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Visiting the Front Lines

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 09:00 CST

By Diane Mouskourie, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

Mar. 21--Many University of North Carolina at Wilmington students attending extension classes in Jacksonville like the convenience but want more offerings.

UNCW Chancellor Dr. Rosemary DePaolo visited the Camp Lejeune extension campus Monday to hear from students. Newly accepted freshmen who will be attending classes in Wilmington in the fall also attended.

"I call everyone here UNCW students, not extension students," DePaolo told the small gathering of students, teachers and parents. "UNCW is about the quality of education, about student success with a focus on students with different needs and different learning styles. I want to make sure we are doing that for you."

DePaolo said she was on a fact-finding mission, to meet the students and learn firsthand their perception about the quality of education they are receiving. Afterward, she opened the discussion to the students themselves, and university deans provided answers on specifics. The UNCW contingent had spent most of the afternoon meeting with base, Coastal Carolina Community College, hospital and school officials for the same purpose.

Currently, the UNCW campus aboard Camp Lejeune offers bachelor's degrees in elementary education, criminal justice and nursing and master's degree programs in elementary education and liberal studies. Plans to expand the graduate programs are still in the early stages, DePaulo said.

"We've submitted a proposal for a second doctorate in educational leadership and if approved that would begin in fall 2007," she said.

Several students asked about specific classes not being offered but said they are thankful there is an extension program in Jacksonville. Many of those same students are active-duty military, dependents or full-time workers, so commuting to Wilmington is neither practical nor possible.

Will Artis, a 35-year-old medically retired Marine, said the program makes it possible for him to continue his studies. As a criminal justice major, he divides his time between attending night classes and taking courses online.

"This is a good program," he said. "The professors work with you and give you what you need to be successful."

Brandon Boswell is legally blind and unable to drive; therefore, he could not commute to Wilmington for classes, he said.

Boswell said having classes so close to home saves on gas, time and allows him to focus on his studies. He earned his bachelor's degree at Mount Olive College and is enrolled in the master's degree program.

"This program is wonderful for me because I'm disabled," he said. "I can live at home and work at my own speed and then study like I need to."

Staff Sgt. Terry Dressler, 37, said he's lucky because his command supports him in his studies. He is enrolled in the elementary education bachelor's degree program. He has concerns about the availability of advanced math courses, which are not offered in Jacksonville, he said.

"I get spread a little thin, but I think any adult who will continue education and who has a family and financial responsibilities would find it somewhat difficult," he said.

Contact staff writer Diane Mouskourie at dmouskourie@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, Ext. 235.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

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Source: The Daily News

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