Year: 2009

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Twelve Gatton Academy Students Selected to Attend Governor’s Scholars Program

May 5, 2009 | News, Student Success | No Comments

Eleven Gatton Academy first-year students have been selected to participate in the summer 2009 session of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP).

The Governor’s Scholars program began in 1983 and selects high school juniors who meet college entrance exam criteria as well as GPA, writing and community involvement. Over 1,900 outstanding students from across the Commonwealth applied this year to participate in the five-week residential program. Scholars will spend time alongside other talented young people. After a lengthy review process 1,050 students were selected to attend. Those selected attend the program free of charge.

Gatton Academy students selected include:

Miles Cary (Greenwood High School, Warren County)
Thomas Choate (Warren Central High School, Warren County)
Amy Cordero (Pikeville High School, Pike County)
James Goble (Sheldon Clark High School, Martin County)
Justin Jatczak (Christian County High School, Christian County)
Lori Froedge (Monroe County High School, Monroe County)
Ballard Metcalfe (Eminence High School, Henry County)
Rebecca Morgan (Central Hardin High School, Hardin County)
Alex Naumann (Boyd County High School, Boyd County)
Rohith Palli (Paul L. Dunbar High School, Fayette County)
Sarah Pritchett (Clark County High School, Clark County)
Elizabeth Singleton (McCreary Central High School, McCreary County)

GSP will convene at three university locations this summer: Morehead State University, Morehead, June 20-July 24; Bellarmine University, Louisville, June 21-July 25; and Centre College, Danville, June 28-August 1. Students will receive notification of their campus location and class selection in late may.
In a statement to 2009 scholars, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear expressed his hope for the students as well as their vita role in Kentucky’s future.

“Individuals like you are the key to Kentucky’s future,” Beshear said, “and I encourage you to enhance your leadership skills and to use your ingenuity to contribute to a brighter future for our Commonwealth. I hope you will come prepared to challenge your mind, to have new experiences, and to share your ideas with new friends.”

Corey Alderdice, Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations for the Gatton Academy and a 1999 Governor’s Scholar shared the life-changing experience the summer program affords students. “Becoming a Governor’s Scholar is about embracing one’s natural talents and learning to further hone those skills,” Alderdice said. “In order to lead the nation, Kentucky must provide its future leaders with an opportunity to grow, explore, and share alongside other passionate and gifted young people. GSP can often be the catalyst that inspires these students to take the next great leap.”

In April, 1983, Governor John Y. Brown joined together with community leaders David Jones of Humana and John Hall of Ashland to address a phenomenon blighting the Commonwealth: the “brain drain.” Kentucky’s best and brightest students were leaving home to pursue educational and career opportunities elsewhere without fully understanding their potential to succeed in Kentucky-and Kentucky’s potential to succeed through them. Governor Brown’s solution, which became a reality thanks to both public and private support, was to create a program to introduce our Commonwealth’s emerging leaders to all the opportunities for them to excel here in Kentucky and, more importantly, to introduce them to one another.

The Governor’s Scholars Program’s scope has expanded dramatically over the past quarter century. In fact, in its second summer, GSP expanded to a second campus (Eastern Kentucky University) and more than doubled its student body to include 561 scholars. By 1998, the 10,000th scholar had completed the Program. Convinced of the Program’s efficacy and desiring to impact as many students as possible, the 2000 Kentucky General Assembly approved GSP’s expansion to a third campus. As a result, the Program’s first third campus opened in June, 2001, and total participation increased to 1,000 scholars.

Even as the Program celebrated its 25th Anniversary, it achieved another milestone: the 20,000th scholar completed GSP in 2008.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

WKU Spring Commencement Weekend (Including Gatton Academy Graduation) Set For May 15-17

May 4, 2009 | News | No Comments

Western Kentucky University will celebrate its 165th Commencement with a weekend of activities May 15-17.

The events include graduate commencement on May 15, the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky’s second graduation on May 16 and two undergraduate commencement ceremonies on May 17.

During the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies at Diddle Arena, WKU will confer degrees to 1,946 students: 92 associate’s, 1,480 baccalaureate, 367 master’s, seven specialists and six recipients of the doctoral degree offered cooperatively by WKU and University of Louisville.

The graduate commencement begins at 7 p.m. May 15 at Diddle Arena and will be followed by a reception in the arena’s Hall of Champions. Kentucky Chief Justice John Minton Jr. will present the John D. Minton Award for outstanding graduate student. The award is named for his late father who was WKU’s fifth president. The ceremony, expected to last approximately 90 minutes, will feature the parade of international flags and the individual hooding of each graduate and will be webcast at http://www.wkusports.tv/.

The Gatton Academy graduation will begin at 10 a.m. May 16 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Amphitheatre.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will move to Diddle Arena.

The Gatton Academy will recognize 55 graduates who make up the first group to complete the two-year program. WKU alumnus David Laird, senior vice president for Strategy and Business Development at Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s HealthCare in Louisville, will deliver the Academy’s graduation address. Class of 2009 members Rachel Bowman of Calloway County and Tyce Hodges of Pulaski County will share remarks as well.

WKU’s undergraduate commencement again will be divided into two ceremonies on May 17 at Diddle Arena. The ceremony for students in Potter College of Arts & Letters, Gordon Ford College of Business, University College and Bowling Green Community College will begin at 1 p.m. The ceremony for College of Health and Human Services, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, and College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will begin at 5 p.m. President Gary Ransdell will deliver remarks at both ceremonies.

Both ceremonies will include the parade of international flags, recognition of honor graduates and the commissioning of Army ROTC graduates as second lieutenants. The WKU Alumni Association will present “WKU Alumni 2009” pins as graduates line up in the arena’s auxiliary gyms.

The 5 p.m. ceremony will include recognition of the Golden Anniversary Club as the Class of 1959 returns to the Hill and recognition of the Ogden Foundation Scholar, WKU’s top academic honor presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.

Both undergraduate ceremonies, expected to last two hours each, will be broadcast live by WKYU-PBS and webcast live at http://www.wkusports.tv.

DVDs of the undergraduate ceremony will be available for $35 each and can be ordered at commencement. Orders after May 17 can be placed at www.wkyupbs.org and inquiries should be made to WKYU-PBS at (800) 599-2424.

The annual spring commencement ceremony recognizes students who will either complete degree requirements at the end of the spring semester or who will complete degree requirements during the summer term.

The schedule for 2009 Spring Commencement Weekend (http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/commencement.htm) includes the following:

Friday, May 15
Master of Social Work Pinning Ceremony, 4 p.m. at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. Reception follows at 6 p.m. at Downing University Center Cupola Room.
Department of Psychology Reception for Graduate Students, 4:30 p.m. at Tate Page Hall Lobby.
Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena.

Saturday, May 16
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Graduation Ceremony, 10 a.m. at Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Amphitheatre.
Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony, noon at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.
Army ROTC Commissioning, 2 p.m. at Kentucky Building.
Outstanding Black Graduates Recognition Ceremony, 6 p.m. at Garrett Conference Center Ballroom.

Sunday, May 17
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 1 p.m. at Diddle Arena for graduates of Potter College of Arts & Letters, Gordon Ford College of Business, University College and Bowling Green Community College
Nursing Convocation, 2 p.m. at Downing University Center Theatre.
Associate Degree Nursing Pinning Ceremony, 4 p.m. at Downing University Center Theatre.
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 5 p.m. at Diddle Arena for College of Health and Human Services, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, and College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Registrar’s Office at (270) 745-3351.

For information regarding the Gatton Academy ceremony, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Rachel Bowman Selected for Department of Defense SMART Scholarship

April 30, 2009 | Academics, News, Student Success | No Comments

Rachel Bowman is a Gatton Academy senior from Murray. She will continue her education this fall at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rachel Bowman is a Gatton Academy senior from Murray. She will continue her education this fall at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Rachel Bowman, a Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU student from Murray, has been named a recipient of the Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship, a nationally-competitive award valued at over $250,000.

The SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation scholarship) was established in 2006 by the Department of Defense to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields and to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers doing research in Department of Defense laboratories.

Bowman is the first WKU student to be awarded the SMART Scholarship.

As a recipient of the scholarship, Bowman’s award will pay for full tuition and books at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she has chosen to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering upon graduation from the Gatton Academy in May. Also included in the award is a monthly living stipend, annual summer internships at a Department of Defense laboratory, and a guaranteed career position upon graduation with her baccalaureate degree.

“I’m excited to receive the SMART scholarship because it allows me to focus on my studies at MIT while also getting a hands-on learning experience during the summer as an intern with the DoD,” Bowman said. “Once I graduate, I will be able to give back to the country while also pursuing an area I am truly passionate about.”

Bowman’s research with the Department of Defense will center on the creation of new, sustainable energy sources.

Bowman’s has conducted two separate research projects as a student at the Gatton Academy at WKU. Her first project was overseen by Dr. Eric Conte of the Department of Chemistry. According to Conte, Bowman worked on the preparation of silicon nanoparticles for use as surface templates for sensors of organic molecules.

“Rachel was a very enthusiastic young researcher, and I am proud of her achieving this prestigious award,” Conte said.

Bowman’s second faculty-sponsored research project was overseen by Drs. Peter Hamburger and Bruce Kessler of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.  Working with Luke Akridge, a Gatton Academy alumnus and current WKU undergraduate, the aim of this project was “to develop a modern technique for teaching matrix transformations on the plane that incorporates works of visual art and computer programming,” said Hamburger.

The results of this project have been accepted for publication and for presentation at the Bridges Organization’s international conference this summer, Hamburger added.  The generated movies and images from this project can be viewed online at http://www.wku.edu/~bruce.kessler/.

“My preparation from the Gatton Academy is the reason I was able to pursue the SMART scholarship,” Bowman said. “By allowing me to take advanced courses in math and science and do research, the Gatton Academy and WKU have given me the excellent foundation I needed to receive and maintain the SMART Scholarship.”

About the Gatton Academy:

The Gatton Academy offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Sixty students each year are admitted to the program through a competitive process. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated Gatton Academy residence hall. The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities and to prepare them for leadership roles in Kentucky.  Taking courses offered by WKU, their classmates are fellow Gatton Academy students and WKU undergraduate students. At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability and self-discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and to aid students in developing integrity that will enable them to benefit society. For more about the Gatton Academy, visit www.wku.edu/academy.

For more information, contact Derick Strode at (270) 745-6565.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Selects 60 Students from 33 Counties for Class of 2011

April 14, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

he Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has selected 60 students for its Class of 2011.

The students in this year’s class span 33 counties from across the Commonwealth. This gifted group of high school sophomores brings with them to the Gatton Academy an average ACT score eight points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.

Applications for admission to the Gatton Academy grew by 25% this year, with over 160 students submitting materials for consideration.  Students were reviewed based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards, responses to essay questions, and letters of recommendation. In March, 95 were invited for interviews with Academy staff members and representatives from across the state. In the end, 60 dynamic applicants emerged from the review process.

The selected students scored an average of 28.6 composite on the ACT and 29.1 on the math portion of the exam. The highest possible score is a 36. The 2008 state average ACT score for graduating Kentucky high school seniors was 20.2 on the math portion of the exam and 20.9 composite.

“”The members of the Gatton Academy’s Class of 2011 have demonstrated they are ready for a greater academic challenge,” said Corey Alderdice, assistant director of admissions and public relations for the Gatton Academy. “They will bring to WKU a variety of passions and abilities.  Our goal will be to sharpen those skills as they grow and mature both academically and socially.  Their experiences will be the flagstone in their pursuit to lead our state into the twenty-first century.”

The incoming class includes students from the following counties: Anderson, Barren, Bell, Boone, Boyle, Bullitt, Campbell, Christian, Daviess, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Franklin, Garrard, Grant, Greenup, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Marshall, Monroe, Nelson, Oldham, Pulaski, Rowan, Scott, Shelby, Simpson, Warren,  and Woodford.

