Clips for April 2005

NATIONAL NEWS

Athletics

Stephany Smith, women's basketball coach, was hired as women's basketball coach at the University of Alabama, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Business

Dr. Charles Baum, economics and finance, is studying the link between food stamps and obesity, noted The Rush Limbaugh Program (radio syndication) and The O'Reilly Factor (Fox News Channel).

Drs. William Ford and Stuart Fowler, economics and finance, studied the effect of a multi-state out-of-court settlement on the tobacco industry, according to www.newswise.com .

Education and Behavioral Science

Dr. Mark Anshel, HPERS, was interviewed about coping with stress in sports by the Watertown (N.Y.) Daily Times.

Student Affairs

The student group Lambda sponsored a talk by neuroscientist Simon LeVay on the origins of homosexuality, noted the University Wire.

General Interest

Bids went out for site improvements at Peck Hall, reported the University Wire.

METROPOLITAN NEWS

Athletics

The Tennessean's Rutherford section profiled all four candidates for athletic director.

In a column in The Tennessean's Rutherford section, Tom Kreager opined that replacing Stephany Smith as women's basketball coach is the new athletic director's first challenge.

Shelbyville Central High School girls' basketball coach Rick Insell was hired as women's basketball coach at MTSU, according to The Tennessean.

Basic and Applied Sciences

David Gore, engineering technology and industrial studies, said that price cuts at Nissan forced the company's suppliers to implement manufacturing initiatives that made them more efficient, reported The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

In a guest column in The Tennessean, Dr. Preston MacDougall, chemistry, wrote that the Canadian health care system has its flaws.

Business

Dr. David Penn, director, Business and Economic Research Center, said he was surprised that the unemployment rate did not rise more in February, reported The Tennessean.

Penn told The Tennessean unemployment in the Nashville area seems to be holding steady at around 36,000.

MTSU co-sponsored the 14th annual Executives-in-Residence program, according to The City Paper (Nashville ).

Dr. Charles Baum, economics and finance, is studying the link between food stamps and obesity, noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section and The Tennessean.

An MTSU survey of residents in Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties showed consumer confidence drop from 307 in February to 264 last month, reported The Tennessean.

The Middle Tennessee Workforce Investment Board presented its Chair's Award to MTSU, according to Nashville Business Journal.

Pat Blankenship, accounting, was interviewed on the Tennessee Radio Network, WSIX-FM, WNRQ-FM and WRVW-FM about living wills.

Education and Behavioral Science

Lisa Sheehan-Smith, human sciences, said the chronobiotic diet doesn't appear to be validated by clinical research, reported The Tennessean.

Dr. Jan Hayes, educational leadership, said minority students studying education have been on the decline ever since the civil rights movement, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Supporters of Dr. Dennis Kramer, psychology, planned a rally and march in protest of the university's refusal to renew his contract, reported The Tennessean.

MTSU officials promised to review Kramer's file, according to WKRN-TV.

Dr. Mark Anshel, HPERS, said it is “never in a player's interest to confront spectators,” noted The Tennessean.

MTSU entered into a partnership with Central Middle School to help it meet federal “No Child Left Behind” standards, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

The Department of Elementary and Special Education sponsored the annual Invention Convention, reported The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Liberal Arts

The Stones River Chamber Players presented their fourth and final program of the season, noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

MTSU's Dance Theatre presented its spring dance concert, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

The MTSU Jazz Ensemble I and the MTSU All-Stars were scheduled to perform at JazzFest, reported The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

WLAC-AM and The Tennessean's Rutherford section interviewed Dr. Andrei Korobkov, political science, and Dr. Derek Frisby, history, about a proposed memorial to military personnel on campus.

Mass Communication

WMOT-FM aired a commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism, on publishing hoaxes.

Wendell Rawls, journalism, penned an article on death row inmates for the Nashville Scene.

Rawls took The Tennessean to task for, in his view, pandering to conservatives and advertisers in the Nashville Scene.

Rawls criticized The Tennessean for stories about the Tennessee Titans and exotic dancers in the Nashville Scene.

Dr. Mary Nichols, electronic media communication, organized a benefit concert for the National Kidney Foundation, noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Dr. Carol Pardun was hired as the new chair of journalism, according to The Tennessean.

Student Affairs

Junior Calley Stroud had an essay published in a new book titled “Kids, have you seen my backpack …? and Other Inspirational Stories of Non-Traditional Students,” noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Junior Renee Hem was the project coordinator for PULSE Day, a youth initiative organized by the Oasis Center in Nashville, reported The Tennessean.

