Centurion honors Ten honored each year with Centurion award presentation.

See page 5

Athletes juggle Students athletes balance classroom, practice and game responsibilities
See page 7

Vo l u m e 1 0 3 , I s s u e 1 8 | Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 7 , 2 0 1 2 | Ta h l e q u a h , O k l a . 7 4 4 6 4

Turner settles to take reins as NSUs 19th president

Amy Howe
TNewriTer Dr. Steve Turner assumed the position of president on Jan. 12, 2012. Since then many have been complimenting him on his ability to quickly take the reins of the university. Dr. Turner has already demonstrated strong leadership characteristics, said Laura Boren, vice president for student affairs. I believe he will be seen as a role model for servant leadership. Students are hoping President Turner will listen to their needs and take their opinions into account when making decisions to better the school. David Koehn, vice president for business and finance, feels Turner will have no problem connecting with students. I believe the students will find him to be very open and responsive to their needs, said Koehn. I believe Dr. Turner is a man of integrity who has a passion for the students and employees of the university. The new president has spent almost 30 years in higher education, which many believe is an advantage during this transition. The presidents role is very external with alumni, boards, city councils, you name it, said Dr. Martin Tadlock, Provost and Vice President for academic affairs. He knows a lot of people in Oklahoma, which is a real advantage for a new president coming in. All members of faculty and staff seem eager to assist Dr. Turner in this massive changeover and, in the coming months, to achieve his goals for NSU. I feel my role in the transition is to help Dr. Turner be aware of those people that he needs to contact to answer questions that he has, said Robin Hutchins, executive assistant to the President. My ultimate goal is to make the transition for him and his wife Penny as seamless as possible. Tadlock, who served as Interim President after Dr. Don Betz left the university, has some practical advice for the new president. Being a president of a university is a lifestyle, not just a job, said Tadlock. You have to love that and you have to enjoy that lifestyle. If he does, then that makes it fun. He should enjoy what he is doing. Boren, who is already convinced that this university will see some of its best days under President Turner, is ready and willing to partner with him in his plans for NSU. We share the common goal of fostering a student centered environment, said Boren. I plan on working with President Turner to advance the quality of our programs and services to help students grow and succeed. Koehn serves as chief financial officer for NSU and he is already joining forces with the Turner to begin new projects. I partner with the president and other leadership to support their initiatives with sound financial plans and resources, said Koehn. Some current examples of this are financing plans for the new events center and student housing. With the start of this new era for the university, everyone seems to agree Turners inviting and kind nature will lead to a successful tenure at NSU. He seems very easy to work with, said Tadlock. He is collaborative and I think everyone really likes him. Dr. Turners office is located in the administration building and all are encouraged to stop by. For more information, email howe01@nsuok.edu

Pete Henshaw/University Photographer Dr. Steve Turner, NSU president, joins NSU from Eastern Central University in Ada. Turner brings 30 years of higher education experience to office.

To err is human. To fix it is TNE Policy. Corrections can be found on Page 4. To report a correction call 918.444.2890. TNE Web site: www.nsunews.com

