BSC receives NSF grant of $597,540 for STEM scholarships

BSC has received a second major scholarship grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to attract students into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields (STEM) and to address the critical national shortfall of workers in these disciplines.

The $597,540 grant extends through 2013 and will benefit between 25 to 30 students a year. Awards will depend on financial need, but average annual award is estimated to be $4,330 over two semesters.

"This grant will give scholarships providing more assistance to more students," said Julie Erickson, BSC director of resource development. "All science and STEM-related technology students who meet financial and other requirements are eligible."

Students in energy and industrial technologies, agriculture and natural resources, and liberal arts sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics, and other technical programs are included in this expanded scholarship program. Funds from the 2005 NSF grant allowed awards up to $3,000 to students studying math, engineering and computer technology.

The "Engage, Connect, and Deliver STEM Scholars" project will be coordinated by a 10-member team of faculty and staff from various offices and departments across campus. Planning starts this fall and students begin receiving scholarships in fall 2009.

The team consists of principal investigator Jayne Kiner; co-principal investigators Linda Tonolli, Wade Vogel and Jeff Jacobs; senior personnel Angie Milakovic, Dr. Donna Fishbeck, Erik Cutler, Jay Meier, Rita Nodland, and Diedre Pugh. Instrumental in securing the grant were Julie Erickson, Barbara Burgum Lee, and Taunia Welch.

Marketing campaign begins for Instrumentation & Control

Take Control of Your Future.

That's the headline for a new Instrumentation and Control marketing campaign that hits the air waves and newspapers this week. The ads highlight the need for highly skilled I&C technicians - and the opportunity to get the training they'll need at Bismarck State College.

The campaign is heavily targeted toward the western part of the state, but it includes a smaller, yet significant, number of ads on the highest-rated stations geared to 18-24 year olds in Grand Forks and Fargo, says Mary Friesz, director of marketing.

"In the past BSC has primarily used the larger area radio stations and newspapers to reach our target audiences. This time we've worked with our advertising agency to revisit that practice and create a broadcast schedule that includes the smaller-market radio stations and the weekly newspapers. We'll be tracking it to see what kind of results we get," Friesz says.

Radio ads will run in the Bismarck-Mandan area on 96.5 and 97.5. Because the secondary demographic of the campaign targets "all adults, 25-54," the ads will also air on KFYR.

The ads' URLs, www.bsccontroltech.com and www.bsccontroltech.info take you to the landing page. Friesz says that in addition to the I&C information, she has included information about several industry-driven programs with the idea of creating broader awareness of other programs that could be of interest. The campaign runs periodically through August 3.

"We've used this kind of marketing campaign for several of our limited enrollment programs during the year, including Clinical Lab Tech, Mechanical Maintenance and Online on the Road, with very good results," says Friesz. "It is especially useful because it provides a method for capturing contact information of prospective students so we can continue to work with them to be sure they have all of the information they may need to make a decision to enroll at BSC. In addition, it allows us to track the incoming responses to see which ads are getting the best results."

The Clinical Lab Tech and Mechanical Maintenance programs are full for fall. A number of other limited enrollment programs are closer to being full than they traditionally have been in late June in previous years.

BSC welcomes new employees Michelle Martin, CETI associate, is a 2007 graduate of Dickinson State University with a B.S. in accounting. She earned the degree on the BSC campus after receiving an AA here in 2005. Martin worked for Unisys as a commissions accountant and did accounting for the Bismarck Animal Clinic for many years. She began work there as a veterinary technician and has a Certificate from the Medical Institute of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Martin grew up in Litchfield, Minn., and has a grown daughter, Andrea. She was active in the Robert Miller Elementary PTO and was president of the N.D. Veterinarian Medical Association Auxiliary.
Custodian Gerald Goetz works in the Technical Center. A 2007 graduate of Center High School, Goetz worked as custodian two years at the school and participated in Future Farmers of America. He was top fundraiser for the organization three years running. Raised on a farm near Hannover, Goetz raised sheep and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Jason Harris is the new men's basketball, golf and assistant baseball coach. He has a BS in business education from Minot State University and earns his master's degree in coaching and administration from the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala., in July. Harris was head basketball and baseball coach at Minot State University-Bottineau the past seven years and taught athletic classes. He also served as vice president of the Little Hoopsters board in Bottineau. From 1996-2001, Harris was business teacher and basketball coach at Glenburn High School. An all-around athlete in his hometown of Kenmare, Harris enjoys golfing and sports in his spare time. He and his wife Kari have three daughters, Kennedy, 8, Piper, 5, and Harper, nearly 2.

First workforce enhancement grant awarded to BSC

BSC received North Dakota's first Workforce Enhancement Grant during campus ceremonies with Gov. John Hoeven May 16. The grant will support BSC's efforts to bring new workers into the state's energy industry.

President Larry C. Skogen accepted the check for $496,826, a dollar for dollar match against funds provided by 17 private sector companies involved in energy generation and services.

"It's absolutely vital that BSC continues to respond to the energy industry needs," Skogen said. "The Governor and Legislature have provided us the means to do that through this generous grant opportunity."

The $1 million of combined private and public funds will expand BSC's Power Plant Technology, Process Plant Technology, and Mechanical Maintenance programs and help establish the new Instrumentation and Control Technology program.

Kari L. Knudson, BSC vice president, energy technology programs and director, National Energy Center of Excellence, said, "This grant will enable us to continue purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for our power and process labs, which will prepare our students for jobs in the energy industry."

Grant funds will be used to purchase plant equipment demonstration models and trainers and power and process simulation software. The grant also funds equipment, on-campus and online curriculum development, instructor training and certification, and student recruitment for the Instrumentation and Control program, the first of its kind in North Dakota.

Established by the 2007 Legislature, the grant program was developed as an alternative to funding workforce training initiatives through the state's Centers of Excellence program, an economic development vehicle. BSC's new energy education building, now designated the National Energy Center of Excellence, received $3 million from the Centers of Excellence program in 2005.

Dr. Boekes receives state leadership award

Dr. Wayne Boekes, provost and vice president for academic affairs, recently received a North Dakota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award.

One of the Chamber's highest honors, the award was presented by Jeb Oehlke, vice-president of governmental affairs for the N.D. Chamber of Commerce. He said the award recognizes the spirit of service and support Dr. Boekes brings to the community of Bismarck.

"Dr. Boekes has advanced the college and community beyond measure," Oehlke says. "Many people in this area have opportunities as a result of his leadership and dedication."

In addition to his activities and accomplishments in higher education, Dr. Boekes served on the board of directors for Burleigh County Housing Authority for nine years, Community Homes of Bismarck for 18 years, and as chairperson for both. Other community involvement includes participation on the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce Business/Education Partnership Committee and active service as a North Star Lion.

Chamber's Outstanding Teacher Award presented to McCormack Professor of history Michael McCormack received the Bismarck-Mandan Area Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Post-Secondary Education Award in May. Colleagues and family gathered in the BSC Library where McCormack received the award from Kelvin Hullet, president of the Chamber. Following is an excerpt from the Chamber's news release: "Many of the people who wrote letters of support for Mike called him a 'master' who always manages to bring history to real life. His passion for his subject permeates his classroom and the souls of the many students he has taught in his over 30 years at Bismarck State College. Professor McCormack also tirelessly gives of his time to emcee various events on campus, photograph campus activities, be a speaker at many history-related events, and been a part of organizations, such as the March of Dimes, which is an organization close to his heart. One non-traditional student of Professor McCormack's said he has charisma, street smarts, and a wit that draws you in to openly enjoy learning, and she simply wanted to learn more from him. She said he is a man who has changed her outlook on life and that her favorite quote from his class is, 'History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time.'"

President Skogen to serve on Diversity Council

President Larry C. Skogen will serve as the Chancellor's Cabinet liaison to the system Diversity Council. The Council works to create a collaborative working relationship among all campuses to advocate effective approaches addressing diversity issues. It also ensures that the policies concerning diversity, as adopted by the State Board of Higher Education, are observed and implemented. Erik Cutler, multicultural program coordinator, is BSC's representative on the Council.

Faculty and Staff News

Craig Kleven, assistant professor of agriculture, technology and natural resources, and Carmel Miller, associate professor of agriculture, technology and natural resources, accompanied students on a livestock field trip to Sidney Mont., April 24 and 25.

Lane Huber, director of distance education, and Bruce Emmil, associate vice president for energy technology programs, traveled to Minneapolis April 30-May 2 for the Minnesota Lynx School D.A.Z.E. (Determined, Achieved, Zenith, Education) College Fair.

Kevin Holmstrom, energy technology programs manager, and Kyren Miller, assistant professor of energy technology programs, attended the 10th Annual Electric Power Conference May 5-8 in Baltimore.

Alicia Berger, technology programs training manager, traveled to Honolulu May 8-14 to give a presentation to soldiers at Schofield Barracks Prime Power School.

Bruce Emmil, associate vice president for energy technology programs, traveled to Rapid City May 12-13 for the Black Hills Power Meeting.

Wade Vogel, assistant professor of energy technology programs, attended the GPiLearn Users Conference in Denver May 14-16. The conference was conducted by General Physics Corporation, a global performance improvement solutions provider, which serves domestic and international power industry clients through Web-based training.

Greg Ross, controller, and Tanya Fuher, bookstore manager, attended the Collegiate Management Institute-Level I in Oxford, Ohio, May 17-23.

Thomas Marple and Sean Thorenson, assistant professors of commercial art, traveled to Boston May 18-21 for the 2008 Now Design Conference.

Robert Arso, associate professor of electronics/telecommunications technology, and Taunia Welch, grants/financial accountant, attended the U.S. Department of Labor Earmark Conference in San Francisco May 19-23.

Jean Hinton, associate professor of surgical technology, and Trudy Riehl, assistant professor of surgical technology, traveled to Orlando May 19-25 for the Association of Surgical Technologists National Conference and Instructors Workshop.

Carmel Miller, associate professor of agriculture, technology and natural resources, attended the Agrowknowledge Annual Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, May 28-30.

Alicia Berger, technology programs training manager, attended the America Power Dispatchers Association Meeting in Madison, Wis., May 29-30.

Julie Wilson, CETI training sales manager, and Sara Vollmer, CETI training manager, attended the Learning Resource Network (LERN) Institute in Cleveland June 1-5.

Dr. Larry C. Skogen, president, attended educational forums in Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to discuss BSC's online offerings per a request from Pearson Brazil to eCollege, BSC's online courseware platform. Pearson Education is the parent company of eCollege. In Rio de Janeiro he met with officials of a major utility company to discuss BSC delivering online programs to its employees. The trip took place June 1-7.

Deidre Pugh, admissions counselor, traveled to Aberdeen, S.D., June 2-4 for the Dakota Association of College Admission Counseling 2008 Annual Conference.

Dr. Ron Jyring, associate professor of biology, traveled to Toronto June 3-7 for the Association for Biology Laboratory Education Annual Conference.

Dr. Drake Carter, associate vice president for academic affairs, attended the American Council on Education "Serving Those Who Serve" Conference in Washington, D.C., June 4-6.

Carla Braun Hixson, associate vice president for continuing education, training & innovation, traveled to Anaheim, Calif., for the True Colors Certification Training June 6-8.

James Wright, associate professor of management, attended the Xcel Energy Education Fair in Minneapolis June 11-13.

Angela Milakovic, GIS coordinator/instructor, attended Integrated Geospatial Education Technology Training in Corpus Christi, Texas, June 12-20.

Phi Theta Kappa advisers Michelle Lindblom and Daniel Leingang attended the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Institute in San Francisco. Lindblom, associate professor of art, was at the conference June 16-21. Leingang, associate professor of mathematics, served as a Faculty Scholar and participated in activities from June 14-21.

Dean Gunsch, assistant professor of automotive technology, attended the Chrysler Training Center Instructor Workshop in Minneapolis June 16-20.

Craig Kleven, assistant professor of ATNR, attended the 2008 National Association of Agricultural Educators Region III National Annual Conference in LaCrosse, Wis., June 16-20.

Barb Jirgis, visual arts instructor, and JoDean Knutson-Person, chemistry lab coordinator, traveled to Lexington, Ky., June 14-20 for the Chemistry of Art-Center for Workshop in Chemical Sciences Seminar.

Carol Cashman, associate professor of speech, attended the Teaching for a Change Conference in Park City, Utah, June 15-18.