Pfeiffer University News

Pfeiffer faculty member listed among ‘Great 100’ nurses in North Carolina

Details

Published on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 ( 11:29 am )

Dr. Dianne Daniel's work recognized by professional peers

Dr. Dianne Daniels, assistant professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing at Pfeiffer University, is among the list of The Great 100 nurses in North Carolina. This prestigious, peer-recognition award honors Daniels’ work in the field of nursing and is awarded by the organization to help positively impact the image of nursing by promoting nursing excellence throughout the state.

Annually, 100 nurses from all areas of the nursing profession in North Carolina are recognized for their extraordinary contributions. Daniels, and the other recipients, will be honored during a formal gala on Saturday, Sept. 18 in Greensboro, N.C. Amnazo Christel Muhirwa, a pre-nursing student and psychology major from Charlotte, also received recognition from The Great 100. Muhirwa, who will also attend the Sept. 18 gala, is a 2010 recipient of The Great 100 Scholarship and receives a $2,000 award.

A Stanly County native, Daniels has made a number of important contributions to Pfeiffer since she joined the faculty in 2008. As the chair of the Department of Nursing in the School of Natural and Health Sciences, she was instrumental in the 2009 launch of the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, which is expected to produce approximately 20 additional qualified nurses annually and began accepting students in fall 2009. She and Dr. Mark McCallum, dean of the School of Natural and Health Sciences, designed the nursing curriculum and Daniels has been responsible for implementation and direction of the new distinctive program.

Read more...

Pfeiffer hosts author of “Where am I Wearing?” Kelsey Timmerman Sept. 16-17

Details

Published on Thursday, September 09, 2010 ( 9:29 am )

Author’s curiosity about how and where his clothes were made takes him on a quest around the world

The author of “Where am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People that Make Our Clothes,” Kelsey Timmerman will attend a public reception and present a meet-the-author reading at Pfeiffer University on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 16-17. Both events are free and open to the public.

The dessert reception will begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 in the Stokes Student Center Lounge and will include a display of T-shirts donated by current Pfeiffer students to illustrate their own affinity for global representation. A meet-the-author reading will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 in the Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, where Timmerman will discuss why he doesn't like the term "sweatshops," whether big-box stores should be boycotted and why he's not always opposed to child labor.

His book “Where am I Wearing” derived from Timmerman’s obsession with where and how his clothes were made, which directed his search around the world to places like Honduras, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and other countries. Timmerman has also worked as an undercover underwear buyer in Bangladesh, and shares stories of globalization, travel, and social responsibility at universities, high schools, and groups across the country. In addition to his book, his experience and writing have appeared in publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Condé Nast Portfolio and has aired on NPR.

Read more...

Pfeiffer Institute for Marriage and Family Therapy offers support for parents

Details

Published on Tuesday, September 07, 2010 ( 9:14 am )

Group sessions will address a variety of relevant, challenging issues in a confidential environment

Parenting is not an easy job. Sometimes the best decision parents can make for their children is to find support for themselves. The Pfeiffer Institute for Marriage and Family Therapy at Pfeiffer University will provide a supportive environment for parents to discuss a variety of challenging issues.

The Parenting Support Group will discuss the hopes, stressors and fears of parenting, the different parenting styles, how to effectively listen and communicate with your children, how to create boundaries and schedules and the joys and obstacles of discipline. The group will also provide an opportunity for parents to connect with one another.

Facilitated by Cynthia Seaforth and Cassi Goforth, therapy interns and second-year graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Pfeiffer University, the sessions will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights for six consecutive weeks from Sept. 16 – Oct. 21. The group will meet at the Pfeiffer Institute, 4805 Park Rd., Suite 250. Cost per group meeting is $5 for individuals, per night; total $30 for the entire six sessions.

Read more...

Pfeiffer exhibit depicts the human form in “Go Figure” by two well-respected North Carolina artists

Details

Published on Friday, September 03, 2010 ( 9:11 am )

The work of two Lake Norman artists best known for their extraordinary paintings and drawings of the human anatomy, will be on display during “Go Figure,” a celebration of the human form, now through Sept. 24. Paintings and figure drawings by Adele Goodman, of Mooresville, and Roger Hicks, of Cornelius, will be exhibited in the Grace and Cameron West Art Gallery at Pfeiffer University.

An artist reception is scheduled from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 in the gallery, which is located in Goode Hall on the Misenheimer campus. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The Grace and Cameron West Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except during special events.

Adele Goodman has always been amazed by the human form. She studied anatomy at length in high school and in figure drawing classes at East Carolina University (ECU) School of Art. A recurring theme in her nudes is to highlight a woman’s strength and beauty, even in times of despair. Goodman’s work not only features humans, but the artist often demonstrates her love for animals through her rich work. Growing up on a farm in Western Rowan County, she was surrounded by all sorts of animals. Consequently, she developed a respect and love that is reflected in her work.

Read more...

Pfeiffer names director of information support services, head librarian of the Charlotte campus

Details

Published on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 ( 12:06 pm )

Kevin Karrs was appointed director of information support services and head librarian of the Charlotte campus at Pfeiffer University. Prior to Pfeiffer, Karrs served 24 years as the librarian at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. He assumed his new duties last month.

As director of information support services and head librarian, Karrs will assist student and faculty in acquiring and using information in the Charlotte campus library and via distance education. He will maintain a collection of books and periodicals in the Charlotte campus library, and will select, order and process new materials, and answer reference questions for students and faculty. Karrs is also responsible for teaching and promoting the use of all library resources by conducting classes on campus and at various distance education sites. He will work to increase the use of technology by delivering library instruction to distance education students.

Read more...

New students encouraged to "change the world" during Academic Convocation

Details

Published on Monday, August 30, 2010 ( 4:37 pm )

Bishop Goodpaster encourages students to “change the world;” two new traditions begin with the start of the year

Pfeiffer University celebrated its annual Opening Academic Convocation on Aug. 20. Dozens of new students marched into the Merner Center for Health and Physical Education through a tunnel of returning upperclassmen who cheered and clapped as the new students processed into the gymnasium. It was the official start to their college careers.

Academic Convocation is a formal ceremony held to officially celebrate incoming Pfeiffer students.  This year is extremely special because 2010 marks the 125th year of Pfeiffer’s history. Following an academic procession, the students were welcomed into their new university family and learned about the academic opportunities and campus traditions from Provost Dr. Tracy Espy.

Also new to the Pfeiffer campus is Interim President David McIlquham, who extended a ceremonial welcome to new and returning students, and to new faculty, before officially declaring the opening of school. McIlquham, a former Sealy CEO who was appointed to the post two months ago, expressed his excitement about the 2010-2011 academic year.

“I’ve always enjoyed new beginnings. The idea of a fresh slate, a clean canvas, a time to let go of the old baggage and start over – it’s invigorating and exciting, and it seems the possibilities are endless,” McIlquham shared with his audience. “As we officially kick off a new academic year at Pfeiffer, I am filled with those same thoughts. It’s a new day with new challenges and opportunities, and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead for all of us.”

Students also heard the rich experience of Rev. Dr. Larry Goodpaster, resident bishop of the Western N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, a relationship that Pfeiffer has embraced since its inception. Bishop Goodpaster shared his wisdom, and like McIlquham he, too, expressed his optimism for the future and challenged students to “change the world.” He referenced scripture from Romans 12: 1-2.

“To change the world is not to remake it in the image of what we would like to see, or that fits some personal agenda. Rather, to change the world is to shape it, mold it, recreate it in the way of the vision God has had all along – shalom, holiness and wholeness,” explained the Millsaps College graduate who was a freshman in 1966, a significant time in history surrounding the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. “During your Pfeiffer experience I urge you to become transformed leaders of the twenty-first century by the renewing of your minds so that you will be such maladjusted people that the world will be changed!”

