Earning your PHR or SPHR designation can give you an advantage in handling daily HR challenges, ever-changing employment laws and regulations and provide you with additional skills to set you apart.

Find details here: http://www2.webster.edu/ozarks/2013_SHRM_Brochure.pdf

Our course combines expert instruction with the SHRM Learning System^® course so participants learn faster, retain more knowledge and stay on track as they prepare for the exam. The learning system features up-to-date content and advanced tools that streamline study time, accelerate learning and build confidence for passing the PHR or SPHR exam.

For more information, call our friendly staff at 417-883-0200 or contact Sharon Conner at sconner@webster.edu.

http://www.webster.edu/holidays

Webster’s new opportunity for Ozarks nurses

Webster University invites registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing through our Online Program, beginning in mid-March 2013.

Our new R.N. to B.S.N. degree-completion program is designed for motivated individuals who want to make a difference in their profession as well as their personal careers. The program will launch in Spring 2 term which begins March 18.

Specially designed for working adults, Webster’s B.S.N. program combines theory with the real-world knowledge and skills needed for professional growth in the dynamic field of nursing. Our nursing faculty is devoted to creating an ideal learning environment, helping students develop skills needed for professional excellence.

To go beyond the R.N. designation to a bachelor’s degree, Webster requires 128 credit hours. Those who have an Associate’s Degree in nursing or who have prior nursing coursework may transfer in academic credit. The R.N. to B.S.N. program requires students to take at least 30 credit hours at Webster. To learn more, click here.

HR Professionals look to Webster for certification prep

Webster is proud to partner with the Society for Human Resource Management to offer its PHR and SPHR certification review course in our Spring 2 term, beginning March 18. Taught by Springfield Public Schools HR Director Parker McKenna, the course focuses on critical exam content, using all SHRM materials. The structured classroom environment improves retention, many former students say, and the exam pass rate is higher than the national average.  Registration is open now; enrollment is limited. Contact Sharon Conner: sconner@webster.edu or 417-883-0200.  For more information, view the online brochure here: http://www2.webster.edu/ozarks/2013_SHRM_Brochure.pdf

Ann Elwell to travel to Netherlands for Webster

Ann Elwell, community relations coordinator at the Ozarks Regional Campus, is one of four Webster employees worldwide to be selected for Webster’s biannual Global Staff Exchange program.

Ann Elwell

In January, Ann will travel to the Netherlands to work for two weeks alongside the staff team at Webster’s Leiden campus, south of Amsterdam. She will focus on marketing and public relations, sharing her professional PR experience while learning from her European counterparts.

Refer a new student? Get a $50 gift card

Whether you’re a current Webster University student or an alumnus, if you refer a student who enrolls and registers for classes at Webster University, we want to show our thanks by rewarding you with a $50 Visa award card. Let us know the name (email ozarks@webster.edu) then fill out the fast online form: www.webster.edu/referralprogram

Office closed

The Ozarks Regional campus office will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 for the holidays. We’ll be back in the office Jan. 2, to register new students, answer enrollment questions and generally get the ball rolling for Spring 1 term which begins Jan. 2.

New year brings new faculty

Webster Ozarks is proud to add three new faculty to our outstanding cadre of instructors.

Stephanie Hillwick, who is teaching Marketing this term, is Business Control Risk Manager at JPMorgan Chase. She was responsible for implementing an integrated marketing plan across the company’s international and U.S. locations. Stephanie brings a global perspective through her extensive experience with projects in India, Philippines and Costa Rica. She holds an MBA in Management from Aurora University in Illinois.

Parker McKenna is Chief Human Resources Officer for Springfield Public Schools. He is responsible for recruitment and retention of high quality talent for Missouri’s largest district. Its 5,000 employees come under his purview. He holds an MBA from Missouri State University. Parker will teach the requisite course Managing Human Resources in Spring 1 and the PHR Certification Review course in Spring 2.

Dr. Jennifer Posey is Dean of the CoxHealth Education Center at Cox College. A sought-after speaker, Jennifer has extensive experience in the training field. She created the educational framework for a major reorganization at Cox College. She holds a Doctor of Education degree in Human Resource Development, Occupational and Adult Education from Oklahoma State University. She will teach courses in the MHA and HR Development degree programs, including Training and Development this summer.

It doesn’t seem like spring but . . .

Spring 1 term begins Jan. 7 and the Ozarks Regional campus has students enrolled in several disciplines: health, human resources, management and finance. Our online students will log in on Jan. 4 to get their syllabi and confirm their registration. There’s still time to enroll if you know a colleague who has been considering an advanced degree. With its focus on working adults, Webster makes the application and registration a fairly simple process. Contact Sharon Conner, sconner@webster.edu or 417-883-0200.

Is my class cancelled?

Students and faculty, stay in the know when severe weather causes closures or delay of classes: Sign up for text alerts from Webster.

1. Visit http://www.webster.edu/technology/websteralerts
2. Enter a user name and password
3. Check the box next to “MO Ozarks Regional Campus.”
4. Enter the phone number and carrier of your cell phone.
5. Click “Create Account”
6. Within a few seconds, you’ll receive a text message on your cell phone with a code to validate your account. (If you don’t validate your account, you won’t receive the notifications.) Webster Alerts is a free service, but text message charges from your phone carrier may apply.

