2013 IHE Report News

It’s often joked that the phrase “we are living in a time of transition” was first uttered by Adam speaking to Eve. The phrase certainly is familiar, and it’s certainly overused. Still, it’s been hard to avoid that observation recently here in the Institute.

The Institute is delighted to welcome Dr. Timothy Reese Cain as a new Associate Professor of Higher Education, beginning in fall 2013. Professor Cain earned his undergraduate degree at Duke University, his M.A. at the Ohio State University, and his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. Dr. Cain comes to the Institute from the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he served as a faculty member and as coordinator of the Higher Education Division.

When colleagues share a passion and enthusiasm for research, the results can be very rewarding. Barrett Taylor, assistant professor of higher education at the University of North Texas, has enjoyed great success when collaborating with his peers. “I was fortunate to develop a number of close-working relationships with people I met at the IHE. Seeing those relationships turn into projects that can benefit all contributors is very satisfying,” remarks Taylor.

Graduates of the IHE, being among the brightest and the best, continue to realize successful careers in higher education leadership. We are proud to include in our long list of outstanding alumni, eight of whom currently serve as presidents or chancellors of universities, community and technical colleges. Here are their thoughts on the role of leadership in today’s academic world

Charles Mathies had wanderlust in his blood. He wanted to live and work in another country so after completing his PhD, he was excited to secure a position with the University of Jyväskylä in Jyväskylä, Finland.

Kathy Pharr likes to refer to herself as a “Triple Dawg.” All three of her degrees were obtained at the University of Georgia. A career path can take many twists and turns along the way. Pharr obtained a degree in Broadcast Journalism and became a newscaster. Goals changed and a Masters in Public Administration helped her to become an assistant to UGA President, Michael Adams. Then, a doctorate from the Institute of Higher Education led to the position of chief of staff for the University of Georgia’s newly appointed president, Jere Morehead.

Austin Lacy has advice for those considering a PhD in higher education. “Go to the Institute of Higher Education for the professors and for the tremendous amount of resources available to students.”

“GCAC is a wonderful example of UGA giving back to the state and to schools and to underserved students in Georgia.”

The Georgia College Advising Corps (GCAC) has recently expanded to sixteen high schools in Georgia. Thanks to a generous commitment from The Robert Woodruff Foundation and other sponsors, funds will enable the GCAC to quadruple its presence in the state.

Introduction

While fulfilling requirements for their doctoral degrees, Jan Wheeler and Lloyd Winstead sat in an IHE classroom and listened to Professor Thomas G. Dyer lecture on the history of higher education. Dyer’s history class had earned the reputation as being the most challenging class in the curriculum at the time, and they had no reason to believe otherwise. One requirement for the class was a 20-page research paper, and Jan was intimidated. “I had never written a paper longer than eight pages!” Student papers written throughout his course received thorough feedback from Dr.

2012 MCBEE LECTURE: PROFESSOR JOHN THELIN

John Thelin, university research professor at the University of Kentucky, presented the 24th annual Louise McBee Lecture on November 1, 2012. The title of his presentation, “Academic Procession: President and Professor from Past to Present,” was an appropriate topic to honor Louise McBee, who was an administrator at UGA for 25 years.

Larry G. Jones, Senior Public Service Associate Emeritus, died on April 2, 2013, after a long illness. A recipient of the Distinguished Membership Award of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), he served on the AIR Board of Directors and chaired numerous AIR committees. A past president of the Southern Association for Institutional Research (SAIR), he was awarded Distinguished Membership and was the recipient of the James R. Montgomery Outstanding Service Award.

Christopher Cornwell, Professor of Economics, UGA

Houston Davis, Executive Vice Chancellor & Chief Academic Officer, University System of Georgia

Elizabeth DeBray-Pelot, Professor of Lifelong Education, Administration & Policy, UGA; Associate Director for Policy at the Georgia Education Policy & Evaluation Center

Catherine Finnegan, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and Research for the Virginia Community College System

Mary Lou Frank, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Middle Georgia College

Sarah Brackmann David H. Dial, Jr. Wesley Ray Fugate Stephanie Lynn Hazel Jennifer H. Nabors Jennifer  Olson Yarbrah  Peeples Barrett Jay Taylor Kyle Tschepikow

Vicki Black Lauren K. Collier Patrick B. Crane Solomon Hughes Heidi S. Leming Lisette Montoto Leasa Weimer

Isaiah O’Rear

Corey Dortch likes to live his life at the speed of light. Even as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, his schedule was jam-packed and his accomplishments were many. He was a member of the Arch Society, the Sphinx Club, and the Blue Key Honor Society and was the recipient of the Tucker Dorsey Memorial Award. He was also one of the two student representatives on the Leadership Advisory Board.

During 2012-13 the IHE welcomed international scholars from China, Finland, the U.K., and Trinidad and Tobago.

These seminars bring distinguished scholars to the Institute to address critical issues and research in higher education.