Awards Presented at Faculty and Staff Convocation

Community Festival a Hugh Success

According to analysis of U. S. Department of Education data, based on the 2003-2004 academic year, Delgado Community College placed nationally in five categories in the “Top 100 Associate Degree Producers” survey results.

Delgado ranked sixth in the nation in the number of nursing associate degrees (244 graduates), up from 14th place in last year’s survey. In addition, the college ranked 15th nationally in the number of allied health associate degrees awarded (385 graduates), up from 16th place in last year’s survey, and ranked 28th in the nation in the number of associate degrees awarded to African-Americans (353 graduates), up from 31st place last year.

Also noteworthy is the number of early childhood education associate degrees, ranking 31st in the nation (79 graduates); and the number of communication associate degrees (17 graduates), ranking 39th in the nation.

The industry newspaper, Community College Week, published this data in the June 20, 2005 issue.

Awards Presented at Faculty and Staff Convocation

46 Faculty Members Receive Promotions

Delgado Launches Quality Enhancement Plan

Delgado’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is the second part of the college’s application for reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The first part of the process, the Compliance Certificate, was completed and sent to SACS in March for review by an off-site team. The QEP will be reviewed by a team of professional educators who will visit Delgado October 11-13.  

The QEP, entitled “The Learning Journey Project” is a collection of College and Career Success Skills (CCSS) courses, designed especially for incoming developmental freshmen at Delgado. These students will receive help in identifying their future goals and learning style, assistance with time management and note taking, learn test taking strategies and memory tips, and how to communicate effectively.

The goals for students after successfully completing the College and Career Success Skills course include higher grades, higher overall GPA, a greater understanding of skills necessary for success in college-level General Education courses, the ability to apply study skills strategies that will enhance learning and a greater chance for degree completion.

The objective of the QEP “is to lead to a course of action for institutional improvement by addressing a question or questions that contribute to institutional quality with special attention to student learning” (Principles of Accreditation, 2001). The QEP should be an outgrowth of the institution's ongoing planning and evaluation process related to the institutional mission and should be based on comprehensive and thorough analysis of effectiveness of environment for student learning.

The QEP supplements the institution’s ongoing, integrated, institution-wide planning and evaluation processes and is not intended to supplant or replace these ongoing processes.

The QEP, which is now available online, is a concise document written in much the format of a grant proposal and is limited to a maximum of a 75-page narrative and a 25-page appendix. Many elements of both the QEP and the Compliance Certification will be hyperlinked to different resources in electronic format. To access The Learning Journey, (1) go to the Delgado Web page, www.dcc.edu; (2) go to bottom of the homepage & click the SACS 2003-06 button; (3) on the Message from our Chancellor page, click on the 5th link on the left: Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP); (4) at the bottom center of page click on Delgado's QEP.

Delgado Charity School of Nursing Selected to Participate in Designing HPS Curriculum

Delgado Charity School of Nursing is one of the seven nursing schools nationally selected to collaborate with Medical Education Technologies, Inc. (METI), manufacturer of the Human Patient Simulator (HPS). Human Patient Simulators are high-tech, high-fidelity mannequins that are configured to respond to nursing and medical interventions just as human bodies would. 

The purpose of the partnership is to design a nursing curriculum in which simulated clinical experiences (SCEs) using the HPS can be integrated into a nursing curriculum to teach nursing skills and foster critical thinking. Each partner school will design and develop six adult simulated clinical experiences and one for pediatric patients. These scenarios are “evidence-based,” meaning that the standards of nursing and medical practice included in them have been set by government trials and studies for their effectiveness and optimal outcomes. 

In return, the partner schools will receive 90 simulated clinical experiences (software valued at $30K) that have been found to be effective teaching tools. The METI Company will market the software nationally and internationally.  The individual faculty who developed the scenarios will be listed as authors of the simulated clinical experiences. 

The METI Curriculum Integration Team members at Delgado include Marianne Call, Betty Carter, Carol Leefe, Rebecca Harris-Smith, Pat Smart, Audra Steverson, and Mary Trosclair (team coordinator). They have each developed an SCE on topics provided by METI. During August 2-5, one representative from each of the ten partner schools and two METI nursing educators (Tom Doyle and Kim Leighton) convened to review and evaluate the SCEs. Delgado’s Charity School of Nursing hosted the meeting.

Left to right:  Mary Trosclair, Charity School of Nursing; Kim Martin, clinical educator, METI; Tom Doyle, director of Education and Training Services, METI; Kim Leighton, clinical educator, METI; Isaac Smith, Prairie View A&M University, Houston, Texas; Donna Walls, Texas Women’s University, Dallas, Texas; Dawn Hughes, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio; Cathy Myerholtz, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio; Nadine Davis, Golden West College, Huntington Beach, California; Kathy Gendron, Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin; and Deatrah DuBose, Rutgers University, College of Nursing, Newark, New Jersey.

Delgado Honored by United Way

United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area selected Delgado to receive a “2005 Chairman’s Award.” Delgado’s model 2004 campaign, which raised $25,000, was recognized during “Cheers for Volunteers,” an on-field ceremony held during the New Orleans Zephyrs game on August 10. Darryl Talbert accepted the award.

Darryl Talbert accepts the 2005 Chairman’s Award from Alice Franz, United Way Campaign Manager.

University of Phoenix Recognizes Delgado

Delgado was honored recently as “An Outstanding Education partner” by the University of Phoenix Louisiana Campus at their 10-year Anniversary Celebration held at the Metairie Learning Center. Dr. Jeffery Smith accepted the plaque on behalf of the college. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Scholarships Awarded The Tuition Assistance Program was established by the Delgado Community College Foundation to help low and moderate-income students who do not qualify for federal or state financial aid. Many students do not qualify for federal aid and they are able to pay their tuition but little else. The TAP award will assist these students in paying fees and purchasing books and supplies, therefore eliminating their need for student loans. The TAP Scholarship is designed to fill the gap between a student’s current income and their educational expenses in the event of a legitimate crisis in their lives. Contributions received by the Delgado Foundation so far have made it possible to award 34 students with TAP scholarships in the spring 2005 semester. $20,000 was raised from an internal campaign, surpassing the college’s goal for $15,000. Awards range from $200 for part-time students to $400 for full-time students for one semester.  The following students received the TAP Scholarship award: Tammy Anglin Robyn Hackett  Gloria Noel Nakia Arana Judith Harris        Casey O’Rorke Natalie Baldwin Odie Hughes Traynell Robinson Clarissa Bates  Linda Huizar Lisa Rosario Tina Bullard Oliver Jackson   Helen Rushe Germaine Carkum Monica Jenks     Letrise Scott Tuyetmai Colvin Arthur Lee III    Jeffrey Servat Alexis Comeaux Tina Massett Robert Smith Asia Duckett Tangee McGinnis Carrie Steilberg Alex Dupre Samuletta Moliere Christina Thomas Donnette Faucheaux Kim Nguyen Ricky Villers Gloria Garcia     Delgado’s Financial Assistance offices are accepting TAP scholarship applications from students who meet the criteria. Approximately 40 students will be awarded with TAP scholarships for the fall. RTA Transit Mechanics Complete Training Delgado’s Workforce Development and Education, in conjunction with Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana (RTA), designed an Apprenticeship Mechanic training program to prepare entry-level RTA employees for advancement to bus, streetcar, truck and diesel engine mechanics.  With the constant changes in technology in the transportation industry, specifically with the bus fleet, it is necessary that Transit Mechanics receive training to upgrade their skills. The highly technical program consists of eleven modules with 1,936 training hours and combines on-the-job training and classroom education.  Recently, three RTA employees graduated from the Bus Mechanic Apprentice Program, funded through the Louisiana Department of Labor Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP). The IWTP paid for tuition, uniforms and tool chests for each student. Graduates of the RTA Apprenticeship Mechanic Training: (left to right) Jeremy J. Jackson, George V. Wollfarth and Duvalle R. Robichaux. Delgado’s Business Studies Program Re-Accredited Delgado’s Business Studies program recently received re-accreditation for ten years from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the primary accreditor of business degree programs for small to mid-sized baccalaureate/graduate degree and associate degree institutions.  The program’s re-accreditation is a result of an intensive three-day site visit from the ACBSP investigative team held earlier in the summer. The Business Studies Program met all the criteria required of the ACBSP, that the faculty satisfied the credentialing standards, and that the course material is relevant to the field of business.  Ernest Fitzgerald, dean of Business and Technology, accepted the re-accreditation certificate at the ACBSP national convention held in Washington, D.C. on June 27. Steve Parscale, Ernest Fitgerald, Dr. Blair Carruth, James Vomhof at the ACBSP re-accreditation ceremony. Impatica Training Held in CATT The Impatica 2005 Institute, funded with a $30,000 Louisiana Board of Regents grant, was held in the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Technology on August 1-3. Eight Delgado instructors were trained to use the Impatica for PowerPoint and OnCue software to produce online learning modules. Media training included sound recording, advanced PowerPoint, and digital photography skills. Instructors receiving stipends included Lisa Hollis, Joseph Danos, Mary Ellen Logan, Brian Mitchell, Jodi Green, Dolores Smith, Leila Bicksler and Angela Camaille. The collaborative grant was co-authored by Frank Smith, director of the CATT, and Dr. Barbara Jones, dean of Arts and Sciences at Louisiana Delta Community College. All of the workshop participants received the Impatica SoundForge Audio Studio software to install in their offices. This application will be made available to all faculty and students who attend training workshops at Delgado throughout the 2005-2006 academic year. Dorothy Ward, a former employee of Delgado, taught the workshop. Frank Smith, Dorothy Ward and Ed McGee Community Festival a Huge Success Delgado’s Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services held the 11th annual Community Fest on Saturday, June 26 on the City Park Campus. In a relaxed family atmosphere, participants had the opportunity to learn about the educational opportunities at Delgado as well as enjoying the fun-filled day. There was continuous live entertainment, free barbeque, prizes and games for the kids. A highlight of the event was a sports camp led by celebrity event chair Buford Jordan, fitness trainer and former New Orleans Saints player. This year the college received nearly 200 prospective student cards.   Kids enjoyed ice cream. Bufford Jordon led a sports camp for children. The Early Childhood Education program provided face painting and crafts. The First Community Appreciation Award Presented at Community Festival Delgado’s Admissions and Enrollment Services Department presented the first Community Appreciation Award at the 2005 Community Festival to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, original owners of Weaver’s Sandwich Shop on Navarre Ave. For more than half a century, Weaver’s, located only a couple of blocks from the City Park Campus, was a favorite lunch destination for Delgado students, faculty and staff members. They began the business in 1945, operating at the current location for 53 years until their retirement seven years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, center, receive the first annual Community Appreciation Award presented by Enrollment Services’ Ana Wilson, Linda Jackson and Chris Wyre. Children’s Center Raises Money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital On July 13, the Delgado Children’s Center hosted “Bring a Bike Day” Trike-a-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event promoted bicycle safety while raising money for childhood cancer research.       The children brought their own bikes to school to use for the Trike-a-Thon. A course was set up in the back parking lot near the Children’s Center on the City Park Campus. The Center’s three- and four-year olds participated along with officers from Campus Police who rode laps with the children. In addition, the police officers encouraged the children as they completed their number of laps. The Center raised nearly $200 for St. Jude. Team spirit: Children from Delgado’s Children Center after the Trike-a-Thon. New Workforce Training Computer Lab Established Delgado’s Workforce Development and Education was able to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to construct a computer lab for business and industry training through Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana (TMSEL) Incumbent Worker Training Program. The new facility is located in Building 9 on the City Park Campus. Sharon Talbert, grants manager, reports that with the assistance of Adolfo Girau and his crew, the walls were repainted and a new ceiling and carpet installed. At present, 422 TMSEL employees and over 100 other business and industry employees have received training in the new lab that opened in spring 2005. Workforce Development and Education computer lab is located in Building 9.

