A vibrant regional economy, led by a boom in energy-related companies, has led to more job availability and fewer students enrolled in spring semester classes at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

In a preliminary enrollment report to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Northwestern reported 1,993 students enrolled in spring semester classes, compared with 2,138 a year ago.

The decrease in spring enrollment comes just a semester after Northwestern reported its largest fall semester class in 43 years.

Dr. Janet Cunningham, president of Northwestern, said the robust economy is postponing the plans of some students to attend college.

“The oil and gas boom in our area has matured and is not only creating quality jobs in the energy sector, but in secondary businesses as well,” Cunningham said. “Some students who would normally be attending college are taking advantage of these jobs. We are beginning to experience what some of the schools in the nation’s other large energy boom areas have experienced.

“We were very fortunate to experience an enrollment gain last fall when many other schools reported smaller enrollments,” she added. “That being said, interest in Northwestern for next fall remains high, and we look forward to serving as many students as possible. The combination of quality academics and affordability remains attractive to students and their families.”

Enrollment by campus shows 1,305 students in Alva, 285 enrolled at Enid and 214 attending classes in Woodward.

Enrollment at Northwestern’s outreach sites, including the University Center of Ponca City, was nearly unchanged at 162 students, and the number of high school students enrolled in concurrent classes rose by 12 to 73 students.

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The annual contest to select a theme for the 2014 Alva/Northwestern Oklahoma State University Homecoming has begun, and is open to the public. Deadline for submitting entries is 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 12.

This year’s Homecoming will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 16, through Saturday, Oct. 18.

Suggestions must be limited to 10 words or fewer and should be something that can be illustrated through designs for floats, sheet signs and dorm decorations. 

The person who submits the winning theme will receive $25 in Alva Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Bucks and a $50 cash prize.   

The committee also is looking for suggestions for the honorary parade marshal. Persons nominated must have a significant connection, current or past, to Northwestern, whether as a student, faculty member, staff member, coach, administrator or friend of the university.

Entries and nominations may be turned in to Mason in Jesse Dunn 302B or by emailing him at mason@nwosu.edu.  Suggestions also may be submitted by visiting www.nwosu.edu/homecoming-theme. 

For a listing of 2014 Homecoming events, visit www.nwosu.edu/homecoming.  The page will be updated as details are finalized.

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Due to winter storms, Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) officials indicate that the blood supply for patients in local hospitals has reached a critical low. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is ready to help with the cause by playing host to a two-day blood drive on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and Thursday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday bloodmobiles will be located on the south side of the J.R. Holder Wellness Center with registration inside the Center. On Thursday there also will be a traditional setup at the Baptist Student Union in addition to the bloodmobile. 

Anyone, who is 16 years and older and healthy, can donate and receive an OBI Feel Bold T-shirt, free health screenings and Donor Rewards points. 

Students who wish to volunteer during the blood drive should contact Rachel Stewart, special events coordinator, at (580) 327-8178 or rsstewart@nwosu.edu.

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East side of press box showing the two-levels of the facility.

West side of press box showing concession area.

Construction on the third and final project in Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Vision for Victory Campaign for Athletics will begin early this spring.

Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, said private fund raising to build a new press box at Ranger Field had reached a level where the construction process was now possible, including a major leadership gift from The Charles Morton Share Trust of Alva.

“The University launched the Vision for Victory Campaign in 2007 with three goals: to construct a new locker room complex for our football program, upgrade our baseball venue; and build a new press box and public use facility at Ranger Field,” she said. “We accomplished our first two goals thanks to the generosity of the Share Trust and many other donors. Today, thanks to the leadership of the Share Trust, we move forward on the third and final project.

“This project will make Ranger Field one of the finest football venues in Oklahoma. Fans of Northwestern will enjoy a much more fan-friendly environment, and we are pleased to be able to share this progress with football fans of Alva High School.”

The new two-story facility will be significantly larger than the current press box and will be placed closer to the grandstand area. Some upper level rows of seating in the middle section of the west grandstand will be removed to accommodate the new structure.

The first level will feature three VIP suites facing the field, concession/vendor areas on the west side of the facility and public restrooms on the north and south sides. The second level will be dedicated space for game management personnel, media and coaches.

Cunningham said construction is scheduled to begin in April with a goal of having the game management areas of the building finished by the start of the season. The facility is expected to be fully completed near the end of the regular season.

