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Ft. Worth, TX -April 23, 25, 2006 Conference Report: “Incredible speakers. Remarkable value…. this was a great program in every aspect…. I can take away and implement…. I was a first timer and I certainly will be back!” These were some of the comments made by participants at the 2006 Region 7 annual conference in Fort Worth. 103 continuing educators from 46 institutions and 11 states heard presentations relating to future thinking, current trends, and leadership for organizational excellence.
In a rapid fire presentation Ed Barlow (Creating the Future, Inc.) stated that a lack of concern for or disconnect from surrounding change is one of the greatest threats to higher education. Carol Aslanian (The Aslanian Group) reviewed the latest statistics related to adults and education. And Barry Bales (LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas) reminded participants that how the problem is defined will constrain the solutions one considers.
Ten different concurrent sessions covered topics such as university/business and university/community college partnerships. Also discussed were programs and services available to adult learners and the latest concepts in non-credit programming.
Town Hall – Recovering From Disaster One highlight of the program was a town hall meeting titled Recovering from Disaster – Responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita led by Terrence Fitzmorris (Tulane University), Richard Bothel (Lamar University) and Marshall Schott (University of Houston). Each of them spoke of their experience in responding to two of the most powerful storms to strike the gulf coast. Fitzmorris and Bothel both spoke of the need for appropriate preparation while Schott outlined a response taken by the University of Houston to meet the educational needs of evacuees from the stricken areas.
Region 7 members also know how to have fun. “Sunday at the Reata” was held at the Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth. Seated on the rooftop five stories over the excitement of the Main Street Arts Festival members enjoyed a Texas style meal of peppercorn beef while eavesdropping on the music of Brave Combo from the festival below.
Awards Luncheon
Six educators were recognized for outstanding achievement in continuing higher education. Distinguished program awards went to Katie Crenshaw, program coordinator for the Healthcare Interpreter Training Certificate Program at Samford University (non-credit) and to Beth Laves and Barbara Brindle, program coordinators at Western Kentucky University for the Online M.S. in Communications Disorders for the United Federation of Teachers in New York City (credit). The Wayne Whelan Research Grant was awarded to Brian Van Horn and the Joseph P. Goddard Scholarship was awarded to Dan Lavit, both of Murray State University. The Outstanding Faculty Award was presented to Aleta Crawford from the University of Mississippi.
Region 7 honored Cathy Christian of the University of Alabama on her retirement as treasurer after nine years of service. Joseph Allen (University of Georgia) was appointed to a two year term as treasurer. Mary Bonhomme (Florida Institute of Technology) became regional chair at the conclusion of the conference. Brian Van Horn (Murray State) was named chair-elect and Ruth Bettandorf (University of Georgia) was elected secretary. David Grebel (Texas Christian University) became past chair. |
