MTSU News Summary for January 2000

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 and Behavioral Sciences, Liberal Arts, Mass Communication, and Student Affairs. The last category is General Interest and may include a broad spectrum of programs and people, encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc. NATIONAL NEWS \Business The PR Newswire published two articles quoting Dr. William Ford, TeleCheck's Senior Economic Advisor and holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, on consumer spending during the past holiday season. The AP announced the resignation of Joe Rodgers as holder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise. Changes in the way MTSU evaluates business deals was noted in the AP. Mass Communication Dr. Paul Fischer, Recording Industry, was mentioned in a recent issue of The New York Review of Books, regarding The Trinity Center for Collaborative Teaching and Research. Page 2 (Student Affairs, National News) Student Affairs Jessica Heim, freshman, was quoted in a USA Today article on the stress college freshmen experience, especially women. General Interest The PR Newswire named MTSU as an accredited university that provides accessible courses, Classroom Connect, through AT&T Learning Network Virtual Academy. The Internet-based curriculum fosters interaction among teachers and students. METROPOLITAN NEWS Administration Dr. James Walker was elected Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Council of Middle Tennessee, noted the Tennessee Tribune. The Tennessean noted MTSU was lauded in Black Issuses in Higher Education for racial equity in education, and also saluted President Walker. Basic and Applied Sciences The Nashville Business Journal announced Marvin Runyon, former United States Postmaster General, was named chairholder of the Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence. MTSU aerospace professor Dr. Michael Schukert told WMOT-FM the "Air Traveler's Bill of Rights voluntarily adopted by the nation's major airlines will only address a few of the complaints customers have." WMOT-FM talked to Dr. Wayne Rollins, Cooperative Education, about the negative changes technology can bring to business, with a focus on customer service. Dr. Stephen Wright, Biology, offered advice on the flu to WMOT-FM and in The Tennessean. Wright has been doing research on the influenza virus. "Will it ever snow?" was a title in The Tennessean quoting Dr. Bill Robertson, Physics, about the scientific mysteries of snow. Business Dr. Albert DePrince Jr, director of the Business and Economic Research Center, announced a change in future economic impact analyses of companies "seeking tax breaks from local communities," reported The Tennessean and Chattanooga Times. Dr. DePrince also noted in The Tennessean the record year in home sales. The Nashville Business Journal published an article by Dr. DePrince on the recent Financial Modernization Act. The Knoxville News-Sentinel announced Joe Rodgers has resigned as holder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise. The Tennessean printed a letter written to the editor concerning the controversy over the stipend received by Rodgers as chairholder and his recent resignation. The Heart of Tennessee announced the Banking and Insurance Conference to be co-chaired by Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, and Dr. Kenneth Hollman, holder of the Tommy Martin Chair of Insurance. Dr. Tony Eff, Economics and Finance, was quoted in the Louisville Courier-Journal in an article on health care organizations. Page 3 (Business, Metropolitan News, cont’d.) Dr. Ransom Gustafson, BERC, was interviewed by the AP and WMOT-FM regarding the midstate economic indicators, and bankruptcy filings remaining relatively high given the low unemployment. Dr. Steven Livingston, Political Science, discussed the decrease in Tennessee exports with WMOT-FM. Marketing and Management's Dr. John Mullane discussed the pros and cons of China joining the World Trade Organization with WMOT-FM. Education Dr. Nancy Keese, Educational Leadership chair, was interviewed on Tennessee Radio Network about the Department of Education grant awarded to MTSU. Dr. Dawn Shelar, Recreational Therapy, discussed methods of beating the holiday blues with WMOT-FM. William Shulman, Criminal Justice, commented on the Miranda Rights during a WMOT-FM segment. Liberal Arts During his weekly feature on WMOT-FM, "What does history have to do with it?," Dr. Fred Rolater examined the past three centuries. Dr. Rolater discussed the recent news-making events in Ireland, the effect of the four great revolutions of the 1700s on today, the period of great upheaval and proliferation of democracy during the 1800s, and the 1900s; social security; origins of the responsibility for military leadership; gays in the military becoming a political issue. Dr. Van West, Center for Historic Preservation, gave his prospective in a Tennessean article reporting the highway superintendents plan to pave all roads throughout the state. The progress "also marks the loss of a way of life." Dr. Ron Kates, English, brings Jefferson Springs--a resort also known as Sulphur Springs-back to life through his research and creative writing, according to The Tennessean. Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology, discussed road-side signs displaying religious messages with The Tennessean and Knoxville News-Sentinel. The Ventura County Star reported on Dr. Ron Aday's study of diseases and illnesses affecting older inmates and the problems that causes prison officials. WTVF-TV Channel 5 talked to Dr. Terry Whiteside, Psychology, about the effects fans and pep rallies have on athletic teams, and how the Super Bowl affected this region. Mass Communication Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, was featured in a commentary on WMOT-FM about the benefits of believing in Santa Claus; the change of an ad's meaning when products are sold overseas; how the media shifts its focus from the protesters issues' to the riots against the policies of the World Trade Organization; and "Get Rich Quick." Paul Wells, Center for Popular Music, submitted a letter of gratitude to The Tennessean for acknowledging the Center's "role in promoting the documentation and academic study" of popular music during the past century. Dr. Paul Fischer, Recording Industry, told The Tennessean that despite lacking identity, the 1990s were a decade of optimism. Student Affairs The African American Student Alliance at MTSU will attend the sixth annual National African American Student Leadership Conference at Rust College in Holly Springs,Miss., reported the Tennessee Tribune. Page 4 (Student Affairs, Metropolitan News, cont’d.) The Tennessean featured James Nelson's freshman year of college. Nelson's mother died during his junior year of high school, and he has been self-supporting since then. LaTrina Mims, president of the National Pan Hellenic Council, discussed the purpose of Greek week on WMOT-FM. The Tennessean ran an article with photos on the opening of Greek Row. The Chattanooga Times featured Hamilton County students listed in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." General Interest The Knoxville News-Sentinel stated enrollment at MTSU has "been exploding along with the Nashville-metro population," while UT-K has experienced a "flat" enrollment, affecting its higher- education funding. The Murfreesboro Magazine announced the local alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, a Greek fraternity, will host the Second Annual Community Service Awards Banquet. John Bragg will be among this year's recipients. The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Chattanooga Times, and The Tennessean noted the former Woodmore Cafe is now the CyberCafe @Woodmore, where students can enjoy coffee, food, and computer availability. Dr. Mary Frances Berry, chair of the Civil Rights Commission, told WMOT-FM her address during Black History Month will focus on the legacy and future of Civil Rights. Several professors appeared on News Channel 5+ to discuss the Spring 2000 Honors Lecture Series. LOCAL NEWS Administration President James Walker was elected chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Middle Tennessee Council Board for year 2000, reported the DNJ and Franklin Review Appeal. Dr. Walker and several other administrators were quoted in the DNJ vowing to continue the quality of student education even if there isn't an increase in state funding. Dr. Walker was featured in the DNJ's Viewpoint section. Dr. Walker was also featured in "Black Issues In Higher Education" as being on the list of 50 "20th century presidents who have influenced the higher education landscape," reported the DNJ in an article and an editorial. Dr. Walker, newly named Chairman of the Board of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, listed his chamber goals in the DNJ. In the DNJ's "People of 1999," several members of MTSU faculty were acknowledged; Nora Sturges, Art; Randy Wiel, HPERS; Dr. Robert Hunt, History; Dr. David Badger, Journalism; Dr. William Robertson, Physics and Astronomy; and Raphael Bundage, Music. Athletics MTSU was mentioned in five of the DNJ's "Top Ten" sports stories of 1999. Story topics include: the move to the Sun Belt Conference; the death of Charles "Bubber" Murphy, former MTSU coach and athletic director; MTSU denied a chance to host the Clinic Bowl; former MTSU basketball star Kim Webb was inducted into the Tennessee Page 5 (Athletics, Local News, cont’d.) Sports Hall of Fame; and Josh Pride, baseball player, and Christian Nsiah, track runner, both earned All-American status. Basic and Applied Sciences Construction on the Miller horse arena is expected to begin in April, noted the DNJ in an article and an editorial. Drs. Judith Bonicamp and Gary White, Chemistry, discussed the scientific merit of Silly Putty, a popular