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Page 2 January 17, 2012

Americans prepare for presidential election

misTy GrAdy
TNe wriTer Every four years, Americans are faced with the duty of their citizenship. On one day, every adult American has the opportunity to choose the leader of our nation. This year, that day falls on Nov. 6. Citizens all across the country tune into the news and are hit with a barrage of information about candidates vying for support. Not only the president is decided on Nov. 6, but also members of the United States Congress, state representatives and other governmental positions. In many cases these can be more important decisions than picking a president. But there are a lot of important steps to take before that day. Every state has primary elections, elections held before the Nov. 6 date that can decide who main political parties, The Republican Party and the Democratic Party, support on Election Day. Laws and dates for primaries differ from state to state, which can easily be found online. Oklahomas primary is March 6. The deadline registration date for voting in Oklahoma is 24 days before the election. Registering to vote in Oklahoma is easy. One can go to www. ok.gov to request a voter registration form, fill it out and mail it back in. Students can also receive voter registration forms at post offices, tag agencies, and libraries. Which party a voter registers for will determine which primary, Republican or Democratic, they are eligible to vote in. This has no bearing on which way a voter can vote in the general election. I feel like people who talk down to our generation instead of talking with us, they do not communicate with us, but if they just took time to listen to what we are saying, they could learn from us, said Tierney Edwards, Memphis, Tenn. sophomore. People lose sight of the personal responsibility that comes with electing someone to office as you trust them with your life, finance and future. Students can often be dissuaded from voting for several reasons. Classes, organizations, transportation issues, work or simply apathy can prevent the future of America from getting involved. Many see no point to voting or believe their vote will not matter. The media itself can be biased and may disenfranchise young voters. However, young adults remain an important voting bloc. I feel like Fox and CNN are some of the biggest problems in elections, they are completely biased, said Edwards. Fox is so biased that it comes across as unbiased, and CNN is more subtle about bias but just as inaccurate as Fox and they have too much influence when it comes to politics. NSU is located in Congressional District Two and Senate Dis-

Courtesy photo Americans must sift through all of the political jargon to determine the best course of direction for the country. Political candidates are vie for crucial votes during this election year.

trict Three. However, many university students are not registered for or eligible to register for the county or even in the state where

they attend university. For those students who may put off voting because they cannot vote in person, it is generally easy to receive an absentee ballot and vote before Election Day. Laws differ from state to state, but to receive absentee ballots in Oklahoma a written request to your County Election Board is required, and it must be received by the county election board before 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 to be counted. President Barack Obama is running for re-election on a Democratic Party platform. Currently on the Republican side are Gov. Mitt Romney of Mass., Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah, Rep. Newt Gingrich Miss., Sen. Rick Santorum of Penn., and Gov. Rick Perry of Texas. The most important part of the election process is gathering information about candidates and making an informed decision. For more information email gradym@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

Page 3 January 17, 2012

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Homemade fireworks start new year with a bang

JAmes BAGwell
TNe wriTer Homemade Fireworks improv comedy team is preparing to blow audiences away with laughter at their first show of the semester Jan. 20. Im expecting the team to wow the crowd with their comedy, said Alyssa Buckley, Homemade Fireworks advisor. You dont find live comedy in Tahlequah except for when this team is performing .I expect our fans to be back for more and new faces to be surprised that this team actually is hilarious. Along with the new year and new semester, a new cast member added to the group. I joined the group to help develop myself as an actress actually, said Juliette Lloyd Tahlequah, freshman. I am really looking forward to my first improv experience. This will be Llyods debut show with the improv team. The groups goal is to reach out to more people and to have higher attendance at shows. To do this, the group has employed new tactics to involve the audience members. This years cast, is different than last years in that most of them are freshmen or sophomores, said Buckley. Theyre spunky and risk-taking, which lends to aggressive comedy. The group has scheduled more shows than last years cast, and I expect the team to break more records with larger audiences and more buzz on campus. I am beyond excited for this year. Im so pleased with the cast; I think its even better than last years cast. Look out for this team. I dont know how they spent the holidays, but something in that egg-nog made them even funnier than when they left in December. What sets improv comedy apart from other forms of comedy is that everything is made up on the spot. What the audience sees in any particular show will never be seen again. This shows theme is Facebook, which means if youre friends with someone on the team, your Facebook profile could inspire comedy on Friday night. At the end of the show, well choose three audience volunteers and look at their Facebook on the big screen and then create an improvised sketch show based on those three random audience members, said Buckley. Another thing that sets this show apart from any other is the Facebook theme. Finally Facebook gets the recognition it deserves on this campus, said Ryan Combs, Inola sophomore and president of the group. I am ready to showcase my skills and the teams skills because I know we are going to do awesome. Most of the cast are just glad to be back and refreshed from the winter break. Nothing says comedy explosion like a Facebook improv show said Randall Skidmore Tulsa, junior and the groups advertising manager.. The group has set show dates for this semester including a trip to perform in Oklahoma City at the Ghostlight Theatre. For more information Im really excited to be back, said Skidmore. Performing improv is the only thing that keeps me sane. If it werent for improv I would constantly be getting into trouble in my classes, this is what keeps me grounded. The family-friendly main show will be in the Webb Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. With a more risky encore performance at 9 p.m. Tickets for the 7:30 show are $5 and there are coupons around campus for $1 off. The 9 p.m. show tickets are $2 or $1 if the previous show is attended. For more information email bagwellj@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

