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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 at MTSU encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc.
NATIONAL NEWS
Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Preston MacDougall, Chemistry, was featured in a recent NAS News article titled "Software Helps Chemists See Atoms in a Different Light." According to the article, MacDougall was one of the first scientists to use the term "electron charge density."
Liberal Arts
The Chronicle of Higher Education quoted Dr. Robert Bray, English, in regards to the unveiling of Tennessee Williams' literary archives to the public.
Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, appeared on the Nashville Network program "Opry Backstage" to discuss his new book, A Good Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry. The Wall Street Journal reviewed Wolfe's new book. Wolfe's book won third place at the Tenth Annual Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Awards, reported the Business Wire.
Mass Communication
Billboard Magazine announced that MTSU's Center for Popular Music will receive a grant from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Page 2 (General Interest, National News, cont'd.)
General Interest
The Associated Press ran an article on Winston Wrenn, former Financial Aid director. The article states that when Wrenn allegedly "loaned" himself and his family thousands of dollars, he was in debt.
METROPOLITAN NEWS
Administration
The Nashville Business Journal reported that Dr. E. James Burton has been named dean of the College of Business at MTSU.
The Tennessean reported that President James E. Walker has increased academic scholarships to $4.5 million, and due to the amount of scholarship money available, many academically talented students decide to attend MTSU.
Athletics
Rudy Kalis, WSMV-Channel 4 News sportscaster, mentioned the new artificial turf in MTSU's football stadium.
Basic and Applied Sciences
The Nashville Business Journal, Tennessee Tribune, AP, and Chattanooga Times-Free Press reported that Marvin Runyon, former United States Postmaster General, has been named holder of the Robert E. and Georgianna West Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence at MTSU.
Deb Fehr, WLAC-AM Radio, interviewed Dr. Nancy Wahl, Computer Science, and Lucinda Lea, Information Technology, regarding on-line protection for children using the internet.
Dr. Jeff Clark, Computer Informationm Systems, was mentioned in a recent article in The Tennessean commenting on Nashville mayoral candidate Richard Fulton's television commercials. Clark said that Fulton's ad was the first to display differences in the candidates. Clark also spoke to Channel 5 News Plus about the Nashville mayoral race.
Dr. Lynn Parsons, Nursing, recently attended a conference about dealing with heat stress, and discussed the symptoms and effects of heat stress with Jim Ellis, WSM Radio.
Business
In a letter to the editor of The Tennessean, Dr. Reuben Kyle, Economics and Finance, stated that he did not endorse the paper's analysis of the relocation of the Dell Computer Company to Nashville.
An article in The Tennessean reported also that Kyle did not endorse the Tennessean's analysis of the Dell Computer Company's location to Nashville. Kyle's analysis dealt merely with the "direct costs of the deal, such as infrastructure and tax breaks"; while The Tennessean's report included indirect costs of the deal, such as schools and city services.
An article in the Nashville Scene mentioned Kyle's economic analysis of the Dell Computer Company's proposed move to Nashville.
Dr. Tony Eff, Economics and Finance, discussed the decrease in unemployment in the Middle Tennessee area with The Tennessean.
Eff told WMOT-FM that the region's economic growth will continue for at least 6-9 months.
Page 3 (Business, Metropolitan News, cont'd.)
Dr. Jim Burton, executive director of the Jones Chairs of Excellence, wrote an article for the Nashville Business Journal about how small businesses should create a professional advisory team to help them with unforeseen problems.
Dr. Steven Livingston, BERC, talked to WMOT-FM about the decline of apparel industry in Tennessee. About 25,000 jobs in apparel industry were lost in the 1990s. Livingston noted environmental equipment manufacturing was booming in the state.
Dr. Ken Hollman was featured in the Tennessee Tribune education section on his position as Chair of the Tommy Martin Chair of Insurance.
