MTSU News Summary for January 1998
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
Athletics
The Jan. 16 USA Today ran a piece on MTSU's unveiling of its new athletic logo and mascot, which featured the hair-raising, smoke-rising photo of athletic director Lee Fowler.
The New York Times reported that golfer Larry Gilbert died of lung cancer. Gilbert was the college-division champion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1965, when he attended MTSU.
U.P.I. reported that several of Bud Adams' fellow owners of the Oilers are worried because of the declining team support in Memphis. U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon is urging that the team could use MTSU's new and expanded stadium for training camp and temporary home field. Athletic director Lee Fowler contends that another 40 luxury suites could be added to the 16 already being built to accommodate the team in time for the NFL season.
Liberal Arts
Dr. Russell Church, Speech & Theatre, is the 1997 recipient of the E.R. Nichols Award for outstanding contributions to the furtherance of the forensic discipline, reported The Key, the monthly publication of Pi Kappa Delta National Honorary Fraternity.
Mass Communication
Doug Mitchell, Recording Industry, wrote an article titled "Teaching Concepts in Mixing Sound for Surround SoundPedagogical Changes with the Shift to 5.1" that was referenced in the publication Audio, in a story about audio engineering.
General Interest
The Jan. 23 Chronicle of Higher Education included a blurb on the MTSU Foundation's New Century/New Visions $30 million capital campaign.
METROPOLITAN NEWS
Administration
President James E. Walker pitched the many improvements at MTSU in a story in The Tennessean, including the building program and booming enrollment. Walker said MTSU has been successful because it has been aggressive. MTSU has embraced Middle Tennessee, "and Middle Tennessee has embraced us as their university," he said. In another Tennessean story, Walker spoke at the Nashville Rotary Club and said, "If you've got it, flaunt it," regarding his assessment of MTSU's growth and success.
WTVF-TV interviewed Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, about the tremendous growth in enrollment at MTSU. Gillespie also spoke to The Tennessean's Monique Fields on a story about growth in higher education.
Dr. Candace Rosovsky, director of the June Anderson Women's Center, was quoted in Nashville Woman in an article titled "Self-Image, Self-Esteem, and Self-Acceptance."
Harold Smith, director of Student Union and Programming, was interviewed by The Tennessean about Murphy Center past, present, and future.
The Nashville Record reported that Dr. James E. Walker has been named president of the Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Bob Adams, associate vp, Business Office, spoke to the Nashville Banner's Lady Hereford about the cost factors involved in higher education. A national commission is studying the costs of higher education and submitting recommendations that eventually may help reduce costs.
The Tennessean reported that MTSU's proposed name change is on hold at the TBR. Sen. Andy Womack submitted legislation for the name change; TBR meets again in March to consider the issue.
Athletics
MTSU is helping place athletic trainers at several area high schools, reported The Tennessean. Reg Swanson set up the program with MTSU's Dr. Bill Whitehill, who oversees MTSU's athletic trainer programs.
WTVF-TV, Channel 5, reported that MTSU is starting a petition drive as part of an effort to lure the Oilers to Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium next season. Lee Fowler, AD, was interviewed on Channel 5 about MTSU wooing the Oilers. The Nashville Banner ran a similar story, adding that U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon has become the first to officially beckon the Oilers from memphis to Middle Tennessee. A subsequent Banner story by Kevin Spain states that MTSU's Lee Fowler, AD, is the "front man" in leading this effort. Folwer had an impromptu meeting with Oilers general manager Floyd Reese, who checked out MTSU's facilities. Fowler appeared on WTVF-TV's Channel 5 Plus program with Hope Hines to discuss MTSU's pitch to the Oilers.
The Tennessean reported that golfer Larry Gilbert died of lung cancer. Gilbert was the college-division champion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1965, when he attended MTSU.
LIGHTNING STRIKES: Lee Fowler, athletic director, and Dr. Aaron Todd, Chemistry, were interviewed on WLAC-FM's "Incredible Early Show" by Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, discussing the unveiling of the MTSU athletic logo and mascot.