To date, the Gatton Academy has admitted students from 86 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Moreover, the Gatton Academy will assist in preparing Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers who live and work in the state.

Students will finish their junior and senior years of high school living in Schneider Hall and taking courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours.

Tim Gott, director of the Academy, expects these students to continue the level of academic and personal engagement Academy students have demonstrated over the last two years. “As we enter our third year of the Academy, I am amazed and honored to work with such outstanding students.,” Gott said. “The incoming Class of 2011 once again demonstrates the incredible caliber of students from across the Commonwealth.  The depth of academic strength and emerging leadership among this group reveals that the state is making a major contribution toward meeting the demand for more professionals in the STEM fields.”

The Academy provides a rich living/learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features research, clubs, organizations and community service.  Additionally students are able to participate in advanced research with WKU faculty members.  Research conducted during students’ time at the Gatton Academy has been honored in the nationally competitive Siemens Competition and Intel Science Talent Search.

The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s only state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in science and math careers and one of fifteen such program in the nation. More information about the Gatton Academy is available online at http://www.wku.edu/academy/

Students selected for the Gatton Academy Class of 2011

From Anderson County: Torey Gilkison of Lawrenceburg, a student at Anderson County High School whose parents are Tammara Gilkison and Todd Gilkison.

From Barren County; Miller Travis of Glasgow, a student at Glasgow High School whose parents are Margarett Travis and William Travis.

From Bell County: John Belcher of Middlesboro, a student at Bell County High School whose parents are Lisa Redmon and Tommy Redmon.

From Boone County: Anthony Bates of Walton, a student at Larry A. Ryle High School whose parents are Amy Bates and Alan Bates; Anthony Bombik of Union, a student at Larry A. Ryle High School whose parents are Julie Bombik and Peter Bombik; Elizabeth Farnsworth of Burlington, a student at Cooper High School whose parents are Barbara Farnsworth and Jerome Farnsworth; Jake Moore of Crittenden, a student at Walton Verona High School whose parents are Jane Moore and Kevin Moore; Cynthia Tope of Burlington, a student at Conner High School whose parents are Carrie Tope-Klein and Dale Tope; Sean Freeman of Hebron, a student at Villa Madonna Academy whose parents are Lynn Freeman and William Freeman; PJ Kasinski of Hebron, a student at Conner High School whose parents are Patricia Kasinski and Paul Kasinski.

From Boyle County: Justine Missik of Danville, a student at Boyle County High School whose parents are Christine Missik and John Missik.

From Bullitt County: Shelby Martin of Mt. Washington, a student at Mercy Academy whose parents are Kelly Martin and Lynn Martin; Micaela Montgomery of Mt. Washington, a student at Bullitt East High School whose parents are Alina Montgomery and Mark Montgomery; Tina Stottman of Louisville, a student at North Bullitt High School whose parents are Marria Stottman and Thomas Stottman; Kelsey Wagner of Taylorsville, a student at
Bullitt East High School whose parents are Lynn Wagner and Mark Wagner.

From Campbell County: Derek Fox of Alexandria, a student at Campbell County High School whose parents are Amy Marie Fox and James Martin Fox.

From Christian County: Kyle Kelly of Hopkinsville, a student at Christian County High School whose parents are Shannon Kelly and Shawn Kelly; Jay Lee of Hopkinsville, a student at Hopkinsville High School whose parents are Namjoo Sandefer and Joseph Sandefer.

From Daviess County: Tejas Sangoi of Owensboro, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Nayna Sangoi and Nilesh Sangoi; Blake Welsh of Philpot, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Margaret Welsh and Dennis Welsh; Madeline Lauzon of Owensboro, a student at Owensboro High School whose parents are Cate Lauzon and John Lauzon.

From Estill County: Ben Neal of Irvine, a student at Model Laboratory School whose parents are Melissa R. Neal and Jamie D. Neal.

From Fayette County: Michael Bowie of Lexington, a student at Paul L. Dunbar High School whose parents are Susan Bowie and William Bowie; Corban Coffman of Lexington, a student at Henry Clay High School whose parents are Megan Coffman and Bryan Coffman.

