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 , encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc.

NATIONAL NEWS

Business
Dr. Bill Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, and senior economic advisor for Telecheck Services, Inc., was a source for PR Newswire in the Financial News section when he discussed consumer retail spending for December, stating that same-store sales rose a moderate 1.9 percent over the same period last year.

Mass Communication
Dr. Paul Fischer, Recording Industry, said in Teacher Magazine that he doesn't think music's power over teen-agers is as strong as it used to be. "I don't think the power is a mass phenomenon as it once was," he said. "You probably got to go looking for it. It doesn't find you."



METROPOLITAN NEWS

Administration
Dr. James Walker is one of three prominent Tennesseans to receive the 1999 Human Relations Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his efforts to eliminate bigotry and racism, according to a story in The Tennessean.
It was noted in the Nashville Business Journal that President Walker had received the 1998 Apollo Award from the Nashville chapter of the PRSA.
Steve Pritchard, manager of Telecommunications, has been named Treasurer of Tennessee Telecommunications Users Association, according to The Tennessean.
The Nashville Woman ran a blurb and picture on Joanne Yoder being named director of major gifts and planned giving.

Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Thomas Hemmerly, Biology, has been studying mistletoe for 25 years, reported the Knoxville News Sentinel and Memphis Commercial Appeal. He wants to learn where it grows and why.
Tim Redd, manager, Farm Lab, was interviewed by WSM's Rob Taylor about light boosting milk production.

Business
The Nashville Business Journal noted MTSU will begin offering Saturday MBA courses. Dr.Troy Festervand, Management and Marketing, heads up the program.
Dr. Ken Hollman, holder, Martin Chair of Insurance, was quoted in The Tennessean in an article about life insurance. He stated that comparison shopping was the key to buying life or term insurance.
The Tennessean noted The Business and Economic Research Center has issued new figures on the increase in construction in the mid-state area. There has been an increase of 9.8 percent over the last quarter.
In The Tennessean, Dr. Albert DePrince Jr., Economics and Finance, addressed his concern about President Clinton's proposal to set aside 60 percent of any budget surplus over the next 15 years to bolster Social Security. The president also suggested investing one quarter of that in the stock market for higher returns. "It's flat out partial nationalization," DePrince said. DePrince said he is concerned that as a shareholder, government proxies might vote according to political objectives.

Education
Liz Johnson, coordinator of Continuing Studies, says in an article in the Nashville Business Nashville that two of the advantages of on-line coursework are time savings and convenience. The article gave a directory of colleges and universities that offer professional and continuing education programs, which includes MTSU.

Liberal Arts
In The Tennessean's 'Perspective Forum,' Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, was featured answering the question "What should be the General Assembly's top priority this legislative session?" His answer was tax reform. On WMOt-FM, Byrnes said Elizabeth Dole's biggest negative in running for president is her lack of election experience; and the far right continues to control much of the Republican Party, as evidenced by Dan Quayle's intention of seeking his party's presidential nomination.
Alan Bostick's Fine Arts column in The Tennessean mentioned the performance of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in Murphy Center on Jan. 16.
WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. Raphael Bundage, Music, about conducting a classic work such as "H-M-S Pinafore."
Dr. Fred Rolater, on WMOT-FM, addressed the question, What does history have to do with the Y2K concern? He stated that there was a lot of concern and anxiety on the eve of the year 1000.

Mass Communication
Dr. Thomas Berg, Radio-Television/Photography, and Dr. David Lavery, English, were quoted in The Tennessean in a story about the Clinton trial. Both say the TV ratings are low because it is boring and there are no colorful characters in the cast.
In separate installments on WMOT-FM's Morning Beat, Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, discussed the fact that two recent hit films were not as true as they could have been; misspellings being out of hand on this country's Capitol Hill; and the American people can look forward to better impeachment coverage as the process nears its climax.
Beverly Keel, Recording Industry, told WMOT-FM that Nashville songwriters have consistently placed nominees in the Grammy Awards pop categories for several years.
The Detroit News quoted Dr. Richard Campbell, Journalism chair, in a story about "60 Minutes II." Campbell said people are ritual viewers, and while it will take people a while to get used to a part two of the popular news magazine program, he predicts it will be a success. Campbell was also interviewed on NPR on the same topic.

Student Affairs
The Tennessean featured Darren Jernigan, who has been in a wheelchair since he was paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident eight years ago. Jernigan will soon receive his master's degree from MTSU.

General Interest
The Tennessean mentioned the opening of the new $33 million library on Jan. 5. The story was accompanied by two pictures of the new facility. In a subsequent story, it was mentioned that the Art building might move into the old library building.
A blurb in The Tennessean noted Jennings A. Jones, namesake of MTSU's Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise and the Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning, was recently awarded lifetime membership in Phi Kappa Phi.
A story on Dr. Esther Seeman's death and her obituary appeared in The Tennessean. Dr. Seeman, who served as director of the Japan Center, began her career at MTSU in 1969.
A blurb in The Tennessean noted the deadline for registering for the Unity Luncheon is Jan. 25. The luncheon is the kickoff for MTSU's African-American History Month celebration.
WMOT-FM spoke to Betty Dandridge Johnson, Institutional Effectiveness, about African-American History Month events, in particular, the Unity Luncheon.
The Tennessee Tribune and Nashville Business Journal announced the nominees for the Gavin Award Jazz Station of the Year, and WMOT-FM is in the running. John High, general manager, said WMOT is off to a good start with the nomination, coupled with the fact that the radio station is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
In the Tennessean's Fine Arts column, the Boston Pops Esplanade concert, held in Murphy Center, was lauded as international caliber entertainment.
A blurb in the Tennessee Tribune noted comic Bertice Berry's appearance here as the kickoff event for African-American History Month.
The Tennessean also noted several speakers, including Bertice Berry, who are scheduled to lecture on mid-state campuses during AAHM.
An article in The Tennessean reported on the results of a governor-appointed panel about the status of Tennessee's public colleges and universities, including MTSU. The panel concluded that the schools were underfunded, poorly organized and of mediocre quality, and that it would take $441 million to fix them.
WMOT-FM spoke to Brooke Rodgers about the Women's Leadership Conference.


LOCAL NEWS


Administration
The Daily News Journal and the M'boro Sun ran stories on Joanne Yoder being named director of major gifts and planned giving.
Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, was interviewed on WGNS Radio about the opening of the new library.

Athletics
The controversy over whether to move the Clinic Bowl from Vanderbilt Stadium elsewhere was reported in several stories in the DNJ. After the decision was made to keep the game in Nashville instead of moving to MTSU's Jones Field, an editorial was written in the DNJ stating it was a mistake not to move the bowl game to Murfreesboro.
The Murfreesboro Magazine noted the naming of the new football coach, Andy McCollum.
A letter to the editor of the M'boro Sun was screaming about the salary being paid to the new football coach. The writer felt the money, $115,000 a year for 5 years, could be put to better use, such as for teachers' salaries.
The 10 top sports stories were listed in the DNJ. The three that concerned MTSU were the stepping down of Boots Donnelly; quarterback Jonathan Quinn's being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars; and the record crowd that attended the MTSU-Tennessee State University football game.
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Basic and Applied Science
Dr. Thomas Hemmerly, Biology, and his study of mistletoe was reported in the Maryville Daily Times, Bristol Herald Courier, Greeneville Sun, and Franklin Review-Appeal. Dr. Hemmerly has been studying the flowering sprig for 25 years.
A notice in the DNJ mentioned a cardiac care workshop being sponsored by the School of Nursing, along with the support of MTMC.
Dr. William Robertson, Physics, is pictured in a DNJ article on how he uses a didjeridu, made of PVC pipe, to teach the finer points of acoustic physics.
The M'boro Sun ran a story on Dr. Cindi Smith-Walkers, Biology, for winning the MTSU Science Teacher of the Year and the Tennessee Teacher of the Year of Higher Education by the Tennessee Science Teachers Association. Besides teaching, she is also co-director of the Center for Environmental Education.
The Parsons News Leader ran a large article, with photos, on the Mobile Manufacturing Learning Center which visited Riverside High School. The mobile unit is a pilot project involving the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Richard Redditt and Dr. Ron McBride, Industrial Studies, are co-directors of this state-wide tour of high schools.

Business
The Danner Company Forum was reported in the DNJ and the Shelbyville Times-Gazette. Raymond L.Danner and members of his senior staff will be on campus talking about their business experiences and their company's philosophy. The event is sponsored by the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise. A subsequent story in the DNJ related how Mr. Danner made Shoney's "one of the best-managed restaurant chains" in America.
Participants of a trade show were pictured in two stories in the M'boro Sun. The show featured marketing students showing and pitching their products.
Dr. Bill Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, was quoted in a DNJ story about large retail stores coming in and forcing the closing of locally owned and operated businesses.
Dr. Reuben Kyle, head of the Business and Economic Research Center, was quoted in a Tennessean story about the joblessness of the mid-state region. Kyle stated that "people are going to have a hard time filling jobs."
The Ardmore Community Shopper noted that Tennessee exports were down for a three-month period ending in Sept. 1998.
Dr. Al DePrince, Economics and Finance, was quoted in the Kingsport Times-News in an article on personal income. He and another economist projected personal income will grow about 4.3 percent to 4.5 percent over the next two years.

