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EXPANDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
by Vera Zdravkovich, Vice President for Instruction

I am pleased to share with you several events that celebrate and exhibit the academic excellence of our students, a testimony to the quality of your dedication to student scholarship. The events include the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholars Kickoff and Orientation, the NSF Scholars Recognition Reception, and the inauguration of the Collegian Centers.

The NSF scholarship is specifically for students who are majoring in computer science, computer information systems, engineering technology, engineering, or mathematics, and meet GPA and other requirements. Thirty-seven new NSF scholars met their faculty mentors at the February 4 NSF Scholars Kickoff and Orientation. In addition to having faculty mentors, the NSF scholars will visit work sites and participate in job shadowing. The March 22 NSF Scholars Recognition Reception will give the families and friends of the NSF Scholars the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of their scholars.



Scott Sinex, chair of the Physical Sciences Department, visits with students at the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Collegian Center breakout session held at the Collegian Centers
reception on February 24.
President Ronald Williams inaugurated the college’s five new Collegian Centers at a reception on February 24. The five Collegian Centers, Administration of Justice, Bernard, Humanities, Psychology, and STEM, have been established to create a scholarly environment for students. Engagement in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary academic activities with other students who share the same academic interests, faculty mentoring, and access to research and internship opportunities are some of the features of the Collegian Centers.

 

Another hallmark achievement has been the 48 percent increase in the number of students enrolled in the Honors Program, from 496 in fall 2002 to 732 in fall 2003. This increase is particularly noteworthy because the 3.0 GPA requirement to stay in the Honors Program is being rigorously enforced.

One additional area of excellence is the Millennium Management Lecture Series in streaming video. You can see and listen to the lectures on the Web at http://academic.pgcc.edu/milmgtseries.

These developments underscore the college’s commitment to the learning-centered philosophy. The Honors Academy, the Honors Program, and the new Collegian Centers create the expanding and growing concentric circles of excellence that give us an academic distinction among our peer institutions. Given what you have accomplished so far, I anticipate even greater accomplishments in the future as we work together to enhance academic excellence at Prince George's Community College.
 

The Instructional Area Newsletter, Volume 19, No. 2

Spring 2004