30 Brave Minutes

We are delighted to share with you our most recent podcast episode, "The Evolution of Comics". This episode has something for everyone from the comic book novice to the connoisseur. We are joined by three UNCP faculty members who each have their own professional connection to the world of comics. Dr. Terence Dollard is a Professor in our Mass Communication department as well as the creator of a show called Comic Culture that is showcased on the UNC-TV North Carolina Channel. Dr. Kevin Freeman is an Associate Professor in the Political Science and Public Administration program and is former president of a publisher called Action Lab Comics. Finally, Dr. Robert Epps is the Martha Beach Endowed Professor in our Art Department, and he also works as a freelance color artist. In today’s episode, we cover everything from the process of creating a comic to marvel to cosplay. The first half of the episode serves as an excellent education piece for those who may not be as familiar with the world of comics whereas the second half references content and culture changes that will be especially meaningful to those who are well-versed in the comic world. Enjoy!

In this podcast we discuss some of the advantages of reading and writing collectively. Jessica Collogan, our Dean of the Library, and Dr. Elise Dixon, an Assistant Professor and our Writing Center Director, provide best practices for starting book clubs and writing groups.  In addition, we discuss how technology has changed the way we consume and produce the written word. Follow us on Facebook@UNCPcas [https://www.facebook.com/UNCPcas/] w [http://www.uncp.edu/]ww.uncp.edu [https://www.uncp.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences]

The Performing Arts have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19 in the year 2020. Many theaters have "gone dark" and any performances that do occur are allowed minimal attendance. As a result, our artistic and creative leaders have been forced to adapt and improvise to create meaningful performances and productions in completely new ways. We welcome Sarah Busman, Adjunct flute instructor and principal flute in the Fayetteville Symphony, James Bass, Executive Director of Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC), and Jonathan Drahos, Professor and Director of the UNCP Theatre program to discuss their initiatives in reimagining the performing arts in 2020. Check out the GPAC website [https://www.uncp.edu/resources/givens-performing-arts-center] for the Ghost Light and forthcoming Macbeth productions discussed in the episode. Read the transcript [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qwntvv/Performing_Arts_Transcription9dcfo.pdf]. Follow us on Facebook@UNCPcas [https://www.facebook.com/UNCPcas/] w [http://www.uncp.edu/]ww.uncp.edu [https://www.uncp.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences]

About 150,000 migrant farmworkers and their dependents are in North Carolina during each growing season, yet they are an invisible population to the public eye. This invisibility contributes to their lack of access to appropriate healthcare, education, and social services. In this podcast, we invite Dr. Brooke Kelly, Professor of Sociology, and Dr. Michele Fazio, Professor of English, to discuss their effort to increase the visibility of this population for their students. Through their class, students engage with the farmworkers in their area, find ways to serve them, and write grant proposals to request more resources for this population. One of their students, Jessica Muniz, also joins us to discuss her experience as a student in the course. Read the transcript [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cgwe8u/Migrant_Farm_Workers_transcription.pdf]. Follow us on Facebook@UNCPcas [https://www.facebook.com/UNCPcas/] w [http://www.uncp.edu/]ww.uncp.edu [https://www.uncp.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences]

Returning to campus this fall will be challenging for universities around the country.  Scott Billingsley (Associate Provost) and Annie Angueira (Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities) discuss UNCP's preparations with Richard Gay (Interim Dean, CAS) and Ashley Allen (Interim Associate Dean, CAS). LINK: https://www.uncp.edu/about/update-coronavirus-covid-19 [https://www.uncp.edu/about/update-coronavirus-covid-19] LINK: Bringing Our Braves Back: Roadmap to Fall 2020 [https://indd.adobe.com/view/01e0f494-74aa-47b2-ba92-b4668f3cfb20]. Read the transcript. [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bhd957/Bringing_The_Braves_Back_Safely.pdf] Follow us on Facebook@UNCPcas [https://www.facebook.com/UNCPcas/] w [http://www.uncp.edu/]ww.uncp.edu [https://www.uncp.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences]