Clips for July 2002

NATIONAL NEWS

Administration

MTSU President Sidney McPhee was quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education as saying he "never thought" that the university would find itself in the position of considering shutting down and canceling classes.

McPhee said he doesn't think anyone believes that the tax plan passed by the General Assembly is "a permanent fix for the state of Tennessee or for higher education," reported the University Wire.

McPhee said MTSU will "make every effort to retain the types of programs and faculty" now at the university, noted the University Wire.

Dr. Linda Hare, special assistant to the president, was elected as a trustee-at-large to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, reported Ascribe Newswire.


Athletics

The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News reported that a man posing as a reporter has harassed female athletes at colleges and universities across the country, including MTSU.

Basic and Applied Sciences

Dr. Suzanne Prevost, National HealthCare Chair of Excellence, nursing, was elected chairman of the board of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Corporation, reported U.S. Newswire.

Business

Dr. Paula Thomas, accounting, was named treasurer of the Tennessee Society of Public Accountants, reported Business Digest.

CNBC interviewed Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, about the Federal Reserve's response to the bear market.

Liberal Arts

Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, was quoted in a special issue of "U.S. News" devoted to American music.

Wolfe compared "John Walker's Blues," a song by country music artist Steve Earle about an American who joined the Taliban, to songs by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, according to www.msnbc.com.

Dr. Robert Hunt, history, told the New York Times that people who oppose a state income tax in Tennessee are burdened far less than the poor are burdened by a sales tax.

Dr. John Vile, political science, said that the state budget crisis could make it more difficult to hire faculty at MTSU, reported the University Wire.

Nashville Medical News reported on research into the Blue Ribbon Project, a program aimed at getting school children to drink more milk, conducted by Robert Rucker, social work.

Student Affairs

MTSU student Kasimu Harris, Grand Lieutenant Strategus of Kappa Alpha Psi, was profiled in the New Orleans-based newspaper Louisiana Review.

MTSU graduate student Delia Espinosa was interviewed by CNN Student News about her prospects in the job market.

General Interest

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded MTSU $190,000 to help disadvantaged students graduate high school and pursue a college degree, according to www.house.gov~gordon.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said MTSU led all colleges and universities in the state in driving under the influence offenses last year, reported the University Wire.



Page Three

METROPOLITAN NEWS

Administration

MTSU President Sidney McPhee told The Tennessean that the university should be able to make it through the school year without making substantial budget cuts.

McPhee told the Downtown Rotary Club of Knoxville that he wants MTSU to provide "an Ivy League education without the Ivy League cost," reported the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

WMOT-FM reported McPhee's statement on the impact of the state government shutdown on MTSU.

McPhee told the Knoxville News-Sentinel that he was surprised that members of the Downtown Rotary Club chose to sing "Dixie" at his speaking appearance there.

The Chattanooga Times-Free Press reported that tuition for full-time instate undergraduates at MTSU will rise about $83 per semester.

Members of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission said an enrollment cap would hurt MTSU and would force administrators to rescind some students' admission, reported The Tennessean.

THEC voted to recommend a 7.5 percent tuition increase for undergraduate students at MTSU and other state-supported universities this fall, according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel, the Commercial Appeal (Memphis), WKRN-TV, WZTV-TV and WSMV-TV.

Enrollment at MTSU this fall is projected to be about 21,000 students, reported WZTV-TV.

WSMV-TV interviewed Dr. Robert Eaker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, about the tuition increase approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Summer enrollment at MTSU rose 6.5 percent this year, reported WLAC-AM.

Athletics

MTSU Athletic Director Boots Donnelly testified before a congressional committee in support of a bill to crack down on unethical sports agents, reported the Nashville Business Journal.



Basic and Applied Sciences

Dr. Stephen Wright and Teresa Stegall-Faulk, biology, talked with WSMV-TV about a new tick-borne bacteria with symptoms that mimic those of Lyme disease.

U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary (R-Spring Hill) said he supports state universities' partnerships with private industries, such as MTSU's concrete industry management program, reported The Tennessean.

David Gore, engineering technology/industrial studies, told The Tennessean that even slow times for auto manufacturing plants are busy times for their workers.

Page Four

Business

Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, told The Tennessean that shoppers would be wise to stock up before the new one-cent sales tax increase goes into effect July 15.

WZTV-TV interviewed Ford about the state budget crisis.

