Monday Memo September 11, 2017
Dean's Message
Dear Colleagues:
A few weeks back I mentioned that universities are nonpartisan, but certainly universities are not immune to politics. We’ve had several reminders of this recently. In July, the Pew Research Center released disappointing findings from a survey that show 57% of the public who responded rate universities as only fair or poor in providing a valuable education given tuition costs. Perhaps more troubling was the finding that while the majority (72%) of reporting Democrats, or Independents who lean toward the Democratic Party, say that colleges and universities are having a positive effect on our country, this is true of only 36% of the Republicans. Over half of those more closely aligned with the Republican Party view colleges and universities as having a negative effect.
With these study findings in mind, I am glad that at UofL we value access and are the only public university in the Commonwealth of Kentucky not to have a tuition increase this year. Many in our state, including some elected officials deciding resource allocations to universities, are among the skeptics of our value. We need to convince them of the error in that short-sighted view.
At UofL in Arts & Sciences we take pride that our courses include the most current substantive material available in our academic disciplines, and our scholarship contributes to advances in our fields. In anticipation of implementing the Cardinal Core next fall, this year many programs will be revising degree requirements and updating curricula to assure our students remain engaged. Let’s also work on ways we can help inform the skeptics about the importance of an educated citizenry. Todd Mooradian, our new dean of the College of Business, recently shared with me a study finding that the life of a technical skill is 3.5 to 5 years before it is outdated. We know that learning to discern, think critically, problem-solve, and communicate are life-long skills. If you haven’t visited our resource website highlighting the importance of the liberal arts and the strength of a liberal arts degree, check it out as the library is growing!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kempf-Leonard, Ph.D.
Announcements
University Writing Center open for Fall
The University Writing Center serves all UofL faculty, staff, and students. Our individual consultations provide writers feedback on any type of writing at any point in the writing process. We are also available to visit your classes or meetings for a brief introduction to our services or customized workshop. Visit our website for more information or to schedule a consultation.
GEN 203: Internship offered by the Career Development Center
This one credit hour elective course serves as an option for students that may not qualify for your department’s specific internship/co-op course, or for students working with an organization that requires course credits. To enroll, students must have at least 45 credit hours and a minimum 2.5 GPA. For more information contact Ron Burse, Internship Coordinator at ron.burse@louisville.edu or 502-852-5485.
Digital Humanities working group call for members
The Digital Humanities working group is putting out a call for members. We aim to bring together faculty and staff with interests in all aspects of digital humanities research for the purpose of collaboration and development of DH resources. The group is sponsored by the Commonwealth Center for Humanities & Society and serves A&S’s digital humanities initiatives.
The first meeting will be held in late September (date and time will be arranged via Doodle). Please contact Tracy Heightchew if you would like to attend. Please contact Professor Lara Kelland with questions about the focus and scope of the group’s activities.
Presentation by Dr. Jim Ziliak from the University of Kentucky
Dr. Jim Ziliak, Director of both the UK Center for Poverty Research and the new Kentucky Federal Statistical Research Data Center (KRDC) in Lexington has agreed to give presentations to UofL faculty and other research personnel who might be interested in opportunities afforded by the opening of the center. Possible dates include Oct 17 (preferred) and Oct 10 or 12; start times would be negotiable based on preferences and number of talks. There will be at least one presentation on HSC and one on Belknap. If you are interested or have questions, email Holly Hogue.
The Kentucky Academy of Science 2017 Annual Meeting
November 3-4, Murray State University. Early registration and abstract submission deadline is Oct 1. Register and submit here.
Research & Creative Activity
Graduate Research Assistant Evan Gora receives NSF grant
Evan Matthew Gora (Biology) received a $5,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for his project titled "Lightning in a tropical forest: Integrating field-based and quantitative ecology to understand tree communities and carbon cycling."
