MTSU News Summary for March 1999

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 Liberal Arts The March 25 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that Middle Tennessee State University held a Tennessee Williams Scholars' Conference March 25 & 26 in New Orleans. Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, was featured twice on TNN as part of the 13-episode "Century of Country." The program was produced by CBS. Mass Communication Chris Haseleu, Recording Industry, had a letter to the editor published in Audio Media. Haseleu was concerned that perhaps the music recording business was failing to face some of the realities of multichannel sound. Student Affairs The April issue of Ebony magazine listed the African-American beauty queens from the nation's traditionally black universities as well as those from predominantly white schools. Carmen Sharee Jones, Miss MTSU, was among those listed. General Interest A headline in the Federal Document Clearing House, Inc. read "President Clinton Names Larry Harrington As U.S. Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank." Harrington earned his B.A. from MTSU in 1974. METROPOLITAN NEWS Administration A letter to the editor of The Tennessean from Dr. James Walker, President, Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America, thanked The Tennessean and others for their help with the Boy Scouts Patrons Luncheon. The PRSA Newsletter pictured President James Walker being presented the Apollo Award. The Tennessee Press Association newsletter mentioned that Dot Harrison, Development Office, is a new general-interest columnist for The Daily News Journal. Athletics An AP story reported that MTSU and Vanderbilt have agreed to play a two-game football series in 2001 and 2002. Both games will be played at Vanderbilt. The Nashville Business Journal ran a story on how local athletic departments in area universities are clamoring for attention from the local media since the coming of pro franchises to Nashville. Mark Owens, media relations director at MTSU, said "We battle for coverage all the time." Basic and Applied Sciences The Tennessean published a story about Flat Rock Cedar Glade. The 576-acre area that is home to some rare plants found nowhere else in the world, one of the two county wilderness areas slated to be brought into Tennessee's Natural Areas Protection Program this year. The other area is the 230-acre Fate Sanders Barren. In the story, MTSU's Dr. Tom Hemmerly, Biology, commented that Flat Rock Cedar Glade is the only area in the state where the Missouri primrose grows. Dr. Jay White, Physics and Astronomy, talked to WMOT-FM about James Randi's visit to MTSU. Randi has spent years debunking the claims of people who say they have paranormal or supernatural powers. Dr. White was quoted in The Tennessean in a story about blue moons. This is the occurrence of two full moons coming in the same month. Channel 5 came to campus to interview students who build alternative fuel vehicles for MTSU. The students are directed by Dr. Cliff Ricketts, Industrial Studies. Business Dr. Reuben Kyle, chief of the Business and Economic Research Center at MTSU was quoted in The Tennessean saying that Nashville is substantially a cheaper place to live than cities on the East or West coast. Paychecks in Nashville are lower, but the cost of living balances it out. PR Newswire printed a story on February same-store retail sales being 2.0 percent higher than last year, according to Telechek, Inc. Dr. William Ford, Telechek's Senior Economic Advisor was quoted in the story. The Chattanooga Times and Free Press reported that Dr. Ken Hollman, holder of the Martin Chair of Insurance, will conduct a seminar in Chattanooga titled "Long-Term Care Insurance Planning for Independence and Security." An AP story referred to comments made by Marvin Runyon, former TVA head and speaker at MTSU's recent Electricity Deregulation Symposium, regarding nuclear energy. Runyon said it is the environmentally safest form of energy, and that TVA should expand its nuclear power program. A blurb in The Tennessean noted the Financial Industry Conference will be held on campus April 5. It is designed for anyone involved in the financial services industry. Education Lisa Sheehan-Smith, Human Sciences, will appear on Channel 5's Sportsline, with Hope Hines discussing nutrition for National Nutrition Month. Dr. Diane Gower, Elementary and Special Education, visited two fifth-grade classes for Read Across America. Dr. Gower read to the students and emphasized to them the importance of reading. Liberal Arts The Nashville Scene wished Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, a speedy recovery, after having heart surgery, following a massive heart