SHU Global Brand Launches in August 2021

In August 2021, the University introduced its SHU Global brand to the external community. So just what is SHU Global? SHU Global is Siena Heights University’s experience of educating professional working students. It’s not a what, but a why. SHU Global’s mission is to meet the educational and professional needs of students. It is the culmination of more than 45 years of delivering quality and affordable academic programs where students are in their lives and careers. That originally meant offering undergraduate and graduate programs at one of our several Michigan locations. Since 2004, it now includes our nationally ranked Online Program. Here are the characteristics of the SHU Global experience:

• 7-week course delivery, 6 start dates per year
• Generous credit for work experience
• The Siena Tuition Advantage fixed pricing plan
• The flexibility of on-ground, hybrid or online classes
• Personalized advising every step of the student journey
• Quality faculty who integrate theory into practice
• The unique and distinctive Bachelor of Applied Science degree
• An impressive selection of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs

Siena Heights is aggressively marketing its SHU Global programs, and in fact, in October 2021 was part of WJR’s College Tour. The university hosted The Guy Gordon Show with university partner Henry Ford Colge on its Dearborn campus. WJR NewsTalk 760AM featured Siena Heights during the show, with interviews with SHU President Sister Peg Albert, as well as administration and former students. SHU Global’s unique Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree builds on the AAS major students have completed through college study, work experience and/or training. Degrees are available in allied health, public safety, technical and other specialized occupational fields. SHU Global also offers bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Community and Human Services, Multidisciplinary Studies, Professional Communication and RN to BSN, with master’s degrees available in Business Administration (MBA), Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Health Care Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, Nursing (MSN) and Organizational Leadership.

SHU Global Online Program Earns National Ranking

Siena Heights University was ranked 24^th in the nation by the valuecolleges.com Top 50 Best Value Online Degree Completion Programs for 2021. In fact, Siena Heights was the only Michigan college or university in the Top 50 list. According to valuecolleges.com, its editors focused exclusively on programs from accredited, legitimate institutions known for their return on investment. Programs are ranked according to practical factors such as cost, reputation and salary potential.

McNair Scholars Present at UCLA Conference

Two McNair scholars took the opportunity to present their research at the UCLA Virtual McNair Conference on July 29, 2021. Marcia Hawkins-Day (Mentor: Dr. Nathaniel Iverson) presented “Using the Point Flow Model to Rank the WHAC Women’s Basketball Conference,” and Katherine Jaeger (Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Towns) presented “The Experiences of College students Receiving EMDR for Past or Current Interpersonal Trauma.”

TRIO’s Student Support Services Refunded for Five Years

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant was refunded for another five-year grant cycle at Siena Heights University. SSS identifies and addresses many of the barriers to success experienced by low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities by assisting students with college requirements and motivating students toward the successful completion of their baccalaureate degree.

MIS Provides A Unique Commencement Experience

Siena Heights University partnered with nearby Michigan International Speedway to provide a unique commencement experience for its 2020 and 2021 graduates. MIS, located in Brooklyn, Mich., just 22 miles from SHU’s Adrian campus, hosted the university’s commencement ceremonies in October 2020 and May 2021. The University conducted the ceremonies on the track’s infield, with attendees staying in their vehicles. Graduates then received their diplomas at the track’s finish line, and a got a chance to take a “victory lap” on the famous 2-mile MIS track. Siena Heights University’s October commencement had approximately 140 graduates attend the ceremony. There were graduates who attended from as far away as Florida and Illinois.

S-STEM Scholars Present Research Projects

On Sept. 26, 2020, the SHU S-STEM scholars presented the results of their two group research projects at the virtual Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, & Letters Conference. The first research project, “Trends in Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Migration from 2002-19,” was conducted by Bernard Bell, Anna Crites, Noah Gascon, Zain Khankan, Emily Monroe, Lilia Nichols, Gunner Olsen, Emily Pringle, Preslee Stahl and Kabe Sykora. Their research explored the impact of climate change on the migration timing of monarch butterflies. The second research project, “Survey of Microplastics in Potable and Freshwater Sources in Southeast Michigan,” was performed by Sebastian Brown, Rebekah Carlisle, Elizabeth Collins, Hunter Dart, Trever Fluke, Yasmeen Khankan, Khyra King, Andrew McGaughy, Casie Nadasky and Jerry Patrick. They collected and filtered rain, melted snow, river, tap and bottled water, and the plastic pieces retained on the filters were observed with a compound light microscope, counted, photographed and identified. The students discovered microplastic contaminants in all water sources with the highest numbers in bottled water.

