Bluefield State College students (left-to-right) Matt Halsey and Matt Fullen talk to VIKA, Inc. Senior Associate and BSC alumnus Frank Jenkins (a civil engineer and construction forensic expert) about career opportunities during the 2013 Employment and Recruitment Fair at Bluefield State College.

"This year's event attracted a large contingent of job seekers, as well as a sizeable group of employers and recruiters, and that's particularly encouraging because of the challenges faced by business and industry in today's economy," noted Tom Harrison, BSC's Director of Career Services. "The Fair brings employment networking opportunities to students approaching graduation, along with recent graduates. It also provides a laboratory-type learning experience for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who get to meet and talk to future prospective employers." The 2013 Fair also saw a welcome increase in the number of graduate and professional schools that attended and provided admissions information for candidates seeking advanced degrees.

Each attendee taking part in the Employment & Recruitment Fair received a vendors' map, noting the location of each recruiting organization, as well as the academic areas of emphasis sought by each recruiting organization.

Harrison observed that several former students who met with prospective employers at prior Fairs returned this year in the role of recruiters for the organizations with which they are now employed. "This year's event will be remembered as one of the best we've ever hosted at Bluefield State College, and it has set the bar very high for next year's Employment & Recruitment Fair, which will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2014."
He also expressed special appreciation to all the individuals that are vital to the success of this annual event. "Many people worked many long hours together to make this project happen," he said.

(Bluefield)—A "Job Readiness Workshop" will be presented by the Bluefield State College "enactus" student organization, April 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 309, Mahood Hall, W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business on the BSC campus.

Topics to be covered include resume building, business cards, cover letters, LinkedIn Profiles, and a session on interviewing skills. A community of student, academic, and business leaders, the BSC chapter of enactus has conducted several initiatives during the current academic year with an emphasis upon using the power of entrepreneurial action to enable human progress.

Interested individuals are encouraged to call (304) 952-9861 for additional information.

Bluefield State College students are pictured with House of Delegates member John Shott (center) during the annual “Higher Education Day at the State Legislature” at the State Capitol, March 21.

(Bluefield)—A contingent of 15 Bluefield State College students, along with faculty, staff, and administrators participated in the annual "Higher Education Day at the State Legislature," March 21. The BSC delegation made the trip to Charleston to meet state legislators, attend State Senate and House sessions, and discuss issues of importance and concern to the College. The students, all of whom are enrolled in Dr. Colin Cavell's political science classes this semester, also visited the State Supreme Court of Appeals. There, they learned about the history of West Virginia's highest court and they engaged in a question/answer session with Rory Perry, the Clerk of the State Supreme Court.

BSC President Marsha Krotseng took part in Higher Education Proclamation presentations in the Governor's Reception Room and the House and Senate chambers. "Higher Education Day provides an important focus on the difference West Virginia's colleges and universities make in individual lives and in the state as a whole," noted Dr. Krotseng. The BSC president also cited Higher Education Day as an opportunity for BSC students to see democracy in action.

"Higher Education Day helps connect state policymakers, prospective students, and the general public with our institutions and showcase our programs of excellence," she added.

Initiative Will Provide Essential Help During Students' Freshman Year

(Bluefield)—The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has funded a Bluefield State College faculty member's grant proposal to defray costs associated with the creation of a Transitional Studies Emporium at BSC. Dr. Sean Connolly, Chair of the new Department of Basic Studies and Strategic Programs at BSC, wrote the grant, which will address two key HEPC requirements to meet students' developmental education needs.

"A top priority for state institutions of higher education in West Virginia is developmental education," Dr. Connolly explained. Our proposal is consistent with HEPC requirements that outline skills requirements for students and also establish freshman assessment and placement standards." The $9,000 HEPC grant will underwrite the purchase of a Smart Board (an interactive computer screen), train staff, and cover costs associated with attendance at an accelerated learning placement conference in June, 2013.

BSC's Developmental Education Renovation Plan, which will be launched at the start of the Fall 2013 Semester, implements new and emerging techniques in developmental education. "Our plan is consistent with HEPC requirements that outline skills requirements for students and also establish freshman assessment and placement standards," he added. Through accelerated learning placement, students are concurrently co-enrolled in developmental education courses and college credit (100-level) courses. BSC's new Transitional Studies Emporium includes a computer laboratory with dedicated tutors to assist students with homework.

"The Emporium will also nurture a feeling of community among students, which should in turn help with retaining students during the vitally important period from freshman to sophomore year," Dr. Connolly continued.

The Transitional Studies Emporium is Bluefield State College's focused, coordinated plan to meet students at their point of need and support their academic success, Dr. Connolly explained. "The 21st Century economy is technology-driven and requires a skilled workforce," he stated. "The Emporium will play a very important role in helping our students strengthen their reading, math, and writing abilities so that they are equipped to graduate and embark on fulfilling and productive careers."

(Bluefield)—"Science and math can be fun." That's the message Bluefield State College students Sasha Richmond and Samuel Dennah hope to deliver to area middle school and high school students in the months to come. The BSC students returned recently from a "Lunabotics" workshop sponsored by the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

"We joined a group of students from WVU in a one-day workshop that focused on how to design and build robots with Lego toy building bricks and install on-board computers, then remotely program and control these 'lunabots' to start, stop, and steer around obstacles," Richmond explained.

"It was a very motivational experience," Dennah added. The BSC senior Health Services Management major from Liberia, observed, "We found ways to increase middle school and high school students' appetite for STEM (science-technology-engineering-mathematics) education. Hopefully, they will consider entering STEM-based careers."

"The lunabots can help us show kids that science is not boring," Richmond said. "Students can experience 'hands on' learning. After we receive lunabotics certification, we hope to teach kids and mentor them to encourage STEM learning."

