DSBS MAGAZINE, XULA FALL/WINTER 2019

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA FALL/WINTER 2019 DSBSMAG DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES MAGAZINE Stepping Down: Dr. Pamela Waldron- Moore Psychology Today A Global Education The Undefeatable Allana Barefield

Contents 3 STEPPING DOWN Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore, Head of the Political Science Department since 2003, steps down. 6 TODAY'S PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT Dr. Lisa Schulte-Gipson, Psychology Department Head, on XULA's Psychology Department today...and tomorrow. TDr 10 Depart,ent SOCIOLOGY STUDENTS GOING GLOBAL Ilia King ('19) on the importance of approaching Sociology from a global perspective. 12 THE INCREDIBLE ALLANA J. BAREFIELD ('19) National Association of Black Journalists Names Barefield \"Student Journalist of the Year\" Hilary Molony Suthon Editor in Chief, Copywriter & Layout Design  The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences is home to four academic departments including Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Political Science Turning the Page: Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore Pamela Waldron-Moore arrived at Xavier University of Louisiana in 1998 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science.  Dr. Waldron-Moore’s petite stature belied her larger-than-life sense of style, intellect, and non-stop work ethic. Students learned early that she expected excellence and, in return, that she was and is both available and approachable, often well beyond office hours.   Dr. Waldron-Moore, a native of Guyana, received her undergraduate degree from Miami University, her Masters from the University of Cincinnati and her Ph.D. from the University of Houston.   Once at XULA, Dr. Waldron-Moore steadily excelled within her new environment, becoming an Associate Professor by 2002, Department Chair by 2003 and a full Professor in 2011. Under her tutelage, the Political Science Department won First Place in XULA’s Departmental Excellence Awards in 2005. That same year, Dr. Waldron-Moore was named Xavier’s Teacher of the Year. Cleopatra Singleton (XULA '21) and Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore, as Singleton received the inaugural $10,000 scholarship from the Jane Club in honor of the first female mayor of New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell (XULA '97). . 3

Political Science In addition to steering the course of the Political Science Department throughout these past 21 years, Dr. Waldron-Moore remains a devoted mentor to her students and advisees; she also serves as  Pre-Law advisor to those students studying within Political Science’s Accelerated Program, a springboard into Law School.   Serving as Head of the Department of Political Science from 2003 to Fall of 2019, Waldron-Moore has taught and guided generations of Xavierites. She is both legendary and beloved. In her letter (below) to alums, Dr. Waldron-Moore formally announces that she is stepping down as Department Head. She intends to stay on to support Dr. Russell Frazier, now Head of Political Science, throughout the transition. Dear Alums:   I hope you are all doing very well, enjoying the varied successes coming your way, looking backward as you move forward to come into your own (Sankofa- style). Over the last 21 years, pride in your accomplishments has sustained me. Although I never told you this, it was my plan to return to the Caribbean after 5 years of the Xavier experience. But, in the fifth year, I was asked to Chair the department and that changed my departure trajectory. In my 7th year, Hurricane Katrina came a-calling and I just knew this was my cue to pack my bags and head home. But some of you got a whiff of that plan and your emails poured in. How could I say no? That 2006 summer graduation was the start of a new era; I attended your engagement parties, celebrated your marriage vows and then turned up for your babies’ baptisms. Once again, I contemplated moving on to the sunshine and sand. But Bill Serban left and I felt it my duty to stay. How did I become so attached? You were and still are – my babies. And now, some of you have dared to send your own babies to Xavier and to say hello to Granma Moore. Now this brought me pure joy because the message was as clear as day: ‘get out while you can’! In stepped Fate (and by Fate, I mean 44 beautiful, bright, starry-eyed teenagers, urgently demanding attention). So, the state of the PSCI ship is strong although it has only two pilots now but with an ever-growing crew. Once again, decision time! Solution – hand over the reins to the Brother Pilot and gather up the crew/the family one more time. 4

Political Science continued from page 4 And, so dear Alums, the swan song has begun; the fat lady is singing and the search has begun for the next few pilots which will finally give me permission to enjoy student success from a distance. This year, I negotiated free rides to Law school for 33% of the family; another 20% are either off to grad school, Teach NOLA or deferring for a year of recovery before realizing their career goals. I will stay on to support Dr. Russell Frazier as Head of Department until all other faculty elements are in place. Thank you for making choices for me over the last 21 years. Your success, dear Alums, has been my joy/satisfaction. Congrats to Njeri on her new book; Erica on her tenure, Major Terrance Reese on his incredible service to the country, Roslyn Crane Tinning and Ronicka Harrison Briscoe on raising their beautiful babies while rendering stellar social service to their communities, Marcus DeLarge and Rachell Hunt on their Law practices, Blair Dottin-Haley on his thriving business acumen, Kim Walters on her singular service as Sheriff in Milwaukee, Michael Robinson and Starsky Wilson on their community ministries, Alexandria Baker, Jaime Moody and Ariel Howard Pollock on their careers in diplomacy, Al Perkins, Randy McKee, Okyeame Haley, Amanda Brown Fabin, Brittani Melvin on their vibrant law careers, and so very many others of you too numerous to mention who are doing great things in our domestic and international spaces!! Thank you for maintaining contact with me over all these years. Stay well and stay tuned …. with much love!! Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore Head, Department of Political Science (2003-2019) Recent XULA grads and their families with Dr. Waldron-Moore. 5

Psychology At A Glimpse XULA's Psychology Department Today Greetings from the Department of Psychology!  You may be familiar with our Psychological Science (previously known as General Psychology) and Psychology Pre-Medical programs. Both are doing well. We have recently added an interdisciplinary Neuroscience program. Neuroscience examines how the nervous system generates experience and behavior while simultaneously being shaped by engagement with the environment. The Neuroscience program focuses on the broad field of neuroscience, including current issues, trends, and questions in the field.   Our department may have changed since you graduated. We currently consist of a diverse group of committed faculty, with varied interests. Of our eight full time faculty two specialize in Neuroscience (Drs. Cohen and Perez), two in Social Psychology (Drs. Hammer and Schulte), two in Clinical/Counseling Psychology (Drs. Jones and Turner), one in Experimental Psychology (Dr. Gramlich), and one (who will begin in fall of 2019) in School Psychology (Dr. Grant).  Within our diversity, we continue to share common goals – providing a well-rounded experience for our students and ensuring that they are well prepared for their future endeavors.   We are very active in mentoring students in their course work, research, and options after Xavier. Several of our faculty work with BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity) Scholars, mentoring students in their research. Many BUILD students present their work at professional conferences. In his role as Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Hammer advises all campus athletes, helping to ensure that they achieve a balance between academics and athletics.  Faculty advising of campus organizations (e.g., the Psychology Club and the Xavier University Chapter of Psi Chi, among others) focus on fostering independence, personal responsibility, and both speaking out and action as related to social issues. Activity highlights from this academic year include a summer and professional program application workshop coordinated by the Xavier University Chapter of Psi Chi; the Charles A. Gramlich Research Symposium (held in December) at which students present their research from summer programs, the Advanced Research courses, and other research experiences; informative departmental meetings (for example transitioning from an HBCU to a PWI); and the Senior Salute during which faulty and students honored graduating seniors and heard of their plans after graduation. 6

Psychology II hope that you enjoy this edition of DSBS notes. Wishing you a pleasant New Faculty  and productive new school year. Dr. Lisa J. Schulte-Gipson, MA, PhD Head, Department of Psychology Dr. Stephanie Grant, Assistant Professor Prior to coming to Xavier University of of Psychology Louisiana, Dr. Grant served as the Coordinator and subsequently, A native New Orleanian, Stephanie Assistant Director of Student Grant Ph.D. obtained her doctorate in Evaluation and Support Services for School Psychology from Louisiana Orleans Parish School Board in the State University in December 2017. Dr. Department of Exceptional Children’s Grant completed her pre-doctoral Services. There Dr. Grant had the internship with the Louisiana School opportunity to interact with many Psychology Internship Consortium educational professionals, community (LASPIC) and is currently completing members and civic leaders to develop her postdoctoral supervision with and support the ethical, and legally Audubon Behavioral Health, LLC in mandated special education services New Orleans. Dr. Grant is active in the for the students of Orleans Parish. American Psychological Association, Subsequently, Dr. Grant served as the  Division 16 (School Psychology) as Visiting Assistant Professor of School well as the National Association of Psychology at University of Southern School Psychologists. Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.   Dr. Grant has presented at numerous Dr. Grant has spent a number of years professional conferences throughout working with children in a variety of the country. settings including in the school system, clinical pediatric, and community settings. 7

