Wednesday, July 27, 2011

[20] MTSU Joins the 'Big Leagues' of Adult-Learning Programs

FOR RELEASE: July 29, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

MTSU joins the ‘big leagues’ of adult-learning programs

MURFREESBORO—Middle Tennessee State University has accelerated its efforts to provide opportunities and services for adult students to continue their educations and complete their college degrees.

The University has joined the Coalition of Adult Learning Focused Institutions. Colleges and universities that partner with ALFI work to improve their adult-learner programs, regularly assess their own programs and share “best practices” with other coalition members.

MTSU’s Adult Degree Completion Program, administered through the University College, provides working adults with a customized program to finish a bachelor’s degree for career advancement or transition to another field.

“We are very proud of being granted the ALFI status,” said Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU’s University College. “The federal and state governments have recognized the importance of a better educated work force and its impact on the long-term well-being of our society.

“This designation provides national recognition of the commitment, quality of effort and effectiveness of MTSU’s outreach to the adult learner. Nationally, only 70 universities have received this honor, and we’re the only school to do so in Tennessee.”

More than 800 students have graduated from MTSU’s ADCP program, which has won numerous regional and national awards, including the recent Distinguished Program Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education.

The ALFI Coalition comprises members of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning who demonstrate commitment to improving services for adult learners.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[019] MTSU Alum On Fast Track To Sports Marketing Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU ALUM ON FAST TRACK TO SPORTS MARKETING SUCCESS
Tom Patterson Feels Need for Speed at Legendary NASCAR Racing Venue

MURFREESBORO—Talladega Superspeedway, one of the most recognizable tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit, has hired Middle Tennessee State University alumnus Tom Patterson as its Director of Consumer Marketing.
In his new position, Patterson will be responsible for developing consumer marketing strategies and help the Vice President of Sales and Marketing with strategic business plans.
A 2001 graduate of MTSU and native of Ripley, Tenn., Patterson spent his final year of college reaping the benefits of the fledgling Sport Management program led by Dr. Colby Jubenville, a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance.
“Dr. Jubenville has really been critical to the development of the program by building numerous relationships with professional sports leagues and teams across the country,” said Patterson. “I feel fortunate to have gone through the MTSU program and consider Dr. Jubenville a friend.”
Patterson’s career includes stints with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball and the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League.
“Tom continues to advance confidently in the direction of his own dream in the sport industry, and that’s something we talk about with each student who enters the program,” said Jubenville.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color jpeg of Tom Patterson, contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Media Relations at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.

Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

For all the latest MTSU information, go to www.mtsunews.com.

[018] State Department Scholarships Send MTSU Students Abroad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

STATE DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS SEND MTSU STUDENTS ABROAD
Thailand, India, Japan, Jordan Destinations for Stellar Scholars

MURFREESBORO—Four MTSU students are recipients of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for fall 2011. With these stipends, the students will study in Jordan, Japan, India and Thailand.
Kristofer Hallfrisch of Westmoreland, Tenn., got a head start on his studies by moving to Irbid, Jordan, in May. He will continue studying Arabic there at Yarmouk University with his $4,500 scholarship until December 2011, when he will return to MTSU to graduate.
A Global Studies major with double minors in English and Middle Eastern Studies, Hallfrisch taught English at an orphanage in New Delhi, India, in the summer of 2009.
Kimberly Puckett, an advertising major from Nashville, will delve into Japanese culture with a $2,500 stipend while enhancing her expertise in her minor, Japanese Language.
“I am hoping since Japan is known for its technology, media and its crazy commercials that maybe I could do something that is related to both my major and minor,” writes Puckett.
Karissa Senn departed for India earlier this month with a $5,000 scholarship for studies at the University of Hyderabad and volunteer work with Asha for Education, a nongovernmental organization that helps residents of India’s urban slums.
Senn, who hails from Kingston Springs, Tenn., will work to finish her International Relations degree, then pursue a joint graduate program for a master’s degree in International Public Affairs and a law degree.
Yosaton Tungmanelatkul, a Global Studies major from Nashville, will study in Thailand equipped with a $4,000 stipend.
Funded by Congress and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship program provides “grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad,” states the program’s Web site.
Recipients are selected competitively for these grants, which are used for such expenses as “program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.”
To find out more about MTSU’s study abroad opportunities, contact the MTSU Office of Education Abroad and Student Exchange at 615-898-5179 or mtabroad@mtsu.edu. To learn more about the Gilman Scholarships, go to www.iie.org/gilman.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

[017] Stop the Presses! Online Catalog Rolls Out at MTSU

Release date: July 21, 2011

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Office of Provost contact: Mitzi Brandon, 615-904-8210 or mbrandon@mtsu.edu

Stop the presses! Online catalog rolls out at MTSU

MURFREESBORO—After 100 years of an undergraduate catalog students could hold, flip through and search for courses and other helpful information, the dawn of a new century for MTSU means change for the historic catalog.

Just in time for CUSTOMS freshman orientation, the University rolled out the Online Undergraduate Catalog, which can be found at http://catalog.mtsu.edu.

The 2011-12 version has a Centennial flavor with a home-page introduction that includes an image of the Class of 1925. MTSU Creative and Visual Services created it with images throughout provided by the Albert Gore Center.

The online version, which now is prepared by the Office of the University Provost, is the vision of Mitzi Brandon and Sherian Huddleston with input from a transition team.

"It looks totally different," said Brandon. "For many years, it was prepared by Publication and Graphics" (now Creative and Visual Services).

Huddleston, who came out of retirement to assist with the product, said they "created an MTSU online catalog unique to MTSU out of a software template. It has a personality of its own.”

The new online catalog, which will be published each spring, replaces the bound paper catalog, which had grown to 408 pages by the 2009-11 volume. This catalog and four others dating to 2001-03 remain available as PDFs. The 2010-12 Graduate Catalog is still available in print and PDF and will be brought online as the 2011-12 Graduate Catalog in August.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[016] 'MTSU On The Record' Plays 'Hail To The Chief' For Student

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, News and Media Relations, 615-898-5081

‘MTSU ON THE RECORD’ PLAYS ‘HAIL TO THE CHIEF’ FOR STUDENT
High-Achieving Courtnei Secrest Keeps Order in the Court and in Her Education

MURFREESBORO—MTSU student Courtnei Seicrest, who is chief justice of the Tennessee Intercollegiate Supreme Court, will be Gina Logue’s guest on “MTSU on the Record” at 8 a.m. this Sunday, July 24, on WMOT-FM (89.5).
Secrest, a Columbia, Tenn., native, is a member of the MTSU Student Government Association, the honor society Gamma Beta Phi, a Minority Teaching Scholar and a former intern with the gubernatorial campaign of Mike McWherter. She is slated to graduate in 2012.
To listen to previous programs, go to http://www.mtsu.edu/news/podcast/podcast2010.shtml. For more information about “MTSU on the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[015] MTSU Camp Promotes 'ENRGY' In Disabled Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU CAMP PROMOTES ‘ENRGY’ IN DISABLED YOUTH
Five Days of Splashing, Climbing, Kicking, Moving Great Opportunity for Kids

MURFREESBORO–Camp ENRGY, a five-day event for youth with physical disabilities, is slated for July 25-29 at Middle Tennessee State University.
Sponsored by the MTSU Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth, Camp ENRGY—which stands for Excellence ‘N’ Recreation and Games for Youth—includes strength training, flexibility training, baseball, basketball, yoga, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, golf, football, kayaking, soccer, cycling and geocaching.
“Part of the camp vision has been to collaborate with community partners who are interested in providing opportunities for lifelong activity and decreasing the barriers to participation many of these kids experience,” said Camp Director Sandy Stevens.
Stevens says 21 campers, 12 counselors and several volunteers will take part in this year’s session.
Most activities are scheduled to take place in the MTSU Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. Some activities are slated to take place at other campus venues, including Murphy Center and Alumni Memorial Gymnasium.
For more information, contact Stevens at sstevens@tnstate.edu or Dr. Don Morgan, director of the MTSU Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth, at dmorgan@mtsu.edu.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.


For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[014] MTSU Explores Health Care Partnerships with Kuwait University

FOR RELEASE: July 21, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

MTSU explores health care partnerships with Kuwait University

MURFREESBORO—Dr. Martha Jo Edwards met with Kuwait University officials earlier this summer to discuss possible partnerships with MTSU’s Center for Health and Human Services.

Edwards, who is the director of the CHHS and holder of the Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services at MTSU, said Kuwaiti officials have been particularly interested in the MTSU center’s allied-health supply and demand model, which would be modified for the Persian Gulf nation’s population.

“We discussed the potential for shared online courses in community and public health and student recruitment into MTSU’s Ph.D. and master’s degrees in health and human performance,” Edwards said of her trip to Kuwait City. “We also discussed their need for advanced post primary certification in medical imaging, clinical laboratory sciences and nursing, and our role in facilitating a connection to those programs here in the United States.”

