Several campus improvement projects under way this summer

We typically undertake a variety of construction projects around campus during the summer so as to cause the least disruption as possible, and to also get the campus ready for a new fall semester.

This summer is no different, and there is a lot going on, funded by maintenance and renovation monies, stimulus grants or construction funds that cannot be used for personnel expenses. Here are some of the things we're doing:

• Landscaping the entrance to Columbus State University from East Lindsay Drive, improving drainage and following the landscaping master plan to create larger usable green spaces on campus. This will be for athletic and student use.
• Building two classrooms/computer labs in the Health and Wellness Center, replacing the volleyball court there. Outfitted with technology and computers, these should be finished by January.
• Adding air-conditioning to Woodruff Gym. This should be finished by January.
• Beginning a multi-year renovation in the lowest level of the library to house the archives and create more classrooms and usable library spaces.
• Finishing the gating and fencing around our student apartment complexes to upgrade our security and create access control for student housing.
• Constructing a press box at the softball field. This should be done by the end of September.
• Using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Energy Program, upgrading lighting and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and green initiatives with improved HVAC controls for a variety of buildings, better pathway lighting around campus and installing the campus' first solar panel for surplus power generation.
• Renovating Clearview II to add labs and classrooms for the Department of Earth and Space Sciences.
• Renovating the Cougar Food Court in Davidson Student Center to make room for Chick-fil-A to move in there by October. This is being done by Aramark in response to student requests for Chick-fil-A.
• Columbus Water Works is building a new facility and outdoor animal area at CSU's Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center. Funded through the most-recent SPLOST, the facility will host a grand opening, featuring the new building, for the public on July 30. The center will also feature a renovation of its original building and a newly reopened treetop trail canopy walk.

I thank my colleagues for their patience in working around these projects as we strive to continually keep our campus in the best shape possible.

Thousands pack Civic Center for another extraordinary commencement

Our 102nd commencement was extraordinary. Besides bestowing an honorary degree on retired Col. Hal Gibson, one of the nation's truly great band conductors and educators, who made an indelible impact on CSU, we heard sage insights and advice from Regent Kessel Stelling, president and CEO of Synovus.

The Columbus Civic Center was packed, and thousands celebrated Columbus State University graduates and faculty in a most fitting manner. How wonderful that our university offers a range of degree programs, associate's to doctoral degree, recognizing the needs of the region and providing points of entry for students coming from such varied backgrounds.

Col. Gibson, for some 17 years after his distinguished retirement from the U.S. Army, helped shape what is today our world-class Schwob School of Music. Joined by his wonderful wife, Marie, he was greeted by throngs in Columbus who have such a special appreciation for his legacy impact on our university. Regent Stelling, a long-term friend, now leads one of the nation's largest financial institutions, which has made an  incredible impact on CSU and its five-state footprint. He delivered thoughtful and insightful messages to our graduates, who thanked him profusely as they crossed the stage at commencement.

We now, take a deep breath and prepare to launch Maymester, a variety of summer abroad experiences and undergraduate and graduate courses in dozens of discplines. This is the work of a committed university populated by devoted faculty intent on making a difference.

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.