Mastering Their Craft - Lander University
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WINTER 2019 UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Mastering
Their Craft
Lander’s New B.F.A.
Degree is Preparing
Students for Careers
in 2D and 3D Art
Mass Communications & Media Careers | Faculty Spotlights | Alumni Gain High Honors | Bearcade Gamer’s Lounge
World-Famous Clydesdales Trot onto Lander Campus Seen in Super Bowl commercials, parades and Presidential inaugurations, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are a part of Americana recognized worldwide. In August, several thousand students, faculty, staff and community members lined the Lander streets to see the Clydesdales and their spotted dog companion as they pulled the famous Budweiser wagon around campus. During the parade, attendees were able to view the team up close, even having opportunities to take selfies with the majestic creatures. Capable of hauling a one-ton truck, each of the 2,100-pound Clydesdales sport $80,000 harnesses and guzzle 30 gallons of water each day. – photos by Laura M. Brown and Deb Nygro
UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS
4 COMMUNICATING FROM DAY ONE
Lander’s Mass Communications & Media Studies program is preparing
graduates for success on the air, in print and far beyond.
16 TOP SECRET SUMMER
4 Lander student Maddie Hudlow got a lesson in intrigue during her
summer internship at New York City’s new KGB Espionage Museum.
24 QUINTESSENTIAL PROFESSOR
Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Tony Lenti recently began his 50th
year of teaching at the university, and his passion for music has
inspired thousands of Lander students over those years.
28 MASTERING THEIR CRAFT
Lander’s new Bachelor of Fine Art degree is allowing student artists
to explore their talents in both the 2D and 3D realms.
54 PAYING IT FORWARD
16 They may have retired from teaching, but many of Lander’s past professors
are still impacting countless students through their continued support.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Distinguished Professor of the Year:
Franklin Rausch...................................................................................................................................32
Young Faculty Teaching Award:
Shana Southard-Dobbs.................................................................................................................34
Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching:
Jack Burton............................................................................................................................................36
Young Faculty Scholar Award:
24 Amir Bhochhibhoya.........................................................................................................................38
HIGHLIGHTS
Launch Into Lander..........................................................................................................................40
Day of Giving........................................................................................................................................50
Donor Appreciation & Scholarship Dinner........................................................................52
Alumni Awards....................................................................................................................................60
Bearcade Student Gaming Center..........................................................................................64
UNIVERSITY IN REVIEW
News Briefs............................................................................................................................................10
Spring Commencement...............................................................................................................18
28 Bearcat Sports Roundup...............................................................................................................42
Class Notes............................................................................................................................................56
www.lander.edu/magazine 1
A Message
from the President
UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Dear Friends,
LANDER MAGAZINE STAFF
Megan Price, Editor As we say farewell to 2019 and prepare to usher in a
Deb Nygro, Co-Editor, Writer and Photographer brand new decade, I can’t help but feel a deep sense
Mike Blackwell, Videographer of pride for the great things our students, faculty,
Laura M. Brown ’16, Photographer staff, alumni and supporters have accomplished
Graham H. Duncan ’17, Writer
Jeff Lagrone, Writer
over the last 12 months at Lander University.
Rixon Lane, Sports Writer Our enrollment continues to climb, and we began
Eric Lawson, Writer
Dawn Lewis, Digital Content Coordinator and Photographer
the fall semester with 3,227 students – the most
Maria Scott, Designer in the university’s history. This achievement was
paired with another record-setting freshman class, at more than 940 students, which
LANDER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION represents a 69 percent increase since I arrived at Lander in 2015.
Denise Manley ’89, Director of Alumni Affairs & Annual Giving
Debbie Lyons Dill ’90, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Why are so many students choosing Lander? The reasons are many, and you’ll get a
Rodney Jones ’08, President glimpse at just some of those reasons in this issue of Lander Magazine.
Terry Evans ’76, Vice President
Steve Wohlwend ’81, Treasurer Lander has strategically invested in market-driven, high-demand academic programs
Elaine Austin Horton ’65, Secretary that address the needs of today’s fast-paced and evolving workforce. These programs
Beth Burnette Eavenson ’10, Vice President for Young Alumni are preparing our graduates for success after Lander, as you’ll see with our Mass Com-
Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, Immediate Past President
munications & Media Studies program, as well as our new Bachelor of Fine Art degree.
LANDER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Along with introducing a Master of Science in Management, we are developing addi-
Richard E. Cosentino, President tional exciting programs, including design, graphic and interactive media; health pro-
Scott L. Jones, motion and wellness; human services; and paralegal studies, all of which are pending
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs approval from the Commission on Higher Education and our accreditor. Expansions to
Stacie A. Bowie, Vice President for Finance and Administration current minors in cybersecurity and sports management are also being explored.
Brian P. Reese, Director of Athletics
Our exceptional faculty play an important role in our continued success, and you will
Crystal M. Rookard, Vice President and General Counsel
read about several who are leading the way in their professional fields, as well as shaping
J. Adam Taylor ’87,
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff
young minds at Lander.
Michael J. Worley, Students feel at home on our beautiful, safe campus, and they are connected with our
Vice President for University Advancement
local community. They love the unique, diverse and enriching opportunities Lander
E. Boyd Yarbrough,
Vice President for Student Affairs
provides, from playing esports in the new Bearcade gaming lounge, to making lifelong
friends during Welcome Week activities, to joining thousands from the local commu-
BOARD OF TRUSTEES nity for a chance to see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on campus. You will
Linda L. Dolny ’69, Chair Jack W. Lawrence get a closer look at these fun events in the photo galleries included in this issue.
Cary Corbitt ’74, Vice Chair Donald H. Lloyd II ’83
Cathy Lee, Secretary Peggy M. Makins ’81 Of course, Lander’s affordability is another key factor in our record enrollment growth.
