As we prepare for the fall semester, Dr. Brent Helms has arrived to fill the position resulting from Dr. Studard's retirement. Dr. Holstein hosted a fabulous Fifth of July party at his lake cabin with a phenomenal fireworks display out blasting that of many cities in the country. Look for news of other changes come this fall!
The 2002-2003 academic year has been a busy one for all faculty members of the department. The end of the academic year brings change and celebration to the department as we are gearing up for next year and recognizing what has been happening. Dr. Nouredine Zettili received the Distinguished Research Award for Arts and Sciences at their annual Award Ceremony. He also won the Faculty Scholar Research Award from the university. Dr. A. L. Studdard was recognized for his upcoming retirement. He declined to have his own departmental retirement celebration. Dr. Blake Otwell won the Activist of the Year Award from the Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club. A number of students have graduated, among them, Elizabeth Salter was one of four recognized as graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Another geography major, Andy Green, has been appointed as a JSU Ambassador. The number of majors continues to grow, so more excitement awaits.
The new media equipment is being used so that the classrooms have state of the art display options. Some of the rooms now have the equipment permanently mounted. Every day advances are being made to improve the quality of the learning environment for our students. Physics and Chemistry classes are held in the newly constructed and furnished McGee Science Center. It is indeed an exciting and inspiring time in our department. The department office has even been redecorated.
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Many research activities are taking place. Dr. Nichols and Dr. Otwell are involved in a project
measuring mercury levels in fish in the Coosa Basin. Dr. Otwell and Dr. Steffy are working on the impact of CAFOs on streams in our area. Dr. Hill is mapping their locations in the State. Dr. Gryko has presented and is writing several papers and working with his equipment. The archaeologists are spending much time out in the field on digs. Dr. Zettili's Physics textbook has been widely adopted, Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications.
The new Masters of Public Administration graduate program offering a concentration in Spatial Analysis and Management has grown in size. This is either available through Distance Learning or on campus using the new and improved GIS laboratory in 203 Martin Hall. Certificates in GIS are being proposed for addition to our program offerings.
Other activities include those of the Central Office of the National Council for Geographic Education with Dr. Michal LaVasseur as the Exective Director. Their offices have a new look, also. This is just a representative sampling of the things happening around the department. Watch here for additional news and updates.
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