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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, Liberal Arts, Mass Communication, and Student Affairs.
The last category is General Interest and may include a broad spectrum of programs and people at MTSU, encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc.
NATIONAL NEWS
Business
March same-store sales rose a modest 2.1 percent over the same period last year, according to PR Newswire. Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, and senior advisor to Telecheck Services, Inc., said an early Easter this year and an extra weekend day in March of last year dampened March's same-store sales.
Education
Ebony magazine listed 93 college queens, among them, Miss Middle Tennessee State University, Carmen S. Jones.
Liberal Arts
Paul Wells, director of the Center for Popular Music, talked with a reporter from the Texas bureau of AP about the movie "Urban Cowboy" and its effect on country music during the 1980s.
The Weekly Standard noted Dr. Michael Linton, Music, piano suite "Las Fuentes del Cafe del Rey Moro" was recently released on the Heartdance Label.
Student Affairs
The Chronicle of Higher Education listed the 1999-2000 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Recipients. Ryan Durham, past SGA president (1997-98), was one of the fifty students honored.
METROPOLITAN NEWS
Administration
Bill Smotherman, director of Construction Administration, discussed with TRN the new tornado early warning system being installed on campus.
WMOT-FM reported that TBR Chancellor Charles Smith attended the grand opening of the MTSU Library and stated in his remarks that he hoped the Legislature will realize the need for higher faculty pay as they try to fix the state's budget problems. SGA president Andrae Crismon says he hopes the library marks a new beginning. President James E. Walker, Dr. Barbara Haskew, and Dean Don Craig also offered remarks on behalf of the new library and the university's continual pattern of growth.
Doug Williams, News and Public Affairs, spoke to WMOT-FM about the Gathering of Eagles project which is bringingMTSU together with the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Council has a goal of locating 2,000 lost Eagle Scouts in hopes of having them participate in a Gathering of Eagles to be held in March of 2000. It's expected to be the largest gathering of Eagle Scouts ever held in this area.
Dr. James E. Walker told WMOT-FM that if lawmakers don't fix the state budget problem, MTSU may take a $3 million cut this year, which may mean double-digit tuition increases, staff layoffs, and fewer class offerings.
Two Nashville attorneys who are involved in desegregati on lawsuits claim that UT's choice of their new president violates a federal desegregation court order, reported The Tennessean. Dr. James E. Walker, who was one of the nominees, said he didn't know the attorneys and sees no relationship between his candidacy and their charges.
Basic and Applied Sciences
WMOT-FM reported that James Randi lectured at MTSU and continued doing what he has done for years-debunked the claims of con artists and charlatans who say they have paranormal powers. The title of his presentation was "Science and the Chimera."
Dr. Padgett Kelly, Biology, will appear on WDCN, Tennessee Crossroads, to show his inflatable whale, as well as live footage he shot of whales while in Hawaii.
Paul Ladd of Metro Network talked to Lt. Col. Doug Chaffin about the Apache helicopters.
With the Dell Computer Company coming to the Nashville area, The Tennessean reported that students at MTSU are designing, building, and programming computers. Dr. Jim Lorenz, Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies chair, hopes having Dell nearby will spur our engineering technology programs.
Business
In an NBJ story about companies that are sponsoring training to boost their employees' skills, Dr. Reuben Kyle, BERC, commented that businesses in a tight labor market tend to develop training schools because they cannot find new employees with the
desired skills. Kyle said these companies take a risk because today's workforce is mobile, and some workers will leave for greener pastures and take their training with them to another company.
The Tennessean reported on economists seeing unsettling migration patterns. An MTSU economist says people migrating from Davidson County have higher incomes. Dr. Tony Eff, author of MTSU's Midstate Economic Indicators, feels generating tax revenues will become an issue that has to be addressed. Eff said on WMOT-FM that the Middle Tennessee economy is expected to continue "motoring" right along for at least the first half of this year.
A blurb in The Tennessean stated that dozens of chief executive officers, managers and entertainment executives will take over classes at MTSU at the eighth annual Executives-in-Residence program. This will be followed by an invitation-only luncheon, with guest speaker Marvin Runyon, former U.S. Postmaster General.