Robert A. Barber Jr. Robert F. Sabalis With the cost of a college education on the rise across the nation, Lander’s leadership
Holly Bracknell Donald H. Scott ’75 has boldly challenged this trend by freezing tuition and general fees, and our faculty
John E. Craig DeWitt B. Stone Jr. are pioneering new ideas in affordable learning. While these steps have helped reduce
Maurice Holloway ’78 Angela G. Strickland ’02
Raymond D. Hunt ’90 S. Anne Walker ’72
the burden of student debt, there is still work to be done. Our scholarship donors and
Marcia Thrift Hydrick ’81 supporters are stepping up to this challenge, as you will read, and we are exploring new
Lander University provides equal access and does not discriminate
ways to help students with the cost of housing, books and meals.
on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex,
pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or age in its programs
These stories and more are waiting for you on the pages that follow. I hope you will
and activities. The following person has been designated to handle enjoy learning more about the people who make this university truly extraordinary.
inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Tracy Clifton,
Title IX Coordinator, Grier Student Center, 864-388-8055, tclifton@ We are achieving great things at Lander University – and there are even greater achieve-
lander.edu. For further information on Lander’s notice of nondis-
crimination, visit www.lander.edu/titleix. ments to come on the horizon. Stay tuned.
Institutions are required to publish an annual report disclosing
campus security policies and three years of selected crime statis-
tics. Lander's Annual Security Report is accessible at www.lander.
edu/clery. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Lander
University Police Department at 864-388-8222.
Stock art is provided by istockphoto.com.
Richard Cosentino
President, Lander University
2 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
LU
Get Connected
Follow us
youtube.com/c/landeruniversity twitter.com/follow_lander
instagram.com/landeruniversity
Videos by Mike Blackwell
Acceptance Letters It feels like Christmas morning. First
ever day of lacrosse practice at Lander
University. Time to get to work.
Will Callegari, Assistant Men’s
Lacrosse Coach
After reading the Spring 2019
@follow_lander Lander Magazine, I
must agree with the History faculty!
I received a superb education as a
Lander University’s admissions team sends graduate with a History degree in Our students enjoyed speaking with companies
out acceptance letters in this fun video. See 2014! Lander is the reason I am the and graduate schools from across the nation
teacher I am today! at the annual Grad/Career Fair last week – our
how letters of acceptance – correspondence
that literally changes the lives of students largest one yet! Chasten Beck (right), a Lander
Sabrina Cheek, Social Studies University senior from Greenwood majoring in
– are sent out. Teacher, Fairfield Central High School
Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in
management and public relations, speaks with
Emerald Ink & Stitches 'The Drop' representatives from Teijin Carbon Fibers.
Excited to say I’m transferring to Lander
University to (major in) nursing and
continue my athletic career!
Lauren Collie, Class of 2022, facebook.com/followlander
of Fort Mill
Lander University added 62 new photos
to the album: Miss Lander Pageant 2019
Ed Piotrowski
Congrats to Kara Bryonne Love, who was
Lander University did some sand crowned Miss Lander University 2019/20
See highlights from the second annual
sculptures on Litchfield Beach last on Nov. 4, at the conclusion of the annual
athletic fundraiser event, held in April.
evening. – photo by Jim Arnold Miss Lander Pageant.
Springfest 2019
Lander students enjoy a day of games and
food during Springfest 2019.
– photo by Laura M. Brown
www.lander.edu/magazine 3
Communicating From Day One By Graham Duncan, Photos by Laura M. Brown 4 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
When asked to describe their program, Lander assistant professor of digital media, serves as the general manager
University’s mass communications faculty will of LUX Studios, which provides students with the technology and
all respond with the same phrase: “hands-on.” studio space to create content and collaborate with other students
on larger projects. Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Stevenson, professor of
Paul Crutcher, lecturer of media and general manager of Lander’s journalism, serves as faculty advisor to The Forum, Lander’s student-
student radio station, XLR, remembers an instance where one of his produced newspaper.
earlier students dropped the microphone during an interview his And each year, the department hosts the annual Lander Univer-
very first week of class. sity Film Festival, which celebrated its 10th year in April. The festival
“He’s now soaring in his career,” said Crutcher. includes a two-week short film competition, and requires film direc-
That’s just how learning works at Lander. While similar programs tors to use a unique line of dialogue, written by Hollywood writers
at other institutions require that students wait until their junior or and directors. It’s the only student film festival in the entire country
senior year before participating in student media, Lander’s students that requires lines of dialogue provided by industry professionals.
can begin receiving that hands-on experience as early as their fresh- “We take a real-world approach to education,” said Laura Hester,
man year. It’s something that Crutcher, who founded XLR in 2009, associate professor of mass communications and department chair,
and the rest of Lander’s highly credentialed mass communications noting that while other academic disciplines may focus on learning
faculty take a lot of pride in. done inside the classroom, Lander’s mass communications program
In addition to radio experience, the program provides several focuses on experiential learning that is done outside of the tradi-
other outstanding student media opportunities for mass communi- tional classroom setting.
cations students, as well as students of other majors. Cory Carpenter, (continued on page 6)
Left: While XLR is overseen by General Manager Paul Crutcher, the station Top: Garrett Brooks, a senior mass communications major from Rock
is completely student-run, and provides mass communications majors, Hill, enjoys disc-jockeying for XLR, as well as serving as the station’s
and students of any major, the chance to host their own radio show. For training director.
streaming information, visit www.xlr1.org.
www.lander.edu/magazine 5
“The principles we teach
can be utilized in any field.”
