MTSU News Summary for September 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 and Behavioral Sciences, Liberal Arts, Mass Communication, and Student Affairs.

The last category is General Interest and may include a broad spectrum of programs and people, encompassing such areas as alumni, public safety, graduate programs, human interest, special celebrations, concerts, etc.


NATIONAL NEWS

 

Liberal Arts
USA Today published an article on "Nashville With a Vengeance," a return of murder ballads to country music. Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, was quoted as saying "It's usually a lovers falling out..."

Mass Communication
The Department of Recording Industry was described as " a breeding ground for production-heavy pop bands like "Self" and "Fluid Oz," in an article discussing Nashville rock groups in the Daily Variety.

Student Affairs
Fifteen-year old Michael Kearney, graduate student, is pictured giving advice to another child prodigy who recently started his first year in college, reported ABC News.

Page 2 (Metropolitan News)

METROPOLITAN NEWS

 

Administration
Dr. Robert Glenn, vp, Student Affairs, spoke with WMOT-Radio on his responsibilities "basically...everything outside the classroom." Glenn came to MTSU from Southwest Missouri State University.
Tennessee Radio Network interviewed Dr. Deborah Gentry, assistant vp, Development and University Relations, on the Founders Day activities.
At a forum, sponsored by Citizens for Fair Taxes, Dr. Barbara Haskew, Provost, argued that attracting faculty to the campus and retaining them has been a "big challenge, because MTSU is losing its ability to compete with universities in other states due to the lack of revenue available in the tax structure," reported The Tennessean.
Dr. Barbara Haskew, Provost, stressed to WMOT-Radio the need for tax reform action to provide necessary funds for higher education, and enabling institutions to meet the growing needs of students and attract quality faculty and staff.

Basic and Applied Scienc
Dr. Mel Scarlett, MTSU's fifth president, was honored during an opening ceremony when the new student apartment complex is officially named "Scarlett Commons," reported the DNJ and WMOT-Radio.

Business
Dr. Thomas Tang, Management and Marketing, was recently interviewed by WSM- Radio concerning leisure time. Tang commented that leisure time has not increased over the last 30 years.
The Tennessee Tribune announced the naming of Dr. Al DePrince, Economics and Finance, as the new director of the Business and Economic Research Center.
Dr. Al DePrince, director, Business and Economic Research Center, was quoted in The Tennessean concerning the Federal Reserve's decision to raise two key interest rates- increasing the cost of borrowing for consumers and businesses.
The Tennessean spoke with Dr. William Ford, Weatherford Chair of Finance, about mutual funds; their risks and advantages.
Dr. Jill Austin, Marketing and Management, was interviewed by WSM-Radio concerning the removal of a doll wearing a trench coat from the Sears catalog.
Tips on lessening your chances of being disturbed continually be telemarketers were discussed by Dr. Scott Inks, BMOM, on WMOT-Radio.

Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Dorothy Craig, Educational Leadership, commented on a recent study that shows a connection between students who receive free or reduced-fee school lunches and low test scores in The Tennessean.
WMOT-Radio interviewed Dr. Gloria Hamilton, Psychology, on a lecture she will present on the latest computer age disease--Internet addiction.

Liberal Arts
Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, commented on WMOT-Radio that the withdrawal of Lamar Alexander from the presidential race proves the role of money in politics is increasing.
Dr. John Vile, Political Science, was interviewed by WLAC-Radio and TRN on the status and future of the Reform Party.
Page 3 (Liberal Arts, Metropolitan News, cont'd.)

Two MTSU students from Chattanooga will accompany other MTSU debaters to compete in the national Round Robin Debate Tournament at the University of South Carolina, reported the Chattanooga Times.
Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, was featured on WSM-Radio in an hour-long special entitled "Tennessee Century," discussing popular culture in Tennessee.
In Dr. Fred Rolater's weekly series "What does history have to do with it?" on WMOT-Radio, he discussed black higher education, controversy of teaching evolution in Kansas, the founding of MTSU, and our football teams debut into Division I-A.
Dr. John Vile, Political Science, told WMOT-Radio that Vice President Al Gore has a serious, yet similar, contender, former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley, in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Mass Communication
Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, expressed his views on WMOT-Radio on necessary skills "the media should possess."
Journalism professor Dr. Larry Burriss commented on the impact media personalities have on local radio programming on WSM-Radio.
Dr. Ed Kimbrell, Journalism, was interviewed by WMOT-Radio concerning his views on "Dutch," a controversial biography released on the life of former President Ronald Reagan.
Recent topics discussed by Dr. Larry Burriss, Journalism, on WMOT Radio included issues regarding; some media criticism lacks justification, "trash talk" reveals a team's view about their opponent; views on the Oxford Dictionary; and deregulation of rules may be a profit for the giant media companies, but a disadvantage to the public.

Student Affairs
Scholastic Achievement Scholarship and Provost Scholarship winners were noted in the Chattanooga Times.
Virginia Lally, junior equine science major, was named Miss Rodeo Tennessee, reported the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
A scholarship has been established in honor of Michael Martinelli, a pre-law student in the Honors College, who was killed in an automobile accident, reported The Tennessean and St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

General Interest
Doug Williams, director, News and Public Affairs, commented on the lack of student involvement in the MTSU and Tennessee State University educational consortium in a recent Tennessean article.
Connie Hagburg, Parking Services manager, discussed new developments and strategies to aid in the parking of over 19,000 people on campus during a WMOT-Radio segment.
The 18th annual "Salute to Veterans" was held during half-time at the first NCAA Division I-A football game, announced The Westview and Southern Standard.
An ROTC unit from MTSU hosted several activities during the annual "Salute to Veterans," reported the Lewis County Herald.
The Tennessee Tribune listed professors receiving awards in several categories; Outstanding Teacher, Achievement in Instruction Technology, Creative Activity, Research, and Public Service.
The Tennessean announced Earl Swensson has been named the holder of the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning.
WPLN-Radio announced MTSU's "Writers in the Round" on its "Happenings Hotline" segment.
Page 4 (General Interest, Metropolitan News, cont'd.)

An interactive time-line, and a display of historic photographs will be a part of "Reflections in Time," an audio visual exhibit commemorating the university's 88th birthday, noted The Tennessean.
WMOT-Radio reported on the House Democrats visit to MTSU to listen to the voices of the administration and faculty pleading for higher education funding.
WMOT-Radio announced the celebration of MTSU's 88th Founders Day.


LOCAL NEWS

 

Administration
Dr. Cliff Gillespie, associate vp, Enrollment Management, has received overwhelming support from members of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry as he battles cancer, reported the DNJ.
Tom Tozer, the newly named director of Media Relations, News and Public Affairs, has made promoting the research and expertise of the faculty, and making the university more visible in the media his primary goal, noted the DNJ.

Basic and Applied Sciences
Dr. Linda Covington, Nursing, recently spoke to senior citizens on "Managing Chronic/Acute Pain," reported the DNJ. MTSU, in conjunction with the St. Clair Street Senior Center, will sponsor AHeAD, an intergenerational program, matching seniors with college students.
Drs. Judith Iriarte-Gross and William Ilsley, served as mentors for Seed, a reading program for students, reported the Lawrenceburg Democrat Union.
MTSU's School of Nursing will officially welcome a regional Critical Care Program, that provides continuing education of nurses at a reception, announced the DNJ, Lebanon Democrat, Lewisburg Tribune, Giles Free Press, and Shelbyville Times-Gazette.
MTSU has scheduled a science and math conference, "Expanding Your Horizons," that will include "hands-on" workshops for girls in grades 6-8 interested in science and math careers, announced the DNJ, Lebanon Democrat, Hickman County Times, and M'boro Sun.
MTSU and industry members unite to develop the nations only four-year program in Concrete Industry Management that combines the business and technical aspect of the concrete industry, reported the DNJ.
The appointment of Lt. Col. Mark Ferrell as the chair of Military Science was announced in the Mt. Juliet News, Wilson World, and Tullahoma News.
One exciting event scheduled during Tennessee Archaeology Awareness Week is the opportunity to observe the operation of President Andrew Jackson's plantation during the 19th century from an archaeologists view, reported the DNJ, Cleveland Daily Banner, Lewisburg Tribune, and Sweetwater Advocate/Democrat. MTSU and the Tennessee Division of Archaeology are co-sponsors of the event.
The Franklin Review Appeal reported some middle school math teachers in Williamson County will have an opportunity to achieve state certification if they enroll in math courses taught at Centennial High School by MTSU math professors. The Fairview Observer noted MTSU math staff members are designing a series of six 3-hour graduate level math courses for this project.

 

 

Page 5 (Business, Local News)

Business
Dr. William Ford, Telecheck's Senior Economic Advisor, discussed an increase in retail sales activity in the Greater Nashville region compared to other surrounding counties and regions, reported the DNJ.
The Tullahoma News announced that employment for Middle Tennessee should remain strong for the remainder of the year according to the latest Manpower Inc. quarterly survey, based on data released by the Business and Economic Research Center.
Jennings and Rebecca Jones were recognized during a two-week Academy for Teachers of the Gifted, a program sponsored by the foundation named in their honor, the Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union reported.
Jack B. Turner, owner of Jack Turner and Associates, was one of five insurance industry members recently inducted into the Musto Tennessee Hall of Fame, announced the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. James Alexander was inducted posthumously.

Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Janet Colson, Human Sciences, spoke with the DNJ about the importance of balanced meals for elderly people who live at home or in a care center.

Liberal Arts
Dr. Mark Byrnes, Political Science, was quoted in the DNJ discussing the selection and voting processes of the Rutherford County Commission Standing Committees for 1999-2000.
Members of the Middle Tennessee Anthropology Society are presenting history and information through displays, lectures, and activities at the Children's Discovery Museum during Tennessee Archaeology Week, reported the DNJ.
Dr. Charles Wolfe, English, has been contacted by a Hollywood production company concerning movie rights to his latest book, "A Good Natured Riot:The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry, " announced the DNJ.
The M'boro Sun announced Wolfe's book was one of three music books awarded the Ralph Gleason Award for 1999.
Dr. Hari Garbharran, Geology, obtained a $250,000 grant for environmental researching aimed at improving the living conditions in South Africa, reported the DNJ.
The MTSU Wind Ensemble and Choral Department will perform a concert in honor of Dorothy McCormick, retiring executive aide in the music department, announced the Tullahoma News and Lebanon Democrat.

Student Affairs
The following newspapers listed MTSU summer graduates; Manchester Times, Franklin Review Appeal, Dyersburg State Gazette, Lewisburg Tribune, Humbolt Courier Chronicle, McMinnville Post-Athenian, and Crossville Chronicle.
Students appearing on the summer Dean's List were listed in the Manchester Times, Roane County News, Cannon Courier, Lawrenceburg Democrat Union, Wilson World, Morgan County News, DNJ, Dyersburg State Gazette, Elk Valley Times, and Cookeville Herald-Citizen.
Provost Scholarship winners were listed in the Bolivar Bulletin Times and DNJ.
A freshman from Warren County is a contestant in the "Fairest of the Fair" pageant at the Warren County Fair, reported the Southern Standard.
The DNJ announced that Amanda Hobbs is the winner of the Kiwanis Scholarship.
Ashley Loflin, junior, has been awarded the Dan D. Scott Chemistry Scholarship, reported the DNJ.
The MTSU chapter of Kappa Alpha was recently recognized for their hard work and community service, locally and internationally, reported the DNJ.
Page 6 (Student Affairs, Local News, cont'd.)

MTSU Older Wiser Learners (OWLS) Scholarship Selection Committee awarded eleven scholarships to deserving residents of Rutherford County, reported the DNJ.
The DNJ reported Northfield Elementary Schools Extended School Program, the only one of it's kind in the Murfreesboro City School system, is under the direction of Eric Moore, an elementary education major. He is assisted by John Terzo, a psychology graduate student.
Freshman Sarah Elder won the champion title in the Equitation Over Fences competition, noted the DNJ.
Cynthia Fletcher is pictured being congratulated by Dr. Jerry Brookshire, out going faculty senate president, for graduating with honors, noted the Manchester Times, as are Christina Scheel, Columbia Daily Herald, and Wilford "J.J." Johnson, Tullahoma News.
Jana Barrett, senior art education major, discussed her experiences as a teacher in the eight-week enrichment course, offered by Continuing Studies, noted the DNJ.
Beth Hood of Cleveland was crowned Miss Cleveland and will represent her hometown in the Miss Tennessee competition, noted the Cleveland Daily Banner.
William Kendall, a graduate of U-T Martin, was one of eight students to receive MTSU's Minority Graduate Scholarship, announced the Weakley County Press.

General Interest
Kealie Frazier and other MTSU students are teaming up to raise money to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital in an event called "Up 'til Dawn," reported the M'boro Sun.
Gale B. Robinson, Potentate-Al Menah Shrine Temple, showed his gratitude, in a recent DNJ editorial, to MTSU for their assistance with the third annual Tennessee East/West Shrine High School Football Classic.
Earl Swensson, recently named holder of the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning explained to the DNJ his four-point program to aid the regions growth by bringing the MTSU campus and communities together.
Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh admitted to MTSU officials that legislators "didn't provide higher education the funding we should have," during a recent meeting on the MTSU campus, reported the DNJ.
The Tennessee Board of Regents recommended an $8.7 million renovation of the Todd Building, the former library, announced the DNJ.
A parking lot, extensive landscaping, and other features may be in the future for MTSU after the recent rezoning of 14 acres is finalized, reported the DNJ.
The semi-annual Women's Institute will welcome the first female Rutherford County Executive, Nancy Allen, and other interesting speakers to discuss diversity, personal life challenges, and the financial impact of divorce, reported the M'boro Sun.
The DNJ announced the opening of the new CyerCafe @ Woodmore, a dining hall that allows students Internet access, as well as a place to eat.
The DNJ and Lebanon Democrat announced the fourth annual Heart of Tennessee Scottish Celebration to be held at MTSU.
Small dogs were "the life of the show" at the annual Chinese crested dog show, held at the Tennessee Livestock Center, reported the DNJ.
A full roster of activities has been scheduled for 1960 graduates, by a dedicated reunion committee, for Homecoming 1999, Football Fiesta...I-A All the Way," announced the DNJ.
Several interesting displays and exhibits were organized as part of the MTSU Founders Day Celebration, including "Reflections in Time"--taped recollections of alumni--announced the Franklin Review Appeal.
The MTSU department of Public Safety continues to keep protection of the campus a top priority by designing programs and developing a Public Safety Advisory Committee

Page 7 (General Interest, Local News, cont'd.)

that addresses lighting, crosswalks, bicycling, and patrolling, reported the Lawrenceburg Democrat-Union.
MTSU's president Dr. James Walker and his staff can "pat themselves on the back" for reaching another record enrollment, with a freshmen class whose average ACT scores ranked above the national averages, commented the DNJ.
In order to protect staff and students, the university has purchased a warning system to alert the campus in the event of an emergency, reported the DNJ.
Smyrna resident Harriett L. Howard was presented the 10th annual Dr. Joe Nunley Memorial Award at the first home football game, reported the Rutherford Courier.
Melissa Batts, MTSU cheerleader, was pictured in the DNJ giving her autograph to a young girl during one of the Homecoming festivities, Rally in the Alley. The DNJ also pictured Greek organizations who will participate in the Homecoming activities.
A troupe of London actors will present William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" at Tucker Theatre announced the DNJ.
In a letter to the DNJ editor, a Murfreesboro resident criticized MTSU security for their handling of traffic after the Oakland-Riverdale football game. In a subsequent letter, another resident praised the efforts of MTSU security.
An article written in the Columbia Daily Herald states there is not a consortium set up allowing TSU and MTSU students to take classes at either school in a lawsuit that claims Tennessee has not done enough to desegregate it's colleges and universities.
The Manchester Times and Cannon Courier announced the sixth annual Danner Invitational Golf Tournament, an event that provides funds for the Neill-Sandler Scholars program at MTSU.
MTSU Homecoming activities were announced in the Manchester Times.
Dr. Stephen Lewis, BMOM, was interviewed by the DNJ concerning his deep, personal motivation for participating in the Rutherford County Heart Walk. Lewis has lost family members due to heart disease and has had a triple by-pass himself.
The DNJ announced MTSU's 88th birthday. Causes for celebration were a record fall enrollment and being the third largest public university in Tennessee.
If an agreement is not reached, a hearing may be scheduled next summer to evaluate the progress of a desegregation plan that sets targets for black and white enrollment, reported the Elizabethton Star.
To celebrate MTSU's first year in Division I-A, the SGA Homecoming Committee chose the theme "Football Fiesta: I-A All the Way," with a week of activities and fund-raisers to benefit Special Kids of Murfreesboro, reported the Murfreesboro Magazine.
The DNJ's News Maker column began its 4th year with a review of the 51 interviews which have appeared in the last year, including several with MTSU faculty.
The 18th annual "Salute to Veterans" was held during half-time at the first NCAA Division I-A football game, announced The Westview and Southern Standard.
An ROTC unit at MTSU hosted several activities during the annual "Salute to Veterans," reported the Lewis County Herald.
Representatives from MTSU will attend the annual college fair at Bradley Central High School, announced the Cleveland Daily Banner, and at McKenzie High, reported the McKenzie Banner.