08/16/10

HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University President Edward H. Hammond will welcome faculty back to school and at the same time reveal his theme for the year and the university's new brand at the annual Fall Convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus. Hammond's State of the University speech will be followed by a welcome from the Faculty Senate by Dr. Rita Hauck, president of Faculty Senate and an associate professor of technology studies. Charlene Lix, president of the Classified Senate and administrative specialist in the University Police Department, will also deliver welcoming remarks.

Dr. Larry Gould, provost, will announce the 2010 Faculty Member of the Year and the Edmund Shearer Advisor of the Year and, with Tom Thomas, president of Commerce Bank, will present the awards. Gould will also present the winner of the National Academic Advising Association Award.

President Hammond will then announce the 2010 President's Distinguished Scholar, the university's highest faculty honor.

After a refreshment break in the Dreiling Lobby, Gould will speak on Academic Affairs initiatives before introducing new faculty. Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president of student affairs, and Mike Barnett, vice president of administration and finance, will introduce new staff.