Arizona State University

Students in Arizona interested in studying the role that science and technology have on societies around the world, the structure and mechanisms of government or globalization will have a new degree program available to them at Arizona State University this fall.

The School of Applied Arts & Sciences at ASU’s Polytechnic campus is rolling out a bachelor of science degree in science, technology and society, which will help establish the university as a leader in this area.

"We are truly excited about the new program and its immense promise at ASU," said Nicholas Alozie, professor and head of social and behavioral sciences. "The new degree has an important niche within the state of Arizona."

In fact, ASU is the only higher education institution in the state offering this type of comprehensive, interdisciplinary degree. The program’s core provides students with a strong understanding of social systems and theory; the history and development of science and technology, with emphasis on societal control of science and technological pursuits; analytical techniques required for a sophisticated study of science and society; and the basics of science and technology studies.

The degree is designed to complement ASU’s emerging interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in human and social dimensions of science and technology. It offers three focus areas — science, technology and governance; global technology and development; and general science and technology studies.

"Each area is tailored to develop expertise in different aspects such as, the interaction of science and technology with issues of governance or for the understanding of how technology, processes of globalization and society influence one another," said Alozie. "Students outside of the major can use the general science, technology and society focus to design a double major, minor, or to pursue interests such as pre-law or pre-med."

The curriculum will benefit students majoring in engineering, science, technology or other programs, according to Alozie.

"Educating future engineers, scientists, and other professionals about how their innovations and activities will impact society, and the societal imperatives that control the way they do their work is as important as the innovation itself. There has never been a better time to place studying the interaction of science, technology, and human systems center stage in our educational system in Arizona," he said.

Students who graduate with the degree will use the degree as a launching pad for careers in government at all levels, international organizations (the United Nations, International Monetary Fund), business and non-profit organizations. Moreover, students interested in a broad-based preparation for graduate and professional schools will find the program very useful.

This type of degree is needed as part of a sound 21st century education, according to Alozie. "We are moving more and more into a world of technological determinism. Whether we are asking questions regarding the organization and governance of human communities, cultural change, sustainability, public health, or national security and public safety, science and technology are never far behind," he said.

More information can be found at http://www.poly.asu.edu/saas/socialbehavioral or by calling (480) 727-1987. For information to enroll, visit http://www.asu.edu/prospective/.

Christine Lambrakis, lambrakis@asu.edu
480-727-1173, 602-316-5616

Five Arizona State University baseball student-athletes were named the 2008 Pacific-10 Conference All-Academic team, the conference announced today. Senior outfielder Ryan Sontag, sophomore right hander Mike Leake and junior catcher Petey Paramore were all named to the First Team, while senior righty Dustin Brader and senior OF Rocky Laguna were named to the Second Team.

Sontag and Paramore earned First Team honors for the second straight year.

A student-athlete must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and either be a starter or a significant contributor. True freshman and transfer students are not eligible. This is the 12th consecutive season that Arizona State had had at least two members of the All-Academic Team.

Sontag (Monroe, Mich.) carries a 3.66 GPA and recently graduated with a degree in kinesiology. He is batting .386 with four homers and 33 RBI. Paramore (Allen, Texas) was named a Second Team Academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine and was named First Team All-Pac-10 for the third straight season. He has a 3.65 GPA as a BIS major focusing on business and communication. He’s hitting .347 with seven home runs and 46 RBI. Leake (Fallbrook, Calif.) was named the Pac-10’s Pitcher of the Year and also earned First Team All-Pac-10 and Second Team All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball. He has a 3.40 GPA as a management major and is 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA on the mound. He is also hitting .341 with two homers and 11 RBI.

Brader (Selah, Wash.) recently graduated with a degree in BIS, focusing on education and business. He has appeared in 19 games, posting a 1-0 record with two saves. Laguna (Yuma, Ariz.) is doing post-graduate work, after earning his degree last year. He carried a 3.33 GPA while studying Higher Education.

Not only is Azahara Munoz the top female golfer in the NCAA, but she is also the top student in NCAA women’s golf. In addition to winning the NCAA Individual Championship, Munoz was also the recipient of this year’s Edith Cummings Munson Award.

The award goes to the student-athlete who is both a National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) All-American Scholar and an NGCA All-American. If more than one student-athlete qualifies, the student-athlete with the highest GPA receives the award. A donation of $5,000 is given from the Curtis & Edith Cummings Munson Foundation to the general scholarship fund of the recipient’s institution. Munoz, who carries over a 3.9 in psychology, is the first Sun Devil to win the award as well as the first NCAA Individual Champion title.

