SOU Announces 2016 McNair Achievement Program Cohort

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(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University has completed the selection process for its 2016 cohort of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The program uses federal grant funds to prepare eligible undergraduate student participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
The SOU Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program is one of just 151 such programs in the nation. It is specifically designed to ensure that the student scholars complete their bachelor degrees, enroll in graduate school, and have the knowledge, skills, and background preparation required to successfully complete a doctoral program.
The goal of the federal program is to increase the attainment of Ph.D degrees by students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented segments of society.
The 2016 cohort includes ten students: Nikole Gomez (Las Vegas, Nev.), Jensen Haebler (Rapid City, Mich.), Nicole Kahawai (Kahului, Hawaii), Cody Odell-Sharp (Reno, Nev.), Daisy Proksch (Grants Pass, Ore.), Benjamin Rangel (Yreka, Calif.), Bronson Samel-Garloff (Ashland, Ore.), Emily Taylor (Macdoel, Calif.), Annie Valtierra-Sanchez (Central Point, Ore.), and Nathan White (Ashland, Ore.).
The program’s namesake, astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair, was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986, leaving behind a wife and two children. He earned a Ph.D in Laser Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976 at age 26.
For more information, visit www.sou.edu/mcnair.
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU In the News: Dec. 16 – 21


SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Southern Oregon’s Inspirational Coach Craig Howard: ‘He Could Have Been Billy Graham’: https://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/index.ssf/2015/12/southern_oregons_inspirational.html#incart_river_index
Mail Tribune – Medford Appoints Interim Police Chief: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151219/NEWS/151219591/0/SEARCH

News on SOU Academic Programs:
World News – SOU Announces Jackson/Josephine Pledge: https://article.wn.com/view/2015/12/15/SOU_Announces_Jackson_Josephine_Pledge_Southern_Oregon_Unive/
Daily Tidings – SOU Business Class Seeks Research Topics: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151221/NEWS/151229991/0/SEARCH
Register-Guard – Another Great Oregon Grape Harvest: https://registerguard.com/rg/business/33856403-63/another-great-oregon-grape-harvest.html.csp

News on Politics, Policy, and National Trends Impacting SOU and Higher Education:
Inside Higher Ed – State Action on Sex Assaults: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/12/15/state-lawmakers-tackle-campus-sexual-assault?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=2dc9d50965-DNU20151215&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-2dc9d50965-198630913
Chronicle of Higher Education – Perkins Loan Program Would Return From the Dead Under Senate Legislation: https://chronicle.com/article/Perkins-Loan-Program-Would/234626?cid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en&elq=87645848ebd14be7b963c1fc91f432d6&elqCampaignId=2077&elqaid=7238&elqat=1&elqTrackId=4e9ea1c8312c425696dbfc6cd4275cbe
Chronicle of Higher Education – College Enrollment Declines for 4th Straight Year: https://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/college-enrollment-declines-for-4th-straight-year/107458?cid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en&elq=d4ed486df54743e2b1dd590a239b3094&elqCampaignId=2088&elqaid=7258&elqat=1&elqTrackId=d75115e234e744c6940733a56fe51518
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Tip Line for Mass Shootings: Key Oregon Lawmakers Ready to Spend $1 million: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/12/tip_line_for_shootings_key_ore.html
KTVZ – Wyden College Affordability Bill Part of Tax Package: https://m.ktvz.com/news/Wyden-college-affordability-bill-part-of-tax-package/36987920

Miscellaneous News:
KTVL – Southern Oregon University Plans for More Negotiations: https://ktvl.com/news/local/southern-oregon-university-plans-for-more-negotiations
Daily Tidings – JPR Will Build New Studios Adjacent to Performing Arts Center: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151219812/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – JPR, Geos Among Rogue Valley Recipients of OCF Grants: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151221/NEWS/151229996/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – JPR Plans Major Expansion: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151219606/0/SEARCH

SOU In the News: Dec. 8 – 15


Oxford University Press – How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Dr. Edwin Battistella): https://blog.oup.com/2015/12/how-to-write-letter-recommendation/
The Siskiyou – Former Raiders Launch Business to Keep Runners Going: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/12/08/former-raiders-launch-business-to-keep-runners-going/
Mail Tribune – If Not for the Muse (feature on SOU alumnus John Nilsen): https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151212/ENTERTAINMENT/151219982/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – John Nilsen Returns for His Annual Series of Holiday Concerts: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151210/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/151219995/0/SEARCH
KCSG – Dixie State Introduces Shay McClure as New Head Football Coach (feature on SOU alumnus): https://www.kcsg.com/view/full_story/27002165/article-Dixie-State-introduces-Shay-McClure-as-new-head-football-coach?instance=more_local_news2

