Here's what you missed over summer break
The fountain in front of the Higginbotham Administration Building is undergoing renovations. Photo by Tyler Puckett.
Campus Renovations
Students with a keen eye may have noticed the fountain in front of the Higginbotham Administration Building has gone missing. In an email to faculty, Vice President for Operations Cole Strong said, “Sigma Nu Sigma is partnering with the university to upgrade the fountain and surrounding plaza as part of their 50th anniversary.” Over the next couple of months, work will continue to enhance the fountain and plaza on the front campus lawn.
Other campus renovations include the addition of a raised crosswalk on 8th Street, connecting the Forum and Pedestrian Mall behind Sharp/Davis. The Conn Center and Sharp/Davis parking lot has also been fully repaved.
Photo by Tyler Puckett.
New Places to Eat
Just three blocks from the north end of campus, Kang’s Boba House has opened its doors with a selection of bubble tea and traditional ramen dishes.
Further from campus, development has continued on Paul Huff Corners. According to the City of Cleveland, the completed shopping center will feature several chain restaurants, including McAlister’s Deli, Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
A drone video taken in June shows the work in progress.
Photo by Tyler Puckett.
New Hands Free Law Takes Effect
Out-of-state students driving back to campus should take note of the new Tennessee Hands Free law that went into effect July 1. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, it is now illegal for drivers to “hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body.” This includes reading or sending texts, watching videos, and taking photos.
The law aims to curb the over 24,000 distracted driving crashes that occur each year in Tennessee. A study cited by the Hands Free campaign lists Tennessee as “having the highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the nation – nearly five times the national average.”
As the name implies, hands-free devices such as a Bluetooth earpiece are still permitted for conducting phone calls. Other exceptions include making calls during an emergency. For more information, visit the Hands Free Tennessee website.
Faculty Promotions
The Lee University Board of Directors has awarded a promotion in rank to 16 faculty members.
Dr. Mike Iosia, Dr. Sherry Kasper, Dr. Heather Quagliana, Dr. Lisa Stephenson and Dr. Christine Williams were promoted from associate professors to professors.
Dr. Drew Bledsoe, Dr. Ben Christmann, Dr. John Hearn, Dr. Bryan Poole, Dr. Delia Price, Dr. Jason Robinson and Dr. Ana Alves Shippey were promoted from assistant professors to associate professors.
Catherine Mantooth was promoted from senior lecturer to assistant professor.
Amy Blake, Jennifer Cornett and Pamela Hobbs were promoted from lecturer to associate lecturer.
Whirlpool Factory Demolition
Rubble is still being cleared from the Plant 2 facility’s demolition. Photo by Tyler Puckett.
As first reported by the Cleveland Daily Banner in March, demolition has been underway this summer for an empty manufacturing plant owned by Whirlpool. Located directly across from the Old Woolen Mill, the Plant 2 facility is over 100 years old.
The demolition marks a continuation of Cleveland’s downtown revitalization efforts. Coordination between Whirlpool and the city had been underway since 2012, when Whirlpool moved its operations to a new facility in northeast Cleveland.