Hester also emphasized the program’s comprehensive course struc-
ture. Students are required to take courses in oral, visual and written
communication, in addition to coursework in communication through
media technologies such as print, radio, television and web. Hester
believes the well-rounded program helps produce skilled candidates
who are ready for a plethora of job opportunities after graduation.
If you visit the Department of Mass Communications yourself, you
would first be greeted by a wall proudly displaying dozens of success
stories. Recent alumni have gone on to work for Radio Disney, Fox
and NBC TV news affiliates, regional newspapers and theatres, and in
marketing and public relations for non-profits, corporations and health
care systems. “We love hearing from our graduates, and being able to
keep up with what they’re doing in life after Lander,” said Hester, who
updates the alumni wall regularly.
Not every graduate, however, ends up working in a traditional mass
communications field. Yet, Crutcher insists that is just another sign of
the success of Lander’s program. “The principles that we teach can be
utilized in any field,” said Crutcher. “If I can communicate more effec-
tively, it makes me a better employee.”
Pictured this page: The Lander University Exchange (LUX) offers a 2,000
square-foot studio, providing students with technology and space to
create content and collaborate with other students on larger projects.
LUX is home to a variety of original content and series, some of which is
available for viewing at www.landerlux.com.
6 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
Brooke Taylor ’10 MASS COMMUNICATIONS: ALUMNI PROFILE
Lander Voice Heard Across the Country
When highlighting successful Lander University mass communications alumni,
one graduate’s voice can be heard across the country every day.
Her professors remember her as Ashley Ferry, who graduated from Lander
University in 2010. But her fans know her best by her on-air name, Brook Taylor –
the assistant program director at iHeart Media and host of the afternoon show for
WEBG FM, Chicago’s BIG 95.5.
While she’s based in Chicago, Taylor also hosts a night show on KWBL in Denver,
and weekend shows on KNIX in Phoenix, WPOC in Baltimore, and iHeartCountry
Custom, which covers over 100 stations in the United States. “In total, I record 15
shows a week,” said Taylor, “which is why I love the technology of radio. I can be in
Chicago while hosting a show in Denver. It’s the coolest thing!”
When she’s not on the air, Taylor spends her time working on “show prep,” includ-
ing local and national news, country music news and looking at the latest album
releases. She can also be seen in iHeartCountry Weekly Round Up, which covers the
top news stories of the week in country music.
In addition to weekend shows, Taylor also works concerts when they come to
town, even conducting live interviews with artists before and after the shows.
“Radio is a 24/7 job,” Taylor said. “We don’t get a spring break. We usually don’t have
a lot of holidays off, and it’s really one of those jobs where you have to love what
you do or you’ll get burned out. It’s tough, and very time-consuming, but I’d take
this over a desk job any day.”
Taylor insists that it wasn’t the time spent sitting in a traditional classroom, but the
time spent behind the microphone that truly prepared her for a successful career in
radio. “You can’t just ‘teach’ radio,” she said. Instead, her knowledge and passion was
fueled by professors “actually letting you go live on the radio, go out and film news “I love the technology of radio. I can
stories, come back in and edit a package and put it together yourself.”
“It’s really the best way to learn,” she said.
be in Chicago while hosting a show
–contributed photo
in Denver. It’s the coolest thing!”
Lander University’s Department of Mass Communications is
the official home to the LU Forum, Lander’s student newspaper.
Run primarily by students under the advisement of Dr. Robert
Stevenson, professor of journalism at Lander, the Forum posts
articles regularly on its online format, which can be found at
www.luforum.com. In the spring of 2018, the Forum relaunched
its monthly print edition thanks to the support of Greenwood’s
Index-Journal, which generously offers its press operations
to Lander for 2,500 issues that are distributed to students on
campus, as well as alumni and friends of the university, and the
university’s Board of Trustees.
After receiving the encouragement of President Cosentino,
a campus survey was conducted which found that, contrary to
popular belief, students still enjoy reading the printed version of
the LU Forum as much as they do the online format. New copies
of the paper can be picked up each month at several locations
around Lander’s main campus. (continued on page 8)
www.lander.edu/magazine 7
MASS COMMUNICATIONS: ALUMNI PROFILES
Miya Payton ’15
TV Broadcast Career Planted by Lander Student Media
As an anchor and reporter for FOX 54, WFXG-TV, in Augusta, Ga., Lander alumna Miya Payton does
not take her job lightly. “I consider it a privilege to exercise my rights and encourage others to do the
same,” she said. “I believe that knowledge is power, and many of the stories I tell inform our viewers
of what’s going on in the world around them.”
These are values that were instilled in Payton through her experience with Lander’s mass commu-
nications program. Today, she can be found following up on investigations, attending community
events or warning viewers about dangerous weather conditions. But, the Abbeville County native
and 2015 graduate of Lander University got her start in front of the camera with WLGTV, the precur-
sor to Lander’s LUX Studios.
“During my freshman year, the department received new studio equipment, and I helped put
it together,” said Payton, recognizing the value of building meaningful experience early on in her
undergraduate career. “I saw firsthand what it takes to start a newscast from the ground up.”
Later on, Payton had the chance to co-host her own show, He Said, She Said, with fellow alumnus
Brian Sherrod, who now works as an anchor and reporter with NBC Nebraska. “It gave me the
opportunity to be a producer, assignment editor and host all-in-one,” she said.
Highlighting how her time with Lander’s student media programs “planted the seeds” for her
own successful career in television broadcast, Payton notes that the hands-on approach taken by
Lander’s mass communications faculty is the key ingredient of success for so many alumni like her.
“As a starry eyed freshman with big dreams, I was motivated to learn and do all I could,” she said.
–contributed photo “The professors at Lander did more than teach me over the years; they pushed me to never give up.”
