1. Building a Strong Geoscience Program from Scratch: Perspectives from a New Program at a State-supported Primarily Undergraduate Institution Joseph L. Allen David L. Matchen Dept. Geology and Physical Sciences Concord University Athens, WV 24712

2. Outline -Institutional profile -Characteristics and demographics of regional service area -How a new geoscience program was founded at Concord -Programmatic strengths, recruiting, and retention in a rural setting with declining population

3. Athens, WV St. Clair Thrust Fault Valley and Ridge Appalachian Plateau -Geologic Setting

4. Institutional Profile 3000 students 16% Science/math liberal arts focus public funded Quick History: 1872–1931 State normal school for teachers 1931–1943 State teachers college 1943+ (especially 1960’s) shift in focus to liberal arts 4-yr college 2004 change to University status; limited graduate degrees (educ) Little history of geology instruction until mid-1990’s

5. Characteristics of Regional Service Area -Demographics -Economics & resources

6. [~10% statewide population decrease 1950-2000] -Demographics Source: US Census

7. 62980 13583 27329 25708 79720 12999 +11 % -32% -18% -72%-16% % = Population gain or loss 1950-2000 62980 = Current population by county MU WVU CU -Demographics = University geoscience programs Source: US + WV Census

8. -Demographics Source: US Census

9. -Demographics High SchoolCollege Source: US Census

10. -Demographics 6.4% more production, transport, construction, extraction, service jobs 5.7% less management/ professional jobs Source: US Census

11. -Economics & resources Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

12. History of Geoscience Program 199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006 IDS IIDS IINew Program (S04) 1974 Failed Proposal Foundation grant GEOL 101 Earth Processes, Resources, and the Environment IDS program revised/re-implemented

13. WV Data from Directory of Geoscience Departments 38th ed. (1999-2000, AGI) and 1990 census. WV was in the lowest 18th percentile with a ratio of 1.1 departments/million residents compared to a national average of 4.6, with a range 0.5 (WY) to 18.4 (NY). WV is now ~36th %-ile. National average (2000)

14. Geol majors Geol graduates CU Headcount x100 Enroll Budget -Departmental SCH/enrollment trends IDS IIDS II New

15. Program Focus: Geoscience fundamentals for graduate studies and employment in energy and environmental services Geoscience Core 101 - Earth processes, resources and the environment 202 - Evolution of Earth systems 205 - Environmental geology 370 - Earth materials and minerals 371 - Optical mineralogy 380 - Sedimentary geology 385 - Structural geology 404 - Field geology Cognate Geog 311 - Computer cartography/Intro GIS 1 yr general chemistry 7 hrs math past algebra/trig (most take calc + stats or 2 calculus) One of three elective concentrations: Geography & GIS (16 hrs) Ecology and Life Sciences (16 hrs) Physical sciences (16-20 hrs, 1 yr physics and calculus required)

16. Programmatic Strengths Field skills -Traditional Mapping -Linked to assmt

17. Field skills -Applied Geophysics

18. Collaborative Research Opportunities

19. GIS Optical Petrography

20. Student Centered Environment Successes in geology have mirrored re-invigorated chemistry program

21. Recruiting/Retention Selective suggestion (Geol 101+) Geol 101 careers discussions; examples of geoscientists at work Flexible curriculum (concentration area; math; physics) Presentation of geology as a liberal arts science degree option FUTURE: Coal in the Schools Program HS Recruiting Poster

22. Lessons Role of GEOL 101: Role of external student-faculty collaboration/research: Fostering a student-centered learning environment: Link field work/field camp to programmatic assessment: Role of flexible curriculum Role of institutional freedom: Enrollment, budgets, intangibles Retention, publicity, visibility Retention + Longevity Recruiting/retention All of the above