The seventh annual "Brian Delp Memorial 5K Run and Walk" will be held at Bluefield State College on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is designed to raise funds for the "Humanitarian Athletic Award," a scholarship in memory of the late Brian A. Delp, a BSC student-athlete who lost his life while assisting a stranded motorist.

Entry fee is $15, in advance and $20 on the day of the race. Entry fee for walkers is $10 (no late fee). The format includes several age groups, and each participant receives a t-shirt. Additional information can be obtained online by visiting the Bluefield State College home page (bluefieldstate.edu) ,or by contacting Vonda Wilson, BSC Cross Country Coach and Athletic Department Administrative Secretary, at (304) 327-4208/e-mail, vwilson@bluefieldstate.edu

"Brian was an exceptional person," noted BSC athletic director Terry Brown. "He was a humanitarian, a leader, and an excellent student athlete." The Humanitarian Athletic Award is presented in the form of two $250 scholarships (one award for a male student-athlete and one for a female student-athlete) per academic year. One of the scholarships is funded on an annual basis by local educators Tom and Janie Farmer. Scholarship applicants must be BSC student-athletes, two-year letter winners, and they must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average, according to Brown.

Twelve individuals were inducted, four posthumously, into the Bluefield State College National “B” Club Hall of Fame.  Pictured (seated left-to-right) are Claudius Watts (accepting for brother Claude Watts posthumously), E. Ray Williams and Ralph N. Polk (2011 inductees) and (standing, l-to-r) Orlando Henderson (BSCAA National President and “B” Club President), 2012 inductees James W. Childress, Frank Lee, Lynne Kelly, Preston Watkins, Joseph Fourqurean and Ergie Smith (2010 Inductee).  (not pictured are BSC B Club 2012 inductees Raymond Reed, Lacy Smith and C. Douglass Cobbs, Esq., as well as family members of Class of 2012 posthumous inductees Alto Lark and Henry Winkfield.		Mrs. Mildred Washington, wife of the late John Washington, is pictured after accepting a plaque and certificate honoring Mr. Washington, who was inducted into the Bluefield State College National “B” Club Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony in Bluefield, July 27.

This year's honorees were posthumous inductees Alto Lark (1962), Claude Watts (1962), John L. Washington (1947) and Henry Winkfield (1942), as well as living honorees James Childress (1971), C. Douglas Cobb, J.D. (1968), Joseph R. Fourqurean (1972), Lynne Kelly (1986), Frank Lee (1963), Raymond Reed (1955), Lacy L. Smith (1943), and Preston Watkins (1971).

Orlando Henderson, chairman of the Hall of Fame committee and President/Bluefield State College Alumni Association, observed that this year's honorees are "individuals of distinction on the athletic field, in the classroom, and in the community."

Deirdre Guyton, Bluefield State College's Director of Alumni Affairs, narrated a "Spotlight Parade of Hall of Fame Inductees," during which each new Hall of Fame member will be recognized for his/her achievements. Mr. King Harvey, Treasurer of the BSC Alumni Association, Inc. was the program's emcee.

Alto Lark--In 1958, he enrolled at Bluefield State College and was named to the All-WVIAC basketball team. In 1959, he left Bluefield State to play in the American Industrial League with the New York Tuck Tapers. Later, he was drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters and played with the Globetrotters until 1964.

John Washington—A football player at Bluefield State College, John embarked on a 26 year career with the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and held numerous positions including probation officer, Superintendent of Fairfield School for Boys, Training Center for Youth, Buckeye Youth Center and Training Institution of Central Ohio. In addition, he held positions as Chief of After-Care, Chief of Institutions and other administrative positions in the department's Central Office.

Claude Watts-In 1956, Claude enrolled in Park Central High School and was an outstanding football and basketball player. He was the starting point guard on the 1957-58 basketball state championship team. Claude was inducted into the West Virginia High School Hall of Fame in April 2008. His talents were rewarded with several college football scholarship offers, and at his mother's request, he accepted a full four-year scholarship to Bluefield State College in 1959. While there, he led the CIAA in rushing yards twice, and earned all conference honors three times.

Henry Winkfield—Coach Winkfield was a graduate of Bluefield State College, the University of Pittsburgh and Marshall University. He taught in Tazewell County for three years. In 1945, he accepted a teaching position in McDoweIl County. He was a faithful teacher, coach and assistant principal at Kimball High School, Kimball Jr. High, and Northfork High School. He went to Northfork in 1971 and was a key member of the coaching staff during Northfork's string of state basketball championships. He retired after 41 years as an educator and coach in May, 1983.

James Childress-- In his senior year at William Byrd High School, James averaged 30 points with 15 rebounds per game and he holds a personal high scoring mark of 59 points in one game. His high school athletic awards include, All City and County for football, Player of the Year for two years and All-American in basketball and All-State in softball. During his time at Bluefield State, James served as the basketball team captain during his junior and senior years and he was a member of the starting lineup for every varsity basketball game at BSC. He averaged 19 points and 12.5 rebounds per game throughout his collegiate career. He was an All-WVIAC first team selection in 1968 and again in 1971.

C. Douglas Cobbs, Esq.-- He was a three times All WVIAC Conference Offensive tackle in 1966, 1967 and 1968. He was a three-time All-Conference selection at Bluefield State College. His brother, Obie, was an All-Conference linebacker in 1967.

Joe Fourquerean—Joe was an All-WVIAC selection in 1971 and '72. He later enjoyed an outstanding career with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League. He was an All-CFL 1st team All-Star in 1978, '79, and '80. He was recently inducted into the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame and was named one of the Lions' "All-Time Greats."

Lynne Kelly—Lynne was the first female student-athlete at Bluefield State College to be selected as a national All-American. She was a WVIAC Player of the Year, led the Conference in scoring, rebounding, and rebounding percentage. As a junior, she helped the Lady Blues win the WVIAC championship and play in the NAIA national tournament.

Frank Lee—Frank was a four-time BSC letterman in track and a three year football letterman. He was also the WVIAC high hurdles champion for four consecutive years. He coached Halifax County Middle School to its conference's track championship for nine seasons and he is a member of the Dunbar (Lynchburg, VA.) High School and South Boston/Halifax County Sports Halls of Fame.

Raymond "Babe" Reed—After an outstanding career as a student-athlete at Liberty High School in Williamson, Ray enrolled at Bluefield State College with a four-year basketball scholarship. He attended a three day tryout camp for the Milwaukee Braves Farm Team. Of the 150-200 athletes to participate, Ray was the only one to sign a contract. He played his first year with the Quebec Canada Braves in 1951. He was drafted into the Army and served in the military from 1952 to 1954, then returned to college and received a bachelor's degree in 1955. Between 1955 and 1960, he played professional baseball in the minor league system of the Atlanta Braves.

Lacy Lasalle Smith—He was a very successful winning coach at Aracoma High School for 16 years with an overall record of 82-36-14, including 3 undefeated teams and two state championships. After integration, he applied for-the football coaching job at Logan High School but had to file a law suit before finally getting the job in 1980. Coach Smith was selected to coach the West squad in the annual East-West All-Star football game. Between 1947 and 1950, Smith's teams put together a streak of 23 consecutive games without a loss.

Preston Watkins earned first team All-WVIAC honors for three seasons and was named the Conference's Offensive Player of the Year during his senior season. He caught 157 receptions during his collegiate career, scoring 34 touchdowns. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals of the National football League. In 2011, he was inducted into the Logan High School Hall of Fame.

(Bluefield)—The seventh annual "Brian Delp Memorial 5K Run and Walk" will be held at Bluefield State College on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is designed to raise funds for the "Humanitarian Athletic Award," a scholarship in memory of the late Brian A. Delp, a BSC student-athlete who lost his life while assisting a stranded motorist.

