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8/21/2023 8:57:00 AM

University Arizona is thrilled to celebrate the graduation of its inaugural Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) cohort. The program’s pioneering class, now doctors of occupational therapy, were hooded, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journey.

Under the guidance of distinguished faculty members and with support from the University, these trailblazing graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that equipped them with the knowledge, skills and expertise to excel in the dynamic field of occupational therapy. Throughout their educational journey, they demonstrated academic prowess and a deep passion for improving the lives of individuals and communities.

“The Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at HU Arizona is proud to graduate the inaugural class of 2023,” said Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “These students are ready to go out and serve Arizonians from all walks of life such as children with disabilities in clinics and schools, adults with upper extremity injuries or neurological diseases, as well as the aging population. All with the mission of enabling people to engage in their precious everyday activities at home, in school and at work. Congratulations HU AZ OTD Class of 2023!”

The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, August 10, at New Life Community Church. Distinguished guests, faculty, family members and friends gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement and honor the graduates’ dedication to their studies and future contributions to the field.

To learn more about HU Arizona's OTD program, visit huntington.edu/OTD/AZ.

8/15/2023 8:44:00 AM

Huntington University’s Department of Nursing is pleased to announce the following 2023-2024 scholarship recipients:

  • Mallory Emley is the recipient of the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship
  • Pamela Mallory and Ashley Ondras are the recipients of the Winter Nursing Scholarship
  • Morgen Smith and Alicen Rinehart are the recipients of the HU Nursing Scholarship
  • Darrian Davidson, Carla Hicks and Katherine Gerig are the recipients of the Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship

The Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship goes to nursing students at Huntington University who meet requirements including GPA, Indiana residency, and commitment to working as a registered nurse in Indiana. The Department of Nursing announces the number of scholarship awards each year.

The Winter Nursing Scholarship criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time, GPA, and commitment to HU and Department of Nursing standards.

The Department of Nursing awards the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship on behalf of the Myers family. Bruce and Linda Myers are the former owners of Myers Funeral Homes in Huntington and Markle. During their 25 years in business, they developed close ties with the people of Huntington and Wells Counties and with Huntington University, where Bruce served on the Huntington University Foundation Board and the Fine Arts Council. Linda is a retired registered nurse with 30 years of medical-surgical and critical care experience. Their professional and personal lives have always been founded on a deep faith in and love for their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Their desire in giving the scholarship is twofold: to support the mission of Huntington University and the Department of Nursing and to aid serious students of the nursing field in achieving their educational goals by providing financial assistance. Criteria to receive this scholarship include being a current junior nursing major or sophomore accepted into the program and GPA as well as an essay and demonstrated financial need.

The Huntington University Nursing Scholarship was established to provide encouragement and financial support to students at Huntington University in the nursing program. Criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time and GPA.

8/14/2023 9:40:00 AM

Huntington University has received $50,000 from Bippus State Bank that will go directly toward the creating of HU’s second feature film, Patterns.

“It’s our pleasure to present this check to the Huntington University Film Department,” said Eric D. Fawcett, president and CEO of Bippus State Bank. “We were able to visit the set and see firsthand how HU Film is providing students with hands-on experience in all aspects of film production. It’s obvious Huntington University’s Film Program prepares graduates to bring their visions to life on the big screen. We are proud to support HU Film and contribute to the production of this film.” 

The production of Patterns comes on the coattails of the successful premiere of HU’s first feature film, Wayfaring Stranger.

“We are the only private college in Indiana that is consistently making Independent SAG feature films,” said Dr. Lance Clark, dean of the arts, professor of digital media arts/film, and producer of Patterns. “To have the financial support of our community and especially businesses like Bippus State Bank means so much to every one of us who is attempting to do big things for the industry and for our students. My goal is to bring feature filmmaking to Indiana, and we are now one step closer.”

8/10/2023 9:37:00 AM

Huntington University received a grant for $10,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation. Altogether, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded more than $300,000 in shareholder-funded grants to 16 organizations to provide job search, education and specialized training opportunities for Hoosiers.

