Top-notch Class, Top-tier Ranking
Southwestern started the fall semester with a double dose of good news.
Fall enrollment exceeded predictions, and residence halls were full
when main campus students began classes Aug. 25.
And the U.S.News and World Report annual college guide placed its
stamp of approval on the school with a top-tier ranking, the first
time SC has earned this acclaim.
Overall enrollment could top 1,500 in mid-September when official
numbers are reported, a substantial gain from last year's 1,401.
Administrators were delighted with the second large freshman class
in a row (with an unofficial 145 new freshmen after last year's 177),
and even more delighted with the quality of the group.
The Class of 2008 includes 10 valedictorians, boasts a 3.35 high school
grade point average, and hails from 11 states. The majority of new
Moundbuilders are from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The U.S. News college guide is used primarily by high school students
in their college choice. It takes into account such features as academic
reputation, retention rate, class size, selectivity, and alumni giving
in ranking schools. SC's category, comprehensive Midwestern colleges,
includes most of the KCAC schools.
Two
Join Campus Faculty
Two new full-time members joined Southwestern's faculty
for the fall semester.
Christopher Caldwell, assistant professor of philosophy, has a Ph.D.
and an M.A. from the University of Kansas and a B.A. in philosophy
from Oklahoma State University. He recently completed teaching a
European studies course for a University of Kansas study abroad program
in France and Italy.
Melinda Wilson, assistant professor of nursing, is a 1991 SC graduate.
She holds a master of science in nursing from Wichita State University.
Before becoming an instructor of practical nursing at Wichita Area
Technical College, Wilson worked at William Newton Memorial Hospital
in Winfield.
Bulla
Accepts Top PS Academic Post
Mary Bulla has joined the staff of Southwestern College
Professional Studies and SC Online as director of academic programs.
Bulla was formerly the assistant director for undergraduate admissions
at Wichita State University. Since 1990, she has held various academic
and/or administrative positions with WSU, Cowley County Community College,
and U.S.D. 260 Derby public schools.
In her new position, Bulla will develop new majors to
complement the college's growing bachelor's degree completion programs
offered in the classroom and
online. SC Professional Studies currently has 12 majors offered at sites in
Wichita, Winfield, and McConnell AFB; nine of these majors can be earned totally
online.
Additionally, Bulla will work to enhance the college's partnerships
with area business and industry. SC Professional Studies and SC Online
partner with companies throughout Kansas and Oklahoma to provide on-site
college courses, customized training and customized certificate programs.
The college offers a full line of certification preparation courses
for APICS, ASQ, ISM and SME, with coursework timed to coincide with
international certification testing.
We're thrilled to have Mary join us," says Karen Pedersen, vice
president for professional studies. "She comes to us with many
years of experience working with adult learners, and has a passion
to meet the needs of this evolving student population."
SC
Adds Not-for-Profit to Online, PS Majors
A new major
in not-for-profit management has been created by Southwestern College
Professional Studies and SC Online. As detailed in the
spring 2004 Southwesterner,
the main campus business administration program also is offering a not-for-profit
management major.
Focusing on areas such as accounting principles, resource development,
public policy and strategic planning, the professional studies major
is designed for those in the education, social service, religious or
governmental sectors. Students can earn the degree totally online,
or by taking a combination of classroom and online courses.
"Today's not-for-profit organizations require the same level
of management talent as Fortune 500 companies," said Karen
Pedersen, vice president for professional studies. "Salaries and skill levels
are growing rapidly in the not-for-profit sector, and career opportunities
abound.
"Our instructors have real-world experience which they've applied
to the design of our curriculum," Pedersen said. "The courses
within this major provide a solid foundation for those pursuing employment
within not-for-profit organizations, as well as for those already working
within the sector."
Persons interested in professional studies majors should e-mail prostudy@sckans.edu for more information.
For more information on main campus business programs, contact Michael
Wood, chair of business administration, at mwood@sckans.edu.
"Celebrating
Excellence in Volunteering" Award
The Wichita chapter of the American Society
for Quality (ASQ) has recognized Southwestern College Professional
Studies for "Celebrating
Excellence in Volunteering." Awarded at the discretion of the
ASQ-Wichita Section 1307 Leadership Committee, the citation commended
the college for providing outstanding education programs that directly
support the quality movement and the quality profession.
"By specifically gearing coursework to address the ASQ bodies
of knowledge, Southwestern College Professional Studies has exemplified
the ASQ ideals of enhancing individual, organizational and community
excellence through quality improvement, learning and knowledge exchange," said
Bryan Blunt, ASQ's Section 1307 chair. The Wichita Section's boundaries
cover roughly two-thirds of Kansas, with more than 450 members statewide.
