Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, associate professor of political science and history at Catawba College, recently delivered a public presentation on the 2008 election and the television show, “The Simpsons,” at the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center.
Bitzer also was a guest lecturer for a criminal law class and spoke on “Cinematic Crime: Using the Movies to Explore Law, Crime and Justice.”Bitzer discussed the role of presidential elections, politics and popular culture in his presentation. A frequent commentator on Southern politics and campaigns and elections, Bitzer joined Catawba College in 2002, where he serves as dean of admissions. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Erskine College, a master of arts degree in history from Clemson University and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, where he was selected as one of five “Excellence in Teaching” award winners for 2002.
Music school honor
For the second year in a row, Catawba College has been named one of the nation’s best music schools by “In Tune Monthly.”
Catawba was one of only 38 institutions included in the magazine’s listing of The Best Music Schools of 2009. The magazine cited Catawba for its focus on music and business and “its emphasis on contemporary music.” Noting Catawba’s is one of the fastest-growing music programs in the country, the magazine pointed out the college’s development of the Young Guns Teen National Online Battle of the Bands and Songwriting Contest, which “In Tune Monthly” also sponsors.
Catawba’s Music Department offers a bachelor of arts degree in music performance, sacred music, music education and music business.
RCCC training
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will provide training to North Carolina state agencies to help lower-income citizens save energy and reduce their energy expenses.
The N.C. Division of Health and Human Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity has asked that more than 30 state agencies be trained to provide services of the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program. The program assists low-income citizens by conducting home energy audits and diagnostic testing to determine levels of carbon monoxide and identify and recommend health, safety and heating-air conditioning efficiency improvements. Heating and air conditioning systems which are inoperable, highly inefficient or pose a health threat are repaired or replaced by the program.
Faculty members from RCCC will provide two, week-long training sessions in January and July 2009 at the college’s Cabarrus Business & Technology Center in Concord. The sessions will focus on the mechanics and design of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.