Week 1 I moved into Pacers Common on Wednesday, May 27th along with the TAs, Prof Wilson and my program coordinator. I have spent the last year planning the events that will commence on Saturday with the interns moving in. The Field Station began offering courses in 1996 so this is the 14th year of operation. We are fortunate to have had DOE funding since the program's inception. NRCS, a USDA agency, has also been a partner from the start - offering both financial and in-kind support.
On Saturday, the TAs led a welcome session for the interns. On Sunday, I led a program orientation which included employees from the Forestry Service. On Monday, the interns, my prog coor and I attended training that allow us to badged at SRS. I got lucky -- my training session was overbooked and I was allowed to sit for the exam without the benefit of the training session -- I PASSED!!! I used the time to get a few things arranged for the interns.
All the interns and the prog coor passed the exam as well. I met the interns and rewarded them for passing the exam.
I spent the remainder of the week dealing with paperwork. You have no idea how many pieces of paperwork that must be initiated and then followed through to get all signatures affixed in order to operate the program. Anyway ...
WEEK 2 This week began with a check presentation to our program from Wal-Mart for $150,000. I have been working with SCSU's Institutional Advancement office to submit a proposal since last year. Early this year, I found out our proposal was funded. I also discovered that our program earned the largest gift given in the state by Wal-Mart.
This gives me the chance to talk about one of my main responsibilities: raising funds to support the program. This is usually done by writing grants to agencies interested in funding the kind of work done at the Field Station.
We usually do not get fan fare with our awards, but this one has given our program newspaper and TV exposure. One newspaper even asked me for the names of interns to call for interviews. I selected 3 interns randomly. I am glad for the positive exposure for the interns and program.
I spent part of the week polishing off a grant proposal to NSF and planning trips to 3 of our member institutions. One other part of my duties is maintaining a relationship with the 28 other member institutions of the Field Station.
The Wal-Mart funds will support a research experience and a course in sustainability for our interns. The funds will also allow the program to expand the reach of the Field Station. I can only pray that I'll be fortunate enough to continue to earn funds that will allow the Field Station to fund the course-driven internship, a research experience, and many other programs that will equip our interns to compete in the green economy.
What's next for the program? Not sure, but I am energized every time I interact with the interns and am encouraged by the great talent and potential possessed by them. I am encouraged to work strategically to benefit the program and, therefore, our interns.
I finished the week by continuing work on an academic research project. Next week I am off the Austin, TX to a conference to present a paper based on part of my research.
We know you are working hard Dr. Grant. We all do miss you and would like to see you more, but we...well I understand. I won't speake for everybody. But see you soon. Thanks for the cookout!!!
Well like Dechant said we know that you working hard and that things are not easy and trust the work that you are doing is much appreciated. It would be nice to have a little more face time though. And would make some things easier as far as direct questions and answers. Like I said thanks for everything and of course we will try to do our best on this end.
I very much appreciate the things that Ms. Grant and the other people associated with managing the program because without there hard work we wouldnt have a up and running Great Program. There alot of things that it takes to run and keep a program like this running and I love it so much. It may look like its easy on the outside looking in but trust me I know its very hard work and I am very thankful for everything that you guys do for the program!!!! THANK YOU
Another thing that I did not know about was how the Director travels around for to keep the program up and running. Our very dedicated Director (Ms. Grant) does a great job and some of the things that she has accomplished is very appreciated. The things that they do for us you will not find another program do and I think that this program is one of a kind!
Hi, All: First, I see each and every post. Thanks for posting your appreciation. Both presentations in TX went well. It is hard to be away from you all. I trust you know you can call or text me at anytime. My travel will soon ease and I will return to Aiken. See you soon.
Week 3 I spent today filling out an expense report - red tape :-(. I really need my money! LOL. I also caught up on reading and spent time with a few undergrad researchers working on education research projects. I checked in on my FS interns through my staff. Today I also read about critical incident technique ... an approach I will use in an upcoming research project.
Are you keeping up on what's happening in Iran???!!!
I'll fly out in the morning on the red eye to visit FAMU and then onto TN State. I'll return on Friday afternoon. I will meet with the faculty representatives of the Field Station Board on each campus while there and a representative from the grad school. I want to visit NCA&T soon. I want to connect with folks who will come to the FS to recruit our interns for grad school. Also, I have dedicated a portion of the WalMart funds to support interns in reserach projects. Perhaps there are faculty at these schools interested in having talents interns working with them next summer? I'll find out soon. If you are a former intern (been with us for at least one summer session), you will be eligible for this opportunity next summer. Interested? Stay tuned!
Hey ... wish me well and pray for safe travels. Interns: I'll see you Sunday or Monday. I need one or two days at home to keep things going there and I'll be to you soon. What will I find when I get there? I'm bringing a guest speaker with me: Dr Leidy Kloz. He is an old friend and new professor at Clemson in civil engineering (did I say -- this is my discipline?). Please extend to him the same respect as you would me. He will address all interns Monday at about 1pm or so at SRS.
Session 2 interns are coming in Monday (a week from today). Call or text me if need my ear. I'll always make time for you. L8er.