Siena Heights Signs Articulation Agreement with Delta College

Delta College and Siena Heights University formalized an articulation agreement allowing Delta graduates to complete their bachelor’s degree online or on-campus. This articulation agreement is designed to provide practicing professionals with degree-completion opportunities for SHU’s unique Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree. The BAS builds on the AAS major Delta students have completed through college study, work experience and/or training. In addition, the articulation agreement also provides eligible full-time Delta College employees a discounted tuition rate for SHU undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

SHU Global’s Undergraduate Online Learning Program Again Takes National Honors

For the eighth consecutive year, Siena Heights University’s undergraduate Online Learning Program was ranked nationally by the U.S. News and World Report. And for the fifth consecutive year, Siena Heights was the top-rated in Michigan among all institutions. Siena Heights tied for 34th among all public and private institutions, and was the second highest ranked Catholic institution and the seventh highest ranked private college or university in the nation. In addition, Siena Heights was also ranked 31st in the nation in the Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans category. That was also the highest ranking by a Michigan college or university in that category. U.S. News and World Report’s methodology included student engagement, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion and student services and technology to determine the rankings.

Raab Publishes New Book “Opening New Horizons”

SHU Professor of Religious Studies Joe Raab published the book “Opening New Horizons: Seeds of a Theology of Religious Pluralism in Thomas Merton’s Dialogue with D.T. Suzuki.” Here is the book description: “On the surface Christianity and Zen Buddhism can appear to be worlds apart, even antithetical. Christianity affirms the reality of the Tri-personal God and the eternal salvation of mortal human beings; Zen denies both the existence of God and the soul. Yet Thomas Merton, the Catholic spiritual master, and D. T. Suzuki, the famous teacher of Zen, engaged in an extensive dialogue and found ways of mutually affirming shared meanings of God and person that each regarded to be true. This book explores that dialogue within the larger context of Merton’s attraction to Buddhism and considers the implications of their achievement for contemporary theologies of religious pluralism.”

Weinstein Has Essay Published

SHU Professor of English Alexander Weinstein recently had his essay “What Gods: On Writing Spirituality in Literary Fiction,” published by LitHub.

SHU, City of Detroit Announce Business Partnership

Siena Heights University and the City of Detroit have announced a business partnership that offers discounted tuition degree completion options and other educational opportunities to Detroit’s more than 8,000 employees. Under the partnership agreement, City of Detroit employees will receive a tuition discount and will receive personalized advising and student success and career counseling from Siena Heights.

O’Connell Essay Explores David Foster Wallace

SHU Associate Professor of Humanities Michael O’Connell had an essay published titled, “‘Morally Passionate, Passionately Moral’: David Foster Wallace and Modernism.” It appears in the issue of The Journal of David Foster Wallace Studies (Volume 1, Issue 3 (2020): 13-40). The essay draws attention to the ways in which Wallace’s fiction alludes to, and in a few cases directly rewrites, canonical modernist texts, including the work of Faulkner, Hemingway and Joyce.

Moody Has Environmental Research Paper Published

SHU Professor of Environmental Science Heather Moody had her paper published in the scientific journal, “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.” The title of her paper is “Lead Emissions and Population Vulnerability in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, 2006-2013: Impact of Pollution, Housing Age and Neighborhood Racial Isolation and Poverty on Blood Lead in Children.”

SHU Dining, SHU Recognized in “Best College Dining Halls” Article

Siena Heights University and its food service partner, SHU Dining, were recognized by the Colleges of Distinction organization’s article entitled, “Best College Dining Halls.” SHU Dining, part of the Chartwells Higher Ed company, was recognized for its service during the COVID-19 pandemic, including its take-out options as well as hand delivering meals to students quarantined on campus. The Colleges of Distinction article also recognized SHU Dining for coordinating its menu for special occasions like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Thanksgiving. SHU Dining also has worked at helping the less fortunate in the Lenawee community. The article also cited one of SHU Dining’s longtime employees, Sandy Vanderlaan, who recently received an Honorary Alumni Award from the university for her personalized service to students, faculty and staff over her 35-year-plus career. Siena Heights was one of 15 dining halls nationally recognized in the article, and the only institution in Michigan.

