College of Fine and Applied Arts

Mark Malloy has been invited to speak at a seminar entitled “Teaching in the Digital Age” at the 2008 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference and Expo in New York City in October. Sponsored by Nikon and the Photo District News, Malloy will speak on the subject of web-based critique using LiveBooks and similar other options for the transition from the printed image used in traditional critiques.

Malloy has spent the past two years beta testing an upcoming web-based critique solution from LiveBooks, which arose out of the desire to re-center focus on the image during critique, rather than the mode of presentation.

“I had students showing slides and traditional silver prints, as well as using web-based portfolios on Flickr, Facebook, DP Challenge, and so on,” said Malloy. “It had become an untenable option due to time constraints, and so I went looking for another solution.”

Malloy has since integrated the web into his student’s workflow, requiring all photo shoots to end with selected images uploaded to the class website.

Kevin Balling, lecturer in electronic media/broadcasting in the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University, is a recipient of a Film/Video Fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council.

The $10,000 Fellowship was awarded for Balling’s current documentary film project tentatively titled, “Bathanti,” which profiles the writing and life of writer Joseph Bathanti. Bathanti writes poetry, novels and short stories and teaches creative writing in the English Department at Appalachian.

Since 1980, the North Carolina Arts Council has provided fellowship awards to artists who have been selected through a rigorous panel screening process. The Arts Council awards these direct grants to support artists in the development and creation of art. Fellowship recipients receive $10,000 to set aside time to work, to purchase supplies and equipment or to pursue other artistic goals.

Balling has been on the faculty of Appalachian State University since 1982 and has taught a variety of courses in television, video and audio production. He has been producing independent video for 25 years. He was awarded a fellowship in 1997 making this his second from the Council.

Balling is a two-time recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Regional Fellowship, as well as a North Carolina Fellowship for Video and Film. His work has been funded through the Foundation for Independent Video and Film, The Beldon Fund, The Benton Foundation, The Kaltenborn Foundation, Greenpeace, and The Sierra Club.

Balling has produced several independent videos including Hemp and the Rule of Law, Voices From The Garden, Doc and Merle, While The Ages Roll On… A Memorial, Strands, Benediction, and has collaborated with performance artist Catherine Altice on All The King’s Men a video/performance at the Weatherspoon Gallery in Greensboro.

His production work also includes a number of commercial clients including CBS, ESPN, Home Team Sports, The Black Entertainment Network, IBM, Appalachian Voices, Cierra Arabian Horse Farms and many others.

Nursing graduates Melanie Hollar of Boone, far left, and Mellisa Thompson of Wilkesboro talk with Polly Johnson, president of the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing Excellence, after receiving their nursing pins. (Appalachian photo by university photographer Marie Freeman)

Students in the RN to BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) program in Appalachian State University’s Department of Nursing received their BSN pin to signify completion of the program during a ceremony Aug. 1 on campus.

Twenty graduates from the Burke and Watauga cohorts completed degree-requirements this summer.

Designed by the nursing faculty and students, Appalachian’s nursing pin is a gold circle with an inset depicting the mountains and a sunrise.

Students completing the RN to BSN program offered in Burke County are Mary Ann Chandler, Burnsville; Katy Childers, Vale; Tanya Stallings Clanton, Vale; Beverly Conner, Union Mills; Charles David Edwards, Forest City; Emily “Gail” Eller, Nebo; Kelly “Brooke” Englert, Lincolnton; Karen Franklin, Fairview; Cheryl Goossens, Valdese; Julie “Leann” Nieters Drexel; Sandra Norton, Nebo; Ernest Shock, Rutherfordton; and Susan Stephens, Connelly Springs.

Students completing the program offered in Watauga County are Andrew Blavatt, West Jefferson; Evelyn Brewer, Creston; Melanie Hollar, Boone; Shannon Harden, Vilas; Kirsten McBurney, Hudson; Patricia Rowland, Boone; and Mellisa Thompson, Wilkesboro.

Polly Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing Excellence, and retired executive director of the North Carolina Board of Nursing, was the guest speaker.