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Basic and Applied gets $1.7M science grant
by Randy Weiler
MTSU’s College of Basic and Applied Sciences recently announced receiving
a National Science Foundation grant that will aid in “STEPping up
Undergraduate Research.”
That is the title of the proposal that is a five-year, $1.7 million grant,
said Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean, and principal investigator for the grant.
“The goal of STEPMT will be to increase significantly discovery-based
learning and undergraduate research in the science, technology, engineering
and mathematics disciplines at MTSU with the aim of improving student
retention,” Cheatham said.
STEPMT incorporates two acronyms to include the “S” in STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math) with TEP to make it the S(TEM)
Talent Expansion Program, he said.
The NSF funding will be in two major areas: curriculum innovations and
undergraduate research, he added.
“Most of the funding for curriculum innovations will be to help all
the STEM departments do what other STEM departments at MTSU are already
doing,” Cheatham said. “For example, physics and astronomy already
has developed a whole year sequence in discovery-based learning, and the
STEPMT grant will encourage the other STEM departments to do the same.”
In the area of undergraduate research, Cheatham said support would come
in the form of stipends for both “undergraduate students and some
faculty who work with those students during the academic year and for
summer research teams that will include a faculty member, an upper- and
lower-division research student, a high school science or math teacher
and a rising high school senior math or science student.”
The college learned about grant approval after Sept. 1, but it was retroactive
to that date, Cheatham said.
Co-principal investigators also include Drs. Andrienne Friedli, chemistry;
Bill Robertson, physics and astronomy; and Ginger Rowell, mathematical
sciences.
STEPMT has been incorporated into the monthly CBAS Teaching and Learning
Seminar Series, Cheatham said. It is held 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month in Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building Room 123.
Family Weekend set for Oct. 8-10
by Katie Peek
Excitement will resume this year for students and their families during
the 10th annual Family Weekend on Oct. 8-10.
Many of the student organizations have fun- and spirit-filled events planned
for students and visitors, said Becca Wilson, coordinator, student development.
“Family Weekend is designed to show families what life is like on
MTSU’s campus,” Wilson said. “We are also trying to provide
events for everyone to do as a family.”
Activities will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 with a picnic at Murphy Center.
Following at 7 p.m. will be the Fight Song Competition, Wilson said. Members
of student organizations will choreograph the song and dance show and
can only use words from MTSU’s Fight Song.
The main difference in this year’s Family Weekend is that the football
game will be played at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 instead of at night, she said.
Oct. 9 events will include registration from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Walnut
Grove; the 10:45 a.m. Raider Walk, in which the Band of Blue and the football
team will enter the stadium; and the 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. pregame tailgate
parties, which will be held in Walnut Grove, Greenland Drive parking lots,
Alumni Drive and other parking areas. Tailgating will feature The Return,
a Beatles tribute band; Alpha Omicron Pi’s Smoke Arthritis Charitable
BBQ; MTSU Band of Blue; cheerleaders and Lightning.
At 8 p.m., “Cabaret” will be held in Tucker Theatre, and a concert
by the Baroque Southeast Period Instrument Ensemble will be held in the
Wright Music Building Music Hall.
At 11 a.m. Oct. 10, an ecumenical worship service will be held in the
WMB Music Hall.
Family Weekend is free for MTSU students. Packages for family members
are $30 per person ($25 for season ticket holders) for the weekend of
activities. T-shirts will be $12.
For information, call 615-898-2454 or go to mtsu.edu/~stuaff.
Katie Peek is a senior public relations major from Tullahoma.
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KERRY NARROWLY DEFEATS BUSH IN MOCK ELECTION—MTSU
senior Chris Carrick participates in a mock election in a voting booth
in the Keathley University Center lobby. Election official Janie Zambo
assists Carrick. Democrat John Kerry edged Republican President George
W. Bush by five votes in the American Democracy Project-sponsored
mock election at MTSU in mid-September. Kerry had 286 votes to Bush’s
281. The election was one of the events sponsored by the project to
spur political involvement and increase voter registration and participation
in the fall elections.
photo by J. Intintoli |
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COX AND HALL—Jason Cox is editor-in-chief,
and Kristin Hall is managing editor of Sidelines.
photo by Micah Miller |
Sidelines gets national recognition
Student newspaper gets new home
by Doug Williams
When Sidelines moves into its new home in the Bragg Mass Communication
Building later this month, it will mark the second big move of the fall
for the newspaper.
Sidelines was selected in mid-September as one of the top three Best All-Around
Non-Daily Newspapers in the country by the Society of Professional Journalists.
The selection was a significant move forward for the newspaper, a movement
that will continue, said Editor-in-Chief Jason Cox.
“We were very pleased to be selected as a finalist in the non-daily
newspaper category by the SPJ,” Cox said. “We feel that we have
made significant progress in putting out a very good newspaper, one that
is committed to aggressive and fair reporting.”
The Mark of Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in
student media ranging from television to magazines, was held in New York
City in September. The winner of the non-daily newspaper category was
The Hatchet of George Washington University.
Sidelines was nominated for the national award after winning the Best
All-Around Non-Daily Newspaper category in Region 12 at SPJ’s May
regional convention in Nashville. The newspaper also received first place
in Editorial Writing, and managing editor Kristin Hall won honorable mention
in the General Reporting category.
The Sidelines staff, now numbering 50, has been working hard for the past
two years to get to this point, Cox said. The newspaper has a strong management
team in Hall, news editor Erica Rodefer and state and local news editor
Nick Fowler, he said, adding that the move and new equipment should make
the newspaper even stronger.
“I think being in the mass communication building will be a major
asset to the newspaper,” Cox said. “We will be more visible
to the majority of students in our discipline, and I think will get more
involvement as a result.
“It is also a big asset to be nearer to the journalism faculty. As
a student, I feel I've gained as much being around faculty outside of
class. Mr. (Wendell) Rawls has provided insight and influence that has
been very helpful.”
Wendell Rawls Jr., professor, journalism, is publisher of Sidelines. Jeri
Lamb is business manager.
Cox said there is hope for Sidelines to advance to the daily category
and publish Monday through Thursday.
Currently, Sidelines publishes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
MTSU NIGHT AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY SCHEDULED OCT. 19
MTSU Night at the Grand Ole Opry has been planned for Oct. 19 with a show
that features country music artists Gretchen Wilson and Chely Wright.
A complimentary reception inside the Museum will be held at 5 p.m., and
the show will begin at 7 p.m.
Opry tickets are $29.50 per adult and $22.50 per child. Call the Opry
for tickets at 615-871-6779 and ask for the MTSU discount.
For more information, call 615-898-2922 or go to the Web site at www.mtalumni.com
and click “MTSU Night at the Opry.”
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FAIR PLANNED FOR OCT. 7 IN JUB
The annual MTSU Employee Benefits Fair will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct.
7 in the Tennessee Room.
Open to all MTSU employees, the event will showcase more than 50 vendors,
including health insurance, dental, life, 401k and 403b companies, banks,
long-term disability and long-term care companies, and more.
Several charitable organizations also will be present. Human Resource
Services will assist anyone who wants to make changes for the 2004 annual
enrollment/transfer period. The MTSU sick-leave bank also will have a
table. There will be refreshments and door prizes.
For more information, call 615-898-2929.
CHAMBER’S ‘RALLY ON MAPLE’ SET FOR OCT. 19 DOWNTOWN
This year's “Rally on Maple,” a mixer and pep rally for Rutherford
County Chamber of Commerce members and MTSU employees, will be held from
5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 19 to muster spirit for the MTSU vs. Idaho football game
at 2 p.m. Oct. 23.
The gathering place for the rally will be on Maple Street between College
and Lytle streets. Admission will be $5 per person.
The event will be sponsored by Main Street, The Daily News Journal and
Cavalry Banking with the support of numerous downtown businesses.
Disability awareness observed in October
John Harris is director of Disabled Student Services at MTSU.
Harris |
October is National Disability Awareness Month. Many universities will
conduct a variety of disability-related programs focusing primarily on
four areas: awareness and education, employment, contributions of disabled
persons and rights of persons with disabilities.
While many of these programs will highlight these areas to illustrate
the achievements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is important
that we focus on the individual as well. Individuals with disabilities
are people who have the same wants, needs and desires as non-disabled
individuals. They are looking for an opportunity in society.
On July 26, 1990, at the largest-attended presidential signing ceremony
in the Rose Garden, President Bush signed the ADA into law. It is one
of the most significant pieces of legislation signed by a president in
recent history. At that time, there were an estimated 43 million individuals
with disabilities. Today, there are about 57 million.
The ADA “guarantees the civil rights of persons with disabilities
in the United States. It provides protection from discrimination for individuals
on the basis of disability. The ADA extends civil rights protections for
people with disabilities to employment in the public and private sectors,
transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and
local government and telecommunication relay services.”
The law defines a “person with a disability” as “anyone
with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities, such as caring for one's self, performing
manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning
and working. In addition to those people who have visible disabilities—persons
who are blind, deaf or use a wheelchair—the definition includes people
with a whole range of invisible disabilities. These include psychological
problems, learning disabilities or some chronic health impairment such
as epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, cardiac problems, HIV/AIDS and
more.”
Since the passage of the ADA, the number of students with disabilities
has increased greatly. An estimated 10 percent of incoming freshmen have
a disability. Universities are responsible for designing programs to serve
these students so they can have equal opportunities. This means that traditional
classroom instruction may need to be altered without compromising or lowering
academic standards. It is important that students with disabilities have
equal access to education.
In 1990, 68 to 70 percent of disabled persons who wanted to work were
unable to find employment. Although that number hasn’t changed dramatically,
we are seeing a trend in universities that will create more employment
opportunities. Career and employment centers, job fairs and cooperative
education programs are working in conjunction with Disabled Student Services
offices. Businesses sponsor Mentoring Days to give individuals insight
to certain jobs, and federal agencies send representatives to universities
to interview persons with disabilities. The U.S. Social Security program
now is allowing people to get trial work experience without removing their
benefits. Prior to these programs, Vocational Rehabilitation was the only
route to employment for those with disabilities.
Many of us are aware of individuals with disabilities who have made contributions
to society. Two notable figures are President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
and Helen Keller. But remember, they were both exceptional people who
had great opportunities. Today, for those of us in the university setting,
our duty is to provide more disabled persons with such great opportunities.
Perhaps we at MTSU will build a Helen Keller or an FDR.
Individuals with disabilities have a right to seek an education at the
post-secondary level. Utilizing that right is the individual's choice.
As university service providers, we can impact the way they use their
education opportunities.
Since the signing of ADA, MTSU has played a vital role in educating and
creating opportunities for students with disabilities.
MTSU has a full-time Disabled Student Services staff and an ADA compliance
office funded by the university. Our university improves its facilities’
accessibility.
We provide updated adaptive technology and participate in national conferences
to stay abreast of the latest disability related issues.
During the month of October, as you read an article, attend a program
or view a feature story about disabilities, you should think about the
importance of your role in the success of individuals with disabilities.
As you continue to help them succeed, you are making a contribution to
our university and society.
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EXHIBIT OPENS AT ART BARN GALLERY—Above is
art from ”Local Motives.” It is an exhibit of diverse works
by 10 artists in seven states in the United States and is on display
through Oct. 15 in The Barn Gallery at MTSU. The exhibit, which opened
Sept. 20, features works by artists Sisavanh Phouthavon, Jon Swindler,
Lara Nguyen, Graham MacDougal, Eileen Macdonald, Dana Hargrove, Mike
Geno, Todd Frahm, Barb Bondy and Jarrod Houghton, who is an MTSU art
faculty adjunct. The public display is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday,
in the gallery. Admission is free. For information, call 615-898-2009.
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‘Blind People Should Not Vacuum’ features
Estelle Condra on Oct. 13
by Lisa L. Rollins
Condra |
A free 90-minute performance featuring Estelle Condra, “Blind People
Should Not Vacuum,” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in MTSU's
Tucker Theatre.
The program, which is being held in conjunction with Disability Awareness
Month, will be sponsored by VSA (Very Special Arts) Tennessee, the Department
of Speech and Theatre and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Lori Kissinger, executive director of VSA Tennessee and a speech and
theatre instructor, said “Blind People Shouldn't Vacuum” is
“an irreverent, humorous and insane dramatization of the life of
and with a blind person … (that) also reveals how people with disabilities
cope through laughter.”
The work was written by now Nashville-based Condra, who has studied speech
and drama in London and South Africa.
“Estelle is totally blind due to a hereditary disease known as retinitis
pigmentosa,” Kissinger said. “However, she stays active through
a variety of artistic pursuits including writing, teaching, speaking and
performing.”
Kissinger, who is a member of MTSU's Students with Disabilities Committee,
said that when asked to help present a program for October's Disability
Awareness Month activities, she thought of performance artist Condra.
“I have seen Estelle at work and thought she would be wonderful,”
Kissinger said. “Estelle was selected to do a command performance
for the prime minister of South Africa … (and) she was the creator
and teller of more than 400 stories for WPLN-FM radio.”
A native of South Africa, Condra also is co-author of “See the Ocean,”
an award-winning children's book about a blind girl named Nellie and her
two rowdy brothers who compete to see who can be the first to catch a
glimpse of the ocean while driving through the mountain fog.
Also at MTSU, Condra will conduct a 30-minute interactive session for
special education teachers, speech and theatre majors and others who are
interested. For more information, contact Kissinger at 615-898-2640.
West edits ‘History of Tennessee Arts’
by Doug Williams
West |
A recently released book examining significant trends in the development
and evolving importance of arts in Tennessee was edited by Dr. Carroll
Van West.
“A History of Tennessee Arts: Creating Traditions, Expanding Horizons”
includes essays from 76 writers from across the state and is co-sponsored
by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Tennessee Historical Society.
The introduction of the richly illustrated book was written by First Lady
Andrea Conte, wife of Gov. Phil Bredesen.
“This project developed out of a partnership of scholars, artist
and arts devotees who gave their energy and time to documenting . . .
statewide, national and international contributions to the arts and culture,”
said West, director of the Center for Historic Preservation. “The
book is broad in its scope and reach. We look back to the Native American
origins of the arts in Tennessee and look forward to some of the most
significant trends of the late 20th century.”
The unique book project, which was published by the University of Tennessee
Press, has been planned for several years. Since this was the first time
anyone had taken on the ambitious task of documenting and researching
the arts in Tennessee, the project took longer than originally expected.
However, the final product was worth the wait, said Rich Boyd, executive
director or the Tennessee Arts Commission.
“This book is a celebration of our cultural heritage and recognition
of the creative individuals who proudly call themselves Tennessee artists,
past and present,” Boyd said. “It is also a record of who we
are as a people and how the arts have been, and continue to be, such an
important part of our lives.
“The completion of this project documents the commission’s gratitude
to the thousands of Tennessee artists who have created our cultural heritage
and our commitment to the artists of today, who are imagining, creating,
producing and writing their own history.”
For information, go to www.utpress.org. For ordering information, call
1-800-621-2736.
Psychology chair named
Dr. Dennis R. Papini joins MTSU
by Lisa L. Rollins
Papini |
Dr. Dennis R. Papini recently joined MTSU as the new chairman of the
Department of Psychology.
Prior to joining MTSU, Papini served as a professor of psychology at Western
Illinois University from 1990 to 2004. During his tenure at WIU, he taught
supervised undergraduate research and senior honors projects and taught
graduate-level courses, including advanced developmental psychology, current
research in psychology and research methodology, as well as undergraduate
courses in child development, adulthood and aging, and adolescent development,
among other topics.
Regarding his new role as professor and chairman of MTSU's psychology
program, Papini said, “I am fortunate to serve as chairman of a department
that understands the value and importance of strategic planning, is willing
to engage in critical self-analysis in an effort to aide improvement,
and maintains a continuous emphasis on providing students with appropriately
challenging academic experiences in and out of the classroom.
“My job is to help weave these values into a coherent academic ethos
that provides students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to achieve,”
he said.
A native of Peoria, Ill., Papini earned his B.S. degree in psychology,
graduating with high honors, from WIU in 1979 and his M.A. and Ph.D. in
life-span developmental psychology from West Virginia University. Papini
replaces MTSU's interim psychology chairman, Dr. Harold Whiteside, who
took over the department's leadership role upon the retirement of former
chairman Dr. Larry W. Morris, who served on the MTSU psychology faculty
from 1969 to 2003.
The recipient of numerous research grants and academic honors, including
a 2003 Professional Achievement Award for superior research and teaching
at WIU, Papini said he was tempted to leave his former tenured position
for MTSU for a couple of key reasons.
“I was initially attracted by the academic vitality of the department;
only later did I realize that this was at least in part—perhaps large
part—a reflection of the institution's executive leadership,”
he said.
Papini now oversees MTSU's psychology department, which has 43 tenured
or tenure-track faculty members, about 650 undergraduates and 200-plus
graduate students.
Prior to his professorship at WIU, Papini also served as an associate
professor of human development and family studies at the University of
Arkansas in Fayetteville, 1987-1990, and as an assistant professor of
psychology at Southeast Missouri State University, 1983-1986. He is a
member of a number of professional organizations, including the Association
for Gerontology in Higher Education, the Midwest Psychological Association,
Southwestern Society for Research on Human Development, Gerontology Society
of America, Society for Research in Child Development and Society for
Research on Identity, among others.
Papini lives in Murfreesboro with wife Karen and daughter Natalie.
Sauls, Ward assume new positions
Nursing associates named
by Randy Weiler
Sauls |
Ward |
The appointments of Drs. Jenny Sauls and Karen Ward to associate positions
in the School of Nursing were announced recently by Dr. Lynn Parsons,
director.
Sauls accepted the appointment of associate director for on ground programs,
while Ward was selected to be the associate director for online programs,
Parsons said. Both were effective Sept. 2.
“Dr. Sauls is committed to undergraduate education and is frequently
cited by students for ‘making a real difference in their lives,’”
Parsons said of Sauls’ promotion. “She was selected through
a national competitive process to be an Academic Leadership Fellow through
the American Association of College of Nursing in 2003. She is a past
recipient of the MTSU Foundation Award for ‘Outstanding Educator.’”
Sauls, who joined the MTSU faculty in 1992, is a 1981 graduate of MTSU’s
associate degree program. She received her master’s in nursing administration
from Vanderbilt University and doctor of science in nursing with a focus
on nursing education from the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2000.
Sauls is certified in medical-surgical nursing through the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, Parsons said, adding that Sauls’ primary practice
area is critical care nursing.
Ward, who joined the faculty in 1995, has been the registered nurse to
bachelor of science in nursing coordinator since 1999. A year later, the
program went 100 percent online, Parsons said.
“Since going online, the RN to BSN program has realized a greater
than 200 percent increase in enrollment,” Parsons said. “Many
RNs have shared that the program is perfect for their busy lives—
caring for families, maintaining full-time employment and being able to
attend school at 3 a.m.”
Ward earned her master of science in nursing from Vanderbilt, with a focus
on psychiatric-mental health nursing, and her doctorate from Cornell University
in Ithaca, N.Y., in 1988, with her major field of study in developmental
psychology and two minor fields in social development and psychology-nutrition.
Ward has received an award from the MTSU Division of Continuing Studies
for her work with distance education, Parsons said, adding that Ward is
certified in online instruction through the Learning Resources Network.
Myers wins first place in CPA manuscript contest
by Tom Tozer
Myers |
For the third consecutive year, an MTSU accounting student in the Jennings
A. Jones College of Business placed first in the Tennessee Society of
CPAs Manuscript Contest.
Cortney Myers, who received her master's degree in accounting and information
systems in August, succeeds MTSU graduates Denise Leggett and Brian Carver,
also top winners in the 2003 and 2002 contests.
Dr. John Wermert, Myers' sponsoring professor, offered the opportunity
of competing to his advanced auditing class. Myers was the only student
who applied.
“I felt good about what I wrote, but you never know about the competition,”
Myers said. “I was shocked and surprised.”
“Cortney expressed an interest in writing, so I recommended that
she participate in the competition,” Wermert said. “While other
students were relaxing during their winter break, she was busy working
on her manuscript. She certainly deserves this award.”
Myers' eight-page manuscript is titled “How Have Recent Regulations
Impacted the Accounting Profession and What Will Be the Ongoing Effects?”
The topic was assigned in her class, and she focused on the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, which was enacted following several cases of massive fraud in the
industry. The law prevents someone who is consulting with a company to
serve as that same firm's accountant. It forces large companies to utilize
independent accounting.
Myers received her undergraduate degree in accounting from Lipscomb University,
and she came to MTSU because she wanted to be closer to home.
“The AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
accreditation really carries a lot weight,” Myers said. “I've
had a great education here. The accounting department is committed to
getting the most recent information to you, of incorporating computer
use and also application use as much as possible. I've had good training.”
“This speaks very well of our accredited program,” said Dr.
Jim Burton, business dean. “Congratulations to Cortney and to our
excellent faculty who mentored her.”
The Jones College at MTSU is one of only 467 colleges and schools of business
worldwide to have attained the AACSB accreditation. The undergraduate
program was first accredited in 1977, and the graduate program followed
in 1983. Both were re-accredited in 2001.
Dr. Paula Thomas, accounting chairwoman, said she was delighted that MTSU
has had three consecutive winners in the manuscript competition.
“Cortney certainly illustrates the quality of our program and our
graduates, and this accomplishment shows the dedication of our faculty
to work with our students,” Thomas said.
Myers, who wants to go into public accounting, will receive a commemorative
plaque and a $500 cash award at the fall meeting of the Tennessee Society
of CPAs on Oct. 19. Her paper also will be published in the Tennessee
CPA Journal. She is the daughter of Martin and Dianne Myers of Franklin.
JUDGING THE TAILGATE CONTEST—Judge
Suma Clark, director of publications and graphics, points to one of
the items on a table during the Blue Bolt Tailgate Contest in 2003.
The contest will be held again this year as one of the many Homecoming
activities.
photo by Ken Robinson |
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Join this year’s ‘Monster Bash’
by Tonya Johnson
MTSU Homecoming 2004’s “Monster Bash” theme has special
treats in store, and alumni, friends and fans are encouraged to return
to campus to celebrate the event Blue Raider style Oct. 25-30.
The activities planned for this year include all of the familiar favorites
with some great additions that are sure to become popular among the university’s
family, friends and fans.
“‘Monster Bash’ Homecoming is the perfect time for family
and friends to reunite on campus for a spirit-filled weekend of Blue Raider
fun,” said Michelle Stepp, assistant director, alumni relations.
“There’s something for everyone, and we’re ready to welcome
our family back home for the making of more MTSU memories.”
The festivities kick off Oct. 25 with a T-shirt swap that continues through
Oct. 29.
Students can visit the Alumni Center any day of the week between 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m. to trade a T-shirt from another school for a free MTSU shirt
to replace it. All shirts collected will be donated to local charities.
A new event on Oct. 27, the Great Pizza Pass-Out, will offer Greek and
student organization alumni a peek at the floats that will be displayed
in the Oct. 30 Homecoming Day parade. Alumni should meet at the Alumni
Center at 8 p.m. to visit the float sites and dish out pizza to the hungry
students finishing their floats.
At 12:30 p.m. Oct. 29, the newest members will be inducted into the Golden
Raiders Society, which honors alumni who graduated from or attended MTSU
50 or more years ago. After the ceremony and luncheon, guests will have
the chance to see how much has changed with a campus bus tour led by current
students.
At 7 p.m. Oct. 29, the annual Pigskin Pregame will take place at the Emmett
and Rose Kennon Sports Hall of Fame. Pigskin Pregame will feature music,
food and fun. All proceeds benefit the Rutherford County Scholarship Fund.
The week ends on Oct. 30, with many fun alumni activities planned. A free
continental breakfast and open house at the Alumni Center will be offered
at 8 a.m., followed by the Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Aaron Todd
will serve as grand marshal, and the Golden Raiders and Baby Raiders will
be featured participants. Complimentary parade seating will be available
near the Alumni Center on South Tennessee Boulevard.
After the parade around 11:15 a.m., alumni and friends are encouraged
to attend the Raider Walk in Walnut Grove as the football team makes a
special pregame appearance.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30, food will be available under a big
tent in Walnut Grove. Tailgating crews will be on hand before the 2 p.m.
kickoff to compete in the Blue Bolt Tailgate Contest. New Mexico State
visits MTSU in the football game.
For information, visit mtalumni.com or call 615-898-2922.
Community Trick or Treat Fest now part of festivities
by Lesley Seaver
One Homecoming event that is getting a lot of attention is the new Community
Trick or Treat Fest, Costume Contest and T-Shirt Swap set for 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 26.
“This is something that has never been done before,” Homecoming
Director Michael Shirley said. “It's a new event designed to replace
the Chili Cook-off and go with Halloween.”
Shirley created this event himself and has been planning the activities
surrounding it for quite some time. It goes with this year's Homecoming
theme, “Monster Bash.” He said this event is aimed at students,
alumni and especially the community.
“It's an opportunity for people in the community to bring their children
somewhere safe and fun to trick or treat and get excited for Homecoming,”
he said.
The fest will feature booths with different themes, each set up by student
organizations. The children will be able to go to each booth to trick
or treat in their costumes. They also will have the opportunity to get
autographs and have their picture taken with MTSU athletes.
All the children in costumes will be eligible for the Costume Contest.
First-place winners will be The Best Blue Raider Boy and Girl costume.
They each will receive sideline passes for the football game against Utah
State. The boy also will be allowed to stay on the field with the football
team during the game, and the girl will get to cheer with the MTSU cheerleaders.
Second- place winners will carry the crowns onto the field for the Homecoming
king and queen during halftime.
The T-Shirt Swap will be going on during the fest as well as throughout
the week.
Other activities at the fest include a petting zoo, face painting and
food. The booths will be judged as part of the Homecoming week competition
for the student organizations.
In addition to Homecoming week, the annual Fight Song competition will
be held on Oct. 8 during Family Weekend. It still will be considered a
Homecoming event.
For questions concerning Homecoming, call 615-898-2537 or go to www.mtalumni.com.
Major conference scheduled here Oct. 23
Association for Childhood Education International
state chapter sponsors event
by Lisa L. Rollins
MTSU will serve as host for “Educating the Next Generation,”
a major conference slated for Oct. 23, that will focus on some of the
state's most relevant issues concerning children.
Sponsored by the Tennessee chapter of the Association for Childhood Education
International (ACEI), the conference for educators and preservice teachers
will feature more than 50 informational sessions on topics such as issues
of special education, children's health, curriculum development and multi-age
classrooms, as well as hands-on technology training for educators.
“Local curriculum specialists helped to plan the conference agenda
… (and) some of the major issues facing Tennessee children will be
addressed. The sessions are directly related to Tennessee's children,”
said Dr. Kathy Burriss, professor, elementary and special education. Each
session will be led by internationally recognized administrators, teachers
and educational specialists.
The Oct. 23 event will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be
preceded by an Oct. 22 preconference at the Homer Pittard Campus School.
“The preconference will highlight children's health and wellness
in the public school environment, building and maintaining a nature trail
and integrating learning across the curriculum,” she said.
In addition to public school teachers, day care and home school providers,
Burriss said college students pursuing education and child-related programs
of study also are welcomed to attend. “There are special sessions
just for them,” she said.
Maryland-based ACEI is “well established internationally but a new
organization for Tennessee educators,” Burriss said.
According to the ACEI's Web site, the organization's mission is “to
promote and support in the global community the optimal education and
development of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to
influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others
who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.”
For ACEI information or for a conference registration form, visit www.uu.edu/personal/acliffor/TACEI/
tacei.htm or contact Burriss at kburriss@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2323. The
pre-registration deadline is Oct. 8.
Rutherford County College Night slated Oct. 11
in Murphy Center
The annual Rutherford County College Night will be held in Murphy Center
6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 11, an admissions official said. The free event will
be held on the track level.
Jay Stallings, assistant director, admissions, said between 50 and 60
colleges and universities will have admissions representatives available.
“This is open to students and their families,” Stallings said.
“We target it to juniors and seniors, but it’s open to the public.”
Also, there will be representatives from area community colleges, Tennessee
Technology Center at Murfreesboro and the armed services, he said.
Representatives from MTSU financial aid and regional financial institutions
will answer questions. For information, call 615-898-2111.
Outback luncheon benefits scholars
Take the boss to lunch and support the Rutherford County Alumni Chapter
by eating at the Outback Steakhouse on Oct. 18.
Outback, 1968 Old Fort Pkwy., will serve MTSU supporters at 11 a.m., noon
and 1 p.m. The tickets are $10, and Outback will donate that cost to the
local scholarship fund.
More than $50,000 has been donated to the chapter during the past two
years.
For information or to make reservations, go to www.mtsu.edu/~alumni/ outback_rsvp.htm.
MTSU Theatre season announced through the spring
The 2004-2005 MTSU Theatre season has begun with shows slated through
spring.
The season’s first show, “Cabaret,” will be performed in
Tucker Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7-8.
Tickets for “Cabaret” are on sale at the Theatre & Dance
Ticket Office, inside the BDA building. Office hours are noon-4 p.m.,
Monday-Friday. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Adult admission is
$8; admission for MTSU employees and senior citizens is $6. K-12 admission
is $4. MTSU students are admitted free with a valid I.D. For reservations,
call 615-494-8810.
Later in the fall, master playwright Anton Chekhov’s classic dark
comedy “The Sea-Gull” will be featured in Tucker Theatre. “The
Sea-Gull” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-13 and 17-20 and
at 2 p.m. Nov. 14. A high-school matinee is also set for 9:30 a.m. Nov.
19.
In the spring semester, performers will entertain area families and school
children with a youth production of “Conestoga Stories,” a play
about the pioneer westward movement along the Oregon Trail. It will be
performed during matinees for grade-schoolers in late February 2005 and
for the general public at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 26, 2005, in Tucker Theatre.
Eric Bogosian’s “subUrbia,” which is geared toward MTSU
students, will be presented in Tucker Theatre at 7:30 p.m. April 1-2 and
6-9, 2005, with a matinee at 2 p.m. April 3.
The season also will include a performance by MTSU Dance Theatre under
the new leadership of Kim Neal Nofsinger, assistant professor, speech
and theatre. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. April 21-23, 2005.
A theatrical fund-raiser—”The Vagina Monologues,” by Eve
Ensler— is scheduled for February 2005.
For tickets, call MTSU Theatre & Dance Ticket Office at 615-494-8810.
Alan Jackson sings MTSU grad’s song
‘Monday Morning Church’ on star’s
CD
by Jackie Crumley
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SONGWRITER —MTSU graduate Erin Enderlin,
whose song has been recorded by country star Alan Jackson, visits
a recording studio on campus.
photo by J. Intintoli
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Imagine being a songwriter. Imagine being a 22-year-old songwriter. Imagine
being a 22-year-old songwriter with a song on country music star Alan
Jackson's new CD, “What I Do.”
Recent MTSU graduate Erin Enderlin doesn't have to imagine this scenario—she's
living it.
Originally from Arkansas, Enderlin moved to Murfreesboro to attend MTSU
as a recording industry major in 2000. She began sharing her musical talents
with faculty members, and they introduced her to songwriters and publishers
in Nashville. Enderlin graduated in May.
“The recording industry faculty is a big part of my success. They
go beyond the classroom to help their students achieve their best,”
said Enderlin.
They encouraged her to join songwriting organizations such as ASCAP, the
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, she said.
Enderlin worked with World House of Hits, a publishing company in Nashville,
as an unpaid associate for two years. Through her networking, Music Row
producers discovered one of her songs in 2002.
“Monday Morning Church,” co-written in 2001 with Brent Baxter,
was supposed to have been recorded by country music singer Lee Ann Womack,
but it was chosen by Jackson after Enderlin's publisher played the demonstration
recording for him in a Nashville restaurant, she said.
Jackson has told other media that the song—about a man surviving
his wife or partner's death and how he is angry with God— gives him
“chill bumps” when he hears it.
In a Sept. 12 Reuters story, writer Deborah Evans Price called “Monday
Morning Church” “one of the most potent ballads in country music
since George Jones' ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’”
Enderlin's song, with Patty Loveless singing harmony, will be the next
single from Jackson's new album, according to Reuters.
Currently, Enderlin is writing for World House of Hits, and now, she's
on the payroll. She signed a publishing deal shortly after Jackson recorded
her song.
Enderlin, who also sings and plays the guitar, recently received an artist
development deal from RCA Records in Nashville, too. The production deal
with RCA will allow her the opportunity to record three songs to be reviewed
for a record deal.
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