News Clips December 2000

MTSU News Summary for December 2000

NATIONAL NEWS

Business
Dr. William Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, was quoted in The New York Times concerning reasons for the drop in retail sales this year.
Ford told PR Newswire that consumer spending and sales could be good this year, but not as high as figures last year.
Bad weather could be one reason for the decrease in holiday sales, remarked Ford in a PR Newswire article.
PR Newswire interviewed Ford regarding a boost in holiday spending the Saturday before Christmas.
Ford was quoted in a PR Newswire article concerning sales reports on the day after Christmas.

General Interest
"All Things Considered," a National Public Radio program, featured excerpts of country music singer Deford Bailey’s CD, which was edited and remastered by Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, and Bruce Nemerov, Center for Popular Music. Wolfe was also interviewed during a special segment titled "Pan American Blues."

Page 2 (General Interest, National, con’t.)

Nemerov was interviewed on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s show, "As It Happens," concerning his research on Sister O.M. Terrell, an African-American gospel singer and guitarist.
Case District III Notes, a publication regarding educational institutions, announced the $2 million pledge to the Honors College, and the Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance endowment passing the $1million mark.

METROPOLITAN NEWS

Administration
The Tennessee Tribune pictured Dr. Linda Hare, vice president of Development & University Relations, accepting a donation for the university’s aviation program from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s fifth Aviation Classic Golf Tournament.

Athletics
The Associated Press announced head football coach Andy McCollum has received a one-year extension on his contract .

Business
Dr. Patrick Geho, director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, offered tips on increasing net cash for growing businesses in an article published by the Heart of Tennessee.
Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, Economics & Finance, was pictured in The Tennessee Tribune, along with editor Rosetta Miller-Perry, in an article titled "Ethnic Chambers Introduce Nashville Multi-Cultural Partnership Inc."
Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, discussed attempts by stores to attract shoppers, including an increase in ads and discounted sale prices, in The Tennessean.
A follow-up article in The Tennessean showed sales didn’t improve in spite of store efforts, but it may have been the result of the presence of Opry Mills, Ford said.
Despite the slowing economy, Ford expects a slight increase closer to Christmas, the Chattanooga Times reported.
Dr. Albert DePrince Jr., director of the Business and Economic Research Center, told The Tennessean it’s unlikely the local and national economy will come to a screeching halt.
DePrince told The Memphis Commercial Appeal the state’s revenue outlook is bad with a $150 million reduction in this year’s budgeted spending.
DePrince and Dr. Reuben Kyle, Economics and Finance, appeared on Channel 5+, "Open Line with Chris Clark," to discuss the midstate economic outlook for the year 2001
Dr. Tim Graeff, Marketing & Management, discussed a recent poll conducted by students regarding Middle Tennesseans’ attitudes about the economy on WMOT-FM. TR

Education and Behavioral Science
Lisa Sheehan-Smith, Human Sciences, was interviewed on WSM-FM concerning tips for holiday eating and exercise. TR

Liberal Arts
Dr. John Vile, Political Science, discussed the recent presidential election with Holly Thompson on WSMV-TV Channel 4.
Page 3 (Liberal Arts, Metropolitan, con’t.)

Dr. Steven Livingston, Political Science, discussed the state’s trade relations with China on WMOT-FM. TR
WMOT-FM also interviewed Livingston regarding the two billion dollar increase in state exports as compared to last year’s figures. TR
The holiday season can be a reminder of loneliness for many widows, remarked Dr. Janet Belsky, Psychology, on a recent WMOT-FM show. TR

Mass Communication
The MT poll examined the opinions of African-Americans more closely, resulting in new findings on the death penalty and racism, the Tennessee Tribune reported.
In a separate article, the Tennessee Tribune reported that African-Americans and Caucasians agree on some issues, such as life and the improvement of race relations.
Results from the MT Poll reveal Hispanic immigrants are struggling for acceptance in the Middle Tennessee area, The Tennessean reported.
In his weekly WMOT-FM commentary, Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, addressed the following topics: "E-books," "Santa," and "The Sopranos."

Student Affairs
The Tennessean announced 12 seniors will present a graphic arts design exhibit at the Art Barn Gallery.
WMOT-FM interviewed Cynthia Maule-Trail, a graduate student and cancer survivor, who was recently awarded the first U.S. Oncology scholarship for $5,000.
Eric Goins, freshman, received a scholarship from MTSU’s Cooperative Education Foundation, funded by Tennessee Workers Credit Union, the Chattanooga Times announced.
Though he doesn’t receive financial aid, Brandon Shoop, junior, told The Tennessean a loss of federal funding could hurt lower-income students who "deserve money to go to college."

General Interest
Bonnie Shipp, English, and Tyson King-Meadows , Political Science, noted the focus for the African-American History Month celebration at MTSU is the advancement of the human, The Tennessean reported.
An Internet survey conducted by Lisa Rollins, News & Public Affairs, revealed students value e-mail most when it comes to Internet accessibility, The Tennessean reported. TR
WSM-FM and WMOT-FM also interviewed Rollins regarding her Internet /news study. TR
Dr. Jo Edwards, Adams Chair of Excellence in HealthCare Services, and Dr. Peggy O’Hara Murdock , HPERS, were two of the panelists discussing the tobacco industry and the use of tobacco settlement funds in Tennessee on Channel 5+.
Dr. Diane Sawyer, director, Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia , appeared on Channel 5+ "Open Line with Chris Clark" to discuss the new reading initiative in Tennessee.
The Tennessean reported the new facility for the university’s dyslexia center will double the size of the current center.
The Center for Historic Preservation is searching for family farms 100 years old and older to update its records on Century Farms, The Tennessean announced.
Century Farms project coordinator Caneta Hankins discussed the importance of keeping records of the century farms on WMOT-FM.
The Mid-East Tennessee Alumni Chapter of MTSU is inviting recent graduates to become members, the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported.
Page 4 (General Interest, Metropolitan, con’t.)

According to a report released by The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, state colleges received poor grades in five higher education categories, The Tennessean reported

LOCAL NEWS

Administration
Dr. Barbara Haskew, provost and vice president , Academic Affairs, was featured in the Newsmaker section of the DNJ.
An editorial was published in the DNJ supporting Haskew as the best candidate for the presidency of MTSU.
The DNJ quoted interim President R. Eugene Smith regarding the unanimous vote by the Tennessee Board of Regents to convert three existing doctor of arts (D.A.) programs to doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.
State money woes are to blame for the lack of applicants for the office of president at MTSU, reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, Union City Daily Messenger, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, Maryville Daily Times, and the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
A DNJ article revealed the salary for the university president is above average, compared to wages available at other universities of similar size
The DNJ announced Dr. Duane Stucky, vice president , Finance and Administration, has applied for the presidents position, the DNJ reported.
David Hutton, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, was quoted in the DNJ regarding scholarships and student aid.

Basic and Applied Sciences
The DNJ summarized the activities held during the symposium for advancing science and technology through university and industry partnerships, sponsored by the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
During the symposium, Marvin Runyon, Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence, advised students on how to get, maintain, and change jobs, the M’boro Sun reported.
Middle Tennessee technology teachers and state education officials were pictured in Ashland City Times and Gainesboro Sentinel touring the Voorhies Industrial Studies Complex. The tour was also noted in the Columbia Daily Herald.
Grants totaling about $80,000 were awarded to MTSU to sponsor teacher education workshops on aerospace, the DNJ announced.

Business
Good economic conditions helped same store sales rise during Thanksgiving weekend, as compared to last year, commented Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, the DNJ reported.
Ford was quoted in the Franklin Review-Appeal stating some stores could experience an increase in sales during the holiday season.
The DNJ reported the sales average was 3.2 percent higher for the first 10 Christmas shopping days, according to an analysis by Ford.
Holiday spending is expected to show improvement until Christmas, Ford told the DNJ.
A look at sales after Christmas showed holiday spending was less than expected according to Ford in a recent DNJ article.
Page 5 (Business, Local, con’t.)

