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
PR Newswire reported on January same-store sales, up a moderate 1.2 percent over the same period last year, as reported by Telecheck Services, Inc. and its senior economic advisor, Dr. Bill Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance at MTSU.

Liberal Arts
The groundbreaking research on suicide conducted by Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology, was picked up and fed nationally on the Associated Press Radio Network on a Friday and was re-fed Saturday.


METROPOLITAN NEWS


Administration
AD Lee Fowler told WMOT-FM that last year the Blue Raiders met the required average attendance to qualify for 1-A football, with an average of 21,816 fans, well above the mandated 17,000. Floyd Stadium has 30,788 seats, which surpasses the required 30,000 seats set forth by the NCAA.
The Tennessee Tribune noted Dr. James E. Walker was one of three who will receive the 1999 Human Relations Award in April. The three were honored for their efforts to foster respect and understanding and to eliminate bias, bigotry, and racism in our community. Dr. Walker was pictured twice with the article.
The Tennessee Tribune also listed Dr. James E. Walker as one of the Outstanding Community and Civic Leaders of Middle Tennessee.
The Catawba College Alumni Paper, CAMPUS, noted a past president of MTSU, Dr. Melvin Scarlett, will have the new residence common named after him.

Athletics
The Tennessean reported on the death of Charles "Bubber" Murphy, the "winningest football coach in MTSU's history." WMOT-FM also reported on Murphy's passing, quoting former head football coach Boots Donnelly as saying, "Murphy was the quintessential father figure."

Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Phil Mathis, Biology, has earned the Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teacher Award, a national award sponsored by the Society for College Science Professors, reported The Tennessean. Mathis uses poetry and history to help his students overcome their fear of science.
Hoot Gibson, husband of astronaut Rhea Seddon and himself an astronaut, was a guest on WMOT-FM. Gibson was to be a guest of Janet McGee's applied physics class.
Dr. Jo Edwards, holder of the Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services, told WMOT-FM that while managed care is providing health care for thousands of people who otherwise would not be covered, it may be threatening the future of America's health-care system. Edwards said even Tennessee's large hospitals are suffering from managed care disincentives for specialty care.

Business
The Tennessean reported that a commercial developer, which is piecing together farm land at Triune's State Route 840 interchange for a high-tech business park, is pitching its concept research and development to MTSU, UT, and Vanderbilt for a possible partnership.
WMOT-FM talked to Dr. Scott Inks, Management and Marketing, who was selected as most outstanding Business professor in a survey sponsored by the Omega Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma. Inks said the honor would certainly have an effect on his work from now on, and he was grateful for the vote of support.
MTSU's Small Business Development Center was listed in the Nashville Business Journal as one of best sources of business advice in the region. Pat Geho is SBDC director.
Two hits on WMOT-FM mentioned Project Communicate, a seminar sponsored by Nationsbank and the College of Business. The seminar deals with the importance of communication skills in business. Written and oral competition among students will conclude with over seventeen-hundred dollars in prize money being awarded.
Five area insurers will be inducted into the MTSU Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame this spring, noted the Nashville Business Journal.

Education
Dr. Jeannette Heritage, Psychology, spoke to The Tennessean's Diane Long about teacher stress and burnout.
A team of professors from MTSU is working with staff teams of 20 persons from five schools to develop inclusion models and to train both regular and special education teachers in team teaching special education students, according to The Tennessean.
Dr. Joyce Harrison, Human Sciences, was interviewed on the Rock at 105.9's Incredibly Early Show about family budgeting and buying habits.
Jocelyn Hill, Fitness director, was interviewed on The Rock at 105.9's Incredibly Early Show about taking off pounds and staying fit.
Dr. Theresa Robinson, Human Sciences, was interviewed on WMOT-FM about the upcoming Spring fashions. Dr. Robinson said Southerners will be wearing a lot of shorts this Spring and the Spring line will be very colorful. She also mentioned that mid-south residents need to learn the art of layering clothes since the climate changes so rapidly.

