University of South Carolina Libraries
AMEGOGK ..w£DNESDAYi JULY 27> 2005 . Hewlett named as dean of College of Nursing By ALBANY GAULT ' THE GAMECOCK USC has named Peggy O’Neill Hewlett as dean of the College of Nursing. Hewlett is a professor of nursing, associate dean of research and the director of the doctoral program at University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing in Jackson, Miss. On Sept. 1, 2005, Hewlett will replace Mary Ann Parsons, who is retiring after serving as dean since 1988. With 30 years of experience in administration, nursing education, _J aiiu consultation, Hewlett’s key achievement in Mississippi is the creation of the t n //^ r i l C Nursing Center PEGGY for Building O'UEiLL Healthy HEWLETT Communities. The center provides as a research, education and nexus service for community-driven health projects focused on evidence-based outcomes. Hewlett increased funding for the nursing school from $150,000 to over $7.2 million, and for the university she secured over $1.3 million in gifts and funding. Simultaneously, Hewlett is credited with developing a doctoral program specializing in heath care and biologic/physiologic outcomes. Harris Pastides, .USC vice president for research and health sciences, said Hewlett is the best candidate for the job because “she has a high degree of energy, is a passionate advocate for nursing education, has been an associate dean for research and the right person for the future of the College of Nursing.” Since its establishment, the nursing school has played a vital role in health care and the education of nurses. It houses the Risk Reduction in Special Population and Center for Health Promotion, which are both sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Recently Hewlett was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing, the professions highest honor. A native of Savannah, Ga„ Hewlett earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Medical College of Georgia. She earned her doctorate in higher education and leadership from the University of Mississippi. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm.sc.edu TERI program creates friends, foes at USC By AMANDA ALPERT THE GAMECOCK South Carolina employees have benefited from the most recent of retirement incentive plans, but some USC employees are worried about the future of a system, which is backed by USC officials. South Carolina began a program called the Teacher and Employee Incentive Retention Plan earlier this year, which gives benefits to employees for remaining in the state for more than 25 years. Though there are many advantages that encourage state employees to remain employed for five additional years upon which they receive more lucrative retirement plans, there are also some faults pointed out by participants in the plan. Since March there have been issues with this plan, including the cost-of-living adjustments. The TERI program was first intended to keep top teachers in the education field after rearing. It quickly spread to all state employees and, according to The State newspaper, critics say thousands of state workers, even sub-par and mediocre ones, are using TERI to hang on to good jobs when they should retire and let younger, abler workers fill their spots. “The TERI program was a good thing when it started because it helped people make decisions in their retirement plan. Now with all of the changes I wouldn’t sign up for it," said Danny Baker, a professor in USC’s criminology and criminal justice department. ♦ TERI, page 3 HOUSING LAURA-JOYQE GOUGH/THE GAMECOCK The Office of Off-Campus Housing Web site gives students listings of houses or apartments for rent in Columbia. Office helps students live off campus By IAN CHAMBERLAIN THE GAMECOCK USC’s Off-Campus Housing Office has added several services for students in the last year, using a small amount of student fees to do so. The office was designed to provide an alternative for undergraduate housing while maintaining a medium of security through university management. “We do a Web site listing service for off-campus properties where students can easily go and view properties, find out how much they cost, when they’re available ... ♦ OFF-CAMPUS, page 4 IN THIS ISSUE — INDEX Comics & Crossword..8 Classifieds.12 Horoscopes..8 Online Poll..5 Police Report..2 ♦ THE MIX Crazy for karaoke Alexis Arnone finds a way to enliven a boring summer night with a trip to a nearby karaoke bar. Page 6 ♦ SPORTS Stopping at seven Lance Armstrong finishes his storied career with his seventh consecutive win in the Tour de France. Page 10