HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that the 2020 Digital Media Arts High School Summer Academy will take place VIRTUALLY on June 21-25, 2020.
The DMA Academy is open to incoming high school freshmen through high school seniors who want a glimpse of what it would be like to pursue a degree in animation, broadcast media, or film. Students engage with a community of artists, receive instructions on programs and techniques in the media field and participate in hands-on workshops and projects which can serve as future portfolio pieces. The cost is $200 per attendee.
There are two versions of the Digital Media Arts VIRTUAL Summer Academy, one focused on animation, the other focused on a combination of film and broadcast media. The nature of these projects changes each year, so returning attendees are welcome.
In addition to learning from faculty, participants will gain hands-on experience through workshops and at-home projects applying key artistic principles. Virtual social events will also be available in the evenings for those who wish to participate. Please direct questions or inquiries to the Digital Media Arts assistant at hudma@huntington.edu and visit huntington.edu/DMAAcademy to register.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution a “Best Midwestern College.” Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The non-profit university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On May 19, Huntington University hosted its annual Celebration of Service banquet virtually. Directed by Adam Widener, assistant professor of digital media arts/broadcast media, and hosted all the way from sunny Peoria, Arizona, by HU’s Director of Arizona Operations Jeff Berggren, the event was a positive experience for attendees, celebrating milestones of HU employment, honoring retirees, and announcing the Staff Member of the Year.
The 2019-2020 Staff Member of the Year is Lisa Montany, director of financial aid.
“Lisa is a blessing to many people. She is a willing collaborator, a skilled problem-solver, and she has a ‘can-do’ attitude,” said Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “Most important, she genuinely cares for students and wants to help them. Huntington University is a better place because Lisa invests herself here.”
Lisa Montany came to HU in 2017 as director of financial aid. In her role, she oversees undergraduate, online and graduate financial aid operations. She lives in Huntington County with her husband, Chris, and their two rescued cats.
“It is such an honor to be nominated and named Staff Member of the Year,” said Montany. “There are so many staff at HU who work tirelessly to support our student body and who deserve this nomination. I’m so grateful to be part of a community that stands united in the mission to serve our students in Christ, Service, and Scholarship.”
Choosing the annual staff member of the year is a joint effort of Huntington University faculty, staff and the senior leadership team. Faculty and staff nominate the recipients whom they feel are deserving of the distinction, then the senior leadership team selects the recipient from the list of recommended nominees.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution a “Best Midwestern College.” Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The non-profit university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On Tuesday, May 5, the Huntington University Student Government Association held its annual Forester Night, but in an unconventional fashion. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions placed on gatherings, this year’s Forester Night was streamed via Facebook Live and christened Forester Night LIVE! With Huntington University graduate Jonathon Kane, Class of 2018, hosting the event all the way from Hollywood, California, the unique Forester Night experience was met with incredibly positive feedback, underlining the indominable Forester Spirit.
Although faculty and staff chose most of the evening’s awards recipients (see below), graduating undergraduates had the opportunity to select the winners of the night’s three final awards: 2020 Male Forester of the Year, 2020 Female Forester of the Year and 2020 Professor of the Year.
This spring, students nominated and then voted on their choices for the male and female student who truly represent the Forester spirit and are stellar examples of the Class of 2020. Ultimately, as Forester Night revealed, the students named Joelle Beals as Female Forester of the Year and Isaac Sponseller as Male Forester of the Year.
Students also selected one of their favorite faculty members as the 2020 Professor of the Year. The title went to Dr. Mary Ruthi, professor of sociology and Department of Sociology chair. This is the second time Dr. Ruthi has received this coveted award.
Each year, Huntington University faculty give awards to those seniors whom department faculty deem stellar examples of that department’s values. The 2020 department award winners are:
Forester Night LIVE culminated in the awarding of three special honors, the Servant Leadership Award, the Impact Initiative Scholarship Award, and the Paul and Jean Michelson Outstanding Scholar Award.
The Impact Initiative Scholarship Award is a $1,000 scholarship given to a sophomore for use during their junior year and renewable for their senior year. Selection is based on financial need, current and planned involvements both on and off-campus, and a minimum grade point average of 2.7. This year’s recipient was Grace Arndt.
The Servant Leadership Award recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership both on campus and in the surrounding community. This award comes with a $1,000 scholarship and $250 awarded to a local nonprofit of the honorees’ choice. The 2020 honorees are Rebecca Allen and Josiah Bout.
Elected by members of Alpha Chi and awarded on the basis of academic excellence and leadership, the Paul and Jean Michelson Outstanding Scholar Award was awarded to SangJin Woo.
Since it aired, Forester Night LIVE has reached nearly 12,500 people, most during the live broadcast. With nearly 1,000 comments happening in real-time during the two-and-a-half-hour production and nearly 5,000 views since the broadcast (directed by Professor Adam Widener, assistant professor of digital media arts/broadcast media), the success of the event is clear.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Although the Alpha Chi National Convention that was scheduled to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on March 19-21, 2020, was cancelled, students in Huntington University's chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society participated in a virtual convention by submitting talks via video.
Every student in HU’s Alpha Chi chapter who submitted academic work for a scholarship this year either won a scholarship or was named as an alternate for a scholarship:
Alternate regional scholarship/fellowship winners:
Regional scholarship/fellowship winners:
National scholarship winner:
“I attribute the success of our Alpha Chi students this year to three things. First, like athletes, the students are self-motivated to push themselves to do their best work,” said Alpha Chi Faculty Sponsor Dr. Ruth Nalliah. “Second, these students have great faculty mentors who know them well, to set the expectations, inspire them, and give constructive feedback to help them do their best work. Third, at Huntington University we strive to be a community that fosters and promotes academic excellence, encouraging and enabling students to develop their potential from all angles. Each student is of value to the community, and we strive to recognize and develop that potential.”
Election to Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor at Huntington University.
The student-run Six&Two Theater Company is proud to announce its completely virtual “Comedy Through the Ages” one act festival. The plays will premiere on the Huntington University YouTube page. Tickets are available for free (huntington.edu/OneAct).
“The Bear” is a farce about love, loss...and pistols. Popova has been mourning the loss of her husband for seven months when a creditor shows up and demands payment. Popova explains that the steward of her finances won't be back for a couple days, so the creditor agrees to stay until then. Hilarity ensues as the two of them bicker, exchange insults, and finally agree to a duel that doesn't end quite like anyone expected.
“What Women Want Most” is an audio drama about King Arthur who has a ticklish problem. One of his best knights, Sir Harold Pendragon, is guilty of the heinous crime of stealing a kiss from a noble maiden. The penalty is death! But Sir Harold may go free if he can correctly answer one question: "What is it that women want most?"
“Old Detectives Never Die” is a filmed tale of mystery, theft, and all-around confusion for an innocent Tupperware saleslady who just so happened to ring the doorbell of the aging Sherlock Holmes. Holmes might not be the man he used to be, but he still knows a thing or two about finding out the truth. Watch as the great detective himself works to solve yet another mystery while he’s still in his slippers.
The “Comedy Through the Ages” one act festival will begin this weekend starting with “Old Detectives Never Die” on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m.
Check out the event page online.
“Old Detectives Never Die” - May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Bear” - May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
“What Women Want Most” - May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available for free online at huntington.edu/OneAct.
Huntington University is pleased to announce the accreditation of its occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program. This program is the first accredited OTA bachelor’s degree program in the nation.
“As the first accredited OTA program in the country, we are able to provide education that is cutting-edge, evidence-based and state-of-the-art,” said Dr. Nicole Scheiman, OTA department chair and program director. “We can provide advanced education in clinical practice, leadership and professionalism.”
The five-year accreditation was granted by ACOTE, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. ACOTE’s endorsement is vital because without accreditation students cannot take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant exam. Without taking and passing this exam, students cannot work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
According to Scheiman, accreditation has two fundamental purposes: to assure the quality of the institution or program and to assist in the improvement of the institution or program.
When ACOTE approved providing the occupational therapy assistant degree at the bachelor’s level, Huntington University’s OTA team immediately converted HU’s program accordingly.
“We utilized our advisory board’s recommendations heavily to ensure our program was designed with the best interests of our communities and occupational therapy practitioners in mind,” said Scheiman. “While accreditation is very time consuming, it ensures that our students are getting the very best education and are being prepared adequately to take and pass the NBCOT exam to practice.”
As the first OTA program in the country to be offered at the bachelor’s level, Huntington University offers students something very unique and innovative, noted Scheiman. Having the degree at the bachelor’s level prepares Huntington University graduates for leadership positions that require a bachelor’s degree. Graduates will have a competitive edge in the healthcare arena with advanced education in their field, and employers will have employees who are prepared to be leaders, lifelong learners, and top-level practitioners.
“As a Clinical Fieldwork Educator, my experience with Huntington University students has been very positive,” said Boyd Teusch, COTA/L. “Each student has been thoroughly prepared for the clinical experience. They have been accepting of feedback and eager to learn. Their clinical reasoning skills are evident during debriefing and in their documentation. I am excited to be a partner of the Huntington University occupational therapy assistant program!”
Huntington University’s Class of 2020 will be the first class of students in the nation to graduate with Bachelor of Science degrees in occupational therapy assistant.
“This is an amazing accomplishment that we all have worked for the past four years,” said Ashley Brown, senior OTA major. “This program has made me fall in love with occupational therapy. It wasn’t easy but it has definitely been worth it. I think the advantage of this for me will be to help me get a higher-paying position, help me be a better leader, help me be more marketable for a higher position, and to not have to settle for a job.”
Huntington University is pleased to announce the hiring of Kory Alford as the new Forester men’s basketball coach.
Alford currently serves as the director of player development for the Nevada Wolf Pack (University of Nevada, Reno). Prior to that role, he held various roles for the basketball team at his alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
“I am honored and grateful for this opportunity, and I would like to thank Dr. Emberton, Lori Culler, Russ Degitz and the entire committee for entrusting me to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Huntington University,” said Alford. “It has always been my dream to lead a basketball program, and to be able to do so at a school with such tradition in my home state of Indiana is truly special. God has blessed me throughout my career in this sport, and I consider it a great privilege to be able to contribute to the Christ-centered mission of Huntington University.”
In an interview with Nevada Sports Net earlier this year, Steve Alford predicted his son’s career trajectory, saying “I think he’s got a tremendous future. He’s got the mind of a coach.” It’s that mind that the Foresters are relying on and excited about.
“We are thrilled to have Kory join our coaching staff and HU community,” said Lori Culler, athletic director at Huntington University. “Basketball has always been an important part of Kory’s life, and his wealth of experiences at the Division I level have prepared him for this opportunity. He brings tremendous knowledge of the game, strong recruiting connections, Indiana family ties and a faith-infused approach to coaching that will enable him to hit the ground running. We are excited about the future of our men's basketball program with Kory at the helm.”
Alford’s experience as an athlete and a coach for NCAA Division I programs gives him key insights into team dynamics and operations. While on the coaching staff at University of Nevada, Alford focused on scouting and was the key coordinator of the international recruiting strategy that led to nearly a dozen commitments in one year. He spent four seasons on staff at UCLA as the video analytics coordinator after playing two seasons for the Bruins and two seasons at New Mexico. Alford’s immersion in high-level basketball programs makes him an ideal fit to lead at HU. His abilities in recruiting, film and statistical analysis and building relationships with players will serve him well in the highly competitive Crossroads League.
As a player, he helped four teams reach the NCAA Tournament, which included the 2014 and 2015 squads advancing to the Sweet 16. During his prep career at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was part of two state championship teams.
Between his time at UCLA and New Mexico, Alford's teams won three conference tournament titles and two conference regular-season crowns.
Alumni of Forester Athletics are excited to see Alford take charge of the men’s basketball team.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Kory as the next head men’s basketball coach at Huntington University,” said Jeff Shepherd, class of 1999 and four-year member of the Forester basketball team. “Kory rose to the top of a tremendous candidate pool and is ready to lead the men’s basketball program on and off the court.”
Alford, son and grandson of Indiana basketball legends Steve and Sam Alford, earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA in 2015 and a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco in 2017. Alford and his wife, Haley, look forward to being back home again in Indiana.
