BVU hosted area K-12 teachers for a workshop focused on teaching Iowa Core standards using Middle Eastern artifacts from the Keith Carter Collection, featuring cultural artifacts from Middle Eastern countries.

In "Running, Reading, and Reflecting," students are motivated to fit physical activity into their busy lives. They keep track of their progress with a daily journal and exercise log to use as the basis for a reflection paper.

Buena Vista University has named Dr. Barbara Byrne as its interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. She began her duties on Monday, Jan. 12 and will serve in the position through the 2015-16 academic year.

Stephanie Steiner has spent January Interim as an intern for Style-Architects in Minneapolis, Minn. She has contributed to a variety of projects, such as styling and photographing images for social media and writing copy for blog posts.

Dr. Bethany Larson's interim course "Devising Theatre" is like no other theatre course at BVU. All students in the course participate on stage or backstage as they prepare for the opening night of an original production.

"Storytelling With Walt Disney" takes a look inside the world of Disney theme parks and cruises. Students go "backstage" to see how attractions really work and visit with Disney cast members, historians and authors.

During January, there are also opportunities to get involved with intramural sports. Students can participate in basketball and wiffle ball sports leagues, with women's, men's, and co-recreational leagues.

Students in "Introduction to Pharmacology" are learning about basic pathophysiology and discussing how medications treat a variety of diseases. The experience also involves studying the effects of pharmacological agents on cell viability and function.

BVU students experience the geography and culture of Ecuador during the "Spanish Immersion" travel experience in January. Students and faculty visit historic and cultural sites and volunteer in the community.

Samantha Knudsen shows off her stylish airplane hat during her January internship at RIM Enterprises in Cedar Rapids. The company is a full service aircraft parts supplier.

Standard & Poor's has affirmed its 'A' long-term rating and stable outlook for Buena Vista University. BVU has received an 'A' rating for the last 13 years, and it puts the University in the top-tier of Iowa private colleges.

Students practice basic lab documentation procedures while enjoying food prepared during a grilling contest. The contest is part of "The Chemistry of Food," where students learn the chemistry behind how food is prepared.

Buena Vista University recently received grants from Buena Vista County Community Foundation and AEDGrant.com to upgrade the automated external defibrillator devices available on campus.

BVU's 2015 Global Fellows are experiencing the culture and geography of Chile. The group has learned about scientific efforts to preserve pristine lands, and is now experiencing the vast culture of the country.

Students in Dr. Jo Bachman's interim course are learning the 17 basic movements of Ching Chi Kung Fu, while exploring the belief system behind the Tao and the ancient Chinese healing system.