Oakwood University Colloquium Prepares Faculty and Staff for New School Year

Oakwood University faculty, staff and administrators gathered at the McKee Business & Technology Complex for University Colloquium, August 1-4, to officially start the new school year. Colloquium is an annual event for the purpose of equipping and inspiring employees through information presented by guest speakers, discussions, and seminars.

This year's theme, "New Directions in Higher Education," recognizes and responds to challenges facing Seventh-day Adventist Colleges and Universities in general, and HBCUs in particular.

Guest speaker Brian Bridges, Ph.D., (right) vice president of Research and Member Engagement at the United Negro College Fund, discussed one of the UNCF's newest initiatives called Career Pathways, which focuses on career placement of students after graduation.

Daily devotionals were presented by Oakwood alumnus Debleaire Snell, '99, senior pastor of the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Huntsville. His sermons centered on the spiritual foundations needed to face challenges, including hearing and recognizing the voice of God, prayer, and discipleship.

Special Assistant to the President and Senior Chaplain Dr. Howard Weems described the organization of intercessory prayer ministry teams across the campus as we go into 24/7 prayer for the mission effectiveness of our Oakwood enterprise. Without the special blessing of God, our best efforts will fall short; but with God's blessing, nothing shall be impossible to us!

New members of the Oakwood family were introduced in a popular segment entitled "New Faces, New Places," and updates were given on the various campus improvements, including department relocations, improvements in technology, and enrollment reports. All sessions were held in the Committee of 100 Auditorium in the McKee Business & Technology Complex.

Stop by Oakwood's Booth at ASI Convention

Oakwood University is part of the activities at the 2016 ASI International Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, August 3-6. The focus of this year's convention is "Called. Chosen. Committed."

Adventist-laymen's Services & Industries (ASI) is a membership-based organization of Seventh-day Adventist laypeople who are enthusiastic about actively participating in the church's worldwide mission. This unique group of ranges from business owners to individual professionals to supporting ministries. ASI members seek to experience God's love in their own lives and share that love with the people they encounter in their everyday work and activities, hence ASI's motto, "Sharing Christ in the Marketplace."

Oakwood's booths are #730 and #732 in the Exhibit Hall of the Phoenix Convention Center.

OUPD Educates South Central Youth

by Victoria Joiner, Ed.D., assistant professor

Oakwood University Police Department (OUPD) and the South Central Conference Youth Department partnered to present a learning workshop during camp meeting this past June. This fun, interactive workshop was a part of an effort by OUPD to educate and de-escalate tensions due to the recent police-involved shootings taking place around the country.

With hundreds of young people visiting Oakwood's campus for 10 days, it was a prime learning opportunity from OUPD officers. Chief Melvin Harris said, "We were excited to provide an engaging, hands-on experience. The youth didn't have to just sit still and listen to some routine lecture." They were given the keys to a Hummer and experienced a literal scenario of being stopped by the police. In another exercise, they were given simulation goggles that mimicked the feeling of being impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Sgt. Shawn Byrd is pictured approaching the vehicle, as the driver and passengers learned what to do and how to positively interact with police officers during a stop, including:

Stay calm.
Remain in your vehicle and roll down the windows.
Keep your hands visible at all times on the steering wheel.
If you have passengers, ask them to sit quietly with their hands visible.
Avoid sudden movements.
Tell the officer what you are doing before you do it.
Keep your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance in a visor holder so it can be accessed easily.
Don't argue with the officer! The side of the road is not the place or time to voice your rights!

The parents of the young people who participated were very grateful for the efforts of OUPD. Plans are now underway for similar presentations to take place this fall for students at Oakwood University and Oakwood Adventist Academy.

Student NAACP Chapter to Sponsor Voter Registration Drive

On August 25, the Oakwood University student chapter of the NAACP will hold a voter registration drive at Blake Center.

In order to vote in the historic presidential election in November, it is crucial that first-time voters, and those who are racial minorities, verify that they are registered to vote well ahead of any local, state or national election. State voter registration deadlines vary.

Chapter sponsor and assistant professor of public policy Preston Foster emphasized the importance of voting, by quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

Loveliness Still Keeping House at Oakwood University

On July 29, Oakwood University hosted the Huntsville Beautification Awards for the second consecutive year. Mayor Tommy Battle and other elected officials were present for the awards ceremony.

The City Beautification Board was created in 1956, to improve the appearance of Huntsville by recognizing the efforts of private and public sectors in making a more healthful and beautiful city. Huntsville's Beautification Awards have been presented for 36 years. Oakwood University has received a Beautification Award for 16 consecutive years, won the Mayor's Award in 2010, and has earned a placed on the City's Honor Roll since 2008.

To win an award, properties are judged on: first impression, originality, distinction, design, selection/quality of trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, ground cover, maintenance, hardscape design and maintenance, and litter control.

Oakwood's Grounds Department is to be commended for their keeping 600 acres (of the campus' 1200 acre property) in award-winning shape.

Register for Oakwood Live!

Oakwood University cordially invites potential students to Oakwood Live! (formerly known as College Days), scheduled for October 5-9, to fellowship with current students, administrators, and employees.

Oakwood Live! immerses prospective students into life at Oakwood University. During the event, guests will meet people from all over the world and participate in an array of activities that allows them a chance to explore the unique qualities of an Oakwood University education. This annual event is offered to high school seniors and college transfer students, so don't let your youth miss out on the excitement.

For more information about Oakwood University or the Oakwood Live! event, call (256) 726-7356 or click here.

Join the Oakwood Family - Employment Opportunities

Oakwood continues to build the quality of personnel that will serve our students and constituents in the best possible way.

HOW TO APPLY:

Persons interested in any position must submit an Oakwood University Employment Application (online at oakwood.edu under Human Resources), along with a resume, copy of transcript(s)/diploma(s) to Human Resource Management. Application and supporting documents may be emailed, mailed, faxed, etc.

Click here to see the listed positions.

Thank you for your interest in Oakwood University.

Alumni News

Pastor Melvin Preston, '74, (left) of the South Atlantic Conference, was recently awarded the North American Division Family Ministries Distinguished Service Award, during the Adventist Conference of Family Research and Practice, held at Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Preston has served as the Family Ministries director of the South Atlantic Conference for the past 30 years, and has also been responsible for leading more than 2,000 people to follow Jesus. "We congratulate Melvin Preston as the recipient of this year's award and thank God for the way in which He has blessed in Melvin's ministry to families," said Dr. Pamela Consuegra, NAD Family Ministry director. Pictured (left to right): award recipient Pastor Melvin Preston, his wife Joetta, and Pamela and Claudio Consuegra, NAD Family Ministries directors

About Oakwood

The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.