National Volunteer Week: In Depth with Paula Gabris

Editor’s note: In times of need, who can you count on? Everyday heroes are around us with spontaneous acts of kindness. Following the recent Boston Marathon Bombing, the images of citizens selflessly rushing to the aid of others in the midst of chaos was seen all over the news.

With National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, compassion towards the needs of others is so important. The attributes can be used to describe Excelsior College’s faculty and staff who collectively help various causes throughout the year.  This week we will share stories about  individuals working in higher education who are making a difference in their community.

Volunteer: Paula Gabris, Administrative Assistant, School of Nursing
Volunteer organizations: Patriot Hills of New York, Autism Society and Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Excelsior Life: Why is volunteerism personally important to you?
Gabris: Volunteerism is important to me because it’s my way of “paying it forward”.
It’s difficult to put into words! Sometimes, I wonder, if it’s an additional gene I was given at birth.

I didn’t volunteer when I was young; I wasn’t told that it is the right thing to do, giving back that is. I really can’t explain it.

Volunteerism has enhanced my personal life in many ways from making new friends to catching up with old friends. It has helped to shape my professional life I have acquired new skills that I apply everyday at my job.

It has become an important part of my lifestyle. I have gained a greater appreciation for life and all it offers, by giving back. There is some self satisfaction and relaxation I get from it. Serving others is something I am good at, I have no expectations when I volunteer, I am there to help because there is a need.

I think Danny Thomas says it best: “Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others”. -- Danny Thomas

I have volunteered for many organizations over the years and I am still trying to find the one or two organizations that are the best fit for me, that one group that I can give my very best and all my energy to. A lot of times, my volunteerism has been driven by family situations or illness.

Excelsior Life: Does it have a special meaning to you?
Gabris: For the past several years I have put my heart and soul into helping our veterans and their families. I have been a volunteer for a non-for-profit called Patriot Hills of New York ™.

Our mission is to take care of those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom. Our goal is to build a facility in the Capital Region where we can provide a safe haven for our nation’s warriors and their loved ones, a place where they can reconnect. We want to provide access to needed services for our military personnel and their families. We believe they did their part now it is our turn to give back to them.

Recently I have decided to volunteer for the Autism Society - my youngest granddaughter Marisa, has been diagnosed with Autism. I am on a mission to learn everything there is about it so I can educate myself and others.

Lastly, I started to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Foundation since my aunt was recently diagnosed with this very sad disease.

Excelsior Life: The volunteer events you are currently working on?
Gabris: At Excelsior College I am a member of the Community Service Committee and a returning member of the Wellness Committee; outside of work I volunteer for Patriot Hills of New York, the Center for Donation and Transplant and most currently the Autism Society.

‘I am a better person today because I am a Volunteer.”

“The highest reward for a person's work is not what they get for it, but what they become because of it”. -- John Ruskin

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Evangel University senior Christine Temple wins national journalism award

Evangel University senior Christine Temple has been named the 2013 Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).

The award committee cited “major competition” from finalists across the nation.

“She distinguished herself exceptionally on so many levels that she was the clear choice,” says Bill Ruehlmann, SCJ past president and member of the selection committee.

Temple, a Journalism major from Ozark, Missouri, is editor-in-chief of the The Lance, Evangel’s student newspaper. She will receive a plaque and a $500 stipend in recognition of her achievements.

Ruehlmann said the rigor of professionalism and intensity of spirit displayed throughout the wide field of nationwide competitors reflected their talent, training and discipline. The nominees “displayed superior devotion to the craft of journalism and its ethical practice,” Ruehlmann says.

Chapter adviser Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, nominated Temple.

“A notable characteristic that Christine demonstrates is that she does not hoard her knowledge, experience or expertise but invests it in younger students. She serves them, the student body and the legacy and future of The Lance with her consistent and generous mentoring,” Booze says.

The Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year Award is named for a longtime SCJ executive director and journalism educator. Barlow, now retired, served on the selection committee along with Ruehlmann, also a former executive director who is now retired, and Mary Beth Earnheardt, current executive director and educator at Youngstown (Ohio) State University.