The Student Art Alliance and the Printer's Proof, two student art organizations, held a one-night-only art exhibition and sale, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Student Valencia Woodmore shopped for furniture at Big Lots, noted The Tennessean.

Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president, student affairs and vice provost, enrollment management, said it's difficult to say whether the increase in MTSU's freshman enrollment for 2004-05 is attributable to the lottery scholarship or the growth of the college-age population, reported Nashville Business Journal.

MTSU student Amy Perry earned extra credit in one of her classes by attending “Marching Toward Justice: The History of the 14 th Amendment” exhibit at Murfreesboro City Hall, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Joe Biddle profiled MTSU student golfer Kenny Green in a column in The Tennessean.

The MTSU chapter of the American Institute for Graphic Arts held a rock and art fundraiser at the Blue Desert Music Group Studio, reported the Nashville Scene.

A group of MTSU students formed the Heritage Arts and Music Society, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

General Interest

The International Banquet featured foods from Asia, the Caribbean, Ireland, India, Italy and Mexico, reported The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Comedian Bill Cosby performed at Murphy Center, according to The Tennessean.

MTSU's Rutherford County Alumni Chapter will award several $1,000 scholarships to Rutherford County students, noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

Randy Weiler, news and public affairs, wrote sports stories for The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

The Summer Discovery Institute programs at MTSU offer students a chance to get first-hand experience in theatre and aerospace, according to The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

MTSU recognized 15 people at the second President's Celebration of Excellence, reported The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

The MTSU Recreation Department offers a variety of outdoor summer activities, noted The Tennessean's Rutherford section.

LOCAL NEWS

Administration

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee was the guest speaker at the Woodbury Lions Club, according to the Cannon Courier.

McPhee commented on “Southern Business & Development's” inclusion of Rutherford County on its list of Ten University Markets in the South that Really Have Their Acts Together for the DNJ.

As a member of the NCAA Board of Directors, McPhee voted on a proposal to give Division I-A and I-AA schools the permanent option of scheduling 12 regular season football games every year, beginning with the 2006 season, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Jo Edwards, Chair of Nursing Excellence, received the approval of Rutherford County 's steering committee to ask the state legislature to let local communities set their own anti-smoking standards, noted the DNJ.

Athletics

In a column in the DNJ, Greg Pogue opined that the new athletic director must be all things to all people.

University of Tennessee associate athletic director John Currie has withdrawn as a candidate for MTSU athletic director, noted the DNJ.

Chris Massaro was expected to be offered MTSU's athletic director position, according to the DNJ.

Chris Massaro was named MTSU's new athletic director, reported the DNJ.

Blue Raider fans expressed their opinions of Massaro for the DNJ.

The DNJ published an in-depth interview with Massaro.

In a column in the DNJ, Greg Pogue opined that former Athletic Director Boots Donnelly should let bygones be bygones.

In a column in the DNJ, Monte Hale opined that MTSU opens a new era with Chris Massaro.

Stephany Smith, women's basketball coach, applied for the head coaching job at the University of Alabama, according to the DNJ.

Smith won the Alabama job, noted the DNJ.

In a letter to the DNJ, Warren Wakeland suggested that new athletic director Chris Massaro call University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt for advice on who to hire to replace Smith.

In a letter to the DNJ, Tom Henry, executive director, Feed America First of Murfreesboro, expressed appreciation for the football team's fundraising efforts.

Shelbyville Central High School girls' basketball coach Rick Insell was hired as women's basketball coach at MTSU, according to the DNJ.

In a column in the DNJ, Greg Pogue hailed the choice of Insell.

Insell ultimately was discovered not to have been qualified according to the requirements in the advertised job description, noted the DNJ.

In a column in the DNJ, Monte Hale called the cancelled news conference to introduce Insell a “fiasco.”

Basic and Applied Sciences

MTSU's Center for the Advancement of Mathematics co-sponsored the Business, Community and Classroom Connections Academy for the Advancement of Math and Science Study, reported the DNJ Business Pulse.

The MTSU Pickin' Professors--including Elizabeth Fitch, Dr. Bruce Cahoon, Dr. Frank Bailey, Dr. Matt Elrod-Erickson, and student Kevin Plant--performed at the Pick 'n' Parlor, noted the Bell Buckle Echo.

Dr. Bill Robertson, physics and astronomy, lectured on the likelihood of nuclear terrorism, according to the DNJ and the Rutherford Courier.