The Nashville Business Journal reported enrollment at Christian colleges is rising. Public universities, including MTSU, did not have as strong an enrollment increase. MTSU is a member of the TBR, which on a whole saw a 14.9 percent enrollment increase for full-time students from 1990-1998.
In the Tennessee Tribune it was reported that the eighth annual MTSU Financial Industry Conference, sponsored by MTSU's College of Business and Weatherford Chair of Finance, would have several key speakers.
The Chattanooga Free Press and Knoxville News-Sentinel reported that a conference on Electricity Deregulation in Tennessee was held at MTSU. Nearly 100 utility officials gathered to hear Marvin Runyon, former chairman of the TVA, and former U.S. Postmaster General. The AP reported on the recent Deregulation Symposium , quoting keynote speaker Marvin Runyon as saying that the TVA and other federal agencies need to expand their nuclear power programs. "It's the most environmentally safe alternative we have," Runyon said.
The Tennessean reported on how voters will react to a state income tax in exchange for lower sales tax. Dr. Jeff Clark, Computer Information Systems, feels the numbers of voters changing sides should scare politicians, especially Republicans.
Dr. Ken Hollman, Martin Chair of Insurance, told WMOT-FM that he was surprised by the results of a survey of students taken by insurance students that concluded that college students are uninformed about investments and retirement. Hollman believes that a course on finance should be required before a student can graduate.
Dr. Reuben Kyle, Economics, stated in The Tennessean that recent economic growth in Nashville has helped increase the average income to well above the statewide average. Having maintained relatively moderate housing prices helps.
Channel 12 in Chattanooga reported on the state budget cuts and how they would affect MTSU.
Education
The Tennessean reported that Dr. Dorothy Craig, Education, is worried that student learning may be threatened due to teacher's conflicts. Craig turned down a job of compiling a teacher morale survey for the board of education, although Charlene Kimmel identified her as the person supervising the effort. Craig only agreed to transport the boxes of surveys from Franklin to an MTSU graduate student. Everyone is still waiting for the results.
The Chattanooga Free Press and AP Newswire reported on the death of 17-year-old Michael Larson. His death was caused by alcohol poisoning and some say neglect. Larson's 21-year-old friend was at the scene and made little attempt to help him. The parents of Larson feel this neglect caused their son's death. Bill Schulman, assistant
Criminal Justice professor, feels that is a lot of responsibility to place on a drinking buddy, and that Larson's 'free will' drinking contributed to his death.
Dr. Jane Brissie, Psychology, told WMOT-FM that parents need to talk to their kids about the Columbine High School tragedy. You need to find out their anxieties, and let them know schools are generally safe places to be, she said.
Dr. Gloria Bonner, dean, College of Education, was quoted on WSM Radio about the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame.
Dr. Willis Means, Elementary and Special Education, and Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, appeared with Channel 4's Demetria Kalodimos on a program titled "Reading, Writing, and Weapons: Is Your Child Safe?"
Liberal Arts
Dr. Fred Rolater, History, in his WMOT-FM feature titled "What Does History Have To Do With It?" discussed the explosion of England on the world scene; what history has to do with death and taxes; and the history of radio in six minutes or less.
Dr. Jerry Brookshire, History, told WMOT-FM that he isn't very optimistic about peace in Kosovo. There has been strife for hundreds of years in that region, he said. But it seems to have worsened since World War II.
Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, discussed the origin of April 1 jokes on WMOT-FM, stating that many of those customs and celebrations started in England and elsewhere in Europe.
Mass Communication
Washington Post journalist David Von Drehle will discuss his book, Among the Lowest of the Dead, at MTSU, reported The Tennessean. His book is an award-winning examination of the death penalty.
The Tennessean reported on its annual Three-Star Forum. This event allowed forty-four letter writers to the paper an open-mike period. Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, spoke about his view on violence.
