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August 8 , 2006
In this Issue:
- UW-RF names new Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
- Fourth Annual Regional Economic Synergy Conference Set
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- Venison Workshops coming to UW-RF
- Financial Certificate Planning Workshop Underway
- Global Kids language classes offered this Fall
- Elementary Spanish class offered by UW-Stout
- 15th Annual Career Fair scheduled for Oct. 18
- Key Business Contacts
1. UW-RF names new Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
An expert in information sciences, technology transfer and knowledge management and a seasoned university administrator and faculty member has been named as provost at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Charles D. Hurt, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at West Chester (Pa.) University, has been selected as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. Hurt replaces Virginia Coombs, who left in June for a post at Keuka College in New York.
"Charlie brings energy, experience and insight to this vital position," said UW-RF Chancellor Don Betz. "His collaborative work and leadership and faculty roles have prepared him well for this opportunity."
In his most recent position at West Chester University as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Hurt had direct responsibility for 253 full-time faculty and 188 adjunct faculty as well as an annual budget of $30 million in the largest college within WCU, which has 13,000 students.
"I look forward to walking around and talking with people on campus," says Hurt. "I think being an active listener is a hallmark of leadership."
Hurt met his wife, Susan, while earning his doctorate at UW-Madison. Her mother has lived in Wisconsin and now lives in Rochester, Minn. "One of the things I anticipate is getting to know UW-River Falls and the immediate area," said Hurt, a native of Virginia. "When we were at UW-Madison, I loved the people, the work ethic and the weather."
His accomplishments at WCU since joining its staff in 2002 include developing a consortium for large scientific instruments within the university and in collaboration with other institutions and implementing a strategic plan process to prioritize programs and reallocate resources. He guided the college through a $1.3 million shortfall in his first two years and developed a $1.9 million surplus in 2004-05.
Hurt's administrative experience includes dean- and directorships at the University of Arizona. He was associate, acting and interim dean of its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; head of the Near Eastern studies department; and director of its School of Information Resources and Library Science. He also held academic appointments in the departments of communication and anthropology.
Hurt's book, "Microeconomics of Information," is forthcoming from Information Prime NA, Inc. in Hockessin, Del. Among his books are "Information Sources in Science and Technology," in its third edition, and "Scientific and Technical Literature: An Introduction to Forms of Communication."
Having authored more than 50 journal articles, conference papers and reports, Hurt's scholarly works include topics ranging from information retrieval and knowledge management to scientific information. His publications have appeared in journals such as Information Processing and Management, Cataloging and Classification Quarterly, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Scientometrics. Hurt has been a reviewer and acquisitions editor for several academic publishers.
He holds a B.A. in English literature from the University of Virginia, an M.S. in information science from the University of Kentucky and a Ph.D. in information science from UW-Madison. Hurt has taught at the University of Arizona, Simmons College, McGill University and UW-Madison. He also holds a certificate in advanced leadership from the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, N.C.
2. Fourth Annual Regional Economic Synergy Conference Set
The University of Wisconsin-Stout will host the fourth annual Synergy Conference Sept. 20-21 at its Memorial Student Center.
The conference provides an opportunity for leaders in business, community, workforce development, government, health care and education to focus on issues and find practical solutions to the challenges that accompany economic growth in a nine-county region of West Central Wisconsin. The region includes the counties of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix.
Keynote speakers include Rebecca Ryan, founder of Next Generation Consulting, and Jack Schultz, author of Boomtown, USA.
Ryan’s presentation will focus on the steps West Central Wisconsin can take to reverse its brain drain. She also will present a “handprint,” or regional profile, of the area based on seven leading indexes for retaining and developing a talented workforce.
Schultz will present innovative ways rural communities can recruit new businesses and retain young adults through better job opportunities. He also will participate in a breakout session on economic development.
Breakout sessions include the following topics and presenters:
- Affordable health care: Practical strategies for business—Helene Nelson, state secretary of health, on Sept. 20; and Chris Queram, chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality, on Sept. 21
- Economic development: Living the American dream in West Central Wisconsin—Pat Dillon, regional director of Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Network
- Education: Synergy of access and opportunity—panel of education and industry representatives
- Quality of life: Planning for change, sustaining character—Eric Sanden, professor of land use planning, UW-River Falls
- Workforce development: Talent: A critical factor for regional development—moderated by Rebecca Ryan
The registration fee is $99 for registrations postmarked by Aug. 31; $119 after Aug. 31. Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or for more information, visit the conference Web site at http://wcw-synergy.net or call UW-Stout Outreach Services at 715/232-2793, toll free 800-457-8688.