“The Duke Energy Foundation continues to invest mightily in the next generation of leaders,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies at Huntington University. “We are thankful for the continued interest and support of Huntington University and the students in the Department of Agriculture. This year’s gift focuses on students looking to enter the veterinary medicine industry and will provide students with a great jump-start to their education as they prepare for their future career.”

Huntington University will use the funds to equip students with hands-on training to master skills needed for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become credentialed veterinary technicians.

More specifically, according to Perry, HU will use the grant funds to “purchase some vet medicine training models for students to utilize. These models will serve as another tool in the students’ toolbox as they prepare themselves to work with live animals and ultimately work towards mastering the skill set required to be a registered vet nurse. These models will prepare students to complete their courses, sit for and pass the VTNE and ultimately make an impact in the veterinary industry. They will be well-prepared individuals entering the workforce.” 

8/8/2023 8:04:00 AM

Huntington University and Forester Films LLC are at it again. Coming off of the success of the Wayfaring Stranger premiere early this summer, the University launched right into the filming of its second feature film, Patterns.

Written by HU alumna Rachel Hart, directed by HU alumna Dawn Davis and produced by HU faculty and alumni Dr. Lance Clark and Matt Webb, Patterns is the story of three estranged siblings who return to their family home after their mother’s death. Over their weekend together, they navigate the challenges of a family that has drifted apart, the memories that haunt the house and their father who suffers from dementia.

According to Webb, Patterns was chosen “because it deals with issues that so many of us are dealing with in real life. Most people we know have gone through the process of grieving the loss of a family member and/or we know someone struggling with dementia. These characters are much like us: struggling to know how to communicate with one another, wrestling with all of the complexities of our relationships and learning how to cope with grief, forgive one another and find hope for the future.”

As with the University’s first feature film, Patterns is a creation born out of a film capstone, meaning that it is a teaching tool and training opportunity for current students. There are 24 students and five alumni involved in the creation of Patterns.

“Huntington is the place where I was able to explore my creativity and start my journey as a director,” said Davis about her return to HU to direct Patterns. “Coming back here to work with the Capstone students has felt like a full-circle moment.”

Hart also appreciated the return to her alma mater and the collaborative experience.

“As a first-time feature length scriptwriter, to have Matt as a mentor through the writing process was an invaluable opportunity,” said Hart. “I had so much fun delving deeper into the outlining and rewriting phases [than] I would have imagined. Over the course of a year and a half to two years, I pushed myself to consider every piece of feedback and hopefully create unique and relatable characters for the audience to get to know. More than anything, I wanted to write a film that someone would walk away from and say, ‘Yes, that was genuine.’ No matter what, I couldn't have asked for a better experience in writing the script.”

When asked what they learned from creating their first feature film and how that knowledge would impact the creation of Patterns, the producers were quick to say that they “learned to be patient and wait for the right people to come along to join us in the right positions, whether that’s actors, crew members, students or community members. It takes so many people from all across the community to make these films happen, and we’ve learned to reach out early, to spread the net wide and to lean into the help that so many people have been willing to offer.”

8/3/2023 9:18:00 AM

Dr. Nicole Scheiman, department chair, director, and professor of the occupational therapy assistant program at Huntington University, took her expertise in occupational therapy to the Internal Lymphoedema Framework Conference 2023 at the University of Nottingham in the UK. It was Scheiman’s work with a research team of other experts on cancer-related lymphedema that opened the door for Scheiman to present at the conference.

The research team included David Doubblestein, PT, PhD, Jane Armer, RN, FAAN, PhD, Linda Koehler, PT, PhD,  Elizabeth Anderson, RN, PhD, Nicole Scheiman, OTR/L, DrOT, Paula Stewart, MD, and Mark Schaverien, MD. Collectively, this team represents six universities, and together, their study — “A Core Outcome Set for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Delphi Consensus Study” —  was also presented as an example of research making an impact on the clinical outcomes of breast cancer, ultimately improving quality of life.