Psychology New Faculty Dr. Erika Perez, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience   She also studied the influence that Erika Perez Ph.D. received her kainate receptors have in reducing Bachelor of Science in Biology from alcohol consumption. During both her Texas Woman’s University in Denton, gradate and postdoctoral training, Dr. Texas. As an undergraduate student, Perez mentored several graduate and she worked in a research lab studying undergraduate students. She is the role that serotonin receptors passionate about working with within the hypothalamus have on undergraduate students to achieve behavior. In addition, Dr. Perez did a their research goals. summer research program at Johns Hopkins University characterizing As a postdoctoral Institutional caffeine withdrawal in humans. It was Research and Academic Career these two experiences that lead Perez Development Award Post-Doctoral to get her doctorate in Neuroscience Award Program (IRACDA) fellow, Perez and begin studying the role of alpha 5 taught at Lincoln University and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play Rutgers University-Camden, during nicotine, alcohol and opioid institutions that serve historically withdrawal. underrepresented groups. As a postdoctoral fellow, she continued her work studying the role of alpha 5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in addiction, but focused on how the expression of different gene variants affects behavior.   8

Sociology New Faculty Dr. Charity Clay, Assistant Professor Shots by Love Quest Charity Clay, Ph.D. joined Xavier University in 2018 to develop the Crime and Social Justice concentration after being the head of the Sociology Program at Merritt College in Oakland, California. She obtained her doctorate from Texas A&M in 2014.  In addition to her degrees in Sociology, she holds graduate certificates in Africana Studies and Women and Gender studies as well.    Dr. Clay's research interests vary but fall under the umbrella of Critical Race Theory.  Her specific focuses are (de)constructions of Black femininity, Hip Hop as Post Civil Rights Black Culture, Black Sociological Epistemology, and Pan-African Liberation Movements.     Clay is excited to develop a Crime and Social Justice program at Xavier because of how strongly it aligns with the University's mission and how the city of New Orleans provides opportunities to make a significant impact because of its rich history and culture.  The Department of Sociology’s new concentration in Crime and Social Justice welcomed its first cohort of freshmen in 2018 with eight new students and two transfer students.   She loves being in the classroom with students, but loves the opportunity to take them into local and global communities that allow enhanced learning by fusing theory with praxis. 9

Sociology A Global Education IIlia King ('19) studying abroad, Summer 2018. Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Sociology student Ilia King (’19) had always wanted to study abroad, so when she came across XULA’s exchange program with London South Bank University, she was excited to participate. Her advisor and Chair of the Sociology department, Dr. Amy Bellone-Hite, was “tremendously helpful” in selecting the classes that she would take in London. While there she took four classes, a load that allowed her to learn things about the city she was in and the diverse people around her. “Being that Europe is as small as it is and that I did not have class on Fridays, I spent my free time traveling and seeing as much of the continent as I could before June,” King says. King had applied for multiple summer internships. The night before she boarded the plane to start her semester in London, she was informed of her acceptance into a summer internship in Kigali, Rwanda. The program was through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates and was called REU Rwanda at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. The goal of this program was to examine the experiences of contraceptive users and their evaluations of the government’s contraceptive program through qualitative research. “We eventually used the data to write multiple academic papers, two of which were presented at conferences in Texas and New Zealand,” notes King. 10

Sociology continued from page 10 Ilia King ('19) studying abroad, Summer 2018. Coming back to XULA after being out of the country for roughly six months was no easy transition, especially with the added stress of applying to several Ph.D. programs. King decided to pursue a doctoral degree in Sociology.  “As a member of a minority group, I know too well how regularized certain health issues can become in racial communities, such as premature births, maternal mortality, and hypertension,” King points out. Many of these disparities are preventable through stress reduction, lifestyle changes and an increase in health literacy. King plans to conduct research on population health as well as health disparities of racial minorities. “I plan on specifically focusing on the socialization of medical professionals within their professional training and how biases can negatively impact African American’s physical health as a population,” says King. “I was lucky in that I had mentors like Dr. Christopher Faircloth, Dr. Amy Bellone- Hite, Dr. Tyra Gross, and Dr. Charity Clay to help guide me through what I should be looking for in a graduate program,” King adds. She also took advantage of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (CURGO) whereDr.  Melvenia Martin helped her make sure that all of her application materials were up to par before sending them off.   King applied to seven Sociology Ph.D. programs and received acceptance letters from three. Florida State University, Colorado University at Boulder and the University of Delaware. After visiting each school, King decided to attend the University of Delaware this fall. 11

Mass Communication In Pursuit of Excellence: Allana J. Barefield A spirit of perseverance and a commitment to her craft led Allana J. Barefield to be named the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) 2019 Student Journalist of the Year.   Allana J. Barefield ('19) Allana J. Barefield made national news headlines in 2018 when she was selected as one of four students from historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) to receive Beyoncé’s inaugural Homecoming Scholars Award Program. She garnered the scholarship after writing a compelling essay about NABJ’s 2018 Journalist of the Year Jemele Hill. In 2018, Barefield was also selected to participate in The Sports Journalism Institute at The Tampa Bay Times and The New York Times Student Journalism Institute. Accolades continued to be added to Barefield’s resume in 2018, as the Bostonian also garnered the coveted Rhoden Fellowship at ESPN’s The Undefeated. She also served as the student representative for the NABJ Sports Task Force.   She credits her late father, who passed away at the end of her sophomore year in high school, for encouraging her passion for writing and telling stories. With support from her mother Linda Barefield and her sister Carmen Barefield, she successfully completed her college journey as both a top student and respected journalist. “NABJ applauds Allana for not only her determination but also her commitment to the field of journalism,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. 12

Mass Communication continued from page 12 Throughout her Rhoden Fellowship, Barefield has covered the intersections of black culture, sports and education from a unique perspective. She profiled the only black woman college athletic director in Louisiana and shared how LGBTQ students are finding support at HBCUs in a feature called “Coming Out Day.”Honoring her father’s roots, Barefield made the journey to New Orleans, his hometown, for college to use her skills and platform to tell the stories of the city’s black community – from New Orleans’ high school marching bands and black Mardi Gras masking traditions to Muhammad Ali’s funeral.   “Allana is a once in a lifetime student, and she arrived at Xavier with fire in her eyes and passion in her soul and never looked back,” said Shearon Roberts, Ph.D., Allana’s professor and advisor in Xavier’s Mass Communication Department. “And while she is talented and can do anything she puts her mind to, she has unbreakable grit and is a born leader. She has only just begun, but I know she will blaze a trail as she writes the next chapter in her career in media.”   Barefield hopes to follow in the footsteps of groundbreaking journalists Gwen Ifill and Jemele Hill. She is a testament to the impact of NABJ. Under the mentorship of Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Ph.D., she began her journey with the organization as a participant in JSHOP, a professional development workshop for high school students.  She went on to use her passion for journalism and the skills she learned to revive her university’s NABJ chapter and served as its president. She also participated in intensive multimedia training programs during two of NABJ’s college short courses. Barefield also has consistently served as a mentor to other student journalists during NABJ’s past Conventions.   “NABJ became my safe haven in my junior year of high school when my dad passed away. From this organization, I gained lifelong mentors who became my family,” Barefield said. “When I first heard I would be named the NABJ Student Journalist of the Year, I was shocked! It’s a full-circle moment. I am truly humbled to be recognized by NABJ. It shows that hard work pays off and gives me more motivation to keep climbing and mentoring others along the way.” 13

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