Monday Memo 2019-08-19
Dean's Message
Dear Colleagues,
Hurray! It is the first week of classes, and the start of an exciting academic year. We welcome several new faculty and staff, and what looks to be another excellent freshman class.
Please devote a few minutes each week to our Monday Memo, which is an excellent way to keep informed on important developments at UofL and within A&S, as well as noteworthy achievements of our faculty, staff, and students. Send us your achievements too, so we can share the good news.
As we continue to evolve as an institution, we anticipate several new initiatives this year:
- Details of the university’s new strategic plan will be unveiled shortly, and it will be a great opportunity to showcase the strengths of A&S and help us to grow. One area that will deserve our attention is recruiting and retaining more international students.
- This year also marks our transition to a new budget model, one that at long last will play to our strengths in credit hour production and provide us with incentives for growth in face-to-face classes as well as online education. Our success will be linked to student success, and the College is poised to handle this change very well.
- Provost Boehm is initiating an in-depth look at best practices in advising. There will be ways in which we can continue to enhance our practices, but I am proud that already A&S has implemented strategies that are considered best practice and, in some cases, cutting edge.
- We are fine tuning the initial staff reorganization plan, implementing new opportunities for professional development for our staff, and hiring a new Lead Fiscal Officer. We will be scheduling routine meetings to enable staff to keep current on policies, procedures and software in the areas of hiring, travel, facilities, IT, marketing, event planning, web design, and communication strategies.
- Provost Boehm will meet with faculty and staff at 2 pm on August 30 in Strickler 102 to discuss succession planning for my position. A provost search will also be underway this year. I hope you will be actively engaged in both efforts to ensure our collective interests are addressed by our future leaders.
My staff and I look forward to working with you all to make 2019-20 an exciting and productive year, and one of which we can all be proud.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kempf-Leonard, Ph.D.
Dean
Kudos
Graduate student wins presentation prize
Bhupendra Karki, a graduate student in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, won the Poster Presentation Prize at the 2019 American Crystallographic Association Conference. Please join us in congratulating him!
Prof. Adams's essay on "philosophical poetry" is published
Congratulations to Prof. Joshua Adams (English), who got the new academic year off to a fine start with the publication of his essay, "No Puzzle: James Merrill, Philosophical Poetry, and the Structure of the Self" in Literary Imagination. Read the essay.
Great Place to Learn
The 2020-2021 Fulbright application cycle is underway!
Last year, UofL students and alumni won 12 Fulbright awards, earning the University its fifth recognition as a Top Producing Institution. You can read about our recipients at louisville.edu/scholars. Now, we are looking for the next group of rising seniors, graduate and professional students, and recent UofL alumni who are interested in becoming Fulbright applicants! The national deadline is October 8, but our campus process is in full swing now. To get started, applicants can email the National and International Scholarships Office.
- Nominate a student: Fulbright recipients go abroad for research, graduate study, and English teaching experience. Do you know of a student you think would be a great candidate for a Fulbright award? You can send an email directly to bethany.smith.1@louisville.edu or submit a name using this link, and we will follow up with the potential applicant.
- Serve as a campus interviewer: UofL’s record of Fulbright success relies on the generous participation of faculty and staff who make valuable contributions as mentors, workshop participants, and campus interview panelists. If you are willing to assist with this year’s Fulbright process, you can indicate your interest by emailing bethany.smith.1@louisville.edu, or fill out the survey at the link.
Great Place to Work
Save the date: Cards Come TogetherGreat Place to Work
On October 22-25, join UofL faculty, staff, students, and alumni for the first Cards Come Together, a week of service to improve our campus and community. The goal for Cards Come Together is to have 1,000 UofL community members participate in the event, completing projects both on campus and in the community. Make sure to hold time on your calendar now. Online signup for specific projects will be announced soon. Contact the Office of Community Engagement for additional information.
Prof. Emery local host for ecology conference
Prof. Sarah Emery (Biology) served as local host for the 2019 joint Annual Meeting of The Ecological Society of America and United States Society for Ecological Economics last week. This year's event, "Bridging Communities & Ecosystems: Inclusion as an Ecological Imperative," drew 3000 people to the Kentucky International Convention Center. More info: esa.org/louisville/
Prof. Corbitt co-authored a paper on working with veterans
Prof. Cynthia Corbitt (Biology) worked with local dance caller Deborah Denenfeld to develop a program for veterans with PTSD and their loved ones called Dancing Well: The Soldier Project. In collaboration with a psychology professor (and dancer) in Connecticut, Dr. Robin Gustafson, Corbitt used self-reported surveys to measure whether participation in the 10-week dance program improved wellness. Even with a small sample size, the researchers found statistically significant improvement in veterans with PTSD and their loved ones. Read the article.
