28 March 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. – Michael Finkler hopes to draw attention to science in Indiana, and to opportunities to learn about science at Indiana University Kokomo, during his term as president of the Indiana Academy of Science.

Finkler shows his passion for science.

Finkler, associate professor of biology, took office March 10 at the academy's annual meeting in Indianapolis. As president, he sets the agenda for the year and serves as a spokesman for the academy, which is based out of the Indiana State Museum.

"I am proud and humbled to take this position," Finkler said. "I hope I can use this platform to educate people about science and careers in sciences, and about the many opportunities available to study science in Indiana, particularly at IU Kokomo."

Susan Sciame-Giesecke, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said having professors who are leaders in their fields is part of being a world-class regional campus and promoting academic excellence and student success.

"Many of our science and pre-professional students chose IU Kokomo for the opportunity to conduct research with professors like Dr. Finkler," she said. "They know working with our outstanding faculty, who are leaders in their field, will give them a competitive advantage as they apply to medical and other graduate programs."

The Indiana Academy of Science, founded in 1885, has a mission of promoting scientific research, encouraging communication and cooperation among scientists and improving education in science. It publishes a journal and books, and supports scientific research through grants. Finkler said the academy gave $65,000 in grants in 2011. Several IU Kokomo faculty members belong to the academy, and have received research grants from it.

IU Kokomo has hosted the academy's talent search, a program that brings the area's top high school scientists to the campus, which Finkler said benefits both the campus and the community.

"It brings the best and brightest budding scientists to our campus, where they see the excellent research facilities and outstanding faculty at IU Kokomo. It gives the students a chance to perform research and present it for recognition and awards."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

22 March 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Fans of Indiana University Kokomo sports can watch and cheer on the Cougars closer to campus during the 2012-13 season, as venues will change for both women's volleyball and men's basketball.

Volleyball will be played at Maple Crest Middle School, one block from campus, while the basketball team moves to Kokomo High School, only minutes away on Berkley Road.

"It will be wonderful to have the Cougars play closer to campus where it will be more convenient for students to attend games," said Sarah Sarber, dean of students. "We invite the community to come and cheer on our student athletes as well."

Sarber added that campus officials are grateful to Northwestern High School, which hosted volleyball, and Western High School, which hosted basketball, for allowing use of their gyms during the teams' first year.

"We couldn't have done it without them. They were a key part of our success this year," she said.

The volleyball team continues training and conditioning at Northwestern High School, while the basketball team uses the Morning Star Church gym and trains at the YMCA.

"The whole community has really embraced these athletes and our program," Sarber said. "We've made some great connections and partnerships with community organizations in the last year."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

22 March 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Men's and women's cross-country will be added to competitive sports this fall at Indiana University Kokomo, building on a successful athletic program as the campus seeks membership of the NAIA conference.

These two programs bring the number of team sports to four in just one short year since Chancellor Michael Harris announced IU Kokomo would start an athletic program.

"These teams will enhance student life, as well as continue to bring the campus and community together to rally around students who wish to continue in athletics," said Jack Tharp, vice chancellor for student services and interim athletic director.

"We are excited to debut these two new teams during the fall competition season."

Students who join cross-country will quickly become the campus's most visible athletes, training not only on campus, but also on roads and trails and in parks throughout the city. A search is underway for a cross-country coach, and students interested in being recruited for the teams can e-mail kosports@iuk.edu.

Thursday's announcement capped a year that included the first seasons for women's volleyball and men's basketball. Tharp is hopeful to begin the second year of team sports by joining the NAIA. The association visited campus in February and will announce its decision in April.

The addition of the cross-country program is a step to fulfill the NAIA requirement of having six varsity sports within four years of joining.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

22 March 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. – At age 21, Ryan Mix is the youngest Galveston Town Council member by nearly two decades. Ryan Mix continues his family's tradition of studying at IU Kokomo and public service. He is serving as a Galveston town councilman.

A criminal justice major at Indiana University Kokomo, he says the skills he has learned and resources available to him on campus give him an advantage.

"I had to make a campaign speech in front of 250 people, and I was able to do it well because of my speech class at IU Kokomo," Mix said, a junior. "I have used the campus library to do research for my council job, too. I definitely have more resources available to me than the other guys."

He chose IU Kokomo as his college at a young age, after going to class with his mother, Kathy Phipps, as she earned her bachelor's degree.

"I grew up around the campus, so I knew everything I needed was here," he said. "I didn't need to go away to earn a well-respected degree."

His mother also inspired his decision to study criminal justice. During his summer vacations from school, he often went to work with her at the Howard County Courthouse, where she worked as a court reporter.

"Our family has a tradition of going to IU and of giving back to our community," Mix said.

Faculty member Kelly Brown said she is proud of Mix's focus on public service.

"Our goal is for our students and graduates to serve their communities," said Brown, associate professor of criminal justice. "We are as pleased and proud of him as we can be. He's made a huge commitment to the town of Galveston and will do a great job."

Brown said as a town council member, Mix will bring a unique perspective to discussions in his criminal justice classes.

"So much of what we learn and experience gives us a different viewpoint of the world, which he can add to class discussion. This kind of hands-on governing experience will be a tremendous asset to him," she said.

She said Mix also will learn skills in his classes that he can bring to the council.

"A criminal justice education will give him multiple perspectives on the issues that may come before the town council, and teach him problem-solving skills that will make him a valuable council member," she added.

Mix isn't sure if he will run for another term on council, or another political office in four years.

"At my age, four years feels like an eternity," he said.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.