Liberal Arts
Dr. Kevin Breault, visiting professor in sociology, was interviewed by WSM, WLAC, WNSG, and WMOT about his study on suicide which contradicts some long-held beliefs.
Dr. Laurence Harvin, Music, director of the MT Symphony told WMOT-FM that the perfect Valentine's gift is to treat your sweetheart to an evening at the Valentine Cabaret, an event in the Tennessee Room featuring the symphony's romantic offerings.
What does history have to do with ? That's the question Dr. Fred Rolater, History, addresses on WMOT-FM in a segment with the same title. Rolater takes a look at another century and makes some comparisons to present day. In other segments, Rolater asks, what does history have to do with the Balkan Peninsula being a flashpoint of European ethnic fighting?and with the impeachment vote in the Senate?
Dr. Shelley Thomas, Foreign Languages, and chair of this year's Women's History Month celebration, was interviewed on The Rock at 105.9's Incredibly Early Show.
St. Matthew's Passion , one of the most demanding, ambitious, and downright lengthy works in the sacred repertoire will be performed in the Wright Music Hall by the Middle Tennessee Choral Society with conductor Raphael Bundage, Music professor at MTSU, reported The Tennessean.
A blurb in The Tennessean noted the MTSU Chamber Winds and Symphonic Band will give a free concert in the Wright Music Building.

Mass Communication
On WMOT-FM, Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, answers the question, Is political correctness going too far?" In another radio segment, Burriss said mass media are a lot like people...they're both bad and good. "And we all bear some responsibility" for the quality of their news coverage and reporting. Another Burriss commentary noted the allegations of politics and censorship following the publication of an article in a prestigious medical journal. Burriss said there's more to the story than we know. In other installments, Burriss discussed the important stories that the media are not covering; and Is a satirical billboard fodder for media exposure?
Dr. Paul Fischer, Recording Industry, was a contestant on NPR's weekly news quiz, "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me." The call-in show asks contestants to complete limericks written about current events.
The Tennessean's Tammie Smith talked to Marilyn Wood, instructor, Recording Industry, about Wood's undergoing acupuncture treatments for a condition called endometriosis, a pelvic pain she has experienced since age 12.
Dr. Ken Blake and Dr. Teresa Mastin were interviewed on The Rock at 105.9's Incredibly Early Show about the MT poll.
Dr. Dennis Oneal was interviewed on WWTN and WSM AM and WSM FM about the finals of the Mock Trial interviews.


General Interest
The Case III newsletter, "CASE NOTES," reported that the MTSU Foundation recently received a $550,000 gift from the estate of Christine O'Brien Roddy, as well as a $350,000 gift from Lucy Strickland.
Dr. Roger Cleveland, Developmental Studies, and Dr. Teresa Mastin, Journalism, were interviewed on WHRT-TV's Channel 5 Plus with Chris Clark on MTSU's African-American History Month celebration.
Dr. Esther Seeman's obituary was in The Tennessean.
As part of AAHM, Stephen Marc, professor of photography at Arizona State University, will have his artwork, "Soul Searching," on display in the Baldwin Photographic Gallery, noted The Tennessean.
WLPN aired information about the National Women's History Month activities on the MTSU campus as part of their "Happenings Hotline Report" on 90.3 FM.
WMOT-FM mentioned the concert featuring jazz singer Kevin Mahogany, which is part of AAHM. His music is noted as being soothing and evocative.
Jackie Shrago, director of Connect-ten, the state's internet-in-education program, says MTSU was chosen to participate in AT&T's Learning Network Virtual Academy because of its good name, reported WMOT-FM.
The Nashville Business Journal noted that Joanne Yoder has been named director of major gifts and planned giving at MTSU.
The Tennessean ran a blurb on Barbara Mones-Hattal, a veteran of special effects, who will speak on campus.


LOCAL NEWS


Administration
President James Walker has been elected secretary of The 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee. He will serve a two-year term, reported the DNJ.
The DNJ reported that state Sen. Andy Womack met with MTSU faculty and administrators in an open forum to discuss funding for higher education. Womack said he believes there may be "minor increases" in operating monies for higher ed.
The Danner Foundation recently established the Neill-Sandler Scholars Program at MTSU, which will provide more than $250,000 in scholarships for students in local school systems to attend MTSU. Pictured in the DNJ photo were MTSU President James E. Walker, Mike Sandler, head of Neill-Sandler Automotive Group, Ray Danner, Foundation president, and Gary Neill, president and CEO of the Danner Company. Neill-Sandler is owned by the Danner Company.

