WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin
Issue 2005-12 (June 29, 2005)


IN THIS ISSUE

Underline

WRICOPS wins Western Extension Directors award

The Western Regional Institute for Community Oriented Public Safety (WRICOPS) program has won one of the two inaugural Western Extension Directors Awards of Excellence. Congratulation to the WRICOPS team:

  • Jennifer Albright, Coordinator, DGSS
  • Mike Erp, Director, WSICOP
  • Mike Gaffney, Assistant Director, DGSS
  • John Goldman, Director, WRICOPS
  • Kelsey Gray, Extension Specialist, Community & Rural Sociology
  • Linda Loos, Principal Assistant, WSU Extension

  • Nick Lovrich, Director, DGSS

The WRICOPS program, housed at WSU Spokane, is jointly sponsored by WSU Extension, the Division of Governmental Studies and Services (DGSS), and the Department of Political Science. The program builds upon the community oriented policing philosophy to help local law enforcement agencies enhance community partnerships.

The WRICOPS team conducts organizational assessments, technical assistance, applied research, and provides capacity-building training. This 10 year program is conducted in the five states of Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

WSU Extension submitted two nominees for the first annual Western Extension Directors Awards of Excellence: the "Living on the Land" program in Clark County and WRICOPS. The WRICOPS team will receive $1,000 to use toward program enhancement or professional development. The Washington team for the Living on the Land program will receive $500. Return to the Top of the Page

WSU Spokane research stresses importance of screening for Type 2 diabetes

A study completed by the Center for International Health Services Research and Policy based at WSU Spokane stresses the importance in the U.S. health system of screening for diabetes type 2 management and prevention.

The study assessed the association between four preventive diabetes screenings (retinal eye exams, HbA1c testing, lipid testing and albumin testing) within the study period, and health services utilization patterns for a two-year follow-up period. The study is based on claims data for 2,641 patients with type 2 diabetes from Regence Blue Shield of Idaho for the three most recent periods of 2000 (base period), 2001 and 2002 (results period).

Patients who received lipids testing showed a significant overall decrease in inpatient service utilization during the results study period. Further, recommended screenings of retinal eye exams and albumin testing were associated with an increase in outpatient utilization in the subsequent two years. Lower inpatient utilization and/or higher outpatient services are considered a positive outcome.

The paper, published in the April 2005 issue of the international journal Disease Management and Health Outcomes, was authored by assistant professor of health policy and administration Fevzi Akinci; Center director and health policy professor Joseph Coyne; Joni Minear, a graduate of the master’s program in health policy; WSU Spokane assistant professor and Center post-doctoral fellow Kenn Daratha, and current health policy graduate student Dan Simonson.

Excellence in Educational Leadership recognized

Two honored as award recipients

Two outstanding school administrators were honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award sponsored by the education programs at WSU Spokane, the Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and ESD 101.

Michele Miller, of the Deer Park School District, received the award in late May. Larry Reed of the Selkirk School District was honored for June.

Architecture faculty book published in ChineseAssociate professor of architecture David Wang (center) with design students in the studios at Washington State University Spokane's Interdisciplinary Design Institute.

A textbook co-authored by David Wang, associate professor of architecture at WSU Spokane, and Linda Groat of the University of Michigan, has been released in a Chinese translation.

The work, “Architectural Research Methods,” is published in China by the China Machine Press, Beijing.

Successful aging topic of national workshop series

Associate professor of landscape architecture Robert Scarfo, at Washington State University Spokane's Interdisciplinary Design Institute.A national series of summer workshops led by Bob Scarfo, associate professor of landscape architecture at WSU Spokane, is bringing together professionals from the fields of health care and environmental design to discuss “successful aging” and ways they can develop supportive community environments for vibrant older Americans. The workshops are funded by the WSU Spokane Faculty Seed Grant Program.

WSU Spokane instructor launches magazine, publishes book

“Eating is an agricultural act.” – Wendell Berry

Laurie Carlson, who teaches technical and professional writing in the BA Professional Development degree program, has launched Field and Feast: The magazine of food, agriculture and health. The magazine covers whole foods, holistic health, nutrition, and agriculture.

For subscription information, links to related organizations, and articles, see the Field and Feast website.

Carlson has also just published William J. Spillman and the Birth of Agricultural Economics (University of Missouri Press, 2005). Spillman, considered the founder of agricultural economics, shaped the agricultural New Deal and the current farm allotment programs.

Carlson is the author of numerous books, including Seduced by the West: Jefferson’s America and the Lure of the Land Beyond the Mississippi and Cattle: An Informal Social History.Return to the Top of the Page

Health policy and administration graduate to coordinate
Inland Northwest Business Coalition on HealthAmy Johnson (MHPA 2005) meets with professor of health policy and administration Winsor Schmidt, Washington State University Spokane.

Amy Johnson (MHPA 2005) has been named program coordinator for the newest department of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Inland Northwest Business Coalition on Health. INBCH, an employer coalition, creates customized strategies to address the cost of health care for employers and employees and promote wellness in the workplace.

Johnson served as policy analyst for the Spokane Regional Chamber for the past year and previously conducted policy analysis for the Health Care Personnel Shortage Task Force and the Washington State Senate Committee Services. In her capacity as intern with Senate Committee Services, Amy worked with the Health and Long Term Care Committee researching and analyzing health policy issues and legislation.