Research partnership with Actors Theatre results in publication
A National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funded study investigated the benefits of long-term theatre-going. The resulting article in The Gerontologist is "Theatre involvement and well-being, age differences, and lessons from long-term subscribers" authored by Prof. Suzanne Meeks (Psychological & Brain Sciences), Prof. Russ Vandenbroucke (Theatre Arts), and graduate student Sarah Kelly Shryrock (Psychological & Brain Sciences). As hypothesized, theatre involvement was indirectly related to satisfaction and enjoyment of the theatre, hedonic well-being, and social functioning, through the psychosocial benefits of flow, social engagement, and belonging.
Engagement
Prof. Karen Freberg guest blogger for NASDAQ
Prof. Karen Freberg (Communication) wrote a guest blog post for NASDAQ: "New personal branding expectations for public relations and communication professionals, discussing the importance of establishing a personal brand on social media.
Prof. Kim promoted to President of the Historians of British Art
Dr. Jongwoo Jeremy Kim (Fine Arts) has been promoted to President of the Historians of British Art (HBA), an affiliate society of the College Art Association. Many countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are represented in HBA’s membership which is comprised of scholars and curators specializing in British art and architecture from every area and period. Dr. Kim hopes that HBA will celebrate its social awareness and reaffirm its commitment to promoting diversity in its membership and scholarship. As the first Korean-American President of HBA, he is thrilled by the prospect of newly expanded and diversified dialog.
Kudos
Alumna Elizabeth Driscoll Smith named Grunberg Fellow
Elizabeth Driscoll Smith (MA in Art History, 2016; Advisor: Dr. Jongwoo Jeremy Kim) has been named the 2017-2018 Zvi Grunberg Resident Fellow at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut.
During her fellowship, she will work with Kenneth Silver, the museum's Adjunct Curator and Professor of Fine Arts at New York University, to assist in the planning and creation of exhibitions and manage the development and implementation of adult public programs.
Prof. Handa receives the Dunn Award for Green Chemistry
Professor Sachin Handa (Chemistry) has received the ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable Peter J. Dunn Award for Green Chemistry and Engineering Impact in the Pharmaceutical Industry. This award recognizes Prof. Handa’s innovative work in the development of newly engineered catalysts for sustainable surfactant chemistry in water. The Peter J. Dunn award was established “to recognize outstanding industrial implementation of novel green chemistry and/or engineering in the pharmaceutical industry that demonstrate compelling environmental, safety, cost, and/or efficiency improvements over current technologies.” Prof. Handa will receive a plaque commemorating the award and give an invited lecture at the Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference to be held June 18-20, 2018 in Portland, OR.
In Memoriam
Geoffrey Cross (1953-2017)
Prof. Emeritus Geoffrey Cross, who retired in 2014, died in August. Having worked as an professor and researcher at the University of Louisville for over two decades, he published three books and had justrecently retired in 2014. A memorial service and visitation was held on Friday, August 25th at St. Paul's Methodist Church. In honor of Geoffrey's commitment to his faith and his support of addiction recovery, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul's Methodist Church or The Ice House of Louisville, Inc. (1400 S. Shelby St. Louisville, KY 40217). Professor Cross' obituary.
Helen Lang (1926-2017)
The College & the University lost a generous soul and steadfast supporter last month when Ms. Helen Lang died. Ms. Lang, best known for the 1987 founding of the now known as Asia Institute-Crane House (AICH), was also an ardent supporter of the University of Louisville. Although educating others about Chinese culture was a focus of much of her energy, her appreciation for higher education and the well-being of all people is evidenced by over 30 years of giving to a number of different disciplines at the University. In A&S, her contributions to the Asian Studies Program are unparalled but her generosity was also felt by the Departments of Chemistry and Women’s & Gender Studies, as well as the African American Theatre Program, and the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research. A Celebration of Helen Lang’s life will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at The University Club 200 E. Brandeis Ave, 40208. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Asia Institute-Crane House, 1244 S Third St, Louisville KY 40203 or the University of Louisville School of Music. For more about Ms. Lang’s life, see her obituary.
Andra Jean Castle "Jeanie" Owen (1940-2017)
Mrs. Owen was an art history coordinator for 23 years and was an avid UofL fan. She faithfully continued her education UofL for her degree. A staunch believer in the importance of higher education, she continued her education first at Campbellsville Junior College then UofL for her degree. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Highway at Brooks Road) with cremation to follow. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Little Flock Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus and/or the American Cancer Society. Read her full obituary.