Mary Lyle Cathcart ’13
A Rewarding Career in Public Relations
Given the success of Lander’s nursing and health care management programs, Self Regional
Healthcare is home to numerous Lander University alumni, many of whom have found exciting,
long-term careers. But for Lander alumna Mary Lyle Cathcart, it was her mass communications
degree that led her to the marketing department at Self Regional.
Cathcart, who graduated from Lander University in 2013, serves as Self Regional Healthcare’s
communications coordinator and puts her public relations emphasis to use “on a daily basis,” she
said. “You can find me managing various print projects requested by our service lines, like bro-
chures, billboards, announcements and campaigns.”
Cathcart also manages Self Regional’s social media accounts, schedules photoshoots and crafts
news releases for her department. She even puts her experience with Lander’s XLR to use by
recording voiceovers for Self’s radio and television ads. “We stay very busy,” she said.
And like her fellow alumni, Cathcart, too, says it was the hands-on approach of Lander’s mass
communications program that best prepared her for her career. “Every professor I had was an
excellent communicator, and they gave me the tools to manage myself and hold the reins of my
own future,” she said. “They laid the groundwork and helped me be successful, and overall, a better
communicator in all aspects of life, both personally and professionally.”
Now that she is working in the field, those communications skills she learned while at Lander
have become second nature to her, empowering her to be a team player and natural leader in the
workforce. “I love everything about my job,” said Cathcart. “I love thinking of my job as part of a
whole; that what I’m doing will be seen by someone who may receive care, or have his or her life
changed at our hospital. It’s rewarding.”
8 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019Austin Landers ’07
Plugged In with the Community
“When I was at Lander, XLR was just a whisper,” Landers said,
Generally, when people hear different personalities on the praising professors Paul Crutcher and Robert Stevenson for the
radio, they aren’t too familiar with the face that sits behind the improvements they and the rest of the faculty have made to the
microphone. But when it comes to Austin Landers, almost everyone program over the past decade. “We didn’t have anything quite like
in Greenwood knows him on a first-name basis. As a Greenwood what my alma mater has now.”
native and 2007 graduate of the university, Landers makes it a point Crutcher acknowledged that it’s rewarding to see so many mass
to remain “plugged in” with the community he serves. communications graduates, like Landers, who are excelling in their
In addition to being a successful musician, Landers also hosts a current fields. “Austin is a positive force in the universe – the kind
popular radio show, The Afternoon Drive with Austin, which can be of guy you want to be around,” said Crutcher, who now works
heard every weekday from 3-6 p.m. on Sunny 103.5, WZSN-FM. with his former student at Sunny 103.5 when occasionally hosting
“I wear many hats at Sunny,” admitted Landers, who also serves his own show, Friday Night Dance Party. “He has an infectious
as the station’s traffic manager, in addition to hosting his afternoon personality and goes out of his way to make people feel like they
show. His regular day includes handling production, programming, are important, which I think is a rare trait in this day and age. You
remote broadcasts and promotional events. hear that friendly tone and caring attitude come through in his
“We have a small staff,” Landers said, which requires the compre- daily radio show. Greenwood is lucky to have him.”
hensive training that mass communications majors receive when Landers is thankful to have the opportunity to use his skills as
studying at Lander. a professional communicator on a daily basis – skills he began
Looking at the mass communications program today, Landers developing on day one with Lander University’s Department of
is excited to see the growth of the university’s student media Mass Communications. “Hosting my afternoon show is my favorite
platforms in recent years, giving current students even more part about my job,” said Landers. “I’m paid to talk and make a
opportunities to receive the hands-on experience necessary for playlist on a daily basis. As a natural motor-mouth and music lover,
success in whatever their future career may be. what could be better?”
www.lander.edu/magazine 9NEWSBRIEFS
Lander Enrollment ‘Bursting at the Seams’
n Lander University’s fall 2019 semester is one for the record books. process of review. Expansions to current minors in cybersecurity and
The University began the semester with 3,227 students – the high- sports management are also being explored.
est enrollment in Lander’s history, and a 5.6% increase over last year’s Over the summer, Lander expanded its footprint into the Green-
figure. For the third consecutive year, Lander also saw its largest-ever ville market, opening a full suite of offices and classrooms at the
freshman class, with 944 students, hailing from 22 states and four University Center of Greenville, where it will begin offering multiple
continents. The 2019 freshman class grew nearly 8.5% over last year, courses and programs next fall.
and just over 69% since 2015. One thing has not been rising, however – Lander’s cost. In 2016,
“Lander University is in high demand,” said Lander President Rich- Lander lowered and locked-in its tuition, and for the last few years,
ard Cosentino. “Students want to come here. They are interested in the university has frozen tuition and general fees. This has allowed
our high-quality academic programs, our vibrant student life, and the students and families to better plan for the cost of their college edu-
great career opportunities that Lander offers.” cation, Cosentino said.
Those students are also living on campus. At the beginning of the With more students at Lander, a major focus is being placed on
fall semester, Lander’s 10 residence halls were filled to 99.5% capacity, helping those students succeed in earning their college degree. That’s
with more than 1,741 students in campus housing – also a record accomplished through programs such as academic advising, peer
for the university. Cosentino said, “Our students feel at home on our tutoring, study skills classes, and early intervention initiatives, as well
beautiful campus. They love Greenwood and are engaged in the as through exceptional extracurricular and student life opportunities.
local community.” “Student retention is about helping students at the one-on-one
Lander’s growth isn’t limited to just enrollment. The university has level, figuring out where they want to go in life and how we can help
added new, innovative academic offerings, including a Master of Sci- them be successful in navigating any obstacles in their way,” said Dr.
ence in Management. More programs are currently in development Boyd Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs. “The measure of
(pending approval from the Commission on Higher Education and success for a student and a university is when the student crosses the
Lander’s accreditor), including baccalaureate programs in: design, finish line (of graduation).”
graphic and interactive media; health promotion and wellness;
human services; and paralegal studies. Graduate programs in art Top: Lander students make their way across the assembly plaza on the first
education and visual art have been proposed, as well, and are in the day of the fall 2019 semester.