Amy holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Colorado, a B.A. in Government and History from California State University Sacramento and a Master's degree in Health Policy and Administration at WSU Spokane. She is currently a candidate for the Juris Doctorate degree at Gonzaga University School of Law.Return to the Top of the Page

Community connections

  • Can you row a dragon? The first Spokane dragon boat races ever will take place during the International Sister City Convention, Wednesday, July 27. If you would like to volunteer to crew on a boat, contact Kim Taylor, Jilin Sister City, 536-8800.

    Kelly LaGrutta, education, and Barb Chamberlain, communications office, will be rowing in the “Dragon Our Butts” team sponsored by Matrical, a SIRTI tenant. Turn out and cheer as they row like mad for 200 meters from the Riverpoint Campus to the Division Street Bridge. Four heats of three boats each will race during the 8 a.m.-4 p.m. event.
     
  • The 2005 Green & Blues Fest will be held July 16 at 4 p.m. at Bluz at the Bend, 2721 N. Market. Enjoy 6 local blues bands and support environmental groups in the Spokane area. Tickets are available in advance for $8 or are $10 at the door. Proceeds benefit KYRS – Thin Air Radio, The Lands Council, Futurewise and SHAWL. For more information or to purchase tickets contact KYRS at 747-3807, stop by the station in the Community Building at 35 W. Main, Suite 340, or visit their website.
     
  • Friends of the Falls, established in 1997, works to conserve and protect the Lower Spokane falls, river and gorge. The organization has embraced the concept for a “Spokane River Gorge,” first envisioned by the Olmsted Brothers’ landscape architecture firm in 1908 (and the topic of the 2002 Design Charrette). FOF has expanded the earlier version to include the entire river corridor from the falls to Riverside State Park as one of the "big ideas” within the community’s regional economic development strategy. Barb Chamberlain, director of communications and public affairs, has joined the board of FOF. Return to the Top of the Page

Personnel & staffing changes

Comings:
Travis Sonnett, research associate, Pharmacotherapy, effective 6/1/05
Bryan Vila, associate professor, Criminal Justice, effective 7/1/05

Goings:
Jan Wright, Criminal Justice/WRICOPS, 6/30/05
Carla Bidinost, HREC, Bejjani lab, returning home to Argentina 6/30/05
Alberto Rosa, HREC, Shaffer lab, returning home to Argentina 6/30/05

Promotions:
Michael Bergam, promoted to Media Technician Lead, IT/WHETS, effective 6/1/05
Lonny Waddle, lateral move to Media Technician Lead, IT/WHETS, effective 6/1/05
Bryan Valley, promoted to Media Technician Lead, IT/WHETS, effective 6/1/05

Recruitments:
Administrative Assistant A, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, apply by 7/7/05 at www.hrs.wsu.edu
Media Technician Lead, WSU Spokane Information Technology, apply by 7/8/05 at www.hrs.wsu.edu 

Searches:
Research Associate/Research Scientist, Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research & Training, open until filled
Director of Finance & Budget, WSU Spokane, open until filledReturn to the Top of the Page

Way to go!

”Way to go” to Brian DeLong and Bill Harris in facilities for helping Dr. Carolyn Johnson solve a workplace challenge in her office. They put their creativity and minds together to build a mouse tray for her desk to make her more comfortable when working on the computer – it was requested on Thursday and they had it completed by Friday morning! Thanks to them so much for being team players! (From Patti Petersen, HREC)

“Way to go” to the Facilities Operations staff from the yoga class. Thank you for arranging the furniture in Phase I, room 225 and 228 for our yoga classes. We appreciate you! (from Diane Wick, Human Resources and the other participants in yoga classes)

"Way to go" is the place for you to recognize a co-worker's extra effort, outstanding contribution, or all-around good nature that makes your work day go a little more smoothly.

Send your “Way to Go!” comments to Laura Scholtens, scholtens@wsu.edu, and watch for your thanks to be published in an upcoming issue of the Campus Bulletin!Return to the Top of the Page

Find it on the Web

  • WSU Research News: The latest on research news from WSU.
  • News Releases: Recent news releases and links to news releases organized by subject for WSU Spokane.
  • WSU News Service: Breaking news from WSU, links to all news releases, and other information sources.
  • World Class Faculty: Check out the online profiles featured as links from our home page.
  • WSU Today online: Links to past print editions, plus breaking news briefs
  • Bulletin archives: Links to past issues of the Campus Bulletin from Oct. 2003 forward.
  • In the News: Media coverage of campus programs and people
  • Events Calendar: What's going on around here, anyway?Return to the Top of the Page

Bulletin on summer publication schedule

The WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin continues its summer publication schedule. The next issue comes out Wednesday, July 20. It will publish every 3 weeks until the end of August, when we return to the academic year two-week schedule.

------------------------------------------------------
The Bulletin is usually published on Wednesday biweekly during the academic year, every three weeks during breaks and summer session. Publication date may shift due to holidays. Deadline is Friday, the week before publication.
------------------------------------------------------

The Bulletin covers news of interest to the faculty, staff, and friends of Washington State University Spokane, and associates on other WSU campuses and on the Riverpoint Campus.

Regular columns cover professional accomplishments, opportunities for involvement in the campus community and the Spokane community, notices of new developments on campus, upcoming events, personnel changes, and other news.

The Bulletin also serves as a source of information for external communications directed to alumni, future and current students, and friends of Washington State University Spokane. You'll read it here first!

Subscribers welcome! Also available: WSU Spokane News & Events Update, an irregular email newsletter with brief excerpts from news releases and articles, and links to more information online (some duplication of Bulletin content). Send an email to Barb Chamberlain, chamberlain@wsu.edu, to request the WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin and/or the News & Events Update.

Editorial staff