NewsChannel5+ interviewed Ford about the stock market and investing.

Dr. Robert Blair, business, marketing and office management, has been elected president of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Murfreesboro chapter, for 2002-2003, according to the Nashville Business Journal.

Dr. Jim Burton, dean, has been named the recipient of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants' 2002 Accounting Educator of the Year Award, reported the Memphis Business Journal.

Dr. Al DePrince, director, Business and Economic Research Center, spoke with WTVF-TV about the impact of the bear market on consumer confidence.

DePrince told The Tennessean that the June jobless rate for the counties in the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area shows that the impact of the national recession isn't as severe as it could be.

The Nashville Business Journal reported that DePrince will step down as BERC director Aug. 1 to return to full-time teaching.

Dr. Kathleen Vinlove, associate director, BERC, told The Tennessean that Davidson County is losing residents to Rutherford and Williamson counties due to lower taxes, better schools and better housing opportunities.

Dr. Susan Harmon, marketing and management, told WMOT-FM that the recent increase in the price of postage might not be totally bad for consumers.

Robert Hopper of Chattanooga will be inducted into MTSU's Robert E. Musto Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame Aug. 6, noted the Chattanooga Times-Free Press

WZTV-TV interviewed Dr. Larry Howard, management and marketing, about the state of corporate ethics in America and their impact on the marketplace.

Education and Behavioral Science

Dr. Malissa Martin, HPERS, told WMOT-FM that the profession of athletic training has reached far beyond the success it has seen with traditional athletes.

Mark Hilliard, HPERS, signed copies of his book "The Catcher of Dreams: A Holistic Approach to Wellness Therapy" at the Spring Hill Public Library July 13, reported The Tennessean.

Pam Marks, human sciences, told WMOT-FM that children might be eating less nutritious meals with school cafeterias closed for the summer.

Liberal Arts

Dr. Anne Sloan, political science, complained to WTVF-TV about the impact the state government shutdown had on her students.

Dr. John Vile, political science, told The Tennessean he doubts there are enough "fanatical Confederates with enough money" to support an all-male private college with strong Confederate overtones in Bedford County.

Page Five (Metro, Liberal Arts, cont'd.)

Vile, speaking on WMOT-FM, discussed the cheapening of political discourse by commercial talk radio stations.

Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, called Uncle Dave Macon Days honoree Wade Mainer "possibly the last survivor of country music's Golden Age––the time of the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Uncle Dave Macon," reported The Tennessean.

Wolfe compared "John Walker's Blues," a song by country music artist Steve Earle about an American who joined the Taliban, to songs written by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, noted WSMV-TV.

Dr. Bill Levine, English, reviewed the book "The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B" on WMOT-FM.

Dr. Carroll Van West, director, Center for Historic Preservation, spoke at the Chattanooga Regional History Museum on the topic "Art & Architecture of the Works Progress Administration," noted the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.

Mass Communication

WMOT-FM aired commentaries by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism, on media coverage of the criminal charges against and suicide of state Sen. Keith Westmoreland (R-Kingsport), the 30th anniversary of the Watergate break-in, Michael Jackson's allegations of racism in the recording industry, reportage of the John Walker Lindh case and "shaping public opinion".

Burriss appeared on NewsChannel5+ to discuss the current crop of political attack ads.



Student Affairs

MTSU student Carolina Senior complained to WKRN-TV about the impact the state government shutdown had on her summer school education.

Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president for student affairs, told WKRN-TV the university would give students in on-campus housing as much warning as possible in the event of a state government shutdown.

Glenn was interviewed by WTVF-TV about Tennessee Bureau of Investigation statistics that show MTSU leads the state in DUIs on campus.

Glenn was interviewed by WLAC-AM about a proposed enrollment cap.

The Tennessean profiled MTSU student James Goodman of Donelson, winner of the Outstanding Student Contribution Award.

General Interest

WMOT-FM reported that state Rep. John Hood (D-Murfreesboro) met with MTSU faculty members who were concerned about state funding.

WMOT-FM reported that MTSU's Intramural Field would be the site of "Celebration Under the Stars," an annual July 4 event.

WTVF-TV reported that "Celebration Under the Stars" was canceled due to the state budget crisis.



Page Six (Metro, General Interest, cont'd.)

MTSU's fourth summer school session will start as scheduled, noted The Tennessean.

