MTSU News Summary for November 2001
The following is a summary of major news activities at MTSU divided into National, Metropolitan, and Local, and further broken down as follows: Administrative, Athletics, Basic and Applied Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Liberal Arts, Mass Communication, and Student Affairs.
The last category is General Interest and may include a broad spectrum of programs and people, encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc.NATIONAL NEWS
Administration
University Wire quoted Dr. Duane Stucky, vice president for Finance and Administration, as saying the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks have not had a severe financial impact on MTSU.

Basic and Applied Sciences
Twenty-one middle school girls attended the "Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science" conference at MTSU, reported the University Wire.
MTSU’s School of Nursing highlighted the shortage of young people entering the profession at a Nurses/Health Career Day, according to the University Wire.
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Business
PR Newswire quoted Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance and TeleCheck senior economic advisor, as saying retail sales in the Nashville area in October were up 2.2% over October 2000 sales.
Liberal Arts
The Adjunct Advocate, a trade publication for adjunct faculty at colleges and universities, noted that former Vice President Al Gore is teaching a class on family-centered community building at MTSU.
The New York Times, the Hearst newspaper chain, the Washington Post, USA Today, the Business Wire, United Press International, Bloomberg News, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Greenwire, the Los Angeles Times, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the San Antonio Express-News, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Washington Times reported that Gore will continue teaching at MTSU even though he has accepted a position with a Los Angeles-based financial services firm.
Dr. Ted Sherman, English, was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times about children’s fascination with the Harry Potter novels.
Working for Change, the online newsletter of the nonprofit group Working Assets, mentioned that Margaret Ordoubadian, English, presented a paper entitled "Harry Potter and the Religious Right" at the Fourth Biennial Conference on Modern Critical Approaches to Children’s Literature.
Dr. Richard Pace, sociology and anthropology, says MTSU’s International Study Abroad program will conduct business as usual, despite world events, according to the University Wire.
The University Wire reported that MTSU English students will continue plans for their "Drama in New York" trip in spring 2002, despite security concerns.
Mass Communication
More than 90 percent of Tennesseans approve of the U.S. military action in Afghanistan, according to the MT Poll, reported the University Wire.
Student Affairs
The Washington Post reported that By Chanz, an all-girl singing group including MTSU freshman Kelley Hagood, finished second in the third annual Teen People magazine "Battle of the Bands" contest in New York.


METROPOLITAN NEWS
Administration
MTSU named its new library for former MTSU President James E. Walker at an on-campus ceremony, according to The Tennessean.

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Adjunct professors at MTSU planned to present a petition for higher pay to MTSU President Sidney McPhee, according to The Tennessean.
The Tennessean noted that the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board is considering giving a charitable donation to an undisclosed entity, possibly MTSU.

Basic and Applied Sciences
The Tennessee and Kentucky Academies of Science will hold a joint meeting on the MTSU campus, according to The Tennessean.
MTSU is one of the few colleges in the country that still has an ROTC program, noted The Tennessean.
Dr. Patrick Doyle, biology, planned a reception to honor contributors to MTSU’s recycling program, noted The Tennessean.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Robert Carlton, physics and astronomy, about plans for MTSU’s new observatory.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Preston MacDougall, chemistry, about National Chemistry Week.
Dr. Richard Pace, sociology and anthropology and Study Abroad program coordinator, was interviewed by WMOT-FM about students who participate in the program.

Business
The Nashville Business Journal mentioned U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige’s meeting with MTSU President Sidney McPhee about the university’s concrete industry management program.
The Tennessean quoted Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance and TeleCheck senior economic advisor, as saying retail sales in the Nashville area in October were up 2.2% over October 2000 sales.
Ford told the Chattanooga Times-Free Press an overall economic slowdown is causing a moderate slowdown in sales tax revenue.
Ford told the state Funding Board that raising taxes while the nation is in "a mild recession" would be "the stupidest thing to do," according to a separate article in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.
Ford was interviewed by Steve Gill on WWTN-FM’s morning show.
WLAC-AM interviewed Maria Edlin, assistant director, Center for Economic Education, about the International Economic Summit.
The Memphis Business Journal noted that Dr. Zabi Rezaee, professor, accounting, has been named to an endowed chair at the University of Memphis.
WMOT-FM interviewed Maria Edlin, assistant director, Center for Economic Education, about the International Economic Summit.
Dr. Scott Inks, management and marketing, told WMOT-FM that selling skills are as important as appearances in making a sale. .

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Education and Behavioral Science
NewsChannel5+ interviewed Lisa Sheehan-Smith, human sciences, about Redotex, a weight loss drug produced in Mexico, but not approved for use in the United States.
Sheehan-Smith was also interviewed by WMOT-FM about the link between geography and obesity.
Dr. Diane Sawyer, director, Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia, wrote a guest editorial about the learning disorder for The Tennessean.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Phyllis Davidson, early childhood education, on how bullying can lead to school violence.
Liberal Arts
The Tennessean previewed a visit by Sergei Khrushchev, son of former Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev, to MTSU.
WMOT-FM covered Khrushchev’s visit.
The Tennessean noted the 40th annual Contest of Champions, a high school band competition sponsored by MTSU.
Dr. Amy Staples, history, was interviewed by WSM-AM about the Nov. 12 forum on terrorism.
Tennessee Radio Network interviewed Dr. Ted Sherman, English, about the upcoming Harry Potter and J.R.R. Tolkien movies.
The MTSU Concert Chorale and Orchestra will perform with the Middle Tennessee Choral Society, according to The Tennessean.
Former Vice President Al Gore will continue teaching at MTSU despite taking a position with a Los Angeles-based financial management services firm, reported The Tennessean.
A study conducted by MTSU shows that the Nashville-area arts industry set records for attendance and contributions following a disappointing performance in 1999, reported The Tennessean.
Dr. Richard Hansen, speech and theatre, asked WMOT-FM audiences not to let Shakepearean English discourage them from attending "The Comedy of Errors."
Hansen also invited WMOT-FM audiences to attend the MTSU Theatre production of Tom Stoppard’s "The Real Inspector Hound."
WMOT-FM interviewed Robert Rucker, social work, on his examination of the Blue Ribbon health program.
Dr. Janet Belsky, psychology, told WMOT-FM that aggressive individuals have difficulty recognizing alternative solutions to situations.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. John Vile, chair, political science, about Americans’ feelings about the U.S.-led military attacks on Afghanistan.
WMOT-FM previewed a joint performance by the MTSU Women’s Chorale and the University Dance Theatre.
Dr. Bill Levine, English, interviewed jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter on WMOT-FM.
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Mass Communication
The Tennessean printed a report by a man who wrote favorable comments about WMOT-FM in his Arbitron diary.
Tennesseans are overwhelmingly in favor of the military campaign in Afghanistan and do not feel it conflicts with the teachings of Jesus, reported The Tennessean.
More than 90 percent of Tennesseans approve of the U.S. military action in Afghanistan, according to the MT Poll, reported The Tennessean.
Metro Radio Network interviewed Dr. Robert Wyatt, journalism, about the MT Poll.
Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism and interim dean, was interviewed on NewsChannel5+ "MorningLine" about the role of the media in covering terrorism.
WMOT-FM aired commentaries by Burriss on the likelihood of songs and movies about the Sept.11 attacks on America; whether the mass media are helping the enemy win the war on terrorism; the "global village;" President Bush’s consideration of military tribunals for accused terrorists; stifling employees’ freedom of expression in the workplace; the new Harry Potter movie; network television programming; and the difference between covering the White House in the early 1960s and covering it today.
WMOT-FM interviewed survey planning manager Jill Edy about the MT Poll.

Student Affairs
WPLN-FM interviewed Dr. Carol Ann Baily, director, student affairs, about Non-Traditional Student Week at MTSU.
Students from MTSU are volunteering to tutor and counsel children in the Rutherford County school system, noted The Tennessean.

General Interest
Hazardous materials teams were called to the Keathley University Center when a white powder of unknown origin was found in the MTSU post office, reported The Tennessean.
The MTSU post office reopened four days after the substance was found, according to The Tennessean.
The Tennessean previewed a forum at MTSU on whether Americans will have to relinquish some of their civil liberties to fight the war on terrorism.
The Tennessean reported that a former boyfriend was arrested and charged with the 1984 murder of MTSU freshman Laura Salmon.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, WMOT-FM, and The Tennessean covered a forum on "Terrorism, Security, and the Public’s Right to Know" at MTSU.
WMOT-FM interviewed Doug Williams, news and public affairs director, about the post office shutdown.
A forum at MTSU to promote religious tolerance and understanding was previewed by WMOT-FM.
Dr. Pat Spangler, MTSU health services medical director, provided some suggestions for preventing illness this winter in an interview with WMOT-FM.
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LOCAL NEWS
Administration
The DNJ and the Lewisburg Tribune reported that the new MTSU library will be named for former MTSU President James E. Walker.
The DNJ also covered the official library-naming ceremony, which Walker attended.
Adjunct professors at MTSU planned to present a petition for higher pay to MTSU President Sidney McPhee, according to the DNJ.
The Portland Leader criticized McPhee for opposing caps on enrollment.
The Tennessee Conference of the American Association of University Professors honored Dr. Roy Clark, retired, chemistry, and Dr. George Vernardakis, political science, for their long membership in AAUP, reported the DNJ.
The DNJ printed a profile of Dr. Rosemary Owens, dean, continuing studies and public service.

Basic and Applied Sciences
The Tennessee and Kentucky Academies of Science will hold a joint meeting on the MTSU campus, according to the DNJ, the Cookeville Herald-Citizen, and the Lebanon Democrat.
Dr. Patrick Doyle, biology, planned a reception to honor contributors to MTSU’s recycling program, noted the DNJ.
Doyle hailed those contributors as heroes in a guest column in the DNJ.
The DNJ printed an editorial praising Doyle’s accomplishments with the recycling program.
The DNJ printed a feature on the MTSU Chemistry Club’s demonstrations for local elementary students as part of National Chemistry Week.
The Gallatin News-Examiner reported that a Hendersonville High School teacher sought assistance from Dr. Cliff Ricketts, agribusiness and agriscience, in building an electric car.
The Marshall Gazette previewed a conference on "Creating an Ethical Environment: Strategies for Practicing Nurses" at MTSU.
The DNJ printed a photo of MTSU President Sidney McPhee and Austin Cheney, engineering technology/industrial studies, with machinery donated for the paving of a gravel parking lot.
Dr. Stephen Wright, biology, told WMOT-FM it’s neither practical nor necessary for the public to receive anthrax vaccinations at this time.
The DNJ reported that MTSU would co-sponsor a free Meteor Storm Watch to view the Leonid meteor storm.
Dr. Stephen Krau, nursing, and Major Kate Moore, U.S. Army Reserves and assistant professor, nursing, will host a seminar on "Encountering Chemical, Biological, and Radiation Challenges," noted the DNJ and the Marshall Gazette.
Krau was scheduled to speak at a seminar entitled "Planning on Growing Old," according to the Tullahoma News.
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MTSU will host the University Aviation Association Fall Educational Conference in Nashville, reported the Lebanon Democrat.
The DNJ printed a photo of construction workers laying the foundation for MTSU’s Horse Science Center.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Preston MacDougall, chemistry, about National Chemistry Week.
MTSU is one of the many institutions cooperating in the Tennessee Beef Cattle Improvement Initiative, according to the Marshall Gazette, the Brownsville States-Graphic, and the Weakley County Press.
The DNJ and the Tullahoma News reported that the U.S. House has approved $865,000 for MTSU’s science and astronomy programs.
NASA plans to spend $525,000 over the next three years on a math, science, and technology training center for Middle Tennessee teachers at MTSU, according to the DNJ.
Dr. Jo Edwards, Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services and director, Center of Health and Human Services, spoke to the Woodbury Lions Club about her work in South Africa, according to the Cannon Courier.

Business
The DNJ Business Pulse noted that Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, attended the October session of Leadership Rutherford, a program designed to "identify potential and existing leaders in business, government, and the community to help them prepare for voluntary responsibility in the community."
Ford said a 2.2% increase in retail sales in October was expected since it was the first full month of retail activity since the Sept. 11th attacks on America, noted the DNJ.
Ford told state legislators that the notion that the state can’t cut its budget by $300 million is "nonsense," according to the Jackson Sun.
The MTSU Business and Economic Research Center prepared a report assessing the Rutherford County economy for the Industrial Development Board, reported the DNJ Business Pulse.
The Columbia Daily Herald, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, DNJ, Johnson City Press, and Bristol Herald Courier reported that Dr. Albert DePrince Jr., director, BERC, could not predict economic growth until at least the last half of the fiscal year.
DePrince told the Kingsport Times-News that debt payment burdens for the United States are reaching 1987 peak levels.
The Lewisburg Tribune reported that representatives from 77 countries would attend the International Economic Summit.
The Fairview Observer noted that Fairview High School students are scheduled to participate in the summit.
MTSU’s Small Business Development Center will co-sponsor a leadership training workshop, reported the Tullahoma News.
The DNJ reported that the MTSU Martin Chair of Insurance has passed the $1 million mark.

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An MTSU Consumer Opinion Research Center survey indicates that consumers have a better impression of businesses that support community charities, reported the DNJ.
State Rep. Zane Whitson (R-Unicoi) told the Greeneville Sun that MTSU economists are among the experts telling state lawmakers that they can’t fund everything called for in the budget.

Education and Behavioral Science
Rutherford Parent noted that MTSU’s Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia will open in November.
Dr. Janet Colson, human sciences, told the DNJ that going only one day without water could result in death.
Liberal Arts
World-class soprano saxophonist David Liebman is the opening act for the MTSU Jazz Artist Series this season, noted the DNJ.
Dr. Susan Sobel, psychology, stresses the importance of teaching gun safety to children at a young age, reported Rutherford Parent.
The DNJ reported that MTSU’s department of geography and geology is hosting a demonstration of geographic information systems technology.
MTSU Theatre will present "The Comedy of Errors" by William Shakespeare for one week, reported the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.
The DNJ noted that the Stones River Chamber Players, an ensemble-in-residence at MTSU, will perform works by living composers at their second concert.
The Cannon Courier noted that Dr. Amy Staples, history, spoke to the Woodbury Lions Club.
The Jackson Sun and the Covington Leader previewed a visit by Robert Rucker, social work, who is conducting research on the now-defunct Blue Ribbon health program. The Lewisburg Tribune previewed a visit by Sergei Khrushchev, son of former Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev, to MTSU.
The Shelbyville Times-Gazette covered Khrushchev’s visit to MTSU.
Dr. Mark Byrnes, political science, will speak about the presidential election process at a League of Women Voters meeting, according to the DNJ.
Dr. Charles Frost, chair, social work, will present a workshop during the 47th Annual Tennessee Conference of Unitarian Universalist Churches, reported the Tullahoma News.
Dr. Carroll Van West, history, spoke to members of the preservation group Tennessee’s Backroads in Tullahoma, reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.
The Lewisburg Tribune and the Shelbyville Times-Gazette previewed the 40th annual Contest of Champions high school band competition at MTSU.
MTSU hosted its third annual Geographic Information Systems Day to show how the computer technology can benefit transportation and marketing, according to the DNJ.

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Michael Garrett, first editor and publisher of author Stephen King’s work, will conduct a writing workshop at MTSU, reported the Tullahoma News, the Lewisburg Tribune, and the Winchester Herald-Chronicle.
The Shelbyville Times-Gazette printed a series about Islam and Muslims featuring quotes by Dr. Ron Messier, history.
The Murfreesboro Sun printed a story about "Touching Earth and Spirit," a book of poetry by Robert Musante, English.
The DNJ reported that Musante would sign copies of his book at Sims Fine Art Gallery as part of Christmas season activities in downtown Murfreesboro.

Mass Communication
The DNJ noted that WMOT-FM may now be heard on the World Wide Web.
An editorial by Dr. Ed Kimbrell, journalism, in the Franklin Review-Appeal praised MTSU for classes intended to help people learn more about the religions of the world.
The DNJ interviewed Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism, about attempts by Congress to restrict children’s access to pornographic Web sites.
More than 90 percent of Tennesseans approve of the U.S. military action in Afghanistan, according to the MT Poll, reported the DNJ.
Student Affairs
MTSU sophomore Patrick Robinson won the national Future Farmers of America Proficiency Award in Specialty Animal Production-Entrepreneurship for his mobile petting zoo, reported the Southern Standard.
Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher said most MTSU students ignore the university’s outdoor weather warning siren, reported the DNJ.
MTSU student government supported a booth on campus for Operation Christmas Child, a charity headed by evangelist Franklin Graham, reported the Murfreesboro Sun.
MTSU sophomore Pete Adams will read the roll call at Rutherford County’s annual Veterans Day memorial service, according to the DNJ.
The selection process for the 2002 winners of MTSU’s Neill-Sandler Scholarships has begun, reported the Tullahoma News.
MTSU was one of several schools participating in Career Day at Oneida High School, according to the Oneida Independent-Herald.
MTSU observed National Nontraditional Student Week Nov. 5-11, according to the Tullahoma News.
The DNJ profiled John Lee Harris, Jr., director, disabled student services.
The DNJ’s Hank Haines profiled MTSU senior Melanie Miller in a column about her brush with bears during her summer internship with the U.S. Forest Service.
The Sweetwater Advocate/Democrat profiled MTSU theatre major Josh Craft, who portrayed a prisoner in the movie "The Last Castle."