attack. Wolfe is a leading expert in folk music. Professors and students were happy to see repairs made on the Art Barn, but that also means that they probably won't be moving into a new building any time soon, reported The Tennessean. This is because Gov. Sundquist's budget does not include money for a new art facility. The Tennessean and Tennessee Tribune noted Dr. Jeannette Heritage, Psychology, has been nominated as one of 18 women for the Athena Award. The women are nominated for their outstanding professional achievements and community outreach. On WMOT-FM, Dr. Fred Rolater discussed the discovery of America; and in another installment, he talked about why the influence of 15th century European culture continues to influence the world. In other installments, he discussed U.S. police actions, both past and present, the history of Tennessee taxes, and the evolution of religion in Europe. Mass Communication The MTPoll was released in The Tennessean, showing those polled favored an end to sales tax on food, creating a state lottery, and putting more money towards education, home health care and the environment. The poll is released twice a year. Dr. Robert Wyatt, Journalism, was interviewed by WSM, WLAC, TNN, and was on Chris Clark's Open Line on Channel 5 concerning the MTPoll results. Dr. Ken Blake, Journalism, was interviewed by WMOT's Randy O'Brien concerning the breaking of the Clinton scandal on the internet. Blake said if the Kennedy assassination in 1963 was television news defining moment, then the Clinton scandal will mark the internet's coming of age. A blurb in The Tennessean noted Richard Vatz, professor of Mass Communications and Communication Studies at Towson University, will give a free public speech about President Clinton's impeachment trial. On WMOT-FM's "Morning Beat," Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, said while many TV programs are deplorable, the lack of TV quality programming isn't one of society's more pressing problems. In another installment, Burriss waxed about the death of film director Stanley Kubrick, which caused Burriss to think about the future. In other separate segments, Burriss discussed flag burning, the not-so-good-natured competition between two Nashville newspapers, and family TV. Student Affairs The Tennessean ran two large articles, with color photos, of the students being moved out of Ezell and Abernathy Halls because of the crumbling concrete ceilings. The students were moved into residence halls on campus. The students were upset with the move. Some were demanding a refund of their dorm fees. An article in The Tennessean wonders why MTSU did not know about the conditions of Ezell and Abernathy earlier. A lot of questions are being raised about dorm inspections and other issues. The Chattanooga Times and Free Press also reported the story. A journalism student who interviewed a female student who had charged a professor with sexual harassment might be facing a defamation lawsuit, reported The Tennessean. The female student alleged another professor had lied about the accused professor. The Midday Report on Channel 5 noted a professor's actions towards a female student did constitute sexual harassment. The professor is urged to write a formal apology to the student. The Tennessean and Knoxville News-Sentinel also ran stories about the sexual harassment charge against Dr. Dennis Powell, Criminal Justice. The Knoxville News-Sentinel reported on the displacement of MTSU students, due to building safety problems, who resided in Ezell and Abernathy Halls. Doug Williams, director, News and Public Affairs, was interviewed on WSM and WGNS regarding the situation at Ezell and Abernathy Halls. A group of students from MTSU will be spending their Spring Break in Nicaragua helping people recover from Hurricane Mitch, reported the Chattanooga Times and Free Press. The Associated Press ran three stories concerning MTSU; the move of students out of Ezell and Abernathy Halls, female student accusing a professor of sexual harassment, and the MTPoll. WTVF-TV, Channel 5 ran a story about Governor's School at MTSU, which will be held on campus this summer for three and a half weeks. Five Hendersonville High School students were interviewed, three of whom have been selected to attend Governor's School. General Interest The Tennessean reported artist and author Synthia Saint James talked to elementary school children at a luncheon during AAHM. Saint James designed the 1997 Kwanzaa commemorative stamp for the U.S. Postal Service. WPLN "Happening Hotline" reported on MTSU's African-American Studies program, featuring 17th-century travel narratives of Africa with Tina Johnson. Faye Johnson, Academic Affairs, was taped by WKRN-Channel 2 watching the