WTVF-TV, Channel 5 Plus' Hope Hines interviewed Lee Fowler about "Lightning Strikes." Fowler also appeared on WSMV-TV, Channel 4 and WKRN-TV, Channel 2.
The Nashville Banner ran a story and photo of Lee Fowler's "hair-raising" experience regarding lightning striking Murphy Center.
The Tennessean's Trine Tsouderos wrote a front-page story about the seeming demise of MTSU's unofficial mascot Ole Blue, the unveiling of the new mascot and logo, and provided background about the school's unofficial mascots through the years, including the unfortunate association with Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. The story included color photos of Forrest astride his horse King Philip at a ballgame, some old Sidelines issues, and a medallion depicting Forrest in front of Forrest School in Chapel Hill.
The Tennessean ran a story on the anticipation of the unveiling of the new MTSU athletic logo and mascot.
The Tennessean's "Rutherford Voices" included a column by Dr. Aaron Todd, Chemistry, who explained the process the Logo and Mascot Committee went through to hear from every university constituency on their ideas for the new athletic logo and mascot.
Fowler appeared on WTVF-TV, Channel 5, evening report prior to the unveiling and on the weekend report to follow up the Saturday night celebration. WKRN-TV, Channel 2, showed a clip of the new mascot dancing with the referee on Saturday evening.
Maurice Patton of The Tennessean wrote a pre-game article which stated that when lightning strikes in Murphy Center, TSU coach Frankie Allen hopes none of his players get hit. In a subsequent Tennessean story, Patton wrote that while lightning striking was the theme of the game, MTSU's Aylton Tesch provided the real lightning by matching his career-high scoring performance with 20 points. "I'm an emotional player," he said, "and the crowd really got me going." Tesch said he wished "we had this kind of crowd every night."
Following the big night, The Tennessean ran a photo of "Lightning," the new mascot that "replaces Old Blue, a blue tick hound costume." Another Tennessean post-game blurb stated that the attendance for the Lady Raiders game earlier in the evening, 8,174 fans, set a new OVC record for women's basketball.
In another Tennessean story, Anthony Coleman gave a detailed account of the Lady Raiders-Lady Tigers game, stating that MTSU "has now inched its way back into the race for the regular season title."
Basic and Applied Sciences
WTVF-TV, Channel 5's Ava Philson did a story on philanthropy and included an interview with Andy Adams, whose family has generously supported MTSU, especially the School of Nursing.
MTSU alumna Mary Irby Cantrell, who recently won a Dodge Ram Truck for placing first in the nation in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, is featured on the American Farm Bureau web site. She is the first Tennessean and first woman to ever win the competition.
The Tennessean reported that a seminar titled "Lupus and You," sponsored by MTSU, would be offered at MTMC.
Business
Dr. Troy Festervand, director of Graduate Business Studies, was interviewed on WLAC-FM's "Incredibly Early Show" by Priscilla Wainwright, News and Public Affairs. Festervand was the subject of a Nashville Banner story about his new role as director of the Business Graduate School, saying "A new day has dawned in this office. We are very much going to turn ourselves into a service organization."
Dr. Bill Ford (Weatherford Chair of Finance) was a source for a Business Wire story about retail spending in December of this year compared to last. Ford is also senior advisor to Telecheck Services Inc., the world's leading check acceptance company. A story quoting Ford about the retail spending before, during, and after the holidays appeared in the Nashville Banner.
In a Tennessean story, business editor Candy McCampbell quoted Dr. Reuben Kyle, director, BERC, about housing sales in 1998. Kyle said consumers should look for more home sales if current economic conditions continue, low mortgage interest rates, modest job growth, and more new houses being built. "Things are still good; they're just not growing as fast," Kyle said.
In a separate Tennessean story about some layoffs in the automotive supplier bsuiness, Kyle told McCampbell that the overall effect on the suppliers may not be as dramatic as some might fear because most of these suppliers have multiple outlets.
Kyle was interviewed on WMOT-FM and said state officials should not get their hopes up that sales tax collections will keep pace with budget requirements. Kyle said for a while Tennessee's mid-state economy was outpacing the nation's; however, now it is just the reverse. He projects moderate growth for the mid-state over the next six to nine months.