The much-anticipated construction on the Huntington Union Building (HUB) at the heart of Huntington University’s campus is officially underway. With Fetters Construction Inc. directing the project, the University looks forward to a smooth renovation process that will result in a first-class student center.
“The great thing in this decision is that we had already allocated the funds to engage in this project as well as encumbered two years of note payments,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “It was a clear decision that the HUB would be a great win for our campus, and one that students can celebrate on their return.”
Though several strong and capable companies bid on the project, ultimately the project was awarded to Fetters Construction Inc.
“Fetters Construction has been a valued and trusted partner to Huntington University for many years,” said Dr. Russ Degitz, chief operating officer at Huntington University. “We embarked on a competitive bid process to be the best stewards of our resources, and Fetters Construction was the best fit.”
Naturally, there is a mixture of excitement and inconvenience with this large undertaking.
“We hope that excitement builds and our campus community enjoys watching the reimagined HUB take shape,” said Degitz. “We intend to work closely with our contractors to ensure that inconveniences and disruptions are kept to a minimum.”
It is estimated that construction will be completed by the end of the calendar year (December 2020).
“The HUB remains the center of our curricular and co-curricular conversations outside of classroom hours. Relationships and collaborations are formed here that last a lifetime,” said Emberton. “Personally, I want to give back to our campus a facility that is dedicated to serving them well. I can’t wait to see how God is going to show up in this place!”
The faculty and staff at Huntington University aren’t letting COVID-19 stop them from connecting (virtually) with current students and future students. Prior to the “shelter at home” order for the state of Indiana, HU’s School of the Arts was preparing for a visit event featuring Dallas Jenkins, creator and producer of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about the life of Christ.
Though Jenkins can’t be on site in person, he will still be here virtually!
Dallas stepped into the world of film in his early 20s and now, over two decades later, has:
And those are just a few of the highlights.
But it’s his latest project that is, perhaps, nearest and dearest to his heart. It’s his experience with The Chosen that Dallas will share about in his Visiting Artist Talk/Q&A on April 16, and you’re invited to join!
The virtual visit day will feature:
“Dallas’ writing and directing are a true inspiration for today’s young storytellers who want to impact this world with a message of love, hope and the realities of the human condition in a fallen world,” said Dr. Lance Clark, dean of the School of the Arts.
To learn more about this event or to RSVP, visit huntington.edu/April16
The Huntington University Theatre Company is pleased to announce the 2020-2021 Theatre Season.
“We look at a lot of different things when selecting a season, such as what actors will be returning next year, what other events are going on at HU and in the area, how the shows balance budget-wise, etc.,” said Ryan Long, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and assistant professor of theatre. “I also try to balance contemporary and classical works so that students get a good mix of both during their time here.”
All three of this year’s shows will be making their Huntington University debut.
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson September 24-26, 2020 Studio Theatre Directed by Ryan Long
Fuente Ovejuna by Lope de Vega, translated by Adrian Mitchell November 12-14, 2020 Zurcher Auditorium Directed by Adam Sahli
Seussical music and book by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics and book by Lynn Ahrens, based on the works of Dr. Seuss April 15-17, 2021 Zurcher Auditorium Directed by Alex Price
In addition to bringing something new to Huntington University audiences, the three shows are unique opportunities for student performers and align with the season’s theme: New Perspectives.
“Each show features characters who demonstrate viewing things from a new perspective, as well as sharing that perspective with the audience and other characters in the shows,” said Long.
The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University is pleased to announce that Brooks Walker is the winner of the 2019 Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize. Walker is from Columbia City, Indiana, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in history and Christian ministries. He intends to graduate in May 2021 and pursue a career in nonprofit management.
The Barlow Prize is given to an outstanding student in the department’s advanced research seminar. Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history at Huntington University, recognized Walker.
“Brooks turned in an exemplary performance in the seminar,” said Webb. “He demonstrated the key qualities that make for success in both the classroom and in life: open-mindedness, critical engagement and resilience. His academic leadership at HU is admired by faculty and peers alike.”
Webb’s Seminar in Contemporary U.S. Politics focused on different aspects of the American political process; Walker’s research project studied the issue of voter fraud and voter suppression in contemporary election cycles.
The Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize honors the memory of Professor Barlow, who served for over three decades as professor of American History at Huntington University, and carries a cash award sponsored by the Ron Frank Fund, which rewards academic achievement and student participation at professional academic conferences. The fund was established in 1973 in honor of Ron Frank, who passed away unexpectedly in the spring semester of his senior year at Huntington University.
PEORIA, AZ. — Huntington University Arizona is pleased to announce that Chelsey Edwards has joined the team as the academic fieldwork coordinator in Arizona for Huntington University’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy.
“I have always had a passion for working in academia and helping students be successful as they progress in their academic careers,” said Edwards, which makes this position an ideal fit for her.
Edwards is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, an NBCOT registered therapist, and holds her OT license. In April, she will graduate with her PPOTD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with an emphasis in education.
“I am completing my post-professional OTD capstone on best practice in fieldwork so I can help support and guide this fieldwork program through evidence-based practice and scholarship through faith in Jesus Christ,” said Edwards, which once again aligns Edwards ideally with her position in HU’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy in Arizona.
Huntington University Arizona opened its doors in 2016, welcoming students seeking a degree in digital media arts. The facility, a 30,000 square-foot building, houses bachelor’s degree programs in animation, film production, broadcast media and graphic design. The facility features film and TV studios, high-end computer classroom/labs, private editing suites, a state-of-the-art TV control room, Foley pit, a host of EFP and cinema cameras, and lighting gear for student production work.
Huntington University’s Department of History & Political Science has presented the 2020 S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History to Ashley Spirek.
The S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History was established by a Huntington University history alumna to honor the memory of this alum’s graduate school mentor. By funding the award, the donor wishes to encourage upper-level history students in their undergraduate study of history. The award goes to a junior or senior history major who submits the most outstanding work of original scholarship. Each year the recipient receives a plaque and a cash award.
Spirek, from Kyiv, Ukraine, is a quadruple major in history, philosophy, political science, and international & development studies. Upon graduation in May 2021, she hopes to pursue further study in history. Spirek received the award for her paper about the Vietnam War from a prompt: “Assess the view that from 1949 to the Tet Offensive America ‘chose war’ and that after Tet America ‘chose peace.’”
“Ashley has produced an exemplary research paper. In doing so, she has demonstrated a highly felicitous and coherent understanding of one of America’s most contested Cold War episodes. This was achieved through a sophisticated use of examples and a highly lucid academic writing style. The result is a most dynamic and engaging paper,” stated Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history.
Huntington University’s Department of History & Political Science offers a broad program of study that is research-led and taught by professors who are dedicated to their students. Students develop abilities in literary and oral communication, argument analysis, teamwork, independent research and presentation skills that equip them for careers in law, political science, not-for-profit sectors, business, media and government.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies has added two new programs: crop science and agronomy and animal science.
“Adding crop science and agronomy and animal science broadens the horizon for future ag majors at Huntington University,” said Nate Perry, coordinator of ag operations and external relations. “A number of prospective students have indicated an interest in not just the business side of crop production or animal production but also the science and study of those areas.”
The new programs will join an agriculture curriculum lineup that currently includes agribusiness and agricultural education.
“These new majors allow students to select which area matches more closely to their interest area,” said Perry. “Additionally, many of the companies that support Huntington University agriculture have shown an interest in employing students and graduates who have advanced knowledge in these areas.”
For the fourth year in a row, Huntington University animation and film students in Indiana and Arizona have garnered top awards at the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts. This year, Huntington University took second place in overall awards.
This year’s competition was the largest yet including over 1,700 entries from over 300 universities around the world. Of the 18 Best of Festival awards the BEA, Huntington University claimed two of them.
“It is both a joy and privilege to teach and serve in our digital media arts department,” said Dr. Lance Clark, associate dean of the arts and professor of digital media arts at Huntington University. “When we launched our programs in film, animation and broadcast media 15 years ago we had a vision to be the top school in the nation. Little did I know that we would accomplish that so soon. Prospective students who want a top-notch faith center education in the arts should really look no further than Huntington University and our School of the Arts.”
In addition to the two Best of Festival awards, Huntington University students garnered the Best of Fest Student Film & Video award in the Film & Video Competition category, as well as the first, second, third place awards and the Award of Excellence in the Student Film & Video Competition Animation/Experimental/Mixed categories.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our HU Arizona animation program and the work that Christian Washington and the students are doing,” said Phil Wilson, Arizona digital media arts program director. “We brought Christian on just last year, which feels like yesterday, and now his program has won a ‘Best Of.’ This marks two years in a row that HU Arizona has brought home a “Best Of” at BEA. I think it comes down to our hands-on curriculum, hard-working students, and focus on the fundamentals of good storytelling.”
The Broadcast Educators Association Festival of Media Arts is a competitive festival open to BEA individual faculty and student members. Competition ranges from dramatic narratives to non-fiction documentary and news to the frontiers of interactive multimedia. This year’s awards presentation will take place during the BEA’s annual convention on April 18-21 in Las Vegas.
Huntington University took home the following honors and awards:
Best of Fest: “Sleepwalker (Feature Category)” by Matt Webb Category: Faculty Scriptwriting Category
Best Of Fest: “Tobeus & Toby” by Alyssa Alley, Alexa Bland, Kesmine Hickman, Sarah Wickenhauser Category: Animation/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Christian Washington
3rd place: “Adventures of Norm Promo Campaign” by Samantha Creager & Taylor Haywood Category: Multimedia Sound Design Faculty Advisor: Adam Widener
1st place: “Stranger” by Chloe Caufield Category: Student Documentary - Micro Documentary Faculty Advisor: Phil Wilson
Award of Excellence “Copper Hills Center of the Arts Promo” by Phil Wilson Category: Commercial or PSA - Faculty
1st place: “Bubble” by Briana Valenzuela, Abi Stewart, Petra Vargas, Kesmine Hickman Category: Animation/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Christian Washington
2nd place: “Instruments” by Carley Shepherd Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi
3rd Place: FDN Sports Intro by Mado Gonzalez, Bronson Dye & Hunter Rose Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Bryan Ballinger and Josh Addessi
Award of Excellence: “Everyday Adventures” by Noah Stinson, Michaela Stinson Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi and Bryan Ballinger
Award of Excellence: “Fire Flower” by Kayla Heidenreich, Nikki Hines, Rebecca Atkins & Kayden Seymour Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Steve Leeper and Curtis Wood
Award of Excellence: “The Fantastic Adventures of the Interstellar Millers Trailer” by Jacob Salsbury Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi
3rd place: “Animated Camera as Narrator in The Wind Rises” by Linus Obenhaus Category: Instructional/Educational Category Faculty Advisor: Matthew Webb
Award of Excellence “Against These Things” by Joe Stone and Joseph McNichols Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence “Kim” by Chloe Caufield Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence “What We Become” by Stephen Davis, Lisette Perez, and Joseph McNichols Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence: “Fire Flower” by Kayla Heidenreich, Nikki Hines, Rebecca Atkins & Kayden Seymour Category: Narrative Category Faculty Advisor: Steve Leeper and Curtis Wood
Award of Excellence: “Glitch” by Daniel Isaacs Category: Short Subject Faculty Advisor: Matt Webb
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The American Library Association has announced that a book Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history, co-edited has been named one of seven “2020 Outstanding Reference Sources” at its annual January meeting in Philadelphia. The two-volume reference book, Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History (ABC-CLIO, 2019), was selected by research and reference librarians in the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association.
Huntington University students Benjamin Kratz, Reilly Vore and Juliet Wilson served as assistant editors, and Jonathan Krull, director of the Huntington University Honors Program, contributed several articles. Dr. Christopher Fee, professor of English at Gettysburg College, served as the other co-editor. The Office of Academic Affairs and the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Research and Artistic Creation Fund at Huntington University generously supported the project.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Huntington University Art + Design department is currently hosting its largest gallery show of the year in the Robert E. Wilson Gallery. The 15th Annual High School Art Exhibit features 125 works by area 9-12 grade students from 12 different high schools, as well as home school students.
Ashley Hall, a junior Art Education major, is this year's High School Exhibit Show Coordinator. She was elected into this position last year and is also the Vice President of HU's Art Ed Association.
