MONDAY,AUGUST 18,2003
NEWS
Semester brings change of deans
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 15A
As Hedden takes over fine arts, Gentry prepares to leave journalism position
By Alex Hoffman
ahoffman@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
As one dean begins his first year at the University of Kansas, another prepares to step down.
Steven K. Hedden started his job as dean of fine arts July 1. On July 24, James K. Gentry, dean of journalism, announced he would leave his position after this academic year. Gentry plans to continue teaching at the University.
Hedden, a Colby native, succeeds Toni-Marie Montgomery, who accepted the position of dean of fine arts at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He earned three degrees in music education from KU in 1964, 1969 and 1971. After teaching one year at Kansas and another at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Hedden taught at the University of Iowa for 15 years. He then served as
dean of fine arts at the University of Arizona and, until last year, Wichita State University.
"It was very easy to make the decision to come back," Hedden said. "I'm getting the opportunity to provide leadership to a school that provided me great leadership."
Hedden said active listening and observing were among his priorities for his first year.
"It's important for me to have a regular forum to talk to students," he said.
Larry Mallett, chairman of the music and dance department, said finding more financial resources also would be one of Heden's goals.
"I know he's very cognizant of both fundraising and friend-raising." Mallett said.
Hedden said he wanted to blend these goals together without imposing a different agenda on the school.
"I want to build on the wisdom and vision that are already here," he said.
Mallett said the art and design and music and dance departments would benefit from Hedden's leadership.
Hedden
"I believe he is going to be even-handed and fair to all disciplines," he said.
Gentry is entering his seventh year as dean of journalism. He said it was the right time for him to explore other opportunities.
"I didn't want to keep the job forever, so I'll keep my word," he said.
Gentry helped to prepare journalism students for advancing technology. He helped usher in media convergence, which emphasizes the interaction of
print, broadcast and online media. Gentry said the approach gained attention from other universities around the country. He said schools such as Ball State, University of South California and Virginia Commonwealth were all looking closely at the University's program.
Gentry said he looked forward to teaching again, possibly in management or leadership. He said he enjoyed working with a mix of undergraduates, graduates and professionals.
"I like the part of being able to create and getting people involved," he said.
While the school continued to be change-oriented, Gentry said it needed to keep an important point in mind.
"We have tried hard to not give up our traditional strengths," he said. "It would be stupid for us to neglect them."
—Edited by Joey Berlin
KPR teams up with Vehicles for Charity to raise money
Kansas Public Radio at the University of Kansas has joined forces with Denver-based Vehicles for Charity to give listeners a new way to support public radio.
The new partnership makes it possible for KPR listeners to donate their usable but unwanted vehicles to the radio station. Vehicles for Charity will then auction the vehicles.
KPR will receive 60 percent
of the sale proceeds. The remaining profit goes to Vehicles for Charity's partner, Denver's ARC, a group that aides people with disabilities.
No set financial goal is set, but KPR has high hopes for the partnership, said Phil Wilke, media manager for KPR.
"If we could see a small portion of that, it would help us a lot."
By teaming with Vehicles for Charity, KPR is able to provide an alternative way for its listeners to support the station.
"This is another great way for KPR listeners to support the station," said Janet Campbell, general manager of KPR. "Our listeners and members help in their own way. If that means donating a car instead of perhaps calling in during the pledge drive, we're happy they want to support KPR in any way they can."
Vehicles for Charity will accept and auction cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
To arrange for donation and pick-up of a vehicle, call Vehicles for Charity toll-free at (877) 308-2408.
Danielle Hillix
Third Republican enters race for 3rd District spot
OVERLAND PARK — As expected, a third Republican has entered the race for Congress in the 3rd District, seeking the seat now held by Democrat Dennis Moore.
State Rep. Patricia Lightner of Overland Park announced her candidacy on Thursday, joining a
field that includes Adam Taff, who lost to Moore in a close race last year, and Kris Kobach, who returned to Kansas to run after two years in Washington with the Justice Department.
"I'm certainly not really happy with my current congressman," Lightner said. "I live here, and I
work here, and it means a lot to me to have the kind of representation that represents the 3rd District. So I'm stepping up to the plate."
Lightner, 45, is an attorney who was first elected to the Kansas House in 1998, the same year Moore won his seat in Congress, ousting the conservative Republican Vince Snowbarger. The district includes Johnson and Wyandotte Counties and part of Douglas County. The district had traditionally been Republican before Moore won the seat, and winning it back is a goal for national GOP leaders.
By Maggie Newcomer
mnewcomer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
New vice provost puts academics first
Marlesa Roney's formula for success at the University of Kansas is simple: graduation should be priority No.1.
As the new vice provost for student success, Roney has the job of convincing students to put academics first and save their social lives for after class. The Office of Student Success oversees 20 organizations, both academic and extra-curricular.
Roney came to the University in June from the University of Akron, where she was vice provost of student affairs. Before that, she successfully worked to increase the graduation rate as a registrar at Purdue University.
Growing up in Concordia, Roney said she understood the history and traditions at the University and looked forward to instilling in students a sense of belonging.
Provost David Shulenburger said Roney was selected from a national search for a new vice provost because of her success at Purdue.
Roney said although classes should come first, absorbing university life was just as important. She said that could be as simple as walking to Wescoe Terrace for lunch or studying in the shade of trees on campus.
"I want people to know they're part of something bigger than just their academic major," Roney said.
The Office of Student Success is the renamed and refocused Office of Student Affairs. Roney said when David Ambler, former vice chancellor of student affairs, left his position in August 2002, Shulenburger took it as an opportunity to see what needed improvement.
Shulenburger said he and Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett, senior vice provost, decided to focus the student affairs office on academic success. By doing
this, he said the University could increase graduation and retention rates.
"We will make 'student success' more than the name of the division that
Roney
Marlesa heads," Shulenburger said.
Roney said not too year was to involve more students in the decision-making process. She said she wanted to be more responsive to all students' needs because the University had a habit of focusing only on undergraduates.
"It's not a new idea," Roney said. "We're just trying to breathe life into it."
So far, Roney said she has been enjoying life in Lawrence and at the University.
"Everyone has a can-do attitude and a commitment to the University." Roney said. "All the students I've met so far have been outstanding."
Roney said she is eager to experience campus during the regular semester, because the summer is always a little slower. But that's not to say she hasn't had her hands full with her new duties.
"It hasn't been dull," Roney said. "I've been pretty busy."
During the summer Roney attended new student orientation sessions and said she was just learning along with the freshmen.
Although no new programs have been created since Roney's arrival, she is looking forward to the new thematic learning centers and improving online services.
Roney's first goal remains to help students succeed academically.
"If we don't support that first," Roney said, "co-curricular activities could overshadow the curricular."
- Edited by Joey Berlin
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