Front and Center: Ralph Meima

Ralph Meima

With all his energy, if Ralph Meima moved his office a couple of miles down the road, he could probably replace Vermont Yankee.

Ralph is the Program Director for our new MBA in Managing for Sustainability, and he's wasting no time getting it ready for a solid beginning this fall. Among the balls he's juggling are: finalizing the faculty and advisory board, polishing recruiting materials, and spreading the word about the program. And he's loving every minute of it.

Says Ralph: "I'm excited about what we are trying to accomplish, and the fact that the circumstances seem to be right for success. I have been fascinated by the challenge of moving industry and management education in environmentally and socially sustainable directions for more than two decades, and I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised I was when the chance to create a sustainability-oriented MBA program popped up right where I was already living."

Talk with Ralph a bit longer, though, and you'll quickly learn that his enthusiasm is rooted in more than just the opportunity to fulfill a long-time goal. He cites three main reasons for his strong belief in our new program:

1. the chance to innovate on the cutting edge with curricula in areas now receiving great public and political attention such as climate change, energy scarcity, peak oil, localism, and fair trade
2. the opportunity to tap into and help spread the stories about the remarkable community of innovative, socially responsible companies in Vermont and nearby parts of New England and New York State
3. the fact that so many businesspeople, politicians, and other members of the Brattleboro and Vermont communities think it's exactly the right thing for Marlboro, and this town and region to be embarking upon

One look at what Ralph brings to the program and the Grad Center will certify that he's the right person, at the right time, for this job. He previously taught as an assistant professor of organizational management in the graduate program of the School for International Training. Prior to that, he spent 14 years based in Sweden, where he operated a consulting firm and managed international research projects for the European Commission, the Bank of Sweden and other industry clients.

Ralph's educational credentials are equally impressive. He received his B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business and Ph.D. from Lund University in Sweden.

Thanks to this exceptional background in both business and the world of academia Ralph is heading a program that will pay real dividends to our students beyond those of a traditional approach. Ralph notes: "First, this is a fully functional MBA, and MBAs are known to enhance careers and help professionals transition from, for example, technical to managerial roles. Second, for students considering a career in CSR (corporate social responsibility) - an increasingly defined and distinct role assumed by both corporate employees and consultants - this degree will provide a thorough grounding matched in its focus and depth by few other institutions of higher education. Third, with our emphasis on systems thinking, climate questions, and new forms of enterprise, of which there are concrete examples close at hand, our program will prepare entrepreneurs to identify sustainability-driven and sustainability-driving business opportunities early and effectively."

With all the demands on Ralph that the MBA requires, you might think he's looking for a soft chair and a nap at the end of the day. If so, please re-read the comment about his energy level above. What does our newest dynamo enjoy doing in his spare time: getting outdoors, alone and with his family: skiing, running, climbing, hiking, water sports... and he also likes to read, write, use foreign languages, and work in his vegetable garden and on his house during the warm months. Whew!

We know, Ralph, that you're going to use your energy and talents to make the new Grad Center MBA the premier program of its kind. Welcome aboard.

Capstone Kickoff

Fran Hutchinson Leadsoff the Presentations

It was "standing room only" as the capstone season kicked-off on Saturday, January 27. Following a buffet lunch, a full-house of students gathered in the lab section on the first floor to learn of expectations, rewards and potential projects connected with this rite of passage.

Keeping with tradition, Kevin Bell began the session with an overview that not only covered the capstone process and the high standards associated with this task but also stressed the importance of synthesizing former lessons into a project that would advance the total learning experience as well.

Following that, a series of leaders from local organizations spoke about their particular needs to the group with the goal of enlisting students in their ventures. These lively presentations included both PowerPoint and web visuals to bring their operations and needs to life. Special thanks go to presenters: Brian Smith, New England Regional Homeless Management Information Sharing; Fran Hutchinson, Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery; Rick White, Central Berkshire Regional School District; Tristam Johnson, Carlos G. Otis Health Care Center; and Mary Ann Kristiansen, HGM Development/Hannah Grimes. Thank you, too, to Tracy Luiselli of the New England Center Deafblind Project, who couldn't make the kick-off but sent along a PowerPoint.

Concluding the program were a question and answer period and then opportunities for students to meet with individual representatives and Program Directors. After that?ou guessed it: back to class.

Grad Center is the Place to Be

Forget what Jed Clampett's neighbors said, folks in Brattleboro are catching on to what we've known all along - the Grad Center is a great place to be. With its downtown location, modern rooms, and plentiful parking, the Center is becoming the hub for groups throughout the area. Check out this month's "GScene" and you'll see that we're hosting meetings day and evening. Films, workshops, even assistance with your tax preparation, they're all happening here. So, look over the list and then join the fun in February. For more information on these events, check out http://gradcenter.marlboro.edu/news/events.html.

Class Notes

Diane (Kells) Kennedy, MSIE '02, recently updated us: "I am happy to say that I started a new job at Hampshire College, Amherst MA, in January 2007 as a systems programmer. And, my daughter-in-law is in labor with my first grandchild as I am writing this. 2007 is starting out as a very good year!"