“It felt amazing to see ‘Huntington University’ on the big screen at an international conference!” said Scheiman.

7/26/2023 10:21:00 AM

Like other faculty members at Huntington University, Dr. Nicole Scheiman keeps her door open during her office hours. In one respect, however, her open door in Dowden Science Hall is quite different than a door leading to any other faculty office: Scheiman’s has a pet gate.  

Visit Scheiman’s office on the right day, and a black and white sheepadoodle sporting a stylish yet functional hair bow or two will greet you at the door. At less than a year old, she is still growing, but someday this young puppy could reach a mature weight of approximately 80 pounds. And someday, if all goes according to plan, she will be a certified therapy dog.  

Her name is Noodle.

Noodle the Doodle reported for her first day of work at Huntington University on January 13, 2023. Since then, she has acquired a celebrity status that only a dog can achieve.

“Usually if I don’t bring her,” Scheiman said, “I hear, “Oh, Noodle’s not here?’”

Coming to campus a few days a week is part of Noodle’s therapy dog training. Her current “job responsibilities” include attending Scheiman’s classes and meetings, where she is learning to sit quietly in the background (a tough job for an excited puppy, but she manages it well). She is also getting used to campus and the variety of new things she can experience there.

“The best way to train her is bringing her here,” said Scheiman, who is the director of HU’s occupational therapy assistant bachelor’s degree program. “Interacting with people. That’s the best training for them [therapy dogs], to absolutely immerse them in anything they may encounter.”

Scheiman is hoping that Noodle will be ready to take the certification test in 2024, at which point Noodle will be able to continue her work on campus as well as work in therapy settings. Until then, Noodle is still a student “studying” for her upcoming exam.

The certification test will require Noodle to demonstrate that she can remain calm even in the midst of stressful or chaotic settings. Although the specifics vary by test provider, it is common for dogs to test in a loud environment, with kids, in a busy crowd, and around crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers, equipment that they would encounter in a hospital setting. Through it all, they must demonstrate that they will “attend to” (pay attention to and obey) their handler. Noodle will need to attend to Scheiman.

She will be eligible to take the certification test after she is more than one year old. After that benchmark, when Noodle takes the test will be Scheiman’s choice.

“There’s a lot of training, a lot of time, a lot of patience,” said Scheiman.

Passing the certification test is the only official step required to become a certified therapy dog, but Noodle is undergoing training at an obedience school to make sure she is in top shape for the test. Her first formal training was in general obedience. Next, she will train in canine good behavior.

Scheiman is actively involved in the training. As Noodle’s handler, she wants Noodle to be used to working with her. Taking the time now to build trust will pay off later when they are working together in clinical and classroom settings.

“It takes time to build confidence and trust. She has to build confidence and trust in me, that I will always make sure her needs are met and she’s not put in a bad way.”

Noodle is also learning to connect with and trust the Huntington University students she encounters. Occupational therapy assistant students are learning firsthand about animal-assisted therapy, and Noodle serves as a stress reliever for those who need it, a comfort for those who are homesick, and a conversation starter for those who walk her.  

“If a shy student walks Noodle around campus, they’re going to meet other students,” said Scheiman. “No doubt about it. If I walk her across campus, I always allow extra time because there’s going to be students coming over. And that’s the point — that’s the goal. Then the students meet each other; she’s kind of a connector. I think therapy dogs connect people.”

Scheiman is careful to ensure that students are comfortable around Noodle. She always provides ways for students to let her know if they are uncomfortable with having Noodle in class.

“I’ve never had anyone not want to be around her. They enjoy her — it’s a break.”

Noodle’s breed could have something to do with her popularity. Her size and playfulness are well-suited for children in particular. She also enjoys giving hugs, has thick hair that doesn’t shed, and can even wear clothes. These traits make her ideal for children practicing skills of daily living such as brushing hair and getting dressed.  

“A child could learn to dress Noodle, learning those skills. If they’re having trouble with fine motor [skills], they could put a shirt on Noodle and button her shirt.”

