MTSU News Summary for March 2001

  NATIONAL NEWS


Liberal Arts
C-Span covered the William and Westy Windham Lecture Series, with guest speaker Jimmy Faulkner, grandson of William Faulkner, and moderated by Dr. Robert Bray, English.


Mass Communication
Of the 622Tennessee residents surveyed for the MT Poll, 44% of them want more gun control while another 37% think government has passed too many laws interfering with gun control rights, reported the USA Today.
Dr. Bob Wyatt, Journalism, was quoted in the USAToday concerning population growth in Tennessee cities, citing results from Census 2000.

Student Affairs
Doris L. McLaren was recently awarded a $5,000 Delta Air Lines scholarship to continue her study in aviation maintenance at MTSU, PR Newswire announced.

General Interest
The New York Times stated it is no accident that former vice-president Al Gore chose to begin his teaching career in Tennessee in order to mend political fences.



METROPOLITAN NEWS

Administration
Vanderbilt University chancellor Gordon Gee invited interim President Dr. R. Eugene Smith, along with 19 other presidents, to a meeting focusing on methods to assist the public school system in preparing students for college, The Tennessean reported.
Dr. Barbara Haskew, provost of Academic Affairs, Dr. Reuben Kyle, Economics and Finance, and Marvin Runyon, Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence, were on Channel 5+’s "Open Line" to discuss the probability of an energy crisis in Tennessee.
Dr. Robert Glenn, Vice-President of Student Affairs, discussed MTSU’s on-campus alcohol policy with WMOT-FM.
The Associated Press announced the Presidential Search Advisory Committee has narrowed the list of 27 candidates to 12.

Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Preston McDougall, Chemistry, was quoted in Computer Graphics World regarding molecular visualization.
Faculty senate president and engineering professor, Dr. Kathy Mathis discussed the narrowing of the MTSU presidential candidate list down to 12 with WLAC-FM.
Page 3 (Metro, Basic and Applied Sciences, con’t.)

Mathis was also interviewed on WMOT-FM regarding her participation in aiding the communities of South Africa.
Dr. Kevin Downs, Agribusiness and Agriscience, explained why an outbreak of "mad cow disease" is unlikely to occur in the United States on WMOT-FM.
In a separate WMOT-FM interview, Downs addressed the seriousness of "foot and mouth" disease that poses a threat to livestock in Europe, and the precautions being taken in America to avoid a outbreak here.
Pam Holder, director of the School of Nursing, discussed the nation’s demand for nurses as areas of the practice expand with WMOT-FM.
In a WMOT-FM interview, Dr. Eric Klumpe, Physics and Astronomy, explained proposed solutions to a discovery that the sun’s heat will increase on Earth by 11 percent over the next 1.1 billion years, killing all life.

Business
Dr. Tim Graeff, Management and Marketing, discussed the results of an economic survey conducted by the Consumer Market Research Center, reported The Tennessean.
The Nashville Business Journal announced the upcoming SpringLeadership Lecture series featuring Marvin Runyon and sponsored by the College of Business and the Division of Continuing Studies and Public Service.
Jody Hoff, Boise State University, discussed the curriculum she designed for the Economic Summit on WMOT-FM.
Maria Edlin, assistant director of the MTSU Center for Economic Education, explained the programs implemented to inspire and enhance education for students with WMOT-FM.
Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, told WMOT-FM an increase in the number of checks written during February is proof the nation wasn’t in a recession.
Ford was quoted in The Tennessean regarding the likelihood the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates before its next meeting.
Dr. Al DePrince, Jr., director of the Business and Economic Research Center, was quoted in The Tennessean about the increase in the unemployment rate.
The City Paper featured several commentaries written by Horace Johns, Accounting, entitled: "Tennessee’s higher education scores," "Report cards add value – use them," "Time to compromise with Electoral College," and "Brother, can you spare some ethics ?"

Page 4

Education and Behavioral Science
Twenty-two senior elementary education majors will join the turf-care management team at Heritage Golf Course to begin a new program that will increase aspiring teachers’ knowledge of environmental science, reported The Tennessean.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Janet Colson, Human Sciences, about whether or not soft drink and snack machines should be banned from elementary and middle schools.
The City Paper interviewed Dr. Joyce Harrison, Human Sciences, regarding the challenges long-distance families face, often due to economics.

Liberal Arts
Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology & Anthropology, was interviewed by WSM-FM concerning suicide.
Stacey Borasky, Social Work, was interviewed by WTVF-TV Channel 5 regarding the degrading of students in the classroom by teachers. Students were also interviewed.
Dr. Janet Belsky, Psychology, appeared on WTVF-TV Channel 5+’s "Morning Line" to discuss job opportunities for senior citizens. Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, also appeared on "Morning Line."
Dr. Jackie Eller, Sociology & Anthropology, spoke with WMOT-FM concerning the Women’s Conference, "Women in Power: Engendering Risk."
WMOT-FM and TRN interviewed Dr. Elyce Helford, English professor and director of Women’s Studies, regarding the "Women in Power" conference.
Dr. Pat Nation, Sociology and Anthropology, encouraged companies to seek closer relationships with employees to help decrease the risk of workplace rage as layoffs increase in a WMOT-FM interview.
Dr. Lon Nuell, Art, was quoted in The Tennessean regarding his involvement in Cumberland Region Tomorrow, an organization that provides suggestions for improvement in a 10-county region.
The Topeka Capital Journal announced the Jazz Ensemble would perform at the University of Kansas Jazz Festival.
Editor of the Tennessee Williams Annual Review, Dr. Robert Bray, English, included Williams’ final unpublished one-act play, "The Only Exception," in the third edition of the review, reported The City Paper.
Don Aliquo, Music, was mentioned in The City Paper about local jazz players.
Psychology professor Dr. Gloria Hamilton explained that employees with a high degree of responsibility and low control suffer with high stress, in the City Paper.

Page 5 (Metro., Liberal Arts, con’t.)

The School of Music will present Emily Dickinson in song as part of the Renaissance Center Recitals in the Rotunda Series, announced The City Paper.
In a WMOT-FM interview, Bobby Shew discussed his performance at the Jazz Festival and his teaching efforts in the area of music.
A Barn Gallery exhibit titled, "Lightscapes: Gardens Beneath the Sea," was announced in The Tennessean and The City Paper.
The Tennessean also mentioned the latest exhibit in the Baldwin Photographic Gallery titled, "Ireland: Different Views."
Dana Landry, Music, was recognized by WMOT-FM for the MTSU Jazz Artists Series.

Mass Communication
The Tennessean, WMOT-FM, and AP published the spring 2001 MT Poll results.
Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, discussed survival methods for the XFL football league with WTN-FM.
In his weekly WMOT-FM commentary, Burriss addressed the following topics: "Freedom’s Journal," "Movies," "Slavery Reparations" and "Classroom Experiences."
Geoffrey Hull, Recording Industry, was interviewed by The City Paper regarding the Napster court ruling.
Dr. Ken Blake, Journalism, told WMOT-FM results from the MT Poll show support for a state lottery wanes with age, education, conservatism and religious faith.
In a separate WMOT-FM interview, Blake said whether respondents supported or opposed gun control, a majority agreed gun training should be required.

Student Affairs
The following Sidelines articles appeared on the University Wire: "Afghan women stripped of basic human rights," "MTSU helps save lives in South Africa," and "Class Presentation at MTSU evokes confusion, police involvement."
WMOT-FM interviewed Julia Beth Hood, Public Relations, regarding her reign as "Miss Tennessee."

General Interest
Two News and Public Affairs employees, Tom Tozer, director of media relations, and Lisa Rollins, assistant director, were recognized by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), announced WMOT-FM and The Tennessean.


Page 6 (Metro., General Interest, con’t.)

Carol Queen, writer and doctor of sexology, will speak on campus, noted the Nashville Scene.
The Tennessean announced an eight-hour defensive driving course will be held at MTSU.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. John Paul Montgomery about the Honors College’s attempt to create an atmosphere of a small select college to attract Tennessee students.
Karen Hargrove, Center for Environmental Education, stated that opening national parks for fossil fuel would seriously endanger the parks’ existence on WMOT-FM.
The community building class taught by former Vice President Al Gore was featured in TEA News.
A column written by Michael Kelley in the Memphis Commercial Appeal questioned the validity of Gore’s class.
In a Village Voice article blaming Gore for the gag order at Columbia, MTSU is mentioned for its policy regarding classroom remarks being "on the record."
The Bulletin Frontrunner argues that Gore is preparing for a possible run in the 2004 presidential election by teaching in Tennessee to mend political fences.
Two Tennessean articles regarding an increase in teachers’ pay through consolidation referred to a 1995 study conducted by MTSU that showed an additional $7.5 million would be needed each year to merge Williamson County and Franklin Special School districts.
WMOT-FM interviewed Mary Scales, an inductee into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame.



LOCAL NEWS

Administration
The MTSU presidential search committee held its first meeting in March, the DNJ and Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported.
Dr. R. Eugene Smith, Interim President, and Dr. Russell Church, Speech and Theatre, were interviewed by the Jackson Sun concerning the university’s debate program. Students Terrance Bond and Natalie Woodward, champion debaters, were also interviewed.


Page 7 (Local, Administration, con’t.)

A new MTSU president could be named by the Tennessee Board of Regents as soon as late May, although the term will officially begin at the beginning of the fall semester, the DNJ reported.
The DNJ noted a tentative timeline for meetings held by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee in their efforts to narrow the candidate list.
The DNJ and Southern Standard announced the list of the remaining 12 university presidential candidates after the committee’s recent meeting.
Glanville State College president Thomas H. Powell withdrew his name from the 12-candidate list, reported the DNJ.
An editorial in the DNJ expressed how the search for a new president is vital to the community as a whole.

Basic and Applied Sciences
Mt. Juliet News featured Dr. Cliff Ricketts, Agribusiness and Agriscience, who recently accepted an award for the best education program in the Southeast.
Dr. Sandra C. Greer, Chemical Engineering professor at the University of Maryland, presented two "Women in Science" lectures as part of National Women’s History Month, the DNJ reported.
The DNJ featured an article on the Biotechnology Resource Group, a partnership between the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and local industries.
The Army ROTC department is now accepting applications for Camp Challenge 2001, announced the Lewisburg Tribune, M’boro Sun, and Carthage Courier.
The Lebanon Democrat announced four $8,000 scholarships will be awarded to incoming college freshmen majoring in Concrete Industry Management at MTSU by the Tennessee Ready Mixed Concrete Association.
Dr. Jo Edwards, Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services, was quoted in the Fairview Observer regarding the HOSA Regional Competitions held at MTSU.
The DNJ noted the Tennessee Beef Agribition events on campus, which bring in about $1 million for Rutherford County.
New bids for the Miller Coliseum are expected at the Tennessee Board of Regents on April 18, the DNJ reported.
The annual Volunteer Horse Fair will be held at the Tennessee Livestock Center, the Columbia Daily Herald announced.

Business
Dr. Jackie Gilbert, diversity management expert, addressed the issue of diversity in the classroom with the M’boro Sun.
Page 8 (Local, Business, con’t.)

The DNJ announced the 10thannual University Takeover/Executives -in-Residence program at MTSU.
More than 30 business leaders offered advice to students during the 10thannual University Takeover/Executives-in-Residence program, reported the DNJ.
The Economic Foundation and the Rebecca and Jennings Jones Foundation sponsored an International Economic Summit for high school students, reported the DNJ.
Maria Edlin, Center for Economic Education, was quoted in a M’boro Sun article concerning the International Economic Summit.
A letter to the DNJ recognized the contributions of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings Jones to business education.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center, along with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, will sponsor a seminar on effectively managing a business Web site, announced the DNJ and Shelbyville Times-Gazette.
An article by Dr. Pat Geho, director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, was published in the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Pulse.
Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, agrees that the recent drop in interest rates will help the economy as a whole, reported the DNJ.
Max Melnikov, Business and Economic Research Center, explained how the decline in demand causes layoffs in the manufacturing industry, the Ashland Times reported.
Dr. Al DePrince Jr., Business and Economic Research Center, was quoted in the Maryville Daily Times and Cookeville Herald-Citizen regarding the growth in Williamson County.

Education and Behavioral Science
Dr. Bob Womack, Educational Leadership, participated in the celebration o f "Read Across America" at Christiana School, reported the DNJ.
Mary Scales and Dr. Delores Doyle, Murfreesboro educators, are two of six inductees into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame, the DNJ announced.
Kay Deveau, Early Childhood Education, will participate in the Rutherford Association for the Education of Young Children’s Spring Conference at LaVergne Library, noted the Rutherford Courier.

Liberal Arts
Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology & Anthropology, discussed how Taliban militia are destroying the Great Buddhas of Bamiyan, the M’boro Sun reported.

Page 9 (Local, Liberal Arts, con’t.)

Dr. Hari Garbharran, Geography and Geology, along with a team of MTSU professors, and professors from two other universities, are working to develop outreach programs that would train South African citizens to serve as community health peer educators, reported the DNJ.
Roger Kugler, director of the School of Music, was quoted in the DNJ about Bobby Shew, a legendary jazz trumpeter set to headline the Jazz Festival.
Dana Landry, Music, discussed the annual MTSU Jazz Fest with the DNJ.
The fourth annual ClavierFest will be held in Wright MusicBuilding, reported the Rutherford Courier.
The Rutherford Courier announced Dr. Adonijah Bakari, History, will speak about black culture, particularly telling the life story of Ben Carson, at the LaVergne City Hall.
The School of Music will host a tribute to poet Emily Dickinson through song as part of the Renaissance Center Recitals in the Rotunda Series, reported the Columbia Daily Herald.
Under the direction of Richard Murphy and Terry Jolley, the Wind Ensemble will perform a free concert at Hendersonville High School, announced the Hendersonville Star News.
Dr. Carroll Van West, Center for Historic Preservation, will present "The New Deal Landscape of Tennessee" as part of the Tennessee Historical Society spring series, reported the Cookeville Herald-Citizen.
Jimmy Faulkner, nephew of author William Faulkner, will be the speaker at the 10th annual William and Westy Windham Lecture Series in Liberal Arts at MTSU, announced the DNJ.
Stephen Smith, Speech and Theatre, was quoted in the M’boro Sun article regarding a performance by his Opera Workshop students designed for elementary-age children.

Mass Communication
The following newspapers quoted Dr. Bob Wyatt, Journalism, regarding MT Poll findings, particularly the state lottery and gun control: the DNJ, Elizabethton Star, Crossville Chronicle, Kingsport Times-News, Sevierville Mountain Press, Maryville Daily Times, Bristol Herald Courier, Johnson City Press, and Greeneville Sun.
The John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies will sponsor a panel discussion with five award-winning reporters who will analyze the death penalty, reported the DNJ.

Page 10 (Local, Mass Comm, con’t,)

Mass Communications students toured the C-SPAN school bus during its recent visit, reported the DNJ.

Student Affairs
Graduate students John Lodl and Aron Marcavitch, majoring in history, are researching archives in the Rutherford County Courthouse to learn about the past lives of local African Americans, reported the DNJ.
The Rutherford Courier and Jonesborough Herald and Tribune recognized fall 2000 graduates.
MTSU seniors Alice Matlock and Emily Zeringue are two of 39 semi-finalists to participate in the Orpheus Competition, announced the DNJ.
Martha Turner, director of the Placement Center, discussed efforts taken by students in search of job opportunities with the DNJ. Seniors Chevonne Wrenn and LaTrina Mims, public relations majors, were also interviewed.
Enrollment in MTSU’s community building class, taught by former vice president Al Gore has been an inspiration for Pam Sheldon, junior, to work in her hometown of Eagleville , the DNJ reported.
Waverly News recognized Amanda Nichols, who received an invitation from Gamma Beta Pi Honor Club.
Amber Hope Moore, junior, has been selected for membership in the Golden Key National Honor Society, noted the DNJ.
The Jackson Sun announced that sophomore Ashley Carol Brooks was recently crowned Miss MTSU.
Sophomore Leah Leonard was recently crowned Miss Middle Tennessee Blue Raider, announced the Jonesborough Herald and Tribune.
The Crossville Chronicle and Dickson Herald recognized students named on the fall 2000 dean’s list.
David Brandon and Courtney Blooding were pictured in the DNJ during spring break as they worked on sets for MTSU’s production of ‘Cosi Fan Tutte."
The Jackson Sun announced Terrance Bond, international relations major, won the Southeast and Southeast Central Debate Championships.