Education
Dr. John Pleas, Psychology, Dr. Cheryl Ellis, HPERS, and student Paula Peoples were guests on WLAC-FM's "Incredibly Early Show" to discuss African-American History Month events. They were interviewed by Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs.
Catherine Darnell from The Tennessean interviewed Dr. Mary Elizabeth Stivers, Human Sciences, on a study about sexual activity and educational attainment.
UT Medical Group, Inc. invited Dr. Diane Sawyer (Murfree Chair in Dyslexic Studies) to participate in a radio program over WMC-AM Memphis, "Health Call with UT Medical Group," during which she spoke about dyslexia.
Dr. Gloria Hamilton, Psychology, spoke with The Tennessean's Fiona Soltes on dealing with anger. You can choose your response to anger, says Hamilton.
Liberal Arts
Dr. Ayne Cantrell was interviewed on WLAC-FM's "Incredible Early Show" by Priscilla Wainwright, News and Public Affairs.
The Chattanooga Times ran a story about Congress giving MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation $200,000 in planning money to embark on a year-long effort to
establish a detailed 10-year plan to implement "a Civil War theme" in Tennessee. Center director, Dr. Jim Huhta will spearhead the effort.
The Tennessean reported that the Rutherford County Commission would be meeting for the first time in a renovated courthouse. The renovation effort, at a cost of about $1.5 million, was headed by Huhta and a group of local preservationists. Dr. Lorne McWatters, History, and his students wrote a proposal for placing the 108-year-old Acme building in Nashville on the National Register of Historic Places, reported The Tennessean.
The Tennessean's Patrick Connolly wrote a feature about the film "Titanic" and the subject of chivalry, manners, and morals. MTSU's Carole Carroll, Sociology and Anthropology, was quoted as saying that chivalry has always been an ideal of the gentry and not a reality. In the movie, many third-class passengers are locked below and never have a chance of reaching a lifeboat. However, many first-class passengers displayed and assortment of motives, good, bad, and ugly. Dr. June McCash, Foreign Languages and Literatures, added that society in general has begun to lose the concept of being chivalrous to another person. "Getting back at someone seems to be a prime response," she said. "Violence often seems a first reaction, and sometimes we don't even let someone finish a sentence before we start talking again."
The Tennessean reported on the MT Symphony Guild's "Valentine Cabaret," Feb. 14, directed by Dr. Laurence Harvin, to be held in the JUB's Tennessee Room.
The Tennessean also listed local theatre offerings, including the MTSU Theatre's presentation of two one-act plays.
Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, talked with The Tennessean about the ongoing presidential sex scandal. "The first thing we have to do is wait and see if it's true," he said. Any scandal could taint Vice President Gore's future chances, he added. Byrnes was also interviewed on WMOT-FM, stating that it's much too early to be talking about resignation or impeachment.
Dr. Nancy Rupprecht was interviewed by Linda Quigley of The Tennessean on whether women share their thoughts and feelings more than men.
On WMOT-FM's "Morning Beat," Dr. Fred Rolater discussed the fact that Tennessee doesn't seem to have a problem returning crooks to political office, even when they have demonstrated their lack of integrity and honesty while in office. In a separate broadcast, Rolater commented on history's role in the current race for governor.
Mass Communication
Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, told WMOT-FM that even though a person should not be found guilty based on allegations, sometimes it happens. Burriss said the media is partly to blame for a frenzy to get the latest fact or fiction. In another installment, Burriss said those who weren't going to be parked in front of the TV set for the Super Bowl need another game plan. In another, Burriss said almost every work of art will offend someone. Banning all offensive materials will leave everyone with very little to read, listen to, and see, he said. Burriss also consulted some interesting sources to get their predictions for 1998and he looked back at some of the more outlandish predictions for 1997.
Student Affairs
Mary Irby Cantrell, who is pursuing a degree combining Agriscience and Computer Information Systems, won the 1998 American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet, reported the Nashville Banner.
The Nashville Banner published the list of MTSU fall graduates from Davidson County.
General Interest
A Tennessean story about the demand for sneakers in Japan quoted Miyoko King, MTSU Japan Center, who said sneakers in Japan are such a hot commodity that when teen-agers remove their shoes before entering a house, they carry their Nikes with them.
