EMPOWERING EXECUTIVES & PROFESSIONALS

Biltmore Who's Who News and Events

Joel Keener

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Joel Keener as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Joel Keener, Professor at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Joel Keener’s commitment to excellence in Higher Education.

Keener, who holds a BS from Skidmore College, an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, has been teaching professionally for over thirty years, twelve of which are in higher education.

Having a passion for art is what lead Keener into wanting to share his knowledge through education. Now teaching numerous courses, including Instruction in Art, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography, Art History, Instruction in Graphic Design, Basic Design, Desktop Publishing, History of Graphic Design and Computer Graphics. He is also responsible for faculty professional development and serves or has served on various department and university wide committees including the Media Advisory Team, Strategic Planning Council, Faculty Senate, Program Review Committee. Keener also serves as department website coordinator and as a student advisor for art and design majors.

Keener has participated in many art exhibitions over the years and has presented numerous workshops at various conferences, conventions and universities on art. He continues to learn and grow as both an artist and as an educator.

“Someone once said to do what you love and you will never work a day in your life,” explained Keener. “I find these words to be true for me.”

A member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Keener is also on the executive board for Totem Rhythms, a non-profit organization of which he has earned a Presidential Call to Service Award for 4,000 hours of volunteer service. He is also the founder and president of two non-profit living history organizations, Plankhouse Crew and Recreating History, Inc. He was nominated in 2000 for the prestigious Chesley Award and has had his works displayed in an international exhibit at the Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt in 2006. He has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout many years ago. When Joel isn’t busy working or volunteering, he enjoys history, photography and carpentry.

For more information, visit http://www.mksgaller.com.

Joel Keener
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, January 20, 2012

Ralph G. Hudson

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Ralph G. Hudson as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Ralph G. Hudson, Owner and Broker of Hudson Realty, NWA, LLC, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Ralph G. Hudson’s commitment to excellence in Real Estate.

Hudson, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas, began working for his late father’s real estate business in 1987 as a sales associate. During that time, he was also a teacher for the Harrison Public School System, teaching seventh grade life science, eighth grade earth science, ninth grade physical science and high school biology. He was also the head track and cross country coach for both the men and women’s junior and high school from 1980-90.

But it wasn’t until the summer of 1990 that Hudson’s full time career in real estate began. He obtained his associate broker license two years later and his principle broker license in 2002. Now responsible for the supervision and oversight of all real estate related activities within the office, he is also directly responsible for the supervision of all licensed realtors working at his office.

The real estate industry, Hudson says, is never boring. It is ever changing with no two real estate transactions being the same.

“The best teacher is experience and having good role models to follow and learn from,” Hudson explained. “I was extremely fortunate to have my father as my mentor. He started our independent family owned and operated real estate agency in 1963 and built a tremendous base of public trust and confidence in his business.”

Hudson had the pleasure of working under his father for fourteen years before his death in 2004. He taught him that honesty, hard work and doing a job well were the keys to running a successful business. Inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps by striving to maintain trust and satisfaction in all of his clients, Hudson continues to grow through education and personal experience in the field.

Hudson is a member of the National Realtors Association, the Local Chamber of Commerce, serves as a board member of the Boone County Historical and Railroad Society, treasurer of the Harrison Public School Foundation and has served on the Arkansas State Professional Standards Committee. He is active within his local community with the Lions Club and is deacon of the First Baptist Church where he also serves as a Sunday school teacher. Hudson is also a USATF national level certified track and field official and has authored two books on Hudson family genealogy. He’s the recipient of numerous awards in real estate, including being named Realtor of the Year. When Ralph isn’t busy working or volunteering his time within his local community, he enjoys hiking and gardening.

For more information, visit http://hudsonrealty.com.

Ralph G. Hudson
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, January 6, 2012

Kathy Novik-Layer

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Kathy Novik-Layer as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Kathy Novik-Layer, Platinum Technician at Hyundai, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Kathy Novik-Layer’s commitment to excellence in Automotive.

