MTSU News Summary for November 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 MTSU, encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc. NATIONAL NEWS Athletics The Associated Press reported that MTSU declined comment on speculation that the university will join the Sun Belt Conference, despite an article in the DNJ announcing MTSU will accept the invitation to the league. Basic and Applied Sciences Corporate Video featured several stories on MTSU professor of physics and astronomy, Dr. Eric Klumpe, concerning Leonid, the recent meteor shower. Business Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, discussed the actions of the Federal Reserve during an interview on CNBC. Page 2 (Liberal Arts, National News) Liberal Arts Dr. John Vile, chairperson of the political science department, was quoted in a USA Today article about the Equal Rights Amendment. The Chronicle recognized MTSU's latest English program, developed by associate professor Dr. Michael Neth, in its article entitled, "A Campus Revival for the Great Books." Mass Communication MTSU assistant professor, Dan Pfeifer, Recording Industry, was quoted in Audio Media magazine discussing his experience with the new D950 console as a tool for teaching. Faculty members are also pictured in the magazine during a training session at MTSU. Student Affairs Michael Kearney, an MTSU graduate student, appeared on a program entitled, "Understanding the Brain," which aired on The Learning Channel. General Interest The Associated Press reported MTSU expects over 20,000 students by 2004, leaving MTSU officials with mixed feelings. With limited classroom space and a lack of faculty members, MTSU fears "declining financial support from the state" could lead to "higher tuition rates and a shortage in faculty." METROPOLITAN NEWS Administration Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, spoke with WSM-Radio about the possible influence the entrance to the Sun Belt Conference could have on non-athletic students. President James Walker and Sports Media Relations director Mark Owens expressed their pleasure in becoming a member of the Sun Belt Conference on WMOT-Radio. The Knoxville News-Sentinel and Tennessee Tribune announced Dr. Earl Keese, dean, Business/Aerospace, moderated a panel on manufacturing at the Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development, substituting for Marvin Runyon who was ill. An article in The Commercial Appeal mentioned Dr. James Walker, president of MTSU, as a finalist for the UT president's position earlier this year. Basic and Applied Sciences Dr. Martha Jo Edwards, Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services, was interviewed by Rob Taylor of WSM-Radio concerning the recent United Healthcare decision to allow doctors and patients to decide whether to conduct expensive testing, or admit patients to the hospital, instead of obtaining permission from the insurance company. Edwards says, "One of the major complaints about managed care has been that vital decisions...were being made by an outside source who knew the patient and the case history only from a patient record." Page 3 (Basic and Applied Sciences, Metropolitan News, cont’d.) MTSU astronomy professor and former NASA spacecraft designer Dr. Eric Klumpe told WMOT-FM that the Leonid meteor shower could be "spectacular," but may pose a threat to our satellites. The Tennessean featured an article on the celestial light show that could possibly turn into "a long-awaited meteor storm" for Middle Tennesseans. Dr. Eric Klumpe believes if the storm is to happen, it will occur this year. "A lot depends on how dark the conditions are." Klumpe was also interviewed about the meteor showers by The Tennessean's Diane Long, Shawn Jacobs of WMOT-Radio, WSM-Radio and James Lewis on WSMV-TV, Channel 4 evening news. WTVF-TV, Channel 5, aired footage of MTSU's "Star Party" at the university observatory. A gathering of about 100 people came to watch the Leonid meteor shower. An article in The Commercial Appeal stated that students who study airplanes and flying at Wooddale High School in Memphis often continue their studies in MTSU's aviation program. Marvin Runyon, chairholder of the Russell Chair in Manufacturing Excellence, will moderate a panel discussion during the conference sessions held at the 46th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development, announced the Knoxville News-Sentinel and Tennessee Tribune. The Tennessee Tribune published an article highlighting the key points of Marvin Runyon's speech on Manufacturing for the New Millennium, delivered by Dr. Earl Keese, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, at the Governor's Conference. Runyon, holder of the Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence at MTSU, was scheduled to moderate the session, but became ill. Business Joe M. Rodgers, holder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise, has been criticized for opposing Gov. Sundquist's income tax proposal while receiving a $100,000 stipend from MTSU, reported The Tennessean. Editor Bill Lewis of the NBJ analyzed the attack on Joe Rodgers by the governor and his supporters. Dr. Katie Kemp, Management and Marketing, was interviewed by Tennessee Radio Network concerning the marketing trade show at the university, featuring products created by students. The Tennessean quoted Dr. John Lee, certified financial planner and head of the economics and finance department, in an article discussing emergency financial planning. On WMOT-Radio MTSU College of Business Dean Dr. Jim Burton announced an open tax reform debate to be held at MTSU. Special guests to participate in the forum are Ralph Perrey, Gov. Sundquist's principal speech writer and assistant for communications planning, and Mark Gill, president of Rodgers Capital Group in Nashville. Research associate James R. Gustafson, of the Business and Economic Research Center, says the economic outlook is positive based on the latest leading indicators, during a recent WMOT-Radio interview. Gustafson says there are some minor concerns, such as a continued dramatic wage growth that could lead to inflation. MTSU professor of computer information systems and democratic party activist Dr. Jeff Clark was mentioned in a Tennessean article that discussed a competitor for the seat of Sen. Bill Frist, a Republican. Dr. Al DePrince, Business and Economic Research Center, was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the Tennessee tax reform issue. DePrince also spoke with The Tennessean on the issues of the income tax and its effect on schools. "The state would need to connect an income tax to a change in the education infrastructure to attract corporate executives." Page 4 (Business, Metropolitan News, cont’d.) The Tennessean reported Sen. Andy Womack, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, told the Economic Outlook Conference attendees at MTSU that "the perception (in other states) is that we have decreasing quality in higher education in Tennessee." Education and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Phillip Waldrop, Elementary and Special Education, was interviewed by WMOT-Radio and the Tennessee Radio Network on children at risk in our schools and society. Dr. Janet Belsky, Psychology, was interviewed on WMOT-Radio about Alzheimer's disease. Belsky says "one of the scariest things about Alzheimer's disease is that it can hit almost anyone, their vulnerability based on genetics." During an interview on WMOT-Radio, MTSU health and physical education professor, Dr. Sandra Neal, said a combination of poor nutrition, lack of exercise, Nintendo, computer programs, and television can cause childhood obesity. Neal also points out that children have very little knowledge of what foods are healthy. MTSU psychology professor, Dr. Belinda Traughber revealed she believes society promotes cheating, and students have become unaware of what constitutes cheating, on a recent WMOT-Radio show. Traughber says standardized tests actually encourage cheating. Liberal Arts Dr. Carole Carroll, Sociology and Anthropology, talked with Jennifer Perry of WSM-Radio about the future of unwed mothers "are they getting married or remaining single?" The weekly segment on WMOT-Radio, "What does history have to do with it?", features the reflections of MTSU history professor Dr. Fred Rolater. Topics of discussion were "Veteran's Day," "Military Support (following the Vietnam War)" and "Tax Increase." Dr. Russell Church, chair, Speech and Theatre, discussed campaigning on WMOT-Radio. Church believes candidates lack substance because of their need for campaign funds which "impacts negatively the introduction of issues on various political agendas." Dr. Pat Nation, Sociology, told WMOT-Radio that "despite what people say... research proves capital punishment can be a deterrent to crime" during a recent death penalty segment. Capital punishment can bring closure to victims and their families, but the "death penalty can be a financial burden on the American people" because "it costs more to execute than to sentence someone to life in prison." On WMOT-Radio, MTSU political science department chair, Dr. John Vile, says it is difficult to decide whether the state is in a revenue crisis, but regardless of the need for money, "it would be wise to revamp the tax system." The Tennessean announced the Middle Tennesee Choral Society, featuring key MTSU faculty, will present A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms. The Tennessean announced the MTSU Chamber Choir and a selected orchestra will perform Handel's Messiah on campus at Wright Music Hall. Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Dr. Raphael Bundage, MTSU professor of music, will present a program of live music on WPLN-Radio. Mass Communication Though the recent MT Poll revealed most Middle Tennesseans oppose a state income tax, many continue to respect Gov. Don Sundquist, the chief proponent of tax reform, reported The Tennessean. "Nobody is blaming the governor for the tax situation Page 5 (Mass Communication, Metropolitan News, cont’d.) and nobody seems to be blaming him for any proposals he has put forth," says Dr. Bob Wyatt, director of communication research. The Tennessean included the death penalty results from the MT Poll in a story on impending executions of two men in Tennessee. Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, talked with Deb Fehr on WLAC-Radio about an email virus. The Chattanooga Times mentioned the MT Poll results on the state income tax in a story discussing Gov. Sundquist's proposed tax reform. MTSU journalism professor and media critic, Dr. Larry Burriss, has weekly commentaries on WMOT-Radio that include a variety of topics. Burriss discussed horror, freedom of religion, confidentiality of medical records, the "historical perspective" on controversial music lyrics, and "appearing presidential versus actually being president." WTVF-TV, Channel 5, interviewed Dr. Larry Burriss on teenagers and sexual content in the media. Dr. Robert Spires, chair of MTSU's Radio/TV and Photography department, was interviewed on WMOT-Radio by MTSU student Jannelle Means on the public craze over million-dollar game shows. Student Affairs More than 300 MTSU students joined in the 12-hour celebration, Up 'Til Dawn, a fundraiser that generated more than $21,000 for research at St. Jude's Children's Hospital, reported The Tennessean. WSMV -TV, Channel 4, aired an interview with students about credit cards during the evening news. The Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article on rock hall travelers, a group that gets together to tour cities of significance to the history of rock and roll music. A 19-year-old MTSU student from Nashville, Kevin McDevitt, accompanied his mother on the trip. General Interest A recent poll conducted by The Tennessean, showed 65 percent of the 625 Tennessee residents questioned favor the death penalty, similar to the results revealed in a poll of residents in Middle Tennessee by MTSU. Ralph Metcalf, director of Multicultural Affairs, and two students, along with their parents, joined Vanderbilt students to discuss the life of Martin Luther King with WSMV-TV, Channel 4. The Tennessean announced the showing of Mississippi Photographs, work by Birney Imes, the latest exhibit displayed in the Baldwin Photographic Gallery. LOCAL NEWS Administration In a DNJ editorial, Dr. James Walker commented on the impact Senator Andy Womack, an MTSU alumnus, has had on the improvements made at the university. Faye Johnson, Academic Affairs, will be the moderator for a debate on income taxes at MTSU, reported the DNJ. Dr. Robert Glenn, vp, Student Affairs, spoke with the DNJ regarding MTSU students traveling to the State Capitol in Nashville to express feelings about the governor's new income tax plan. Page 6 (Administration, Local News, cont’d.) Dr. Duane Stucky, vp, Finance and Administration, and Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, discussed the continued growth of MTSU's student population, which is expected to increase to 20,663 by the fall of 2004, announced the DNJ. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette spoke with Dr. James Walker about MTSU's enormous growth experienced in recent years. MTSU has the second highest enrollment in the state. Athletics The DNJ announced MTSU's possible move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2001. MTSU President James Walker announced the university will accept the invitation for all sports to join the Sun Belt Conference, a move that will benefit the entire university, reported the DNJ. The DNJ congratulated MTSU on its move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2001 in a recent editorial. MTSU athletic director Lee Fowler was featured in the Viewpoint section of the DNJ. Fowler discussed the first season of I-A football and the move to the Sun Belt Conference. The DNJ announced the OVC is releasing MTSU, allowing it to enter the Sun Belt Conference next year. Basic and Applied Sciences The DNJ featured an article on MTSU student involvement in the Adult Health and Development Program (AHeAD) with senior citizens, a program designed by the school of nursing. MTSU's school of nursing is joining with the St. Clair Street Senior Center, Alvin York VA Medical Center, and The Guidance Center in sponsoring a workshop that will provide encouragement and support for babyboomers, who will care for their elderly parents, during National Family Caregivers Month. Marvin Runyon, chairholder of the Russell Chair in Manufacturing Excellence at MTSU, will moderate a panel discussion during the conference sessions held at the 46th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development, announced the Tazewell Claiborne Progress. Dr. Suzanne Prevost, chairholder for the NHC Chair of Excellence in Nursing, recently discussed her views on managing pain to promote faster healing with the DNJ's Angela Cannon. Prevost is an expert in pain management for post-surgery and oncology patients. Business The Economic Outlook Conference at MTSU will address pressing issues, including the state budget crisis and funding for higher education, announced the Marshall Gazette and the Franklin Review Appeal. College of Business dean Dr. Jim Burton was interviewed by WMOT-Radio on the upcoming tax debate at MTSU. Sen. Andy Womack was selected to speak at the Economic Outlook Conference because of his business career background and his attendance at two Tennessee colleges, including graduating from MTSU, reported the M'Boro Sun. Dr. Albert E. DePrince Jr., Economics and Finance, addressed the lack of quality education in Tennessee schools and possible alternatives with the M'boro Sun. Students in three marketing and personal selling classes participated in the MTSU College of Business' Third Annual Trade Show, reported the DNJ. Students were allowed to create "business-to-business products that are modifications of existing products, or they Page 7 (Business, Local News, cont’d.) could invent something new," said Dr. Katie Kemp, assistant professor of management and marketing. MTSU's Weatherford Chair of Finance and TeleCheck senior economic advisor, Dr. William Ford, reported check purchases were up 3.3 percent, and predicts a three to five percent increase during the Christmas shopping season based on the current economy and the pace of consumer spending, the DNJ reported. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette quoted Joe M. Rodgers, holder of the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise, and Dr. Albert E. DePrince Jr., of MTSU's Business and Economic Research Center, on comments made concerning the income tax proposal at the Economic Outlook Conference. Assistant professor of finance, Dr. Doug Timmons, was quoted in a DNJ article on the power a new Kroger store could have on Smyrna's retail community. Ransom Gustafson, Business and Economic Research Center, told the Tullahoma News "low unemployment is a double-edged sword when it comes to economic forecasting." Tullahoma News reprinted an article from Tennessee's Business, a publication of the Business and Economic Research Center at MTSU, presenting the many issues and options of tax reform proposals. Education and Behavioral Sciences Lisa Sheehan-Smith, Human Sciences and a registered dietitian, discussed the foods and brain chemicals that can affect your mood with Angela Cannon from the DNJ. "Exotica," a fashion show produced entirely by the MTSU Fashion Promotion class, will benefit the Hospice of Murfreesboro and provide students with a hands-on experience, announced the DNJ. Holder of the Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services, Dr. Martha Jo Edwards, is publisher of a yearly report called Rutherford County Health Watch. The report indicated that Rutherford County ranks higher than the state average in the percentage of residents who smoke and die each year from cardiovascular disease, reported the DNJ. Liberal Arts The Winchester Herald announced the debut performance of Benjamin Shapira, the latest addition to the music faculty at MTSU. Dr. Charles Wolfe, an expert on traditional folk and popular American music, will be honored at the sixth annual Author Dinner sponsored by Mt. Juliet-Wilson County Library, announced The Wilson World. The MTSU Orchestra will perform a Gala Concert, celebrating the 88th anniversary of the department of music at Wright Music Hall, announced The Wayne County News and the DNJ. History professor Dr. Fred Rolater discussed the dramatic changes in the display of patriotism in an article listing planned Veteran's Day observances, in the DNJ. Baritone soloist John Kramar and soprano Dina Cancryn will perform with the Middle Tennessee Choral Society, along with the MTSU Chamber Choir and full orchestra accompaniment, at MTSU's Wright Music Hall in honor of Johannes Brahms' A German Requiem, reported the DNJ. Dr. Mark Byrnes, associate professor of political science, was quoted in the DNJ on the departure of Sen. Bob Womack. "His focus on education has been extremely important statewide. He had a large role in the improvements that have taken place...over the past few years, and he's been a great friend to MTSU." Page 8 (Liberal Arts, Local News, cont’d.) MTSU music professor John Bingham was featured in a DNJ article on his health movement, "a national phenomenon," called the Bingham Penguin Brigade. According to the article, Bingham was also featured in the New York Times. The DNJ announced the production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by MTSU's theater department at Tucker Theatre. MTSU art students Jonathan Griffith and Dana Douglas are working with classes at Campus School on the Mars Millennium Project, part of the Ecology Future Global curriculum with the theme "Highways, Byways and Skyways," reported the DNJ. The DNJ and The Lebanon Democrat announced the opening of an exhibit entitled, "Mississippi Photographs", featuring the works of Birney Imes at MTSU's Baldwin Photographic Gallery. The DNJ announced the presentation of George Frederick Handel's "Messiah," to be performed by the Middle Tennessee Choral Society, a group of 100 voices, the MTSU Chamber Choir, and a selected orchestra on the MTSU campus. Mass Communication Several newspapers throughout Tennessee featured articles on the MT Poll: Johnson City Press, Crossville Chronicle, Elizabethton Star, Paris Post-Intelligencer, Union City Daily Messenger, The Lebanon Democrat, Hickman County Times, Columbia Daily Herald, Smithville Review, Greeneville Sun, Morristown Citizen Tribune, Bristol Herald Courier, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, Gallatin News-Examiner, Newport Plain Talk, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, Dresden Enterprise, Buffalo River Review, Pulaski Giles Free Press and Athens Post-Athenian. Main article topics include education, tax reform, the local government, and the death penalty. MTSU guest lecturer for John Seigenthaler Chair for First Amendment Studies, Wendell Rawls, was featured in the DNJ 's Viewpoint section. The Pulitzer prize winner openly expressed his opinions on good journalism. MTSU journalism professor and Tennessee Green Party leader Gary Wolf spoke with the DNJ concerning the views of his political party. Student Affairs The DNJ recognized five MTSU students who will inform communities about the services of the Cannon County food bank, based on a public relations class assignment. Brianne Daingerfield, Sue Amos, Theresa Howell, Amber Horton, and Jamie Lawwell will be conducting surveys and assisting in the efforts of the food drive. The remarkable efforts of the students were also acknowledged in the Cannon Courier. The DNJ featured an article on MTSU's Greek Row, scheduled to open January 7, 2000, a move the university hopes will increase campus activity, especially on weekends. Representatives from universities across the country will join MTSU in "Up 'Til Dawn," the second all-night fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital, announced the DNJ and M'boro Sun. The Crossville Chronicle and Franklin Review-Appeal announced MTSU students featured in the 22nd annual National Dean's List: Melody Foust, Cumberland County; Sarah Motschall, Amanda Davis, and Jessica Wimberly, all from Williamson County. General Interest MTSU Police Chief Jack Drugmand, along with his department, received the MADD award for enforcement of DUI laws and arrests, the DNJ reported. Courses to help middle school math teachers improve their teaching skills will be offered at MTSU, reported the Franklin Review-Appeal. Page 9 (General Interest, Local News, cont’d.) Jim Leyhew, an MTSU graduate, commended the university for its "commitment to excellence" by selecting Marvin Runyon to hold the MTSU Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence, in a DNJ editortial. Senator Andy Womack has been elected to chair a 16-state regional advisory council that will address issues such as teacher shortages and methods to enhance distance learning in higher education, announced the DNJ. MTSU is a member of the advisory council. The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle printed an article on Gov. Sundquist's meeting with the President's Advisory Council at MTSU concerning his support of the "four and four" tax plan. An article appeared in the DNJ reporting that MTSU assisted students from Riverdale, Eagleville, and La Vergne high schools in their rally to demonstrate the evils of tobacco. An editorial in the DNJ reported survey results from a study on teenage smoking conducted by Riverdale, Eagleville, and La Vergne high schools, with help from MTSU. MTSU representatives were on hand to provide valuable information to students at Warren County High School's annual College Night, reported the Southern Standard. The Union City Daily Messenger reported Sen. Andy Womack will not seek another term, allowing him to "stand back and see what public offices are open," such as the presidents office at MTSU. The MTSU Alumni Association will hold a Chapter Tailgating Party to celebrate their charter as an official extension of the university, announced the Winchester Herald-Chronicle and the Franklin Review-Appeal. The "Goo Goo Dolls" are scheduled to perform at Murphy Center, reported the DNJ. Dr. Rosemary Owens, dean, Continuing Studies, announced the university will continue to offer compressed video courses in Lawrenceburg at Columbia State Community College's Lawrence County Center, announced the Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union. MTSU NEWS STORIES COUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 99-00 NOV. 1999 YEAR TO DATE WEB HITS National 10 35 Nov.—2,910 Metropolitan 56 220 As of July—11,623 Local 83 406 *Excluded 40 231 All 189 892 *"Excluded" indicates those stories that mention MTSU but do not focus on the university. Since MTSU's Office of Sports Information handles much of the sports publicity, this report also excludes most sports stories except those that have additional news significance beyond athletic events and contests. A complete book of news clippings for November 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.