Monica Lewinski interview with Barbara Walters, to give her opinion on the sincerity of Lewinski. The Tennessean ran an article, with color photos, on the two day "PowWow," a celebration of Native Americans. It is a time for those who have not seen each other through the winter to renew their friendships in the spring. A blurb in The Tennessean noted a brown bag lunch discussion on domestic violence to be held in the JUB. The Tennessean reported on midstate scientists working on ways to improve the quality of life. At MTSU, professors are exploring alternative fuel vehicles, one being a hydrogen powered car. Ms. Cheaps article in The Tennessean noted that there are a lot of things to do, including free plays at MTSU, that aren't bank breakers. WMOT-FM commented on MTSU's NWHM celebration, specifically the appearance of award-winning journalist Jill Nelson during the Women's Leadership Conference. An AP story reported that state lawmakers are trying to ban credit card companies from college campuses, because students end up in huge debt and their parents either have to bail them out or file bankruptcy. The Tennessee Board of Regents is not developing a Y2K contingency plan for the schools it governs, noted a story in The Tennessean. MTSU is writing its own contingency plan and is 95% compliant on critical systems. The Memphis Commercial Appeal and Knoxville News-Sentinel ran a story concerning a bill that would ban credit card companies from college campuses. Dave Ramsay, host of "The Money Game" said the credit card companies were taking advantage of students. MTSU has a contract with First USA to market Visa cards that is worth about $1 million. The article also appeared in the Cookeville Herald-Citizen. LOCAL NEWS Athletic The Winchester Herald-Chronicle noted head football coach, Andy McCollum, will speak at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes youth night at the Winchester First Baptist Church. A follow-up Herald-Chronicle story, with photo, reported that McCollum told his listeners he is a different kind of coach than was Boots Donnelly. Rather than try to enforce a list of rules and regulations, McCollum said he will expect his players to discipline themselves, "play hard on the field, and represent what you stand for." Basic and Applied Sciences Dr. Janet Colson, Human Sciences, and her students took weight, height, and nutritional evaluations while nursing students did screening tests at the St. Clair Street Senior Center, reported the DNJ. Dr. Paul Lee, associate professor of Physics and Astronomy, is working with high school teachers to help prepare them for demands of an innovative system of teaching science, challenging students to hypothesize and test their hypotheses in labs, reported the Winchester Herald-Chronicle. The Rutherford Courier and DNJ reported on the Science Olympiad held on campus recently. Many area middle and high schools entered the contest, which uses the competition to help foster an interest in science. In a letter to the editor of the DNJ, Dr. Patrick Doyle, Biology, expressed his thanks to all those who continue to bring newspapers and aluminum cans to the recycling bins on Greenland Dr. The money received from the recyclables goes towards scholarships. The Savannah Courier reported on MTSU's Concrete Industry Management program at MTSU, the only one of its kind in the nation. It prepares students for a wide range of careers in the concrete industry. The Gallatin News-Examiner ran a story and photo of members of the Gallatin High School Science Olympiad Team who competed in the regional Olympiad at MTSU. Business The Accounting department will host the eighth annual Accounting Alumni Appreciation Day, noted the Winchester Herald-Chronicle, DNJ, and the M'boro Sun. Dr. Sarah Dawkins, Accounting, is the coordinator of the event. A report in the DNJ noted check writing went up in Nashville last month. Dr. William Ford, Telechek senior advisor and MTSU professor, said the numbers show how well the area is doing. The eighth annual Financial Industry Outlook Conference will be held on campus next month, reported the DNJ. According to Dr. William Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, the main thrust of the conference will be the possibility of consolidation of banks, insurance, investment brokers, and the savings and loan industry. The Tullahoma News also ran the story. The MTSU Small Business Development Center, along with several other organizations, helped sponsor a Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Seminar, reported the Shelbyville Times-Gazette. The M'boro Sun ran a story about the conference titled "Employment Issues in Middle Tennessee," sponsored by MTSU's Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning. Education