Date: May 25, 2006
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
College of Basic & Applied Sciences contact: Karen Case, 615-898-5087
(MURFREESBORO) — Smith County resident and MTSU graduate student Kyle Sykes of Carthage received the Thomas E. Hemmerly Graduate Research Support Fund April 25 during the annual College of Basic and Applied Sciences’ Awards Day ceremonies.
The awards were presented in the James Union Building’s Tennessee Room.
Sykes said he is a third-year graduate student at MTSU
Friday, May 26, 2006
453 Foundation awards $15,000 to projects that honor environment, veterans
The Middle Tennessee State University Foundation board recently earmarked 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 titled “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.”
Dr. Derek Frisby, assistant professor of history, received $5,000 for the “MTSU Veterans Memorial” project, which proposes to honor all MTSU veterans and the Blue Raider Spirit of Service, which Frisby called “the hallmark of our institution.
“This project is very important to me as a proud MTSU alumnus, a USMC veteran and now history department faculty member. 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-yearlong 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. Finally, the project must show potential for leveraging additional funding, and the applicant (s) must be willing to lead the way in those efforts.
Members of the Special Projects Committee are volunteers who do not necessarily have expertise in any of the disciplines related to the winning projects.
Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters, professor of biology, Laura McCall, coordinator, biology, and Bob English, environmental consultant, received $10,000 for their project titled “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.”
Dr. Derek Frisby, assistant professor of history, received $5,000 for the “MTSU Veterans Memorial” project, which proposes to honor all MTSU veterans and the Blue Raider Spirit of Service, which Frisby called “the hallmark of our institution.
“This project is very important to me as a proud MTSU alumnus, a USMC veteran and now history department faculty member. 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-yearlong 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. Finally, the project must show potential for leveraging additional funding, and the applicant (s) must be willing to lead the way in those efforts.
Members of the Special Projects Committee are volunteers who do not necessarily have expertise in any of the disciplines related to the winning projects.
452 MTSU ANNOUNCES DEAN’s LIST FOR SPRING 2006
County-by-County Listing of Current Dean’s List Students Available Online
(MURFREESBORO)—Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has released the names and hometowns of those students who appear on the Dean’s List for the spring 2006 semester.
To qualify for this distinction, a student must maintain a current semester grade-point average of 3.5 or above and earn at least 12 semester hours.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COUNTY’S STUDENT LIST: To obtain a list for editorial use of those students from your county who are on the current Dean’s List, please access this information on the News and Public Affairs (NPA) Web site at www.mtsunews.com and click on the “MTSU Dean’s List” link on the upper, left-hand side of the page.
Next, click on the “Spring” link, which will include an alphabetical, county-by-county listing of those MTSU students who are on the 2006 spring semester Dean’s List. ***Please note that this page also contains directions on how to download and save your county’s list for editorial use in your publication.
(MURFREESBORO)—Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has released the names and hometowns of those students who appear on the Dean’s List for the spring 2006 semester.
To qualify for this distinction, a student must maintain a current semester grade-point average of 3.5 or above and earn at least 12 semester hours.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COUNTY’S STUDENT LIST: To obtain a list for editorial use of those students from your county who are on the current Dean’s List, please access this information on the News and Public Affairs (NPA) Web site at www.mtsunews.com and click on the “MTSU Dean’s List” link on the upper, left-hand side of the page.
Next, click on the “Spring” link, which will include an alphabetical, county-by-county listing of those MTSU students who are on the 2006 spring semester Dean’s List. ***Please note that this page also contains directions on how to download and save your county’s list for editorial use in your publication.
450 CANCER SUMMIT ‘TAKING IT TO THE STREETS’
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—all 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 some form of 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.
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 designed 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.
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.
“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—all 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 some form of 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.
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 designed 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.
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.
449 STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO USE RATHER THAN ABUSE A DOLLAR
STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO USE RATHER THAN ABUSE A DOLLAR
Beware of the billboard along the interstate that reads “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 ravenous and all consuming.
That’s just one of the lessons students learned in a University 1010 financial literacy pilot program offered this past spring semester. The purpose of the six-module course was to help college freshmen avoid the financial mistakes that could tarnish their credit history for years.
It began with a memorandum of understanding, which was 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 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 I 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 his or her bills, everyone loses.”
Burton said that currently there is no plan to offer the sessions in 2006-2007, but the college is exploring additional partnership opportunities.
Beware of the billboard along the interstate that reads “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 ravenous and all consuming.
That’s just one of the lessons students learned in a University 1010 financial literacy pilot program offered this past spring semester. The purpose of the six-module course was to help college freshmen avoid the financial mistakes that could tarnish their credit history for years.
It began with a memorandum of understanding, which was 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 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 I 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 his or her bills, everyone loses.”
Burton said that currently there is no plan to offer the sessions in 2006-2007, but the college is exploring additional partnership opportunities.
448 TIME TO BE POSITIVE, MOVE FORWARD, FOCUS ON PROGRAM NEEDS OF CAMPUS SCHOOL
May 23, 2006
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919
MURFREESBORO—MTSU planning and facilities officials will meet with Rutherford County Schools engineering and construction staff this month to determine the next steps in moving forward with the renovating of Homer Pittard Campus School. At the same time, faculty and administrators of both institutions will begin formulating a timetable to address the lab school’s programmatic needs.
Harry Gill Jr., director of Rutherford County Schools, and Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president, met last month and agreed to work together to extend the agreement between the university and the county in order to continue the mission of Campus School, which is to model the best practices in teacher education and to educate children.
“We value this building and all that it represents,” McPhee said. “We place a high premium on the quality education that takes place through the administration of the County Schools and the MTSU teacher-training program.
“I am pleased with the cooperative spirit between the two entities, and I believe our goals are the same,” McPhee continued. “It’s time to move forward and focus on the needs of our children. We will work together to discover how best to meet those goals.”
“Campus School has a long history with Rutherford County, and I’m eager to see this partnership move forward, as are many parents and community members,” added Director of Schools Harry Gill Jr. “I appreciate Dr. McPhee’s willingness to work with our school system to ensure that Campus School leads the way in Tennessee.”
While matters regarding the physical renovation of Campus School have received much of the attention, there also are academic program issues that need to be addressed. One item that will be on the discussion agenda for Campus School and MTSU educators will be to consider expanding the program to include pre-K children, which is part of Governor Bredesen’s new initiative.
Dr. Stan Baskin, principal of Campus School, agreed that while the structural needs of the facility needs have garnered most of the attention, program needs are just as important.
“The needs of the facility have been presented for years, and it is of immediate importance that we begin to get on a schedule to solve those needs,” Baskin said. “I expect that to be a multi-year process. When we look at programmatic needs, that’s something we were doing but certainly should have been doing more over the decade. We’re all realizing that the building is going to have to be fixed. Let’s also maintain an ongoing dialogue about what services the school can provide to elementary and university students on a long-term basis.”
In a recent meeting, administrators concluded that Campus School should not provide 7th- and 8th-grades at this time, but pre-K education should be addressed.
“Our county isn’t moving very fast in pre-K because of our explosive growth, and I understand the problem,” Baskin said. “But at the same time, we’re training educators to go out beyond Rutherford County to systems that are doing more in pre-K because of available space. … Personally, I do think there’s a need there.” Baskin noted that the pre-K program is the first major elementary education initiative in decades where Campus School has not been at the forefront.
“Seventh and eighth-grades have been tabled because we have an outstanding relationship with Central Middle School that delivers that program,” added MTSU’s Dr. Gloria Bonner, dean, College of Education and Behavioral Science. Bonner agreed that the needs for a pre-K program fall right in line with the university’s commitment to early childhood development. “That’s one of our strongest and fastest-growing programs and needs to be a priority.”
“We really are focusing on the program needs of Campus School,” John Cothern, MTSU senior vice president, echoed, “because once we determine how to meet those program needs, the blueprint for renovating the facility will naturally follow.
“We’ll be working together to identify programmatic, life-safety and ADA-compliance needs,” Cothern explained. “Our task is to put it all together and seek approval from the state. Once approval is obtained, the county will go through its bid process to get the work done.”
Bonner said she would like to see a programmatic plan in place for Campus School by next fall, which will require beginning the preliminary discussions of defining and clarifying program issues this summer.
“The process will be participatory, inclusive and strategic,” the dean said. “While there will be a task force, we will value parental and community input. We’re going to be really sensitive to those kinds of issues that … will help promote inclusiveness.” Bonner added that the open-dialogue process will be continuous.
“Campus School is a crown jewel,” McPhee emphasized. “It’s because all of us are passionate about remaining true to the school’s original mission that we should move forward. If we keep the children at the center of our focus, then what we need to do to ensure a quality program and a safe learning environment will fall into place. I appreciate our partnership with the county and look forward to positive results.”
MTSU officials are reviewing the current agreement between MTSU and Rutherford County Schools regarding Campus School.
“We’re looking forward to crafting an agreement with the Rutherford County Board of Education and should have an agreement by the end of this summer,” said James Floyd, MTSU university counsel. “Revisions to the agreement will accommodate the facilities and programmatic needs of the school.”
Cothern noted that project designs and specifications prepared by the County School Board designer will be submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the State Building Commission for review and approval. The initial focus will be on life-safety and ADA needs, he said.
“It is hoped that at least those will be started this summer,” Cothern said. “It will take a couple of years or more to do all of the needed projects. Some projects will have to work around school calendars.”
The University and the County have met and are working to submit the general scope of the projects to State Building Commission for approval as a state project in August, Cothern added. All projects will be subject to review and approvals by the state fire marshal's office and the Tennessee Historical Commission. The initial focus will be on an elevator, life-safety items and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act subject to those being determined as the most critical. Every effort will be made to plan and complete all projects over the next two years, Cothern said.
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919
MURFREESBORO—MTSU planning and facilities officials will meet with Rutherford County Schools engineering and construction staff this month to determine the next steps in moving forward with the renovating of Homer Pittard Campus School. At the same time, faculty and administrators of both institutions will begin formulating a timetable to address the lab school’s programmatic needs.
Harry Gill Jr., director of Rutherford County Schools, and Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president, met last month and agreed to work together to extend the agreement between the university and the county in order to continue the mission of Campus School, which is to model the best practices in teacher education and to educate children.
“We value this building and all that it represents,” McPhee said. “We place a high premium on the quality education that takes place through the administration of the County Schools and the MTSU teacher-training program.
“I am pleased with the cooperative spirit between the two entities, and I believe our goals are the same,” McPhee continued. “It’s time to move forward and focus on the needs of our children. We will work together to discover how best to meet those goals.”
“Campus School has a long history with Rutherford County, and I’m eager to see this partnership move forward, as are many parents and community members,” added Director of Schools Harry Gill Jr. “I appreciate Dr. McPhee’s willingness to work with our school system to ensure that Campus School leads the way in Tennessee.”
While matters regarding the physical renovation of Campus School have received much of the attention, there also are academic program issues that need to be addressed. One item that will be on the discussion agenda for Campus School and MTSU educators will be to consider expanding the program to include pre-K children, which is part of Governor Bredesen’s new initiative.
Dr. Stan Baskin, principal of Campus School, agreed that while the structural needs of the facility needs have garnered most of the attention, program needs are just as important.
“The needs of the facility have been presented for years, and it is of immediate importance that we begin to get on a schedule to solve those needs,” Baskin said. “I expect that to be a multi-year process. When we look at programmatic needs, that’s something we were doing but certainly should have been doing more over the decade. We’re all realizing that the building is going to have to be fixed. Let’s also maintain an ongoing dialogue about what services the school can provide to elementary and university students on a long-term basis.”
In a recent meeting, administrators concluded that Campus School should not provide 7th- and 8th-grades at this time, but pre-K education should be addressed.
“Our county isn’t moving very fast in pre-K because of our explosive growth, and I understand the problem,” Baskin said. “But at the same time, we’re training educators to go out beyond Rutherford County to systems that are doing more in pre-K because of available space. … Personally, I do think there’s a need there.” Baskin noted that the pre-K program is the first major elementary education initiative in decades where Campus School has not been at the forefront.
“Seventh and eighth-grades have been tabled because we have an outstanding relationship with Central Middle School that delivers that program,” added MTSU’s Dr. Gloria Bonner, dean, College of Education and Behavioral Science. Bonner agreed that the needs for a pre-K program fall right in line with the university’s commitment to early childhood development. “That’s one of our strongest and fastest-growing programs and needs to be a priority.”
“We really are focusing on the program needs of Campus School,” John Cothern, MTSU senior vice president, echoed, “because once we determine how to meet those program needs, the blueprint for renovating the facility will naturally follow.
“We’ll be working together to identify programmatic, life-safety and ADA-compliance needs,” Cothern explained. “Our task is to put it all together and seek approval from the state. Once approval is obtained, the county will go through its bid process to get the work done.”
Bonner said she would like to see a programmatic plan in place for Campus School by next fall, which will require beginning the preliminary discussions of defining and clarifying program issues this summer.
“The process will be participatory, inclusive and strategic,” the dean said. “While there will be a task force, we will value parental and community input. We’re going to be really sensitive to those kinds of issues that … will help promote inclusiveness.” Bonner added that the open-dialogue process will be continuous.
“Campus School is a crown jewel,” McPhee emphasized. “It’s because all of us are passionate about remaining true to the school’s original mission that we should move forward. If we keep the children at the center of our focus, then what we need to do to ensure a quality program and a safe learning environment will fall into place. I appreciate our partnership with the county and look forward to positive results.”
MTSU officials are reviewing the current agreement between MTSU and Rutherford County Schools regarding Campus School.
“We’re looking forward to crafting an agreement with the Rutherford County Board of Education and should have an agreement by the end of this summer,” said James Floyd, MTSU university counsel. “Revisions to the agreement will accommodate the facilities and programmatic needs of the school.”
Cothern noted that project designs and specifications prepared by the County School Board designer will be submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the State Building Commission for review and approval. The initial focus will be on life-safety and ADA needs, he said.
“It is hoped that at least those will be started this summer,” Cothern said. “It will take a couple of years or more to do all of the needed projects. Some projects will have to work around school calendars.”
The University and the County have met and are working to submit the general scope of the projects to State Building Commission for approval as a state project in August, Cothern added. All projects will be subject to review and approvals by the state fire marshal's office and the Tennessee Historical Commission. The initial focus will be on an elevator, life-safety items and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act subject to those being determined as the most critical. Every effort will be made to plan and complete all projects over the next two years, Cothern said.
447 THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SUMMER AT MTSU
Unusual Classes Tackle Sitcoms, Southern Religion, “The Sopranos,” and Insobriety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081
(MURFREESBORO) - If you have ever stuffed chocolates in your bra at a candy factory, felt like going on a cursing and shooting spree, imbibed too much or proselytized for fun and profit, you can relive all those pleasant memories with maximal educational benefit and minimal damage to your reputation in some of the summer’s most unique classes.
Dr. Tom Berg, associate professor of electronic media communication, returns with his popular class about television situation comedies. This summer, he starts again with “I Love Lucy” and ends with “Friends,” but there will be a lot to think about and talk about between those classics.
“The truly great situation comedies just have fantastic writers who know how to explore the human condition and to help us to see ourselves in that human condition,” Berg says.
Berg says sitcoms that stand the test of time are more likely to be non-topical politically and socially, whether they concentrate on the family or the workplace.
“I would call ‘Frasier’ an evergreen in its own right because it’s looking at human beings, characters, and it doesn’t really talk about who’s in office at that particular time or what the social problems are of that time, the hot button issues,” Berg says.
While the format has evolved over the years, Berg does not welcome all the changes. He says the increase in commercial content gives writers less time to develop fully formed characters. Berg is also tired of seeing the TV screen polluted with what he considers endless promos and crawls that detract from the comedy and offer largely useless information.
Each student will investigate two sitcoms, write a paper, deliver an oral presentation and examine popular literature of each particular sitcom’s era.
In the final season of HBO’s groundbreaking drama “The Sopranos,” Dr. David Lavery, English professor, is initiating an exploration of the series buttressed by an analysis of another HBO effort, “Deadwood.” These unique treatments of the gangster and Western formats, respectively, will prompt students to rethink their views of television as literature.
“The best of television does still require us to engage our intellects in ways that are very much like reading a book,” Lavery says. “We have to do the interpreting. We have to figure out how this character works. We have to figure out how to respond to him.”
Lavery, who has written extensively about another long-running drama, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” says there is a lot to challenge even viewers with good educations in the programs his students will be viewing. To hear Lavery explain the dialogue of “The Sopranos” is to listen to a review of subtle references so varied and deep that the guiding rubric surely was either a T.S. Eliot poem replete with footnotes or at least an old Dennis Miller monologue.
“The language on ‘Deadwood’ is positively Shakespearean, even though it’s profane,” Lavery says.
Students will spend seven weeks on “The Sopranos,” about which Lavery has edited two books, and three weeks on “Deadwood,” the subject of another book edited by Lavery. They will write three critical essays about an individual episode, a theme stretching over multiple episodes and a choice of either a televisual or formal aspect of the series such as directing or writing or an overview of a single “Sopranos” season. Videos and DVDs will be made available.
Just when you thought the short story was something you left behind in high school, another English professor, Dr. Claudia Barnett, revives it with “Hurdles and Hangovers: Stories of Everyday Life.”
“Almost all short stories are about hurdles of some kind because you have something to overcome, which is what makes it into a story to begin with,” Barnett says. “But, strangely, many of these short stories had hangovers in them, too,” especially characters in author Raymond Carver’s writings. Later in the semester, Barnett says, the hangovers become less physical and more metaphorical.
Students will read four books of contemporary short stories and two older longer stories. They will write critical analyses, one for each of the big books.
“I think, in the long run, it’s less reading and more writing than a class would do during a full semester because it seems like you can balance it out more reasonably,” Barnett says.
The two older short stories Barnett has chosen are “The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy and Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” which Barnett says is “a great hangover story, if you look at it that way.
“There are all these famous old short stories that everybody knows, like ‘Metamorphosis,’ but this short story class has more to do with today, and I think that makes the hurdles and hangovers more appropriate,” Barnett says.
If students come to class with hangovers, will they earn extra credit?
“No,” Barnett says. “It’s a two-and-a-half-hour class. That’s a bad idea.”
The Southern undergraduate who fails to see the South as a region of religious diversity is in for a shock in “Prophets and Preachers,” which is being taught by Dr. David Rowe, history professor. Rowe uses film clips from “Driving Miss Daisy,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Beloved,” and other movies to show a wide range of Southern spirituality.
“In a sense, what we might call Southern religion is very much like what Northern religion became before the Civil War,” Rowe says. “It’s very much centered on the capacity of a particular individual to convey a message in a dramatic way. Demagogic politics and fundamental religion and enthusiastic religion are very similar to each other.” Students also will read “A Turn in the South,” the perspective of Trinidad’s V.S. Naipaul, who traveled the South to ask what it is to be Southern. Rowe says he hopes this book will help students view the region and its religions through the eyes of a stranger. He says the South historically has treated non-Protestant Christians and people of other faiths as outsiders unless they assimilate to the overall culture.
“If you want to maintain your religiosity in whatever way you want in private, that’s fine so long as in public you conform, which is how other traditions in the South have learned to survive for the most part,” Rowe says. “Those that have bucked the system can do it successfully only if they are physically isolated from the rest of the South, just so far removed that nobody pays much attention to them.”
Additionally, he will require students to perform a community inventory of religious expressions to “make them more sensitive to their religious environment.” The inventory involves taking stock of highway markers, road signs and other subtle expressions of religion they might not have acknowledged in the past.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081
(MURFREESBORO) - If you have ever stuffed chocolates in your bra at a candy factory, felt like going on a cursing and shooting spree, imbibed too much or proselytized for fun and profit, you can relive all those pleasant memories with maximal educational benefit and minimal damage to your reputation in some of the summer’s most unique classes.
Dr. Tom Berg, associate professor of electronic media communication, returns with his popular class about television situation comedies. This summer, he starts again with “I Love Lucy” and ends with “Friends,” but there will be a lot to think about and talk about between those classics.
“The truly great situation comedies just have fantastic writers who know how to explore the human condition and to help us to see ourselves in that human condition,” Berg says.
Berg says sitcoms that stand the test of time are more likely to be non-topical politically and socially, whether they concentrate on the family or the workplace.
“I would call ‘Frasier’ an evergreen in its own right because it’s looking at human beings, characters, and it doesn’t really talk about who’s in office at that particular time or what the social problems are of that time, the hot button issues,” Berg says.
While the format has evolved over the years, Berg does not welcome all the changes. He says the increase in commercial content gives writers less time to develop fully formed characters. Berg is also tired of seeing the TV screen polluted with what he considers endless promos and crawls that detract from the comedy and offer largely useless information.
Each student will investigate two sitcoms, write a paper, deliver an oral presentation and examine popular literature of each particular sitcom’s era.
In the final season of HBO’s groundbreaking drama “The Sopranos,” Dr. David Lavery, English professor, is initiating an exploration of the series buttressed by an analysis of another HBO effort, “Deadwood.” These unique treatments of the gangster and Western formats, respectively, will prompt students to rethink their views of television as literature.
“The best of television does still require us to engage our intellects in ways that are very much like reading a book,” Lavery says. “We have to do the interpreting. We have to figure out how this character works. We have to figure out how to respond to him.”
Lavery, who has written extensively about another long-running drama, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” says there is a lot to challenge even viewers with good educations in the programs his students will be viewing. To hear Lavery explain the dialogue of “The Sopranos” is to listen to a review of subtle references so varied and deep that the guiding rubric surely was either a T.S. Eliot poem replete with footnotes or at least an old Dennis Miller monologue.
“The language on ‘Deadwood’ is positively Shakespearean, even though it’s profane,” Lavery says.
Students will spend seven weeks on “The Sopranos,” about which Lavery has edited two books, and three weeks on “Deadwood,” the subject of another book edited by Lavery. They will write three critical essays about an individual episode, a theme stretching over multiple episodes and a choice of either a televisual or formal aspect of the series such as directing or writing or an overview of a single “Sopranos” season. Videos and DVDs will be made available.
Just when you thought the short story was something you left behind in high school, another English professor, Dr. Claudia Barnett, revives it with “Hurdles and Hangovers: Stories of Everyday Life.”
“Almost all short stories are about hurdles of some kind because you have something to overcome, which is what makes it into a story to begin with,” Barnett says. “But, strangely, many of these short stories had hangovers in them, too,” especially characters in author Raymond Carver’s writings. Later in the semester, Barnett says, the hangovers become less physical and more metaphorical.
Students will read four books of contemporary short stories and two older longer stories. They will write critical analyses, one for each of the big books.
“I think, in the long run, it’s less reading and more writing than a class would do during a full semester because it seems like you can balance it out more reasonably,” Barnett says.
The two older short stories Barnett has chosen are “The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy and Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” which Barnett says is “a great hangover story, if you look at it that way.
“There are all these famous old short stories that everybody knows, like ‘Metamorphosis,’ but this short story class has more to do with today, and I think that makes the hurdles and hangovers more appropriate,” Barnett says.
If students come to class with hangovers, will they earn extra credit?
“No,” Barnett says. “It’s a two-and-a-half-hour class. That’s a bad idea.”
The Southern undergraduate who fails to see the South as a region of religious diversity is in for a shock in “Prophets and Preachers,” which is being taught by Dr. David Rowe, history professor. Rowe uses film clips from “Driving Miss Daisy,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Beloved,” and other movies to show a wide range of Southern spirituality.
“In a sense, what we might call Southern religion is very much like what Northern religion became before the Civil War,” Rowe says. “It’s very much centered on the capacity of a particular individual to convey a message in a dramatic way. Demagogic politics and fundamental religion and enthusiastic religion are very similar to each other.” Students also will read “A Turn in the South,” the perspective of Trinidad’s V.S. Naipaul, who traveled the South to ask what it is to be Southern. Rowe says he hopes this book will help students view the region and its religions through the eyes of a stranger. He says the South historically has treated non-Protestant Christians and people of other faiths as outsiders unless they assimilate to the overall culture.
“If you want to maintain your religiosity in whatever way you want in private, that’s fine so long as in public you conform, which is how other traditions in the South have learned to survive for the most part,” Rowe says. “Those that have bucked the system can do it successfully only if they are physically isolated from the rest of the South, just so far removed that nobody pays much attention to them.”
Additionally, he will require students to perform a community inventory of religious expressions to “make them more sensitive to their religious environment.” The inventory involves taking stock of highway markers, road signs and other subtle expressions of religion they might not have acknowledged in the past.
441 200-PLUS TENNESSEE YOUTH WILL CONVERGE ON MTSU
Summer Program Now 5 Weeks Long & Participants Earn 6 College Credits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—The annual Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts (TGSFA), a summer residence program offering intensive study in art, dance, theater and music to gifted and 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 prior programs, reports 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 explains. “The other Governor’s Schools in the state did this last year, but we were allowed our last year of four weeks.”
Additionally, students attending the residence program 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 notes.
Administered by the State Department of Education, the Governor's School for the Arts at MTSU traditionally receives applicants from more than 1,500 young men and women each year, but only about 230 are accepted into the program each summer.
Regarding last year’s arts school, “We had a fantastic school in 2005, with more than 200 talented students who had a wonderful, life-changing experience at MTSU,” McGilliard observes. “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.
TICKET INFO: Final productions are open to the public. Tickets to attend the July 13-14 performances are $20 each and allow ticket holders to attend for 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. McGilliard notes.
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 University, prospective teachers at UT-Chattanooga, and manufacturing at UT-Knoxville.
For more information regarding this year’s TGSFA activities, please visit the school’s online site at www.mtsu.edu/~gschool.
ATTENTION, MEDIA: For editorial needs, including interview requests with McGilliard or to secure a jpeg of the TGSFA logo for editorial use, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-2919.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—The annual Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts (TGSFA), a summer residence program offering intensive study in art, dance, theater and music to gifted and 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 prior programs, reports 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 explains. “The other Governor’s Schools in the state did this last year, but we were allowed our last year of four weeks.”
Additionally, students attending the residence program 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 notes.
Administered by the State Department of Education, the Governor's School for the Arts at MTSU traditionally receives applicants from more than 1,500 young men and women each year, but only about 230 are accepted into the program each summer.
Regarding last year’s arts school, “We had a fantastic school in 2005, with more than 200 talented students who had a wonderful, life-changing experience at MTSU,” McGilliard observes. “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.
TICKET INFO: Final productions are open to the public. Tickets to attend the July 13-14 performances are $20 each and allow ticket holders to attend for 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. McGilliard notes.
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 University, prospective teachers at UT-Chattanooga, and manufacturing at UT-Knoxville.
For more information regarding this year’s TGSFA activities, please visit the school’s online site at www.mtsu.edu/~gschool.
ATTENTION, MEDIA: For editorial needs, including interview requests with McGilliard or to secure a jpeg of the TGSFA logo for editorial use, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-2919.
446 DICKSON COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
198-Year-Old Spring Forrest Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Spring Forrest Farm in Dickson County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located four miles north of Highway 70 West, the Spring Forrest Farm was established by John West in 1808. On 185 acres, the farm produced hay, grain, tobacco and livestock. John was married to Sarah West; the couple had 11 children. Their eldest child, Susan West, married John Sanders and he acquired the property in 1836.
During John Sanders’ ownership, a new log cabin was built in the front yard and the original dwelling was torn down. Sanders lived and farmed the property until his death in 1848. Susan continued to live in the house and run the farm until her death in 1876. During the Civil War, three of their sons, John J., Thomas Berry and Henry G. Sanders, fought for the Confederacy. Henry died in an Illinois prison camp. John was severely injured in the Battle of Franklin, but survived. After the war, John and Thomas Berry returned to the family home and farmed together.
By 1872, the farm was willed to John and Thomas Berry. In 1894, the brothers decided to split the farm into two tracts of about 200 acres each. Thomas Berry took the property lying on the west side and John J. took the property on the east side.
In 1908, one of Thomas’ sons, Van D. Sanders, acquired the farm. According to the family, Van earned the money to purchase the land by working in New York as a telegraph lineman. Married to Stella Johnson, the daughter of a neighboring family, in 1910, the couple had two sons, Harris Walker and Charles Lawrence Sanders. In addition to farming, Van and Stella set up a country store in one room of their house for the residents of the community. In 1930, Stella registered the farm with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as the “Spring Forest Farm.”
Later, in 1941, Harris and Lawrence built a new home on the farm for their parents. The new home had modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, electricity and modern appliances. Although the new home had many comfortable amenities, Van and Stella did not “feel at home” in their new dwelling and so they moved back across the road to the comfortable log home that they had known for many years. Eventually, Harris and his family moved into the new house and he became the sole owner of the farm. Harris was married to Geraldine Harris Sanders and they had one son, Dan Harris Sanders.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Spring Forrest Farm in Dickson County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located four miles north of Highway 70 West, the Spring Forrest Farm was established by John West in 1808. On 185 acres, the farm produced hay, grain, tobacco and livestock. John was married to Sarah West; the couple had 11 children. Their eldest child, Susan West, married John Sanders and he acquired the property in 1836.
During John Sanders’ ownership, a new log cabin was built in the front yard and the original dwelling was torn down. Sanders lived and farmed the property until his death in 1848. Susan continued to live in the house and run the farm until her death in 1876. During the Civil War, three of their sons, John J., Thomas Berry and Henry G. Sanders, fought for the Confederacy. Henry died in an Illinois prison camp. John was severely injured in the Battle of Franklin, but survived. After the war, John and Thomas Berry returned to the family home and farmed together.
By 1872, the farm was willed to John and Thomas Berry. In 1894, the brothers decided to split the farm into two tracts of about 200 acres each. Thomas Berry took the property lying on the west side and John J. took the property on the east side.
In 1908, one of Thomas’ sons, Van D. Sanders, acquired the farm. According to the family, Van earned the money to purchase the land by working in New York as a telegraph lineman. Married to Stella Johnson, the daughter of a neighboring family, in 1910, the couple had two sons, Harris Walker and Charles Lawrence Sanders. In addition to farming, Van and Stella set up a country store in one room of their house for the residents of the community. In 1930, Stella registered the farm with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as the “Spring Forest Farm.”
Later, in 1941, Harris and Lawrence built a new home on the farm for their parents. The new home had modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, electricity and modern appliances. Although the new home had many comfortable amenities, Van and Stella did not “feel at home” in their new dwelling and so they moved back across the road to the comfortable log home that they had known for many years. Eventually, Harris and his family moved into the new house and he became the sole owner of the farm. Harris was married to Geraldine Harris Sanders and they had one son, Dan Harris Sanders.
445 LEWIS COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
100-Year-Old Sisco-Loveless Farm Recognized for Ag. Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Sisco-Loveless Farm in Lewis County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1906, Andrew Jackson “A. J.” Sisco established the Sisco-Loveless Farm near the mouth of Indian Creek and Big Swan Creek. The 92 ½ acres supported a variety of livestock and crops including peanuts, wheat, corn, hay, hogs, cattle, horses, cotton and mules. In addition to managing the farm, A. J. ran a country store and a sawmill. He married Martha J. Whiteside Sisco; the couple had six children.
A. J. and Martha’s youngest child, Allie Sisco Loveless, became the next owner of the farm. Married to Comer Loveless, they cultivated corn, hay and soybeans and raised cattle, chickens, goats and horses. Also active in the community, the Loveless farm served as host for an annual fish fry on July 4th and Christmas party for the community for a number of years, according to the family. Her son describes his mother as a “Christian lady who always fed many people,” including preachers who were holding gospel meetings.
Today, L.C. Loveless owns the land, along with wife Bonnie R. Loveless and his mother Allie. The farm now raises corn, wheat, soybeans, hay, horses, cattle and hogs. The family lives in farm house built in 1910. A barn constructed in 1906 still stands on this farm that will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.
Hankins said the Sisco-Loveless Farm is the fifth farm in Lewis County to be certified as a Tennessee Century farm.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Sisco-Loveless Farm in Lewis County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1906, Andrew Jackson “A. J.” Sisco established the Sisco-Loveless Farm near the mouth of Indian Creek and Big Swan Creek. The 92 ½ acres supported a variety of livestock and crops including peanuts, wheat, corn, hay, hogs, cattle, horses, cotton and mules. In addition to managing the farm, A. J. ran a country store and a sawmill. He married Martha J. Whiteside Sisco; the couple had six children.
A. J. and Martha’s youngest child, Allie Sisco Loveless, became the next owner of the farm. Married to Comer Loveless, they cultivated corn, hay and soybeans and raised cattle, chickens, goats and horses. Also active in the community, the Loveless farm served as host for an annual fish fry on July 4th and Christmas party for the community for a number of years, according to the family. Her son describes his mother as a “Christian lady who always fed many people,” including preachers who were holding gospel meetings.
Today, L.C. Loveless owns the land, along with wife Bonnie R. Loveless and his mother Allie. The farm now raises corn, wheat, soybeans, hay, horses, cattle and hogs. The family lives in farm house built in 1910. A barn constructed in 1906 still stands on this farm that will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.
Hankins said the Sisco-Loveless Farm is the fifth farm in Lewis County to be certified as a Tennessee Century farm.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a
444 BLOUNT COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
197-Year-Old Warpath Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
PROGRAM
(MURFREESBORO)—The Warpath Farm in Blount County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Just six miles south of Maryville is Warpath Farm, which was established in 1809 by Robert Wilson, an Irish immigrant who came to America through Delaware and then moved into Pennsylvania. Robert secured land grants in upper East Tennessee, as did many other early settlers. However, he sold these holdings and moved to Blount County and settled in an area around Nine Mile Creek, where—along with wife Ann Gould and their seven children—he raised cattle, horses, hogs and corn.
The next owner of the farm was Robert’s grandson, James Lane Wilson. Under his ownership, a log house, a barn, a smokehouse and cellar were built. He and wife Rebecca Jane Kerr had six children. As time moved on, their son, William Thomas Wilson, became the owner of the land. In 1913, William gave land and lumber to build the Centenary Baptist Church.
During the 1950s, William discovered large deposits of high-grade iron ore on the property and formed a partnership with Shird Franklin to mine the ore. The mining operation ran from 1957 until 1961 and was known as the Big Spring Mining Company. According to the family, a large rock washer was constructed at the Big Flat Spring on the property and thousands of tons of ore were separated and washed from the dirt and rock. The iron ore was hauled by truck to the rail station in the Greenback community and was shipped to Rockwood, Tenn.
In addition to the rock washer, a large dam was constructed along the bank of Centenary Creek to collect the sediment from the ore. This area is now a very productive fescue and clover pasture that provides high quality forage for the farm’s beef cattle operation, Hankins reported.
In 1999, the great-great-granddaughter of the founder, Jean Wilson Hearon, acquired 62 acres of the original farm founded in 1809. Today, Jean’s husband, Sterling, and their son, Dennis, work the farm, where they raise Registered Polled Herefords, hay and beef cattle.
Warpath Farm is the 29th farm in Blount County to be certified as a Tennessee Century Farm, Hankins noted.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
PROGRAM
(MURFREESBORO)—The Warpath Farm in Blount County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Just six miles south of Maryville is Warpath Farm, which was established in 1809 by Robert Wilson, an Irish immigrant who came to America through Delaware and then moved into Pennsylvania. Robert secured land grants in upper East Tennessee, as did many other early settlers. However, he sold these holdings and moved to Blount County and settled in an area around Nine Mile Creek, where—along with wife Ann Gould and their seven children—he raised cattle, horses, hogs and corn.
The next owner of the farm was Robert’s grandson, James Lane Wilson. Under his ownership, a log house, a barn, a smokehouse and cellar were built. He and wife Rebecca Jane Kerr had six children. As time moved on, their son, William Thomas Wilson, became the owner of the land. In 1913, William gave land and lumber to build the Centenary Baptist Church.
During the 1950s, William discovered large deposits of high-grade iron ore on the property and formed a partnership with Shird Franklin to mine the ore. The mining operation ran from 1957 until 1961 and was known as the Big Spring Mining Company. According to the family, a large rock washer was constructed at the Big Flat Spring on the property and thousands of tons of ore were separated and washed from the dirt and rock. The iron ore was hauled by truck to the rail station in the Greenback community and was shipped to Rockwood, Tenn.
In addition to the rock washer, a large dam was constructed along the bank of Centenary Creek to collect the sediment from the ore. This area is now a very productive fescue and clover pasture that provides high quality forage for the farm’s beef cattle operation, Hankins reported.
In 1999, the great-great-granddaughter of the founder, Jean Wilson Hearon, acquired 62 acres of the original farm founded in 1809. Today, Jean’s husband, Sterling, and their son, Dennis, work the farm, where they raise Registered Polled Herefords, hay and beef cattle.
Warpath Farm is the 29th farm in Blount County to be certified as a Tennessee Century Farm, Hankins noted.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
443 HICKMAN COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
162-Year-Old Nunnelly Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Nunnelly Farm in Hickman County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1844, Lawson H. Nunnelly established the Nunnelly Farm in the Vernon community of Hickman County, where the 793 acres produced peanuts, cotton, corn, cattle, goats and hogs. Married to Elizabeth Sandles, the couple had two children. In 1879, the Columbia, Centerville and Pine River Railroad came through Hickman County and Lawson Nunnelly’s property. On the hill above the Vernon community, a depot was built. Not long after, a new community was started in the area and it was named Nunnelly.
The next owner of the property was Lawson and Elizabeth’s son, Walter S. Nunnelly. Under his ownership, starting in 1885, the farm produced a variety of livestock and row crops. Eleanor Nellie Phillips was Walter’s wife; their six children were William, John Pitts, Kate, Anne, Elise and Harry.
In 1930, brothers William Henry Nunnelly and John Pitts Nunnelly acquired the farm. William married Louise Bailey and John Pitts wed Ellen Ambrose. In 1942, the great-grandson of the founder, Walter S. Nunnelly, acquired the farm. Walter and his wife, Betty Jane Cox raised corn, soybeans, hay, cattle and hogs on the farm.
In 1983, the couple’s sons, William Nunnelly II and Walter S. Nunnelly III, acquired the farm. Today, they, along with farm manager Sherman Gatlin, work the farm, which produces hay. The farmhouse that the brothers grew up in was built in 1937 and still stands on the property. The ancestral home of the Nunnelly family, built in 1823 by Robert Sheegog (who later moved to Mississippi and built “Rowan Oak,” the home of author William Faulkner), also still stands.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Nunnelly Farm in Hickman County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1844, Lawson H. Nunnelly established the Nunnelly Farm in the Vernon community of Hickman County, where the 793 acres produced peanuts, cotton, corn, cattle, goats and hogs. Married to Elizabeth Sandles, the couple had two children. In 1879, the Columbia, Centerville and Pine River Railroad came through Hickman County and Lawson Nunnelly’s property. On the hill above the Vernon community, a depot was built. Not long after, a new community was started in the area and it was named Nunnelly.
The next owner of the property was Lawson and Elizabeth’s son, Walter S. Nunnelly. Under his ownership, starting in 1885, the farm produced a variety of livestock and row crops. Eleanor Nellie Phillips was Walter’s wife; their six children were William, John Pitts, Kate, Anne, Elise and Harry.
In 1930, brothers William Henry Nunnelly and John Pitts Nunnelly acquired the farm. William married Louise Bailey and John Pitts wed Ellen Ambrose. In 1942, the great-grandson of the founder, Walter S. Nunnelly, acquired the farm. Walter and his wife, Betty Jane Cox raised corn, soybeans, hay, cattle and hogs on the farm.