KU, which comprises four campuses with more than 3,800 employees, reported its most recent enrollment at 28,234 students in 15 colleges. Edwards was a founding member of KU’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing in 1983. In addition to bringing a $250,000 contract with KU with her when she came to MTSU, Edwards has continued to provide Kuwait University with consultation and expertise.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color JPEG of Dr. Edwards in Kuwait, please contact Gina E. Fann in the Office of News and Media Relations via e-mail at gfann@mtsu.edu. Thanks!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

[013] Businesses Can Help Welcome Students During 'Meet Murfreesboro' Days

Release date: July 19, 2011

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Office of New Student and Family Programs contact: Rob Patterson, 615-898-2454 or rpatters@mtsu.edu

Businesses Can Help Welcome Students During ‘Meet Murfreesboro’ Days

MURFREESBORO — MTSU is continuing a tradition started in 2001 by inviting area businesses to welcome students to campus during “Meet Murfreesboro” days Aug. 30-31.
Businesses can visit with students and display products by reserving space in tents in the courtyard outside Keathley University Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of MTSU’s annual Week of Welcome celebration.
Display space costs $250 and includes a table and chairs, lunch for two people per day, electrical access and two visitor parking passes.
“We encourage businesses to bring free samples, specialty giveaways and coupons to give students,” said Gina Poff, director of the Office of New Student and Family Programs. “The students really enjoy the event, and in past years we have had vendors tell us they gave away as many as 5,000 items per day.”
Deadline for registration for the event is Friday, Aug. 26, and space is limited. For more information, contact Rob Patterson, coordinator of the Office of New Student and Family Programs, at 615-898-2454 or read the PDF at http://bit.ly/MTMeetMboro11.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

Monday, July 18, 2011

[12] MTSU Grad O'Neal to Sign Books at Opryland Hotel July 21-23

Release date: July 18, 2011

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Book-signing contact: Taffeta “Taffy” O’Neal, broken_oak@att.net

MTSU Grad O’Neal to Sign Books at Opryland Hotel July 21-23

MURFREESBORO — Taffeta “Taffy” O’Neal, a May MTSU graduate and University Honors College Buchanan Scholar, will be signing copies of her most recent fiction work, “The Last,” at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23.
O’Neal, whose pen name is Taffeta Chime, will be signing in the Delta Atrium from at least noon to 2 p.m. each day and she likely will be signing additional hours all three days. O’Neal, who graduated summa cum laude in English from the College of Liberal Arts, also will sign copies of her first book, “Stoodie.”
O’Neal will be studying the Chinese language and learning about Chinese history and culture at Hangzhou Normal University for the next academic year, thanks to a Confucius Institute scholarship allowing her to study abroad in China. HNU is paying full tuition, a book stipend, room and board and monthly living expenses.
For more information about the author, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Taffeta-Chime/45491426749.

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Note: A high-resolution jpeg photo of Taffy O’Neal is available. To obtain, contact Randy Weiler in MTSU News and Media Relations by calling 615-898-5616 or 615-898-2919, or email jweiler@mtsu.edu.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[11] Survey of Graduating MTSU Seniors Shows Increased Satisfaction

FOR RELEASE: July 19, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

Survey of graduating MTSU seniors shows increased satisfaction

MURFREESBORO—More MTSU graduates than ever before would enroll again at the University if they started college all over again, according to a new survey of seniors who received their diplomas in fall 2010 and spring 2011.

Eighty-three percent of the 3,153 Graduating Senior Survey participants said they would attend MTSU again—an increase of 3 percent over those who responded to the 2009-10 survey. The University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research issued the survey results.

“All major components of the University exhibit increases in satisfaction,” said Dr. Brad Bartel, university provost. “What makes these results even more exceptional relates to a large university like MTSU being so student-centered in both the academic and student-services sphere. The senior survey validates the fact that MTSU is the university of choice for Tennessee students.”

First administered in spring 1997, MTSU’s Graduating Senior Survey is given each spring and fall to learn more about student attitudes toward the University’s academic programs and student services.

The 2010-11 survey also revealed the following:

• almost half the seniors surveyed (45 percent) are first-generation college graduates;

• nearly half of the participants plan to pursue a master’s degree and 13 percent a doctorate; and

• 19 percent worked 35 hours or more per week during the 2010-11 academic year, compared with 22 percent in 2009-10.

Other sections of the survey related to specific majors, student services and employment data. Students indicated increased satisfaction in their choice of major (90 percent), the quality of instruction (85 percent) and the availability of courses in their major (72 percent). The surveyed seniors listed parking, curriculum and advising as their top-three areas to improve undergraduates’ experience at MTSU.

“I am particularly pleased to see student satisfaction continuing to rise during these years when we are experiencing such significant decreases in state funding,” said Dr. Debra Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services.

“We have worked hard to reduce costs and staff while not having a negative impact on the student experience, and I appreciate this student feedback, which seems to indicate that we have been successful and are on the right track.”

To see a PDF of the latest study, visit http://bit.ly/MTSeniorSurvey11.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

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Friday, July 15, 2011

[010] Aug. 20 Pigskin Pre-Game Kicks Off MTSU Football Season

Release date: July 15, 2011

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Alumni Relations contact: Paul Wydra, 615-904-8199 or pwydra@mtsu.edu

Aug. 20 Pigskin Pre-Game Kicks Off MTSU Football Season

MURFREESBORO — The annual MTSU Rutherford County Alumni Pigskin Pre-Game will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, to kick off the 2011 Blue Raiders’ football season.
The event will be held at Marymont Mansion in Marymont Springs, which is located at 1124 Rucker Lane in Murfreesboro.
“We are very fortunate to have such great support for this event,” said Paul Wydra, assistant director of Alumni Relations at MTSU. “Thanks to our donors and people who support Pigskin Pre-Game, we are able to reward Rutherford County students who choose MTSU with some financial relief. With great food, live entertainment and a great location, we look forward to hosting this event every year.”
Tickets for the event, which will run from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., will be $35. Attendees must prepay and RSVP by Wednesday, Aug.17, to secure your ticket. The ticket price includes food and assorted beverages. Parking will be available on-site. The event will be held rain or shine, Wydra said.
All proceeds from Pigskin Pre-Game will benefit the Rutherford County Alumni Scholarship Fund. The Rutherford County Alumni Fund awarded $20,000 in scholarships to incoming freshman for the 2011-12 school year. In the last five years, the fund has awarded almost $100,000 in scholarships to incoming MTSU students from Rutherford County.
This year, part of the proceeds also will benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to children or grandchildren of MTSU alumni.
MTSU opens the season Saturday, Sept. 3, at Purdue. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. CT.
For more information about this event, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets, call 1-800-533-6878 or visit mtalumni.com. You also can mail your payment to the Office of Alumni Relations, MTSU Box 104, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132.


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In Brief

The annual MTSU Rutherford County Alumni Pigskin Pre-Game will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, to kick off the 2011 Blue Raiders’ football season.
The event will be held at Marymont Mansion in Marymont Springs, which is located at 1124 Rucker Lane in Murfreesboro. For more information about this event, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets, call 1-800-533-6878 or visit mtalumni.com.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

[009] 'MTSU On The Record' Pays Tribute to Mass Comm Professor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, MTSU News and Media Relations, 615-898-
5081

‘MTSU ON THE RECORD’ PAYS TRIBUTE TO MASS COMM PROFESSOR
WMOT-FM Public Affairs Program Remembers Dr. Tom Berg

MURFREESBORO – In memory of MTSU professor Dr. Tom Berg, WMOT-FM (89.5) will air an encore presentation of “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 8 a.m. this Sunday, July 17.
Berg, a professor of electronic media communication in the College of Mass Communication, passed away last weekend. This Sunday’s program is a conversation between Logue and Berg about his class on the history of television situation comedies and how those programs reflect the society of their times. It originally aired on May 23, 2004.
To listen to previous programs, go to http://www.mtsu.edu/news/podcast/podcast2010.shtml. For more information about “MTSU on the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

[008] Mass-Comm Alum Dugger's TNDV Maintains Rapid Growth

Release date: July 14, 2011
Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu

Mass-Comm Alum Dugger’s TNDV Maintains Rapid Growth

MURFREESBORO—Nic Dugger, an MTSU College of Mass Communication alumnus and three-time Emmy winner, and his Nashville-based TNDV mobile production company remain an industry force.

Dugger (B.S. ’00) and TNDV, which stands for Tennessee Digital Video, were featured in Broadcast Engineering magazine’s July 2011 print and digital editions in a story headlined “A small production company with big ideas.”

The story chronicles Dugger’s almost nonstop success with a single 30-foot vehicle, despite a sluggish economy, and his efforts to expand his fleet with a second new mobile unit and a third with an MTSU twist.

His newest truck, called Aspiration, just hit the road. The 40-foot vehicle will be the first mobile production truck in the Southeast that can support live multicamera 3-D productions.

The Mass Comm Wall of Fame’s youngest member already has his third truck—it’s the 40-foot truck he trained on at MTSU and later used to teach other students. The University retired the truck this summer and replaced it with a new $1.4 million mobile-production lab for the Department of Electronic Media Communication.

“MTSU was the catalyst for my career,” Dugger says. “The opportunities in the department with projects both on campus and off and the unparalleled attention I received from a very supportive faculty and staff was just a few of the standout memories I have of my time at MTSU.

“The doors that were opened by Dr. Mary Nichols for me and the day-to-day mentoring I received from staff member Marc Parrish were major influences on my career today.”

Read the complete Broadcast Engineering story at http://bit.ly/MTDuggerArticle.

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Media note: High-resolution jpegs of Nic Dugger at work available. To obtain, contact Randy Weiler at 615-898-5616, 898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunew

[007] MTSU Writing Center Plans Free July 23 Community Workshop

FOR RELEASE: July 14, 2011
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Jenny Rowan, 615-494-8932 or jrowan@mtsu.edu

MTSU Writing Center plans free July 23 community workshop

MURFREESBORO—Need a pair of fresh eyes to glance over your updated resume, help you revise a scholarship essay or offer advice on test preparation? They’re waiting at MTSU during a free Professional Writing Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, July 23!

The event, hosted by the MTSU Margaret H. Ordoubadian University Writing Center, is open to students, staff, alumni and the surrounding community. It will be held in Room 362 of the James E. Walker Library, location of the Writing Center, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants can work with University Writing Assistants on-site to revise resumes and curriculum vitae, statements of purpose and scholarship essays during the session. Attendees also can learn about preparing for the Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Test, Medical College Admission Test and The Praxis Series, among others, as well as discussing interview strategies and email use and etiquette.

The UWC also will conduct a more formal workshop, beginning at noon on July 23, that includes a general presentation on professional writing skills. Participants may also drop in for other parts of the event to work with a tutor one-on-one.

For more information about the free community workshop, please contact Jenny Rowan, assistant coordinator of the University Writing Center, at 615-494-8932 or at jrowan@mtsu.edu.

To learn more about the UWC, visit its website at www.mtsu.edu/uwc.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

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For MTSU news and information anytime, visit www.mtsunews.com.

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[006] Gibson County Farm Joins Ranks of State's Century Farms Program

For Release: July 13, 2011
Contact: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947


GIBSON COUNTY FARM JOINS RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM

Tilghman-Rochelle Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

MURFREESBORO— The Tilghman-Rochelle Farm, located in Gibson 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 at MTSU.
The Century Farms Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have owned and kept family land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years.
In 1843, Stephen Holland Tilghman purchased 842 acres from George Prater northwest of the Rutherford community. Like many other farmers in Gibson County before the Civil War, Tilghman raised cotton, corn, hay and cattle. He and his wife, Polly, were the parents of nine children.
The Civil War exacted a heavy price from the Tilghman family. Stephen and two of his sons, Pinckney and Robert Calvin, fought for the Union. Pickney was killed at the Battle of Ft. Donelson in 1862, and Stephen was killed in 1864. The Tilghman farmhouse was used as headquarters for both Confederate and Union army units during the conflict.
After the war, Robert Calvin Tilghman inherited the farm and continued raising corn, cotton, cattle and hogs. Robert and his wife, Lydia, were the parents of Benjamin H. Tilghman, who purchased the family farm in 1902 and then sold it to his son, Howard, in 1904. Howard married Winnie Davis Paris, and their daughter, Mabel Tilghman Rochelle, acquired the farm in 1962.
Mabel’s son, Charles Howard Rochelle, who married Edith Louise Sanders acquired the family farm in 1978 and is its current owner. Soybeans, corn and wheat are the primary products of the 88-acre farm today and Mike Green manages the daily operations. The Tilghman-Rochelle Farm, in the same family for 168 years, is the 31st Century Farm to be certified in Gibson County.
Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farms Program.
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit www.tncenturyfarms.org. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132 or 615-898-2947.

• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owner or request jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP at 615-898-2947.



Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

[005] Rhea County Farm Joins Ranks of State's Century Farms Program

For Release: July 13, 2011
Contact: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947


RHEA COUNTY FARM JOINS RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM

Galloway Farm Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

MURFREESBORO— The Galloway Farm, located in Rhea 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 at MTSU.
The Century Farms Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have owned and kept family land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years.
Rhea County, founded in 1807, now has five certified Century Farms. The newest addition to the list was founded in 1899 by Isaac Morris, who purchased 40 acres of land northwest of Spring City for $40. He married Eliza Garrison, and they were the parents of seven children. The family raised vegetables and dairy cattle.
In 1925, Isaac Morris sold 88 acres to Mark Reed, his second cousin. Mark, and his wife, Bessie (who also was related to Isaac Morris) raised mules and hay, and also owned and operated a sawmill. Mark and Bessie were the parents of four children.
In 1958, Allen Galloway, a grandson of Isaac Morris, acquired 47 acres of the farm on which he raised beef cattle and feeder pigs. Allen was also a successful beekeeper, having as many as 25 hives at one time. Allen Galloway and his wife, Arkie Morris Galloway, were the parents of eight children. Their son, James A. Galloway, acquired the land in 2008. James and his wife, Bonnie, live on the farm, where they raise beef cattle and hay.
Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farms Program.
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit www.tncenturyfarms.org. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132 or 615-898-2947.

• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owner or request jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP at 615-898-2947.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

[004] Macon County Farms Join Ranks of State's Century Farms Program

For Release: July 13, 2011
Contact: Caneta Hankins, Center for Historic Preservation, 615-898-2947


MACON COUNTY FARMS JOIN RANKS OF STATE’S CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM

Parkhurst and Doss Farms Recognized for Agricultural Contributions

MURFREESBORO— The Parkhurst Farm and Doss Farm, located in Macon County, have been designated as Tennessee Century Farms, reports Caneta S. Hankins, director of the Century Farms Program at the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU.
The Century Farms Program recognizes the contributions of Tennessee residents who have owned and kept family land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years.
Proving the founding date of a Century Farm can be difficult, as there have been several fires in Tennessee’s county courthouses that have destroyed deeds and other records. Such is the case for the Parkhurst Farm in Macon County. Macon County has had two courthouse fires, one in 1860 and one in 1901.
Though he likely was living and farming in the area before 1880, federal census records place Silas Benjamin Parkhurst in the Walnut Shade Community in that year, so the family has used that date to certify the farm’s origin.
Silas also was a blacksmith for the community, and it is believed he owned about 1,000 acres. Born in 1856, Silas first married Nancy Jane Butler, and they were the parents of four children. After Nancy’s death, Silas married Mattie A. Butler, and they had five children. After he again became a widower, Silas married Anna Elizabeth West Hill, who gave birth to seven children. In his later years, Silas lost his home to a fire and moved to a farm on Bethany Road, where he was living when he died in 1934. Silas is buried in the West Cemetery.
Earl Edmund Parkhurst, a son of Silas and Mattie, acquired 16 acres of his father’s farm in 1920. He raised corn, burley tobacco, hogs, beef cattle and hay. Earl married Ava Louise Owens, and they were the parents of four children. When their son, Hugh, returned from World War II, the family reports that he provided the support for electricity to be run to the farm from the main lines on Highway 56.
Hugh Parkhurst acquired the farm in 1962. In addition to the 16 acres his father farmed, he purchased 91 additional acres that were part of the original Parkhurst farm. Hugh raised burley tobacco, corn, hay, hogs and beef cattle on the farm. Hugh married Lucille Elizabeth Armour, and they were the parents of Paulette Patricia.
Paulette Parkhurst acquired the family farm in 1991. She owns 107 acres of the family farm, and she and her family also own and farm an additional 200 acres in the community. She and her husband, Jimmy Wayne Davis, are the parents of two sons, Benjamin Jesse and Bradley Parkhurst Davis. The boys represent the fifth generation, and they continue to use the blacksmith tools of their great-great grandfather Silas. The family raises beef cattle, hay, burley tobacco, corn and strawberries, and all are actively involved in working the Parkhurst Farm.
In early 1904, Noah Wilson “Bud” Doss purchased 73 acres on Trammel Creek in Macon County for $300. As did most farmers in the early years of the 20th century, Bud raised a variety of crops and livestock including corn, tobacco, hay, wheat, vegetables, dairy cows and swine. Bud first was married to Leona S. Simmons, who died from complications of childbirth in 1902. He and Leona were the parents of three children and with his second wife, Hattie Cliburn, he fathered Adolph, Garland, Jewel and Eula Mai.
Adolph Doss acquired 53 acres of the family farm in 1935. Under Adolph’s stewardship, the farm produced corn, tobacco, hay, strawberries, wheat, vegetables, milk and hogs. Adolph married Ruby Helen Law, and their children were Wilma G., Betty J., Ralph W., Ronald B., Carole P. and Donald C. During this time, the farm was known for its fine air-cured dark tobacco. Helen was a founding member of the community’s Home Demonstration Club, and active participant. During World War II, the farm often was visited by soldiers stationed nearby on training maneuvers because they wanted to hunt possum. Adolph obligingly took them on hunts and provided a place for them to spend the night.
Ralph W. Doss acquired the 53-acre family farm in 1987. Ralph, who was married to Nancy Jill Lickovich, enjoyed a long career with the federal government and then returned to the farm and community he loves. Ralph served 12 years as a Macon County Commissioner, retiring in 2010. The Doss Farm, where Ralph currently raises hay and beef cattle, is the most recent of the 24 certified Century Farms in Macon County.
Since 1984, the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU has been a leader in the important work of documenting Tennessee’s agricultural heritage and history through the Tennessee Century Farms Program.
For more information about the Century Farms Program, please visit www.tncenturyfarms.org. The Center for Historic Preservation also may be contacted at Box 80, MTSU, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37132 or 615-898-2947.

• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To interview the farm’s owner or request jpegs of the farm for editorial use, please contact the CHP at 615-898-2947.

Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

Monday, July 11, 2011

[003] MTSU's Adult Degree Completion Program receives 'distinguished program' award

July 11, 2011
Contact: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

MTSU’s Adult Degree Completion Program receives ‘distinguished program’ award

MTSU’s Adult Degree Completion Program received the Distinguished Program Award: Credit at the recent Association for Continuing Higher Education South Regional Conference held in San Antonio, Texas.
Lance Ikard, director of the University College’s Prior Learning Assessment Program, Academic Outreach, accepted the award for MTSU. The award was one of four presented during the event, including the Distinguished Program Award: Non-Credit to the University of West Florida, the Mini-Grant Award to the University of Kentucky and the Continuing Education Leadership Award, which was shared by the University of Georgia and the Florida Institute of Technology.
MTSU’s Adult Degree Completion Program minimizes the time needed for an adult to finish college by making use of College Level Examination Program credits, challenge exams and a portfolio process. MTSU ADCP students may take classes online, in the classroom or a combination of methods.
In the first four years of ADCP, 411 students have graduated and more than 200 students have participated in the Prior Learning Assessment component. Eighty percent have graduated or are currently enrolled, officials said.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

[002] New Conference Welcomes 400+ Educators to MTSU

July 11, 2011
Contact: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

New conference welcomes 400+ educators to MTSU
MURFREESBORO—The Create 2011: Creativity in Education Conference, hosted by MTSU and sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, welcomed more than 400 K-12 educators Sunday evening in the University’s Tucker Theatre.
With greater emphasis on student outcomes through Race to the Top, teachers are being asked to produce more success in the classroom. This week’s three-day conference, the first of its kind in the state, will provide professional-development opportunities and teaching examples for educators to strengthen their practice and improve their students’ performance.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee offered greetings at the opening celebration for the July 10-13 event, noting that MTSU will be 100 years old in September and that its mission has remained constant.
“We started out as a teacher-training institution,” McPhee said. “Even though we have grown and added programs, we have not forgotten our primary mission, and that is educating and training teachers for this state and this nation. It is a high priority for us. As a major university, we place a very high value on celebrating the creativity and innovation that the arts bring to teaching and learning. I would like to thank the Tennessee Arts Commission for allowing us to serve as host for this wonderful creativity activity.”
Before the president’s welcome, members of the Covington (Tenn.) Integrated Arts Academy performed, followed by opening remarks from Rich Boyd, executive director of TAC.
Country singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne was Sunday evening’s featured speaker. In January 2010, Wayne began a cross-country walk from Nashville to Phoenix to gain attention and support for foster children across America. Called the “Meet Me Halfway” campaign, Wayne walked 25 miles every day, punctuated by concert performances en route, and arrived in Phoenix on Aug. 1, 2010.
Wayne shared his personal story of childhood abuse and abandonment, explaining that he spent much of his young life in and out of foster homes or living on the streets. Today, Wayne is the national spokesman for Foster Club, a national network for children in foster care.
This week’s conference is the result of the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Value Plus Schools Initiative, an arts-integrated model funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The initiative spawned Create 2011, a program jointly sponsored by TAC and the DOE to provide professional development for Tennessee K-12 educators and administrators.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year—kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

Friday, July 08, 2011

[001] MTSU Honors Colleges Releases Inaugural Issue of New Student Journal for Research