Dr. Tony Johnston, agribusiness and agriscience, advocated the conversion of tobacco fields to vineyards, reported the Kingsport Times-News and the Johnson City Press.

Johnston conducted a short course on port wine at the “Toast to Tennessee ” Wine Festival, according to the Wilson Post.

MTSU's Center for Environmental Education co-sponsored Project CENTS: Conservation Education Now for Tennessee Students, noted the Mountain City Tomahawk.

The CEE sponsored a Flying WILD! Booth at Murfreesboro 's Earth Day event, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Stephen Wright, biology, said smallpox worries him more than any other bioterrorism weapon, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Sung Yoo, computer science, said no terrorism organizations are plotting an attack on the nation's computer systems, although they have the capabilities, reported the DNJ.

Dr. George Murphy, biology, said the environment near Kensington Place shopping center is well-suited for ducks, noted the DNJ.

Business

Dr. Reuben Kyle, economics and finance, said oil prices are around $55 a barrel, noted the DNJ.

Kyle said it may be years before the local economy sees the long-term consequences of rising gas prices, reported the DNJ.

MTSU co-sponsored the 14 th annual Executives-in-Residence program, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Jim Burton, dean, College of Business, was appointed to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported the DNJ.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center co-sponsored a class for persons interested in securing government contracts, noted the DNJ.

Dr. David Penn, director, Business and Economic Research Center, will prepare a study of health care occupations in Northwest Tennessee, according to the Dyersburg State Gazette.

Penn said the Rutherford County area's employment increase in “monumental,” noted the DNJ.

Dr. Ken Hollman, insurance, said his goal was to have 160 players and 100 hole sponsors at the 21 st annual Tommy T. Martin Scramble Golf Tournament, which raises funds for insurance scholarships, reported the Rutherford Courier.

The College of Business will hold its second annual Leadership Conference May 11, noted the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.

Dr. Charles Baum, economics and finance, was awarded a $120,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund a study of the impact of the federal food stamp program on obesity, according to the DNJ and the Tullahoma News.

Dr. Timothy Graeff, director, Office of Consumer Research, said consumer confidence in the Middle Tennessee economy is on the upswing, reported the DNJ.

WorldCom whistleblower Cynthia Cooper spoke at MTSU about the price she paid for doing the right thing, noted the DNJ.

Dr. Barbara Haskew, economics and finance, counsels women to be careful not to use off-color language in the workplace to try to be “one of the boys,” according to the Tullahoma News.

Dr. Al DePrince, economics and finance, said the gas price hike will have some restraining effect on the local economy, reported the DNJ.

Educational and Behavioral Science

Dr. Mark Anshel, HPERS, said the trend for companies providing avenues for their employees to get or stay healthy is not new, according to the DNJ.

MTSU entered into a partnership with Rutherford County Schools to provide teaching strategies and mentoring programs, noted the DNJ.

A former Black Fox Elementary School principal brokered the deal between MTSU and Central Middle School, according to the DNJ.

An editorial in the DNJ hailed MTSU's partnership with Central Middle School.

Dr. Bobbie Solley, elementary and special education, said MTSU is the second university in the state to receive grant money to fund a summer writing institute, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Bob Womack, educational leadership, made remarks at the funeral of Wilson's Allen, a notable Tennessee Walking horse, noted the DNJ.

Dr. Janet McNaughton, human sciences, conducted a study to determine if the urban myth of college weight gain was true, according to the DNJ.

Guest readers from a class taught by Dr. Linda Moore, elementary and special education, read to youngsters at Highland Park Elementary School in Columbia, noted the Columbia Daily Herald.

Dr. Kathleen Burriss, elementary and special education, said she does not understand the purpose of the Firefly cell phone, which is designed for children ages 8-12, reported the DNJ.

Gary DePriest, HPERS, organized the High School Drivers' Education Contest, according to the DNJ.

Supporters of Dr. Dennis Kramer, psychology, staged a rally and march in protest of the university's refusal to renew his contract, noted the DNJ.

Dr. Janet Colson, human sciences, said she is pleased with the new vending machine guidelines for schools, reported the DNJ.

Colson commented on the U.S.D.A.'s new food pyramid for the DNJ.

The Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame inducted eight new members April 30, according to the Cannon Courier.

Dr. Chris Quarto, psychology, said MTSU will offer a new master's degree program in professional counseling with a concentration in mental health counseling at MTSU, reported the DNJ.

