(Bluefield)—The annual "Jerolee White Nursing Scholarship 5K Run/Walk will be held at Bluefield State College on Saturday, April 21, 2012 beginning at 9 a.m. The event was created in memory of the late Jerolee White, BSC Professor Emeritus, who dedicated her life to caring for the sick and disadvantaged, locally, and on medical mission trips to Arizona, Uganda, and Africa.

Each entry fee (5K run--$15 preregistered, $18 thereafter); 5K walk ($10, no late fee) includes a souvenir t-shirt and refreshments, with proceeds going toward the "Jerolee White Nursing Scholarship Fund" for BSC nursing students. Race day registration will be conducted on April 21, 2012, 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. in the Ned Shott Physical Education Building, Room 414.

Awards will be presented for the top three male and female finishers, overall, and to the top three male/female finishers in each of 13 age groups. A $50 prize will be awarded to the top overall male runner and the top overall female runner. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Susan Nunley, BSC Assistant Professor of Nursing, by phone (304-327-4140 or 276-945-5832) or by e-mail (snunley@bluefieldstate.edu)

Entry Form

Community Involvement

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at BSC completed more than 570 tax returns for area residents in 2011. The program's volunteers committed approximately 500 hours to help qualifying individuals with their federal and state tax returns.

BSC Nursing students conduct health education classes at Mercer Health Right and conducted a community Health Fair at Mercer Mall

Bluefield State College Associate Degree Nursing students partnered with the Abel Center to provide infant clothing, accessories, and food in an innovative program designed to reward clients' progress in developing newborn and child parenting skills, and put together personal hygiene kits and blankets for residents of the Mercer County Fellowship Home in Bluefield

BSC Student and Greek Organizations take part in numerous community-oriented activities, including:

• "Adopt a Highway"
• "Toys for Tots"
• "The American Red Cross Blood Drive"
• Ronald McDonald House
• Mercer County Humane Society

The BSC Lady Blues basketball team has provided volunteer assistance for the Mercer County Schools' Reading Bee, an area Easter Egg Hunt, and a regional Habitat for Humanity home construction project

The Bluefield State College Community Chorus performed at numerous community functions, including the “Ridge Runner” train dedication ceremony, “Evening Shade” in Bluefield, VA, and numerous Christmas concerts in Bluefield, WV and VA

The BSC Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted an international colloquium, "Coming to Terms with Cultures, Language & History in a Pluralistic Society," a performance by the Tami Tango Trio Argentine dance and music ensemble, and an International Awareness Day mini-festival "One World-Many Cultures," featuring international cuisine, artifact exhibits, and a fashion show

Bluefield State College School of Education students organized and presented a "Parent Literacy Night" at Whitethorn Primary School. In four-to-five student teams, the 24 BSC teacher candidates demonstrated literacy activities for children and their parents to use at home

BSC financial aid staff conducts annual financial aid workshops for prospective college students and their families

BSC Dean of the Virtual College has been re-elected Chair of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology's Accreditation Committee

The BSC "Blue Chicory Players" present one play per semester and the BSC Jazz Ensemble presents one concert per semester for the college community, area public schools and the general public, while also offering a one-day jazz clinic for area public school student-musicians

BSC presented eight Black History Month programs for the general public and college community in February 2011

BSC Radiologic Technology students invest nearly 400 hours in volunteer service to area service organizations each year, and have provided more than 2,000 hours, total, over the past five years

The Bluefield State College Model United Nations (MUN) student team earned several "Certificates of Accomplishment" at the 2011 American Model United Nations International Conference in Chicago, IL

Achievements

After a year-long $6 million renovation effort, Mahood Hall, home of the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business was officially dedicated during a celebratory ceremony at Bluefield State College on December 7. With an audience that included Cole, a Bluefield business and civic leader, his family, other dignitaries and members of the BSC community, the ceremony was telecast live throughout the world via its new video-streaming capabilities.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners recently awarded Bluefield State College reaffirmation of accreditation of its business programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business school at Bluefield State College meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

Another major renovation at BSC during 2011 involved the complete heating/air conditioning upgrade in the Basic Science Building. The College received approximately $850,000 from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), as well as a $750,000 loan from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission's Emergency Loan Fund. The Basic Science project included an HVAC upgrade and new lighting in the Auditorium and throughout each of the classrooms on the upper three floors. The original HVAC system was approximately 40 years old and the new system will yield an annual energy saving of $40,000.

The College's enrollment in Beckley has tripled since 2006. BSC has significantly expanded its course and program offerings at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center in Beaver, WV, with 65 courses offered on site during the Fall 2011 semester

The new Business Information Systems baccalaureate degree program offered for the first time at Bluefield State College in 2011 provides students with an opportunity to tap into one of the information systems, one of the nation's fastest-growing and financially-rewarding fields. The program integrates business and computer science courses, preparing students for jobs with excellent starting salaries and bright futures.

Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller visited Bluefield State College in February 2011, talking to BSC students and faculty with a passion for robotics and discussing the future of robotics in a roundtable that included regional robotics-reliant businesses, educators, and community leaders

Senator Joe Manchin visited BSC to serve as keynote speaker in a regional Town Hall meeting that attracted more than 120 College students, faculty, staff, and community residents

Bluefield State College's student robotics team and "Archon," the autonomous ground vehicle the students have created, took part in the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Student Ground Robotics Demonstration on the National Mall in Washington, DC

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at Bluefield State College has been awarded continuing accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), Inc. for the maximum eight-year period

Bluefield State College's 2011 Radiologic Technology graduates who took the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination achieved a 100% passage rate

Solar energy panels have been installed at Bluefield State College, as a result of a $40,000 "Energy Conservation Grant" from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund/Department of Energy. The award has covered the cost of a research project to promote adopting solar energy to illuminate a primary parking area at the College and to train BSC students in solar panel installation technology

Seven Bluefield State College students attended a recent U.S. State Department Foreign Policy Briefing that featured a speech by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

The Bluefield State College Research and Development Corporation has received an $85,000 Minority Serving Institutions Initiative from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Director of Multicultural Affairs at Bluefield State College completed the 52-hour classroom training program leading to the Certified Affirmative Action Professional (CAAP) Level I certification.

BSC's Director of Human Resources, is the State Coordinator for Region III/American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA)

BSC's Vice President for Student Affairs received the "Anderson-Milam Award" at the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' (WVACRAO) annual conference in Morgantown. The award recognizes the distinguished service rendered by an individual who has made significant contributions to WVACRAO.

BSC students and faculty are involved in biomedical research on a regional and national basis through the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, the WV Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence/Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and the Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students

BSC's Director of the Office of International Initiatives was be the keynote speaker at the India Center's observance of "Gandhi Day" on Saturday, October 22. He accepted an invitation to serve on The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission's (HEPC) new Diversity Council.

Area Schools

Each year, Bluefield State College serves as the host site for five Mercer County Public Schools academic competitions involving local elementary and middle school students. The College provides classrooms, an auditorium, lobby, and a local liaison for the student competitions. Partner in Education—BSC works closely with students and faculty at Brushfork Elementary School, our "Partner in Education."

BSC's Model United Nations team hosts and coordinates area public school Model UN competitions each year

Each spring, BSC student teachers complete a 12-week, 360-hour internship at local public schools under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and college supervisor

The Bluefield Professional Development Schools Consortium focuses upon enhancing the preparation of teacher education candidates, enhancing instructional services to students, and providing collaborative professional development activities. Consortium member schools include Montcalm Elementary, Montcalm High, Whitethorn Elementary, Bluefield Middle, Bluewell Elementary, Princeton Primary, and Bluefield Intermediate schools and BSC.

The Bluefield State College Jazz Ensemble and guest clinicians conducted a one-day jazz clinic for area public school student musicians and their faculty in May

BSC served as one of 18 selected sites throughout the state to host the West Virginia College Goal Sunday (CGS) program on February 13, 2011, assisting area students with the college application and federal financial aid information submission processes

Five Mercer County teachers presented a workshop for Bluefield State College and Concord University students on "Everyday Math," the series recently adopted by the county

Partnerships

BSC entered into an agreement with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to expand opportunities for BSC's minority students and assist OSM in augmenting diversity and capabilities in its workforce

Bluefield State College and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College have signed Memoranda of Understanding for the delivery of a Baccalaureate Degree program in Teacher Education and in Criminal Justice

The Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART), Inc. at BSC received a $61,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration to provide education and training within the mining industry.

CART, Inc. is working with Fenner Dunlap Corporation in the development of an advanced Intelligent (Conveyor) Monitoring and Control System

Bluefield State College faculty member Roger Owensby participated in The West Virginia International Education Mission to China, a ten-day trip to explore and strengthen cultural, faculty, student, and intellectual exchange opportunities between West Virginia and Chinese institutions of higher education.

BSC hosted a Mine Rescue Competition, coordinated by the National Mine Rescue Association Welch Post 1-Smokeeaters and the Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART) at BSC

BSC works with five other regional institutions of higher education to host an annual job/career fair. The Spring 2011 event attracted approximately 50 employers and 300+ job candidates

BSC faculty serve on the West Virginia Commission of International Education and hold membership on the Boards of Directors of the Mercer County Academy for Adult Learning and the Regional Contracting Assistance Center

BSC faculty member serves as a Board member on the New River Watershed Round Table and as a trustee on the Bluestone Conservancy Board

BSC faculty member serves on the West Virginia HIV/AIDS planning group

Students in the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) Program and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Bluefield State College recently donated more than 300 canned food items to the Food Pantry at the Bluefield Union Mission. The project was one of several community service activities in which the Emerging Leaders Institute and AKA students participate each year. Pictured (left-to-right) at the Food Pantry are: Linda Trigg (ELI Director and AKA Campus Advisor), Raelee Phillips, Otis Mack, Craig Hammond (Bluefield Union Mission Director) , Ophelia Sims (ELI Mentor), Mardochee Isme and Eugene (Lacy) Watson (ELI Assistant). BSC student Sasha Richmond also participated in the project, but was not present when the photo was taken.

(Bluefield)—The highly acclaimed play, "The Passing of Pearl" will be performed at Bluefield State College on February 3, highlighting an active month of programs and events to commemorate Black History Month at the College.

The play, written by local playwright Vain Colby, takes place in Memphis, TN during the 1980s at a diner next to the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. There are four female characters, including Pearl, a "spirit" who watches the action and reacts, but never speaks. The play deals with secrets, forgiveness, the Civil Rights Movement, and friendships. It is a powerful, thought-provoking production, and audiences experience a wide range of human emotions. There is no admission charge to the play, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Basic Science Auditorium.

The schedule of activities at Bluefield State College has been developed through the collaborative efforts of the following campus offices: Multicultural Affairs, Student Life, Alumni Affairs, the BSC Student Government Association, BSC Library, and the President's Office. All events are free and open to the public.

Other events during the month include:

February 1-17
8 a.m.-4 p.m.—Hebert Gallery
Black Inventors Poster Display

February 8
Noon—Hebert Gallery
"Stereotyping in Media" forum and program

February 16
11:30 a.m.—Hebert Gallery
Black Food Infusion & Black History "Jeopardy" competition

February 21-March 2
Noon—Hebert Gallery
Plantation Quilts Display

February 21
11:30 a.m.—Hebert Gallery
Workshop on the meaning of the Plantation Quilts

Additional information about these programs can be obtained by contacting Dr. Cureg (304) 327-4512, or scureg@bluefieldstate.edu; or Joan Buchanan (304) 327-4186.

The third annual West Virginia College Goal Sunday (CGS) event will be held at several sites around West Virginia, including Bluefield State College on Sunday, February 12, 2011. The BSC event begins at 1 p.m. in the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business/Mahood Hall on the Bluefield State College campus.

This event is an opportunity for students and parents to have financial aid experts provide free assistance in filling out the 2012-13 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the cornerstone of the higher education financial aid application process.

The FAFSA is a crucial first step for all college students who plan to pay for college with the help of grants, scholarships, work-study funds and/or student loans.

Individuals who plan to attend college and would like help with completion of the FAFSA or would like answers regarding general financial aid questions are encouraged to attend. Interested students and parents are asked to bring their Social Security numbers, 2011 Federal Tax Return, W-2, other income records, driver's license and other valid ID to the session. Each family who completes the Student/Family Survey during the CGS event will be eligible to register for an iPAD giveaway. The more income information that families can provide, the more likely they will be able to submit their FAFSA on the day of the event. Additionally, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be available to provide information and assistance regarding tax preparation. All information shared is protected by privacy laws. To register and learn more about College Goal Sunday and specific time and site information, visit: www.cfwv.com.

This year's College Goal Sunday efforts in West Virginia are coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia TRiO Association, and the West Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators with funding by a grant from the Lumina Foundation.

Individuals interested in learning more about College Goal Sunday at Bluefield State College are encouraged to contact College Goal Sunday site coordinator Dr. Sarita A. Rhonemus (sarhonemus@bluefieldstate.edu or 304-327-4096).

(Bluefield)—A Bluefield State College faculty member's collaborative research into vehicles' onboard computers to minimize traffic congestion was published recently by a major industrial engineering journal.

Dr. Shannon Bowling, an Assistant Professor/Electrical Engineering Technology at BSC, and George Arnaout, a graduate student/Department of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering at Old Dominion University, considered the impact of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) on relieving traffic congestion and improving overall traffic flow. "CACC-equipped vehicles have sensors and communication devices that permit them to communicate with other CACC-equipped vehicles and adjust the speed of each vehicle to an optimal value that will maximize the flow of traffic," Bowling explained.

Their research utilized "agent-based modeling," a process that combines microsimulation and macrosimulation. "There are just a handful of researchers in the world studying the effects of CACC who are applying agent-based modeling—it's the latest modeling paradigm," the BSC faculty member added.

"Most people have little idea what causes traffic jams," he said. "They might think it is probably just a single incident or one driver's error that causes things to stop. Actually, the cause is very complicated and it results from many drivers' actions that get magnified over time. Simply tapping your brakes in a heavily congested zone can cause a traffic jam long after you are gone."

Because of the "real world limitations" of actually injecting CACC vehicles into an actual traffic jam, the researchers created a computer simulation that accurately models the behavior of drivers and also models the behavior of cars equipped with CACC. CACC vehicles react in a traffic jam in a manner that promotes a reduction in congestion and an increase in traffic flow.

"The algorithm is actually trying to simulate the behavior of an older type of transportation vehicle—a train," Bowling continued. "All cars in a train are mechanically linked and, as a result, there is no variance in the speed of each car. It is the speed difference that actually causes a traffic jam. The CACC can create a virtual mechanical link among all the vehicles to reduce variance of speed for each vehicle. This reduces or eliminates traffic congestion."

Their research was featured in the Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management.

(BLUEFIELD)--Free income tax preparation assistance for low-to moderate income individuals, the unemployed, older individuals, and students will be offered again this year at Bluefield State College (BSC).

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, co-sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, will offer free tax preparation help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., beginning on February 8, 2012. To assist individuals in the most efficient manner, everyone seeking assistance through VITA must have an appointment! To make an appointment please contact the United Way of the Virginias, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at (276) 322-2606

Items for individuals to bring:

• Proof of identification, example-driver's license

• All forms, including W-2s, W-2Gs, 1099s, relating to income and deductions

• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number Verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

• A blank check or a bank statement for your checking account. For example, information like your checking account number will be needed if you would like your refund to be directly deposited.

• If you used a daycare provider, bring the total paid in 2011 and also the daycare provider's tax identifying number.

• A copy of your state and federal return from last year if available

Everyone participating in tax return preparation through the BSC VITA program has undergone training and earned certification for income tax return preparation.

"We will not be open during the week of Spring Break (March 19-23, 2012)," noted Michelle Carter, United Way Executive Director. "If the campus is closed due to inclement weather the VITA site will be closed as well. If there is inclement weather, please call to confirm your appointment."

Other dates and times are available. All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the United Way of the Virginias to schedule an appointment!

BLUEFIELD, WV – The Bluefield State College Foundation's Center on Philanthropy will present a four-hour seminar on Grant Writing: Getting Started and Getting Funded on Saturday, February 4. Executive Director of the BSC Foundation Karen Harvey, CFRE, will cover topics including researching grant sources, developing a case for support, elements of a strong grant proposal, best practices and more.

Prior to earning a master's degree in Arts Administration at Shenandoah University and entering the fundraising profession, Harvey was a proposal manager for engineering and high technology firms for over 15 years. She wrote corporate information, organized technical content and edited bid proposals for firms in Northern Virginia including Bechtel, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurora Flight Sciences and IMCI Technologies.

The grants seminar will begin at 9 a.m. in the Tierney Conference Room of Dickason Hall on the Bluefield State College campus. The fee is $50, payable to the BSC Foundation, and includes a box lunch. Attendees will earn one college credit hour at completion. For more information and reservations, call 304-327-4031.

(Bluefield)—One hundred thirteen Bluefield State College students earned "President's List" recognition, and 281 students received "Dean's List" honors for their academic performance during the Fall 2011 Semester.

To be eligible for the "President's List," a student must be degree-seeking, carry a minimum of 12 semester hours and earn a grade point average for the semester of 3.8 or better. "Dean's List" students must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours and earn a grade point average for the semester of 3.25 or better.

President's List (Fall 2011)

Dean's List (Fall 2011)

(Bluefield)--Bluefield State College's 2011 Radiologic Technology graduates have achieved a 100% passage rate on the certification examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The BSC Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national agency for the accreditation of educational programs for the radiographer and radiation therapist, and is responsible for all accreditation actions.

BSC's 2011 RadTech graduates who passed the certification examination include: Katelyn Barnetts, Tabitha Daniels, David Frady, Katelyn Ellis, Sandra Hopkins, Emily Hudnall, Jennifer Keffer, Brittany Lester, Todd Richendollar, Chandra Roberson, Natasha Roberts, Derek Russell, Melissa Sharp, Stephanie Sherwood, Courtney Shrader, Aimie Stacy, Jeannine Stables and Amber Vance. The students were honored at a pinning ceremony in May. The Class of '11 also provided 398.25 hours in community service initiatives during the academic year.

The outstanding clinical award went to Katelyn Barnette and David Frady and the outstanding academic award was presented to David Frady. The JRCERT Certificates of Excellence determined by the faculty to be the students who most closely fit the description of the professional and ethical technologist were awarded to Katelyn Barnette and Jami Pettry. All students received their radiologic technology pin at this ceremony.

Faculty include: Melissa Haye (program director), Angela Lambert (clinical coordinator), Vanessa Godfrey (didactic instructor), Robin Gibson (PCH Clinical Instructor), Richard Gibson (BRMC Clinical Instructor), Amy Bennett (BARH Clinical Instructor), and Jennifer Shelton (VA Clinical Instructor).

The BSC Radiologic Technology program's five year graduation/pass rate stands at 96.4%, and over that five year period, BSC RadTech program graduates provided 2,070.75 hours of volunteer service to the local community.