Looking for Library Director

Hello Friends! The William C. Jason Library is currently seeking a Director of Library Services.  Could that be you? Do you know someone prepared for this exciting challenge?

The university is searching for someone who will "promote a vision that combines the traditional role of the academic library with the increasing presence of information technologies in a dynamic environment.  The Director will plan and manage all aspects of library operations: budget, personnel, services, program planning, development and assessment, facilities and equipment."

To learn more please review the job vacancy announcement. http://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DESU&cws=1&rid=2313

Archives in the Classroom

Today the archives played host to Project Success students as they embarked on a scavenger hunt through the William C. Jason Library.  In addition to exploring the computer labs and second floor services, the students were challenged to locate the archives department and identify two collections maintained by the archives. At the end of the hunt, it is hoped that the students learned to navigate the library and have a better understanding of library and tutoring services.

Faculty, if I may, allow me to encourage you to build an archives orientation into your coursework. Obviously as an archivist I am biased, but I think we can all agree that the ability to navigate and conduct original research is a cornerstone of collegiate education. I am more than happy to invite your class into the archives or else visit your classroom to give an archives orientation.  The white-glove environment is often intimidating to first time researchers when it should be more like an adventure.  If given the opportunity, I can allay these fears and give student scholars the ability to tackle original research in the university archives or any other archival repository.

As you begin to play for the next academic year, please don't hesitate to let me know how I can assist your class. Whether it's a freshmen seminar, historic methods or any other subject, I'm happy to help. Reach me at rscherry@desu.edu or 302-857-6130.

Earth Day

John Boykin Aiken

Written by Dan DelViscio 

Happy Earth Day! Throughout its history, Delaware State University has cultivated a strong appreciation for the natural environment. After all, a core component of the 1890 Morrill Act, under which this university was founded, was to establish agricultural courses of study.  Consequently, through these doors have passed many green-thumbed individuals.

John Boykin Aiken was an early graduate of the State College for Colored Students, and he remained at the college following graduation to serve as an agricultural instructor from 1898 to 1906, and as Farm Manager in 1923. In 1937, he was appointed by Governor Richard C. McMullen to the college’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Ulysses S. Washinton

Pictured here is the esteemed Dr. Ulysses S. Washington conducting an agriculture class in 1970. From 1949 until his retirement in 1991, Dr. Washington served the university faithfully as, first, an assistant professor of agriculture and farm mechanics, and later, as the chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Although he no longer actively teaches classes, today Dr. Washington continues to enrich the campus community through his unwavering support and presence on campus.  To learn more about Dr. Washington’s achievements, check out this interview. 

 

The tradition continues! Earlier this spring DSU announced the work of Janet Cordero, a graduate student of Plant Science, and her advisor Dr. Sathya Elavarthi, who developed a free app called “DSU Urban Forest.” Funded by the McIntire Stennis Forestry Grant, the app provides users with information about the 25 most abundant trees on the DSU campus including Common Crapemyrtle, Eastern White Pine, Honeylocust, and many more! Using the app, you can learn about the ecological and energy saving contributions that these trees make to the college. Please check out the app here or explore The DSU Urban Forest Facebook page.

This Earth Day we commend these individuals. Thank you for promoting our beautiful campus and enhancing our knowledge of the local environment.