May 29, 2024
Academic and Student Affairs
Provost Briefing
Institutional Priority #1
Promote Student Engagement and Success
The Department of Africology and African American Studies Presents
“Why Juneteenth Matters”
Mark P. Fancher, Esq.
A zoom-based lecture
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Noon to 2pm
Moderator: Professor Victor Okafor, Head, Department of Africology and African American Studies
This Juneteenth lecture is co-sponsored by EMU’s Center of Race and Ethnicity
Watch the Formosa Quartet Perform The American Mirror Project | An Ypsilanti Mirror
The Formosa Quartet, the 2023-2024 M. Thelma McAndless Scholars in the Humanities at Eastern Michigan University, presents a specially curated performance mirroring the history and present of Ypsilanti and the University. This concert is one of many collaborative acts of mirrors between the Formosa Quartet and voices around the country.
The full performance as well as excerpts like the one above from the January 20th concert are now available on the Formosa Quartet YouTube Channel for all to view. The event also included performances by the EMU Choir, the EMU Symphony Orchestra, and student and faculty narrators.
EMU School of Social Work Addresses Critical Shortage of Social Workers
Eastern Michigan University School of Social Work has been selected to be a part of a state wide effort to address the critical shortage of social workers through the MSWss-2024 (Master Social Work Student Support 2024 Program). EMU received an allocation of $371976.00. This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the State of Michigan to advance the workforce in Michigan and improve the availability of behavioral health services workers within the public behavioral health sector throughout Michigan. Selected students will receive stipends of $30,000.00 to offset personal expenses and allow them to complete a one year advanced standing program.
The MSWss program plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing need for skilled social workers in Michigan to support vulnerable populations. As the state grapples with various social challenges, including poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues, there is an urgent demand for professionals equipped with the necessary expertise to navigate these complex issues. By offering stipends through the MSWss program, aspiring social work students are empowered to pursue their education without the burden of financial constraints. This not only encourages more individuals to enter the field but also ensures a diverse cohort of MSW graduates ready to serve diverse communities across Michigan.
For further information, please contact Janet Okagbue-Reaves.
Institutional Priority #2
High Performing Academic Programs & Quality Research
Photos courtesy of CAS Newsletter
Earth Science in Marquette, MI
From April 18 to 21, eleven students enrolled in ESSC 329 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology traveled with Assistant Professor Hannah Blatchford and Geography & Geology Department Head Christine Clark to learn first-hand about the geology of the Upper Peninsula near Marquette. Students gained experiences that highlighted the importance of minerals critical for renewable energy and Michigan-based geoscience career opportunities.
Dr. Anthony Webster
TRIO Director Anthony Webster defends disseration and wins president-elect
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Anthony Webster, Director of EMU's TRIO Student Support Services program, successfully defended his dissertation at Wayne State University, earning his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
His dissertation is titled: “Voicing Perspectives: Examining the Racialized Experiences of Black Men Who Have Exited the Student Affairs Profession in Higher Education.”
In addition, Dr. Webster has won President-Elect for the Michigan College Access Program Personnel (MI-CAPP). In this role, Dr. Webster will engage with TRIO programs across the state and region to advance the mission and vision of MI-CAPP and improve the access, retention, and degree completion of students from marginalized communities.
Congratulations, Dr. Webster!
VIcious and Immoral Releases June 4, 2024
Begin LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Dr. John McCurdy’s new book, Vicious and Immoral; Homosexuality, the American Revolution, and the Trials of Robert Newburgh.
Releasing on Tuesday, June 4, Dr. McCurdy’s book tells a compelling story of male intimacy and provides an unparalleled glimpse inside eighteenth-century perceptions of queerness. The book chronicles the story of Robert Newburgh, a British army chaplain who was accused of having sex with a man.
Dr. John McCurdy
NASPA IV-E Fall Regional Conference Registration Open
From NASPA:
We are very excited to announce that registration for the NASPA Fall Regional Conference and Call for Programs are now open!
All Region IV-E members are invited to gather with us in Cleveland, Ohio at the Westin Cleveland Downtown hotel on October 26-29, 2024. Our conference theme Bridging Boundaries: Connecting the Past to Higher Education's Future embraces the art deco figures that adorn the Hope Memorial Bridge in Cleveland and were designed to represent the progress of ground transportation. The conference will provide a framework for us to explore our progress, as well as learn, celebrate, network, and discuss the ways we lead, contribute, and sustain our university communities.
You are encouraged to submit a program and participate in the conference offerings. Additionally, our conference featured speakers are Dr. Amelia Parnell, the incoming NASPA President; Dr. Todd Diacon, the President of Kent State University; and Dr. Laura J. Bloomberg, the President of Cleveland State University.
Patrick Flores-Scott
Creative Writing master’s Student Publishes New book
During his pursuit of a Master of Arts degree in EMU’s Creative Writing Program, Patrick Flores-Scott has published his third book, a Young Adult novel, No Going Back.
"No Going Back is about a kid who has been paroled from juvenile prison, and how he must deal with old demons and a host of new issues that hit him almost the minute he gets home," said Flores-Scott.
Readers had the chance to hear Flores-Scott read an excerpt of his work on May 22 at the Ypsilanti-Area Authors Reading event sponsored by YpsiWrites.
Institutional Priority #3
Service and Engagement
Save the Date
All-Employee Picnic Lunch
When: Tuesday, June 11
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Student Center Patio
Webinar: Promoting Intergenerational Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
What is the role of higher education institutions in preparing students to live and work in an aging society? How can we create reciprocal, mutually beneficial learning experiences for students and older adults? With support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Generations United is working with Michigan's colleges and universities to develop high-quality intergenerational teaching and learning opportunities that combat ageism, build generational empathy, reduce social isolation, and foster collaborative approaches to addressing complex societal challenges.
Join us Tuesday, June 11 from 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern for the webinar, Promoting Intergenerational Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, where we will share the findings from a new report that provides a framework for intergenerational teaching and learning, highlights examples of current practices in Michigan and around the U.S., and identifies challenges, promising practices, and opportunities for deepening and expanding intergenerational learning in Michigan. We hope you can join us. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the report and the webinar recording.
Julia Heck
Julia Heck Receives AAUW Young Leader Award
The American Association of University Women of Michigan (AAUWMI) has chosen prior University Ombuds and EMU Alumna Julia Heck as the recipient of this year’s Young Leader Award.
The AAUW Young Leader Award was designed to recognize members who are seen as budding leaders within their branches. Recipients of this award have recognized the importance of life- long educational goals and life-long learning in the community.
Heck has been involved in leadership for the AAUW since 2018, serving in several different positions over the years. She has also supported the branch’s social media and served as a liaison to help recruit students from EMU to attend NCCWSL.
Congratulations Julia!
Psst... That’s this Friday!
Calls for Applications
Collaborative Course (Re)Design Learning Community
Applications Due: Friday, May 31, by 8PM
The Faculty Development Center is excited to offer another round of our Collaborative Course (Re)Design (CCRD) Learning Community. CCRD is an approach to redesigning a course that you have taught previously. This learning community will include pairs of faculty-student partners who will participate in a learning community during the Fall 2024 semester. Ideal faculty fellows should have a course in mind that they have previously taught and to which they would like to make revisions. Additionally, they should be open to the possibility of collaborating with and learning from their student partner. We welcome applicants from faculty members, full-time lecturers, and part-time lecturers in all programs.
If you are interested in participating in this learning community for the Fall 2024 semester, please read the full Call for Applications.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training Workshop
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) is offering free Mental Health First Aid training this Friday, May 31.
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants to identify, understand and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. The three key outcomes are that individuals are able to "Identify, Understand and Respond. This workshop teaches attendees about warning signs mental illnesses and how to help someone in need. It's available to community members , health care workers, teachers, first responders, faith leaders, police offers, and more.
This free virtual workshop will take place on Friday, May 31 at 9am via Zoom.
From Left to Right: Caroline Huntoon, Dr. Toni Pressley-Sanon, and Patrick Flores-Scott
YpsiWrites spotlights local authors
On May 22, YpsiWrites’ Ypsilanti-Area Authors Reading event showcased three local authors: Dr. Toni Pressley-Sanon, Caroline Huntoon, and Patrick Flores-Scott. This free event, hosted at the Ypsilanti District Library, featured readings of excerpts from each author’s newly published books and was followed by a lively Q&A session.
Since 2019, Ypsilanti nonprofit YpsiWrites has been providing resources and spaces for Ypsi-area writers to hone their craft and foster community. This event is the organization's latest way to support local writers and readers alike.
ALumni Event: EMU Day at Detroit City Football Club
Join us for Eastern Michigan University Night at the Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) on Saturday, June 15th at 4:00pm for DCFC Men vs. Charleston Battery & stay for the 7:00pm DFCF Women vs. Midwest United FC. Both games are at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.
Each ticket package comes with an exclusive co-branded Eagles and DCFC scarf.
Institutional Priority #4
Institutional Effectiveness
Sherry Jerome-Wilkinson Named 2024 Dance Educator of the Year in Higher Ed
The Michigan Dance Council has named Professor Sherry Jerome-Wilkinson as 2024 Dance Educator of the Year in Higher Education.
Professor Jerome-Wilkinson is a professor Dance and the Dance Program Coordinator at EMU. She received her BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University as the senior scholar in the department of ballet and modern dance and she completed her MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Jerome-Wilkinson danced professionally with the Carol Rioux Dance Ensemble, Ballet Long Island, and for many seasons with the Saint Louis Ballet. Her choreography has been presented across the country and at EMU, and she is the co-founder of the award-winning ballet/orchestra performance series.
She has served as a national board member of the American College Dance Association and on various committees at EMU. She has held her post at EMU for the past 25 years and remains committed to promoting and supporting dance in higher education.
Congratulations, Professor Jerome-Wilkinson!
“Flipping the Script” FDC Conference Featured in Bringing Theory to Practice
Bringing Theory to Practice (BT2P) provides a platform to elevate models of holistic, equitable, and engaged higher education for all students. To discuss the subject of the student voice, Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, Director of the Faculty Development Center (FDC), and incoming graduate assistant Alivia Overbee were interviewed to discuss the FDC’s “Flipping the Script” conference.
Held this past December, “Flipping the Script” featured 16 student-led presentations and two panels, ranging in topics from teaching writing to neurodivergent students, a plenary on intersecting identities, and a Q&A session on generative AI. It was entirely student-led, facilitated, and planned.
After the success of the first event, “Flipping the Script” will likely become a mainstay of the FDC. The conference will be held this year on Friday, November 22, 2024.
View Over 30,000 Preserved Plant Species at the EMU Herbarium
Housed inside of the Mark Jefferson Science Complex, the Eastern Michigan University Herbarium brings together a collection of over 30,000 dried plants to serve as a plant museum for the scientific community. 132 specimens in the catalogue were collected before 1880, which predates the university itself, while the oldest specimen is from 1832.
Museum Director Maggie Hanes invites students of any major to work in the herbarium, as the facility involves multiple facets in its collection with history, preservation, and more.
The EMU Herbarium is located in room 225M in the Mark Jefferson Science Complex. Visits can be scheduled by emailing Dr. Hanes. Over 17,000 of the herbarium’s specimens can be viewed online through the Midwest Herbaria’s website.
Office of the Provost
Academic and Student Affairs
Prepared by Andi Pontiff
734.487.3200