Acclaimed concert pianist Leslie Amper brings to life stories of the Depression Era

Visiting artist and New Hampshire Music Festival musician Leslie Amper will present Creativity in Hard Times, a piano performance and lecture telling the story of the Federal Music Project, the musical division of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative. The recital will take place at Plymouth State University’s Silver Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 4, at 2 p.m.

A classical concert pianist, Amper began her career with a critically-acclaimed debut at New York’s famed Carnegie Recital Hall. She went on to delight audiences in Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco as well as at Monadnock Musicʼs Virtuoso Piano Series. A member of the New Hampshire Music Festival, she is a frequent participant in Boston’s Emmanuel Music solo and chamber music celebrations.

A few years ago she had the idea to create multimedia piano recitals related to the visual arts. “I began to think of programs that could include discussion and multimedia and images and also traditional performance,” said Amper. “What I have found is that doing this kind of research and putting together programs–serious programs that are fun and include classical music, multimedia presentations, and film–help me to get closer to the music and help the audience to appreciate the music and the art more fully.”

The live performance of Creativity in Hard Times will feature music by William Grant Still, Amy Beach, Henry Cowell, Roger Sessions, Ernest Bloch, and Aaron Copland, and a compilation of period photos and historic recordings will tell the story of the United States during the Great Depression.

Amper’s performance will be on Sunday, February 4 beginning at 2 p.m. with a small reception afterwards for people to share their own Depression Era stories. The event is scheduled to end by 3:30 p.m.

The Silver Center for the Arts is located on the Plymouth State University campus at 114 Main Street in Plymouth, NH. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth and students with a valid college ID, and free for Plymouth State students. Call 603-535-2787 or go online to https://www.plymouth.edu/silver-center/features-bottom/silver-series-creativity-in-hard-times/ to buy tickets in advance.

The New Hampshire Music Festival is a summer music festival presenting world-class performances in the greater New Hampshire Lakes Region of symphonic, choral, and chamber music that honor the traditions of classical music while also exploring new artistic paths.  Strong collaborations with community partners are a hallmark of this important cultural institution, including educational programs for students of all ages.

Plymouth State University (PSU) will be hosting a screening of Justice for All, followed by a panel discussion with various criminal justice professionals from the community on Monday, February 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Merrill Place on the PSU campus.

The film, Justice for All, is New Hampshire’s first film about how our courts work with military veterans to meet their unique circumstances through a “Veterans Track”. A Veterans Track is a special docket charged with hearing cases that involve veterans or service members, particularly those diagnosed with service-related illnesses.

Speakers for the event include the Honorable Gerard Boyle, Circuit Court Judge in Conway, as the keynote speaker; the Honorable John Boyle, Circuit Court Judge in Coos County, as the panel discussion moderator; Lara Saffo, Grafton County Attorney; Michael Clark, Plymouth Prosecutor; Michael Owens, Justice Outreach at White River Junction Veteran Affairs Medical Center; veteran and Veterans Track participant Robert Wilson; and Jeramiah Linscott, veteran and PSU undergraduate student.

“This is a unique opportunity to better understand the challenges our veterans may be facing,” says Stephanie Halter, PSU Criminal Justice Professor. “Campus and community members are encouraged to attend this event to learn more about why veterans deserve and need our support and why this is such a critical issue for New Hampshire.”

The event takes place in Merrill Place, Conference Room B on the Plymouth State University campus on Monday, February 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The snow date is Tuesday, February 27 at the same time and place. The event is free to attend, but interested parties are asked to register ahead of time at justiceforall-psu-plymouth.eventbrite.com.

Plymouth State is undergoing a major, positive transformation via the Integrated Clusters learning model, and the nation’s higher education community is noticing. PSU’s evolution is the primary case study in a Chronicle of Education feature on higher education administration, which suggests that the University may have advantages favoring its success.

The president constantly communicates about the changes, laying out a vision.

The highly respected Chronicle is the leading source of news and information for higher education. “Want to Revamp Your Curriculum? Here’s How to Avoid a Quagmire.” appeared in the March 4, 2018, edition and is available online.

