FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 21, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
MTSU ANNOUNCES GRADUATES FOR FALL 2009
County-by-County Listing of Fall 2009 Graduates Now Available Online
(MURFREESBORO)—Middle Tennessee State University has released the names and hometowns of those students who graduated during the fall 2009 commencement event held Saturday, Dec. 19, in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus.
Of the 1,633 who graduated during the 98th fall commencement, 1,398 were undergraduates and 235 were graduate students, including 218 master’s candidates, 12 Education Specialist recipients and five Ph.D. candidates.
The dual-commencement event featured Mike Williams, a former state representative and MTSU alumnus, as the guest speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony. Ellen Leifeld, former publisher and president of The Tennessean in Nashville, was the featured speaker for the 1 p.m. commencement ceremony.
Following the ceremonies’ respective guest speakers, degree candidates from the College of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, and College of Education and Behavioral Science were conferred with their degrees in the morning ceremony, while degree 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, were conferred during the afternoon event.
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 fall 2009 commencement, please access this information on the News and Public Affairs 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 “Fall 2009” link, which will include an alphabetical, county-by-county listing of those MTSU students who graduated on Dec. 19, 2009.
***Please note that this Web page also contains directions on how to download and save your county’s list for editorial use in your publication.
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ATTENTION, MEDIA: If you encounter any problems downloading and saving your county’s dean’s list, please contact the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-898-2919 for assistance.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
[239] Brentwood's Turner Universal Donates $2K to MTSU Commercial Construction Management Program
Release date: Dec. 19, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Engineering Technology contact: Dr. Walter Boles, 615-898-2776 or wwboles@mtsu.edu
Brentwood’s Turner Universal Donates $2K to MTSU
Commercial Construction Management Program
Keith Merritt, left, project manager for Brentwood-based Turner Universal, presents a $2,000 check recently to Dr. Walter Boles, chair of the MTSU Engineering Technology department, for the university’s Commercial Construction Management program. Turner Universal is an extension of Turner Construction Co. Merritt, a Murfreesboro resident, is a 1998 graduate of the engineering technology program. Boles said this is one of many donations being made to fund a newly developed professorship in the Commercial Construction Management program.
###
Note: Submitted photo attached.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Engineering Technology contact: Dr. Walter Boles, 615-898-2776 or wwboles@mtsu.edu
Brentwood’s Turner Universal Donates $2K to MTSU
Commercial Construction Management Program
Keith Merritt, left, project manager for Brentwood-based Turner Universal, presents a $2,000 check recently to Dr. Walter Boles, chair of the MTSU Engineering Technology department, for the university’s Commercial Construction Management program. Turner Universal is an extension of Turner Construction Co. Merritt, a Murfreesboro resident, is a 1998 graduate of the engineering technology program. Boles said this is one of many donations being made to fund a newly developed professorship in the Commercial Construction Management program.
###
Note: Submitted photo attached.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
Friday, December 18, 2009
[238] MTSU Closes Dec. 25-Jan 3 for Holidays
Release date: Dec. 18, 2009
News & Public Affairs Contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Closes Dec. 25-Jan. 3 for Holidays
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU will be closed from Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) until Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, for the holidays, university officials announced.
All campus offices will be closed during this time. The holiday closures will include the James E. Walker Library, James Union Building and Keathley University Center. Additionally, no food service will be available from Dec. 25 until Jan. 4.
MTSU offices will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.
MTSU undergraduate, graduate and transfer students and faculty are in the midst of a one-month winter break between semesters. Spring semester classes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 14.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
###
Media note: For emergencies, media should contact the MTSU Police (Office of Public Safety) by calling 615-898-2424. MTSU Police can relay messages to MTSU News and Public Affairs personnel if necessary.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
News & Public Affairs Contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Closes Dec. 25-Jan. 3 for Holidays
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU will be closed from Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) until Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, for the holidays, university officials announced.
All campus offices will be closed during this time. The holiday closures will include the James E. Walker Library, James Union Building and Keathley University Center. Additionally, no food service will be available from Dec. 25 until Jan. 4.
MTSU offices will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.
MTSU undergraduate, graduate and transfer students and faculty are in the midst of a one-month winter break between semesters. Spring semester classes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 14.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
###
Media note: For emergencies, media should contact the MTSU Police (Office of Public Safety) by calling 615-898-2424. MTSU Police can relay messages to MTSU News and Public Affairs personnel if necessary.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
[237] Grundy County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
GRUNDY COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Richland-Elk River Farm Recognized as County’s 7th Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Richland-Elk River Valley Farm in Grundy 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1892, Richard Hudson Davidson founded a farm of just more than 44 acres in Burrough’s Cove on the Elk River. He and his wife, Elizabeth Hamby Davidson, had five children. On the farm, the family raised corn, hay, cattle and swine. A progressive farmer, Richard built a new house, in the Victorian style, a barn and a log corncrib around 1900 and created an extensive field drainage system using clay tile that helped to increase crop production.
Throughout his life, Richard continued to buy land to give all his children a farm of their own. This goal was not reached, however, because he suddenly died suddenly from pneumonia in 1917. At that time, Elizabeth assumed the responsibility for the family and the farm.
Louella, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth, and her husband, Vernon Bonner, were the next owners of the farm. They acquired 56 acres of the land from the other heirs in 1957. Vernon worked on the farm for around 20 years before gaining ownership. The Bonners were the parents of Verna Berlene, Carl Edwin, Martha Ann, Richard Dale and Brenda Joy. Vernon continued to purchase land during the Great Depression. Together, the family raised corn, cotton, hay, soybeans, wheat, cattle, chickens and swine and also were beekeepers.
This time period saw many changes to farm life. Horses were replaced by tractors and other machinery. The widespread use of hybrid seeds and herbicides increased farm yield. The open range, where cattle and swine had run, was fenced. Electricity, the telephone and a hard-surfaced road also became new additions to farm life, the family has noted.
Aside from farming, Vernon also helped build Camp Forrest, now known as Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, during WWII. Here, German prisoners of war were kept. The soldiers stationed there were also leased out to work on farms in the area. Vernon and Louella were members of the Farm Bureau and Farmer’s Co-op. The University of Tennessee also designated this farm as a test-demonstration farm.
Richard D. Bonner, grandson of the founding couple, and his wife, Faye (Church) Bonner, are the current owners of the farm. Both were reared on farms and were active in 4-H, FFA and FHA during their school years. Their children, April “Addy” and Andy were also active members of the 4-H Club and raised lambs for show at the local, district and state levels.
Today, the Bonners farm 150 acres, 56 of which are part of the farm of Richard Davidson, and raise corn, hay, soybeans, wheat, cattle, chickens, and swine. Richard, a licensed pilot, has constructed a hanger and landing strip on the farm. He retired from the military after 25 years in the U. S. Navy and Army National Guard.
Richard and Faye are members of the Farm Bureau and Farmer’s Co-op. Richard served as a director and chairman of the Grundy County Farmer’s Bureau and Faye served as president of the Farm Bureau Women of Grundy County from 1976 to 1984. She continues to be active in the local Home Demonstration Club.
“The Richland-Elk River Valley Farm is the seventh Century Farm to be certified in Grundy County,” Hankins said.
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About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owners or secure jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
GRUNDY COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Richland-Elk River Farm Recognized as County’s 7th Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Richland-Elk River Valley Farm in Grundy 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1892, Richard Hudson Davidson founded a farm of just more than 44 acres in Burrough’s Cove on the Elk River. He and his wife, Elizabeth Hamby Davidson, had five children. On the farm, the family raised corn, hay, cattle and swine. A progressive farmer, Richard built a new house, in the Victorian style, a barn and a log corncrib around 1900 and created an extensive field drainage system using clay tile that helped to increase crop production.
Throughout his life, Richard continued to buy land to give all his children a farm of their own. This goal was not reached, however, because he suddenly died suddenly from pneumonia in 1917. At that time, Elizabeth assumed the responsibility for the family and the farm.
Louella, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth, and her husband, Vernon Bonner, were the next owners of the farm. They acquired 56 acres of the land from the other heirs in 1957. Vernon worked on the farm for around 20 years before gaining ownership. The Bonners were the parents of Verna Berlene, Carl Edwin, Martha Ann, Richard Dale and Brenda Joy. Vernon continued to purchase land during the Great Depression. Together, the family raised corn, cotton, hay, soybeans, wheat, cattle, chickens and swine and also were beekeepers.
This time period saw many changes to farm life. Horses were replaced by tractors and other machinery. The widespread use of hybrid seeds and herbicides increased farm yield. The open range, where cattle and swine had run, was fenced. Electricity, the telephone and a hard-surfaced road also became new additions to farm life, the family has noted.
Aside from farming, Vernon also helped build Camp Forrest, now known as Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, during WWII. Here, German prisoners of war were kept. The soldiers stationed there were also leased out to work on farms in the area. Vernon and Louella were members of the Farm Bureau and Farmer’s Co-op. The University of Tennessee also designated this farm as a test-demonstration farm.
Richard D. Bonner, grandson of the founding couple, and his wife, Faye (Church) Bonner, are the current owners of the farm. Both were reared on farms and were active in 4-H, FFA and FHA during their school years. Their children, April “Addy” and Andy were also active members of the 4-H Club and raised lambs for show at the local, district and state levels.
Today, the Bonners farm 150 acres, 56 of which are part of the farm of Richard Davidson, and raise corn, hay, soybeans, wheat, cattle, chickens, and swine. Richard, a licensed pilot, has constructed a hanger and landing strip on the farm. He retired from the military after 25 years in the U. S. Navy and Army National Guard.
Richard and Faye are members of the Farm Bureau and Farmer’s Co-op. Richard served as a director and chairman of the Grundy County Farmer’s Bureau and Faye served as president of the Farm Bureau Women of Grundy County from 1976 to 1984. She continues to be active in the local Home Demonstration Club.
“The Richland-Elk River Valley Farm is the seventh Century Farm to be certified in Grundy County,” Hankins said.
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GRUNDYCO
Add 1
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owners or secure jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[236] White County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
WHITE COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Hutchings Farms Recognized as County’s 14th Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Hutchings Farms in White 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
The campground revivals of the first half of the 19th century and Hutchings College, founded in 1900, are part of the story of the farm purchased Alexander Barclay in 1853.
Born in Rutherford County, N.C., in 1819, Barclay came into White County with his wife, Nancy Catherine Nelson (1821-1895), and established a farmstead on 350 acres. With their six children, they cleared the land and produced a variety of crops and livestock. A religious man, Alexander held campground revivals on his land to which families traveled from miles around. During the Civil War, he was killed as he returned from a trip to Kentucky and was buried in an unmarked grave.
The second-generation owners were the founders’ daughter and son-in-law, Ammon and Catherine Barclay Hutchings. In 1882 they acquired about 200 acres, where they and their eight children continued to raise all types of livestock. While rearing their children, the Hutchings made a home for their respective mothers and assisted their son, Ransom, in founding Hutchings College around 1900.
At 15, Ransom received some education in White County, but reportedly also self-taught himself enough to surpass the knowledge of his instructors at Pleasant Hill. After a short time span teaching trigonometry, he decided to return to White County and open his own school, which served as a boarding school for boys and girls in search of better education paid. Students paid their tuition by working on the farm, which, in turn, provided food for the school.
Ransom also operated a sawmill that supplied the lumber for the 75-room school, along with a three-story girls’ dormitory and a two-story dorm for the boys—all of which rooms were fully furnished. Ransom’s wife, Emma Davis Hutchings, worked at the school and was in charge of cooking meals for all students and faculty.
Though the school closed in 1923, Ransom remained interested in education, serving as the White County School superintendent. In the 1920s, he was elected to serve as a state representative for four terms, and later, he was elected to serve as a state senator for one term. He continued to farm and also to operate the sawmill during the Depression and World War II, when he “provided sawed lumber for gun stock,” the family reported.
In 2006, Ransom I. Hutchings was recognized by The Expositor as Citizen of the Bicentennial for “his generous contribution to White County and all mankind.”
The fourth owners of the farm were two of Ransom and Emma’s children, Tillman and Marie. While in high school, Tillman won the National FFA contest in
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WHITECO
Add 1
public speaking with his speech titled “Why Educate the Farmer?” Following his father’s example, he was elected state representative of White County. He and his wife, Christine Jones, had three children and they owned and operated a department store in Sparta for 50 years.
Marie Hutchings Howard became a caretaker for many relatives in her family while also having a 36-year career in banking. Active in her community as well, she is a member of many clubs, including the Rock House Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a volunteer for community activities.
Today, the ownership of the farm rests with Marie Howard and Donald Hutchings, Tillman’s son. Marie inherited 200 acres and Donald purchased 50 acres; 85 of this total 250 acres are from the original farmland of Alexander and Nancy Barclay.
Currently, Marie’s son, DeWayne Howard, works the farm and raises hay and livestock. Although the school and college buildings no longer exist, the sawmill is still in excellent shape and is the site of the family’s gatherings. The family cemetery on the land remains intact and includes a memorial marker for the founder, Alexander Barclay. “This is the 14th Century Farm to be certified in White County,” Hankins noted.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owners or secure jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
WHITE COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Hutchings Farms Recognized as County’s 14th Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Hutchings Farms in White 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
The campground revivals of the first half of the 19th century and Hutchings College, founded in 1900, are part of the story of the farm purchased Alexander Barclay in 1853.
Born in Rutherford County, N.C., in 1819, Barclay came into White County with his wife, Nancy Catherine Nelson (1821-1895), and established a farmstead on 350 acres. With their six children, they cleared the land and produced a variety of crops and livestock. A religious man, Alexander held campground revivals on his land to which families traveled from miles around. During the Civil War, he was killed as he returned from a trip to Kentucky and was buried in an unmarked grave.
The second-generation owners were the founders’ daughter and son-in-law, Ammon and Catherine Barclay Hutchings. In 1882 they acquired about 200 acres, where they and their eight children continued to raise all types of livestock. While rearing their children, the Hutchings made a home for their respective mothers and assisted their son, Ransom, in founding Hutchings College around 1900.
At 15, Ransom received some education in White County, but reportedly also self-taught himself enough to surpass the knowledge of his instructors at Pleasant Hill. After a short time span teaching trigonometry, he decided to return to White County and open his own school, which served as a boarding school for boys and girls in search of better education paid. Students paid their tuition by working on the farm, which, in turn, provided food for the school.
Ransom also operated a sawmill that supplied the lumber for the 75-room school, along with a three-story girls’ dormitory and a two-story dorm for the boys—all of which rooms were fully furnished. Ransom’s wife, Emma Davis Hutchings, worked at the school and was in charge of cooking meals for all students and faculty.
Though the school closed in 1923, Ransom remained interested in education, serving as the White County School superintendent. In the 1920s, he was elected to serve as a state representative for four terms, and later, he was elected to serve as a state senator for one term. He continued to farm and also to operate the sawmill during the Depression and World War II, when he “provided sawed lumber for gun stock,” the family reported.
In 2006, Ransom I. Hutchings was recognized by The Expositor as Citizen of the Bicentennial for “his generous contribution to White County and all mankind.”
The fourth owners of the farm were two of Ransom and Emma’s children, Tillman and Marie. While in high school, Tillman won the National FFA contest in
—more—
WHITECO
Add 1
public speaking with his speech titled “Why Educate the Farmer?” Following his father’s example, he was elected state representative of White County. He and his wife, Christine Jones, had three children and they owned and operated a department store in Sparta for 50 years.
Marie Hutchings Howard became a caretaker for many relatives in her family while also having a 36-year career in banking. Active in her community as well, she is a member of many clubs, including the Rock House Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a volunteer for community activities.
Today, the ownership of the farm rests with Marie Howard and Donald Hutchings, Tillman’s son. Marie inherited 200 acres and Donald purchased 50 acres; 85 of this total 250 acres are from the original farmland of Alexander and Nancy Barclay.
Currently, Marie’s son, DeWayne Howard, works the farm and raises hay and livestock. Although the school and college buildings no longer exist, the sawmill is still in excellent shape and is the site of the family’s gatherings. The family cemetery on the land remains intact and includes a memorial marker for the founder, Alexander Barclay. “This is the 14th Century Farm to be certified in White County,” Hankins noted.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owners or secure jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
Friday, December 11, 2009
[234] HUD Awards $300k to Aid TN LEAP
Release date: Dec. 11, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
TN LEAP East contact: Leigh Woodcock, 865-244-4350 or woodcock@mtsu.edu
HUD Awards $300K to Aid TN LEAP
Efforts to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
(MURFREESBORO) — U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Middle Tennessee State University announced the Tennessee Alliance for Lead-safe Kids , or TALK, to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning hazards, effects and prevention in nearly every Tennessee county earlier this fall.
On Dec. 4, William Dirl, Nashville HUD field office director, presented MTSU officials with a check for $300,000 for grant funds during a reception held in MTSU’s James Union Building Dining Room C.
Those attending the presentation included Faye Johnson, assistant to executive vice president and provost (Dr. Diane Miller) for special initiatives; Wasimuddin Qureshi, assistant director in the MTSU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Dr. Saeed Foroudastan, associate dean for the College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Dr. Kathy Mathis, TALK Principal Investigator and Professor in the MTSU engineering technology department; and Lena Sprowl, a Murfreesboro resident who recounted the challenges faced by her family as a result of her daughter’s lead poisoning.
TALK will work with Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee and Tennessee Voices for Children to educate families and professionals about childhood lead poisoning, said Leah Woodcock, Tennessee Lead Elimination Action Program coordinator for East Tennessee.
Lead poisoning can come from lead-based paint found in homes built before 1978, soil, older plumbing, toys and some hobby materials, Woodcock said, adding that the effects of lead poisoning can include developmental delays, decreased IQ points, behavioral problems and coma or death at high levels, with children under the age of 6 especially vulnerable because their bodies still are developing.
“The only way to know if a child is lead poisoned is a simple blood test,” she said.
TALK’s main office will be in Knoxville, where Woodcock can be reached at 865-244-4350.
Faye Ralston, manager of MTSU’s HUD-funded Tennessee Lead Elimination Action Program, or TN LEAP, discussed TN LEAP services and residential lead-based paint hazards as they relate to childhood lead poisoning.
“The effects of childhood lead poisoning are permanent, but it is completely preventable,” Ralston said.
TN covers 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Shelby County has its own lead elimination program.
To learn more about MTSU’s TN LEAP program, call Ralston at 615-494-8795 or e-mail fralston.edu.
Photo cutline information:
William “Bill” Dirl, second from right, Nashville HUD field office director, presents MTSU with check for $300,000 for lead outreach activities. MTSU officials include, from left, Dr. Kathy Mathis, Wasimuddin Qureshi, Dr. Saeed Foroudastan and Faye Johnson.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
TN LEAP East contact: Leigh Woodcock, 865-244-4350 or woodcock@mtsu.edu
HUD Awards $300K to Aid TN LEAP
Efforts to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
(MURFREESBORO) — U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Middle Tennessee State University announced the Tennessee Alliance for Lead-safe Kids , or TALK, to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning hazards, effects and prevention in nearly every Tennessee county earlier this fall.
On Dec. 4, William Dirl, Nashville HUD field office director, presented MTSU officials with a check for $300,000 for grant funds during a reception held in MTSU’s James Union Building Dining Room C.
Those attending the presentation included Faye Johnson, assistant to executive vice president and provost (Dr. Diane Miller) for special initiatives; Wasimuddin Qureshi, assistant director in the MTSU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Dr. Saeed Foroudastan, associate dean for the College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Dr. Kathy Mathis, TALK Principal Investigator and Professor in the MTSU engineering technology department; and Lena Sprowl, a Murfreesboro resident who recounted the challenges faced by her family as a result of her daughter’s lead poisoning.
TALK will work with Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee and Tennessee Voices for Children to educate families and professionals about childhood lead poisoning, said Leah Woodcock, Tennessee Lead Elimination Action Program coordinator for East Tennessee.
Lead poisoning can come from lead-based paint found in homes built before 1978, soil, older plumbing, toys and some hobby materials, Woodcock said, adding that the effects of lead poisoning can include developmental delays, decreased IQ points, behavioral problems and coma or death at high levels, with children under the age of 6 especially vulnerable because their bodies still are developing.
“The only way to know if a child is lead poisoned is a simple blood test,” she said.
TALK’s main office will be in Knoxville, where Woodcock can be reached at 865-244-4350.
Faye Ralston, manager of MTSU’s HUD-funded Tennessee Lead Elimination Action Program, or TN LEAP, discussed TN LEAP services and residential lead-based paint hazards as they relate to childhood lead poisoning.
“The effects of childhood lead poisoning are permanent, but it is completely preventable,” Ralston said.
TN covers 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Shelby County has its own lead elimination program.
To learn more about MTSU’s TN LEAP program, call Ralston at 615-494-8795 or e-mail fralston.edu.
Photo cutline information:
William “Bill” Dirl, second from right, Nashville HUD field office director, presents MTSU with check for $300,000 for lead outreach activities. MTSU officials include, from left, Dr. Kathy Mathis, Wasimuddin Qureshi, Dr. Saeed Foroudastan and Faye Johnson.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
[233] Putnam County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
PUTNAM COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Isaac Huddleston Farm Becomes County’s 10th Designated Century Farm to date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Isaac Huddleston Farm in Putnam 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located eight miles southeast of the Cookeville Courthouse, the farm was founded in 1841 by Thomas Robinson of Grayson County, Va., who received a land grant of 100 acres signed by Tennessee Gov. James C. Jones.
Thomas (1787-1882) and wife Susannah Prior, who was born in North Carolina in 1798, and their eight children raised horses, corn, wheat and cattle on their 100-acre farm. They built a house in 1848, along with a smokehouse, log cabin, barn, corncrib and granary.
The eldest son, James S. Robinson, was the second owner of the farm. He and wife Syrena Isom expanded the farm to 300 acres, and with their nine children, raised horses, hay, corn and wheat. According to the family’s records, James Robinson raised some of the finest horses in middle Tennessee. During the Civil War, his horses were taken by Union troops and he was taken prisoner to care for them. He was released after a few weeks.
In 1881, James was given 890 acres of land in White County for compensation for the stolen horses during the war, with an additional 57 acres granted in 1887. James and Syrena moved to this farm and left the farm in Putnam County in the care of one of their daughter, Mary Jane Robinson, and her husband, Asbury R. Bullock.
After Syrena died in 1914, Mary Jane and Asbury acquired the farm. They built a third home on the land on Cherry Creek Road and lived there for the rest of their lives.
In 1919, after Mary Jane and Asbury’s death, their daughter, Arrie, and her husband, Ezra Davis, acquired the land. Although they lived in Cookeville, they managed the 300-acre farm through tenant farmers. Ezra Davis was a two-term mayor of Cookeville.
The fifth generation to own the farm was Mary B. Davis and her husband, Isaac Stanton Huddleston. They bought the land at an auction in 1949 when the Davis Estate was settled. On 140 acres, Isaac and Mary, with their four children, raised a variety of cultivated foods—from vegetables to strawberries—along with chickens, cows and pigs.
The couple’s main source of income, however, was tobacco. Aside from farming, Isaac Huddleston served as a Justice of the Peace of the Mount Herman Community and later as Trustee of Putnam County for two terms.
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PUTNAMCO
Add 1
After Isaac’s death in 1980, the land was willed to his four children, Hubert “Roe” Monroe, Neil, Ned (now deceased) and Mary Jane. Today, 100 of the farm’s 140 acres are the original land of Thomas and Susanna Robinson. Currently, “Roe” and Mary Jane continue to live on the farm, while Neil resides in Galveston, Texas. “Roe” is the farm’s manager and operator.
Although he no longer grows tobacco, “Roe”continues to raise hay, cattle and some vegetable produce. Additionally, continuing a progressive farming tradition started by his father, he completed a long-term soil conservation program and has also participated in a pasture contest.
“The Isaac Huddleston Farm is the 10th Century Farm to be certified in Putnam County,” Hankins confirmed.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners or request jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
PUTNAM COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Isaac Huddleston Farm Becomes County’s 10th Designated Century Farm to date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Isaac Huddleston Farm in Putnam 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
Located eight miles southeast of the Cookeville Courthouse, the farm was founded in 1841 by Thomas Robinson of Grayson County, Va., who received a land grant of 100 acres signed by Tennessee Gov. James C. Jones.
Thomas (1787-1882) and wife Susannah Prior, who was born in North Carolina in 1798, and their eight children raised horses, corn, wheat and cattle on their 100-acre farm. They built a house in 1848, along with a smokehouse, log cabin, barn, corncrib and granary.
The eldest son, James S. Robinson, was the second owner of the farm. He and wife Syrena Isom expanded the farm to 300 acres, and with their nine children, raised horses, hay, corn and wheat. According to the family’s records, James Robinson raised some of the finest horses in middle Tennessee. During the Civil War, his horses were taken by Union troops and he was taken prisoner to care for them. He was released after a few weeks.
In 1881, James was given 890 acres of land in White County for compensation for the stolen horses during the war, with an additional 57 acres granted in 1887. James and Syrena moved to this farm and left the farm in Putnam County in the care of one of their daughter, Mary Jane Robinson, and her husband, Asbury R. Bullock.
After Syrena died in 1914, Mary Jane and Asbury acquired the farm. They built a third home on the land on Cherry Creek Road and lived there for the rest of their lives.
In 1919, after Mary Jane and Asbury’s death, their daughter, Arrie, and her husband, Ezra Davis, acquired the land. Although they lived in Cookeville, they managed the 300-acre farm through tenant farmers. Ezra Davis was a two-term mayor of Cookeville.
The fifth generation to own the farm was Mary B. Davis and her husband, Isaac Stanton Huddleston. They bought the land at an auction in 1949 when the Davis Estate was settled. On 140 acres, Isaac and Mary, with their four children, raised a variety of cultivated foods—from vegetables to strawberries—along with chickens, cows and pigs.
The couple’s main source of income, however, was tobacco. Aside from farming, Isaac Huddleston served as a Justice of the Peace of the Mount Herman Community and later as Trustee of Putnam County for two terms.
—more—
PUTNAMCO
Add 1
After Isaac’s death in 1980, the land was willed to his four children, Hubert “Roe” Monroe, Neil, Ned (now deceased) and Mary Jane. Today, 100 of the farm’s 140 acres are the original land of Thomas and Susanna Robinson. Currently, “Roe” and Mary Jane continue to live on the farm, while Neil resides in Galveston, Texas. “Roe” is the farm’s manager and operator.
Although he no longer grows tobacco, “Roe”continues to raise hay, cattle and some vegetable produce. Additionally, continuing a progressive farming tradition started by his father, he completed a long-term soil conservation program and has also participated in a pasture contest.
“The Isaac Huddleston Farm is the 10th Century Farm to be certified in Putnam County,” Hankins confirmed.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owners or request jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[232] Crockett County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
CROCKETT COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Minglewood Farm Recognized as County’s Oldest Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Minglewood Farm in Crockett 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
Farm founders Isaac and Rachel Koonce were early settlers in what would become Crockett County. Isaac purchased 640 acres in 1818, and along with Rachel and their adopted daughter, Macy Jones Koonce, they raised various crops and livestock.
After her mother’s death in 1877, Macy Jones Koonce acquired the farm. She and her husband, John D. Burnett, along with their two children, Mallie and Samuel, continued to raise cotton, corn, cattle and hogs.
When Macy died, Mallie and Samuel each received 300 of the original 640 acres. The remaining 40 acres went to Solomon Koonce, a former slave, who lived on his land until his death at age 100. Mallie and her husband, Oscar Green Birmingham, along with their son, Bernice Albert Birmingham, raised cotton, corn, cattle and soybeans. They lived in her parents’ house and her brother, Samuel, and his wife, Mary, built a house just down the road on his acreage.
Bernice inherited 300 acres when his mother died, and then purchased another 300 acres from his cousins, the children of his Uncle Samuel and Aunt Mary. In doing so, he Bernice brought most of the original acreage together in one farm again. He and his wife, Stella Irene Stephens, had one daughter, Vivienne Irene Birmingham. They raised cotton, soybeans, cattle, pigs and chickens for eggs.
The current owner, Vivienne B. Hannum, is the great-great-granddaughter of the founders, Isaac and Rachel Koonce, who are buried in the family cemetery across the road from her house. Currently owning 183 acres of the original farm, Vivienne inherited the land in 1986 after her mother died and is the fifth generation of her family to own this property. Now 90 years old, Vivienne is no longer active in farming but engages a farm manager to raise cotton and soybeans. She currently lives in the family home constructed before 1900.
“Minglewood Farm is the oldest of 18 certified Century Farms in Crockett County,” Hankins noted.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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.
—more—
CROCKETT
Add 1
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owner, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
CROCKETT COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Minglewood Farm Recognized as County’s Oldest Century Farm to Date
(MURFREESBORO)—The Minglewood Farm in Crockett 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
Farm founders Isaac and Rachel Koonce were early settlers in what would become Crockett County. Isaac purchased 640 acres in 1818, and along with Rachel and their adopted daughter, Macy Jones Koonce, they raised various crops and livestock.
After her mother’s death in 1877, Macy Jones Koonce acquired the farm. She and her husband, John D. Burnett, along with their two children, Mallie and Samuel, continued to raise cotton, corn, cattle and hogs.
When Macy died, Mallie and Samuel each received 300 of the original 640 acres. The remaining 40 acres went to Solomon Koonce, a former slave, who lived on his land until his death at age 100. Mallie and her husband, Oscar Green Birmingham, along with their son, Bernice Albert Birmingham, raised cotton, corn, cattle and soybeans. They lived in her parents’ house and her brother, Samuel, and his wife, Mary, built a house just down the road on his acreage.
Bernice inherited 300 acres when his mother died, and then purchased another 300 acres from his cousins, the children of his Uncle Samuel and Aunt Mary. In doing so, he Bernice brought most of the original acreage together in one farm again. He and his wife, Stella Irene Stephens, had one daughter, Vivienne Irene Birmingham. They raised cotton, soybeans, cattle, pigs and chickens for eggs.
The current owner, Vivienne B. Hannum, is the great-great-granddaughter of the founders, Isaac and Rachel Koonce, who are buried in the family cemetery across the road from her house. Currently owning 183 acres of the original farm, Vivienne inherited the land in 1986 after her mother died and is the fifth generation of her family to own this property. Now 90 years old, Vivienne is no longer active in farming but engages a farm manager to raise cotton and soybeans. She currently lives in the family home constructed before 1900.
“Minglewood Farm is the oldest of 18 certified Century Farms in Crockett County,” Hankins noted.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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.
—more—
CROCKETT
Add 1
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview this historic farm’s owner, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[231] MTSU Honors College Initiates 55 New Members Into Phi Kappa Phi
Note: News release contains names of students from your hometown or area.
Release date: Dec. 11, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Phi Kappa Phi contacts: Dr. Bill Badley, 615-904-8416 or wbadley@mtsu.edu
Kathy Davis, 615-898-2152 or kdavis@mtsu.edu
MTSU Honors College Initiates 55 New Members Into Phi Kappa Phi
(MURFREESBORO) — Fifty-three MTSU students and two honorees were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi during Dec. 3 ceremonies in the James Union Building’s Tennessee Room.
“The 2009 initiates to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society are the select of MTSU’s students and gain election to membership only by invitation,” said Dr. Bill Badley, president of the MTSU chapter, interim vice provost for academic affairs and director of general education. “The initiation ceremony is a recognition of students’ past extraordinary scholarly and personal efforts and an encouragement to continue to strive for excellence throughout their lives.”
Badley added that the “qualifications for membership are very stringent, selecting only those who are in the top 7.5 percent of the junior class and the upper 10 percent of the senior class.”
“However,” he continued, “unlike other honor societies, Phi Kappa Phi invites excellent students from all disciplines in higher education, and students remain Phi Kappa Phi members for life.”
Phi Kappa Phi members from public service include former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Al Gore (chapter #246 MTSU), U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Badley said. Two special honorary initiates were inducted for community and staff endeavors: Dr. L. Diane Miller, MTSU’s interim executive vice president and provost, and Murfreesboro City Manager Robert J. Lyons.
The primary objective of the national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines.
Sixteen faculty members also were recognized as influential faculty by the student initiates. They included Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith and Stephanie Bush, human sciences; Drs. Gloria Hamilton, Stuart Bernstein, Thomas Brinthaupt, Monica Wallace and William Compton, psychology; Dr. Brian Manning, biology; Dr. Lynn Parsons, School of Nursing; Rodney Robbins, Continuing Education and Distance Learning student services; Brandi Snow, political science; Dr. John R. Vile (Honors College dean and political science); Drs. Vatsala Krishnamani and Jacob T. Klerlein, mathematical sciences; Dr. Ken Hollman, Martin Chair of Insurance; and Elizabeth Lanphier-Smith, speech clinic.
A full list of student honorees, by home county and city, follows:
• Cannon County: Lori Jackson, insurance/ risk, of Auburntown;
• Coffee County: Carla Trail, nursing, Manchester; and Samuel Brace, accounting, and Jessica Evans, English, both of Tullahoma;
• Davidson County: Nancy Edmondson, education, Monique Richard, behavioral science, and Gabriel Zurita, economics, all from Antioch; Tiffany Watkins, nursing, of Cane Ridge; Charles Agin, liberal arts/humanities, Hermitage; Minh Le, marketing, Elizabeth Michels, organizational communication, Ausra Naujokaite, economics, and John Rives, business, all of Nashville; and Dana Parsley, psychology, of Old Hickory;
• Franklin County: Paul Bauer, biology, Belvidere;
• Hamblen County: Jennifer Dickens, occupational health/therapy, Talbot;
• Hamilton County: Jason Du Ban, aerospace, Ooltewah;
• Marion County: Scott Baskette, recording industry, Jasper;
• Rutherford County/Murfreesboro: Michelle Drury, psychology; Angela Fairchild, special education; Rachel Lampley, biology; Melanie Landerfelt, psychology; William Lanier, finance/banking; Rachel Leathers, education; Brittany Mauney, communication disorders; Brittany Mimms, education; Matthew Naylor, English; Austin Purvis, political science/government; Robert Teesdale, philosophy; Dmitry Terekhov, actuarial science; Danielle Thompson, literacy studies; Kyle Tornquist, engineering systems technology; Evan Totty, economics; Beverly Wallace, finance/banking; and Bonita Woitkowiak, liberal arts;
• Rutherford County/Smyrna: Amber L. Gray, aerospace; Caitlin Orman, psychology; Emily Strecker, special education; and Sean Urrutia, history;
• Sumner County: Hope Foley, marketing, and Seth Foley, psychology, both of Hendersonville;
• Washington County: Michael Boggs, mass communication, of Johnson City;
• Warren County: Chelsea Beaty, communication disorders, and Summer Mink, psychology, both of McMinnville;
• Williamson County: Sara Haywood, behavioral sciences, Brentwood; Claudia James, education, Lindsey Perry, psychology, and Karen Wimmer, liberal studies, all of Franklin;
• Wilson County: Michelle Atkins, accounting, and Sara Gideon, history, both of Mt. Juliet.
Out-of-state initiates included Sean Barrett of Liberty Lake, Wash.; Eleanor Franey, geography, Summerville, S.C.; and Lisa Morris, nursing, Fort Campbell, Ky.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
Release date: Dec. 11, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Phi Kappa Phi contacts: Dr. Bill Badley, 615-904-8416 or wbadley@mtsu.edu
Kathy Davis, 615-898-2152 or kdavis@mtsu.edu
MTSU Honors College Initiates 55 New Members Into Phi Kappa Phi
(MURFREESBORO) — Fifty-three MTSU students and two honorees were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi during Dec. 3 ceremonies in the James Union Building’s Tennessee Room.
“The 2009 initiates to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society are the select of MTSU’s students and gain election to membership only by invitation,” said Dr. Bill Badley, president of the MTSU chapter, interim vice provost for academic affairs and director of general education. “The initiation ceremony is a recognition of students’ past extraordinary scholarly and personal efforts and an encouragement to continue to strive for excellence throughout their lives.”
Badley added that the “qualifications for membership are very stringent, selecting only those who are in the top 7.5 percent of the junior class and the upper 10 percent of the senior class.”
“However,” he continued, “unlike other honor societies, Phi Kappa Phi invites excellent students from all disciplines in higher education, and students remain Phi Kappa Phi members for life.”
Phi Kappa Phi members from public service include former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Al Gore (chapter #246 MTSU), U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Badley said. Two special honorary initiates were inducted for community and staff endeavors: Dr. L. Diane Miller, MTSU’s interim executive vice president and provost, and Murfreesboro City Manager Robert J. Lyons.
The primary objective of the national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines.
Sixteen faculty members also were recognized as influential faculty by the student initiates. They included Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith and Stephanie Bush, human sciences; Drs. Gloria Hamilton, Stuart Bernstein, Thomas Brinthaupt, Monica Wallace and William Compton, psychology; Dr. Brian Manning, biology; Dr. Lynn Parsons, School of Nursing; Rodney Robbins, Continuing Education and Distance Learning student services; Brandi Snow, political science; Dr. John R. Vile (Honors College dean and political science); Drs. Vatsala Krishnamani and Jacob T. Klerlein, mathematical sciences; Dr. Ken Hollman, Martin Chair of Insurance; and Elizabeth Lanphier-Smith, speech clinic.
A full list of student honorees, by home county and city, follows:
• Cannon County: Lori Jackson, insurance/ risk, of Auburntown;
• Coffee County: Carla Trail, nursing, Manchester; and Samuel Brace, accounting, and Jessica Evans, English, both of Tullahoma;
• Davidson County: Nancy Edmondson, education, Monique Richard, behavioral science, and Gabriel Zurita, economics, all from Antioch; Tiffany Watkins, nursing, of Cane Ridge; Charles Agin, liberal arts/humanities, Hermitage; Minh Le, marketing, Elizabeth Michels, organizational communication, Ausra Naujokaite, economics, and John Rives, business, all of Nashville; and Dana Parsley, psychology, of Old Hickory;
• Franklin County: Paul Bauer, biology, Belvidere;
• Hamblen County: Jennifer Dickens, occupational health/therapy, Talbot;
• Hamilton County: Jason Du Ban, aerospace, Ooltewah;
• Marion County: Scott Baskette, recording industry, Jasper;
• Rutherford County/Murfreesboro: Michelle Drury, psychology; Angela Fairchild, special education; Rachel Lampley, biology; Melanie Landerfelt, psychology; William Lanier, finance/banking; Rachel Leathers, education; Brittany Mauney, communication disorders; Brittany Mimms, education; Matthew Naylor, English; Austin Purvis, political science/government; Robert Teesdale, philosophy; Dmitry Terekhov, actuarial science; Danielle Thompson, literacy studies; Kyle Tornquist, engineering systems technology; Evan Totty, economics; Beverly Wallace, finance/banking; and Bonita Woitkowiak, liberal arts;
• Rutherford County/Smyrna: Amber L. Gray, aerospace; Caitlin Orman, psychology; Emily Strecker, special education; and Sean Urrutia, history;
• Sumner County: Hope Foley, marketing, and Seth Foley, psychology, both of Hendersonville;
• Washington County: Michael Boggs, mass communication, of Johnson City;
• Warren County: Chelsea Beaty, communication disorders, and Summer Mink, psychology, both of McMinnville;
• Williamson County: Sara Haywood, behavioral sciences, Brentwood; Claudia James, education, Lindsey Perry, psychology, and Karen Wimmer, liberal studies, all of Franklin;
• Wilson County: Michelle Atkins, accounting, and Sara Gideon, history, both of Mt. Juliet.
Out-of-state initiates included Sean Barrett of Liberty Lake, Wash.; Eleanor Franey, geography, Summerville, S.C.; and Lisa Morris, nursing, Fort Campbell, Ky.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
[230] Angels Of All Faiths Take Flight In Professor's New Book
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 10, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
ANGELS OF ALL FAITHS TAKE FLIGHT IN PROFESSOR’S NEW BOOK
Rabbi Rami Shapiro Talks about “The Angelic Way” on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – Due to an advanced case of laryngitis, Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, will not be the guest this Sunday, Dec. 13, on “MTSU On the Record” on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org) as originally planned and announced. Instead, McDaniel will analyze President Barack Obama’s first year in office at 8 a.m. on the Sunday, Dec. 20, program, health permitting.
At 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 13, host Gina Logue will welcome Dr. Rami Shapiro, adjunct professor of religious studies and an ordained rabbi, to discuss his new book The Angelic Way: Angels through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us (BlueBridge). Shapiro’s book examines the role of angel-like beings in the Abrahamic faiths and eastern religions and their roles as metaphors to help humans transcend their ego-driven agendas to embrace a more holistic consciousness.
To hear last week’s program on manipulation of media images, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “December 6, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
ANGELS OF ALL FAITHS TAKE FLIGHT IN PROFESSOR’S NEW BOOK
Rabbi Rami Shapiro Talks about “The Angelic Way” on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – Due to an advanced case of laryngitis, Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, will not be the guest this Sunday, Dec. 13, on “MTSU On the Record” on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org) as originally planned and announced. Instead, McDaniel will analyze President Barack Obama’s first year in office at 8 a.m. on the Sunday, Dec. 20, program, health permitting.
At 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 13, host Gina Logue will welcome Dr. Rami Shapiro, adjunct professor of religious studies and an ordained rabbi, to discuss his new book The Angelic Way: Angels through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us (BlueBridge). Shapiro’s book examines the role of angel-like beings in the Abrahamic faiths and eastern religions and their roles as metaphors to help humans transcend their ego-driven agendas to embrace a more holistic consciousness.
To hear last week’s program on manipulation of media images, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “December 6, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[229] Disney Brings 'Best Practices' In Leadership To MTSU
Dec. 9, 2009
Editorial Content: Drew Dunlop, 615-898-2919
DISNEY BRINGS ‘BEST PRACTICES’ IN LEADERSHIP TO MTSU
MURFREESBORO—A representative of the Disney Institute, Cyndi Michalos-Baker, visited campus Dec. 2 and spoke to nearly 250 MTSU employees about Disney’s approach to leadership excellence. The event was sponsored by the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, which also was the Gold Sponsor for an all-day conference the day before in Nashville that welcomed leaders in education, business and industry.
The governing philosophy which guides Disney’s approach to leadership is not surprising, considering Disney’s legacy—every leader tells a story by illustrating it through his or her actions.
“This seminar is such a wonderful investment of time,” said Amanda Witt, manager of Construction/Renovation Services at MTSU, who attended last year’s conference. “It truly builds your confidence and your wanting to ‘make the magic’ in all forms of business.”
Joe Bales, MTSU vice president for development and university relations, noted that “Gaining insight into Disney’s ‘magic’ will certainly help us add value to many of the programs and activities we provide to our alumni and friends.”
Disney’s message to those in leadership positions is, “What you do speaks louder than what you say.”
Michalos-Baker also spoke about the dedication to innovation and quality that Disney leaders are encouraged to have.
She used the introduction of Technicolor as an example from the early years during Walt Disney’s leadership. Disney artists had drawn 5,600 frames of the film “Flowers and Trees” before Technicolor came out. Disney was so dedicated to being on the edge of innovation that he had all 5,600 frames thrown out and redrawn utilizing the new technology.
The Disney Company also trains leaders to work competently in four areas of leadership action that the company believes are the most important: vision, organization, engagement and commitment.
Leaders at Disney must create a vision for their “cast members,” a Disney term for their employees, that inspires and motivates them to act. That vision must create a shared purpose, set a direction and convey values. Leaders at Disney also are charged with creating structure and processes. They are encouraged to give their employees authority and accountability equal to their assigned responsibilities.
Disney leaders are encouraged to walk around frequently so that employees may engage them. Disney leaders commit by proactively leading change and are focused on making dramatic leaps forward. They do this not only by developing and nurturing their employees but also by having employees conduct an annual evaluation of their leaders.
Disney’s success in leading innovation in the family-entertainment business gives the iconic company a level of authority to speak on leadership reserved for relatively few organizations. The positive response from the MTSU audience reflected the value of the information they received during those 90 minutes.
“We were delighted to play host to a program that is core to our mission,” said Dr. E. James Burton, MTSU business dean. “MTSU is preparing young men and women to become ethical, entrepreneurial successes in the business world, and the Disney Keys program is clearly in sync with our educational philosophy.”
####
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
Editorial Content: Drew Dunlop, 615-898-2919
DISNEY BRINGS ‘BEST PRACTICES’ IN LEADERSHIP TO MTSU
MURFREESBORO—A representative of the Disney Institute, Cyndi Michalos-Baker, visited campus Dec. 2 and spoke to nearly 250 MTSU employees about Disney’s approach to leadership excellence. The event was sponsored by the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, which also was the Gold Sponsor for an all-day conference the day before in Nashville that welcomed leaders in education, business and industry.
The governing philosophy which guides Disney’s approach to leadership is not surprising, considering Disney’s legacy—every leader tells a story by illustrating it through his or her actions.
“This seminar is such a wonderful investment of time,” said Amanda Witt, manager of Construction/Renovation Services at MTSU, who attended last year’s conference. “It truly builds your confidence and your wanting to ‘make the magic’ in all forms of business.”
Joe Bales, MTSU vice president for development and university relations, noted that “Gaining insight into Disney’s ‘magic’ will certainly help us add value to many of the programs and activities we provide to our alumni and friends.”
Disney’s message to those in leadership positions is, “What you do speaks louder than what you say.”
Michalos-Baker also spoke about the dedication to innovation and quality that Disney leaders are encouraged to have.
She used the introduction of Technicolor as an example from the early years during Walt Disney’s leadership. Disney artists had drawn 5,600 frames of the film “Flowers and Trees” before Technicolor came out. Disney was so dedicated to being on the edge of innovation that he had all 5,600 frames thrown out and redrawn utilizing the new technology.
The Disney Company also trains leaders to work competently in four areas of leadership action that the company believes are the most important: vision, organization, engagement and commitment.
Leaders at Disney must create a vision for their “cast members,” a Disney term for their employees, that inspires and motivates them to act. That vision must create a shared purpose, set a direction and convey values. Leaders at Disney also are charged with creating structure and processes. They are encouraged to give their employees authority and accountability equal to their assigned responsibilities.
Disney leaders are encouraged to walk around frequently so that employees may engage them. Disney leaders commit by proactively leading change and are focused on making dramatic leaps forward. They do this not only by developing and nurturing their employees but also by having employees conduct an annual evaluation of their leaders.
Disney’s success in leading innovation in the family-entertainment business gives the iconic company a level of authority to speak on leadership reserved for relatively few organizations. The positive response from the MTSU audience reflected the value of the information they received during those 90 minutes.
“We were delighted to play host to a program that is core to our mission,” said Dr. E. James Burton, MTSU business dean. “MTSU is preparing young men and women to become ethical, entrepreneurial successes in the business world, and the Disney Keys program is clearly in sync with our educational philosophy.”
####
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
[228] Political Scientist Sums Up Obama's Rookie Season On WMOT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
POLITICAL SCIENTIST SUMS UP OBAMA’S ROOKIE SEASON ON WMOT
Robb McDaniel Assesses First Year of President’s Term on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, will analyze President Barack Obama’s first year in office at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 13, on “MTSU On the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
McDaniel, winner of an MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award for the 2007-2008 academic year, will assess Obama’s performance on domestic issues such as health care reform and the economy, his performance on foreign policy matters such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and America’s image abroad, and his handling of challenges from political opponents.
To hear last week’s program on manipulation of media images, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “December 6, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
POLITICAL SCIENTIST SUMS UP OBAMA’S ROOKIE SEASON ON WMOT
Robb McDaniel Assesses First Year of President’s Term on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – Dr. Robb McDaniel, associate professor of political science, will analyze President Barack Obama’s first year in office at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 13, on “MTSU On the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
McDaniel, winner of an MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award for the 2007-2008 academic year, will assess Obama’s performance on domestic issues such as health care reform and the economy, his performance on foreign policy matters such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and America’s image abroad, and his handling of challenges from political opponents.
To hear last week’s program on manipulation of media images, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “December 6, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[227] MTSU's 5-Year, $1.925M MTeach Grant Will Help Train Math, Science Teachers
Release date: Dec. 8, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
CBAS contact: Dr. Tom Cheatham, 615-898-2613 or cheatham@mtsu.edu
College of Education contact: Dr. Phil Waldrop, 615-898-2874 or pwaldrip@mtsu.edu
MTSU’s 5-year, $1.925M MTeach Grant
Will Help Train Math, Science Teachers
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU, home of one of the state’s premier teacher education programs, has received a five-year, $1.925 million grant to help launch MTeach, university officials announced recently.
MTeach, which will launch Jan. 1, is a replicate of the nationally known UTeach program created at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997, said Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
“UTeach fundamentally changes the way high-school math and science teachers are trained,” Cheatham said. “UTeach recruits strong math and science majors with a chance to try out teaching for free through two one-credit freshman courses that help the college student prepare and deliver an active-learning lesson for elementary students and middle-school students. UTeach supports deep content knowledge and early and often engagement of future teachers in K-12 classrooms.”
Dr. Amy Phelps, professor in the chemistry department, and Dr. Linda Gilbert, associate professor in educational leadership, will co-direct the MTeach program.
MTeach is a partnership between the colleges of Basic and Applied Sciences and Education.
“We in the College of Education and Behavioral Science have enjoyed the collaboration with our colleagues in math and the sciences in preparation for this grant and look forward to continuing the work to prepare the best possible math and science teachers for Tennessee,” said Dr. Phil Waldrop, associate dean for his college and professor in the Department of Elementary and Special Education.
“Tennessee, like most areas of the country, has a critical shortage in math and science teachers,” Waldrop added. “This grant gives us the opportunity to do exciting work in the preparation of math and science teachers and will allow us to recruit top students into the teaching profession in ways that aren’t possible now.”
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, a longtime advocate for improving math and science education, once again aided MTSU’s efforts to land this award, Cheatham said.
“In order to keep good-paying jobs in the U.S., our country must compete at a higher level — with better skills and higher productivity,” Gordon said in a statement sent by his Washington, D.C., office. “That means ensuring that workers in Tennessee and across the country have the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“It starts with the students, though, who will become the future workforce of our country. MTSU’s MTeach program will focus on empowering math and science teachers with the most up-to-date understanding and content knowledge available in their fields. This will help them provide students with strong grounding in math and science, ensuring they are prepared for technical jobs of the future.”
On average, MTSU graduates five high-school math and five science teachers each year. The goal of MT is to graduate 30 per year within five years and 60 per year within 10 years. Cheatham said the experience at other replication sites indicate growth will exceed expectations.
Cheatham said he sees MTeach “increasing the number of quality math and science teachers by a factor of 10, helping reach former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist’s SCORE goal of making Tennessee K-12 educational system tops in the Southeast within five years.”
MTSU is one of two replication sites funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Department of Education. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville also received a $1.925 million grant. Their program is called VolsTeach.
MTSU and UT-Knoxville will work with the UTeach Institute in Austin, Texas, and the state Department of Education to bring the highly successful UTeach program to Tennessee, improving the quality and quantity of high-school math and science teachers across the state, Cheatham added.
The universities of California at Berkeley, Colorado, Florida and Louisiana State also have replicated the UTeach model.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
CBAS contact: Dr. Tom Cheatham, 615-898-2613 or cheatham@mtsu.edu
College of Education contact: Dr. Phil Waldrop, 615-898-2874 or pwaldrip@mtsu.edu
MTSU’s 5-year, $1.925M MTeach Grant
Will Help Train Math, Science Teachers
(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU, home of one of the state’s premier teacher education programs, has received a five-year, $1.925 million grant to help launch MTeach, university officials announced recently.
MTeach, which will launch Jan. 1, is a replicate of the nationally known UTeach program created at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997, said Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
“UTeach fundamentally changes the way high-school math and science teachers are trained,” Cheatham said. “UTeach recruits strong math and science majors with a chance to try out teaching for free through two one-credit freshman courses that help the college student prepare and deliver an active-learning lesson for elementary students and middle-school students. UTeach supports deep content knowledge and early and often engagement of future teachers in K-12 classrooms.”