From Fleming County: Josh Jackson of Flemingsburg, a student at Fleming County High School whose parents are Amy Hamilton and William Jackson.

From Franklin County: Suzanne Van Arsdall of Frankfort, a student at Franklin County High School whose parents are Melinda Van Arsdall and Bill Van Arsdall.

From Garrard County: Krysta Waldrop of Lancaster, a student at Garrard County High School whose parents are Angela Slack and Floyd Waldrop.

From Grant County: Courtney Vance of Williamstown, a student at Williamstown High School whose parent is Jane Cornn.

From Greenup County: McKenzie Grant of Russell, a student at Russell High School whose parents are Susan McKenzie and James McKenzie; Sarah Tariq of Ashland, a student at Russell High School whose parents are Amina Tariq and Mubashar Tariq.

From Hardin County: Brittney Howard of Radcliff, a student at North Hardin High School whose parents are Debra Howard and Percy Howard; Courtney Howard of Radcliff, a student at North Hardin High School whose parents are Debra Howard and Percy Howard; Zach Laux of Elizabethtown, a student at Central Hardin High School whose parents are Rebecca Laux and Charles Laux; Josh Robinson of Elizabethtown, a student at Central Hardin High School whose parents are Cathy Robinson and Michael Robinson; Natalie Schieber of Elizabethtown, a student at Elizabethtown High School whose parents are Cathy Schieber and Dan Schieber; Jonathan Serpico of Elizabethtown, a student at Elizabethtown High School whose parents are Pamela Serpico and Ralph Serpico; Camille Turner of Radcliff, a student at North Hardin High School whose parents are Carmen Turner and Gregory Turner.

From Harrison County: Ellie Fisher of Cynthiana, a student at Harrison County High School whose parents are Nioka Fisher and Michael Fisher.

From Henderson County: Leah Hayden of Corydon, a student at Henderson County High School whose parents are Julie Hayden and Lawrence Hayden; Tyler Parke of Henderson, a student at Reitz Memorial High School whose parents are Lisa Parke and Robert Parke.

From Knox County: Andrew Martin of Barbourville, a student at Lynn Camp High School whose parents are Dana Martin and Michael Radcliff.

From Laurel County: Henry Eberhardt of London, a student at North Laurel High School whose parents are Karen Eberhardt and Bill Eberhardt.

From Lawrence County: Jessica Thornsberry of Louisa, a student at Lawrence County High School whose parents are Jennifer Thornsberry and Joseph Thornsberry.

From Marshall County: Michael Phillips of Benton, a student at Marshall County High School whose parents are Rhea Ann Phillips and James Phillips.

From Monroe County: Shelby Stephens of Tompkinsville, a student at Monroe County High School whose parents are Loralee Stephens and Wesley Stephens.

From Nelson County: Taylor Harbin of Fairfield, a student at Nelson County High School whose parents are Michelle Harbin and Stephen Harbin.

From Oldham County: Chandler Santos of LaGrange, a student at Oldham County High School whose parents are Venita Santos and Salvador Santos; Tyler Scaff of LaGrange, a student at Oldham County High School whose parents are Carole Scaff and Walt Scaff; and Ben Venable, a student at Oldham County High School whose parents are  Laurie and James Venable.

From Pulaski County: Nowelle Altman of Somerset, a student at Somerset High School whose parents are Lisa Altman and Joe Altman; Clarice Esch of Somerset, a student at Southwestern High School whose parents are Carol M. Esch and Joseph Esch.

From Rowan County: Ben Howard of Morehead, a student at Rowan County Senior High School whose parents are Cindy Howard and Steven Edward Howard.

From Scott County: Kia Allen of Georgetown, a student at Scott County High School whose parents are Angela Allen and Frank Allen.

From Shelby County: Katie Goebel of Simpsonville, a student at Shelby County High School whose parents are Kristine Krueger and Jens Goebel.

From Simpson County: Andrew Kenady of Woodburn, a student at Greenwood High School whose parents are Rachel Kenady and Kevin Kenady.