Cone Named Vice Chancellor for Learning and Student Development

Cynthia J. Cone, Ph.D., was named Vice Chancellor for Learning and Student Development for Delgado Community College.

At the recommendation of Chancellor Alex Johnson to hire Cone, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) ratified her appointment at the regular board meeting held in Baton Rouge on July 13. Dr. Cone assumed her position at the college on August 8.

Cone holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts degree in speech and drama from Texas State University. To assume the vice chancellor’s position at Delgado, Cone left her position as dean of Arts and Humanities at Austin Community College. She had served in that capacity since 2001, serving six campuses and three major extensions. 

Cone, a native of Texas, has a thirty-year tenure with higher education, beginning her career as an instructor of theatre and communication at San Antonio College. In addition, Dr. Cone served as director of Technology Leadership Academy at the University of Texas, and chair of the Theatre and Communications Department at San Antonio College.

The following is Cone’s general learning philosophy:  “It is the college’s job to enable every member of the learning institution to develop mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Every member of the institution, from administrator to student, should be viewed as a teacher, learner, and investor. With this philosophy, the college is provided the means to evolve and improve in ways that best benefit the needs of its members.”

Cone sites that “higher education institutions are undergoing several transformations---transformation from teaching to learning, a shift from management to leadership, a movement away from substantial state funding to external funding, a societal transition from industrial age to an information age, an increasing faculty turnover due to excessive retirees, and a recent nation-wide emphasis on accountability.” Dr. Cone views all of these transformations as opportunities and challenges for community college leaders. She references Denning and Metcalf, two futurists who believe, “The future belongs to those leaders who can find simplicity where everyone else sees only complexity.”

Cone’s goal for Delgado is to “bring this ‘simplicity’ to her position’s responsibilities by identifying and maintaining focus on the interdependent needs of Delgado’s unique members---the faculty, staff and students.”

As vice chancellor for Learning and Student Development, Dr. Cone is responsible to the chancellor for the successful operation and development of all academic and student programs and services. This responsibility is carried out in collaboration with the faculty, administrators and staff, and college executives in a manner reflecting the principles of a learning-centered institution.

On Dr. Cone’s appointment, Chancellor Alex Johnson said, “Dr. Cone brings to Delgado an intrinsic value that is reflective of the type of commitment to teaching and learning already exemplified by the faculty and staff at Delgado. The preeminent future of Delgado supports the one-college mission seeking to establish itself more fully as an institution devoted to teaching and learning with the commitment to our core values.”

Dr. Cone’s selection is the result of a thorough and rigorous national search, which included structured meetings with faculty, staff and students, and campus tours for the top three candidates.

Delgado Employees Recognized by LCTC System

Four Delgado Community College employees were honored during an awards ceremony held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans on August 14-15 during the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) conference, entitled “The Value of Collaboration: Partnerships where 2+2=5”. The LCTCS President’s award recipients are Brenda Bryant, professor of English and the 2005 Seymour Weiss Excellence in Teaching recipient, Outstanding Faculty Award; Tim Stamm, coordinator of the Media Center, Outstanding Professional Staff Award; Jewel Kirzner, computer graphic designer, Outstanding Professional Support Staff Award; and Audrey Powell, executive secretary, Distinguished Retiree Award.

Dr. Alex Johnson, Jewel Kirzner, Tim Stamm, Brenda Bryant, Beverly Knapp, LCTCS Board of Supervisors member, Kathy Sellers Johnson, LCTCS Board of Supervisors chair, and Dr. Walter Bumphus, LCTCS president. Not pictured: Audrey Powell

Delgado and SLU Host Second Technology Conference

Delgado Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University collaborated to host the second annual Northshore Excellence in Teaching with Technology (NETT) Conference held at the SLU St. Tammany Center on July 29.

The training and informational event was open to all levels of educators, grades K through college-level, who are using technology now and want to improve effectiveness, or for those thinking about using technology for the first time in the classroom. Attendees had the opportunity to discover ways to create a deeper, more rewarding learning environment for students.

Conference topics included Distance Education, Computer Based Instruction, Digital Imaging, Web Development, and Instruction Design. Sessions included multiple and co-current workshops that combined lecture, discussion and hands-on training. 

Several Delgado faculty members made presentations. They were Brenda Bryant, professor of English, “Fighting Internet Plagiarism”; Elizabeth Feltey, instructor of English, and Leslie Gilliland, instructor of English, “Fostering Online Collaboration”; Dr. Jim Hurrell, director of Veterinary Technology Program, “Teaching Biology and Allied Health Classes Online”; Melissa LaCour, program director and assistant professor of Health Information Technology, “Using Tegrity for Distance Education and Student Retention”; and Ed McGee, academic Blackboard coordinator, “Creating an Online Learning Community.” Frank Smith, director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Technology, joined Dr. Diane Allen, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and Dr. John Crain, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, both of Southeastern Louisiana University, in the closing panel discussion overview of how the institutions use technology to support teaching and learning.

In addition, there was an exhibit area where vendors demonstrated the latest technology currently being utilized in learning applications. 

Deborah Morgan, dean of Delgado Northshore, and Ashley Chitwood, assistant dean for Student Affairs/director of Northshore Outreach, served as NETT committee members.

Delgado at NETT: (left to right) Deborah Morgan, Melissa LaCour, Elizabeth Feltey, Brenda Bryant, Leslie Gilliland, Ed McGee, Dr. Jim Hurrell and Frank Smith.

Melissa LaCour presents “Using Tegrity for Distance Education and Student Retention.

NETT Co-Chair Deborah Morgan addresses the conference participants.

Frank Smith gives an overview of how Delgado uses technology to support teaching and learning.

Editor: Deborah A. Kohler, APR, Asst. Director, Public Relations