Western Carolina University

Topics and Speakers

Lauren R. Bishop,
"Reducing Our Carbon Paw Print – Sustainable Energy Initiatives at WCU"
The presentation includes information discussing all of our efforts at WCU from the Energy Management Office.  We have taken on the role as the sustainability leader for campus through student programs, policy making and capital projects.  Our mission is to develop smart energy solutions in all aspects of our institution and create a comprehensive approach for leading the Western Carolina University community towards a sustainable future.

Lauren Bishop is Energy Manager in the Engery Management Office at WCU. She holds a BSBA in Real Estate and Urban Analysis and an MA in Industrial Technology with a Major Concentration Building Science from Appalachian State University. She has also completed North Carolina State University's Energy Management Diploma Series.

Linda Bowers
"Taking Care of Your Voice"
A number of individuals because of their work habits/environments are at risk for developing problems with the voice. The voice is a professional tool that needs proper care and attention to ensure it lasts a lifetime. This workshop gives practical tips on how to protect your voice and get the best from it over the lifetime.
"Tips for Communicating With the Hard of Hearing"
Communication can be frustrating for those who have trouble hearing and for those who need to talk with them. This presentation gives some practical tips about how to make these times easier for both you and the hard of hearing person.
"Helping Your Young Child Talk" This presentation gives practical tips to parents for helping their children learn to talk.

Linda Bowers has been a nationally certified, state licensed speech language pathologist for over 20 years. She is a workshop leader and has given presentations at the state and national level. She is a member of the Communication Disorders faculty and a Clinical Instructor in the WCU Speech and Hearing Center.

David Claxton
"In Support of a Physically Active Lifestyle"

Couch potatoes take heed -- Dr. David Claxton, associate professor and head of the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, will convince you why exercise is needed for good health. He has degrees in physical education from Baylor University and Arizona State University and has taught at the college level for more than twenty years. He conducts research and writes about sports teaching methods. His article "Caution Flags in Teaching Physical Education" appeared recently in the journal Strategies.

David Coffee
"Riding the Rapids: Kayaking and White-Water Rafting"

Number cruncher, Dr. David Coffee, assistant professor of accounting, spends his spare time in the waterkayaking and rafting. He will share his experiences and offer advice.

Sharon Jacques
"Cultural Advice in Pregnancy"
"Good Feet"
"Coping with PMS Other Women's Health Topics"

With 35 years in nursing, and 25 in nursing education, Dr. Sharon L. Jacques, associate professor of nursing, has studied the interaction between mother and fetus in families living in Western North Carolina. The professor of nursing earned her masters from Colorado, and her doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1965 in both clinical and academic settings. She joined WCU in 1974.

David Shapiro
"Assessment and Treatment of People Who Stutter"
"Topics in Communications Disorders"
"Supervisory process in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology"

A graduate of Indiana University, Dr. David Shapiro has worked in the communications disorders field for twenty years. A professor in the Department of Human Services, he routinely publishes his research findings in professional journals and is now writing a book about the assessment and treatment of people who stutter. He has developed a model of problem solving for speech-language pathology applicable to other fields.

Karen White
"Nutrition - From General Healthy Eating to the Treatment of Diseases"
"Debunking Fad Diets"
"Eating Healthy - Where to Start"
"Riding the Wave in Maze of Health Headlines"
"Weight Loss for Life"
"Healthy Cooking"
"Eating Disorders and Body Image"
"Longevity Lifestyle - Preventing Chronic Diseases"

Karen White holds a Bachelor's degree in human nutrition from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master's degree in clinical nutrition with an emphasis in wellness from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has experience as a chief clinical dietitian in a hospital setting. She joined WCU in the fall of 1998.