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Gatton Academy Adventure Week: Move-In Day

August 19, 2013 | Alumni, News, Parents, Staff, Student Life, Students | No Comments

[fblike] Alex Kearns
After an exhausting yet exciting Sunday, I would like to announce that the Gatton Academy Class of 2015 has arrived! First, WELCOME to all new students not only from myself but also the other seniors and staff. I hope as you settle in, that we will act as an invaluable resource and help you adjust to the “college” lifestyle. And to the parents, relax; your student will be alright.

After an early start for community leaders, the juniors started rolling in around 8:30. If they were lucky, only 4 or 5 seniors would help them unload their vehicles. For those unfortunate others, they were met with 20 hoarding seniors dying to know who had arrived! Thankfully our enthusiasm didn’t scare anyone off. After the students had checked in at the front desk, they headed up to their new home where they met their RC’s, roommates, and newest friends. Instantly, you could see the life-long friendships forming.

Once the students were more or less moved in, they were taken to Mass Media for a final meeting with their parents, staff and community leaders. Topics discussed included: study abroad trips, a few research opportunities, and homesickness. As the session concluded, parents were asked to say their goodbyes to their students. And after a few tears, the parents left their students to begin their new adventure.

The day ended on a perfect note as Gatton students attended the Andy Grammer concert and enjoyed a pizza party.

We will keep you posted throughout the week on all the activities here at Gatton.

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By Gatton Academy

Gatton Academy Named Intel Schools of Distinction Finalist

April 18, 2012 | Academics, News, People, Staff, STEM Discussions, Student Success, WKU | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University was named a finalist in Intel Corporation’s 2012 Schools of Distinction Awards in the high school category for its excellence in science.

The Intel Schools of Distinction program recognized The Gatton Academy for its achievement in science, providing a rich curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs. The Gatton Academy’s program encourages student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to grow as engaged leaders and informed citizens.

The Gatton Academy is the first Kentucky school to become a finalist in the program since Intel introduced the program in 2006.  The other finalists in the high school science category are Boston Latin School in Boston, Mass., and Ossining High School in Ossining, N.Y.

“The schools selected as Intel Schools of Distinction are leaders in preparing their students to become America’s next generation of thinkers and doers,” said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel’s Corporate Affairs Group and president of the Intel Foundation. “Intel is recognizing these schools as exemplary models of what can be achieved through hard work and innovation in the areas of math and science.”

The Gatton Academy, along with the 17 other finalist schools at the elementary, middle, and high school level nationwide, will receive a $5,000 award from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., in September, when six schools will be named Intel Schools of Distinction. These six schools will each win an additional $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a package of goods and services with a total value of approximately $500,000 split among the schools.

Dr. Tim Gott, director of The Gatton Academy, noted that it is an incredible honor for the school to be selected as an Intel Schools of Distinction finalist.

“It is a major affirmation of the work our students have accomplished over the past five years,” Gott said. “Our partnership with WKU has opened exceptional opportunities.  From exploring the micro-world of genomes to the macro-world of dark matter in the universe, the classroom and research experiences here have allowed students the chance to enrich their education in powerful ways. This environment continues to equip our students to be the future leaders in STEM fields.”

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The recognition by Intel is part of a growing portfolio of honors for The Gatton Academy.  Each year since 2009, the school has been recognized among “Public Elites” American high schools by Washington Post education columnist Jay Matthews.  In 2011, the Academy ranked fifth among all U.S. high schools in Newsweek’s annual survey of “America’s Best High Schools.”

Intel Schools of Distinction serve as outstanding examples of leaders in preparing tomorrow’s innovators, noted Corey Alderdice, the assistant director for admissions and public relations at The Gatton Academy.  Alderdice served as the lead author on the school’s application for the award.

“One of the unique elements of The Gatton Academy’s application was that our program serves as an extension of each of the commonwealth’s public high schools,” Alderdice said. “We are proud to offer an innovative curriculum within a residential program for many of Kentucky’s brightest young minds.  We take equal pride in continuing the good work of the educators from students’ sending schools, who have already done so much to challenge, inspire, and engage them.”

One of the six schools will also be selected as “Star Innovator,” will receive $25,000 from the Intel Foundation, and additional prizes and services from sponsors.

Intel’s sponsorship of the Schools of Distinction Awards is part of the Intel® Education Initiative, a sustained public-private partnership with governments in more than 50 countries. Through this $100 million a year initiative, Intel delivers programs which improve the effective use of technology to enhance 21st century skills and encourages excellence in mathematics, science and engineering. For more information, visit: www.intel.com/education.

For more information on the Intel Schools of Distinctions Awards visit: www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Seeks Applicants for Coordinator of Student Services

April 10, 2012 | News, People, Staff | No Comments

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Western Kentucky University, Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Coordinator, Student Services.  The Gatton Academy is a public residential STEM school, established and funded by the Kentucky legislature, on the campus of Western Kentucky University.  Students complete both their last two years of high school and earn at least 60 hours of college credit.  This is a 10-month position, with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2012.  The position reports to the Director of the Academy.

Academy staff and administrators are officially employees of Western Kentucky University.  Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which is approximately 70 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee, and 110 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

  • Acts as the lead advisor for post-Academy college counseling to classes of approximately 60 high school juniors and 60 high school seniors
  • Meets with high school juniors and seniors, individually and in groups, to talk about the application process and individual college options
  • Facilitates workshops on choosing colleges, essay writing, and general scholarship searching
  • Schedules college admissions representatives for visits, facilitates meetings between college representatives and students, and serves as a liaison with college admissions offices throughout the year
  • Coordinates and delivers the study skills curriculum through seminars, workshops, and study hours
  • Advises students on best-practice study skills
  • Facilitates the tutoring program for the Gatton Academy
  • Monitors and supervisors the study hours daily Sunday – Thursday evenings
  • Meets regularly with the Gatton Academy academic team to target and provide support to struggling students
  • Coordinates the alumni affairs for the Gatton Academy
  • Serves as a member of the Gatton Academy Leadership Team
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Education, or a related field is required
  • Experience with programs or initiatives relevant to diverse gifted students
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work evenings Sunday – Thursday until 9:00 pm

Salary Grade: 108

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only.  Interested candidates must submit a letter of application, current resume, and names, addresses and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process.  Please refer to the following website to apply:  http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs.  For further assistance call (270) 745-5934.  Please reference requisition number S3224.  For full consideration, submit application materials by April 27th, 2012. Position will remain open until filled.

 

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

 

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify The Office of Equal  Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Executive Director Julia Roberts Receives State Group’s William T. Nallia Award

October 17, 2011 | Gifted Ed, News, People, Staff, WKU | No Comments

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Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies and the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, is the recipient of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators‘ 2011 William T. Nallia Award. She was presented with the award Oct. 14 at WKU by KASA’s Vice President Paul Mullins, principal at LaRue County High School, and President-Elect Rita Muratalla, principal at Zoneton Middle School (Bullitt County Schools).

The William T. Nallia Award honors an education leader who reflects the spirit of innovation and cutting edge leadership while bringing higher levels of success and learning to children. The award is named in honor of William T. Nallia, a KASA executive director from 1975-1986. Under Nallia’s leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth and has since remained at the forefront of innovation in public education in Kentucky.

Dr. Roberts, the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies, is an influential figure in gifted education on a state, national and international level. She was awarded the 2011 Acorn Award at the Annual Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship, was named one of the 100 gifts WKU has given to the world, received the very first David W. Berlin Advocacy Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and was named one of the 55 most influential people in the field of gifted education in Profiles of Influence in Gifted Education. She serves as treasurer of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and president of the Council for Exceptional Children—The Association for the Gifted.  She has authored numerous articles, chapters, and books, including the Legacy Award-winningStrategies for Differentiating Instruction: Best Practices for the Classroom co-authored with Tracy Inman in 2009.

Dr. Roberts is also responsible for opening a state-funded residential high school for students gifted in science and math, The Gatton Academy.  After 10 years of advocacy work, Dr. Roberts was able to open the doors and has welcomed her fifth class this fall. The academy was recently recognized in Newsweek as one of the nation’s top five high schools.

“Dr. Roberts is a servant leader who keeps her eye on the prize. She is an extremely talented individual who has been a force in helping many students in Kentucky succeed,” Wayne Young, executive director of KASA, said.

“Julia’s passion for gifted children drives her leadership vision. She communicates this vision gently, but persistently, with all she does and with everyone she meets. The kids come first,” Lynette Baldwin, executive director of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education, said.

Representing nearly 3,000 education leaders, KASA has members in every school district in the commonwealth. KASA has been connecting education leaders to policymakers, legislators and other interest groups in addition to providing numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators for over 40 years.

For more information, contact  Abigale Piper at (502) 875-3411

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Executive Director Honored with State’s Annual Acorn Award

September 23, 2011 | News, People, Staff, WKU | No Comments

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Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies at WKU, is one of two recipients of the Acorn Awards for teaching excellence, given annually to outstanding professors at Kentucky’s colleges and universities—one for a professor at a four-year college or university and one at a two-year institution.

Dr. Julia Roberts (left) received the Acorn Award on Sept. 23 in Lexington. WKU President Gary Ransdell (right) said Dr. Roberts is “a world leader in the education of gifted and talented students. Our gifted children are fortunate to have Julia Roberts leading this important sector of education in Kentucky.” (Photo courtesy of CPE)

David L. Cooper, professor of English and African-American history at Jefferson Community and Technical College, was also honored. Both recipients received a $5,000 honorarium and inscribed plaque.

The awards were presented Friday (Sept. 23) at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship in Lexington, sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Kentucky’s colleges and universities.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said Dr. Roberts is a superb teacher, scholar and researcher.

“She has been singled out by our faculty as a University Distinguished Professor. She is the holder of the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies,” he said. “More important, however, is her long and impressive record of innovation in creating WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies and the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.  She has become a world leader in the education of gifted and talented students.  Our gifted children are fortunate to have Julia Roberts leading this important sector of education in Kentucky.”

Dr. Roberts, known as Dr. Julia on campus, said she was honored “to be recognized as a productive faculty member in the field of education, specifically in gifted education; for initiating and directing programming for gifted children and young people; and for leadership in state, national and international organizations in gifted education.”

Dr. Roberts has 46 years of teaching experience, including 35 at WKU. She is president-elect of The Association for the Gifted (a division of the Council for Exceptional Children), a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and co-chair of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee of the National Association for Gifted Children. She is also a member of the board of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education and the Kentucky Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education.

Dr. Roberts, a native of Kirksville, Mo., holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Ransdell said she was a brilliant teacher and a tireless advocate for gifted children, their families and their educators. During her tenure at WKU, programs she has led have touched more than 30,000 students, he said.

“The wonderful young people with whom I have had the privilege of working are the highlight of my career,” Dr. Roberts said.

Other high points include:

  • Being named one of the 55 most influential people in the history of gifted education
  • Serving as the founder and executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies, which is celebrating its 30th year of providing services to children and young people, educators and parents
  • Opening the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky after 10 years of advocating for a residential school for high school juniors and seniors with both talent and a high interest in careers in science, technology, engineering or math
  • Bringing the international headquarters of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children to WKU.

Nancy Green, executive director of the National Association for Gifted Children, said Dr. Roberts has a national reputation as a mentor and instructor to teacher candidates, classroom teachers and parents.

“Through her longstanding and tireless commitment to teaching and education, Dr. Roberts has truly made a difference in both the field of gifted education and in the classroom,” she said. “Whether it’s through direct influence on children through Western Kentucky University’s summer programs or through a more strategic impact via national advocacy efforts, Julia Roberts is that rare leader who understands both how to shape policy on behalf of many and to directly touch lives one at a time.”

The Kentucky Advocates first presented the Acorn Awards in 1992. Recipients are chosen based on recommendations by faculty and students as well as self-written essays about their philosophy of teaching.

Contact: Julia Roberts, (270) 745-6323; or Sue Patrick at CPE, (502) 573-1652 ext. 308.

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By Corey Alderdice

[New Year, New Staff] Graduate Assistant, Academy Alum Tyler Clark to Assist with Academic Success

September 20, 2011 | 5Q, Academics, Alumni, News, People, Staff | No Comments

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With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Andrea Eastes, Academy Avatar

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 21 years old and currently pursuing my masters in mathematics. I graduated from the Honors College in May 2010. My thesis, entitled “Counting Locally Convex Topologies on a Totally Ordered Finite Set,” was directed by Dr. Tom Richmond and my second reader was Dr. Dominic Lanphier. I enjoy playing piano, reading, web design, etc. I am also senior editor of the AMS Grad Student Blog. — You can access my CV at http://tylerclark12.com/TylerClarkCV.pdf

2. Why did you decide to join the Gatton Academy staff?

Tim Gott offered me the position a bit ago. I met with him to discuss the position and found it a good fit. I will be able to help Gatton students learn and I will be able to do math simultaneously.

3. Are you excited for the coming year?

I am very excited for the upcoming year. I look forward to meeting all of the students and growing with them.

4. What role do you wish to play in the Gatton Academy students’ lives?

I want to be able to help mold students’ student skills to help them become more successful college students.

5. What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to getting to know the students and seeing them mature academically and emotionally.

6. How did being an Academy student affect you?

The Academy allowed for me to get a head start on college courses. Furthermore, it opened a lot of doors that provided me the opportunity to perform undergraduate research.

7. Do you think that having been through the experience of the Academy will help you to better serve the needs that students may have?

I feel that my experiences in the Academy will allow me to better understand needs of students. This will allow me to guide them to optimal learning.

8. Is there any advice that you’d like to give to students?

Students should take advantage of the resources on campus. Make sure you get involved in research you enjoy with a professor with whom you work well. Research is what will set you apart from other students.


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By Gatton Academy

WKU to Honor Gotts as 2011 “Family of the Year”

September 15, 2011 | News, People, Staff, WKU | No Comments

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Tim and Ellen Gott and their children have been named WKU’s 2011 Family of the Year.

The Gotts of Bowling Green will be recognized during Parent & Family Weekend activities and will be honored at halftime of Saturday’s WKU vs. Indiana State football game.

“We are deeply honored to be selected as the WKU Family of the Year,” Tim Gott said. “WKU is truly an integrated thread in our lives. Our relationship started here, our degrees are from here, we work here, and all of our children are attending here now.”

The Gotts graduated from WKU in 1985 and received their master’s degrees from WKU. Tim is director of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and is pursuing his doctorate in educational leadership; Ellen is teacher certification officer in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Their three children attend WKU — Andrew, a member of the Gatton Academy’s first graduating class, will complete his bachelor’s degree in physics and math in December; Emily is a sophomore in the Honors College majoring in entrepreneurship; and Ryan is a student at the Gatton Academy.

“With such an influence on our lives, we are eternally grateful for all that WKU has contributed to each of us,” Tim Gott said. “It is certainly our hope that we take what we have been given from the university and represent WKU as true ambassadors in all that we do. Go Big Red!”

Emily Gott nominated her family for the award, citing their WKU spirit and their impact on her college experience.

“A word that best describes my family would be dedicated,” she said in her nomination letter. “No matter what we are involved in, whether it be toward schoolwork, our weekly dinners at Fresh Foods or attending football and basketball games, we give 100 percent of ourselves. We work hard, enjoy our time together and embrace the Hilltopper spirit with everything we have.”

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By Gatton Academy

[New Year, New Staff] Meet Residential Counselor Brimah Vonjo

September 14, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Staff | No Comments

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With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Logan Eckler, Academy Avatar

What did you do before you were hired by the Gatton Academy?

I started my career in higher education as a resident adviser when I was an undergraduate student at California State University Monterey Bay. I accepted my first professional residential life position at Laramie County Community College and before here I was at Talladega College in Alabama.

Why did you want to become an RC?

The gifted students at the Academy are the major selling point for me.

What do you think is, or will be, your favorite part about the Academy?

Being a part of helping students meet and even exceed their own expectations.

How does the Academy improve the Kentucky education system?

The Academy offers students both the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of being properly challenged and overcoming those challenges.

How do you hope to improve the Academy experience?

I hope to offer perspective and encouragement and to make a contribution to creating the type of environment that inspires students to do their best to be their best.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to take full advantage of educational and professional development opportunities that I may have to better serve students, while reaching some of my own personal goals.

The juniors were given the opportunity to write about their hypothetical experiences in a zombie apocalypse. How would you serve as a leader in said situation?

Movie history has shown us that for some reason I would not survive very long in that scenario.  I strongly suggest that you find alternate sources of leadership.

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By Gatton Academy

[New Year, New Staff] Scott Wolfe Assumes New Role as Lead RC

September 13, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Staff, Student Life | No Comments

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With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Sammi Hawtrey, Academy Avatar

What does your new role entail?

As head RC, I will be taking a lead in planning, organizing, and scheduling weekend activities, sign-ups, advising role for programming.

How is it different from last year?

Everyone will sign up and pay for activities with me directly, rather than at the front desk. We will create Facebook groups for event information, and weekend activity notifications will be sent out twice a month instead of weekly.

How will your new position affect students?

Because event information will be primarily through Facebook, they will be less inundated with e-mails. This will help keep them from signing up for events they aren’t planning on going to. It will also help with innovation, as students give me feedback about what they do and don’t want to participate in.

What are you looking forward to most?

I’m definitely excited to see how the changes in programming affect the way student activities are done. I am also interested in seeing the different dynamics of a new wing with fewer students.

What made you want this role?

I thought I could bring something to the position. Using my experience of the past five years, I hope to plan some really interesting events. My application to the position stemmed from a desire to be a good program leader.

Why were you selected for it?

While all of the RCs are highly qualified individuals, I believe I was chosen for my experience. I’ve been here since we opened and seen how we’ve run things from day one. I can bring things back that were done in the first years.

What do you hope to contribute with your new role?

I hope to bring perspective and new style to activities. My goal is to challenge us to think outside the box and come up with new ways to do the wing programming.

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By Gatton Academy