Noodle’s weight will also be an advantage.

“With kids, we’ll often put weighted therapy vests on them to have that calming effect. It’s kind of like the weighted blankets you see now. Her sitting on a child’s lap would be calming to them.”

Even for visitors to Scheiman’s office who don’t consider themselves dog people, there is something fun about meeting Noodle in one of the last places you’d expect to find a dog. There’s also something comforting about sitting with her, a fellow living creature who is free from the burdens that humans carry. Dogs listen if you want to talk. If you don’t, they sit with you or play with you. No questions asked.

The connection that humans feel with dogs is a reason why animal-assisted therapy is important to occupational therapy practitioners like Scheiman.

“This is another tool in our toolbox to achieve the goals we’re looking to achieve. Because people will do things for dogs that they won’t always do for therapy practitioners. They’re very motivating.”

7/18/2023 9:08:00 AM

What do superfruits from the Amazon Rainforest, a multinational beverage company, and Huntington University have in common?

A business presentation in Peru — that’s what.

In October 2019, Huntington University MBA students traveled to Peru as part of their Master’s-Level International Learning Experience (MILE), a 10-day trip focused on immersing students in international business settings. On the itinerary for this particular MILE trip were meetings with AJE Group, a large multinational beverage company well-known in Central and South America.

Before the trip, the Director of the MBA Program, Dr. Brock Zehr, had connected with AJE via the tour company to set up projects that MBA students could present when they were in Peru. The tour company asked Zehr what projects the students would be interested in doing.

“We really are interested in exporting and importing and learning that side of the business,” Zehr told them, “so if you have any companies that would have projects that they could work on beforehand, then present and work on while we’re there, that would be ideal.”

“And they came up with AJE.”

From there, AJE provided them with the preliminary specifications for three projects focused on marketing, salesforce training, and imports and exports.

Enter the Amazonian superfruits. Three of the 11 students on the trip worked on a feasibility study that considered the possibility of launching AMAYU, a line of natural juices made with fruits from the Amazon, in the United States market.

Four years later, three AMAYU juice flavors are available for sale in the United States. AJE emailed Zehr to let him know that the HU research had been a part of the decision to launch. 

When they presented their study to AJE, the MBA team did not have a clear indication of what, if anything, AJE would decide to do with their recommendations.

“We did it and it went fine, and we thought that would be the end of it,” said Zehr.

Uncertainty about outcomes is not unusual for presentations of this kind, especially when you take into account that an international pandemic disrupted trade shortly after the MILE trip. The wait, however, has not diminished the HU team’s excitement that their project had a part to play in the United States launch.

“What a privilege to see our project come to fruition and have it available in the U.S.,” said Gracia Reed, one of the three group members on the AMAYU project. “It was exciting that we got to be a part of it.” 

As of June 2023, three flavors of AMAYU are available in the United States: buriti, acaí, and camu camu. All three are “packed with vitamins and antioxidants,” according to the product website (AMAYU.com), and are “wild harvested by indigenous communities from deep within the Amazon.” In addition to promising delicious flavor and vitamin-rich health benefits, AJE has positioned AMAYU as a product that protects biodiversity, empowers indigenous people, prevents deforestation, and promotes sustainability. 

In their feasibility study, the HU MBA students recommended leaning into AMAYU’s health benefits to differentiate it from the many fruit juices already on the United States market. They also looked at ways to retail the product.  

“They really dove into what the product was made of, the benefit that it brought as far as benefits to the consumer, and even the fact that there are properties in these fruits that can really benefit your health,” said Zehr. “They did a lot of research into the product itself and trying to package how to market that to the U.S. consumer.”

On the day of the presentation, both Zehr and the MBA students saw that AJE was impressed with their research.

“I remember how engaged and excited the leader was during our presentation,” said Reed. “When I was moving things along, he asked me to go back to the slide I had presented because he was so intrigued by the information and had a lot of questions. He was especially interested in the research presented on the juice industry.”