From Warren County: Kevin Andrew of Bowling Green, a student at Greenwood High School whose parents are Karla Andrew and Keith Andrew; Claci Ayers of Bowling Green, a student at Warren Central High School whose parents are Elizabeth Ayers and Steve Ayers; Sarah Schrader of Bowling Green, a student at Greenwood High School whose parents are Michelle Schrader and Steven Schrader; Josh Song of Bowling Green, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Hwan Joo Song and Ki Seon Song.

From Woodford County: Logan Pauley of Versailles, a student at Woodford County High School whose parents are Hendrika Pauley and Leon Pauley.

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science Hosts Preview Weekend at WKU on May 9

April 10, 2009 | Admissions, News | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky will host a Preview Weekend at Western Kentucky University on Saturday, May 9, 2009, for prospective students, their parents and educators.

Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Schneider Hall on the WKU campus. Families will meet in the lobby of Schneider Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. Activities for the day will also include campus and hall tours as well as parent and students question-and-answer panels.

Preview Weekends present a unique opportunity for prospective applicants and their families to meet with current Academy students and their parents, visit Schneider Hall, and gain a better understanding of student life at the Gatton Academy.  Special emphasis will be given to current ninth grade students who will begin the admissions process during Fall 2009.  Topics will include the role of the ACT and SAT in the admissions process, suggested courses for sophomore year, and qualities of a strong applicant.

Parking will be available in the lot behind Schneider Hall and Parking Structure 1, which are both accessible from College Heights Blvd. For a WKU campus map, please visit http://www.wku.edu/Tour/campusmap.html.

Students may RSVP for the preview event online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com.

The Gatton Academy, a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is in its second year of operation. To date, students from 86 counties across the Commonwealth have been selected to attend the prestigious program. Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.

The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky that will lead to economic growth. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, Gatton Academy students take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, student earn over 60 hours of college credit in addition to completing high school.

Students live and learn with peers who share their enthusiasm and interest in learning. Room, board and tuition are funded by the Commonwealth. Kentucky is the 14th state to offer a residential program with a focus on math and science supported by the state.

Additional information is available online at www.wku.edu/academy.  For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Dalton Hubble Named 2009 Goldwater Scholarship Recipient

April 8, 2009 | News, Student Success | No Comments

Dalton Hubble, a Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University student from Rineyville, has been named a 2009 recipient of the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 278 Goldwater scholarships to collegiate sophomores and juniors nationwide this year. The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,097 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities.

Hubble’s research entitled “Fabrication of Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition” was conducted this past summer as part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s summer research program. The results of his project include implications for improving the tailoring of specialized polymers for a variety of biomedical and tissue engineering applications.

“The Gatton Academy encourages our students to spend their summers exploring new academic frontiers,” noted Derick Strode, the Gatton Academy Coordinator for Research, Internships and Scholarships. “Dalton benefited immensely from the 2008 Research Science Institute (RSI) summertime program which allowed him the opportunity to do research at Northeastern University and present his research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Coupled with his continued research work here at WKU, Dalton was a fantastic candidate for a Goldwater Scholarship.”

Hubble is the fifth WKU student to receive the award is the past three years and is the first Gatton Academy student honored in the national competition.

Goldwater Scholarships are awarded to outstanding undergraduates desiring a research career in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering. Recipients receive up to $7,500 per year for two years for tuition, books, room and board, and fees.    Hubble has received offers from MIT, Cal Tech and Stanford to continue his studies; however, he has yet to make a decision.

“We are extremely proud of Dalton’s accomplishment,” said Academy director Tim Gott. “Receiving the Goldwater Award is another affirmation of Dalton’s academic caliber. We could not ask for a better ambassador of our program and WKU.”

Recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 73 Rhodes Scholarships, 102 Marshall Awards and numerous other distinguished fellowships. More information on the program is available online at http://www.act.org/goldwater.

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Residential Counselor Positions Available for Fall 2009

April 5, 2009 | News | No Comments

The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is seeking qualified candidates for a Residential Counselor. This is a 10-month position. The position reports to the Director of the Gatton Academy. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2009. This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals who wish to make a true difference in the lives of young people who are gifted and talented and in the future of the Commonwealth.