10 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019STUDENTS HONORED FOR
SERVICE AND ACADEMICS
n In April, Lander University recognized its students for leadership,
cocurricular service and scholastic achievements during the 2018-19
academic year. During the annual Academic Awards ceremony, 58
students received discipline and special awards from the university's
colleges and schools. Alpha Chi inductees and graduates of the
Honors College were also recognized.
Among the students and organizations earning top honors at the
Student Life Awards ceremony was Mickayla Crumley, who received
the President's Award. The honor is
presented each year to a student who
exemplifies the ethic of service to
Lander and the Greenwood community.
Crumley, who graduated in May 2019,
Watts ’12 Returns to Lander was praised as being an example of
to Lead Student Activities student leadership at its finest for her
service as an Orientation Leader, repre-
n This fall, Lander University announced that Demario Watts sentation of the university as a Presiden-
was returning to his alma mater to take the helm of Lander’s tial Ambassador, and leadership roles
Mickayla Crumley that helped to create fond memories of
Office of Student Activities. President's Award
His responsibilities as director include overseeing all Lander for those around her.
student clubs and organizations, and working closely with the Jake Powell and Haley Histon were
student-led University Program Council, which coordinates named the Samuel and Laura Lander
numerous student events. Man and Woman of the Year, presented
Watts earned his Bachelor of Science in Sociology from to students who demonstrate the true
Lander in 2012, beginning his professional career as a resi- spirit of Lander and encourage others to
dence life coordinator at Lander later that year. pursue excellence in all aspects of their
Watts left Lander in 2015 for a successful tenure at Wofford collegiate endeavors. Powell, of Mauldin,
College in Spartanburg. There, he served as associate director was described as the perfect role model
of Residence Life, Title IX coordinator and Assistant Dean of and a source of encouragement for
Students for diversity and leadership development. fellow students. He has assumed lead-
Jake Powell
During that time, he earned his Master of Education in Man of the Year ership roles or been actively involved
Higher Education from Columbia College, and his Master of in Student Government; the Political
Human Resource Development from Clemson University. He Science Association; Honors College;
is expected to complete his Doctor of Education in Organiza- Presidential Ambassadors; peer tutoring
tional Leadership from Gardner-Webb University in 2020. in the Academic Success Center; and
“I am more than excited to be back home here at Lander,” work-study in the PEES department.
Watts said. “I have been overwhelmed with joy to be back Histon, of Greenville, was recognized
where I started my college career. It feels amazing to have the as being widely respected by her peers
opportunity to work with a phenomenal team of students, and 100% vested in Lander University.
faculty and staff.” During her time at Lander, she has
Settling into his new duties at Lander, Watts sees a campus influenced those around her while she
that has steadily grown with the times. “It is amazing to walk Haley Histon served as Head Resident Assistant, a
around and see new areas of campus that were never here Woman of the Year Presidential Ambassador, and an active
during my time before. It only shows the progressive nature member of Gamma Phi Beta, Beta
of the institution, and it shows the value Lander has for its Gamma Sigma, Alpha Chi, Blue Key Honor Society and the Honors
students and campus community,” he said. College. She has represented Lander across the country and interna-
tionally during special events such as the Global Leadership Summit
and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
www.lander.edu/magazine 11FACULTY TENURES AND PROMOTIONS
NEWSBRIEFS
n In higher education, the practice of granting tenure and promotion is a standard method used to evaluate and
recognize the accomplishments of exceptional faculty members. While the process can be complex, it provides
guiding principles, measures, and timeframes for faculty members to advance and secure long-term employment.
"The promotion and tenure process is a crucial part of why Lander University has such fantastic faculty," noted
Dr. Scott Jones, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. "Tenure protects their academic free-
dom to teach, conduct research, and publish their works - even if controversial."
Tenure and promotion is awarded to those who have demonstrated qualified accomplishments as effective
professors, skilled researchers, and valued members of the community. Lander University's Provost and the Uni-
versity Tenure and Promotions Committee have promoted or granted tenure to the following outstanding faculty
members for the 2019/20 academic year.
Dr. Farha Ali
PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR
• Dr. Farha Ali, Department of Mathematics
and Computing
PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR WITH TENURE
• Dr. Susan Fernandez, Department of
Teacher Education
• Dr. Emily Prince, Department of Biology Dr. Susan Fernandez Dr. Emily Prince Dr. Andrew Schwendemann
• Dr. Andrew Schwendemann, Department
of Biology
PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF PROFESSOR
• Dr. Christopher Duncan, Department of
Mathematics and Computing
• Dr. Gail Moore, College of Business
• Dr. Josie Ryan, Department of Mathematics
and Computing
Dr. Christopher Duncan Dr. Gail Moore Dr. Josie Ryan
Deployed Students Show Off Flags
n Lander University recently started an initiative honoring current
students who have been called into active duty with the South Caro-
lina National Guard by presenting them with deployment flags. The
tradition was first announced in 2018 during Lander’s Veterans Day
program.
“We have a number of students, faculty and staff who serve our
country in the National Guard and reserves,” explained Chris Giles,
director of Military and Veteran Services. “The idea is for the service
member to carry these flags as they travel around the world in service
to their country, hopefully taking pictures and sending them back to
us so we can show our support of our amazing Lander family.”
Pictured, from left to right, are Adam Tiedemann and Treyvoris Evans, two
Lander University students deployed with the South Carolina National Guard.