Education and Behavioral Sciences
The Tennessee Tribune reported Dr. Gloria Bonner, interim dean, has been named dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. She replaces Dr. Bob Eaker, who returned to teaching. Randy O'Brien and Shawn Jacobs, WMOT-FM, talked to Bonner about her new position. Bonner said the starting pay for teachers is too low to attract men and minority teachers. She also said teachers now play the role of parent, nurse, counselor, etc. in addition to their teaching duties.
The Tennessee Radio Network recently interviewed Dr. Bella Higdon, Elementary and Special Education, about the Gifted Academy at MTSU.
The Tennessean reported that Mary Louise Murphy, a teacher at Page Middle School, was honored at a ceremony for her work in dyslexic studies and the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at MTSU.
Dr. Diane Sawyer, director of the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia, was interviewed by WSM Radio regarding the Christy Houston Foundation funding for the Center. Sawyer also talked to Randy O'Brien, WMOT-FM, about the $1 million dollar grant the Center received to build a new facility. The grant covers two-thirds of the construction cost with MTSU raising the additional third. Sawyer was also interviewed by Channel 5 about dyslexia.
Eight MTSU therapy and special education students will assist with Camp Will, a camp for disabled children, reported the Tennessean. The MTSU students will use play and recreational activities to help the campers.
Melissa Martin, HPERS, recently completed research with the Gator Aid Company and spoke about coping with summer heat with Jim Ellis of WSM-Radio.
WMOT-FM talked to Dr. Phyllis Davidson, Human Sciences, about keeping kids busy and out of trouble during the summer months.
Dr. Doug Winborn, HPERS, talked on WMOT-FM about the new "Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Bill" that will make stores more vigilant in checking IDs. Hopefully the bill will keep more kids from using tobacco.
Dr. Michael Hallett, Criminal Justice, wrote a letter to the editor of The Tennessean about the fact that Tennessee taxpayers pay for private prisons, but have not had the opportunity to address the situation.
Liberal Arts
WTVF-Channel 5 interviewed Dr. James Brooks, Speech and Theatre, about the Governor's School for the Arts at MTSU.
Dr. James Neal, History, spoke on WPLN-FM's Morning Edition about Albert Gore, Sr. and the Gore Center.
WPLN-FM's Happening Hotline mentioned Dr. Charles Wolfe's (English) A Good Natured Riot; The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry. The hotline also mentioned Wolfe's book signing at the Davis-Kidd Bookstore in Nashville.
Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, was quoted in The Tennessean about the death of country music singer Anita Carter. "The Carters are to country music what the Kennedys are to politics," he said.
Page 4 (Liberal Arts, Metropolitan News, cont'd.)
Randy O'Brien, WMOT-FM, recently talked to English graduate student, Tim Long, whose doctorate dissertation is a study of Bob Dylan's work and the significance of Dylan's "Nashville Skyline." Dylan used Nashville pickers and singers like Charlie Daniels and Johnny Cash.
Mass Communication
A story in the Tennessee Tribune noted Christian Haseleu has been named chair of Recording Industry, after serving as interim for the past year.
The Tennessean reported that Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, agrees with increasing funding for technology at colleges and universities. Dr. Burriss discussed his concerns about the state's recent budget cut for technology.
Shawn Jacobs, WMOT-FM, talked to Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, about the debate over flag burning, low budget horror movies going back to the basics, and weather forecasters who get his blood boiling.
The Tennessean reported that the Tennessee Higher Education Commission has approved new academic programs for MTSU and TSU. MTSU will offer a new bachelor's degree in organizational communication in fall 1999.
Journalism Outreach 101, a week-long seminar for high school students interested in journalism, was held in the Mass Comm Building, reported the DNJ. The seminar was sponsored by MTSU's Society of Professional Journalists. Lisa Rollins, campus representative at large for the Society for Professional Journalists National Board of Directors, talked to WMOT-FM about high school students not getting information about careers in journalism.
Student Affairs
The Chattanooga Times-Free Press noted four students who have been awarded Presidential Scholarships.
The Nashville Business Journal mentioned that MTSU student Grant Lichenwalter, a finance major, was honored as the Most Outstanding President of a student organization at MTSU. Lichenwalter is president of the insurance fraternity, Gamma Iota Sigma.
General Interest
The MTSU Foundation provided $150,000 in scholarships for 100 incoming freshmen, reported The Tennessean. The Tennessean noted about 800 of the 2,500 freshmen entering MTSU this fall will do so on merit scholarships-a 10 percent increase from last year.
An article in the Knoxville News-Sentinel and Memphis Commercial Appeal noted former financial aid director Winston Wrenn was deeply in debt during the time he allegedly stole federal loan money from the Financial Aid office. This information came from a state audit.
WMOT-FM talked to Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, about the tuition hike. Gillespie says the increase should be around $80 a semester.
Randy O'Brien, WMOT-FM, and Don Moser, president of the MTSU Foundation, talked about how the Foundation helps deserving students have the opportunity to come to MTSU.
Director Jacque Johnson talked to Randy O'Brien, WMOT-FM, about the new Evening Extended School Program that will open Aug. 23. MTSU faculty, staff, and graduate students can send their K-8th-graders there while they are attending or teaching school.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel reported that an MTSU alumni chapter has been started in Knox county.
Page 5 (Local News)
LOCAL NEWS
Administration
The DNJ recently reported that Dr. Gloria Bonner has been named the dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
A letter to the DNJ written by MTSU graduate Debbie Leyhew praised Dr. Gloria Bonner's teaching abilities, as well as her new position as dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
The DNJ covered the awards ceremony honoring those who support the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia. Among the honorees was Katherine Davis "Kitty" Murfree who founded the Katherine Davis Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies at MTSU.
Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vice president of Enrollment Management, was quoted in the Murfreesboro Magazine on the new cancer treatment center that will be opening in Murfreesboro this fall. Dr. Gillespie is a radiation patient.
The DNJ announced the appointment of Michael Gower as the new associate vice president in the Business Office. Gower comes to MTSU from the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Athletics
Ted Ferris, a certified athletic trainer for MTSU, was quoted in a DNJ article about proper exercise.
The seventh annual Raider Roundup, a fund-raiser for MTSU athletics, will take place at the Indian Hills home of John and Carrie Floyd on July 31, reported the DNJ and M'boro Sun. Price of admission is $50, which includes dinner. The Sun followed up with another story.
A picture featured Raider Roundup workers in the DNJ's Lifestyles section.
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Basic and Applied Sciences
The DNJ reported that the Square D Company donated $7,000 for computer science scholarships at MTSU.
The DNJ ran a story about two high school students participating in Project SEED, a program designed to introduce science-oriented careers to high school students. The two students are currently learning about chemistry research under the direction of Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, Chemistry.
MTSU student Michele Webber has recently completed a two-year study of endangered plant species at Stones River National Battlefield. The study will help park employees conserve the Battlefield's current plant species as well as return the park to plant life and conditions present at the time of the Civil War, reported the DNJ.
Dr. Pamela Jones-Holder, Director of Nursing, was featured in the DNJ's Viewpoint section. The article discussed Dr. Holder's opinions on the nursing field and plans for her new position as nursing director.
Business
The DNJ's Viewpoint section interviewed Chris Wyre, executive director of the Guidance Center, who received his M.B.A. from MTSU in 1974.
A letter from Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ronnie Knight published in the Heart of Tennessee praised the MTSU Small Business Development Center for its assistance to over 200 local small businesses. The letter also mentioned that
Page 6 (Business, Local News, cont'd.)
MTSU will be the site of the Girls' and Boys' State High School Basketball Tournaments through 2005.
Dr. William Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, was quoted in a recent DNJ article about the significant increase in retail outlets in Murfreesboro and Nashville.
The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle and Kingsport Times-News both reported about the varying analyses of the Dell Computer Company's proposed move to Nashville. Among the analyses, the research by Dr. Reuben Kyle, Director of the Business Research Center, was mentioned.
