MTSU News Summary for March 2000

NATIONAL NEWS Administration The Associated Press announced Dr. Barbara Haskew, vp, Academic Affairs, was one of five finalists for the president's position at Salisbury State University in Maryland. Education and Behavorial Science The Associated Press named three educators to be inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame at MTSU. General Interest The PR Newswire announced Alfredo Dominquez, Mexican labor movement leader, spoke to MTSU students about North American Federal Trade Association, globalization, and building cross-border relationships between immigrant workers. METROPOLITAN NEWS Administration President James Walker was quoted in The Tennessean and Chattanooga Times-Free Press concerning a meeting with the TBR presidents about possible education budget cuts in higher education. The election of Dr. Walker as chairman of the Boy Scouts Council Board was announced in the Nashville Business Journal. Dr. Barbara Haskew was interviewed on WMOT-FM regarding the proposed 10 percent tuition increase for public colleges and universities statewide. Athletics Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, was interviewed by WLAC-FM concerning TSSAA parking on campus. Basic and Applied Sciences The bidding process for MTSU's horse science facility is expected to begin this spring, Doug Williams, director, News and Public Affairs, told The Tennessean. Nancy Kelley, Human Sciences, discussed finding quality clothes at acceptable prices with The Tennessean. Dr. Phil Mathis, Biology, discussed genetics with The Tennessean, after a lecture by Lewis Gordon, Brown University, titled "The Social, Political, and Ethical Implications of the Human Genome Project." Renee Dugger, Nursing, spoke to WMOT-FM about the positive effects of laughing. Aerospace professor Paul Craig discussed his book, "Pilot In Command," and the differences between general aviation and professional pilots with WMOT-FM. Paul Craig was also interviewed on WMOT-FM concerning the attempt by Congress to solve the runway incursion problem. Business Dr. Tony Eff, Economics and Finance, named possible reasons for the increase in the number of residents leaving Davidson County, reported The Tennessean. The Tennessean announced the possible renaming of the College of Business, the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, after philanthropist Jennings A. Jones. Dr. Al DePrince, director, the Business and Economic Research Center, noted in The Tennessean that higher interest rates will affect builders and buyers of new homes this year. Education and Behavorial Science Dr. Ray Phillips, Graduate Studies, spoke with WMOT-FM concerning a recent grant from the U.S. Department of Education to assist graduate students in doctoral programs. The Death Penalty Teach-In was reported on WKRN-TV and WTVF-TV. Dr. Race Bergman, Education, was interviewed by Jennifer Perry of WLAC-AM concerning teachers working in the areas where they reside. WSM-FM's Beville Darden interviewed Dr. Gloria Bonner, dean, Education and Behavioral Science, about the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame. Mass Communication Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, was interviewed by Steve Sullivan of WLAC-FM regarding Internet sales tax. Burriss was also interviewed by WSM-FM concerning the government "selling" broadcast licenses. Burriss hosted a commentary on WMOT-FM concerning computer hacking, university secrecy, media companies merging, and presidential primary ads and polls. Dr. Bob Wyatt, Journalism, discussed the MT Poll with The Tennessean, WLAC-FM, WMOT-FM and TRN. Business Nashville recognized MTSU's four-year Recording Industry program as being ranked "among the world's best." Liberal Arts Dr. Michael Nelson, political analyst, spoke with WMOT-FM about Tennessee's gambling stance. The Reform Party, the history behind electing former vice presidents as presidents, and the historical aspects of the census were discussed by Dr. Fred Rolater, History, on WMOT-FM. Dr. Craig Werner lectured at MTSU on jazz purity and the impact of black music styles on mainstream American culture, reported WMOT-FM. Dr. Ron Aday, Sociology and Anthropology, addressed social workers on aging issues, as the population of older citizens has been increasing in Tennessee, reported The Tennessean. The works of Isadora Duncan were honored with a dance performance and a photo exhibit, noted The Tennessean. WMOT-FM noted Dr. Edward Conture, nationally known expert in the evaluation and treatment of children who stutter, will present a free seminar at MTSU. Dr. Ron Kates, English, spoke with WMOT-FM about his sports literature class and the deification of athletes. Dr. Jim Huhta, director of MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation, discussed the university's assistance in restoring the Bradley Academy Heritage Center with The Tennessean. Marilyn Wood, Music, will be guest conductor at the Kanawha County Schools Elementary All-County Chorus, reported The Charleston Gazette. Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, discussed the possibility of Sen. Bill Frist as a running mate for Gov. George W. Bush with WMOT-FM. Dr. Charles Wolfe, English professor and music historian, was quoted in The Tennessean regarding Carol Ponder, a singer of mountain music, who will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington DC. Student Affairs International Culture Week was discussed on WMOT-FM with Angie Melton, assistant director of International Affairs. Students and faculty expressed concern for the future of Sidelines in a Nashville Scene article. WKRN-TV reported on the impending renovations to be made in Family Housing this summer. Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology and Anthropology, was interviewed on WLAC-FM about Pope John Paul's apology. Dr. Robert Glenn, vp, Student Affairs, and Gina Poff, Student Development, were interviewed by WTVF-TV concerning "Safe Spring Break Week." Gina Poff also discussed a recent ad campaign encouraging young people to drink beer instead of milk with WTVF-TV. General Interest The Tennessean reported a meeting of presidents of the Tennessee Board of Regents schools to discuss higher education budget cuts. In a subsequent article, The Tennessean reported the Board of Regents educational system has lost 275 professors to other schools in the past two years. Dr. Nancy Rupprecht, History, began National Women's History Month with her presentation titled "When Civil War is Waged by Women," announced The Tennessean. The Tennessean announced Ava Leavell Haymon will read her book, "Why the Groundhog Fears Her Shadow," in celebration of Women's History Month. "Should the state spend $30 million a year to count endangered species of bats?" That's the question many lawmakers are asking as they try to cut expenses in the state budget, reported the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Having been born with spina bifida, Dr. Lisa Pruitt, director, Gore Research Center, talked to The Tennessean about the ethics of open fetal surgery. A $250,000 donation by Clayton McWhorter will establish the John T. Bragg Senior Scholarship for "average, hard-working students who have limited options," announced The Tennessean. Doug Williams, director, News and Public Affairs, was interviewed by WSM-FM and TRN regarding a group of Russians visiting Murfreesboro to study the real estate business. LOCAL NEWS Administration President Walker discussed his views on the Board of Regents meeting concerning education budget cuts with the DNJ, Dyersburg State Gazette, Oak Ridger, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, and Bristol Herald Courier. The DNJ noted President Walker was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus at the Founder's Day 2000 celebration at Alabama State University. Athletics MTSU Defensive Back Coach Mike Woodford was guest speaker at Cedar Grove Elementary's DARE graduation, noted the Rutherford Courier. Basic and Applied Sciences The DNJ pictured ROTC Cadet Michael Stultz during infantry training. Lewis Gordon of Brown University, an expert on philosophy and human sciences, spoke at MTSU on "The Social, Political and Ethical Implications of the Human Genome Project," reported the DNJ. Dr. Eric Klumpe, Physics and Astronomy, was featured in the DNJ as the first to witness hydrogen molecules generated by the birth of stars in the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The Aerospace Departments flight training center was named after retired Aerospace professor Col. Jean A. Jack,, noted the DNJ, Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Shelbyville Times-Gazette, and Tullahoma News. Kim Sadler, Biology, who works with the department's Center for Environmental Education, moderated a program called "Trees in the City," noted the DNJ. The DNJ reported that MTSU is still seeking funds for science facilities. Eaton Corporation is donating a total of $60,000 for scholarships to the Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies department, reported the DNJ. Business Dr. Jeff Clark, Computer Information Systems, was mentioned as a democratic candidate for the state Senate in a DNJ article discussing push polling. Ransom Gustafson, BERC, was quoted in the DNJ about a recent bill passed that applies a new standard for filing bankruptcy. Alfredo Dominquez, Mexican labor movement leader, spoke on campus addressing the need for "a strong and independent labor movement in Mexico," reported the DNJ. Recent bank mergers and deregulation were issues discussed at the Banking and Insurance Conference, noted the DNJ. Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, spoke to the DNJ on the rise of sales in the mid-state area. Dr. Jim Burton, dean, College of Business, and Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, were interviewed by the DNJ about the Executives-In-Residence program. The DNJ reported the success of the ninth annual Executives-in-Residence program. The BERC's Midstate Economic Indicator published its findings in the DNJ, showing the last quarter of 1999 made it a stellar year for the midstate economy. The MTSU annual marketing trade show was featured in the Columbia Daily Herald. The DNJ noted that with the Board of Regents approval, the College of Business will be renamed the Jennings A. Jones College of Business. The DNJ announced the death of Tommy Martin, namesake of MTSU's Martin Chair of Insurance. Education and Behavioral Science Dr. Charles Babb, Elementary and Special Education, had columns in the DNJ titled "Number of single women on the rise," and "Enlightened ones pursue progress." Angela Armstrong and Francisco "Paco" Ramos, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, discussed the benefits of their social dance class with the DNJ. The DNJ announced the late Rayola Bagwell, former teacher at Bellwood Elementary for 32 years, will be inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by MTSU. Liberal Arts The inaugural of MTSU's history program, Strickland Visiting Scholars, will sponsor a lecture by world renowned Holocaust expert Dr. Gerhard Weinberg, announced the DNJ. During a recent lecture, political analyst Dr. Michael Nelson told an MTSU audience it is unlikely Tennessee will legalize gambling to solve state financial woes anytime soon, the DNJ reported. Dr. Chuck Frost, Social Work, is pictured in a DNJ article on the recent anger management conference held at MTSU between the university and local high schools. Valerie Trujillo, Music, will accompany mezzo-soprano Janine Hawley in a music set at Wright Music Hall, announced the DNJ. In celebration of Women's History Month, Onawumi, a recognized storyteller, will be the featured guest at an International Women's Breakfast and storytelling workshop at MTSU, announced the DNJ. Dr. Nancy Boone, Music, was credited the in DNJ for coordinating the Rutherford County Festival. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette announced two upcoming campus performances— the Wind Band Conference, and Jill and Eliot Lawson who will perform with the Middle Tennessee Symphony, and the Wind Band Conference. The finalists in the Middle Tennessee Choral Society's Orpheus contest will perform in the Wright Music Hall, announced the DNJ. The MTSU Mock Trial team captured first place honors at the Missouri Mock Trial Invitational, beating 14 other teams, announced the DNJ. Dr. William Yelverton, Music, was quoted in the DNJ regarding the upcoming performance of Roger Hudson, guitarist, in Wright Music Hall. The DNJ pictured the work of Christie Nuell, "Heroes of the American Kitchen," a part of the Faculty Exhibition at the MTSU Art Barn Gallery. The Columbia Daily Herald announced the 15th Annual Wind Band Conference held at MTSU. Dr. Ron Aday, Sociology and Anthropology, will lead a seminar focusing on the older adult population in Tennessee, reported the DNJ. Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, said there is little incentive for Tennesseans to vote in primaries, reported the DNJ. Dr. Ron Kates, English, talked to WGNS-AM about Jefferson Springs. MTSU Jazz Ensemble I will close the concert series with the highly acclaimed saxophonist Bob Mintzer, announced the Lebanon Democrat. Dr. Fred Rolater, History, discussed Leap Day, getting a day named after you, and the roller coaster stock market on his weekly WMOT-FM segment, "What does history have to do with it?" Mass Communication The DNJ printed articles by Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, concerning the lawsuit against Benneton, an apparel company, the survival of newspapers, the sale of the LA Times, Dave Ramsey pushing school religion, and the new fiber optic superhighway. The DNJ interviewed Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, on Internet hoaxes and urban legends. Burriss also talked to WMOT-FM about personal computers not being the novelty they use to be, and what students and parents should expect from a college education. The Tullahoma News and Lebanon Democrat announced the unveiling of a new photo exhibit, Margaretta K. Mitchell’s "Dance for Life." The DNJ interviewed Dr. Bob Wyatt, Journalism, regarding the MT Poll. Student Affairs Keri Brewer, psychology graduate student, was awarded the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation Scholarship, announced the DNJ. The DNJ featured an article on Richie Wyckoff, MTSU freshman, who visited Kenya last summer. Students living in family housing may face a possible move this summer due to needed repairs, the DNJ reported. The DNJ covered the meeting between family housing residents and housing officials, who met to discuss the planned renovations of the apartments