youth education division will provide educational materials and Webster University will administer the coursework. The program builds on the current M.A.T. degree program in Multidisciplinary Studies.

"The School of Education is very pleased to collaborate with the Humane Society of the United States in the development of this emphasis in our online M.A.T. program. We look forward to working with teachers from across the country who share human values," says Brenda Fyfe, acting dean of the School of Education.

"We’re pleased to serve as a resource for Webster’s M.A.T. program," says Lisa Cushing, the Human Society’s youth education outreach coordinator. "We look forward to sharing our humane education and character-building materials, and to helping educators develop effective strategies for teaching children the importance of treating people, animals and the environment with kindness and respect."

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Renovations Continue in Webster’s Historical Core

FROM GINGER PRICE, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS WORK-STUDY STUDENT

While it may seem that playing musical offices at Webster University is an unending process, Reba Snavely, vice president of Administrative Services, offers assurances that renovations throughout the Webster/Loretto/Maria complex will soon be complete. According to Snavely, "All measures are being taken to utilize the space we have and improve accessibility for Webster’s employees and students." She adds, "The changes we have completed already have increased our efficiency."

In recent months, the offices of the President, University Communications, Development, and Finance and Administration have all moved to the upper floors of Loretto Hall. Renovations are now under way on the ground floor of Loretto and will soon begin on the first floor.

The Green Room, on the ground floor of Loretto, is being renovated to house the Academic Resource Center. Pat McLeese, director of the center is optimistic about the new space. "Our students with physical disabilities will have more accessibility, and our new space will be divided into smaller private areas for coaching, tutoring and testing." She and Barbara Stewart, assistant director, will be moving into the offices currently occupied by Jamalh Bussey, manager, Public Safety, and Deborah West, administrative specialist, Public Safety.

Public Safety, now based on the ground floor of Loretto, will move to the remodeled game room located in Maria Hall. According to Snavely, "The game room will provide the Public Safety officers with a briefing room to use during their shift changes." John Buck, director, Residential Life, says that while students are disappointed to lose the game room, "the traffic the last couple of years has been pretty slow."

The TV-lounge area, which is more popular among students, is getting a new enclosed space in the cafeteria. John Buck says, "We had discussed creating more of a lounge atmosphere in the cafeteria before this project began. Students and staff who use this area will welcome these changes." Snavely adds that a portion of the cafeteria will also be converted into Sodexho’s new offices.

The projects in the Green Room, cafeteria and game room are expected to be finished at the end of March.

Renovation continues elsewhere on the ground floor amidst yellow tape and lots of dangling wires! The Multicultural Center has been moved temporarily to 218 Webster Hall. Brandon Woodard, advisor/coordinator, International Students, Multicultural Center, says that he was initially concerned that they would lose some of their students in the move and decrease their visibility. But, he says, the center continues to function well despite the temporary move. Colette Cummings’, associate dean of students, director, Multicultural Center, is temporarily located behind the University Center information desk.

Multicultural Affairs will probably return to the ground floor of Loretto by the beginning of June, along with a new neighbor, the Registrar’s office.

The exterior of Loretto Hall, facing the circle drive, will be getting a facelift, while the entire first floor is remodeled. The Loretto Hall entry will also be restored to its original 1915 architectural style; the false ceiling will be removed, uncovering columns with beautiful molding at the top. Public Safety’s information desk will grow in importance, as it becomes the primary reception area for University visitors. Among the first floor residents of Loretto Hall, only Deborah Dey, vice president for Students and Enrollment Management, will return to the improved space. Larry Haffner, vice president, Information Technology, and Will Godfrey, director, Web Services, will move permanently to the ground floor of Webster Hall. David Wilson, dean, College of Arts and Sciences, and his office do not yet have a permanent destination.

According to Reba Snavely it has not yet been decided who will occupy the east end of Loretto’s first floor, but the west end, where Academic Resources is currently located, will house Financial Aid and Business offices.

The renovation of the first floor of Loretto is expected to be completed by the end of July.

News from Student Affairs

FROM TED HOEF, DEAN OF STUDENTS

Webster students, faculty and staff will once again participate in the Bowl for Kids’ Sake program, benefiting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of St. Louis, on Saturday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m. Last year Webster’s six teams raised more than $2300 in pledges.

We are looking for team captains and participants for this year’s event. We have spaces reserved for 24 bowlers (four teams). The sign-up deadline is March 12.

Bowling begins at 9:30 a.m., at Olivette Lanes, 9520 Olive Boulevard. Everyone should arrive by 9:00 a.m., at the latest, to register and submit sponsor envelopes and contributions. Each bowler needs to secure a minimum of $45 in pledges to participate. Webster’s goal is to achieve an average of $100 per bowler.

Bowling lasts for about two hours, with plenty of pizza (for breakfast!) and prizes.

Contact Ted Hoef, ext. 6980, for an information packet or to let him know that you want to organize a team.

We hope you’ll join us this year. Please ask your friends and colleagues to participate as well. No bowling skills are required, just the willingness to have fun and help raise money for a good cause.

