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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE--Dr. Robert Eaker, interim executive vice president and provost, discusses MTSU's academic future with Dr. Diane Miller, interim vice provost.
photo by Ken Robinson |
Students get Eaker's focus
by Angela Cannon Hayes
Addressing student needs, enhancing the learning environment and serving the MTSU faculty are all primary goals of newinterim executive vice president and provost, Dr. Robert Eaker.
Eaker, former dean of the College of Education, is serving as interim executive vice president and provost while a national search is conducted to fill the permanent position.
MTSU President Sidney McPhee appointed Eaker to fill the interim position when the president announced the university's reorganization plan last month. The new Office of Executive Vice President and Provost consolidates the duties of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and an executive vice president position, which has been vacant for several years.
"I'm obviously flattered Dr. McPhee has the confidence in me to ask me to do this," Eaker said.
The new interim executive vice president and provost says he'll carry out McPhee's goals and the vision that the president has for the university.
"Beyond that, I'm trying to focus on the core mission of the university--to educate the students," Eaker said. "When students choose to come to MTSU, that means they deserve to be taught by a confident, competent faculty member."
They deserve clean classrooms, excellent advising, and classes offered in an appropriate and timely manner, Eaker said. If they live on campus, they deserve safe, clean dorms.
Once these needs have been addressed, other matters will be prioritized, Eaker said. Public service and research are some of the priorities.
"We do a really good job. I think we want to do a great job," he said. "I think we can always improve.
"I'm going to try to focus on the way we budget resources," Eaker said.
While the university has more needs and desires than resources, Eaker will work with McPhee to implement a plan that focuses on the goals that need immediate attention. Concerns which need addressing will require a collaborative relationship among the vice presidents.
"We're all here to serve each other and serve the students. We all should be approachable. We all have the same purpose," he said.
Eaker is in a new position created to reflect the environment of tremendous growth at the university. Prior to taking on the responsibilities of the interim position, Eaker was teaching graduate courses in the College of Education and Behavioral Science "and loving it, by the way," he said.
He was surprised by his appointment to the interim position by McPhee. "I was not aware Dr. McPhee was reorganizing the executive staff," Eaker said. "I was shocked when he asked me to fill this new position of interim executive vice president."
This year marks Eaker's 30th anniversary at MTSU after joining the faculty in the College of Education in 1972. He served as dean of the college from July 1986 to July 1998. Eaker and his wife Star have two daughters.
Eaker received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chattanooga, Master of Education degree from UT-Chattanooga, and doctorate degree in education from the University of Tennessee.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Diane Miller named interim vice provost
by Angela Cannon Hayes
Dr. Diane Miller is now overseeing the day-to-day operations of Academic Affairs in her new role as interim vice provost.
Miller joins Dr. Robert Eaker in his role as interim executive vice president and provost following his appointment by MTSU President Sidney McPhee. McPhee announced reorganization of the university administration last month.
"I'm very flattered and very humbled by the vote of confidence Dr. McPhee and Dr. Eaker have given me," Miller said.
Prior to her new duties, Miller has been professor of mathematical sciences at MTSU, arriving in 1993 as associate professor of mathematical sciences. She also has worked as director of professional development for mathematics in a partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and Tennessee State University. MTSU had "loaned" her for the project, she said.
In her responsibilities as interim vice provost, Miller works closely with the Chairs' Council, the Deans' Council, the Faculty Senate and others to ensure progress toward achieving the university's mission and goals. She wants to carry on the tradition of quality programs for students.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve MTSU in this role and am looking forward to working with the deans, chairs and faculty to help MTSU reach the next level of academic excellence," Miller said.
Before arriving at MTSU, Miller served at Texas Tech University; a research center in Australia affiliated with Curtin University in Perth, Australia; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; University of Missouri, Columbia; and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. At UMC, she was associate director of undergraduate studies in the College of Education. She received her bachelor of science degree from UT-Knoxville, master of science degree from Memphis State University, Ed.S. from Arkansas State and Ph.D. from University of Missouri, Columbia.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
'Open Line' features McPhee
by Doug Williams
MTSU student-run television and radio station officials are announcing a new live program with President Sidney McPhee that will give students, faculty and community members the opportunity to call in questions about the university.
"Open Line with President McPhee" will be a one-hour program that will be simulcast on MTTV-Channel 10 and WMTS-FM. It will originate from the MTTV studio in the Bragg Mass Communication Building on campus. The three-series special can be seen live at 8 p.m. March 12, April 16 and May 7.
"This simulcast will be broadcast to all of Rutherford County on cable and radio," said Terra Grant, general manager at MTTV-Channel 10. "It will give students, or anyone in the audience, the opportunity to talk to President McPhee live on the air."
Since becoming MTSU president last year, McPhee has spent a large portion of his time meeting with student groups, colleges and divisions on campus and community groups.
"I appreciate the initiative the students have shown putting together this show," McPhee said. "They said they wanted a forum where we could discuss any issues involving the university, so I'm sure I will have to be on my toes.
"I think it is important to give students, and others in the community I may not have met, the opportunity to ask about MTSU. There are many challenges facing higher education. I believe answering people's questions is the best way to garner support for what we are trying to do."
MTTV-Channel 10 has been working hard to produce new programming and "Open Line with President McPhee" should be a good first effort, said Bob Pondillo, faculty sponsor for the station. Channel 10 reaches nearly 45,000 households in southern Nashville and Rutherford County on Comcast Cable.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Students, faculty, community talk to the president
by LaTrina Mims
Senior Lynne Gratteau, public relations, is among the students who are excited about the opportunity to talk with MTSU President Sidney McPhee on "Open Line with President McPhee."
"It will give students a direct line to voice their opinions rather than going through all the middlemen," Gratteau said. "It's showing students that the president is actually concerned."
Senior Kristy Dorsey, journalism, agreed. But Dorsey did express some concern. "I hope people won't use it to gripe about their personal problems with the university," Dorsey said.
Freshman Cayce Pedigo said many freshmen will take advantage of the chance to ask McPhee questions. "It's important for freshmen because we don't always know where to start to find information," Pedigo said.
Some students admit they may not take advantage of the opportunity.
Freshman Seth Boyd said the talk show could help people who are curious, but it isn't necessarily a method he would use to get answers.
"I think some freshmen would use it, but I can get answers to my questions from people I work with in Financial Aid, " Boyd said.
The program is designed to serve faculty as well.
Dr. Teresa Mastin, assistant professor, journalism, said the show can be a success if it is "balanced with positive and negative issues."
"Shows like this usually get callers who are really positive or who are really angry," Mastin said, adding she doubts many of the calls will come from faculty.
"There are means established in which the faculty can interact with or voice their concerns to the president, such as the Faculty Senate," Mastin said. "I feel students may find it more useful rather than faculty."
Community members also are expected show their support.
"I certainly think the community would have interest in this type of program," Steve Benefield, president, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, said.
Benefield sees McPhee's involvement in the community as testimony of the bilateral relationship the university and community share.
"What benefits the community helps the university, and what benefits the university helps the community," Benefield said.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
FOR THE RECORD
Go online to read MTSU's Record
 Lynch |
The heady optimism over the future of the Internet had reached its crescendo by early 1999 and the dot com bubbles were heading for a patch of thorns. The January 1999 edition of The Record reported that the new library had opened and Virginia McKnight had been named Secretarial/Clerical Employee of the Quarter. That same month, The Record went online. Most of the paper versions of that edition have long since been recycled, but the online editions are still there, a readily accessible reference to MTSU's progress over the past three years.
There are now 79 editions of The Record online, including this one. All the articles and photographs are there. They're accessible (and searchable) from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the first online edition, we have received thanks from places as far away as Alaska, England, Thailand and South Africa. According to statistics from the Office of Information Technology, each online edition receives more than 1,000 visits.
The online publication takes full advantage of the power of hypertext.
You may have noticed the highlights that pop up at the bottom of the MTSU home page. Each highlight is linked to a story in The Record.
A companion piece, The Record Plus, is sent by e-mail every two weeks to MTSU alumni, staff and friends. Each abbreviated story in the e-mail version is linked to the complete version online.
One of the great benefits of the digital revolution is that it has helped us to eliminate so much duplication of effort. The online edition of The Record takes advantage of that efficiency.
The staff in the Office of News and Public Affairs spends many hours writing and proofing the information that goes into the printed edition.
Text from the printed version is exported to the Web version, eliminating the need to rewrite and proof the same information.
Photographs are also re-used. File sharing via the campus network allows high-resolution photographs used on the front page of the printed edition to be resized and re-used in the Web edition.
Although some institutions have eliminated printed versions of their newsletter entirely, the Web and e-mail editions of The Record are not viewed as replacements, but companions to the printed edition.
Each version has its distinct advantages.
You can subscribe online to the e-mail edition by going to http://www.mtsu.edu/~listadm/ and clicking on "Subscribe/Unsubscribe to Lists." Fill in the short form and "Sub" (subscribe) to either MTSUALUM-L or MTSUNEWS-L.
If that seems a bit complicated, just e-mail jlynch@mtsu.edu and type, "help."
John Lynch is a director in the Office of Vice President for Development and University Relations.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
SHOW TAPED HERE--"Inside
Edition" taped a show on lip-syncing recently at MTSU, and it aired Feb.
8 on WTVF-TV. Dr. Rich Barnet, professor, recording industry, was interviewed
regarding ethics in the music industry. Matt Meagher also interviewed
Doug Mitchell, associate professor, recording industry, who demonstrates
lip-syncing techniques, left. Taping the show is Tom Zaleski.
photo by Ken Robinson
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Windham lecture features Alexander
by Lisa L. Rollins
Renowned actress Jane Alexander, a four-time Oscar nominee and the recipient of both Tony and Emmy awards, will visit MTSU at 7 p.m. March 4 as the featured guest of the 2002 William and Westy Windham Lecture Series in Liberal Arts.
"An Evening with Jane Alexander: From Broadway to Hollywood to Washington" is the title of the free presentation that--for the first time ever-- will also be part of the Division of Student Affairs' Distinguished Visiting Scholars Series.
Alexander's 40-minute talk, which will take place in the JUB's Tennessee Room, will conclude with a 20-minute question-and-answer session from audience members.
"March 4 will be a big day in the life of the College of Liberal Arts," said Dr. John McDaniel, dean. "Jane Alexander is a national figure. She has a broad constituency, and she has topics that are going to be of interest to adults of all ages. She has a great variety of experiences to tell us about, both from the point of view of her acting and from her time in the Clinton administration as chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
"That was a really dicey time in the history of politics in Washington," McDaniel said, referring to Alexander's 1993-97 NEA tenure, which coincided with the Newt Gingrich Congress and its attempts to cut arts funding.
"As you may remember, the NEA came under intense scrutiny at that time," McDaniel continues. "The Gingrich Congress was not happy with some of the grants that were being given to (Robert) Mapplethorpe and others who were creative, daring and challenging good old family virtues. Jane Alexander was right in the middle of that; what a time to be in Washington."
Aside from attending "her share of protest marches" in the 1960s and 1970s, Alexander had never been involved in mainstream politics until former President Clinton tapped her to head the embattled NEA. The film and Broadway actress ultimately accepted the challenge and, by all accounts, did a gutsy job of protecting the NEA at a time when a Republican-led Congress cut its funding from $166 million to $98 million.
Alexander has penned a book about her tumultuous foray into the political arena for the sake of art--"Command Performance: An Actress In the Theatre of Politics," in which she incorporates her own wit and a D.C. outsider's perspective with an actor's knack for detail.
Married to director/producer Ed Sherin, the New York-based Alexander's stage credits include "The Great White Hope," "Shadowlands" and "The Sisters Rosenzweig." She has starred in films such as "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Eleanor and Franklin," "Testament" and "All the President's Men."
"It's very exciting to us to have her right here in Murfreesboro with us to share those moments with us," said McDaniel.
"We hope to treat her with so much dignity that she will want to come back again, and it's going to be a wonderful evening with Jane Alexander--that's why we have billed it that way," he adds. "We want people to come, ask questions and take full advantage of having a person like Ms. Alexander on our campus."
This year's Windham lecture was coordinated by the college's fine arts division. The Windham Lecture Series in Liberal Arts was established in 1990 through the MTSU Foundation. Dr. William Windham was a member of the MTSU history department's faculty from 1955 to 1989, where he served as the department chairman during the last 11 years. Westy Windham (1927-1991) earned a master's degree in sociology at MTSU and founded the Great American Singalong. For more information, contact the College of Liberal Arts at 615-898-2534.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Crayola®Dream-Makers® invites K-6 participation
by Lisa L. Rollins
Because the visual arts are an essential part of every child's development, the MTSU art department has teamed with Crayola® to locally sponsor the Crayola® Dream-Makers® exhibit.
Dr. Shirley H. Yokley-Witzel, associate professor, art, will oversee the K-6 exhibition at MTSU as well as the Southeast region's entries for Crayola©. In addition to Tennessee, this region includes Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Yokley-Witzel has extended this region's Feb. 15 entry deadline until March 1.
Judging for the exhibition will take place in mid-March. At that time, 40 entries will be selected for inclusion in an art exhibition in May in MTSU's Art Barn Gallery. The chosen entries will be framed by the exhibition's sponsor, Binney & Smith. Additionally, other exhibits of submitted works will take place in various local places.
"The 40 young artists whose works are chosen and their parents and teachers will receive special invitations to the awards ceremony that will be open to the public," said Yokley-Witzel. "This event will prompt a time of celebration of the visual arts in children's education for students, parents, teachers and others who are interested in the arts in the Southeastern region.
"Hands-on art-making activities will intersperse a variety of musical, theatrical and dance events," she said, regarding the local May exhibition. "The art education program at MTSU hopes to make this a very special celebration of the importance of all the arts to high quality education."
"Drawing on Character" will be the theme and guide in this year's Crayola© Dream-Makers©, which will take place throughout the program's five designated regional sites, including MTSU, as well as at youth museums across the United States.
Art activities found in the Crayola® Dream-Makers® online teacher's guide can provide K-6 students with a starting point, said exhibition sponsors. This 12-lesson guide and Crayola® Dream-Makers® entry forms and guidelines are available online at www.crayola.com.
Student artwork should be sent to Dr. Shirley H. Yokley-Witzel at the MTSU Art Department, P.O. Box 25, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132. For additional questions, contact Yokley-Witzel at 615-904-8085 or by e-mail at syokley@mtsu.edu.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
$300K grant helps women stop smoking
by Tom Tozer
In the year 2000, more than 13,000 babies in Tennessee were born to women who smoked. It is well documented that tobacco use during pregnancy is directly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, reports Dr. Jo Edwards, Adams Chair of Excellence in HealthCare Services.
Help for these women and their unborn children has come in the form of a $300,000 grant from the Mission Investment Opportunities Program (MIOP) to MTSU's Center for Health and Human Services in partnership with the Tennessee State Chapter of the March of Dimes.
Beginning this year, the grant will be distributed over a three-year period and will be used to launch a smoking-cessation project to educate pregnant women in the state. The program will provide appropriate resources to help women quit the habit and offer support through various health care providers.
"Research has shown that smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of low birth weight, premature births, abnormal blood pressure, cancer-causing agents in infants' blood, respiratory disorders, asthma, eye problems and childhood leukemia," Edwards said. The research suggests also that an infant is more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if the mother smokes, she added.
Edwards, who will serve as principal investigator on the project, said the goal is to increase the number of women in Tennessee who receive good information and proper counseling so that they will stop or reduce their smoking during pregnancy.
Drs. Peggy O'Hara Murdock and Norman Weatherby, professors, HPERS, will serve with Edwards on the interdisciplinary project team. For more information on the grant or the work of the university's Health and Human Services Center, contact Edwards at 615-898-2905.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Visit a Native American Powwow
by Georgia Dennis
| MC PERFORMS--Native American Festival and Powwow Master of Ceremonies Scott Crisp (Cherokee) is renowned for his interactive crowd-pleasing performances. |  |
A Native American Festival and Powwow will be presented March 2 and 3 in the Tennessee Livestock Center at MTSU.
The nonprofit event is being sponsored by several MTSU departments and organizations including MTSU Fine Arts, Multicultural Affairs, the Anthropology Program of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the MT Anthropology Society with support from the Student Activity Fee Fund. Proceeds from the event will be used to establish a scholarship for Native American students at MTSU.
The festival is an entertainment, educational, cultural and social opportunity for the entire family and people of all ages. Lectures and demonstrations on Native American life and culture will be presented throughout each day. Entertainment will include dancers, drum and singing groups, musicians, artisans, storytellers and craft and skill demonstrations.
Three drum and singing groups will perform: Grey Wolf Singers, Northern style from Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian; Shadow Wolf Singers, Southern style from Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama; and Medicine River Singers, Eastern Woodland style from West Tennessee.
Dancer Vicki Standingdeer from the Eastern Band of Cherokee will also perform. She is one of Cherokee's most-celebrated dancers and has won first place and/or been head dancer at more than 300 festivals. Master of Ceremonies Scott Crisp (Cherokee) is renowned for his interactive crowd-pleasing performances. He is a natural with children and in great demand as a professional MC.
There is plenty of free parking at the livestock center. March 2 entertainment and programs will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 9 p.m., with grand entries at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday's hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with grand entry at 1 p.m. Dozens of arts and crafts vendors will be open all day. Both fast food and Indian food will be available.
All tickets are general admission. Adult admission is $5, children's admission is $3, and toddlers are free. Group tickets are available for schools, seniors, singles clubs, Scouts, girls and boys clubs and youth groups.
For ticket information and reservations, call the MTSU Student Activities office at 615-898-2551. Visit the Web site http://www.mtsu.edu/~specevnt/ and click on "powwow."
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Science Olympiad attracts students
by Randy Weiler
Rutherford County high school chemistry teacher Larry Barnickle is sold on the concept of Science Olympiad, a fun way for high school and middle school boys and girls to compete on the academic playing field.
"It's a great academic opportunity for students to exhibit their talents," said Barnickle, science department chairman at Blackman High School. "Take (the event) 'Mission Possible.' The kids have to make 14 different things to accomplish one task."
For the seventh year, MTSU will serve as the host site for the Science Olympiad regional starting at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 at various campus locations. There will be team and individual events. In the competition, there will be a balance between events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts, processes, skills and science and math applications.
Other middle school events will include "Egg Drop," "Science Crime Busters," "Battery Buggy" and "Bottle Rocket." High school events will include "Polymer Detective," "Scrambler," "Reach for the Stars" and "Wright Stuff."
For more information, contact Dr. Pat Patterson at ppatters@mtsu.edu, 615-898-5085 or visit the Web site www.mtsu.edu/~collbas/scienceolympiad/.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Demomania! again
by Randy Weiler
Demomania! will snap, crackle and pop Feb. 21 for 300 chemistry and science students from Riverdale, Blackman and Cannon County high schools.
A community outreach program for the award-winning MTSU Chemistry Club, Demomania! will feature club members performing various scientific demonstrations and experiments. Demomania! 2002 will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the KUC Theater.
"In addition to demonstrations having the 'Wow!' factor, we're trying to present some chemical principles," said Dr. Gary White, associate professor, chemistry, and co-sponsor of the club with Dr. Andrienne Friedli, associate professor, chemistry.
"We will work with chemical or physical changes in cooking," Friedli said. "What makes egg whites foam? What makes ice cream smooth when ice is crunchy? Why does Jell-O gel?"
For more information, contact White at 615-898-2072 or Friedli at 615-898-2071.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
ENJOYING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM--Jennifer Stanley, director of the Campus School After School Program and MTSU's Evening Extended School Program, watches as some of the children begin making Chinese lanterns that will be part of the decorations for a parade. The children, from left, are kindergartners Shaun Cassidy, Nathan Ruttenbur and Rae McBee and first-grader Taylor Sanders.
photo by Ken Robinson
Kids like extended school EESP, CSASP programs offer fun, creativity
by Tom Tozer
After-school and evening programs offer fun, creativity and variety.
Two years ago, MTSU's Evening Extended School Program (EESP) opened its doors to K-8 youngsters who were children of MTSU faculty, staff and students. Today, EESP boasts 13 children. The Campus School After School Program (CSASP) followed EESP by a few months to serve all Campus School parents and their children. Today, CSASP has an enrollment of 26 boys and girls.
Both programs are a hit with kids and parents because it is warm, fuzzy, fun, safe and stuffed full of variety, they say. And while it is also reasonably priced, cost concerns take a back seat to these more important considerations.
EESP meets from 3:30 to 9 p.m., and CSASP is in session from 2:45 to 6 p.m., every Monday through Thursday at Homer Pittard Campus School, 923 E. Lytle Street. Program director is Jennifer Stanley, who is assisted by a professional staff and MTSU students.
"My son, John, loves it," said Diane Weaver, who is a relative newcomer to the program. "They have after-school programs and field trips. Sometimes they visit MTSU. I like the schedule. When school is out, they go immediately to EESP. I am really pleased with the how the staff relates to the children." Weaver added that she likes the small numbers in the classes, describing it as "more like a family."
Lisa Rollins, MTSU News and Public Affairs, is a single parent and has used the program since it began. Because it provided safe, loving care for her 7-year-old son, she was able to pursue and complete her Ed.S. degree--"something I simply could not have managed to do without dependable, affordable child care that was acceptable to me.
"My son enjoys going to the program, loves the staff and the other children," she said. "He asked me not to teach in the evenings one semester, so I didn't. Inside of three weeks that semester, he was asking me if I could start teaching again, because he missed EESP. ... It offers a healthy, confidence-building environment."
The staff often helps the children with their homework, "so he's not just sitting around waiting for mom to pick him up," Rollins said. "His creativity is spurred and he is mentored."
A visitor is at once impressed with the well-behaved children. Stanley says that's because there are lots of activities available, and there is something for everyone. The program recently received a Best of Parenting award from Rutherford Parent Magazine.
"I can't think of a better way for my children to spend their time outside of school while my wife and I are still at work," said Austin Cheney, director of MTSU's Concrete Industry Management program, whose son and daughter both attend CSASP. "The service provides reliable, safe care ... and a multitude of fun activities."
Dana Boehm's fifth-grade son, Wolfie, attends CSASP three days a week until about 4:30 p.m. "On several occasions when I have picked him up, he has asked to stay later," Boehm said. "He loves it. What impresses me about the program is that it is much more fun, more child-oriented."
CSASP and EESP are financed through parent fees, with assistance from MTSU. For more information, including cost, call Stanley at 615-904-8220.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Dyslexia center hopes to build on successes
by Doug Williams
The Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia has spent the last decade working to understand and treat dyslexia, a language disorder that affects almost one in 10 students in the United States, sometimes with devastating results.
During that time, the center has treated hundreds of children and now hopes to expand its reach to an even larger population by conducting professional workshops for teachers across the state.
"During a typical 12-month period, we complete 85-100 assessments of students," said Dr. Diane Sawyer, holder of the Katherine Davis Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies. "Unfortunately, this only scratches the surface of the students in Tennessee who have dyslexia. We hope to greatly expand the number of children identified by reaching more teachers and giving them strategies for teaching these students."
The center has planned 26 workshops in 14 areas across the state and hopes to reach more than 1,000 teachers in the half-day sessions. The workshops began Feb. 9 and will continue through April 13. Workshop information can be found at www.mtsu.edu/~dyslexia. Each workshop is free, but there is a $10 materials fee.
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
Race in new century discussed
by Sharon Fitzgerald
Acel Moore, columnist and member of the Editorial Board for the Philadelphia Inquirer, headlines a panel discussion Feb. 18 on racial issues in America's print and broadcast newsrooms.
 Moore |
"Race in the New Century: A View from the Newsroom" is scheduled for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in The State Farm Auditorium in the Business-Aerospace Building. The panel is a program of the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies and is sponsored in conjunction with MTSU's African-American History Month celebration. It is free and open to the public.
"Acel Moore is one of America's premier journalists and a conscience in his hometown of Philadelphia. His dedication to principles is unsurpassed," said Wendell Rawls, professor, journalism.
Rawls and Moore won a Pulitzer Prize in the late 1970s for an Inquirer series regarding abuse of inmates at a state hospital. In 1979, Moore was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University. A member of the Inquirer staff since 1962, Moore's columns focus on people and how they are affected by public policy, how they deal with social problems and what they do to make a difference.
As Inquirer associate editor, he's involved with recruitment, training and staff development. He is past president and founding member of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
* Moderator for the event will be Wanda Lloyd, executive director of the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University.
Other members of the panel are:
* Dwight Lewis, award-winning columnist and member of the Editorial Board for The Tennessean. Lewis has been at The Tennessean since 1971 and specialized in coverage of Tennessee's prison system.
* Lucas Johnson, newsman for the Associated Press Nashville Bureau for 10 years. A MTSU journalism graduate, Johnson launched a multicultural magazine, The Assertor, while a student.
* Sybril Bennett, reporter for NewsChannel 5 Network. Bennett has been a senior media relations officer and radio reporter at Vanderbilt University, a MTSU assistant professor in broadcast journalism, a columnist for Urban Flavor and a features reporter for WDCN's "Tennessee Crossroads."
The Record, February 18, 2002, V10.16
More events planned for February
by Gina Logue
A variety of events wrapping up the African-American History Month observance at MTSU follow the theme, "The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?"
For information, contact Dr. Adonijah Bakari, history, at 615-898-2536, or Ralph Metcalf, director, Office of Multicultural Affairs, at 615-898-2987, unless otherwise indicated.
Feb. 19: Dr. Bruce Bridges, a North Carolina-based historian and expert on African-American literature and history, 6 p.m., Tennessee Room, JUB.
Feb. 20: School Children's Lunch: African-American Women in Science; 11 a.m., Tennessee Room, JUB.
Feb. 20: Bryant Smith Lecture: "Recruit, Retrain, Empower"; 6:30 p.m., LRC, Room 221, with reception to follow in KUC, Room 322.
Feb. 21: Campus Tour: Go to High School, Go to College; 8 a.m.-3 p.m., KUC.
Feb. 21: Quiz Bowl, 3 p.m., LRC, Room 221.
Feb. 21: Elka Stevens Lecture: "Raising Our Consciousness"; 7 p.m., John Bragg Mass Communication Building, Room 103.
Feb. 22: Black Alumni Achievement Awards Banquet; 6 p.m., State Farm Room, BAS.
Feb. 26: NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet; 7 p.m., Tennessee Room; $20, adult; $13.50, student.
Feb. 27: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Field Trip; bus departs JUB parking lot at 7 a.m.; returns at 6:30 p.m.; "Four Little Girls," a documentary by filmmaker Spike Lee, will be shown en route; $10 refundable deposit is required.