Dr. Lindsay Edwards, Assistant Professor of Fitness and Sport Sciences, and Chuck Ruot, Professor of Fitness and Sport Sciences, received a grant from the Academic Foundation to purchase an electromyography system that assesses muscle activity to be used in the HSU Human Performance Laboratory. Dr. Edwards’ other activities include serving as a consultant for IntelliGEN, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the health and function of those who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy; working as a consultant for the development of a multipurpose center for Disability Resource Incorporated; and serving on the Board for Abilene Hope Haven.
Dr. Carol Layton, Professor of Educational Studies, was instrumental in starting a new chapter of the Student Council for Exceptional Children, directly linked with International and National Council for Exceptional Children. The Council works to improve the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and/or talents. In February of 2010, the Abilene Autism Resource Group has been added to the Department of Educational Studies Center for Literacy and Learning that has a long history of working to improve the educational success of students with dyslexia. The Abilene Autism Resource Group will bring quality services and research-based educational programs to teachers and families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
A Fitness and Sport Sciences classroom in Mabee Complex has been upgraded with an interactive Promethean Board, a new projector, and new computer system. This will make a positive impact on their instructional delivery system.
Another classroom in Abilene Hall is scheduled to be upgraded with the same technology plus a document camera during Spring Break. This will be the first Promethean Board, projector, and computer to be installed on the 2nd floor of Abilene Hall. The first floor now has four classrooms equipped with this state-of-the art technology. The third floor has one classroom and Gilman Technology Lab that have been equipped. Funds from grants and/or departmental educational projects have provided the majority of the finances to provide these new installations.
Dr. Robert Moore, Professor of Fitness and Sport Sciences, will have a paper entitled, “A Christocentric Approach to Intrinsic Motivation,” for the Christian Sport, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies Association published in their October journal. The same paper has been accepted for presentation at the Christian Sport, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies Association Conference, June 10, 2010. He has submitted for publication a paper to the magazine, Faith and Fitness, entitled “Sport, A Tool for Teaching Life Lessons.” Dr. Moore was interviewed by the Baptist Standard for an article published in the January 18, 2010 edition entitled, “Coaches Have Potential to Teach Christian Understanding of Life.” Dr. Moore also recently accepted the position of publications coordinator for the Family Fitness Department of the magazine, Faith and Fitness.
Dr. Larry Wolz, Professor of Music History and Voice, planned and engineered the Smith Music Library’s historical display celebrating the 500th birthday of Jean (John) Calvin. The exhibit highlights the influence that his reform movement had on the music of the church. Wolz has written several articles for publication over the last several months. He contributed an introduction and commentary on Frank van der Stucken and his songs for a reprint edition of the composer’s Acht Lieder, Op. 17 published by Recital Publications in Huntsville, TX. He has also written articles, “Carl Beck” and “Frank van der Stucken” for the upcoming second edition of The Grove Dictionary of American Music to be published by Oxford University Press. Wolz recently wrote an essay titled “Frank van der Stucken and American Music Boosterism in the late Nineteenth Century” for a book about the Texas-born composer to soon be published by the Center for the Study of Flemish Music in Antwerp, Belgium. Dr. Wolz recently completed a six-year term as associate editor for book reviews for THE HYMN, the official journal of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. During his term, he edited for publication 227 reviews, 60 of which he wrote himself. He continues to serve on the journal’s editorial advisory board.