Now Ms. Grant you already know that I know how hard you have worked. This is my second session and I am loving it more and more everytime that I come back. It is definately not easy to travel away from family and everyone doing many and many presentations. We appreciate everything that you do Ms. Grant. Cant wait untill you get back. Not just cuz you have our checks.
Ms. Grant I see you out there working hard for us and to tell the truth i honor that because you can barely find a person that is willing to up keep a program without alot of help. Ofcourse you have the help of your professors and the help of of you wonderful Teacher assisstants(ta's) but I admire how you stay with the program and make it the great program that it is today! Thank you Ms. Grant
It may look like its easy on the outside looking in but trust me I know its very hard work and I am very thankful for everything that you guys do for the program. Ms. Grant is one of the hardest working Directors there is. I would bet any money that some people could not and would walk for a hour in her shoes because they would not be used to hard work. That is what Ms. Grant displays everytime we talk to her. She is somewhere doing hard work for us!!!!!!
It would be nice to have a little more face time though. And would make some things easier as far as direct questions and answers. I miss your smiling face paying us lol. I am playing I know you are hard at work for us so you do you and take your time and just come back for our presentations because we got a couple of surprises for you!
I am not gone lie this is exactly the opposite of what I thought It was gone be. I thought we was never ever going to see the director, never come in contact with her or nothing. But it has been so different. Ms. Grant texts us to see how we are doing, she constantly giving us things to do She is just a great person I love what you do for the program because not alot of people would do or put up with what you do. Thank u
I see you Ms. Grant. We know that you work hard for the money! LOL But on the real We really appreciate all the hard work that you do for us. It is hard to find a program where they care so much about you. There are a little times that We be bored but for the most part of it we are always entertained for something that you have planned or us having our own fun but thank you Ms. Grant for all the hard work that you forward to make a great program.
Week 4 Hi, interns. OK that last trip was a trip. The last leg of my flight was cancelled and it was the last flight out of Atlanta. So, a group of us from the plane rented a car. There was hugh accident on I-85 and I got home at 4am! The trip was successful. I made a lot of contacts as I try to recruit professors, students, and research assignmnets for the 2010 program. I spent time completing paperwork on Saturday and catching up on eMails. By Sunday, I had already pulled two all nighters to catch up so I enjoyed a little down time. I am watching BET awards to end the day.
Posts
Week 1
ReplyDeleteI moved into Pacers Common on Wednesday, May 27th along with the TAs, Prof Wilson and my program coordinator. I have spent the last year planning the events that will commence on Saturday with the interns moving in. The Field Station began offering courses in 1996 so this is the 14th year of operation. We are fortunate to have had DOE funding since the program's inception. NRCS, a USDA agency, has also been a partner from the start - offering both financial and in-kind support.
On Saturday, the TAs led a welcome session for the interns. On Sunday, I led a program orientation which included employees from the Forestry Service. On Monday, the interns, my prog coor and I attended training that allow us to badged at SRS. I got lucky -- my training session was overbooked and I was allowed to sit for the exam without the benefit of the training session -- I PASSED!!! I used the time to get a few things arranged for the interns.
All the interns and the prog coor passed the exam as well. I met the interns and rewarded them for passing the exam.
I spent the remainder of the week dealing with paperwork. You have no idea how many pieces of paperwork that must be initiated and then followed through to get all signatures affixed in order to operate the program. Anyway ...
WEEK 2
ReplyDeleteThis week began with a check presentation to our program from Wal-Mart for $150,000. I have been working with SCSU's Institutional Advancement office to submit a proposal since last year. Early this year, I found out our proposal was funded. I also discovered that our program earned the largest gift given in the state by Wal-Mart.
This gives me the chance to talk about one of my main responsibilities: raising funds to support the program. This is usually done by writing grants to agencies interested in funding the kind of work done at the Field Station.
We usually do not get fan fare with our awards, but this one has given our program newspaper and TV exposure. One newspaper even asked me for the names of interns to call for interviews. I selected 3 interns randomly. I am glad for the positive exposure for the interns and program.
I spent part of the week polishing off a grant proposal to NSF and planning trips to 3 of our member institutions. One other part of my duties is maintaining a relationship with the 28 other member institutions of the Field Station.
The Wal-Mart funds will support a research experience and a course in sustainability for our interns. The funds will also allow the program to expand the reach of the Field Station. I can only pray that I'll be fortunate enough to continue to earn funds that will allow the Field Station to fund the course-driven internship, a research experience, and many other programs that will equip our interns to compete in the green economy.
What's next for the program? Not sure, but I am energized every time I interact with the interns and am encouraged by the great talent and potential possessed by them. I am encouraged to work strategically to benefit the program and, therefore, our interns.
I finished the week by continuing work on an academic research project. Next week I am off the Austin, TX to a conference to present a paper based on part of my research.
Enjoy the cookout, interns. You deserve it!
Ciao.
We know you are working hard Dr. Grant. We all do miss you and would like to see you more, but we...well I understand. I won't speake for everybody. But see you soon. Thanks for the cookout!!!