novelty toy, with the DNJ. The Adult Health and Development program will team up with St. Clair Street Senior Center to explore different ways students and senior citizens interact and learn from one another, reported the DNJ. Students from the Principles of Technology class at Smyrna High School visited Industrial Studies and Technology to view the Solar Bike, noted the Rutherford Courier. Physics and Astronomy chair, Dr. Robert Carlton told the DNJ preliminary discussions have begun to consider the funding and building of a new observatory. Dr. Eric Klumpe noted new lighting in the area is affecting the telescope. Dr. Klumpe discussed the lunar eclipse with the DNJ. Business The BERC will add a cost-of-growth component to future analyses of companies, according to director Dr. Albert DePrince Jr. The announcement appeared in the; Bristol Herald Courier, Sevierville Mountain Press, Union City Daily Messenger, and Johnson City Press. DePrince was quoted on the pros and cons of the Legislature extending the sales tax into other areas in the; Bristol Herald Courier, Kingsport Times-News, Jackson Sun, Elizabethton Star, Oak Ridger, Johnson City Press, and Newport Plain Talk. Local newspapers noting the departure of Joe Rodgers, holder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence, were Cleveland Daily Banner, Morristown Citizen Tribune, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, and Oak Ridger. The DNJ announced the upcoming Banking and Insurance Conference to be spearheaded by Dr. Kenneth Hollman and Dr. William Ford. Ford was also quoted in the DNJ about same store sales in December 1999. The M'boro Sun published an article on economic growth during the year 2000, by Dr. Al DePrince Jr. Dr. Bill Ford was also quoted in the article. The BERC reported there are warning signs that the longest economic boom may be coming to a close, noted the DNJ. The DNJ spoke to Dr. Susan Harmon, Management and Marketing, about the effect chain stores have on local independent stores. Dr. Barbara Haskew, provost and vp, Academic Affairs, and Dr. Kenneth Hollman were pictured in the Cannon Courier receiving a check from Woodbury Insurance Agency to provide scholarships for insurance students. The DNJ noted R. Clayton McWhorter was presented the Jennings A. Jones Champion of Free Enterprise Award. Earl Swensson, Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning, and Marvin Runyon, Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence, were quoted in the Jackson Sun, Oak Ridger, Johnson City Press, Cleveland Daily Banner, and Kingsport Times-News on Tennessee visionaries. A BERC report showed growth in export sales during the last five years in three metropolitan areas of Tennessee, reported the Ardmore Community Shopper. Ransom Gustafson, BERC, stated in the Elizabethon Star that he predicts a 3 percent growth rate for the year 2000, with consumer spending being the key to strong or weak economic growth. Page 6 (Education, Local News) Education MTSU is one of 10 partner universities to receive a Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the DNJ announced. Dr. Charles Babb, Education, wrote two articles for the DNJ titled, "Technology doesn't mean life is better", and "Genetic diagnosis will be common." Liberal Arts Dr. Lisa Pruitt, director, Gore Center, was quoted in the DNJ about the research English students will do concerning Jefferson Springs. A DNJ article spotlighted MTSU's Preparatory Music Program, directed by Diane Foust-Austin, Music. Roadside evangelism signs are for some churches "good ol' advertising'" according to Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology, reported the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle and Jackson Sun. Carlyle Johnson, chair of the Art Department, will speak on the art and creativity of Africans and African-Americans as part of AAHM, reported the Franklin Review-Appeal. Mass Communication The Tullahoma News, Lebanon Democrat, and DNJ announced the opening of Rick Langs work, entitled "From the Road," in the Baldwin Photographic Gallery. Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, commented on the "covering" of Cosmo magazine in Kroger grocery stores in the DNJ. Student Affairs In the DNJ's "People of 1999," several MTSU students were acknowledged: Stephen Seifert, Recording Industry, and Jean Brake, Criminal Justice. MTSU students honored in the 2000 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges were recognized in; Trenton Herald Gazette, Brownsville States-Graphic, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Lebanon Democrat, Franklin Review Appeal, Sevierville Mountain Press, DNJ, Ashland City Times, and Crossville Chronicle. Recent MTSU graduates were recognized in the Wayne County News, Gallatin News-Examiner, Lenoir City News-Herald, Oneida Independent Herald, Lewis County Herald, Pikeville Bledsonian-Banner, Camden Chronicle, Carthage Courier, South Pittsburg Hustler, Cleveland