Bob Levin, MAT '03, sent the following: "Since there has not been much snow, I haven't been able to do much skiing, so we got a new dog to fill in the time. He is Luke a cairn terrier and has become a good friend going every where with me (has even attended school; the kids just love him). Besides that, just planning out my retirement so I can spend more time skiing and boating. Still running a few websites and doing a lot of training people in Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro and Digital Photography."

Jacqueline Gens, MAT '06, let us know: "Since graduating in August, I've successfully completed a six month process to apply to the Department of Education in Massachusetts to license the Shang Shung Institute of America, my capstone sponsor, as a post secondary proprietary school of Tibetan Medicine. I'm also putting all those grad school skills to use by designing my first online program, an online hybrid MAT in Poetry for New England College to compliment our already existent low-residency MFA program. Then, in my spare time, I'm putting together four Moodle poetry courses for my own company, Poetrymind. About the only unfinished business is a real vacation --Wales, Greece, Mexico, Bhutan? I miss everyone and the great /esprit de corps /of the Grad Center.

Reta Chaffee, ISM '99, told us: "Well, I don't know if it is actually a promotion...but I did get a new job title that matches more accurately what I am doing at Granite State College. Formerly the Instructional Technology Coordinator, I've recently been named the Director of Educational Technology. Online courses here continue to play an increasingly more important role in the long and short-term strategy of the college. Which, in turn, means that things are crazy busy...but always interesting. I just went to the WCET conference out in OR this past fall. WCET stands for the Western Cooperative in Education and Technology. I found the conference refreshing with people presenting new ideas and concepts. There seemed to be a major theme on Web 3.0. This year's conference is in GA (http://www.wcet.info/home.asp) and I think you might find it beneficial to be there...or at least have information available. The majority of the members are from the mid/west coast, though I think they must be expanding given that the conference is in GA. I'm hoping to attend this conference again...I'll let you know.

After going to that conference, I've been inspired to learn more about the practical use of Web 3.0 technologies in education. I had spoken briefly with Elaine Garofoli, and she mentioned some things that are happening over there. I hope to be able to take advantage of some training soon.

Hemant Pratap Ojha, MBA '04, shared this great news: "Yes, I have some brilliant news for all. On 24th Dec 2006 at 0940 in the morning (0540GMT) we had our first baby, a beautiful baby girl come into our lives. Jia Hemant Ojha came into the world and has made our days, minutes and seconds extremely wonderful and beautiful. All is amazing at this end.

Career Opportunities

Instructional Designer
The State University of New York at Oswego
This position provides support to faculty who are developing blended and web-enhanced courses, and provides secondary support to faculty teaching fully online. Knowledge of emerging technologies and experience in successfully integrating technology into instruction are sought.

A full job description and application instructions can be found here: http://www.oswego.edu/administration/human_resources/MultiMediaInstrDes.html

Technology Coordinator
National Priorities Project
This position includes responsibility for their very interesting and informative web site. They've started to interview, so anyone who's interested should move on it fast. The position description is at http://nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=272

Instructional Design Coordinator
Drexel eLearning, Inc.

Drexel eLearning, Inc. is a for-profit subsidiary of Drexel University. Applicants must posses the experience and knowledge necessary to lead a team tasked with working with faculty in the design and teaching of online college courses.

Preferred qualifications include: five or more years work experience in instructional design (preferably at a college/ university), successful experience developing and coordinating a faculty instructional development program, knowledge of asynchronous learning and best practices in online teaching, manage the activities of an instructional design team. B.S. or B.A. required, M.S. or M.A preferred.

E-mail resume and salary history with cover letter to:
Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman
Director of Academic Affairs
Drexel e-Learning
Drexel University
3001 Market Street-Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Toll-free: 877.215.0009 (ext. 0501)
Direct: 215.895.0501
E-mail: kenhartman@drexel.edu
http://www.drexel.com

Faculty Development Specialist
University of California, Berkeley

The Faculty Development Specialist will work to enhance teaching at UC Berkeley and foster a culture of excellence in teaching and learning, especially of undergraduates. On a highly decentralized campus, the incumbent will undertake program planning and implementation, assessment, and analysis, bringing together constituents from across campus, and develop new initiatives to help the Office of Educational Development fulfill its mission of supporting and promoting effective teaching and engaged learning at UC Berkeley.

Preferred: PhD in an area related to teaching, learning, assessment, evaluation, or faculty development

This position has been designated as sensitive and may require a Criminal Background Check. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

The annual hiring salary range for this position is $52,620-$74,000, commensurate with experience.

Applications will be reviewed beginning February 26, 2007. A supplemental application will be required for applicants who proceed to the second round of review. Desired start date for this position is July 1, 2007.

Apply online at: http://jobs.berkeley.edu indicating the job code 5910.

eBusiness Project Leader
Western Massachusetts

a company in the Berkshires seeks to fill an eBusiness Project Leader position. The company is stable, having been in business for over 100 years, while their IT department is quite forward-thinking. This is a permanent position and they are offering a competitive salary, along with full benefits and bonuses. The IT department consists of 25 people so they are looking for someone that can provide project leadership as well as hands-on expertise. Technically, the candidate should have experience with the following: ASP.Net, VB.Net, VS.Net, SQL Server and SQL. Excellent communication skills are a must.

Contact: Jackie Fallon
FIT Solutions, LLC
413-733-6466
jfallon@fitsolutions.us
www.fitsolutions.us