Columbus State's campus reflects diversity of activities, even on weekends

This past weekend, our university hosted the statewide finals
competition for Odyssey of the Mind. This wonderful event attracts
hundreds and hundreds of students from elementary through high school
from around Georgia for a series of challenging and complex academic
events. At the same time, our Admissions office hosted another campus
Visitation Day, attracting scores of students and parents from
throughout Georgia and around the region. Layer three baseball games
onto this, plus a very busy Student Recreation Center, and it's just
another wonderful, active weekend at Columbus State.

Kaleidoscope concert demonstrates range, artistry of Schwob music students

The Schwob School of Music's annual Kaleidoscope concert in RiverCenter's Bill Heard Theater was an incredible celebration of student success and faculty instruction. Virtually all Schwob students participated in this magnificent 80-minute concert that showcased the great range of talents among our students. From classical to contemporary, from violins to vocals to xylophones, the RiverCenter resonated with the exuberance of students supported by a committed faculty. Of special note is senior Emily Vold, an accomplished violinist who will be attending graduate school at Mannes, was named by the Board of Regents as the Outstanding Academic Graduate at CSU. Dr. Ron Wirt, interim director of the Schwob school, presented Emily with proclamations from both the Georgia House and Senate.

Tennis teams earn recognition; regional tournament next week

Congratulations go to Coach Evan Isaacs and Assistant Coach Eva Petschnig on the great success of the CSU men's and women's tennis teams. Columbus State will host the NCAA regional tennis tournament next week. That's a true credit to the great seasons experienced by these student athletes.

Tower Day puts student research, creativity in spotlight

Tower Day at Columbus State University on April 12 was truly an extraordinary event.

The annual showcase of undergraduate research and creative endeavors is the cornerstone of our Academic Week of Excellence. Students from across the disciplines present their scholarly activities and, in doing so, inspire others.  Tower Day is sponsored by the CSU Honors Program.

I attended the opening colloquium kicked off by Provost Tom Hackett and Dr. Cindy Henning, Honors Program director. I had the pleasure of hearing presentations by Dr. Stephanie DaSilva in psychology, on engaging undergraduates in research, and by 2003 biology graduate Mary Hill Johnson, now the assistant director of the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, who provided an alumni perspective on undergraduate research.

Our Schuster Student Success Center and Davidson Student Center were filled with research presentations and exhibits. Every student project enjoyed the support of a faculty sponsor, and this truly reflects the power of undergraduate research in engaging faculty and students. Later in the week, student exhibits celebrating writing were presented in the multipurpose room of the new Student Recreation Center. These projects focused on intensive writing, also supported by faculty, and were equally impressive. What a great experience it is for students to commit to a semester or, in some cases, a year of research that results in truly exceptional presentations.

Greek Week activities are a tribute to growing presence

Congrats to our director of Greek Life, Tinsley Hembree, for orchestrating another exceptional Greek Week of activities for our growing fraternities and sororities. Lauren and I had the opportunity to watch the always competitive chariot races. Great engineering, design and effort! Greek Life is but one of many important co-curricular options available at our multifaceted university.