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From the President
The Great Blackout
During the "Great Blackout," I was once again reminded of how fortunate I am to work with people who are so dedicated to our mission and the students we serve. Throughout the entire crisis, I witnessed many examples of employees going above and beyond their regular responsibilities to solve a problem, or to be of service. I am proud to say that our students' health and safety remained our top priority, and for the most part, students experienced only minor inconveniences.
Our Crisis Management team has already begun to formulate a list of lessons learned from this incredible event. We hope to secure the assistance of state and federal agencies in funding new generators for critical operational areas, such as information technology, food service, and our residence halls. We can't predict the future, but having these and other functional areas under sustainable auxiliary power would have greatly lessened the impact of last week's massive storm.
I'm sure many of us affected by the storm still find pleasure in the simple act of turning on a light, or taking a cold soda out of the fridge. But we should also take pride in the fact that this college is staffed by hundreds of folks willing to go the extra mile to help our students--and each other. And that's a source of power you can rely on, regardless of the weather.
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 Bridges Joins Hocking as Provost/Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
Welcome to Dr. Carl Bridges who began serving as Hocking College's new Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs on July 16, 2012. Dr. Bridges' vast experience includes public and for-profit education along with work in both quarter-based and semester-based academic systems, making him uniquely qualified to help facilitate the Q2S transition.
Academic Affairs is hosting a potluck lunch on Thursday, July 19 to welcome Dr. Bridges to the Hocking College family. The potluck will take place from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Oakley 210 followed by a meet and greet with Dr. Bridges with cake and dessert. Please RSVP to Mindy Roggow at roggow_m@hocking.edu with the food you plan to bring.
Welcome to the Hocking College community, Dr. Bridges! We look forward to working with you.
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Even during the quieter pace of summer, change is inevitable. The following are a few recent noteworthy changes to our personnel roster:
Ben Dalton has been appointed to the position of Chief Information Officer, a role he has held in interim status since the departure of Derek Bobo several months ago. With a pending agreement to secure network administration services from an external vendor, his former position of Director of Network Services will not be filled at this time.
Tom Lambrecht has accepted a new position as Special Assistant to the President and is currently engaged in a fundraising effort aimed at supporting facility and technology improvements for the Inn at Hocking College. His former role as Dean of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs is temporarily being filled by Associate Provost Joe Wakeman, while new business models for the Inn, the McClenaghan Center and the Rhapsody restaurant continue to be explored.
Mary Russell has accepted the role of Executive Assistant to our new Provost/Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Carl Bridges. Russell was formerly the Coordinator of Academic Scheduling.
Finally, Jason Love has been promoted to Lake Snowden Park Manager. Prior to taking this position, Jason was both the Lake Snowden Maintenance Technician and an adjunct instructor in the Heavy Equipment Management program. As Park Manager, Jason will be responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, land management plans, events and general public interface on behalf of Lake Snowden.
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 | | 2011 Skills USA Summer Leadership Camp participants provide assistance to the City of Nelsonville. |
SkillsUSA Ohio Students Help "Paint the Town"
More than 240 participants in the SkillsUSA Summer Leadership Camp at Hocking College will join Glouster residents to spruce up small businesses and homes on Wednesday, July 18. Serving with the Glouster Volunteers fulfills the community service aspect of the camp, which focuses on knowledge and skills in community service along with leadership and workplace competency.
The Glouster Volunteers were started earlier this year by retiree Jim Cotter. The 81-year-old Glouster native began painting local homes and businesses in an effort to brighten his hometown. The operation has since grown tenfold; Cotter now receives nearly all of his supplies as donations and has a list of 39 regular volunteers.
After hearing about Cotter's efforts, SkillsUSA Ohio leaders chose the Glouster Volunteers as the community service component of southeastern Ohio's 2012 Leadership Camp. The project will facilitate the painting of 14-17 houses in just one day. The SkillsUSA camp returns to Hocking College for the seventh time from July 16 to July 20.
"Community service is an essential part of what we're teaching young people through career and technical education and SkillsUSA, " said SkillsUSA Ohio director Mike Cowles. "We also teach teamwork so joining a grassroots effort that's already underway reinforces that lesson."