The article acknowledges the possibility of a “Waterloo” when structural change comes up against established priorities and traditions, but PSU is seen as more suited for innovation than other institutions. “Plymouth State is an unusually collegial place, averse to acrimonious clashes, many faculty members say,” reports the Chronicle. In addition, President Donald Birx is credited for constantly communicating about proposals and changes, laying out a vision of the University’s future.

PSU’s transition is well underway and the article references the use of tools central to the Clusters initiative, including First-Year Seminars, movement from three- to four-credit courses, and open laboratories, and it alludes to the Lancaster Project’s interdisciplinary approach.

The article also profiles the experiences of Duke University and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“Want to Revamp Your Curriculum? Here’s How to Avoid a Quagmire.”

In support of National Youth Art Month, Plymouth State University (PSU) is working with local schools to develop their art programs and get student artwork out in the public eye.

Jason Swift, associate professor of art education at PSU, will facilitate professional development for K-12 visual art educators from the Concord School District on Friday, March 16. The teachers will attend workshops led by PSU faculty and local artists and tour the Museum of the White Mountains. This is the first event of its kind and is part of a new initiative by PSU’s Art Education program to further develop partnerships between K-12 art educators and the PSU art department.

“These workshops in studio processes will help teachers build more skills, exercise existing skills, and gain experiences to bring back into their own artistic practices and, most importantly, into the lessons and art activities they teach in their art classes,” said Swift. “We hope to extend the program to offer on site workshops at the schools in the future and to organize studio experiences for students in K-12 visual art classes.”

There will also be a special Walkabout Wednesday: Youth Art Month featuring student artwork on March 21, 57 p.m. Artwork from local students in grades K-12 will be on display throughout downtown Plymouth and there will be musical performances at various locations as well.

Collaboration with local businesses and schools to bring student artwork to the community

The First University in New England Committed to Improving the Health of Campus Communities

Carnegie Hall “Link Up” concert held at Plymouth State University

Internationally-recognized expert in strategy and planning, and current dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University will join Plymouth State in June.

Plymouth State University (PSU) announced today the appointment of Robin Dorff, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, following a national search.

Since July 2012, Dr. Dorff has served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University (KSU), a member of the University System of Georgia. In this role, in which he is the chief academic and administrative officer of the college with over 6,600 students, he is responsible to lead, manage, and supervise all aspects of the college operations including over 340 full-time and 250 part-time faculty, curriculum development, teaching, scholarly/creative activity, assessment, strategic leadership, program and fiscal management (budget; $40+ million; $5 million operating), accreditation, human resource management, and fundraising/development.

Prior to Kennesaw State, Dr. Dorff served as Research Professor of National Security Affairs at the Strategic Studies Institute at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) where he was the General Douglas MacArthur Chair of Research.

“The selection of Dr. Dorff as our Provost represents an important next step in our reimagining of Plymouth State University,” said Donald Birx, Ph.D., president, Plymouth State University. “As we move fully into our Integrated Clusters model, Robin’s internationally-recognized expertise in strategy and planning, combined with his success in re-organizing a traditional college structure at Kennesaw State to a collaborative learning environment, will serve us well.”

After completing his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Dr. Dorff held faculty positions at Michigan State University and North Carolina State University. He has served on the USAWC faculty as a visiting professor and as Professor of National Security Policy and Strategy in the Department of National Security and Strategy, where he also held the General Maxwell D. Taylor Chair and served as department chair. Dr. Dorff has been a senior advisor with Creative Associates International, Inc., in Washington, D.C., and served as executive director of the Institute of Political Leadership in Raleigh, NC.

“I am honored and excited to join Plymouth State University with its amazing faculty, staff, students, and surrounding community,” said Dr. Dorff. “The energy and innovation there, and the striking beauty of New Hampshire, make this an incredible opportunity for me and my wife, Carolyn.”

Dr. Dorff remains extensively involved in strategic leadership development, focusing on national security strategy and policy, and strategy formulation. His research interests include these topics as well as failing and fragile states, interagency processes and policy formulation, stabilization and reconstruction operations, and US grand strategy.

Dr. Dorff has lectured and published extensively on these topics and has spoken throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He is the recipient of the U.S. Army Superior Civilian Service Award, the U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, and the U.S. Secretary of State Distinguished Public Service Award.