12 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019n Wearing bright red shirts declaring "Sexual Violence - Not
in Bearcat Country," students, faculty and staff stood firmly
Lander Hosts Abney Foundation against acts of sexual violence by wearing jeans on April 24 in
observance of Denim Day.
Scholars Luncheon Part of an international movement, Denim Day has become
a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes
n Lander hosted a luncheon in the spring to recognize its 56 about sexual harassment, abuse, assault and rape. Organized
Abney scholars and to thank Abney Foundation Executive Director by a committee of students and staff members, Lander's event
Dr. Lisa McWherter and Trustee Carl Edwards for their generosity. included jean painting, educational activities and a lively fash-
“Some of you would not be here without assistance from The ion show featuring denim attire.
Abney Foundation,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino. “Denim Day was an amazing experience,” said Matthew
He said that Lander has received more than $2 million from The Burack, a sophomore business major from Myrtle Beach and
Abney Foundation in the last 29 years, generating hundreds of member of the Denim Day Committee. “Our festivities brought
scholarships. “It’s a big deal,” he said. unity within the whole student body and showed love that the
Edwards said that Susie Mathews Abney, who established The students of Lander have for one another.”
Abney Foundation in 1957, “recognized the need for education.” The Denim Day campaign began 20 years ago, after the Ital-
The foundation currently provides scholarship assistance to more ian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction based on the
than 600 students across South Carolina. “It’s a wonderful thing,” victim’s clothing. The justices ruled that, since the victim was
he said. wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove
McWherter said she had three requests to make of those present. her clothing, thereby giving consent. The ruling sparked inter-
She began by asking scholarship recipients to “remember that Ms. national outrage, inspiring protestors to wear jeans in solidarity
Susie Mathews Abney cared for you and your future.” with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed Denim Day in
McWherter said she hoped students receiving assistance would response to the court case and the activism surrounding it.
take advantage of the opportunity extended to them. “We don’t
ask that you make all A’s; we don’t ask that you make the dean’s list
every semester. We don’t ask a whole lot, but we do want to ask that
you give your very best effort.”
She said she also hopes that students receiving help will help
others. “When you’re given the opportunity to give back to Lander,
we want you to seize that opportunity. Give what you can, when
you can, because every dollar truly makes a difference,” she said.
Abney Foundation Trustee Carl Edwards and Executive Director Dr. Lisa
McWherter pose with some of Lander’s 56 Abney Scholars following
this year’s Abney Scholars Luncheon. Students in front row, from left,
are: Skylar Gauthier, of Camden and Carly Gulledge, of Ruby. Students
in back row, from left, are: Amber Ballenger, of Abbeville; Kristen Ward,
of Lexington; Aneyah Williams, of Charleston; Jamie Davis, of Ridgeland;
Keelie Burns, of Pelion; Kiera Dow, of Greenwood; Destiny Sims, of Student organizers wore red shirts, blue jeans and denim jackets to
Newberry; and David Jeffrey, of Irmo. show their support of Denim Day.
www.lander.edu/magazine 13NEWSBRIEFS
Franks Receives Prestigious Mary Frances Poole Alston Award
n Joe Franks, director of Counseling Services and the CARE
(Collaboration, Assessment, Response and Evaluation) Team at
Lander University, received the 2019 Mary Frances Poole Alston
Award during a surprise reception in the spring.
The award is made annually to a member of the Lander family
for demonstrating effective and excellent work habits, displaying a
positive attitude, and showing genuine interest towards co-workers,
promoting teamwork in the workplace.
Franks, of Greenwood, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology
from Lander in 1980, and has made a tremendous impact on the
campus community since joining the Student Affairs staff in 2004.
“Throughout her time with Lander, Joe has established a reputa-
tion for the level of care she shows towards our students,” said Boyd
Yarbrough, vice president for Student Affairs. “She coordinates an
in-house team of advisors from our Student Affairs and Academic
Affairs offices. When she receives information about students who
may be at-risk for any number of reasons, it’s Joe who determines the
Joe Franks (second from left), director of Counseling Services at Lander
University, recipient of the 2019 Mary Frances Poole Alston Award, steps we will take to help.”
stands with (left to right): Mike Worley, vice president for University The Mary Frances Poole Alston Award was established by Rowland
Advancement; President Richard Cosentino; and Boyd Yarbrough, vice P. Alston in memory of his grandmother, who was a 1914 graduate of
president for Student Affairs. Lander University. The award carries with it an honorarium of $1,000
to the recipient.
Employees Recognized
for Dedication & Service
n Five Lander University employees were honored
for their exemplary service during the annual Staff
Excellence Awards breakfast on May 21. Presented
to staff members who demonstrate outstanding
dedication to their work and exemplify the university’s
family spirit, the winners are based on nominations by
their co-workers.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring all of the
staff together for fellowship, and to appreciate them
for their service and dedication to Lander and its
students,” said Kurstin LaCoste, Human Resources
coordinator.
2019 Staff Excellence Award Recipients (left to right):
Created in 2001 to honor all staff members and to
• Brandon Felder, assistant registrar, Registrar's Office
recognize those who have gone beyond their regular
• Cathy Roberts, system programmer/developer manager, Information
professional duties, the ceremony includes all non-
Technology Services
faculty Lander staff departments, offices and special
• Jalysa Green, director of Student Conduct and Community Standards,
services employees. Following the awards breakfast,
Student Affairs
staff enjoyed an afternoon of field day challenges,
• Bonner Abercrombie, graphic designer, Printing Services
giant-sized games, a picnic lunch and a special
• Kurstin LaCoste, Human Resources coordinator
paint-n-pour session.
14 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019Honors College Hosts Academic Symposium
n Lander University wrapped up its 2019 Student Academic Symposium in mid-April.
