Family, consumer sciences conducts conference The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences has gotten a face- lift. With the department name officially changed from home economics this fall, other changes took place in this program which enrolled about 130 students. Harding is one of only five universities in Arkansas that offers family and consumer science as a degree. The department installed their honor society, Kappa Omicron Nu, and inducted 27 members this year. Carrol Avery, national president, visited the campus for Harding's installation as the 120th chapter in the nation. This spring, the departmentwas host of theArkansasAssociation of Family and Consumer Sciences professional convention. For the first time, the conference was held outside of Little Rock. "Harding was large enough to hold the 175 attendees, and it helped cut down on the cost of the convention considerably," department chair, Dr. Beth Wilson, said. The theme for the convention, "Invest in Families: Focus on Chi ldren and Youth, " was a continuation of a five -year plan to discuss issues that apply to the industry. Professionals and students from the four districts gathered on campus to hear a variety of speakers from business, health care, education, fashion merchandising and other areas. The keynote speaker, Dr. Penny Ralston, dean of the College of Human Science at Florida State University, reported on career opportunities, important current issues, and initiatives at the national professional level. "Because the convention was on campus, students had the opportunity to participate and receive mentoring and encouragement from professionals that they may not have received otherwise," associate professor Sharen Crockett said. Attending professionals were able to continue education, network with other professionals and renew commitments. New methods and programs encouraged ideas; showcase exhibits displayed current trends in the industry. A new activity included in the workshops was the visitation to Searcy businesses to discuss workshop topics. Convention attendees were welcomed at the Harding Early Learning Center, C.C. McKay and Yarnell 's. - Christie Rogers Sharen Crockett, M.S., Professor Ellen Daniel, Ed.D., Associate Professor Terri Rine, M.Ed., Instructor Lisa Ritchie, M.S.E. , Lecturer Beth Wilson, Ed.D., Professor, Department Chair Lisa Ritchie explains the conponents ofa balanceddiet during anutrition class. Ritchie was a favorite among her students. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. EllenDanieldescribes theprinciples ofgoodinteriordesign techniques. Daniel's examples were beneficial to the learning process. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Family and Consumer Sciences 84 ~, ~--:--d~----,,--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Aca emics
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