Education and Behavioral Sciences
WGNS-AM interviewed Dr. Diane Sawyer, holder of the Katherine Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies, about the Center for Dyslexic Studies.
Sawyer was featured in the DNJ's Viewpoint section. She discussed the definition, treatment, and study of dyslexia as well as research plans for the Center.
The Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union and South Pittsburgh Hustler noted 25 state educators being honored for their support of the Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexic Studies.
The two-week Gifted Academy at MTSU offered in-depth exposure on how to effectively teach gifted students. Michael Kearney, who received a master's degree from MTSU at age 14, gave a presentation on his life and learning to those in attendance at the Academy. The workshop was made possible through the generosity of The Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, reported the DNJ and Lewisburg Marshall Gazette.
Rebecca Johns Roth, exercise specialist and member of the Governor's Council on Fitness, was quoted in the DNJ on the importance of drinking plenty of water before you go out into the sun for extended periods of time.
Liberal Arts
Dr. Jette Halladay, Speech and Theatre, recently directed the MTSU Theatre School for Youth, reported the DNJ. The theme of this year's School was Shakespeare, and the students performed several of Shakespeare's plays as well as worked in playwriting, scenic and costume design, and production.
The DNJ reported on the difficulties associated with hearing loss. Featured in the article was Dr. Bertha Smith Clark, Speech and Theatre, who discussed the symptoms and treatment of hearing loss.
Dr. Fred Rolator's regular feature "What does history have to do with it?" on WMOT-FM talked in separate installments about the most recent space shuttle, the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., the role of powerful families in American politics, the fight over the contents of a historic document we celebrate over the Fourth of July, whether emigration was an asset or an obstacle, and the recent victory of the American women's team in World Cup soccer.
Employees of the Firstar Bank are pictured in the Columbia Daily Herald presenting a check to a member of the MTSU Debate Team, to guarantee the team's scholarship fund. Also pictured are Dr. Russell Church, Speech and Theatre, and Michael Krueger, debate team coach.
Mass Communication
Representative John Hood was pictured in the DNJ presenting Laura Dunn, WMOT-FM Jazz 89 Development Coordinator, with a check from Raymond Thomasson and the Tennessee Soft Drink Association for WMOT's 30th year of broadcasting.
Page 7 (Student Affairs, Local News, cont'd.)
Student Affairs
La Vergne High School graduate Fabian Story has been awarded the James M. Buchanan Scholarship. According to the DNJ, Story plans to major in computer science at MTSU.
The Wesley Foundation at MTSU plans an addition to its College Heights center. The expansion will include a new office complex, library, conference room, chapel, and storage area, reported the DNJ. The article featured a preliminary drawing of the annex.
The DNJ recently ran a story on Customs, MTSU's freshman orientation. Customs offers first year students information regarding the various colleges and departments at MTSU, campus organizations, and registration.
The DNJ noted students who had won awards and scholarships in Mass Communication.
Those students receiving awards at the annual College of Business Honors Banquet were noted in the DNJ.
The Cleveland Daily Banner and Scott County News listed recent spring graduates.
The Giles Free Press and Cleveland Daily Banner noted two winners of Presidential Scholarships.
The Sparta Expositor, Scott County News, Jackson Sun, and Greeneville Sun noted those students appearing on the spring Dean's List.
The Giles Free Press named the winners of the Junior Outstanding Honors Student Award, the Giles County Retired Teachers Association scholarship winner, and the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation scholarship winner. Also noted was a new member of Phi Sigma Iota fraternity.
The Murfreesboro Magazine listed students receiving scholarships from the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, and Rutherford County MTSU alumni.
The Elk Valley Times, Shelbyville Times-Gazette, and Knoxville News-Sentinel listed students who received honors from the College of Education.
The Hardin Courier noted honor student, Chad Franks, graduated this past spring.
The M'boro Sun and DNJ published the names and group photos of Rutherford County students inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honor society for college business majors.
The DNJ ran a picture of an MTSU agriculture student working at the university dairy on Manson Pike.
The DNJ recently reported that John Harris, Director of Disabled Student Services, will moderate a forum at a conference commemorating the ninth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Vice President Al Gore is expected to attend the conference, and the article reports that John Harris' forum will concentrate specifically on employment and technology for the disabled.
General Interest
The M'boro Sun recently reported that Oakland High School graduate Amanda Leyhew is the first recipient of the Rutherford County MTSU Alumni Scholarship valued at $2,000. Scholarship winners are chosen based on financial need, academics, leadership qualities, and character.
The MTSU Foundation has provided one hundred students with scholarship funds, reported the DNJ. One student benefiting from the MTSU Foundation is Amanda Leyhew.
The DNJ reported that Winston Wrenn, former MTSU financial aid director, will go to trial on November 16 to face five counts of alleged misconduct, theft over $60,000, and tampering with evidence.
The DNJ ran a story about MTSU's new after school program, Evening Extended School Program or EESP, which will be held at the Homer Pittard Campus School. EESP will begin Aug. 23.
Page 8 (General Interest, Local News, cont'd.)
The DNJ recently mentioned the Celebration Under the Stars festivities among a list of Independence Day events. A DNJ editorial expressed concern that the Fourth of July holiday is usually a dangerous one, simply because of the use of fireworks. The editorial urged fireworks safety and mentioned the Celebration Under the Stars and other family-oriented events that should be safe to attend.
The Middle Tennessee Symphony will be performing at the Celebration Under the Stars, reported the DNJ.
Many midstate residents enjoyed the Celebration Under the Stars program, which included face painting, game booths, and ended with fireworks, the DNJ followed up. The article included several pictures of the event.
Discover Rutherford County included biographies of MTSU alumni State Senator Andy Womack and State Representative John Hood in its recent publication.
The DNJ ran a picture of three MTSU bicycle police officers patrolling the campus.
A Dot Harrison column in the DNJ praised former MTSU art professor David LeDoux's work as both an artist and teacher. The column mentioned LeDoux's past students, many of whom are well-known. LeDoux's current exhibit will be on display at the Center for the Arts through the end of July during regular business hours.
MTSU Police Officer Jason Morton was named an "Officer of the Year" at a recent Crime Stoppers Luncheon, reported an article in the Heart of Tennessee and Murfreesboro Magazine.
The Tullahoma News and an article in the Heart of Tennessee focused on the Mid- America Summer Music Games, sponsored by the Drum Corps International. The event is scheduled for July 30-31 at the football stadium and is expected to draw a crowd of more than 15,000.
WGNS-AM interviewed Dr. Josie McCamish about the Gifted Academy at MTSU.
The 31st annual Antique Show and Sale will be held on campus July 23-25, noted the DNJ in two separate articles.
The DNJ ran an article on Bruce Nemerov, Center for Popular Music. Nemerov tells of his love of rural country music. He plays in a loosely knit band called "The Cotton Kings."
An editorial in the DNJ noted the passing of Rollie Holden, who had recently given MTSU a scholarship to be used in the athletic department.
The new dorms being built on campus, The M.G. Scarlett Commons, will help offset the housing problem caused by the closing of two older dorms this past spring, reported the DNJ.
An article in the Johnson City Press, Columbia Daily Herald, Cleveland Daily Banner, Maryville Daily Times, and Morristown Citizen Tribune noted former financial aid director, Winston Wrenn, was deeply in debt during the time he allegedly stole federal loan money from the Financial Aid office. This information came from a state audit.
The DNJ reports that MTSU's summer enrollment has increased 1 percent from last summer, which brings MTSU's summer population to 8,105 students. Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, commented on MTSU enrollment numbers for fall, spring, and summer sessions.
The DNJ ran a story on the history of WMOT-FM which discussed the stations's transition into a larger facility and to a predominately jazz and news format. Also included in the article was news director, Randy O'Brien and general manager, John High and their work with the station. The names of the staff members were also mentioned.
A DNJ article mentioned MTSU's new EESP program in its review of a Rutherford County school board agenda.
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