SkillsUSA aims to provide students with the skills necessary to become competent and effective workers. More than 32,000 instructors and students participate in SkillsUSA Ohio with the Hocking College camp serving around 300 individuals from southeastern Ohio. SkillsUSA camp links Hocking College to over 40 SkillsUSA chapters across Ohio, gives students the opportunity to explore the Hocking College experience, and positively impacts the community through service.
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Hocking College E-mail Changes to Google
Effective immediately, Hocking College will be moving to Google Apps for Education for all employees and students. The services include email, calendaring, instant messaging, and documents storage. Google Apps will provide document sharing, insta nt messaging, better spam control, and massive amounts of disk space for e-mail storage.
To use their Gmail account, users should visit http://email.hocking.edu or access through the Hocking website at www.hocking.edu/email. To log in, the user's WebAdvisor ID will serve as the username and seven-digit Student or Employee ID as password. Users can then change their password once they access the new system.
Current users of desktop clients, such as Zimbra Desktop, Outlook or Thunderbird, will no longer be able to communicate with the new Gmail account. If you need to have your existing local emails (such as Zimbra Desktop, Outlook or Thunderbird) migrated to Gmail, please create an IT support ticket. Due to the overwhelming volume of email, and the timeline of this project, these migrations will occur as time allows. Settings for the various mobile devices in use by Hocking staff will be released in the very near future and will be posted on the IT section of the Intranet.
The move to Gmail was sooner than anticipated, due to a database error in Zimbra complicated by the recent power outage. Therefore, Zimbra is no longer accessible. Staff or students who need e-mails regarding classes or coursework retrieved from the old system should contact the IT Helpdesk at ext. 6113 or helpdesk@hocking.edu.
Gmail Tools:
Mail: Users keep the same Hocking College email address, but use Google's advanced email interface. Each mailbox comes with a powerful spam filter and over 25 gigabytes of storage. Users may never have to delete a message again!
Calendar: Users can share calendars with friends or subscribe to public calendars to stay on top of events on campus.
Drive: Create and share documents, spreadsheets and presentations online, and download them to desktop applications. Great for collaborative projects in and out of class.
Talk: Instant Message (IM) with friends and classmates, or make free voice calls to anyone else with Google Talk, anywhere in the world.
Mobile: Mobile applications enable users to view their e-mail on smartphones as well as popular cell phones.
More: As Google develops new tools, Hocking and Google will collaborate to provide access to users.
The Office of Information Technology is excited to provide these new features to the College community.
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92nd Police Academy Class Graduates from Hocking  College
On June 27, 2012, nine police recruits graduated from the Hocking College Police Academy. Graduation marks the completion of three months of intensive training at the Academy.
Commander Tim Voris recognized Raymond S. Woodgeard and Carl F. Stump for perfect attendance and dedication to the Academy. Voris noted, "Both of the young men were prepared and on time each and every day, which says a lot about their dedication and commitment to training and their career choices."
Special awards were also presented to Deputy Mathew Mellinger of the Hocking County Sheriff's Office; Michelle Walker and Anna Horsky (Commander's Award of Excellence); and Aaron Moore and Jennifer Farmer (Distinguished Leadership awards). Alex Sinew was honored with the Clyde Beasley Service Award for his performance on skill level tests along with his leadership, hard work, and dedication to the Academy.
The Hocking College School of Public Safety also received a special gift as thanks for its support of military men and women attending Hocking College to further their careers in public service. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Troxel presented an American Flag that was flown over Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan to Dean of Public Safety Susan White, Commander Tim Voris, and Administrative Assistant Betty Dalton.
Troxel commented, "It is a privilege to see the young men and women from our local communities become successful police officers when they return home."
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Students Earn Scholarships for 2012-13
Ten students have been awarded the 2012-2013 Jack O. McClenaghan (JOMc) Scholarship, and one student has earned The Martha and Earl Elberfeld Scholarship.
The 2012 JOMc Scholarship recipients are Kahtam Al Jewary of Athens, Kurtis Baumgartner of Woodville, Christopher Gabell of Columbus, Samuel Gerber of Fremont, Megan Maugans of Athens, Katie Moore of Chillicothe, Cody Northeim of Vermillion, Justin Rakytiak of Medina, and Ryan Uncapher of Nelsonville.
The 2012 recipient of the Martha and Earl Elberfield Scholarship is Robert Meyer of Rockbridge.