OPINION

Page 4 January 17, 2012

Letters to the Celebrity obsession goes too far editor poLicy

The Northeastern accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be relatively short and to the point, and must include your name, and contact information in case we need to contact you about your submission. We also encourage submission of any story ideas or pictures. Email letters, stories or pictures to tne@nsuok.edu. January has arrived and more importantly, award season has arrived. Television stations around the globe broadcast ceremonies honoring and rewarding some of Hollywoods finest. Sunday night, the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards were televised and hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais, returning after a controversial year. Before the awards even began, numerous television stations, including NBC and E!, provided commentary as celebrities paraded down the esteemed red carpet. The morning after Yahoo! News homepage was filled with a list of 2012s Best and Worst Dressed, who was snubbed and who was poked fun of. Has celebrity obsession become too much? We focus on their triumphs and failures as if they were our own. Millions of Americans tuned in to watch the wedding of Kim Kardashian, only to have her divorce 72 days later. Magazines on newsstands plaster skinny, unhealthy looking women, forcing them into the publics eye, deeming them scary and yet, when a member of the Hollywood select gains a little weight, they are quick to jump on that as well. Maybe celebrities represent the true heart of the American public and maybe thats why we are obsessed with their lives. How many of us would live a life extravagance in the lap of luxury if we could? The problem is, very few of us will ever get to experience that lifestyle and therefore we live it vicariously through those actors and musicians who have lost touch with reality. Celebrities marriages, in particular, are famous for being in the spotlight and being even shorter lived. We watch as they go through every step of marriage in a couple of years. They have a big

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POSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published weekly throughout the year except college holidays by Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. Periodicals postage paid at Tahlequah. Postmaster: send address changes to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers letters reflect those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of The Northeastern, its editors, staff, adviser or the administration of NSU. The opinions and comments therein do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges or the regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed at a total cost of $695 for 32 pages. The Northeastern is a member of the Associated College Press Association, Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association, Society of Collegiate Journalists and College Media Advisers. e-mail address: tne@nsuok.edu.

wedding, lavish honeymoon and then come the children, before a nasty divorce. Then they rinse and repeat. It is literally one of the best career moves for these people. While they are using marriage and children to further their career, divorce is destroying homes and wrecking the lives of families in states like Oklahoma, which has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. It is starting to seem as if marriage is losing its value in society. If people are idolizing celebrities and doing as they do then what will stop them from marrying every other year and collecting divorce papers like trading cards? Are celebrities to blame? No, they are not. They are the outlets for which we justify our selfish decisions. They are the roles models of the American culture, because

we believe they have attained the highest it has to offer and therefore they set the standard. They are people just like the rest of us and their fame does not by any means, justify their extravagance and debauchery. Gervais poked fun the actors when he closed the event by saying, Hope you enjoyed the champagne and the goodie bag and the gold sprinkled on the dessert. Hope it took your mind off the recession. Although he was poking fun, he had a point in what he said. In hard times for most celebrities are collecting Land Rovers, diamonds and other such things that leave their fans needing to follow their path. Idolizing celebrities is something which has been done for ages and will not stop any time in the near future.

