The 2011 Faculty-Staff Convocation was held at the Columbia Theatre for the performing arts on Friday, Aug. 12.  The ceremony was led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tammy Bourg and marked the beginning of the new academic year.

New faculty and staff were welcomed, and returning faculty and staff were recognized for high achievements and for their years of service to Southeastern.

Faculty members that have achieved 25 years of service to Southeastern received a medallion that can be worn with academic regalia or displayed as a symbol of dedication and service.

Those recognized in the ceremony were George Dorrill, Abul Jamal and Martha Thornhill. Faculty members achieving 30 years of service received a Southeastern watch: Betty Jean Jones, Donna Methvien, Ginger Newman, Joseph Patti, David Ramsey, Lynn Stirling and Barbara West. Thirty-five years of service was awarded to Don Elbers, Barbara Moffett and Michael Whisenhunt. These faculty members received a wooden clock. Barbara Hyde was recognized for 40 years of service.

President John. L. Crain presented the President’s Excellence Awards to deserving faculty.  These faculty members include Agnieszka Gutty, excellence in research, James Winter, excellence in artistic activity, Cynthia Elliot, faculty excellence in service and Lee E. Lind, unclassified staff excellence in service. Emeritus Faculty awards, one of the highest awards a university can bestow upon faculty, was awarded to Dr. Barbara Moffett.

Crain addressed the convocation concerning goals for the future and achievements of the past. Dr. Crain referenced the famous small business book “Who Moved My Cheese,” calling on faculty and staff to accept budget cuts and changes.

“We have to accept reality and directly address the resulting change,” said Crain. “Unfortunately drastic events sometimes require drastic measures. We need to redirect our energy from merely reacting to budget cuts to instead developing and implementing new strategies and plans that will help us meet our performance goals.”

Crain also spoke about the Louisiana GRAD Act and how it directly ties the university’s funding to the performance.

“We must continue to be smart and efficient with how we prioritize, allocate and utilize our financial and human resources,” said Crain.

Special guests included Dr. Randy Moffett, Representative John Bel Edwards, Representative Rogers Pope, Mayor of the city of Hammond Mayson Foster and Mayor of the city Ponchatoula Bob Zabbia.