If you can’t join us, please consider making a pledge to one of our bowlers.

Featured Administrator

Neil J. George, executive vice president and vice president for Academic Affairs, has been selected to serve a four-year term on the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Chief Academic Officers Task Force. The task force provides valuable advice in planning the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, takes a leadership role at the conference, and consults with CIC on other matters. Neil will also participate in a panel discussion of "Alternatives to Tenure: Three Successful Case Studies," at the American Association for Higher Education annual meeting in Washington, D.C., (March 14–17, 2003. Representatives from DeSalles University and Greensboro College will also participate. Neil has also been made an ex officio member of the Webster Groves and Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce

Guillo Rodríguez, director, International Projects, has been elected to a two-year term on the board of directors of the Webster Groves and Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kristen Kautzman, community relations coordinator, Fairchild AFB, Wash., was elected to be an officer on the board of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development. She will serve as treasurer for the 2003 term. The chapter’s mission is to be the leader in promoting organizational development and workforce training in the Spokane community through professional growth and development programs, networking opportunities and training services and resources.

Van McElwee, Photographic and Electronic Media, presented and discussed his work at the Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archive at the University of California, Berkeley. The retrospective was curated by San Francisco filmmaker Scott Stark. In turn, McElwee curated a program of Stark’s films for the same venue. McElwee has completed Cross Sections, a new Web-specific piece, consisting of 12 printable paper sculptures generated from video footage. Webster students Peter Schmalfeldt and Ben Shown helped with the project, which can be viewed at http://www.webster.edu/~mcelweev/. Other works by McElwee continue to be shown and distributed around the world.

Andrew H. Ziegler, Jr., International Relations mentor, Pope AFB, N.C., has been named to the executive council of the North Carolina Political Science Association, where he will help set policy for the statewide professional group; he chaired a Fayetteville, N.C., Chamber of Commerce working group that produced a live televised forum for 35 candidates running for local and state offices.

Kim Carter, adjunct professor, Memphis NSA, Tenn., has been named vice president of public finance at Coastal Securities. She says, "This position has an increased level of responsibility and commitment and thus demands more of my time. But I am a people person so this position is a great opportunity for me to meet and interact with lots of people. I am especially honored to have the opportunity to work in an area that has been traditionally unavailable [to women]."

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

St. Louis Calendar Highlight

Bridging the Gap

The Webster Staff Alliance presents the annual Professional Development Day on Wednesday, March 12. The day will feature a variety of workshops, starting at 9:00 a.m., all on the theme of "Bridging the Gap." Speakers will include Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business and Technology, on the topic of "Leadership and Performance," O. Ray Angle, director, Career Services, on "Mixin" and Minglin,’" Brandyn Woodard, advisor/coordinator, International Students, Multicultural Center, on "A Cross-Cultural Experience," and more. Al Wiman, vice president, University Communications, will speak at lunch, 11:30–1:30, at Orlando Gardens Banquet Center, 8532 Watson Road (between Edgar and Elm).

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

Service Anniversaries

March 2003

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

Patrick Stack, director, Counseling and Life Development, 15 years.

Mark Bozik, lab assistant, Northwest Plaza, 10 years.
Julie Dreiling, coordinator, Human Resources, 10 years.
Pam Robinson, office manager, Collections, 10 years.

Lori Berman, representative, Albuquerque Metro Campus, five years.
Jeff Ricker, editor, Marketing, five years.

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New Employees

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

Allison Besher, community relations coordinator, WingHaven, St. Charles County, Mo., 636-561-2400.

Jocelyn Clemens, information coordinator, User Services, ext. 7024, replaces Pam Miller, who has assumed other duties for the vice president of Information Technology.

Brian P. Conley, Public Safety officer, ext. 7430, replaces Bryant Cox.

James Crivello, director, Networking and Technical Services.

Kristi Evans, help desk coordinator, User Services, ext. 7024.

Daniel Caleb Huff, Public Safety officer, ext. 7430, replaces Milo Gitchoff, who transferred to Facilities Operations.

Fran Nelson, receptionist, Charleston, S.C., Metro Campus, 843-572-2675 or speed dial # 6 054, replaces Carissa Helton.

Judy R. Pitt, secretary, Pope AFB, Fayetteville, N.C., 910-436-0014 or speed dial #6 024, replaces Kathryn Westray.

Paul Jeffrey Prinster, director, Los Angeles, Calif., AFB, 310-647-3401 or speed dial #6 105.

Teresa B. Shafer, department assistant, Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C., 202-561-4382 or speed dial #6 068, replaces Brooke Burgess.

Kathleen M. Wiles, regional academic director, Orlando, Fla., South Metro Campus, 407-345-1139 or speed dial #6 101, replaces Lee Dutter.

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

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Condolences

The University extends its sympathy to Barrett Baebler, lecturer/project coordinator, School of Business and Technology, who recently lost his father; to Kathy Halvachs, department associate, Nursing, who recently lost her mother-in law; and to Allen Hoffman, library music and curriculum cataloger, who recently lost his father.