The Barlow Award allows SCJ chapter advisers an opportunity to bring national recognition to a student journalist who meets the highest standards of ethics, service, leadership and technical skills.

Temple credits her education and professors at Evangel for providing her with the training necessary to be qualified for such a prestigious award.

“Winning this award speaks to the training I received from my journalism professors and the dedication of The Lance staff members I have worked with,” Temple says. “It means so much to be recognized by veteran journalists. This is a great send-off to my time at Evangel.”

Temple has served as The Lance editor for five semesters and is currently president of Evangel’s SCJ chapter. She also interns as a reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She will graduate in May and continue her internship through the summer and plans to stay in Springfield to pursue reporting opportunities for at least a year.

“Within a few years I hope to move out of Missouri and work at a daily paper in a large city,” she says. “I am prepared for various jobs within a newspaper: reporter, photographer, online team or videographer. I would be excited and grateful with any opportunity to practice my craft.”

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Evangel students present research at Sigma Zeta National Convention

On March 22nd, four Evangel University students, Adam Engebretson, Kyle Fulghum, Audra Stephenson and Chelsie Brown, presented their research at the 2013 Sigma Zeta National Convention at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Sigma Zeta is a national undergraduate honor society that encourages and fosters scholarly activity and recognizes academic scholarship in the natural and computer sciences and mathematics. 

The research team is supervised by Dr. Fred Fortunato. The Sigma Zeta adviser at Evangel is Dr. Glenner Richards.

In 2012, Engebretson and Fulghum received a student research award form Sigma Zeta to contribute to their research project, titled “The Effect of Molecular Branching on Specific Rotation in Isomers of Alcohols: Separation of Racemic Alcohols into Pure Enantiomers.”  They were recognized at the convention for receiving this award. 

As a part of the convention, the students were given the opportunity to tour the hospital labs at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur.

Engebretson’s abstract and presentation photo can be found by following this link to the Sigma Zeta website. 

Fulghum’s abstract and presentation photo can be found by following this link to the Sigma Zeta website.

Evangel Consolidation Update

Evangel University is pleased to anticipate its consolidation with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Central Bible College beginning with the fall 2013 semester, pending approval of accrediting bodies. For information on the consolidation progress, please visit http://ag.org/top/consolidation/

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Evangel University senior Christine Temple wins national journalism award

Evangel University senior Christine Temple has been named the 2013 Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).

The award committee cited “major competition” from finalists across the nation.

“She distinguished herself exceptionally on so many levels that she was the clear choice,” says Bill Ruehlmann, SCJ past president and member of the selection committee.

Temple, a Journalism major from Ozark, Missouri, is editor-in-chief of the The Lance, Evangel’s student newspaper. She will receive a plaque and a $500 stipend in recognition of her achievements.

Ruehlmann said the rigor of professionalism and intensity of spirit displayed throughout the wide field of nationwide competitors reflected their talent, training and discipline. The nominees “displayed superior devotion to the craft of journalism and its ethical practice,” Ruehlmann says.

Chapter adviser Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, nominated Temple.

“A notable characteristic that Christine demonstrates is that she does not hoard her knowledge, experience or expertise but invests it in younger students. She serves them, the student body and the legacy and future of The Lance with her consistent and generous mentoring,” Booze says.

The Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year Award is named for a longtime SCJ executive director and journalism educator. Barlow, now retired, served on the selection committee along with Ruehlmann, also a former executive director who is now retired, and Mary Beth Earnheardt, current executive director and educator at Youngstown (Ohio) State University.

The Barlow Award allows SCJ chapter advisers an opportunity to bring national recognition to a student journalist who meets the highest standards of ethics, service, leadership and technical skills.

Temple credits her education and professors at Evangel for providing her with the training necessary to be qualified for such a prestigious award.

“Winning this award speaks to the training I received from my journalism professors and the dedication of The Lance staff members I have worked with,” Temple says. “It means so much to be recognized by veteran journalists. This is a great send-off to my time at Evangel.”