“We debated about waiting until the end of the 2014 season to begin construction and having the facility ready for the start of the 2015 season,” Cunningham said. “In the end, after consulting with the administration at Alva Public Schools, we determined that now was the time to move forward.”

Demolition of the old press box is underway. Easley and Associates will serve as the architect for the project.
The current press box is original to Ranger Field and was first used in 1969.

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His presentation offers a unique perspective on a number of interesting African-American historical events as well as individuals who helped contribute to the growth and development of Oklahoma.

“We’re pleased once again to present Bruce Fisher to share his special passion and knowledge on the African-American experience with our students at Northwestern as well as our communities,” Dr. Deena Fisher, Woodward campus dean, said.

Fisher was born in Chickasha to civil rights pioneer Ada Louis Sipuel Fisher and grew up in Oklahoma City. He received a Bachelor of History degree from Langston University and a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship to study at the University of Ghana and the University of Nigeria in West Africa. Fisher completed his Master of History degree from Texas Southern University in Houston.

Fisher has worked as an oral history researcher on a research project at Rice University and served as the director of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute in Houston. He was the director of the JFK Project Area Committee in Oklahoma City, and worked as a personnel consultant and training specialist for Norwest Bank Systems in Minneapolis. He also was the director in institutional advancement at Langston University and researcher and writer of the book “A Matter of Black and White: The Autobiography of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher.”

Fisher is an administrative program officer at the Oklahoma Historical Society and curator for the development of the new African-American Exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.

For more information on Northwestern’s Heritage Celebration series contact Kristin Mravinec, campus coordinator of ITV/events coordinator of Northwestern’s Woodward campus, at (580) 254-2503 or klmravinec@nwosu.edu.

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The group included Harold Henson and Ralyssa Taylor, both Alva sophomores.

The group took a scheduled tour through the Archeological Center before walking the trail site, which consists of 12 mounds as well as the re-creation of a traditional house.  Spiro was one of the major centers of Native North America’s Mississippian Civilization, containing at its peak a total population of more than 10,000.  With a wide trade network spanning much of what is now the continental United States, Spiro flourished between the 800s and 1400s A.D.

In early fall 2009 Mason and Schmaltz established the Leviathan Society at Northwestern. This informal group in the Social Sciences Department encourages students interested in topics on government, politics and history to participate in campus-sponsored activities and trips.  It consists of students majoring in political science and history, though membership is open to students of all majors.

For more information about the Leviathan Society or the Institute, contact Mason at mason@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8522 or Schmaltz at ejschmaltz@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8526.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Pioneer Cellular will team up to make Thursday’s Rivalry Week game with Southwestern Oklahoma State University even more exciting for fans.

Fans will have the chance to register and win a chance to win $10,000 by making a half-court shot. Also, the first 600 fans in Percefull Fieldhouse for the double-header will receive a free gift from Pioneer Cellular.

Pioneer Cellular also will be giving away $100 to one lucky Twitter follower of @pioneertelecoop. A special hashtag will be announced during the game and fans must be present to win.

The Ranger Band also will have a few special guests in attendance at the game as many alumni band members and friends will help provide an enthusiastic musical atmosphere suited for a Rivalry Week game.

The women’s game begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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Friday, Feb.28, is the deadline for artists to enter the 11th annual Northwestern Oklahoma State University Art Society Art Show set for March 10-29 at the J.W. Martin Library in Alva.

More than $700 in prize money is available to Northwestern students who enter their artwork and win. The art show is open to all Northwestern students, employees, retired employees and alumni.

An online entry form is available at www.nwosu.edu/art-show-form. A printed version of the form also is available on the web page and can be filled out and emailed to Angelia Case, NAS sponsor, at arcase@nwosu.edu. It also may be printed and mailed or delivered to Case in Fine Arts 211.

All art pieces entered into the show must be delivered to the Library no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. Only those individuals with permission will be allowed to bring artwork later than March 5. No more than two items per category may be entered.

Categories and descriptions in the divisions of Studio Art, Artisan Crafts and Photography can be found at www.nwosu.edu/art-show-specs-descriptions.

Only students are eligible for cash prizes with all winning entries receiving ribbons depicting first through third place. Each student division winner will receive a ribbon and a cash prize, and a student Best of Show also will be selected, earning a ribbon and cash prize.