Novik-Layer, who studied at the Automotive Training Center from 1997-99, graduated from CHUBB Computer School with honors in 2004, is a certified platinum technician through Hyundai with a lifetime worth of experience in the field.

At the early age of seventeen, Novik-Layer remembers working on her father’s car and enjoying every minute of it. Now a technician for one of the largest car companies in the world, she helps diagnose cars with a Global Diagnostic System, as well as small jobs like changing tires and doing engine and transmission work for customers.

“My parents taught me that when I do something to give it my best,” Novik-Layer said. “Your work speaks for itself and it cannot be taking away no matter how hard someone may try.”

Hoping to someday pay it forward and teach, Novik-Layer wants to inspire more females to jump into the field and not be underestimated for their abilities. She also hopes to continue in her education and possibly write a book.

Novik-Layer is certified in a number of different areas, including Hybrid for Hyundai, Landscaping, Corporate Protection Specialist, Leadership Development and Supervision, Platinum Skills Challenge, Entourage New Model and Technologies, KIA Motors America, OBD 2 Engine Management, Saturn Orientation at Spring Hill, Saturn Technical Training IA and Saturn Technical Training IIA. She has been featured in numerous newspapers throughout her career, and has also received a Letter of Congratulations from State Representative William Adolph for making the first female platinum technician for Hyundai in her county. When Kathy isn’t busy working, she enjoys going motorcycle riding, landscaping and fishing.

Kathy Novik-Layer
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, December 30, 2011

Mehmet T. Aritan

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Mehmet T. Aritan as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Mehmet T. Aritan, Professor Emeritus, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Mehmet T. Aritan’s commitment to excellence in Higher Education.

Aritan, who holds a BA in Geography with a minor in Geology from the University of Nebraska, an MA in Geography from the University of Kentucky, and a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Kentucky, joined the Geography and Earth Science Department in 1979.

Having dedicated thirty years to his field, Aritan retired at the close of the 2008-09 school year. He has traveled extensively in many regions, four continents and twenty-five countries of the world as a student, tourist, observer and teacher. His research included the regions of the Middle East, Central and South Asia and Africa. Much of his research focused on socio-economic development and urbanization trends and disease ecology/medical geography of these regions. Aritan taught courses in physical geography and world culture, including teaching assignments at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the University of Kentucky and Winona State University.

“I have always enjoyed being in the classroom, as a student and as a professor,” Aritan said about his very long and successful career in education. “I had good fortune of having a handful heady and promising students as my advisees out of nearly ten thousand that I had in my classes. In higher education we should aim to educate all in geography; a holistic science so to produce well rounded global citizens for our future.”

Aritan served as treasurer and past chairman of the West Lakes Division of the Association of American Geographers. He also served on the advisory board to the International Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, as an advisor to the International Students’ Organization and was on the Board of Directors for the Riverland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He conducted a regional conference, numerous workshops and symposiums and also attended many international, national, regional and local conferences. He published five articles, numerous chapters to books, software and book reviews in his field. Aritan was also awarded with a Writing Emphasis Certification and was nominated for the Most Accessible Teacher Award. He was also named an honorary citizen for the states of Nebraska and Kentucky. When Mehmet isn’t busy, he enjoys watching soccer, travelling, playing poker and listening to music.

Mehmet T. Aritan
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, December 23, 2011

Jewel Sophia Younge

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Jewel Sophia Younge as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Jewel Sophia Younge, Professor at Olive-Harvey College, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Jewel Sophia Younge’s commitment to excellence in Education.

Younge, who holds a BA in English and Theater from Amherst College, an MA in Humanities from the University of Chicago, and an MA in the Art of Teaching from Washington Univeristy of St. Louis, began teaching in the fall of 1996 after training as an America Reads tutor working at German Gerena Community School in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Currently teaching Humanities and Composition, Younge has continuously contributed to the revival of the performing arts program, serving as founding chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. She also held a number of faculty administrative roles, most recently coordinating Level UP, a six week quick start program designed to improve the academic skills of our incoming students and eliminate or reduce their need for pre-college credit coursework. She also served as a lobbyist for the renovation of the Bruce Cherry Theater.