Temple has served as The Lance editor for five semesters and is currently president of Evangel’s SCJ chapter. She also interns as a reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She will graduate in May and continue her internship through the summer and plans to stay in Springfield to pursue reporting opportunities for at least a year.

“Within a few years I hope to move out of Missouri and work at a daily paper in a large city,” she says. “I am prepared for various jobs within a newspaper: reporter, photographer, online team or videographer. I would be excited and grateful with any opportunity to practice my craft.”

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Elon's undergrad business program retains top national ranking

Bloomberg Businessweek gives the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business a #42 ranking among the nation's top undergraduate programs.

Michael Rodriguez, assistant professor of marketing, works in The Chandler Family Professional Sales Center with students involved in the competitive sales team.

This year's ranking is up one spot from the 2012 rankings. Elon debuted in the Bloomberg Businessweek survey in 2011 at #60. Bloomberg Businessweek identifies the nation's top undergraduate business programs based on nine measures of student satisfaction, a survey of employers and academic quality.

“This ranking is wonderful news to share with our students, parents and alumni for it shows that the Love School of Business competes on a national level with the best universities – and holds its own. In North Carolina only two universities are ahead of us – UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest. On a national basis when one looks at private universities we are ranked in the top 25. This is wonderful company to be in," says Raghu Tadepalli, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

"Credit for this ranking goes to our faculty and staff who provide our students with a wonderful education both inside and outside the classroom. Our graduating students helped us by completing the survey in large numbers and they too deserve thanks for doing so," he said.

The only other North Carolina undergraduate business schools ranked in the top 50 were the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#10) and Wake Forest University (#18).

Elon's #42 undergraduate ranking follows a #1 national ranking by Bloomberg Businessweek of Elon's part-time MBA program.

In developing the Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking, Bloomberg Businessweek used surveys of both senior business majors and employers, median starting salaries for graduates, and the number of alumni each program sends to top MBA programs. A calculation of academic quality is also included in the methodology, combining average SAT scores, student-faculty ratios, class size in core business courses, the percentage of students with internships, and the number of hours devoted to class work. This year, 145 undergraduate business programs participated in the ranking.

The student survey score counts for 30 percent of the final ranking and Elon students praised the school for innovative academic programs, internship support, dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

“We have unusually small class sizes so you get plenty of opportunities to engage with professors personally and with other classmates. The administration makes a strong effort to help you secure internship opportunities and jobs after college,” wrote one student.

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business is accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, an honor achieved by less than five percent of business schools in the world.

The Love School includes 1,347 students who study in the departments of accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing and entrepreneurship. The Love School includes a prestigious Business Fellows program, the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center, the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the William Garrard Reed Finance Center, and an Executive Education program.

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by Katie DeGraff, Staff Last Updated - 3/20/2013

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Excelsior College Students’ Median Debt is Substantially Less Than The National Average

Excelsior College Students’ Median Debt is Substantially Less Than The National Average

By Alicia Jacobs, Excelsior Life Staff—

Finances can be a roadblock to many things in life, and education is no exception. With student debt eclipsing one trillion dollars (and one in five households holding a balance on their student loans), issues surrounding higher education affordability and access are once again front and center in the national discussion.

On the bright side, nontraditional students may have an advantage says Christina Roarke, Excelsior College’s assistant director of financial aid.

“On average, online education costs are less than traditional brick and mortar education,” says Roarke. “Online education allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree, reduce travel expenses, and cut the cost of campus living.”

Students at Excelsior College are a prime example. As a comparison, median debt at Excelsior College is $9,600 per student, well below the national average of $26,000 per student borrower. One of the main factors for Excelsior’s lower debt burden is a result of its liberal transfer policy and alternative pathways to degree completion, including credit by examination.

Reducing debt begins with college choice. Roarke suggests those looking to attend or return to school review the websites of prospective colleges and universities to identify potential scholarships, grant programs, and partnership discounts. Some employers also offer employee reimbursement or tuition discounts. Students should check whether either of these options fit their particular situation.

The next step is completing key federal and state applications for aid. Students can determine their eligibility for federal grant funding and direct student loans by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Timing is critical, with student aid applications considered on a first-come, first-served basis (with some types of aid). New York residents who have lived in the state for at least, one year are encouraged to file an application for state aid through NYSTAP.