Dennah and Richmond, a junior Applied Science/Pre-Med specialization major, are members of the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI), which was established at Bluefield State College several years ago to provide African-American students majoring in NASA-related activities with opportunities for leadership development through a comprehensive program based in leadership theory and practice.

Dr. Felica Wooten-Williams, ELI executive director, invited Emerging Leaders Institute members to consider the Lunabotics workshop opportunity. Richmond and Dennah volunteered. They will now have the opportunity to travel to the Kennedy Space Center with the WVU team for NASA's annual Lunabotics Mining Competition in May.

(Bluefield)—Recruiters from dozens of local and regional organizations are expected to participate in the 25th annual Spring Employment and Recruitment Fair at Bluefield State College on March 27th. The event will be held in the Ned Shott Gymnasium on the BSC campus, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m.

Although the event is hosted by BSC, students and graduates of Bluefield College, Concord University, New River Community and Technical College (NRCTC), Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Wytheville Community College are also invited to participate, as are all individuals interested in learning more about the recruiting organizations' job openings or professional and graduate programs. The Employment and Recruitment Fair provides an opportunity to meet and discuss options with potential future employers or educational admissions counselors.

"Last year's event attracted more than 300 job and graduate school seekers, as well as 74 employers and recruiters, and that's particularly encouraging because of the challenges faced by business and industry in today's economy," noted Tom Harrison, BSC's Director of Career Services. "The Employment and Recruitment Fair brings employment opportunities to students approaching graduation, along with recent graduates. It also provides a laboratory-type learning experience for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who get to meet and talk to prospective employers."

Each individual taking part in the Employment and Recruitment Fair receives a vendors' map, noting the location of each recruiting organization, as well as the academic areas of emphasis sought by each recruiting organization.

Additional information about this year's Employment and Recruitment Fair can be obtained by contacting Tom Harrison by telephone (304-327-4011) or by e-mail (tharrison@bluefieldstate.edu).

(Bluefield)--The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recently showcased research conducted by undergraduate students and recognized faculty members from colleges and universities across West Virginia. The student presentations and awards ceremony were held at the State Capitol as part of the 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Day.

In the morning, 100 undergraduate students from 15 higher education institutions presented research in the Upper Rotunda of the State Capitol and discussed their work with legislators and other state officials. Bluefield State College students Michael Bowling, Danielle Haynes, Brandon Kirby, and Yamilee Valmur participated in the program, spotlighting their work in biomedical research.

In the afternoon, Secretary of Education and the Arts Kay Goodwin, the Commission's Chancellor Paul Hill, and the Commission's Director of Research Programs Jan Taylor presented grant awards from West Virginia's Research Challenge Fund and Research Trust Fund, also known as "Bucks for Brains," at the Culture Center.

Governor Tomblin applauded the student research presentations and faculty research grants. "We, as a state, must continue to focus on economic development opportunities that develop and maintain a culture of innovation leading to further creation of high-skill, high-wage jobs for today's students and tomorrow's workforce," said Governor Tomblin.

Undergraduate Research Day is an annual event held at the State Capitol to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of research that is being conducted by faculty and students across the state's higher education system. Sponsors include the Commission's Division of Science and Research; Marshall University including the Expansion of STEM Doctoral Education Program; Marshall Health; and West Virginia University including the Office of Graduate Education and Life.

(Bluefield)--Is my phone a smartphone? What is an "app" and how do I download them? If you've asked any of these questions you are not alone.

With the rapid progression of mobile technology in recent years, it's easy to feel left behind. That's why the tech gurus at WVVA and Bluefield State College are partnering in an effort to provide answers to all your cellphone-related questions and demonstrate some of the many ways your new high-tech gadgets can be useful in everyday life – besides making phone calls, of course!

The "Getting to Know Your Smartphone Beginners Workshop" is a free program for anyone interested in learning more about the ever-changing world of mobile communication. Simply bring your questions – and your phone -- to the Tierney Conference Room, Room 441/Dickason Hall on the campus of Bluefield State College on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. for a fun and informative evening.

Interested participants must pre-register for the event at either Room 200/Conley Hall on the BSC campus, or at WVVA Studios any weekday during normal business hours.
The workshop will be presented by WVVA Internet Director Allen Roberts, with assistance from students and staff at BSC.

Refreshments will be served.

Bluefield State College students Justin Joseph (left) and Jerome Powell returned recently from the "enactus United States Partner Summit" at the Time Life Building in New York City. The BSC students were among only 35 enactus students selected from thousands of nominees to attend the two-day event that brings together members of the enactus National Advisory Board and administrative leaders from numerous Fortune 500 companies. Powell and Joseph met presidents, CEOs, CFOs, and Human Resource Directors from firms including Time Life, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, J.P. Morgan, Walmart Central, Bic, Hershey, Grow America, and Nielson.

"The entire experience was amazing," Powell noted. "We met and networked with business leaders in a variety of settings. They got to know us and we got to know them.

"My lasting impression of the enactus Partner Summit is that it underscores what enactus can do for students," Joseph added. "Now we have a greater appreciation for what it takes to be a business professional."

While at the enactus Partner Summit, Powell received an internship offer from Wells Fargo and Joseph was offered a regional sales position by PitMotorLTD.

"enactus" is a community of student, academic, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to enable human progress.

Dr. Tesfaye Belay, Bluefield State College Associate Professor of Biology, presented a summary of his research involving the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, during a BSC Faculty Colloquium on February 20. The bacterium is known to survive in the water supply of several space missions, and is one of many potential health threats to space travelers during flights. Dr. Belay also reviewed several BSC student-led biomedical and solar energy research initiatives that have occurred at the College during the past eight years.