"While working on this exhibit I really learned just how much work goes into organizing dates, contacting schools, and coordinating with everyone else working to put this show together," Hall said, "It has been a fun experience, and the evidence of our hard work is in the gallery."
"Under Ashley's leadership, this year's is the largest HU High School Art Exhibit we've had since it started 15 years ago," said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Art, Barb Michael, "She has been a superstar."
But Ashley didn't put the show together alone. Megan Duckworth, also a Junior Art Education major, is the Student Assistant Gallery Director for the Department of Art + Design and helped put together this gallery.
"I have loved seeing all the artistic talent that is in the surrounding high schools. I would say this year's show is by far the most outstanding high school show I have seen since being here at HU," she said. "There is such a wide range of style and media within the exhibit, and I know there will be multiple pieces that will catch people's eyes. It is so exciting to see all the artistic talent and creativity in this generation of artists."
Art Education majors plan this show from beginning to end. It helps students to learn things like, setting or revising exhibit criteria, contacting area art teachers to invite them to submit student work, overseeing the marketing of the show, accepting the artwork from art teachers, installing the work in the gallery, announcing and handing out awards at the reception, and so much more. They've been planning this show since last August.
"The experience gives them a good idea of all the work that goes into a large exhibit from the planning side of things," Michel said.
Along with helping students learn how to put on a gallery, Professor Michael believes that showcasing art is an important reason to put on this gallery. "As future art teachers, it is a great way for them to experience an exhibit from the planning side," she said.
"We enjoy the opportunity to showcase talented high school art in a professional setting. This work deserves to be in the public eye," She said. She also expressed how much hard work the High School teachers put in to make this happen too, "We appreciate the art teachers who use their own gas money and time outside of school, to participate in the show. They are vital to the success of the exhibit. These are dedicated educators, and people we want our own future art teachers to get to know."
Not only to the high school teachers spend time and money on this gallery, but they also have the daunting task of choosing which art makes it into the show. Each school can enter ten pieces of art into the gallery. This can prove difficult when coming from a larger school, maybe with multiple art teachers.
The show runs through February 21, and there is an awards reception Saturday, February 15, from 6-7:30.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce the promotion of three faculty members: Professor Matt Webb, Dr. Kevin Drury, and Dr. Brock Zehr.
"Promotions are one way that the University recognizes their efforts and contributions inside the classroom, in the University community, and in their larger academic disciplines,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.
Between the three professors, promotions will include from Instructor to Assistant Professor and from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor.
"Faculty members moving from instructor to assistant professor have made significant progress toward a terminal degree and have demonstrated a high degree of competence as teachers," adds Fetters. "Faculty members moving from assistant professor to associate professor have completed their terminal degrees, have been in higher education for at least five years, have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, and are making contributions that extend beyond the classroom and Huntington University."
Professor Matt Webb has been promoted from instructor of film production to assistant professor of film production. Webb is a Huntington University grad from the Class of 1998, earned his Master of Arts degree in theology and arts from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and has been teaching at Huntington University since 2016.
Dr. Kevin Drury has been promoted from assistant professor of mathematics to associate professor of mathematics. Drury has studied at Virginia Tech, Yale, and the University of Chicago. He has also conducted math research at the University of California Santa Barbara and the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Brock Zehr has been promoted from assistant professor of business and director of the MBA program to associate professor of business and director of the MBA program. Before coming to Huntington University, Zehr worked in the banking and financial services industries and even owned his own specialty finance company and a vending services business. Zehr started as an adjunct professor in 2009 and was offered the assistant professor of business position in 2015.
Along with these three promotions, the University has announced that Dr. Tim Smith and Dr. Todd Martin will be taking sabbaticals within the next few semesters.
"A sabbatical is an opportunity for faculty members to step away from the classroom for a semester to focus on their scholarly activities," said Fetters. "Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Martin are world-class scholars in their specific areas of study."
Sabbaticals offer faculty members focused attention on research that will then enhance their portfolio, add value to their teaching, and even expand Huntington University's reputation.
Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history, will be taking a sabbatical during the fall semester of 2020. Smith has been with Huntington University since 2007 and has a record of many accomplishments. He has written four books on the imperial and diplomatic history in Asia. Before coming to Huntington University, Smith taught in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Todd Martin, professor of English, will be taking a sabbatical in the spring of 2021. Martin’s scholarly interests and publications currently include a passion for the short fiction of Katherine Mansfield, and he has presented research on Mansfield around the world.
Huntington University Arizona is pleased to announce that Evelyn Andersson, PhD, OTR/L, has joined the team as the program director in Arizona for Huntington University’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy.
Dr. Andersson brings 24 years of full-time practice as an occupational therapist and 14 years of full-time academic experience from several universities to the Huntington University Arizona team. In her role as occupational therapy faculty, Dr. Andersson has been involved in different formats of occupational therapy education such as entry-level master’s, five-year bachelor’s to master’s, occupational assistant to occupational therapist bridge, post-professional master’s and PhD programs in occupational therapy. She has taught in traditional classroom settings as well as online formats on many topics such as theory development, research methods, neuroscience, pediatrics, health and wellness and mentorship of research in master’s and doctoral level occupational therapy programs. At her other university appointments Dr. Andersson has participated in preparing accreditation for occupational therapy programs and PhD program reviews. She has presented on a variety of pediatric and education related topics nationally and internationally.
“Being given the opportunity to develop and launch a new program is a dream job for me,” said Dr. Andersson. “To do it with the support and Christian compassion of Huntington University is more than I ever could ask for!”
Dr. Andersson completed her initial occupational therapy and faculty education training at Munksjoskolan and Uppsala University, Sweden. She earned a post-professional master’s degree in occupational therapy from Columbia University with a focus on administration and pediatrics, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Andersson is currently serving as the president of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association.
“The Phoenix metroplex is experiencing strong population growth, and the rural areas continue to be in need of occupational therapists,” said Dr. Andersson of the role occupational therapy plays in Arizona. “Employers cannot find therapists to fill their positions. Arizona is going to continue to be a strong job market for occupational therapists.”
Dr. Andersson has practiced in hospitals, clinics, home health, primary care, and school systems for pediatric, adult and aging populations both in Sweden and the United States. She is currently exploring wellness interventions using qigong, tai chi and yoga therapy with foci on trauma, aging and autism.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Charlie Brown and his beloved band of Peanuts characters are coming to life on the Huntington University stage. Based on the classic comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical features Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and Snoopy in a charming revue of vignettes and songs. The characters tackle the challenges of friendship, the highs and lows of sibling relationships, the pitfalls of elementary school, and other life lessons with the wit and humor that have charmed readers and audiences for over 65 years.
Though the comic strip is many years older than any of these young thespians, they are all energized by the idea of “creating three-dimensional character out of these two-dimensional creations,” as senior Eleni Hanson, the theatre performance major who is portraying Lucy, put it.
“Everybody in the cast is more than five years old, but our characters are supposed to be around that age,” said Andrew Bower, senior theatre performance major, who is portraying Charlie Brown. “We’re playing kids, so we have to figure out what that means physically and vocally since it’s a musical.”
Even the lovable beagle Snoopy is inspiring bourgeoning actors to get into character.
“I’m been eating kibble for the last two weeks to get into character,” joked freshman film major Brody Bowman, who will be playing the canine. “Just kidding. But really, it has been incredibly fun to pretend. As a kid you pretend to be an animal all the time, so to be able to be these characters that are so unapologetically childlike, it’s great!”
Since it first premiered off-Broadway at Theatre 80 in 1967 to its 2016 off-Broadway revival, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album as well as Tony awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical, and it has won the Drama Desk Award for Best Performer and Outstanding Director of a Musical, Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, and Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a musical, to name a few.
The show opens on February 27 at 7:30 p.m. with additional shows on February 28, 29 and March 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and February 29 and March 7 at 2:00 p.m. All shows will take place in the Studio Theatre in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at the Huntington University Box Office or online at huntington.edu/CharlieBrown. Tickets range from $5 to $13.
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark, a Concord Theatricals Company. It is based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz; book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner; additional dialogue by Michael Mayer; additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa; original direction for this version of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Michael Mayer; originally produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson