Faculty Research Symposium 2013
by Paulette Johnson, Director of Library Services
Oakwood University faculty and invited guests presented outstanding scientific papers and posters on a variety of topics at the Faculty Research Symposium on April 23, 2013, at the McKee Business and Technology Complex. This annual event is sponsored by the Department of Faculty Development and Research headed by Vice President Dr. Prudence Pollard. Dr. Howard Weems began the day's proceedings with a devotional about research as the pursuit of truth.
Dr. David Trimm demonstrated that while the majority of SDA Church leadership continues to be dominated by males, ordination to ministry as a qualification for leadership is now often accompanied by advanced academic and professional degrees. Dr. Ciro Sepulveda's stimulating response left the audience pondering whether or not this trend results in church growth.
Oakwood alums Dr. Frank Mullins and Dr. Sydney Freeman represented their alma mater proudly. Dr. Frank Mullins reported on the relationship between family-owned companies that deliberately promote employee's long-term commitment to the company through the use of commitment human resource systems, and those that are managed by institutional investors and place higher priority on shareholders' profits. Professor Ruth Gunn's response reminded us of the demise of corporations and the ruin of personal lives and savings that result when corporations fail to put their workers and customers ahead of profits.
Dr. Sydney Freeman inspired faculty to engage in scholarly writing as a regular part of their daily routine while balancing work and family life. He challenged faculty to write for one-half hour daily and to learn to say "no." Dr. Trevor Fraser's response, calling for the institution's support in this area, was enthusiastically endorsed by faculty.
The importance of physical health at all stages of life were highlighted in the Health and Wellness Study II for Oakwood University students by Dr. Maxine Garvey. One finding is that Oakwood student's obesity rate of 30% mirrors that of the U.S. population.
Information about and results of the Adventist Health Study 2/ African American Cohort were discussed by Dr. Tricia Penniecook, from Loma Linda University School of Public Health, who underscored the prevalence of 'lifestyle' diseases among African-Americans and the necessity of early interventions through education, and behavior changes (exercise, vegetarian diet, etc.). Dr. Karen Anderson's response outlined strategies the health community could use to rebuild trust among African-Americans so that they are more likely to participate in research studies that require giving personal information.
Drs. George Ashley, Octavio Ramirez and Malcolm Cort explored "what it means to students to be a Christian." Drs. Pauline Sawyers, Ingrid Enniss and Deril Wood identified what some faculty do when they integrate faith and learning in the classroom. Dr. Rachel Williams-Smith advocated the legitimate use of autoethnographic research to study her experience of leaving an isolated Adventist subculture and adapting to mainstream American life. Drs. Finbar Benjamin and Octavio Ramirez offered preliminary findings from the General Conference 21st Century Retention Study that seeks to understand why recent graduates of SDA colleges and universities retain or sever ties with the SDA church.
Oakwood's LifeCore 2013 study, headed by Dr. Prudence Pollard and graduating senior, Joshua Nwosu, examined student spirituality and commitment at Oakwood.
In addition to these papers, Dean Hyacinth Burton, Drs. Eva Starner and Havovi Patel presented posters on the use of course management systems at HBCUs; the stressors and coping mechanisms of married female physicians, and the use of simulation technology to enhance nursing education curriculum. Additional posters by students in the departments of Chemistry and Psychology were also displayed.
Throughout the day faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees and administrators listened with interest, asked probing questions, and made salient comments that enriched the learning community.
One important event that coincided with the symposium was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Department of Archives, Statistics and Research and Oakwood University. This agreement identifies Oakwood University as a research partner that is eligible for GC grant funds.
Feedback from attendees indicated satisfaction and pride with the high level of scholarship exhibited by Oakwood faculty and students.
Both Dr. Mervyn A. Warren (pictured at left with Drs. Pollard and Dulan), Dean of the School of Religion and Theology, and Dr. Kathleen Dobbins (pictured below), Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, have each served Oakwood for 45 years. 
