Guests at the State of the University event at TAMU-CC Sept. 16 were greeted and gifted by Izzy the Islander and students. Students played a big part of the annual luncheon at the newly completed University Center. Photo by Suzanne Freeman
No long-winded speeches at this “State of” annual address. In fact, the main speaker, who had only a few words to say, likened it to dinner and a movie. Corpus Christi’s State of the University event was actually a series of multimedia presentations with videos narrated by energetic student "reporters” highlighting the achievements of each of the school’s five colleges.
“Our students are the best individuals to give the community a first-hand look at the exciting news and research happening in each of their colleges, as well as the opportunities that they are afforded,” said University president Flavius C. Killebrew.
With completion of the University Center, the State of the University event was held on campus they year in the center’s Anchor Ballroom. Almost 1,000 people attended the event, including local elected officials, three of whom were recognized for the work they have done to help the university.
State representatives Todd Hunter and Abel Herrero and state senator Juan Hinojosa, received State of the University awards.
“We might stand on an island, but we don’t stand alone,” Killebrew said. “We really appreciate these fine gentlemen for all they have done to help us.”
As plates of stuffed chicken breast and mashed potatoes were distributed to guests at the packed tables, each dean introduced a video representing his or her department.
Highlights from each presentation included:
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences — now offering a new Doctor of Nursing Practice degree not available south of San Antonio until now. The Master of Science nursing program was ranked in the top 30 percent of all programs in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
“This is a great earning opportunity,” said Dean Mary Jane Hamilton. “It’s expected that the doctoral graduate program will alleviate the gap in our health care professionals, especially in rural areas.”
Also, the program now offers online education opportunities, using multiple iPads to communicate in real time more than just classroom lectures. The iPads take students into operating simulations as well.
• College of Business — added new degrees and increased enrollment by 12 percent. Through an exchange program, students can study abroad for a year without any extra costs. Online programs enable students to obtain bachelors or masters online. The Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center nurtures small businesses and helps the community’s economy grow.
• College of Education — added a track in special education preparing professionals to work with people who have brain trauma and autism. Kinesiology labs test products like electronic shoe inserts, sports performance drinks and new equipment to see how they affect athlete performance. The college is one of only 11 in the world with graduate and undergraduate programs recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
“Overall the College of Education is getting high marks with our programs receiving national recognition and our facility being recognized for their excellent research,” said video reporter Ariel Evans, who is working to earn a master’s degree in special education. “This is a challenging environment where innovation is encouraged and success expected.”
• College of Liberal Arts — high tech labs give students the skills they need to obtains jobs in graphic arts, a field with increasing demand for talent. Students won 41 Addy awards last year for their hands-on work promoting major brands. The college now offers a new media-production track for even more hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, lead by professors who have produced award winning films. One hundred percent of the theater graduates trained to teach has landed a job, according to the video.
“We’re on the cutting edge,” said reporter and theater major Nate Maxwell. “Writing is a skill not just for aspiring authors, it’s necessary for several fields.”
• College of Science and Engineering — Geographic Information Systems Program one of only 16 in nation for surveying and mapping. The Harte Research Institute was recently featured on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, while the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation was asked to study the impact of the Deep Water Horizon gulf oil spill. Drones from the program were also used in searches after the Wimberly floods on Memorial Day weekend.
Perhaps the most storied college on campus, Science and Engineering is also home to the Conrad Blucher Institute, which recently created an app for windsurfers and boaters that predicts coastal winds. The college also developed a SituMap for first responders that can manage assets in the field with the touch of a finger. Floor plans of buildings can be studied with a tap on the screen.
In the science labs, cold plasma studies focus on killing harmful bacteria and even cancer cells.
“This island university is making waves across the nation,” Killebrew said as he retook the podium to close the program. “As we progress in our goal of becoming an emerging research university, we expect that what’s being done here will have far reaching impact.”
To watch the student produced videos, visit YouTube.com.
