Author: Tim Jordan

Channell Barbour Named Vice President for Student Life

Last modified: June 6, 2019
Dr. Channell Barbour portrait

Dr. Channell Barbour

Berea College President Lyle Roelofs appointed Channell Barbour as vice president for Student Life. Barbour, who is currently serving as associate dean of Student Life, will replace Virgil Burnside upon his retirement June 30.

“As vice president for Student Life, Dr. Barbour will serve on the Administrative Committee and be an officer of the College,” Roelofs said. “I want to thank her for being willing to take on this important responsibility, and I look forward to working with her in the leadership of Berea College.”

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Berea College Alums Produce Scholarship Performance

Last modified: June 3, 2019

Noel and Reb cast

Berea College alumni and former College staff members are performing in “Noel and Reb,” the final play at Berea Arena Theater. The play, a comedy by Paul Nelson Power ’58, is being performed as a tribute to Power’s widow, Barbara Byrd Power ’56.

“The proceeds go to the Paul Nelson Power Scholarship at Berea College in memory of this legendary professor, author and director,” said Eddie Kennedy ’68, who is the founder and producer of Berea Arena Theater. “The scholarship was established in 1998 by students, friends and family to honor his boundless energy and enthusiasm for theatre.”

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Saderholm Named Berea’s Dean of Faculty

Last modified: May 31, 2019
Matt Saderholm

Dr. Matthew Saderholm

Berea College President Lyle Roelofs appointed Dr. Matthew Saderholm as dean of faculty following a recommendation of the dean selection committee. Saderholm succeeds Dr. Chad Berry, who has served as dean since 2011.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Dean of the Faculty at Berea College,” Saderholm said. “The support of my colleagues and administrators has been truly humbling and I will work hard to validate their trust in me. Beyond sustaining the excellent work of our outgoing Dean and Provost, Chad Berry, I will focus on listening to my faculty colleagues so that we can move forward collectively on what is most important.”

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Hyde Park Living Features Berea College and Boone Tavern

Last modified: May 22, 2019

Group of Berea students outside at Fee Glade

Berea College and Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant each were featured in recent issues of Hyde Park Living, a lifestyles publication based in the metro-Cincinnati area. Given Berea’s close proximity, many Cincinnati residents find Berea an enjoyable destination for day trips and weekend visits. Laura Hobson, a writer for Hyde Park Living, visited the College and the City of Berea for her three-part article series, which not only describe historic and contemporary features, but also include connections to Cincinnati. Several of the College’s buildings were designed by Cincinnati-based architects, and students, such as Gerald Thomas, a junior majoring in technology and applied science came to Berea from Cincinnati. Read part two of the article, featuring Berea College, and part three of the article, featuring Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant.

Sixteen Berea College Students Awarded $42,000 in Gilman Scholarships

Last modified: May 22, 2019

Sixteen Berea College students won Gilman Scholarships for international study this summer in seven countries on five continents. Morgan Guess will study in Argentina; Justin Vankirk in Australia; Kerron Liggins and Caitlyn Roberts in Ecuador; Ethan Dye in France; Moriah Avery, Kristen Timmins and Victoria Otto in Ireland; and Furaha Irankunda and Elizabeth Owens in Tanzania. Another student, Izabella Walker, was named an alternate for study in Thailand. Six other Berea students had previously been notified earlier this spring that their advance scholarship applications had been approved for study abroad this summer. They include Lucas Collett and Brianna Dewitt who will study in Ireland, Nicole Itumba in Argentina, Kailyn Johnson in Sri Lanka, Day’sha’ron Sloan in China and Alonna Walker in Tanzania.

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Three Alumni to be Recognized for Outstanding Contributions

Last modified: June 10, 2019

Three Berea College alumni will be recognized with special awards during this year’s Summer Reunion. The Rodney C. Bussey Award of Special Merit will be presented to Virgil Burnside ’74 and Jackie Grisby Burnside ’74. The Berea Alumni Loyalty Award will be presented to Peter S. Thoms ’55. These three alumni will be celebrated during the Alumni Awards Presentation and Reception at 10 a.m., Sat., June 15 in the Boone Tavern Event Center. RSVP to attend the Alumni Awards Presentation and Reception here.

Each year the Berea College Alumni Association recognizes achievements of alumni with considerations given to professional accomplishments and service to their alma mater.

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Berea College Confers Degrees on 248 Graduates at Commencement

Last modified: June 10, 2019

After remarks by American author and poet George Ella Lyon, Berea College conferred degrees to 248 graduates at Commencement on May 5. Focused on the topic of “Beginning Again,” Lyon said, “You can’t be sure where your path will take you. What you can be sure of is that it will change, you will change, the world and those you care for will change, too. Your job is to stay in touch with yourself and what matters to you most through these transformations.”

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Dr. Linda Strong-Leek Named Berea College Provost

Last modified: May 2, 2019
Dr. Linda Strong-Leek Portrait

Dr. Linda Strong-Leek

Berea College President Lyle Roelofs appointed Dr. Linda Strong-Leek as provost, effective July 1. She currently serves the College as vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of women’s and gender studies and General studies.

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Berea Hosts Race Dialogue in Washington, D.C.

Last modified: May 2, 2019
Naomi Tutu speaking at podium

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu ’83 addressed around 80 people at the Dialogue on Race and Education held in Washington, D.C. on April 27.

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu captivated her audience of fellow Berea College alumni and donors while speaking at the Dialogue on Race and Education hosted by Berea College at the Newseum in Washington D.C. on April 27. Tutu, a 1983 alumna, shared experiences from her own life—both as the daughter of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu growing up in Apartheid in South Africa and as a mother in the U.S.—to illustrate the challenges that people of color face in dealing with race in their everyday lives.

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Emmanuel A. Tuffuor ’88 Elected to Berea College Board of Trustees

Last modified: May 14, 2019
Emmanuel A. Tuffuor headshot

Emmanuel A. Tuffuor ’88

Emmanuel A. Tuffuor ’88, CPA, was elected to serve on the Berea College Board of Trustees on April 13, 2019. His six-year term will run through June 30, 2025.

Tuffuor is the Head of Private Equity Business Development for the Americas and Global Head of Tax for Apex Fund Services, where his responsibilities include expanding the private equity fund administration business in the Americas as well as developing a comprehensive tax strategy to serve existing and future clients.

“It is a great honor and privilege to serve such a wonderful and historic institution that has changed so many lives and has a very special place in our hearts and lives,” Tuffuor said. “I look forward to serving and contributing to the progress of Berea College and continuing to fulfill the great commitments that has made Berea College unique in American education.”

From 1996 until March 2018, Tuffuor was with KPMG, LLP in New York, where he was a senior partner. He served as partner-in-charge of the Alternative Investment Tax Practice, one of the firm’s priority industries. He previously was associated with Coopers & Lybrand LLP and Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Tuffuor has provided leadership as a member of the Board of Directors of KPMG LLP, partner-in-charge of the Metro New York Alternative Investments Tax Practice and National Industry Tax Leader for the Asset Management Practice. He has extensive experience with strategic acquisitions including serving on the due diligence and post-acquisition integration team relating to KPMG’s acquisition of a regional accounting firm.

Throughout his career, Tuffuor has been active in professional associations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State & Maryland Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Wall Street Tax Association. He has authored and co-authored industry-related articles, taught courses on taxation of hedge funds and investment partnerships and served as panelist at numerous industry seminars.

A resident of Plainsboro, New Jersey, Tuffuor’s undergraduate education was at Berea College, where he earned a BA degree in economics and BS degree in business administration. He holds an MA in economics from Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia and a MAcc in taxation from the J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia.

George Ella Lyon to Speak at Berea College Commencement

Last modified: April 15, 2019
George Ella Lyon

(Photo: Ann W. Olson)

George Ella Lyon, Kentucky Poet Laureate for 2015-16, will speak at Berea College’s 2019 Commencement Ceremony, May 5 at 2 p.m.

An American author and poet, Lyon has published award-winning books for readers of all ages. Her teaching takes the form of workshops, conferences and author visits to as many as 40 schools a year. Aside from publishing, she also taught writing at a number of colleges, including the University of Kentucky, Centre College, Transylvania University and Radford University. She has also acted as an executive committee member for the Women’s Writers Conference.

Adults and children read Lyon’s writing, which includes novels, picture books and poetry. Her poem, “Where I’m From” has been used as a model by teachers around the world and was listed by the New York Public Library in 2000 as one of the best books for teenagers. A sampling of Lyon’s book titles include “She Let Herself Go” (poems) and picture books including “Which Side Are You On?” “The Story of a Song” and “All the Water in the World.” Her book “The Pirate of Kindergarten” received the Schneider Award from the American Library Association. Other accolades for Lyon’s work include a Jane Addams Honor, a Golden Kite and the Bluegrass Award. A series of rhyming books about transportation include “Trucks Roll!,” “Planes Fly!,” and “Boats Float!”

