We were sad to say good-bye to one of our founding IST employees, Barbara Wright. Barbara retired from Penn State in July to move to her home state of Alabama with her husband, Murray. They are both enjoying retirement and working on their landscaping, along with visiting with friends and family from their home state. Barbara was very instrumental in the starting of the school with her many hours of moving furniture, setting up desks and orienting new employees to the school.
Tawnya Conrad, another founding member of the school, resigned from Penn State, effective July, 2002 to be a full-time mom. Tawnya and her husband Mike, are expecting their first child in January 2003. Tawnya was the first voice heard when calling the IST phone and handled every situation with poise and grace.
We were sad to say good bye to one of our very first faculty members, Shaoyi He. Shaoyi resigned from Penn State effective June, 2002 to accept a position at the California State University in San Bernardino, California, with his wife and two children. Shaoyi was instrumental in helping form the faculty research and prestige for the school.
Although she was here for a short time, Kathy Sherman, was instrumental in the growth of our advising office. Kathy was one of our academic advisors and assisted students in selecting courses, degree audits, and assisted with various projects, that included the updated of the website. Kathy accepted an advising position at a New Jersey College to be closer to her family and friends.
Angela (Angie) Barnhill, contracts and grants coordinator, accepted a position at Mt. Aloyisous College at the Grants Coordinator. Angie worked closely in the writing and coordination of various grants, and worked with the IST Communications area to help keep the web site updated with faculty research and funding opportunities.
Dirk VanRooy, visiting research scholar under the direction of Professor Frank Ritter, accepted a faculty position in Belgium, effective November 2002. Dirk was with the IST family for over a year.
Another departure was our very own Shawn Foley. Shawn worked as an Instructional Designer in the IST Solutions Institute. He accepted a teaching position at Penn State’s York Campus, that is also located closer to his family. Shawn was a part of the IST music team and was always eager and willing to entertain with his guitar and voice.
