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Learning the Arts: Governor's School kicks off June 11 for 5-week run
by Lisa L. Rollins
The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts, a summer residence program offering intensive study in art, dance, theater and music to talented high-schoolers, will get under way June 11-July 15 at MTSU.
Beginning with the 2006 school, TGSFA participants at MTSU will now complete a five-week residence, which is a week longer than previous programs, according to Dale McGilliard, professor of speech and theatre and director for this year's Governor's School for the Arts.
"The governor has mandated that we have a five-week school from now on," McGilliard explained. "The other Governor's Schools in the state did this last year, but we were allowed our last year of four weeks [in 2005]."
Students attending the residence program also will now receive six hours of college credit instead of three hours of college credit, which is a change from last year's TGSFA.
"We are diligently working to provide that without disrupting the 21 years of knowing what works for a school of the arts and the process of education they need as artists," McGilliard noted.
Administered by the state Department of Education, the Governor's School for the Arts at MTSU traditionally receives applications from more than 1,500 young men and women each year. Only about 230 are accepted into the program each summer.
"We had a fantastic school in 2005, with more than 200 talented students who had a wonderful, life-changing experience at MTSU," McGilliard observed. "Everything from registration into classes to buses to dorms to the smallest detail was excellent, thanks to all the school's teachers who worked so hard to make things happen for these young artists of Tennessee."
Three days of finale events will take place July 13-15, including a theater performance; visual-art exhibit; opera scenes; concerts by the school's piano and wind ensembles, chorale and orchestra; dance performance; visual-art video presentation and an awards ceremony.
Final productions are open to the public. Tickets for the July 13-14 performances are $20 each and allow ticket holders to attend both evening presentations. The finale events schedule is as follows:
¥ Thursday, July 13-Finale reception, a fund-raising event, at 5:30 p.m. in MTSU's Todd Building. Tickets to the reception are $100 per person, and all proceeds benefit the TGSFA.
¥ Thursday, July 13-Opera and theater performances at 7 p.m. in MTSU's Tucker Theatre.
¥ Friday, July 14-Music and dance performances at 7 p.m. in Tucker Theatre.
GSFTA will conduct its closing ceremonies at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 15, in Tucker Theatre. Students are required to stay through this ceremony.
Tennessee Governor's Schools were created when the 1984 Extraordinary Session of the Tennessee General Assembly mandated a summer program to meet the needs of the state's top secondary-school students.
In 1985, the first three schools opened: school for the arts at MTSU, school for the humanities at UT-Martin and school for the sciences at UT-Knoxville.
Since then, other schools have been added: international studies at the University of Memphis, Tennessee heritage at East Tennessee State, prospective teachers at UT-Chattanooga and manufacturing at UT-Knoxville.
For more information regarding this year's TGSFA activities, please visit the school's Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~gschool.
MT athletics, city schools teaming up
by Randy Weiler
MTSU athletes and athletic administrators like the idea. Murfreesboro City Schools' principals and Director Marilyn Mathis fully support the concept. Best of all, the children love the plan.
The idea, concept and plan call for MT's athletic department to partner with 12 city schools. The agreement, which was announced May 17, means 14 MTSU sports teams will mentor, coach and tutor students in assigned schools.
"We pledge our very best effort to ensure that it will work," MTSU Director of Athletics Chris Massaro told school officials and students at Black Fox Elementary, where the announcement was made. "This is our chance to have a meaningful impact. We are very proud of our student-athletes. They balance academics and athletics."
"I think it will be a great opportunity for us to get to know some of the kids in the community," women's golf Coach Rachael Short said. "Hopefully we can touch on problems they are having and help them come to a resolution."
Added volleyball Coach Matt Peck, "I think our kids are very good role models. ... I think our girls are really going to enjoy it."
Black Fox Principal Joe Thompson conceived the idea, then mentioned it to former principal Zane Cantrell, who arranged for a meeting between Massaro and Thompson.
In the agreement, the city schools "will provide opportunities for the athletic department, coaches and teams to become more involved in and communicate with the Murfreesboro community in a timely manner."
"Each school will publicize partnership information in its Web sites, school communications, marquee and school newsletters," the pact continues. "Each school will welcome the athletic team to their assigned school and schedule a convenient time for each student athlete to mentor elementary student/students. Each school will assist the student athlete documenting their involvement in the partnership and fulfilling community projects."
The partnership agreement, which was endorsed by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, notes that one of the basic goals will be to provide "creative mentoring opportunities" for the student-athlete and the Murfreesboro student.
"Mentoring is a relationship building experience that can change the lives of children and the mentor," the agreement reads. "Mentoring and establishing long-term relationships with children can create a healthy future for the child and a fulfilling presence for the student-athlete."
