Palm Beach Atlantic University

The Palm Beach Atlantic University community lost a true friend and long-time supporter Monday upon the death of Helen K. Persson. She was 95. “On top of her many accomplishments, it should be noted that Helen Persson made a career of caring,” University President William M. B. Fleming, Jr. said. “She was most gratified when she was sharing her considerable talents and earned treasure to help others succeed.”

More than 80 elementary and middle school students from Palm Beach County are learning about science in a fun and exciting way by participating in Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Science Days camp. In partnership with Staples Foundation, the charitable arm of Staples, Inc., the university hosted students on its main campus and gave them opportunities to enjoy hands-on activities, guided by science-savvy camp counselors and PBA science professors. Each day of camp centered on a specific theme, including rocks, minerals and fossils; the body, nutrition and exercise; the environment; animals; and genetics and forensics.

Arts patron Kenneth Fay had a passion for dance and over his lifetime collected hundreds of photographs that captured the essence of dance in New York City during the late 1960s and early 1970s. A portion of Fay’s extensive collection is now on exhibit in the Tauni De Lesseps Gallery of the Warren Library through August. Thanks to the generosity of PBA Professor of Dance Dr. Kathleen Klein, an acquaintance of the late Kenneth Fay, the collection was donated to University Archives. The exhibit entitled, “Uncovered Gems: Dance Photography from the Golden Era,” features 36 photographs from the collection.

Alumna Katia Martinez has been recognized as a 2013 Beginning Teacher of the Year finalist in Palm Beach County. The Palm Beach County School District and Education Foundation Tuesday partnered to honor first year and mentor teachers. The award distinguishes those teachers whose passion for education motivates them to go above and beyond to inspire their students. Nominated by their principals, the finalists stand out as examples of the excellence within their school and district.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Joseph Kloba recently announced nine faculty promotions.

The City of West Palm Beach will present a roundtable symposium on public comment at city meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Palm Beach Atlantic University's Lassiter Student Center, 900 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. The event is open to the public.

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Palm Beach Atlantic University has announced the recipients of its 2013-2014 Quality Initiative Grants. The grant cycle runs from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014.

Palm Beach Atlantic University President William M.B. Fleming Jr. recently recognized two employees and two students for their efforts to promote community and civic engagement on and off campus.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is developing online versions of two of its popular degree programs for adult students -- a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Provost Dr. Joseph A. Kloba said that an online course format provides working, adult students greater access to further their education while continuing their employment and family obligations. Dr. Kloba noted that the leadership degree would be the first online graduate program to be offered at PBA. Both degree programs are currently offered in the traditional classroom format at Palm Beach Atlantic’s campuses in West Palm Beach and Orlando.