Dr. Lily Vuong has spent many hours of the last decade translating religious texts in dusty library basements. The assistant professor of religious studies, who is trained in eight languages -- four of them ancient, came to VSU to encourage students to explore the faiths, cultures and traditions of religious origins. Vuong said she hopes to mold a community of critical thinking scholars who value diverse perspectives.

“By demonstrating the value of historical, cultural, political, sociological and theological approaches to the study of religion, my hope is to expand and challenge students’ critical thinking skills and prepare them to develop their own arguments and ideas,” said Vuong, who specializes in early Judaism, Christianity and the ancient Mediterranean World. “Students who choose to become majors and minors in our department learn the skills to become better speakers, writers, and thinkers, which are precisely the skills graduate, medical and law schools are looking for in their prospective students.” Read more >

Florida State University awarded VSU professor of biology, Dr. Jim Nienow, $10,921 for the project, “Effects of the BP oil spill on diatoms, nannoplankton, and related protists at the base of the food chain in the NE Gulf of Mexico.”

The project, funded by BP through the Florida Institute of Oceanography, is collaborative effort among researchers from Florida State University, Mississippi State University, and Valdosta State. Nienow said he enjoys splitting his time between teaching undergraduate biology and conducting microbial ecology research in deserts, regional wetlands and waste-water treatment plants.

Read more about Nienow's current research projects and interests.

Faculty interested in teaching abroad through the Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program must apply by Monday, Aug. 1, to be considered for the U.S. Department of State grant program.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsors 800 U.S. faculty and professionals each year to enrich the lives of students throughout the globe and enhance their teaching through the international experience.

For more information about the program, guidelines and tips for applying, go to Fulbright Scholar Program. Director of the Center for VSU's International Programs, Dr. Ivan Nikolov, said he would be happy to discuss the program and its benefits in person. Call him at 229-333-7410.

Valdosta State's Outdoor Rental Center offers hiking, boating and camping equipment for your next summer adventure.

The ORC website lists a range of outdoor equipment — from kayaks, canoes, backpacks and camp stoves — available to faculty and students for a nominal fee. Located on the ground floor of the Sustella Parking Deck (behind the Student Recreation Center), the ORC is open Monday - Thursday from 4-7 p.m. until August 7 (summer hours). See the website for hours of operation during the academic year or call the office at 229-245-2360 for more information. Keep up with Center for Outdoor Recreational Experiences (CORE) activities on Facebook.

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