The Chattanooga Times-Free Press, the Commercial Appeal (Memphis) and the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported that tuition at MTSU would go up $83 per semester if the Tennessee Board of Regents approves a 7.5 percent increase.

WZTV-TV aired video of a swarm of junebugs outside MTSU's Keathley University Center.

WMOT-FM interviewed Mimi Thomas, assistant director, student programming, about the INROADS pre-college program at MTSU.

Lynn Palmer, director, admissions, told The Tennessean that MTSU considers grading scales when evaluating applications for admission.

MTSU police want to hire three new officers before the new school year begins, but state budget problems could prevent that from happening, reported WTVF-TV.

WKRN-TV reported that Rudolph Munn, the convicted killer of MTSU student Andrew Poklemba, is awaiting sentencing.

The Tennessean reported that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded MTSU a five-year, $1 million grant to help disadvantaged students graduate high school and go to college.LOCAL NEWS

Administration

MTSU President Sidney McPhee said MTSU would eliminate 32 faculty positions and 82 staff positions under a no-new-taxes budget, reported the Lewisburg Tribune.

MTSU will hold classes on July 1 and 2, but there will be no classes the rest of the week due to the government shutdown, noted the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.

The Smithville Review reported that classes at MTSU were affected by the government shutdown.

The Jackson Sun, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, the Dyersburg State Gazette, the Athens Post-Athenian, the Greeneville Sun, the Maryville Daily Times, the Morristown Citizen-Tribune and the DNJ reported that McPhee issued a statement expressing his appreciation to faculty, students and staff following the state government shutdown.

McPhee told the DNJ he is grateful that there will be no double-digit tuition increase this school year.

Tuition for full-time instate undergraduates at MTSU will rise by about $83 per semester, according to the Kingsport Times-News, the Johnson City Press, the Maryville Daily Times, the Jackson Sun, the Southern Standard, the Cookeville Herald-Citizen and the Bristol Herald-Courier.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission could fine MTSU for exceeding an enrollment cap, reported the DNJ.

THEC voted to waive a $2 million fine for MTSU for exceeding an enrollment cap, reported the DNJ.

Page Seven (Local, Administration, cont'd.)

THEC has dropped its proposal to cap enrollment increases at MTSU and other state-supported universities to 3 percent, according to the DNJ.

The DNJ printed two editorials opposing enrollment caps at MTSU.

THEC voted to recommend a 7.5 percent tuition increase at Tennessee's state-supported universities, including MTSU, this fall, noted the Jackson Sun.

A DNJ editorial noted that tuition for full-time MTSU students will have risen 51 percent in the past five years if the Tennessee Board of Regents approves THEC's recommendation.

McPhee told the DNJ he was pleased that the Tennessee Higher Education Commission decided to wait another year before placing a 5 percent cap on growth.

Combined with an increase in fees, MTSU full-time undergraduates will pay 7.8 percent more in 2003, according to the DNJ.

Summer enrollment at MTSU rose 6.5 percent this year, reported the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.

Enrollment at MTSU this year is projected to exceed last year's total by more than the 5 percent limit, according to the Bristol Herald-Courier.

Mike Gower, associate vice president, business and finance, told the DNJ that only MTSU departments most often used by students will increase fees this year.

McPhee had lunch with Bedford County alumni of MTSU in Shelbyville July 30, reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.

McPhee said he was surprised that the members of the Downtown Rotary Club in Knoxville sang "Dixie" prior to his speech before them, according to the DNJ.

Athletics

Athletics Director Boots Donnelly told the DNJ he was optimistic that the state budget crisis would not adversely affect MTSU student-athletes' NCAA eligibility.

The 10th annual MTSU Raider Roundup is scheduled for Aug. 2, reported the DNJ.

At a brunch with sportscasters and sportswriters, MTSU President Sidney McPhee said MTSU athletes want "to compete at the highest level," noted the DNJ.



Basic and Applied Sciences

Representatives of MTSU and the University of Tennessee Space Institute signed an agreement allowing the two schools to share facilities, according to the DNJ and the Lawrenceburg Advocate.

Youngsters ages 10-18 attended the annual Tennessee Youth Block & Bridle Beef Camp at MTSU, noted the Carthage Courier, the Paris Post-Intelligencer, the Lewisburg Tribune, the Lebanon Democrat and the Crossville Chronicle.

MTSU hosted the Southeastern Limousin Cattle Show, noted the Lake County Banner.

Dr. Tom Cheatham has been named dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, reported the Cookeville Herald-Citizen.



Page Eight (Local, Basic and Applied Sciences, cont'd.)

U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary (R-Spring City) said he supports state universities' partnerships with private industries, such as MTSU's concrete industry management program, reported the Dickson Herald.

Students from an English as a Second Language class in Bedford County were treated to chemistry demonstrations at MTSU, according to the DNJ.

Business

The Industrial Development Board of Rutherford County contracted with MTSU's Business and Economic Research Center to assess the county's economy, noted the DNJ Business Pulse.

In a separate item in the DNJ Business Pulse, it was noted that the MTSU study revealed that the county's previously strong economy will weaken over the next decade.

The DNJ Business Pulse printed a photo of the 2002 graduates of the Corporate Connections Academy, which is co-sponsored by MTSU.

Dr. Jim Burton, dean, has been named the recipient of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants' 2002 Accounting Educator of the Year Award, reported the Tullahoma News.

Burton told the DNJ that Murfreesboro could diversify its economy by attracting jobs requiring technological training.

The Lebanon Democrat printed names of graduates from the 2002 class of Leadership Middle Tennessee, which operates through MTSU's College of Business.

Dr. Reuben Kyle, economics and finance, told the DNJ he thinks the short-term effect of the sales tax increases approved by the Tennessee General Assembly will be minimal.

Kiran Desai, management and marketing, told the Oaklands Kiwanis Club that Murfreesboro could support a mass transportation system in four or five years, according to the DNJ.

Four insurance professionals will be inducted into MTSU's Robert E. Musto Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame Aug. 6, reported the DNJ, the Lebanon Democrat and the Brownsville States-Graphic.

In analyzing the changing tax structure in Tennessee, the DNJ noted that MTSU estimated a one percent sales tax increase would have caused five of the state's major border counties to lose $11.3 million in sales tax revenue in 1996.

Dr. Don Roy, marketing, said teenagers could associate anti-smoking public service announcements with parental warnings, prompting them to smoke as an act of rebellion, according to the DNJ.

The Smithville Review, the Dickson Herald, the Tullahoma News, the DNJ and the Portland Leader printed information by Dr. Kathleen Vinlove, associate director, BERC, on indicators of future regional economic growth.

A DNJ editorial about Vinlove's column said her report proved "once again the overall value of MTSU" to Murfreesboro.

Another DNJ editorial referred to data from the BERC's summer issue of Midstate Economic Indicators in bemoaning Rutherford County's relatively low income rate.



Page Nine (Local, Business, cont'd.)

The Carthage Courier printed a photo of Patrick Geho, director, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, with U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (R-Nashville) and others at a meeting to discuss legislative initiatives for business and community development.

A recent Midstate Economic Indicators Report by the BERC said the Middle Tennessee economy might have begun to recover, noted the Franklin Review-Appeal.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's new job development initiative is a direct result of a study done a year ago by the BERC, reported the DNJ.

A DNJ editorial called the city of Murfreesboro's participation in an initiative based on the BERC study "reassuring."

Education and Behavioral Science

Dr. Nancy Crews, elementary and special education, oversaw the three-week Reading Academy at Bradley Elementary School in Murfreesboro, noted the DNJ.

Recreation students from MTSU will provide volunteer assistance for a new therapeutic program for victims of traumatic brain injury, according to the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.

The Cookeville Herald-Citizen printed a photo of Lee Asbrook, HPERS, and other physical education instructors from across the state observing the P.E. program at Prescott Central Middle School.

Dr. Bella Higdon, elementary and special education, directed the fourth annual Academy for Teachers of the Gifted, reported the Tullahoma News, the Lawrenceburg Advocate, the DNJ and the Marshall Gazette.

Dr. Dawn Shelar, HPERS, will oversee a program to provide therapeutic recreation for victims of traumatic brain injuries, according to the Manchester Times.

Mark Hilliard, HPERS, will sign copies of his new book, "The Catcher of Dreams: A Holistic Approach to Wellness Therapy," at the Spring Hill Public Library, reported the Columbia Daily Herald.

Liberal Arts

Dr. Mark Byrnes, political science, told the DNJ that timing is a factor for political candidates when it comes to campaign spending.

In a separate DNJ article, Byrnes said he was surprised by the increase in spending for the race for County Executive in Rutherford County.