Athletics
Former football coach Boots Donnelly was quoted in a DNJ article about the death of Charles "Bubber" Murphy and how he influenced Donnelly's life. Murphy was a past athlete and coach at MTSU, and Murphy Center was named in his honor. In two subsequent DNJ articles, Coach Murphy was praised in a story by sports editor, Monte Hale, and in an editorial. A front page photo showed John Stanford, former MTSU athletic director, eulogizing Murphy.
The DNJ reported that negotiations between Vanderbilt and TSSAA officials have hit a snag, which may mean that MTSU could once again put a bid in for hosting the Clinic Bowl.
The new track at MTSU, which was scheduled to be completed in Dec. 1998, is still under construction due to weather problems. Liquidated damages are being assessed against Turner Construction Co. because of its failure to complete the track on time, reported the DNJ.
New artificial turf has been approved for Jones Field by the State Building Commission at a cost of $1.5 million according to a story in the DNJ.
The DNJ's Newsmaker column featured head football coach Andy McCollum. His new workout program at 5:30 am is being called "Blue Dawn."

Basic and Applied Sciences
The MTSU School of Nursing will conduct a one-day seminar for health-care professionals called, Coronary Artery Disease: Consequences and Complications, an Update, reported the Winchester Herald-Chronicle.
The DNJ and M'boro Sun reported that the School of Nursing and Department of Human Sciences will participate in the bi-annual Winter Health Fair for individuals age 60 and over at the St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro. Nurse Judy Campbell of MTSU said it is never too late to make health changes.
Dr. Stephen Wright, Biology, was featured in a DNJ article about hands-on lab techniques. Each student gets his/her hands dirty studying viruses and doing lab work on such things as influenza.
Dr. Paul Lee, Physics and Astronomy, has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct summer workshops for high school teachers to train them in new innovative systems for teaching science, according to a story in the M'boro Sun. The basic premise is that no longer are students being asked to memorize facts and theories from textbooks; now they are being challenged to hypotheses in a lab environment where they can formulate new ideas and discoveries.
In his regular DNJ feature "Tennessee Skies," Dr. Jay White, Physics and Astronomy, discussed the upcoming planet conjunction, in which Venus and Jupiter will appear to be in close proximity, creating a brilliant light. The last such conjunction was in 1975, and the next isn't expected until 2016.
The DNJ ran a story about Dr. Ron Ferrara, chair of the Aerospace Department, trying to solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.
The St. Clair Senior Center's annual Winter Health Fair will be held Feb. 23, with students and staff from the MTSU School of Nursing helping with screenings and evaluations, reported the DNJ. Nurse Judy Campbell of MTSU said it is never too late to make health changes.

Business
The DNJ reported that MTSU's new Insurance Hall of Fame will induct five honorees this spring, including Tommy Martin, the namesake of MTSU's Martin Chair of Insurance.
The M'boro Sun noted The Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning will present a Grants Workshop by Dr. Myra Norman, Sponsored Programs. Norman has been in the "grants business" for 22 years.
Dr. Al DePrince, Economics and Finance, delivered the "State of the Economy and Prospects for Tax Revenue for FY 1999-2000" to the Senate Finance Committee, reported the DNJ. He noted Tennessee should see a 3.5 percent revenue growth this year over last year.
Internet stock trading was the subject of an article in the DNJ, featuring quotes from
Dr. Al DePrince, Economics and Finance. " If you're careless, the method of buying stocks is rather unforgiving," DePrince said.
The M'boro Sun reported Dr. Scott Inks, Management and Marketing, was voted "Outstanding Professor in the MTSU College of Business" for 1998-1999. The election is sponsored by Omega Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma insurance fraternity.
Project: Communicate, a series of communication seminars followed by written and oral competitions that will pay out a total of $3,500 in cash awards to winners, is sponsored by the College of Business, reported the M'boro Sun.
The M'boro Sun also noted that a 12-member committee was established to select the first inductees into the MTSU Insurance Hall of Fame. Five insurance professionals were chosen and will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Spring.

Education
Dr. Dawn Shelar, HPERS, and her class held class in the campus horse barn where they assisted young people with disabilities in petting, feeding, brushing, and even riding the horses, explained Lori Gray in a DNJ feature.
Eric Frauman, HPERS, was pictured in the DNJ with his class on outdoor recreation and environmental issues at Stones River National Battlefield.
In a DNJ feature story about office toys gaining in popularity, writer John Hatchett spoke with Dr. Greg Schmidt, Psychology, who said using office "toys" to decorate our work space is a way of taking ownership of our space. Schmidt said it's a way to express ourselves and to "have some sort of control of our surroundings, and that is important."
The DNJ reported Dr. Doug Winborn, HPERS, was appointed to a three-year term as a member of the Tennessee State Board of Examiners for Teacher Education.
A Criminal Justice professor has been charged with sexual harassment by a female student, reported the DNJ. A panel has been set up to study the matter and review the case.
In a subsequent DNJ article it said the professor will appeal the charges filed against him.
The DNJ reported the fourth annual Youth Authors' Conference was held on campus recently. Dr. Bobbie Solley, Elementary and Special Education, is co-director of the conference. The conference is geared toward developing a love of reading and writing.