Dr. Teresa Robinson, Human Sciences, was quoted in a DNJ article, along with color photos, about spring fashions. The Tennessee Tribune pictured Dr. Jeannette Heritage, Psychology, who is one of several women up for the ATHENA Award. The award is presented to women who have attained and personify the highest level of excellence. The Fairview Observer reported that five professors from the College of Education are working with five school systems in Williamson County to help them develop inclusion models for their special education students. The project will run for five months, with the goal being to establish an inclusion plan at each school for implementation during the next school year. The DNJ ran a feature story with color photos on Project HELP and the Benwood Foundation's contribution of a $25,000 challenge grant if MTSU would raise an additional $50,000. The story appealed to readers who might be interested in giving to the project, and the photos included teacher Shenila Peacock working with 2-year-old Jordan Van Meter and Chelsea Rattliff. Several MTSU students in Dawn Shelar's horse care class worked with young people with disabilities in petting, feeding, brushing, and even riding, reported the Cookeville Herald-Citizen and Greeneville Sun. The MTSU students, majoring in recreation and leisure services, have teamed with a nonprofit organization called ABLES, dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for disabled youth. Liberal Arts The DNJ ran an article, with photos, of the Youth Concerts sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Symphony. The symphony is directed by Dr. Laurence Harvin. The M'boro Sun and the DNJ noted Dr. Richard Vatz, professor of Mass Communications and Communication Studies at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, will speak about the recent impeachment trial of President Clinton and the surrounding rhetoric as part of the Windham Lecture Series in Liberal Arts. The DNJ reported the 4th National Orpheus Competition will be held on campus Mar. 6-7. The choral society will donate $2,500 for the top young artist and $1,000 for the best student artist. Dr. Raphael Bundage, director of MTSU choral activities, is credited with starting the competition four years ago. Art professor Nora Sturges will have her artwork displayed in the Gallery this month, reported the DNJ. She had submitted her work to the Gallery committee before she applied for a job here. She got the job first. "Landscapes and Figures" will be on exhibit through March. The M'boro Sun reported the Center for Popular Music has been awarded a grant from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. in the amount of $10,150 to catalog 5,000 sound recordings. Additional student workers will be hired and the project will take approximately one year. Cynthia Vernardakis column in the DNJ noted the world-renowned Harvard Glee Club will be performing on campus as part of the MTSU Concert Series and the Middle Tennessee Choral Society. Mass Communication The MTPoll was released in the DNJ, the M'boro Sun, Hendersonville Star News, and Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle showing those polled favored an end to sales tax on food, creating a state lottery, and putting more money towards education, home health care, and the environment. The poll is released twice a year. The DNJ reported that Carolyn Phillips, assistant managing editor at The Wall Street Journal, told a group of MTSU professors that integrity among the media and the journalistic ideal is waning. Phillips decried technology as a "tool for lazy journalism." Student Affairs The Herald-Chronicle pictured honor student Thomas Gipson being congratulated by Dr. Jerry Brookshire, Faculty Senate president, and also published the fall graduation list. The 1998 fall semester Dean's List ran in the DNJ and Jackson Sun. Angela Cannon, DNJ, broke the news about the unsafe conditions of Ezell and Abernathy Halls. The concrete ceilings were crumbling and causing chunks of concrete to fall in students rooms. All students were moved into other residence halls on campus. The DNJ ran three additional articles; on the move; stating MTSU knew about the cracks in January; and the fact MTSU still owes a substantial amount of money on the dorms. Other papers that reported the story include the Elizabethton Star and Morristown Citizen Tribune. The DNJ reported two MTSU students won StaffMark, Inc. "Dollars for Scholars" scholarships. The DNJ's Angela Cannon wrote that architects have proposed a solution that could lead to the reopening of Ezell and Abernathy Halls. David Hays, associate vp for Student Affairs, said when and if they reopen is up in the air. The Franklin Review-Appeal and DNJ reported on the death of student Jamie Brooke Higdon, of Murfreesboro. Ms. Higdon was killed in a one-car accident. Student Tina Nichols was pictured in the Moore County News doing her student teaching in agricultural education at Moore County High School. The Nashville Scene reported on the journalism student who videotaped an interview with the student who accused a professor of sexual harassment. The student says he will go to jail before he turns over the tape to be used against his source or anyone else. The decision to reopen or raze Ezell and Abernathy Halls won't be made for several weeks, according to an article in the DNJ. MTSU officials are still waiting on recommendations from engineers and architects. The DNJ ran several photos of MTSU students being taught sword-handling skills by Dragon's Guard instructor and part owner Hunter Jones. A story about Buchanan Scholar Dustin Thoman appeared in Westview. The Bolivar Bulletin-Times reported that Stephen Brock, of Hickory Valley, was named to the 1998 fall dean's list. The Morristown Citizen Tribune reported the criminal justice professor will not be able to teach summer school as part of his punishment for sexually harassing a female student. He is also to write a letter apologizing to her. The Henderson Independent reported that Jamie Bumpass, Aerospace major, is taking advantage of the university's co-op program by working at the National Transportation Safety Board in Seattle, Wash. The Shelbyville Times Gazette noted that Amanda Perry, Accounting major, is working at Winnett Associates, also under the co-op program. The Paris Post Intellegencer reported that two Parisians were on the first-place winning mock trial team. They prevailed over 15 other collegiate teams. General Interest Sen. Andy Womack, D-Murfreesboro, is against Gov. Sundquist spending money on a project at the University of Memphis, which received lower priority from the THEC, instead of renovating Todd Library on the MTSU campus, reported the DNJ. The M'boro Sun noted Synthia Saint James visit to the MTSU campus where the author/artist read to several hundred elementary school children from her book, The Gifts of Kwanzaa. Also in the Sun; the MTSU Cogeneration Plant won the 1999 Engineering Excellence Award presented by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Consulting Engineers Council. Dr. Duane Stucky, vp, F & A, stated that he was very pleased about the award. It was noted in the Nashville Woman that Mary Glanz, Women's Center, will speak on Women and Relationships. Nationally known journalist and author, Jill Nelson, will be the keynote speaker at the 1999 Women's Leadership Conference, noted the Nashville Woman and M'boro Matters, and M'boro Sun. The Fourth Annual Young Writers Conference will be held on campus, reported the Murfreesboro Parent. The Murfreesboro Magazine noted several happenings going on at MTSU, including "Figurative Works" on exhibit in the Barn Gallery; math competition for high school students; construction is now underway on the horse coliseum; a Winds Band Concert; NWHM photography exhibit featuring Rosalind Solomon; and the Orpheus National Vocal Competition. The Native American Heritage Society is sponsoring a two-day celebration on campus, noted the Rutherford Courier. The DNJ ran a large article with photos on the "PowWow." The DNJ reported that the TSSAA tournament will bring approximately $3million into the county. In a subsequent editorial in the DNJ, besides the economic boom, the tournament brings to town, it will also give the visitors a chance to visit the MTSU campus and see what the university has to offer to possible future students. The DNJ reported there has been a breakdown in communication between the TSSAA and the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce concerning the Clinic Bowl, so a contract has not been signed to continue having the Clinic Bowl at Vanderbilt. If these differences are not resolved, the Clinic Bowl could still come to Floyd Stadium. Laura Maria Censabella's "Abandoned in Queens" was read to an attentive audience as part of MTSU's celebration of Women's History Month, reported the M'boro Sun. Dennis Powell, Criminal Justice, has withdrawn his appeal of sexual harassment charges against him, reported the DNJ. The student involved was allowed to express her wishes and MTSU officials have "taken her recommendations to accommodate her wishes." The DNJ noted at least 80,000 visitors will be on campus for the TSSAA tournament and the Tennessee Beef Agribition. Black Beauty is coming to MTSU, reported the DNJ and Lewisburg Marshall Gazette. The horse, along with his trainer, Rex Peterson, will be part of the Volunteer Horse Fair. Peterson trained the horses used in the