All current and retired employees and alumni will compete against each other and will receive ribbons as category, division and Best of Show prizes.

Everyone entered in the art show will be eligible for the People’s Choice ribbon and $50 cash prize.

Winning art entries are eligible to be on display at a community art show in downtown Alva at Murrow’s FrameArt on Friday, April 4, during the First Friday Art Walk activities, 6 to 8 p.m.

For additional information about the art show or the Art Society, visit the NAS website at www.nwosu.edu/art, join the club’s Facebook group or contact Case at arcase@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8577.

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All accomplished young musicians in their own right; FullSet creates a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation, while remaining true to their traditional roots. FullSet will be at Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Herod Hall Auditorium Mar. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The Irish folk group is made up of six very talented artists. Michael Harrison, on fiddle, creates a distinctive sound using original and colorful techniques. Martino Vacca is an exceptional uilleann piper and employs his mastery of this instrument in all pieces arranged by FullSet. Talented musician Janine Redmond on button accordion maintains a rich traditional style that is becoming ever so rare in traditional music today. Eamonn Moloney on bodhrán and Andy Meaney on guitar effortlessly blend the music together with a sensitive yet driving accompaniment section. The emotive singing style of Teresa Horgan completes the ensemble and is guaranteed to captivate audiences of every generation.

In recent years this young group has received much critical acclaim, even being compared to popular Irish groups such as Danú & Altan by respected Irish Music Magazine. FullSet is set to thrill audiences throughout the world.

Following the tremendous success of its debut album “Notes at Liberty,” FullSet is quickly becoming one of the most well known bands in the Irish music scene today.

The group was honored by being announced as the winners of the RTÉ/RAAP Breakthrough Annual Music Bursary Award, in October 2011

In 2012 FullSet was honored with the “Best New Group Award” from the well-respected Irish American News as well as “Best Newcomer” in Bill Margeson’s LiveIreland Awards.

To date FullSet has performed on some of Ireland’s most prestigious TV programs including “The Late Late Show” and TG4’s hugely popular Irish music series “Geantraí.”

The group also has performed at various festivals and venues across America and Europe including Copenhagen Irish Festival, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, The Michigan Irish Festival and also The North Texas Irish Festival.

Fullset has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in folk and world music including Moya Brennan, Fred Morrison, Lúnasa, Carlos Núnez, Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny and Beoga.

This is an exciting time for FullSet with the release of their second album “Notes after Dark.”

Contact Dr. Irene Messoloras, chair of the Department of Fine Arts, at (580) 327-8692 or irmessoloras@nwosu.edu, to purchase tickets or pick them up at Holder Drug, the NWOSU Bookstore, Graceful Arts Center, Rialto or by calling (580) 327-8692.            

The Northwest Oklahoma Concert Series is supported by the Alva Tourism Convention Development Committee, the Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Charles Morton Share Trust.

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High school seniors who plan to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in the fall can apply to become members of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC) and earn up to $2,750 in scholarship funds. Students must meet specific requirements to be considered.

Applications may be found online at www.nwosu.edu/presidents-leadership-class and may be hand-delivered no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 7.

Students should send a seven-semester transcript and ACT scores with the application, and must meet all standard admission requirements to Northwestern.

All applicants should have a scholarship application accompany the PLC application or on file at the Northwestern Scholarship Office prior to the PLC application deadline. Scholarship applications are obtainable from Northwestern’s Office of Financial Aid or by visiting www.nwosu.edu/scholarships.

Applicants also must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation.  One letter of recommendation must be from a high school teacher, high school principal, high school counselor or other faculty member or member of administration. The second letter should be from another person such as a minister, family friend or employer. Letters of recommendation should include the name, position and relationship to you of the person writing the recommendations.

Selected finalists will be interviewed in March, and notified by phone and/or mail about the interview.

Recipients of the PLC Scholarship will be notified mid-April. The scholarship will cover freshman year only at Northwestern-Alva.

Each year, the PLC class takes a trip to Boston with Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. While in Boston, the group visits museums and other fun sights.

All application materials should be mailed to Paige Fischer, director of recruitment, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Office of Recruitment, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717. Contact Fischer with questions at plfischer@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8545.