The Northeastern

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centurion honor bestowed to ten each year

sTAcie GuTHrie
TNe wriTer The Centurion honor is awarded to individuals who are or have been a part of the Northeastern State University family who have impacted the life of the nominator or even the community. The Centurion honor goes out to an individual who has put forth the effort to help others and who have made a strong and lasting legacy in the universitys history. Being a Centurion means to me that I had an opportunity to be an important part to Northeastern State University and the things I did there counted because it helped people and students, said Fount Holland, president of Questt Inc. The Centurion honor can be awarded to individuals living or deceased that have made a significant difference in NSUs history. It was quite an honor to be inducted into the first true 100 Centurions, said Dr. Dana Eversole, professor of mass communication. I had several students who nominated me and I was fortunate enough to get to read the nominations after I was deemed a Centurion. Im glad to know that I have touched some students lives. Many of the Centurions did different types of activities that gave them recognition to be inducted into the group. Vickie Sheffler, university archivist, has a lot to do with the historic photos that are posted around the campus. Sheffler also helped with the Centennial and primarily works with the administration to help search the archives and bring together different types of NSUs history together for everyone to see. Ive been here for almost 30 years and I have served as a liorganizations. There were interactions where students would be aware of other Native America organizations. Its called AISES, American Indian Science Engineering Society. Throughout NSUs history, there was not an exact way individuals were awarded for their work with the university. They had awards for the current professors not really for those who participated with NSUs history in other ways. The Centurion award is something that was initiated by President Betz, said Dr. David K. Scott, professor of communication studies. He was trying to establish a broader range of honorees that have made contributions to NSUs history. When President Betz introduced the Centurion award it was for anyone who had made a contribution to NSU in the first 100 years. We had all sorts of historical figures that had never formally been recognized that had finally been recognized, may have which for the first time. The award helps many learn about NSUs rich history like individuals that attend NSU, those who are part of the community and even those who just want to know more about the university. Historically, the Centurion award has had an impact for those professors that havent been here for very long, said Dr. Daniel Fuller. Its a good way to look back and see who was here and what we did. Centurions are inducted annually at NSUs Founders Day. Any one is able to submit a nomination for an individual they would like to see inducted into the now current group of Centurions. The university adds ten names each year to NSUs list of Centurions. The deadline to submit is Feb. 1 at midnight. The application form is at www.nsuok.edu/ CenturionNomination. For more information, email guthries@nsuok.edu.

Eric Davis/Contributing Photographer The first 100 Centurions were named during the Founders Day celebration on NSUs Tahlequah campus. Ten more Centurions are added to the list each year.

aison between the community and authors, said Sheffler. I was busy for five years before the centennial working with Dr. Brad Agnew on his book over the history of NSU and the community. The book is totally online and free and searchable word for word on the librarys web page under digital library, Helping students is a big part of why most Centurions are in the elite group. Delores Sumner, special collections librarian, is an example of someone who has went the extra mile for students that wanted to learn information on Native American tribes. Sumner was hired with NSU in 1982 and almost 30 years later, continues to help students work with Native American organizations. For 20 years I was coach for the symposium American Indian, said Sumner. We did a weeklong program where we brought in Native American artists, authors and dignitaries. We had a group of Native American students that

we would take on trips to different organizations and museums. We would take them to universities that had Native American

The Northeastern

A&E
JordyN JorGeNsoN
TNe wriTer The spring semester has arrived, and the NSU Theatre Company is ready for a season full of entertainment. They have put on popular productions in the past, such as Hansel and Gretel and The Cripple of Inishmaan this last fall. There will be two productions this spring, said Robyn Pursley, theatre coordinator since 2005. One show is Bird and Fish, written and directed by NSU professor Christopher Miller, and the other is You Cant Take It With You, which is a classic comedy written in the 1930s. Both of these plays are based on different situations, but the cast is excited about them. The first play is about a couple that lives in a Spanish country, said Knickel Sloan, Pawhuska junior. They are two people of different races and have trouble with their relationship because of this. The other play is based on a dysfunctional family during the Great Depression. All of the characters are really weird, and the most normal in the family is a daughter who will marry a well-off character from a snooty family, said Lindsey Morrow, Okmulgee senior. The shows will also showcase various students. Bird and Fish only showcases Charlotte Figgins, Juliet Lloyd, and Stanley Swain, while You Cant Take It With You has over twenty actors cast. Some cast members like Sarah Elizabeth, Tulsa freshman, are looking forward to the second play. I play the part of Olga the Duchess, said Elizabeth. Well actually, she is a waitress that believes she is a duchess. I am really excited about this part because I am only a freshman and am cast in this play. However students are not the only ones making an appearance in You Cant Take It With You. A couple of roles have been given to special guests such as Charlie Seat, retired head director of the program, and Danna Agagee from Student Affairs. Both have even had years of professional theater experience. We think its exciting that we can give the students the opportunity to work with more seasoned and experienced actors in our productions whenever possible, said Pursley. According to Morrow, there is a lot of preparation when it comes to an NSU Theatre Company production.