The Department of Elementary and Special Education sponsored the annual Invention Convention, noted the DNJ.

Liberal Arts

Michael Samis, music, and other cellists performed in concert at MTSU, reported the Bell Buckle Echo.

Clarinetist Eddie Daniels performed in the MTSU Jazz Artist Series, noted the Bell Buckle Echo.

U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) addressed a “Political Campaigns” course taught by Kent Sylar, political science, according to the DNJ, the Bristol Herald Courier and the Johnson City Press.

Jamey Simmons, music, composed music performed by a composite high school jazz band at JazzFest, reported the DNJ Business Pulse and the DNJ.

The MTSU Flute Choir and the MTSU Women's Chorale performed in April, noted the Bell Buckle Echo.

The Tennessee Storytelling Festival and Conference will be co-sponsored by MTSU, according to the Gallatin News-Examiner.

Dr. Andrei Korobkov, political science, lectured on “A Russian Perspective on Terrorism,” reported the DNJ.

Dr. Shelley Thomas, foreign languages and literatures, said the third annual Summer Language Institute is slated for June 20-24, noted the DNJ.

Dr. David Neumeyer, music theory, University of Texas-Austin, spoke on “American Music: Sound and Film” as part of the Windham Lecture Series, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Gaylord Brewer, English, was interviewed for Murfreesboro Magazine.

Dr. Lois Banner, University of Southern California, was the Department of History's Strickland Visiting Scholar Lecturer, noted the DNJ.

Dr. Ron Kates, English, is the father of an autistic child, reported the DNJ.

Lisa Moore, speech and theatre, taught a pilot course titled “Women in Leadership: Power and Communication,” according to the DNJ.

The Middle Tennessee Choral Society paid tribute to Dr. Raphael Bundage, music, at the end of the season, noted the DNJ.

The Todd Gallery displayed the artwork of six graduating seniors in a show titled “Alive,” reported the Manchester Times and the Shelbyville Times-Gazette.

The Marshall Gazette explained the Tennessee Century Farm program.

The MTSU Symphony Orchestra presented its season finale at Wright music Hall, noted the DNJ.

Dr. Ellen Donovan, English, is president of Recycle Rutherford, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Paul Osterfield, music, debuted his composition “Sound and Fury” at the Wright Music Hall, reported the DNJ.

The MTSU Jazz Ensemble I and the MTSU All-Stars were scheduled to perform at JazzFest, noted the DNJ.

The MTSU Civil War Lecture Series was co-sponsored by the MTSU Department of History and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, according to the DNJ.

Cindy Cliché, a teacher at Homer Pittard Campus School, was one of 95 educators chosen as Teachers of the Year by the National Science Foundation, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Mark Byrnes, political science, said U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) is positioning himself as a candidate in the 2008 presidential election, noted the DNJ.

The Center for Historic Preservation announced the appointment of a full-time manager of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, according to the DNJ.

Students of Dr. Sekou Franklin, political science, attended a presentation on the Southeast Corridor Transit Study, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Divya Saksena, English, said she is “technically” a Hindu, noted the DNJ.

Mass Communication

An MT Poll showed public opinion split over proposed cuts to TennCare, reported the Cleveland Daily Banner and the Dyersburg State Gazette.

Student-run MTTV will continue on Murfreesboro Cable Channel 10 for at least another year, according to the DNJ.

In a column in the DNJ, Dr. Ed Kimbrell, journalism, congratulated WMOT-FM for obtaining federal permission to expand its coverage area.

Dr. Mary Nichols, electronic media communication, organized a benefit concert for the National Kidney Foundation, noted the DNJ.

Nichols organized the inaugural meeting of the Community Dulcimer Club, according to the DNJ.

Student Affairs

MTSU College Democrats President Christy Holden alleged that the Rutherford County Democratic Party disenfranchised MTSU students, noted the DNJ.

MTSU student Chris Smith said he didn't think the Terri Schiavo case should have been national news, according to the DNJ.

MTSU students Patricia Marzella, Kitra Swanson, Gisela Wieland, Julian Chatham-Toombs, Jill Henley, Heather Wanke, Katy Fuqua and Jessica Heiser visited

Auburn School classrooms to teach healthy nutrition and fitness habits, reported the Cannon Courier.

MTSU's Lambda Association sponsored a panel discussion on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in the workplace, noted the DNJ.

Student Stephanie Otto is investigating the effect of exercise on bone density on women who use Depo-Provera, according to the DNJ.