Self magazine ran a blurb on a study conducted at MTSU that concluded that girls tend to take teasing more seriously than boys; and that women were more likely than men to say that emotional abuse they suffered at the hands of a sibling negatively affected their relationship with that brother or sister later on.
A letter to The Tennessean editor expressed the reader's chagrin at MTSU's "paltry library collection," inasmuch as a new library is being built on campus and the university is building a new football stadium and competing for fans.
The Tennessean reported that by April, MTSU students may be able to surf to class registration via the Internet, according to Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management.
MTSU kicked off Bull Challenge '98, reported WKRN-TV, Channel 2.
A letter to The Tennessean expressed the opinion that in spite of the negative publicity surrounding Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, he was, in fact a soldier with a brilliant military career. The writer also said the recent articles about Martin Luther King Jr. never mentioned that he had extramarital affairs or plagiarized for his Ph.D. The writer pleads for balance in reporting.
A story by Monique Fields of The Tennessean discusses the growth in Middle Tennessee and how it is reflected in the growing enrollments on college campuses. MTSU leads the pack with 53.4 percent more students than 10 years ago. The enrollment is now at 18,366 and is expected to top 20,000 by the year 2002.
Robert Rucker, Social Work, and co-chair of this year's AAHM celebration, was interviewed on WMOT-FM about AAHM.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. John Montgomery, Honors Program, about the MTSU Honors Lecture Series, which is free and open to the public.
MTSU Sergeant Jim Fanguy told WMOT-FM about a self-defense class for female students and employees that is being held on campus starting this month.
LOCAL NEWS
Administration
A 2 percent state employee pay hike began Jan. 1, which included MTSU employees, reported the DNJ. President James E. Walker commented that he was glad the governor delivered on a commitment that he annnounced in the latter part of 1997.
Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, was interviewed on WHRT, Channel 27 (Cable 45).
Martha Turner, director of the Placement and Student Employment Office was interviewed on WHRT, Channel 27 (Cable 45) about the upcoming Summer Jobs Fair. Turner was also interviewed by the Gallatin News-Examiner about the university's growth and trends, and job opportunities for students.
Dr. Duane Stucky, vp, Finance and Administration, was pictured along with a story in the DNJ about MTSU and the city trying to coordinate their efforts to make the best use of the limited land available around the university's 529-acre main campus "without destroying the uniqueness of the community."
The DNJ reported that U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon and Sen. Andy Womack have joined the push to bring the Oilers to Murfreesboro for regular-season home games
and training camp in 1998. In a subsequent DNJ story, President James E. Walker said MTSU's football stadium could be expanded to accommodate 50,000 fans by the 1998 kickoff, but the Oilers and the community would have to help support the expansion project with their dollars. Walker added that MTSU would be willing to look into the possibility of getting a waiver to sell alcohol if it was a major condition. "I think it's a bigger issue with the fans than it is with the Oilers," Walker told the DNJ. "My understanding is the Oilers didn't get any of the revenue from beer sales at the Liberty Bowl."
The Murfreesboro Sun ran a front-page story about MTSU's Academic Master Plan and how the university is working toward implementing its goals.
Athletics
The DNJ's sports writer, Rob Nunley, wrote a column expressing the "horribly low fan support" for MTSU sports.
Basketball coach Lewis Bivens, who posted the best record among all coaches at MTSU182-103-retired after the 1996-1997 season. He was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Stephany Smith, who was later awarded a 3-year contract, according to the DNJ.
Athletic Director Lee Fowler is making a pitch to the Oilers to play their games in MTSU's newly expanded stadium next season, reported the DNJ. In another DNJ story, several universities are courting the Oilers, and Oilers General Manager Floyd Reese said he has been in contact with MTSU's Lee Fowler about bringing the team to its 1998 training camp and also playing their regular season games in Floyd Stadium. Yet another DNJ story referenced Congressman Bart Gordon as citing lagging attendance at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis last season for the Oilers' games as a good reason to lure the Oilers eastward to MTSU for the 1998 season. A DNJ editorial said there is nothing to lose and everything to gain for MTSU and Rutherford County in the effort to lure the Oilers to MTSU.