this summer. Matt Curry, junior, performed in an acting competition at the University of North Carolina, announced the Gallatin News-Examiner. Lauren Gillespie discussed her job as a staff member in the West Wing of the White House with the DNJ. Amy Jo Hudson was pictured in the Winchester Herald-Chronicle having received her B.S. in nursing. Eight students from MTSU were nominated to perform in the regional Irene Ryan Acting Competition, with one student being chosen to advance to the national festival, reported the DNJ. The DNJ noted music major Eric Tucker advanced to the semifinal round of competition at the Eastern Trombone Workshop 2000 in Fort Myer, Va. MTSU Greek Row residents sponsored "Mock Around the Block" to help promote "Safe Spring Break Week," reported the DNJ. Patrick Hale, freshman plant and soil science major, was featured in the DNJ Homestyles section regarding his love of gardening and landscaping, and venturing out to start his own lawn care business. Students on Spring Break who used their vacation time to help those less fortunate were featured in the DNJ. The Middle Tennessee Leadership Summit is being coordinated by the Student Development office to teach college students leadership skills through workshops, etc., reported the Winchester Herald-Chronicle, Lebanon Democrat, and Franklin Review- Appeal. Student Brad Bynum will be the director of the new Boys and Girls Club in Smyrna, announced the Rutherford Courier. The Columbia Daily Herald pictured sophomore Jeremy Head as he moved into the new Kappa Sigma house on Greek Row. MTSU students Scott Eiselstein and Will Lambart volunteered their skills at Middle Tennessee Christian School's 4th annual Fine Arts Day, noted the DNJ. General Interest Women's History Month events were announced in the DNJ. Construction of an ambulance station on MTSU property, near a residential area, has some citizens concerned, noted the DNJ. Presidents of Board of Regents schools met to discuss the possible outcomes of Gov. Sundquist's proposed budget cuts, reported the DNJ. An editorial also addressed the loss of faculty members due to proposed budget cuts. A sexual harassment lawsuit filed against MTSU was noted in the DNJ. Despite increases in tuition, professors are leaving Tennessee for higher-paying positions in other states, reported the DNJ. The Wilson World pictured Kippy Todd, Development and University Relations, receiving $15,000 for the Toshiba Scholarship Program. Terryl Williams, assistant director, Alumni Relations, and Lon Nuell, Art, have announced their candidacy for seats on the Murfreesboro City School Board, reported the DNJ. A couple attending the TSSAA basketball tournament sent a letter to the DNJ thanking Leon Bell, Custodial Services, for returning a purse their daughter had lost. Sen. Andy Womack announced he will present three plans on how to make budget cuts, reported the DNJ. The song-writing talent of Royceanne Miller, Development and University Relations, was featured in the DNJ. The Jefferson City Standard-Banner and Sevierville Mountain Press noted a new chapter of the National Alumni Association was chartered in Mid-East Tennessee. Winners of the 19th annual MTSU High School Computer Contest were pictured in the Winchester Herald-Chronicle. The DNJ ran two articles on the "Death Penalty Teach-In" to be held days before Tennessee's first execution in 40 years was supposed to take place. The DNJ reported the MT Poll as saying 44 percent of the 470 Tennessee respondents oppose the death penalty. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle, who opposes the death penalty, was on hand for the Death Penalty Teach-In, reported the DNJ. The MTSU Dames Club hosted their Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, reported the DNJ. Lawmakers are looking at every possible way to cut expenses, which is why they are wondering if $30 million should be spent on counting endangered species of bats, reported the Cleveland Daily Banner, Columbia Daily Herald, Paris Post-Intelligencer, and Morristown Citizen Tribune. MTSU librarian Jo Anne Taeusch was featured in the Art Styles section of the DNJ regarding fulfilling her dream of writing a novel, The Secret of Spring, which she co-wrote with science fiction writer Piers Anthony. The funds needed for the renovation of the old Todd Library were not included in the $215 million education budget cut, reported the DNJ. The Senate Education Committee approved $215 million in budget reductions, along with a 10 percent tuition increase, reported the DNJ. The DNJ pictured the new members of Omega Psi Phi in a recent stepshow on the KUC knoll. The University Library was awarded the 1999 Excellence in Development Award, reported the DNJ. The Dickson Herald reported a day-long seminar dedicated to the advancement of women, titled "The Renaissance Woman for the 21st Century," which was sponsored by the Women's Institute of MTSU.