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Artisans, game and food vendors are encouraged to participate in the Northwestern Oklahoma Medieval and Renaissance Faire at the Woods County Fairgrounds on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Activities will take place outside, as well as inside the arena and Women’s buildings. Vendor applications and fees are due March 15. 

The purpose of a medieval faire is to recreate a 14th century English market faire by providing free outdoor arts and crafts, as well as a living history.

All contributing vendors are required to be in appropriate period costumes and decorate their booths accordingly. Detailed costume and booth decoration suggestions will be provided upon request.  Food vendors are not required to dress in period clothing.
 

Arts and crafts are expected to fall within the “medieval” theme.  Dr. Amy Hall, assistant professor of English and faire coordinator, listed on the faire’s web page that this event is not a flea market, street festival or outdoor mall. The faire will specialize in handmade crafts. Items made by individuals or an individual company are preferred. 

Criteria for crafts include:

·         Handcrafted items or art only;

·         Quality of Workmanship;

·         Use of European Medieval theme;

·         No manufactured, commercially produced, flea market or imported items.

Types of spaces available at the faire are in 12 foot by 12 foot increments. A regular row space (allows selling from 12 feet front only) is $35; a 12 foot by 24 foot space is $50; and three spaces, 12 foot by 36 foot-wide, is $75.  Wandering vendor artists who sell from a basket, pole or cart with no assigned space will pay $20.  Electrical fees are $10, and electricity is only available at some perimeter areas and near food vendors.

“Currently, we have the musical group Gypsy Guerrilla Band, A Mirage Dance Company for belly dancing and Brother Donald’s storytelling,” Hall said. 

“The Jousting Knights and Steads for jousting and falconry also will be attending, which is why we relocated to the fairgrounds.” 

Applications can be sent to Hall by email at amhall@nwosu.edu. Payment must be made by check or money order made payable to Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Due to University policy checks will be deposited upon receipt. The fee will be refunded in full if the application is not accepted. Applications will not be processed until payment is received.

For more information about the faire, how to become a sponsor or how to become involved in the event, contact Hall at (580) 327-8428 or amhall@nwosu.edu.

Visit http://nwokfaire.wordpress.com/ to keep up with any new details about the medieval faire.  Also, check out the Facebook event by searching Northwestern Oklahoma Medieval and Renaissance Faire.

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The 11th annual Northwestern Oklahoma State University Art Society (NAS) Art Show opens Monday, March 10, in the J.W. Martin Library in Alva and runs through March 29. The show is free and open to the public during the library’s normal operating hours.

Some of the artwork submitted includes photographs, paintings, drawings, jewelry and crocheted items.
All those who attend the show have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece by casting a People’s Choice ballot. The ballot asks for the name of the artist and piece. It also has a spot to provide feedback on the show and suggestions for future shows.

The piece of art that receives the most votes by March 25 will receive a ribbon and a $50 prize. The People’s Choice Award is open to everyone who submitted artwork for the show, which includes Northwestern students, alumni, current and retired employees.

All artwork in the student and non-student areas will be judged and given ribbons for first through third place. A division winner will then be selected from the category winners. All division winners then will be considered for the Best of Show award in the student and non-student areas. Student artwork winners also will receive cash prizes.

“Prize money for this show, along with funds to purchase ribbons and other items needed for the show, is provided by the NWOSU Art Society from the various fund raisers completed throughout the school year,” Angelia Case, NAS sponsor, said. “The Student Government Association also is serving as co-sponsor of the show and has provided $250 for us to use for prizes. We love the fact that what we do can benefit Northwestern's students so much, and we really appreciate the SGA’s support each year.”

The campus organization CORE is the sponsor for the Recycle, Reuse, ReArt category.

All winning entries are eligible to be on display at a community art show in downtown Alva at Murrow’s FrameArt on Friday, April 4, during the First Friday Art Walk activities, 6 to 8 p.m. The public also is welcome to attend this event.

Case said that all non-placing artwork must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, from the library. Pieces on display downtown may be picked up after that show at 8 p.m.

Any remaining artwork should be picked up in Fine Arts 211 on Monday, April 7, by 5:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Art Society or the art show, please visit www.nwosu.edu/art or contact Case at arcase@nwosu.edu.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Woodward campus is partnering with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to ask all area residents to give blood on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a blood drive that will occur on the Northwestern-Woodward campus, at 2007 34th Street.  Registration will be in the Commons Area.

