On May 1, ACU's Center for Building Community launched "The Middle Cities Monitor," an online journal that chronicles the happenings in America's four- and five-figure population cities.
"All of these places are more than cities—they are communities; places where people not only work but live, where families grow and friendships are built," said Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of ACU and executive director of the Center for Building Community. "Every day in America, people are building community."
The weekly journal will survey journals, newspapers and online sources and report on news-making events from these cities across the nation. News stories, featured events, economic information and other related news from these small cities will be included.
"Whether it's the people, the passions, the politics or the progress of the Middle Cities, we're interested in it," said McCaleb.
In 2007 Money Magazine's "Top 10 Best Places to Live," all were cities with four- and five-figure populations. Approximately 180 cities are referred to as mid-size, and include Asheville, Athens, Boise, Charlottesville and Chattanooga.
It makes sense for this new publication to be developed and managed by ACU's Center for Building Community. The purpose of the Center, founded by McCaleb in 1994, is to propose solutions to the crises of community that exist at all levels of society.
The Center provides an interdisciplinary program, develops educational experiences, operates a Distinguished Speaker on Community Series, promotes world community understanding, researches and reports about rebuilding communities and promotes volunteerism, said McCaleb.
"We are also very excited about Kasey Pipes coming onboard as managing editor," said McCaleb. "With Kasey's background and expertise in government and journalism, he is a perfect fit for providing leadership with this journal, as well as bringing his personal expertise to other areas of our work in the Center for Building Community.
Pipes was honored as ACU's Alumnus of the Year in 2006. After graduating with bachelor's degrees in communication and political science, Pipes began his career in Washington on the staff of Rep. Kay Granger. In 1999, Pipes left to join George W. Bush's campaign staff, where he served as speechwriter for the president and first lady, as well as the associate director of the Office of Strategic Initiative. In 2006, he became chief speechwriter for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election campaign in California.
In March 2007, Pipes released a biography of President Dwight Eisenhower titled Ike's Final Battle.
For more information about "Middle Cities Monitor," visit http://midcitymonitor.blogspot.com or contact Dr. Gary McCaleb at 325.674.2156 or mccalebg@acu.edu.
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