Liberal Arts
The DNJ reported that Dr. Raphael Bundage, Music, will be directing Bach's St. Matthew's Passion in Wright Music Hall. The DNJ's Cynthia Vernardakis, who is also music librarian at MTSU, wrote a follow-up column about the performance.
MTSU's Chamber Winds and Symphonic Band will present an evening of music Feb. 18, under the direction of Richard Anthony Murphy, director of Bands, reported the DNJ and Rutherford Courier.
The DNJ ran a photo of Dr. Michael Principe, Philosophy, conducting his class outside on a recent spring-like day.
Dr. Kevin Breault, visiting professor in sociology, was interviewed on WHRT-TV and MTScene about his study on suicide which contradicts some long-held beliefs.
M'boro Magazine reported that the MTSU Theatre Dept. will present Athol Fugard's "Master Harold" and the Boys, part of the university's celebration of African-American History Month.
The DNJ's Sunday "Newsmaker" featured Dr. Jim Huhta, director of MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation.
Political Science professor, Dr. Mark Byrnes, was quoted in a DNJ article on the acquittal of President Clinton. Byrnes stated he thought most people are glad the trail is over.
The DNJ, Winchester Herald Chronicle, and Lebanon Democrat reported internationally known guitarist, David Tanenbaum, will perform on the MTSU Concert Series.
The M'boro Sun noted the 4th Annual Orpheus National Music Competition will be held on campus in March. The purpose of the competition is to provide financial support and encouragement to young singers in their pursuit of careers as local artists.

Mass Communication
Dr. Teresa Mastin, Journalism, was interviewed on WHRT-TV about advertising's role in perpetuating racial and ethnic stereotypes.

Student Affairs
Samantha Jackson has been named branch manager of Union Planters' North Memorial office. She will soon complete her MBA at MTSU, according to the DNJ.
The DNJ reported that several MTSU students were initiated into Beta Theta Pi, the fraternity on campus that is dedicated to "scholarship, brotherhood, and community service." The MTSU chapter was chartered in 1988.
The following newspapers published a list of MTSU students from their area who were on the dean's list for Fall 1998, including the Celina Citizen-Stateman, Trenton Herald-Gazette, and Dickson Herald Lewisburg Tribune, Hardin Courier, Waverly News-Democrat, Cleveland Daily Banner, Moore County News, Gainesboro Sentinel, Lebanon Democrat, Lake County Banner, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Scott County News, Grundy County Herald, Oneida Independent-Herald, Newport Plain Talk, Livingston Enterprise, and Macon County Times.
The following newspapers listed students from their area who graduated from MTSU in the Fall of 1998: Moore County News, Rutherford Courier, Franklin Review-Appeal, Cannon Courier, and Dayton Herald News.
The DNJ ran a photo on the front page of student John Cross who was studying in his truck while parked in front of KOM.
The Camden Chronicle reported Henry Dixon, senior, won the Carl L. Pincheon Scholarship. Dixon is a Mass Communication major.