By donating blood, donors can feel good about helping to save someone else’s life. As an added bonus, each blood donor receives an OBI Feel Bold T-shirt, free health screenings and Donor Reward Points.

As a special thank you to all donors, the Woodward Leadership Advisory Board will have a drawing for Northwestern memorabilia and a movie and dinner night. All participants who donate at the Woodward campus blood drive will be entered to win.

Contact Kristin Mravinec, campus coordinator of ITV/events coordinator, with questions about the blood drive or to volunteer at (580) 254-2503 or klmravinec@nwosu.edu.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumna Andrea French of Enid has been named a 2014 Trailblazer by the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA).

French, who graduated in 2008 with a degree in accounting, is one of only 20 OSCPA members selected for the honor each year. All of the recipients’ names are being released this week in a special issue of the society’s magazine, CPAFOCUS.

The Trailblazers program was established to recognize the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA’s “New CPAs,” defined as members who are under 40 or have five or fewer years of CPA experience.

The Waurika native is a CPA and manager with BKD, LLP in Enid, which is part of a national CPA and advisory firm. She currently is on the board of directors for the Hope Outreach Ministries and volunteers her time with numerous other groups and organizations in the Enid community.

“Every year the Trailblazer program gives us a group of young professionals who make us proud, and this year is no exception,” Ted Blodgett, CPA/ABV, said.

J.D. Blodgett, a partner with Gray Blodgett & Company in Norman, and 2013-2014 president of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants, said, “It’s wonderful to see young CPAs stepping up to become leaders in their profession and in their communities so early in their career.”

The OSCPA accepts Trailblazer nominations each year during the summer and fall. A panel of OSCPA members selected 20 honorees from more than 40 nominations using an anonymous application grading system where applicants’ identities were hidden. All 2014 winners will be honored at the OSCPA’s 96th Annual Members’ meeting on June 13 in Norman.

With more than 6,000 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma’s only statewide professional association of CPAs. Since 1918, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession. To learn more about the OSCPA, including membership and free job posting information, visit www.OSCPA.com.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University will observe the traditional collegiate spring break from March 17-21. Classes will resume their normal schedule on Monday, March 24. 

Administrative offices at all three campuses will be closed Monday through Wednesday, March 17-19. Offices will be open Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, with regular office hours.

As a reminder to individuals who are interested in attending Northwestern in the summer or fall, enrollment currently is open for the summer session, and enrollment for the fall session will open March 25.  Fall semester classes begin Aug. 18. Interim classes are May 13-30.  Summer classes begin June 2; there are June only classes, July only classes and June and July both classes available.

For a list of all available classes, visit www.nwosu.edu/course-schedules.

To enroll for any semester at Northwestern, all first-time freshmen and transfer students first must be admitted to the university, then obtain a class schedule and enrollment form, complete the form with an adviser and obtain the adviser’s signature prior to completing the enrollment process. The enrollment process must be completed in the registrar’s office.

Each first-year freshman must enroll in one of the Ranger Connection classes. This class is designed to help students connect to and learn more about the university.  Ranger Connection classes are listed under University Studies in the spring schedule.

Current students also must enroll through the registrar’s office except for those pre-approved by their advisers to enroll online.

Students admitted to the Graduate School may enroll in person or online using the RangerNet system on the Northwestern web site. Students enrolling in graduate courses for the first time at Northwestern must enroll in person.

Students with enrollment questions may call the Alva Registry Office at (580) 327-8551, the Enid Registration Office at (580) 237-0334 or the main office in Woodward at (580) 256-0047.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Staff Council is sponsoring the annual Campus Cleanup Day Thursday, April 3, beginning at 1 p.m. on the Alva campus.

All university employees and students are welcome to volunteer their services that afternoon to help give the campus a facelift prior to welcoming special guests to Northwestern’s campus in April. Representatives and peer reviewers associated with the North Central Association (NCA) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) will visit all of Northwestern’s campus locations April 7-9.  Northwestern also will welcome back alumni for the Spring Reunion Day activities on April 26.

Contact Rachel Stewart, Staff Council chair-elect, by Friday, March 28, with the names of offices, clubs or organizations who would like to participate with this service project.

