Campus News

Carl Stange is Admissions Director

A familiar face has accepted a position as Director of Admissions at Winona State University. Carl T. Stange, who had been the assistant director of undergraduate admissions, started his new position on July 1, replacing Doug Schacke who resigned.

Dr. Darrell Krueger, WSU president, said Stange has a great understanding of Winona State.

"I believe his record with the university illustrates his commitment to make WSU the best it can be for our students and staff, " Krueger said,  "I anticipate continued strength in our admissions program under his capable leadership."

Stange began his career at Winona State University 20 years ago. Winona State has been very progressive during that time, and Stange hopes to continue to help move the university forward.

"Winona State University is currently evaluating and assessing how it plans to stay competitive with limited fiscal resources," Stange said. "I'm excited to work with the New University Visioning Committee and to be involved with their recommendations as we prepare to serve future generations."

Stange also looks forward to working with the university community to identify the strengths in programs, which encourage students to invest in WSU as a place of learning.

"Our unique opportunities with the laptop program, how we apply the seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education, and our commitment to offer undergraduate research opportunities to be competitive in the workforce of today," Stange said, "are just a few of the many strengths which make WSU an excellent choice for higher education among incoming students."

Stange, originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, holds two degrees from Winona State: a bachelor of arts degree in speech and theater arts and a master of science degree in professional development. He has worked in the WSU Admissions Office since 1984.

Winona State Leads Laptop Wave with New Tablet Pcs

Winona State University this summer solidified its position as the nation's leading laptop computer university when it announced the adoption of new tablet-style laptop computers.

In the largest higher-education implementation of tablet PCs in North America, Winona State University is rolling out more than 4,000 Gateway M275 convertible tablet-style laptop PCs for its students, faculty and staff. New freshmen and returning juniors get the new machines this year. Next year, since all university laptop computers on are two-year leases, all remaining PC laptops will be exchanged for the newer tablet machines. Students may also choose to lease an Apple laptop computer.

Winona was one of the first "laptop universities" in the nation when its program began in 1998, and now is the first major higher educational institution to standardize on the tablet PC platform.

“We conducted an open bid and had faculty, staff and students evaluate many different models of PCs, including other tablets from competing companies,” said Joe Whetstone, WSU's vice president of information technology. “The Gateway M275 tablet bubbled to the top. It was the overwhelming popular choice of our students and faculty because the convertible has all the features of a mainstream notebook coupled with pen input.”

The Gateway M275 offers traditional notebook features: a full-size keyboard, wireless technology, plenty of memory and hard drive storage, and a CD burner drive. Unlike many tablet PCs on the market, Gateway‘s M275 is priced starting at $1,799 – only $150 more than a similarly configured notebook. The M275 also boasts the largest screen size in the industry (14.1 inches), so students and faculty don’t have to strain to see the screen.

“Students love the all-in-one quality of Gateway’s tablet, which allows them to use it like a notebook or notepad. Faculty like the fact that the tablet eliminates a barrier during classes with its fold-down screen,” said Whetstone. “I’ve even had some professors mention it will be useful in scribbling down physics formulas or annotating presentations in class.”

The new computers come loaded with Microsoft’s Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system which has all the functionality of Windows XP Professional, plus additional functionality allowing for digital pen input.

“Winona State University’s decision to implement tablet PCs is significant for the platform because it’s a shining example of how versatile the tablet can be – from students taking notes in class to teachers drawing mathematical problems on-screen to university staff storing digital signatures on contracts,” said Andrew Dixon, marketing director of the tablet PC division at Microsoft Corp. “The tablet PC is now a vital tool for all members of the university’s educational community.”

“We’ve been proud to partner with leading universities that share strong beliefs in how technology can truly assist in providing quality education to students,” said Bridget Winders, vice president of public sector sales for Gateway. “By embracing the tablet PC, Winona State is a perfect example of what Gateway has named the ‘Alpha Campus’ – a representation of how cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated into learning, research, administrative and all other aspects of campus life.”

Pat Paulson, a WSU faculty member in the Management of Information Systems and Operations Department said he was excited to tap into the power and possibilities represented by the new tablet technology. In 2003, Paulson was the recipient of the WSU Student Senate's eProfessor of the Year Award, which was given to recognize a particular professor who made excellent use of new and emerging technology in the classroom.

WSU's Student Senate President Dusty Finke also liked the idea of the new tablet PCs and said he was pleased that WSU was staying on the leading edge of technology.

Dean of Liberal Arts

Dr. Troy Paino, former WSU associate professor of history, began his new position as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts on July 1.

"I have felt a lot of support," said Paino, "and it means a lot that President Darrell Krueger, Vice President Steven Richardson and the search committee all have confidence in me to do the job."

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Steven Richardson, said Paino is a talented leader.

"Troy brings a wide range of interests," said Richardson, "and a strong sense of the role of liberal arts to the job of dean."

Paino joined the faculty at WSU in 1997 as assistant professor of history. During that time, he directed the Paralegal Program, which included maintaining approval of the American Bar Association, advising approximately 90 students and supervising internships. Paino is most proud of how he has changed the curriculum for the Paralegal Program.

"I tried to make it more of a liberal arts major," said Paino, "to give it more breadth as opposed to just depth."

In 1999,  he helped create the Law and Society Program with John Campbell, WSU associate professor of history. Paino co-directed the program from 2000-2004.

Paino's goal is to create meaningful relationships with other WSU colleges in order to expand the students' education.        

"I look forward to supporting the good work that's already happening in the college and what we've already accomplished," said Paino. "We have many creative faculty, and I will figure out ways to support their work."

Paino, of Indianapolis, Ind., has a bachelor of arts degree in history and philosophy, a law degree, a masters degree in American studies and a Ph. D. degree in American studies.

Paino replaced Dr. Joe Gow who now serves as Provost and Dean at the College of Nebraska, Wesleyan.

Larry Holstad named Athletic Director of the Year

When the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the winners of the GeneralSports TURF Systems Athletic Director of the Year Award (ADOY), Larry Holstad, WSU's Director of Athletics received the prestigious honor for the Central Region of NCAA Division II athletics

NACDA Executive Director Mike Cleary said the ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors for their commitment and positive contributions to campuses and their communities.

“The program brings to light the exceptional jobs done by athletics directors across the country," Cleary said.

Among the selection criteria were: service as an AD for a minimum of five academic years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishment.

In making the announcement, NACDA praised Holstad's accomplishments at WSU:

"Since Larry Holstad joined the Winona State University athletics department in 1997 as athletics director, the alumnus and former student-athlete has enriched and developed the Warrior program. Holstad’s tenure has witnessed unprecedented success for Winona football, as the Warriors have appeared in regional playoff competition in two of the last three years. The athletics facilities landscape under Holstad has also realized significant improvement with the addition of a new weight room and women’s locker room. As a result of Holstad’s efforts, Warrior student-athletes in football, soccer, softball and baseball are no longer limited by the constraints of daylight to dictate practice and competition schedules thanks to the addition of lights to their respective facilities. Holstad currently serves on the NCAA Management Council and as chair of the Athletics Administrators Committee for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. A member of the Minnesota State Title IX Task Force Committee, Holstad is a former regional chair of the NCAA National Football Committee and member of the NCAA Midwest Regional Football Committee. Holstad received his bachelor’s degree from Winona State and went on to earn a master’s from Minnesota State University Mankato."

The NACDA, in its 39th year, is the professional and educational association for more than 6,100 college athletics directors, associates, assistants and conference commissioners at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Last Modified: Friday, October 06, 2006 11:18 by Rhone Richard