General Interest
The tornado that hit Austin Peay State University, catching the campus off guard, has made administrators at MTSU think about severe weather procedures. The DNJ reported there is a group on campus looking into a whole range of procedures. In a subsequent story, the damage to APSU and the effect it could have on the future of the state's higher education capital projects were noted. The list includes $8 million to renovate Todd Library.
The DNJ featured Atlanta native and folk-rock singer Michelle Malone, who will headline the Rock for Choice: Women's Music Festival, a kick-off event for the Women and Power Conference, Feb. 18-20.
The DNJ reported that MTSU will host the 1999 Heart Ball.
The DNJ ran a story on desegration efforts in the 1950s and 60s and cited Melinda Lickiss, adjunct teacher, who stated that Murfreesboro schools were integrated peaceably thanks to the efforts of local women.
According to state Sen. Andy Womack, MTSU has the largest number of graduates hired to teach statewide (26 percent) over a four-year period (1993-1997), compared to the number of grads from other schools, reported the DNJ.
Continuing Studies is offering a new course titled "Introduction to the Internet," "Microsoft Windows," "Microsoft Word," and training in Microsoft Excel, reported the DNJ.
The M'boro Sun reported that Stephen Marc's photo display "Soul Searching" will be on display at MTSU through Feb. 25, detailing Marc's travels over the past 10 years and his own life growing up in urban America.
The Sun also reported that Dr. Laura Jarmon, English, will receive this year's John Pleas Faculty Award. Both Jarmon and Pleas were pictured.
The MTSU Foundation plans to sell more than 900 acres of undeveloped land in Hickman County to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for more than $1 million, reported the M'boro Sun.
The Sun also reported that MTSU's jazz station WMOT-FM is one of six stations across the country to be nominated for the Gavin Award Jazz Station of the Year. WMOT is also celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The works of Chandra Cox will be on display in MTSU's Barn Gallery as part of the university's AAHM celebration, reported the M'boro Magazine.
The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross recently celebrated its 81st year of service, reported the M'boro Magazine. The very first bloodmobile from the Nashville blood center visited Middle Tennessee Teachers College where the student body had organized one of the first blood drives.
The M'boro Magazine reported that the enrollment for MTSU Spring semester reached 16,934, up 2 percent over last year at the same time.
The DNJ reported that jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany will offer a free concert at MTSU as part of AAHM.
MTSU will be offering a workshop on survival skills needed for graduate school as part of the AAHM celebration, reported M'boro Matters. The same issue also reported on a challenge to MTSU fraternities and sororities by Recycle Rutherford. Each group will be assigned a recycling bin, with the job of keeping the bin clear of any improper materials. M'boro Matters also reported on Dr. Doug Winborn, HPERS, being appointed to the State Board of Examiners for Teacher Education and the completion of the new library. The new weekly also reported on some MTSU neighbors who are complaining about all the construction and noise on campus; they hope the university will plant mature trees to block the noise and give them back their privacy.
The DNJ reported that the new Cogeneration Plant recently won an engineering award from the Consulting Engineers of Tennessee, a group of more than 124 engineering firms statewide.
The DNJ noted Stones River Electric Inc. has been given the electrical contract for Greek Row, which is presently under construction. One of their most recent projects was the electrical installation at the new library.
The DNJ noted a Community Health Fair slated for campus, sponsored by AAHM.
Dr. Harley Anton, Developmental Studies, will be teaching courses designed to help students prepare for the college entrance exams, according to the M'boro Sun.
An editorial in the DNJ noted that at long last work will begin on the Miller Horse Coliseum now that problems with the estate have been solved. The editorial also noted the new turf being installed at Jones Field with the new logo. A similar story ran in the M'boro Magazine.
The M'boro Sun attended Dr. Bertice Berrys lecture, which kicked off AAHM. She delivers a serious message, along with a sense of humor.
The upcoming MTSU NAHS Pow-Wow, featuring Dr. Tony Mack McClure, Cherokee author, will be held in the MTSU Livestock Arena noted the M'Boro Sun, Franklin Review Appeal, and Rutherford Courier.
The DNJ reported the results of the Tennessee Governors Council for Excellence in Higher Education, including their wish that the Tennessee Board of Regents and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees remain intact if the governor agrees to an advisory board's recommendation.
Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, enrollment management, announced the final total for the spring semester. The DNJ article noted 16,930 students compared to 16,934 from spring 1998.
The M'boro Sun noted the Women and Power Conference will kick off with a concert titled "Rock for Choice:Women's Music Festival." Dr. Jackie Eller, director of
MTSU's Women's Studies, said people will come from all over for "this extraordinary experience." A subsequent story noted the former leader of the Black Panthers, Elaine Brown, would speak during the conference.
Murfreesboro Matters noted AAHM will sponsor a graduate school survival-skills seminar titled "Tomorrow's Scholars and Students: Graduate School Seminar for Undergraduate Students."
The DNJ reported the Tennessee Higher Education Commission recommended $8 million to renovate the old Todd Library, but Gov. Sunquist didn't recommend the funding in the 1999-2000 budget that he presented to state lawmakers.
A complete book of news clippings for February 1999 is available in the News and Public Affairs Office and in the campus library.

"MTSU IN THE NEWS" includes the news for an entire month and is distributed monthly. Please feel free to share copies of this report with faculty, staff, and students.