Dr. Jerry Brookshire, history, told the DNJ that the state government shutdown didn't hurt faculty members as much as it did the students.

MTSU co-sponsored VOICES, an arts camp for children ages 7-13, reported the DNJ.

Deborah Anderson, speech and theatre, and MTSU students staged a production of William Inge's "Bus Stop," reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette and the Rutherford Courier.

Dr. Keith Taylor, English, uses a percentage of his own paycheck to help people who ask for small amounts of money at his Web site, www.modestneeds.org, according to the Maryville Daily Times.



Page Ten (Local, Liberal Arts, cont'd.)

Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, told the DNJ that Uncle Dave Macon Days, an annual roots music event in Murfreesboro, is becoming a national festival.

Wolfe told the DNJ that he is writing a book about bluegrass inventor Bill Monroe.

Wolfe compared "John Walker's Blues," a song by country music star Steve Earle about an American who joined the Taliban, to songs written by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Carroll Van West, director, Center for Historic Preservation, narrated a tour of historical sites for the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and the Rutherford County Historical Society, reported the DNJ.

Gary Schallert and Craig Cornish have been named director and associate director, respectively, of the MTSU bands program, according to the DNJ.

The Lawrenceburg Advocate reported that an anonymous donation of nearly $1.5 million will be used to purchase 54 Steinway pianos for MTSU's School of Music.

MTSU became the first "All-Steinway School" in Tennessee with the delivery of 54 Steinway pianos for music students' use, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Janet Belsky, psychology, told the DNJ that the increase in Tennessee's sales tax will negatively impact senior citizens on fixed incomes.

"Six Vignettes," a composition for solo clarinet by Dr. Paul Osterfield, music and theory, was recorded by Milwaukee Symphony member William Helmers, noted the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.

Dr. James Huhta, history, is retiring after 37 years at MTSU, reported the Lawrenceburg Advocate.

Mass Communication

Dr. Anantha S. Babbili has been hired as the dean of MTSU's College of Mass Communication, reported the Lawrenceburg Advocate.

Dr. Ed Kimbrell, journalism, criticized the Rutherford County Board of Education for evaluating Superintendent Hulon Watson in private, according to the DNJ.

WMOT-FM won first place for Best Series/Feature in the Large Market Radio Division of the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcasters Association competition, reported the Middle Tennessee Times.



Student Affairs

MTSU music students John Mears and Jason Hart have been hired as minister of music and accompanist, respectively, at Central Christian Church of Murfreesboro, noted the DNJ.

Charles "Rowdy" Matheson, an MTSU nursing student, was hailed as a hero in a Rutherford Courier editorial for his work with the Smyrna Rescue Squad at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York.

MTSU student Amber Spurlock wrote a letter to the DNJ expressing her anguish about the uncertainty of on-campus housing during the state budget crisis.

MTSU senior Andy Luther told the DNJ he could be forced to postpone graduation until December if MTSU were to shut down due to the budget crisis.

Page Eleven (Local, Student Affairs, cont'd.)

Four MTSU interior design students helped rehabilitate an historic home in Murfreesboro, noted the Murfreesboro Sun.

The DNJ printed a front-page photo of MTSU student Shawn "Gi" Phillips in the campus library, which reopened after a state government shutdown.

MTSU junior Dustin McClary of Benton participated in a two-week flatpicking guitar camp at Maryville College, reported the Athens Post-Athenian.

MTSU has awarded June S. Anderson Scholarships to sophomore biology major Jill Rae Roberson and Vickie Lee Coe of Lebanon, according to the Southern Standard and the Lebanon Democrat.

Phi Kappa Phi inducted MTSU students Stephanie Maynard, Carl Curtis, Kurt Maynard, Joe Kirkpatrick, Valerie Owens, Sonya Sanderson, Michael Cook and Sara Gardner, noted the Southern Standard, the Lawrenceburg Advocate, the Lebanon Democrat and the Cleveland Daily Banner.

The Winchester Herald-Chronicle printed a photo of MTSU student Sherry Jo Scott, recipient of the Robert C. LaLance Jr. Achievement Award for remarkable determination, sacrifice and contributions to the community while working toward a college degree.

MTSU graduate student Dan Reimers has become the proud father of Olivia Reimers, one of the smallest babies ever to be born in Nashville at a mere 12 ounces, reported the Winchester Herald-Chronicle and the Tullahoma News.

The Hendersonville Star News printed a guest column on the state budget crisis by Jason Cox, managing editor of Sidelines, MTSU's student newspaper.

MTSU students, including Chad Pickett and Jennifer Crowley, are working on an independent movie titled "The Truth About Kate," noted the DNJ.

The Tullahoma News printed a photo of rescue workers extracting MTSU student Josh Cole from his truck, which had slid off a rain-slick road into Crumpton Creek in Coffee County (Cole survives.).

Lara James, MTSU nursing student and middle regional director of the Tennessee Association of Student Nurses, told the DNJ that TASN recently presented about 1,000 teddy bears to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department to soothe traumatized youngsters.

Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president of student affairs and vice provost for enrollment management, told the DNJ, the Murfreesboro Sun and the Tullahoma News that students who apply at MTSU after the Aug. 9 deadline might not be admitted.

Angela Bransby, business management major, is running for Rutherford County Trustee in the Aug. 1 general election, reported the DNJ and the Murfreesboro Sun.

Amber Ferrell of Altamont won second place in the MTSU Freshman Writing Awards for her essay "Ma," reported the Grundy County Herald.

April Richardson, senior, led a student orientation at MTSU, noted the Alamo Times.

MTSU student Nick Novak is running for Rutherford County Commission, reported the Murfreesboro Sun.



Page Twelve (Local, Student Affairs, cont'd.)

MTSU student Brooke Burns, a vocalist from Estill Springs, will compete in the Oct. 5 "Star Search" during Tullahoma's 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary, noted the Tullahoma News.

Cody Hale, a sophomore graphics art major at MTSU, is co-manager of the Mud Hut Pottery, a shop specializing in hand-painted pottery, according to the DNJ.

MTSU graphic design major and DNJ ad designer Matt McClane has won first place in a national contest sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executives, noted the DNJ.

The Marshall Gazette reported that MTSU student Stephen Aymett has been awarded a scholarship by the Marshall County Horseman's Association.

MTSU student Katie Williams was named the Outstanding Witness for the 2002 Regional Tournament of the American Mock Trial Association, noted the Elk Valley Times.

The Columbia Daily Herald reported that MTSU students Yoshiaki Shigae and Natsuko Tatsuta taught the art of origami to children at the Maury County Library.

Tyson McClanahan, who is pursuing a master's degree in psychology at MTSU, completed the Hi-Tec endurance race in Atlanta in six hours, 10 minutes and 48 seconds, despite having suffered a stroke at the age of 17, reported the DNJ.

General Interest

MTSU is paving a new parking lot at the corner of Rutherford Boulevard and MTSU Boulevard, noted the DNJ.

DNJ columnist Mike Pirtle cited a spring MTSU poll that showed almost 60 percent of respondents supported an income tax increase over a sales tax increase.

James McBride, author of "The Color of Water," is scheduled to address MTSU students at the convocation opening the fall semester, reported the DNJ.

MTSU employees would receive updates about the state budget crisis at www.mtsu.edu, as well as through WMOT-FM and the Murphy Center sign, noted the DNJ.

Budget cuts could cost MTSU $6.2 million, according to the Weakley County Press.

State Sen. Larry Trail (D-Murfreesboro) told the DNJ his office received numerous calls from MTSU students about the state budget crisis.

The Maryville Daily Times and the Johnson City Press noted that the Tennessee Board of Regents was making contingency plans in the event of a state government shutdown.

The board approved a request to allow gifted students to enroll in course work at MTSU, reported the Cannon Courier.

MTSU might have to shut down due to the state budget crisis, according to the Franklin Review-Appeal.

"Celebration Under the Stars" is scheduled for July 4 at MTSU's Intramural Field, noted the Rutherford Courier.

Doug Williams, director, news and public affairs, told the DNJ that "Celebration Under the Stars" might not take place due to uncertainty over the state budget.

Page Thirteen (Local, General Interest, cont'd.)

"Celebration Under the Stars" was canceled because of uncertainty about MTSU's ability to provide security services due to the state government shutdown, according to the DNJ.

Two editorials in separate issues of the DNJ lamented the loss of the 2002 edition of "Celebration Under the Stars."

In a letter to the DNJ, Bryan Lewellen blasted Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg and his administration for canceling "Celebration Under the Stars," while admitting that the state budget crisis "complicated Murfreesboro's relationship with MTSU."

