The first meetings focused on funding and key performance measures, and the programs were presented by Dr. Samuel Sullivan, vice president for academic affairs; Mr. Dan Whitfield, vice president for business operations; and Ms. Helen Hendee, vice president for development and alumni affairs.

Following the discussions on fiscal topics, Dr. Joyce Jones, vice president for student affairs, discussed a new program to strengthen student success and aid retention, the First Year Experience, for students at University Village. Dr. Peggy Ruth Geren, associate dean of the College of Education, gave a presentation on the challenges faced in preparing a larger share of teachers, and Ms. Willene Holmes, director of financial aid, presented a program on the financial aid and the general financial situation of our students

Dr. Lillie Johnson, chair of English and Foreign Languages, and colleagues Tim Sadderwasser, Michelle Cook, Wes Kisting, and Christine Heck talked about the department’s efforts and strategies in the teaching and learning of English composition, while at the same time dispelling the “urban myth” associated with the difficulty of the program.

Dr. Ray Whiting, special assistant to the president, talked about reaffirmation efforts for SACS accreditation and the proposed development of a quality enhancement plan. Dr. Robert Parham, dean of the Pamplin College, organized a panel of researchers to discuss student research, which included Dr. Debbi van Tuyll, communications and professional writing, Dr. Quentin Davis, psychology, and Drs. Andy Hauger and Chad Stevens from chemistry and physics.

Mr. Clint Bryant presented a program on the success of student athletes, and Dr. Sam Robinson, chair of mathematics and computer science, spoke about mathematics learning and its importance to the academic success of students.

Ms. Julie Goley and colleagues in the Career Center, Melissa Hudson, Melissa Zeigler, Amber Zimmerman, and Patricia Hyatt, spoke about developing a discipline-based career advising program in collaboration with academic departments as part of our overall effort to increase student academic success and retention.

As a final program, Ms. Kathy Schofe and Ms. Heather Hopkins, public relations and publications, discussed the ways that social media is being used to enhance visibility of the university. Dr. Bloodworth spent the remainder of the program for an open discussion of ways to improve the academic experience and success of our students.

Congressman Paul Broun, Brigadier General Jeffery W. Foley, ASU President William A Bloodworth, Jr., and Augusta Mayor David (Deke) Copenhaver will take part in the program. Mayors of Grovetown, Harlem, and North Augusta will also participate in the signing along with representatives from the Columbia County Commission, and Augusta-Metro, Columbia County, and North Augusta Chambers of Commerce.

June 13th is the day before the U.S. Army’s 233 birthday and Flag Day, which falls on the 14th. Interestingly, the flagstaff on ASU’s campus is among the oldest in the nation. It dates back to October 1900 and according to one researcher, “should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.” Other structures of historical military significance at ASU include four original Arsenal buildings and a restored 1866 Arsenal Guardhouse as well as an Arsenal Cemetery which contains the remains of soldiers from the 1800’s to the 1940’s.

Augusta State moved to the historic site of the Augusta Arsenal in 1957 following the arsenal’s closure in 1955 by the U.S. Army. The Army began operating on the site in 1827, and some of its original buildings are still in operation.

For more information, call ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1444.

“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

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.

The convocation will introduce new faculty and department chairs as well as the administrators who have assumed new roles this year. The event also kicks off the campus campaign of the A Day for Augusta State University annual fund drive.

For more information, contact ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1444.