GREAT TEAMWORK-Murfreesboro City Schools students and personnel join MTSU Director of Athletics Chris Massaro to celebrate a new partnership allowing the university's student athletes to mentor children throughout the school system. Shown in the front row, left to right, are students Marissa Gaston, Hunter Savely, Ojee Sharma and Dylan Bargatze. Standing behind them are City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis, Greg Lyles, Mitchell-Neilson Elementary principal, and Massaro.
photo by Ken Robinson
Related story: Student-athletes excel again in class
by MT Media Relations
Middle Tennessee's student-athletes had a banner year in their athletic endeavors during the 2005-06 school year, but they also demonstrated balance between academics and athletics by making passing grades in the classroom.
Ten of the Blue Raiders' 17 NCAA Division I sponsored sports finished third or higher in the Sun Belt Conference during the 2005-06 campaign with women's basketball, men's outdoor track and field and men's indoor track and field all claiming their respective tournament championships.
MTSU's student-athletes were even more impressive in the classroom with six sports earning team grade point averages in excess of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), while 10 sports toted a team GPA of 2.75 or higher. All 17 sports had team GPAs of 2.25 or better.
"I'm very pleased with the academic performance of our student-athletes, but there is always room for improvement," said Chris Massaro, director of athletics. "I would like to thank (Director of Athletic Enhancement) Jeanne Massaquoi, who is retiring this spring, and her staff for their hard work. These grades are a university-wide effort from the coaches, to the student-athletes, to student affairs and beyond."
Middle Tennessee's softball team turned in the athletic department's highest GPA with a 3.30, while women's tennis (3.27) followed closely. Also turning in team GPAs in excess of 3.0 were women's basketball (3.10), soccer (3.02), men's tennis (3.08) and women's track (3.00).
"These results are very pleasing and demonstrate the work our student- athletes put into being so well-rounded in all areas of their lives," said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.
"Our student-athletes are demonstrating an ability to balance their academics and athletics and they understand the most significant reason they are at Middle Tennessee is to obtain a degree in their chosen field and be successful and they are well on their way. ... I would also like to thank the support staff, coaches, the athletic department and our academic advisers for their efforts."
The Academic Performance Rating has been a big topic in the past two years and Middle Tennessee's women's basketball, men's basketball and football programs all have made substantial improvements in those areas.
Behind the scenes
ANOTHER WINNER-Dr. Bob Pondillo, center, electronic media communication, watches newly shot footage of his latest film project, "My Name is Wallace," with cinematographer Scott Pessoni, left, and assistant director Tarkan Dospil, both MTSU alumni. The film is now in post-production. Other crew members include Leslie Ellis (actor, "Tiffany/Carol"), Scott Jackson (lead grip) and co-director/alumnus Matthew Pessoni; students Daniel Henry (documentary), Jessica Berryman (assistant producer), Daniel Rowland (audio), Brandi Vettenburg (makeup) and Tony Reyes (grip and production assistant).
photo by J. Intintoli
Course teaches financial literacy
by Tom Tozer
Beware of the billboard along the interstate that blares, "Borrow $200 and pay back only $202!"
What happens in two weeks when the young borrower doesn't have the $202? Just borrow more .... and more ... and just one more time ... and the nightmare of mushrooming debt begins to pervade every waking hour, eventually growing all-consuming.
That's just one of the lessons students learned in a University 1010 financial literacy pilot program offered during the spring 2006 semester. The six-module course was designed to help college freshmen avoid the financial mistakes that could tarnish their credit history for years.
It began with a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2005 by officials representing state government, MTSU and the university's Jennings A. Jones College of Business.
Jones College faculty wrote the curriculum, and University 1010 instructors taught the course-all funded from seed money provided by the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation. Other supportive partners were the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions and Better Business Bureau.
"The issue was really to see how this would fit into the lifestyle of freshmen students and if it would make a difference in their financial well-being," said Dr. Jim Burton, dean of the Jones College.
"I think students were surprised by some things, in terms of what costs are associated with title loans and payday loans and other things that students find themselves getting into when they are short of cash. Other information dealt with one's bank relationship, how to invest and what expectations to have."
Many students said this experience changed the way they view and use money, said Dr. Marva Lucas, director, academic enrichment, and one of the University 1010 instructors.
"Their comments, questions and the interchange of ideas clearly demonstrated that this information was timely and needed," Lucas said. "Many students remarked how ... they will adapt new behaviors that result in making wise financial decisions."
The difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of students' indicated that nearly all participants were sharper about financial matters after the course-with correct answers increasing as much as 35 percent in some areas.
Student comments reflected what they learned: "It is important to be able to delay gratification," or "I learned how to save money by driving the family clunker."
Many were shocked to discover that the average student has four credit cards or how much interest one actually pays on a loan or how quickly debt can lead to financial ruin.
Burton noted that too many students come from homes where the only question asked is, "Can we make the payment?"
"They don't think about what happens if [they] miss a paycheck," he said. "Parents try to help their kids ... and we bail them out. There comes a point in life where you have to bail yourself out."
While the sessions proved to be extremely helpful, Burton said he would like to see a financial literacy course integrated into the general education curriculum.
