Tag Archive : Melissa Schultz

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16 Academy Students to Participate in Sustainability Leadership Retreat

November 3, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has teamed up with WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability(CEES) to bring Academy students a progressive retreat opportunity focused on sustainability leadership.

Sixteen Gatton Academy students have been selected to participate in the inaugural Sustainable Leadership Retreat, which is slated for Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 4-6) at Loucon Training and Retreat Center in Leitchfield.

The mission of the retreat is to foster the development of students’ ability to be sustainability leaders who choose to engage in the process of creating transformational change with others and aimed toward building a sustainable future. Students will also enjoy outdoor activities like zip lining, hiking, canoeing, and other activities that promote teamwork and leadership.

“We’re ‘taking it up a notch’ and getting the brightest minds engage with the global urgency and opportunity for sustainable development,” said Nancy Givens, Sustainability Programs Development Coordinator with the CEES.

As co-chair of the WKU Education for Sustainability Steering Committee, Givens worked with Tim Gott, director of the Academy and a member of the committee, to begin the process to make this first sustainability leadership retreat happen for the Academy.

Also, on board from the Gatton Academy is Assistant Residential Life Coordinator Melissa Schultz. Schultz served as a graduate intern for the CEES this past summer and helped to bring the idea of a sustainability leadership retreat to life.

“Through various seminars, activities, clubs and programs, we have worked closely with academy students on developing leadership skills and making decisions with both the environment and people in mind,” Schultz said. “The retreat is an outstanding way to seamlessly connect these messages. I think the retreat will be a memorable and educational experience for everyone.”

This retreat is truly a collaborative effort as WKU staff and faculty have donated their time to share a message of leadership and sustainability.

“We hope this retreat will serve not only our students but also inspire more education across campus, state, and nation around the topic of sustainable leadership,” Schultz said.

Throughout the retreat, students will engage in various interactive discussions and activities on topics like environmental law, leadership theory in practice, building a sustainable community, and defining the meaning and practice of sustainability.

Sydney Combs, a Gatton Academy senior from London and Green Club co-president, described sustainable practices as “taking responsibility for our actions and everyday habits with the future in mind.”

Students will work to make that potential future a reality through a variety of featured workshop sessions with experts in leadership and sustainability at WKU:  John Baker, Education Coordinator from the Office of Leadership Excellence; Dr. John All, Department of Geography and Geology; Christian Ryan-Downing, Sustainability Coordinator from the Office of Sustainability; Cristin Lanham, WKU Recycling Coordinator; Terry Shoemaker, Program Coordinator for the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility; andNadia Denov De Leon, Community Engagement Coordinator of the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships.

Also joining the roster of session leaders are members of CDP Engineering, a Kentucky enterprise committed to sustainable practices in business and industry. Lewis Newton, chief executive officer, and Scott Southall, Vice President of Landscape Architecture and Planning Group Manager, will discuss the physical manifestation of green design and explore holistic approaches to community design and redevelopment.

The Gatton Academy has sought to cultivate students’ interests in sustainability across the program’s living and learning environments. A variety of programmatic opportunities have assisted students in learning more about green initiatives while also putting those ideas into practice. The Gatton Academy Green Club has participated in a local sinkhole clean-up, reduced their waste through a “Bring Your Own Cup” program during academy social events, and piloted building-wide recycling initiatives in Schneider Hall.

Tejas Sangoi, a Gatton Academy senior from Owensboro and Green Club co-president, views the decision to adopt sustainability practices as a choice that affects not only the individual but others as well.  “To me, sustainability is living a balanced life in which you only use the resources that you need so that they will be conserved for future generations,” Sangoi said. “Being a sustainable leader is important because by demonstrating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, you are inspiring others in the community to do the same.”

Contact: Melissa Schultz, (270) 745-4755.

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Road Runners Tackle Memphis Half-Marathon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

December 8, 2009 | News, Student Life | No Comments

Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN

Since Melissa Schultz arrived at the Gatton Academy in August, she has wasted no time getting to know the students and their interests. As the Assistant Coordinator for Residence Life, the core of her job involves engaging students in the Academy’s residential environment.

Schultz , an avid runner, has been tackling half-marathons for years. When she decided to run in the St. Jude Half in December, she opened the invitation to Academy students to see if there was a mutual interest. Her hope was for students to take away a greater sense of self and community.

The response, it turns out, was tremendous.

“Activities like this are important to the Academy because they enrich the student experience through living and learning,” Schultz explained. “It’s about taking on a challenge, finding motivation, working toward a goal, following through and then realizing, while much of the prep work is done on an individual level, there is a greater success when an entire community of people come together for a common interest and goal.”

Over the course of 13 weeks, a dedicated group of ten students committed to early morning runs to build the necessary skill and endurance to complete the 13.1 half-marathon this past weekend in Memphis.

For many students attending the Gatton Academy, having to sacrifice the ability to compete in sports is the hardest part of the decision. Over time, that desire for sport remains active. An opportunity like this to be physically active was a welcomed prospect.

Katie Goebel (10) and Elaine Flynn (11)
Katie Goebel ('10) and Elaine Flynn ('11)

“I missed running cross country these past two years,” noted Elaine Flynn (Grant ’10). “When Melissa sent the email out about the half marathon inviting us to join her, I figured it would fill the empty spot where cross country used to be. “

The team of students, officially dubbed the Academy Road Runners, trained with 6 a.m. runs throughout the weeks leading up the race—rain, cold, or shine. Many students appreciated having others to keep them motivated as an important component of the training process. For Katherine Goebel (Shelby ’11), her father provided a tremendous amount of support as well.

“It was a really good goal to have to motivate me through the long, cold runs,” Goebel said. “I liked the fact that we trained and ran it as a team. And, running is in my blood. My Dad runs a marathon almost every year, so he’s a really good role model for me and supported me in kicking off my road-running career through this race.”

Even though the 13 mile stretch was longer than many of the students had ever attempted, the group finished strong.

“The hardest part about the race was definitely finding the strength to continue running toward the end of the race,” added Hunter Smith (Hardin ’10), “The stretch between miles 11 and 12 was brutal.”

Though the race is behind them, many of the participants are already looking for new opportunities to hit the road again. For Emily Hall (Jessamine ’10), New Year’s seems as good a time as any.

“I can’t wait to run another race,” Hall beamed. “I actually found out that there will be a half-marathon in Bowling Green in the spring. I plan to run a few 5K’s over the next few months, maybe even the 10 mile Hangover Classic in Louisville on January 1st. As soon as I’m not so sore I plan to be out running again.”

Schulz detailed that the personal rewards were small compared to knowing the race was for a good cause.

“The experience of crossing the finish line after 13.1 intense miles of physical and mental exertion offers an incredible euphoria,” Schulz added, “but the mere satisfaction of crossing the finish line is only a small part of what training and finishing a road race has to offer. In this case, thousands of people created an indescribable synergy to benefit the children and work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

Students also hoped an activity like this would demonstrate the Academy is more than just a learning environment.

“While academics are the most important aspect of the Academy, it is experiences like this that keep us well balanced, and balance is the key to success in life,” noted Ballard Metcalfe (Henry ’10).

According to Rebecca Morgan (Hardin ’10), the race was a opportunity to show off a different dynamic of Academy student life.

“These activities make people overcome the viewpoint that the Academy is solely academically oriented,” Morgan explained. “We aren’t just nerds who have pocket protectors and Rubiks cubes, as some may assume. We are so much more. Through activities like this we can show the world our coat of many colors rather than the stripe of green representing our academic life.”

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice or Melissa Schultz at 270-745-6565.

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By Corey Alderdice

[New Year, New Staff] Meet Assistant Coordinator: Residence Life Melissa Schultz

August 22, 2009 | 5Q, News | No Comments

Melissa Schultz

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 five questions that we asked each person.  Each Avatar also posed five unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Up first is Melissa Schultz, the Assistant Coordinator: Residence Life.

Interview by Ryne Weiss, Academy Avatar

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

I decided to join the Academy because of the unique experience of working with gifted students. Once I interviewed with the academy staff, I knew it would be a good fit because of the dedication and passion the staff  exhibited for the students. I’m also excited to have an experience different than my past experiences of working with traditional aged college students–I hope to focus on providing learning opportunities outside the classroom to bring education to life!

2.  Where did you attend college and what subjects did you study?

I did my undergraduate work at Michigan State University. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Apparel and Textile Design with minors in Applied Arts, Interior Design, and Business. My Master’s Degreee is in Higher Education and Administration.

3.  What are you looking forward to the most about the coming school year?

I am most looking forward to meeting and getting to know each student, and being a resource for those students, in terms of not only providing opportunities for education and community service but also in providing help in their transition to the Academy.

4.  What do you think makes the Gatton Academy a unique educational experience?

I think that it is the ultimate living and learning experience. Students living at the academy experience similar classes and have opportunities to participate in activities together outside of the classroom. This togethernness makes the Academy a true community; with the focus being on math and science, it gives students an opportunity to explore their interests with their peers and in an in-depth way.

5.  What contributions do you hope to make to life at the Gatton Academy?

I come to the Academy with four years experience in residential life. I am an involved professional in student affairs, and I believe these expereinces have prepared me to bring intentional and exciting programs that adhere to the mission of the academy.  I am genuinely interested in being a resource to help foster students’ success, development and enjoyment at the Academy.

6.  What is your favorite CD, movie, and book?

Supply and Demand by Amos Lee is my favorite CD. My favorite book is Composing a Life by Mary Katherine Bateson. My favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle.

7.  If you were only allowed to bring one personal item to the Academy, what would it be?

It would have to be my laptop; it keeps me connected to all the important people in my life.

8.  If you and the Academy staff were trapped on an island, who would you eat and why?

(shock and horror) Sue, because she just volunteered.

9.  If you and the Academy were a famous couple, who would you be and why?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie because they are fierce philanthropists, and they seem to be dedicated to bringing active young citizens into the world…. and I am not very up to date with pop culture, they are the first famous couple to come to mind. (laughs)

10.  Is the Academy more like a crucible or the TV show The Real World?

Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’ll go with The Real World! (laughs)

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By Corey Alderdice