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5 math aces off to grad school
by Randy Weiler
MTSU's Department of Mathematical Sciences may produce one student every year or two who advances to graduate-level work, says Dr. Michaele Chappell, interim chairwoman.
Well, 2006 is off the charts for the department. For the first time in its history, five of its students are headed to graduate schools in and out of state.
The math wizards include Zachary "Zach" Denton, who will go to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville; Korben Rusek, who will head to Texas A&M University in College Station; Nicholas "Nick" Shimokochi, who will move to Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.; Robert Stephens, who will attend the University of Toledo in Ohio; and Justin Witt, who plans to head to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.
Rusek, who is from Woodbury and a graduate of Highland Academy in Portland, was to graduate May 6 with a bachelor's degree in math and computer science. He will move directly into Texas A&M's doctoral program.
"I did research there last summer. We knew about each other," Rusek said, explaining why he landed at Texas A&M. "MTSU prepared me with the fundamentals of math and the opportunity to do research."
His research was through the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Projects program.
A Casper, Wyo., native, Witt earned his B.S. in 2004 and master's in '06 from MTSU.
"Michigan State has a good program," he said. "They have what I need. ... I was happy with all my (MTSU) teachers. Dr. (Xiaoya) Zha helped me start my research and thesis and helped develop me as a mathematician."
Denton, who is from Franklin and graduated from Nashville School of the Arts, also performed URSCP research the past two years. He also was to receive his bachelor's degree May 6 and will start working on his doctorate at UT.
"Here there are a lot of options for math majors and impressive professors, and the research has been far more rewarding than the classes have been. . . . UT has a serious math department. The professors are active."
Detroit native Shimokochi (B.S. '05), worked with Zha in URSCP research. His doctorate will be in applied mathematics. Shimokochi received an URSCP research grant in 2004.
Stephens (M.S. '06), a Clarksville native and Montgomery Central High graduate, worked with Dr. Jim Hart, associate professor, on his thesis. Hart recommended Toledo.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?-Five MTSU math wizards pause before leaving for graduate school. From left are Korben Rusek, who will continue his education at Texas A&M; Nick Shimokochi, who's going to Oakland University; Justin Witt, Michigan State; Zach Denton, the University of Tennessee; and Robert Stephens, University of Toledo.
photo by Ken Robinson
Software change affects summer payroll
from Staff Reports
The transition to the new Banner administrative software system-and the accompanying payroll processing date changes-will mean adjustments to Summer 2006 session pay dates for MTSU faculty, university President Sidney A. McPhee announced.
New payroll processing requirements for the Banner system, as well as deadlines for drop/add dates for the summer terms, required changes in the summer payroll processing dates to coincide with regular monthly payroll cycles throughout the Tennessee Board of Regents system.
"This system conversion has caused several of the summer school sessions to be paid at the end of the month following the completion of the session, due to the time necessary to have the payments approved and processed," McPhee said.
"For example, Session I begins on May 15 with the last day to add as May 16. These dates are well after the payroll submission deadline of May 10 for the May 31 payday. For this reason, Session I will be paid on June 30 to allow adequate time for required approvals and processing.
"We are sensitive to the impact this change has on faculty pay cycles for summer teaching. To minimize this impact in Summer '06, for sessions with beginning dates that provide adequate time to send the information through the proper channels to be approved, we will pay faculty prior to the end of the session. This situation occurs in Session V, Session III, Session VIII, and Session 'O.'"
The chart online shows the Summer '06 session dates and their scheduled pay dates.
McPhee noted that the ongoing administrative software transition is replacing a system that is more than 20 years old and no longer supported by the vendor. The new Banner system allows for new features such as electronic forms distribution with approval workflow, document imaging management and an electronic procurement system.
"Through this migration, we now have many possibilities open to us that were previously unavailable," the president said.
"Change is necessary in our systems conversion, but we recognize that it is not easy. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we make these transitions to improve our administrative systems."
New minor in Middle Eastern studies planned
by Gina K. Logue
To continue laying the foundation for a Middle East Center at MTSU, the University Curriculum Committee has approved an interdisciplinary minor in Middle East Studies, which now awaits endorsement by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
"Ever since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, a growing interest has been brewing among MTSU students in particular and the public in general in the Middle East history, culture, geography, religions, languages and politics," said Dr. Saleh Sbenaty, professor of engineering technology and industrial studies and adviser to the Muslim Students Association.
"Students often struggle to understand the fast developments that followed 9/11 and relied mainly on news outlets that, in most cases, don't provide its audience with the complete picture."
A two-year federal grant of $71,000 per year, to be administered under the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program of the U.S. Department of Education, will bolster the fledgling center's efforts. U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, an MTSU alumnus, helped to secure the grant, which will be matched with university funds.
"Before the end of the academic year, I want to work on constructing a Web site for the center and prepare and submit an official application for center status," Dr. Allen Hibbard, English professor and chair of the Middle East Center Steering Committee, said.
"The center will be a lightning rod and not only attract nationally and internationally recognized scholars, but will also provide opportunities for cultural and economical exchanges," Sbenaty added. "I am very hopeful that, within a few years from its inception, enough interest amongst students and faculty will result in transforming the minor into a major in Middle East Studies."
The panel also approved a required course for the minor, "Introduction to Middle East Studies," to complement classes in first-year Arabic and Hebrew. These classes will be offered for the first time in fall 2006. As of April 11, 21 students had signed up for Arabic lessons and 11 students had enrolled in the Hebrew course.
In addition to the introductory course, six hours of Middle Eastern language credit will be mandatory for the 18-hour minor. In all, seven existing courses and nine new ones will be available.
Arabic 1010 will be taught by a Fulbright teaching assistant from an Arab country. Dr. Sonja Hedgepeth, professor of foreign languages and literatures, will be the instructor for Hebrew 1010.
Other related courses to be offered in the fall include "Global Comparative Media Systems: Media in the Middle East," a journalism course to be led by Dr. Jan Quarles, electronic media communication professor, and "Topics in Modern Middle East History: Arab/Israeli Conflict," a history course to be taught by Dr. Sean Foley.
"The center, in addition to serving students on campus, will promote greater understanding of the Middle East throughout the region," Hibbard said. "A key aspect of the center's mission is an outreach program that would provide area middle-school and high-school teachers (with) opportunities to learn more about the Middle East and incorporate that knowledge in their teaching. The center also would support faculty research related to the Middle East."
Data cited in the application for the minor indicate that enrollment in Arabic courses across the country increased 92 percent between 1998 and 2002, according to the Modern Language Association. The proposal form also states that, despite increasing demand, only 10 percent of colleges in the United States offer any Arabic classes.
See Spot Run, then walk on stage!
from Staff Reports
MTSU's offices of alumni relations, student organizations and community service are teaming up to present See Spot Run at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 13, in MTSU's Walnut Grove.
See Spot Run, a 5K run/walk for participants and their dogs, will be the first of its kind at MTSU, and organizers hope it will develop into an annual event. All proceeds, including entry fees, admissions and sponsorships, will go to the MTSU Habitat for Humanity Building Fund.
The goal of the fund is to raise the $50,000 necessary to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity "blitz build" on campus during homecoming week. It's one in a series of campus fund-raisers designed to generate money for the upcoming blitz build, which is yet another way that students can give back to the local community.
"See Spot Run will be another step forward in the fund-raising efforts at MTSU," said Jackie Victory, director of student organizations and community service. "Early this year, Cheer for Humanity raised nearly $15,000 for the blitz-build project. What an exciting time to see students raise the money and build a home for someone in Murfreesboro."
The 5K race will feature awards to the top age-group finishers and top dogs. In addition, Tennessee Performing Arts Company staff will be on site to select one lucky canine for a walk-on role for the May 16 performance of "Annie." The dog's owner also will receive four tickets to the play and an invitation to the cast party after the show.
"We are very excited to be working with TPAC to offer such a special prize for one our participants," said Katy Francisco Riddle, assistant director of alumni relations. "We hope this will encourage even more people to bring their dogs to our event."
Organizers have been working for months on the event, which features a certified 5K course through the MTSU campus that is both flat and fast. Local businesses and organizations have helped by providing financial support and volunteers.
"We've solicited a number of sponsors, worked to promote the event on and off campus and helped to recruit a number of participants and volunteers for the event," said Amanda Samsel, graduate assistant for the Office of Student Organizations and Community Service.
"See Spot run will be a race unlike any other for the campus and the community. We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy a great event and support an even greater cause."
Participants can register by visiting www.mtalumni.com or by calling 800-533-6878. On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. the day of the event.
In Brief
WANT TO SEE NEW FLOYD FIELD? VOTE ONLINE FOR FAVORITE
Middle Tennessee fans can have input into the cosmetic look of the new playing surface to be installed at Floyd Stadium this summer. Fans can vote for one of five different end zone designs in an online poll at www.goblueraiders.com/forms/fieldvote.cfm through Friday, May 12. Results of the poll will be available soon after at www.goblueraiders.com. The new synthetic surface will replace the type of artificial turf that MTSU football teams have played on since 1973.
2 MONTHS OF CUSTOMS SESSIONS FOR NEWCOMERS START IN JUNE
Nine sessions of CUSTOMS new student orientation will be offered in June and July for new freshmen and transfers on a first-come, first-served basis, the Office of New Student and Family Programs notes. For students pursuing majors in the Colleges of Basic and Applied Science and Mass Communication, as well as undeclared majors, CUSTOMS will be held June 6-7, June 13-14, June 23-24, July 11-12 and July 24-25. For students pursuing majors in the Colleges of Education and Behavioral Science, Liberal Arts and Business, as well as undeclared majors, CUSTOMS sessions will be held June 9-10, June 20-21, July 6-7 and July 20-21. Transfers may complete CUSTOMS online (www.mtsu.edu/~customs/online) and be cleared by their advisers to register for fall. For information, call 615-898-5533 or visit www.mtsu.edu/customs.
CAMPUS REC = SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS AT SPORTS CAMPS
Keep your children active and healthy this summer! Campus Recreation is again offering summer day camps for boys and girls 7 to 13 years of age, beginning Monday, June 5, and scheduled weekly through July 31. Camp sessions meet 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Sports Camp has a weekly fee of $140 (with lunch) or $110 (without lunch). Before- and after-camp care is also available. Summer Youth Adventure Camp costs $150 per week; lunch and snacks should be brought from home each day. A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required with all camp registrations. More details are at www.mtsu.edu/~camprec; for a brochure, call 615-898-2104.
5 MTSU faculty nominated for Love Awards
by Doug Williams
Five members of the MTSU faculty were nominated for the Harold Love Outstanding Community Involvement Award, which is awarded each April by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Dr. Catherine Stogner, Dr. Jette Halladay, Dr. William Ford, Judy Campbell and Meredith Higgs were nominated from MTSU, along with dozens of faculty and students from universities across the state.
"Each faculty member nominated was very deserving of this award, named for the late state Rep. Harold Love, a man of great compassion for those less fortunate in his community," said President Sidney McPhee. "We are proud of their accomplishments and the fact that they, along with many other MTSU faculty and staff, are active in their communities."
Stogner, associate professor of human sciences, was nominated for her work in developing the AHeAD Program, an intergenerational program for college students and community seniors. She started the program six years ago in a partnership with Sue O'Brien of Murfreesboro's St. Clair Senior Center.
Halladay, professor of speech and theatre, used her unique skills in storytelling and children's theater as a vehicle to help others. She planned to return with 20 students and 10 faculty members this month to the village of Cane, Honduras, to oversee several building projects.
Ford, holder of the Weatherford Chair of Finance, was nominated for his 40-plus years of community service, including leading a task force that created an inner-city magnet school program for minority students aspiring to careers in banking. Ford recently represented MTSU on the governor's lottery scholarship task force, where he advocated larger scholarships for low-income students.
Campbell, associate professor of nursing, founded Nurse on Duty, a joint effort by the city of Murfreesboro and MTSU's School of Nursing. The NOD Center provides services to senior adults and clinical experience for nursing students. She also established an annual health-care conference for the elderly, now in its 12th year.
Higgs, assistant professor of academic enrichment, has been involved in numerous volunteer activities in McMinnville, with projects ranging from children's Red Cross swimming lessons to organizing a drive to send items to military personnel overseas.
State Rep. Love, first elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1968, was well known for his volunteer work around Nashville.
Since 1997, THEC has honored five students and five faculty/staff at the Love Awards banquet. Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross won the award in 2005 for her ongoing work with the Expanding Your Horizons Conference.
Camp named 'Children's Champion'
by Jared Brickey
MTSU's Janet Camp has long been a champion to those families and children with whom she works.
But during the 2006 Week of the Young Child April 2-8, Camp was formally honored for her dedication to education as the recipient of the 2006 Children's Champion Award.
"I had no idea what they were going to say when they gave it to me. It certainly was a huge surprise," said Camp, referring to the award presented April 2 by the leadership of the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children.
Rhonda Laird, NAAEYC president, said the Children's Champion Award is presented annually "to an individual who has a vision for improving the quality of early care and education services and has used his or her voice for families who want the best for their children."
Camp, who began her child-care career in 1961 as a college student, has worked seemingly every role imaginable in child education-from a research assistant and curriculum specialist at Vanderbilt University to a daycare center instructor and field director. Today, however, she serves as a supervisor for educational services at MTSU's Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia.
A member of MTSU's staff since 1997, Camp said that she derives her motivation largely from her sincere desire to better the lives of children. In a sense, she said, she considers the children with whom she's worked as her very own.
"I did not have children of my own, and I made the decision in the early '80s that I would work for children," Camp said. "Working actively to get statewide systems in place to improve the lives and the care of young children was an appropriate way for me."
Camp also praises the professionals who make up the child-care community.
"It was very much a 'we' effort, not an 'I' effort. We worked collaboratively, cooperatively, continuously with our eye on some goals that we really wanted to achieve for young children," she said.
"Everybody who works in it, they're very reinforcing people. We constantly praised each other and reinforced each other to keep our eye on the goal and keep moving. So it's a very warm community of people to work with."
Nevertheless, it's also a community that doesn't receive the credit it deserves, she noted.
"Recognition needs to be broadened," Camp said with a hint of concern. "We're doing it for the children; we're not doing it for ourselves. I think because some people do not know how much this arena has become professionalized, this industry, over the last 30 years, [has seen] an awesome change.
"And the remaining goal that still is left to develop is adequate compensation for people who work in early childhood and child care. It's been the albatross that we've not been able to conquer yet. We need the public to understand the professionalization of the people who work in child care."
Camp is remaining focused on the future and the ways she can continue to improve the education and care of Tennessee's children.
"We're all playing our part from whatever position we're in at the time," she said.
Jared Brickey is a sophomore majoring in mass communication.
National acclaim
MAGAZINE COVER-Dr. Jim Burton, right, dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, presents MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee with a framed copy of a Business Week magazine promotional cover wrap highlighting the Jones College. The wrap, which highlighted achievements of faculty and students in the undergraduate and graduate business programs, appeared on a limited number of issues of the magazine distributed throughout the region.
photo by J. Intintoli
MTSU is newest consortium member
from Staff Reports
Oak Ridge Associated Universities welcomed MTSU as one of the newest members of its university consortium during the 61st annual meeting of the ORAU Council of Sponsoring Institutions held in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
MTSU and the University of Texas at San Antonio joined the ORAU Consortium as associate members. In addition, Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins, Penn State, San Diego State and the University of Texas at Dallas have been accepted by the Council as the newest ORAU sponsoring institutions.