Page 6 January 17, 2012

NSU Theatre Company line up begins February

The set crews take at least a month and a half to two months preparation along with the costume and lighting for a show, said Morrow. A lot of times the actors have about a month to memorize their part, but it just depends on the size of the cast. It takes a dedicated individual to be a part of an NSU Theatre production. While most students spent their Christmas break relaxing and spending time with their families, the members of these productions were memorizing their parts to make these productions a success. The cast has been very dedicated to their parts, said Pursley. They have been working on their parts for each of these plays even during their free time over the break. Bird and Fish will show Feb. 22 through 25, and You Cant Take it With You will show April 18 through 21. For more information, email jorgenso@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

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college athletes thrive in the classroom, in the game

KirA coKer
TNe wriTer Practice makes perfect for some student athletes at NSU. Over half of the student athletes received a 3.0 GPA or higher during the fall 2011 semester. There were 24 student athletes on the Presidents Honor Roll, said Bill Nowlin, assistant athletic director. And 48 on the Deans Honor Roll. Some athletes were stressed about the fall semester, having to balance athletics and school. I think its going to help me when I go to graduate school, said Ashley Dolezel, Heidenheimer, Texas senior. I will be able to manage both school and work. Athletes are still accountable for making up missed work when they are at away games. We were gone every other class at the beginning of the semester, said Dolezel. It was awful and making up the work was the hardest part. Jasmine Wright, Dallas senior, said she helped manage her time by doing homework on the road. I was involved in Basketball, the Northeastern, a sports anchor for Northeastern News Network, and an internship, said Wright, who made the deans honor roll. Socializing was not a big part of their lives over the fall semester, but learning to keep things in order really helped for future jobs or semesters. I was taking 17 hours and it taught me how to keep my priorities straight, said Dolezel. All I could do was school and soccer, there was really no social life. Beau Beathard, Houston senior, knew what he was signing up for when he was signing in high school. Playing a sport in college is a big competent, said Beathard.

Youre worn out when you get home, but you have to do your homework. Student athletes also have to base their schedule off what the practice times are for that team sport. Its difficult making a school schedule, said Beathard. Because I could not have classes between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Balancing activities not only helps with time management but can also help with real life job ex-

Pete Henshaw/Contributing photographer Jasmine Wright, Dallas senior, is fierce on and off the court. The responsibilities of a student athlete take dedication as well as determination.

periences. We have to work as a team to win, said Beathard. Thats what you will have to do with your job. Being on time and being able to take orders is a big part of being a student athlete. You cannot be late for a game or there is consequences, said Beathard. How hard you work is going to reflect the outcome of your job. Even though times got hard

Pete Henshaw/Contributing photographer Zach Jones, Memphis junior, drives for two in an exhibition game against University of Oklahoma. College athletes must focus in the classroom to compete on the court.

and athletes were stressing out it was worth it in the end to be able to make the grade and play a sport they love. Advice for future student athletes is keep working at it, said Dolezel. I wish I would have know that it was all going to level out.

Beathard said it is hard work to juggle sports and school but tons of athletes have done it. There have been a lot of people before me that have done it, and will be a lot of people after me will do it, said Beathard. For more information email stevensk@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern