Music professor strengthens Georgia Southern’s international links

Professor Michael Braz has provided a vital part of Georgia Southern University’s music curriculum for 20 years. For year 21 he decided to try a change of scenery, and so far, he reports, it’s been great. He spent the fall semester teaching a variety of music classes at one of Georgia Southern University’s partner schools, St. Benedict’s Catholic School and Performing Arts College in Derby, England.

‘I met students from St. Benedict’s when they came to the U.S. last summer, and I was very impressed, so it was an easy decision to choose the school for the first part of my sabbatical year,” said Braz.

‘Braz spent three months at St. Benedict’s, a school that emphasizes the performing arts across the curriculum, but especially in the sixth form, which is similar to America’s high school. In addition work in the classroom and occasional recital and concert performances, Braz worked with Marion Chester, musical director for St. Benedict’s, to produce the school’s annual show, ‘Dracula Spectacula,” a musical take-off on the legend of the infamous vampire.

‘The show had music written just for piano, but we wanted to use an orchestra,” said Braz. ‘So I wrote the orchestral parts and played piano for the show, which involved 150 students.”

While he was there, two students from Georgia Southern University visited St. Benedict’s as part of the College Education’s International Studies opportunity. Braz served as the Georgia Southern supervisor and mentor for student teachers Megan McMahon and Katie Jones. Through its College of Education, Georgia Southern is part of the International Learning Community and has developed a partnership with St. Benedict’s School.

‘The people at St. Benedict’s made sure my time was filled,” said Braz. He visited Scotland, London, and many sites near Derby. He even took part in an evening of music at a local pub, joining a local group named ‘Please Yourself” for a half-dozen tunes.

‘The people at St. Benedict’s in Derby couldn’t have been nicer to me,” said Braz, who will continue his sabbatical by traveling to Nepal, where he will spend the next six weeks months teaching piano to young people there.

To hear a BBC Radio Derby interview with Dr. Braz, go to http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/strategic/index.php?s=73

Last updated: 2/2/2018

University offices will close for holidays

Georgia Southern University’s administrative and business offices will be closed for the holidays from Monday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 28.

The offices will re-open on Monday, Dec. 31, and then close again for New Year’s Day on Tuesday, Jan. 1.

The offices will resume their regular schedules on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu .

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Tax Research class attends U.S. Supreme Court hearing

Georgia Southern University� students in the College of Business Administration’s tax research class recently attended oral arguments for a tax case at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Cheryl Metrejean, assistant professor of accounting, and Jill Lockwood, professor of accounting, accompanied the group and provided instruction.

Students who participated”all accounting majors”included Marqukia Barnes of Sandersville, Diane Roberts of Statesboro, and Warren (Trae) Marchant of Tifton.

The group heard arguments in Knight v. Commissioner, a case that involved how trusts should deduct investment advice fees. The taxpayer argued these expenses should be fully deductible, while the Internal Revenue Service argued they are only partially deductible. A decision is expected sometime in the spring 2008.

In addition to exploring the Supreme Court Building, a member of Sen. Johnny Isakson’s staff gave the group to a guided tour of the Capitol. They also visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.

Metrejean expressed gratitude for the generous support of the trip’s sponsors, who are members of the School of Accountancy Advisory Council: Phil Moore, with Porter Keadle Moore LLP; Billy Hickman with Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon LLC; Jim Creamer with Draffin & Tucker LLP; Charles Martin with Moore Stephens Tiller, LLC; John Lucht with Smith and Howard; and Greg Morgan with Mauldin & Jenkins LLC. – See more at:

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Annual Southern Conference on Children set for Jan. 26

Trends and techniques for working with young children will be focus of the 21st annual Southern Conference on Children at Georgia Southern University on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Child care center directors and personnel, teachers, paraprofessionals, and child care providers will receive inspiration and practical advice at the popular conference, which regularly attracts close to 700 participants from 32 Georgia counties.

Thomas Moore and Shirley Garrett will present the keynote addresses. Moore is nationally recognized as an early childhood consultant, author, workshop leader and children’s recording artist. The topic of his address will be ‘Celebrating What We Learn from the Children We Teach.”

Garrett is a former physical education teacher who is the founder and director of Camp Garrett, the Great American Kid’s Camp. Now a full-time professional speaker and author, ‘Dr. Shirl” will give present ‘Teach from the Top of Your Lungs and the Bottom of Your Heart.”

In addition, Pat Minish, the executive director of the Georgia Association on Young Children, will speak on ‘Creating Your Professional Development Plan of Action.”

Also, the conference will feature a presentation by representatives of Bright From the Start, Georgia’s official child care certification organization. They will discuss the department’s strategic initiatives and answer questions about how these initiatives benefit the state’s children and the community of early child care providers and educators.

The conference is sponsored by Georgia Southern’s Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences, and the University’s Continuing Education Center.

The fee for the conference is $50 per person through Saturday, Jan. 12. After that date, the fee will increase to $55 per person through Friday, Jan. 25. The fee on the day of the conference will be $60 per person.

The fee includes all conference sessions and materials, a box lunch, refreshments, a certificate, and an opportunity to win door prizes.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/scoc.html or call (912) 681-5551.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Noted Journalist Lisa Ling to speak at Georgia Southern University

Lisa Ling, special correspondent for the ‘Oprah” show and contributor to the National Geographic channel and the Oxygen Network, will speak at Georgia Southern University as part of the Leadership & Civic Engagement Week. Ling will speak on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.

The Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement is sponsoring Ling’s presentation as one part of Leadership and Civic Engagement Week that is schedule to run from Monday, Jan. 28 through Friday, Feb. 1. The week is designed to help students learn how their goals and passions can lead them to opportunities that will make a difference.

Ling’s presentation titled, ‘Opening Minds and Hearts to the Issues Surrounding Us,” is built around a career in television that began at the age of 16. She went on to become one of the youngest reporters for Channel One News, a network that appears in middle and high school classrooms across the country. Beginning in 1999 she shared her opinions with millions of Americans as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The View.” In 2002 she became the first woman to host ‘Explorer” on the National Geographic channel where she compiled stories ranging from the complex issues surrounding China’s one-child policy to female suicide bombers.

During her career Ling has reported from more than 24 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. She also serves as a contributing editor for USA Weekend and co-authored the book ‘Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood.”

‘One of our main goals is to focus on service as part of Leadership and Civic Engagement Week this year. Lisa Ling is someone who not only has demonstrated strong leadership skills, but is making an impact on the area of social change both in the United States and in the world,” said Jodi Middleton, leadership coordinator in the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement.

Ling’s presentation is free and open to the public. The Performing Arts Center is located on the Georgia Southern campus at the corner of Chandler Road and Plant Drive.

For more information, contact Jodi Middleton at 912-871-1435.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education.

Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Annual conference will address cross-cultural issues in counseling and education

The seventh annual Southeastern Conference on Cross-Cultural Issues in Counseling and Education will focus on understanding the dynamics of multi-ethnic and multi-racial groups in the United States.

Sponsored by Georgia Southern University, the conference will take place on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9, at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah.

Educators working in kindergarten through college will join psychologists, social justice advocates, social workers, volunteer service providers and other people who are involved in diversity and cross-cultural issues.

The three keynote addresses will cover counseling immigrants, developing a moral identity, and black identity development. Other presentation themes will include white/male/heterosexual privilege, cultural diversity, cultural and ethnic competence in counseling and education, and issues of oppression and racism.

Participating Georgia educators can earn credit for one professional learning unit (PLU) for attending the conference. Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for qualified social workers and counselors.

The early registration fee is $185 per person. The fee will be reduced to $155 per person for schools or organizations that send four or more participants. The fee includes two days of instruction, conference materials, continuing education credits, continental breakfast and lunch both days, and refreshment breaks. The early registration rates are good through Monday, Jan. 21.

To register for the conference or obtain more information, visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/ccissues.html or call (912) 681-5551.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 2/2/2018

Department of Biology encourages holiday shoppers and hosts to think “green”

Many people may be dreaming of a white Christmas, but a group of faculty members and graduate students in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University is encouraging shoppers and party hosts to think ‘green” during the holiday season.

‘If you love the holidays and love the planet, there are lots of easy ways for you to celebrate the season in an eco-friendly manner,” said instructor Elizabeth Congdon, who gathered a long list of suggestions from her colleagues in the department.

For example, when decorating your home, consider LED lights, which use less energy and last longer than traditional Christmas lights.