In 1983, the couple’s sons, William Nunnelly II and Walter S. Nunnelly III, acquired the farm. Today, they, along with farm manager Sherman Gatlin, work the farm, which produces hay. The farmhouse that the brothers grew up in was built in 1937 and still stands on the property. The ancestral home of the Nunnelly family, built in 1823 by Robert Sheegog (who later moved to Mississippi and built “Rowan Oak,” the home of author William Faulkner), also still stands.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
440 MTSU SITE OF 60th VOLUNTEER GIRLS STATE ON MAY 28-JUNE 3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2006
CONTACT: News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Tennessee high schools have chosen their best and brightest for the American Legion Auxiliary's 60th session of Volunteer Girls State, which will be conducted May 28-June 3 at MTSU.
More than 500 rising seniors from across the state will be on campus for a week of activities focused on building strong, informed citizens, led by a volunteer group staff and counselors-VGS alumni-who return to VGS each year from states throughout the country to support and further the program.
Delegates will be busy in meetings and activities across campus during the week, so MTSU staff, faculty and students are urged to drive carefully near the busiest pedestrian intersections, such as MTSU Boulevard and Blue Raider Drive near the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building, and MTSU Boulevard and Founders Lane near the Business and Aerospace Building.
VGS delegates are selected from high schools across the state based on their academic and leadership potential. Businesses, civic organizations, and schools within the local community sponsor delegates to VGS. Performances by the "VGS Chorus" are among the week's highlights. Another favorite activity is the VGS Olympics, which showcases the athleticism of VGS citizens.
In what has become a great VGS tradition, the Girls State chorus also will visit and perform for veterans at a Middle Tennessee Veterans Administration Hospital. The chorus will also deliver to the VA thousands of personal items donated by VGS citizens.
Speakers at this year's program will include Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. VGS alumna Kathleen Houff Isaacson of Weakley County, an Army veteran of Bosnia and Desert Storm, will share a Memorial Day message about freedom and sacrifice. Other speakers include former Girls State Governor Amy Piper of Maryville and Girls State Director Sherri Bishop of Chattanooga.
According to organizers, participants in VGS learn and live responsible citizenship. They will debate the issues that challenge Tennessee's state legislature and establish their own city, county and state governments. Two citizens will be selected to represent VGS at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., in July and program leaders will select one delegate to compete for a $20,000 college scholarship sponsored by the Samsung Corporation.
• For more information, including pictures and updates on this
year’s VGS event, please visit its Web site at www.volunteergirlsstate.org
CONTACT: News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Tennessee high schools have chosen their best and brightest for the American Legion Auxiliary's 60th session of Volunteer Girls State, which will be conducted May 28-June 3 at MTSU.
More than 500 rising seniors from across the state will be on campus for a week of activities focused on building strong, informed citizens, led by a volunteer group staff and counselors-VGS alumni-who return to VGS each year from states throughout the country to support and further the program.
Delegates will be busy in meetings and activities across campus during the week, so MTSU staff, faculty and students are urged to drive carefully near the busiest pedestrian intersections, such as MTSU Boulevard and Blue Raider Drive near the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building, and MTSU Boulevard and Founders Lane near the Business and Aerospace Building.
VGS delegates are selected from high schools across the state based on their academic and leadership potential. Businesses, civic organizations, and schools within the local community sponsor delegates to VGS. Performances by the "VGS Chorus" are among the week's highlights. Another favorite activity is the VGS Olympics, which showcases the athleticism of VGS citizens.
In what has become a great VGS tradition, the Girls State chorus also will visit and perform for veterans at a Middle Tennessee Veterans Administration Hospital. The chorus will also deliver to the VA thousands of personal items donated by VGS citizens.
Speakers at this year's program will include Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. VGS alumna Kathleen Houff Isaacson of Weakley County, an Army veteran of Bosnia and Desert Storm, will share a Memorial Day message about freedom and sacrifice. Other speakers include former Girls State Governor Amy Piper of Maryville and Girls State Director Sherri Bishop of Chattanooga.
According to organizers, participants in VGS learn and live responsible citizenship. They will debate the issues that challenge Tennessee's state legislature and establish their own city, county and state governments. Two citizens will be selected to represent VGS at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., in July and program leaders will select one delegate to compete for a $20,000 college scholarship sponsored by the Samsung Corporation.
• For more information, including pictures and updates on this
year’s VGS event, please visit its Web site at www.volunteergirlsstate.org
439 MTSU STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLASTIC REWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
Fifty-seven Incoming Freshmen Secure Awards for 2006-07 Term
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynn Palmer, 615-898-2111
(MURFREESBORO)—Fifty-seven incoming Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students recently were awarded Scholastic Rewards Scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year.
The Scholastic Rewards Scholarship is awarded to first-time African-American freshman applicants who have an ACT composite score of 20 or higher (940 or higher SAT) and a 3.30 cumulative GPA through the junior year in high school. The award is for $2,600 per academic year.
The below students from your hometown area have accepted this scholarship and will attend MTSU this fall:
Maricha Alexander, daughter of Debra Alexander of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Candice Vaughan, daughter of Tracy and Jacqueline Vaughan of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Shandra Scruggs, daughter of Joyce Garrison and Eric Scruggs of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Terrance T. Crittenden, son of Katrina Crittenden of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Whites Creek High School;
Tonisha Gordon, daughter of Tonya McDaniel of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Michael Marshall, son of Faye Marchell of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Hume Fogg Academic High School;
George Lloyd Menzies III, son of George Menzies Jr. and Melissa Cooper of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of East Literature Magnet High School;
Zachary Papillion, son of Veronica Beard of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Bethany Jenee Paschall, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. A. E. Paschall Sr. of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Christopher Richardson, son of Laura Richardson of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Stratford High School;
Ashley D. Scoby, daughter of Arthur and Sherrill Scoby of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
—more—
REWARDS
Add 1
Phillip Rosser, son of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of East Literature Magnet High School;
Erica Montrice Wilson, daughter of Rinetta Swanson of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Stratford High School.
MTSU remains one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. It is the largest university in the Midstate. The official spring 2006 enrollment was a record 20,951. More than 23,000 students are expected to attend this fall.
MTSU’s minimum entrance requirement for freshmen is a 3.0 high school GPA or a 22 on the ACT, or a combined minimum of 2.7 GPA and ACT of 19.
For the 10th consecutive year, MTSU has been the No. 1 choice for valedictorians and salutatorians in an independent survey of more than 35 middle Tennessee counties.
For more information about the admissions process for high school seniors, contact the Office of Admissions at 615-898-2111 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~admissn.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynn Palmer, 615-898-2111
(MURFREESBORO)—Fifty-seven incoming Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students recently were awarded Scholastic Rewards Scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year.
The Scholastic Rewards Scholarship is awarded to first-time African-American freshman applicants who have an ACT composite score of 20 or higher (940 or higher SAT) and a 3.30 cumulative GPA through the junior year in high school. The award is for $2,600 per academic year.
The below students from your hometown area have accepted this scholarship and will attend MTSU this fall:
Maricha Alexander, daughter of Debra Alexander of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Candice Vaughan, daughter of Tracy and Jacqueline Vaughan of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Shandra Scruggs, daughter of Joyce Garrison and Eric Scruggs of Antioch, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
Terrance T. Crittenden, son of Katrina Crittenden of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Whites Creek High School;
Tonisha Gordon, daughter of Tonya McDaniel of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Michael Marshall, son of Faye Marchell of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Hume Fogg Academic High School;
George Lloyd Menzies III, son of George Menzies Jr. and Melissa Cooper of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of East Literature Magnet High School;
Zachary Papillion, son of Veronica Beard of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Bethany Jenee Paschall, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. A. E. Paschall Sr. of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Maplewood High School;
Christopher Richardson, son of Laura Richardson of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Stratford High School;
Ashley D. Scoby, daughter of Arthur and Sherrill Scoby of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Antioch High School;
—more—
REWARDS
Add 1
Phillip Rosser, son of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of East Literature Magnet High School;
Erica Montrice Wilson, daughter of Rinetta Swanson of Nashville, Tenn., and a graduate of Stratford High School.
MTSU remains one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. It is the largest university in the Midstate. The official spring 2006 enrollment was a record 20,951. More than 23,000 students are expected to attend this fall.
MTSU’s minimum entrance requirement for freshmen is a 3.0 high school GPA or a 22 on the ACT, or a combined minimum of 2.7 GPA and ACT of 19.
For the 10th consecutive year, MTSU has been the No. 1 choice for valedictorians and salutatorians in an independent survey of more than 35 middle Tennessee counties.
For more information about the admissions process for high school seniors, contact the Office of Admissions at 615-898-2111 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~admissn.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
438 MTSU’s STROUD LANDS TWO SCHOLARSHIPS DURING 2006 COLLEGE AWARDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2006
CONTACT: News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Calley Stroud of Murfreesboro garnered two awards during the 13th Annual Student Awards Ceremony sponsored by MTSU’s College of Mass Communication on April 25.
A senior majoring in public relations, Stroud garnered the Dean’s Academic Award for Excellence Scholarship from the School of Journalism at MTSU. Stroud currently has an overall grade-point average of 3.5.
In addition, she was the inaugural recipient of the Lisa L. Rollins Journalism Scholarship, an award that is presented annually to an exceptional journalism major who also is a single parent.
A 1989 graduate of Raleigh Egypt High School in Memphis, Stroud said she began her undergraduate studies at MTSU in 2001 as the single parent of three children.
“At that time, I was timid bout starting over as a single mother with three small children,” she said. “ However, “Due to the wonderful support from MTSU, as well as many friends and family members, I’m now more self-confident than ever.”
Stroud is the daughter of Connie Bowden of Hohenwald, Tenn.
CONTACT: News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Calley Stroud of Murfreesboro garnered two awards during the 13th Annual Student Awards Ceremony sponsored by MTSU’s College of Mass Communication on April 25.
A senior majoring in public relations, Stroud garnered the Dean’s Academic Award for Excellence Scholarship from the School of Journalism at MTSU. Stroud currently has an overall grade-point average of 3.5.
In addition, she was the inaugural recipient of the Lisa L. Rollins Journalism Scholarship, an award that is presented annually to an exceptional journalism major who also is a single parent.
A 1989 graduate of Raleigh Egypt High School in Memphis, Stroud said she began her undergraduate studies at MTSU in 2001 as the single parent of three children.
“At that time, I was timid bout starting over as a single mother with three small children,” she said. “ However, “Due to the wonderful support from MTSU, as well as many friends and family members, I’m now more self-confident than ever.”
Stroud is the daughter of Connie Bowden of Hohenwald, Tenn.
435 MTSU TEAMS PARTNER WITH CITY SCHOOLS
MEDIA ADVISORY
May 16, 2006
What: MTSU athletic teams will partner with each Murfreesboro city school—one team per school—to become role models and mentors.
When: An announcement will be made tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17, 1 p.m., in the Black Fox Elementary School gym (South Rutherford Boulevard).
Who: MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro and other MTSU coaches, city school principals and other personnel, and several children representing all 11 city schools
Details: An announcement will be made tomorrow regarding a partnership between MTSU athletics and Murfreesboro City Schools. Each of the 11 city schools will have an MTSU athletic team assigned to it. Starting in the fall, athletes will visit their designated school at various times throughout the year to serve as mentors and tutors.
Media welcomed.
May 16, 2006
What: MTSU athletic teams will partner with each Murfreesboro city school—one team per school—to become role models and mentors.
When: An announcement will be made tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17, 1 p.m., in the Black Fox Elementary School gym (South Rutherford Boulevard).
Who: MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro and other MTSU coaches, city school principals and other personnel, and several children representing all 11 city schools
Details: An announcement will be made tomorrow regarding a partnership between MTSU athletics and Murfreesboro City Schools. Each of the 11 city schools will have an MTSU athletic team assigned to it. Starting in the fall, athletes will visit their designated school at various times throughout the year to serve as mentors and tutors.
Media welcomed.
434 MTSU STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
54 African-American MTSU Freshmen Garner Scholarship Awards for 2006-07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynn Palmer, 615-898-2111
(MURFREESBORO)—Fifty-four incoming MTSU students recently were awarded Scholastic Achievement Scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year.
The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to first-time African- American freshman applicants who have an ACT composite score of 22 or higher (1020 or higher SAT) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA through the junior year of high school. The award is for $3,000 per academic year.
2006-07 MTSU Scholastic Achievement Scholarship recipients from your hometown area are as follows:
Austin E. Allen of Knoxville, son of James and Alice Allen of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Austin East High School;
Olivia Bradley of Knoxville, a graduate of Karns East High School;
Lauren H. Collins of Knoxville, a graduate of Farragut High School;
LanJericha Ventrice Finch of Knoxville, daughter of Laventrice and Albert Cassidy of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Carter High School;
Kayla Sidell of Knoxville, a graduate of Farragut High School;
Angelique L. Singleton of Knoxville, daughter of Anita C. Singleton of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Austin East High School.
MTSU remains one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. It is the largest university in the Midstate. The official spring 2006 enrollment was a record 20,951. More than 23,000 students are expected to attend this fall.
MTSU’s minimum entrance requirement for freshmen is a 3.0 high school GPA or a 22 on the ACT, or a combined minimum of 2.7 GPA and ACT of 19.
For the 10th consecutive year, MTSU has been the No. 1 choice for valedictorians and salutatorians in an independent survey of more than 35 middle Tennessee counties.
For more information about the admissions process for high school seniors, contact the Office of Admissions at 615-898-2111 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~admissn.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynn Palmer, 615-898-2111
(MURFREESBORO)—Fifty-four incoming MTSU students recently were awarded Scholastic Achievement Scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year.