Washtenaw CC, SHU Sign Nursing Articulation Agreement

Washtenaw Community College and Siena Heights University formalized an articulation agreement creating a seamless transfer path for WCC registered nursing graduates to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree online with SHU. The articulation agreement is designed to provide WCC RN graduates equal consideration with other students seeking admission and financial aid. Credit completed at WCC will transfer towards a SHU baccalaureate degree. In addition, the articulation agreement also provides eligible full-time WCC employees a discounted tuition rate for SHU undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Siena Heights Names New Pastor

Father Mike Newman, OSF and the Pastor at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Adrian, is the new Chaplain for Siena Heights. Over the last two years, Father Mike has built caring relationships and relevantly ministered to the Siena family on campus. The Chaplain is made possible by a community partnership with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Holy Family Catholic Parish and the Diocese of Lansing. The position is responsible for directly facilitating some of the sacramental life for the SHU family defined by students, alumni, faculty, staff, administration and “Saints” Supporters. The Chaplain will usually preside at Sunday Mass at least one time per month on campus during the academic school year (August through April) and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per semester. He will also preside at Baccalaureate Mass and some Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year as determined by the schedule of Holy Family Parish and the University.

Siena Heights Awarded NEH Grant

Siena Heights has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to explore the feasibility of developing a humanities-based diversity and inclusion certificate program. This is a competitive funding competition in which only approximately 13 percent of grant applications are awarded, and is one of only 18 successful applications nationwide. In this year-long project, co-Directors Dr. Leland Harper (Philosophy) and Dr. Julie Barst (English) will lead a team of interdisciplinary faculty and staff from across the university to determine the value and possibility of establishing such a certificate program at SHU.

Crosby Presents at Loyola Conference

SHU Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Wendy Crosby presented a paper at the “Signs of the Times: Context, Contingency, Crisis Symposium,” hosted by the Loyola University Chicago Theology Department and the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The April 23, 2021, symposium examined Catholicism, theology, and ethics in light of current events. Crosby was on the panel themed “Surviving Contingency and Crisis: Theological and Ethical Reflections.”

Jaramillo Active in Theological Matters

• A YouTube video created by SHU Theological Studies Professor Eileen Jaramillo caught the attention of Catholic news agencies in the Asian countries. The video is a book review of “The Ever Evolving Consecrated Life” by Sister Inigo, SSA. This author, a prophetic voice in India, explores the challenges facing women and men religious. Jaramillo makes the point that the issues facing religious in the Asian countries are very similar to the ones transpiring in the U.S. The 18-minute video can be accessed here.
• On Aug. 31, 2021, Jaramillo was one of four major presenters at the Midwest Canon Law Society Conference. This year the conference was hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago with an opening welcome from Cardinal Blasé Cupich. The only woman presenter, Jaramillo gave a PowerPoint presentation on the theological and canonical challenges facing women and men religious (sisters, nuns, brothers and priests) at the current time.
• Finally, Jaramillo was one of six presenters at the in-person National Assembly of CMSWR in St. Louis from Sept. 16-19. The assembly began with Mass and a presentation by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio (Pope Francis’s ambassador to the USA). Jaramillo’s seminar addressed the theological and canonical issues pertaining to the establishment of a new religious communities of sisters, brothers, or priests. The presentation also included the statistics from CARA regarding what is transpiring in the USA. Jaramillo has published extensively on this subject and has been giving national seminars on it since 2012. Additionally, Jaramillo is the co-editor of the Procedural Handbook for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life that will be published at the end of this month by the Canon Law Society of America.

Harper Has Race-Based Article Published; Named Heller Fellow

• SHU Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. Leland Harper’s paper, “Fear and the importance of race-based data in COVID-19 policy implementation,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal “Global Discourse: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Current Affairs.” This paper distinguishes between the experiences of Black Americans and white Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this different experience relates to fear. This paper ultimately argues that policymakers ought to fund the collection and analysis of race-based data, as it pertains to COVID-19, and that these policymakers ought to appeal to the findings of this race-based data to guide their policy and implementation strategy. Without gathering or appealing to such data, policymakers are being negligent in working to protect their constituents.
• Harper has also been named the Fall 2021 Heller Fellow by the Heller Center for Arts and Humanities at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Through this fellowship, Dr. Harper will receive funding and resources to complete research on his forthcoming co-authored book, “The Words We Speak Become the House We Live In: Language, Race, and Justice in the United States,” will deliver a public lecture entitled “Do Racists Go To Heaven?” and will host a panel discussion on the intersections of race, justice, and COVID-19. Harper was also interviewed as part of an ongoing philosophy series called “The Philosoboss” on YouTube. In this interview, Dr. Harper speaks about a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities that SHU was recently awarded, about his work in philosophy of religion, and about the future of certain research areas within philosophy of religion. Those interested in watching the interview can access the video here.

SHU Engineering Student Recognized for Senior Project

A recent article published by the University of North Dakota highlights the senior project of SHU student and UND Electrical Engineering candidate Daryl Johnson. Johnson and his team worked to build a prosthetic hand. Of his experience he said, “The SHU engineering program helped me develop my skills for my future career. Personally, what helped me develop the most was learning new information every day and applying my knowledge. In addition, with the SHU engineering program, I got a chance to connect with so many people. Networking is one of the key ways to succeed in my opinion. Be open to new opportunities and willing to take in information.” He is scheduled to graduate from Siena Heights in 2022.

Barr Presents Virtually on “Adrian’s Extraordinary Octagon House”

SHU Professor of Art History Peter Barr conducted a presentation on “Adrian’s Extraordinary Octagon House” on Facebook Live. The presentation looked at historical photographs of the 1856 house, the ideology of its original owner, Dr. John Harris Champion, and the fascinating ideas promoted in a 19th century book on octagon houses.

Alliance Catholic Credit Union, SHU Announce Business Partnership

Siena Heights University and the Alliance Catholic Credit Union have announced a business partnership that will offer discounted tuition degree completion options and other educational opportunities to ACCU employees. Under the partnership agreement, ACCU employees will receive a tuition discount and will receive personalized advising and student success and career counseling from SHU.

SHU Faculty Collaborate on Paper

SHU faculty members Heather Moody and Melissa Sissen and faculty emerita Linda Easley had their paper published in the scientific journal “Environmental Justice.” The title is “Water Shutoffs During COVID-19 and Black Lives: Case Study Detroit.”

Siena Heights Again Named a College of Distinction

Siena Heights University has again been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaged, hands-on education by Colleges of Distinction, a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, Siena Heights was honored as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction’s selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools about each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more — and accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. These principles are all informed by the High-Impact Practices to prioritize the ways that institutions enable students to have a fulfilling, individualized college experience. In addition, SHU was recognized as a Catholic College of Distinction, and also received recognition for its business and education programs for 2021-22.

Ryder Has Artwork Featured in New Book

SHU Associate Professor of Humanities Gail Ryder had her artwork featured on the new book “Beyond Interdisciplinary” by Julie Thompson Klein (Oxford University Press).

Professor of English Karin Wraley Barbee has art featured in the online journal Abstract Magazine TV and The Collidescope.

Karin Barbee Poetry Featured

SHU Professor of English Karin Wraley Barbee has two new poems in a recent issue of Broadkill Review.

Siena Heights Recognized for Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report

Siena Heights University was tied for 21^st among Regional Midwest Universities in the Social Mobility category, according to the U.S. News and World Report. The social mobility indicator measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell grants. According to U.S. News and World Report, economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics. But some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Siena Heights was also ranked in the top 157 institutions in the Regional Midwest Universities category, and SHU’s nursing program tied for 645^th nationally, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

Orlando Promoted to Vice President of Student Affairs

Dean for Students Michael Orlando was promoted to the University’s first Vice President for Student Affairs in August 2021. Orlando came to Siena Heights in 2009 as the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct Administrator. In 2011, he was promoted to Dean for Students, leading the Student Life Division, which includes areas like accessibility, athletics, campus mission and ministry, counseling services, diversity and inclusion, Siena Serves, student health, student conduct, student engagement and residence life. Orlando also administrates the Saints Strong Fund, Campus Food Pantry and Student Care Team. He is a longstanding member of the city’s Town & Gown, represents SHU on the Downtown Development Authority and engages in many relationships with Saints Supporters.