HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 15, 2016 – High Point University faculty, staff and students recently received the following academic and professional awards and recognitions.
Sigma Nu Receives Grand Chapter Award for Academic Excellence
The Nu Delta Chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity received the Regent’s Award for Academic Excellence at this year’s Sigma Nu Grand Chapter event in San Diego. This award is given to chapters that achieve the highest GPA among fraternities on their campus. HPU’s Sigma Nu chapter is set to be awarded its charter this fall. It was the only expansion chapter to receive the award at the Grand Chapter event.
The fraternity’s members attribute their success to maintaining high standards and to the many support systems HPU provides to help students succeed in all facets of their education.
“We are thankful for the numerous resources available at HPU, such as director of Greek Life Teri Cugliari and the Office of Greek Life, which has provided continued support and guidance as we launch a new fraternity on campus,” says senior Frank Antenuci, a member of Sigma Nu. “Although this was achieved by the merits of our members, it would not be possible without HPU’s support.”
Zeta Tau Alpha Earns Crown Chapter Award
HPU’s Delta Gamma chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha received the Crown Chapter award at the sorority’s international convention in Phoenix. The award recognizes excellence in recruitment, programming, financial health, reporting and cooperation with the ZTA international organization.
Zeta Tau Alpha also was recognized during the convention for its highly commendable grade point average and for donating more than $53,000 to the ZTA foundation over a two-year period.
Freshman Receives United Methodist Leadership Scholars Award
Freshman Jacob Lancaster, a religion and music major from Albemarle, received the United Methodist Leadership Scholars award from the Southeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. This $10,000 competitive merit-based scholarship is awarded to one student each year. Lancaster, who has a calling to be a pastor, was selected for his academic excellence, leadership and deep involvement with his church, including his service as assistant worship leader. The award is renewable for four years.
Interior Design Professor Recognized for Outstanding Contributions
Dr. Jane Nichols, associate professor of interior design and chair of home furnishings and design, won an outstanding educator award from the Carolina’s Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. The organization of design professionals and educators from North Carolina and South Carolina recognized her for making outstanding contributions to design education that will have lasting impact.
Nichols also recently received an appointment to the Board of Governors of Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt). She will serve in an advisory role, providing new perspectives and ideas for growing the association. WithIt is a non-profit professional organization that provides leadership development, mentoring, education and networking for women in the home and furnishings industries.
Pharmacy Professor Appointed Section Vice Chair
Dr. Robin Cooke, assistant professor of clinical science in the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, was appointed vice chair for the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, which is the leading professional organization for pharmacists who practice in hospitals and outpatient clinical settings. Her section, Ambulatory Care Practitioner’s Advisory Group on Medication Therapy Management in the Community, develops and sets standards of practice and care for helping patients manage and adhere to their medication regimens.
“I have been a long-time active member of ASHP, and being elected to this position will provide exposure and recognition for our new School of Pharmacy at HPU,” Cooke says.
Minister to the University Publishes Essay on Campus Ministry
The Rev. Preston Davis, minister to the university, published an essay in the most recent edition of “The Term: A Word for the Campus by the Campus.” This publication of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education includes essays from ministers at colleges and universities with resources and reflections for preaching and worship throughout the academic term.
Davis’ essay, “Chaplaincy: Simplicity on the Far Side of Complexity,” reflects on how studying the Christian tradition’s understanding of God is actually a way of loving God with one’s mind.
English Professor Featured in ‘About South’ Podcast
Dr. Kirstin Squint, associate professor of English, participated in an interview alongside award-winning Choctaw author LeAnne Howe for the sixth episode of the podcast “About South,” which aired Aug. 12. The episode, titled “It’s About Story,” explored the Native South and issues related to American Indian cultures and literature of the Southeast U.S.
“It was an honor to be interviewed with LeAnne Howe, who I have interviewed in the past and whose work I teach regularly in literature courses at HPU,” says Squint. “We had a really productive and energetic conversation, with topics ranging from Indian Removal to J.K. Rowling. We ended with our hopes for the future of American Indian studies and the South.”
The podcast, co-produced by Georgia State University professor Gina Caison and Louisiana State University doctoral candidate Kelly Vines, investigates Southern culture through conversations with a variety of scholars and artists. The interview is available at http://aboutsouthpodcast.com.
Student Success Coach Participates in CEOs for Cities
Akir Khan, student success coach and adjunct professor, was one of seven leaders from High Point selected to participate in the High Point/Greensboro cluster of CEOs for Cities. The group is part of a national non-profit that connects leaders from across sectors and generations to share ideas and resources for strengthening their communities.
Khan will contribute to the local CEOs for Cities cluster by sharing advice and feedback on educational leadership issues, community building and interfaith relations.
“CEOs for Cities, a national city-learning network, has brought together dynamic groups of established business and community leaders to develop creative and innovative solutions to economic challenges facing our great cities,” says Khan. “It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve in this strategic partnership between cities.”