Under the National Science Foundation grant, Norfolk State’s IGERT project focuses on the magnetic and nanostructured materials (MNM) area, which brings together the fields of chemistry, computer science, physics, biology, engineering, materials science and engineering education. Known as IGERT-MNM, the project’s goal is to train students to conduct research that will lead to faster, smaller and more efficient devices and technologies with numerous applications, and in the process, help them become change agents for how research is performed and graduate education is delivered in the future.

“Graduate education is generally done in silos, with students learning about a specific discipline, and even more so about a specific research project,” said Suely Black, chemistry professor and the program director. “The IGERT-MNM regularly exposes students to research done outside their comfort zone, challenging them to apply the skills and knowledge they have accumulated in their disciplines to a topic outside their training.”

Norfolk State, which is the lead investigator on the project, is developing this new approach through a partnership with Cornell and Purdue universities. The project grant is being distributed over a five-year period with NSU receiving nearly $2.3 million while Cornell and Purdue will receive approximately $900,500 over the same period. “NSU is the only Historically Black College or University that currently is funded by the National Science Foundation under the IGERT program,” said Black. “This program is highly competitive and mostly only large and resourceful institutions are able to present a compelling case for funding.”

 Hall attributes the increase to a better awareness of the quality and type of research conducted at the University and to improved solicitation strategies. “Our research is no longer a best kept secret,” said Hall. “Accordingly, Norfolk State University now successfully assumes a posture of competitor, innovator and sought-after partner.” In addition, Hall said that continued efforts are made to increase the quality and dollar value of strategically sought-out proposal submissions and faculty are encouraged to pursue nontraditional sponsors and to increase partnerships.

 The College of Science, Engineering and Technology had the highest number of awards at 62 with a total amount of $10,114,472 received. Title III funding had the second highest number of awards with 19 for a total amount of $6,772,993. The third highest level of awards went to the School of Education with 10 awards totaling $992,868.

 Hall said that many programs historically supported by federal funds are slated for significant reductions, and in some instances possible elimination; however, a plan is in place to help offset some of those reductions. Measures include the Office of Sponsored Programs working to bring in new work and expanded partnerships as well as spurring economic development through the recently established Small Business Innovative Resource Center. “It is imperative,” said Hall, “that we stay the course, display our strengths, expand our relationships and grow the enterprise for the betterment of society and the customers we serve.”

Sass will be responsible for providing leadership to the offices of admissions, financial aid, registrar, new student orientation and customer care. With the support of the academic units and other campus departments, she will also be responsible for guiding the achievement of enrollment goals and increasing student and parent satisfaction with administrative services.

In 1988, Sass began her career at NSU. She brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education. During her tenure, she has served as director of institutional research and activity director for the President’s Institute for Administrative Leadership. She also serves on multiple committees and tasks forces including the Commission on Strategic Planning and co-leader for the Colleague Student System Implementation.

She received a master’s degree from NSU in urban affairs and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Francis Marion High University in Florence, S.C. Additionally she received post-Master’s certificates in Enrollment Management from Noel-Levitz and Capella University in Minneapolis. Her numerous honors and citations include a listing in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities and membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her professional memberships include the Association for Institutional Research, Southern Association for Institutional Research, Society for College and University Planning, Virginia Management and Planning Association, Datatel User’s Group and the American Association for Higher Education.

Prior to coming to Norfolk State, Mayes served as an early college awareness advisor at the ACCESS College Foundation where she was responsible for implementing early college awareness programs in nine middle schools.  She worked alongside principals and school counselors to ensure that students’ had the tools and necessary information needed to begin their pursuit of a higher education. While at the ACCESS College Foundation, she created and presented a host of informational and interactive workshops to help prepare and provide students access to college.

She also previously served as acting director of undergraduate admissions at Old Dominion University where she presided over the day-to-day activities of the admissions office; provided leadership, management, training and motivation to nearly 40 recruitment and operational admissions personnel; supervised the undergraduate admissions leadership team by establishing goals and providing direction for all units; and implemented a host of enhanced recruitment tools. At ODU, she also served as the director of recruitment, scholarship and events; assistant director of recruitment and scholarships, and a senior admissions counselor.

 Mayes graduated from Norview High School in Norfolk, Va. and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion. Professional recognitions include being named an “Outstanding Young Professional” from the Virginia Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; a “Diversity Champion” by ODU and a “Voice of Distinction” award from Virginia Wesleyan College.  She is a member of the Virginia College Access Network Board of Directors, the ACT State Advisory Committee, the Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

She currently resides in Suffolk with her husband, Tony Mayes, and their daughter Anaya.

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Here are some tips which hopefully will keep you from being a victim of theft of your personal belongings from your vehicle.

Do not leave anything in your vehicle in plain sight which you would not want taken.

• Always lock your doors even if you plan to be away from your vehicle for only a minute such as running in to pay for gas.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• When shopping, always make sure to place purchases in the trunk and out of sight before going to the next shopping area to park.
• Try to maintain a “clutter free” vehicle.
• If you don’t have the luxury of parking your vehicle in the garage at night and have to park it in the driveway or on the street in front of the house, make sure to remove the garage door opener.  This is a key to your home!
• Consider replacing standard license plate screws with theft deterrent screws available at auto parts stores.

Again, the best advice is to not leave anything in your vehicle, or at least in plain sight, that you would not want taken.  Even the smallest most insignificant items left in plain view could result in a window being smashed which causes a great deal of expense and mess.  If you eliminate the opportunity, you will more than likely eliminate the crime.

Safety Reminders:

-Do not walk alone at night!

-Secure items left in your vehicle!

-Report any suspicious activity!

-Use the Campus Police Student Escort Service–(757-823-9492)

This notice is produced by NSUPD and is required by Federal Law.

Information provided by: Norfolk State University Police Department

Non-emergency 757-823-8102/EMERGENCY 757-823-9000 ]]> http://nsunewsroom.com/blog/2011/11/23/campus-crime-alert-2011-12-2/feed/ 0 http://nsunewsroom.com/blog/2011/11/22/holiday-celebration-to-be-held-nov-30/ http://nsunewsroom.com/blog/2011/11/22/holiday-celebration-to-be-held-nov-30/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:04:33 +0000 Communications and Marketing http://nsunewsroom.com/blog/?p=390 Come to the faculty, staff and student Holiday Celebration on Wed., Nov. 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. The celebration will include remarks by President Tony Atwater, a Christmas tree lighting, music and refreshments.