News Release
For Additional Information, Contact Jim Nelson/Media Relations
(304) 327-4103, jnelson@bluefieldstate.edu

Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter Named
“James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business”
at Bluefield State College

Dr. Debbie Halsey-Hunter (left) has been named Bluefield State College’s “James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business, 2008-2011.”  Dr. Albert Walker (right), BSC President, announced Dr. Halsey-Hunter’s appointment during the College’s recent School of Business awards program.

(Bluefield)—A veteran educator who is very active in civic and professional organizations has been named the “James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business” at Bluefield State College. Dr. Deborah Halsey-Hunter, a former Dean of the School of Business at BSC, succeeds Dr. Steve Bourne as the School's Endowed Chair. Announcement of her appointment was made during the School of Business Awards Program on May 1.

“Dr. Halsey-Hunter has been a member of the Bluefield State College family for 24 years and she is a recipient of the Bluefield State College Foundation's Outstanding Faculty Award,” commented Dr. Albert Walker, BSC President.  “She serves on numerous community and professional organizations, including the Bluefield Rotary Club, Bluefield Sales Executives Club, West Virginia Business Education Association, and Women in Search of Empowerment. She is very deserving of this appointment.” 

“In higher education, being named the endowed chair is certainly among the highest level achievements one could attain during his or her teaching career,” Dr. Halsey-Hunter said.  “The fact that this honor came through the vote of my colleagues makes it very meaningful. Secondly, it truly is a great honor to also follow Dr. Steve Bourne, who was name our first endowed chair, and to continue his accomplishments for the School of Business.”

“Endowed chairs enhance the quality of programs in higher education through the recognition and contributions of the chair holder,” noted Dr. Elaine Scott, Dean/BSC School of Business. “The position is among the highest and most prestigious appointments in academe, and endowed chairs honor significant scholarly or creative achievement and academic excellence.”

“For the next three years, I will continue endeavors to promote the business students and the School of Business,” Dr. Halsey-Hunter commented when accepting the appointment.”  The James H. Shott Endowed Chair in Business was established in 1997.

May 5, 2008