“Living in student housing has been shown to improve student academic performance,” says Dr. Joyce Jones, vice president for student services. “We offer various programs at University Village to promote academic success. Through this Resident Academic Rewards program, we want to communicate this to students and to recognize those residents who achieve these academic goals.”

Making the Dean’s List (3.66 grade point average) for a semester will earn $250 in JagCard cash while achieving a 3.0 GPA will earn $100 in JagCard cash. To receive the reward, students must be in good standing with the university and meet the following eligibility requirements:

• have completed at least 9 credit hours in courses at the 1000 level or above
• have no K grades or grades of I, F, or WF for that semester, and
• have a minimum overall institutional GPA of at least 2.0.

The Registrar’s Office will determine which students have earned the rewards each semester. A list of the reward winners will be sent to the JagCard Office and to the property manager at University Village.

“We are excited to be offering this new academic reward program to residents of University Village,” Dr. Jones adds. “We have students who are serious about their education, and this is one way that we can encourage them to excel in the classroom.”

Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams earned at large bids to the NCAA Division II Mid Atlantic Regional. The men’s team, with a 15-9 record, are ranked no. 31 in the nation. They will compete in the regional that is being hosted by Lander University. The women’s team, who is ranked 26th in the nation and 13th in the nation in singles, will compete in the regional hosted at Armstrong Atlantic State University. The winners of the 16 regionals will meet in Houston for the national tournament May 14-17.

“We are very grateful to the Knox Foundation for their support of business education at Augusta State University,” said Dr. William A. Bloodworth, Jr., adding, “This gift will take the Hull College of Business to a new level and will significantly impact the professional development of our students in the accountancy program.”

The gift will endow a School of Accountancy and a chair in the accountancy program within the Hull College.

“On behalf of all the trustees of the Knox Foundation, we are pleased to provide this financial support and to be part of the tremendous growth and momentum that Augusta State University is currently experiencing,” said Jeff Knox, its executive director. “It is our hope that this endowment for a school of accountancy will greatly enhance the business college’s ability to attract quality students as well as other private funding.”

Accounting is considered to be a cornerstone of a world-class business school, according to Dr. Marc Miller, dean of the Hull College, who said that the Knox gift will help the college become a top tier business college. Already, the Hull College is one of only 300 business colleges worldwide to hold accreditation from the AACSB—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This past year, the college also was named by The Princeton Review to be among the top 270 business schools in the nation.

Mr. Knox, along with Ms. George-Ann Knox and Ms. Pat Knox Hudson, trustees of the Knox Foundation, were in attendance and were acknowledged by Dr. Bloodworth for their many leadership gifts to our community: “Giving is a part of their being—and giving without the expectation for recognition. When the Knox family makes a leadership commitment, it makes a lasting impression. This gift will touch many lives and become a catalyst for others to give and become part of our university.”

Mr. James M. Hull, the namesake of the business college, was instrumental in obtaining the gift and was also present at the announcement today. “My grandfather and father greatly admired the Knox family through the years, and it gives me great pleasure to see our families joined in support of ASU and in pursuit of broader education for our community. The Knox’s gift is important to the very vital work of creating better educational opportunities for our community, and their gift will be felt for many years to come.”

The announcement of the Knox Foundation gift was followed by a second announcement from Dr. Bloodworth of another major gift from Mr. Hull—a $1 million gift—which will be used to support scholarships within the accountancy program.

“We are also grateful to Jim Hull for his continued and increased financial support of the scholarship program for students in the Hull College. Because of his generosity, future generations of Hull Scholars will have opportunities for an exceptional educational experience. And, ultimately, it will be the business community that benefits as our Hull Scholars graduate and assume their professional careers,” said Dr. Bloodworth.

Both gifts will have a direct impact on the community as opportunities for the study of accounting increase.

“Successful communities must rely on the intellectual capital and resources of their universities to identify and solve problems and to create growth opportunities. We must expand access to higher education and educate more of our community to an advanced level. In today’s times, it is imperative that our population be educated, and I am excited to work with the Knox family, Dean Marc Miller, President Bloodworth and our other friends at Augusta State University to help push the College of Business ahead of its peers and to help our community compete in the national marketplace,” said Mr. Hull.

Both the Knox Foundation and James M. Hull are well known for their philanthropic efforts in the community and state. Mr. Hull said that the Knox Foundation’s broad knowledge and keen insight into the philanthropic landscape in Augusta is second to none.

“The Knox family is renowned for superb business and philanthropic instincts. Good value and solid returns are the hallmarks of Knox family investments, and this magnificent gift and their support of Augusta State University will serve as a beacon to others to support the university. I have no doubt that the Knox’s gift will be amplified and leveraged throughout the CSRA.”

Mr. Boone Knox, chief executive officer of the Knox Foundation, could not attend the news conference, but said, “It is especially a privilege to join the Hull family in further support of the Hull College of Business.”

The Outstanding Teaching Award was presented to Mark C. Fissel, professor of history; the Richard S. Wallace Distinguished Service Award went to Donald P. Howard, associate professor of management; and the Louis K. Bell Research Award was presented to Chad E. Stephens, assistant professor of chemistry. The awards were presented by ASU President William A. Bloodworth, Jr.