"I am so happy for Aza," said head coach Melissa Luellen, who the 1988 NCAA Individual Champion. "I was jumping up and down when she made [her put in the playoff] in. All the girls on the team were crying. It was just one of the moments in sports."

"Aza is the total package," continues Luellen. "She’s a beautiful girl, great student, awesome golfer. It was great that her first tournament win was the biggest one you can get in NCAA golf."

Munoz and teammate sophomore Anna Nordqvist were both named NGCA First-Team All-Americans. Nordqvist finished tied for fifth. Munoz had previously been named an NGCA Second-Team All-American the past two seasons while Nordqvist was named to the first-team last season.

Both Munoz and Nordqvist were honored with NGCA Academic All-American honors as well. The requirement for NGCA Academic All-America is a 3.5 or higher. Both Munoz and Nordqvist had earned the honor each of their previous seasons at ASU.

The Sun Devil women’s golf team finished fifth overall. They were one stroke away from taking home a trophy, which is given to the top four teams.

"Although I’m bummed we missed taking home a trophy by one stroke, I’m thrilled with a top five finish," says Luellen. "I’m very proud of the girls."

Brent Brown was an ASU visionary who will long be remembered for his dedication to students, the university and public service.
Brown passed away Saturday, May 24, after a long illness.

Brown joined Arizona State University in 1972 as an assistant professor in political science and was instrumental in the formation of the School of Public Affairs in the College of Public Programs.

“Brent Brown will always be remembered as one of the founders of what eventually became the School of Public Affairs. He was tireless in his efforts to enhance the education of public servants. As a faculty member in the School of Public Affairs, he influenced the careers of countless students, many of whom became leaders in national, state and local governments as well as non-profits,” says N. Joseph Cayer, the Frank and June Sackton Professor of Public Administration in the School of Public Affairs.

Brown served in many capacities throughout the university including vice president of Institutional Advancement, assistant vice president of Community Relations and director of Community Relations. His most recent position was with Gov. Janet Napolitano as rural affairs policy advisor.

“Brent Brown served ASU and the entire state of Arizona with extreme dedication and commitment for many decades. He was untiring, fully engaged and always had a smile for those he worked with. A true public servant,” says Robert Denhardt, School of Public Affairs director.

Brown was known for his strong sense of integrity.

“There have been few men like him and there will be few men like him. He was someone who had great personal integrity,” says Larry Mankin, a friend and ASU colleague who knew Brown for close to 40 years. “He had a great strong moral compass that never failed him.”
Brown also foresaw what the university would become in future years, advocating for additional campuses in downtown Phoenix, on the west side and the far east Valley.

“He had really tremendous insight into what this university could be,” Mankin says.

Brown was a consensus builder who worked easily with people he came in contact with from legislators to university administrators to students.

“ASU wouldn’t be what it is today without Brent and the persuasiveness of his arguments and his ability to work with people,” Mankin says. “He was a visionary and superb problem solver.”

Former ASU president Lattie Coor remembers Brown as an invaluable member of his leadership team.

“I had been away from Arizona for over three decades when I assumed the presidency of ASU. There was a lot about the state and the university I needed to learn. Brent was my guide, patiently accompanying me to meet legislators and other elected officials and briefing me for days on end about the background of the many issues before the University. For every personal introduction and every issue, he had a story, and it was those stories I remember most,” Coor says.

He served as an inspiration and mentor to students, many of whom hold prominent positions in public service today.

“He epitomized the faculty member who understood that learning was not just for the sake of learning but was also for making society and government better for everyone. His death leaves a big void for Arizona,” Cayer says.

Brown was also instrumental in forming a retirees association at ASU with Bob Ellis, former KAET/Channel 8 manager.

“He asked me to put together a plan for an association,” Ellis says. “It’s still going strong. He supported it all the way.”

Ellis worked for Brown when both were in University Relations. Ellis handled areas such as the Alumni Association, KAET/Channel 8 and public events while Brown managed duties such as managing the ASU Foundation and working with government officials.

“We had a wonderful time. He was just a great guy to work for. He didn’t interfere unless there was a problem,” Ellis says.

Brown also played a major role in bringing the Arizona Cardinals to Phoenix from St. Louis.

Brown was born Sept. 27, 1941, in St. Johns. He was a lifelong resident of Arizona who received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s from Arizona State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois. Brown is survived by his wife, Marilyn, six children and 11 grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 N. Cooper Road, Gilbert, with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m.

