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From the President
Ode to a Sycamore
Sometime in the years between the end of the Civil War and the sinking of the Titanic, a solitary sycamore took root in a pasture owned by a farmer of Athens County. Over the course of more than a century, the sycamore grew to more than 70 feet, with major limbs as massive as the main trunks of lesser trees that grew in its company.
 In its earliest years as a sapling, no one could have ever imagined that the sycamore--along with the property surrounding it--would ever become the site of an institution of higher learning. In its later years, the tree would come to grace the main entrance to Robbins Crossing, our very own pioneer village enjoyed by hundreds of visitors and interpretive students each year. With a main trunk as large as a kitchen table, the tree served to shade countless campus visitors and to grace our campus grounds.
 But no more. Shortly before this year's Nelsonville Music Festival, a chance inspection of the tree revealed serious decay within its main trunk. After consulting among both campus and outside experts, the unanimous recommendation was to remove the tree before anyone or anything could be harmed by its possible collapse. Sometimes the wisest decision is also the most regrettable.
Its absence leaves behind more than an open space of sky. It leaves behind a reminder that we often overlook the natural beauty of our surroundings, and an opportunity for us to consider how it quietly lived, with the singular purpose to grow. Perhaps it was the perfect metaphor to our own work with students, who come to us is search of their own purpose and personal growth.
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 Logan Campus Adds Two Degree Programs
Hocking College is relocating two associate degree programs from the main campus in Nelsonville to the Logan Campus starting autumn semester 2014.
Students enrolled in the Network Systems and Cyber Security program and Computer Programming will move this autumn semester to Hocking College Logan Campus. The college will also provide more general education classes for students planning to continue their education after Hocking to earn a bachelor's degree.
The addition of two degree programs at the Logan Campus, home of the Hocking College Energy Institute, will permit the college to integrate curriculum featuring sustainable themes into more educational offerings.
Network Systems and Cyber Security is a newer program for Hocking, created to address the major ongoing challenges in today's world. The program prepares students with hands-on projects training them for the numerous career opportunities in industries demanding cyber security analysts. Employment in securing data systems is expected to grow about 37 percent over the next decade with cyber security salaries offering about $15,000 more than the salaries for general information technology jobs.
Cyber Security is in the news today due to so many instances of identity loss, personal information pirating and the need to protect data from those who would use it for ulterior purposes. Neal Hinton, dean of the School of Engineering and Information Technology said, "The number of jobs in this area are increasing at a surprising rate and we believe we are poised at the right time to help provide valuable skilled employees through our graduates to fill the job needs of this critical area. From personal digital security to the security of major networks our graduates will be on the front line helping to protect our information."
The Computer Programming degree prepares students to enter the information technology profession as an entry-level computer programming professional. The expansion of both programs will offer many courses preparing students by taking part in practical experience emphasized in reality-based learning situations.
The expansion is currently in transition during the summer semester and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2014-2015 academic year.
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Administrative Services Projects and Update
A variety of Administrative Services projects are slated for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, including various physical plant upgrades and renovations. The Student Center gym floor project is ongoing. The mercury abatement portion of the project is complete, but repairs and the replacement of the floor continue, with completion scheduled for after the start of autumn semester. This comprehensive chart of planned projects will be updated periodically throughout the year. Any questions on current or future projects can by directed to Myriah Davis at davism@hocking.edu.
Physical Plant ChangesThe recent reorganization of the Physical Plant provided opportunities for current staff members to transfer to other divisions and for new talent to join the team. As previously announced, Andrew Freeman is now the Director of Physical Plant Operations, and in this position oversees landscape operations, building maintenance and repair, and custodial operations. Other changes/additions to the department:
- Brian Seymour - Maintenance Crew Leader
- Jerry Dexter - Landscape Technician
- Justin Brooks - Landscape Technician
- Jeff Eing - Campus Greens Crew Leader
- Gary Mildenstein - Horticulturalist
- Richard James - Lake Snowden Technician
Administrative Services AdditionsEffective July 1, the following units now report to the vice president of administrative services: the Horse Barn, the Fish Hatchery and Perry Campus.
Paving Reminder
Reminder that paving will be ongoing on Main Campus and the Perry Campus through mid-August. Be aware that periodic parking lot closures will be necessary during this process.
Fleet Policy Reminder
Reminder that the only individuals permitted to drive college vehicles are faculty/staff currently under contract/on payroll, student employees and approved Hocking College student drivers.
Within the last two weeks, Fleet has had requests from three non-college employees to use college vehicles. The Driver Approval Form is on the intranet for reference.
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 OU Printing Services Customer Survey
Ohio University Printing Services, the Hocking College printing vendor, is currently conducting a customer satisfaction survey to help them judge their service.
Anyone who uses OU Printing is invited to complete a very short survey about the current service and provide any suggestions that could improve service. The deadline to complete the survey is September 12.
Access the survey here.
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From the Provost
 Academic and Student Affairs Update
Happy July! I hope you are having a wonderful summer. I wanted share some updates in my areas of responsibility. School of Natural ResourcesKen Bowald has stepped down as the Dean of the School of Natural Resources. He will be taking on a new role with the college focusing on the visibility and usage of some of our physical assets (including Robbins Crossing, Lake Snowden, the Nature Center, etc.). We thank Ken for his services, and look forward to him working in this new capacity. Kim Mullen will be interim Dean of the School of Natural Resources. Enrollment Services/AdmissionsMike Belcher has stepped down as Director of Enrollment Services. Mike wants to focus his efforts on veteran affairs and military services. Our goal is to expand our services and support to veterans with Mike's leadership. Deneene Merchant will be interim Director of Admissions in addition to her leadership of our financial aid department. School AlignmentThe Network Systems and Cyber Security (The Cyber Academy) and Computer Programming programs have officially transitioned to the Logan campus. As a result, the School of Engineering is now called the School of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT). The school formerly known as ABIT is now the School of Arts, Business and Sciences (ABS). I am working with the IT and institutional research teams to make this shift in all reporting and information structures. This will take some effort so your patience would be appreciated. Perry CampusChristine Woodgeard, Director of the Perry Campus, will now report to the VP of Administrative Services, Dr. Myriah Davis. Public Safety ServicesScott Mong is now the Dean of Public Safety Services. Scott has done an excellent job of managing our efforts in PSS, and we look forward to his continued leadership. Student Affairs CoordinatorsThe Student Affairs Coordinators will report to the Dean of the school for which they support. The reporting structure is as follows: - Allied Health: Stacy Strauss reports to Dean Bonnie Allen-Smith
- Arts, Business and Sciences: Kerry Hagerty reports to Jeff Daubenmire
- Engineering and Information Technology: Sarah Baldwin reports to Dean Neil Hinton
- Hospitality: Jennifer Yanity reports to Dean Alfonso Constriciani
- Natural Resources: Amy Roe reports to Interim Dean Kim Mullen
- Nursing: Stacy Strauss reports to Dean Tammy Keith
- Public Safety Services: Michael Whittemore reports to Dean Scott Mong
As always if you have any questions, please contact me. |
 Perry Campus Open House and Program Showcase
Hocking College Perry Campus will host an open house and program showcase July 23, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 5454 State Route 37, New Lexington OH. Perry Campus offers five complete degree programs, general coursework in any of the programs offered at Hocking College's main campus, and the ability for students to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The program showcase will consist of Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Health Information Management; Heavy Equipment Management; Nursing; Opticianry; and Social Services, Corrections and Criminal Justice. The Opticianry program is offered exclusively at the Perry Campus. Students in the program will receive a combination of hands-on lab and clinical experiences while at the college. The program provides specific courses for opticians throughout the first year, as well as off-campus clinical education in optical settings during the second year. Employment opportunities in opticianry are strong, with salaries ranging from $15 - $18 per hour. Perry Campus prepares students with primary coursework and skills to successfully complete the licensing examinations to become an Ohio Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) and eventually enter the field. Contact the Perry Campus at 1.866.HC-Perry, ext. 7548 / millerm1616@hocking.edu for additional questions or to RSVP for the open house or visit Hocking.edu/perry. |
 Culinary Arts Students Host Summer Dinners
Culinary Arts students will host "Hot-Off-The-Grill" night on July 11, 2014 from 5 - 8 p.m. and a Texas Style Barbecue night on August 1 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Starbrick Bistro at the Inn at Hocking College. Both evenings will consist of a buffet, entrees, desserts and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. "Hot-Off-The-Grill" menu will offer a buffet with a special entrée of your choice. The buffet will include marinated sirloin steaks, Jamaican jerk chicken and boneless pork chops at a total cost of $14.95. The special entrees served with the buffet will include a grilled porterhouse steak for $20.95 or grilled six-ounce tenderloin for $18.95. The Texas-Style Barbecue's buffet will include dishes such as smoked beef brisket, smoked chicken and smoked fresh hams, cooked in a tangy barbeque sauce. The buffet will be served with a choice of savory pinto beans, sweet corn with peppers and onions, cole slaw or starburst grapefruit. All menu items will be served with jalapeno corn muffins and your choice of dessert priced at $14.95. Contact Heather Campbell at 740.753.7601 or Chef Doug Weber at 740.753.7609 / weberd@hocking.edu to reserve a seat today. Reservations are strongly recommended. |
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Hocking College Counseling Center to Hold Managing Anxiety Workshop
Kathleen Kutsko, M.Ed. P.C. from the Hocking College Counseling Center will hold a workshop on how to handle stress and anxiety during college life. Kutsko will introduce participants to Positive Psychology approaches for managing stress. Participants will learn about personal coping and other techniques that will help in college and also in the future as a health care provider.
All Allied Health and Nursing students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend the event on Thursday, July 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. in Davidson Room 311.
The Hocking College Chapter of the National Student Nurses' Association sponsors this event. For more information on the NSNA, email Stacy at strausss@hocking.edu or visit www.nsna.org.
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 Cam and Sue CANCER SUCKS 5K Run/Walk to be Held at Hocking
The fourth annual 5K to honor the memories of Cameron Brown and Susan Ipacs will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Hocking College. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.
Adult registration is $25 and children's registration is $10. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Leukemia Research Fund at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Be the Match (Bone Marrow Registry), the Susan Ipacs Legacy Scholarship and Melanoma Research Foundation.
Payments may be made via PayPal.com to lori.a.brown1@gmail.com or mailed to: Lori Brown, 6979 State Route 329, Guysville, Ohio 45735.
For registration and more information, please visit the website.
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 Rainbow Alliance Students Attend Columbus PRIDE
On Saturday, June 21, 2014, Hocking College and Ohio University students paired up to attend the PRIDE festival and parade in Columbus, Ohio.
The PRIDE festival was June 20 from 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the parade was on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Five students from Hocking College and five students from OU traveled in together to the weekend festival.
Rainbow Alliance will be hosting future events like these and students who are members of the LGBT community are welcome to join. This summer, students in Rainbow Alliance meet every Monday at 3 p.m. in Oakley 301.
For more information about the Columbus PRIDE festival, visit the website.
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 Hocking College to Conduct Peace Officer Academy
The Hocking College School of Public Safety Services will conduct a Peace Officer Basic Academy August 26 - December 12, 2014.
The Peace Officer Academy is open to students who are not currently associated with a law enforcement agency but have career goals to seek employment as peace officers and to those associated with or employed by a qualifying law enforcement agency.
The 605+ hour course is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Successful graduates will be eligible for certification as Ohio Peace Officers in accordance with the Ohio Peace Officer Commission. Graduates will receive 18 semester credit hours toward an Associate Degree in Police Science at Hocking College.
Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2014. Anyone interested in the academy must be 18 years of age, have no felony record and must possess a valid Ohio Driver's License. Students will be provided classroom materials including a laptop computer and uniform clothing. Financial aid opportunities may exist for qualified students.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment for enrollment, please contact Commander Roger Deardorff at 740.753.6300 / deardorffr@hocking.edu or Betty Dalton, Office Coordinator, at 740.753.6451 / daltonb9@hocking.edu.
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LPN Program Ranks Fourth in Ohio
The Hocking College Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program has been ranked fourth out of 70 state approved LPN programs in Ohio, according to PracticalNursing.org.
The School of Nursing received a 98.63 percent passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nursing. The survey rankings from PracticalNursing.org were based on the results of the NCLEX-PN exam.
"Being ranked fourth of the LPN program in Ohio is an honor, and exemplifies the School of Nursing's pursuit of excellence. I am confident that our graduates will serve our communities and improve the quality of life and health of its members with compassion, honesty and integrity," Tammy Keith, School of Nursing Dean said.
Hocking College nursing courses for PN include fundamentals, geriatrics, obstetrics and medical surgical nursing. Additional classes focus on basic psychology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology. Hands-on experience begins in the nursing skills lab before patient/client contact in extended care and assisted living facilities or hospitals.
View the rankings here.
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 Dell Tablet Offer Continues
Hocking College students and employees receive a free Dell Venue 7 tablet with the purchase of a PC for $699.99 or more.
Don't wait to take advantage of this limited time offer by visiting www.dell.com/dellu/hocking or calling 800-695-8133 with your Member ID: US126609902. Get full details here.
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Alumni Spotlight
 Hocking College Graduate Awarded Administrative Professional of the Year Honor
Tina McCall, 2008 Hocking College graduate, was recently honored with the Administrative Professional of the Year Award. The Fairfield County of Commerce presented this award to McCall for her position at Business System Solutions in Lancaster.
McCall was in the Hocking College School of Nursing after attending Muskingum Technical College of Business. After graduating from Hocking College, McCall worked at Health Nursing Care Center and McGraw Oldsmobile in Lancaster.
Diana Spurgus, McCall's supervisor at Business System Solutions, nominated McCall for the award. This award recognizes people who make a company or business run smoother, but don't always receive credit. McCall was very shocked and honored to have received this award.
McCall has been working at the Business System in Lancaster as an account manager since 2001. When McCall is not working, she enjoys spending her free time reading and being with her family.
For more information visit the article.
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 Enjoy a Day of Beauty - and Support Student Learning!
The Tri-County Career Center Cosmetology students are offering services for Hocking College staff and students. Students provide a full-service salon experience under instructor supervision.
All services offered at the salon can be combined into a day of beauty, which includes a manicure, pedicure, facial, conditioning treatment, and eyebrow wax for a total of $30. Special nail services are also offered, each include soaking, shaping, cuticle treatment, light massage and polish. Hair services include cuts, styles, treatments, color and chemical texturing. Shampoo, trim, blow-dry, wax and perm services are all also offered. See the menu of services for pricing.
Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday at the Tri-County Cosmetology Lab on 15676 State Route 691 in Nelsonville. To schedule an appointment or find out more information, call the cosmetology lab at 740.753.1636.
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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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Thanks for Assistance with New Lexington Summer Camp
Mindy Roggow sends a HUGE thank you to the following for their assistance in planning and organization of activities for the New Lexington Summer Camp group in June. Without the support of the following people, the camp would not have been such a success:
Scot Danhart, Scott Mong, Curtis Martin, Larry Hatem, public safety services students, Cindy Wasson, Chef Katie McGushin, Chef Anthony Adami, culinary students, Bonnie Allen Smith, Marty Skeels, Mark Cullen, Laurie Cole, Janice Smith, Sarah Frazier, Marsha Noel, Barb Gaskell, Susan Cooperrider, Nancy Pitre, Tammy Keith, Stacy Strauss, allied health and nursing students, Dave Sagan, natural resources students, Brady Trace, Student Center staff, Stacey Priest, Hatchery intern, Mark Puhl, Jason Love, Lake Snowden staff, Betsy Hall, Dining Services staff, Joe Wakeman, Linda Howard and Tech Prep, Dave North Jr. and Crystal Howard.
The students, ages 12-18, began their day learning about the various public safety services fields, nursing and allied health stations with hands-on activities showcasing different fields of learning and medical techniques. Pizza homemade by the students and cookies were on the menu for the Hospitality tour.
Before dinner and an evening of free time, the students learned about our Nature Center and the various reptiles and birds of prey. They even watched Dave and his intern as they weighed many of their snakes and even one of the rattlesnakes (at a distance of course.)
Before the students were tucked in their rooms at North Hall, they enjoyed the use of the Student Center pool, video games and basketball courts and toasted marshmallows over the fire pit.
Friday began with breakfast in the dining hall and then they were whisked away to the Fish Hatchery and Lake Snowden for some more fun in the field of natural resources.
They finished their visit with a barbeque at Lake Snowden, which was loved and enjoyed by all.
Great job to everyone who made this visit extra special for the students!
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