The Jackson Sun and the Cleveland Daily Banner reported that tuition at MTSU would go up $83 per semester if the Tennessee Board of Regents approves a 7.5 percent increase.

Recycle Rutherford President Linda Stevens told the DNJ that people are using magazine recycling bins at MTSU.

The Murfreesboro Sun, the Grundy County Herald, the Sevierville Mountain Press, the Clinton Courier-News, the Jefferson City Standard-Banner, the Bartlett Express, the Lewisburg Tribune, the Covington Leader, the Alamo Times, the Elk Valley Times, the Parsons News Leader, the Celina Citizen-Statesman and the Oneida Independent-Herald printed names of spring 2002 graduates from MTSU.

The Newport Plain Talk, the Alamo Times, the South Pittsburg Hustler, the Grundy County Herald, the Rutherford Courier, the Manchester Times, the Dresden Enterprise, the Elizabethton Star, the Hickman County Times, the Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union, the Oneida Independent-Herald, the Brownsville States-Graphic, the Halls Graphic, the Scott County News, the Ripley Enterprise, the Carthage Courier, the Dunlap Tribune, the Camden Chronicle, the Southern Standard, the Sweetwater Advocate/Democrat, the Wayne County News, the Selmer Independent-Appeal, the Ashland City Times, the Buffalo River Review, the Lexington Progress, the Manchester Times, the Claiborne Progress, the Maryville Daily Times, the Dyersburg State Gazette, the Huntingdon News-Leader, the Lawrenceburg Advocate, the Jefferson City Standard-

Banner, the Gainesboro Sentinel, the Bolivar Bulletin-Times, the Elk Valley Times, the Lauderdale Voice, the Paris Post-Intelligencer, the Covington Leader, the Cannon Courier, the Smithville Review, the Hardin Courier, the Greeneville Sun, the Rogersville Review and the Cleveland Daily Banner printed names of spring 2002 dean's list students at MTSU.

Linda Pellegrini, manager, human resource services, answered questions for the Murfreesboro Sun about everything from her favorite book to her advice for the next generation.

The DNJ Business Pulse printed a photo of Sgt. Matthew Foster, MTSU police officer, at the Crime Stoppers/Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's 2002 Officer of the Year awards banquet.

MTSU hosted the 2002 Tennessee National Teenager Scholarship Program, a preliminary competition for the National Teenager Scholarship Program, according to the Rutherford Courier and the Sevierville Mountain-Press.

Page Fourteen (Local, General Interest, cont'd.)

The Lawrenceburg Advocate reported that MTSU is the top choice of Middle Tennessee high school valedictorians and salutatorians for the sixth year in a row.

Gail Fedak, manager, instructional media resources, told the DNJ that DVDs have not made inroads in the educational market yet.

MTSU is one of the co-sponsors of Murfreesboro's annual National Night Out, an event aimed at raising crime and drug prevention awareness, noted the DNJ.

Cleveland State Community College purchased a reading/translating station for visually impaired students after consulting MTSU officials for advice, reported the Cleveland Daily Banner.

MTSU police want to hire three new officers before the school year begins, but state budget problems could prevent that from happening, noted the DNJ.

Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of life in prison without parole for Rudolph Munn, who was convicted of first-degree murder in the December 1996 slaying of his roommate, MTSU student Andrew Poklemba, according to the DNJ.

The DNJ reported that a jury sentenced Munn to life in prison without parole.

The Murfreesboro Sun reported that the cost of deferred maintenance on the MTSU campus is around $75 million.

As many as 150 to 200 MTSU students participate each year in Project HELP, a 12-month program for developmentally delayed preschool children, noted the DNJ.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded MTSU $190,000 to help disadvantaged students graduate high school and pursue a college degree, reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, the Cannon Courier and the Marshall Gazette.

Russell Caughron, candidate for state representative from the 34th District, vowed to "defend MTSU against THEC's proposed enrollment caps, elimination of academic programs, and cuts in athletic funding," according to the Rutherford Courier.

MTSU will co-sponsor a symposium on the Stones River National Battlefield Oct. 25-26, reported the Rutherford Courier.

Dr. Kim Sokoya, management and marketing, lent wooden carvings, hand-crafted leather pieces and a drum to an African exhibit at the Children's Discovery House Museum in Murfreesboro, noted the DNJ