This is the 27th in a series of informal profiles of UNCA's many noted faculty scholars. Written by Dr. John Stevens, chief research officer, each of the weekly profiles will highlight the scholarly accomplishments and interests of faculty colleagues. We hope that you will find these profiles of interest as we celebrate the intellectual vigor that is at work on our campus.

Dr. Sophie Mills

Sophie Jan Victoria Mills
Sophie Mills is an Associate Professor of Classics and Chair of the department. Her second book was recently published, "Euripides: Hippolytus," which explores one of Euripides' finest tragedies. Her first book, "Theseus, Tradegy and the Athenian Empire," was published by Oxford University Press. Sophie is currently under contract for her third book, "Euripides: Bacchae." Dr. Mills often spends her summers doing research in the libraries of Great Britain. It is in Britain where she has deep roots, having been born and raised there, in addition to receiving her Ph.D. from Oxford University. Before coming to UNCA in 1994, she was a lecturer at Oxford.

Dr. Mills plans to do research for another book, which will be on Athenian (Greek) Imperialism and Roman Imperialism. She is particularly interested in understanding the national psychic of a world power (nation/empire) which results in imperialism.

-- Dr. John Stevens

THIS WEEK

Monday, May 5
Humanities 124: "Buddhism," Dr. Grant Hardy, 11 a.m., Lipinsky Auditorium

Humanities 214: "Europe in Global Context," Dr. Bill Spellman, 11 a.m., Humanities Lecture Hall

"Lithium Popsicle," a production of the UNCA Playwrights' Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Area 45, 45 Wall St., $2. Questions? Call Dr. David Hopes at 251-6580.

Tuesday, May 6
Computer Center Workshop: Dreamweaver, 10 a.m.-noon, 223 Rhoades/Robinson Hall. Call Cathy Joyner at 251-6445 to register.

"Nunca Máis/Never More: Reflections on Memory, Loss and Community in Northwestern Spain," Drs. Ken Betsalel and Heidi Kelley, noon, Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall

Computer Center Workshop: FrontPage, 3-4:30 p.m., 142 Rhoades/Robinson Hall. Call Cathy Joyner at 251-6445 to register.

Tea Time Talk with sculptor Harry McDaniel, 4 p.m., Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, 11 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville

"Biltmore Mound Archeology: A Village of the Middle Woodland Connestee Culture, 200-500 C.E.," Scott Shumate of Appalachian State University, 7:30 p.m., 237 Owen Hall

Wednesday, May 7
Environmental Issues Facing WNC Lecture Series: "The Role of Conservancies in Protecting Our Natural Heritage," Beth Bockoven of the Nature Conservancy, 4 p.m., 228 Rhoades/Robinson Hall

Applying Philosophy Lecture Series: "And If We Are Not Alone in the Universe -- Philosophical Implications," Dr. Melissa Burchard and John Fishwick, 7:30 p.m., Kellogg Center, 11 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville, $5

Thursday, May 8
Faculty Senate Meeting, 3:15 p.m., Red Oak Room, Ramsey Library

UNCA Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Lab Big Band in concert, 7:30 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, $5

Friday, May 9
Last day of classes

Humanities 414: "The Importance of a Humanities Education," Chancellor Jim Mullen and Board of Trustees member Jim Shields, 11 a.m., Humanities Lecture Hall

Graduating Seniors Picnic, noon, Weizenblatt Woods. Sponsored by the Alumni Association.

College Success Workshop: "Stress Management," Megan Long and Cathy Foister, 12:15 p.m., Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall

Farewell reception honoring Sarah Bumgarner, 3:30-5 p.m., Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall

Spring Ceramics and Art Sale, 4:30-7 p.m., Owen Conference Center

Reading and book signing with Dr. Cheryl McClary, 7 p.m., Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Saturday, May 10
The Human Race, 9 a.m., Karl Straus Track

Spring Ceramics and Art Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Owen Conference Center

Monday, May 12
Finals begin

Final Faculty Meeting, 4 p.m., Humanities Lecture Hall

World Affairs Council Lecture Series: "Jordanian Reform: Overcoming Challenges and Regional Crisis," Jafar A. Hassan of the Embassy of Jordan, 7:30 p.m., Owen Conference Center, $5 (students free with I.D.)

Late Night Exam Breakfast, 8:15-10:45 p.m., Dining Hall. Want to volunteer? Call Rebecca Barraclough at 251-6700.

COMING UP

Frank Rhodes to Deliver Commencement Address May 17
Eminent educational leader Frank Rhodes will give the keynote address at UNCA's commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Rhodes is one of four accomplished individuals who will receive honorary degrees. The others are former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Judge Henry Frye; Yolanda Moses, an acclaimed cultural anthropologist and president of the American Association for Higher Education; and Hugh Morton, regional conservationist and owner of Grandfather Mountain. The four recipients will each be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Commencement will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the Ramsey Library terrace. Some 590 students are expected to graduate.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Employment Opportunities
Click on the Human Resources job opportunities Web site for complete employment information. Questions? Call Joy Thurman at 251-6605.

Energy Tip
Mow as infrequently as possible and when you do mow, set the mower on its highest setting. Cutting grass too short causes stress when the summer heats up, forcing the roots to work harder and to use more water. Questions? Call Lisa Belcher at 232-5031.

Safety Tip
Back pain is second only to the common cold on the list of reasons Americans go to the doctor. Take the following steps to protect your back: maintain proper posture, lift properly, stretch and exercise your back muscles. Questions? Call Reggie Goble at 251-6038.

ART EXHIBITIONS

On view through May 17 at Blowers Gallery, main floor of Ramsey Library: "Simply Southern," photographs by B.A. candidate Jennifer Webster

On view through May 17 at the Center for Craft, Creativity & Design: Student work chosen for Juried UNC Student Sculpture Exhibition

On view through May 20 at University Gallery, first floor of Owen Hall: "Presence," decorative and functional ceramics by Laura Aultman

On view through May 20 at Owen Hall second floor gallery: "A Delicate Balance," ceramic sculpture by B.A. candidate Lillian E. Bolster