College of Liberal Arts Newsletter

A Message from the Dean

Last fall at this time CoLA had just started our strategic planning process with group discussions and planning sessions that ultimately led to EMPOWER: College of Liberal Arts Strategic Plan 2014-2019. CoLA's strategic plan aligns with Wright State's strategic plan EMPOWER as we work collaboratively to be, in the words of President Hopkins, the best university for the world. Through EMPOWER we will increase student access and success and engagement in the broader collective community. We have taken action on a number of our strategic plan goals and provide annual updates on what we have accomplished and what still needs to be done. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and support on how we can better serve our students and community. I continue to be impressed with all that CoLA faculty, staff, and students have accomplished, and look forward to an empowering, fun-filled year.

Kristin Sobolik

Dean, College of Liberal Arts

CoLA Has CLASS

CoLA has officially launched CLASS - The Center for Liberal Arts Student Success. CLASS combines advising, faculty/student relationship-building, peer mentoring, and career counseling. Under the fantastic direction of co-captains Becca Salay, Director of Student Retention, and Wayne Stark, Director of Workforce Development, CLASS will keep students engaged and on the right path to success in their classes as well as in the community, all building toward successful graduation and career placement. Becca plans to develop a peer-mentoring program for students not only to boost their academics, but to give them an edge in the job market. Wayne is working to expand the college's internship program and bring more experiential opportunities to the students and will be seeking Wright State alumni willing to mentor students and share their stories. If you are interested in getting involved in CLASS, please contact the following:

Becca Salay

becca.salay@wright.edu

937-775-2601

Wayne Stark

wayne.stark@wright.edu

937-775-4268

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CoLA Faculty and Staff Receive University Recognition

Congratulations to CoLA faculty and staff who were honored in September with prestigious, University-level awards for their outstanding achievements!

Hank Dahlman School of Music, CELIA University Professor	Drew Swanson History Presidential Award for Early Career Achievement
Chris Hall English Language and Literatures Frederick A. White Distinguished Professor of Professional Service Award	Jack Dustin Service Learning and Civic Engagement Outstanding Presidential Community Engagement Award

Read more about Faculty awards>>

Vicki Oleen
Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures

Presidential Award for
Excellence in Service

Read more about Staff awards>>

CoLA Celebrates Its Outstanding Alumni

The College of Liberal Arts celebrated the many achievements of its illustrious alumni at its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards Ceremony on October 2. The 20 honorees had the opportunity to reconnect with faculty and share their most memorable Wright State experiences. Past honorees were also recognized.

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Art History Alaskan All-Star

Marnie Leist, a 2001 Art History graduate, is curator of collections at the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak, Alaska, where she is responsible for managing and preserving its 250,000 objects. She is also a moving force in promoting the heritage of Kodiak and has co-published a book on the recovery of artifacts from a now-vanished Alutiiiq archaeological site.

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Swiss Students Visit Wright State to Learn About Social Work in the U.S.

Ten students from Switzerland's Zurich School of Applied Science visited with Wright State Social Work faculty and students this summer during an exchange program focused on comparative social work and its practices. The exchange was established in 2011 when a delegation from Zurich visited Wright State. In 2013, 10 Swiss students visited Wright State during the first exchange and in 2014, 10 Wright State students traveled to Switzerland. This summer's experience was a great continuation of this innovative program.