The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to first-time African- American freshman applicants who have an ACT composite score of 22 or higher (1020 or higher SAT) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA through the junior year of high school. The award is for $3,000 per academic year.
2006-07 MTSU Scholastic Achievement Scholarship recipients from your hometown area are as follows:
Austin E. Allen of Knoxville, son of James and Alice Allen of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Austin East High School;
Olivia Bradley of Knoxville, a graduate of Karns East High School;
Lauren H. Collins of Knoxville, a graduate of Farragut High School;
LanJericha Ventrice Finch of Knoxville, daughter of Laventrice and Albert Cassidy of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Carter High School;
Kayla Sidell of Knoxville, a graduate of Farragut High School;
Angelique L. Singleton of Knoxville, daughter of Anita C. Singleton of Knoxville, Tenn., and a graduate of Austin East High School.
MTSU remains one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. It is the largest university in the Midstate. The official spring 2006 enrollment was a record 20,951. More than 23,000 students are expected to attend this fall.
MTSU’s minimum entrance requirement for freshmen is a 3.0 high school GPA or a 22 on the ACT, or a combined minimum of 2.7 GPA and ACT of 19.
For the 10th consecutive year, MTSU has been the No. 1 choice for valedictorians and salutatorians in an independent survey of more than 35 middle Tennessee counties.
For more information about the admissions process for high school seniors, contact the Office of Admissions at 615-898-2111 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~admissn.
433 WILSON COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
203-Year-Old Dobson Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions;Wilson County Leads the State with 63 Certified Century Farms, Reports Hankins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Dobson Farm in Wilson County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1803, Benjamin Dobson established the Dobson Farm in the Gladeville community. Benjamin and wife Elizabeth traveled on horseback from North Carolina to Tennessee, initially settling in Smith County before purchasing 200 acres fed by a branch of Sugg’s Creek. The Dobson family—including children Elizabeth, William R., Jane, Margaret and Benjamin—raised corn, sorghum, cattle, hogs, mules and broomcorn.
In 1828, William R. Dobson became the next owner of the land. Under his ownership, cotton, oats, sheep and geese were added to the farm’s products. Married twice, William fathered 10 children.
Benjamin B. Dobson was the third generation to own the farm. Along with his wife, Sarah J. Partlow, they had three children. In 1879, Benjamin and his family traveled to Whitewrite, Texas. While there, Benjamin died and Sarah brought her three children, who were then ages 3, 5 and 7, back on a buckboard wagon to Wilson County.
Benjamin and Sarah’s son, Thomas M. Dobson Sr., acquired the property in 1890. Thomas and his wife, Evie G. Smith, were the parents of 11 children. Thomas also served as a rural mail courier for the community, traveling by horse and buggy. In 1907, Thomas built a farmhouse with the lumber from Liberty Hill Church. In 1920, when their youngest child was 3, Thomas died, leaving Evie to rear the children alone and work the farm with their help.
In 1946, Thomas M. Dobson Jr., the great-great-grandson of the founder, acquired the land. He and wife Marie have made the farm their home. Their children, Thomas Mitchell Dobson, Jeanette Dobson Vance and Donna Dobson Goff, are also owners of the farm, while grandsons Thomas and Michael Dobson and Thomas Adam and David Austin Goff assist with the farm work.
Today, the 66 acres produces hay, oats, corn, cattle, hogs and soybeans. The farmhouse that was built in 1907, and where Thomas M. Dobson Jr. was born, became the first house the Tennessee Valley Authority provided electricity to west of 231 in Wilson County. The original light pole is still a part of the landscape. Other buildings include a horse barn constructed in 1936 and a
well house and smokehouse from the 1940s.
—more—
DOBSON
Add 1
Hankins said the Dobson family joins a select group of Tennessee farmers who have owned and operated their farm for more than 200 years. Additionally, she added, Wilson County currently leads the state with 63 certified Century Farms.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request a jpeg of this farm or an interview with the farm’s current owners, please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Dobson Farm in Wilson County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
In 1803, Benjamin Dobson established the Dobson Farm in the Gladeville community. Benjamin and wife Elizabeth traveled on horseback from North Carolina to Tennessee, initially settling in Smith County before purchasing 200 acres fed by a branch of Sugg’s Creek. The Dobson family—including children Elizabeth, William R., Jane, Margaret and Benjamin—raised corn, sorghum, cattle, hogs, mules and broomcorn.
In 1828, William R. Dobson became the next owner of the land. Under his ownership, cotton, oats, sheep and geese were added to the farm’s products. Married twice, William fathered 10 children.
Benjamin B. Dobson was the third generation to own the farm. Along with his wife, Sarah J. Partlow, they had three children. In 1879, Benjamin and his family traveled to Whitewrite, Texas. While there, Benjamin died and Sarah brought her three children, who were then ages 3, 5 and 7, back on a buckboard wagon to Wilson County.
Benjamin and Sarah’s son, Thomas M. Dobson Sr., acquired the property in 1890. Thomas and his wife, Evie G. Smith, were the parents of 11 children. Thomas also served as a rural mail courier for the community, traveling by horse and buggy. In 1907, Thomas built a farmhouse with the lumber from Liberty Hill Church. In 1920, when their youngest child was 3, Thomas died, leaving Evie to rear the children alone and work the farm with their help.
In 1946, Thomas M. Dobson Jr., the great-great-grandson of the founder, acquired the land. He and wife Marie have made the farm their home. Their children, Thomas Mitchell Dobson, Jeanette Dobson Vance and Donna Dobson Goff, are also owners of the farm, while grandsons Thomas and Michael Dobson and Thomas Adam and David Austin Goff assist with the farm work.
Today, the 66 acres produces hay, oats, corn, cattle, hogs and soybeans. The farmhouse that was built in 1907, and where Thomas M. Dobson Jr. was born, became the first house the Tennessee Valley Authority provided electricity to west of 231 in Wilson County. The original light pole is still a part of the landscape. Other buildings include a horse barn constructed in 1936 and a
well house and smokehouse from the 1940s.
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DOBSON
Add 1
Hankins said the Dobson family joins a select group of Tennessee farmers who have owned and operated their farm for more than 200 years. Additionally, she added, Wilson County currently leads the state with 63 certified Century Farms.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request a jpeg of this farm or an interview with the farm’s current owners, please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
432 WHITE COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Moore Farm in White County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located three miles from Sparta, the Moore Farm was established by Joseph Henderson Moore and his brother William Luther Moore in 1905. Three years later, Joseph bought his brother’s interest in the farm. In 1909, Joe married Maggie Jane Jones, an 1897 graduate of Pleasant Hill Academy who taught school in Cumberland, Putnam and White counties.
Joe and Maggie had four children; namely, Joseph Edward, Gertrude, Frances (who died at the age of 2) and Maggie Lorene. The family farm produced hay, corn, cattle, hogs, tobacco and timber. During the winter months, hogs were butchered and taken to Sparta by wagon and sold to customers.
In 1940, Joe and Maggie deeded nearly 30 acres to son Joseph Edward Sr. After serving in the army during World War II, Joseph Edward returned to college and received a bachelor of science degree from Tennessee Tech in 1946. That same year, he married Mabel Joyce Austin.
In addition to managing the farm, Edward served as a teacher and principal in the White County school system, while Mabel was a teacher, and later, a senior guidance counselor at White County High School. Before becoming an educator, Mabel was an active member in the Home Demonstration Club. In addition, she participated in the county fairs, where she received many ribbons and cash prizes for her cooking and sewing skills, according to the family’s records.
Joseph and Maggie had two children, Joseph Edward “Joe Ed” Moore Jr. and Lisa Austin Moore, both of whom were involved with 4-H from an early age. They participated in 4-H rallies, kept scrapbooks and entered contests. Joe Ed received his bachelor of science degree in plant and soil science from Tennessee Tech and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. While at UT, he served as a research assistant and spent a summer in Greeneville, Tenn., where he raised tobacco and collected samples for analysis for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Lisa earned a bachelor of science degree in business and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, as well as an Ed.S. (education specialist) degree in administration and supervision. She currently serves as the senior guidance counselor at White County High School.
Today, Mabel Moore and husband Joseph Edward Moore Sr. own the farm, along with son Joe Ed, who is married to Vickie Lynn Arney. Joe Ed and Vickie have two children, Joseph Kyler and Kaci Maree, who are the fourth generation of the family to call the farm home. Members of the Moore family hold membership in the Farm Bureau and the White County Farmer’s Co-op. The farm mainly produces hay, cattle and goats.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Moore Farm in White County recently was designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located three miles from Sparta, the Moore Farm was established by Joseph Henderson Moore and his brother William Luther Moore in 1905. Three years later, Joseph bought his brother’s interest in the farm. In 1909, Joe married Maggie Jane Jones, an 1897 graduate of Pleasant Hill Academy who taught school in Cumberland, Putnam and White counties.
Joe and Maggie had four children; namely, Joseph Edward, Gertrude, Frances (who died at the age of 2) and Maggie Lorene. The family farm produced hay, corn, cattle, hogs, tobacco and timber. During the winter months, hogs were butchered and taken to Sparta by wagon and sold to customers.
In 1940, Joe and Maggie deeded nearly 30 acres to son Joseph Edward Sr. After serving in the army during World War II, Joseph Edward returned to college and received a bachelor of science degree from Tennessee Tech in 1946. That same year, he married Mabel Joyce Austin.
In addition to managing the farm, Edward served as a teacher and principal in the White County school system, while Mabel was a teacher, and later, a senior guidance counselor at White County High School. Before becoming an educator, Mabel was an active member in the Home Demonstration Club. In addition, she participated in the county fairs, where she received many ribbons and cash prizes for her cooking and sewing skills, according to the family’s records.
Joseph and Maggie had two children, Joseph Edward “Joe Ed” Moore Jr. and Lisa Austin Moore, both of whom were involved with 4-H from an early age. They participated in 4-H rallies, kept scrapbooks and entered contests. Joe Ed received his bachelor of science degree in plant and soil science from Tennessee Tech and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. While at UT, he served as a research assistant and spent a summer in Greeneville, Tenn., where he raised tobacco and collected samples for analysis for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Lisa earned a bachelor of science degree in business and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, as well as an Ed.S. (education specialist) degree in administration and supervision. She currently serves as the senior guidance counselor at White County High School.
Today, Mabel Moore and husband Joseph Edward Moore Sr. own the farm, along with son Joe Ed, who is married to Vickie Lynn Arney. Joe Ed and Vickie have two children, Joseph Kyler and Kaci Maree, who are the fourth generation of the family to call the farm home. Members of the Moore family hold membership in the Farm Bureau and the White County Farmer’s Co-op. The farm mainly produces hay, cattle and goats.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
431 MTSU SITE OF NATIONAL WRITING PROJECT INSTITUTE
$93K Matching Grants Secure Opportunity to Offer Monthlong Program;MTSU Also Will Sponsor 2-Week Youth Writing Camp for Grades 4-12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Thanks to generous matching grants totaling $98,000, MTSU will soon embark upon its second annual Middle Tennessee Writing Project (MTWP), an on-campus writing institute for select teachers of kindergarten through college students.
Regarding the teacher-focused project, Dr. Bobbie Solley, professor of elementary and special education at MTSU, 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 The National Writing Project, which is 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 not be included),” 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 and 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.
—more—
WRITING
Add 1
“What really excites me about 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. Keylene Gebert, MTSU’s provost, has indicated her intent to provide matching funds for the annual project, as was done this year.
As for the writing ability of today’s learners, 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 4-12 from Rutherford, Bedford, Cannon, Wilson or Williamson counties.
The cost of the youth writing program, which will meet 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. four days each week from June 12 to June 22, at MTSU, is $200 per child. Applications for the youth writing camp are available online at www.mtsu.edu/~mtwp.
• For more information about the MTWP, please access its Web site online at
www.mtsu.edu/~mtwp or contact Solley directly by calling 615-898-5934.
ATTENTION, MEDIA: For editorial needs, including interview requests with institute organizers or past teacher participants from specific counties, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-2919.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919
(MURFREESBORO)—Thanks to generous matching grants totaling $98,000, MTSU will soon embark upon its second annual Middle Tennessee Writing Project (MTWP), an on-campus writing institute for select teachers of kindergarten through college students.
Regarding the teacher-focused project, Dr. Bobbie Solley, professor of elementary and special education at MTSU, 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 The National Writing Project, which is 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 not be included),” 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 and 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.
—more—
WRITING
Add 1
“What really excites me about 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. Keylene Gebert, MTSU’s provost, has indicated her intent to provide matching funds for the annual project, as was done this year.
As for the writing ability of today’s learners, 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 4-12 from Rutherford, Bedford, Cannon, Wilson or Williamson counties.
The cost of the youth writing program, which will meet 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. four days each week from June 12 to June 22, at MTSU, is $200 per child. Applications for the youth writing camp are available online at www.mtsu.edu/~mtwp.
• For more information about the MTWP, please access its Web site online at
www.mtsu.edu/~mtwp or contact Solley directly by calling 615-898-5934.
ATTENTION, MEDIA: For editorial needs, including interview requests with institute organizers or past teacher participants from specific counties, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-2919.