Convocation also marked the inauguration of two new Pfeiffer traditions initiated by the new student experience known as the Pfeiffer Journey. The first was organizing two long lines of returning students who stood to welcome in the new students. Secondly, new students were given stones as they exited convocation by members of the faculty. This symbolic gesture represents the foundation that has been laid for the students and the foundation they will begin laying for themselves.

Donors, residents celebrate Vaughn Hall renovations

Details

Published on Friday, August 27, 2010 ( 9:17 am )

The residents of the newly renovated Vaughn Hall had an opportunity on Aug. 26 to meet and thank those who contributed the $315,000 to make the upgrades and new furniture possible. Dozens of students, staff, donors and alumni attended a ceremonious ribbon-cutting and open house event that allowed the donors to tour the residence hall and to meet its residents.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, I give the new renovations a 12!” exclaimed Vaughn resident Spence Robertson, a sophomore music education major from Walnut Cove, N.C., who lived in the residence hall last year. “Since the renovation, a new light of community has emerged. A greater sense of respect and care for the facilities are well noticed and Vaughn residents are pleased with the new upgrades.”

The donors were also pleased with the modifications.

"I think it looks really wonderful and I hope that the students are as thrilled with it as I am," said Concord resident Tomy Aldridge, from the class of 1975 who lived in Vaughn Hall during his sophomore and junior years at Pfeiffer. "Everything done has enhanced the residence hall's environment and overall livability."

Pfeiffer announces new scholarship established by alumna and Cabarrus resident Jackie Lafferty

Details

Published on Thursday, August 26, 2010 ( 9:20 am )

New scholarship will assist Pfeiffer students from Cabarrus, Stanly Counties

Pfeiffer alumna and Cabarrus County resident Jacquelyn Burrage Lafferty recently endowed a scholarship to benefit deserving Pfeiffer students who are from Cabarrus County. David J. McIlquham, interim university president, thanked Lafferty for her continued support and for the establishment of the Jacquelyn Burrage Lafferty Endowed Scholarship. 

 “We are deeply appreciative of the relationship that Jackie and her family have shared with Pfeiffer University. Jackie and her parents have a long history with Pfeiffer and her recent gift will help provide an outstanding educational option for generations of future Pfeiffer students,” McIlquham said.

A member of Pfeiffer College’s class of 1964, Lafferty has remained a supporter of the campus community.  Her father, the late Robert Burrage was a member of Pfeiffer Junior College’s class of 1938 who later served as a member of the university’s board of trustees and was honored with trustee emeritus status.  Burrage and his wife Jackie also established a scholarship at Pfeiffer, the Jacquelyn B. and Robert L. Burrage, Jr. Endowed Scholarship, which assists students from Cabarrus and Stanly counties. 

The minimum to endow a scholarship fund at Pfeiffer is $25,000.  For more information regarding the endowed scholarship program at Pfeiffer University, please contact Jo Ellen Newsome, director of stewardship and special projects, at (704) 463-3037.

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a comprehensive United Methodist-related university, with multiple campuses, including Misenheimer, Charlotte and the Triangle, committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship.

Media contact: Natasha A. Suber, (704) 463-3040 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pfeiffer hosts “Employment practices for our churches” Sept. 30

Details

Published on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 ( 10:19 am )

Rev. Joy T. Melton, J.D. will discuss a range of employment practices, topics

As part of its ongoing efforts to offer resources to local church leaders, both clergy and lay, Pfeiffer University will sponsor  “Employment practices for our churches,” a daylong session that will provide useful employment practices and information to help congregations deliver an effective ministry, on Thursday Sept. 30. 

Led by the Rev. Joy T. Melton, J.D., chief resource officer of the United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust, the session will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the university’s Charlotte campus, 4701 Park Rd. The cost to attend is $30 per person and includes lunch. Those interested are asked to RSVP by Monday, Sept. 27. To register or for more information, please contact Kathleen Kilbourne, director of the Master of Practical Theology program at Pfeiffer, at (704) 945-7315 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The program is hosted in conjunction with the Christian Educators Fellowship of the Western N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The seminar was designed to offer participants key statutory provisions applicable to churches, vital topics to include in every church’s employee/staff handbook, as well as best practices for hiring and supervising staff members, and best practices for handling employee complaints.  By learning these basic best practices, attendees will be able to update the administration procedures in their congregations and strengthen the congregation’s ability to deliver high quality ministry. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and collaborate with each other as well as with Rev. Melton.  By the conclusion of the day, participants will have received tools that are current, cost effective, and simple to implement for the ongoing stewardship of the congregation’s ministries.

Read more...

Pfeiffer features the Catalinas in concert during Homecoming 2010

Details

Published on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 ( 4:26 pm )

Free public concert by well-known American beach band, 125th Anniversary celebrated during event

The Carolinas’ favorite American beach band, the Catalinas, will perform an outdoor concert on Saturday, Sept. 25, as part of Homecoming 2010 festivities at Pfeiffer University. The show will be held from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the front lawn of the Misenheimer campus.  The event is free and open to the public.

Since the group formed in Charlotte, N.C. in late 1957, the Catalinas have been the warm-up band for such popular artists as The Temptations, The Four Tops and even The Monkeys. The group has also filled South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach Pavilion more times, admittedly, than its members can count.

The Catalinas have had more than 60 accomplished guitarists, keyboardists, trumpet players, drummers, bass players and singers since the band’s inception more than half a century ago. Most of the musicians have come from communities along North Carolina’s Interstate 77 corridor from Statesville to Charlotte. Singer and guitarist Gary Barker, of Statesville, has been a member of the Catalinas since 1965 and is its current owner.

Read more...

Pfeiffer names director of graduate student development, academic success

Details

Published on Monday, August 16, 2010 ( 11:24 am )

Dr. Keonya Booker has been named the director of Graduate Student Development and Academic Success at Pfeiffer University. Booker most recently served as director of continuing education of the Metropolitan College at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), an initiative designed to enhance the opportunities for career advancement and success among adult students.  She assumed her new position at Pfeiffer on Aug. 9.

In her new role, Booker will lead the Graduate Student Success Center (GSSC) and will be charged with the collection and interpretation of retention and success data that impact decisions and campus program implementation. Additionally, Booker will provide leadership for the graduate honor policy, academic appeals and readmission to the university. She will serve on various university and community committees and task forces.

Prior to Pfeiffer and in addition to her experience at JCSU, Booker has served as an assistant professor of educational research at UNC Charlotte, assistant professor of educational psychology at the University of Virginia, and in similar positions at other colleges and universities in North Carolina and Virginia. She was also assistant dean of students and director of new student and leadership programs at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va.

Read more...

Pfeiffer welcomes new students, parents during orientation and move-in

Details

Published on Friday, August 13, 2010 ( 5:48 pm )

Annually, nervous students and parents in overstuffed vehicles make the trip to Misenheimer during Pfeiffer University’s annual New Student Orientation and Move-In Day. Hundreds from across the country attended orientation and joined campus life, including the move into Pfeiffer’s 11 residence halls on Friday, Aug. 13. 

“This is consistently an exhilarating time for our students and their families as well as the Pfeiffer community,” said Dr. Russ Sharples, dean of students. “Pfeiffer students, especially new students, will be making many life adjustments in the immediate future. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated student leaders, staff and faculty to help them on their journey during this extraordinary transition in their lives.”

Pfeiffer’s entire campus was abuzz with incoming freshmen and transfer students. School officials welcomed approximately 275 new undergraduates to Misenheimer. Incoming freshmen met new roommates, toured the campus with their parents, met some alumni and worked diligently to make the carload of belongings necessary for a life on their own fit into a single room. Parents hover nearby to assist with heavy objects and fuss over their teenagers for a few last moments. With classes beginning the following week, on Tuesday, Aug. 17, new students will have a few days to adjust to residence life and discover campus.

Read more...