Hi everyone, my name is John Cook, and I've been working at Granite State College since 2000. I first began as the Research and Evaluation Coordinator at the Education and Training Partnership, our collaboration with the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families. For eight years I had the opportunity to research the impact of our training programs and foster parent classes. I was incredibly lucky to do this work, AND to discover just how valuable our continuing education offerings are to foster care in New Hampshire: this partnership is truly a national model.
I now work as an Assistant Dean of Faculty, and it is quite a privilege to work with such dedicated, talented and unique individuals teaching Social Science, Math, and Communications, to name a few disciplines. Starting in 2008, I began teaching our Research Methods course, and I also teach Educational Psychology for Granite State.
I grew up in Central New York, and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Anthropology at St. Lawrence University. I had the opportunity to do a semester abroad in Kenya my junior year, and it was a transformative experience. For my month-long internship, I lived in Tsavo East National Park and explored community conservation efforts. After graduating, I attended UMass Lowell, and completed a Masters degree in Community/Social Psychology, where my thesis examined the social impact of sports stadiums on youth. I continue to embrace lifelong learning, and I am a Ph.D. student in Education at the University of New Hampshire, and I remain particularly interested in community engagement by colleges and universities.
A recent note from the US Department of Labor finds that employment for medical and health care managers is expected to rise faster than average. Looking around the landscape of New Hampshire and other states, the outlook for jobs is very promising in this area. But what about preparation for those individuals seeking to work in the field of health care management? Good news now that Granite State College, the institution within the University System of New Hampshire that focuses on adult students, has launched our B.S. degree in Health Care Management.
I'm particularly excited for students enrolling in the Health Care Management degree because of the fantastic faculty that will be teaching in the program. For example, Catherine DiPentima who holds both an M.B.A. and a Nursing degree, offers practical and applied knowledge that is so well suited for adult students.
I'm particularly excited for students enrolling in the Health Care Management degree because of the fantastic faculty that will be teaching in the program. For example, Catherine DiPentima who holds both an M.B.A. and a Nursing degree, offers practical and applied knowledge that is so well suited for adult students.
I wanted to share news about a recent addition to the faculty ranks at the Portsmouth NH college campus here at Granite State College. Teaching two courses this coming Winter Term will be Dr. Rachel Rogers. Rachel holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and will be teaching the following Portsmouth courses:
PSY 609, Cognition and Learning on Monday evenings
PSY 608, Social Psychology on Tuesday evenings
Granite State College is thrilled to have Rachel's talent in our classrooms, and as she notes: "My primary goal for teaching is that the students will be excited about learning and about how the things they learn in class can inform and be applied to other aspects of their lives."
Granite State: Portsmouth NH College Students
PSY 609, Cognition and Learning on Monday evenings
PSY 608, Social Psychology on Tuesday evenings
Granite State College is thrilled to have Rachel's talent in our classrooms, and as she notes: "My primary goal for teaching is that the students will be excited about learning and about how the things they learn in class can inform and be applied to other aspects of their lives."
Granite State: Portsmouth NH College Students
Granite State College is pleased to share the details of our most recent degree. Offered locally, conveniently, and in the manner that best suits the needs of adult students, our Bachelors degree in Health Care Management can complement coursework already taken, and will prepare students for a field that we know is growing and in need of talented administrators.
For those wanting a running start this coming Winter Term, there is one course and Instructor in particular that I would like to highlight. Kim Gibson will be teaching MGMT 518, Human Resource Administration, on Monday evenings at the GSC-Rochester campus. As you can see from her online bio, Kim is very talented, and I also know she is incredibly energetic. Kim will provide an essential perspective for students who will eventually work in the field of health care.
Related. . .I found information on this website fascinating. . .
For those wanting a running start this coming Winter Term, there is one course and Instructor in particular that I would like to highlight. Kim Gibson will be teaching MGMT 518, Human Resource Administration, on Monday evenings at the GSC-Rochester campus. As you can see from her online bio, Kim is very talented, and I also know she is incredibly energetic. Kim will provide an essential perspective for students who will eventually work in the field of health care.
Related. . .I found information on this website fascinating. . .
At the invitation of our GSC-Portsmouth POL 550 (American Government) class, and the Instructor, Stacey Bellabona, J.D., I’m pleased to confirm that US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, will be visiting GSC-Rochester on Thursday, 10/21 at 2:00pm. This educational forum is open to faculty, staff, alumni and students from the GSC community.
It takes a lot to garner the attention of US News & World Report, which makes the mention of our New Hampshire State College all the more noticeable. It appears that work on the part of the New Hampshire University System to offer adult college courses and degrees has garnered the attention of this magazine. Select this link - you'll find that Granite State College has the tenth highest percentage of students over the age of 25. Whether it is our adult online degrees, our weekend college classes, or unique programming like our courses out on the Isles of Shoals, it is clear that individuals already working or raising families are seeking out our affordable Bachelor Degrees.
More photos (Day 3) from the Granite State College Science class on Star Island:
Exploring the marine gardens on Star:
Sonya Sherman displays some intertidal finds:
Exploring the marine gardens on Star:
Sonya Sherman displays some intertidal finds:
More photos (Day 3) from the Granite State College Creativity class out on Star Island:
The Armada:
Preparing to row over to Smuttynose Island:
The class on Smuttynose:
View from Smuttynose to Star Island:
The Armada:
Preparing to row over to Smuttynose Island:
The class on Smuttynose:
View from Smuttynose to Star Island:
Our wonderful New Hampshire State College is a well known provider of adult education programs. Highlighting this fact, is a fascinating pair of students from Farmington, NH attending our Creativity class this week on Star Island. Mother and Daughter, Theresa and Heather Mills, are pursuing degrees simultaneously at Granite State College. Theresa is working toward a Bachelors of Arts in Individualized Studies, and Heather an Associates of Arts in General Studies. Word has it that yet another Mills daughter will be joining the Granite State College family soon!
(L-R: Theresa & Heathers Mills)
A view of Gosport Harbor from the porch of the Oceanic on Star Island:
(L-R: Theresa & Heathers Mills)
A view of Gosport Harbor from the porch of the Oceanic on Star Island:
Our wonderful college for adult learners offers a particularly unique educational experience on the seacoast. Each year, Granite State College holds two courses out on the NH Isles of Shoals. Students stay on Star Island, and I thought it would be exciting to post photos from each of the days we are on-island. Despite the Hurricane over the weekend, we are enjoying incredible weather:
Leaving the harbor in Portsmouth, NH:
Smiling faces (Claude Caswell & Carrie Gendreau) as we arrive at Star Island:
An iconic image:
Leaving the harbor in Portsmouth, NH:
Smiling faces (Claude Caswell & Carrie Gendreau) as we arrive at Star Island:
An iconic image:
Are you curious to know more about Granite State College faculty? Follow this link to an example of the unique individuals who teach for this wonderful adult-focused institution of higher education.
John Gianforte built an observatory near his home, and brings enthusiasm and insight to the courses he teaches at our NH State College. This "Sky Guy" is teaching Introduction to Astronomy (SCI 512) this Fall at our Rochester NH college campus.
I can't say enough about the classes for Early Childhood Education that we offer at Granite State College. Not only is this Bachelors Degree available in the form of evening college classes or online classes focused on adults, we have such wonderful Faculty as well. I'm thinking for example of Catherine Yeaton, who is currently teaching EDU 553, Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education, which we are offering this Summer at our Rochester NH College. Catherine runs the well-know Building Blocks School - located in southern New Hampshire.
But here is the key detail that might surprise working childcare professionals looking for career advancement programs: Granite State College has a program that will jump start your Early Childhood Degree. If you are employed at least 20 hours a week in a NH licensed or license-exempt child care center or family child care program, GSC will pay for half the costs of your first class, or even the full cost, depending on the class. Click this link for details.
Let me be specific about Fall Term, because registration is open right now. Here are two classes that you can sign up for using the ECE Tuition Assistance Program:
PSY 508, Child Development, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Tuesday nights, starting Sept. 14th)
EDU 601, Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood Education, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Monday nights, starting Sept. 13th)
You do NOT need to be enrolled in a degree program to take these courses - but if you ARE interested in career advancement education, give us a call (603.332.8335) or register online.
But here is the key detail that might surprise working childcare professionals looking for career advancement programs: Granite State College has a program that will jump start your Early Childhood Degree. If you are employed at least 20 hours a week in a NH licensed or license-exempt child care center or family child care program, GSC will pay for half the costs of your first class, or even the full cost, depending on the class. Click this link for details.
Let me be specific about Fall Term, because registration is open right now. Here are two classes that you can sign up for using the ECE Tuition Assistance Program:
PSY 508, Child Development, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Tuesday nights, starting Sept. 14th)
EDU 601, Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood Education, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Monday nights, starting Sept. 13th)
You do NOT need to be enrolled in a degree program to take these courses - but if you ARE interested in career advancement education, give us a call (603.332.8335) or register online.
How exciting for Granite State College - Rick Agran, one of our Creative Writing Faculty, will have a poem featured on the The Writer's Almanac.
It is now official! - as this article in the Granite State Sentinel (Somersworth/Dover) announces, Granite State is moving our NH State College in Rochester to a new campus location.
The new address will be 35E Industrial Way, and locals know this facility as the former Cabletron building. For both faculty and students, to say that I/we are thrilled would be an understatement. This new Rochester NH College is much larger and will have substantial upgrades in classroom technology. I also expect that students will enjoy the campus feel - outside the building offers opportunities to walk around and soak up the greenspace.
For those interested, here is a sneak-peak at key Fall Term 2010 course offerings in Rochester:
Daytime Courses! (Look for our flyer and speak with an Advisor)
HIS 602, History of New England (we anticipate off-campus historical site visits)
ARTS 503, Introduction to Watercolor (to be held in our new lab classroom)
SOSC 644, Families At Risk (A special topics course with beloved Instructor, Molly Connelly)
MGMT 500, Principles of Management (kick off your Business/Management Degree)
PSY 509, Human Development (kick off your Behavioral Science Degree)
ENG 500, The Writing Process
(do you need adult college classes that fit your schedule? This course will be a "hybrid" that mixes face-to-face with online instruction)
The new address will be 35E Industrial Way, and locals know this facility as the former Cabletron building. For both faculty and students, to say that I/we are thrilled would be an understatement. This new Rochester NH College is much larger and will have substantial upgrades in classroom technology. I also expect that students will enjoy the campus feel - outside the building offers opportunities to walk around and soak up the greenspace.
For those interested, here is a sneak-peak at key Fall Term 2010 course offerings in Rochester:
Daytime Courses! (Look for our flyer and speak with an Advisor)
HIS 602, History of New England (we anticipate off-campus historical site visits)
ARTS 503, Introduction to Watercolor (to be held in our new lab classroom)
SOSC 644, Families At Risk (A special topics course with beloved Instructor, Molly Connelly)
MGMT 500, Principles of Management (kick off your Business/Management Degree)
PSY 509, Human Development (kick off your Behavioral Science Degree)
ENG 500, The Writing Process
(do you need adult college classes that fit your schedule? This course will be a "hybrid" that mixes face-to-face with online instruction)
This term at our Portsmouth NH College, we are offering a course entitled "Law and Society." This is one of our evening college classes, and for Granite State students, often adults, there is a great deal of relevance with this subject matter. Consider for a moment the impact of legislation and laws on all of our lives.
We have the great fortune to have Stacey Bellabona, Esq. teaching this course for us. Stacey draws from a wide variety of experiences as a practicing attorney and former NH Supreme Court clerk. She offers students a practical, hands-on, and applied perspective on Law and Society. . .and to that point, she recently had a guest from her law firm visit class. I can only imagine the wonderful and enlightened conversation that occured this week with William "Bill" Shaheen, Esq, a seacoast attorney with 35+ years of experience which includes serving as the City Attorney for Somersworth, US Attorney for the State of New Hampshire, and a NH District Court Judge.
As the New Hampshire State College with a mission of access and service to communities, we live, work, teach and learn in our communities - so it is nice when community comes to our classrooms!
L - R: Stacey Bellabona, Bill Shaheen
We have the great fortune to have Stacey Bellabona, Esq. teaching this course for us. Stacey draws from a wide variety of experiences as a practicing attorney and former NH Supreme Court clerk. She offers students a practical, hands-on, and applied perspective on Law and Society. . .and to that point, she recently had a guest from her law firm visit class. I can only imagine the wonderful and enlightened conversation that occured this week with William "Bill" Shaheen, Esq, a seacoast attorney with 35+ years of experience which includes serving as the City Attorney for Somersworth, US Attorney for the State of New Hampshire, and a NH District Court Judge.
As the New Hampshire State College with a mission of access and service to communities, we live, work, teach and learn in our communities - so it is nice when community comes to our classrooms!
L - R: Stacey Bellabona, Bill Shaheen
We have wonderful news to share specific to our Rochester NH College: GSC is the underwriter for "If These Rocks Could Talk: Stories of the Granite State" which is an upcoming exhibition by Art Esprit in Rochester, NH. This public art project will run from early June through October, and while early, I'm hopeful that there will be unique teaching and learning opportunities for our students.