Entry fee is $15, in advance and $20 on the day of the race. Entry fee for walkers is $10 (no late fee).  The format includes several age groups, and each participant receives a t-shirt.  Additional information can be obtained online by visiting the Bluefield State College home page (www.bluefieldstate.edu) ,or by contacting Vonda Wilson, BSC Cross Country Coach and Athletic Department Administrative Secretary, at (304) 327-4208/e-mail, vwilson@bluefieldstate.edu

"Brian was an exceptional person," noted BSC athletic director Terry Brown. "He was a humanitarian, a leader, and an excellent student athlete." The Humanitarian Athletic Award is presented in the form of two $250 scholarships (one award for a male student-athlete and one for a female student-athlete) per academic year.   One of the scholarships is funded on an annual basis by local educators Tom and Janie Farmer.  Scholarship applicants must be BSC student-athletes, two-year letter winners, and they must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average, according to Brown.

Entry Form

The “Carl P. and Selba Meadows Boyd Conference Room” at Bluefield State College was officially dedicated during a July 27 ceremony at BSC.  Pictured at the ceremony are Mr. Boyd (right) and Mrs. Boyd.

The Boyds, both lifelong supporters and friends of Bluefield State College, are BSC alumni. Their generosity includes the establishment and funding of one of the largest of all BSC Foundation scholarships. Both are very active at the national and local levels of the BSC Alumni Association. The dedication ceremony is a featured event in the Alumni Association's 20th national reunion on the BSC campus.

"The Carl P. and Selba Meadows Boyd Conference Room has become a wonderful venue and resource for the College," noted Dr. Felica Wooten Williams. "The renovated room is set up to accommodate academic and instructional activities, and it enhances the administrative and managerial capacities of the institution."

The project, which began during the Spring 2011 Semester, replaced existing furnishings with more modern seating, conference table, projection television, audio and video interactive conferencing capabilities, and more.

"The décor is now the unified gold and blue of Bluefield State College," Dr. Williams continued. "The room now exudes a sense of warmth, camaraderie, and unity. Carl and Selba Boyd certainly personify those same very positive traits."

"Carl and Selba Boyd are such wonderful ambassadors for Bluefield State College," added Dr. Thomas Blevins, BSC Interim President. "They love their alma mater and they have been sources of strength and insight for Bluefield State College since they arrived on the campus as students more than a half-century ago. We are grateful for their support and for the wonderful examples of grace, warmth, and dignity that are so evident in their lives of service to others."

The Bluefield State College (BSC) Presidential Search Committee has selected three finalists for campus interviews. The final candidates include Dr. Thomas E. Blevins, Interim President, Bluefield State College; Dr. Marsha Krotseng, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Planning/Executive Director, College Technical Education Council, North Dakota University System; and Dr. Johnson Akinleye, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Interview Dates

July 26, 2012 - Thomas E. Blevins, Ed.D.

July 31, 2012 - Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.

August 2, 2012 - Marsha V. Krotseng, Ed.D.

Interview Schedule

BSC invites the public to meet with the candidates at the open sessions with Faculty/Staff or with Alumni/Community Members/Students.

About the Final Candidates:

Johnson O. Akinleye, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, earned a Ph.D. in Human Communication Studies from Howard University. Prior to his current position, he served as Interim Dean, College of Health & Human Services at UNCW and Vice President for Administration at Edward Waters College. He has held several positions as Associate Provost, Dean and Department Chair and Professor for more than 25 years.

Thomas E. Blevins, Interim President, Bluefield State College, earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology from Virginia Tech. Prior to his current position, he served as Dean, School of Education, Dean of the Virtual College and Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer at Bluefield State College. He has worked at Bluefield State College for more than 30 years as Director of the Center for Extended Learning and Director of Academic Computing and Professor of English.

Marsha V. Krotseng, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Planning/Executive Director, College Technical Education Council, North Dakota University System, earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education from The College of William and Mary. Prior to her current position, she served as Associate Vice President & Chief Planning Officer at Valdosta State University and Vice Provost/Executive Assistant to the President at West Liberty State College and Assistant Professor at The University of Mississippi. Her career in higher education has spanned twenty five years.

(Bluefield)—The Bluefield State College Presidential Search Committee has announced the final candidates for the presidency of the College. The Presidential Search Committee is comprised of members of the BSC Board of Governors and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Paul Hill as ex-officio.

"I am delighted to report to our constituents that three exceptional candidates have been selected as finalists," said James Palmer, Chair of the BSC Presidential Search Committee. "We are extremely content with the high quality and excellent credentials of the finalists and look forward to the next step in the selection process."

Finalists are Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs at the University of North Carolina
Wilmington; Dr. Thomas E. Blevins, Interim President, Bluefield State College, and; Dr. Marsha V. Krotseng, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Planning/Executive Director, College Technical Education Council, North Dakota University System.

"The campus visitation schedules are being finalized and will be posted on the Bluefield State College website in the coming days. The schedules will include meetings with a variety of key stakeholders throughout the BSC family and the community," Palmer said.

Future basketball stars Jocquise Oliver (left) and Blake Thompson (right) receive one-on-one instruction from Big Blues’ basketball coach Jamaal Jackson during the Bluefield State College Basketball Camp.  The four-day camp welcomed more than 30 young student-athletes, ages 8-17, at its opening session on July 25.

More than 30 kids, eight to 17 years old, participated in the annual camp.

Coach Jackson and camp counselors used the four days to teach the campers the basic fundamentals, offensive and defensive principles, and directed "Hot Shot," free throw shooting, one-on-one, two-on-two, and defensive competitions.

"The youngsters were hungry to learn every day, and there's no doubt in my mind that we will see several of this year's campers develop into high school and college basketball players in the future," Jackson said.

(Bluefield)—The Bluefield State College/Community Singers will present the musical program "Those Who Served," celebrating America's freedom, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 2012 at the War Memorial Building in Princeton. The BSC/Community Singers is comprised of residents from Mercer and Tazewell Counties.

The program will feature a variety of songs, including "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood; Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," and "America, the Beautiful." Of special interest will be the hymns of the Armed Services groups—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. "The program is a special activity of the Choir and Bluefield State College to honor those who have served to guarantee our life of freedom in America," observed Don Kensinger, the Choir Director.

There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend. The War Memorial museum will also be open to the public.

(NRCTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an Elementary Education Collaborative Program during a brief ceremony at the Erma Byrd Center in Raleigh County  Dr. Ted Spring/President, NRCTC (seated, left), and Dr. Thomas Blevins/President, BSC (seated, right) signed the agreement, while (standing, left-to-right) Dr. Betsy Steenken/Interim Dean, BSC School of Education, Dr. Carolyn Sizemore, Dean/NRCTC Beckley campus,  Dr. Lucie Refsland, Professor of Mathematics/NRCTC, Roger Griffith, Dean/NRCTC Greenbrier Valley campus and Dr. Harry R. Faulk, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer/NRCTC observed the occasion.

(BECKLEY, W. VA.)— Bluefield State College (BSC) and New River Community and Technical College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an Elementary Education Collaborative Program. The agreement was signed by Dr. Tom Blevins, president of BSC, and Dr. Ted D. Spring, president of New River, on Monday, June 11, according to a joint announcement from the schools.

The agreement will provide New River students a seamless transfer into School of Education at Bluefield State and will allow them to complete their coursework for the bachelor's degree close to home.

"Bluefield State College and New River have a long history of cooperation in the interest of our students," Spring commented. This agreement underscores our continuing efforts to remove barriers for students seeking a high quality, low cost education in our region. New River graduates can transfer anywhere. This opportunity allows them to stay right here in southeastern West Virginia to continue their education."

Beginning with the fall semester of 2012, Bluefield State College will deliver one to four courses per semester, as needed, to students in the Collaborative Program on weekends, weekdays, or evenings via traditional on-site courses and/or distance learning technologies. New River will provide appropriate classrooms for delivery of these courses, if needed. BSC will deliver the program at New River's Greenbrier Valley Campus in Lewisburg and at the Public Higher Education Center in Beaver.

"Because West Virginia now has an active community college system, it is incumbent upon baccalaureate colleges to make reciprocity agreements with local community colleges and to expand their outreach," Blevins said. "We are very happy with the efforts of Dr. Lucie Refsland with New River and BSC, and Dr. Betsy Steenken, interim dean of the School of Education, BSC, and we believe that this agreement with New River Community and Technical College is the beginning of an excellent relationship. We hope to move forward with other program articulations in the near future."

Bluefield State College is a member institution of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

New River Community and Technical College is a member institution of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. New River serves nine counties in southeast and south central West Virginia from locations in Beckley, Lewisburg, Ghent, Princeton and Summersville. Administrative offices are located in Beckley.

In addition to guaranteed admission, high-achieving transfer students will receive in-state tuition

Virginia Western Community College and Bluefield State College signed an articulation agreement today that will result in a seamless and cost-effective transition between the two institutions for students majoring in business programs. Virginia Western students completing their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degrees in accounting and business management, and in business management with specializations in human resource management or marketing; or their Associate of Science (A.S.) in business administration will be guaranteed admission in those Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs at Bluefield State's W. Paul Cole Jr. School of Business. Pictured (left-to-right) during the signing ceremony are Jim Poythress, Dean of Business, Engineering and Technology/Virginia Western; Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs/VWCC; Dr. Robert Sandel, President, VWCC, Dr. Tom Blevins, President/Bluefield State College, Dr. Lewis Jones, Provost/BSC, and Dr. Steve Bourne, Dean of the W. Paul Cole Jr. School of Business/BSC.

Virginia Western students completing their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degrees in accounting and business management, and in business management with specializations in human resource management or marketing; or their Associate of Science (A.S.) in business administration will be guaranteed admission in those Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs at Bluefield State's W. Paul Cole Jr. School of Business. As part of the agreement, Bluefield State will offer scholarships for Virginia Western students earning a 3.0 grade-point average so they will be able to attend the West Virginia college at the in-state tuition rate.

"This agreement is a natural fit because it brings together two colleges that hold accreditations by the Council for Business Schools and Programs, providing students a clear route to careers in business," said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, president of Virginia Western. "Bluefield State's close proximity to our region and the possibility of in-state tuition means we will continue to provide affordability and accessibility to higher education for our students."

Bluefield State has also established a Metro tuition and fees rate for students from nearby locations in Virginia. Virginia Western graduates will be eligible for this reduced tuition as long as the meet program admission guidelines and earn a 2.0-2.99 grade-point average.

In addition to classroom instruction, Bluefield State offers numerous online classes with livestreaming. Students can see everything the professor does in class, including the use of multiple advance technologies. This will allow Virginia Western graduates to overcome some the challenges related to the colleges' distance from each other.

"Because West Virginia now has an active community college system, it is incumbent upon baccalaureate colleges to make reciprocity agreements with local community colleges and to expand their outreach," said Dr. Tom Blevins, president of Bluefield State. "We are very happy with the efforts of Dr. Steve Bourne (Dean of the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business) and we believe that this agreement with Virginia Western Community College is the beginning of an excellent relationship."

ABOUT VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

With more than 13,000 students on the college's main campus in Southwest Roanoke City, to our satellite locations at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Downtown Roanoke, Greenfield Education & Training Center in Daleville, and the Franklin Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia Western Community College is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality educational opportunities and workforce training to meet individual, community, and global needs. To learn more, visit www.virginiawestern.edu.

ABOUT BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE

Bluefield State College provides an affordable, accessible education to a diverse student body. The College features strong, career-focused programs of study that are designed to equip graduates for solid, fulfilling careers. Fourteen different degree programs hold program-specific national accreditation, and the College is nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Approximately 2,000 students attend BSC and many utilize the opportunity to take classes through a variety of distance learning modalities. To learn more, visit bluefieldstate.edu.