JOMc scholarships are awarded to first and second year students in the four-county area who are deemed most likely to succeed based on their application and references. Each JOMc Scholarship recipient is awarded $1,000. Recipients are engaged in a variety of programs, including the schools of Arts and Sciences; Health and Nursing; McClenaghan Center for Hospitality; Engineering, Computer and Information Technology; and Natural Resources.
The JOMc Scholarship honors Lancaster resident and businessman Jack O. McClenaghan. The McClenaghan Center for Hospitality Training at Hocking College was named in honor of McClenaghan, founder of the JOMc Scholarship Fund and a former chairman of the Hocking College Foundation. The JOMc scholarship was originally created by donations from faculty and staff, and community fundraisers, and now has in excess of $900,000 in the scholarship fund.
The Martha and Earl Elberfeld Scholarship was established by the Hocking College Foundation for students from Logan-Hocking High School majoring in Forest Management, or Business Management and Entrepreneurship. To be considered, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship was created to recognize the Elberfelds' spirit and dedication to education and Hocking College.
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 Archaeology Students Offer Public Dig at Local Farmhouse
Hocking College and the Athens County Historical Society have paired up to help local residents experience a real-life archaeological dig. The dig at Story Farmhouse in Meigs County is a part of the Archaeology program's field classes. Artifacts, such as ceramics, tools and household items from the Civil War era, have already been recovered from the site and historians suspect the house was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
The site is open to the public until Thursday, July 19. Anyone interested in participating can register at the Athens County Historical Society and Museum. The dig costs $20 per participant. For more information, see the Athens Messenger article. |
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Buck Participates in Online Project
Director of Counseling Services Roger Buck was interviewed for the Soul of Athens project, a multimedia endeavor conducted by Ohio University students. This year's Soul of Athens focuses on Ohio as a swing state. Videos, photos and interviews outline issues important to Southeastern Ohio in the coming election.
Dr. Buck's interview was included in a portion of the proj ect about the effects of war and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on veterans' daily lives. Dr. Buck discussed the struggles of PTSD, revealed flaws in treatment and made suggestions on how our country can improve care for individuals with PTSD.
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Summer Class Sponsors Donation Drive
The Hocking College Interpersonal Relationships class is sponsoring a donation drive for the Nelsonville Community Center from July 12 through July 26. The Community Center is in need of non-perishable food items, clothing, household goods (such as sheets, silverware and towels) and school supplies.
Donation drop boxes are located at the Rocky Factory Outlet Store at 45 East Canal Street. Maurice's in Athens is offering a 20 percent discount coupon to customers for every three items donated at their store on 1002 East State Street.
The Hocking College campus community can find drop boxes in the Light Hall Concourse and second-floor dining hall, the Davidson Hall foyer, atrium in the Natural Resources building, the entrance of the Public Safety Services building, The Inn, and JL 269 (Judicial Affairs Office). Help take care of neighbors in need - donate today!
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 Hocking Alum Completes Officer Training
Travis Ferguson, a 2010 Parks and Recreation graduate of Hocking College, recently completed training to work as a watercraft officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft. Ferguson will begin working at the Maumee Bay station at the end of June, serving under veteran officers for a year before becoming a fully commissioned officer.
Ferguson grew up on the water, serving as the first mate on a charter boat when he was 13 years old. According to the boat's skipper, Dick Beverly, Ferguson was a natural on the water. "Even that young, he was better than some first mates who were twice his age," Beverly said. "He could operate any boat, he was a real good fisherman, and he spent half his life on the water. It just seemed like it all came natural to him."
Ferguson comments, "For a guy who loves the lake, loves boats, and wants to work outside, this is pretty much a dream kind of job. I plan to make it my career."
For more information, see the Toledo Blade article "Early Start Chartered Course for New Lawman."
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 Archaeology Students Continue Last Summer's Dig
Hocking College archaeology program coordinator Annette Ericksen and her Archaeology students will be returning to Volcano, West Virginia this July to continue an excavation started Summer 2011. The dig will focus on the Stiles estate in Mountwood Park, former home of oil and gas pioneer W.C. Stiles. Built by Stiles in 1874, Thornhill Mansion was the main focus of last year's dig. This year, Ericksen and her team will enlarge the dig to explore the foundation of a caretaker's residence on the estate.
The dig spans an eight-day period beginning with a free class covering the basics of archaeology for members of the community. Participation in the class and dig is free for community members thanks to grants totaling $7,000. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who participate in the dig will be able to earn a merit badge in archaeology. Those interested in the free class should visit www.friendsofmountwoodpark.com.
Mike Naylor, chairman of the History Committee of the Friends of Mountwood, hopes to display last summer's artifacts along with any from the upcoming dig at the Mountwood Park Visitors Center Museum. The dig takes place from July 23 to July 26, and July 30 to August 2.
For more information, see the Parkersburg News and Sentinel article entitled "Archaeologists Ready to Dig into Mountwood Park."
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Moodle Update
Please keep in mind that effective August 1, Blackboard will be replaced with Moodle for online learning. Students in pilot programs have provided extremely positive feedback about the new online learning platform. Please contact the Online Learning department with questions.
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 New Furniture Ordering Process
In an effort to maximize the use of college-owned furniture across campus and save departments money, Administrative Services and Fiscal will be assisting departments with the implementation of a new process.
Effective June 25, all requests to order new furniture will be reviewed by Administrative Services to determine if an alternative solution to purchasing can be achieved. The college owns a large amount of furniture that in many instances is still in very good condition. Many times, we are able to recycle furniture to meet the needs of departments internally rather than purchasing new items. If needed items are not available on campus, we will work with the departments to process their requests accordingly. Vendors have been notified of this process and have been advised not to proceed with orders until an approved PO has been released from Fiscal.
We are planning a large surplus furniture display in August. At this time, all surplus furniture will be made available for employees to select from for use on campus only. Many of the items not needed after this date will be sent to the Ohio University surplus auction. The college will keep a few of the most commonly requested items in storage, such as file cabinets and bookcases, to assist departments as needs arise.
Please send all requests for furniture to Myriah Short or Tammy Eing and they will work to develop a plan to fit the needs of the department.
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 Newsletter Provides Health and Professional Guidance
"IMPACT on Wellness," a newsletter sponsored by IMPACT Solutions, provides employees and employers with advice on how to improve their health. The newsletter also gives tips on professional behavior in different situations and advertises each month's webinar.
The IMPACT Solutions Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available to all Hocking College employees, provides help with personal problems and other concerns. Issues addressed are broad, including concerns about a troubled family member, financial fears, stress at work and home, or alcohol and drug problems.
The EAP will assist employees with nearly any concern, and the "IMPACT on Wellness" newsletter is one aspect of services provided to Hocking College employees.
See the attached PDF for the July 2012 issue of "IMPACT on Wellness." For more information on IMPACT Solutions, visit their website.
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 Commencement Programs
Giles Lee has indicated for everyone who has asked, he has many extra Commencement programs available. Just contact Giles at 740.753.6539 /lee_g@hocking.edu.
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Mission
Hocking College provides a unique, innovative, and quality education in a supportive experience- based learning environment, preparing students for employment and transfer education opportunities, while teaching the value of lifelong learning, promoting diversity and developing citizens who are engaged in their local and global communities.
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| Ranger Academy Grad Saves Lives
Ranger Joshua Wright, graduate of the Hocking College National Ranger Training program, helped rescue two hikers on Sunday June, 24 on Alkali Flat Loop Trail at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. A father and daughter pair left for a hike around 8:30 a.m. but ran out of water and called 911 just before 12:00 p.m.
Rangers and other emergency personnel responded immediately, including Wright.
When the hikers were not found at their reported location, rangers began searching the area. At this time, the father called 911 again and said his daughter was having trouble breathing. A ranger located them and began administering EMS treatment. Wright followed, running three miles cross-country to the hikers; arriving on the scene before paramedics. Wright carried cooling aids and water, which weighs over eight pounds per gallon.
Thanks to the quick response of Wright and other rangers and emergency personnel, the hikers were safely transported back to their vehicle, where they declined further treatment.
Great work, Ranger Wright and colleagues! Hocking College is proud of your meaningful work.
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Interpretation Alum Searches for Bigfoot
Congratulations to recent Hocking College Natural and Historical Interpretation graduate John Hickenbottom who has been promoted to the position of naturalist at Salt Fork State Park.
Hickenbottom began at Salt Fork in 2007 as assistant to the naturalist.
Along with general public education, Hickenbottom will conduct a three-part night hike focusing on Bigfoot at Salt Fork. A self-indentifying skeptic, Hickenbottom is approaching the series from a wildlife management perspective. He will set up a controlled study site and plans to examine the natural environment and natural occurrences.
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