“Through a system of strong, shared governance, Dr. Dorff led College faculty and staff from two Universities through one of the largest university consolidations in U.S. higher education and has facilitated strategy and strategic planning sessions for national non-profit organizations, Fortune 500 companies and U.S. Government Agencies,” said Birx. “I am confident that with this appointment, Dr. Dorff will bring his background in academics as well as strategic operations to play a key role as we continue to operationalize Plymouth State University into the future as a strong, vibrant University.”

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (April 5, 2018) – The New Hampshire Music Festival (NHMF) celebrates its 66th season of bringing music to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. A summer festival that honors the tradition of classical music while exploring new artistic paths, it offers patrons an engaging, immersive festival experience by presenting world-class performances of symphonic, choral, and chamber music.

Under the baton of music director Paul Polivnick, there is an expanded orchestra playing concerts in both Plymouth at Plymouth State University’s Silver Center for the Arts and in Wolfeboro at the Kingswood Regional Performing Arts Center. Other events include a chamber series at Plymouth, the fifth annual Make Music Plymouth, the fifth annual Composer Portrait series welcoming composer Jim Stephenson, and the fourth annual Music in the Mountains series. Full season details can be found at nhmf.org.

Single tickets for all concerts range from $0-$75 and subscription packages begin at $99. Subscriptions are available for the Plymouth chamber series, the Plymouth orchestral series, and the Wolfeboro classical series. Free events include Make Music Plymouth, our Family Concert, and Music in the Mountains.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.nhmf.org or by calling the New Hampshire Music Festival Office at 603-238-9007 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday- Friday. Tickets can also be purchased April 1- July 6 at the NHMF Office at 42 Main St, Plymouth, NH and then at the Silver Center for the Arts for the remainder of the season located at 114 Main Street, Plymouth, NH.

Wolfeboro tickets can be purchased starting at 4:00 p.m. on concert days at the concert venue.

Road race for all experience levels to support the Circle Program

PLYMOUTH, N.H.  – The 8th annual Circle Trot will be on Sunday, April 29 at the AllWell North building on the Plymouth State University (PSU) campus. There will be a 10k, a 5k, and 2k race through downtown Plymouth, New Hampshire and the surrounding areas with all proceeds going to support the Circle Program. The event is a community- and family-friendly event that encourages participation from all ages and ability levels.

This year marks the first time that the Circle Trot has been part of a Cluster Project at PSU. As a Cluster Project, the Trot will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration between students and faculty member in Sports Management, Physical Education, Health Education and Promotion, Athletic Training, Marketing, and Athletics.

Racers can pre-register at www.CircleTrot.org or call 603-536-4244. Same day registration and event check-in will be at the Plymouth State University AllWell North building located at 32 North River Street in Holderness from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. the morning of the event with the races beginning at 9:30 a.m. Not a runner? Come out to cheer on your friends and family and embrace the Circle Trot motto of ‘Friends to the Finish.’

The Circle Program provides girls from low-income New Hampshire families with new opportunities to learn the skills, courage, and confidence they need to handle challenges they face. This is achieved with a unique combination of adult and peer support that is delivered through year-round mentoring and residential summer camp programs. The Circle Program

provides support to girls in 29 towns from Concord to Plymouth, which makes the Circle Trot a wonderful community event.

First academic institution in NH to receive this environmental recognition

Arbor Day celebration focused on new honor

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (April 30, 2018) – Plymouth State University (PSU) is the first academic institution in New Hampshire to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA. Tree Campus USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation that helps colleges and universities around the country establish and sustain healthy community forests.

The designation has come as a result of a Cluster Project and was spearheaded by graduate student Tyler Simonds. Cluster Projects are a large component of Plymouth State University’s innovative new Integrated Cluster approach to learning which uses real-world experiences to promote an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approaches to problem solving. The Integrated Clusters promote cross-disciplinary learning to more accurately mimic what a work environment will be like for students after they graduate college. Tree Campus USA was a project of the Tourism, Environment, and Sustainable Development (TESD) Cluster.
There are five standards that had to be put in place at PSU to qualify for Tree Campus USA. The first standard is to have a tree advisory committee comprised of students, faculty, physical plant, and community members. Next was for that committee to develop a tree care plan. The third standard is for the committee to have dedicated annual expenditures for their work plan. In 2017, these were provided for by the TESD Cluster.

Standard four states that the institution must observe Arbor Day, which PSU has been doing with an annual tree planting. This year, Arbor Day was celebrated on Friday, April 27 with a tree planting ceremony planned by the tree care committee at which the recognition as a Tree Campus USA was announced. As Arbor Day coincided with an accepted student day at Plymouth State this year, PSU student volunteers offered the admitted students tree tours around campus throughout the afternoon.

The final standard to qualify as a Tree Campus USA is to have service learning projects. PSU satisfied this standard with their Environmental Science and Policy Capstone Seminar course. The students in this course have compiled interesting details about different tree species on campus and lesser-known tree benefits. In addition, the students used i-Tree, an online software tool developed by the Forest Service, to quantify the monetary value of various trees on campus.

“While it is an honor to be the first college in New Hampshire recognized as a Tree Campus USA, I’m more excited about what this says about PSU–that we’re coming to understand the many benefits of a tree canopy and giving it the respect and attention it deserves,” said Simonds. “From saving energy, to improving mental and physical health and stormwater management, trees provide at least 20 different ecosystem services as they grace our campus with their presence.”

To learn more about the Tree Campus USA program, visit https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/. To learn more about Plymouth State University’s Environmental Science and Policy program, visit https://campus.plymouth.edu/esp/. Questions can be directed to MaryAnn McGarry, PSU associate professor of Environmental Science and Policy and co-administrator of the TESD Cluster, at mmcgarry@plymouth.edu or graduate student and project lead Tyler Simonds at tsimonds@plymouth.edu.

Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

PSU chosen to join the Consortium for the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (April 30, 2018) – Plymouth State University (PSU) has been accepted into the Consortium for the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). The CPED Board of Directors chose seven new institution members including PSU after a lengthy application and evaluation process.

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate is a Consortium of over 100 colleges and schools of education that have committed resources to work together to undertake a critical examination of the doctorate in education (EdD) through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback, and evaluation. The vision of the Consortium is to transform the EdD into the degree of choice for preparing the next generation of practitioner experts, school professionals (K-12), and college leaders in education–especially those who will generate new knowledge about educational practice and will have a responsibility for stewarding the Education profession. To accomplish this vision, the mission of CPED is to improve the way in which educators are prepared by redesigning all aspects of EdD programs including curriculum, assessments, admissions, etc.

The new institutions join the network of current institution members in the important work of redesigning professional practice preparation in education for the improvement of pre-kindergarten through grade 20 education and the organizations that support it. CPED’s goal in bringing selected institutions together is to create a network that will stimulate each institution’s work and provide space for sharing, learning, and providing feedback in a national dialogue across faculty, students, and administration. Institution members of CPED learn together, both from and with all members.

New members were chosen through an application process and evaluated by a membership committee composed of leaders of current CPED institution members. Based on the application and support materials of each of these new institution members, CPED anticipates that adding

these institutions to the Consortium will add a value that will push CPED’s collective work even farther. The selection criteria to be accepted into the Consortium includes: current college or school reform efforts; a demonstrated commitment to the agenda; a connection of the pilot or experimental program to other ongoing efforts of the school or college; a potential for showcasing efforts to others; and the administrative support and other resources for documentation, engagement, and cooperation.

Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Plymouth State community comes together to display a unified message of Peace

A new, permanent art installation was unveiled on April 5, 2018 in the Hartman Union Building at Plymouth State University (PSU). The outcome of a year-long Integrated Cluster Project, more than 600 tiles now hang on the wall of the Pawsway, each hand-painted by a student or other member of the PSU community and depicts his/her own understanding of Peace.

The Peace Wall was a result of a multidisciplinary planning group and consisted of collaboration between the Justice and Security Cluster; the Tourism, Environment, and Sustainable Development Cluster; and the Office of the Deans. The Peace Wall was meant to join the Peace Garden as a visible symbol of unity and a sign of the university’s commitment to sustain a culture of peaceful, respectful, and kind behavior toward all.

Those who participated in creating the Peace Wall gained a greater sense of identity, community, and camaraderie amongst diverse groups by working together for a common outcome. The Peace Wall is a symbolic work of art that emphasizes the value of individuals collaborating together to display a unified message of Peace.

The Peace Wall is just the first phase of many. It is the Planning Group’s aspiration that subsequent phases with projects around the “peace” theme will be developed by other Integrated Clusters in subsequent years, including another Peace Wall in a different location on campus. In addition to the Peace Wall, the project included lectures, exhibits, and movie/documentary screenings to further enhance the educational experience.

For more information about PSU’s Integrated Clusters approach to higher education and to see more examples of current Cluster projects, visit https://www.plymouth.edu/academics/our-learning-model/. To get involved with this Cluster Project in future phases, contact blopezmayhew@plymouth.edu.

More than 600 tiles hand-painted by PSU students, faculty, and staff hang in the Hartman Union Building of Plymouth State University as a unified message of Peace.

A practice in play-based learning for families

PLYMOUTH, N.H.  – Plymouth State University (PSU) undergraduate students majoring in Early Childhood Education engaged children and families in playful learning experiences in celebration of Screen Free Week (SFW) at the Center for Young Children and Families.

SFW is an annual, worldwide movement to get children and families to disconnect from digital devices for a week. Instead of watching TV and using on apps, children are encouraged to play, get active, be creative, and spend more time with family and friends. This year, Screen Free Week (SFW) was April 30-May 6.

The Center for Young Children and Families (CYCF) at Plymouth State University (PSU) joined the celebration of Screen Free Week and encouraged parents to do the same. PSU students in the Early Childhood Education undergraduate program were at the Center on Tuesday, May 1 interacting with young children and their families in sensory play, physical play, and games.

The event was part of a project students have developed in Pat Cantor’s course Play and Learning in Early Childhood. “The students have been learning about the many developmental benefits of play for young children, and this experience provided the opportunity for them to apply what they’ve learned,” said Cantor. “Students shared information about the benefits of play with the children’s families along with resources for offering screen-free activities at home.”

For almost 40 years, PSU has provided high-quality early care and education for the children and families of the Plymouth community through the Center for Young Children and Families. Each semester, the CYCF hires 40-70 PSU students as classroom aides. The CYCF serves as a learning lab for students in Early Childhood Education courses and Nursing, who engage in

practice teaching at the site. This partnership allows the CYCF to maintain high-quality child care and low teacher-child ratios, while providing authentic learning and work experiences for PSU students.

An outdoor adventure event raising awareness and funds to combat the addiction crisis

PLYMOUTH, N.H.  – With the opioid crisis swelling in New Hampshire, a group of Plymouth State University (PSU) students is raising awareness and funds to combat the issue. Their event, “Climb Above Addiction”, allows participants to experience adventure therapy through rock climbing or hiking with all proceeds going to a scholarship for The Plymouth House, a twelve step retreat for addiction recovery.

“We’re a relatively small state that’s been hit quite hard by the opioid epidemic,” said Matt Howe, Program Director at The Plymouth House. “New Hampshire does not have a lot of funding for treatments. There are people who desperately need treatment, but can’t find the necessary funding.”

The event will take place at Rattlesnake Campground located at 415 Buffalo Road in Rumney, NH on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Teams can also pre-register online at https://www.climbaboveaddiction.com/. On the day of the event, teams of participants will take turns climbing a rock wall as a symbol of their commitment to “climbing above addiction.” No rock climbing experience is necessary. There will also be free food, a keynote speaker, live music, yard games, and more fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy. A donation of $10 is suggested for the event, however, no one will be turned away.

The goal of the event is to raise $5,000 to provide a scholarship for one person who is ready to attend The Plymouth House recovery program. “We want to fundraise money to potentially send someone who’s been impacted by this addiction to a rehabilitation facility,” said Kim Edmunds, ’18. “We know we can’t fix it all over night, but we hope to help at least one person.”

For over 15 years, the Plymouth House has been committed to giving addicts, alcoholics, and their families a new way to live. The Plymouth House has helped thousands of people across the

country overcome their addictions, remain sober, and enjoy full, productive lives with the Twelve Steps, AA/NA meetings, exercise, and relaxation workshops.

The event is an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cluster Project in conjunction with the American Alpine Club, PSU student organization Enactus, and the Plymouth House. More information can be found online at https://www.climbaboveaddiction.com/. Questions can be directed to ClimbAboveAddiction1@gmail.com.

About Plymouth State University Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire.