Samford University Howard College Arts and Sciences
Faculty Assembly Minutes
4 February 2014
Brooks Auditorium
Ryan Galloway presided. A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order at 10:05 am.
I. Invocation
The invocation was given by Dr. Randy Todd.
II. Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the December 3, 2013 Howard College of Arts and Sciences Assembly meeting
were distributed prior to the meeting. The minutes were approved, moved and seconded by Mike
Ledgerwood and Julie Steward.
III. Teacher of the Year presentation (Mike Janas)
Lynda Jentsch introduced and presented this year’s recipient of Howard College of Arts and
Sciences teacher of the year award. Dr. Betsy Dobbins, of Biology end Environmental Sciences, was
recognized for her outstanding teaching. Congratulations, Dr. Dobbins.
IV. Dean’s Time, David Chapman
Dean Chapman expressed gratitude for all of those who helped during the snow crisis last week.
Recruitment remains an issue; enrollment in HCAS is down about 60 students from this time last
year. Three things we will be working on: 1) better recruitment of new students, especially with
new hire Tim Foote; 2) better marketing of programs we have; 3) addition of new programs
Dean Chapman reported that JanTerm marketing was somewhat successful. The university was
down, but A&S was about the same. He recognized creative JanTerm teaching, such as Mark
Baggett’s Southern Literature travel course. Dean Chapman encouraged faculty to think of creative
and attractive ideas for the future. Work on online courses for JanTerm and summer is also
important.
Dean Chapman made the following announcements/recognitions:
 Mary Moody, International Relations student, received prestigious internship with EU
Liason office. (Dean Chapman encouraged faculty to develop and improve internship
programs in your department. Also, think about ways to make parents/students know about
these programs.)

Technology grant awards: Jennifer Rahn, James Strange, Greg Kawell, Stephen Chew, Betsy
Dobbins and Malia Fincher all received technology grants.

Two French students won first and second places in national essay competition.

Dr. Scott McGinnis and a Samford team won a Lily Regional Conference grant. Samford
will be leading a conference in September on teaching the Christian Intellectual Tradition.


Reminder about ASPIRE grants for undergraduate research.
Planning a major international energy conference. May 19-20, 2014. Primarily for our
environmental management program which is adding an energy focus.
Stacy Gay announced that there will be a Debate reunion, Saturday April 12, 2014. Event will
include a debate.
Dr. Jason Wallace asked Dean Chapman for an update on Brooks Hall renovation project. Dean
Chapman explained that this process started two years ago with the purpose to bring together Social
Sciences in a first-class facility. Stacy Gay is helping with fund raising, but we are still at early stages
of fund raising, looking for potential big donors.
V. Minority Scholarship Proposal, Ryan Galloway
Dr. Galloway distributed copies of the updated proposal discussed during the last two assembly
meetings. All recommended changes and additions have been made, specifically the clarification of
the committee composition and clear criteria for receiving the award.
Dr. Galloway let the assembly know that modest fund raising has begun. Dean has agreed to match
funds up to $3000.
Dr. Bernie Ankney asked question about the use of the term “minority.” Wording within proposal
is “historically underrepresented groups.” One suggestion was “diversity.”
Dr. Scott McGinnis asked if this was a renewable contract for multiple years. Dr. Galloway said yes,
depending on continued eligibility and funds.
Dr. Millicent Bolden expressed concern about how helpful such a small scholarship would be to
recruitment. Dr. Galloway answered that he worked with Denise Gregory to come up with an
amount similar to other scholarships.
Dr. LeeAnn Reynolds asked about “recruitment and retention,” and how the criteria would be
different for those. Dr. Galloway said that committee will have to resolve that. If they are a current
student, it would make sense that Samford record would be considered.
Dr. Delane Tew made a motion to change the language from “minority” to “diversity.”
Dr. Stephen Chew seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Dr. Dobbins expressed concern about money being taken away from students after first year. Dr.
Chew commented that the committee has to be set up and trusted to deal with all possible
situations. Dr. McGinnis asked if committee can raise scholarship amount without going back to
assembly. Dr. Galloway responded that the intent was to reinvest money in endowment.
Erin Maulden pointed out missing number 3 on proposal.
There was a motion to call the question by Dr. Janas, seconded Dr. Dobbins
VII. New Business/ Announcements
Dr. Janas invited everyone to a reception for Betsey Dobbins immediately following meeting.
IX. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 10:40am.
.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Speights-Binet
Assembly Secretary
jspeigh@samford.edu