An article in The Tennessean concerning covering violence in the media reflected several different opinions. Dr. Richard Campbell, director of the School of Journalism, and author of two books on TV news, felt the coverage on the Columbine High School incident was an unprecedented scene.
Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, told WMOT-FM that the media's coverage of such tragedies as the Colorado high school shootings is comprised of a mix of individual rights, sensitivity, and weighing the greater good. In another installment, Burriss said that in the marketplace of ideas, some are good, others are not. How do mass media sort out all of these competing interests? he asks. In yet another segment, Burriss discusses the proverbial questions that pop up during a conflict or war: Are American news organizations aiding the enemy? Has the U.S. Government enlisted journalists in a propaganda war? In another, Burriss helped celebrate the 30th anniversary of WMOT-FM by discussing the history and purpose of public radio.
Dr. Bob Wyatt, Journalism, chaired this year's nonfiction jury for the Pulitzer Prize, reported WMOT-FM. For the past eight decades, the Pulitzer recognizes the best in Journalism and letters. "It's tough sifting through the hundreds of entries, but the prize usually goes to an exemplary work.
Student Affairs
WTVF-TV, Channel 5, ran a story about some MTSU students who want the university to include the words "sexual orientation" in the university's non-discrimination statement. Students in the Gay and Lesbian Alliance do not think MTSU is doing enough to protect their rights--and a few indicated they might protest in front of President Walker's house.
The Tennessean reported that the Lambda Association at MTSU is seeking protection under the school's anti-discrimination policy. This group is afraid of being
discriminated against by students and faculty. They plan to protest in front of President Walker's home to promote action.
Concerns about student fees and how they are used was discussed in The Tennessean. A case has been brought before the Supreme Court concerning this issue by the University of Wisconsin. Students here use the First Amendment to assert the practice of using student fees for various clubs, organizations, athletics, etc., amounts to compelled speech.
The Tennessee Tribune ran a story about CeCe Winans, who is at the head of Sharing the Vision, Inc., an organization whose objective is to work with youth and young adults and bring them hope and positive growth. Winans said they are looking to expand the program to other areas of town, including the inner city of Nashville and one on the MTSU campus.
The AP Newswire ran a story on James Nelson, a Neill-Sandler scholar, who is planning on attending MTSU. Channel 5's Jennifer Kraus also did a story on Nelson. WPLN Radio reported on the Neill-Sandler scholarship "Strive for Excellence" banquet. Neill-Sandler scholar, James Nelson, spoke with WLAC's Steve Sullivan.
The Memphis Commerical Appeal ran a story on Somali-born Yasin Samatar, a Sheffield High School student, who won the rank of corp commander in the Memphis Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Samatar would like to attend MTSU. He is not a U.S. citizen, and staffers at MTSU are trying to help him out.
General Interest
A blurb in The Tennessean stated that David Von Drehle of the Washington Post will be speaking at MTSU about his book, Among the Lowest of the Dead.
A blurb in The Tennessean reported that Calvin B. Harley, a researcher and chief scientific officer of Geron Corp., will lecture at MTSU on the subject "Immortalizing Human Cells: How and Why?"
The Nashville Tribune reported that Jill Nelson, author and journalist, spoke at MTSU concerning her idea for a Triple V Campaign. Nelson wants this campaign to educate and organize black women to write an agenda of five issues selected from a comprehensive list. It was also reported that Dr. Dorothy Brown, recipient of the 1999 Women of Achievement Award, was a part of Nelson's audience and felt the event brought women together, regardless of race.
Several helpful tips were given to those adults interested in continuing their higher education in The Tennessean. These tips included, brainstorming, making contact with professors, doing research, applying with appropriate information, relaxing, and finally finding funding.
The Tennessean reported that the debatable issue of fair pay for women continues. The National Committee on Pay Equity says women make only 74 cents for every dollar that men earn. Dr. Richard Hannah, Economics, said that this issue touches almost everyone and that there is a lack of openness about salaries.
The Tennessean reported that Tennessee could be looking at $40 million in cuts for higher education budgets. With this cut, MTSU would lose $2.9 million.