Information sessions providing details about bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered by ASU’s College of Teacher Education and Leadership (CTEL) are held regularly on the West campus. The college boasts award-winning partnerships with schools throughout the greater Phoenix area and across Arizona to offer bachelor’s and master’s-with-Arizona certification programs close to home or work.

• Thursday, June 5, 6 p.m. (Avondale Professional Development School)
• Thursday, June 19, 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m. (Madison Professional Development School)
• Monday, July 7, 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 18, 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 23, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, July 24, 6 p.m. (Avondale Professional Development School)
• Thursday, July 31, 9 a.m.
• Monday, Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 21, 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 3, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m.
• Thursday, June 19, 9 a.m.
• Friday, June 27, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 8, 4 p.m.
• Thursday, July 17, 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, July 23, 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 29, 6 p.m. (Osborn Professional Development School)
• Friday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 28, 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2 p.m.

Tell people the facts.

That’s the idea Joseph Clay developed for his first prize win in the Public Service Announcements for International Disasters (PSAid) contest.
Clay, a graphic design senior, is the first student from Arizona State University to place in the contest or even become a finalist. For his first place win in the print category, Clay received $6,000 and may have the ad distributed nationally to newspapers and magazines.

This was the first year the contest included a print category where students had to create an 8-inch by 10-inch ad to best illustrate PSAid’s ‘Cash is Best’ message. This message was created to help spread the word to reduce the amount of inappropriate donations.

Clay’s ad may be seen at the website http://www.psaid.org/Prints/Images/24bc3519-e620-44c2-b447-31e8da54e28f.jpg.

The ad featured a photo border of disaster victims and a mock up of a nutrition facts label. The label highlighted key facts about the importance of cash donations: directly help disaster victims, eliminate transportation costs and stimulate local economies.

PSAid is a public service announcement (PSA) contest for U.S.-based college and university students. It seeks entries of broadcast and print PSAs that explain the importance of international disaster relief and build support for international disaster relief work done by well-established, U.S.-based international disaster relief organizations.

PSAid is sponsored by the Center for International Disaster Information. For more information, visit the PSAid website at http://www.psaid.org.

Every year, the number of children in Arizona public schools who need speech and language services increases, while the number of qualified speech-language pathologists does not. To address this shortage, Arizona State University’s Department of Speech and Hearing Science, together with the Arizona Department of Education, is helping technicians who work in Arizona public schools earn a master’s degree while completing their clinical training on the job.

ASU’s Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) provides education and training on a part-time basis to speech-language technicians who are working in Phoenix area public school districts. Students enrolled in the accelerated master’s degree program takes classes at night at ASU and are partnered during the day with qualified speech-language pathologists for their clinical training.

“The demand for speech and language services has increased so much, and so quickly,” says Cathy Bacon, a clinical associate professor of speech and hearing science in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She oversees PEP, which is supported with a five-year, $625,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Education.

In 2006, there were about 50,000 children in Arizona public schools who qualified for speech and language services, according to the Arizona Department of Education. Yet, in that same year, there were only 1,620 qualified speech-language pathologists in public school districts. A qualified speech-language pathologist has a master’s degree and the necessary clinical training to identify and administer therapy to people with speech and language disorders, according to Bacon.

There are many reasons often cited for the increased demand for speech and language services in public schools, including the rise in the number of children diagnosed each year with autism, Bacon notes.

“In addition, there are a lot of other handicapping conditions that result in speech and language delay in children that then require the services of speech-language pathologists,” she says.

And, while more and more school-aged children need such services, so do adults. People who suffer from strokes or brain injuries often need services from a speech-language pathologist.

“These types of needs have resulted in a national shortage of speech-language pathologists,” Bacon says. “Our department is very concerned about this problem and is addressing ways that ASU can contribute to solutions to address this shortage.”

ASU and the Arizona Department of Education are hosting a stakeholder meeting May 23 to review data and develop a plan to address the statewide shortage. Stakeholders, including special education directors, Arizona certification and licensing agencies, state lawmakers, school district representatives and other universities will meet at ASU’s Decision Theater and use the facility’s advanced visualization environment to view detailed, three-dimensional models of potential solutions.

“We also have a strong commitment to providing the best services possible to school children from qualified pathologists, because speech and language disorders can have such a strong impact on learning. Children who are born with significant birth disabilities or are born prematurely often times experience academic failure,” says Bacon. “If we can intervene and help support their language skills and development, they have a greater chance to be successful in school and later in life.”

With the goal of increasing the number of qualified pathologists who work in Arizona’s public schools, ASU developed PEP. The part-time, accelerated master’s degree program is designed to be completed in three years, compared to the full-time master’s program, which takes two years to complete. Now in its second year, 11 students are enrolled in the program. They work in the Mesa, Scottsdale, Kyrene, Deer Valley, Murphy Elementary, Roosevelt, Washington or Creighton school districts.

ASU receives more than 200 applications each year to its master’s degree program in speech-language pathology, Bacon says. With the addition of PEP, the program will accommodate 10 additional students for a total of 40 master’s students in speech-language pathology admitted and trained each year.

“ASU’s program is competitive. We have very bright, successful students in the master’s program,” says Bacon. “It’s not a matter of having enough students who are interested and are in the field, as much as it’s having enough resources to provide the training programs for those students.”

One of the graduate students in the program, Monica Avina, chose PEP for its flexible class schedule and benefits.

“It’s a wonderful program if you want to pursue a master’s degree and you aren’t the typical age of most college students,” she says. “It’s also great because it allows you to continue working and still get a degree part time.”

Courtney Petersen, another student enrolled in the program, feels more confident in her ability to do her job because of the on-the-job clinical training.

“I was able to learn more about the type of tools I could use to implement therapy through the great examples of experienced speech-language pathologists. I know I have so much more to learn, but at least I know I’m on the right track,” Petersen says.

“The scope of speech language pathology has expanded so much in the last several years,” Bacon explains. In a master’s degree program students “must learn the research that guides clinical practice for a variety of communication disorders that affect individuals from birth to old age.”

The Arizona Department of Education hopes this program will eventually increase the number of qualified speech-language pathologists to accommodate the overwhelming need.

“We are really committed to the highest qualified person working with our students. If ASU could concentrate on a cohort of master’s degree students, it would help increase the skill level of these people,” says Miriam Podrazik, director for the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development at the Arizona Department of Education. “We are tremendously grateful to ASU for providing this program.”

ASU strives to increase its community reach by providing technicians a place to advance their career while still making a difference, according to Bacon.

“People choose this profession to make a difference in children’s lives,” she says. “This program really embeds ASU in the community and allows us to impact the shortage of speech-language pathologists directly.”

More information at shs.asu.edu.

Arizona State University’s vibrant West campus is home to a wide range of events designed to help prospective students – from graduating high school students to extended education veterans – make informed decisions about the many classroom and degree opportunities available. For additional program and event information, or to view a complete list of information session dates, times and locations please visit the following sites:

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences honored eight individuals for quality teaching, excellence in advising, and making a difference. Recipients of the college honors were recognized May 8 at a college awards program. They were nominated by students, alumni, faculty members and staff.

Neal Woodbury received the Gary Krahenbuhl Difference Maker Endowment award, which is selected by the dean of the college. Woodbury is a professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry and the director of the Center for Biooptical Nanotechnology in the Biodesign Institute at ASU.

“Professor Woodbury is a dedicated teacher, an innovative and creative researcher, dependable colleague, and is energetic in his service to the college,” says Quentin Wheeler, ASU vice president and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “He has been a leading pioneer in research on the structure-function relationships in photosynthesis and is currently developing molecular devices and nanoscale hybrid electronics for use in biomedicine, threat detection and agriculture.”

The recipient of this award personifies the spirit of difference-making demonstrated by Gary Krahenbuhl, former dean of the college. The endowment was established through generous contributions from faculty, staff and friends at ASU to annually recognize and celebrate faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Zebulon Pearce Distinguished Quality Teaching Award was established in memory of Zebulon Pearce who graduated from Territorial Normal School at Tempe (now ASU) with teacher’s credentials in 1899. This award recognizes quality teaching in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

This year, three faculty members received the award. They are Kyle Longley, a professor of history and a dean’s faculty Fellow; Mike Treacy, a professor of physics and director of undergraduate programs in the physics department; and Randall Cerveny, a President’s Professor in the School of Geographical Sciences.

Longley teaches in a variety of formats, including large lectures, online, and small seminars. He has served on doctoral and master’s thesis committees, and for several semesters he was involved in the undergraduate learning community “War, Culture and Memory.”

A student wrote to Longley: “I’m nearing the end of my four years at ASU, and I can count on one hand the number of classes that have truly challenged me and yours are both included.”

Treacy teaches undergraduate thermodynamics, optics and modern physics, and graduate level mechanics. He has earned a reputation for clear presentations and the ability to relate complex concepts in laymen’s terms to his students.

“I have learned that most students are serious, motivated, young people who have a strong desire to learn. It is a privilege to help them achieve their goals,” he says.

Cerveny teaches climate and meteorology to first-year students as well as upper division. He believes in giving students extra training and experience through avenues such as the “Arizona Thunderstorm Chase Project,” a summer project that has students act as mobile eyes for the National Weather Service during the monsoon. He has also introduced geography to broader audiences in his book “Freaks of the Storm” and by teaching a TV class titled “13 Ways Nature Can Kill You.”

“He engages students, most of whom have no idea what the field of geography is about, to the point of convincing them to become majors,” says Luc Anselin, director of the School of Geographical Sciences says.

There were three other teaching awards presented at the award program: Distinguished Teaching Award for Lecturers; Distinguished Teaching Award for Faculty Associates; and Distinguished Award for Teaching Associates.

Delon Washo-Krupps, recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award for Lecturers, is a lecturer in the School of Life Sciences. She teaches three courses every semester with class sizes ranging from 150 to more than 400 students.

“Delon loves to teach – this has been clear in every interaction I have had with her. And students think she is terrific, in spite of the large classes she teaches,” says Andrew Smith, associate director for undergraduate programs in the School of Life Sciences.

Charles “Chas” Barfoot received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Faculty Associates. Barfoot is a faculty associate in the department of religious studies, teaching in the classroom and online. Among his classes are: “Religion in the Americas” and “Myth, Symbol and Ritual.”

“I don’t lecture as much as I ‘academically entertain.’ I feel somewhat like George Lucas in that I am forever looking for new ways to tell an old story,” he says.

Chad Awtrey received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Teaching Associates. Awtrey is a doctoral student and teaching associate in the department of mathematics and statistics. He teaches algebra, finite mathematics and second semester calculus. Awtrey learns the name and area of study of each of his students. A former student said: “He does not view his job as teaching math. Instead he teaches his students math.”

Another student wrote: “Chad has an extraordinary ability to relate rather difficult concepts to students at different ranges of understanding.”

The college also recognized the role of academic advisors in the success of ASU students.

Debra Daly, an academic success specialist and coordinator of advising in the department of psychology, was this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Advising Award. Among her accomplishments, Daly initiated “Declaration of Graduation Workshops,” which have resulted in a substantial increase in the number of students who graduate on time.

“There is no single advisor more dedicated or involved with students than Debbie, and I’ve lost count of how many students come to me to rave about her as an advisor and as a person,” says Keith Crnic, chair of psychology.

People who aspire to apply social justice and human rights approaches to such issues as health, education, labor, international development, family welfare, and the environment will gain a strong theoretical background and hands-on management skills through Arizona State University’s new master’s degree program in social justice and human rights.

The program welcomes its first group of students to ASU’s West campus in August when the Fall 2008 semester begins. Inquiries from potential students have come from Arizona and across the United States as well as countries including Ethiopia, Pakistan, Nepal, the Dominican Republic, and Kenya.

“This program is unique in course design and content,” says William Simmons, assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences in ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and director of the new master’s degree program.

Students will choose from two tracks. Those pursuing the social justice and human rights research track will be prepared for careers requiring research skills in governmental and non-governmental agencies. Graduates from this track also are prepared for doctoral programs in the social sciences and law.

The non-governmental organization (NGO) management track combines coursework in social justice and human rights with practical training in non-profit management. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in the rapidly growing NGO sector.

“The need in this area is huge – 2006 statistics show more than 12,000 charitable non-profit organizations in Arizona, with the majority in Maricopa County,” Simmons says. “Social justice and human rights issues are major components of the mission of many of these organizations.”

C. T. Wright lent his expertise to ASU professors who designed the new master’s program. Wright is founder of the Light of Hope Institute, which promotes human rights around the world. He is the former president and CEO of the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help and the former president of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania.

“This program will provide students with the ability to conceptualize and analyze issues confronting civil society,” Wright says. “Graduates will be equipped to plan, implement, manage and evaluate programs at local through international levels. They also will be prepared to conceptualize and write proposals, develop budgets, and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.”

Simmons says much of the international interest in the new master’s program comes from people already working for NGOs who want to improve their leadership and management skills. Working professionals will be able to come to metropolitan Phoenix for nine months (August to May) to complete most of the program. They can finish their degree requirements at their place of work, regardless of location.

While most courses in the program will be taught on ASU’s West campus, students also may take advantage of courses and resources offered by programs at other ASU campuses such as the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Innovation, headquartered on the Downtown Phoenix campus, and the School of Justice & Social Inquiry on the Tempe campus.

“This is truly an interdisciplinary effort, with faculty involvement from all four colleges on the West campus and a tremendous spirit of cooperation among campuses,” Simmons says.

Many courses will be solution-based, with students and faculty working together to address real-world issues that can change from semester to semester. For example, New College associate professor Julie Murphy Erfani has become familiar with an indigenous village in Mexico that is facing environmental impacts from a nearby mining operation. This fall, Murphy Erfani and students in her class will research the situation from political, historical, and legal perspectives, with assistance from faculty members in a range of disciplines. The end result will be reports that students will present to the residents of the village, addressing actions they may wish to take.

“This will provide a rich learning experience, as student see how human rights and social justice issues cut across disciplines and also evoke numerous ethical, political and legal questions,” Simmons says.

Other courses will place students with local agencies, providing a benefit to those agencies while broadening students’ knowledge base. Additionally, students will complete a course in grant writing, a skill Simmons considers indispensable both for researchers and those employed in NGOs.

Students will work with faculty members to design and complete a capstone project that draws on the knowledge and experiences they gain in the program. Capstone projects may include traditional theses, legal briefs, drafting of legislation or policy statements, developing strategic plans for community organizations, or public art projects.

“Adding this dynamic degree program is an exciting development for ASU,” says Elizabeth Langland, New College dean. “People who choose to devote their lives to social justice and human rights are passionate, active individuals who will be a great asset to the university as they pursue the master’s degree. We hope they will maintain strong connections to ASU after they graduate.”

Social justice and human rights is the second graduate degree offered by New College. It joins the master of arts in interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) degree, which enables students to design their own unique programs of study. After introductory graduate courses in interdisciplinary studies, models of inquiry for the 21st century, and critical thinking, MAIS students move on to concentrations in Applied Arts, English Language Studies, Digital Media/Visual Cultures, Non-Profit and Civic Leadership, Women’s Studies, and/or electives from the wide spectrum of disciplines in New College. A capstone experience concludes the MAIS program, which may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Details about these master’s degree programs are available by visiting http://newcollege.asu.edu/programs or emailing NewCollegeGrad@asu.edu.

The College of Design is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurt Creager as the new director of the Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family. Creager was most recently the CEO of the Vancouver Housing Authority in Vancouver, Washington, where he was responsible for producing over 3,500 housing units over a 15-year period. The announcement was made at the Stardust Center Advisory Board meeting on April 29.

Kurt Creager has more than 25 years experience in nonprofit affordable housing, private development and government-based public housing authorities. As the former Chief of Housing and Economic Development for King County, Seattle, Washington, he created a countywide Housing Opportunity Trust Fund, which has since invested $150 million in over 9,000 affordable housing units in over 40 localities. Creager has been active in Phoenix for the past few years as senior vice president for Housing Development for CDK Partners. He also has his own consultancy, Urbanist Housing Solutions LLC, where he is engaged in transit-oriented and sustainable master planned communities in Scottsdale, Arizona; Beaverton, Oregon; and Kootenai County, Idaho. Urbanist Solutions is also retained by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles to help diversify their portfolio to include a significant inventory of workforce housing for communities.

“Kurt Creager brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the intersection of public and private enterprise,” says Conrad Egan, President of the National Housing Conference and Stardust board member. “He has a lifelong commitment to increasing and supporting good, affordable homes to families and the organizational, managerial and leadership skills to bring the Stardust Center to a higher level of performance.”

Creager has a vision for the future of the Stardust Center that builds on ASU President Michael Crow’s commitment to social embeddedness and support and mission of founding donor Jerry Bisgrove and founding director, nationally known architect, Michael Pyatok.

“Stewardship is important” says Creager. “The Stardust Center needs to extend its reach into the community to leave it in a better condition than how we find it. We will remain grounded in the local community but will be striving to increase the visibility and applicability of the center’s work to the national and international stages.”

Wellington Reiter, dean of the College of Design, says that Creager is coming to Arizona at an pivotal time for housing and real estate development. “He has the knowledge of the complex financing and development strategies vital to the development of affordable and workforce housing. In today’s economic climate, we will need his experience and leadership to ensure that the Stardust Center will continue to be at the forefront of solutions to today’s challenges in housing and sustainable development.”

Creager was a Fannie Mae Fellow in the State and Local Public Executive Program in the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and is a graduate of the Institute for Public Policy and Management at the University of Washington. He received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning & Architectural Graphics at Western Washington University. Creager lends his time and energy to a variety of boards and associations. He was president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and continues to sit on the board of governors. He represented the organization’s nongovernmental organization at the United Nations. He also serves on the board of the Housing Development Law Institute and on the advisory board for Affordable Housing Finance magazine. He has been an entrepreneurship trainer for Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, and the Public Housing Authority Director’s Association in Washington, DC.

Since January 2005, when it first opened its doors, the Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family has established a strong reputation for applied design and research in affordable, sustainable housing. The Stardust Center has built two successful demonstration projects—in the Phoenix area (Guadalupe) and on the Navajo Nation. Through research, educational outreach, advocacy and design innovation, the Stardust Center supports organizations, neighborhoods and professionals in their efforts to improve the growth of quality affordable homes and sustainable communities. 

Arizona State University has been selected as a host for the 2008 NCAA Baseball Regionals and will host Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Stony Brook. The Sun Devils, who won the Pac-10 Championship for the second consecutive year, finished the regular season 45-11, including a 35-3 mark at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. This is the second straight year ASU will host regionals and the third time in the past four years.

ASU, who garnered the #3 National Seed, will face the fourth seeded Stony Brook, while second seeded Vanderbilt will take on Oklahoma.

Friday, May 30-
2 p.m.- #3 Oklahoma (34-24-1) vs. #2 Vanderbilt (40-20) (Game One)
7 p.m.- #4 Stony Brook (34-24) vs. #1 Arizona State (45-11) (Game Two)

Saturday, May 31-
2 p.m.- Loser of Game One vs. Loser of Game Two (Loser Eliminated) (Game Three)
7 p.m.- Winner of Game One vs. Winner of Game Two (Game Four)

Arizona State University has been selected as a host for the 2008 NCAA Baseball Regionals and will host Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Stony Brook. The Sun Devils, who won the Pac-10 Championship for the second consecutive year, finished the regular season 45-11, including a 35-3 mark at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. This is the second straight year ASU will host regionals and the third time in the past four years.

ASU, who garnered the #3 National Seed, will face the fourth seeded Stony Brook, while second seeded Vanderbilt will take on Oklahoma.

Friday, May 30-
2 p.m.- #3 Oklahoma (34-24-1) vs. #2 Vanderbilt (40-20) (Game One)
7 p.m.- #4 Stony Brook (34-24) vs. #1 Arizona State (45-11) (Game Two)

Saturday, May 31-
2 p.m.- Loser of Game One vs. Loser of Game Two (Loser Eliminated) (Game Three)
7 p.m.- Winner of Game One vs. Winner of Game Two (Game Four)

ASU’s softball team is heading to the NCAA Women’s College World Series for the third straight year.

The Sun Devils defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 9-0 in six innings May 24 to advance to the WCWS in Oklahoma City, where they will face Alabama at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. Game time between the No. 3-seeded Crimson Tide and No. 6 seed ASU is set for 4 p.m. Arizona time, May 29, with the game to be televised by ESPNHD.

The victory over Northwestern gives ASU a 61-5 record overall this season and 5-0 in NCAA tournament play.

ASU is one of the top-hitting teams in the nation, with a .332 batting average, and the Sun Devils sport the top slugging percentage in the country at .562. They also lead the nation in home runs – 95 of them, to be precise.

“We have great leadership this year,” says Clint Meyers, ASU’s head softball coach. “It’s the players’ club. We are trying to establish a philosophy and tradition. This is the first (senior) class that has really taken it to heart. They set a perfect example. They are role models. You bring your son or daughter to a game and watch these kids play, you understand how to play sports: with your heart and your mind, and your commitment and desire. All of these intangibles, our seniors possess. Each day there is a different hero. It is going to be a fun trip.”

The Crimson Tide, now 56-6 on the season, own a 4-2 all-time record against ASU, including a 3-0 mark in NCAA tournament play. Alabama won the NCAA Tempe Regional in 2000 with two wins against the Sun Devils to advance to the WCWS that year, and also beat ASU in the 2005 NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional.

The other two teams in ASU’s half of the WCWS bracket are Arizona and UCLA. The other four teams in the WCWS are Florida, Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.

Not only is Azahara Munoz the top female golfer in the NCAA, but she is also the top student in NCAA women’s golf. In addition to winning the NCAA Individual Championship, Munoz was also the recipient of this year’s Edith Cummings Munson Award.

The award goes to the student-athlete who is both a NGCA All-American Scholar and a NGCA All-American. If more than one student-athlete qualifies, the student-athlete with the highest GPA receives the award. A donation of $5,000 is given from the Curtis & Edith Cummings Munson Foundation to the general scholarship fund of the recipient’s institution. Munoz, who carries over a 3.9 in psychology, is the first Sun Devil to win the award as well as the first NCAA Individual Champion title.

"I am so happy for Aza," said head coach Melissa Luellen, who the 1988 NCAA Individual Champion. "I was jumping up and down when she made [her put in the playoff] in. All the girls on the team were crying. It was just one of the moments in sports."

"Aza is the total package," continues Luellen. "She’s a beautiful girl, great student, awesome golfer. It was great that her first tournament win was the biggest one you can get in NCAA golf."

Munoz and teammate sophomore Anna Nordqvist were both named National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) First-Team All-Americans. Nordqvist finished tied for fifth. Munoz had previously been named an NGCA Second-Team All-American the past two seasons while Nordqvist was named to the first-team last season.

Both Munoz and Nordqvist were honored with NGCA Academic All-American honors as well. The requirement for NGCA Academic All-America is a 3.5 or higher. Both Munoz and Nordqvist had earned the honor each of their previous seasons at ASU.

The Sun Devil women’s golf team finished fifth overall. They were one stroke away from taking home a trophy, which is given to the top four teams.

"Although I’m bummed we missed taking home a trophy by one stroke, I’m thrilled with a top five finish," says Luellen. "I’m very proud of the girls."

ASU’s research and publication efforts have landed the university at the sixth spot in Thomson Scientific’s U.S. University’s Top 10 for ecology and environmental sciences.

The rankings, developed for 21 subject areas, were derived from an examination of 9,200 publications (from 2001-2005) associated with the Thomson’s University Science Indicators database. The top scores were held by University of California, Santa Barbara; Stanford University; University of Wisconsin, Madison; Harvard University and University of Washington.

"This honor reflects the breadth of ASU in ecology and environmental sciences, spanning microbial to social groups, marine to landscape and urban; and, with recent hires, has become one of the very best in behavioral ecology," says Professor Rob Page, founding director of the School of Life Sciences.

Page believes it is ASU’s signature interdisciplinarity, as well as research excellence in these areas, that led to ASU being ranked. There is plenty of evidence to support this opinion. For example, the School of Life Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has 101 researchers, 250 graduate students, more than 832 publications since 2001, and topped ASU’s charts for research expenditures for academic units in 2007.

Life sciences researchers study a diverse array of subjects and systems, from philosophy of sciences to transmission of disease. While their academic homes are in the School of Life Sciences, many of these scientists are also leaders or collaborators in ASU’s research centers and institutes, including the Global Institute of Sustainability, Biodesign Institute at ASU, Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity, International Institute for Species Exploration, and Center for Biology and Society.

A recent example of the multi-faceted environmental sciences resources being created at ASU is the “ecoSERVICES ASU” group in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Under the leadership of life sciences professors Ann Kinzig and Charles Perrings, this group “studies the causes and consequences of change in ecosystem services – the benefits that people derive from the biophysical environment – and analyzes biodiversity change in terms of its impacts on the things that people care about.” EcoSERVICES ASU hosts Diversitas, an international program that meshes with another international initiative around the science of biodiversity and ecosystem change, the International Mechanism for Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity (IMOSEB), supported by International Council for Science (ICSU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The breadth of ASU’s expertise in ecology and environmental sciences creates a big footprint. Big enough to top the charts. It spans the boundaries of schools, centers, and institutes, and collaborative focus, running the gamut from urban to ant studies, environmental engineering, water resources, sustainability, nutrient cycling, and everything fish, fowl, microbial, and ecosystems in between.

Since 1966, ASU researchers have published more than 44,644 total publications; 31,858 articles in peer-reviewed journals, according to the Thomson’s “ISI Web of Knowledge” tool. Interestingly, the top two highly cited papers at ASU to date are held by Sudhir Kumar, director of the Center for Evolutionary Functional Genomics and professor in the School of Life Sciences, for two publications in molecular evolutionary genetics. Thomson’s database tool is not inclusive of all publications and journals of significance, still it provides an indicator, in these 21 fields, of the impact of an institution’s research enterprise. Some of ISI’s highly cited researchers within the subject category include ASU professors Nancy Grimm, James Collins, James Elser, Jingle Wu, Michael Rosenberg, and Phil Hedrick, for his work in conservation genetics.

This national ranking illustrates the long standing success and impact of our life sciences research enterprise at ASU and arises directly as a result of attracting outstanding faculty in our ecological, evolutionary, and environmental sciences,” says Sid Bacon, dean of natural sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.