Alpha Chi Proceedings Recorder, Vol. 52, No. 2, Fall 2009

Alpha Chi Proceedings Recorder, Vol. 52, No. 2, Fall 2009
Region III Report
Minutes
1. Dr. Gregory A. Clemons (Mars Hill College), president of Region III, called the business meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. on 3
April 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. He introduced the other attending officers of Region III: Dr. June Hobbs (Gardner-
Webb University), vice president, and Dr. Jonathan Thorndike (Belmont University), secretary-treasurer. Dr. Clemons thanked the
Alpha Chi sponsors and students for attending the convention. He asked the students who made presentations or received Nolle or
Benedict scholarships to stand up for recognition.
2. Dr. Clemons announced that Dr. Judy Cheatham (sponsor from Greensboro College and past Region III officer) was elected
to the Alpha Chi National Council as well as David Jones (Westminster College).
3. Dr. Clemons distributed minutes from the 2008 Region III business meeting in Asheville and asked for any corrections or
additions. Dr. Millsaps (vice president of the National Council) noted that the transition towards a single unified Alpha Chi national
convention would not require a revision to the bylaws, as had been stated in the 2008 minutes. The minutes were approved with this
correction.
4. Dr. Thorndike distributed copies of the 2008 financial report and reviewed it. The Region III investment account value
declined by more than $55,000. Due to the economic recession, the 2008 stock market performance was terrible, and the expenses
from hosting the 2008 Region III convention were very high. The account lost 52% of its value compared with a 32% decline in the
Dow Jones Industrial Average for 2008. For several years, the financial advisor advised that the Region III portfolio was too
aggressive and weighted too heavily towards stocks with no diversity in international funds or bond funds. With the approval of the
Executive Officers, Dr. Thorndike accepted the recommendations of the financial advisor and exchanged the mutual funds to achieve
a more balanced and diverse portfolio. The changes had not been made earlier because there was no incentive during a bull market,
but the economic decline brought needed reexaminations and change. Dr. Thorndike advised that due to the precipitous decline in the
account’s value, Region III would not be able to offer generous chapter subsidies for the 2010 convention in Little Rock. The financial
report was approved.
5. Dr. Cheatham and Dr. Millsaps reported on plans for the 2010 convention in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Peabody Hotel.
Region III will assume responsibility for planning some events at the convention such as a panel discussion related to the Clinton
Presidency organized by Dr. Cheatham. There is still some uncertainty about this super-regional format and how the regions will be
integrated into the national structure. Alpha Chi regions will host their own luncheons or dinner meetings. The national office will
increase chapter subsidies to cover costs. Region III would like to maintain some continuity and individual identity since it has been
one of the stronger regions and would like to demonstrate to the organization what we do best.
6. Dr. Clemons announced the name of the $1,000 Region III Scholarship winner: Bethany Brown of Carson-Newman College
for her research essay “Brothers With a King.” Dr. Thorndike will send a letter and check to Bethany Brown.
7. Dr. Clemons recognized the Alpha Chi Region III Chapters winning the “Star Chapter” Awards. A student delegate from
each chapter came forward to receive the certificate for each school. In order to receive the Star Chapter Award, local chapters must
have a minimum of one sponsor and one student delegate attending the convention, a minimum of one student presentation, at least
one Nolle and/ or Benedict scholarship application, sponsorship of at least one scholarly program, new members must be inducted and
registered, and the Annual Chapter Report must be filed with the National Office by September 1. Carson-Newman College, Catawba
College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, Lipscomb University, Methodist University, Milligan College, Roanoke
College, and Strayer University earned this distinction for 2007-08.
8. In New Business, Dr. Floyd Tesmer (Strayer University) moved that Region III recommend that the Alpha Chi national
office adopt an online process for the registration of new students by April of 2010. The motion was discussed along with the
advantages over the present system, which is cumbersome and requires sponsors to gather information at too many points. The motion
passed.
9. Dr. Clemons asked for input on the morale problem at many local chapters and how students might get more active and
involved in Alpha Chi. He asked that chapters consider who might be next year’s student leaders and possible candidates for Region
III Vice President and Student Representative.
10. Dr. Clemons asked that graduating seniors stand up to be recognized, and any students currently accepted into graduate
school could announce their chosen schools. The students named Harvard Divinity, Loyola, University of North Carolina,
Appalachian State, Alabama, Howard, Mercer, and Duke as chosen for their future graduate programs.
11. With no further business, Dr. Clemons adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m.
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Submitted by Jonathan L. Thorndike, Secretary-Treasurer