“Cleanup Day is a great opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air as well as help spruce up the campus for the special guests we are expecting on the campus,” Chauncey Durham, Staff Council chair, said. “Please sign up and help make a difference on our campus.”

All volunteers should meet at 12:45 p.m. on the west side of the Student Center to receive instructions on the projects to be completed for the day. Volunteers also should dress appropriately for outdoor work. Tools, gloves and trash bags will be provided.

For more information about this project or to volunteer, contact Stewart at (580) 327-8178 or rsstewart@nwosu.edu.

In case of inclement weather, Campus Clean Up day will be moved to April 23.

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A lecture titled “Historiography, politics, and post-colonialism: Writing an imperial history as an ex-colonial” will be presented by Dr. Dhara Anjaria Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Struckle Education Center, room 109, as part of the Marvel/Smith Academic Enrichment Series. The event is free and open to the public.

The lecture will focus on writing about empire, specifically the British Empire in India.

“The main theme the talk explores is the complexities of studying empire for itself while being surrounded by an academic culture where empire is studied for its legacy, or influence, and the charges this opens the historian up to,” Anjaria said.

Anjaria, an independent researcher and the Indian representative for Conservatives Abroad, is a Doctor of Philosophy from the Royal Holloway College, University of London. She works on European empires in South and South East Asia during the nineteenth century, and has published two monographs, On the Indian Frontier and Curzon’s India: Networks of Colonial Governance, 1899-1905, both at Oxford University Press. She is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and the Royal Historical Society, and also a women’s rights activist.

“Northwestern is pleased to have Dr. Dhara Anjaria on our campus,” Dr. Bo Hannaford, dean of the School of Professional Studies, said.  “I believe her presentation will be insightful, and we encourage anyone who might be interested to come out and enjoy her topic of discussion.”

The Marvel/Smith Academic Enrichment Series was created in 2005 to honor Dr. John and Frances (Smith) Marvel, both 1946 Northwestern graduates and retired educators. Dr. Marvel retired as president emeritus of Colorado State College and was honored by the Northwestern Alumni Association as an Outstanding Graduate in 1974.

The purpose of this lectureship is to provide funding for an annual program in a selected academic discipline or performance to be rotated between the Schools of Arts and Science and Professional Studies. Its objectives are to encourage professional development for university employees, and to enhance the educational and performance opportunities for students, employees and the public.

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The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Institute for Citizenship Studies and the Department of Social Sciences proudly announce their annual Presidential Lecture Series topic for 2014 -- “Richard Nixon: Meet the man you do not know.” The program is Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in the Joe J. Struckle Education Center, room 109, at Northwestern-Alva. This event is free and open to the public.

Guest speaking on one of America’s most controversial chief executives is Dr. Gregory Cumming, Supervisory Archivist at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, Calif.

“Richard Nixon served as the nation’s 37th President,” said Dr. Aaron Mason, assistant professor of political science. “He will always be remembered for Watergate, but is this all there is to know about the man and his presidency? Come find out for yourself.”

For more information, call the Institute for Citizenship Studies office at (580) 327-8525 or email mason@nwosu.edu.  

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The three-day conference focused on using brain science to boost social and emotional skills in students and was sponsored by Harvard Graduate School of Education and Stanford University.

Speakers for the conference were internationally recognized scientists and educators who shared current brain research on how to maximize learning in the “Me Generation” digital age.  A few of the many scientists included Michael Gazzaniga, Ph.D., author of numerous neuropsychology textbooks; Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D., host of the PBS special “The Distracted Mind” and researcher on use of video game training to enhance cognitive control in older adults; and Harvard Child Psychiatrist Edward Hallowell, M.D. and author of best seller “Driven to Distraction.”

Davis and his wife Jan, who is a public school educator, both attended the conference.

“We’ve been attending the Harvard-sponsored programs for the past five years in Boston and San Francisco and can’t believe the value of the research that is being done in the area of how educators can use brain science to help them reach and teach their students, Davis said.

“Learning has changed in this new digital age, and we need to recognize that the needs and learning styles of today’s ‘Generation Me’ students are rapidly evolving.”

Davis added that he is excited about finding opportunities to share what is currently known about the learning brain and looks forward to sharing findings with public school teachers, college instructors and any others who are interested.

For more information on the psychology program at Northwestern contact Davis at (580) 327-8447 or mwdavis@nwosu.edu.

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