Newman Challenge Alumni Magazine

Setting a course for the future

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MasterPlanMain

Over the next 15 to 20 years, the population on the Newman University campus in Wichita will more than double to almost 3,000 students. Close to 700 of those students will live on-campus – also double today’s figure – with many lodged in new residence halls. The campus will include a new science center, and other new or renovated buildings that house technologically advanced classrooms, a new art studio, an expanded gymnasium for athletic competitions and a separate facility for recreation and fitness.

And, the university will be preparing for the next stage of campus expansion.

These are just a few of the goals and possible initiatives Newman will take to prepare for anticipated growth over the next 15 to 20 years, as outlined in the new Campus Master Plan. The plan, a collaborative effort that involved faculty, staff, students, Board of Trustees members and others in the Newman community, examined the state of campus facilities today, drew from goals in the university Strategic Plan, and made best projections for the future to create a roadmap for future campus development.

“This plan is designed to address some of the issues we face today as well as those we anticipate for tomorrow,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “We expect – and want – more growth in enrollment, and will need correlating advances in technology and physical plant to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff. This plan will help us promote the Newman mission by providing our students with the facilities
and technology they need to be successful and, ultimately, to transform society.”

To help create the plan, Newman enlisted the services of Hastings & Chivetta Architects of St. Louis, Mo., in association with science laboratory planner Research Facilities Design Associates of San Diego, Calif., and landscape planner studioINSITE from Colorado. This planning team was chosen in large part because of Research Facilities Design’s expertise in science and laboratory facilities.

Steering Committee Co-chair Mark Dresselhaus, vice president for finance and administration at Newman, noted that the project began with a look at the Campus Master Plan done in 1992.

“That plan laid the groundwork for the work that followed: Eck Hall, The De Mattias Center and O’Shaughnessy Hall, Beata Hall, the Dugan Library and Campus Center and other improvements,” he said. “Hastings & Chivetta was commissioned to build on where we are by looking at our future academic needs, campus housing needs, athletic and recreational needs and other aspects of the campus.”

In May 2009, Steering Committee members and Hastings & Chivetta personnel launched an assessment of the campus that covered everything from the condition of existing buildings to the total number of classrooms to available storage space. From there, university officials factored in goals in the recent five-year Strategic Plan, and made projections of growth in the student population on campus from natural demographics, academic program development, recruiting efforts, increased access for students through more scholarship programs, and partnerships with area dioceses and schools.

The university and Hastings & Chivetta also held a series of workshops with Newman employees, students and other constituents to identify specific issues (see related story).

The research found that a new science building is the university’s most urgent need, as the Newman community had already surmised. Study participants also pointed to a need for better classrooms with up-to-date equipment, expanded bandwidth and wireless capability, and technological systems that are universal across campus.

Increasing enrollments of both resident and commuter students also means more facilities will be needed for living, socializing and recreating, including separate team sports facilities and recreation and fitness facilities available to all students.

Based on these and other findings, Hastings & Chivetta working with university officials created a master plan designed to provide facility planning and guidance for the next 20 years.

“I think our community did a good job of expressing trends, needs and a shared vision for the future into a comprehensive plan,” Dresselhaus said. “The result is a plan that can be implemented over the coming years.”

See the complete Campus Master Plan 2010.

Central elements of the plan and estimated timeframes

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Newman University Master Plan 0-5 years

Today–5 years:

Replace the Heimerman Science Center. A new 77,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art science building will be built near the existing center. The current building will likely remain for some time as a staging space for future development.

A new building to support the athletics fields. A building west of Merlini Hall would provide support to teams and spectators, storage and possibly indoor practice areas for golf, bowling and other sports. Other improvements will follow as conditions allow.

A gateway sign at the east entrance of campus. A large, possibly brick sign near the McCormick/K-42 entrance will welcome people to campus.

Newman University Master Plan 5-10 years

5–10 years:

A potential new athletics/recreation center. With a growing NCAA DII program, Newman needs a larger venue to support all team sports, and a separate facility for student intramural, wellness and recreational activity. The plan offers three options: a new stand-alone 81,000 square-foot facility for team sports; renovation and a 55,000 square-foot addition to O’Shaughnessy Hall for both team and recreational use; a 79,000 square-foot addition to O’Shaughnessy that includes a 2,500 seat performance gym and a larger fitness area. Newman officials are studying the feasibility of each option.

Reallocate all space in Eck Hall to nursing and allied health programs. Eck Hall now houses nursing and allied health programs as well as the School of Business. Most classes are also taught in Eck classrooms. The nursing and allied health programs need space to upgrade and increase lab facilities to meet continued demand for these programs.

Renovate and restore Sacred Heart Hall. The university will make some changes and upgrades to Sacred Heart Hall while taking special care to preserve its status as a campus landmark. Possible changes include reshuffling some offices and making cosmetic changes inside and out. University officials stressed the importance of renovating the infrastructure and restoring original spaces.

More on-campus housing. Newman officials are exploring several options to meet future housing needs, including renovation and new construction, or housing selected students in the ASC Wichita Center. Merlini Hall will likely be renovated and updated to remain in use for five or 10 years, then be replaced.

Expand the Mabee Dining Center. As the on-campus population grows the Mabee Dining Center will be expanded up to 2,000 square feet, and will offer more dining options.

Expand parking. The main lot on the east side of campus will be extended toward K-42.

Newman University Master Plan 10-20 years

10–20 years:

Replace McNeill Hall. McNeill suffers from inaccessibility issues, an aging infrastructure and limited opportunities for remodeling. Although the building can stay in use in the short term, McNeill would ultimately be replaced with an estimated 50,000 square-foot general purpose office building.

New residence hall construction. The Master Plan illustrates possible locations for new halls as they are needed.

A visitors center. The plan includes the possibility of a freestanding center west of the McCormick/K-42 entrance.

A new maintenance building. A building twice the size of today’s facility could be built near the ASC Wichita Center.

New Fine Arts facilities.
As Newman works to grow its fine arts and theatre programs, it could need a new fine arts studio and storage and construction space for the performing arts. Three possibilities are to relocate the Broadcast Education area to gain studio space, expand the De Mattias Fine Arts Center, or build a new studio space in another building. A decision has not yet been made.

Changes to existing structures and new buildings will include design elements that reflect current buildings. The plan also recommends that buildings be kept to two stories, and be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Planners also recommend situating buildings far enough apart to maintain the open feel and appearance of the campus.

Developing Master Plan was a community effort

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Creating the Campus Master Plan was a collaborative, interactive effort that spanned more than a year and included every constituent group of the Newman community.

The process began with online surveys of Board of Trustees members, faculty/staff and students to determine what each group considered the major goals of campus improvement and development. A May 2009 community meeting followed, where Hastings & Chivetta representatives reviewed the goals cited, and outlined how the Newman community could help reach the goals and produce solutions to problems. Community members then volunteered to be on one of 10 working groups focused on a specific area of campus planning, such as athletics/recreation, technology, and others.

In August the Master Plan Steering Committee and Hastings & Chivetta staged two workshops. One was an open discussion where community members could ask questions, present ideas and speak candidly on issues. The other involved meetings within each working group to further identify needs and possible solutions to problems. All suggestions were then reviewed and considered by the Steering Committee for inclusion in the Master Plan.

Campus Master Plan is a dynamic, flexible guide

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The Newman University Campus Master Plan 2010 is a comprehensive plan for growth, and a shared vision for campus development that incorporates features and facilities designed to meet the needs of the Newman community.

Yet the plan is not a static entity. Instead, it’s a dynamic tool that offers a foundation for future development, but remains flexible enough to respond to unforeseen circumstances.

Founders Plaza

“A campus plan is a guide, or a work in progress,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tom Borrego. “Like anything else it must be able to respond to change. As conditions and needs change in our community and at the university, the plan will necessarily change too. This plan was created with that in mind.”

A good example of the need for flexibility in campus planning is Ryan Library. At the turn of the 21st century, plans called for additions to Ryan Library, built in 1971, to create a combination student union-library-coffee/music shop by 2010. When it was discovered in late 2002 that the library’s foundation was unstable, university officials closed and later demolished the building, and launched the capital campaign that created the Dugan Library and Campus Center.

Several components of the 1993 plan also changed over time. The master plan originally envisioned the site where the De Mattias Fine Arts Center and O’Shaughnessy Hall complex now stands to be strictly an athletics facility. As the building it was replacing, however, the original De Mattias Hall, functioned as both a gymnasium and a theater, a performing arts venue was added to the plan.

In addition, some structures never materialized, such as an extension to the Heimerman Science Center, while others on today’s campus were not part of the 1993 plan, including Beata Hall, which was built in 2000.

“With the 2010 Campus Master Plan, we have a great blueprint for the future that is also adaptable to unforeseen circumstances,” Borrego said.

Troubadours to return to Carnegie Hall in March 2011 for third performance

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Newman University Troubadours

The Troubadours are now collecting donations to help fund the trip. Send donations to Molly Fox, Newman University, 3100 McCormick, Wichita, KS 67213. Please indicate that your gift is for the Troubadours.

The Newman University Music Department has accepted a third invitation to bring the university’s select vocal ensemble the Troubadours to Carnegie Hall. The 24-member group will appear March 13, 2011 and perform John Leavitt’s Requiem along with three other choral pieces arranged by Leavitt, including his signature song, “River in Judea.” Leavitt is a nationally renowned choral conductor, composer, arranger and former Newman faculty member. The Troubadours will appear with Leavitt’s select vocal group from MidAmerica Nazarene University, where he is currently a guest instructor, as well as the Bishop Carroll Catholic High School Madrigals and top singers from Clearwater High School. As in previous trips, the Troubadours will attend some Broadway shows while in New York and do plenty of sightseeing, including a post-concert dinner cruise around the Statue of Liberty.

“On our last trip, the producers praised us for our professionalism and talent and have extended an invitation each year,” said Director of Choral Music Deanne Zogleman. “We are proud to represent Newman University on a national level.”

Nursing program receives 10-year accreditation

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Newman University director of the School of Nursing Bernadette Fetterolf

Bernadette Fetterolf, Ph.D.

The Newman University nursing degree programs received a clean bill of health this past summer from both national and state accreditation agencies. The national Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) granted a full 10-year accreditation of the university’s nursing degree programs, and the Kansas State Board of Nursing awarded a full 10-year reapproval. Both agencies granted their awards with no recommendations, which refer to areas that require attention or follow-up for a nursing education program to receive unconditional accreditation.

“I offer my enthusiastic congratulations to the School of Nursing and Allied Health on achieving approval for the nursing program at both a national and state level for 10 years with no recommendations,” said Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “It is a tribute to the faculty, staff and outstanding leadership within the school.”

“We are certainly pleased and honored by these affirmations from the commission and the Kansas board,” said Bernadette Fetterolf, Ph.D., director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health and associate professor of nursing. “I very much appreciate the faculty for all they do. Their desire is to continually improve the school and find better ways to help students learn. They, and our student body and alumni, were great strengths during the CCNE reaccreditation visit.”

The CCNE is the nation’s leading autonomous accrediting agency for baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. It is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency that contributes to the improvement of the public’s health by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. In addition to ensuring that nursing programs adequately prepare individuals for professional practice, the CCNE encourages ongoing self-assessment, and supports continuing growth and improvement of the programs through planning and resource development, peer review, enhanced teaching and learning assessment, and other means.

The Newman nursing program is highly respected in the region for its dedication to excellence. The number of Newman nursing graduates who pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their first attempt is consistently above state and national averages. In 2009, the NCLEX pass rate of Newman nursing graduates was 98 percent.

In addition to teaching students the clinical skills required for nursing, the Newman program provides an ethical framework to help graduates meet the needs of diverse populations in today’s complex healthcare environment.

The Newman School of Nursing and Allied Health offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Bachelor of Science degree programs in Sonography and Healthcare Science, Associate of Science degree programs in Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care and Occupational Therapy Assistant, and a Master of Science degree program in Nurse Anesthesia.

The school also launched an online “RN-to-BSN” degree completion program in fall 2010. The program, which will be offered at about half the university’s standard tuition, is designed to give working Registered Nurses a flexible means of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

New website, TV campaign advance university’s presence

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Newman University recently launched a new website and a television advertising campaign designed to make the university more accessible and appealing.

Website

The new website was the culmination of an effort to improve the university’s web presence and provide a more user-friendly experience for site visitors. The overhaul began with a new calendar and a news site to provide central locations to find important information on events and developments throughout the university. In late July Newman released the remainder of the new site, which features information about the university in a better-organized and easy-to-use format.

The design of the site is built upon the university’s latest marketing campaign, “be greater than the degree.” The design and functionality of the new site were created by the University Relations Department, with the exception of the Athletics and Giving sections, which were created by third party companies under university direction.

“Building a new site from the ground up is a daunting task for any organization,” said Director of Communications Kelly Snedden. “It meant a lot of work for everyone as we had to balance this project with our normal workload, but the result is worth it. This site, with its automation, appealing photos and functionality, really advances the university’s presence on the web.”

The new TV campaign was launched in August. It also reflects the “be greater than the degree” theme while informing prospective students that Newman is a surprisingly affordable option. The campaign includes two commercials, one targeted at high school students and the other at returning adults, both of which feature actual Newman students.

See the first new TV spot below.

Faculty activity and achievements

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Each year, Newman faculty members publish and present a variety of literary and scholarly works. Here is a look at recent activity and other achievements.

Michael Austin, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs:

Reading the World: Ideas That Matter (2^nd ed.). New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., March 2010.

Bryan Dietrich, Ph.D., Professor of English:

Received “Best Poem” award by readers of Asimov’s Science Fiction magazine for “Edgar Allan Poe,” The 2010 Nebula Awards, Cocoa Beach, Fla., May 15, 2010.

Christopher Fox, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy:

“The Novelty of Spirituality and the Religiosity of Substitution in Emmanuel Levinas,” refereed paper presented at First Annual Southwest Seminar in Continental Philosophy, “Continental Philosophy in the Desert,” University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M., May 28, 2010.

Sue Ellen Gardner, Ph.D., LMSW, Associate Professor of Social Work:

Received a 2010 Compassion Kansas Grant for $12,500, in collaboration with several members of the Kansas Mental Health and Aging Coalition, for a project to improve mental health care for older Kansans in nursing homes via a train-the-trainer program for certified nurse aides. Gardner is grant administrator and will develop the training program and conduct process and outcome program evaluations. The grant was awarded in February 2010 and ends Nov. 30, 2010.

Audrey Curtis Hane, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication:

Selected as a member of Butler Community College’s Advance Kansas Class II program February – June 2010. The program brings together business and community leaders from across Wichita and the region to provide leadership training, building a network of trained business people to address important diversity issues in their communities as they pertain to business.

Don Hufford, Ph.D., Ed.D., Professor of Education:

“Polarity Thinking and Teacher Education: A Desideratum,” Proceedings of the Society for the Philosophical Study of Education, Jason Helfer, Ed. Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2009.

“A Hidden Outcome,” Journal of the Society of Philosophy and History of Education, David Snelgrove, Ed. Fall 2009.

“Preparing Public School Teachers to be Open-Minded Interpreters in the Religion/Public School Debate,” Critical Questions in Education, Steven Jones and Eric Sheffield, Eds. December 2009.

“Public Schools and a Religiously Multi-Expressive Dialectic,” presentation to the Oklahoma Educational Studies Association, Oklahoma State University, April 2010.

“Mary Wollstonecraft: The Dialectics of a Life’s Journey,” presentation for Newman University Literary Festival, April 2010.

“Public Education and the Democratic Process,” presentation to the Western Social Science Association, Reno, Nev., April 2010.

Carla A. Lee, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Nursing and Nurse Anesthesia:

Completed four-year term with the American Nurses Association, where she served on the Position Statement Committee and completed a Credentialing Position Statement Paper, a Position Paper on DNP Degree, and reviews of major quality issue documents germane to patient safety.

“Conducting Healthy Meetings and Organizing Neighborhoods,” presentation to Neighborhoods USA: Building Stronger Communities, Little Rock, Ark., May 27, 2010.

Elected to the American Nurses Association’s Nominating Committee for 2010-2011 at the ANA House of Delegates assembly, Washington, D.C., June 16-19, 2010.

Carla A. Lee, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Nursing and Nurse Anesthesia, with Y. Acton, A.A., and A. Beran, B.A.:

“Polcycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Aspect of Chronic Pelvic Pain,” research poster presented at the 25th National Conference of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Phoenix, Ariz., June 23-27, 2010.

Teresa L. Raehpour, M.A., Assistant Professor of Communication:

Consulted for the Miss Kansas International pageant program and conducted several seminars for approximately 20 contestants for state competition, January – March 2010.

Coached Kelsey Phillips, senior at Andover High School, who won the title “Miss Teen Kansas, International” at state competition, Wichita, May 2010.

Coached Miss Erica Enstrom, WSU student in Integrated Media, who won the title of “Miss Kansas, International” at state competition, Wichita, May 2010.

Coached Kelsey Phillips and Erica Enstron for Miss International competition in Chicago, Ill., July 26-31. Enstrom won the online Voter’s Choice award.

Worked as communication consultant on Jim Anderson’s 4th District Congressional campaign team, advising on presentational and debate strategy. Also helped produce integrated social media promotional videos, January through July 2010.

“Speech Class 101,” presentation at the Public Relations Society of America (Wichita) meeting, Larkspur restaurant, Wichita, April 27, 2010.

“Speech Class 101” workshop for members of various nonprofit agencies funded by United Way, United Way headquarters, Wichita, Aug. 3-4, 2010.

Ron Shipley, MS.Ed, RTR, Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology, and Janie Ward, MSEd, RTR(M), Instructor of Radiologic Technology:

Produced the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists, Newman University, April 15-17.

Amy Siple, MSN, FNP-BC, Associate Professor of Nursing:

“Caring for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease,” presentation at the Oklahoma Geriatric Nursing Association, Tulsa, Okla., June 17, 2010.

“Understanding Alzheimer’s,” presentation at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling, Kan., June 24, 2010.

“Caring for Patients with AD,” presentation at Golden Living Center, Nebraska City, Neb., July 21, 2010.

Kathy L. Smith, MS.Ed, LRT(R)(M)(ARRT), Clinical Coordinator, Radiologic Technology Program

Promoted to Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology, January 2010.

Meg Trumpp, M.Ed, RRT, AE-C, Program Director, Respiratory Care:

“Age-Related Decremental Changes,” presentation at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists, Newman University, April 17, 2010.

Named 2010 President-Elect of the Kansas Respiratory Care Society (KRCS), and serves on the KRCS Board of Directors.

Paul and Bettie Eck, Teresa Hall Bartels to be awarded honorary degrees

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Paul and Bettie Eck, and Teresa Hall Bartels will be recognized with a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa during the Fall 2010 Commencement ceremony Dec. 11. The university bestows the honorary degrees upon notable and accomplished members of the extended Newman community based on exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective.