After applying for federal, state and institutional aid, students should review their loan offers carefully and only borrow what they need to cover costs less other sources of aid.

“It is important for students to review their expected (estimated) student loan needs for the entire duration of their education so they can estimate how much they will be paying back when they graduate,” Roarke says. “The Department of Education has some great resources for students to help them plan long term. Students can go to www.studentaid.ed.gov for answers to questions that range from: How do I prepare for college? To: How do I manage my loans?”

Doing your homework on financing is fundamental to the college search process. Many financial literacy tools are available to assist students with borrowing responsibly. For example, Excelsior College offers extensive resources on financial aid options, responsible borrowing, and financing education.

Another popular tool when conducting financial comparisons is the Net Price Calculator.

Created by the College Board, the calculator helps students determine the full cost to attend a specific college, less any grants and scholarships for which students may be eligible. "Full cost" includes direct charges (tuition and fees, room and board) and indirect costs (books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses).

Finally, Roarke reminds students that the Financial Aid Office should always be viewed as a resource and never a roadblock.

“We are here to help students through the entire process,” says Roarke. “We are acutely aware of how financial aid impacts students ability to persist and graduate. Because of that, we work hard to ensure that students understand their options as well the process and provide them with as much information as possible so that they can make informed decisions about their education.”

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Five Cybersecurity Programs Certified to Meet the NSA’s Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards

Five Cybersecurity Programs Certified to Meet the NSA’s Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards

Excelsior College today announced five of the College’s programs have been certified by the National Security Agency to meet the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards.

To become certified, Excelsior’s courses had to meet six CNSS standards:

• Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals (NSTISSI 4011)
• Senior Systems Managers (NSTISSI 4012)
• System Administrators (SA) (NSTISSI 4013)
• Information Systems Security Officers (NSTISSI 4014)
• Systems Certifiers (NSTISSI 4015)
• Risk Analysts (NSTISSI 4016)

“This certification invites Excelsior College into an elite fraternity of academic institutions certified by our government's highest national security agency,” said Dr. Jane LeClair, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Business and Technology. “Web attacks costs businesses $114 billion annually, and with attackers targeting both people and technologies, it is essential we develop the next generation of cybertechnicians and those who can lead them.”

According to cyber experts, there will be a 22 percent growth in demand for cybersecurity professionals through 2020. Excelsior College has developed five academic programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels in cybersecurity to meet this demand:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentration in Cybersecurity Technology
• Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Management
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management

These five programs form a comprehensive unit through which professionals are provided with cutting edge techniques and technology that are required to secure and defend sensitive and critical information of an organization. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach in the design of these programs, the curriculum covers various subjects such as cyber attack and defense, digital analysis, computer forensics, security policies and strategies, risk analysis, ethical and legal issues, operational processes, cyber crime, and more.

On January 29, Excelsior hosted the FBI on campus in Albany, New York to discuss the growth of cyberterrorism and the need for more highly trained professionals.

-30-

Contact
Mike Lesczinski
Public Relations Manager
mlesczinski@excelsior.edu
(518) 608-8450

Excelsior
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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Five Cybersecurity Programs Certified to Meet the NSA’s Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards

Five Cybersecurity Programs Certified to Meet the NSA’s Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards

Excelsior College today announced five of the College’s programs have been certified by the National Security Agency to meet the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards.

To become certified, Excelsior’s courses had to meet six CNSS standards:

• Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals (NSTISSI 4011)
• Senior Systems Managers (NSTISSI 4012)
• System Administrators (SA) (NSTISSI 4013)
• Information Systems Security Officers (NSTISSI 4014)
• Systems Certifiers (NSTISSI 4015)
• Risk Analysts (NSTISSI 4016)

“This certification invites Excelsior College into an elite fraternity of academic institutions certified by our government's highest national security agency,” said Dr. Jane LeClair, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Business and Technology. “Web attacks costs businesses $114 billion annually, and with attackers targeting both people and technologies, it is essential we develop the next generation of cybertechnicians and those who can lead them.”

According to cyber experts, there will be a 22 percent growth in demand for cybersecurity professionals through 2020. Excelsior College has developed five academic programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels in cybersecurity to meet this demand:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentration in Cybersecurity Technology
• Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Management
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management

These five programs form a comprehensive unit through which professionals are provided with cutting edge techniques and technology that are required to secure and defend sensitive and critical information of an organization. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach in the design of these programs, the curriculum covers various subjects such as cyber attack and defense, digital analysis, computer forensics, security policies and strategies, risk analysis, ethical and legal issues, operational processes, cyber crime, and more.

On January 29, Excelsior hosted the FBI on campus in Albany, New York to discuss the growth of cyberterrorism and the need for more highly trained professionals.

-30-

Contact
Mike Lesczinski
Public Relations Manager
mlesczinski@excelsior.edu
(518) 608-8450

Excelsior
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is a regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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Fielding alumni present at the 43rd Annual National Indian Education Association Convention

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Mon, Nov 19, 2012

The theme for this year's convention was "Maintaining Traditions in a Digital Era" and the conference was filled with exciting dialog, inspiration, and sharing of innovative ideas for use in the classroom. The NIEA Annual Convention and Tradeshow brings together Native leaders, congressional representatives, educators, students and school administrators to share best practices, connect with others who are passionate about educating Native students, and pursue solutions to education issues that affect Native communities. Each year, the convention teaches attendees about the local tribal culture and language through various evening events. NIEA’s board of directors and resolutions for yearly legislative priorities are also determined at this event.

Pictured above (left to right): Henry Fowler, Fielding faculty Kathy Tiner, Sandy Kewanhaptewa Dixon, and friend Charlene Teters.

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National Geographic Book presents new release: In the Footsteps of Jesus by Fielding faculty Jean-Pierre Isbouts

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Wed, Nov 07, 2012

According to In the Footsteps of Jesus, a new publication from National Geographic Books, Jesus and his father, Joseph, may have been skilled workers forced into labor on the rebuilding of Sepphoris, the Galilean capital. Drawing from a variety of evidence, the book reports that many scholars have begun to explore this theory for several reasons: One relates to the various meanings of tekton, which though translated in the King James Bible as “carpenter,” also can be defined as “skilled worker.” Secondly, conscripting labor from surrounding villages was a familiar operating procedure in Roman vassal states.

The book also suggests that many of the poor and hungry peasants who flocked to Jesus were, in fact, victims of Herod the Great’s rapacious tax policies. Additionally, the book examines Jesus’ treatment and acceptance of women. This issue was recently brought into the spotlight by the controversy over a Coptic papyrus fragment referring to Jesus’ wife, so the discussion in the book is particularly well-timed. In the Footsteps of Jesus purports that Jesus even counted women among his Apostles. The Gospel of Philip, for example, states that “the companion of the [Savior is] Mary Magdalene.” However, the book cautions that terms such as “companion” or “wife” were often used metaphorically in Jewish and Christian texts of the time.

These are just some of the insights contained in this fresh portrait of the historical Jesus. “This is a Jesus for the 21st century,” says author Jean-Pierre Isbouts, a humanities scholar and author of National Geographic’s bestseller “The Biblical World” (2007). “This is a Jesus who is deeply involved in the social issues of his day and is determined to create a new paradigm for a compassionate society despite the political reality of Roman occupation.”

To make its case, the book not only draws from a vast array of visual evidence, including all-new photography, archaeological objects, literary sources and scores of detailed maps, but also from sources not usually associated with the historical Jesus, such as studies of Roman tax data.

Isbouts spent 15 years researching the historical Jesus, emphatically looking for sources not deeply investigated by his peers. “We tend to become very focused on our specialties in this field,” he says. “Archaeologists look for archaeological data; text experts look for literary data and anthropologists search for cultural evidence. Insights from people like economists or forensic sociologists are rarely consulted. So this book is an effort to reconstruct the man from Nazareth with input from all those different disciplines.”

Isbouts worked with a board of advisers and numerous other scholars from a variety of fields to corroborate his findings and paint a clear picture of Jesus of Nazareth within the appropriate and telling historical and cultural context. His board of advisers included:

Shaye J. D. Cohen, Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations of Harvard University

Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada

Amy-Jill Levine, University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University

Rev. Donald Senior, C.P., Professor of New Testament Studies, president of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and general editor of the Oxford Catholic Study Bible

What emerges from the book’s pages is a very modern portrait of a grassroots spiritual reformer, fired by the socio-economic injustices of the Galilee and Judea of his day. This makes the book surprisingly relevant for our own era, when the Middle East is once again convulsed by the collision of political, religious and ideological forces.

For those readers for whom Jesus has become a remote personality, veiled by centuries of church dogma and Christology, In the Footsteps of Jesus offers a fresh and often moving encounter with a fully realized human being; a social and spiritual activist whose message still resonates with the great issues of our day.

Jean-Pierre Isbouts completed his doctoral program on archaeology and art at the University of Leyden and is currently professor in two doctoral programs at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. He has written several other books, including National Geographic’s “The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas” and “From Moses to Muhammad.” Isbouts has also written four television programs that explore the legacy of the Bible, including the Hallmark television mini-series “The Quest for Peace,” which won the 2005 Gold Aurora Award and the 2005 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award.

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Elon team excels at national moot court competition

The Elon Law team of Chantelle Lytle, Jason Senges and Adam Spivey advanced from preliminary rounds to reach the quarterfinals of the William B. Spong Moot Court Tournament at William & Mary School of Law.

Chantelle Lytle, Jason Senges and Adam Spivey, all members of the Class of 2013 at Elon Law, advanced from the preliminary rounds to reach the quarterfinals of the 42nd annual William B. Spong Moot Court Tournament, held February 15 and 16 at William & Mary School of Law.

This was Elon Law’s first time competing at the Spong invitational tournament, which was held February 15 and 16. Twenty-two teams from law schools across the country, including eventual champion South Texas College of Law, competed in this year’s tournament.

Elon Law was also well represented by the team of Annie Murphy L’14, Trevor Huck L’13 and Tim Mearns L’13, which presented strong arguments in the preliminary rounds and narrowly missed also advancing to the top eight teams.

The teams were coached by Professors James G. Exum Jr., Bonnie McAlister and Alan Woodlief. 

Additional successes of the moot court program this academic year include:

Will Drath ’13 and Jennifer Meeks Mickle ’13 – Quarterfinalists – Mercer University School of Law Legal Ethics and Professionalism Moot Court Competition, November 2012
Sarah Boshears '13 and Grant Buckner '13 – Quarterfinalists – Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, Regent University School of Law, October 2012
Daniel Harris '13 and Gwendolyn Lewis '13 – Quarterfinalists – Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, Regent University School of Law, October 2012
Will Drath ’13 and Jennifer Meeks Mickle ’13 – Best Petitioner's Brief – Mercer University School of Law Legal Ethics and Professionalism Moot Court Competition, November 2012
Sarah Boshears '13 and Grant Buckner '13 – Best Brief – Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, Regent University School of Law, October 2012
Daniel Harris '13 and Gwendolyn Lewis '13 – Third Place Brief – Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, Regent University School of Law, October 2012

The Elon Law Moot Court Program closes outs its competitive season later this month at the J. Braxton Craven, Jr. Memorial Competition at UNC-Chapel Hill and in March at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Washington, D.C.

From April 4-6, Elon Law hosts the third annual Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition. Over 30 teams from 24 law schools across the country are set to compete in this year’s competition.

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by Philip Craft, Staff Last Updated - 2/20/2013

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Fielding alumni present at the 43rd Annual National Indian Education Association Convention

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Mon, Nov 19, 2012

The theme for this year's convention was "Maintaining Traditions in a Digital Era" and the conference was filled with exciting dialog, inspiration, and sharing of innovative ideas for use in the classroom. The NIEA Annual Convention and Tradeshow brings together Native leaders, congressional representatives, educators, students and school administrators to share best practices, connect with others who are passionate about educating Native students, and pursue solutions to education issues that affect Native communities. Each year, the convention teaches attendees about the local tribal culture and language through various evening events. NIEA’s board of directors and resolutions for yearly legislative priorities are also determined at this event.

Pictured above (left to right): Henry Fowler, Fielding faculty Kathy Tiner, Sandy Kewanhaptewa Dixon, and friend Charlene Teters.

News Archive

View the original article here

Read More

National Geographic Book presents new release: In the Footsteps of Jesus by Fielding faculty Jean-Pierre Isbouts

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Wed, Nov 07, 2012

According to In the Footsteps of Jesus, a new publication from National Geographic Books, Jesus and his father, Joseph, may have been skilled workers forced into labor on the rebuilding of Sepphoris, the Galilean capital. Drawing from a variety of evidence, the book reports that many scholars have begun to explore this theory for several reasons: One relates to the various meanings of tekton, which though translated in the King James Bible as “carpenter,” also can be defined as “skilled worker.” Secondly, conscripting labor from surrounding villages was a familiar operating procedure in Roman vassal states.

The book also suggests that many of the poor and hungry peasants who flocked to Jesus were, in fact, victims of Herod the Great’s rapacious tax policies. Additionally, the book examines Jesus’ treatment and acceptance of women. This issue was recently brought into the spotlight by the controversy over a Coptic papyrus fragment referring to Jesus’ wife, so the discussion in the book is particularly well-timed. In the Footsteps of Jesus purports that Jesus even counted women among his Apostles. The Gospel of Philip, for example, states that “the companion of the [Savior is] Mary Magdalene.” However, the book cautions that terms such as “companion” or “wife” were often used metaphorically in Jewish and Christian texts of the time.

These are just some of the insights contained in this fresh portrait of the historical Jesus. “This is a Jesus for the 21st century,” says author Jean-Pierre Isbouts, a humanities scholar and author of National Geographic’s bestseller “The Biblical World” (2007). “This is a Jesus who is deeply involved in the social issues of his day and is determined to create a new paradigm for a compassionate society despite the political reality of Roman occupation.”

To make its case, the book not only draws from a vast array of visual evidence, including all-new photography, archaeological objects, literary sources and scores of detailed maps, but also from sources not usually associated with the historical Jesus, such as studies of Roman tax data.

Isbouts spent 15 years researching the historical Jesus, emphatically looking for sources not deeply investigated by his peers. “We tend to become very focused on our specialties in this field,” he says. “Archaeologists look for archaeological data; text experts look for literary data and anthropologists search for cultural evidence. Insights from people like economists or forensic sociologists are rarely consulted. So this book is an effort to reconstruct the man from Nazareth with input from all those different disciplines.”

Isbouts worked with a board of advisers and numerous other scholars from a variety of fields to corroborate his findings and paint a clear picture of Jesus of Nazareth within the appropriate and telling historical and cultural context. His board of advisers included:

Shaye J. D. Cohen, Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations of Harvard University

Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada

Amy-Jill Levine, University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University

Rev. Donald Senior, C.P., Professor of New Testament Studies, president of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and general editor of the Oxford Catholic Study Bible

What emerges from the book’s pages is a very modern portrait of a grassroots spiritual reformer, fired by the socio-economic injustices of the Galilee and Judea of his day. This makes the book surprisingly relevant for our own era, when the Middle East is once again convulsed by the collision of political, religious and ideological forces.

For those readers for whom Jesus has become a remote personality, veiled by centuries of church dogma and Christology, In the Footsteps of Jesus offers a fresh and often moving encounter with a fully realized human being; a social and spiritual activist whose message still resonates with the great issues of our day.

Jean-Pierre Isbouts completed his doctoral program on archaeology and art at the University of Leyden and is currently professor in two doctoral programs at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. He has written several other books, including National Geographic’s “The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas” and “From Moses to Muhammad.” Isbouts has also written four television programs that explore the legacy of the Bible, including the Hallmark television mini-series “The Quest for Peace,” which won the 2005 Gold Aurora Award and the 2005 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award.

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