Dr. Fissel was recognized for outstanding teaching and service to the community. A 2004 recipient of the Louis K. Bell Research Award, he has lectured and written extensively on the subject of warfare within the British Isles, the military revolution, Sir Thomas Bendysh, and Anglo-Ottoman relations. He has contributed to several anthologies and has published five books—the most recent, Law and Authority in Early Modern England. Dr. Fissel joined Augusta State in 1998. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and was a Fulbright Senior Lecturer at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Fissel received master and doctoral degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

The Richard S. Wallace Distinguished Service Award, presented to Mr. Howard, recognizes outstanding service to the university and community. Prior to joining the faculty in 1989, Mr. Howard owned and managed a retail and wholesale brokerage and consulting firm. He also served as the executive vice president and partner of Belk Stores. Mr. Howard has served on the board of directors of Walton Rehabilitation Hospital and University Health Services. He also serves on numerous boards and committees. In 2004, he was named recipient of ASU Alumni Association’s Town and Town Award. Mr. Howard received his bachelor and master degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Stephens received the Louis K. Bell Research Award for his outstanding contributions in research and scholarship. Last year, he received a grant from the University of North Carolina to assist in the development of new drugs to treat tropical diseases. The project included researching how the newly developed drugs are metabolized in the body before they can be approved for use. He received a bachelor’s degree from Augusta State University and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He joined the faculty in 2005.

Outstanding students were also recognized. Mary Y. Truitt was recognized as the university’s Academic Recognition Day Scholar. Other student awards included:

Honors Program Graduates: Ashley E. Gutierrez, Julie M. Hatfield, Brian D. Matthews, Isaac J. McAdams, Zoe E. Tolson, Mary Y. Truitt, Eric D. Wareham

Honors Program Project Award: Mary Angel Cleary, Kenda Miller

Scholastic Achievement Awards: Freshman–Kristin S. Timmons, Bonnie E. Mode, Kimberly A. Rohde, Stacie M. Wells. Sophomore–Kimberly M. Kennedy, Zachary A. Martin, Nino DeLaurentys, Chris A Ceyssens, Andrew P. Aiken, Rachel M. Culpepper-Hickey, Whitney G. Lyons, Junior–Christopher D. Goss, Rebekah E. Harris, Elijah I. Carter, Sarah Higgins. Senior–Mary Y. Truitt, Alison S. Schofield, John D. Bruggeling, Rachel J Thom

Outstanding Senior in Biology: David J. Capell, Sara Movaghar

Emil K. Urban Student Research Award: Vernon D. Horst, Sherry L. Banks

Richard T. Mixon Award in Chemistry: David A. Schulte

McCrary Science Award: Mary Y. Truitt

Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Award: Calvin G. Roebuck

John W. Pearce Award in Organic Chemistry: Kenneth S. Stephenson

American Nuclear Society Physics Award: Michael W. Nadolsky

Best Undergraduate Research in Physics Award: Rebecca L. Sawyer

Best Undergraduate Research in Chemistry Award: Daniel R. Gerry

Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Award: Toni L. Davis

Patricia Smith Lesher Essay Award: William K. Phillips

McCrary English Award: William K. Phillips

Outstanding Student in French: Amy B. Grigsby

Outstanding Student in Spanish: Zoe E. Tolson

F. Eugenia Comer Award: Frieda K. Dean

Lucy C. Ruzicka Memorial Award in Music: Melanie H. Larsen

Powers-Baldwin of Augusta Music Award: Carmen S. Del Valle Ruiz

W. Keith Cowling Drama Award: Devon H. Yeager

Theodore deTreville Award in History: John D. Bruggeling

History Department Award: Melody A. Spires

Neely Award: Matthew S. Crunk

Edward J. Cashin Award: Danielle M. Pinckney

Clinical Excellence Award-First Year Nursing Student: Sandra L. Quinones, Samantha L. Way, Rebecca L. Pruitt

Clinical Excellence Award-Second Year Nursing Student: Sarah N. Hooks, Jennifer D. Knowlton

Nursing Faculty Leadership and Service Award: Katherine M. Holliman

Ralph H. Walker Good Government Award: Isaac J. McAdams

Outstanding Graduate Psychology Student Award: Aimee L. Goodbar

Outstanding Senior Psychology Student Award: Brooke A. Maples

Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice Award: Stephen N. Eichel

Ernestine H. Thompson Outstanding Social Work Senior Award: Sabrina J. Faircloth

John M. Smith, Jr. Outstanding Sociology Senior Award: Patrick D Ozanne

Outstanding Student in Women’s Studies: Ula G. Gaha

Co-op Student of the Year Award: Danny J. McCain

Accounting Award: Joshua G. Wemple

Georgia Society of CPA’s Certificate of Academic Excellence: James T. Williams, Jr.

Georgia Society of CPA’s Distinguished Accounting Award: Rufus W. Dollar

Finance Award: Jeremy A. Armstrong

Management Award: Alena Batovska

Marketing Award: Ashley F. Loshniowsky

Management Information Systems Award: Janice A. DeLoach

Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award: Rufus W. Dollar

Outstanding MBA Student Award: Lindsai B. Mobley

Tommy Werrick Scholar Athlete Award: Jeremy A. Armstrong, Anna K. Tedder, Jessica M. Lowes

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Kinesiology and Health Science: Max K. Fischer

Outstanding Graduate Student in Kinesiology and Health Science: Holly J. Harper, Julia C. Vagovic

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Special Education: Clare T. Almeter

Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education: Honey A. Evans

Outstanding Initial Certification Student in Early Childhood Education: Anna K. Tedder

Outstanding Graduate Student in Early Childhood Education: Carey A. Cushman

Outstanding Initial Certification Student in Middle Grades Education: Jessica M. Lowes

Outstanding Graduate Student in Middle Grades Education: Essie D. Febus

Outstanding Initial Certification Student in Secondary Education: Amber C. Bentley

Outstanding Graduate Student in Counselor Education: Alison T. Jakaitis

Outstanding Graduate Student in Educational Leadership: Patrick W. O’Neill

Bell Ringer Award: Morgan E. Riney

Augusta Chronicle Award: Jennifer L. Annis

John C. Groves Senior Service Leadership Award: Isaac J. McAdams, Julie H. Hatfield

The Intellectual Capital Partnership Program—an economic development program of the University System of Georgia—will provide students in ASU’s James M. Hull College of Business an opportunity to link with developing businesses in MCG’s Life Science Business Development Center. Between eight and 10 internships, starting in the spring semester, will provide business students experience in the biotechnology industry.

“The life science industry is growing,” says Jonathan Goolsby, the outreach coordinator for MCG’s Life Sciences Innovation Center. “One area where scientists have a lack of expertise is in business operations. Their businesses sometimes find it difficult to locate people who are qualified to work in these industries. And it’s very attractive. The average salary is $75,000.”

As part of the new program, students will learn about writing business plans, analyzing external and internal business environments, analyzing markets, customers and the competition, analyzing key financial documents, planning pricing and communications strategies, and resolving distribution issues. They will spend 10 hours per week for six weeks with an assigned bio-tech startup company. For their work, students will receive three hours course credit.

“This effort allows us to bring together the world of biology with the vision of the business world to benefit ASU students and the start-up companies at the Life Sciences Innovation Center at MCG,” says Carolyn Ingraham, ASU’s director of Continuing Education and ICAPP liaison.

Each business in the MCG incubator will also reap benefits from taking part in the program. The approach for a participating company will be customized to meet its needs but will typically include a business plan that can be used to identify sources of funding and support.

In the short-term, the internship will build a permanent, interdisciplinary course to be offered at least once a year. The long-range goal is to explore developing a special area of study in the Hull College of Business where students can take a series of biology courses leading to a Bio-Medical Business degree concentration.

“I hope to see this initial internship program grow in the future to become a permanent bio-business track within the Hull College of Business curriculum,” Ms. Ingraham says. “This type of collaboration can have a big impact in creating jobs and business opportunities in the CSRA.”

Nabil Ibrahim, Professor in the Hull College of Business, will serve as the lead instructor for the internship. Rich Griner, Christine Terry, and Jason Andrus from ASU’s Department of Biology will facilitate the biology component as well as the student-business connection.

Phi Kappa Phi has chapters on nearly 300 college and university campuses. Since its founding in 1897, more than a million members have been initiated, with about 30,000 being inducted each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. Dr. Bloodworth was elected to Phi Kappa Phi membership by the East Carolina University chapter in 1986, and he served on the national Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Committee from 1991 to 1997.

Dr. Bloodworth has served 14 years as Augusta State’s president. During his tenure, he has overseen more than $95 million in new construction, the addition of student housing, a record enrollment, and a change in the institution from being a senior college to a state university.

He has served on many local boards, including the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, CSRA Business Lending, and Communities in Schools. Dr. Bloodworth is a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta and has served as president of the Peach Belt Conference and as president of the Georgia Association of Colleges.

He is the author of two books, Max Brand and Upton Sinclair, and numerous articles on American literature, including the literature of the American West and the literature of Native Americans, in such journals as Western American Literature, South Dakota Quarterly, and the Journal of American Culture. He has also authored book chapters and entries in references books as well as reviews of books about American literature and literary criticism, folklore, Native American studies, American history, and journalism.

Before joining Augusta State in 1993, he served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Missouri State University. He also served at East Carolina University and the University of Texas at Austin. A native Texan, Dr. Bloodworth began his teaching career in the Texas public school system.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Texas Lutheran University, a master’s degree in English from Lamar University in Beaumont, and a doctorate in American civilization from the University of Texas at Austin. He also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University.

He is married to Julia Rankin Bloodworth, who works as guardian ad litem for child custody cases in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. The Bloodworths have two children. Their daughter, Nicole, is a graduate of North Carolina State University, and their son, Paul, is a graduate of Augusta State University.