Story Ideas:
UTEP to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Security Studies
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved last month an online Bachelor of Arts degree in security studies at The University of Texas at El Paso. The first cohort should start in May. This degree will support military and U.S. government personnel, which has become one of the University’s principal objectives. It is one of the first degrees developed for UTEP Connect, home to the University’s growing number of undergraduate and graduate fully online degree plans that are meant to attract the nation’s growing number of nontraditional students.
UTEP Professor to Study How Climate Change Affects Plants
Michael Moody, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences, has received a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to study the Arctic plant tussock cottongrass, or Eriophorum vaginatum, and its response to climate change. The study will focus on how the genetic and evolutionary background of the plant affects its ability to adapt to the changing environment caused by a warming climate. The research will also examine the consequences that climate change will have on the ability for tussock cottongrass to adapt and perform important plant processes like growth and photosynthesis.
The $281,227 grant is part of $1 million collaboration with Ned Fetcher, Ph.D., of Wilkes University, Jianwu (Jim) Tang, Ph.D., of the Marine Biological Laboratory’s Ecosystem Center and James B. McGraw, Ph.D., of West Virginia University.
Campus Spotlight:
Summer Experience in Rome to Teach Educators About Humanities
This summer, kindergarten through 12th grade teachers from all over the U.S. will have the chance to visit and study in Rome while on a break from their regular classroom routine.
“Monuments of Rome in English Culture,” a 2015 National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute for Teachers co-directed by UTEP Professor of History Ronald Weber, Ph.D., offers a four-week experience for primary and secondary school teachers interested in making connections between their specialties and the humanities, classics, history and social sciences.
The program takes place July 6-Aug. 3. Those selected for the institute will receive a stipend of $3,300 to help cover the cost of travel to Rome as well as accommodations and other needs while there.
This rare opportunity for teachers was one of just a few dozen awards granted by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in 2014.
Funding of the program is an extension of the government agency’s holistic approach to educational curricula. To that end, the summer institute is a great way to connect teachers in a variety of disciplines.
Visit romanmonuments.utep.edu to apply.
Business Announcement:
The University of Texas at El Paso announced that Kaye Mullins was promoted to education curator at UTEP’s Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Mullins, a native of Benton, Illinois, has worked for the University since 2001 and most recently served as administrative assistant at the museum. She will develop curriculum in geology, archaeology, and environmental science with a focus on the Chihuahuan desert for students from elementary grades through higher education, lead outreach to K-12 schools and museums around the region, and encourage participation among UTEP students. Mullins earned her bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with concentrations in history and museum studies from UTEP in May 2014.
Press Events/Photo Opportunities On Campus:
Saturday, Jan. 17
2 p.m.
Don Haskins Center
UTEP Women’s Basketball vs. UTSA
The UTEP Women’s Basketball team will take on UTSA during a conference game.
Monday, Jan. 19
University Closed
The University of Texas at El Paso is closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.