Fosters had a wonderful article this weekend about teaching and learning at our Rochester and Portsmouth campuses. Click here for the link.
This perspective really captures our NH State College, and what adult college education entails.
This perspective really captures our NH State College, and what adult college education entails.
If you click here, you will link to an insightful article that involves one of our Faculty members - Christine Schadler. Chris is teaching Natural History of Northern New England at our Portsmouth campus this Spring. As you will learn from this article, she is a very passionate person, and I have no doubt that students will enjoy their time in the class, and on their field trips.
What wonderful news for Granite State faculty and students alike.
We learned that Dr. Todd Leach will be our next College President. I had a chance to hear from Dr. Leach when he visited two of our campuses - I am confident he will offer vision and leadership with respect to evening college classes, online classes for adults, part time classes, and perhaps most importantly, affordable Bachelor degree programs.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Leach to our wonderful NH State College.
We learned that Dr. Todd Leach will be our next College President. I had a chance to hear from Dr. Leach when he visited two of our campuses - I am confident he will offer vision and leadership with respect to evening college classes, online classes for adults, part time classes, and perhaps most importantly, affordable Bachelor degree programs.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Leach to our wonderful NH State College.
This week marked the end of Winter Term classes at Granite State College. That means no more weekend college classes, online classes or evening college classes (at least for a couple of weeks). What did I do with my free time? I hiked up to Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington this Saturday, and did some spring skiing. A person mentioned to me that "there are days you don't go to Tuckerman Ravine; there are days you do go; and there is THE day to ski Tucks." I think it is safe to say that this was THE day this spring to motivate up to this unique place in New Hampshire. What an amazing day!
Pics below. . .but don't forget, you still have time to register for Spring classes at our Rochester NH College and Portsmouth NH College. I should also probably mention that you can take classes at our Conway NH College. . .which is only 20 minutes down the road from where I started my hike!!
Pics below. . .but don't forget, you still have time to register for Spring classes at our Rochester NH College and Portsmouth NH College. I should also probably mention that you can take classes at our Conway NH College. . .which is only 20 minutes down the road from where I started my hike!!
What a weekend to be outside!
It was quite the treat this Saturday - I was able to join a field trip with our Enviromental Heritage class in Maine. The course is offered out of our Rochester NH College, but it also includes some time outdoors.
The course is being taught by Dan Gardoqui, and it is safe to say that he is truly a Master-Teacher. As Executive Director of White Pine Programs based in Cape Neddick Maine, Dan supplies a tremendous amount of passion, knowledge and experience in his teaching with Granite State students. He is well-known for field components in his courses - frankly, it is an aspect sought out by students. For adult college students, or students of any age, learning doesn't get any better than being outside, being active, and having a Master like Dan making science accessible.
We started our day atop Mt. Agamenticus, and ended up at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. It seems clear that potentially abstract notions about conservation, our environment, and public policy, are transformed during class time spent in this manner. As I have written before, the New Hampshire University System through Granite State, offers such a wealth of experienes for students. Be they online classes, weekend college classes, or classes that get students outdoors, it is thrilling to offer such a range of educational experiences.
Pics below!
View from atop Mt. Agamenticus (York, ME):
Inside the Wells National Esturaine Research Reserve (Wells, ME):
It was quite the treat this Saturday - I was able to join a field trip with our Enviromental Heritage class in Maine. The course is offered out of our Rochester NH College, but it also includes some time outdoors.
The course is being taught by Dan Gardoqui, and it is safe to say that he is truly a Master-Teacher. As Executive Director of White Pine Programs based in Cape Neddick Maine, Dan supplies a tremendous amount of passion, knowledge and experience in his teaching with Granite State students. He is well-known for field components in his courses - frankly, it is an aspect sought out by students. For adult college students, or students of any age, learning doesn't get any better than being outside, being active, and having a Master like Dan making science accessible.
We started our day atop Mt. Agamenticus, and ended up at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. It seems clear that potentially abstract notions about conservation, our environment, and public policy, are transformed during class time spent in this manner. As I have written before, the New Hampshire University System through Granite State, offers such a wealth of experienes for students. Be they online classes, weekend college classes, or classes that get students outdoors, it is thrilling to offer such a range of educational experiences.
Pics below!
View from atop Mt. Agamenticus (York, ME):
Inside the Wells National Esturaine Research Reserve (Wells, ME):
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