Lyon is a graduate of Centre College, and holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas and doctorate in English from Indiana University.

Originally from the mountains of Harlan, Kentucky, Lyon says growing up surrounded by extended family and their stories helped develop her voice as a writer. Her Appalachian roots figure prominently in much of her work. Lyon has written more than 40 books, including the poetry collection “Mountain,” which won the Lamont Hall Award in 1983, and “Catalpa,” which was named Appalachian Book of the Year in 1993.

Tickets are required for admission to the Commencement ceremony. Tickets must be obtained in advance and are required for main arena as well as overflow seating. Contact Amanda Leger (legera@berea.edu or 859-985-3775 directly for ticket requests by Friday, April 19. Please note that seating is limited and cannot be guaranteed. Watch the ceremony via livestream on May 5 at 2 p.m.

Earlier in the day, a Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony for Berea’s nursing program graduates will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel.

The Baccalaureate Ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel. Rev. Paul Prather, pastor of Bethesda Church in Mount Sterling, Kentucky and a contributing columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader will be the speaker. Music will be provided by the Berea College Concert Choir.  (No tickets are required for the Nurses’ Pinning or Baccalaureate ceremonies.)

Berea College Student Shyeila Bowers Named a Newman Civic Fellow

Last modified: April 11, 2019
Shy Bowers headshot

Shyeila “Shy” Bowers ’20

Shyeila “Shy” Bowers, a junior at Berea College, is one of 262 students named as a Newman Civic Fellow for 2019-2020 by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization advancing the public purposes of higher education.

“Shy is a hard-working and positive student leader and undergraduate scholar,” said Berea College President Lyle Roelofs. “She uses her community-building approaches to promote dialogue and action to address pressing social issues.”

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Red Molly to Perform at Berea College’s Stephenson Memorial Concert

Last modified: April 9, 2019
Red Molly group portrait

(Photo: Whitney Kidder)

Red Molly, a group known for American music ranging from blues and folk, to country and bluegrass, will perform at Berea College’s Stephenson Memorial concert on Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel.

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Nobel Prize Comes “Home” to Berea

Last modified: April 5, 2019

Berea College installed a Nobel Prize—won by alumnus John Fenn ’37, for his notable work in chemistry—in the new Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building. Science faculty, students, College officials and family members of the late Dr. Fenn gathered to hear remarks about his development of Electrospray Ionization and its impact on developing life-saving medicines.

Berea College Announces Winners of “Appalachian Narratives for Our Time” Awards

Last modified: March 28, 2019

Berea College’s Loyal Jones Appalachian Center has announced the winners of the “Appalachian Narratives for Our Time” award for essays about how Appalachians thrive in the places they call home.

The submitted essays focus on the authors’ compelling life stories and illustrate the challenges of coming of age, working and living in the realities of family and community.

“Appalachia has a rich and, at the same time, challenging history,” said Chris Green, director of the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center. “All too often, however, national media portrays difficulties in the region as the fault of people who live here. We wanted to give the majority of Appalachians who grow up and make good lives a new opportunity to tell their stories.”

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Needle Work Musical Drama Coming to Berea College March 26th

Last modified: March 15, 2019

Higher Ground will present an original one-act musical drama, Needle Work, at the Phelps Stokes Chapel at 7 p.m., Tuesday March 26, 2019. The performance includes stories collected in eastern Kentucky communities and music from the cast and local musicians. It is free and open to the public.

Needle Work examines the pros and cons of needle exchanges, where substance abusers can exchange dirty syringes for clean ones without fear of legal consequences, as a way of stemming the spread of diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

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Dervish to Perform at Berea College’s Stephenson Memorial Concert

Last modified: March 8, 2019
Dervish

(Photo: Colin Gillen)

Dervish, acclaimed as one of the biggest names in Irish music internationally, will perform at Berea College’s Stephenson Memorial concert on Thursday Mar. 14 at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel.

Described as “an icon of Irish music” by the BBC and “the most soulful Irish traditional folk band playing today,” by Irish journalist and broadcaster Stuart Bailie, Dervish has played at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury. They come to Berea just in time to set the mood for St. Patrick’s Day.

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Berea College Named as a Gilman Top Producing Institution

Last modified: March 28, 2019

Spectrum News recently highlighted Berea’s recognition as a Gilman Scholarship top producing institution. View the broadcast above and the full story on the Spectrum News 1 website.

The U.S. Department of State recognized Berea College as one of the U.S. higher education institutions that sent the most students overseas through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in academic year 2017-2018.  Berea was noted for its success in making international study and internships more accessible and inclusive for American students of all backgrounds through the Gilman program.

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Berea College Professor Awarded Whiting Foundation Grant

Last modified: March 5, 2019
Jason Cohen headshot

Dr. Jason E. Cohen

The Whiting Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Jason E. Cohen, associate professor of English at Berea College. Cohen is one of seven humanities scholars named as a Fellow and grant recipient in the Whiting Public Engagement Program, which empowers early-career scholars and their collaborators to amplify unheard stories and circulate insights gleaned from immersion in the humanities. Cohen’s project, titled Histories of Overburden, is a partnership with the Pine Mountain Settlement School and public schools in Harlan County, Kentucky. The project will bring high school students into Pine Mountain’s vast archive of environmental and cultural history to study firsthand how the past—especially resource extraction and industrialization—has affected the local environmental and cultural heritage.

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Berea Recognized in Kentucky House of Representatives

Last modified: February 25, 2019

In its February sessions, the Kentucky House of Representatives takes time during Black History Month to recognize groups or individuals who have made a positive impact on the African American community. R. Travis Brenda, the Kentucky representative for District 71 and a Berea College alumnus, recognized Berea from the House floor for the College’s many historic efforts for racial equality. Continue reading Berea Recognized in Kentucky House of Representatives →

Berea Named a “Best Value” College by the Princeton Review

Last modified: February 6, 2019

Student forming a clay mugBerea College, widely known for its no-tuition policy, is one of the nation’s best colleges for students seeking a superb education with great career preparation at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review®.

The newly-published 2019 edition of The Princeton Review’s annual guide, The Best Value Colleges: 200 Schools with Exceptional ROI for Your Tuition Investment, recommends colleges considered the nation’s best for academics, affordability and career prospects. The distinction is based on a ROI (return on investment) rating score developed by The Princeton Review that weights more than 40 data points, including data from previous years’ surveys of students and administrators at more than 650 U.S. colleges. Other factors include starting and mid-career salaries and career social impact. Continue reading Berea Named a “Best Value” College by the Princeton Review →

Flamenco Louisville to Perform Free at Berea College

Last modified: February 6, 2019

Flamenco Louisville performanceFlamenco Louisville will perform authentic flamenco music and dance at the Berea College Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m., in Phelps Stokes Chapel.

Flamenco Louisville is the oldest flamenco organization in the area. The musicians and dancers of Flamenco Louisville are Spanish-trained professionals who bring authentic flamenco in the puro tradition. Flamenco Louisville is a community-oriented organization, dedicated to the life of their art form and sharing it with others. Continue reading Flamenco Louisville to Perform Free at Berea College →

Berea College Noted for Easing Student Financial Burden

Last modified: February 4, 2019
A Berea graduate raising her arms in celebration with her diploma in hand

(Photo: Desiree Dunn ’21)

A recent article published by U. S. News & World Report included Berea among selective colleges where students are eager to apply, be accepted and attend. The story named highly competitive colleges that are considered “high yield,” which refers to the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll. The article specifically cited Berea College and the United States Naval Academy for high yields and no tuition, stating “Two liberal arts colleges with high yield figures – the Naval Academy and Berea College in Kentucky – provide a tuition-free education, easing the financial burden on students and their families as the cost of school continues to rise across the nation.” Read the full article here.

Berea College Implementing Total Smoke-out

Last modified: February 6, 2019

Students walking across campus with a gazebo in the backgroundThe Berea College General Faculty Assembly recently voted in favor of a new policy prohibiting use of tobacco and electronic smoking devices on campus. The new policy, scheduled to take effect in July 2019, designates all College property free of tobacco smoking and vaping products. Continue reading Berea College Implementing Total Smoke-out →

Berea College Featured on “CBS This Morning: Saturday”

Last modified: February 6, 2019
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“CBS This Morning: Saturday” featured Berea College in a broadcast about the rising cost of attending college on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. The show highlighted Berea’s unique no-tuition policy as a model to curb that national trend. Continue reading Berea College Featured on “CBS This Morning: Saturday” →