ReplyDeleteWell like Dechant said we know that you working hard and that things are not easy and trust the work that you are doing is much appreciated. It would be nice to have a little more face time though. And would make some things easier as far as direct questions and answers. Like I said thanks for everything and of course we will try to do our best on this end.
ReplyDeletei was wondering do you see my post? i have done about 5
ReplyDeleteI very much appreciate the things that Ms. Grant and the other people associated with managing the program because without there hard work we wouldnt have a up and running Great Program. There alot of things that it takes to run and keep a program like this running and I love it so much. It may look like its easy on the outside looking in but trust me I know its very hard work and I am very thankful for everything that you guys do for the program!!!! THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteMs. Grant I hope the presentation at Austin, TX went very well, that is if it's over now. Thanks for everything...
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that I did not know about was how the Director travels around for to keep the program up and running. Our very dedicated Director (Ms. Grant) does a great job and some of the things that she has accomplished is very appreciated. The things that they do for us you will not find another program do and I think that this program is one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteHi, All:
ReplyDeleteFirst, I see each and every post. Thanks for posting your appreciation. Both presentations in TX went well. It is hard to be away from you all. I trust you know you can call or text me at anytime. My travel will soon ease and I will return to Aiken. See you soon.
Week 3
ReplyDeleteI spent today filling out an expense report - red tape :-(. I really need my money! LOL. I also caught up on reading and spent time with a few undergrad researchers working on education research projects. I checked in on my FS interns through my staff. Today I also read about critical incident technique ... an approach I will use in an upcoming research project.
Are you keeping up on what's happening in Iran???!!!
I'll fly out in the morning on the red eye to visit FAMU and then onto TN State. I'll return on Friday afternoon. I will meet with the faculty representatives of the Field Station Board on each campus while there and a representative from the grad school. I want to visit NCA&T soon. I want to connect with folks who will come to the FS to recruit our interns for grad school. Also, I have dedicated a portion of the WalMart funds to support interns in reserach projects. Perhaps there are faculty at these schools interested in having talents interns working with them next summer? I'll find out soon. If you are a former intern (been with us for at least one summer session), you will be eligible for this opportunity next summer. Interested? Stay tuned!
Hey ... wish me well and pray for safe travels. Interns: I'll see you Sunday or Monday. I need one or two days at home to keep things going there and I'll be to you soon. What will I find when I get there? I'm bringing a guest speaker with me: Dr Leidy Kloz. He is an old friend and new professor at Clemson in civil engineering (did I say -- this is my discipline?). Please extend to him the same respect as you would me. He will address all interns Monday at about 1pm or so at SRS.
Session 2 interns are coming in Monday (a week from today). Call or text me if need my ear. I'll always make time for you. L8er.
Now Ms. Grant you already know that I know how hard you have worked. This is my second session and I am loving it more and more everytime that I come back. It is definately not easy to travel away from family and everyone doing many and many presentations. We appreciate everything that you do Ms. Grant. Cant wait untill you get back. Not just cuz you have our checks.
ReplyDeleteMs. Grant I see you out there working hard for us and to tell the truth i honor that because you can barely find a person that is willing to up keep a program without alot of help. Ofcourse you have the help of your professors and the help of of you wonderful Teacher assisstants(ta's) but I admire how you stay with the program and make it the great program that it is today! Thank you Ms. Grant
ReplyDeleteIt may look like its easy on the outside looking in but trust me I know its very hard work and I am very thankful for everything that you guys do for the program. Ms. Grant is one of the hardest working Directors there is. I would bet any money that some people could not and would walk for a hour in her shoes because they would not be used to hard work. That is what Ms. Grant displays everytime we talk to her. She is somewhere doing hard work for us!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to have a little more face time though. And would make some things easier as far as direct questions and answers. I miss your smiling face paying us lol. I am playing I know you are hard at work for us so you do you and take your time and just come back for our presentations because we got a couple of surprises for you!
ReplyDeleteI am not gone lie this is exactly the opposite of what I thought It was gone be. I thought we was never ever going to see the director, never come in contact with her or nothing. But it has been so different. Ms. Grant texts us to see how we are doing, she constantly giving us things to do She is just a great person I love what you do for the program because not alot of people would do or put up with what you do. Thank u
ReplyDeleteI see you Ms. Grant. We know that you work hard for the money! LOL But on the real We really appreciate all the hard work that you do for us. It is hard to find a program where they care so much about you. There are a little times that We be bored but for the most part of it we are always entertained for something that you have planned or us having our own fun but thank you Ms. Grant for all the hard work that you forward to make a great program.
ReplyDeleteWeek 4
ReplyDeleteHi, interns. OK that last trip was a trip. The last leg of my flight was cancelled and it was the last flight out of Atlanta. So, a group of us from the plane rented a car. There was hugh accident on I-85 and I got home at 4am! The trip was successful. I made a lot of contacts as I try to recruit professors, students, and research assignmnets for the 2010 program. I spent time completing paperwork on Saturday and catching up on eMails. By Sunday, I had already pulled two all nighters to catch up so I enjoyed a little down time. I am watching BET awards to end the day.
See you in the morning, interns.
dsg