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BERC work: Impact study shows 1 in 5 Nashville jobs linked to health care
by Valerie Nutt
Nashville's health care industry has a total economic impact of $18.3 billion in the region, according to a new MTSU Business and Economic Research Center economic impact study on Middle Tennessee.
"This study aids in identifying the trends and impact of the health care industry on the Nashville area," Dr. Murat Arik, BERC's associate director and the project's lead researcher, explained to representatives from the Nashville Health Care Council and their member companies at a Feb. 15 press conference.
Arik took center stage alongside Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell and NHCC Chairman Dr. Harry Jacobson to announce the current status, economic impact and future growth potential of Nashville's health care industry.
For the last 10 years, health care has been Nashville's fastest-growing industry. In 2004, nearly 155,000 jobs in the Metropolitan Statistics Area were in health care-about 22 percent, or slightly more than one in five, of the MSA's total non-farm employment.
"Dr. Arik and MTSU have done precisely what we needed done at this point," Purcell said. "This puts a clear face on exactly what's happened to Nashville in the last several years."
The new BERC study indicates that the numbers show more than a passing trend. The study projects that by 2012, six of the 10 fastest growing occupations in the Nashville MSA will be in health care. Nashville's Metropolitan Statistics Area also includes several counties adjoining Davidson, such as Rutherford and Williamson counties.
BERC began the health care cluster impact study in February 2005. Under the leadership of Arik and BERC director Dr. David Penn, it was completed this January.
The MTSU analysis also included a comparison to 12 similar MSAs, such as Dallas, Atlanta, Birmingham, Denver, Indianapolis and Louisville. The comparison ranks Nashville first among the 13 regions based on objective indicators relating to health care business climate and health care infrastructure.
"This is a great tool to use in our economic development activities," the NHCC's Jacobson said.
This study is just one of the many research projects to be conducted by the BERC in MTSU's Jennings A. Jones College of Business. The center is a respected source of economic research, analysis and data on Middle Tennessee and conducts contract research, academic research featured in national and regional journals, and outreach in three different publications-Tennessee's Business, Global Commerce and Midstate Economic Indicators.
"We are happy that we did something substantial," Arik said. "There is always some other project in the works."
HAVING AN IMPACT--Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell listens in the photo at right as Dr. Murat Arik of MTSU's Business and Economic Research Center discusses the results of a new BERC study.
submitted photo by Harry Butler
Celebrate!
NATIVE HERITAGE--Michelle Reed of Crestview, Fla., a member of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe tribe, performs in the fancy shawl dance competition at the 2005 American Indian Festival at MTSU. Hundreds of Native dancers, musicians, artisans, craftspeople and special guests are expected this year at the seventh annual American Indian Festival March 3-5 at the Tennessee Livestock Center. March 3 is a school program closed to the public, but doors open at 10 a.m. March 4 and 5. For more details, visit www.mtsu.edu/~powwow/welcome.htm.
submitted photo by James Nichols
Help EXL restore the Gulf
by Dr. M. Jill Austin
MTSU has adopted one of the communities that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Two dozen MTSU students, along with faculty supervisors, have volunteered to spend their spring break in Pass Christian, Miss., rebuilding the playground, landscaping the middle and high school and providing college and career counseling for the middle-school students.
The Katrina Restoration Project is also part of a pilot project for the EXL (EXperiential Learning) Scholars Program and will provide students with an opportunity to complete a worthwhile service-learning project.
Before Hurricane Katrina, Pass Christian had 2,000 children attending the four public schools (two elementary, one middle school and one high school). Today, three of the schools are destroyed, and all of the children are attending class at the site of the one remaining elementary school. More than 60 portable classrooms have been placed on this site. Because space is limited and the space needs are so great, the elementary-school playground had to be used as a site for portable classroom buildings. Because of space and safety concerns, these children currently have nowhere to play.
Additionally, the entire middle school and high school are meeting in portable buildings located on a dirt fill pad adjacent to the elementary school. Because of the extent of the destruction and length of time necessary to rebuild, it is estimated that this arrangement may continue for several years.
We need your help. Some local business people are donating supplies that are needed for the project. Academic Affairs is supporting the project as part of their commitment to the EXL program by providing money for transportation expenses.
However, we will need additional dollars to purchase some items in Pass Christian such as sand, mulch, lumber and concrete, and we will need to rent equipment. Additional dollars for transportation and food for the students will also be needed. We also will need to borrow some tools for the trip.
We are asking the MTSU community for two things:
1. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the EXL Special Projects Fund (MTSU Foundation Account #92954). Make your check payable to the MTSU Foundation and write "EXL/Katrina Fund" and the account number above on your check. You can send your check via Campus Mail to:
¥ Jill Austin (management and marketing, BAS N121), Box 75;
¥ Wendi Cook (educational leadership, Jones Hall 356), Box 91;
¥ Peter Cunningham (health and human performance, AMG 301), Box 96;
¥ Bob Kalwinsky (electronic media communications, COMM 250), Box 58;
¥ Leslie Sharp (Center for Historic Preservation, 1416 E. Main St.), Box 8; or
¥ MTSU Foundation Office (Box 109)
2. The students need shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows. Please consider loaning us some of your garden equipment during spring break. Please e-mail Dr. Peter Cunningham at peterc@mtsu.edu if you have something we can borrow.
We believe that the Katrina Restoration Project will help to bring some semblance of normalcy to the children of Pass Christian, Miss., and that our students will be rewarded through giving back to this community where the need is so great. Thanks in advance for your help.
Dr. M. Jill Austin is chair of the Department of Management and Marketing in the Jones College of Business and can be reached via e-mail at jaustin@mtsu.edu.
Plan ahead for Sun Belt traffic flow
The Sun Belt Conference basketball championship tournament is scheduled at MTSU beginning Thursday, March 2 through Tuesday, March 7, which will require reserving several campus parking lots for visitors.
Also, a section of the right northbound lane on Middle Tennessee Boulevard from Faulkinberry Drive to Greenland Drive will be blocked off for team bus parking. Faulkinberry will remain open for the duration of the tournament, officials said.
Closed lots during the tournament will include all of the Greenland Drive area adjacent to Murphy Center, the Kirksey Old Main (Midgett) lot, and the Woodfin lot on the corner of Greenland and Middle Tennessee Boulevard.
Students, faculty and staff with current MTSU parking decals will be allowed to park in the remaining portions of the Greenland Drive lot but should expect space availability to be limited, according to MTSU Parking and Transportation Services. Instead, students, faculty and staff are being encouraged to park in the Tennessee Livestock Center lot and use Raider Xpress shuttles to reach the campus interior.
Visitors to the Sun Belt competition will pay $5 to park in the Greenland lot, and overflow paid parking will be in the Maintenance Lot adjacent to the Holmes Building.
The MTSU women's basketball team is the two-year defending Sun Belt Conference champion.
Women's games begin on Thursday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. and continue Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. and again at 11 on Monday, March 6. The women's Sun Belt championship game, which automatically earns the winner an NCAA berth, is set for 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 7.
Men's games begin Friday, March 3, at 1:30 p.m. and continue on Sunday, March 5, at 11 a.m. and on Monday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. The men's Sun Belt championship game, which also will send the winner to the NCAA playoffs, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, at 8:30 p.m.
The TSSAA girls' state high-school basketball tournament will be held March 8-11, which also coincides with spring break (March 6-11). The boys' competition will be held March 15-18. More information on lot closings for the TSSAA tournaments will be forthcoming.
For more information about temporary parking and traffic changes, please call Parking and Transportation Services at 615-898-2850. For ticket information about the 2006 Aeropostale Sun Belt Basketball Championships, call 1-888-GO-MTSU.
Alby Materials' $3K scholarship is concrete deal
They came, they saw, they presented a scholarship. The executive staff of Alby Materials Inc., a concrete industry company located in Waterford, Wis., capped off a two-day tour of MTSU and its flagship Concrete Industry Management program by establishing the $3,000 annual Marianne Alby Concrete Industry Management Scholarship here.
"We see this as a phenomenal way to support Middle Tennessee State University and a way to express how much Alby Materials values this institution," John Hilbrink, president of Alby Materials, told a gathering of faculty and students. "We hope to lure some of you to come to work in Wisconsin, but we're also planting seeds for the future."
The annual scholarship will be presented to a qualified graduating high school senior in the southeast corner of Wisconsin who pursues study at MTSU in the CIM program. The scholarship is named for the mother of company CEO and owner Terry Alby.
"Marianne Alby was and is the key player in the company," Hilbrink continued. "In an industry dominated by men, her dedication to her company and employees established the core values that we're still following today. It is an honor to tie her in to the MTSU family."
Last summer, President Sidney A. McPhee visited Alby Materials in Waterford and was impressed with what he saw and heard. He decided to explore a partnership and extended an invitation to visit MTSU.
"What's real obvious is that the CIM program here is terrific," said Terry Alby, after spending a day touring campus, sitting in on CIM classes and talking with students.
"What MTSU is providing for its students and our industry is phenomenal. We see a tremendous need for the quality of people that MTSU is producing."
Alby added that the industry needs to upgrade its image and identity and recognize its value to the nation's economy.
"We are grateful for this scholarship established by Terry Alby and the good people at Alby Materials," McPhee responded. "This will open the door for deserving high school seniors in their community to pursue study in Concrete Industry Management at MTSU, joining 300-plus other MTSU students who have chosen CIM as a career path.
"The generosity of Terry Alby, his wife, Karen, and Marianne Alby, founder of the company, demonstrates their commitment to higher education and their passion for finding, hiring and nurturing the very finest people to work in this rapidly growing industry."
Hilbrink said they hope to award the first scholarship this year to a graduating high school senior and follow with another $3,000 gift each succeeding year.
Financial support from industry is crucial to academic enterprises because of the lack of funding in the state, McPhee has said.
MIXING IT UP--Concrete Industry Management program seniors (front row, from left) Bate Bond, Paul Lawson and Jennifer Chastain mix up a little concrete for Terry Alby (standing, right) of Alby Materials Inc. as Alby's assistant Mark McCann (standing, left), and CIM Director Austin Chaney look on. Alby funded a $3,000 annual scholarship for Wisconsin students who study CIM to encourage more students to enter the industry.
photo by J. Intintoli
In Brief
Feb. 28 panel eyes Civil War's African-American troops
MTSU will host a panel discussion on Civil War conflicts involving U.S. Colored Troops from the book Black Flag Over Dixie: Racial Atrocities and Reprisals in the Civil War as part of the ongoing African-American History Month lecture series. The 75- to 90-minute program will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in MTSU's Business and Aerospace Building's State Farm Room and will feature Dr. Greg Urwin of Temple University; Dr. David Coles of Longwood University; and MTSU's own Derek Frisby, who contributed a chapter on the Fort Pillow Massacre. For more information, e-mail dfrisby@mtsu.edu.
Spring-clean your house, help children of Honduras
During spring break, get rid of old furniture, appliances and even those expensive musical instruments gathering dust. Donate them to the Honduras Yard Sale and help feed the children who have so little! MTSU theatre students and faculty will pick up items for the sale, which will be held March 18-19. E-mail Dr. Jette Halladay at jhallada@mtsu.edu for donation pickup appointment times.
Join LT&ITC experts March 14 for Lunch and Learning Panel
The Learning, Teaching and Innovative Technologies Center is hosting a First Tuesday discussion on Tuesday, March 14, on Active/Cooperative Learning to increase student retention and learning. LT&ITC faculty fellow Dr. Jan Hayes, educational leadership, will lead the panel discussion in JUB 100. The event is planned for 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will feature a pizza lunch with drinks. To reserve a spot, call the LT&ITC at 615-494-7671 or send an e-mail with the attendee's name and department to ltanditc@mtsu.edu.
IT Conference free to first 100 full-time faculty to register
The first 100 full-time MTSU faculty members registering for the 11th annual Instructional Technology Conference April 2-4 can attend free. The conference features nationally recognized speakers, presentations, interactive workshops, poster sessions, vendor exhibits and a reception and banquet. Go to www.mtsu.edu/~itconf/mtsufac for more information about the conference and to register.
For the Record: Gracious people of Vietnam share spirit with student
by Kirk Medley
My first opportunity to visit Vietnam was in 1996. My mother's cousin had gone there to live that January, and I had agreed to join him later in the year. Regretfully, I never went. On October 26 of that same year, I wrecked my little Toyota pick-up truck and broke five vertebrae in my neck. I was paralyzed, a quadriplegic for life. I had to give up all thoughts of going anywhere.
As years passed, I gained more and more independence. Once I was able to live without assistance, I enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University. I had never considered college before my accident, but considering the severity of my injuries, I had no choice if I wanted to live a life outside the bounds of government assistance. I knew that I would major in Spanish. That decision was easy enough. Choosing a minor that I was comfortable with took a little more time.
Once I heard about global studies and how you can get college credits for studying abroad, my mind was made up. Initially, I logically considered going to Spain or perhaps Latin America to improve my Spanish-speaking ability, but when I found out that I could get credit for an independent study in the country of my choice, I knew that I was going to Vietnam. I went, and my life was profoundly impacted. The following was written in 2005 while sitting in the lobby of Thao Nhi Hotel, 185/20 Pham Ngu Lao St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City:
The poverty that I see in Vietnam is stark. Painfully stark. The kind that can make a good-hearted person cry. I know that I've cried here many times, even publicly. It is my heartfelt belief that my own country was the cause of much of this poverty and the suffering that goes along with it. Although I was only a baby during the war, for some unknown reason I still believe that I personally have an obligation to help alleviate this misery.
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) attracts a large number of western tourists, so it has been dubbed the "backpackers" district. Unfortunately, this area also attracts the dregs of Vietnamese society seeking money from these foreigners. Today, I was approached by a young man begging for change. He held a plastic bucket in one hand while carrying a very young baby with the other. I saw a look of death in its eyes, and I suddenly realized that this was a "heroin baby," a baby that is plied with opiates to keep it quiet while it is used to gain sympathy.
Many people have probably never even heard of Agent Orange, or if they have, they probably have no clue as to the damage that the spraying of this highly toxic herbicide has done. Not only were soldiers from both sides affected, three generations later babies are being born with horrific birth defects such as twisted and brittle bones and cone heads. Some are even born without eyes. Don't believe me? Well, my fellow American, I challenge you to come to Vietnam and have one of these poor tormented victims stare into your eyes and see if it doesn't burn a hole straight through your soul.
Vietnam is not able to afford welfare for its 80 million citizens, so no money, no doctor. That's why I see legless men walking with their hands and others simply crawling through the filthy streets of HCMC. They have no money; therefore, they just make it through life the best way they can. I will never complain about TennCare again. Honestly, my friend, you shouldn't either.
Education is neither free nor mandatory in Vietnam, so I see children wearing dirty pajamas trying to sell lottery tickets, fruits, chewing gum or whatever they can while others pass by with their neat school uniforms. Unfortunately, some of these children, boys and girls, will end up falling into prostitution, which is illegal, although they only arrest the woman. Does that tell you anything about the attitude toward women in Asia?
I've undoubtedly seen so many negative things in Vietnam, so why do I like it here so much? The answer is really quite simple: the people. I have never been treated better in my life. I know it's hard to believe, but they really love Americans. Despite the harsh realities of a developing nation, the Vietnamese have an absolutely positive outlook on life, and I am constantly humbled by these people.
Men with not much more than the shirts on their backs have shown me pity for not being able to walk. One morning, I thought that my waitress was going to cry when I tipped her a dollar. I later discovered that equaled half a day's pay for her! An adolescent girl selling soft drinks beside the road absolutely refused to even take my tip. These kinds of people represent the true spirit of Vietnam. These are the ones that make me feel welcome and comfortable here. Here, I am Kirk, not "Kirk, the guy in a wheelchair." I just wish I had come here sooner.
Kirk Medley is a senior Spanish major, minoring in global studies.
HOSPITALITY AT HOME--MTSU senior Kirk Medley (at right, seated) jokes with friends after a meal cooked in the typical Vietnamese style-over an open fire.
photo submitted
Gift will endow EMC scholarships: Country Radio Broadcasters donate $25K
by Gina E. Fann
Country Radio Broadcasters Inc. shared the wealth with the next generation of radio during their annual Country Radio Seminar Feb. 16, presenting Middle Tennessee State University with a $25,000 check for student scholarships.
"We are very excited about partnering with MTSU through this endowment," said Ed Salamon, CRB executive director and a former adjunct professor of radio production at MTSU. "We truly stand behind MTSU and what they do for the music and recording industry. It is an honor to be able to help them any way we can."
Salamon noted that his work with Paul Allen, associate professor in MTSU's Department of Recording Industry and a former CRB executive director and current board member, helped lead the organization to help future broadcasters at the university.
"It is very heartening to see the industry coming to the rescue of our talented students majoring in broadcasting," said Dr. Anantha S. Babbili, dean of the College of Mass Communication, who accepted the check on behalf of the College and MTSU during a CRS session at the Nashville Convention Center. "It is truly a great testament to the Country Radio Broadcasters' mission to help educate professionals for decades to come. I was pleased to see such good support from CRB for MTSU."
The $1,125 annual scholarship will be awarded beginning in the 2007-08 academic year to a student majoring in electronic media communication. Preference will be given to a junior or senior with at least a B average.
Applicants must be working or must agree to work a minimum of 10 hours weekly in a commercial radio station, either regular part-time work or in an internship.
"This endowed scholarship will make a tremendous impact in assisting those interested in a career in radio in perpetuity," said Dr. Bob Spires, EMC department chairman. "I cannot overstate our appreciation to the CRB for their support of our students."
Added J. Steven Barnes, development director for the College: "This gift is a wonderful example of an industry supporting a program that produces graduates who will ultimately enhance that industry's profession. We look forward to cultivating even more relationships with industries that recognize the value of our quality students."
The Country Radio Broadcasters Inc. is a Nashville-based not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1969 that brings country radio and industry together for learning opportunities to promote growth. CRB provides scholarships to broadcasting students and conducts workshops and seminars, including the Country Radio Seminar, an annual worldwide mega-trade show that draws more than 2,300 radio industry professionals to Nashville.
Raider Xpress tweaks shuttle routes, adds hub to help ease traffic crunch
by Stephanie Kirsch
The Raider Xpress Shuttle routes changed in January as MTSU traffic continues to increase.
One of the major changes benefiting both students and faculty is the addition of a Centralized Bus Hub located near the Tennessee Livestock Center. The new Centralized Bus Hub is the only bus stop on campus where all three Raider Xpress Shuttle routes intersect.
"This change will help connect all three areas of campus," said Tracy Read from the Department of Parking and Transportation Services.
Currently, the Raider Xpress routes are separated by color. The Green Route runs on the northwest side of campus around Greenland Drive. The Blue Route runs through the core of campus from the Business and Aerospace Building to Peck Hall. The Red Route runs on the east side of campus to Scarlett Commons and Greek Row.
The Red Route will extend to the new parking lot on Rutherford Boulevard as soon as construction of the lot is completed. The new parking lot also will be equipped with designated bus lanes to make the bus routes run faster.
"There will be future changes as construction of the [Rutherford Boulevard] lot is completed," said Read.
A map of the current routes is available in the Parking and Transportation Services office or at www.mtsu.edu/~parking.
A celebration of community service
'UNSUNG HEROES'--Honorees at MTSU's 2006 Unity Luncheon, part of the observation of African-American History Month at the university, take a quick break before the festivities celebrating their contributions to the community. Shown seated are, from left, Mary Lou Anderson, Pearl Mae Wade Martin and Amanda Evelyn Gordon. Standing are, from left, Bobby Bartlett, luncheon keynote speaker Dr. Susan H. West, Martha Rankins Smith and Etta Collier. The Rev. F.B. Carpenter, the eighth 2006 Unity Luncheon honoree, was not present for the photo. Three more AAHM events are scheduled this spring, including the March 2 "Night of Smooth Jazz" concert in the calendar listing below, as well as a March 16 lecture, "The South as Others, The South as Strangers," at 7 p.m. in the BAS State Farm Lecture Hall and the annual Black Alumni Achievement Awards at the African-American Awards Ceremony on May 5. Alumnus Darrell Freeman will provide the keynote address at the May 5 event, and alumnus Mike McDonald will sign his new book. That celebration begins at 7 p.m. in the Tom H. Jackson Building (Alumni Center) with admission set at $10 per person. For more information about any of these events, contact the MTSU Office of Multicultural Affairs at 615-898-2987.
photo byJ. Intintoli
National Women's History Month '06 at MTSU:
ACLU president Strossen is NWHM keynote speaker at March 23 event
from Staff Reports
Union, gender, sexuality and civil liberties-topics that lead the nightly news, stretch across newspaper headlines and dominate conversations from coffeehouses to classrooms-will provide the firepower for the keynote address for MTSU's 2006 National Women's History Month.
Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, will speak to issues that divide-and unite-our nation on Thursday, March 23, beginning at 4 p.m. in the State Farm Lecture Hall in the Business and Aerospace Building. A reception will follow the address.
National Women's History Month kicks off at MTSU March 1 with the opening of a photographic exhibit in the Baldwin Gallery by Margaretta K. Mitchell, followed by a March 2 film screening of "Emma Goldman: An Exceedingly Dangerous Woman." A full calendar of NWHM events at MTSU is below.
Strossen, professor of law at New York Law School, has written, lectured and practiced extensively in the areas of constitutional law, civil liberties and international human rights. Since 1991, she has served as ACLU president, the first woman to head the nation's largest and oldest civil liberties organization. (Because the ACLU presidency is an unpaid volunteer post, Strossen continues in her faculty position as well.)
The National Law Journal has twice named Strossen one of "The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America." In 1996, Working Woman listed her among the "350 Women Who Changed the World 1976-1996." In 1997, Upside magazine included Strossen in the "Elite 100: 100 Executives Leading The Digital Revolution." In 1998, Vanity Fair included Strossen in "America's 200 Most Influential Women." In 1999, Ladies Home Journal included Strossen in "America's 100 Most Important Women."
Since becoming ACLU president, Strossen has made more than 200 public presentations per year before diverse audiences, including on approximately 500 campuses and in many foreign countries. She comments frequently on legal issues in the national media, having appeared on virtually every national news program. She was a regular guest on ABC's "Politically Incorrect" with Bill Maher and has been a monthly columnist for two Web-zines and a weekly commentator on the Talk America Radio Network. In October 2001, Strossen made her professional theater debut as the guest star in Eve Ensler's award-winning play "The Vagina Monologues" during a weeklong run at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.
'Community, Voice, Change'--Learn more with NWHM 2006 calendar
March 1-April 15, Baldwin Gallery, LRC--"The Faces of Poetry" photo exhibit.
Margaretta A. Mitchell, a photographer, writer and educator who lives in Berkeley, Calif., has published four books on her own work and a number on other photographers.
Thursday, March 2, 1 p.m., HONR 106--"Emma Goldman: An Exceedingly Dangerous Woman" film and introduction of NWHM button.
Goldman was a rebel, anarchist, birth-control advocate, free-speech supporter, feminist, and most of all, a "hell-raiser." National Women's History Month celebrates her accomplishments by featuring her on the 2006 NWHM button.
Wednesday, March 15, 12:40 p.m., JUB 100--"The Death Penalty: Distinctive Female Experiences" panel discussion.
Wednesday, March 16, 5 p.m., JUB Dining Room C--"'Because Equity is Still an Issue': The American Association of University Women Then and Now" panel presentation and reception. Participants: Joann Perry, Tennessee State AAUW President; Ayne Cantrell, Brenda Kerr, Jan Leone, and Margaret Scott, Murfreesboro Branch AAUW.
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m., Forrest Hall--"Force Multiplier," LTC Patricia Jones, lecture.
Thursday, March 16, 3:30 p.m., JUB 100--"Office Debutantes and Two-Job Wives: Early Magazine Stereotypes of Employed Women and Why They Matter Now," Women's Studies Research Series, Dr. Jane Marcellus, School of Journalism.
Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., WPS 102--"Chemistry of Fresco Paintings," Dr. Leonora Del Federico, Women in Science Lecture, reception 6:30 p.m., lecture 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22, 4 p.m., KUC Theater--"North Country" film. Guest speaker Anne Martin, attorney and expert in sexual harassment law.
Thursday, March 23, 4 p.m., State Farm Lecture Hall (BAS S102)--NWHM Keynote Address, Nadine Strossen, president, American Civil Liberties Union: "Gender, Sexuality, and Civil Liberties." Reception following.
Wednesday, March 29, 3:30 p.m., Alumni Building--Fourteenth Annual International Women's Poetry Reading.
Friday, March 31, 7 p.m., JUB Dining Room C--Poetry Slam.
Monday, April 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., KUC Knoll--SpringOut Information Fair.
Monday, April 3, 4-6 p.m., Peck Hall 200--"Breaking Down Stereotypes," roundtable discussion.
Tuesday, April 4, 7 pm, PH 321--"Sex is Not a 4-Letter Word" workshop. Kevin Lawson of Nashville CARES will lead participants through a workshop that will combine a sexually explicit discussion with a series of introspective exercises to explore being a sexually healthy person in a sex-negative world.
Wednesday, April 5, 12:40 p.m., CKNB 121--"How Traditional Women's Studies Teaches Transphobia," Simon Strikeback, lecture/workshop.
Wednesday, April 5, 4 p.m., LRC 221--"Transgender Issues and Feminism" panel discussion. Participants: Marisa Richmond, Ph.D., president, Tennessee Transgender Political Action Committee; Nick D'Asaro, diversity training facilitator, Nashville Glass Plant; Simon Strikeback, trans activist, Camp Trans; Elise Elrod, National Speakers Association.
Thursday, April 13, 3:30 p.m., JUB 100--"The Influence of Gender on Teaching Elementary Physical Education," Women's Studies Research Series, Kathryn Davis, Department of Health and Human Performance.
Monday, April 17, 8 p.m., JUB Tennessee Room--Terry Gross, NPR correspondent, lecture. Gross is the host of National Public Radio's "Fresh Air," the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues.
Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m., Tucker Theatre--Nashville in Harmony (Nashville's GLBT and Friends Community Chorus), concert.
For more information about National Women's History Month at MTSU, call 615-898-5910.
Johnson's efforts for women merit King-Hampton Award
by Gina K. Logue
For her outstanding contributions to improve the status of women, Faye Johnson was presented with the King-Hampton Award at a Feb. 16 luncheon in the James Union Building by the June Anderson Women's Center and the Association of Faculty and Administrative Women.
"I'm honored. I'm humbled by it," Johnson said. "This is not an award for me. This is an award for all of the women who have worked together to collectively raise the status of each and every one of themselves and their women neighbors. No woman is successful on her own."
Johnson, who is assistant to the executive vice president and provost for special initiatives, coordinates the implementation of the Academic Master Plan, serves as the university's liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and works as co-director of the Learning, Teaching and Innovative Technologies Center.
Other issues that fall under her job description include faculty development, strategic planning, the American Democracy Project, service learning and selected special projects. She also is a member of the President's Commission on the Status of Women.
After decades of experience at MTSU, Johnson has seen the landscape change dramatically for women in faculty and administrative positions.
"When I came to the university in 1969, the role of women was very different than it is now," Johnson said. In 1969, she was one of only three women in the Department of Sociology-one of the few departments on campus with any female professors at all.
"I have seen women's roles, the definitions of their contributions, just their sheer numbers change dramatically over the course of time that I've been here," Johnson said.
Now there are gender and minority representatives on faculty committees, she noted, which are important for tenure and promotion. But Johnson said she still sees room for more improvement.
"You can have access. You can do the hard work. But you may not move through the ranks as quickly. Your work may not be considered to be as prestigious because sometimes it includes more non-traditional areas of research," Johnson said.
Dr. Charles K. Wolfe leaves 'indelible imprint'
by Lisa L. Rollins
Unpretentious, dedicated, mentor to countless students and friend to all who knew him," is how Dr. John McDaniel, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, described Charles K. Wolfe, who served as a member of MTSU's English faculty for more than three decades.
A much sought-after historian and author, Wolfe passed away Feb. 9 in Murfreesboro after an extended battle with diabetes. His wife, Mary Dean Wolfe; his daughters and son-in-law, Stacey Wolfe, Cindy Wolfe Batey and Mark Batey; and two grandchildren, Katie and Aidan Charles Batey, survive him.
"Charles has left an indelible imprint," said McDaniel. "He will be missed by those who did not know him personally and even so much more by those who did."
Born and reared in Missouri, Wolfe joined MTSU's faculty in 1970, where he became "Blue Raider to the core," taught both undergraduate and graduate-level English courses and engaged in award-winning academic research and scholarly activities until his formal retirement from the university in 2005.
Known worldwide for his vast knowledge of folklore, popular culture and music history, Wolfe "could have gone to any institution in the land," McDaniel observed. "But his feet were deep in the Tennessee soil ... (and) Charles never ventured far from heart and home, from family and friends."
With some 19 scholarly books whose subjects varied from the Louvin Brothers to Leadbelly to his credit, not to mention hundreds of journal articles on folklore and pop culture, Wolfe was well known for his wide-ranging expertise.
Among his many accolades and critical recognitions, he was twice the recipient of the prestigious ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, including most recently in 2000 for his book A Good-Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry. (Wolfe won the prize the first time for his book The Life and Legend of Leadbelly.)
Regarding the coveted ASCAP honor, Wolfe said that although he never personally knew Joseph "Deems" Taylor, the man for whom the award was named, "the award is satisfying because it was won in a field of competition that included writings on all forms of popular music, from jazz to rock.
"I have always read widely in all areas of music writing-and I enjoy jazz, gospel and blues about as much as country," remarked Wolfe in a 2000 interview. "Many of the former ASCAP winners are writers I have admired since I was in high school."
A three-time Grammy nominee and the recipient of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, Wolfe once said that it was his love of music, not awards, that motivated him to put his pen to paper in the name of music history's preservation and documentation.
He began his formal music research in 1975.
"Like many music writers, I got into it because I loved the music, and, at one time, aspired to work as a musician," Wolfe said in 2000, observing that the many awards his work garnered were "in a sense, a validation of a long period of research and writing."
In addition to his 30-plus years as an exceptional member of MTSU's teaching faculty and a respected researcher, historian and author, Wolfe was featured in various broadcast documentaries and interviews, including the Arts and Entertainment network's documentary, "Grand Ole Opry: 75 Years of American Music."
Before joining MTSU, Wolfe received a bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri College and a Master of Arts degree before earning a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
"Charles was a gentle giant, a prolific scholar and beloved colleague whose presence in the English department and in the university gave new and unique meaning to the term 'professor,'" McDaniel said.
He was not only a world-class scholar who preferred to remain close to his Murfreesboro roots, McDaniel said, but also one who delighted in teaching others.
Wolfe was "unpretentious, dedicated and a mentor to countless students and friend to all who knew him," the dean noted.
A campus memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, M arch 14, in the Tom H. Jackson Building (Alumni Center). The service will be open to both the MTSU community and the general public.
Don't try this at home ... yet
STAND BACK, IT'S DEMOMANIA!--Junior chemistry and physics major Taylor Barnes, at left, demonstrates electron losses and gains--and the resultant color changes--in potassium permanganate solutions with acids and bases as Laura Whitson, a senior American Chemistry Society chemistry major looks on. The pair and nine of their MTSU Chemistry Club colleagues demonstrated a plethora of chemical actions and reactions (including a two-liter soda "fountain," an electrocuted pickle and a flaming gummi bear) for an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 200 local high-school students Feb. 16 as part of the club's annual DemoMania in the Keathley University Center Theater. The club assembles a variety of demonstrations every year as a "fun and safe way to encourage students to consider a career in chemistry," said Dr. Gary White, chemistry professor and club adviser.
photo by J. Intintoli
Speakers to share knowledge at manufacturing conference
by Randy Weiler
Four noted speakers will make presentations during the second Manufacturing Excellence Conference, which will be held Thursday, March 16, at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, said Dr. Charles Perry, chair holder of the Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence
Joining Perry, who will speak at 9 a.m. on "Understanding the Need for Soft Skills in the Workplace," will be:
¥ Dr. Neil Fenichel, president, Microstar Laboratories Inc., who will speak on "Real-Time Computation in Data Acquisition and Control" at 10:15;
¥ Dr. Richard W. Oliver, CEO, American Learning Solutions and American Graduate School of Management, speaking on "Nano-Manufacturing: No Small Wonder" at 11:30; and
¥ David Smith, vice president, Technology Futures Inc., who will share "Global Manufacturing Forecast" at 1:30 p.m., following lunch.
MTSU and the Russell Chair in Manufacturing Excellence, in cooperation with the Nashville Technology Council and Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, are sponsoring the conference.
"The topics will include the global manufacturing forecast, nanotechnology, real-time data acquisition and analysis and soft skills in the workplace," Perry said.
"The broad scope of presentations also will be of interest to other areas such as banking, insurance, retail, medical care and education."
Perry said all proceeds in excess of conference expenses will go to the Marvin Runyon Scholarship Fund.
To register, call 615-898-2462, visit www.mtsu.edu/rcmeconf or fax the registration to 615-896-7925. Questions and media inquiries should be directed to Perry at chperry@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-5683.
People Around Campus: Old-time dance has new kick for senior
by Gina K. Logue
The fastest feet in Fayetteville belong to Kory Posey, a 21-year-old MTSU senior recording industry major with a house full of trophies attesting to his expertise in the fine art of clogging.
For those who recently arrived from a colder climate or those who think Posey renders plumbing fixtures unusable in his spare time, an explanation might be in order.
No less an authority than Arthur Murray defines clogging as "a freestyle dance style, originating in the Blue Ridge Mountains, characterized by double-time stomping and tap steps resembling a tap dance with the upper body held straight and upright."
"I started when I was five years old with my dad and my aunt," Posey says. "They started taking lessons because they thought it would be fun just to have something to do."
Posey says he has taken no lessons in any other form of dancing, but clogging itself has expanded beyond the same familiar footwork, venturing into musical territory its veterans never could have imagined years ago.
"The more modern cloggers use all genres of music," Posey says. "They use hip-hop, pop, rock. I've seen a routine to every song and every genre. It's amazing how many different things you can do with music."
As a music minor who played saxophone in high school and is teaching himself guitar and piano, Posey has an advantage over some of his competitors on the clogging contest circuit. His seemingly intuitive understanding of the blend of music and movement guides his every step.
"I feel like I took to it pretty naturally," Posey says. "My whole family did. They kinda stayed with their more old-school approach to clogging-you know, line clogging. And I took off in more modern steps and more syncopation. Some of the older people who do it really can't do those steps because it takes a lot more energy and they go a lot faster."
Posey says precision clogging is more syncopation-based, whereas old-time clogging and buck dancing require the dancer to stay in lockstep with the beat.
In buck dancing, the feet may not rise more than six inches off the ground and all body movement must come from the waist down. In traditional clogging, there are more kicks and more energy. In modern clogging, virtually anything goes. Judges in all categories look for rhythm and timing, appearance, and even sportsmanship based on how competitors get along with their fellow dancers.
Since 1999, Posey has been dancing with the Cookeville-based Rhythm-N-Motion Cloggers, the national clogging champs. They recently won a square dance title in Lebanon, which entitled them to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. They received a standing ovation in their debut performance and closed the show by dancing to the music of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
"We got to meet people like Charley Pride and Pam Tillis," Posey says of his Opry experience. "It was a lot of fun. It's such an honor to do it, and the thrill that you get is indescribable."
His most recent awards are national individual titles in old-time clogging and old-time buck dancing at last year's Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro. He won his first competitive awards at that annual event at the age of eight. He comes by his knowledge of such gatherings through family ties, as well. Posey's parents, Jerry and Paula Posey, are co-organizers of the Lincoln County Bluegrass and Crafts Festival.
After he graduates, either in December 2006 or May 2007, Posey says he would like to start his own record label. But his feet never will take him far from a dance floor.
"I'll never give it up," Posey vows. "But, eventually, I guess once I'm done figuring out the recording industry, I guess I'd like to come back and start a younger team and ... keep the tradition going."
DANCIN' SHOES-Senior recording industry major Kory Posey does a little freestyle clogging at a 2005 festival.
photo submitted
The Record, February 27, 2006, V14.16
Campus Calendar
>>Top of Page
Campus Calendar
Feb. 27-March 12
TV Schedule:
"Middle Tennessee Record"
Cable Channel 9
Monday-Sunday-5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+
Saturdays-1:30 p.m.
Monday. Feb. 27
Honors Lecture Series
Dr. Alfred Lutz, "'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters' and Other Scary Ideas"
3-3:55 p.m., HONR 106
For information, contact: 615-898-2152.
MTSU Men's Basketball
vs. Florida International
7 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
MTSU Women's Chorale
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
No admission charge
For information, contact: 615-898-2493.
March 1-April 15
Women's History Month Event
"The Faces of Poetry"
Photographic exhibit by Margaretta K. Mitchell
Baldwin Photographic Gallery
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Sunday, 6-10 p.m.
For information, contact: 615-898-5910 or 898-2085.
Wednesday, March 1
MTSU Softball
vs. Chattanooga
2 p.m., Observatory Park
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
March 2-7
MTSU Basketball at Aeropostale Sun Belt Conference Championships
Murphy Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
Thursday, March 2
Women's History Month Event
"Emma Goldman: An Exceedingly Dangerous Woman"
1 p.m., HONR 106
For information, contact: 615-898-5910.
MTSU Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band Concert
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
No admission charge
For information, contact: 615-898-2493.
Friday, March 3
MTSU Baseball
vs. Missouri State
3 p.m., Reese Smith Field
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
First Friday Star Party
Dr. Eric Klumpe, "The MTSU Uranidome"
6:30 p.m., Room 102, Wiser-Patten Science Building
No admission charge
For information, contact: 615-898-2130.
Saturday, March 4
MTSU Baseball
vs. Missouri State
2 p.m., Reese Smith Field
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
Sunday, March 5
"On the Record-Alternative Spring Break"
Guest: Dr. Peter Cunningham
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com after broadcast
MTSU Baseball
vs. Missouri State
1 p.m., Reese Smith Field
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
March 6-11
Spring Break
No classes; university offices open March 6-9
Friday, March 10
University holiday
All offices closed
Saturday, March 11
MTSU Women's Tennis
vs. Murray State University
Noon, Buck Bouldin Tennis Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
Sunday, March 12
"On the Record-Country Music Goes to War"
Guest: Dr. Charles Wolfe (memorial encore broadcast)
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com after broadcast
Calendar Items Welcomed
Submit your campus events and calendar items (at least three weeks in advance of the event, please) to gfann@mtsu.edu or via fax to 615-898-5714.
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