Valdosta State University News Now

Remote telescope observing begins

Astronomy students at Valdosta State University are now able to remotely operate a research telescope in Kitt Peak, Az., from the VSU campus.

Using a computer connection through the Internet, students can now adjust the telescope while sitting in a Nevins Hall computer lab, according to Dr. Kenneth Rumstay, professor of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences, and director of the VSU Observatory.

"The main benefit is that, in theory, all of our students can have the opportunity of using the telescope in Arizona without the cost of traveling to the site," Rumstay said.

During the summer, VSU routinely sends students to Arizona to study at the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA) 0.9-meter telescope on Kitt Peak. VSU is one of six institutions that uses the facility for astronomical studies. Stars, nebulas, asteroids and other heavenly bodies are common subjects for students to examine.

Andrews named faculty marshal

Dr. Stan Andrews, associate professor in the Valdosta State University Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, was recently named faculty marshal by Dr. Hugh C. Bailey, VSU president.

Andrews replaces the retiring Dr. Joseph Tomberlin, head of the History Department, who served as marshal for a decade.

As faculty marshal, Andrews is responsible for helping to coordinate university activities like Honors Day and commencement. At graduation exercises, Andrews will lead the faculty processional and announce the graduates as they walk across the stage. His duties begin with Summer 2000 Commencement July 28.

"I feel very honored that President Bailey saw fit to appoint me to this prestigious position," Andrews said.

A Valdosta State faculty member since 1991, Andrews has held several campus leadership roles, including: acting department head, member of the Faculty Senate, chairman of the Academic Honors and Scholarship Committee, chairman of the State Charitable Contributions Program and assistant faculty marshal.

VSU welcomes students from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

VSU has launched a new international student exchange agreement with the Freedom Support Act Undergraduate program, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and the American Councils for International Education.

Bakhar Salimova of Azerbaijan and Azamat Bakineyev of Kazakhstan will spend a year studying at VSU, beginning this fall. The program provides students from newly-independent states with the opportunity to experience American education.

Doctoral students publish

VSU doctoral students Deborah Demps, Polly Diamond and Lynn Minor recently had their research articles published in Research in the Schools.

Research in the Schools is a nationally-(blind) refereed journal. Deborah Demps' research study was titled "The Relationship Between Eighth-Grade Reading Scores and Achievement on the Georgia High School Graduation Test."

Polly Diamond's inquiry was titled "Factors Associated with Reading Achievement and Attitudes Among Elementary School-Aged Students."

Finally, Lynn Minor's research was titled "Characteristics of Effective Teachers: Perceptions of Preservice Teachers." This study represented a mixed-methodological analysis, in which both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used in a sequential manner.

Blazers host baseball camps

VSU Blazer Baseball has two upcoming day camps planned.

The half-day camp runs 9 a.m.-noon, June 26-30, for ages 5-8. Cost is $75.

The regular day camp will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 10-14, for ages 8-13. Friday dismissal is at noon. Cost is $125. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing and base running.

For more information, call Shannon Jernigan at (229) 259-5563.