3. The Troubles in Northern Ireland
Right now, there is peace in Northern Ireland – with hopes for workable shared governance. But for 30 years, the struggles of the different factions operating there resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people, and the injury of thousands more. These events have confused and frightened people worldwide. Is there a real chance for lasting peace?
Join presenter Kenneth Olson, UW-RF English department, for an assessment and perspective on the troubles in Northern Ireland, including the politics and incidents of conflict, the culture, and climate for change. Olson has traveled and studied extensively throughout Ireland.
This is one of four Community Classroom events sponsored by the College of Arts and Science and the Outreach office this fall. All events are free and open to the public. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the River Falls Public Library on Division and Union streets in River Falls. No reservations are required.
For more information, visit the web site at www.uwrf.edu/outreach or contact the Outreach office at outreach@uwrf.edu or call 800-228-5607.
4. Venison Workshops coming to UW-RF
Two noncredit workshops for deer hunters and amateur chefs are on tap for this fall.
In “From Field to Freezer” you will learn safe killing, dressing, boning, and cutting techniques. There will be demonstrations of basic kill zones on the deer, correct techniques and equipment for field gutting, skinning, caping, cutting and boning, and getting the meat ready for freezing.
In “Sausage and Jerky Making” you will learn basic recipes, spicing options, at-home processing techniques and equipment, packaging and storing methods, and safe food handling.
To receive information on workshop dates and costs, send an email to outreach@uwrf.edu or call 715/425-3256 or 800-228-5607.
5. Financial Certificate Planning Workshop Underway
Planning for the first of five classes that comprise the UW-RF’s Financial Planning Certificate is underway.
“Financial Planning Process and Insurance” covers the legal, ethical, and regulatory issues affecting financial planning and the time-value of money concepts that are the basis for successful financial planning. Insurance principals and risk management that help in identifying a client's needs are also discussed.
Classes are held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Contact the Outreach office at outreach@uwrf.edu to be notified when dates are set.
6. Global Kids language classes offered this Fall
Global Kids, an exploratory foreign language program for children in first through fifth grade will be available this year. Chinese, German and Spanish classes will be offered in two, eight-week sessions, once in the fall and once in the winter. Classes will be held generally from 4 - 4:45 p.m. on Mondays or Thursdays.
Global Kids is co-sponsored by UW-RF Outreach and Zanie Janie at Check It Out in River Falls. To receive registration information when available, send an email to outreach@uwrf.edu or call 715/425-3256.
7. Elementary Spanish class offered by UW-Stout
UW-Stout is offering a 10-week program beginning Sept. 11 for those who want to learn elementary Spanish.
This program is for individuals, who work with Spanish speakers in medical, dental, agricultural, hospitality, business, construction, law enforcement and legal services, as well as people who want an introduction to spoken Spanish for personal growth, travel and family interactions.
Classes will be Mondays and Thursdays, from 6:30-9 p.m. Detailed information and registration available at http://www.uwstout.edu/outreach/conf/spanish.
8. 15th Annual Career Fair scheduled for Oct. 18
Your organization is cordially invited to the 15th Annual UW-River Falls Career Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Karges Gymnasium.
The Career Fair is an ideal opportunity for your business to attract potential employees or interns. The Career Fair provides the opportunity to match qualified candidates with employer needs. UW-River Falls generates a pool of highly qualified students every year. Last year’s Career Fair attracted nearly 1,000 students.
Please note: Reservations for the Career Fair are on a first-come, first-served basis. We have invited more than 1,500 organizations to participate, but we have a maximum capacity of 100 booths. Please register early to secure a booth for the UW-RF Career Fair 2006.
Questions about the Career Fair? Contact Tracia Gimbut, Career Fair Coordinator, by email at cfcoordinator@uwrf.edu or by telephone at 715/425-3572.
6. Key Business Contacts
Don't know where to start to find help on business matters?
Try these contacts:
Area Resource Center: www.uwrf.edu/current/info/AtoZ.phtml
Career Services: www.uwrf.edu/ccs/
Center For Economic Research: 715/425-3335
Center for Economic Education: 715/425-3269
College of Business and Economics:
www.uwrf.edu/cbe/
Outreach and Graduate Studies: www.uwrf.edu/ogs/
Small Business Development Center:
715/425-0620
Survey Research Center: 715/425-0701
UW-RF BizNews is produced by the College of Business
& Economics, Outreach and Graduate Studies, Career
and Counseling Services, and the Office of Public Affairs.
Questions, comments or suggestions about this BizNews
E-mail? Contact Mark.A.Kinders@uwrf.edu.
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