MTSU News Summary for October 2000

NATIONAL NEWS Administration In the Appointments column of AASCU Dr. James Walker was mentioned as being named president of Southern Illinois University, and Dr. R. Eugene Smith was appointed interim president at MTSU. Liberal Arts The CBS morning show "Sunday Morning" with Charles Osgood will feature Dr. Charles Wolfe, English professor and noted authority on country music, discussing the Grand Ole Opry as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Thad Smith, History, will host a session titled "Writing About Race in America" on C-Span's BookTV. Also on a C-Span panel, Dr. John Vile, Political Science, will introduce Stephen L. Carter (God's Name in Vain: The Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics). Page 2 (Liberal Arts, National, con’t.) English professor Dr. Sara Dunne will host a session titled "You Are Where You Eat: Ruminations on Food and Place in Southern Culture" on C-Span. Mass Communication Tom Jimison, Photography, will introduce Paul Efird, author of "Mountain Hands: A Portrait of Southern Appalachia" on C-Span. Student Affairs A wire story in the Lifestyles section of Stars and Stripes featured an article on graduate student Cynthia Maule-Trail, a cancer survivor who recently received a $5,000 U.S. Oncology Scholarship to continue her graduate studies at MTSU. General Interest The Associated Press interviewed Liz Johnson, program coordinator, regarding the growth of online courses at the university. METROPOLITAN NEWS Administration Dr. R. Eugene Smith, interim president, was featured on the cover of The Lebanon Democrat. An education blurb in the Nashville Business Journal noted David Bass has been named director of development. David Bass, director of development, was quoted in a Memphis Commercial Appeal article on the university's foundation assets, including donations of horses, cattle, and robots. John Harris, director, Disabled Student Services, was interviewed on WMOT-FM about the disabled and computer accessibility. TR The St. Louis Post-Dispatch interviewed faculty members, staff, and students regarding their memories of former president, Dr. James Walker. Cliff Gillespie, associate vice president of enrollment management, discussed the possible effects a Nashville Community College could have on university enrollment. Basic and Applied Sciences Dr. Jo Edwards, Adams Chair in HealthCare Services, was interviewed on WMOT-FM about those who do not have health insurance coverage. TR Edwards credited the economy for the increase in the number of people with health insurance, not governmental policy, during a recent WMOT-FM show. Dr. Anthony Farone, Biology, discussed stem cell research, his Honors Lecture Series topic, with WMOT-FM. Page 3 (Basic and Applied Sciences, Metropolitan, con’t.) The Chattanooga Free Press and Nashville Parent Magazine published an article on the attendance of local students at the Expand Your Horizons Conference. A workshop intended to encourage schools to develop their own solar vehicle was sponsored by Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies, announced WMOT-FM. Dr. Preston McDougall, Chemistry, discussed the events to be held during the American Chemical Society week with WMOT-FM. Business The College of Business Exemplar Award was presented to five MTSU alumni: Woody Miller, Herbert McCullough, Robert Adams, and Andy Adams, noted the Nashville Business Journal. A political poll in The Tennessean shows Dr. Jeff Clark, professor of Computer Information Systems and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is behind Sen. Bill Frist 3 to 4. Clark also visited Chattanooga where he told supporters he wants to stop what he said is "pricegouging by the pharmaceutical industry,"noted the Chattanooga Free Press. The Chattanooga Free Press published an article on the difficulty Clark may face in winning the race against well-known Sen. Bill Frist. The Memphis Commercial Appeal published an article on Clark's position paper, "Restoring the Promise of Education," a summary of his plans for education. The Memphis Commercial Appeal noted the senate race between Clark and Frist is the only statewide election other than the presidential election. Gordon E. Inman, founding member, chairman, and major shareholder of Franklin Financial Corp., was awarded the Jennings A. Jones Champion of Excellence in Free Enterprise Award, announced The Tennessean. Dr. Al DePrince Jr. was quoted in The Tennessean regarding the state of the economy during October. The Tennessean published a summary of the recent Business and Economic Research Center’s report on the decline of manufacturing services and the wholesale sector in the U.S., compared to retail trades and other services. WMOT-FM interviewed Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, about his doubts that the Federal Reserve will increase rates at its October meeting. Though the mid-state economy increased in the second quarter, Max Melnikov, BERC, told WMOT-FM he expects the economy will begin to slow down. Melnikov credited airline passengers’ positive responses to improvements in parking and access as the reason for an increase in air traffic at Nashville International Airport during a WMOT-FM interview. Page 4 (Business, Metropolitan, con’t.) Dr. Scott Inks, Management and Marketing, told WMOT-FM websites that are too elaborate can be harmful to a business. Inks discussed the results of a study conducted along with Dr. Donna Mayo regarding the impact of online shopping on traditional stores and consumer benefits on WMOT-FM. TR Education and Behavioral Science Dr. Race Bergman, Elementary and Special Education, was quoted in The Tennessean about the pros and cons of homeschooling. TR Rebecca Alexander, Elementary and Special Education, was interviewed on WMOT-FM regarding her involvement with "Reach Out and Read of Middle Tennessee." Liberal Arts Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, discussed on WMOT-FM the historical legacy the Clinton presidency will leave. Byrnes was quoted in The Tennessean about Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush's campaigning efforts in Tennessee. The Tennessean also quoted Byrnes regarding the results of a poll that showed Tennessee voters favor Gore's drug plan. Also in The Tennessean, Byrnes addressed the recent increase of presidential television campaign ads appearing in the state. Drs. Byrnes and John Vile, Political Science, discussed the presidential debates on "Open Line," Channel 5+. Dr. Charles Wolfe, English professor and noted authority on the Grand Ole Opry, will be a guest on WSM-AM as they celebrate their 75th anniversary live from historic Ryman Auditorium. The Tennessean noted Wolfe also won the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for the year's best book on American music. Wolfe also discussed the history of American folklore in The Tennessean. Dr. Pat Nation, Sociology and Anthropology, wrote an article for Woman’s Day titled "Play It Safe" that offered tips on how to outsmart the bad guy and protect yourself. Steve Sullivan from WLAC-FM interviewed Stacey Borasky, Social Work, about teen-age pregnancy. TR Dr. Russell Church, Speech and Theatre, discussed the impact the second presidential debate had on swaying votes with The Tennessean. TR Church was interviewed by WMOT-FM, WLAC-FM and WSM-FM concerning voter apathy among young people. TR Tim Musselman, Music, promoted the performance of the Aliquo/Landry quartet at Wright Music Hall on WMOT-FM. The Florida Times-Union quoted Dr. Michael Linton regarding the use of multimedia to educate younger children, including the promotion of "Baby Mozart." Dr. Kevin Breault, Sociology and Anthropology, was interviewed by WMOT-FM concerning the effect of "houses of horror" on young children. Page 5 Mass Communication Dr. Deryl Leaming, dean, Mass Communications, discussed the "Writers In The Round" guests, including Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, with WMOT-FM. Dr. Richard Campbell, Journalism, appeared on Chris Clark's "Inside This Week" on Open Line Channel 5 + to discuss the debates between Al Gore and George Bush. Journalism professor Dr. Larry Burriss did a half-hour program on WWTN-FM about on-line courses, education, etc., and was also interviewed on WLAC-FM about failing dot-coms. TR Topics featured in a weekly commentary on WMOT-FM by Burriss included: "Space," "Political Reporting," and "Political Fudge." Dr. Richard Campbell, director, Journalism, and Dr. Teresa Mastin, Journalism, are disturbed about the conflict the race questions on the MT Poll are creating. Campbell told The Tennessean "these are questions that have been asked for years in polls about racism..." The Tennessean announced former Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor and Neiman Foundation curator, Bill Kovach, will visit the university to discuss national media coverage of this year's presidential election. Media coverage of the recent presidential campaign was bashed by Kovach, The Tennessean reported. Gary Wolf, Journalism, was quoted in The Tennessean regarding Green Party protests against gifts to political parties. Student Affairs The Chattanooga Times noted several students were awarded scholarships, including Paige Andrews, an MTSU interior design student. Beth Hood, Miss Tennessee, was pictured in The Tennessean during a rehearsal for the Miss America contest. Joseph Dey was featured in the Iowa Telegraph Herald regarding his recent appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell Show. Leah Bean was quoted in The Tennessean discussing a town hall meeting to be held addressing the underage drinking problem. General Interest The Tennessean and Nashville Business Journal noted two classes, Financial Workshop and Essential Payroll Skills, to be offered by Continuing Studies and Public Service. Enrollment in Tennessee's public colleges and universities has dropped 1.8 percent since last year, but MTSU reported a 0.7 percent increase, noted the Knoxville News-Sentinel. Dr. Candace Rosovsky, director, June Anderson Women's Center, was interviewed on WLAC-FM and TRN about MTSU's Sexual Assault Awareness Week. TR The University Wire featured a Sidelines article quoting Greg Schaffer, Office of Information Technology, on the effects of the Napster ban at the university Page 6 (General Interest, Metropolitan, con’t.) Hisao Hayashi, director of Hiroshima Boys' Choir, discussed the purpose of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibit in the Keathley University Center with The Tennessean. Carla Hatfield, Developmental Studies, discussed the benefits of the Developmental Studies program with WMOT-FM. TR John Harris, director, Disabled Student Services, discussed the recent $25 million federal government grant allotted to make computer technology more accessible to disabled Americans with WMOT-FM. TR John Mauldin, president of the Heart of Tennessee Scottish Celebration, spoke about the upcoming Highland Games on WMOT-FM. MTSU is co-sponsoring a daylong fiction writing workshop, The Tennessean announced. The Tennessean announced 17 state colleges will offer online degrees next fall. Liz Johnson, coordinator of telecourses and online courses, discussed the expansion of the online course offerings in two Tennessean articles, and was interviewed on WSM-FM, WLAC-FM, WWTN-FM, WPLN-FM, and WSMV-Channel 4. The faculty of the Division of Continuing Studies was interviewed on Channel 5 regarding the growth of MTSU’s on-line courses and how attainable a degree in higher education is becoming. An exhibit, "From Stumps to Websites: A History of Political Campaigning in Middle Tennessee," is on display at the Gore Research Center, noted director Lisa Pruitt on WMOT-FM and TRN WMOT-FM interviewed Karenna Gore-Schiff during her recent visit to the Gore Reseach Center while on her bus tour campaign for the Democratic Party. Dr. Carol Ann Baily, director, Adult Services, discussed services available for non-traditional students with WMOT-FM. LOCAL NEWS Administration Dr. R. Eugene Smith, interim president, was featured on the cover of The Lebanon Democrat. An editorial in the DNJ gave some background on Dr. R. Eugene Smith, the interim president of MTSU. Smith and Doug Williams, director of News & Public Affairs, were pictured in the Lebanon Democrat discussing Smith’s plans for the university. Smith and Dr. Patrick Doyle, Biology, were pictured in the DNJ at a reception given by the faculty to welcome Smith. Steve Pritchard, director, Telecommunications, is the new president of Tennessee Telecommunications Users Association, noted the DNJ. Numerous people associated with MTSU, and others from the community have been featured in the Newsmaker section of the DNJ, but only Dr. James Walker and Sen. Andy Womack have been featured twice in the year 2000. Page 7 (Administration, Local, con’t.) Walker and others were pictured in the DNJ as he attended his last President’s Ball An article in the M'boro Sun expressed sadness about the departure of former president Walker going to Southern Illinois University, and Lee Fowler, former athletic director, leaving for North Carolina State University. Several faculty, staff, and students were pictured in the DNJ as they celebrated Homecoming activities, including the Pigskin Pregame event and parade. Athletics The MTSU athletic department has opened its own sports apparel and souvenir store called Lightning's Locker Room. Kyle Turnham, account executive with the Athletic Department said the goal of the store is to promote Middle Tennessee as much as possible, reported the DNJ. Basic and Applied Sciences Kim Sadler, Biology, discussed plans to use the $10,000 grant awarded the Biology department for the nature trail at Campus School with DNJ. The "Expand Your Horizons Conference" held annually to encourage young girls to study math and science was featured in the DNJ, along with a picture of several students learning how to make slime. Drs.Warner Cribb and Doug Heffington, Geography and Geology, discussed a new device, the multi-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, that allows students to conduct in-depth studies to determine the elements of which rock/soil samples are composed with the DNJ. The DNJ announced Dr. David Gore, Developmental Studies, has filed an application to seek the 11th district Rutherford County Commission seat. Dr. Padgett Kelly, Biology, is pictured in the Elk Valley Times speaking to students at Ralph Askins School using a life-size replica of a whale to educate them about mammals. Business According to a report published by BERC, Rutherford County seems to be "underbanked," which means the number of banks in relation to the population of the county is not balanced, reported the DNJ. Dr. Jeff Clark, Computer Information Systems professor and Democratic candidate for Senate, announced that incentives for building smaller schools topped his list of education proposals that he would support, if elected, reported the DNJ. Clark will be visiting Carter County to talk to supporters, noted the Elizabethton Star. The City Cafe in Murfreesboro had its traditional straw poll that showed Sen. Bill Frist ahead of incumbent Clark, noted the DNJ. The DNJ reported Clark is scheduled to meet with Murfreesboro voters at his local office, while Sen. Frist greets voters at Reeves-Sain Drug Store. Clark was quoted in a DNJ article regarding the large amount of money spent by Frist in campaigns. Page 8 (Business, Local, con’t.) Visits made to Murfreesboro by the Senate candidates were reviewed in the DNJ. The Weakley County Press and Cookeville Herald-Citizen printed articles on the campaign of Clark. Clark was pictured in the Jackson Sun holding a mock debate with a scarecrow. At the annual Economic Outlook Conference Dr. Donald Ratajczak said the economy will continue to slow in the next year, but the forecast isn't "gloom and doom," reported the DNJ. Gordon E. Inman, founding member, chairman, and major shareholder of Franklin Financial Corp., was awarded the Jennings A. Jones Champion of Excellence in Free Enterprise Award, announced the DNJ and Franklin Review-Appeal. The Center for Economic Education, Dr. Richard Hannah, director, and Maria Edlin, assistant director, were featured in the DNJ. The center focuses on helping K-12 teachers teach economics. Dr. Albert DePrince Jr., Weatherford Chair of Finance, discussed the recent slowdown in Tennessee's economic growth in a Shelbyville Times-Gazette article. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center at MTSU will co-sponsor a free e-commerce workshop, the DNJ announced. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette summarized the issues raised by Economic Outlook conference speaker Dr. Steven Livingston, editor of Global Commerce, published by the Business and Economic Research Center. Education and Behavioral Science Dr. Rebekah Alexander, Education, was featured in the M'boro Sun regarding her work as coordinator of "Reach Out and Read,’ a program that provides books for patients in pediatrician offices to read. (TR) Dr. Bob Womack, Education, discussed the origins of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration during a presentation at the Rotary Club, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported. Liberal Arts Todd Waldecker, Music, discussed the upcoming guest chamber music recital with the DNJ, and it was also noted in the "Around Town" section of the DNJ. Music professors Waldecker, Polly Brecht, and Erik Applegate will perform at a free concert spotlighting American composers at Wright Music Hall, the DNJ announced. Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, professor and one of the countries leading experts on the Grand Ole Opry, will be one of the speakers at the annual "Writers in the Round," reported the DNJ. The Greeneville Sun published an article in which Wolfe discussed the beginnings of the Grand Ole Opry. Roger Kugler, director, Music, said he was delighted by the donation of $20,000 from the Wenger Corp. for a virtual reality room, noted the DNJ. Page 9 (Liberal Arts, Local, con’t.) Music professor Don Aliquo and the Aliquo/Landry Quartet will be featured in a free concert on campus, the DNJ reported. Dr. Ron Kates, English, is having his students write a short novella about the Jefferson Springs project and is using students from Central Middle School to help create the characters, reported the DNJ. Dr. Russell Church, Speech and Theatre, watched the presidential debates and noted they probably would not sway voters one way or another, reported the DNJ. TR Dr. James Taylor, Social Work, will lead the discussions in a "Family Caregiving: Across the Life Span" workshop, which is offered by Continuing Studies and Public Service, announced the DNJ and M'boro Sun. The Stones River Chamber Players featuring MTSU music faculty will kick off it's 12th season, announced the DNJ. The MTSU Women's Chorale will make American composers the musical backbone of a free concert, noted the DNJ. Wayne Thiebaud, an internationally known artist, will have his "Work on Paper" displayed in the Art Barn Gallery, noted the DNJ. "The Lower Depths," a famous Russian play, will be performed at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported. Valerie Trujillo, Music, and a group of students, will perform a vocal concert entitled "Animal Songs" at Wright Music Hall, the DNJ announced. The DNJ announced the inaugural concert of the Middle Tennessee Chamber Winds, composed of music faculty and two music students, at Wright Music Hall. The 39th annual Contest of Champions, sponsored by the Band of Blue, was announced in the DNJ. The DNJ wrote an article on the events occurring during the Contest of Champions. Two DNJ articles announced the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony will perform Latin American music in Tucker Theatre with the theme "Tango, Argentine Passion." The Middle Tennessee Choral Society will perform a concert, "Requiem," at Wright Music Hall, the DNJ reported. Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science discussed past election results and the unpredictability of Rutherford County voters with the DNJ. Deanna Hahn, Music, discussed the upcoming performance of Valerie Trujillo, Music, accompanied by flutist James C. Scott, with the Columbia Daily Herald. Mass Communications Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, told the M'boro Sun he predicts an increase in various kinds of fraud using the Internet. The DNJ interviewed Dr. Deryl Leaming, dean, Mass Communications, who plans to retire after the spring 2001 semester. The DNJ wrote about Bill Kovach former New York Times chief, who visited the College of Mass Communication to discuss election coverage by the media. Page 10 (Mass Communications, Local, con’t.) The DNJ and the Southern Standard published commentary by Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, regarding comments made by Kovach. Student Affairs Students appearing on this past summer's Dean's List were mentioned in the Post-Athenian, Wayne Co. News, Cookeville Herald-Citizen, Roane County News, Pikesville Bledsonian-Banner, and Selmer Independent-Appeal. Graduating seniors were noted in the Covington Leader, Post-Athenian, Maryville Daily-Times, Parsons News Leader, and Fayette County Review. The DNJ pictured three students participating in the chili cookoff during Homecoming Week activities. Friends of MTSU student Beth Hood, who is also Miss Tennessee, will be able to view her profile on the Miss America website, noted the DNJ. Kami Presson, junior, was the state's sole recipient of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Educational Foundation scholarship, the M'boro Sun reported. Beth West, business major, was pictured in the Franklin Review-Appeal attending graduate school orientation. Jennifer Stone, an apparel design major, was featured in the DNJ regarding her talent, including her involvement in making costumes for local productions such as "The Fantastiks." Freshman Forum will solicit canned food donations for the Rutherford County Food Bank, the DNJ reported. Three female MTSU students were involved in a dispute on campus, resulting in one student being injured, the DNJ reported. Eeoni "Tamu" Hollingsworth, a curriculum and instruction graduate student, was named on the Dean’s List, the Pikeville Bledsonian-Banner. Eddie Linville, senior, was noted as an outstanding student in the Hartsville Vidette. Several students participated in the annual "Take Back the Night" rally and march, noted the DNJ, including senior Damon Scott who was quoted in the article. General Interest Liz Johnson, coordinator of telecourses and on-line courses, was interviewed by the DNJ regarding the growth in enrollment and availability of on-line courses since 1997. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette printed the "Best of Bedford," a list of restaurants, stores, etc., that was complied by students in Public Relations Student Society of America. The "Around Town" segment of the DNJ noted the following happening on campus, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition, Homecoming Pigskin Pregame Party, "The Calling Ground, American Camp Meeting," and "Works on Paper" at the Art Barn Gallery. In a separate article the DNJ featured the Atomic Bomb Exhibition with a picture of some of the grim souvenirs of the two cities bombed. Page 11 (General Interest, Local, con’t.) Homecoming activities were noted in the Partyline section of the DNJ, along with a picture of alumni promoting the Pigskin Pregame Party. The festivities were also listed in the DNJ calendar. The week-long Homecoming festivities, along with the theme for this years Homecoming, "Rockin and Rollin with the Raiders," were announced in the DNJ. Five separate articles in the DNJ over Homecoming weekend noted various activities that took place, including the parade, the Xtreme Air machine, and a pep rally with the MTSU mascot Lightning. DARE Officer Andy Watts, will be going to Homer Pittard Campus School as an SRO, stated Chief Jack Drugmand in the DNJ. Enrollment in Tennessee's public colleges and universities has dropped 1.8 percent since last year, but MTSU reported a 0.7 percent increase, noted the Morristown Citizen Tribune, Jackson Sun, and DNJ. The first national ad for the presidency of MTSU ran in the Oct. 13 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education. It will run again on the 26th and also run in the Black Issues of Higher Education, noted the DNJ. The Albert Gore Sr. Research Center is featuring an exhibit of political memorabilia from 1812 to present, noted Dr. Lisa Pruitt, center director, reported the DNJ and Lebanon Democrat. Pruitt and graduate student Perky Beisel were pictured in the DNJ putting up campaign signs on the exhibit boards. A Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant of $116,475 was awarded to the MTSU Police Department to assist in placing an officer at Campus School, M'boro Sun reported. The Recreation Center will co-sponsor the annual Homecoming 5K Run and Fitness Walk, reported the M'boro Sun. The M'boro Sun announced the following events to be held at MTSU: the 22nd annual Greater Murfreesboro Kennel Club Dog Show at the Tennessee Livestock Center; the Fall Celebration of Urban Forest, sponsored by the MTSU Center for Environmental Education and Friends of Greenway; the Tennessee Highland Games; and a tribute to Neil and Margaret Wright by the MTSU Concert Choir and MTSU Wind Ensemble. The Lewisburg Tribune announced the Tennessee Highland Games. Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs, was quoted in the M'boro Sun regarding new building projects on campus, such as the library and horse arena, to keep up with the city's rapid growth. Dr. James Walker, former president of MTSU, answered questions for M'boro Magazine about his decision to leave Middle Tennessee. The Early Vote Bus Tour, to promote Al Gore and encourage early voting, will visit the Albert Gore Sr. Research Center, noted the DNJ and Dyersburg State-Gazette. Dot Harrison's weekly column in the DNJ focused on the "coffee hour reunion" for retired faculty that takes place weekly in the Faculty Dining Room. Archaeology artifacts discovered by a private collector were donated to MTSU, the Carthage Courier reported. The DNJ announced the annual Grand Slam Fish Fry and Cajun Gumbo at the Tennessee Livestock Center to benefit the baseball program. Page 12 (General Interest, Local, con’t.) The Clinton Courier News announced Clinton High School was awarded a $850 "Get Wet" grant from MTSU for the construction of a pond. Gene Osekowsky, Development Center, will conduct a Small Business class at Tennessee Technology Center, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported. The Jefferson Standard Banner and the Roane County News announced efforts of the MTSU Mid-East Tennessee Alumni Chapter to increase membership. Hackney Chapel AME Zion Church, built in 1899, was placed on the National Tennessee Registers of Historic Places with the assistance of the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU, the Lenoir City News-Herald announced. National experts and professionals will visit MTSU for debates and discussions on gun control in America during a six-evening symposium, the DNJ reported. The Division of Continuing Studies and Public Service will offer the first workshop in a series, "Preparing the Professionals," the Tullahoma News announced. The Albert Gore Sr. Research Center began the Karenna Gore-Schiff’s bus tour to encourage voters to elect her father as president, announced the Dyersburg State Gazette. MTSU was named the fastest-growing university in the state after recent census reports show three of the top 10 fastest-growing towns are in Rutherford County, announced the Post-Intelligencer, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, and the Cleveland Daily Banner.