An analysis by Dr. Albert DePrince Jr., director of the Business and Economic Research Center, forecasts a slowdown in the state’s economy, the Tullahoma News reported.
DePrince stated the slowdown is necessary to help prevent inflation, but there is no worry of an immediate recession, reported the DNJ.
In a Union City Daily Messenger article, DePrince said he predicts a faster pace of growth in the second half of the fiscal year.
DePrince and Dr. Reuben Kyle, Economics and Finance, appeared on Channel 5+, "Open Line with Chris Clark," to discuss the midstate economic outlook for the year 2001.
Dr. Tim Graeff, Marketing and Management, commented on the results of a poll conducted by his marketing and research students regarding the availability of jobs in Middle Tennessee, the DNJ reported.
Two articles in the M’boro Sun printed the results of the previous poll. One article focused on the overall economy, which showed a majority of consumers polled believe business conditions will improve six months from now .TR

Education and Behavioral Science
An article on the groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia was published in the DNJ.
Pam Marks, Food Sciences, offered tips for making holiday hor d’oeuvres in the Food Styles section of the DNJ.
Dr. Keith Carlson, Psychology, commented on a common problem adoptive children experience in the M’boro Sun.TR

Liberal Arts
The DNJ featured Christie Nuell, Art, who was awarded MTSU’s 2001 Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology.
The Southern Standard published a review on the performance of the Messiah by the Middle Tennessee Choral Society, under the direction of Dr.Raphael Bundage, Music.
The Rutherford Courier and Southern Standard announced the performance of "The Nutcracker" at Murphy Center, with music by the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
Roger Kugler, director of the School of Music, and Dr.Laurence Harvin, conductor for the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, were pictured in a DNJ announcement of their upcoming performance, "Christmas in the Kitchen."
Dr. John Vile, Political Science, discussed the level of partisanship during the post-election period with the DNJ.
The Supreme Court decision regarding the election could add fuel to the fire, not settle it, noted Vile in the M’boro Sun. TR
The M’boro Sun published Vile’s analysis of the oral arguments made by justices of the Supreme Court.TR
In the M’boro Sun,Vile addressed the results cameras in a courtroom could have on a trial. TR
Dr. Pat Nation, Sociology and Anthropology, advised consumers to use extra precaution during the holiday shopping season, the M’boro Sun reported. TR
Holiday shoppers should refrain from smiling at strangers while in parking lots or on city streets, Nation warns, as a measure of caution, reported the M’boro Sun. TR
Dr. Nation also discussed the purpose of the appeals process for convicted criminals, such as Timothy McVeigh, with the M’boro Sun. TR
Faye Johnson, Sociology and Anthropology, spoke to seniors and recipients of the Horatio Alger Scholarship at La Vergne High School, the DNJ reported.
Page 6 (Liberal Arts, Local, con’t.)

Dr. Steven Livingston, Political Science, was quoted in the M’boro Sun regarding Tennessee exports to China. TR

Mass Communication
Results of the MT Poll show public support for the death penalty has shifted
since the 1970s, the M’boro Sun reported.
MTSU was mentioned in the Franklin Review-Appeal, with Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, urging media to cover the crises higher education institutions in Tennessee are experiencing.