News on SOU Academic Programs:
Herald and News – Good Partnerships Lead to Success at KCC (SOU mentioned): https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/good-partnerships-lead-to-success-at-kcc/article_38547a98-e569-57d1-8a3e-e6193cad710a.html
KOBI – Wine Class Open to Community: https://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=9535&DateTime=12%2F7%2F2015+6%3A08%3A48+PM&Term=Southern+Oregon+University&PlayClip=TRUE
World News – SOU Offers Wine Class to Community: https://article.wn.com/view/2015/12/07/SOU_Offers_Wine_Class_to_Community_Southern_Oregon_Universit/
KTVL – SOU to Offer Tuition Discounts to Qualifying Jackson and Josephine County Graduates: https://ktvl.com/sou-to-offer-tuition-discounts-to-qualifying-jackson-and-josephine-county-graduates
KOBI – Big Tuition Discount Up for Grabs for Eligible High School Seniors: https://kobi5.com/news/big-tuition-discount-up-for-grabs-for-eligible-high-school-seniors-6136/
Mail Tribune – Bulldogs to Raiders Kicks Off at McLoughlin: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151211/NEWS/151219931/0/SEARCH
KLDR – Southern Oregon University Offers Tuition Discounts to Local High School Grads: https://www.kldr.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1450080834&ucat=2&
KAJO – Southern Oregon University Offers Tuition Discounts to Local High School Grads: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1450080834&ucat=2

News on SOU Environment and Sustainability Initiatives:
Newsroom America – American Campuses Act on Climate: https://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/535767.html

News on SOU Fine and Performing Arts:

Daily Tidings – Growing the Arts at SOU: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151219935/0/SEARCH

News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
Mail Tribune – Phoenix-Talent Superintendent to Retire (feature on Trustee Teresa Sayre): https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219957/0/SEARCH

Miscellaneous News:
Daily Tidings – SOU, Faculty, Still Hammering Out Contract Negotiation Details: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151207/NEWS/151209874/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Diaries, Letters Provide Intimate Glimpses Into the Rogue Valley’s Past: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151207/NEWS/151209720
The Siskiyou – Students and Community March to Call Out Racism: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/12/09/students-and-community-march-to-call-out-racism/
KTVL – Southern Oregon University Faculty Contract Negotiations Break Off: https://ktvl.com/news/local/southern-oregon-university-faculty-contract-negotiations-break-off
KOBI – Mediations Scheduled for SOU and Faculty: https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/mediations-scheduled-for-sou-and-faculty-5975/
Daily Tidings – Mediator Called for in SOU-Faculty Negotiations: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151208/NEWS/151209857/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Our View: Skin in the Game for SOU Faculty: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219989/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Mediator Called for in SOU-Faculty Negotiations: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151209/NEWS/151209659/0/SEARCH
The Siskiyou – Students Choice: Food or Tuition?: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/12/10/students-choice-food-or-tuition/
Daily Tidings – Threat Leads Exhausted, Case is ‘Inactivated’: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219968/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – No Leads on SOU Threat: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151211/NEWS/151219899/0/SEARCH
JPR – JPR Studio Project: Summary and Benefits: https://ijpr.org/post/jpr-studio-project-summary-benefits#stream/0