“One of the most important aspects of my career preparation came when I served as a full-time volunteer for the Democratic Party during the election of 2000,” Younge explained. “The skills I learned and practiced as a grass roots organizer have formed how I approach all aspects of my work.”

Having had a wonderful grandfather as a role model and positive influence all her life, Younge hopes to pursue other goals in the near future. She would like to oversee a small children’s home, providing a safe home and strong educational platform for children in their early to late teens that live under the supervision of the foster care and adoption system.

Younge is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has contributed to numerous publications and has written several books. She has also written numerous play and films throughout her career and received numerous awards, including a Promise Play and Very Offensive Play Award, a James Baldwin Playwriting Award, the Edward Jones Prize, was awarded for He Ain’t Heavy: Chicago, received honorable mention for the Lamia Ink One-Page Play Competition, received an award for Everything Outlaws are Made Of, was named the National Novel Writing Month Winner and received an Outstanding Reference Source Award. When Jewel isn’t busy working, she enjoys cooking and roller skating.

For more information, visit http://www.ccc.edu.

Jewel Sophia Younge
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, December 16, 2011

Bernard McPherson

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Bernard McPherson as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Bernard McPherson, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Hawaii Pacific University, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Bernard McPherson’s commitment to excellence in Education.

McPherson, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Dallas Baptist University and a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education from the University of Hawaii, is also a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Nurse Practitioner Program. He is a also a licensed women’s health nurse practitioner who began working in the healthcare field in 1983.

After working in a medical-surgical unit, the emergency room and in obstetric nursing before becoming a nurse practitioner in 1998, McPherson now teaches undergraduate and nurse practitioner students at the University.

McPherson is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including a President’s Award in 1991 from President George Bush, a Best Clinical Breast Exam Award in 2001 and a President’s Challenge Gold Award from President Barack Obama in 2011. He plans to work toward his doctorate degree in the very near future. When Bernard isn’t busy working, he enjoys practicing Shaolin Kung Fu, where is currently a seventh degree black belt.

For more information, visit http://hpu.edu.

Bernard McPherson
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, December 2, 2011

Mac McClenathan, aka Mackey Roberts

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Mac McClenathan, aka Mackey Roberts as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Singer Mackey Roberts recently released his very first solo country album this past July through his own indie label, Mackey Roberts Music.

The record was collaborated at the renowned Art House in Nashville and is titled “Tell Me That’s Not Country.” Currently planning a west coast tour for early 2012, Roberts will be hosting a local CD release party this coming January.

“You have to be able to take constant rejection, continue to press through and make the next call,” Roberts said about his budding singing career. “You also have to be able to connect with people and command on stage or in a presentation. It’s been a great gig to help me grow and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity.”

Roberts got his feet wet when he was just seventeen, recording a cover album. When he turned eighteen, he started developing his writing skills and recorded an EP of original music under the name Mackey McClenathan, which can still be found on iTunes. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Roberts was the child of parents who both sang and toured with a gospel group.

When Roberts isn’t in the studio, he works full-time in telecommunications as an indirect channel manager.

Mac McClenathan, aka Mackey Roberts
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, November 18, 2011

Patsy Whitecotton

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Patsy Whitecotton as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Patsy Whitecotton, Actress, Model and Business Woman for LA Casting, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Patsy Whitecotton’s commitment to excellence in Media and Entertainment

Whitecotton, who studied at Patricia Steven’s Career College, began her career in show business in 1962 as a model and actress in Chicago for Patricia Steven’s Agency. From there she was photographed in the Chicago’s Tribune’s Sunday magazine, numerous catalogs and magazines, which also led to numerous beauty contests where she was most notably Miss Illinois for Miss World. She served as a spokesperson for numerous organizations, spent time acting on the soap opera General Hospital from 1983-86, did numerous television commercials, did show room modeling and runway. She was also employed by Merv Griffin Productions as a run-through actress at one time and has represented such organizations like L’Oreal, General Electric and Sugar Twin.