General Interest
The Tennessee Board of Regents On-Line Degree program was recently announced in the DNJ.
MTSU is expected to be among six universities in Tennessee to offer five full online degrees this fall if approved by the state, the DNJ reported.
Page 11 (Local, General Interest, con’t.)

Two finalists in the Neill-Sandler Scholars program were the subject of a DNJ editorial.
The Wilson World featured a story about Neill-Sandler recipient John Lee Hawkes.
The DNJ published a letter stating former vice president Al Gore is an example of low standards.
Another letter to the DNJ questioned Gore’s support for socialism and belief in the evolution theory.
Kingsport Times-News and Cleveland Daily Banner summarized Gore’s presentation to students during the first day of class.
The scope of Gore’s class was explained in the Cookeville Herald-Citizen.
In the Athens Post-Athenian, Gore described his course as "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts applies to families and communities."
Tom Tozer, director of media relations in News & Public Affairs, discussed student and visitor parking during the TSSAA basketball tournament with the DNJ.
In a separate article, Tozer explained how MTSU benefits from the TSSAA tournament, noted the DNJ.
Concern for a lack of applicants for the president’s position at MTSU was expressed in the first meeting of the Presidential Advisory Committee, the DNJ reported.
According to the DNJ, Gov. Don Sundquist is recommending MTSU receive $3.8 million more in the 2001-2002 fiscal year than in the current year, plus $2 million in maintenance funds.
The Ashland City Times noted a small increase in enrollment at MTSU as numbers at most colleges dropped.
MTSU’s celebration of National Women’s History Month was announced in the Rutherford Courier.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau News announced the Center for Historic Preservation is requesting that farms owned by the same family for at least 100 years be registered for Century Farm distinction.
A proposal written by Dr. James Huhta, Center for Historic Preservation, to promote tourism and economic development at local Civil War sites received final approval, reported the Overton County News and Gainesboro Sentinel.
A study regarding the benefits of women-only colleges, conducted by Carla Hatfield, Developmental Studies, was discussed in a DNJ column by Hank Haines..
The works of California neon artist Candice Gawne will be on display in the Art Barn Gallery, the DNJ announced.

Page 12 (Local, General Interest, con’t.)

In conjunction with MTSU, the JazzFest will host a clinic with Michael Brecker at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, announced the DNJ.
A DNJ editorial praised two individuals who will be inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame.
Singer/songwriter SONiA will headline a benefit concert for the Domestic Violence Center at Tucker Theatre, announced the DNJ.
Greg Glandon presented "Five Points to Visibility," strategies for promoting marketing education and creating public relations for DECA, at the 2000 Tennessee Vocational Educational Conference, reported the Morristown Citizen Tribune.
Carol Puryear, director of Division of Continuing Studies, discussed the assistance received by Creative Training Solutions in redesigning the computer learning center, reported the Marshall Gazette and Tullahoma News.
The Greeneville Sun and Newport PlainTalk announced the Dyslexia Annual Spring Conference, entitled "2001: A Reading Odyssey."
The Cookeville Herald-Citizen announced the final exhibit days for "All Possible Worlds," the photography works of Doug Prince.
Representatives from MTSU will attend the Tullahoma High School Sophomore/Junior College Night, the Tullahoma News reported.
One of two International Grand Championship Walking Horse Shows is moving from the Tennessee Livestock Center to the new Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park, the DNJ announced.
The Franklin County Alumni Association announced the criteria for its scholarship recipient in the Winchester Herald-Chronicle.
The M’boro Sun and Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported the total endowment of the Womack Leadership/Performance Scholarship exceeds $62,000.