Linkages Online Newsletter, Fall 2017

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New Name Approved for the Department

The WKU Board of Regents voted to change the department name for Family and Consumer Sciences.  As of July 1, 2017, the department name is: Department of Applied Human Sciences.

A significant number of schools across the nation use the broader term, "Applied Human Sciences" to more accurately reflect the multidisciplinary and applied nature of their program offerings.  Applied Human Sciences offers technology-, lab-, and studio-based courses, along with traditional classes, for students in the Child Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Family Studies, Gerontology, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Hospitality Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, Fashion Merchandising, and Interior Design concentrations.

AHS Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Receives Accreditation

The Applied Human Sciences department is pleased to announce it has received notification during the summer that the Early Childhood Education Associate degree at WKU has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Dr. D'Lee Babb, Early Childhood Education faculty member,  was instrumental in the accreditation application process and accreditation visit.

According to the NAEYC website, accreditation is granted to programs that meet the NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards to make sure early childhood educators are learning about and meeting the required standards, which makes students enrolled in NAEYC-accredited programs more marketable in today's job market.

Interior Design Students Compete in Product Runway Style Fashion Show

On October 19, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) held the 6th biennial Product Runway Style fashion show in  Louisville, KY at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Garments fashioned from Interior Design products were modeled by professionals and students from the four Universities in Kentucky with Interior Design programs: UK, U of L, Sullivan and WKU.  WKU's Interior Design program entry was sponsored by J & J Carpet, which provided materials for the WKU group to use in their design. 

There were 17 entries this year using various Architectural styles, and the WKU team was assigned the Architectural style Futurism, with the design element of shape. They based their design on the triangular shape which symbolizes dreams and ambitions.  Senior Interior Design Students: Anna Berger, Rachel Hitch, Cally Hinkle and Jordan McRoberts put in over 50 hours designing and constructing the garment out of carpet backing, carpet tiles and carpet fibers.  IIDA sponsors this function as a fund raiser.  This year funds being raised will be going to the Interior Design programs at the four Universities in Kentucky.

Faculty Member Receives Recognition

Dr. Kathy Croxall has been selected as the Region II Postsecondary Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).  Dr. Croxall will compete for the national award in December at the ACTE CareerTech VISION conference in Nashville, Tennessee.  Congratulations to Dr. Croxall for this honor! 

Embry Earns Doctorate

Congratulations goes to Ann Embry for completing her Ph. D. in Hospitality Management at Iowa State University in the summer of 2017.  Dr. Embry has taught for the AHS department for many years as a part-time instructor of Gourmet Foods, but is now a full-time faculty member in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management concentration.

FACS Faculty Publishes Article

Dr. Darbi Haynes-Lawrence has had an article, "Stay afloat: Build a "caregiver colony", published in the Fall 2017 Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Magazine.

Study Abroad Course in London

 

Travis Wilson led a Study Abroad course in London, England, this summer.  Students interested in architecture spent time in London and  the surrounding countryside visiting castles, museums, and other significant locations. A portion of the group is shown at left.

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