With these additions, the ORAU Consortium now consists of 96 sponsoring institutions and 13 associate members, representing 28 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and London. Membership in the ORAU consortium allows faculty and students at member institutions opportunities to win members-only grants and internships as well as participate in laboratory research at federal facilities, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The addition of MTSU comes as an outgrowth of a partnership between the school and ORAU in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math education through a congressionally mandated Science and Engineering Education Pilot Program.
Authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, SEEPP is designed to help students and teachers at every grade level learn about scientific research in the country's leading laboratories and then put those methods in their own classrooms.
ORAU is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 96 major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Rutherford County gets fit with new program
by Tiffany Jordan
The "Heart of Tennessee Health and Wellness Program" is helping the residents of Rutherford County improve their health.
Rutherford County has never had a formal program promoting health and wellness. So Murfreesboro cardiologist Tina Gresham, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Performance at MTSU, created the structured program as a means of advising participants on steps to take to get healthy.
The program's director is Dr. Mark Anshel, an HHP professor at MTSU. He monitors the progress of the individuals, collects and analyzes data on the program's effectiveness and hires the staff. Other members on the team of specialists are Dr. Brynda Quinn, health psychologist; Greg Garrett, fitness specialist; Christie Wells, dietician; and Deana Brewer, nutritionist.
The fitness curriculum has four main components. The first is collecting data, which is done by testing blood, fitness, nutrition and psychological make-up. The next part is performance coaching, which motivates the individuals and provides instruction.
"People need instruction and need to be held accountable [for their actions]," said Anshel.
The third element is routine development, which creates security and consistency. The final component of the program is learning to attach habits to values. People consider the costs and consequences of their unhealthy habits in that component, Anshel said, and can decide to change.
The "Heart of Tennessee Health and Wellness Program" lasts for 12 weeks. The fee is $250, which includes all activities for that period.
Plans are being made for the next session, which is scheduled to begin Saturday, June 10.
For more information, contact Gresham at 615-895-0533 or Anshel at 615-898-2812.
'Friend of the College,' 3 alumni honored; Mass Communication adds 4 to 'Wall of Fame'
by Gina E. Fann
Three accomplished MTSU alumni and one "Friend of the College" have been added to the growing roster of the College of Mass Communication's Wall of Fame.
Dean Anantha Babbili announced during an April 25 ceremony that alumni Reza J. Baktar, Glenn Middleworth and Connie Cass O'Connell would be honored with plaques and photos installed on the northwest interior wall of the Bragg Mass Communication Building.
Also honored was Friend of the College Dr. Virginia Dodge Fielder.
"These are people who believe in us, who trust us, who have faith that we'll do well because they have done well,'' Babbili said of the additions. "They are sincere in helping our students and spreading the word of MTSU's College of Mass Communication."
The Wall of Fame began in 2000 as a way to honor successful mass communication graduates and inspire current students to work toward their goals. Each year, each of the college's departments solicits nominees from faculty, chooses an honoree and submits his or her name to the dean. The Wall of Fame ceremony then becomes as part of the college's annual Awards Day.
With the new honorees, the Wall of Fame now has 41 members. Details about the four 2006 additions include:
¥ Baktar (B.S. '95), an alumnus of the Department of Electronic Media Communication, began his television career at WTVF News-Channel5 in Nashville while still a student at MTSU. His career path so far has led him to CNN, Fox News, ABC News and back to CNN, where he now works as a senior director in the news organization's Washington bureau. Baktar also is a member of the Directors Guild of America.
¥ Middleworth (B.S. '80), one of the first graduates of the then-fledgling Department of Recording Industry, started his career in the RCA Records mailroom and moved into music publishing. After stints at the Opryland Music Group and EMI, he joined Famous Music Group and is now vice president of creative for its Nashville division.
¥ O'Connell (B.S. '87), an alumna of the School of Journalism, began her career with the Associated Press part-time while still a student at MTSU. She joined the AP's Nashville bureau full-time upon graduation and soon worked her way into the news service's Indianapolis, Louisville and San Diego bureaus. Since 1993, O'Connell has worked in Washington, D.C., at the largest AP bureau in the world.
¥ Fielder, the 2006 "Friend of the College," is a former vice president for research for Knight Ridder Inc. and a charter member of the college's Board of Visitors. She recently established The Fielder Family Endowed Scholarship to recognize the work of her late father, mother and aunt- all MTSU alumni and early Tennessee educators-with a gift now valued at $120,000. The annual Fielder Family scholarship will be awarded beginning in the 2006-07 academic year to a Wayne County resident attending MTSU with an interest in journalism, mass communication, elementary and/or special education, nursing, music or recording industry.
Campus construction continues into summer
by Tom Tozer
Construction projects on campus are in varying stages of completion, with the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building addition perhaps the most visible as spring semester 2006 concludes.
Hardaway, the contractor for the CKNB project, is set to begin brickwork soon. Completion is scheduled for September, and the first classes will convene in spring 2007. American Roofing of Nashville recently completed the re-roofing of the original CKNB.
Porter Roofing of McMinnville also has completed the re-roofing of Davis Science Building. Also finished is the new Naked Eye Observatory at the northeast corner of Cope. The Murphy Center seating update project likewise is in the completed column.
The Smith Hall Quad is 99 percent completed, officials say, and the complex soon will have a total bathroom makeover and new lighting. As each residence hall is renovated, sprinkler systems also are being installed.