Dr. Amy Phelps, professor in the chemistry department, and Dr. Linda Gilbert, associate professor in educational leadership, will co-direct the MTeach program.
MTeach is a partnership between the colleges of Basic and Applied Sciences and Education.
“We in the College of Education and Behavioral Science have enjoyed the collaboration with our colleagues in math and the sciences in preparation for this grant and look forward to continuing the work to prepare the best possible math and science teachers for Tennessee,” said Dr. Phil Waldrop, associate dean for his college and professor in the Department of Elementary and Special Education.
“Tennessee, like most areas of the country, has a critical shortage in math and science teachers,” Waldrop added. “This grant gives us the opportunity to do exciting work in the preparation of math and science teachers and will allow us to recruit top students into the teaching profession in ways that aren’t possible now.”
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, a longtime advocate for improving math and science education, once again aided MTSU’s efforts to land this award, Cheatham said.
“In order to keep good-paying jobs in the U.S., our country must compete at a higher level — with better skills and higher productivity,” Gordon said in a statement sent by his Washington, D.C., office. “That means ensuring that workers in Tennessee and across the country have the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“It starts with the students, though, who will become the future workforce of our country. MTSU’s MTeach program will focus on empowering math and science teachers with the most up-to-date understanding and content knowledge available in their fields. This will help them provide students with strong grounding in math and science, ensuring they are prepared for technical jobs of the future.”
On average, MTSU graduates five high-school math and five science teachers each year. The goal of MT is to graduate 30 per year within five years and 60 per year within 10 years. Cheatham said the experience at other replication sites indicate growth will exceed expectations.
Cheatham said he sees MTeach “increasing the number of quality math and science teachers by a factor of 10, helping reach former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist’s SCORE goal of making Tennessee K-12 educational system tops in the Southeast within five years.”
MTSU is one of two replication sites funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Department of Education. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville also received a $1.925 million grant. Their program is called VolsTeach.
MTSU and UT-Knoxville will work with the UTeach Institute in Austin, Texas, and the state Department of Education to bring the highly successful UTeach program to Tennessee, improving the quality and quantity of high-school math and science teachers across the state, Cheatham added.
The universities of California at Berkeley, Colorado, Florida and Louisiana State also have replicated the UTeach model.
###
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
Monday, December 07, 2009
[226] Overton County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 7, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
OVERTON COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Ivy Hill Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions to State of Tennessee
(MURFREESBORO)—The Ivy Hill Farm, located in Overton 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1858, the Rev. Thomas Richard Dodson founded a farm southeast of Livingston in what came to be known as Dodson’s Chapel. He and his wife, Martha Ann Johnson, and their nine children had a diverse operation on 203 acres, where they raised cotton, wheat, corn and fodder, cane, tobacco, sheep, cows, horses and alfalfa.
According to the family’s records, the farm’s founders sided with the Union during the Civil War, and during Reconstruction, in 1872, Dodson donated land to create the Dodson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church North and a cemetery in which he and his wife and several of their children are now buried. The Rev. Dodson built a general store, which also held the Miranda Post Office from 1885 to 1915. This post office was named after one of his daughters, whose husband served as the first postmaster.
The Rev. Dodson’s eighth child, Sarah Hannah Catherine “Miranda” Emeline Dodson, married William Stanton Swallows. After her father’s death in 1893, a large portion of his land went to Miranda’s family. Miranda died in childbirth in 1894 and the land went to her husband and their four children. Along with farming, Williams Swallows served as a justice of the peace for the 1st District and as a Tennessee Legislator, as well as a being a federal census enumerator in 1900 and 1910
William and Miranda’s oldest son, Arthur Franklin “Frank” Swallows bought the property from his siblings in 1911. He continued to raise alfalfa, fescue, soy beans, corn, sheep and cattle. He and wife Mary built a new house in 1921 that still stands today. Frank gave land to build the new Ivy Hill School in 1921, which served the community until 1938. He also built a new barn with his son, Ray, in 1942.
Ray and his wife, Eva, were married in 1940 and they remodeled the school house as their home. During the 1950s, Eva was a member of the Overton County Home Demonstration Club and some of the items she made are kept within the family. Ray and Eva’s daughter were member of 4-H and won awards for sewing and cooking. Per the farm’s owners, the Swallows and Stover families “always had many entries in the Overton County Agricultural Fair.”
Active in his community, Ray served as a board member for the Overton County Farm Bureau from 1990 to 2002. He was also a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and was an honor guard for more than 800 funerals. Ray died in 2004.
The current owners of the family farm are Paula Swallows Stover, Sandra Swallows Elliott and Eva D. Swallows. Paula is the great-great-granddaughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Dodson. The family grows soy beans, alfalfa, wheat and
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IVYHILL
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corn, along with sheep, hogs, chickens and turkeys, on 96 acres of the original land. The family still uses the house and barn built by William.
Ivy Hill is part of the Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail and Paul Stover has two pieces of artwork on her barn—one is the “Eight-Point Star” and the other is the “Tree of Life.” These were the first two quilt-barn paintings in Overton County. Since putting up her two ‘quilts’ Paula has received a grant to help others in her area create their own quilt barns throughout the 14 counties of the Upper Cumberland.
Ivy Hill Farm is the second Century Farm that came from the original founders, noted CHP representative Hankins, who added that the first, the Dodson Farm, was certified in 2006 as a Century Farm. In turn, the early history of these two farms is the same until the second-generation owners.
Ivy Hill Farm is the 10th Century Farm to be certified in Overton County.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farms’ owners or request jpegs of the farm’s “quilt barns” for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
OVERTON COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
Ivy Hill Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions to State of Tennessee
(MURFREESBORO)—The Ivy Hill Farm, located in Overton 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1858, the Rev. Thomas Richard Dodson founded a farm southeast of Livingston in what came to be known as Dodson’s Chapel. He and his wife, Martha Ann Johnson, and their nine children had a diverse operation on 203 acres, where they raised cotton, wheat, corn and fodder, cane, tobacco, sheep, cows, horses and alfalfa.
According to the family’s records, the farm’s founders sided with the Union during the Civil War, and during Reconstruction, in 1872, Dodson donated land to create the Dodson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church North and a cemetery in which he and his wife and several of their children are now buried. The Rev. Dodson built a general store, which also held the Miranda Post Office from 1885 to 1915. This post office was named after one of his daughters, whose husband served as the first postmaster.
The Rev. Dodson’s eighth child, Sarah Hannah Catherine “Miranda” Emeline Dodson, married William Stanton Swallows. After her father’s death in 1893, a large portion of his land went to Miranda’s family. Miranda died in childbirth in 1894 and the land went to her husband and their four children. Along with farming, Williams Swallows served as a justice of the peace for the 1st District and as a Tennessee Legislator, as well as a being a federal census enumerator in 1900 and 1910
William and Miranda’s oldest son, Arthur Franklin “Frank” Swallows bought the property from his siblings in 1911. He continued to raise alfalfa, fescue, soy beans, corn, sheep and cattle. He and wife Mary built a new house in 1921 that still stands today. Frank gave land to build the new Ivy Hill School in 1921, which served the community until 1938. He also built a new barn with his son, Ray, in 1942.
Ray and his wife, Eva, were married in 1940 and they remodeled the school house as their home. During the 1950s, Eva was a member of the Overton County Home Demonstration Club and some of the items she made are kept within the family. Ray and Eva’s daughter were member of 4-H and won awards for sewing and cooking. Per the farm’s owners, the Swallows and Stover families “always had many entries in the Overton County Agricultural Fair.”
Active in his community, Ray served as a board member for the Overton County Farm Bureau from 1990 to 2002. He was also a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and was an honor guard for more than 800 funerals. Ray died in 2004.
The current owners of the family farm are Paula Swallows Stover, Sandra Swallows Elliott and Eva D. Swallows. Paula is the great-great-granddaughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Dodson. The family grows soy beans, alfalfa, wheat and
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corn, along with sheep, hogs, chickens and turkeys, on 96 acres of the original land. The family still uses the house and barn built by William.
Ivy Hill is part of the Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail and Paul Stover has two pieces of artwork on her barn—one is the “Eight-Point Star” and the other is the “Tree of Life.” These were the first two quilt-barn paintings in Overton County. Since putting up her two ‘quilts’ Paula has received a grant to help others in her area create their own quilt barns throughout the 14 counties of the Upper Cumberland.
Ivy Hill Farm is the second Century Farm that came from the original founders, noted CHP representative Hankins, who added that the first, the Dodson Farm, was certified in 2006 as a Century Farm. In turn, the early history of these two farms is the same until the second-generation owners.
Ivy Hill Farm is the 10th Century Farm to be certified in Overton County.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farms’ owners or request jpegs of the farm’s “quilt barns” for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[225] Gore Research Center Seeks Veterans History Project Participants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 7, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
GORE RESEARCH CENTER SEEKS VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT PARTICIPANTS
U.S. War Veterans and Civilians Who Supported Them Sought for Inclusion in Project
(MURFREESBORO)—The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU, as an official partner in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, has an ongoing need referrals for possible interview participation.
The focus of the Veterans History Project (www.loc.gov/vets) is to gather first-hand accounts of U.S. veterans and civilians who supported them—such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others—in these wars: World War I (1914-1920), World War II (1939-1946), Korean War (1950-1955), Vietnam War (1961-1975), Persian Gulf War (1990-1995), and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present).
Dr. Jim Williams, center director, said, “To date, we have interviewed more than 400 veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. We also interview civilians who supported the wars in defense-related jobs and other activities.”
Williams said it is important to note that the project’s participating veterans “need not have been in combat to be considered for an interview, nor must they have been stationed in Korea or Vietnam, for instance, or any particular theater of operations.” Instead, “They need only to have served in the Armed Forces during the conflicts listed,” he noted.
Those who know of potential interview subjects are asked to submit the individual’s name, phone number and mailing address to Betty Rowland at browland@mtsu.edu. Rowland will follow up with any leads she receives.
Those who have general questions about the project are asked to direct them to the Gore Center’s staff by calling 615-898-2633 or by e-mailing Williams at jhwillia@mtsu.edu.
—30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
GORE RESEARCH CENTER SEEKS VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT PARTICIPANTS
U.S. War Veterans and Civilians Who Supported Them Sought for Inclusion in Project
(MURFREESBORO)—The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU, as an official partner in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, has an ongoing need referrals for possible interview participation.
The focus of the Veterans History Project (www.loc.gov/vets) is to gather first-hand accounts of U.S. veterans and civilians who supported them—such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others—in these wars: World War I (1914-1920), World War II (1939-1946), Korean War (1950-1955), Vietnam War (1961-1975), Persian Gulf War (1990-1995), and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present).
