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.
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