Items of Note
Join Phi Beta Kappa Association of Kentuckiana on Thursday, October 12 to hear Jerry Abramson speak
"Louisville to the White House!" - The story of how a Seneca High School grad who grew up working at his Family’s three aisle Grocery Store in the Smoketown neighborhood committed his life to public service. Q&A to follow the talk. Thursday, October 12, 5:30 to 8:00 with light refreshments included. Location: Louisville Free Public Library, Main branch, 301 York St. Contact: Janet Dakan, Phi Beta Kappa Association of Kentuckiana Board member.
"Art in the Western World" at LFPL, 9/12 - 10/19 by Prof. Carbone
"Art in the Western World" offers a crash course on some of the best—and least—known details of art through the ages. Prof. Christina Carbone (Fine Arts), will discuss great moments, artists, and artworks from Ancient Greece to Modern times. These illustrated lectures are intended for the curious and the beginner, art lovers and history buffs alike. The short course will meet on Thursdays, September 12 through October 19 (excluding October 12), from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Main Library (301 York Street). The final class on October 19 will meet at the Filson Historical Society and will include a tour and discussion of the Filson’s early-American art collection. To register for this FREE six-part series, please call (502) 574-1623. For more information about this and similar programs at the library, check out LFPL.org/MyLibraryU.
In the News
Hite photography professor plans major eclipse exhibition (UofL News, 8/17) – Prof. Mary Carothers (Hite Art) is working with a team of 12 to photograph the eclipse in each state is passes through. “Overshadowed” a gallery will be held at the Cressman Center for Visual Arts Sept. 22 through Oct. 28.
Theatre Arts Department sponsors textile competition at Kentucky State Fair (UofL News, 8/18) – UofL’s Theatre Arts Department costume shop will also once again sponsor two categories in the Textile Division of the fair competition.
Artists fan out across the country to photograph 'changing landscape' of eclipse (Courier-Journal, 8/19) – Prof. Mary Carothers (Hite Art) and Prof. Benne Holwerda (Physics and astronomy on photographing the eclipse.
“A Day in Buck’s World” focuses on Solar Eclipse (The Lake News, 8/21) – Professor Benne Holwerda (Physics and Astronomy) spoke about the eclipse with kids.
Monuments preserve, define and distort (Courier-Journal, 8/24) – op-ed by Professor Cate Fosl (WGS, Anne Braden Institute)
Kentucky Loses Big If Health Care Repeal Revives. Will McConnell Keep Trying? (89.3 WFPL, 8/24) – Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science) on Sen. McConnell's political future.
Maxine Waters and the burden of the ‘strong black woman’ (The Washington Post, 8/24) – Prof. Kalia Story (WGS) on African American women in America.
‘Whose Streets?’ at Speed Cinema shares different perspective on Ferguson, activism (Insider Louisville, 8/24) – Prof. Cherie Dawson-Edwards (Criminal Justice) on the new film at the Speed Cinema "Whose Streets?"
7 Questions With … Artist and assistant professor Meena Khalili (Insider Louisville, 8/26) – Q&A with prof. and artist Meena Khalili.
If Louisville's police watchdog group is a bulldog that 'cannot bite,' is it relevant? (Courier-Journal, 8/27) – Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies) on the citizens police oversight board.
Take a peek behind Kentucky Opera’s ‘Ariadne’ on Wednesday at the library (Insider Louisville, 8/27) – Prof. John Hale (The Liberal Studies Project, Anthropology) on the new Kentucky Opera series and his upcoming lecture.
GOP leaders face backlash from both sides of Obamacare debate. Will they pay at the polls? (Tampa Bay Times, 8/29) – Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science) on Sen. McConnell's political backlash over Obamacare.
Panama Study: Tallest Tropical Trees Died Mostly from Lightning (EOS, 8/30) – Prof. Steve Yanoviak (Biology) studies lightning strikes on trees in Panama.