Release date: July 8, 2011

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Honors College contact: Dr. John Vile, 615-898-2152 or jvile@mtsu.edu

MTSU Honors Colleges Releases Inaugural
Issue of New Student Journal for Research

(MURFREESBORO) — The University Honors College at MTSU has published the inaugural issue of Scientia et Humanitas: A Journal of Student Research.
The issue features articles on a diverse array of subjects by eight current and former MTSU students and is designed in part to highlight the University’s Centennial celebration.
The written journal is a transformation of an earlier on-line journal titled Scientia and founded by Dr. Phil Mathis, an emeritus professor of biology and former dean of the Honors College.
Dr. John Dubois had served as the previous faculty adviser. The Honors College renamed the journal in order to reflect its wider scope.
Dr. John Vile, dean of the Honors College, notes that the new journal accepts submissions from all academic disciplines whether they are in the natural sciences, social sciences or humanities.
The journal was supervised by Marsha Powers, who directs other Honors College publications, including its award-winning arts and literary journal (Collage) and newsletter (The Honors Edition).
Students Matt Bennett of Gainesville, Ga., and Lindsay Gates of Georgetown, Tenn., served respectively as managing and production editors, with Jamie Fuston of Watertown, Tenn., Daniel Gouger of Whiteside, Tenn., Cari Jennings of Murfreesboro, Sam Mitchell and Ruben Tavakalov, both from Nashville, serving on the student editorial board and Sherry Wiser George, Powers and Vile serving on the staff advisory board.
Vile notes that the journal provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates to publish their work. A number of the contributions were based on research that students had done in connection with honors theses or for presentations during MTSU’s Scholars Week or Social Sciences Symposium.
Contributors included Amanda Watson (M.A. in sociology, 2009) of Nashville, who co-authored a paper with Dr. Meredith Dye (sociology and anthropology) and Dr. Brian P. Hinote (sociology and anthropology), on ethnic prejudice in the U.S.; Shane McCoy (B.A. in English, 2010) of Morton, Miss., who wrote an analysis of Sachville-West’s All Passion Spent; Lauren Easley (B.S. in biology, 2010) of Antioch, Tenn., who co-authored with Dr. J. Angela Hart Murdock (mathematical sciences) and Dr. Don W. Morgan (health and human performance) on low back pain; Joseph L. Keasler (sophomore in anthropology) of Murfreesboro and Thomas Gildemeister (senior in anthropology and international relations) of Brentwood, Tenn., who wrote a garbology study of food and alcohol consumption at tailgating events on the MTSU campus; Bennett (senior in sociology and psychology), who authored a study of mental illness and treatment among African-Americans; Sarah Visocky (B.S. in anthropology, 2010) of Murfreesboro, who examined eating patterns among Tennessee immigrants; Monique Richard (B.S. in nutrition and food science, 2010) of Nashville, who studied nutrition knowledge among MTSU students; and Andrew D. Currey (B.S. in psychology, 2010) of Murfreesboro, who coauthored a piece with Hinote on the industrialization of food production.
Vile notes that the journal does not accept articles that have been published elsewhere. It does, however, allow contributors to maintain copyrights so that they may submit their work to other journals.
Vile said an increasing number of MTSU students are applying to graduate and professional schools and that having a publication in hand can be an important credential. He said the Honors College modeled its journal in part on the successful McNair Research Review, another MTSU research journal that highlights research of students in that program, which is designed to prepare minority and first-generation college students for graduate study.
Powers said that in reviewing, editing and formatting articles students had an opportunity to get a view of how the editorial process works. The journal even commissioned Chris Brady, a designer for Carolinas HealthCare System and former MTSU employee, to create a logo for the cover.
The Honors College anticipates publishing a yearly issue of Scientia et Humanitas and already has begun accepting submissions for the next issue. Students who are interested in contributing can get further information at www.mtsu.edu/~scientia.

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Media note: A high-resolution jpeg of the front cover of the research publication is available. To obtain, contact Randy Weiler in News and Media Relations by calling 615-898-5616, 898-2919 or email jweiler@mtsu.edu.

In Brief

The University Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University has published the inaugural issue of Scientia et Humanitas: A Journal of Student Research. The issue features articles on a diverse array of subjects by eight current and former MTSU students and is designed in part to highlight the University’s Centennial celebration.


Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. In September 2011, MTSU will celebrate its 100th year anniversary with special events and activities throughout the year — kicked off by a Blue-Tie Centennial Gala on Friday, Sept. 9.

For MTSU news and information, go online to mtsunews.com.