A writer to the DNJ says not everyone is thrilled with the idea of the Oilers coming to MTSU. He cited littering and a parking-free-for-all throughout the surrounding neighborhood as two major problems.
The annual Groundhog Day Luncheon will be held at MTSU Feb. 2 to support the MTSU baseball program, reported the DNJ.
LIGHTNING STRIKES: Staffers at the Winchester Herald-Chronicle appeared in a photo holding up the "Lightning Strikes" T-shirt.
Lee Fowler's hair-raising, smoke-rising photo appeared in the DNJ. In a subsequent issue, Ole Blue is shown shaking hands with fans during a basketball game in what could be one of his final appearances. However, the article stated that university officals are unsure about Ole Blue's future.
Dr. Aaron Todd, Chemistry, penned a column for the DNJ in which he explained the committee process that led to the selecting of the new athletic logo and mascot, and he urged everyone to support the change. Todd's column also appeared in the McMinnville Southern Standard.
Prior to the big event, the DNJ ran a story about the unveiling and a photo of Charles Sarver in his home, holding up a "Lightning Strikes" T-shirt and a photo of himself in his 1933 State Teachers College football uniform. Sarver was shown a picture of the logo, and he said he was impressed.
The DNJ ran two separate stories about the logo and mascot unveiling and the victory over TSU. A DNJ editorial explained the background of MTSU's unofficial mascots, including Ole Blue and Nathan Bedford Forrest, and added that they hope "Lightning" will "provide a jolt of excitement to the school's athletic programs."
A DNJ story that followed included a photo of "Lightning," surrounded by high-fivin' children and a photo of the new Blue Raiders logo. "The crowd just went wild,"
commented President James E. Walker, who added, "We're moving forward in athletics like we are in everything else."
A DNJ story featured an even larger photo of "Lightning" surrounded by children, stating that "Lightning Strikes" received rave reviews. "I've been very impressed with the new mascot, and I think everyone else will be impressed with it as well," said President James E. Walker.
A subsequent DNJ editorial praised the unveiling celebration, stating that "nothing could have been better on the biggest night at Murphy Center in years."
A DNJ story said the real lightning struck when the Blue Raiders, who trailed early in the MTSU-TSU game, came on strong to win 67-57.
Another DNJ story by Angela Cannon included the price tag of $65,000 for the advertising and promotion of the "Lightning Strikes" campaign, quoting Doug Williams, director of News and Public Affairs, as stating, "What kind of figure do you put on name recognition and goodwill?" Attendance for the event was 10,729, not quite a sellout but close.
Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, was interviewed on WGNS Radio about the unveiling of the mascot and logo, the crowd response, and the future visibility of the new MTSU athletic logo.
In the DNJ, Rob Nunley wrote that the best feature about the new mascot on the evening of the unveiling was his attitude. "He took the court."
Mike West in the DNJ ("New Mascot Proves Mystery") wrote an editorial expressing his feeling that the new MTSU mascot "looks a little like a blue Barney. Also, he believes they did away with Ole Blue because he looks too much like UT's Old Smokie. West (Hammerhead) did concede that he is a big Blue Raiders fan and hopes AD Lee Fowler can get the Oilers to come to Murfreesboro. West says he also doesn't understand why the university wants to change its name.
Basic and Applied Sciences
The Tullahoma News ran a story and photo that showed high schools students working with the robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing modules aboard the 65-foot mobile learning center that MTSU uses for training in manufacturing technology. The unit is touring several high schools in the state.
The Murfreesboro Sun ran a brief story about STARLAB visiting Bradley Elementary School. The project, a kind of inflatable portable planetarium, is on loan from MTSU's Physics and Astronomy Department.
Business
Dr. Al DePrince, Economics and Finance, was a source for an AP story in the DNJ story about it being "a tumultuous year for state firms." While there were closures and slowed growth in personal income and jobs, DePrince said, "I don't think this was a 'woe is me' year." In an AP story that ran in the Union City Daily Messenger, DePrince said personal income growth would be 5.6 percent this fiscal year and 5.1 percent the following year. The story appeared also in the Greeneville Sun, Bristol Herald Courier, Kingsport Times-News, and Gallatin News-Examiner.
Dr. Bill Ford (Weatherford Chair of Finance) told the DNJ's Clint Confehr that holiday shoppers accelerated their spending pace during the final three days before Christmas. But sales dropped off sharply after Christmas, he added. A similar story quoting Ford appeared in the Gallatin News-Examiner.
Dr. Larry Brandon, Accounting professor, Rutherford County attorney, and cattle farmer, announced he will be a candidate for General Sessions Judge, Part I, for Rutherford County in the Democratic primary May 5, reported the DNJ.
Dr. Reuben Kyle, director, Business and Economic Research Center, was interviewed on WHRT, Channel 27 (Cable 45) about the area's economic outlook. The Moore County News ran a story on how the Asian economy is impacting the Middle Tennessee area, according to a study conducted by the BERC.
The Murfreesboro Sun ran a photo and cutline of insurance student Denise Singleton receiving a $750 scholarship check from Mrs. Mary Jane Allen, representing the
MTSU Foundation's Arthur H. Allen Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dr. Ken Hollman, holder of the Martin Chair of Insurance, is also pictured. The DNJ also ran a brief story on Singleton. The same edition reported that MTSU insurance student Grant Lichtenwalter
received a scholarship check for $750 from the Middle Tennessee Association of Life Underwriters in Murfreesboro.
The MTSU Small Business Development Center co-sponsored a free seminar in Fayetteville on owning and operating your own business, reported the Elk Valley Times.
Education
The DNJ ran a large feature story and photos on Project HELP, which is now serving 27 families and enjoying its new home on the corner of 1st and Baird streets on the MTSU campus.
Liberal Arts
A letter to the DNJ expressed the reader's appreciation for MTSU's outstanding music program, adding that the band may outgrow Jones Field because of its recent growth in numbers and leadership of Terry Jolley and Rick Murphy.
The DNJ featured Ralph Jones, who teaches an evening history class at MTSU, who shed 90 pounds over a period of several years.
Works by painter David LeDoux, who retired from MTSU in 1994, will be on exhibit at Cumberland University through Jan. 29, reported The Wilson World. While at MTSU, LeDoux was an Art professor and director of the Painting Program.
Dr. Jim Huhta, director, Center for Historic Preservation, was interviewed on WHRT, Channel 27 (Cable 45) about the Rutherford Courthouse renovation.
MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation will coordinate the development of the National Heritage Area, under Huhta's leadership, which will help people better understand Tennessee's role in the Civil War, reported the Gainesboro Sentinel and Hartsville Vidette.
In a DNJ feature on finding good books for wet, winter days, MTSU faculty members, including Dr. Bill Connelly, English chair (pictured in his office) and Dr. Fred Colvin, History, were asked for their recommendations. John Bragg was also a source for the story.
Dr. Margaret Ordoubadian, English, recently polled students in her children's literature classes and asked them to name the authors who influenced them most during their childhood, the DNJ reported in a feature about books for kids.
The DNJ reported on the 3-day Tennessee Wind Band Conference to be held at MTSU, presented by MTSU's Department of Music and the Contest of champions.
Versatile pianist (and MTSU graduate) William Richardson was featured in the DNJ (with photos). Richardson, known locally as "Piano Man" can be heard playing nearly everywhere around town for various formal and informal events.
Dr. John Vile, chair, Political Science, was quoted in a Tennessean story by Linda Quigley and Alan Bostick about the current Presidential scandal. "I lived through Watergate, and aside from Watergate I haven't seen a political scandal of this magnitude like it, except maybe Gary Hart," he commented.
The Murfreesboro Sun reported that the upcoming MT Symphony program "Valentine Cabaret" is being directed by MTSU's Dr. Laurence Harvin, Music professor.
Student Affairs
A DNJ and Rutherford Courier 1997 retrospective included mention of MTSU student Derrick Jackson, a nursing major who lives in Smyrna, who has battled leukemia over the past year. Jackson is feeling some better now, but the search continues for a blood marrow donor. Local students who were named to the dean's list for fall 1997 were recognized in the Brownsville States-Graphic, Pulaski Citizen, Ashland City Times, Bledsonian Banner, Lenoir City News-Herald, Athens Post-Athenian, Hickman County Times, Lebanon Democrat, Shelbyville Times-Gazette, Lafollette Press, McKenzie Banner, Ripley
Enterprise, Springfield Times, Weakley County Press, Bolivar Bulletin-Times, Fentress Courier, Farragut Press Enterprise, Parsons News Leader, Carthage Courier, Humboldt Courier Chronicle, Wayne County News, and Columbia Daily Herald.
Students receiving scholarships to MTSU include Leanne Nicole Jenkins, of Oliver Springs, Presidential Scholarship (Clinton Courier-News); Trent Cross, the Dan Scott Chemistry Scholarship (Scott County News); and Lori Bruce, of Paris, Leadership Performance Scholarship (Paris Post-Intelligencer).
Stories that listed hometown students who graduated from MTSU Dec. 13 appeared in the DNJ, Rutherford Courier, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, The Wilson World, Pickett County Press, McMinnville Southern Standard, Brownsville States-Graphic, Columbia Daily Herald, Ashland City Times, Moore County News, Carthage Courier, Hardin County Courier, Gallatin News-Examiner, Lenoir City News-Herald, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Franklin Review-Appeal, Tullahoma News, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Jackson Sun, Dickson Herald, Sullivan County News, Smithville Review, Pulaski Citizen, Manchester Times, McKenzie Banner, Athens Post-Athenian, Roane County News, Springfield Times, Crossville Chronicle, and Lewis County Herald.
The Columbia Daily Herald featured Stephanie Palmer who graduated with a degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. The Daily Herald, Lebanon Democrat, Franklin Review-Appeal, Marshall Gazette, and Cannon Courier ran a photo of Dr. Linda P. Hare, vp, Development and University Relations, congratulating fall honors graduates Tonya Hatley, Jeanie Jernigan, Kimberly Forrest, Laura Willoughby, and Teresa Ann Wilson, respectively.
Matthew Redd, of Brentwood, was initiated into Beta Theta Pi at MTSU, reported the Franklin Review-Appeal.
The DNJ featured MTSU students registering through the Internet, via TRAM, and pictured several in the Cope Administration Building perusing catalogs and filling out forms.
Maeghan and Michael Kearney were interviewed on WHRT, Channel 27 (Cable 45) about being the youngest-ever undergraduate and graduate students (respectively) at MTSU. Thirteen-year-old Michael is majoring in Chemistry; Maeghan in animal science/pre-vet.
Laura Kizer, of Columbia, was pictured in The Daily Herald working with the MTSU Fall Phonathon, which raised more than $69,000.
The Tullahoma News and Wayne County News published a list of area students on the fall semester's dean's list.
Lisa Rollins, a master's candidate at MTSU and free-lance writer for the Rutherford Courier, was among the recent inductees in MTSU's Pinnacle chapter.
David Chambliss, editor of the new Murfreesboro Sun, wrote an editorial about MTSU's growth, the newspaper's introduction into the community, and how much he hopes the newspaper will serve Murfreesboro.
General Interest
J. Stanley Rogers addressed MTSU's fall commencement, reported the Manchester Times, Wayne County News, Sevierville Mountain Press, Bolivar Bulletin-Times, and Tullahoma News.
The Murfreesboro Magazine ran the story about the TBR report card and the fact that MTSU students scored at or above the national average. Ninety-eight percent of MTSU's eligible programs are accredited; while 97 percent of TBR university programs are accredited. A DNJ editorial expressed the opinion that MTSU deserves more state funds because of its size and incredible growth over the past few years.
The DNJ reported that T. Franklin "Toby" Gilley has joined the law office of Rucker and Rucker, P.C. A 1992 MTSU graduate, Gilley was student body president and student appointee to the TBR. Gilley received his doctor of jurisprudence from the UT-School of Law in May 1997.
The Rutherford Courier commented on MTSU's tremendous growth spurt.
