SCS Friend Barbara Weisenberger Passes Away

With sadness the School of Continuing Studies acknowledges the passing of Barbara Weisenberger on Sunday, November 23, 2008. Ms. Weisenberger enjoyed a long tenure with the University of Richmond and the School of Continuing Studies, and she was acknowledged by many to be a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge about the University, policies and student services – particularly in the areas of student admissions, registration and records. Any time an issue arose, the common response was “Ask Barbara… She will know!”

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time, pending the recovery of Barbara’s husband, Terry, from a recent illness. Details will be provided when they become available.

Prof. Ron Smith Published in VCU Journal

Professor Ron Smith, adjunct associate professor of English and Writer-in-Residence at St. Christopher’s School, saw two of his poems, “Edward Teller’s Leg” and “Flashes,” published in a recent edition of Blackbird, a journal of literature and the arts. The issue – volume seven, number two – also includes a review of Smith’s latest book of poetry, Moon Road. Blackbird is a collaborative effort of the English department at Virginia Commonwealth University and New Virginia Review.

Read a brief biographical sketch, “Edward Teller’s Leg” and “Flashes,” and the review of Moon Road in Blackbird volume 7, number 2.

Teacher Prep Program Earns Accreditation

The University of Richmond’s teacher preparation program, run jointly through the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Continuing Studies, has received accreditation by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

TEAC voted unanimously to accredit the university’s teacher preparation program, putting forth no stipulations and citing no weaknesses in the program, which is highly unusual and a testament to the strength of the program.

National accreditation is important for a university in which 84 percent of undergraduate students come from outside of Virginia. Students who wish to return to their home states to teach after graduation must apply for teaching licenses in those states. Holding a degree from a university with a nationally accredited teacher education program makes the transition much easier and places the students in very high demand.

Prof. Taylor Recognized for Writing Legislation

Professor Porcher Taylor, chair of the Paralegal Studies program, has been recognized for his significant role in drafting legislative language for the recently-signed Higher Education Act (HEA). A news article in the November 10, 2008, online edition of Campus Safety Magazine highlights Taylor’s pivotal role in developing a whistleblower provision for the legislation. Read the full article, titled “Higher Ed Opportunity Act Includes Whistleblower Protection,” at CampusSafetyMagazine.com.