The redesign of the facade for the Parking and Transportation Building-the former gym of St. Mark's United Methodist Church on East Main Street-is in progress.
The metal building of the new airplane hangar is up and ready for use. Located at the Murfreesboro Airport, it will be used for maintaining university aircraft and related instructional purposes. It includes a 50' by 85' asphalt apron for maneuvering aircraft and an asphalt taxiway linked to the existing runway.
Regarding the Alumni House/Office project, interior work at the Alumni House on the west side of Middle Tennessee Boulevard is complete. Roofing work is almost complete on the stair tower of the Alumni House, and the contractor has been painting the exterior stairwell, final-grading the area and putting in some landscaping in preparation for a scheduled May 18 open house at the facility. (See calendar item on page 4.)
Next door, the Alumni Relations office interior also is complete, with cabinets installed and painting and flooring completed by contractor Shankle-Lind. Workers have poured the remaining sidewalks and installed wooden fencing and gates. Floors have been refinished, and painting and handrail installation are complete.
The Alumni Relations staff was settling into their new buildings in early May. Payroll Services will now move from the basement of Reynolds Hall to the Tom Jackson Building (formerly the Alumni Center).
The Middle Tennessee Building Renovation, which will house Graduate Studies, Grants and Research, and Human Resource Services when complete, has been awarded to Shankle-Lind and will begin soon.
Phase I of the Parking/Transportation work across Rutherford Boulevard is in progress, with CBM Enterprises of La Vergne serving as contractor.
The infrastructure of the Women's Softball Press Box is completed, electrical is trimmed out and painting is in progress. By this reading, the project should be finished.
The Baseball Field Lighting project is finished, and Phase I of the Track Field Improvements is under way. Lights are up, and the facility is being newly wired. Phase II of this project, which will entail new concessions, restrooms, ticket office, field house and entry plaza was awarded to Tri-Star Construction. This project is in partnership with the City of Murfreesboro in preparation for Spring Fling May 23-27.
Olympian Construction is the contractor for the Sports Field Project, the area on East Main Street where the rugby field is located. The current building will be torn down and replaced by a new storage facility. Several playing fields will be configured.
Projects in the design stage include the Student Health & Wellness Center/Recreation Facility; underground electrical work; the New Student Union/KUC Renovation project; Monohan and Lyons renovation (after Smith Quad is completed); and several ADA accessibility adaptations.
Re-roofing design is in process for Boutwell Dramatic Arts, Todd Hall and Kirksey Old Main. Peck Hall HVAC work is in the design development phase.
Calendar update: Terry Gross visit reset for Sept. 19
Due to illness, "Fresh Air" radio show host Terry Gross was not able to fulfill her April commitments at MTSU. Her appearance has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Marc J. Barr, electronic media communication, says new tickets will not be printed, and those with the original April 17 tickets should keep them for the September event.
"Fresh Air with Terry Gross," a Peabody Award-winning daily interview and music program, went national with a half-hour edition in 1985 and expanded to a one-hour edition in 1987. "Fresh Air" now airs on 160 National Public Radio stations.
For more information, contact Barr at 615-898-5118 or at mjbarr@mtsu.edu.
New home for Alumni Relations
READY TO SETTLE IN-Assistant Alumni Relations Director Katy Francisco Riddle, at left, laughs at Alumni Director Ginger Freeman's waiting-for-the-movers joke as Administrative Assistant Martha Jordan, center, listens on the front porch of the soon-to-be-filled Alumni House. The eight-member Alumni Relations staff moved in May 2 from the Tom H. Jackson Building into their new digs across Middle Tennessee Boulevard from the president's house. The Alumni House, a renovated historic home at 2259 Middle Tennessee Blvd., and the Alumni Office, a renovated parsonage next door at 2263 MT Blvd., will welcome alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students and the community at an open house on Thursday, May 18, from 4-7 p.m. Make reservations by Monday, May 15, by calling 615-898-2922 or visiting www.mtalumni.com.
photo by News & Public Affairs
BRAA names new assistant
MT Media Relations
Longtime Blue Raider supporter John Pointer has been named as an assistant director of the Blue Raider Athletic Association, taking the spot vacated when Alan Farley was elevated to associate athletic director for fund-raising.
Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said Pointer will focus on membership retention and obtaining new BRAA members, specifically organizing and overseeing the annual membership drive.
"I grew up in Columbia, Tenn., and at a young age I watched my brother, Reggie, play basketball at Middle Tennessee for legendary coach Jimmy Earle," said Pointer.
"I also enjoyed attending Middle Tennessee football games and having the wonderful opportunity of being mentored by some of the Blue Raider players when I was a budding young football player. As a former state All-Star high school football player, I had the honor to actually play at Floyd Stadium where I was selected as the Most Valuable Defensive Player as a linebacker.
"I have followed this program my entire life and these are very exciting times for Blue Raider athletics. Under the direction of Chris Massaro, this program is ready to explode, and I am very excited and fortunate to be a part of the process."
A 1980 graduate of Vanderbilt, Pointer comes to the Blue Raider athletic family after spending several years as a former professional football player.
He has been honored with such outstanding awards as the top-rated Minority Businessman of Year in Tennessee while also garnering various honors recognizing him throughout North America with civic and community awards. A favorite community service was the "John Pointer's Back to Basics Football Camp," which was held annually in Columbia for many years.
