Professional Studies School Newsletter Spring 2022

Professional Studies School Newsletter Spring 2022

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Economics and Business Administration Health and Human Sciences Teacher Education Program

Spring 2022 Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE DEANS We write to you, our alumni and friends, at the end of a semester that has been disrupted, difficult and heartbreaking. But it has also been filled with moments of grace and hope. We mourned together following the events of Feb. 1—gathering to sing the alma mater on Feb. 2, ringing the Memorial Bell and holding each other in a moment of silence on Feb. 8, and coming together at events of community remembrance throughout the two weeks following. But we emerged on the other side of spring break with renewed purpose and focus on the things that truly matter. Many of us saw each other’s faces for the first time in two years and gathered in person for events such as Founder’s Day, which hadn’t been held since 2019. Our students petted therapy dogs, accepted gifts of cookies and treats from local churches, and enjoyed times of relaxation outside in the sun. We walked forward, not forgetting all we’ve gone through in the last few months and the last two years, with resilience and reliance on our shared community. Students and faculty alike shared their research projects at conferences and made summer plans for projects, travel and new endeavors. Joy broke through the chilly gloom of the day’s weather as we celebrated 335 undergraduates and 30 master’s graduates at Commencement on May 7. Our hope, for ourselves, our students and all of you, is to experience renewal throughout the summer and into the fall. Renewed well- being. Renewed care for each other. Renewed commitment to all we hold dear. We hope to see you too, full of renewed spirit, at Homecoming or another future event soon.

Best regards,

Betsy, Barbara and Phil

Dr. Harriett Hayes Dean of the Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities

Dr. Barbara Long Dean of the School of Professional Studies

Dr. Phil Spickler Dean of the School of Natural Sciences

BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

On March 11, the School of Professional Studies hosted the first ever alumni-student event geared toward career development and transition. “NAVIGATE: What’s My Next?” was designed to connect alumni, especially those from the last 10 to 15 years, with current students. Breakout sessions, moderated by Professional Studies faculty and delivered by alumni, included: NAVIGATE: Alumni-Student Professional Development Program

Following the breakout sessions, Antonio Neves, author and success coach, presented his ideas on “How to Excel in Your Career (and Life).” It’s sometimes difficult to move from being a student into your early professional career. Learn tips from the professionals about transition and the tools that will make it easier. • “Graduate school: Is it for me?” Participants identify key decision points for determining whether graduate school might be right for you • “EAGLE to EAGLE: Health and Wellness Professionals” Q&A with those in the fields of strength and conditioning and fitness • “EAGLE to EAGLE: Allied Health Professionals” Q&A with those in the allied health professions, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy • “EAGLE to EAGLE: Family and Consumer Sciences” Q&A with professionals working with families and children in a variety of careers • “EAGLE to EAGLE: Teaching in the P-12 Schools” Q&A with new professionals engaged in classroom education throughout the grade levels • “EAGLE to EAGLE: Using that Business or Economics Degree” Q&A with professionals who have moved from student to accountant, banker and more The day ended with a light reception and opportunity for faculty, alumni and students to network in the Forrer Learning Commons Great Room. Twenty-six alumni and nearly 80 students attended the day’s events. As we look forward to next year, please let us know if you would like to participate by contacting Dr. Barbara Long, Dean of the School of Professional Studies, at [email protected] • “If I only knew: Advice for your first year of teaching” Behind-the-scenes information about beginning your teaching career • “Don’t sell yourself short: Ways to negotiate your first job offer” Understanding the importance of salary and benefit negotiations • “What am I balancing? Work, life, money, professional development…” Takeaway ideas to help you navigate normal career and personal stresses as a young professional • “Start smart: What’s in your professional toolbox?”

Dr. Barbara Long (far left) and Dr. Chase Hale (far right) with athletic training alumni who returned for NAVIGATE.

Carr Awarded Sabbatical

Dr. Jennie Carr , Associate Professor of Education, was granted sabbatical for

spring 2023. Carr will be completing two publication submissions from two research projects: • A virtual math mentorship project between a math methods course

and a rural Title I elementary school designed to strengthen

students’ foundational mathematical understanding through movement and manipulatives • The perceptions and performance of movement-focused learning modalities on fourth-grade students

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School of Professional Studies | Spring 2022

Health and Physical Education Students Get Out of the Classroom

Over the past academic year, students in the health and physical education (HPE) program have gotten out of the classroom and engaged in real-life experiences. During the fall 2021 semester, HPE majors spent Tuesdays and Thursdays teaching physical education lessons at a local preschool. Developing

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Approved to Offer Classes Online Finally, HPE students engaged in sitting volleyball, goalball and wheelchair volleyball facilitated by world- renowned Paralympic athletes in a joint program held at James Madison University. All of these experiential learning opportunities are invaluable resources for HPE majors beginning to transition into their careers upon graduation. The practical process gave the HPE students valuable feedback to improve their teaching skills. This spring, the HPE students taught middle school students Ultimate (commonly known as ultimate frisbee) in eighth-grade physical education classes. The HPE majors planned the Ultimate teaching unit, created the lessons, managed the classroom and delivered the instruction.

and implementing a curriculum based on evidence-based strategies learned in the classroom, HPE students took turns teaching lessons and evaluating their peers’ teaching. MSAT Students Win VATA Student Quiz Bowl at Annual Meeting

BC’s Master of Science in

Athletic Training (MSAT) students attended the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association (VATA) Annual Meeting Student Session in January. Students had the opportunity

Dr. Chase Hale with an MSAT student

to engage in lectures from athletic training professional experts and take part in learning labs about cupping therapy and evaluating movement dysfunctions. MSAT students Abel Ameyaw , Jessica McPeak , Beth Walker and Billy Tucker made up the BC team that competed in the annual VATA Student Quiz Bowl and were crowned the champions in this academic competition among athletic training education programs across the Commonwealth. BC’s quiz bowl team represented Virginia at the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA) Student Quiz Bowl in May.

MSHRM program director Dr. Roslyn Vargas (right) in the classroom

The master of science in human resource management (MSHRM) program has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer classes in an online, HyFlex model, meaning classes will be offered at the same time to both online and in-person students. Classes will be offered online beginning in summer 2022.

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BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE

ROBERT L. HUESTON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AWARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

MAJORS OF THE YEAR

Family and Consumer Sciences Major of the Year: Abigail J. Allen Health and Exercise Science Major of the Year: Olivia L. Kloster Health and Physical Education

Benjamin M. Chatterton, Erin M. Dietz

DAVID G. AND MARGIE MESSICK SMITH ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Evan M. Gagne, Mellser R. Aguilar Lopez, Cesar A. Martinez, Anna K. Woodward

EDUCATION

VIRGINIA SCHOLARS AWARD

Katherine G. Baker

Major of the Year: Chandler Branch

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

Paige N. Allen, Bailey Ferguson, Madison L. Stearns, Lexia S. Werner

Grace A. Elliott

RUGBY H. ST. JOHN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

DAVID E. WILL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE SUPPORT OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Molly S. Louderback

HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS

Emily F. Dell, Faith E. Helm

Maianh T. Nguyen