Education
The Hickman Co. Times noted 10 education students will spend the spring semester student teaching in the Hickman County school system.

Liberal Arts
The DNJ reported that Dr. Raphael Bundage, director of choral activities at MTSU, will conduct both the opera and the orchestra for the performance of 'H.M.S. Pinafore' at TPAC.
The Art Barn was inspected by the state Fire Marshall's Office after an unidentified voice mail complaint, reported the DNJ. As a result of the inspection, the building must now be equipped with a protective stairwell where people can go in case of fire.
The DNJ noted the paintings of North Carolina artist Chandra Cox will be on exhibit in the Art Barn through Feb. 26.
Looking for a great way to spend Valentines Day? The DNJ ran a article on "An Enchanted Evening," a cabaret-style dinner/dance, to be presented by the Middle Tennessee Symphony, with conductor Dr. Laurence Harvin. A subsequent story in the DNJ noted this upcoming Valentine event.

Student Affairs
The DNJ reported a female student was assaulted on campus in what appeared to be road rage.
Buchanan Scholars were named in the M'boro Sun and the DNJ.
The Ashland City Times and the Millington Star listed students named to Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges.
The Manchester Times noted Melissa McCoin, senior elementary education major, was inducted into Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.
Students appearing on the Fall Semester Dean's List included Pamela Hudgens (Selmer Independent-Appeal); Amber Moore (Maryville Daily Times); Jaime Woodcock (Athens Post Athenian); and C. Brent Keeton (Parsons News Leader).
The Maryville Daily Times, Ashland City Times, Lewisburg Tribune, Lexington Progress, Smithville Review, Camden Chronicle, Wayne County News, Manchester
Herald-Chronicle, Tullahoma News, Lebanon Democrat, Franklin Review-Appeal, Sevierville Mountain Press, Claiborne Progress, Fayetteville Elk Valley Times, Huntingdon News-Leader, McKenize Banner, Carthage Courier, Ripley Enterprise, Trenton Herald-Gazette, Lewis Co. Herald, Fentress Courier, Halls Graphic, and Mt. Juliet News noted students who had graduated from MTSU this past December.
Kila Washington was pictured in the Trenton Herald-Gazette accepting a Rosenwald Alumni Association Scholarship.
Murfreesboro Matters ran a story on the new student housing project being built on campus.
Honor students from the Fall 1998 semester, pictured with Dr. Jerry Brookshire, faculty senate president, included Jeanne Parker (Shelbyville Times-Gazette); Carrol Wyre (Lebanon Democrat); Melissa Grace and Afsaneh Moayedi (Franklin Review-Appeal); and Ginny Weyler (Mt.Juliet News).
The recipient of the Douglas A. Shults Memorial Scholarship, Susan McMahan, was mentioned in the DNJ and M'boro Sun.
The Dyersburg State Gazette noted Leah Walker, freshman, will be competing for the Miss MTSU title.
The Savannah Hardin Courier ran an article about Lee Thrasher, a student in the Concrete Industry Management program, who was one of two students who interned for six months in Denmark working for Unicon Concrete. The program is the only four-year degree program in the U.S.

General Interest
Articles in the M'boro Sun, DNJ, Lebanon Democrat, Shelbyville Times Gazette, Manchester Herald-Chronicle, and Lebanon Democrat reported on the following events for the upcoming African-American History Month: a seminar on graduate school survival skills; six local heroes to be honored at the annual Unity Luncheon; a performance by comic Bertice Berry, host of USA Network's "USA Live"; a semester-long lecture series titled "Evolution of Racism"; and a display of Stephen Marc's digital photographic montage titled "Soul Searching."
The DNJ ran a story on the Village Drum and Dance Ensemble, who will be performing on campus as part of the AAHM. The 23-member troupe study, teach, and perform story presentations from around the world. The DNJ noted also the contemporary music ensemble, "Open Spaces", which would be offering "Sounding the Millennium" mini-concerts around campus as part of AAHM.
An editorial in the DNJ noted that Sen. Andy Womack had retained his position as chairman of the Senate Education Committee.
The M'boro Sun listed the spring Honor Lecture Series, "Myths, Mysteries, and Miracles."
The M'boro Sun reported the "Heart of the Campus," the new state-of-the-art library, opened its doors on Jan. 5.
The M'boro Sun ran a story and picture of Jennings A. Jones being awarded a lifetime membership in Phi Kappa Phi. He is the namesake of two Chairs of Excellence at MTSU.
The passing of Dr. Esther Seeman, director of the Japan Center, was reported in the Daily News Journal. Dr. Seeman had been with the university since 1969.
The groundbreaking of the new Greek Row was pictured in the Daily News Journal, Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union, and Pulaski Citizen. President Walker was pictured with several students and alumni.
The coming of the Boston Pops Esplanade to the MTSU campus was reported in the Lewisburg Tribune, Mt. Juliet News, Murfreesboro Magazine, Shelbyville Times-Gazette, and M'boro Sun. Conductor Keith Lockhart brought the orchestra here for the first of several southeastern concerts. A large article on the Pops ran in the Lebanon
Democrat, with pictures of Lockhart and the orchestra. In regards to the concert being held in Murphy Center, a letter to the editor of the DNJ stated that MC should be smoke free.
The MTSU 1999 spring schedule had been announced for Columbia State Community College in the Giles Free Press, Waverly News-Democrat, and Wayne County News.
The owner and operator of the convenience store on campus, Dwight Johnson, has been awarded the Braille Student of the Year given by the Hadley School for the Blind, reported the Gallatin News-Examiner and Portland Leader.
The DNJ reported spring semester enrollment was up 2 percent from last year.
The M'boro Sun reported the changes in the recycling bins on campus.
A first of the year editorial in the DNJ noted the retirement of long-time football coach Boots Donnelly. Other notable happenings of 1998 were mentioned.
The DNJ reported the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Commission will recommend the purchase of the Hickman property, which is owned by the MTSU Foundation, to the full commission.
The DNJ noted the top 10 stories of 1998, including Boots Donnelly's retirement and the new MTSU mascot and stadium renovation.
Plans for the week-long Elderhostel activities were listed in the DNJ. MTSU is planning 14 different Elderhostel programs for 1999.
The DNJ reported that Faulkinberry Drive is still closed due to construction. Bill Smotherman, director of Construction Administration said the roadway was not ready for traffic yet. A later DNJ article reported that Faulkinberry had opened to regular vehicle traffic after being closed for approximately two years due to stadium construction.
Cable TV was trimmed in student dorm rooms, according to a story in the DNJ. MTSU and Intermedia could not come to an agreement over cable service, so several channels were cut unexpectedly. After a student uproar, the extended cable was turned back on and negotiations will continue between the university and Intermedia.
An article in the DNJ noted Emily Miller, director of the Training and Professional Center, has been a major force in what is called the Mid-Tenn TBR Network. This is a collaborative effort of several TBR institutions in Region Five of Middle Tennessee to provide customized training, consulting services, and research and development assistance to business, industry, and government.
The Ardmore Community Shopper ran a story on the "kissing bug" being found in Middle Tennessee.
The Murfreesboro Magazine noted that applications for the June S. Anderson Scholarship are now available. The M'boro Sun noted the Weatherford Chair of Finance Scholarship application deadline is fast approaching.
A full page article, with photos, ran in the DNJ about the desperate need for new science buildings and a new art building. Art professor Dr. Lon Nuell said students did a lot to raise awareness of the need for a new facility.
The M'boro Sun announced Rollie and Katherine Holden have established a $50,000 scholarship fund for athletes from Rutherford County, named the Rollie and Katherine Butler Holden Endowed Scholarship Fund.
The DNJ's Angela Cannon wrote an article on how MTSU is already meeting some of the goals that a statewide higher education panel is expected to recommend to Gov. Sundquist. Doug Williams, director, News and Public Affairs, said that MTSU is already addressing some of the concerns of the council.
An editorial in the DNJ noted the Tennessee Legislature getting ready to go into session. One of the items hoping to be addressed is an increase in higher education funding and that MTSU would benefit.
Sen. Andy Womack, D-Murfreesboro, stated in a DNJ article that he wanted The Tennessee Governors Council for Excellence in Higher Education to meet in public and do
its work in public. Their latest draft report wants to do away with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and keep the Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs MTSU.
In a subsequent article Womack wants to know what the impact of governance decisions will have on MTSU, as well as on technology centers and other higher education institutions. An editorial in the DNJ also addressed the issue of governance in higher education.
Teachers in Warren County are learning how to deal with students who suffer with Dyslexia, a reading disorder, noted the McMinnville Southern Standard. A workshop to help the teachers was developed by the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at MTSU. A subsequent story listed the symptoms of dyslexia.

A complete book of news clippings for January 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.