Annual alumni gathering set for Sept. 17

Come network with other Webster graduates at our annual alumni gathering, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17 at Big Whiskey’s, 1550 E. Battlefield Road, in the Galleria Shopping Center.

You’ll have the chance to meet and socialize with other alumni and learn about Webster’s newest programs such as our Global Track MBA. We’ll have door prizes, alumni gift bags and delicious hors d’oeuvres, all in a fun atmosphere, sponsored by Webster’s Ozarks Regional Campus.

RSVP by Sept. 14 to Alumni Gathering For more information, contact office manager Sharon Conner, sconner@webster.edu or 471-883-0200.

Pick up a hammer at this year’s ‘Webster Works’

Every October, Webster University campuses around the world participate in Webster Works Worldwide, helping non-profits in their community.  In Springfield on Oct. 6, we’ll volunteer for a half day at a Habitat for Humanity building site in north Springfield. No prior experience needed. As Habitat says, “Do you know what a hammer is? If yes, we need your help.”

Would you like to volunteer? The first 20 participants get a free Webster Works T-shirt. Contact our office for more information or to sign up: 417-883-0200.

Past participants will tell you that besides being fun, our community service day is also a great way to get to know other students, faculty and alumni. The day has grown into a worldwide Webster tradition. Since its start 18 years ago, more than 15,000 volunteers have given over 60,500 hours of service. We make a difference in our communities and help those in need.

Through an artist’s eyes

Artwork from talented local artists like Paula St. James beautify the halls at the Ozarks Regional Campus. Come browse.

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Ozarks Regional Campus to see our current display of artwork. As our students will tell you, the art lining the walls adds a touch of beauty and may even spark conversations during evening class breaks.

Webster is a member of the Springfield Area Arts Council and so local artists regularly share their work with us. This time, the artist is Paula St. James. After teaching overseas for 11 years, Paula is now living in Springfield. She combines her photos from around the world with artistic manipulation to create interesting and colorful fine art photography.

The artwork changes regularly so next time you need a break from the ordinary, stop by and browse awhile.

Welcome new faculty members

The Ozarks Regional Campus warmly welcomes two new instructors to our MBA and Master of Health Administration programs.

Dr. Fred Fortunato is teaching Operations and Project Management this term. Fred brings more than 25 years of business experience to Webster, including stints at PPG Industries, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Penn. and BF Goodrich Company, Brecksville, Ohio. An associate professor of science and technology at Evangel University, Fred earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from Purdue University. He holds a Master’s in engineering from Purdue and a Bachelor’s in chemistry from Youngstown State University.

Cindy Whitten brings more than 40 years of experience in hospital administration and nursing to the core MHA course, Organizational Planning and Change in Health Administration. She is chief executive officer at Select Specialty Hospital, Springfield, an acute care hospital. Cindy has also served as director of nursing at CoxHealth, chief nurse executive at the Missouri Rehabilitation Center in Mount Vernon and director of nursing at St. John’s, now Mercy. Cindy holds a Master’s degree in health services administration from Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, and a Bachelor’s degree from the same institution.

In other faculty news, Helen Heidel is assuming the role of faculty coordinator, helping to identify potential faculty and conducting faculty evaluations. Helen is also an instructor at the Ozarks campus, teaching in the HR Development and HR Management degree programs. She recently retired from JPMorgan Chase, Springfield.

Longtime instructor Lisa Turner retired from teaching at the Ozarks campus, coinciding with her retirement from City Utilities, Springfield. Lisa will continue to teach in Webster’s Online Programs in the HR Management program.

Traveling the globe with Webster

Webster is a small university in some ways, but we’re also a global university with campuses across the U.S. and in Europe, Asia and our newest residential international campus in Accra, Ghana.

Jeff Walker, left, MBA student at Ozarks Regional, recently completed one of Webster’s new global hybrid courses. Jeff traveled for a week in London and Geneva, meeting business leaders and visiting international companies. Pictured with Jeff are Webster students Bin Kim of Korea and Emily Buie, St. Louis.

Courses are taught with our mission in mind, of preparing students for global citizenship. A new program makes the global experience even more accessible by offering one week of international travel combined with online coursework for the rest of the term.

Our just-launched Global Hybrid Courses blend online coursework with an immersive travel segment offered by the Walker School of Business. Each course offers six to seven weeks of online work with a seven to 10-day travel component. Students explore a global business, technology or management issue with online coursework complemented by an in-country week of company visits, guest lectures and cultural activities.

Plus, students may apply for the Walker Travel Award which provides up to $1,000 for assistance with airfare expenses .

One of our Ozarks Regional students has already completed a hybrid course. Jeff Walker, who is pursuing an MBA, traveled to London and Geneva earlier this summer for an elective course in HR Management.

Want to learn more? Visit this section of Webster’s Walker School of Business website: Global Hybrid Courses and Walker Travel Award

Coyan is physician relations manager at CoxHealth, Springfield. A member of Junior League of Springfield and Leadership Springfield, Coyan is a volunteer with Ozarks Food Harvest, Team World Vision, Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society.  In 2010, Coyan founded CoxHealth Young Professionals to help employees connect with each other, the organization’s administration and the community at large.
This was the first year for the award which recognizes a member of The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals for his/her professional leadership and community, civic and philanthropic involvement.