430 MTSU COLLEGE OF MASS COMMUNICATION ADDS ETHICIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Esteemed Educator Plans Busy Year of Public, Media, Class Discussions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina E. Fann, 615-898-5385
(MURFREESBORO)—A nationally renowned educator will join MTSU’s College of Mass Communication this fall to spearhead a yearlong national conversation on what’s right, what’s wrong and what must change about media ethics.
Dr. Thomas Cooper, a professor of visual and media arts at Boston’s Emerson College, will be the new Ethicist-in-Residence at MTSU for the 2006-2007 academic year, teaching courses, giving public lectures and conducting interactive workshops with local media outlets on journalistic values.
He’ll also be responsible for coordinating a national conference on media ethics and assisting with a poll to “get the pulse of the public on the topic.”
“It is an extraordinary opportunity, and there are endless opportunities here,” Cooper said of the coming academic year.
“There are areas where we can be serving the public as well as education. I want to know our priorities in the ethical field and what steps can be taken to raise consciousness. I want to learn from my colleagues, the public and media professionals about their ethical concerns.”
Cooper, the author or co-author of five published books and more than 100 articles and reviews and the co-publisher of Media Ethics magazine, has taught at Emerson, the nation’s only four-year college devoted almost exclusively to the study of communications and the performing arts, since 1983.
He served as an assistant to Marshall McLuhan and assisted speechwriters in the White House; co-produced some of the first audio spacebridges between U.S. and Soviet communications professionals; and was founding director of the Association for Responsible Communication, which was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
His tenure as ethicist-in-residence at MTSU is funded by a $120,000 grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation in Oklahoma City.
The grant prompted a national search for a high-profile media scholar to discuss the challenging ethical demands of the profession with students, the public and local media, and Cooper fit the bill perfectly.
“Tom Cooper is a scholar-teacher of high caliber,” said Dr. Anantha Babbili, dean of the College of Mass Communication.
“He has a track record spanning more than two decades of focusing on journalism and media ethics. He has engaged seminal scholars and outstanding journalists in important conversations on how to improve on professional conduct in our field. He makes ethics come alive for students and professionals.
“I am hoping our students and faculty, as well as the newsrooms of Tennessee, will benefit from his tenure at MTSU.”
One of the largest programs in the nation, the MTSU College of Mass Communication offers degree concentrations in 14 major areas—ranging from journalism to digital media and media management to recording industry management—and is accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina E. Fann, 615-898-5385
(MURFREESBORO)—A nationally renowned educator will join MTSU’s College of Mass Communication this fall to spearhead a yearlong national conversation on what’s right, what’s wrong and what must change about media ethics.
Dr. Thomas Cooper, a professor of visual and media arts at Boston’s Emerson College, will be the new Ethicist-in-Residence at MTSU for the 2006-2007 academic year, teaching courses, giving public lectures and conducting interactive workshops with local media outlets on journalistic values.
He’ll also be responsible for coordinating a national conference on media ethics and assisting with a poll to “get the pulse of the public on the topic.”
“It is an extraordinary opportunity, and there are endless opportunities here,” Cooper said of the coming academic year.
“There are areas where we can be serving the public as well as education. I want to know our priorities in the ethical field and what steps can be taken to raise consciousness. I want to learn from my colleagues, the public and media professionals about their ethical concerns.”
Cooper, the author or co-author of five published books and more than 100 articles and reviews and the co-publisher of Media Ethics magazine, has taught at Emerson, the nation’s only four-year college devoted almost exclusively to the study of communications and the performing arts, since 1983.
He served as an assistant to Marshall McLuhan and assisted speechwriters in the White House; co-produced some of the first audio spacebridges between U.S. and Soviet communications professionals; and was founding director of the Association for Responsible Communication, which was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
His tenure as ethicist-in-residence at MTSU is funded by a $120,000 grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation in Oklahoma City.
The grant prompted a national search for a high-profile media scholar to discuss the challenging ethical demands of the profession with students, the public and local media, and Cooper fit the bill perfectly.
“Tom Cooper is a scholar-teacher of high caliber,” said Dr. Anantha Babbili, dean of the College of Mass Communication.
“He has a track record spanning more than two decades of focusing on journalism and media ethics. He has engaged seminal scholars and outstanding journalists in important conversations on how to improve on professional conduct in our field. He makes ethics come alive for students and professionals.
“I am hoping our students and faculty, as well as the newsrooms of Tennessee, will benefit from his tenure at MTSU.”
One of the largest programs in the nation, the MTSU College of Mass Communication offers degree concentrations in 14 major areas—ranging from journalism to digital media and media management to recording industry management—and is accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
###
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
429 MTSU ALUMNI FIND NEW HOME: OPEN HOUSE SET MAY 18
Date: May 11, 2006 Contact: Allison Payne,
Assistant director, Alumni Relations 615-904-8199 / apayne@mtsu.edu
(MURFREESBORO) — The newly renovated properties at 2259 and 2263 Middle Tennessee Boulevard have new tenants, and soon plan to welcome new friends and neighbors.
The two properties, owned by MTSU, will serve as the home for the Office of Alumni Relations. Staff members are settling in and making plans to hold an open house to showcase their new locale from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 615-898-2922.
“We hope members of the community will stop in and look around. The renovation of the space is truly remarkable,” said Ginger Freeman, alumni relations director.
The facilities, which previously served as private residences, have been made to accommodate the alumni relations staff with offices, conference areas and workrooms. Plenty of work has been done to make both locations handicapped accessible and compliant with modern fire and safety codes.
“If you’ve driven past the house, you’ve noticed all of the exterior changes over the past few months,” Freeman said. “We wanted to have an open house to show the changes to the inside and welcome alumni, friends and neighbors to our new home.”
Information about the open house event and the new location for the Office of Alumni Relations is available on the organization’s Web site (mtalumni.com).
###
Media welcomed.
Assistant director, Alumni Relations 615-904-8199 / apayne@mtsu.edu
(MURFREESBORO) — The newly renovated properties at 2259 and 2263 Middle Tennessee Boulevard have new tenants, and soon plan to welcome new friends and neighbors.
The two properties, owned by MTSU, will serve as the home for the Office of Alumni Relations. Staff members are settling in and making plans to hold an open house to showcase their new locale from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 615-898-2922.
“We hope members of the community will stop in and look around. The renovation of the space is truly remarkable,” said Ginger Freeman, alumni relations director.
The facilities, which previously served as private residences, have been made to accommodate the alumni relations staff with offices, conference areas and workrooms. Plenty of work has been done to make both locations handicapped accessible and compliant with modern fire and safety codes.
“If you’ve driven past the house, you’ve noticed all of the exterior changes over the past few months,” Freeman said. “We wanted to have an open house to show the changes to the inside and welcome alumni, friends and neighbors to our new home.”
Information about the open house event and the new location for the Office of Alumni Relations is available on the organization’s Web site (mtalumni.com).
###
Media welcomed.
428 2006 SUMMER ENROLLMENT APPEARS ON PAR WITH PAST TWO YEARS
Date: May 10, 2006
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Enrollment contact: Sherian Huddleston, 615-898-2828
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU’s 2006 summer enrollment appears on par with the previous two years’ totals, and may reach or slightly surpass last year’s total of 9,096, an enrollment services official said May 9.
As of May 8, 8,553 students had registered for eight sessions of classes, which will begin May 15, Dr. Sherian Huddleston, assistant vice provost, enrollment services, said. She added that the MTSU headcount stood at 8,612 – nearly 60 fewer students who had registered by the same date in 2005.
“We have a slight decrease from where we were last year,” Huddleston said. “So we’re showing a decline in summer enrollment.”
Huddleston said the 9,096 students who were enrolled in 2005 “was actually a slight increase over the previous summer (9,027), but going into the summer we were slightly behind. We had not quite a 1 percent increase.”
Huddleston said students planning to attend any of the various sessions this summer should be aware of the final dates to register: the first day of class for that session. A $100 late fee will apply on those dates.
Summer session registration deadlines will include May 15 for Sessions I, V and VIII; June 5 for Sessions II and III; July 10 for Session IV; July 3 for Session VI and June 5 for Session O-RODP (Regents Online Degree Program).
Students should consult the “Summer 2006 Class Schedule” book for deadlines, important dates and other key information.
###
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Enrollment contact: Sherian Huddleston, 615-898-2828
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU’s 2006 summer enrollment appears on par with the previous two years’ totals, and may reach or slightly surpass last year’s total of 9,096, an enrollment services official said May 9.
As of May 8, 8,553 students had registered for eight sessions of classes, which will begin May 15, Dr. Sherian Huddleston, assistant vice provost, enrollment services, said. She added that the MTSU headcount stood at 8,612 – nearly 60 fewer students who had registered by the same date in 2005.
“We have a slight decrease from where we were last year,” Huddleston said. “So we’re showing a decline in summer enrollment.”
Huddleston said the 9,096 students who were enrolled in 2005 “was actually a slight increase over the previous summer (9,027), but going into the summer we were slightly behind. We had not quite a 1 percent increase.”
Huddleston said students planning to attend any of the various sessions this summer should be aware of the final dates to register: the first day of class for that session. A $100 late fee will apply on those dates.
Summer session registration deadlines will include May 15 for Sessions I, V and VIII; June 5 for Sessions II and III; July 10 for Session IV; July 3 for Session VI and June 5 for Session O-RODP (Regents Online Degree Program).
Students should consult the “Summer 2006 Class Schedule” book for deadlines, important dates and other key information.
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427 LOCAL HIGH-SCHOOLERS RECEIVE HUMAN SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2006
CONTACT: Department of Human Sciences, 615-898-2884
(MURFREESBORO)—Members of MTSU’s Human Sciences Department Scholarship Committee have awarded scholarships to four local high-school seniors, announced Dr. Dellmar Walker, chairwoman of the department.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer the Roddy Memorial Scholarships to incoming new freshmen who plan to major in one of our five undergraduate programs in human sciences,” said Walker, who notes that the scholarships were made possible through a generous endowment from the Christine and A. F. Roddy family.
Walker said the scholarships will provide financial support to help students who plan to major in early childhood education; interior design; family and consumer sciences; nutrition and food science; or textiles, merchandising and design.
The recipients of the Christine and A. F. Roddy Memorial Scholarships for the fall 2006 and 2007 semesters, along with their intended areas of study, are as follows:
• Jessica Lynn Hickman of La Vergne, currently a student at
La Vergne High School, with an intended major in apparel design.
• Chris Register of Murfreesboro, currently a student Oakland High School, with an intended major of early childhood education.
• Chloe Robinson of Murfreesboro, currently a student Siegel High School, with an intended double major in family and consumer studies/business.
• Sarah Elise Wilson of Murfreesboro, currently a student at
Middle Tennessee Christian High School, with an intended major in early
childhood education.
Presented annually, Walker said, “We hope to ‘get the word out’ to high
school counselors about this opportunity to encourage students to pursue a
degree in the Department of Human Sciences.”
For more information about the Roddy Memorial Scholarships, please contact the human sciences department at MTSU directly at 615-898-2884.
CONTACT: Department of Human Sciences, 615-898-2884
(MURFREESBORO)—Members of MTSU’s Human Sciences Department Scholarship Committee have awarded scholarships to four local high-school seniors, announced Dr. Dellmar Walker, chairwoman of the department.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer the Roddy Memorial Scholarships to incoming new freshmen who plan to major in one of our five undergraduate programs in human sciences,” said Walker, who notes that the scholarships were made possible through a generous endowment from the Christine and A. F. Roddy family.
Walker said the scholarships will provide financial support to help students who plan to major in early childhood education; interior design; family and consumer sciences; nutrition and food science; or textiles, merchandising and design.
The recipients of the Christine and A. F. Roddy Memorial Scholarships for the fall 2006 and 2007 semesters, along with their intended areas of study, are as follows:
• Jessica Lynn Hickman of La Vergne, currently a student at
La Vergne High School, with an intended major in apparel design.
• Chris Register of Murfreesboro, currently a student Oakland High School, with an intended major of early childhood education.
• Chloe Robinson of Murfreesboro, currently a student Siegel High School, with an intended double major in family and consumer studies/business.
• Sarah Elise Wilson of Murfreesboro, currently a student at
Middle Tennessee Christian High School, with an intended major in early
childhood education.
Presented annually, Walker said, “We hope to ‘get the word out’ to high
school counselors about this opportunity to encourage students to pursue a
degree in the Department of Human Sciences.”
For more information about the Roddy Memorial Scholarships, please contact the human sciences department at MTSU directly at 615-898-2884.
426 MTSU ART STUDENTS ACHIEVE GOLD, SILVER HONORS AGAIN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2006
CONTACT: MTSU Art Department, 615-898-2455
(MURFREESBORO)—Eleven art students at MTSU recently were awarded prestigious ADDY honors for their creative work in graphic design from the Nashville Advertising Federation (NAF) during the district-level ceremony in Atlanta, Ga.
Each year, the NAF, which acts as the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, sponsors an awards competition for regional ad agencies and design firms, and student participation is encouraged. In turn, each year art students at MTSU, with the mentoring and instructional assistance of MTSU art faculty members, compete in this contest.
“There were more than 1,000 entries from 23 colleges and universities throughout the South,” said Dr. Jean Nagy, chairwoman for MTSU’s art department. “Several of our students were awarded gold and silver medals … and the winners will advance to the national event in San Francisco.”
Those MTSU students who garnered top ADDY honors in this year’s contest are as follows:
• Chris Jenke of Tullahoma, Tenn., Gold Award winner in the Editorial Design category with his “Delicious Pear Exotic Foods” entry.
• Eric Kreutter of Nashville, winner of the Gold Award in the category of Web Site for his Keith Walker Web site.
• Kayla Clark of Camden, Tenn., Gold Award winner in the Packaging category for her “Holitorius” entry.
• Courtney Edwards of Nashville; Matt Thompson of Medina, Tenn.; Johnny King of La Vergne, Tenn.; and Bryan, Kemp of Lebanon, Ohio, winners of the Gold Award in the Ad Campaign category their “Pets Do It Too Spay U.S.A.” campaign.
• Ben Stewart of Franklin, Tenn., winners of the Silver Award in the Stationery Package category for his “Shrubber” entry.
• Leigh Bernstein of Germantown, Tenn.; Chad Cooper of Picture Rocks, Pa.; Daniel Brown of Wartrace and Bell Buckle, Tenn., winners of the Silver Award in the Scott Products Ad Campaign category for their "Soft, Strong, Long-lasting” entry.
"Being recognized by nationally renowned designers/jurors is a great incentive for a student preparing to enter the workplace,” said Barry Buxkamper, associate professor of art. "Although they are students, the work they do parallels (by categories) that of working professionals in the competition. …"
For more information regarding this year’s MTSU ADDY winners, please contact the art department at MTSU directly at 615-898-2455.
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CONTACT: MTSU Art Department, 615-898-2455
(MURFREESBORO)—Eleven art students at MTSU recently were awarded prestigious ADDY honors for their creative work in graphic design from the Nashville Advertising Federation (NAF) during the district-level ceremony in Atlanta, Ga.
Each year, the NAF, which acts as the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, sponsors an awards competition for regional ad agencies and design firms, and student participation is encouraged. In turn, each year art students at MTSU, with the mentoring and instructional assistance of MTSU art faculty members, compete in this contest.
“There were more than 1,000 entries from 23 colleges and universities throughout the South,” said Dr. Jean Nagy, chairwoman for MTSU’s art department. “Several of our students were awarded gold and silver medals … and the winners will advance to the national event in San Francisco.”
Those MTSU students who garnered top ADDY honors in this year’s contest are as follows:
• Chris Jenke of Tullahoma, Tenn., Gold Award winner in the Editorial Design category with his “Delicious Pear Exotic Foods” entry.
• Eric Kreutter of Nashville, winner of the Gold Award in the category of Web Site for his Keith Walker Web site.
• Kayla Clark of Camden, Tenn., Gold Award winner in the Packaging category for her “Holitorius” entry.
• Courtney Edwards of Nashville; Matt Thompson of Medina, Tenn.; Johnny King of La Vergne, Tenn.; and Bryan, Kemp of Lebanon, Ohio, winners of the Gold Award in the Ad Campaign category their “Pets Do It Too Spay U.S.A.” campaign.
• Ben Stewart of Franklin, Tenn., winners of the Silver Award in the Stationery Package category for his “Shrubber” entry.
• Leigh Bernstein of Germantown, Tenn.; Chad Cooper of Picture Rocks, Pa.; Daniel Brown of Wartrace and Bell Buckle, Tenn., winners of the Silver Award in the Scott Products Ad Campaign category for their "Soft, Strong, Long-lasting” entry.
"Being recognized by nationally renowned designers/jurors is a great incentive for a student preparing to enter the workplace,” said Barry Buxkamper, associate professor of art. "Although they are students, the work they do parallels (by categories) that of working professionals in the competition. …"
For more information regarding this year’s MTSU ADDY winners, please contact the art department at MTSU directly at 615-898-2455.
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425 See Spot Run Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity
MTSU Alumni Relations, Student Organizations to Present
See Spot Run Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity
One ‘lucky canine’ will land role in “Annie” May 16 at TPAC
Date: May 9, 2006
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Alumni contact: Katy Francisco Riddle, 615-898-2923
Student Organizations contact: Jackie Victory, 615-904-8418
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU’s offices of alumni relations, student organizations and community service are teaming up to present See Spot Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday,
May 13, in MTSU’s Walnut Grove near Peck Hall and the James Union Building.
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 toward 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. It is one in a series of campus fundraisers designed to generate money for the upcoming blitz build. The blitz build home will become a way that students can give back to the Murfreesboro community.
“See Spot Run will be another step forward in the fundraising 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 Center 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 will also receive four complimentary tickets to the play and be invited 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 in preparation of 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 mtalumni.com or by calling 615-898-5812. On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
###
See Spot Run Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity
One ‘lucky canine’ will land role in “Annie” May 16 at TPAC
Date: May 9, 2006
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Alumni contact: Katy Francisco Riddle, 615-898-2923
Student Organizations contact: Jackie Victory, 615-904-8418
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU’s offices of alumni relations, student organizations and community service are teaming up to present See Spot Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday,
May 13, in MTSU’s Walnut Grove near Peck Hall and the James Union Building.
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 toward 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. It is one in a series of campus fundraisers designed to generate money for the upcoming blitz build. The blitz build home will become a way that students can give back to the Murfreesboro community.
“See Spot Run will be another step forward in the fundraising 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 Center 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 will also receive four complimentary tickets to the play and be invited 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 in preparation of 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 mtalumni.com or by calling 615-898-5812. On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
###
424 TWO MONTHS OF MTSU CUSTOMS SESSIONS FOR NEWCOMERS WILL START IN JUNE
Date: May 9, 2006 Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
CUSTOMS contact: Gina Poff, 615-898-2454
(MURFREESBORO) — 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 said.
For students pursuing majors in the Colleges of Basic and Applied Science, Mass Communications and 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, Business and undeclared, CUSTOMS sessions will be held
June 9-10, June 20-21, July 6-7 and July 20-21.
Transfers may complete CUSTOMS online (mtsu.edu/~customs/online) and be cleared by their advisers to register for fall classes.
For information, call 615-898-5533 or visit mtsu.edu/customs.
###
Media welcomed to cover (write, photograph and video) CUSTOMS new student orientation. Dates include:
June 6-7
June 9-10
June 13-14
June 20-21
June 23-24
July 6-7
July 11-12
July 20-21
July 24-25
Call MTSU News & Public Affairs, 615-898-2919, for assistance with your coverage.
CUSTOMS contact: Gina Poff, 615-898-2454
(MURFREESBORO) — 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 said.
For students pursuing majors in the Colleges of Basic and Applied Science, Mass Communications and 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, Business and undeclared, CUSTOMS sessions will be held
June 9-10, June 20-21, July 6-7 and July 20-21.
Transfers may complete CUSTOMS online (mtsu.edu/~customs/online) and be cleared by their advisers to register for fall classes.
For information, call 615-898-5533 or visit mtsu.edu/customs.
###
Media welcomed to cover (write, photograph and video) CUSTOMS new student orientation. Dates include:
June 6-7
June 9-10
June 13-14
June 20-21
June 23-24
July 6-7
July 11-12
July 20-21
July 24-25
Call MTSU News & Public Affairs, 615-898-2919, for assistance with your coverage.
423 MTSU ANNOUNCES GRADUATES FOR SPRING 2006
County-by-County Listing of Spring 2006 Graduates Available Online May 10
(MURFREESBORO)—Beginning May 10, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) will release the names and hometowns of those students who graduated during the spring 2006 commencement ceremony, which was held Saturday, May 6, in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus.
More than 2,000 degree candidates graduated during the 94th spring commencement—a record number of graduates for a May commencement event. Moreover, of the 2,042 who graduated, 1,736 were undergraduates, 235 were master’s degree candidates, 67 were educational specialists (Ed.S.) candidates and four were Ph.D. candidates.
The May commencement featured dual ceremonies and dual speakers starting at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Murphy Center. Candidates from the College of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, and College of Education and Behavioral Science received their degrees in the morning ceremony. That afternoon, degrees were conferred on candidates in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Mass Communication, and the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning.
The Right Honorable Perry Gladstone Christie, current prime minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, was the guest speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony. Christie, who also serves as the minister of finance, was sworn in as the third PM of an independent Bahamas on May 3, 2002, following his triumph in a free general election.
Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, now in his second term as mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, was the featured speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony. First elected in 1999, then re-elected to a second mayoral term with a record-setting 84.8 percent of the vote, Purcell served as director of the Child and Family Policy Center at the Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies, a nationally recognized center, prior to becoming mayor.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COUNTY’S STUDENT LIST: To obtain a list for editorial use of those students from your county who graduated during MTSU’s spring 2006 commencement, please access this information on the News and Public Affairs (NPA) Web site at www.mtsunews.com and click on the “MTSU Graduation Lists” link on the upper, left-hand side of the page.
Next, click on the “Spring” link, which will include an alphabetical, county-by-county listing of those MTSU students who graduated on May 6. ***Please note that this page also contains directions on how to download and
(MURFREESBORO)—Beginning May 10, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) will release the names and hometowns of those students who graduated during the spring 2006 commencement ceremony, which was held Saturday, May 6, in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus.
More than 2,000 degree candidates graduated during the 94th spring commencement—a record number of graduates for a May commencement event. Moreover, of the 2,042 who graduated, 1,736 were undergraduates, 235 were master’s degree candidates, 67 were educational specialists (Ed.S.) candidates and four were Ph.D. candidates.
The May commencement featured dual ceremonies and dual speakers starting at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Murphy Center. Candidates from the College of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, and College of Education and Behavioral Science received their degrees in the morning ceremony. That afternoon, degrees were conferred on candidates in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Mass Communication, and the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning.
The Right Honorable Perry Gladstone Christie, current prime minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, was the guest speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony. Christie, who also serves as the minister of finance, was sworn in as the third PM of an independent Bahamas on May 3, 2002, following his triumph in a free general election.
Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, now in his second term as mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, was the featured speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony. First elected in 1999, then re-elected to a second mayoral term with a record-setting 84.8 percent of the vote, Purcell served as director of the Child and Family Policy Center at the Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies, a nationally recognized center, prior to becoming mayor.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COUNTY’S STUDENT LIST: To obtain a list for editorial use of those students from your county who graduated during MTSU’s spring 2006 commencement, please access this information on the News and Public Affairs (NPA) Web site at www.mtsunews.com and click on the “MTSU Graduation Lists” link on the upper, left-hand side of the page.
Next, click on the “Spring” link, which will include an alphabetical, county-by-county listing of those MTSU students who graduated on May 6. ***Please note that this page also contains directions on how to download and
422 WASHINGTON COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
Maple Valley Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Maple Valley Farm in Washington County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located five miles south of Jonesboro is the Maple Valley Farm that was founded in 1899 by siblings John and Susan Walters. On 88 acres, the farm produced tobacco, wheat and cattle. John married Mary E. Lamon Walters and they reared six children.
In 1924, two of their sons, William D. Walters and John F. Walters, acquired the farm. William wed Maudie M. Ottinger and they had five children. John married Viola B. Miller and they reared three children—Sherman, Maude, and Sara.
In 1950, the granddaughter of the founder, Maude Teague, became the owner of the land. Today, Maude, her son Robert J. Teague, and her granddaughter, Michelle Livingston, live on the farm. Robert and John F. Walter, a great-nephew of Mrs. Teague, work the land and raise cattle.
Maple Valley Farm joins 16 other Washington County farms that are a part of the Century Farms Program.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with the farm’s current owners, please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Maple Valley Farm in Washington County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located five miles south of Jonesboro is the Maple Valley Farm that was founded in 1899 by siblings John and Susan Walters. On 88 acres, the farm produced tobacco, wheat and cattle. John married Mary E. Lamon Walters and they reared six children.
In 1924, two of their sons, William D. Walters and John F. Walters, acquired the farm. William wed Maudie M. Ottinger and they had five children. John married Viola B. Miller and they reared three children—Sherman, Maude, and Sara.
In 1950, the granddaughter of the founder, Maude Teague, became the owner of the land. Today, Maude, her son Robert J. Teague, and her granddaughter, Michelle Livingston, live on the farm. Robert and John F. Walter, a great-nephew of Mrs. Teague, work the land and raise cattle.
Maple Valley Farm joins 16 other Washington County farms that are a part of the Century Farms Program.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with the farm’s current owners, please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
421 OVERTON COUNTY FARMS JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS
Three Farms Recognized for Agricultural Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Archibald Qualls Farm, the Jonathan Allred Farm and the Crawford Farm, all located in Overton County, recently were designated as Tennessee Century Farms, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
“These historic farms are some of Overton County’s best historic landscapes,” remarked Hankins, who noted that these three farms bring the number of certified Century Farms in Overton County to seven.
• South of Hilman, William Crawford founded the Crawford Farm in 1824. He and his wife Margarette had children. The family raised cattle, corn, horses and pigs. Around 1840, Jesse and Alexander Crawford constructed Crawford’s Mill on Roaring River.
In addition to the grist and flourmill, the Crawfords also operated a cotton gin, carding machine, knitting machine and a blacksmith shop. The family explains that “for a time this mill served as a powerhouse and provided electricity to the town of Livingston,” according to CHP records.
In 1888, Maunce Crawford acquired the farm. Along with wife Agnes, Wilson Crawford and his family, which included 10 children, raised cattle, horses, goats, pigs, corn and hay. In 1939, the farm was deeded to Bertha Crawford Barnes.
Today, Bertha’s daughter, Dorise Crabtree, is the fifth-generation owner of the farm. Barbara G. McCloud and Betty J. Winningham also are owners of this property. Currently, the farm is worked by Lester Green, Dorise’s son-in-law, and produces cattle and hay.
• In 1831, Jonathan Allred established a farm southeast of Livingston on the Obey River. Married to Nancy Walker Allred, the couple had five children--Robert, Bailey, Charles, John and Jonathan. On 163 acres, the family produced cattle, chickens and corn.
Bailey Allred became the second generation to own the farm. The family believes that the farm may have been given to Bailey and his wife Sarah Copeland Allred as a wedding gift. The couple had 10 children and two of their sons, Larkin and Jonathan A. Allred, became the next owners of the land. Under the brothers’ ownership, the farm increased to more than 3,000 acres.
Jonathan’s son, Bailey Frederic Allred, was the fourth owner. In addition to managing the farm, Bailey was as a teacher in the community, as was his
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father and grandfather. Bailey’s children became the fifth-generation owners of the farm, though one of the children, James Lowell Allred, acquired the property in the 1950s. In 1986, James Michael Allred and Jane Mynatt obtained the land.
Today, the founder’s great-great-great grandson, James M. Allred, owns the farm and raises cattle, chickens and hay. Married to Martha Burnette Allred, the couple are the parents of Mike and Joe Allred. Over the years, the Allreds have participated in agricultural organizations such as the Farm Bureau the Home Demonstration Club. Allred was honored as Overton County’s Conservation Farmer of the Year in 2000.
• Also located south of Livingston, in the Rickman community, is the 350-acre farm established in 1840 by Archibald Qualls. The farmland supported wheat, oats, flax, barley, corn, cattle, hogs and horses. Married to Sarah Cannon, the Qualls had 16 children. During his ownership, Archibald made several improvements to the farm by building a smokehouse, a lumber house and a springhouse.
In 1861, their son, Samuel Turney Qualls, became the second owner of the farm and operated it for more than 70 years. Married to Charity Jeanette Bilbery, the couple had 10 children. Their daughter, Lou May Norrod, acquired the farm in 1933. Lou May and her husband, Curtis Norrod farmed the land and grew wheat, oats, soybeans, corn, tobacco and hay. In addition, they raised cows, horses, mules and sheep. During the 1930s, Lou May and Curtis added more buildings to the landscape with the construction of a tobacco barn, a washhouse and a chicken house. While managing the farm, the couple also reared a large family that included Virgie, Opal, Bill, F.B., E. C., Johnnie Mae, Georgie, Bennie, Viol, and Mary Juanella.
In 1969, Mary Juanella, the founders’ great-granddaughter, acquired the farm. Today, she and her husband, Dennis Shea, raise cows, tobacco and hay. Their nephew, Tony Kratz, works the land. The many significant outbuildings, including the chicken house, and washhouse built in the 1930s, still stand today. The founder and other family members are buried in the Qualls Cemetery.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
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To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with any of the owners of these farms please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Archibald Qualls Farm, the Jonathan Allred Farm and the Crawford Farm, all located in Overton County, recently were designated as Tennessee Century Farms, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
“These historic farms are some of Overton County’s best historic landscapes,” remarked Hankins, who noted that these three farms bring the number of certified Century Farms in Overton County to seven.
• South of Hilman, William Crawford founded the Crawford Farm in 1824. He and his wife Margarette had children. The family raised cattle, corn, horses and pigs. Around 1840, Jesse and Alexander Crawford constructed Crawford’s Mill on Roaring River.
In addition to the grist and flourmill, the Crawfords also operated a cotton gin, carding machine, knitting machine and a blacksmith shop. The family explains that “for a time this mill served as a powerhouse and provided electricity to the town of Livingston,” according to CHP records.
In 1888, Maunce Crawford acquired the farm. Along with wife Agnes, Wilson Crawford and his family, which included 10 children, raised cattle, horses, goats, pigs, corn and hay. In 1939, the farm was deeded to Bertha Crawford Barnes.
Today, Bertha’s daughter, Dorise Crabtree, is the fifth-generation owner of the farm. Barbara G. McCloud and Betty J. Winningham also are owners of this property. Currently, the farm is worked by Lester Green, Dorise’s son-in-law, and produces cattle and hay.
• In 1831, Jonathan Allred established a farm southeast of Livingston on the Obey River. Married to Nancy Walker Allred, the couple had five children--Robert, Bailey, Charles, John and Jonathan. On 163 acres, the family produced cattle, chickens and corn.
Bailey Allred became the second generation to own the farm. The family believes that the farm may have been given to Bailey and his wife Sarah Copeland Allred as a wedding gift. The couple had 10 children and two of their sons, Larkin and Jonathan A. Allred, became the next owners of the land. Under the brothers’ ownership, the farm increased to more than 3,000 acres.
Jonathan’s son, Bailey Frederic Allred, was the fourth owner. In addition to managing the farm, Bailey was as a teacher in the community, as was his
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father and grandfather. Bailey’s children became the fifth-generation owners of the farm, though one of the children, James Lowell Allred, acquired the property in the 1950s. In 1986, James Michael Allred and Jane Mynatt obtained the land.
Today, the founder’s great-great-great grandson, James M. Allred, owns the farm and raises cattle, chickens and hay. Married to Martha Burnette Allred, the couple are the parents of Mike and Joe Allred. Over the years, the Allreds have participated in agricultural organizations such as the Farm Bureau the Home Demonstration Club. Allred was honored as Overton County’s Conservation Farmer of the Year in 2000.
• Also located south of Livingston, in the Rickman community, is the 350-acre farm established in 1840 by Archibald Qualls. The farmland supported wheat, oats, flax, barley, corn, cattle, hogs and horses. Married to Sarah Cannon, the Qualls had 16 children. During his ownership, Archibald made several improvements to the farm by building a smokehouse, a lumber house and a springhouse.
In 1861, their son, Samuel Turney Qualls, became the second owner of the farm and operated it for more than 70 years. Married to Charity Jeanette Bilbery, the couple had 10 children. Their daughter, Lou May Norrod, acquired the farm in 1933. Lou May and her husband, Curtis Norrod farmed the land and grew wheat, oats, soybeans, corn, tobacco and hay. In addition, they raised cows, horses, mules and sheep. During the 1930s, Lou May and Curtis added more buildings to the landscape with the construction of a tobacco barn, a washhouse and a chicken house. While managing the farm, the couple also reared a large family that included Virgie, Opal, Bill, F.B., E. C., Johnnie Mae, Georgie, Bennie, Viol, and Mary Juanella.
In 1969, Mary Juanella, the founders’ great-granddaughter, acquired the farm. Today, she and her husband, Dennis Shea, raise cows, tobacco and hay. Their nephew, Tony Kratz, works the land. The many significant outbuildings, including the chicken house, and washhouse built in the 1930s, still stand today. The founder and other family members are buried in the Qualls Cemetery.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
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To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with any of the owners of these farms please contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.
420 DICKSON COUNTY FARM JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Fiser-Jackson Farm 14th in County to be Recognized for Ag Contributions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Fiser-Jackson Farm in Dickson County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located near Cumberland Furnace, the Fiser-Jackson Farm was founded in 1900 by J. M. Jackson. The 104 acres produced corn, wheat and tobacco. J. M. was married to Ada E. Jackson. In 1904, John F. Jackson, a cousin, acquired the farm. A year later, the first known family house was built on the property. Under John’s ownership, swine were added to the farm’s operations.
John’s daughter, Maymie Baker and her husband Hershel Baker were the next owners of the land. In 1955, William Fiser, a great-nephew of the founder, acquired the land. Married to Mary Annie Fiser, the couple had two children. On the farm, they raised corn, tobacco, cattle and hogs.
Today, the farm is owned by Larry Dale Fiser who, along with his cousin Randy Simpkins, manages the farm operations.
This historic farm is the 14th Dickson County farm to be certified as a Century Farm, Hankins said.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2006
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, 615-898-2947
(MURFREESBORO)—The Fiser-Jackson Farm in Dickson County has been designated as a Tennessee Century Farm, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms program at the Center for Historic Preservation (CHP), which is located on the campus of MTSU.
Located near Cumberland Furnace, the Fiser-Jackson Farm was founded in 1900 by J. M. Jackson. The 104 acres produced corn, wheat and tobacco. J. M. was married to Ada E. Jackson. In 1904, John F. Jackson, a cousin, acquired the farm. A year later, the first known family house was built on the property. Under John’s ownership, swine were added to the farm’s operations.
John’s daughter, Maymie Baker and her husband Hershel Baker were the next owners of the land. In 1955, William Fiser, a great-nephew of the founder, acquired the land. Married to Mary Annie Fiser, the couple had two children. On the farm, they raised corn, tobacco, cattle and hogs.
Today, the farm is owned by Larry Dale Fiser who, along with his cousin Randy Simpkins, manages the farm operations.
This historic farm is the 14th Dickson County farm to be certified as a Century Farm, Hankins said.
About the Tennessee Century Farm Program
The Tennessee Century Farm Program, now 30 years old, recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farm Program, and continues to administer this program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) began the Tennessee Century Farm Program in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial. Today, the TDA provides a metal outdoor sign, noting either 100, 150 or 200 years of “continuous agricultural production” to Century Farm families.
To be considered for eligibility, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 years; must produce $1,000 revenue annually; must have at least 10 acres of the original farm; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee. There are more than 1,000 Century Farms across the state and all 95 counties are represented.
“The Century Farmers represent all the farm families of Tennessee,” Hankins said, “and their contributions to the economy, and to the social, cultural, and agrarian vitality of the state, both past and present, is immeasurable. Each farm is a Tennessee treasure.”
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit its Web site at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/histpres. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted via mail at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132, or by telephone at 615-898-2947.
418 CELEBRATE SPRING WITH 27TH ANNUAL SPOTTED SADDLE HORSE SHOW
Tennessee Livestock Center Welcomes National Event May 19-20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2006EDITORIAL CONTACT: National Spotted Saddle Horse Association, 615-890-2864 (MURFREESBORO)—It’s springtime again, so that means it’s time once again for the National Spotted Saddle Horse Association’s annual Spring Show at MTSU’s Tennessee Livestock Center!
The 27th annual event, planned for Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, will feature a variety of classes each night beginning at 6, including a stick-horse class, juvenile, amateur and professional class competitions. A total of 42 classes will be presented, including the final class on Saturday night, the Spring Show Championship.
Officials for the event include judges Billy Dean of Bell Buckle and Mike House of Shelbyville; ringmasters Judy Push of Manchester and Penny Bradshaw of Murfreesboro; and master of ceremonies Brent Perry and organist Jonathan Lingle, both of Murfreesboro. Jamie Baker of Baker Equine Photography, Nashville, will serve as show photographer.
The NSSHA was formed in 1979 with its headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Association is dedicated to establishing a uniform breed saddle horse that is naturally gaited and performs without the use of training aids or substances. Any horse, regardless of background, may be registered, providing the horse is spotted and exhibits a saddle gait, which may be a flat walk, running walk, pace, rack or combination of all gaits.
Admission to this year’s show at the Livestock Center, located at 1720 Greenland Drive on the MTSU campus, is $6 per adult. Children age 6 and under will be admitted free.
The Tennessee Livestock Center was completed in 1988 and offers over 155,000 square feet of space under roof, including a temperature-controlled main arena accommodating 4,550 people. The Center serves most horse, cattle, hog, sheep and other agriculture events and also houses nonagriculture events, including the annual All Nations American Indian Festival and Grand Slam Fish Fry.
For more information about the May 19-20 show, visit the NSSHA Web site at www.nssha.com or e-mail the Association at nssha898@aol.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2006EDITORIAL CONTACT: National Spotted Saddle Horse Association, 615-890-2864 (MURFREESBORO)—It’s springtime again, so that means it’s time once again for the National Spotted Saddle Horse Association’s annual Spring Show at MTSU’s Tennessee Livestock Center!
The 27th annual event, planned for Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, will feature a variety of classes each night beginning at 6, including a stick-horse class, juvenile, amateur and professional class competitions. A total of 42 classes will be presented, including the final class on Saturday night, the Spring Show Championship.
Officials for the event include judges Billy Dean of Bell Buckle and Mike House of Shelbyville; ringmasters Judy Push of Manchester and Penny Bradshaw of Murfreesboro; and master of ceremonies Brent Perry and organist Jonathan Lingle, both of Murfreesboro. Jamie Baker of Baker Equine Photography, Nashville, will serve as show photographer.
The NSSHA was formed in 1979 with its headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Association is dedicated to establishing a uniform breed saddle horse that is naturally gaited and performs without the use of training aids or substances. Any horse, regardless of background, may be registered, providing the horse is spotted and exhibits a saddle gait, which may be a flat walk, running walk, pace, rack or combination of all gaits.
Admission to this year’s show at the Livestock Center, located at 1720 Greenland Drive on the MTSU campus, is $6 per adult. Children age 6 and under will be admitted free.
The Tennessee Livestock Center was completed in 1988 and offers over 155,000 square feet of space under roof, including a temperature-controlled main arena accommodating 4,550 people. The Center serves most horse, cattle, hog, sheep and other agriculture events and also houses nonagriculture events, including the annual All Nations American Indian Festival and Grand Slam Fish Fry.
For more information about the May 19-20 show, visit the NSSHA Web site at www.nssha.com or e-mail the Association at nssha898@aol.com.
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