In the Fall of 2007, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky opened as the nation’s 14th state residential school with a focus on mathematics and science. Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, the program provides extraordinary academic and research opportunities for Kentucky high school juniors and seniors who are academically talented and interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One hundred and twenty Academy students will earn at least sixty hours of college credit while completing their high school diploma in both a residential and peer-supported living/learning environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Manages residential facilities, creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing living/learning environment.
  • Lives on student wing in the Academy and serves as role model in all areas of personal, relational and academic life.
  • Develops and implements educational, cultural, social and recreational activities and programs to promote social growth and involvement in the community.
  • Intervenes in emotional or physical crises.
  • Monitors and documents student progress.
  • Communicates frequently with parents.
  • Manages the front desk during assigned shifts.
  • Serves as student advisor on clubs/activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience with residential life
  • Must reside at the Academy

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with gifted students

Salary Grade: 105

Expected Salary Range: $22,500.00 – $25,000.00 annually, plus housing

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience, a current resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process. Transcripts may be requested at time of interview. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs. Reference requisition number S2254. For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. To ensure full consideration submit application materials by April 14, 2009. Position will remain open until filled.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply including women, minorities, persons with disabilities and disabled veterans.

Western Kentucky University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Places 9th in State Mock Trial Tournament

April 3, 2009 | News, Student Success | No Comments

Madison Central High School/Kentucky Tech in Richmond recently earned the championship title in the 2009 Kentucky High School Mock Trial Tournament. This is the second time the team has won the state championship, first winning it in 2000. The title qualifies the team to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Tournament in Atlanta from May 6-10.

Madison Central/Kentucky Tech competed with Louisville’s Eastern High School for the state title during the tournament’s championship round, which was held Sunday, March 29, in the Court of Appeals Courtroom at the Jefferson County Judicial Center in Louisville. To reach the championship round, Madison Central/Kentucky Tech and Eastern beat out 23 other high school teams and one middle school team in the mock trial tournament held Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, at the judicial center. Approximately 400 students participated or attended the tournament as team members.

Schools with teams that ranked in the top 10 in the tournament and the cities where they are located are, by ranking:

1. Madison Central High School/Kentucky Tech, Richmond
2. Eastern High School, Louisville
3. Louisville Collegiate School, Louisville
4. Highlands High School, Fort Thomas
5. DuPont Manual High School Red Team, Louisville
6. Montgomery County High School Blue Team, Mount Sterling
7. Saint Xavier High School, Louisville
8. Montgomery County High School Red Team, Mount Sterling
9. The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, Bowling Green
10. Paducah Tilghman High School Blue Team, Paducah

Other schools with teams that competed in the tournament were Assumption High School, duPont Manual High School (second team) and Mercy Academy, all located in Louisville; Madison Southern High School and Model Laboratory High School, both in Richmond; Boyd County High School in Ashland; Breckinridge County High School in Harned; George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester; Marshall County High School in Benton; McCreary Central High School in Stearns; McLean County High School in Calhoun; Monticello High School in Monticello; Newport Central Catholic High School in Newport; Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah (second team); and Webster County High School in Dixon. A team from Foley Middle School in Berea was invited to compete to make an even number of teams for the competition. The Foley team won the state middle school mock trial championship. Middle schools are not eligible for the national competition.

“The quality of the mock trial participants seems to get better each year,” said Patrick Yewell, executive officer of the Department of Family and Juvenile Services for the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort, which administers the program. “The time and dedication these students and coaches give to this program is remarkable. I want to thank Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. and all of the justices, judges, attorneys and law students for giving their time as well. This program would not be possible without their leadership and support.”

This was the first year that all Kentucky high school mock trial teams were invited to compete in the state tournament. Previously, regional competitions determined the teams that moved on to the state competition. Regional competitions were not held this year in order to level the playing field for teams with more competitors in their region than other teams face to make it to state, to allow all teams to participate in more trials and to decrease the number of competition trips for teams, among other reasons.