Dr. Jim Williams, center director, said, “To date, we have interviewed more than 400 veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. We also interview civilians who supported the wars in defense-related jobs and other activities.”
Williams said it is important to note that the project’s participating veterans “need not have been in combat to be considered for an interview, nor must they have been stationed in Korea or Vietnam, for instance, or any particular theater of operations.” Instead, “They need only to have served in the Armed Forces during the conflicts listed,” he noted.
Those who know of potential interview subjects are asked to submit the individual’s name, phone number and mailing address to Betty Rowland at browland@mtsu.edu. Rowland will follow up with any leads she receives.
Those who have general questions about the project are asked to direct them to the Gore Center’s staff by calling 615-898-2633 or by e-mailing Williams at jhwillia@mtsu.edu.
—30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[224] Henry County Farm Joins State's Century Farms Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 7, 2009
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
HENRY COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
McDaniel Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions to State of Tennessee
(MURFREESBORO)—The McDaniel Farm in Henry 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1838, Theophilus Hansel and his half-brother, William Hinson, traveled from North Carolina to Henry County and bought a 101-acre farm. Theophilus and his wife, Nancy Wyatt Hansel, had 12 children. The family raised corn, tobacco, horses, mules, chickens, and pigs.
The family’s history reports several stories from the Civil War period. During these years, the farm and house were occupied by Union troops. The youngest son, Joseph Noah Hansell, who turned 10 at the outbreak of the war, took food to his brothers as they hid in the farm fields to avoid being conscripted to fight for the Union. When the Union troops left, they took young Joseph Noah’s new horse with them and left another one that died the next day.
It was Joseph Noah who became the second-generation farm owner in 1874. By this time, the farm had increased to about 140 acres. He and his wife, Mary Margaret Beard, were married in 1878 and had five children. After Joseph Noah’s death in 1940, his son, John Hansel, kept the house, living there until his death in 1962.
John’s three sisters, Olive Elizabeth, Tonie Ellen, and Nancy Zula, remained in the area where they reared their families. In 1940, Zula and her husband, Jesse McDaniel, acquired the farm, where they continued to raise tobacco, corn, horses, mules and chickens. Their son, William Earl McDaniel, became the owner of the family farm in 1978. He and wife Janette are the parents of Charles.
Today, the current owners of the farm are Charles McDaniel, wife Sandra and their son, Jason. Charles is the great-great-grandson of Theophilus and Nancy Hansel. On the family farm where three generations currently reside, Charles and Jason work the land and raise corn, cotton, hay, cows, mules and horses.
Hankins said the original dogtrot house, as well as the original smokehouse and barn, still stand on the McDaniel Farm, which is the 20th certified Century Farm in Henry County.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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.
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farms’ owners or request historic jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
CONTACT: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947
HENRY COUNTY FARM JOINS STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM
McDaniel Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions to State of Tennessee
(MURFREESBORO)—The McDaniel Farm in Henry 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, which is located on the MTSU campus.
In 1838, Theophilus Hansel and his half-brother, William Hinson, traveled from North Carolina to Henry County and bought a 101-acre farm. Theophilus and his wife, Nancy Wyatt Hansel, had 12 children. The family raised corn, tobacco, horses, mules, chickens, and pigs.
The family’s history reports several stories from the Civil War period. During these years, the farm and house were occupied by Union troops. The youngest son, Joseph Noah Hansell, who turned 10 at the outbreak of the war, took food to his brothers as they hid in the farm fields to avoid being conscripted to fight for the Union. When the Union troops left, they took young Joseph Noah’s new horse with them and left another one that died the next day.
It was Joseph Noah who became the second-generation farm owner in 1874. By this time, the farm had increased to about 140 acres. He and his wife, Mary Margaret Beard, were married in 1878 and had five children. After Joseph Noah’s death in 1940, his son, John Hansel, kept the house, living there until his death in 1962.
John’s three sisters, Olive Elizabeth, Tonie Ellen, and Nancy Zula, remained in the area where they reared their families. In 1940, Zula and her husband, Jesse McDaniel, acquired the farm, where they continued to raise tobacco, corn, horses, mules and chickens. Their son, William Earl McDaniel, became the owner of the family farm in 1978. He and wife Janette are the parents of Charles.
Today, the current owners of the farm are Charles McDaniel, wife Sandra and their son, Jason. Charles is the great-great-grandson of Theophilus and Nancy Hansel. On the family farm where three generations currently reside, Charles and Jason work the land and raise corn, cotton, hay, cows, mules and horses.
Hankins said the original dogtrot house, as well as the original smokehouse and barn, still stand on the McDaniel Farm, which is the 20th certified Century Farm in Henry County.
About the Century Farms Program
The Century Farm Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have continuously owned, and kept in production, family land for at least 100 years. Since 1984, the CHP 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.
—more—
HENRYCO
Add 1
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture 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.
“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.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farms’ owners or request historic jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP directly at 615-898-2947.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[223] Ultimate Fighting Coming To Murphy Center; Tickets On Sale
ULTIMATE FIGHTING COMING TO MURPHY CENTER; TICKETS ON SALE
Dec. 8, 2009
CONTACT: Anthony Gomez at 615-796-3919
The Mixed Martial Arts Association (MMA) of Middle Tennessee State University, along with Guardian Mixed Martial Arts, is bringing organized ultimate fighting to Murphy Center, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.
“The evening will showcase the talents of MMA artists from around the country,” said Anthony Gomez, MTSU club president. “We are proud to welcome as our special guest retired UFC champion Ken Shamrock that evening to meet and greet the public and sign autographs.”
Shamrock will be available to sign autographs when the doors open at 5 p.m. The competition will get underway at 7 p.m.
Tickets are now available through the MTSU Ticket Office or Ticketmaster at $16 each for MTSU students with MTSU ID, and $21 each for the general public. Special VIP ringside seats are available for $35 each.
Three percent of the proceeds will be donated to Disabled Veterans, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Women Against Domestic Violence, Gomez noted.
“Please come out and contribute to the cause and at the same time enjoy an awesome show,” he said.
Other sponsoring partners are MTSU Student Programming, Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda Theta Alpha, the MTSU Salsa Dance Club and the MTSU Multicultural Council.
For more information, contact Gomez at 615-796-3919 (agg2m@mtsu.edu).
####
Dec. 8, 2009
CONTACT: Anthony Gomez at 615-796-3919
The Mixed Martial Arts Association (MMA) of Middle Tennessee State University, along with Guardian Mixed Martial Arts, is bringing organized ultimate fighting to Murphy Center, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.
“The evening will showcase the talents of MMA artists from around the country,” said Anthony Gomez, MTSU club president. “We are proud to welcome as our special guest retired UFC champion Ken Shamrock that evening to meet and greet the public and sign autographs.”
Shamrock will be available to sign autographs when the doors open at 5 p.m. The competition will get underway at 7 p.m.
Tickets are now available through the MTSU Ticket Office or Ticketmaster at $16 each for MTSU students with MTSU ID, and $21 each for the general public. Special VIP ringside seats are available for $35 each.
Three percent of the proceeds will be donated to Disabled Veterans, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Women Against Domestic Violence, Gomez noted.
“Please come out and contribute to the cause and at the same time enjoy an awesome show,” he said.
Other sponsoring partners are MTSU Student Programming, Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda Theta Alpha, the MTSU Salsa Dance Club and the MTSU Multicultural Council.
For more information, contact Gomez at 615-796-3919 (agg2m@mtsu.edu).
####
[221] Degree In Forensic Science Added To MTSU's Spring Program Lineup
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 7, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE ADDED TO MTSU’s SPRING PROGRAM LINEUP
Biology, Chemistry & CJA Departments Partner to Create State’s 1st Such Degree Program
(MURFREESBORO)—Beginning in spring 2010, MTSU will boast a new program of study with the official addition of the university’s newest undergraduate offering, the Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science.
The 120-hour program is the result of an academic collaboration by participating faculty in biology, chemistry and criminal justice administration, all of whom have teamed to build a strong interdisciplinary curriculum that was modeled in accordance with accreditation standards.
Dr. George Murphy, chairman of MTSU’s biology department, said his department has agreed to handle the paperwork for the program, such as assignment of advisers, but faculty from each of the three departments will be involved in all aspects of the program.
"Just as forensic scientists are partners with law enforcement and the criminal justice system, the B.S. program in forensic science at MTSU is a partnership that provides an education for students to work as forensic scientists in the ‘real world,’” said Dr. Deborah Newman, CJA chairwoman. “The biology and chemistry departments provide the extensive background needed in science, laboratory processes, technological procedures, and analysis of evidence while the criminal justice department provides the basic principles of crime-scene investigation, judicial processes and presentation of evidence in court."
MTSU’s newest degree offering, Murphy said, is one that arose from student demand and a desire to help fill the demand for properly trained, degreed professionals in the forensic science field.
“We are strictly focusing on the lab-analysis aspect (of forensic science),” including the DNA portions of the lab and other Tennessee Bureau of Investigation-related crime-lab disciplines, such drug chemistry, latent prints examination, firearms identification, serology/DNA, toxicology and so forth, explained Murphy, regarding the program.
Moreover, he added, MTSU’s forensic science degree will be the lone such program offered in the state, with the next-closest such programs currently residing at Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Mississippi.
In the making for two years, Murphy said no minor is required since the degree is highly interdisciplinary, with a core curriculum that includes 23 semester hours in biology, 25 credit hours in chemistry, nine hours in CJA and eight hours of forensic seminar/internship credit.
Murphy said he anticipates many of MTSU’s forensic science graduates will find employment with crime labs, such as the TBI, which currently employs more than 100 forensic scientists at its three lab sites, with an ongoing demand for degreed forensic science personnel who are skilled in using scientific techniques to analyze crime evidence and with a strong working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
“You’re dealing with people’s lives, so you have to meet certain certifications,” Murphy explained, referring to those who work in TBI’s crime labs.
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Although it’s not yet known how many enrollees the new degree will have during its inaugural semester, “I think our bigger problem will be not overpopulating (the program), because of the popularity of TV shows such as CSI and things like that,” Murphy noted.
However, he added, “I think once (students) experience the rigor of the program, there will be a bit fewer going into it. But potentially, we could turnout a lot of graduates here. I am guessing we will be turning out 10 (forensic science) graduates a year during the first three years.”