Daily Banner, Carroll County News-Leader, Sparta Expositor, Manchester Times, Southern Standard, DNJ, Tullahoma News, Athens Post-Athenian, Morgan County News, Dyersburg State Gazette, Winchester Herald Chronicle, Jefferson City Standard Banner and Livingston Enterprise. The Jackson Sun announced Adam Crider as the recipient of the Fowler Todd Management and Marketing Scholarship. The Winchester Herald Chronicle, Mt. Juliet News, Lewisburg Tribune, Manchester Times, Pulaski Citizen, Cannon Courier, Franklin Review Appeal, and Elk Valley Times pictured honor graduates with Dr. Robert Glenn, vp, Student Affairs. The Murfreesboro Magazine reported on the success of MTSU's fundraiser, "Up Til Dawn." Students appearing on last semesters Dean's List were listed in the Lewis County Herald, Manchester Times, Wayne County News, DNJ, Tullahoma News, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Sweetwater Advocate/Democrat, Shelbyville Times-Gazette, Tazewell Claiborne Progress, Clinton Courier-News, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Roane County News, Giles Free Press, South Pittsburg Hustler, Covington Leader, Fentress Courier, Jasper Journal, Elk Valley Times, Cleveland Daily Banner, Mt. Juliet News, Savannah Courier, Camden Chronicle, Harriman Record, Dayton Herald-News, Rutherford Courier, and Crossville Chronicle. Page 7 (Student Affairs, Local News, cont’d.) An MTSU student was arrested at his work place for alleged forgery, noted the DNJ. Several students were pictured in the DNJ returning to campus after the Christmas holidays. The DNJ spoke with several students about fire safety after the recent dorm fire at a northeastern university. International students were featured in the DNJ trying to adjust to life in the United States, while still trying to hold on to traditional customs. General Interest Several local newspapers featured articles on the opening of CyberCafe@ Woodmore on the university campus: Kingsport Times-News, Columbia Daily Herald, Jackson Sun, Sevierville Mountain Press, Cleveland Daily Banner, Paris Post-Intelligencer, and Johnson City Press. Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, spoke to Dale Witty, Grounds Supervisor, about the likelihood of the university closing due to inclement weather, reported the DNJ. Carolyn Johnson, Enrollment, told the DNJ there were 16,820 students registered for spring 2000. The DNJ announced the testing of the tornado warning system located near the LRC. The TSSAA Board of Directors voted 9-0 to move the Clinic Bowl to the MTSU campus from the Vanderbilt campus, announced the DNJ. The opening of Greek Row was announced in a DNJ article and editorial. A local resident sent a letter to the editor of the DNJ about the possible construction of an ambulance station on the MTSU campus. The Women's Institute at MTSU and the DNJ announced the "Renaissance Woman Award," an honor given to a deserving nominee for commitment and contributions. A candlelight vigil was held on campus in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reported the DNJ. MTSU's celebration of Black History Month began with Dr. Mary Frances Berry, chair of the Civil Rights Commission, speaking on campus, noted the DNJ, Lebanon Democrat, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Smithville Review, Hartsville Vidette, and Manchester Times. Several other activities will follow throughout the month. One of the kickoff events for African-American History Month is the Unity Luncheon which recognizes and honors select "unsung heroes" in the community, reported the M'boro Sun. The Tennessee Tribune noted Memphis Circuit Court Judge D'Army Bailey, founder of the National Civil Rights Museum, will speak during AAHM. The Franklin Review Appeal announced MTSU will offer off-campus continuing studies classes. The Cannon Courier, Fentress Courier, and Greenville Sun reported MTSU ranked third in a comparison study of student learning and financial aid. MTSU ranked 80% in the category of student satisfaction. The second Community Service Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, will honor contributors to Rutherford County's black communities, announced the DNJ. The Winchester Herald-Chronicle noted a "How to create your own scrapbook" class sponsored by Continuing Studies. Page 8 News Count for January 2000 MTSU NEWS STORIES COUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 99-00 JANUARY 2000 YEAR TO DATE WEB HITS National 6 43 Jan.—3,748 Metropolitan 56 297 As of July—18,490 Local 170 535 *Excluded 44 307 All 276 1,182 *"Excluded" indicates those stories that mention MTSU but do not focus on the university. Since MTSU's Office of Sports Information handles much of the sports publicity, this report also excludes most sports stories except those that have additional news significance beyond athletic events and contests. A complete book of news clippings for December 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.