MTSU student John Winkler suffered serious injuries in an explosion at his home after a glass container blew up between his legs, reported the DNJ.

Students Stephanie Ray Thomas and Marsha Diane Wallace have accepted membership in Golden Key International Honor Society, noted the DNJ and the Rutherford Courier.

A DNJ editorial opined that MTSU needs to build relationships with its students.

Freshman John Mark Stephens was one of the MTSU student-athletes lending a helping hand at the Rutherford County Special Olympics, according to the DNJ.

Senior Ashley Elizabeth Graham has been chosen for Who's Who in American Universities, noted the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.

Students for Environmental Action asked peers to voluntarily raise their tuition by $8 to pay for the renewable energy offered through the Tennessee Valley Authority's Green Power Switch program, according to the DNJ.

MTSU student Tyler Barden advanced to the second round in the West Tennessee Idol Competition, reported the Brownsville States-Graphic.

The Shelbyville Times-Gazette printed photos of a senior seminar class shooting scenes for a rock music video.

The MTSU chapter of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars held a blood drive for sophomore Nick Kowalsky, noted the DNJ.

A DNJ editorial praised the NSCS for its blood drive.

The South Sudanese Student Organization circulated petitions asking elected officials to put pressure on the Sudanese government to end the oppression of black natives, reported the DNJ.

A DNJ editorial praised the SSSO for its petition drive.

General Interest

Gen. Hugh Shelton (Ret.), former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at MTSU April 13, reported the Bell Buckle Echo and the DNJ.

The Honors College sponsored a concert by Delmer Holland and the Blue Creek Ramblers, a lecture on natural nutritional healing by Virginia Harper, and a program with Ulster-Scots and history and heritage author Billy Kennedy, noted the Bell Buckle Echo.

The Cannon Courier, the Maryville Daily Times and the Chester County Independent printed the names of students who made the Dean's List in the Fall 2004 semester.

The Archie Hartwell Nash Memorial Scholarship provides support for sophomore, junior, senior or graduate students of MTSU who are working their way through college, noted the Overton County News and the Gallatin News-Examiner.

The University Writing Center planned a rock-and-roll fundraiser at the Boro Bar and Grill, according to the DNJ.

The Albert Gore Sr. Research Center relocated to the Todd Building, noted the DNJ.

The Gore Center provided a photo of tryouts for school mascot to the DNJ.

The Gore Center provided a photo of the Jefferson Springs retreat to the DNJ.

The Gore Center provided a photo of the W. Goldstein Dry Goods and Clothing Store to the DNJ.

Former Vice President Al Gore dedicated the Gore Center to his father when it moved to Todd Hall, according to the DNJ.

A DNJ editorial opined that the Gore Center is “one of Rutherford County 's best historical resources.”

Comedian Bill Cosby performed at Murphy Center, reported the DNJ.

The June Anderson Women's Center commemorated Sexual Assault Awareness Month with several events at MTSU, according to the DNJ.

Dr. Susan Trentham, director, JAWC, served as a workshop facilitator at “An Income of Her Own,” an event sponsored by the Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley, reported the Rutherford Courier.

MTSU's graduation rate is 43.6 percent, slightly above the regional and national average, noted the DNJ.

The Clothesline Project expressed the emotions of sexual assault on the KUC knoll, reported the DNJ.

“Take Back the Night,” a rally and candlelight vigil against sexual assault, was held at MTSU, according to the DNJ.

John Harris, director, Disabled Student Services, is director for Area 16 Special Olympics, noted the DNJ and the Rutherford Courier.

A DNJ editorial hailed the Special Olympics at MTSU.

MTSU recognized 15 people at the second President's Celebration of Excellence, reported the DNJ.

The Shelbyville Times-Gazette listed numerous courses available at MTSU.

Eight Boy Scouts from Lodge Troop 63 participated in MTSU's annual Merit Badge University, according to the Jasper Journal.

The Summer Discovery Institute programs at MTSU offer students a chance to get first-hand experience in theatre and aerospace, according to the Tullahoma News and the DNJ.

Reported crime at MTSU rose by 13.9 percent between 2003 and 2004, according to data submitted to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, noted the DNJ.

A DNJ editorial opined that MTSU is still relatively safe, despite an upturn in the crime rate.

The DNJ printed photos of the High School Driver's Education Competition at MTSU.

Middle school children were invited to a week-long day camp called Summer Youth University at MTSU, reported the DNJ.

Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, director, Japan-U.S. Program, is a member of the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, according to the Rutherford Courier.