"If general education is about anything, it ought to be about life skills," the dean emphasized. "I think this course is for every student, whether a business student or not.
"The business majors will get this information in one form or another-it's really the non-business majors who will still have to balance a checkbook, buy a car or house, need investments and need to know about insurance. In many instances, those folks are leaving the university with very little experience in these areas. ... The rest of us pay for financial ignorance. If someone goes bankrupt and can't pay his or her bills, everyone loses."
Burton said there currently is no plan to offer the sessions in 2006-2007, but the college is exploring additional partnership opportunities.
In Brief:
OWLs honor Higgs with 2006 Professor Award
The 2006 OWLs (Older Wiser Learners) Professor Award has been presented to Dr. Meredith Anne Higgs, assistant professor, academic enrichment. She was nominated by Sherri Stinson, who with Higgs began a coffee conversation group after math class that has proven to be a valuable exchange for students and professors alike. Drs. Mary Farone, biology, and Linda Wilson, nursing, received certificates as nominees for the 2006 OWLs Professor Award.
Register before June 30 for Southern Girls Rock Camp
Open registration is under way through June 30 for the fourth annual Southern Girls Rock 'n' Roll Camp, scheduled July 31-Aug. 5 at MTSU. The day camp will offer girls ages 12-18 instruction in guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, vocals and electronic music. Participants also will attend workshops and discussions on the music business, including production, composing, lighting, publicity and music journalism. Tuition is $250 per camper, and a $50 late fee will be added to applications made between July 1 and July 14, organizers say. Scholarships are available to applicants needing financial assistance. For more information and to register, visit www.sgrrc.org.
Do a little shoe-shopping, help some needy children
The Family Readiness Group, families of the R Troop/4th Squadron of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, is collecting tennis shoes to send to children in Afghanistan. Army physicians treating local children for illnesses and injuries have been trying to give each child a pair of tennis shoes. The clinic needs tennis shoes for boys and girls and in all sizes; the shoes can be new or very gently used. Contact Linda Watson Murphy at 615-898-5953 or 615-631-8663 to arrange a drop-off or pick-up time before Saturday, July 1.
State cancer summit 'taking it to the streets'; event set June 15 in Nashville;
from Staff Reports
A state cancer summit, fueled by efforts of the Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, will be held Thursday, June 15, at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center.
MTSU and the Center for Health and Human Services are among several key partners in providing funding and expertise for community-based initiatives that will be showcased during the summit.
"Taking It to the Streets: Summit on the Burden of Cancer in Tennessee" will address such issues as creating access to services for the homeless and how to utilize churches to raise awareness of the importance of cancer screenings for African Americans, a high-risk population.
The TCCCC is composed of 272 individuals and organizations in Tennessee-divided into three regional cancer workgroups-charged with the responsibility of raising cancer awareness and implementing cancer-control activities. According to Coalition literature, more than 32,000 Tennesseans will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
"MTSU is proud to join the State of Tennessee, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the leading cancer-care institutions in our state in this mission to fight cancer in Tennessee," said Dr. Jo Edwards, CHHS director and holder of the Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services at MTSU.
The Center was developed to encourage quality education, research and service programs to meet the needs of Middle Tennessee's medical, health and human services community. It collaborates with public agencies and private not-for-profit organizations to develop and implement programs to improve the health of the greater Tennessee community, Edwards said.
Early in the process, the Center received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and, partnering with MTSU's School of Nursing, conducted a comprehensive cancer-control needs assessment across the state, which became part of a five-year master plan from the TCCCC.
The keynote speaker for the summit will be Dr. Les Robinson of St. Jude Children's Hospital, who will discuss the emerging focus on cancer survivorship. There are as many as 10 million cancer survivors living today in the United States, experts say.
The Coalition will be recruiting members to join the Middle Tennessee regional workgroup, which is implementing strategies to increase cancer detection and reduce colorectal, tobacco-related and childhood cancers.
For detailed information on the summit or to become involved, call ReJeana Colman at 615-435-5759 or Gail Hardin at 615-936-5885, or visit www.vicc.org/2006summit.
Beloved aerospace professor 'Col. Jack' dies
from Staff Reports
Col. Jean A. Jack, the former MTSU aerospace professor for whom the Jean A. Jack Flight Education Center at the Murfreesboro Airport is named, passed away May 18 at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. He was 91.
He had resided with his wife, MTSU alumna Betty Bell Jack (B.S., '72) at AdamsPlace since February. They lived in the Middle Tennessee area almost 30 years.
Known as "Col. Jack" by colleagues and hundreds of former students, he retired from MTSU as an associate professor of Aerospace in 1980, but continued teaching as an adjunct professor until 1994. He completed 28 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and his last tour of duty was in the capacity of Deputy Chief of Staff/Testing at Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma.
The Colonel was born Jan. 7, 1915, and raised in the small farming community of Tekamah, Neb. He and his wife of 65 years met there as children. Jack graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1939 with a M.A. in chemistry and pursued post-graduate studies in chemistry and physics at Oregon State in 1940, nuclear physics at Ohio State in the late '40s and mechanical and aeronautical engineering at the University of Tennessee in the late '60s. He was a Phi Lambda Upsilon Chemistry Honorary and Sigma XI Science Honorary.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the field artillery, U.S. Army, in 1941 and graduated from the United States Air Corps Flying School in 1942. During World War II, he served as a squadron commander of B-17s and B-24s in the Southwest Pacific Theater. After the war he remained a full colonel on active duty with flying status, serving his country in the U.S. Air Force for more than 28 years. He was a command pilot with more than 4,600 hours of military flying time that included 67 active combat missions. His military awards included the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. He retired from the military in 1968 and went on to share his experience, knowledge and passion for flying.
During his tenure at MTSU, he served as a faculty sponsor of the Alpha Eta Rho Aviation Fraternity and adviser to the MTSU Flying Team and also sponsored the Jean Jack Aerospace Scholarship. He was a certified flight simulator instructor, providing hundreds of hours of training for students as well as for commercial pilots. He co-authored a textbook, Topics in Aerodynamics, that was used in classes at MTSU.
In March 2000, a new MTSU facility at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport was dedicated in his honor as the Jean A. Jack Flight Education Center. He remained an active pilot and enjoyed flying his vintage Navion out of the Murfreesboro airport.
A lifelong athlete, Scout and coach, the Colonel, along with his wife, also was an active member of St. Mark's Methodist Church, where they sang together in the choir and were active in Sunday School.
His beloved wife, who passed away May 10, and sons Robert and Stanley preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Abram, and his wife, Donna, from Colorado; and daughter Diana and her husband, Michael Rawlins, from Texas. Abram and Donna have three sons: Stanley and his wife, Corene, and their son, Nathaniel, of Colorado; David and his wife, Trisha, of Missouri; and Christopher of Colorado.
Funeral services were conducted May 22 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Rutherford Boulevard. The Colonel was interred alongside his wife and two sons in Tekamah, Neb.
Memorials may be made to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, the Col. Jean Jack Aerospace Scholarship at MTSU or the First Presbyterian Church in Tekamah, Neb.
To listen to one of the Colonel's World War II stories, visit his page on the Web site of the Albert Gore Research Center's Middle Tennessee Oral History Project: janus.mtsu.edu/history/expages/jack_jean/jack_jean.htm.
Blue Raiders blog for NCAA
by MT Media Relations
The Middle Tennessee Athletic Department has entered into an agreement with the NCAA to provide guest bloggers for its blog site, Double-A Zone.
MTSU is on the cutting edge with the NCAA blog as the Blue Raiders are the first school in the Sun Belt-and the first school in the Southeast, for that matter-to blog for the NCAA site. The NCAA blog's goal is to talk with people about the issues facing intercollegiate athletics.
Middle Tennessee's first guest blogger for Double-A Zone is Blue Raider softball player Shelby Stiner. The junior shortstop from Peoria, Ariz., is the 2006 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and also was voted Sun Belt First Team All-Conference.
Stiner has written a two-part blog about transferring to MTSU from Glendale Community College and how she made that transition.
She also talks about her friendship with basketball player Chrissy Givens and how Givens advised her on dealing with the pressures of being an NCAA Division I athlete. Her report can be found at www.doubleazone.com/2006/05/middle_tennessee_softball_ stan.html.
In the following months, guest bloggers will include various Blue Raider coaches and student-athletes. Links to the Double-A-Zone and the Blue Raider blogs also can be found at www.goblueraiders.com.
Summer Lecture Series launches
from Staff Reports
MTSU English faculty will provide the keynote addresses in Linebaugh Public Library's inaugural Summer Lecture Series, "Bookends," which begins on Tuesday, June 6 and runs through July 25.
The free lecture series aims to provide an in-depth exploration of contemporary literature for book discussion groups, organizers say.
Made possible by funding from The Friends of Linebaugh Library, the lecture series is set for Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the second-floor Reading Room at Linebaugh, located at 105 W. Vine St. just off the Public Square in Murfreesboro. There will be no lecture on Tuesday, July 4, because of the holiday.
Scheduled lecturers and National Book Award winners for discussion are:
¥ June 6-Dr. Mohammed Albakry, Freedom in the Making of Western Culture by Orlando Patterson.
¥ June 13-Dr. Elvira Casal, Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire.
¥ June 27-Dr. Jenny Marchant, The Canning Season by Polly Horvath.
¥ July 11-Dr. Jimmie E. Cain Jr., Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien.
¥ July 18-Clifton Kaiser, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
¥ July 25-Dr. Bob Petersen, Ship Fever, and Other Stories by Andrea Barrett.
For more information, visit www.linebaugh.org.
Division wins 3 communications statewide awards
from Staff Reports
Three departments in the Development and University Relations division received recognition for their creative efforts at the Tennessee College Public Relations Association annual awards competition, which was held May 18-19 in Gallatin.
Members of Publications and Graphics, Alumni Relations and News and Public Affairs earned a total of three awards in the statewide competition between universities and community colleges.
The Alumni Record, a joint effort between NPA and Alumni Relations, received a silver award, while P&G's Stones River Chamber Players announcements and the Honors Alternative, the newsletter for the University Honors College, both received bronze awards.
Randy Weiler is editor of The Alumni Record and works in collaboration with Katy Francisco Riddle, assistant director, Alumni Relations, on the quarterly publication. Sherry Wiser George is the graphic designer for both the SRCP announcements and the Honors Alternative.
Joe Bales, vice president, Development and University Relations, said he's proud of his division's latest showing.
"It's always pleasing to see the work of your colleagues be recognized by their peers, particularly when the competition is so strong," Bales said. "I congratulate Randy, Katy and Sherry for their efforts and know these awards are also a reflection of the team effort in their respective departments."
The Publications and Graphics office has been a consistent winner in recent TCPRA awards competitions, winning multiple awards the past two years. Suma Clark, director of P&G, credits those awards to the talent and enthusiasm of employees like Wiser George.
"Sherry has been with us about a year and a half now, and not only does she bring solid talent to the position, but she brings a wonderful enthusiasm for the job," said Clark.
"She has the ability to work well with everyone on the challenges each day brings. I am pleased to see her work recognized."
Clark said P&G senior writer/editor Bill Fisher, Honors College Dean Phil Mathis and Mathis' secretary, Karen Demonbreum, also should be commended for their contributions to the Honors Alternative. Jerry Perkins, professor in the McLean School of Music, coordinates publications for the Stones River Chamber Players.
According to the TCPRA awards committee, the 2006 competition was the largest and most competitive in recent memory. There were 191 entries from 16 Tennessee colleges and universities. Doug Williams, executive director of marketing and communication, accepted the awards on behalf of MTSU during the TCPRA's spring conference at Volunteer State Community College.
Faculty projects split $15K seed money; Foundation grants support environment, veterans plans
by Tom Tozer
The Middle Tennessee State University Foundation board recently presented a total of $15,000 in seed money to fund two special projects spearheaded by faculty members whose efforts are catching the eye and ear of academia and the general public.
Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters, professor of biology; Laura McCall, coordinator, biology; and Bob English, environmental consultant, received $10,000 for their project, "Four-Season Virtual Tree Trail."
The Virtual Trail is based on the paved handicapped-accessible trail at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro, and it will offer a four-season tour of the sights and sounds found there.
"It's a fact that, as a society, we are more removed from nature than ever before," Smith-Walters said.
"For many, the only time spent outside is during the walk from our car to a building. The Virtual Trail will be a tool to engage learners of all ages to explore the natural world, foster 'sense of place,' engender community involvement and encourage all us to get outdoors. We are grateful to the Foundation for its support."
Derek Frisby, assistant professor of history, received $5,000 for the "MTSU Veterans Memorial" project.
"This project is very important to me as a proud MTSU alumnus, a USMC veteran and now history department faculty member," said Frisby. "It will specifically recognize the 56 known members of the MTSU community who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. I am honored that the Foundation has chosen to become an integral part of [this] effort."
Frisby said his family has a 60-year-long association with MTSU.
Each year, the Foundation's Special Projects Committee reviews applications and selects the winning project(s.)
To be considered, a project must require seed money to ensure its success and have an overall budget of less than $100,000. The work must advance the goals and bring credit to the university and the MTSU Foundation. The project also must show potential for leveraging additional funding, and the applicant(s) must be willing to lead the way in fund raising efforts.
Members of the Special Projects Committee are strictly volunteers who do not necessarily have expertise in any of the disciplines related to the winning projects.
For more information about applying for a Special Projects Award, visit the Foundation's Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~devofc/found/specproj.html.
Funding cuts eliminate NYSP for 2006
Dr. Gloria Bonner, dean, College of Education and Behavioral Science, has announced that the National Youth Sports Program, which was scheduled for June 1-July 3 at MTSU, has been canceled.
For the past three summers, MTSU's Department of Health and Human Performance has overseen the grant-funded, monthlong endeavor that combines sports instruction and recreation with educational programs for some 300 youths ages 10-16.
However, because of a lack of federal funding, there will be no NYSP at MTSU this year.
"We regret that we are not able to be a host site for this wonderful program this time, but we are optimistic that NYSP will return to the MTSU campus in 2007," noted Bonner, who said community support for the program has been outstanding.
Those interested in helping to ensure that NYSP returns in 2007 are asked to contact their local senate and congressional representatives and request that they support NYSP via their votes, said Dr. Dianne Bartley, chairwoman of HHP and NYSP coordinator.