This was also the first year that the state tournament was held in Louisville. The state tournament is usually conducted in Lexington, with the championship round in Frankfort.

Justice Lisabeth Hughes Abramson of the Supreme Court of Kentucky opened the tournament with remarks Friday in Louisville. Justice Bill Cunningham provided closing comments and presented awards on Saturday before the championship round Sunday.

In the competition, teams acted as the prosecution and defense in the trial of Commonwealth of Kentucky v. Sandy Brumfield. The case involved an allegation of drugs on school property. Each team participated in at least four rounds of competition, arguing the case with a different team in every round. Each team was assigned the role of the prosecution and the defense at least once. Team members also portrayed other individuals in the case, including the plaintiff and witnesses. Judges scored the teams in each round and the scores were totaled to determine the winner. The teams learn their scores after the last round of trials.

Judging the competition were Court of Appeals judges, circuit and district judges, attorneys and law students.

Among the judges was Court of Appeals Judge Janet L. Stumbo, who represents the 7th Appellate District, which is comprised of Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Rowan and Wolfe counties.

Other judges that participated in the tournament as judges were, by county:

Anderson, Shelby and Spencer counties
Chief District Court Judge Linda S. Armstrong
District Court Judge Donna G. Dutton

Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman counties
Chief Circuit Court Judge Timothy A. Langford

Bourbon, Scott and Woodford counties
Circuit Court Judge Paul F. Isaacs
District Court Judge Vanessa M. Dickson

Boyd County
Senior Judge Marc I. Rosen

Boyle and Mercer counties
Family Court Judge Bruce Petrie

Breckinridge, Grayson and Meade counties
Senior Judge W. Thomas Lively

Calloway and Marshall counties
Chief Circuit Court Judge Dennis R. Foust

Carroll, Grant and Owen counties
District Court Judge Elizabeth Chandler Lester

Clark and Madison counties
District Court Judge Earl-Ray Neal

Fayette County
Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton

Hardin County
Chief Regional Circuit Court Judge Kelly Mark Easton
Chief District Court Judge Kimberly W. Shumate

Hart and LaRue counties
Vice Chief Regional District Court Judge C. Derek Reed

Jefferson County
Court of Appeals Judge Denise G. Clayton
Circuit Court Judge Frederic J. Cowan
Circuit Court Judge Irv Maze
Senior Judge William L. Knopf

Two judges help coach mock trial teams. Circuit Court Judge William G. Clouse, who serves Clark and Madison counties, helps coach tournament winner Madison Central High School/Kentucky Tech. Chief Regional Circuit Court Judge René Williams, who serves Crittenden, Webster and Union counties, assists with coaching the Webster County High School team.

Since its inception in 1983, more than 12,000 students, 1,500 judges and 3,000 attorneys have taken part in the Kentucky Mock Trial program. It is one of the many law-related programs for youth offered through the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort.

The AOC supports the activities of nearly 4,000 court system employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks, and executes the Judicial Branch budget.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Executive Director Named To Executive Committee Of World Council For Gifted And Talented

March 26, 2009 | International, News | No Comments

Julia Link Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, hasroberts been elected to a four-year term on the Executive Committee of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC).

“There are seven individuals on the Executive Committee and a country can only have one representative,” Dr. Roberts said. “Previously, I have been one of three U.S. delegates.”  Dr. Roberts is also executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Carol Martin Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Science at WKU.

“I am both honored and thrilled to be serving on the executive council,” she said.  “Gifted children need and deserve all the support we can give.  When we invest in gifted children, we invest in the best possible future.”

The WCGTC is a world-wide non-profit organization whose primary goal is to provide advocacy and support for gifted children. It is a diverse organization networking the globe with an active membership of educators, scholars, researchers, parents, educational institutions, affiliated federations, and others interested in the development and education of gifted and talented children of all ages.

WCGTC headquarters is at the University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In August, Dr. Roberts will attend the World Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/.

For more information, contact the Center for Gifted Studies, (270) 745-6323.

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By Corey Alderdice