His background also includes a stint as former assistant administrator for the Ohio Valley Conference in team championships and marketing. A former Tennessee state administrator in transportation and housing, pointer most recently was employed with the state of Mississippi as an administrator for small and minority business development for the Katrina recovery process in the Gulf Coast.
"I am very pleased to have John on our team," said Farley. "He is a very personable guy, and our donors will really like him. I am impressed with his background and experience in fund-raising and sales.
"As a native of Maury County, John will be able to build a base of support for Blue Raider athletics in that part of the middle Tennessee region, and his business background will also be a huge asset."
Student win critic's award
by Lisa L. Rollins
MTSU student William C. Fancher was named as the national winner of the distinguished O'Neill Critic's Institute, an initiative of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, during an April 22 ceremony.
A native of Cordova, Tenn., Fancher was the Region IV KCACTF winner and represented the region at the national festival, which was held April 18-23 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Surprised to have won the top prize, Fancher said, "I accept my award from the Kennedy Center humbly.
"After all," he added jokingly, "a critic is the same as anyone else, only better in nearly every way."
Fancher, who is a graduate of Cordova High School, is a marketing major and has taken several courses in the university's speech and theatre program. Most recently, he portrayed Mason Marzac, a passionate new baseball fan, in the MTSU production of playwright Richard Greenberg's award-winning baseball drama, "Take Me Out."
"This is a great honor for MTSU Theatre," said Jeff Gibson, assistant professor, speech and theatre. "We appreciate Will's hard work and dedication in representing us."
Gibson added, "It is also important for us to show our congratulations and thanks to Crosby Hunt for his long history of work with the OCI, where he is currently the initiative's regional director." An associate professor of developmental studies at MTSU, Hunt has worked with the OCI for the past 12 years.
Each year the regional competition of the American College Theatre Festival conducts an O'Neill Critics Institute. OCI was established to help elevate the level of arts criticism and to provide writers the opportunity to grow at the same pace as the artists, whose work they review and interpret.
To accomplish this, the KCACTF sponsors workshops at each regional festival where students write daily critiques of plays in roundtable discussion sessions.
As the national winner, Fancher will attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center during its national playwriting conference in July, where he will work with leading professional newspaper and magazine critics from across the United States.
"As you can imagine, this is an incredible opportunity for a student to meet and work with leading critics and theatre professionals from across the country," said Gibson, who added that several past winners now work for major newspapers and national magazines.
For more information about MTSU Theatre, visit the program's Web page at www.mtsu.edu/~theatre or call 615-898-5916.
Martin tournament raises $33K to aid insurance students
by Randy Weiler
The Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance Golf Tournament April 18 at Champions Run Golf Course in Rockvale was "an outstanding success," said Dr. Ken Hollman, professor, economics and finance, and holder of the Martin chair.
The annual tournament produced a $33,000 net profit that will "generate money for scholarships for students in the insurance program and to cover Chair of Insurance operating expenses," Hollman said.
One hundred forty-five golfers and 104 hole sponsors who paid $150 each were joined by other "silver" or "gold" contributions in larger amounts, he added.
The Martin Chair of Insurance tourney has generated about $400,000 for the chair since 1985, Hollman said. Fifty-four students with majors or minors in insurance earned scholarships during the 2005-06 academic year.
The Martin Chair of Insurance, named in honor of renowned Murfreesboro agent Thomas T. Martin, was founded to enhance MTSU's insurance curriculum.
Alumna making beautiful music
by Joshua C. Hall
Tennessee native Holli Harrison doesn't need to apologize if her e-mail responses are tardy while she travels between New York and Paris.
Being in two of the world's busiest cities, filled with astonishing cathedrals and music halls-what else could a young opera singer possibly hope for?
At this point, the MTSU alumna, who earned a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance in 1999, is concerned solely with her future.
"Right now I'm taking things one step at a time," Harrison said.
The sentiment is an understatement from Harrison, who currently is juggling auditions, meetings and recitals in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Texas and then returning to her New York City home.
The Big Apple also has been good to Harrison, however. The city recently served as host for the 52nd Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finals, where Harrison showcased a soprano voice called "dark and mezzo-like" by The New York Times. When all was said and sung at the close of the nationwide contest, only five performers became winners-one of whom was Harrison, who also claimed a $15,000 prize.
"So far, (winning) has meant being able to pay for a lot of lessons and coaching and music ... (and) one shopping trip," Harrison said of the perks of her recent success.
In addition to the financial relief and notoriety, Harrison said she received an abundance of the thing that she enjoys most about singing.
"I love the thrill of a live audience," she remarked. "They could have paid me $1 that day after having sung on that stage, with that orchestra, and I would have been happy."
Partly responsible for helping Harrison get to that stage is MTSU music professor Dr. Raphael Bundage, who helped direct the young singer toward opera.
"I grew up singing gospel-I am from the South, after all-and didn't get into opera until I got to college," Harrison explained.
Harrison said that after she met Bundage, she was accepted into the Nashville Opera chorus, which is directed by Bundage, who also serves as chorus master for the Nashville Opera.
"After that," Harrison said. "I was hooked. ... What could be better than getting paid to dress up and be someone else?"
It's doubtful, though, that she feels the need to be anyone else. If not for music, Harrison said, she probably would have been an event coordinator of sorts.
"I'm not a great cook, but I can put together a great party after someone else has done the cooking," Harrison affirmed.
Working hard on the stage and not in banquet halls, Harrison is surrounded in New York City by her teacher, coaches and pianist. And in her spare time, the upcoming vocal star, like most young aspirants, said she thinks about where she would like to eventually live.
"Although I do love Paris, NYC is the best place for me now," Harrison said. "I also love Nashville. My family is still in Tennessee, and I know my mother, of course, wants me to head back that way ASAP."
Regardless of where it will occur, it appears as if Holli Harrison's dreams are in bloom.
Joshua C. Hall is a senior majoring in mass communication.
Vocal performance major earns national acclaim
by Lisa L. Rollins
MTSU vocal student Rebecca B. King won the "Student" category Verdi Award of the national Orpheus Vocal Competition held March 4-5 in Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building.
King, a native of Jackson Tenn., is a junior vocal performance major in the McLean School of Music at MTSU and studies with voice professor Dr. Christine Isley-Farmer.
"This was an exciting opportunity to compete at a national level with such talented singers and win this prestigious prize," King said.
King sang "Il segreto per esser felici" by Donizetti, "Lied der Mignon" by Schubert, "Then shall the Eyes of the Blind/He shall feed His Flock" from Handel's "Messiah" and "The Duchess' Lullaby" by Duke for the competition.
Open to vocal competitors on a national scale, this year's competition drew contestants from New York, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, Missouri, Michigan, Florida, Massachusetts and Tennessee.
Competitors are screened by taped submission and then by live competition. Singers compete in one of two categories: Young Artist, which is for ages 25-30, or Student for vocalists ages 19-24. Cash prizes are awarded for each category. Seven cash prizes are awarded for the Young Artist category, including the $2,500 grand prize. Six cash prizes are awarded for the student category, including the $1,000 grand prize. A scholarship also is awarded in each category in addition to the cash prizes.
Adjudicators of this year's Orpheus Vocal Competition were John Kramar, professor of voice at East Carolina University and assistant director of Opera Chautauqua; John Keene, music director of LSU Opera; and Dee Ann Gorham, professor of voice at Texas A & M, Commerce.
Upon graduation from MTSU, King plans to attend graduate school and then begin a career as an opera singer.
For more information on King, please contact the McLean School of Music at 615-898-2493.
Equestrian brigade brightens title hopes
by Randy Weiler
With "a little more depth" than normal, MTSU's equestrian team rode with "a reasonable chance" of prevailing as the national champion during the May 3-7 Intercollegiate Horse Show National Championship in Harrisburg, Pa.
That was the pre-event assessment by Coach Anne Brzezicki, whose Blue Raiders featured 12 riders that included three alumni.
"Twelve is a big number," Brzezicki said. "We're not top-heavy. We've got some good riders at two or three levels. We'll just try and prepare as best we can and do a good job there. We're excited about the possibilities."
Senior Nikki Klein of Manito, Ill., the high point rider in the region, won three of four classes in the Zone competition held near Savannah, Ga., and hosted by Georgia Southern.
"We have great hopes (with Nikki)," Brzezicki said of Klein, who won the Individual Open, Individual Rein and Team Rein and was second in the Team Open divisions.
Senior Jaclyn Ohman of Sarasota, Fla., was reserve champion in Individual Rein in the zone meet. Senior Lori Puckett of Cookeville was reserve zone champion advanced.
Junior Michael Hunsinger of Gallatin was zone champion Individual Intermediate. Junior Shelby Clark of Decherd was zone champion in the Hunter Seat Walk Trot Canter in a "stellar performance," Brzezicki said.
Sophomores Amy Snoderly and Whitney Herron, both from Maryville, won Team Advanced and Team Novice events, respectively, in the zone.
Junior Sarah McKee of Gallatin and Elaine Gray of Murfreesboro were second in the Team Intermediate and Team Beginner categories, respectively.
WORKING TO WIN-MTSU sophomore Amy Snoderly rides before spectators at the 2006 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's Zone 5 Championship in Savannah, Ga., to win the Team Advanced category in the larger photo. In the inset photo, senior Nikki Klein wins the IHSA Zone 5 Individual Open class. Klein also won the Individual Reining and Team Reining and was second in Team Open. Snoderly and Klein were to join their fellow team members May 3-7 at the national competition.
photos submitted
Spires honored for international service at event
from Staff Reports
Dr. Robert W. Spires, chair of the Department of Electronic Media Communication, was honored with the Distinguished International Service Award at MTSU's International Banquet April 8.
So far this year, Spires has completed an exchange agreement between MTSU and Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland and has co-sponsored exchange student Kyle Brown's study abroad at Hunan Normal University in the People's Republic of China for the spring semester.
It was Spires whose invited lecture at Hunan Normal on the First Amendment led to his negotiation of an exchange agreement between Hunan and MTSU in 2004. He also co-founded a scholarship at MTSU for journalism and mass comm exchange students between the two institutions.
In 2005, Spires visited the Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico, along with an MTSU delegation to lay the groundwork for an exchange agreement with that college.
The family of Pastor J.R. Becker of Chi Alpha, a Christian fellowship, was presented with a plaque for their support of MTSU's international students. Becker gives rides to students who do not have transportation. The Becker family was thanked for helping international students adapt to American culture.
International graduating seniors were honored for earning grade point averages of 3.5 or above. They were given sashes representing each of their countries to wear with their caps and gowns at the May 6 commencement.
Those seniors are:
¥ Reem Al Bash, Bahrain;
¥ Luciana da Trindade Prestes, Brazil;
¥ Viviane Passos Vasconcelos, Brazil;
¥ Parixit Kanubhai Khatri, India;
¥ Jacobo Chalco, Peru;
¥ Honjuan An, China;
¥Tosheena Kenisha Blair, Bahamas;
¥ Carien Venter, South Africa;
¥ Reyhane Gharibi, Germany;
¥ Xiaoli Meng, China;
¥ Anant Sitaram, India; and
¥ Martina Michalova, Slovakia.
People Around Campus
Help wanted: Early risers, must love water
by KaToya Jackson
Though the sport of rowing may seem easy and look graceful, elegant and sometimes effortless, this is no sport for wimps.
Walking into the office of School of Journalism director Dr. Carol Pardun, the first thing one notices is the oar she rows with. Don't be fooled by Pardun's title, however; she is no stranger to the sport and endures all its demands.
Pardun said she became interested in rowing in 2001 when a student in one of her classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill asked her if she rowed, then told her she should check it out because she looked like a rower.
"I figured it was time to get involved in something new," Pardun said. "I began taking lessons, and eventually I started rowing."
Pardun rowed with the Carolina Masters women's crew team for four years before coming to Murfreesboro to join MTSU in 2005.
"I competed in both [four-plus and eight-plus] races, which are how many people are in the boat," said Pardun, who competed in rowing during the spring, summer and fall while living in North Carolina.
During the spring and summer, Pardun participated in what is called "sprint season," which is short, fast rowing that participants finish in three-and-a-half to four minutes.
During the fall, Pardun participates in what are called "head races," which are 5,000-meter races that take about 19 to 20 minutes each.
According to the U.S. Rowing organization's Web site (http://usrowing.com), crew athletes participate in two basic types of rowing-sweep rowing and sculling.
"In sweep rowing, athletes hold one oar with both hands," the Web site notes. "In sculling, the athletes have two oars, one in each hand."
Pardun competes in both sweep rowing and sculling. And since coming to Murfreesboro, she's started a new all-women's rowing team in Nashville at Percy Priest Lake.
Currently, she said, she has three women on her team, but she hopes to find two more members and be racing by fall.
"I'm looking for two more people who have some experience with rowing, but if I don't find two people with experience, I am willing to train them," Pardun said.
Pardun said she chose to have an all-women's team rather than a co-ed team because of the different boat hull capacities often used by each gender. Women usually race with medium-weight boats, whereas men usually race with the heavy weight. There are some co-ed boats, Pardun said, but not many.
"It is more common for women to race together because it is hard to mix men and women together in the boats," Pardun said.
When rowing, the director noted, athletes want calm water, so it's usually done first thing in the morning or before sunset. Therefore, rowing requires a lot of discipline and commitment. Although one doesn't have to have prior experience to participate in rowing, Pardun said, the ideal rower is a tall early bird with long muscles who can be aggressive while at the same time following directions.
For Pardun, the best part about rowing is the physical exercise and the teamwork that is required during the races. She said the discipline of rowing is the most important part.
"I miss my team in Chapel Hill, but I'm looking forward to working with my new team in Nashville," she said, "Rowing is wonderful, and I think that everyone should learn how to do it."
KaToya Jackson is a senior majoring in educational and behavioral science.
SWEEPING ACROSS THE WATER-Dr. Carol Pardun, center, director of the School of Journalism, rows with Mary Dodge-Smith, left, and Carol Seagle, two of her Carolina Masters crew teammates.
photo submitted
The Record, May 8, 2006, V14.21
Campus Calendar
>>Top of Page
Campus Calendar May 8-21
TV Schedule:
"Middle Tennessee Record"
Cable Channel 9
Monday-Sunday-5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+
Saturdays-1:30 p.m.
May 9-10
MTSU Baseball vs. University of Memphis
7 p.m. daily, Reese Smith Field
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
May 12-14
MTSU Baseball vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
7 p.m. May 12; 4 p.m. May 13; 1 p.m. May 14
Reese Smith Field
For information, contact: 615-898-2103.
Saturday, May 13
"See Spot Run" 5K Run
benefits Habitat for Humanity
6:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. start, west side of Peck Hall
Entry fee: $15 per person
For information, visit www.mtalumni.com or contact: 800-533-6878.
Sunday, May 14
"MTSU On the Record-Kennewick Man"
Guest: Dr. Hugh Berryman
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com
Monday, May 15
Summer Session I begins
Thursday, May 18
Alumni House open house
4-7 p.m., 2259 & 2263 MT Blvd.
Make reservations by May 15
For information, contact: 615-898-2922.
May 19-20
National Spotted Saddle Horse 27th Annual Spring Show
6 p.m., Tennessee Livestock Center
Admission: $6; 6 and under free
For information, visit www.nssha.com or contact: 615-890-2864.
Sunday, May 21
"MTSU On the Record-Alvin York's Battlefield"
Guest: Tom Nolan
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com
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