Collecting good research for the presentation projects had been a team effort, and RichLyn Library, thousands of miles away in Huntington, Indiana, had a part to play. Although the students had started their projects before taking the trip, they made final changes in Peru. They worked remotely with RichLyn Library to get the data they needed.

Their research was both timely and impactful. AJE was so impressed with the data that they wanted to know where it came from and if they could keep a copy of the slide deck.  

“The executive team were blown away by the scope of the information that we had,” said Zehr. “It was drilled down to the beverage industry but even juices, natural juices, and natural fruits. It wasn’t generic. It was really pinpointed for the product. They were impressed by that.”

HU’s impact is ongoing. Zehr recently received confirmation that a product one of the other groups presented a feasibility study on, an energy drink called Volt, will also be released in the United States.

The true value of the experience for all eleven MBA students was the opportunity to immerse themselves in projects that would cross cultures and apply what they had learned in other classes in a very practical way.

“I learned companies around the world have similar dynamics even in cultural differences,” said Reed. “Executives have busy schedules, workers want to look good in front of the executives, people are passionate about their product and company.”

This opportunity to learn is the intention behind the MILE trip for any MBA student. The 2019 Peru trip, however, has had a uniquely sweet, delightful ending.

7/12/2023 2:24:00 PM

Huntington University has received a $250,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through phase one of its statewide initiative College and Community Collaboration. The purpose of this initiative is to support universities as they collaborate with other organizations to enhance the quality of life and place in the communities surrounding their campuses.

In partnership with the City and County of Huntington, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and other local and regional stakeholders, Huntington University will use these funds to propose a strategic community project(s) for future development opportunities. The purpose of these efforts identify clear next steps for community development and growth.

“This Lilly Endowment initiative provides a generational opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and make a dramatic investment in the quality of life for all of us here in Huntington County — whether we’re here for four years as a student at Huntington University or forty years as a resident,” said Huntington Mayor Richard Strick (HU Class of 2005, MA 2011). “I look forward to engaging the opportunity alongside other community stakeholders that share our belief in Huntington’s bold future.”

The grant will fund the hiring of consultants with experience in architectural design, site assessments, project prioritization analysis and financial modeling. Per the grant proposal, this group of experts and a task force comprised of key stakeholders from the University, city, and other parts of the community “will identify two key conceptual projects that improve the quality of life and place in the community and then spur additional growth and collaboration for Huntington University and the community it serves.”

“Faith-based colleges serve as anchor institutions that add vibrancy and vitality to the communities they serve. Our platforms allow us to speak into key issues of human worth and dignity because our missions are centered on man as being created in God’s image,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “Graduates of Christian colleges model an integrated life of mind, body and spirit. They demonstrate skills to speak, write and think critically through issues that impact their world.”

Learn more about Lilly Endowment Inc. online.

7/5/2023 2:13:00 PM

Lace up your running (or walking) shoes and get ready to light up the night as Huntington University presents the third annual Night Lights 5K on Friday, August 25. This event promises a night of fun and fitness, all for a great cause: HU’s Hometown Grant. And, for the first time, this isn’t just a timed race, it’s an official chipped race!

Check-in begins at 8:00 p.m., with the event officially starting at dusk. The cost of registration is $25 and includes your entry fee and shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top performers in each age group, which include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and over 60. Show off your running prowess and claim victory in your respective category!

To register, visit huntington.edu/5K or contact Kay Schwob, director of development, at kschwob@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4382.

6/30/2023 10:41:00 AM

Congratulations from Huntington University and the Forester Nation to Cydney Bridges, Class of 2023, on being crowned Miss Indiana 2023. Her victory not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also highlights her commitment to making a positive impact on her community and the world.

“Cydney’s hard work and determination paid off, as she was always a top performer in the classroom, but her greatest strength is her joyful spirit and ability to connect with people and interact with them on a personal level,” said Jodi Eckert, director of nursing and one of Bridges’ professors. “She values people and relationships, which will make her a fantastic nurse. Her positive attitude, drive to follow her dreams to work at Riley Children’s Hospital, and compassion will leave a lasting impression on those she serves. We are blessed to have the opportunity to witness the impact she will have on the profession of nursing and are so excited to watch her represent Indiana.”

Beyond her academic pursuits and pageant accomplishments, Bridges’ heart beats for service and helping others. Her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others reflects her passion for nursing and her genuine care for people.

“The HU Department of Nursing was the place where I felt most supported on campus. Each and every one of my professors helped me realize that I could achieve anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination,” said Bridges.

Bridges is undoubtedly a queen who will reign not only in the hearts of Hoosiers but also in the hearts of those whose lives she touches with her kindness, passion, and dedication to service. She begins her professional career in July at Riley Children’s Hospital and will compete for Miss America in January. The future is indeed bright for Miss Indiana 2023, and we cannot wait to witness the positive change she will bring to the world. Congratulations, Cydney Bridges!

6/14/2023 3:08:00 PM

Huntington University is thrilled to announce that Kelli Daller, OTD, OTR, a graduate of HU’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy, has been awarded the prestigious American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Johns Hopkins Mental Health Occupational Therapy Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Daller graduated in May 2020 with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Huntington University, where she consistently demonstrated a deep passion for mental health occupational therapy and a commitment to delivering high-quality care to individuals facing mental health challenges. Her exceptional academic record, exemplary clinical skills and dedication to evidence-based practice have distinguished her as a deserving recipient of this fellowship. Since graduation, Daller has been working at the Gage Center of Forensic Excellence in Lakewood, Washington. This summer the fellowship will take Daller to Baltimore, Maryland, where she will remain for 12 months to complete the fellowship experience. During her tenure, Daller will gain expertise in mental health OT as she rotates through various clinical areas to gain advanced clinical practice and teaching in:

  • General Psychiatry Service
  • Schizophrenia Service
  • Mood Disorders Service
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service
  • Geriatric Psychiatry Service
  • Motivated Behaviors Service
  • Pain Treatment Service
  • Eating Disorders Service

“I am motivated and excited at the opportunity to advance my clinical skills and increase my knowledge as a mental health occupational therapy practitioner through mentorship through the Johns Hopkins Mental Health Occupational Therapy Fellowship,” said Daller. “I am passionate about working in the mental health setting, and I feel there is much more for me to learn in this specialized setting as an occupational therapist.”

Daller also said that she hopes to be board certified in mental health by the AOTA at the end of her fellowship experience.

Huntington University congratulates Dr. Kelli Daller on this prestigious achievement. Her selection as a fellow reflects the caliber of education and mentorship provided by the occupational therapy program at Huntington University. We have no doubt that Dr. Daller will continue to make significant contributions to the field of mental health occupational therapy, advancing the profession and positively impacting the lives of individuals in need.

6/7/2023 8:58:00 AM

The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) has awarded PALSave Textbook Creation Grants to fund eight open textbooks from faculty authors at its supported institutions, including Huntington University. 

Dr. Karen Jones, professor of Christian Thought and Practice, was selected to represent HU. 

“I am honored to receive this opportunity from PALNI. It is a gift to receive support for writing a textbook that will synthesize the presentations, resources, lectures, and assignments I have crafted throughout my teaching career. I am most encouraged by the opportunity this will provide for students across the globe with little to no access to academic resources. Providing a digital textbook free of charge is something I could not do without the support of the PALSave Textbook Creation Grant.”

The grants will allow these educators to develop open textbooks that are freely available online, making them part of a statewide effort to reduce the cost of course materials for college students. Financed with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., authors will receive up to $6,500 per project.

