Oakwoodites "Depart to Serve" in Community Classroom


	Pre-physical therapy major Kiana Berry assisted with animal care at the Greater Huntsville Humane Society during AGAPE Day 2016.

Yesterday, September 20, was AGAPE Day 2016, the one day during the fall semester at Oakwood University when classroom instruction is officially set aside so that students, employees and administrators can "depart to serve" the Huntsville/ Madison County area, and learn in the "community classroom." Oakwood has been participating in AGAPE Day for over 10 years.

The day began at 8:45 a.m., when approximately 675 volunteers in their bright yellow t-shirts boarded the buses to be transported to work sites in the greater Huntsville area. Work projects included painting, planting, weeding, general cleanup, conducting science experiments with elementary school children, and assisting senior citizens. There were a total of 35 work sites this year including the Downtown Rescue Mission, CASA Community Garden, the Alabama Constitution Village, Highland Elementary School, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Willow Run Towers, Habitat for Humanity, Morris Elementary School, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

AGAPE Day was first launched in 2005 as an initiative between the Division of Academic Administration and the Freshmen Studies Department, and is now coordinated by the Office of Spiritual Life. Chaplain Kimberly Mann, AGAPE Day Coordinator, shared that the day "was a blessing to both the individuals who rendered service as well as to those who were beneficiaries. Community members and service recipients appreciate the way that Oakwood tangibly shows our commitment to the value of service."

You can search social media for AGAPE Day photo at #AgapeDay2k16 and #agapeday16.

Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series Presents Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander cordially obliged several individuals during a photo opportunity following the lecture. Pictured here (l-r) are Ted Rivers, one of the originators of Oakwood's broadcasting program; Mrs. Patrice Conwell and Dr. Victoria Joiner, assistant professors in the Communication Department; Erika Alexander; Dr. Rennae Elliott, chair of the Communication Department; and interviewer, David Person.

Oakwood University's Department of Communication hosted actress, producer, activist Erika Alexander for the Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series on September 15, in the Peters Media Center Studio. Students, faculty and community guests listened as Alexander described her journey to being an actress and activist for women's and children's issues. Alexander is possibly best known as for her award-winning role as "Maxine Shaw" from the hit series Living Single, and as "Cousin Pam" on The Cosby Show.

The lecture series followed an interview format with Oakwood alum David Person, '86, who asked Erika about her work as a delegate to Africa for the Clinton Global Initiative. After spending time in front of the camera, Erika has moved on to co-create, produce and star in the new YouTube series, #TheBFFChronicles. She has also co-created and writes for the graphic novel series Concrete Park.

Erika had visited a communications class earlier in the day, and noted how impressed she was with our students and their interest, and with the Peters Media Studio and the Oakwood campus.

The Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series is named for communication pioneers James Dykes, Sr., and Ted Rivers, who were instrumental in the beginnings of radio broadcasting on Oakwood's campus.

Oakwood Reaches Out to Former ITT Tech Students

by Kisha Norris, M.Ed., CFRE, executive director of Advancement & Development

On September 20, Oakwood University hosted an information session for former students of ITT Tech after that institutions's recent closing.

"Education is vital to the future of our society," says Dr. Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University. If we at Oakwood can do anything to assist the students who were displaced by the closing of ITT Tech, we want to support them."

"We're excited for these students to finish what they started," remarks Vice President for Academic Administration, Dr. Karen Benn Marshall. "We plan to work very closely with every individual student to determine which credits will transfer and how they can complete their degree."

Representatives from the Registrar's Office were available to review transcripts, and staff from the Office of Financial Aid helped determine sources of funding. Academic advisors from various departments also attended.

"Oakwood University is a great place and we want as many local students as possible to be able to complete their education right here at home," says President Pollard. "We also plan to serve non-local ITT students through our online services."

Oakwood Kicks Off UNCF North Alabama Campaign

by Jeffrey Wilder, student writer

On September 13, Oakwood University hosted the annual kickoff for the North Alabama Campaign of the United Negro College Fund. This event begins the fundraising campaign, and highlights the students who benefit from the UNCF, a philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The aid given by UNCF has helped countless deserving students with scholarships for over 30 years.

At the kickoff, students who had benefited from UNCF scholarship funds gave testimonials, explaining how UNCF has aided them in their educational journey. Senior K. Dominic McKenzie expressed that he wouldn't have been able to continue his journey here without the assistance from the UNCF.

UNCF scholarships are available to all students at Oakwood, who are encouraged to apply at the UNCF website: www.scholarships.uncf.org. Further information is available through the Office of Advancement and Development in East Hall.

From Oakwood to the White House: 21st Century Policing

by Victoria L. Joiner, assistant professor of Communication


	OUPD Chief Melvin Harris (left) with Elias Alcantara, Senior Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

On September 16, OUPD Chief Melvin Harris became a part of the President Barack Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing at the White House. The Task Force was created in response to the turmoil gripping the nation regarding the number of deaths of African Americans in police custody. Over 300 police agencies have participated in a series of discussions to present recommendations and solutions to help law enforcement agencies and communities strengthen trust and collaboration.

Chief Harris considers it to be "such an honor to be invited to participate in this series of events! There were only a few colleges and universities represented overall, and I was particularly proud that Oakwood University was recognized."

"It's clear that law enforcement has a long way to go to rebuild trust in our communities," he continued. "This task force is a step in the right direction to help agencies around the country implement the recommendations from the Final Report."

Harris also believes that Oakwood has a pivotal role to play in this time of unrest. "Oakwood's students and the OU Police Department must lead out in the local Huntsville community, and in other communities, to not only talk about the problem, but to be a part of the solution."

OUPD will now be a part of the President's Police Data Initiative that will collect and publish data on policing activities. This level of transparency will hopefully help foster a new era of trust and safety for all citizens.

There's Still Time to 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 a variety of activities allowing 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.

Oakwood's Recipe Highlighted in PHA Blog

Jillian Griffith, MSPH, RD, from Partnership for a Healthier America, reports that the recipe submitted from Oakwood University was highlighted in today's "Healthy Meals You Can Make In Your Dorm Room" blog post. To access Oakwood University's recipe, click here.

Have an amazing #HealthyCampus Week!

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. The Department of Communication is currently looking to fill the position of Assistant/Associate Professor. This position is ideal for someone with university teaching experience, and/or a minimum of 10 years professional experience in the broadcast industry.

HOW TO APPLY:

Persons interested in this position, and any other positions listed, 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

Paula C. Barnes, Ph.D., '74, is returning to Alabama A&M University, where she has been appointed as interim chair of the Department of English and Foreign Languages. She began her teaching career at AAMU in 1975, and went on to serve as a distinguished faculty member at Hampton University. Barnes has been described as "a teacher who always sets the bar high for students and pushes them to excel."

Picture of the Week

Shirna Gullo, DNP (far left, front row), coordinator of Oakwood's Healthy Campus 2020 initiative, is pictured here with several staff members and students to celebrate the first day of Healthy Campus Week. Activities include early morning walks, a STANDOUT Book Club discussion about
The Sleep Revolution
, by Arianna Huffington, the Calorie Burn II Challenge, cooking demonstrations, and a Faculty & Staff Wellness Fair. Photos will be shared on social media using the hashtag #HealthyCampus. (Photo: Anthony Chornes II.)

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.