In addition to her very publicized life, Whitecotton was once a flight attendant for United Airlines, spent time as a fashion assistant, interior designer, was a columnist for Discus Magazine and also did freelance writing for the National Enquirer and The Globe. She has authored recipes which have been published in numerous cookbooks.

Having spent many years in the spotlight, Whitecotton has volunteered and participated in numerous celebrity sporting events for charity. She is the recipient of a celebrity ribbon and medal for a 5K run for the Special Olympics. Whitecotton has also won many awards, dating back to 1954, including being named General Electric Spokes Beauty and Miss New York City for Miss Hemisphere, received a Southern California Motion Picture Acting Award, a Certificate of Cultural Achievement for Acting, a Children’s Hospital of Orange County Service Award, was named to Soap Opera’s Greatest Stars and to the BHS District 87 Hall of Fame, and many, many others.

Whitecotton is one of nine siblings. She is considered an amateur entomologist, genealogist and gemologist. She was a partner and interior design consultant for a five-state textile firm and also did public relations and marketing for several companies during her professional career. She also owned and managed an avocado farm in Temecula, California and was a partner in Best Friend’s Jewelry in Long beach. She attended United Airlines Flight School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the American Film Institute, the LA Film Actors Lab and took courses at UCLA offered by the Gemological Institute of America. She is fascinated by history and enjoys spending her days growing and cooking organic foods, helping and tending to animal rescue, sewing, quilting, boating, motor home travel and collecting and restoring classic cars. Patsy has volunteered and participated in many charitably organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Long Beach Civil Light Opera, Vietnam Veterans and Girl Scouts of America, to name a few.

Patsy Whitecotton
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, November 11, 2011

David Paton

David Paton, Professor Emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes David Paton’s commitment to excellence in Healthcare and Education.

Dr. Paton, a retired academic professor of ophthalmology, is a graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is best known as founder of Project ORBIS, a DC-10 aircraft reconditioned inside to serve as a proficient of eye care to assist eye doctors in eighty-eight developing nations thus far.

Along the way, however, Dr. Paton tells of challenging circumstances such as becoming a physician despite dyslexia; confronting arrogance (his pet peeve) in members of non-profit boards and being relieved of his work with ORBIS by dint of overpowering ambition on the part of a former friend.

The memoir is often uproarious, frequently exciting, grippingly sad, yet always interesting, and consistently written in a style that keeps the reader’s attention even if she or he is not medically inclined. Dr. Paton’s international travels are unique adventures, possibly the most memorable segments of the memoir. This is his first non-medical book, but it has received five stars by many reviewers.

Dr. Paton was the first physician to receive The Citizens Medal (President Reagan) and he also has been decorated with the French Legion of Honor (President Mitterand). He has received two honorary degrees for his work creating and serving as medical director of ORBIS.

For more information on Dr. Paton’s book, visit http://www.secondsightbook.com/. You can also visit createspace.com, amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com to purchase a copy.

David Paton
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, November 4, 2011

Diane Lynn Prieur

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Diane Lynne Prieur as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2011.

Diane Lynne Prieur, Teacher and Adjunct Professor at Edsel Ford High School and Henry Ford Community College has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Diane Lynne Prieur’s commitment to excellence in the field of Education.

Prieur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and English from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Bilingual and Bicultural Education from Wayne State University, began teaching in 1991 as a high school teacher of English and English as a Second Language (ESL).

In addition to teaching English and ESL, Prieur also teaches business and technical writing at the university level. Over the years, she has taught American Literature, British Literature, Geography, American History, Research and Analysis and Ninth to Twelfth Grade General and Honors English.

“Teachers have the opportunity to have an incredible impact on young people as they develop skills that will benefit society,” Prieur said. “Teaching is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle.”

With aspirations of continuing teaching at both the high school and college level, Prieur is enthusiastic for the future. Currently, she is an active member of DFT, AFT and NCTE (spell these out). She volunteers with numerous educational programs in third world countries and through her local church, and she also serves as a volunteer bible school teacher. When she isn’t busy teaching or volunteering her time, Diane enjoys playing golf, reading and traveling.

Diane Lynn Prieur
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, October 28, 2011

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