The grants—awarded as part of the PALSave: PALNI Affordable Learning program—are given in overlapping two-year cohorts. Titles and authors most recently selected include:

  • “Public Speaking and Democratic Participation: Speech, Deliberation, and Analysis in the Civic Realm, 2nd ed.” by Jennifer Abbott, Professor of Rhetoric at Wabash College, and co-authors Todd McDorman, Dean at Wabash College, and David Timmerman, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Professor of Rhetoric at Carthage College

  • “Curriculum Development for Christian Ministry,” by Karen Jones, Professor of Christian Thought and Practice at Huntington University

  • “The Exciting Dynamics of State and Local Government,” by Laura Merrifield Wilson, Associate Professor of History and Political Science, and co-author Greg Schufeldt, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis

  • “Leveraging Data Visualization to Communicate Effectively,” by Jennie Mitchell, Professor Emerita at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and co-author Trent Deckard, storytelling expert and lecturer at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business

  • “An Introduction to Legal Philosophy,” by Peter Murphy, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Indianapolis

  • “Cultures and Civilizations of the Hispanic Countries,” by Angela Pacheco-Gonzalez, Assistant Professor of Spanish at Taylor University

  • “Concepts of Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research Methods,” by Cibele Webb, Associate Professor and co-authors Nicole Mentag and Lori Pajakowski, Assistant Professors, Department of Nursing Science, at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame

  • “Comparative Vertebrate and Human Anatomy: Ecology, Evolution, and Function,” by Vanessa Young, Assistant Professor of Biology at Saint Mary’s College, and co-authors Bill Ryerson, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, at Saint Anselm College, and Lisa Whitenack, Associate Professor, Biology, at Allegheny College

“PALNI is excited to award these grants, as they recognize the unwavering commitment of faculty authors from our supported institutions toward enhancing the affordability and accessibility of education for students,” says Amanda Hurford, PALNI’s Scholarly Communications Director and PALSave project lead. “The authors’ dedication to making textbook affordability a reality makes a big impact—not just in Indiana, but across the globe—and we look forward to supporting them in the process.”

Grant recipients are already working to produce the open textbooks, which are set to be published in 2025. 

About PALSave Textbook Creation Grants

At the start of the program in 2019, PALSave’s initial goal was to publish five or more textbooks by late 2023. PALNI received added funding from Lilly Endowment in 2022 to support PALSave, which has allowed the program to award 10 additional textbook creation grants. Projects were selected for funding based on proposal quality, clearly defined goals, need within the current open access body of work, and adoption potential within PALNI schools and beyond.

PALNI coordinates peer review, copyediting, layout, and hosting services to assist grant recipients in their textbook creation. Each textbook is also supported by a local project manager to monitor progress and answer questions throughout development. The open textbooks are published on the PALNI Press-supported Pressbooks platform alongside other faculty-contributed works, and will ultimately be submitted to the Open Textbook Library and OER repositories. 

Several PALSave-funded titles are currently in production, with the program’s first open textbook, “The Bible and Music,” by Dr. James McGrath, Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Butler University, published in January 2023.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family — J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli — through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. More information can be found at www.lillyendowment.org.

About the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana

The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) is a non-profit organization that supports collaboration for library and information services for 24 colleges, universities and seminaries throughout the state. From its inception in 1992, the PALNI collaboration has been a key avenue for its supported institutions to contain costs while providing more effective library services. More recently, PALNI has adopted a model of deep collaboration that pools resources and people as a tool to expand services while keeping costs down. PALNI’s board of directors, composed of all 24 library deans and directors from the supported organizations, convened a Future Framing Task Force in 2019 to address ongoing demographic challenges in higher education. The board has escalated this work in the wake of COVID-19, as the consortium seeks to manage the increased need for online support while reducing costs. Simultaneously, PALNI is expanding collaboration within its institutions and with external library partners to address challenges and build cost-effective services. Visit the PALNI website for more information.

PALNI Supported Institutions 

Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary | Anderson University | Bethel University | Butler University | Concordia Theological Seminary | Christian Theological Seminary | DePauw University | Earlham College | Franklin College | Goshen College | Grace College | Hanover College | Huntington University | Manchester University | Marian University | Oakland City University | University of Saint Francis | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary’s College | Saint Meinrad’s Seminary and School of Theology | Taylor University | Trine University | University of Indianapolis | Wabash College