Ralph E. Sharp, who joined the MTSU faculty in 1965, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, at his home, reported the DNJ. He retired from MTSU in 1993. The Elizabethton Star reported that Norman Parks, former chair of MTSU's Political Science Department, died of congestive heart failure.
The DNJ ran a story on the cracks that are developing on the ground floor and elsewhere in MTSU's KOM. An engineering study is slated during the holiday break. Dr. Duane Stucky, vp, Finance and Administration, commented that university officials have been advised there is no danger at this point. A subsequent DNJ reported on the results of the tests conducted over the holiday break, which discovered the cause of the settling. Repairs to the foundation and to the KOM are under way.
The DNJ reported that MTSU opened the 1998 spring semester with 247 more students than a year ago at this time (up 1.53 percent)with an enrollment to date of 16,399.In another story, the DNJ reported that MTSU dormitories are full as the spring semester gets underwaybut with fewer enrolled in the spring than in the fall, parking shouldn't be as much a problem.
A legislative delegation is slated to meet with MTSU officials and the Rutherford County Commission to hear their concerns, reported the DNJ. State employees received a 2 percent pay hike in the 1997-98 budget; but whether a raise will come in the 1998-99 budget is unknown at this point.
Anna Ingrum and Nancy Schott, co-chairs for Jump Rope for Heart, were interviewed on WHRT, Channel 25 (Cable 45) and also on MTScene. The kickoff for this year's campaign was held at MTSU.
African-American History Month: Bonnie Shipp, English, and Ralph Metcalf, director, Multi-Cultural Affairs, were interviewed on MTScene about African-American History Month events. The DNJ, Tullahoma News, McMinnville Southern Standard, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Lewisburg Tribune, and Lebanon Democrat ran a story about Joe Clark's (of "Lean on Me" fame) visit to MTSU during February. Dr. Moses Tesi, Political Science, and Adonijah Bakari, History, appeared on WHRT, Channel 27, to talk about AAHM events. The DNJ reported on the AAHM Unity Luncheon, telling about each of the five honorees. The Lebanon Democrat focused on Unity Luncheon honoree A.C. Wharton, who is a resident of Wilson County. The DNJ ran a story (and color photos) on the Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, and Philippe Saisse concert that was held on campus as part of AAHM.
The Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union reported that MTSU undergraduate and graduate courses will be offered this spring at the Lawrenceburg Center of Columbia State Community College via distance learning. The Columbia Daily Herald reported that MTSU classes leading to the Master of Science in Teaching Math will be offered at Columbia State Community College this spring.
Steven Benefield, the new director of the Rutherford County Chamber of
Commerce, said in the "Newsmakers" interview in the DNJ that he hopes to expand the relationship between the chamber and MTSU.
The DNJ reported that MTSU is asking the Legislature for enough operating money to maintain growth, start work on new science and art buildings, and some help in changing its name to the University of Middle Tennessee.
The Marshall Gazette ran a story about MTSU Academic Master Plan and its implementation.
Page 12 (General Interest, Local News, cont'd.)
The Murfreesboro Sun ran a brief story on the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart kickoff held at MTSU.
The DNJ reported that Sen. Andy Womack was in the process of drafting legislation to change MTSU's name to the University of Middle Tennessee. The subcommittee had decided previously to postpone MTSU's name change request last year
to wait for an opinion from the Tennessee Attorney General's Office. A university name change requires legislative approval.
A letter to the DNJ berated MTSU athletics and planning for what the writer claimed is poorly designed seating in the new stadium from some vantage points and for the lack of convenient parking for athletic contests.
MTSU recorded a record spring enrollment of 16,934 students, up 295 (1.77 percent) from spring 1997.
MTSU will participate in the College Fair at Bradley Square Mall in Athens, reported the Post-Athenian.
The Johnson City Press reported that several Upper East Tennessee lawmakers have been pushing for the idea of reduced tuition fees for out-of-state students for the past five years, only to see their legislation derailed by powerful legislative leaders representing MTSU.
Continuing Studies is offering English as a Second Language and a beginning course in computers, the DNJ reported in two separate stories.
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 October 1997 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.