When it’s time to buy gifts, to cut down on fuel emissions, purchase them at local shops and boutiques instead of driving out of town. If the gifts you want aren’t available locally, buy them online.

‘Don’t forget that there are lots of Web sites that specialize in “green’ gift ideas,” Congdon said.

Once you’ve got the gifts, don’t cover them in wrapping paper that can only be used one time. Instead, you can: –

• Wrap gifts with old newspapers. For a personal touch, the papers can contain articles that are relevant to the recipient, or the comic section can be used for a child’s gift.
• Deliver gifts in re-useable gift bags.
• Send postcards instead of cards inside of envelopes.
• Better yet, send e-cards instead of paper cards.

‘E-cards are guaranteed to be delivered on time,” Congdon said. ‘But whatever you decide to use, remember to re-cycle.”

Of course, gifts don’t have to be ‘things.” They can be things to do, or a charitable donation.

‘Rather than a consumable gift, give something service-oriented, like a spa day or massage, or tickets to a concert or sporting event,” Congdon said. ‘You can also donate money to a cause on behalf of someone special. Many organizations have links on their Web sites for such donations, and some of them will even send a token gift.”

Here are some tips for people who will be hosting holiday get-togethers of any size:

• Serve your guests with non-disposable plates and utensils.
• Use cloth napkins and towels instead of disposable ones.
• To cut down on transportation costs and fuel emissions by producers, prepare meals with local and/or organic foods.
• Tidy up your home for guests by using environmentally friendly cleaning products that can be found at local health food stores.

‘When everybody’s finished eating, instead of putting leftovers down the garbage disposal, stir them into your dog’s bowl to give him a treat, or add the food to your compost pile,” Congdon said. ‘Rotting food now means fertilizer for the spring.”

Finally, when it’s time to take your Christmas tree down, don’t throw it away. Many communities around the state participate in the ‘Bring One for the Chipper” recycling program sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful. Mulch from the Christmas trees is used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.

‘If you take your tree to the Bring One for the Chipper’ project hosted by Keep Bulloch Beautiful, you’ll get a dogwood seedling in return,” Congdon said.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered
approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 2/2/2018

New Eagle Executive Society is planned

The College of Business Administration (COBA) at Georgia Southern University will re-invigorate the Business Executive Society, a prestigious membership organization first developed in 1988. In its new format it will be named the Eagle Executive Society, and it will provide the basis for encouraging investment and interest by alumni and friends of the College.

‘In light of Princeton Review’s recent acknowledgement of COBA as one of the top business colleges in America, it is only fitting that COBA revive its membership society to recognize and celebrate our heritage,” said alumnus Doug Lambert, who will serve as the new organization’s chair. ‘I am honored to be named Chairman of the Eagle Executive Society and look forward to joining alumni and friends as we proudly support COBA and Georgia Southern.” Lambert served with COBA faculty and staff representatives throughout the fall semester to get the new membership organization underway.

‘COBA is preparing the next generation’s business leaders by providing today’s students with the best faculty, technology, facilities, and learning opportunities available,” said Dean Ronald Shiffler, ‘but we’ve reached a point where increased alumni support is essential to keep us moving toward our goal of national recognition. The Eagle Executive Society is designed to encourage annual giving to COBA that will close the gap between tuition and the total cost to educate a student.””

Building on the goals of the former Business Executive Society, the Eagle Executive Society will serve as a way of building communication between COBA and its larger community of alumni. Beginning in January 2008, annual membership will be extended to alumni and friends who invest $50 in the students and faculty, the programs, and the future success of COBA. In gratitude for their investment, members will receive a non-negotiable stock certificate verifying that they have taken ‘stock” in COBA, a subscription to COBA’s newsletter, The Eagle Executive, and personal invitations to special receptions and seminars sponsored by COBA.

By raising the level of giving to COBA, the Eagle Executive Society will help expand activities beyond the classroom, such as travel scholarships and graduate assistantships.
The Society’s funds will allow the College to send undergraduate and graduate teams to student competitions, providing them an opportunity to collaborate with students from other states and nations. Faculty will also benefit from increased funding to augment research and support increased scholarly activities.

For more information about the Eagle Executive Society, send an e-mail to jlane@GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

Last updated: 2/2/2018