Student Affairs
Some 1,164 students received degrees at the fall commencement ceremonies, the DNJ reported.
Tullahoma News announced Kristie Lynn Beavers, music graduate student, will give a vocal recital at Wright Music Hall.
Sonic scholarships were awarded to MTSU students Rachel Erin Baum and Valerie Beth Brady, announced the Franklin Review-Appeal and Overton County News.
Gina Schroder is one of a dozen students presenting an exhibit of graphic design and business know-how at the Art Barn Gallery, the Shelbyville-Times Gazette reported.
The Lebanon Democrat and Sullivan County News named local students who appeared on the dean’s list for the summer 2000 semester.
The Southern Standard recognized senior Natalie Miller who teaches a program at West Elementary School to help second-graders learn the importance of diversity.
A picture in the DNJ showed MTSU students standing in long lines and cold weather to sell their textbooks at the campus bookstore’s portable trailer.
Senior Amy Combs was recognized in the Grainger County News for her accomplishments in the field of aviation.
The Southern Standard announced MTSU student Jason Tomberlin recently graduated from ROTC Challenge Camp.
Senior Jessica Porter is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the DNJ announced.
Mindy Emery, Ryu Tashiro, and Liz Fedynich were interviewed by the DNJ because they decided to remain in Murfreesboro during the Christmas holidays, as opposed to going home for the holiday break.
The DNJ interviewed three freshmen who started an alternative clothing line for men. STB

General Interest.
A DNJ editorial expressed a need for doctoral programs at MTSU after recent approval by the Tennessee Board of Regents for Ph.D. offerings in English, economics, and human performance.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission will hear the proposal for three Ph.D. programs at MTSU this summer after the Geier mediation settlement agreement, reported the DNJ.
A status conference regarding the Geier vs. Sundquist higher education desegregation lawsuit was postponed, the DNJ reported.
The DNJ announced both parties in the Geier case have reached an agreement in the 32-year-old desegregation case.
A DNJ editorial cited the benefits the Geier lawsuit has brought all Tennessee universities.

Page 7 ( General Interest, Local, con’t.)

The settlement of the desegregation lawsuit will help MTSU to establish three doctor of arts programs, the DNJ reported.
MTSU is spending almost $4 million to purchase three churches near the campus to provide more space for classrooms and offices, reported the DNJ.
Tennessee Higher Education Commission recommended that MTSU receive2.37 million in state maintenance funds for fiscal year 2002, the DNJ reported.
Of the DNJ’s top10 stories of 2000, MTSU was spotlighted in four: the departure of James E. Walker, former president, and Lee Fowler, former athletic director;
MTSU officially joined the Sun Belt Conference; the success of the second Division I-A football season; and the baseball team’s win in the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Tennessee Board of Regents approved the university’s proposal to name the new library in honor of Dr. James Walker, former president, the DNJ announced.
John Harris, director of Students with Disabilities, spoke to seniors and recipients of the Horatio Alger Scholarship at La Vergne High School, the DNJ reported
The works of Harry Wilson will be displayed at MTSU’s Baldwin Photographic Gallery, the Cookeville Herald-Citizen reported.
MTSU students, faculty, and staff joined campus police for their fifth annual Angel Tree party for children living in the Womack Lane Apartments on campus, reported the DNJ.
The Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will host a New Year’s Eve Society Ball in the James Union Building, the DNJ and Rutherford Courier announced.
Rita Whitaker, Murphy Center events coordinator, and Anne Ritchie, Tennessee Philharmonic secretary, are shown working together to plan "The Nutcracker" performance, the DNJ reported.
The DNJ announced Debbie Bauder has been named the new director of Project HELP.
Dr. Jim Huhta, Center for Historic Preservation, spoke on Heritage tourism and the purpose of the Tennessee National Heritage Area, the Lewis County Herald reported. Huhta is also director of the National Heritage Area on the Civil War in Tennessee.
A DNJ article reflected on MTSU milestones during the year 2000. Highlights included the departure of former President James E. Walker and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new dyslexia center.
The DNJ announced the beginning of the spring semester at MTSU.
Wayne County News announced MTSU will begin offering courses toward a Master’s of Education degree at Columbia State Community College at Clifton.
The Center for Historic Preservation announced its search for current and new century farms owners to update their records in the Trenton Herald-Gazette, M’boro Sun, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, Wayne County News, Gallatin News-Examiner, Lenoir News-Herald, Lewisburg Tribune, Hardin Courier, Jefferson City Standard Banner, Moore County News, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Lake County Banner and Pulaski Giles Free Press.