movie "The Horse Whisperer." Garry Hood, native of Murfreesboro and an MTSU alumni, organized and orchestrated a stage production at the live Oscar ceremonies in Los Angeles. Harley Anton, Developmental Studies, is offering a class in preparing for college entrance exams, reported the Lebanon Democrat and Sparta Expositor. The DNJ, Manchester Times, and Tullahoma News reported that MTSU supplied 26 percent of the new teachers for the public schools in Tennessee, which was a far greater number than other state universities. The article also stated that about one-third of the new teachers leave Tennessee after the first four years because of low salaries. An editorial in the DNJ talked about Gov. Sundquist ignoring the THEC funding plan. The DNJ ran a cartoon depicting Gov. Sundquist milking a cow and having the cash flow go into buckets labeled "University of Memphis." In the background is the MTSU Art Barn, which is falling down. Jocelyn Hill from the Rec Center talked to the Smyrna Middle School Student Council during AAHM, reported the Rutherford Review. The Tennessee Tribune noted the March schedule for National Women's History Month. What will your child be doing this summer? An article in the M'boro Sun and Nashville Westview noted several summer camps being offered by the MTSU Rec Center for children ages 7-12. The DNJ's latest story on the governor's budget says that Gov. Sundquist exercised his prerogative when he recommended $15 million for building funds to the University of Memphis. The governor is still not recommending funding for the renovation of Todd Library. An editorial in the DNJ on the budget said the money allocated to UM would be easier to swallow if the governor had gone through the state's funding process. A subsequent DNJ story stated that the governor's budget recommendation will remain in the Senate Education Committee at least until members have some questions answered. Sen. Andy Womack said he wasn't sure how long it would be before committee members would be ready to vote on the higher ed budget. Gov. Sundquists' budget includes a $2.89m increase for MTSU, but that does not include the money needed for the renovation of Todd Library, reported the DNJ. The DNJ reported that the TBR okayed an interdisciplinary B.S. degree with a major in organizational communication at MTSU, at the board's recent meeting at Jackson State Community College. Other modifications approved by the committee included changing the interdisciplinary minor in gerontology to aging studies; transferring the minor in aging studies from Sociology and Anthropology to Interdisciplinary Studies; changing the name of the College of Education to the College of Education and Behavioral Science; establishing a pregraduate school concentration in the B.S. degree program in Psychology; terminating the concentrations in secondary education and curriculum specialist in the Ed.S. program; and transferring those concentrations in secondary school and curriculum specialist to the M.Ed. program in curriculum and instruction. The Cleveland Daily Banner reported, with photo, that Trey Ratterman, representing the Ratterman family, contributed $500 to the Scott C. Ratterman Cheer leading Scholarship, in memory of Scott Ratterman. Jim Barco, executive director of the MTSU Foundation, was shown receiving the check. A bill, approved 18-4 by the House Education Committee, would prohibit credit card companies from setting up recruiting stations on college campuses, reported the Maryville Daily Times. It would also require universities that receive money for credit cards bearing their logos to report annually to lawmakers how much is received and how it is spent. MTSU is one such university with a contract with First USA. A letter to the DNJ expressed the writer's belief that MTSU officials have "consistently sacrificed the safety of both the student body and university employees to its grandiose dreams of becoming the whipping cream for the elite Division I-A football teams." The writer believes that university administrators should have known years ago about the deteriorating residence halls (Abernathy and Ezell) from which students were moved. The DNJ reported that MTSU's Continuing Studies will offer a workshop, "How to Discipline Without Rewards or Punishments." The DNJ reported MTSU 's enrollment increased by more than 5,000 students in the last 10 years. Strong recruitment efforts and the universities location played a big part in the increase. Mrs. Gwenn Walker was featured in the DNJ in an article about her lung transplant and how it affected her life. She shared her story at a "Have a Heart Benefit Program" at a local church. The Harlem Globetrotters will perform on campus on, reported the Manchester Times