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General Interest
The DNJ printed photos of MTSU President Sidney McPhee and Lightning, the MTSU mascot, at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce’s "Rally on Maple."
Tom Tozer, news and public affairs, and Sharon Jones, marketing and advertising, were quoted in the DNJ on State Route 840’s possible benefit to MTSU students and workers.
A full itinerary of Homecoming activities was printed in the DNJ.
A DNJ column by Dan Whittle extolled the virtues of the time-tested MTSU tradition of tailgating.
The DNJ printed Homecoming photos of students preparing a float for the parade and a clown entertaining children during the parade.
The MTSU June Anderson Women’s Center, in conjunction with the Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley, is sponsoring the second annual "An Income of Her Own" Entrepreneurial Conference for high school girls, according to the DNJ Business Pulse.
Hazardous materials teams were called to the Keathley University Center when a white powder of unknown origin was found in the MTSU post office, reported the DNJ.
The post office reopened four days later, according to the DNJ.
A forum at MTSU to promote religious tolerance and understanding was previewed by the Lewisburg Tribune and was covered by the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.
MTSU participated in College Night 2001, a fair for high school seniors in McMinnville, reported the Southern Standard.
The DNJ noted that a blood drive will take place on the third floor of MTSU’s Keathley UniversityCenter.
The Jackson Sun noted that MTSU reported 69 crimes on campus in 2000.
The Tullahoma News reported that the division of continuing studies and public service is offering four one-day fictionwriting classes.
A Beatles tribute band will play the music of the "Fab Four" immediately following a pep rally, noted the DNJ.
The DNJ reported that the former boyfriend of MTSU freshman Laura Salmon, who was killed in 1984, has been arrested and charged with her murder.
The DNJ reported that MTSU senior Adrian Edsall used an automated external defibrillator to save a man’s life at the Student Recreation Center.
The DNJ called the AED "a great investment in the community" by the Christy-Houston Foundation, which paid for the machine.
MTSU admissions representatives were on hand at Marshall County High School’s annual College Night, reported the Marshall Gazette.
Cingular Wireless donated $100,000 toward construction of a building for the Honors College, according to the Tullahoma News and the Dayton Herald-News.
MTSU and Columbia State Community College will host an information session about the Regents Online Degree Program, according to the Columbia Daily Herald, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, and the Lewisburg Tribune.
The MTSU Honors College has received a gift of $250,000 from an anonymous donor, reported the DNJ.
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The DNJ noted that MTSU installed the insulation for a new home built by Habitat for Humanity of Rutherford County.
The DNJ’s "Holiday Journey" supplement spotlighted Dr. Preston MacDougall, associate professor, chemistry, his wife, Tara MacDougall, director, marketing and development, division of continuing studies and public service, and their family.
The MTSU band will perform in Murfreesboro’s annual Christmas parade, noted the DNJ.
A former president of NBC News, the head of the Tennessee chapter of the ACLU, Tennessee’s homeland security czar, and a federal judge will debate whether the U.S. is giving up its freedoms in order to ensure its safety, reported the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.
The DNJ also covered the aforementioned debate.
DNJ columnist Mike Pirtle cited MTSU quarterback Les Counts, Project Help at MTSU, and MTSU President Sidney McPhee as three of the things for which he is grateful this Thanksgiving.
Middle Tennessee Gameday 2001 Magazine ran an article about Dr. Mary Nichols, electronic media communications, and her gift of a kidney to former student Greg Maupin.
Michael Acree, who works with the grounds crew at MTSU, plays and sings songs at the Red Rose Coffee House and Bistro in Murfreesboro in his spare time, reported the DNJ.
Karen Austin, coordinator of career placement, told the DNJ that a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows more than 64 percent of responding employers pay people with intern experience more than people with no experience.