Hosted by Lander's Honors College, the symposium gave Lander's undergraduate students
the opportunity to showcase original research projects in a professional setting, while also
practicing communication and presentation skills. More than 70 students participated in
this year's symposium, and presentations covered a wide variety of topics ranging from
language to music, marketing and videography.
That same month, a group of 10 students traveled to Marietta, Ga., where they presented
their undergraduate research at the 33rd National Conference on Undergraduate Research
(NCUR). Held on the campus of Kennesaw State University, the three-day conference is the
largest of its kind in the world for undergraduate research, attracting some 4,000 student
researchers from colleges and universities across the U.S. each year.
Winners of Lander University's 2019 Student Academic Symposium: Thomas Promoted to
• Fergus O’Rourke, “Different Ball Game: The Changed and Changing Face of the Print Media” Director of Human Resources
• Hongyun Ding, “A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Motivation in Second Language Learning”
• Haley Histon, “Overcoming Mental Health Stigmas in Future Business Professionals” n In May, Lander University announced the
• Jesse Monroe Wheeler, “Developmental Sequences and Injury among Youth Athletes” promotion of London Goode Thomas to direc-
• Mekensie Therrien, “Stigmas that Prevent Seeking Care” tor of Human Resources. She is responsible for
• Grace Flanders, “Synthesizing Efficacy and Knowledge Gap of Equine Therapy and
planning, developing and implementing human
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for War Combat Veterans”
resource policies, procedures and programs, and
provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of
• Troy Pinkney, “A Qualitative Exploration of Masculinity from the Perspective of College
the department.
Age Males”
“Lander has amazing faculty and staff, and it
• Chloe Compton, “An Analysis of Anne Truitt”
is a testament to the university that, in a pool
• Kathryn Warnken and Charnae Wilson, “Cantor Sets”
of exceptional candidates, we had the most
• Libby Bergmann and Andrew Savage, “Green for Grub? Is Lander’s Cafeteria Sustainable?”
qualified and capable candidate right within
• Ravon N. House and Hunter A. Merrill, “Seasonal Patterns in Herbivore and Omnivore
our campus community,” said Lander President
Abundance and Diversity,” and “Changes in Temporal Distributions of Common Wildlife
Richard Cosentino.
Taxa in Response to Low-level Human Disturbance”
A Greenwood native, Thomas joined Lander
• Blake Edens, Waylon Ergle and Mattia Galanti, “Home Hustler”
in 2013, and she has more than 25 years of
• Dr. Chaz Schlindwien Research Award: Quinton Amick and Lee Phillips, “Predicting College professional experience in managing, directing
Students Next Year: A Machine Learning Approach” and implementing human resource policies
and procedures, including 23 years in several
statewide regional locations for the South Car-
olina Department of Health and Environmental
Control (DHEC).
“My vision for Lander is to facilitate the devel-
opment of a highly motivated, well-compensated
and diverse workforce that drives Lander to the
forefront of comprehensive universities in the
South,” she said.
Thomas earned an associate degree in business
administration/marketing from Piedmont Tech-
nical College; a Bachelor of Science in business
administration from Limestone College; and
a Master of Arts in human resources manage-
ment and human resources development from
Webster University. Active in her community,
Thomas has served as a board member for the
Junior chemistry major Bryanna Bradshaw, of Hartsville, explains her research findings during her
United Way, the Greenwood County Commu-
poster presentation, “The River of Grass Contaminated by Phosphorus and Mercury,” as part of the nity Foundation and the Greenwood Regional
Chemistry and Environmental Science session of Lander’s Student Academic Symposium. Human Resources Committee.
www.lander.edu/magazine 15Top Secret Summer By Eric Lawson From 1954-1991, the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB), the Committee for State Security, served as the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency and secret police. For decades, tales of its agents’ espionage efforts captured the imagina- tion of a generation who came of age during the Cold War – but not in a good way. With a spy tool arsenal including ingeniously disguised deadly devices, such as an umbrella capable of shooting ricin-filled poison darts and a lipstick tube that doubled as a 4.5 mm gun, the idea of KGB agents floated somewhere between fantasy and nightmare. With the enormous success of the FX show The Americans, which depicts a married couple living in Washington and spying for the Soviet Union, and the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian intelli- gence services are suddenly back in the news. Earlier this year, the KGB Espionage Museum opened its doors in New York City to educate oth- ers about the secret history of an organization that had a profound effect and far-reaching influence on world affairs. 16 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
Lander History Major’s Internship
Filled With Russian Intrigue
Lander University student Maddie Hudlow, a history major
from Alto, Ga., had an up-close look at the real-life spy
intrigue while interning with the museum during the sum-
mer. With Russia at the forefront of American pop culture
and current events, the response about the museum’s
existence has been mixed.
“There were several people who came into the museum
saying, ‘oh, this is so terrible’ and asking how could there
be a museum dedicated to showcasing it? But the
museum is apolitical, and I think it rather important to
understand how each modern civilization got to where
it is, and understand why U.S. relations with them are
the way they are,” explained Hudlow. “In this case, we
are presenting facts of Russia’s past and it’s important
to understand events back then – especially during
the Cold War – since Russia is in the news now.”
Among the exhibits in the museum are replicas of
a model chair in which people were strapped down for interrogations, books that doubled as hidden
cameras, listening and recording devices hidden in shoe heels, and the lipstick tube gun.
One artifact that garners much attention is the infamous “Bulgarian umbrella,” used to kill a journalist
who was working for the BBC World Service in London and Radio Free Europe. The umbrella
injected a small ricin-filled pellet into the journalist’s leg, melted at human body temperature
and released the poison into the bloodstream.
The KGB Espionage Museum is the result of three decades worth of collecting by
father-daughter duo Julius and Agne Urbaityte, who serve as the museum’s curators. Julius,
a longtime collector, became fascinated with espionage after obtaining a listening device
once owned by Adolf Hitler.
