BOT eliminates 2 SIUC programs

The SIU Board of Trustees voted UNANIMOUSLY Thursday to cut the lifelines of SIUC's Dental Technology and Respiratory Therapy programs during its monthly meeting.

The two programs from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts join more than 680 eliminated degree programs throughout in Illinois in the past year. John Winings, director of the Dental Technology program, said although he believes the program was wrongfully cut, the program is ready to get back to its teaching, service and research missions.

"There was due process, but we don't feel it was properly done," Winings said. "It's been very hard on our students and on our faculty. We are just ready to concentrate on what we need to be doing here and not have to deal with this thing which has been very disruptive."

Although SIU closed its doors, the associate degree programs might still find homes in one of the community colleges affiliated with the University, said spokesman Sue Davis.

Provost John Dunn said the administration appreciates that the board supported the administration's decision, but still the vote was not a victory of sorts for the University. "I recognize that any time we close or eliminate programs, that is not a moment for great rejoice for the University because we are proud of our programs, and we are certainly proud of our students in those programs," Dunn said. "But there are limits to our resources and how far we can stretch dollars that are shrinking daily."

In other business, the board awarded several honorary degrees and distinguished service awards, which will be awarded during commencement ceremonies in May. Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first black woman ever appointed as chief of the nation's largest federal trail court, was approved for an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Weonna Whitfield, associate dean of the School of Law, said Motley's award is fitting because it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the historic civil rights case, Brown v. Board of Education.

"Judge Constance Baker Motley's commitment to civil rights and to the use of law to insure the exercise of these rights is inspiring to all of us involved with educating the next group of our nation's leaders," Whitfield said. Marianne Webb, a retired faculty member from SIUC's organ program, was awarded for her distinguished service. Robert Weiss, director of the School of Music, said Webb, who still teaches part time, nearly built the program from the ground up, including the organ.

"I can see how this is an appropriate award for someone who has been an integral part of the organ program at SIU," Weiss said. World-class athlete and humanitarian Jackie Joyner-Kersee was awarded an honorary degree from SIU-Edwardsville. The East St. Louis native, who won three Olympic gold, one silver and two bronze medals throughout her career, raised more than $12 million to build the Edwardsville campus's community center in East St. Louis.

"Jackie Joyner-Kersee overcame a variety of obstacles to achieve greatness," said Barb O'Malley, SIUE spokeswoman. "She exemplifies SIUE's core values of being a good citizen and giving back to society."

Economist Jagdish Bhagwati and Gary Evan Moulton were also awarded honorary degrees. William Fenwick of SIUC also received the Distinguished Service Award.