For more information on MTSU’s forensic science degree, please contact the Department of Biology at 615-898-2847.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with Dr. George Murphy or Deborah Newman regarding the new degree, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-2919 or at lrollins@mtsu.edu.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919
DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE ADDED TO MTSU’s SPRING PROGRAM LINEUP
Biology, Chemistry & CJA Departments Partner to Create State’s 1st Such Degree Program
(MURFREESBORO)—Beginning in spring 2010, MTSU will boast a new program of study with the official addition of the university’s newest undergraduate offering, the Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science.
The 120-hour program is the result of an academic collaboration by participating faculty in biology, chemistry and criminal justice administration, all of whom have teamed to build a strong interdisciplinary curriculum that was modeled in accordance with accreditation standards.
Dr. George Murphy, chairman of MTSU’s biology department, said his department has agreed to handle the paperwork for the program, such as assignment of advisers, but faculty from each of the three departments will be involved in all aspects of the program.
"Just as forensic scientists are partners with law enforcement and the criminal justice system, the B.S. program in forensic science at MTSU is a partnership that provides an education for students to work as forensic scientists in the ‘real world,’” said Dr. Deborah Newman, CJA chairwoman. “The biology and chemistry departments provide the extensive background needed in science, laboratory processes, technological procedures, and analysis of evidence while the criminal justice department provides the basic principles of crime-scene investigation, judicial processes and presentation of evidence in court."
MTSU’s newest degree offering, Murphy said, is one that arose from student demand and a desire to help fill the demand for properly trained, degreed professionals in the forensic science field.
“We are strictly focusing on the lab-analysis aspect (of forensic science),” including the DNA portions of the lab and other Tennessee Bureau of Investigation-related crime-lab disciplines, such drug chemistry, latent prints examination, firearms identification, serology/DNA, toxicology and so forth, explained Murphy, regarding the program.
Moreover, he added, MTSU’s forensic science degree will be the lone such program offered in the state, with the next-closest such programs currently residing at Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Mississippi.
In the making for two years, Murphy said no minor is required since the degree is highly interdisciplinary, with a core curriculum that includes 23 semester hours in biology, 25 credit hours in chemistry, nine hours in CJA and eight hours of forensic seminar/internship credit.
Murphy said he anticipates many of MTSU’s forensic science graduates will find employment with crime labs, such as the TBI, which currently employs more than 100 forensic scientists at its three lab sites, with an ongoing demand for degreed forensic science personnel who are skilled in using scientific techniques to analyze crime evidence and with a strong working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
“You’re dealing with people’s lives, so you have to meet certain certifications,” Murphy explained, referring to those who work in TBI’s crime labs.
—more—
FORENSIC
Add 1
Although it’s not yet known how many enrollees the new degree will have during its inaugural semester, “I think our bigger problem will be not overpopulating (the program), because of the popularity of TV shows such as CSI and things like that,” Murphy noted.
However, he added, “I think once (students) experience the rigor of the program, there will be a bit fewer going into it. But potentially, we could turnout a lot of graduates here. I am guessing we will be turning out 10 (forensic science) graduates a year during the first three years.”
For more information on MTSU’s forensic science degree, please contact the Department of Biology at 615-898-2847.
—30—
• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request an interview with Dr. George Murphy or Deborah Newman regarding the new degree, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-2919 or at lrollins@mtsu.edu.
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
[218] In Digital ERA, News Media Images Are Not-So-Picture Perfect
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 6, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
IN DIGITAL ERA, NEWS MEDIA IMAGES ARE NOT-SO-PICTURE PERFECT
Chris Harris Explores Manipulation of Images on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – MTSU Professor Chris Harris will discuss the ease with which still camera photos and video images can be manipulated and misinterpreted at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 6, on “MTSU On the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
Among the issues to be discussed are the U.S. Supreme Court case on the release of photos of foreign detainees being tortured by American personnel; the apology by Sean Hannity and Fox News for using footage of one rally to represent the size of a crowd at another rally; the apology by MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan for using a photoshopped picture of Sarah Palin on his program; and a Chattanooga judge’s consideration of whether to allow jurors in the trial of a torture slaying suspect to view gruesome pictures of the victims.
Harris, a professor in the Department of Electronic Media Communication, has shot photos for Time, Newsweek and The New York Times, among other news-gathering entities.
To hear last week’s program on Jesus as a locus for dialogue between Muslims and Christians, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “November 29, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081; WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800
IN DIGITAL ERA, NEWS MEDIA IMAGES ARE NOT-SO-PICTURE PERFECT
Chris Harris Explores Manipulation of Images on “MTSU On the Record”
(MURFREESBORO) – MTSU Professor Chris Harris will discuss the ease with which still camera photos and video images can be manipulated and misinterpreted at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 6, on “MTSU On the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
Among the issues to be discussed are the U.S. Supreme Court case on the release of photos of foreign detainees being tortured by American personnel; the apology by Sean Hannity and Fox News for using footage of one rally to represent the size of a crowd at another rally; the apology by MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan for using a photoshopped picture of Sarah Palin on his program; and a Chattanooga judge’s consideration of whether to allow jurors in the trial of a torture slaying suspect to view gruesome pictures of the victims.
Harris, a professor in the Department of Electronic Media Communication, has shot photos for Time, Newsweek and The New York Times, among other news-gathering entities.
To hear last week’s program on Jesus as a locus for dialogue between Muslims and Christians, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2009.html and click on “November 29, 2009.” For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.
--30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
[215a] MTSU Business Professor Wins Teaching Award, SBEA Leadership Role
MTSU BUSINESS PROFESSOR WINS TEACHING AWARD, SBEA LEADERSHIP ROLE
(PHOTO ATTACHED)
MURFREESBORO, TENN—Dr. Sherry Roberts, an MTSU assistant professor of business communication in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, recently was awarded the 2009 Southern Business Education Association Collegiate Teacher of the Year and will serve as SBEA president for the 2010 term.
Roberts has been teaching for 24 years, serving as a full-time college professor for 10 years. She taught at Eastern Kentucky University for eight years and was a visiting instructor last year in EKU’s business college while she completed her doctorate at the University of Louisville. Prior to that, she taught for eight years at Clark-Moores Middle School in Richmond.
She was a nominee for the SBEA Collegiate Teacher of the Year award four other years and said she was excited to finally win.
“It was really kind of disbelief when I first found out,” Roberts said. “It’s almost recognition of the 24 years of effort, 24 years of believing that business education is truly a good profession, a meaningful profession.
“And I do mean a profession, because I don’t see it as a job,” she continued. “A job is something you go to every day whether you care or don’t care, and a profession is what you believe deep down inside in, and I believe in my profession. I believe in being a business educator.”
Roberts said she was one of the first three women to graduate from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo., with a degree in business administration. At the time, she said, women usually graduated with a nursing, teaching or secretarial degree.
Roberts said she has always been passionate about business, but after eight years of retail management she turned to what she calls the family business—teaching.
Roberts’s parents are both retired teachers who now work full time supervising student teachers. She also has a brother, a sister and a brother-in-law who teach at the collegiate level.
“I love teaching,” Roberts said. “I’ve always felt like I’m a business person who happens to be a teacher.”
Roberts said that apart from her parents, Mrs. Saunders, a high-school history teacher, influenced her by making learning fun and doing more than just lecturing.
Prior to teaching college students, Roberts taught students from kindergarten to senior citizens. She said she doesn’t know which age or grade she likes to teach the best.
“Each one has its own reward,” Roberts said. “I think you get something different from each one of them.”
She applied for a teaching position at MTSU three times before being accepted. She was persistent, she said, because she wanted to be a part of the accomplished group of people in the Department of Business Communication and Entrepreneurship.
Roberts said it’s been a crazy year. In addition to her winning the SBEA Collegiate Teacher of the Year award and being named the 2010 SBEA president, she co-authored and published her first book, Personal Financial Literacy, which is being used in high schools throughout the country. But Roberts said her greatest accomplishment comes from her students.
“I think the greatest accomplishment you can have is to have one of them become successful,” Roberts said. “I like that the best of anything. I think that’s the best award I could ever get. I would rather have that than anything.”
Roberts is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John (Jean) Roberts of Richmond.
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With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
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MURFREESBORO, TENN—Dr. Sherry Roberts, an MTSU assistant professor of business communication in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, recently was awarded the 2009 Southern Business Education Association Collegiate Teacher of the Year and will serve as SBEA president for the 2010 term.
Roberts has been teaching for 24 years, serving as a full-time college professor for 10 years. She taught at Eastern Kentucky University for eight years and was a visiting instructor last year in EKU’s business college while she completed her doctorate at the University of Louisville. Prior to that, she taught for eight years at Clark-Moores Middle School in Richmond.
She was a nominee for the SBEA Collegiate Teacher of the Year award four other years and said she was excited to finally win.
“It was really kind of disbelief when I first found out,” Roberts said. “It’s almost recognition of the 24 years of effort, 24 years of believing that business education is truly a good profession, a meaningful profession.
“And I do mean a profession, because I don’t see it as a job,” she continued. “A job is something you go to every day whether you care or don’t care, and a profession is what you believe deep down inside in, and I believe in my profession. I believe in being a business educator.”
Roberts said she was one of the first three women to graduate from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo., with a degree in business administration. At the time, she said, women usually graduated with a nursing, teaching or secretarial degree.
Roberts said she has always been passionate about business, but after eight years of retail management she turned to what she calls the family business—teaching.
Roberts’s parents are both retired teachers who now work full time supervising student teachers. She also has a brother, a sister and a brother-in-law who teach at the collegiate level.
“I love teaching,” Roberts said. “I’ve always felt like I’m a business person who happens to be a teacher.”
Roberts said that apart from her parents, Mrs. Saunders, a high-school history teacher, influenced her by making learning fun and doing more than just lecturing.
Prior to teaching college students, Roberts taught students from kindergarten to senior citizens. She said she doesn’t know which age or grade she likes to teach the best.
“Each one has its own reward,” Roberts said. “I think you get something different from each one of them.”
She applied for a teaching position at MTSU three times before being accepted. She was persistent, she said, because she wanted to be a part of the accomplished group of people in the Department of Business Communication and Entrepreneurship.
Roberts said it’s been a crazy year. In addition to her winning the SBEA Collegiate Teacher of the Year award and being named the 2010 SBEA president, she co-authored and published her first book, Personal Financial Literacy, which is being used in high schools throughout the country. But Roberts said her greatest accomplishment comes from her students.
“I think the greatest accomplishment you can have is to have one of them become successful,” Roberts said. “I like that the best of anything. I think that’s the best award I could ever get. I would rather have that than anything.”
Roberts is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John (Jean) Roberts of Richmond.
#
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, Middle Tennessee State University confers master’s degrees in 10 areas, the Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. MTSU is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation in the Forbes “America’s Best Colleges” 2009 survey.
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