SOU Announces Jackson/Josephine Pledge

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(Ashland, Ore.) —Southern Oregon University has announced a new strategic initiative designed to provide a pathway to college for more local high school graduates. The Jackson/Josephine Pledge Program is open to qualifying students who graduate from a high school in Jackson or Josephine County and are eligible for regular admission to SOU.
Those who are accepted into the program will receive tuition discounts of approximately 35 percent and may save on other costs as well, as the Jackson/Josephine Pledge is a three-year baccalaureate degree program. Due to the additional work required to graduate in just three years, students in the Pledge cohort—which has 50 open spots beginning in fall 2016—will have access to enhanced student support services, including individual advising, coaching, and mentoring. “We will be providing the kind of wraparound support and resources necessary to ensure that these students can be successful in three years,” according to Lisa Garcia-Hanson, SOU’s associate vice president for enrollment and retention.
Students who will be graduating from high schools in Jackson or Josephine Counties in spring 2016 are encouraged to apply by SOU Admissions’ priority application deadline of Feb. 15, 2016, in order to ensure that they are considered for the Pledge Program. “Due to the nature of the program, it isn’t open to transfer students. The ideal student for the program is someone who will be graduating this spring, hopefully with early college credit from SOU or another institution already on their transcript,” Garcia-Hanson said. “The Pledge is designed in part to help those students who didn’t think college was possible, due to cost or other factors, see that not only is it possible, it’s affordable too!”
Funding for the Pledge is available after the Oregon Legislature increased funding for public higher education in the state for the 2015-2017 biennium. “This increased funding will allow us to continue to meet financial targets set forth in our retrenchment plan while simultaneously making strategic investments like the Jackson/Josephine Pledge that create a pathway to college for more Oregonians,” said SOU President Roy Saigo. “The goal here is to ensure more local Oregonians have access to college, then ensure that we retain and graduate them at greater rates through initiatives like the Jackson/Josephine Pledge.”
Due to the accelerated three-year program, not all SOU degree programs are available through the Pledge. Participating programs include: Business Administration; Computer Science; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Elementary Education (not including licensure); Emerging Media and Digital Arts; and Health, Physical Education, and Leadership.
To be considered, students should visit sou.edu/admissions/pledge.html and fill out the inquiry card.
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU Offers Wine Class to Community

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(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University is making one of its winter term courses available to the public. Working in the Wine Industry will not only be offered for credit to admitted SOU students, but will also be available at a special tuition rate for members of the community who are not admitted students to SOU.
“This is in direct response to the needs of our community,” said SOU Professor Greg Jones, director of the University’s Division of Business, Communication and the Environment. “The wine industry is booming in Southern Oregon and more and more people are turning to the industry for employment. We want to make sure that not only our students, but anyone in the community interested in a career in this exciting field has the opportunity to learn the basics through this course.”
Working in the Wine Industry is a seminar-style course that will focus on the many facets and possibilities of pursuing and working in the wine industry. The course covers vineyard operations, winemaking, and the marketing and selling of wine. Wine’s place in history, culture, science, and economics are all incorporated into the curriculum as well.
“Anyone who is interested in wine and would like to have a more robust understanding of it will benefit from this course,” Dr. Jones said, “but it is particularly well-suited for those working in the hospitality and tourism industries that would like to expand their skillset.”
Working in the Wine Industry will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3:20 p.m. from Jan. 4 through March 18, 2016, on SOU’s main campus in Ashland.
A special tuition rate of just $300 has been established for community members who sign up for the course. Admitted students taking the class for credit will pay the standard tuition rate. Those age 65 and older can audit the class for free, but must still register.
A registration form is available online at tinyurl.com/sou-wine. Anyone interested in learning more or registering is encouraged to contact Connie Lynn at 541-552-6899 or via email at lynnc@sou.edu.
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU In the News: Nov. 24 – Dec. 7


SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Daily Tidings – Ashlanders Poised to Fill Buckley Seat: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151119859/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Hopes to Strike Sparks Between the Arts (interview with David Humphrey): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151130/NEWS/151139999/0/SEARCH
CNBC – Climate Change Turns Canada Into a Hot Spot for Wine (Professor Greg Jones featured): https://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/02/climate-change-turns-canada-into-wine-hot-spot-commentary.html
UC Observer – O Cannabis (instructor Martin Ball featured): https://www.ucobserver.org/society/2015/12/cannabis/

News on SOU Academic Programs:
KDRV – SOU Students Partner with City of Ashland to Survey Stores on Plastic Bag Ban: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Students_Partner_With_City_of_Ashland_to_Survey_Stores_on_Plastic_Bag_Ban.html
KDRV – SOU Joins Medford Schools to Improve Graduation Rates: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Joins_Medford_Schools_To_Improve_Graduation_Rates.html
Earth Dispatch – Benefits of the Accelerated Baccalaureate Program at SOU: https://earthdispatch.com/benefits-of-the-accelerated-baccalaureate-program-at-sou.html

News on SOU Environment and Sustainability Initiatives:
The Siskiyou – The Secret Life of Your Trash: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/18/the-secret-life-of-your-trash/

News on SOU Fine and Performing Arts:

Performing Arts Reviews – Center State Theater’s Seagull: https://performingarts.reviews/2015/11/19/center-stage-theaters-seagull/
Mail Tribune – Holidays to Hit a High Note: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151120/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/151119964
Mail Tribune – David Wax Museum Plays SOU Music Hall: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151205/ENTERTAINMENT/151209954/0/SEARCH
KDRV – SOU Students Offer Free Family Photos: https://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=5420&DateTime=12%2F6%2F2015+11%3A09%3A19+PM&Term=Southern+Oregon+University&PlayClip=TRUE

News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
The Siskiyou – FemFest Slammin’: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/18/femfest-slammin/
Daily Tidings – APD Det. Hull Speaks Saturday at SOU: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151119840
JPR – Jefferson Exchange: Closer to Cuba at SOU: https://ijpr.org/post/thu-8-am-closer-cuba-sou

News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
Daily Tidings – Buckley Could Go From Legislature to University: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151130/NEWS/151139983/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Buckley Considers Run at SOU Post: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151130/NEWS/151139963/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Our View: Straight Out of Salem? (Editorial): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151202/OPINION/151209971/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Our View: Buckley Would Add a Twist to SOU President Search: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151202/OPINION/151209938/0/SEARCH
KOBI – Rep Buckley Reaches Out to SOU’s Board of Trustees: https://kobi5.com/news/rep-buckley-reaches-out-to-sous-board-of-trustees-5486/
Video to accompany the above: https://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=9535&DateTime=12%2F1%2F2015+5%3A02%3A44+PM&Term=Southern+Oregon+University&PlayClip=TRUE
KLDR – State Rep Talking About Becoming Next President of Southern Oregon University: https://www.kldr.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1449085469&ucat=2&

Miscellaneous News:
KDRV – SOU Students Discuss France Attacks: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Students_Discuss_France_Attacks_.html
KTVL – Student: Islam is Not a Violent Religion: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_student-islam-not-violent-religion-18471.shtml
Daily Tidings – Sister City Relationship Celebrated at “Guanajuato Nights”: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151119862
The Siskiyou – Coming Together in the Wake of Terrorist Attacks: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/18/coming-together-in-wake-of-terrorist-attacks/
KTVL – SOU Responding to Racist Social Media Posts: https://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=5425&DateTime=11%2F19%2F2015+6%3A01%3A48+AM&Term=Southern+Oregon+University&PlayClip=TRUE
The Siskiyou – ’Riding the Yak’ to Racism: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/19/riding-the-yak-to-racism/
KTVL – Social Media Threat at SOU: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_18520.shtml
The Siskiyou – The Black Market Parking Industry: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/22/the-black-market-parking-industry/
Best Kept College Secrets – Southern Oregon University: https://bestkeptcollegesecrets.com/2015/11/southern-oregon-university/
The Siskiyou – Tears in our Beers: The Student Debt Crisis in Southern Oregon: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/11/24/tears-in-our-beers-the-student-debt-crisis-in-southern-oregon/
Daily Tidings – SOU Group Cites Progress, but Dangerous Toys Still Available: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151127/NEWS/151129862/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Children’s Books Handed Out at Ashland Parade: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151129861/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Activists: “Wake Up, Ashland”: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151202/NEWS/151209951/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – SOU Students Distribute Books to Kids at Ashland Festival of Lights: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151129645/0/SEARCH
KDRV – Active Shooter Training in Southern Oregon: https://www.kdrv.com/news/Active_Shooter_Training_in_Southern_Oregon.html
KDRV – SOU Holds Active Shooter Trainings: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Holds_Active_Shooter_Trainings_.html
Mail Tribune – SOU Activists March to Bring Attention to Racism: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151203/NEWS/151209876
Daily Tidings – Our View: A Timely Reminder (Editorial on student racism demonstration): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151204/OPINION/151209933/0/SEARCH
KTVL – Protesting Racism in Ashland: https://ktvl.com/news/local/protesting-racism-in-ashland
KDRV – Racial Equality Activists March for Justice: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Racial_Equality_Activists_March_For_Justice.html
KOBI – SOU Students Hold Protest to Address Racial Concerns: https://kobi5.com/news/sou-students-hold-protest-to-address-racial-concerns-5693/
Daily Tidings – SOU Faculty Contract Negotiations at Decision Point: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151205/NEWS/151209895/0/SEARCH
KAJO – SOU Campus Security Hosting Active Shooter Training Seminars on Campus: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1449292392&ucat=2