Paul and Bettie Eck

Paul and Bettie Eck were selected as models of Catholic Identity for their long history of service to and philanthropic support of the Church, the Wichita community, and Catholic education at Newman University. The Ecks are active parishioners and have served on many church committees over the years, first as members of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish and continuing today as members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Their generosity and volunteerism have touched Catholic Charities of Wichita, the Anthony Family Shelter, the Totus Tuus Catholic youth program and other institutions. They are longtime and very active members and supporters of the Wichita Serra Club – Metro, and are currently Honorary Committee Members for “TOGETHER Vision” for the Diocese of Wichita. Both Paul and Bettie have provided strong support to Newman University over many years through contributions to several capital campaigns and other gifts. Their grandchildren Jacob, Katy and Luke are current students at Newman.

Teresa Hall Bartels

Over three decades, Bartels has lived the concept of Global Perspective through her work to bring the Newman mission and values to people around the world. Former president and CEO of United Way International, Bartels came to Sacred Heart College in the 1970s, and soon developed strong business and leadership skills, serving as sophomore class president and helping draft the student government constitution. Since the mid-1970s Bartels worked for the United Way in a variety of positions at the local, national and international level. During her time as president, she was responsible for the global network of United Way nonprofit member organizations spanning six continents, which served communities in 46 countries and territories. Through her guidance, more than $800 million was raised annually to strengthen communities and improve lives around the world. Bartels left the organization in July 2010. She is married to Charles Bartels, is the mother of five grown sons, and has served on numerous boards and committees including a Newman capital campaign.

Father Michael Simone joins Newman University as chaplain

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Newman University chaplain Fr. Michael Simone

Father Michael M. Simone, STL was named chaplain and director of Campus Ministry at Newman University, effective June 14. In addition to his new positions at Newman, Fr. Simone continues in his role as director of vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.

Fr. Simone was selected by the Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels, Bishop of the Wichita Diocese, to fill the vacancy left by former Newman chaplain Father Joseph Tatro, who left the university at Bishop Jackels’ request to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Va. Following his studies Fr. Tatro will return to the Wichita Diocese to serve fellow priests, seminarians and members of the diocese. Fr. Tatro served at Newman for five years as chaplain, director of Campus Ministry and assistant professor of theology.

“We are very pleased that the Bishop chose to send Fr. Simone to Newman,” said President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. “I have been very impressed with his education, experience, and devotion to the church. We are saddened that Fr. Tatro left Newman, and will miss his spiritual guidance, his sense of humor and his dedication to students. But, we wish him all the best in his educational and spiritual pursuits, and trust that he is fulfilling God’s plan.”

Fr. Simone brings a strong background of education, spiritual theology and administrative experience to the university. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree at Pittsburg State University in 1995, and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Kansas. He worked as a staff accountant for Baird, Kurtz, and Dobson, CPAs in Joplin, Mo., until 1997, when he left the firm to attend Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., where he earned both a master of divinity degree in theology and a master of arts degree in theology with an emphasis on moral theology in 2003. Fr. Simone earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) with an emphasis in spiritual theology in 2008 from the University of St. Thomas Aquino in Urbe, Rome, Italy.

Fr. Simone was ordained a priest in the Wichita Diocese in 2003 and has served in several capacities, including associate pastor for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, assistant director of the Office of Worship, and vice-chancellor. He became director of vocations for the diocese in June 2008, and is responsible for the formation of seminarian candidates, overseeing the application process of seminary candidates, and recruiting and promoting vocations to the Catholic priesthood in the southeastern 25 counties in Kansas.

Over the years Fr. Simone has received many honors and awards, and held several administrative positions, including secretary of the Priest Retirement and Seminarian Education Fund and chairman of the Committee for Bishop Michael Jackels’ Ordination. He is a member of the National Council of Diocesan Vocation Directors and serves as chaplain for the Serra Club of Wichita – Metro.