Anderson Scholars honored
WOMEN ON THE MOVE-Erin Meaker, left, a junior anthropology and philosophy major; senior biology major Lisa Pearcy; and Amanda Lane, a senior criminal justice major, get acquainted before being honored at the recent June S. Anderson Scholars awards luncheon. (Not pictured is fellow honoree Tracy Conrad.) The JSA Scholars are nontraditional women who, in most cases, have overcome adversity and are pursuing careers typically occupied by men. Anderson taught chemistry at MTSU from 1958 until 1983 and founded an academic support service for women in 1975, the Concerned Faculty and Administrative Women. She also founded the Women in Higher Education in Tennessee in 1980. Since 1983, the JSA Foundation has awarded more than $210,000 in scholarships to 106 women 23 and older.
photo by Ken Robinson
New grad adds 'fellowship winner' to rŽsumŽ; plans career in dispute resolution
by Joshua C. Hall
The only thing that could possibly upset a potential employer about new alumna Katie Crytzer's rŽsumŽ is the amount of reading required to finish it.
As a member of MTSU's Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors, as well as Kappa Delta's vice president of standards, Crytzer had no problem filling blank spaces.
Most recently added to Crytzer's section of awards received is the Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship, which gave her a cool baker's dozen of honors.
The Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship assists students in graduate studies. It means $5,000 in scholarship money for Crytzer, which will come in handy for attending law school, now that she's received her degree in political science-summa cum laude-from MTSU.
"This award is big for the school and Katie," said Dr. John Vile, chairman of MTSU's political science department. "It is a nationwide contest that allows only 60 people to win. All majors are welcome to contend, which creates more competition."
The required essay that Crytzer wrote for the win details her accounts of growing up overseas. Having lived in Germany as a 5-year-old, she described seeing things that deeply affected world history as well as her own future.
"As a child, I witnessed events that significantly shaped the world that we live in today: the fall of Communist Germany and the reality of post-Communist Russia," Crytzer noted.
"While still in their infancy, the new governments left a large number of [their] population neglected, unrepresented and disoriented. ...
"I see the study of law as my opportunity to lend a voice to those in society who are without the knowledge to assert their own."
In the fall, Crytzer said, she will attend either William and Mary or George Mason Law School, where she plans to study alternate dispute resolution-an activity that she described as "putting together the psychiatrist and the lawyer."
Crytzer, the oldest of three children, said that her family has played a major role in preparing her for the future.
"I was always the mediator growing up, whether it was deciding who had to do which chores or who got to go first in Monopoly," she explained.
MTSU also aided her career decision by exposing her to fundamentals of the legal process.
"At MTSU, I fell in love with Mock Trial. I am a self-professed nerd; preparing for and competing in Mock Trial Tournaments really excited and challenged me," Crytzer said. "For me, there was something exhilarating about walking into a courtroom and going through the process of trying a case."
In addition to serving as the opening attorney for MTSU's Mock Trial Team, Crytzer also played intramural volleyball, softball, flag football and basketball.
"I'm going to miss the small-town atmosphere that Murfreesboro and MTSU offers," she said. "I love living in a college town that revolves around MTSU."
The aspiring lawyer plans to use her abilities in assisting those who are less fortunate.
"After law school, I hope to work for a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of those who are without representation," Crytzer said.
Joshua C. Hall is a May 2006 graduate of MTSU majoring in mass communication.
Warm up now for Fenton Payne and Fred 5K Run
from Staff Reports
The third time is already the charm for athletes across Middle Tennessee looking forward to the Third Annual Fenton Payne and Fred 5K Run/Walk, to be held Saturday, Aug. 19, at MTSU.
After a 6 a.m. registration at Peck Hall, runners and walkers will take off at 7:30 a.m. on a flat, fast, certified course around the MTSU campus. Hailed as one of the largest races in Rutherford County with more than 600 participants in 2005, event coordinators expect the race to attract more than 800 runners and walkers this year.
The event is named for Dr. Fenton Payne Hardison and Dr. Fred Lovelace, long-time pals, runners and residents of Murfreesboro. More than $1,000 in prizes will be presented to overall and master's first-, second- and third-place finishers. About $2,000 in door prizes also is scheduled to be given away.
Cost is $20 for regular registrants and $15 for middle- and high-school athletes. Proceeds from the event registration fees will benefit the Blue Raider Athletic Association's scholarship fund and Murfreesboro's Primary Care & Hope Clinic's Mobile Health Unit. The Mobile Health Unit treats uninsured and underinsured patients in the area. Last year, the event raised more than $13,000 for the BRAA.
Participants or donors may call the BRAA office at 615-898-2210 or register online at www.active.com. Those interested in volunteering may call 615-904-8240.
Expert advice
ENERGETIC DISCUSSION-Congressman Bart Gordon, left, and Dr. Cliff Ricketts of MTSU discuss Ricketts' work with hybrid electric vehicles before a May 17 hearing of the House Science Committee's Energy Subcommittee. Gordon invited Ricketts, acting director of MTSU's School of Agribusiness and Agriscience, to testify as an expert witness on emerging energy technologies. To listen to Ricketts' testimony, go to www.mtsunews.com and click on the "Listen to mp3 audio" link next to the photo of the pair.
photo by Alisha Prather, House Science Committee
MT riders place 7th in national collegiate event
from Staff Reports
MTSU's Western team placed seventh nationally among the top teams in the May 3-7 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship in Harrisburg, Pa.
The event was won by The Ohio State University, with Kansas State University named reserve champion and Texas A&M University third, said MT Coach Anne Brzezicki.
Junior Sarah McKee of Gallatin earned Reserve Champion in Team Intermediate while sophomore Amy Snoderly of Maryville was fourth in Team Advanced. Placing sixth in Individual Intermediate was junior Michael Hunsinger of Gallatin, while senior Lori Puckett of Cookeville finished fourth in the Individual Advanced.
In the Hunter Seat division, junior Shelby Clark of Winchester was fourth in the Individual Walk-Trot-Canter.
In addition, senior Nikki Klein of Manito, Ill., was sixth in the High Point Rider class, competing against 22 of the Western Regional champion riders from around the country. Klein also placed ninth in both the Individual Open Horsemanship and the National Reining Horse Association's Individual Reining.
MT alumna Cori Gould (B.S. '04) of Ashland City was named champion in the Western Horsemanship class, with MTSU barn manager Jessica Schultz (B.S. '01) of Murfreesboro as reserve champion. Schultz also was third in the Alumni Reining. Jaclyn Cradduck was fourth in the Alumni Hunter Seat.
Brzezicki said the alumni division was established "to encourage alums to stay connected to their college programs and give help and support to undergrads and the IHSA throughout the regions."
MTSU brought 10 horses to add to the draw pool, Brzezicki said, adding that the horses included two reining horses.
"One of these, Willy, owned by Trish Franks (of Franklin), was named as the Western Horse of the show," Brzezicki said. "This award is voted on by attendees of the show based on his performances. Through-out the entire show, his heart and determination made him enjoyable to watch and one that most (of the riders) hoped to draw."
Brzezicki said that she and the returning team members "are looking forward to another successful season next year."
IN THE WINNERS' CIRCLE-MTSU Equestrian Team members celebrate their seventh-place national ranking at the recent Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's National Championship in Pennsylvania. From left are Faye Lynn Coffey, assistant coach; Coach Anne Brzezicki; Whitney Herron of Maryville; Jaclyn Ohman of Sarasota, Fla.; Lori Puckett of Cookeville; Jessica Schultz, MTSU barn manager and alumna, seated on Willy; Sarah McKee of Gallatin; Cassie Prince of Nolensville; Michael Hunsinger of Gallatin; Nikki Klein of Manito, Ill.; Amy Snoderly of Maryville; Shelby Clark of Decherd; Chris Stewart of Murfreesboro; and Bob Cacchione, founder and IHSA executive director, Fairfield, Conn.
photo submitted
Writing Project begins 2nd year of teaching educators
by Lisa L. Rollins and Tom Tozer
Thanks to generous matching grants totaling $98,000, MTSU will soon embark upon its second annual Middle Tennessee Writing Project, an on-campus writing institute for select teachers of kindergarten through college students.
Dr. Bobbie Solley, professor of elementary and special education, said the multi-week institute targets those educators who are already doing good work when it comes to writing instruction in the classroom.
"This will be for those people who want to expand their repertoire," she said of the MTWP, which will meet 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday beginning June 5 and ending Friday, June 30.
Participating educators will be required to present a 90-minute demonstration of an effective writing strategy that they have used with their students. By doing so, Solley said, teachers will learn from one another and do their own writing, too.
"We believe that to be an effective teacher of writing, you have to write yourself," she remarked, "so they will write and publish several pieces during that time period."
MTSU is only the second site in Tennessee to offer such a writing project. The MTWP is part of The National Writing Project, a federally funded program launched in 1974 by professors at the University of California at Berkeley who were interested in helping teachers become more effective teachers of writing.
"This is a very good thing for MTSU," said Solley, who-along with Dr. Trixie Smith, assistant professor, English-penned the grant request that made MTWP possible.
"When you look at the National Writing Project map and see that Alabama has seven sites and seven universities, Mississippi has eight, Kentucky has six or seven, and Tennessee had one (at the University of Tennessee at Martin)-it was kind of embarrassing [to be excluded]," she observed.
Solley said that it's important to note that the MTWP is not a remedial writing institute, but instead focuses on best practices in writing instruction.
"We will bring in 16 teachers who are already doing good things in writing," she explained. "They will become teacher consultants at the end ... so these teacher consultants will go out and conduct workshops and will be paid through grant money."
Participants also will be required to hold workshops and in-service sessions in their own schools. Each will receive six hours of graduate credit, said Solley, who adds that this year's teachers come from Rutherford, Wilson, Cannon, Maury and Williamson counties, as well as from the Franklin City Schools district.
"What really excites me about this is teachers being put up on a pedestal," Solley said. "These are professional people. They have the knowledge that other people don't have, so let's use it and spread it."
Solley and Smith are required to submit a report every fall and re-apply for the grant each year. Solley said Dr. Kaylene Gebert, MTSU's executive vice president and provost, intends to again provide matching funds for the annual project.
Solley has characterized the current writing skills of students from elementary grades to graduate school as "unimaginative." In the lower grades, she added, teachers traditionally have been pressured to teach writing through a prompt, which eliminates the creative process of children coming up with an original subject.
"Kids come to kindergarten bursting with imagination and ideas, (but) by second grade, they are already struggling because too many teachers have only the right stuff to write about," she said.
As for the college set, ample room for writing improvement also exists.
"I have graduate students who can't write. Their sentence structure is simple and boring, and I think it's for fear that they don't know how to use commas right," remarked Solley, who said she hopes the writing project will spark renewed interest and involve teachers and principals in reversing this situation in our schools.
In addition to the MTWP, this year MTSU also will serve as host for a two-week summer youth writing camp for up to 15 children in grades four through 12 from Rutherford, Bedford, Cannon, Wilson or Williamson counties.
The cost of the youth writing program is $200 per child. It will meet at MTSU from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. four days each week, from June 12 to June 22. Applications for the youth writing camp are available online at xwww.mtsu.edu/~mtwp.
For more information about the MTWP, please access its Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~mtwp or contact Solley at 615-898-5934.
HELP for the little ones
GOOD NEIGHBORS-Project HELP student Kendall, 21 months, wiggles and watches as Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy Jimmy Cassidy buckles her into one of the eight new car seats donated by Wal-Mart to Project HELP. Amy Dodson, center, assistant director of Project HELP, helps as Wal-Mart Old Fort Parkway store representative Renee Snow, left, looks on. The car seats, provided through a $2,500 Wal-Mart "Safe Neighborhood Heroes" grant, have been installed in Project HELP's vans to transport students to or from home and on field trips. The sheriff's department also has children's booster seats available to the community; call 615-217-0074 for more information.
photo by Ken Robinson
The Record, June 5 , 2006, V14.23
Campus Calendar
>>Top of Page
CAMPUS CALENDAR JUNE 5-18
TV Schedule: "Middle Tennessee Record"
Cable Channel 9, Monday-Sunday, 5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+, Saturdays-1:30 p.m.
Monday, June 5
Summer Sessions II, III begin
June 5-9
Rick Stockstill Football Camps for rising 1st-8th graders
Session I: June 5-7
Session II: June 7-9
Cost: $125 per session or $200 for both sessions
For information, contact: 615-898-2311.
Tuesday, June 6
Chuck Taylor Golf Tournament
benefiting Blue Raider Baseball
11:30 a.m.: registration & lunch
1 p.m.: shotgun start
Cost: $115 per player, $100 hole sponsorship
For information, contact: 615-890-3333 or 615-893-8498.
June 6-7
CUSTOMS Orientation
Basic & Applied Science, Mass Comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
Fee: $65 per freshman
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~customs
or contact: 615-898-5533.
June 6-10
Block & Bridle Beef Camp
Tennessee Livestock Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2419.
June 9-10
CUSTOMS Orientation
Liberal Arts, Education and Behavioral Science, Business and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
Fee: $65 per freshman
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~customs
or contact: 615-898-5533.
June 9-11
National Barrel Horse Association Tennessee State Championships
8 a.m. daily, Miller Coliseum
No admission charge
For information, visit: http://tnnbha.com.
Saturday, June 10
Rick Stockstill Combine Camp for rising 9th-12th graders
1-5 p.m., Jones Field
Cost: $20 per camper
For information, contact: 615-898-2311.
Sunday, June 11
"MTSU On the Record-International Folkfest"
Guest: Scottt McCurley
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com
Monday, June 12
Registration deadline for MT Summer Softball Camp
(June 22-24, ages 8-18)
Cost: $100 per camper
For information, contact: 615-904-8010.
June 13-14
CUSTOMS Orientation
Basic & Applied Science, Mass Comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
Fee: $65 per freshman
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~customs
or contact: 615-898-5533.
June 16-17
United Mountain Horse Summer Celebration
Tennessee Miller Coliseum
No admission charge
For information, contact: 606-663-0916.
Saturday, June 17
Community Assistance for International & Refugee Students Garage Sale
8 a.m.-noon, St. Rose of Lima gym, 1601 N. Tennessee Blvd.
For information or to donate items, e-mail kcase@mtsu.edu.
Sunday, June 18
"MTSU On the Record-Obesity Project"
Guests: Drs. Tom Brinthaupt and Doug Winborn
7 a.m., WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcast at www.mtsunews.com
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