“Spying has existed as long as there has been more than one group of people,” said
Hudlow. “If there is someone to be enemies with, then a group will always try to infiltrate
them. My area of expertise is the history of the Middle Ages, but while I don’t know much
about their spying techniques, I cannot imagine that they were advanced in any way
beyond people serving as double agents and reporting back to their side. The KGB used
really advanced technologies that the public did not have access to, and they were very
much technology-based as an organization.”
In addition to leading tours at the museum, Hudlow coordinated a host of marketing
initiatives to pique awareness for exhibits, and helped to plan special events.
“Her knowledge of history and expertise in Cold War events was a huge advantage to
our museum,” said museum founder Agne Urbaityte. “Her help with organizing artifacts,
welcoming our visitors, and managing the guided tours was a big help to our team.”
Pictured is the infamous “Bulgarian umbrella,” used by KGB agents against a Bulgarian This lipstick tube doubled
journalist. Notice the small, ricin-filled pellet in the umbrella tip. as a weapon for KGB agents.
–contributed photos
www.lander.edu/magazine 17‘Say Yes to Your Dreams’ By Megan Price; Photos by Laura M. Brown, Deb Nygro and Dawn Lewis
Lander Bids Adieu to More Than 340 Graduates at 159th Commencement
Nearly 2,000 people packed Finis Horne Arena on May leadership positions with the National Association of State
15, 2019, to see more than 340 graduates receive degrees at Treasurers and the National Association of Unclaimed Property
Lander University’s 159th commencement. Administrators.
Delivering the keynote address was third-term State Now in his ninth year of office, Loftis spoke about the often
Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr., who told the graduates that the challenging – but necessary – ability to say “no” to the “noise of
most important thing in their lives going forward will be hav- modern life.”
ing the courage to say “yes to your dreams.” “Saying no is difficult,” he said. “Saying yes is easy, but when
Since taking office in 2010, Treasurer Loftis has become you’re too generous with your ‘yesses,’ other people take your
nationally known for championing public pension reform, and concerns. They make their priorities your priorities. They take
he has earned a reputation from the South Carolina Association your time away from what is important, and that causes frustra-
of Taxpayers as being a “friend of the taxpayer.” As treasurer, tion and stress. No amount of education, or talent or training
he has returned $158 million in unclaimed funds to South will allow you to achieve the success you deserve if you don’t
Carolinians – more than all previous state treasurers combined. have the time or energy for the extraordinary life that is in all
He has overseen significant growth in the state’s Future Scholar of you.”
529 College Savings Plan, with more than 157,000 accounts and And, Loftis explained to the graduates, by saying “no” to life’s
total assets under management of $3.6 billion. distractions, they are actually saying “yes” to their dreams.
Loftis is chair of the State Board of Financial Institutions “All of you possess dreams – some you’ve told your friends
and serves as vice chairman of the State Fiscal Accountability about, some you haven’t, and some of them are just fragments,”
Authority, South Carolina Education Authority and the South he said. “It takes hard work, determination and resilience to
Carolina Tobacco Authority. He also serves on the executive knowingly – and willfully – say ‘yes’ to your dreams. That is the
board of the College Savings Plans Network, and recently held only way to pursue that which is bigger than you.”
18 LANDER MAGAZINE | WINTER 20192019 Spring
Commencement
During the ceremony, Lander President Richard Cosentino recognized
the recipient of Lander’s highest academic honor, the Thayer Award, which
was presented to Kaitlynn Aleeya Strahl, a criminology and sociology double
major from Elgin, S.C. Strahl was one of eight students who were named
as University Medalists, a distinction reserved for those graduates who
achieved a 4.0 Lander GPA.
Senior music education majors Jordan Marie Bowen and Absalon
Copeland Richardson performed the Star Spangled Banner and the Alma
Mater; with Mickayla Catherine Crumley, a mass communication major,
providing the invocation and benediction.
In a new tradition, Lander University also welcomed a special group of
Golden Graduates from the Class of 1969, who celebrated their 50th gradua-
tion anniversary by marching along with the newest class of Lander alumni.
The spring Class of 2019 was one of Lander’s largest-ever graduating
classes, just under the mark set in spring 2014. Representing the group were
students from 10 foreign countries, including China, Venezuela, Sweden,
Norway, Canada, England, Egypt, Finland, Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
Students also hailed from 15 U.S. states, such as Texas, Utah, Illinois, Georgia, Honored Guest
Michigan and Massachusetts. (continued on page 20) Pictured are S.C. State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr., left, and Lander
University President Richard Cosentino.
Golden Grads of ‘69 Thayer Award
In a new tradition for the ceremony, Lander welcomed back members of the Class of 1969, who marched Kaitlynn Strahl, a criminology and sociology
in the commencement procession with the newest class of alumni. Among those Golden Grads partici- double major from Elgin, S.C., was recognized
pating were (front row, from left): Howard Patrick Penn, Margaret Shivers Ridlehoover, Carolyn Stewart as the recipient of Lander’s highest academic
Teague and Linda McElveen Kendjoria. Second row, from left: L. Lloyd Collins Jr., Sandra Lawhorn Boyter, honor, the Thayer Award.
John Stephen Bolton, Fay Fultz Sample and Janet P. Daubener. Back row, from left: Derrell T. Gregory,
Larry Ridlehoover, Patricia Wood Hasty, Judy Hanvey Simmons and Deborah Edwards. Also pictured
are Lander President Richard Cosentino, far left; Debrah Hodges Miller ’76, second from right, Alumni
Association president; and Mike Worley, right, vice president for University Advancement.
www.lander.edu/magazine 19You can also read