The Tennessean reported on colleges and universities in Middle Tennessee trying to find Y2K bugs in their computer systems. The Tennessee Board of Regents is not developing contingency plans for the schools it governs, one of those being MTSU. At this time MTSU reports to be 95 percent compliant on critical systems.
LOCAL NEWS
Administration
Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, talked to WGNS about the tornado early
warning system being installed on campus.
Bill Smotherman, director of Construction Administration, said a tornado warning system has been purchased for the campus, reported the DNJ. It will have a 1.5 mile radius and only be used if the NOA Weather Service issues a tornado warning.
Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Amy Jetton, Biology, was the source for a DNJ column on Daylight Savings Time, changing the clock to one hour ahead, and what effect, if any, this has on one's body and mind.
M'boro Matters announced that James "The Amazing" Randi will visit MTSU to give a lecture on "Science and the Chimera." His appearance at MTSU is sponsored by MTSU's Division of Academic Affairs, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, and the department of Physics and Astronomy. He will address the TAAPT/SPS.
The DNJ noted in two separate articles that James "The Amazing" Randi appeared on campus for a lecture titled "Science and the Chimera." He said the keystone of science is critical thinking.
Dr. Deborah Clark, Biology, wrote a guest column in the DNJ praising Dr. Phil Mathis, who received the Outstanding Undergraduate Science Award of the National Science Teachers Association. The award itself was also written up in the DNJ.
Business
The College of Business, BMOM, and NationsBank are sponsoring a series of seminars to improve business students' communication skills, according to a story in the DNJ. The project is called "Project Communicate." The series will culminate with oral and written competitions, and cash prizes will be awarded to the winning students.
The DNJ and M'boro Sun ran a story about MTSU's Executives-in-Residence program. More than 50 executives from the region take over morning classes in all colleges. The event is sponsored by the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise. At the conclusion of the Executives-in-Residence program, Robert Corker, a Chattanooga real estate company owner, was honored with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award, reported the DNJ.
An article in the Oak Ridger stated that Tennessee needs spending reform. A joint study by the TACIR staff and the MTSU Business and Economic Research Center found that broadening taxable sales would be as stable as introducing a tax based upon income.
The M'boro Magazine reported that the eighth annual MTSU Financial Industry Conference will take place. The event is sponsored by the MTSU College of Business and the Weatherford Chair of Finance.
Dr. William Ford, MTSU's Weatherford Chair of Finance, was quoted in the DNJ saying the idea behind the Financial Industry Outlook Conference is two fold. It allows MTSU to flex its department's finance muscle, and it puts Murfreesboro on the map with federal financial leaders.
Dr. Reuben Kyle, director of the Business and Economic Research Center and Dr. William Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, say the economic boom of Rutherford County was caused by the completion of I-24 from Nashville to Murfreesboro. The DNJ story also noted that providing a solid education, as MTSU does, didn't hurt.
Liberal Arts
The DNJ and M'boro Magazine announced that the MTSU Theatre Department will present "The Imaginary Invalid". All performances will be held in the Tucker Theatre.
It was reported in the M'boro Magazine that the Center for Popular Music has been awarded a grant from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
"The Imaginary Invalid" is currently in production at the MTSU theatre, reported the DNJ.
Students graduating with a B.F.A. are showing their art in the Art Barn Gallery. Two of the paintings were pictured in the DNJ.
Kevin Breault, a visiting associate professor of Sociology, has done a study on suicide that finds a connection to race and marital status. One of the points his study shows is that married people are just as prone to suicide as those who are single, divorced or widowed, reported the DNJ.
It was noted in the DNJ that the Middle Tennessee Symphony, with Laurence Harvin directing, will present its final concert, with special guest pianist Norman Krieger.
"Poetry Slam Under the Stars," part of the College of University Honors Lyceum Program, is a chance for anyone to read poetry, either their's or someone else's, reported the M'boro Sun and Rutherford Review.
Mass Communication
Washington Post journalist David Von Drehle will discuss his book, Among the Lowest of the Dead, at MTSU, reported the DNJ. His book is an award-winning examination of the death penalty.
Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, was quoted in a DNJ article on the importance of community newspapers. He said the DNJ, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, will continue to survive because it serves the community and has a relationship with its readers.
Student Affairs
Crime Stoppers tips led to the arrest of an MTSU student for theft of a computer from the new library, reported the DNJ.
Two students were mentioned in the DNJ has having taken advantage of the university's co-op program.
Students from the Uniform Equality Commission want the university to include sexually oriented groups among those in the university's nondiscrimination policy. Students from the group picketed in front of President Walker's house because of his refusal to grant their request, reported the DNJ.
A senior Biology student studied the effects a black fungus, growing at Central Middle School, has on students and teachers. She presented her findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, reported the DNJ.
An article in the DNJ explained how MTSU is participating in the Workforce Placement Program, which is a national database that contains profiles of more than 1,000 student job seekers with disabilities. John Harris, director of Disabled Student Services, said a good group was interviewed by the program during their recent visit to campus.
The DNJ reported that students are beginning to understand the ramifications of a higher ed budget cut. It could mean that some won't graduate when they had planned to because some courses may not be offered when they want to take them.
General Interest
The grand opening of MTSU's $33 million library was reported on in the DNJ. MTSU faculty joined state legislators and university supporters at the opening. The DNJ ran two articles on the open house for the new library to "strut its stuff." A DNJ editorial said that MTSU now has one of the finest libraries in the country.
Page 8 (General Interest, Local News)
The Pulaski Citizen contained an article concerning the benefits of changing MTSU's name to the University of Middle Tennessee.
The Ashland City Times reported that MTSU was home to the MTSBOA Concert Festival.
The Lewis Co. Herald and Grundy County Herald reported that MTSU will host the third annual Mid-South Teams Conference.
Recognition of the new Cogeneration Plant at MTSU was reported on in the M'boro Magazine. It is one of only four projects state-wide to receive the 1999 Engineering Excellence Award. The $12 million plant produces electrical power and steam through the combustion of clean-burning natural gas.
M'boro Magazine ran a blurb stating that a Summer Camp Fair will be held at the Campus Rec Center. There are also day camps for kids who have completed 1st grade. Summer Youth Sports Camp will be held for ages 7-12.
The DNJ announced that MTSU will host a Career Fair for students interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. More than 40 companies will participate and several music industry executives will speak in workshops and on panels.
A blurb in the DNJ noted that an organ-donor awareness program will be held. One guest speaker will be Gwenn Walker, wife of university president James Walker, who received a lung transplant
The DNJ pictured 3-year-old Keegan Traub with a llama during the Tennessee Llama Community Show at MTSU's TN Livestock Center.
The DNJ reported that MTSU President James E. Walker received the Human Relations Award at the 28th Annual Dinner of the Nashville Chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice.
An article, with pictures, in the DNJ showed how MTSU will expand in the future, as land surrounding the campus becomes available.
A story in the DNJ and Maryville Daily Times noted that MTSU could face a $2.9 million decrease in the budget if tax reform doesn't take place in Tennessee. That large a reduction could lead to class reductions and vacant faculty and staff positions.
The DNJ reported on the Special Olympics held on campus. John Harris, director of Disabled Student Services, said approximately 150 kids participated this year.
An article in the Maryville Daily Times talked about Dell Computer coming to Nashville and the fact that MTSU students are already designing, building, and programming computers. They are ready to step into Dell jobs.
Shawn Jacobs, WMOT, did a story on MTSU's assistance in finding "Lost Eagle Scouts" in the Middle Tennessee region.
The Shelbyville Times-Gazette and Winchester Herald-Chronicle ran a story on MTSU's sponsoring a Women's Institute, which is a half-day seminar to provide women wtih the tools and skills to enchance their personal and professional lives. Keynote speaker Holly Thompson, an MTSU honors graduate, will present "Take Charge of Your Life."
The Tullahoma News and Lebanon Democrat noted Sen. Bill Frist will address MTSU grads at the spring commencement.
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