Applications review underway for manager of Convocation Center 
John T. BennettAdministration Beat 

An administrative search committee is currently reviewing applications in their quest to bring in a manager for the George M. Holmes Convocation Center. 

It will be the job of the manager to oversee the day to day operations of the building, as well as schedule any events that will be held at the facility. 

The director will coordinate events with Appalachian State University departments, including the building’s major tenant, the Appalachian State Athletic Department. 

“The individual brought in would also be working with the community to address any kind of event the community might want to schedule in the building,” said Appalachian State University Vice Chancellor for Administration Dr. Alfred Rapp, chairman of the search committee. 

Rapp also said it would be a task of the director as the facility’s chief booking agent to seek to bring in events that do not currently come to the Boone area.  “Any such event,” Rapp added, “would have to be appropriate for our area.” 

The goal of the search committee is to have the director position filled as quickly as possible. However, due to the large pool of applicants, and any obligations the chosen candidate may have to their current employer at their current place of employment, Rapp said the search committee is being a bit more reasonable with their timetable. 

“Realistically, we are prepared to work with the best candidate to get them here as quickly as possible, but to accommodate what their schedule would be also,” said Rapp. 

The applicants must meet several criteria before the committee will review their application. First, they must have a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field of study, such as recreation management or a similar area.  

The applicant also must have six years experience in arena work to be considered for the position. The state’s requirements for the position would allow a prospective candidate to have a degree in another type of management, which they would be required to show experience in as well. 

The salary of the individual chosen as director of the Convocation Center has not been etched in stone by administration officials.  
That figure will be determined by guidelines set by the state of North Carolina which are based on the background and experience of the selected candidate.  
 

Student numbers continue to increase; campus changes suggested 
Caitlyn Payne SGA Beat 

There has been a dramatic increase in demographic growth at Appalachian State University in the past few years, according to a report made at the SGA meeting last Tuesday.  

Director of the Office of Admissions Joe Watts said there has been “more ambitious growth (this year) than we’ve had in the past decade.” 

The goal of the university is to grow by approximately 50 to 100 students a year. The growth rate has dropped slightly this year-to around 12,150 students-because students are graduating more quickly than in past years. The projected growth rate for next year is estimated to be around 12,400 students.  

Because of the overall increase in enrollment at Appalachian, several changes have been suggested for the campus.  

Among these changes are a better transportation system, a better library and possibly a new residence hall. Watts cautions that “this is just a plan ... and it doesn’t mean it will happen.”  

Currently there is an 81.1 percent retention rate of freshmen. The enrollment of out of state students has increased slightly, but with that increase has come a dropout rate twice as fast as instate students. “I have a sense that we’re losing students (we don’t need to lose),” said Watts.  

He hopes the university will be able to analyze why these students left and improve ASU programs, thereby decreasing the dropout rate.  
Watts hopes to develop the learning community for next year’s freshmen, to help connect the students across campus.  

Although the application rate is up 10 percent from 10 years ago, and the SAT is an average 15 points higher, Watts cautiones there is a risk of becoming too elitist if the application process becomes more selective.  

Appalachian is the only large university that averages 25 people per class, but the school runs the risk of losing funding if there is an increase in class size.  

Watts hopes to retain the uniqueness of Appalachian while increasing the enrollment of students.  
 

Hunger Coalition to sponsor 5K Run 
Zaneta Wood Organization Beat 

The Hunger Coalition is sponsoring a 5K walk/run on Saturday, April 8. 

Beginning at 9 a.m., the event’s start and finish will be at Horn in the West Park. 

The course snakes through town on Rivers Street, Walter Street, King Street and Oak Street. 

Registration and a breakfast provided by Carolina Bagelry is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. WATA-AM radio station and a local band will help entertain the participants during breakfast. 

Volunteers are needed to assist walkers and runners, work at the eight tables on the course and help register runners. 

“Hopefully the band and breakfast will get the runners pumped ready to go,” said Beth Minker, director of client services for the Hunger Coalition. 

Domino’s Pizza will provide lunch. Awards will be given to top finishers. “The course is scenic through downtown Boone and mostly flat, having minimal up or down hills,” said Minker. 

Local businesses are donating prizes, food and drink. 

The first 200 participants will receive a race T-shirt. 

The Social Work Department has agreed to pay postage for letters to student organizations asking for participants, volunteers and sponsors. The ASU Police Department has also agreed to participate. 

Appalachian State’s Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) has posted race fliers and will inform interested individuals through e-mail. 

Eight elementary schools in the area will participate, including the Hardin Park Highland Runners from Hardin Park Elementary School. “The community has been incredible and very helpful,” said Minker. “We just want to have fun with everybody.” 

The entry fee is $12 before April 3 and $15 after that. Registration forms can be acquired at the Hunger Coalition, 417 Meadowview Drive, or can be downloaded from their website, www.hungercoalition.com. 

You can also contact Beth Minker at the Hunger Coalition at 262-1628 or e-mail her at hunger@boone.net for more information. 
 

28 grad students named Who's Who 

Twenty-eight graduate students at Appalachian State University have been named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. 

Campus nominating committees and editors of the annual directory include the names of students based on their academic achievement, service to community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success. Graduate students included in the 2000 edition of the publication are: 

Glenn Altemose, computer science; Laura Bridges, sports management; Stephen Coenen, psychology; Christopher Dula, psychology; Erika DeBoer, business administration; Dwayne Elliot, child development; Amber Gagnet, exercise science; Jason Goodnite, technology; Ryan Johnson, psychology; Jennifer Johnston, business administration; Alan Jung, exercise science; Mindy Maness, exercise science; Meredith McCarroll, English; Lora McCoy, exercise science; Carolyn Moore, instructional technology; Caroline Morris, English; Erick Rawls, communication disorders; Marcus Renner, technology; Maria Richardson, English; Renee Sanders, sports management; Max Shute, exercise science; Shannon Sides, instructional technology; Scott Suddreth, technology; Wendy Trivette, instructional technology and Adrian Whitley, exercise science. 
 

Cannon Hall incident lands 2 roommates a court date 
Kathryn Booze Police Beat 

Two ASU police officers were called into Cannon Hall at 12:17 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16 to break up a dispute between two roommates on the second floor. 

According to one of the investigating officers, Sergeant Minton of the ASU Police, the incident started when the two roommates got into an argument. One roommate sparked anger in the other one, and he grabbed the first roommate by the neck and attempted to choke him. Neither of the two males were seriously injured. 

The victim declined to press formal charges with the county magistrate and the case is being investigated by the administration.  The date of the hearing by Judicial Affairs has not been released.  Judicial Affairs declined to comment. 

Michael Porritt, the Eastridge Area Coordinator was not available for comments. 
 

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