Classroom briefs - The Republic News

Sims

Sims named assistant nursing dean

Indiana University Columbus recently welcomed Caroline Sims, Ph.D., as assistant dean for the Indiana University School of Nursing at IU Columbus.

Sims brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing leadership, with previous roles at Columbus Regional Health, Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana and Thrive Alliance. She earned a doctorate in nursing systems and master of science in nursing administration from Indiana University. In addition, Sims has served as an adjunct faculty member for 11 years, teaching nursing management and leadership at IU School of Nursing.

“I’m very excited about this new role,” Sims said. “The nursing program at IU Columbus is small but mighty, and it’s an honor to help it grow and innovate. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to supporting our fantastic faculty and students who are out there every day making an impact in our community and the surrounding areas.”

Sims is also enthusiastic about her role in transitioning the IU Columbus nursing program to the Indiana University School of Nursing. This shift will affect current freshmen and future students starting in Fall 2025, who will be fully integrated into the IU School of Nursing at IU Columbus. Junior and senior students will graduate as part of the existing IU Columbus nursing program.

“Our plans to join the IU School of Nursing really enhance our program with greater resources, a higher level of development, and a stellar reputation,” Sims said. “It’s really exciting to be able to offer this level of comprehensive nursing education in Columbus.”

Pacers open scholarship applications

INDIANAPOLIS – The Pacers Foundation is accepting applications for the David Benner Memorial Scholarship, which seeks to strengthen the journalism profession by supporting students pursuing degrees in the field. The scholarship is named for long-time Pacers public relations director David Benner, one of the NBA’s most respected and beloved public relations professionals who died in 2023.

“From his days as a copy boy at the Indianapolis Star, to his coverage of some of Indiana’s most coveted sports beats, and then to his long-term role as media relations director for the Indiana Pacers, where he and his team were recognized by their peers as the NBA’s best, David Benner personified excellence, professionalism, and dedication,” said Bill Benner, brother of David Benner. “That his name and reputation will be carried forward by this Pacers Foundation scholarship and the students who benefit is a wonderful tribute to his exemplary career.”

The Pacers Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the Indy Star, and David’s family and friends established the annual scholarship to support undergraduate students aspiring to careers journalism, radio, TV & digital broadcasting, and other related disciplines. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an Indiana four-year or two-year college or university, and the application can be found at pacersfoundation.org/david-benner-memorial-scholarship.

Benner, a life-long Hoosier, played a prominent role in the chronicling of sports in his home state for nearly a half-century. He began his career as a sportswriter covering the Pacers, Notre Dame football, and Indiana University basketball for the Indianapolis Star, and later joined the Pacers’ staff in 1994.

During his 28 years with the Pacers, Benner earned the admiration of public relations professionals, reporters, executives, and players here in Indiana and across the country. He and his Pacers public relations staff were twice awarded the Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award, presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to the NBA’s top media relations staff.

FFA honors Hauser students

INDIANAPOLIS – Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year over 4,800 American Degrees were awarded.

Brady McNealy, Gracie Harker, and Landon Harker are members of the Hope FFA chapter in Hope, and were all awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1 percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

After being recognized at the national convention, each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.