Prof. Cruz gives keynote address at Carnegie Mellon
Prof. Hilaria Cruz (Comparative Humanities) delivered a keynote address at the Language Technology for Language Documentation and Revitalization workshop at Carnegie Mellon University on August 12.
Great Place to Invest
New memorial scholarship fund established
Richard McKnight (Speed School alumnus and member of the African American Alumni Council) and family created the Kimberly McKnight Memorial Scholarship in honor of Richard’s sister, Kim. A single mother and the first in her family to graduate from college, Kim passed away unexpectedly in 2007. The Kimberly McKnight Memorial Scholarship was created to support students who are single parents and can demonstrate financial need.
Research & Creative Activities award opportunity
The College of Arts & Sciences is offering awards to teams of Mentors ($1000) and Undergraduate researchers ($500) who engage in research or creative activities. Undergraduates must be A&S students who have been on campus at UofL for no more than four semesters (not including summer). Mentors may be graduate students, staff with terminal degrees in the field of study, or faculty in departments without graduate programs. The fall deadline is September 13, 2019. For more information
Diversity & Inclusion
Join an Inclusive Teaching Circle
If you are interested in inclusive education, please join one of our two Inclusive Teaching Circles. ITCs are small, consistent groups of faculty, lecturers, and GTAs who are dedicated to teaching that is inclusive and equitable for all students. At these monthly lunch meetings, participants discuss readings, share ideas, explore new teaching strategies, and provide mutual support for the work of inclusive education. The first meetings will be held September 4 and September 11 respectively. For more information
Louisville included in United States Civil Rights Trail
The United States Civil Rights Trail has included the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Marker Trail as part of its national database. The Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Marker Trail was the vision of former A&S Dean J. Blaine Hudson and came to fruition through the former A&S IDEP office.
Items of Note
Alumni Homecoming calendar
Have an event you'd like to include on the Alumni Homecoming calendar and in Homecoming promotions? The deadline to submit events is September 17, 2019. Submissions should be made at louisville.edu/homecoming and to Localist at events.louisville.edu.
In the News
A matter of trust: Study explores children’s faith in characters vs. adults (UofL A&S, 8/2/19) - Discusses a psychological study regarding how the youngest among us see their favorite characters.
UofL researchers help find 20-some worlds on hunt for Earth-like planets (UofL News, 8/15/19) - UofL researchers are involved in discover new, Earth-like planets.
Do School Resource Officers Prevent School Shootings?(WFPL, 8/16/19) - Prof. Ben Fisher, Criminal Justice, discusses the pros and cons of increased security at schools.
Louisville Grows receives environmental offsets from the Ecological Society of America (Eureka Alert!, 8/13/19) - Prof. Sarah Emery, professor of Ecology, serves as the local host for a large annual meeting of the ESA.
Study Shows 'Dancing Well' Program for Veterans with PTSD Improves Mental Health (WKYU FM, 8/11/19) - Cynthia Corbitt, professor of Biology, helped lead a study on the benefits of dancing for veterans.
UofL archaeologist to discuss mapping of Maya ‘Atlantis’(UofL News, 8/12/19) - John Hale, professor of archaeology, discusses his underwater mapping of an ancient ceremonial site.
‘At long last,’ UofL alum Sam Gilliam’s artwork finds its place in a NYC gallery (UofL News, 8/9/19) - Fine Arts alumnus Sam Gilliam has his work displayed in New York.
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Is Behaving Strangely (The Atlantic, 8/9/19) - Tim Dowling, professor of Atmospheric Physics, discusses his outlook on the stormy events happening on the gas giant.
ANALYSIS: How Kentucky Ended Up With The Most Unpopular Governor And Senator In America (WFPL, 8/6/19) - Adam Enders, professor of Political Science, discusses the current state of Kentucky politics.
As Kentucky elections approach, Courier Journal is launching a political analysis column (Courier-Journal, 7/24/19) - features Phillip M. Bailey, graduate of UofL's Political Science program
Moving The Needle: Small Groups Push Outsize Changes (LEO Weekly, 7/24/19) - Catherine Fosl of the Anne Braden Institute discusses the Sunrise Movement
Open Letter in Support of Turkish National Police Leaders Who Studied in United States (The Chronicle, 7/22/19) - open letter co-signed by Professors Thomas Hughes and Deborah Keeling
You probably multitask every day. Here's why a brain scientist says you shouldn't (WHAS11, 7/22/19) - Prof. Brendan Depue, professor of Psychology, is featured regarding multi-tasking.
I Grew Up In A City Where Busing Worked (Huffpost, 7/16/19) - features Tracy E. k'Meyer, professor of History, regarding busing practices.
UofL professor takes the stage as an ASL interpreter (UofL News, 7/10/2019) - Jessica Menges, the director ASLIS Undergraduate Studies, is featured for her work interpreting at staged events
If Joe Biden is to be condemned for opposing busing, throw in the Democratic Party (Courier-Journal, 7/10/19 - an opinion written by Ricky Jones, professor of Pan-African Studies
Report: Sen. Mitch McConnell's family owned 14 slaves in Alabama (Courier-Journal, 7/8/19) - Prof. Ricky Jones of Pan-African Studies is quoted regarding Senator McConnell.
University of Louisville researchers test freeze-dried blood (Associated Press, 6/29/19) - features the research of Biology professors Michael Menze and Jonathan Kopechek
Seeing the music: How ASL interpreters bring songs to life for deaf people at Forecastle (Courier-Journal, 7/3/19) - Jessica Menges, director of undergraduate ASLIS at UofL, is quoted regarding interpreting at large music venues.
Fund for the Arts names a new communications director (Bizjournals, 7/1/19) - Eric King, a graduate of UofL, is the director of communications and engagement for Fund for the Arts.
Who wants to help count butterflies this weekend? UofL seeks volunteers (Insider Louisville, 7/1/19) - UofL had an event this summer counting butterflies for a biology study.
A Force of Nature (Voice-Tribune, 6/27/19) - a profile on Soozie Eastman, a graduate of UofL.
It's 'Cheers, but queer.' Louisville’s last lesbian bar reflects shift in LGBTQ nightlife (Courier-Journal, 7/28/19) - Kaila Story, professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is quoted regarding queer bars in Louisville
University of Louisville Professor Claimed Republicans are Trying to “Pimp” God (Accuracy in Academis, 6/27/19) - an article written in reaction to Prof. Ricky Jones' recent opinion articles in the CJ.
McConnell's flippant attack on reparations was really an argument for white supremacy (Courier-Journal, 6/27/19) - Opinion article written by Ricky Jones, professor of Pan-African Studies.
Meet the 2019 Alumni Award winners (UofL News, 6/26/19) - this article highlights the many recipients of the 2019 Alumni Awards.
LVA's Artebella On The Radio: Charlie Sexton and Dr. Janna Segal (Louisville Visual Art, 5/2/19) - features Janna Segal, professor of Theatre Arts at UofL.
Hite Art Institute hosts art show that examines mental health (UofL News, 6/21/19) - previews a show that was held at the Hite Art Institute.
Retired monkeys, freeze-dried blood, ‘Hidden Figures Way’: News from around our 50 states (USA Today, 6/14/19) spotlights research being done by Biology professors at UofL.
Local police departments are resisting the feds' ban on body cameras on joint task forces (Courier-Journal, 6/24/19) - features a study by the Southern Police Institute.
Dementia and religion: Inside a church’s Alzheimer’s support group (Richmond Free Press, 6/21/19) - Benjamin Mast, Professor of Psychology, is interview due to his research on dementia and religion.
Prof: 'Nasty, naughty little Republicans' try to 'pimp God' (Campus Reform, 6/20/19) - another article responds to Prof. Ricky Jones' comments on the modern Republican Party.
The Danger of Labeling the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization (National Interest, 6/19/19) - Steven Brook, professor of Political Science, spoke about designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.
Open Walls displays extraordinary talent from UofL faculty and staff (UofL News 6/19/19) - an art exhibit curated from UofL faculty and staff was held again in Ekstrom Library.
Faculty morale stagnant as UofL considers raises (Insider Louisville, 6/19/19) - discusses employment issues on campus.
Could a UofL professor’s lawsuit alter how colleges handle sexual harassment? (Insider Louisville, 6/19/19) - provides an overview of the situation regarding a sexual harassment accusation against an A&S faculty member.
International Service Learning Program offers chance to expand horizons (UofL News, 6/14/19) - highlights the comings and goings of the ISLP program.
UofL study results released on solving city’s homelessness (UofL News, 6/11/19) highlights a UofL-led study into Louisville's homelessness situation.
Study recommends more affordable housing, low-barrier shelters to address homelessness (WLKY, 6/11/19) - features Kelly Kinahan, professor of Urban and Public Affairs.
Is Taking Foreign Information A Crime? Trump Is Cool With It (Bustle) - Political Science Professor Jasmine Farrier gives her thoughts regarding the president accepting foreign-sourced information
UofL senior wins scholarship to attend summer institute at Duke University (UofL News, 6/17/19) - Senior Maria Martinez will had the opportunity to study at Duke this summer.
My Big Queer Louisville Brag Book (LEO Weekly, 6/12/19) - Prof. Kaila Story's podcast "Strange Fruit" is highlighted for its efforts to highlight important news for Louisvillian's,
After Ricky Jones rips 'nasty' Republicans, party seeks donations not debate (Courier-Journal, 6/14/19) Another article chronicles the reaction to Prof. Ricky Jones' recent comments on the Republican Party.
UofL faculty join citywide ‘Afloat: An Ohio River Way of Life’ celebration (UofL News, 6/13/19) - numerous UofL faculty were involved in this event this summer.
‘Mental Misconceptions: The Art Of Self-Care’ (LEO Weekly) - an announcement for an art display that is still going on in the Hite Art institute through August 30th.
Shelby Park Real Estate Is 'On Fire.' Is That a Good Thing? (Louisville Magazine, 6/18/19) - features Kelly Kinahan, professor of Urban and Public Affairs.
Learn cities by design (LEO Weekly, 6/12/19) - features John Gilderbloom, professor of Urban and Public Affairs.
Ricky L. Jones: Why I have contempt for racist, lying, nasty Republicans (Courier-Journal, 6/12/19) - Professor of Pan-African Studies Ricky Jones gives his thoughts on the state of the modern Republican Party.
Louisville artist Jenna White stumbles upon art form that turns into first solo exhibition (Insider Louisville, 6/11/19) - UofL Fine Arts alum Jenna White was featured in a local art display.
Family Video thriving in Kentuckiana despite closure of video rental chains (WDRB, 6/6/19) - features the contributions of Michael Cunningham, professor of Communications and Psychology.
AG, FBI partner to train law enforcement to better solve crimes (WTVQ, 6/4/19) - training for this program was held at the Southern Police Institute.
Louisville's budget cuts have killed its pools, and poor kids are left high and dry (Courier-Journal, 5/28/19) - features Dewey Clayton, professor of Political Science.
Alumna wins 2019 Woman of Distinction award (UofL News, 5/24/19) - the award was given to Sadiq Reynolds, graduate from 1993.
Daniel Cameron Wins Republican Attorney General Primary (WFPL, 5/21/19) - Cameron was a Political Science major in his time at UofL.
Why America's Least Popular Governor Will Likely Get Reelected (Governing, 5/20/19) - features Stephen Voss, profess of Polticial Science.
Morehouse College shows great education doesn't begin and end with Harvard (Courier-Journal, 5/20/19) - an opinion piece written by Ricky Jones, professor Pan-African Studies.
Democrats Seeking to Take on Governor Bevin Crisscross the State Ahead of Tuesday Primary (Spectrum News, 5/20/19) - Dewey Clayton speaks on the gubernatorial primary.
Here's what to expect and watch for in Kentucky's primary election races (Courier-Journal, 5/20/19) Political Science Professor Dewey Clayton outlines his expectations for the election primary.
Why is voter turnout so low for the Kentucky primary? (WHAS11, 5/20/19 - Political Science Professor Dewey Clayton discusses low voter turnout in Kentucky.
'Beating the odds,' Courier Journal summer intern hopes to shine light on community issues (Courier-Journal, 5/20/19) - Quintez Brown, an intern with Courier-Journal, spoke on his experiences.
Harris' column presents reasonable climate change solutions — from 30 years ago (Courier-Journal, 5/16/19) - an opinion written by Avery Kolers, professor of Philosophy.
Muhammad Ali’s youngest son forges his own path through UofL (UofL News, 5/15/19) - a profile on Asaad Ali, the youngest son of Muhammad Ali.
Kentucky Primary 2019: GOP Attorney General Candidates Jostle For Position (WFPL, 5/15/19) - Outlines the Attorney General Republican primary between a UofL grad and his opponent.
Kentucky, Alabama are finally putting these out-of-control women in their rightful place (Courier-Journal, 5/15/19) - Ricky Jones, professor of Pan-African Studies, digs into the controversy over abortion rights.
'I need to walk for him': UofL student graduates with father attending in spirit (WHAS11, 5/10/19) - highlights the emotional situation for a graduating Communications major
Clues to ancient migration of first humans out of Africa discovered near Red Sea (Newsweek, 4/30/19) - co-written by Ammanuel Beyin professor of Anthropology regarding newfound discoveries of early man.
Keeping the statue is preserving lies (LEO Weekly, 5/8/19) - Pan-African Studies professor Ricky Jones gives his thoughts on the Castleman statue.
Showdown set in Charlestown (News and Tribune, 5/7/19) - UofL alumnus Treva Hodges is running for may of Charlestown, Indiana.
Urban League Annual Report Addresses Voting Rights, Suppression (Diverse Education, 5/7/19) - Dewey Clayton, professor of Political Science, speaks about Urban League's report.
UofL celebrates distinguished faculty and staff (UofL News, 5/8/19) - this article identifies the various winners of faculty awards.
Help ensure Jefferson County courts dole out equal justice for all (Courier-Journal, 5/7/19) - mentions a study being held by the Department of Sociology.
