[428] Major Step for Women's, Gender Studies Part of Graduation

FOR RELEASE: May 2, 2012

EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MAJOR STEP FOR WOMEN’S, GENDER STUDIES PART OF GRADUATION

First MTSU Students to Complete Professional Certificate Program to March Saturday

MURFREESBORO—In addition to the awarding of the 100,000^th undergraduate degree in its history, MTSU will make more history Saturday, May 5, with the graduation of its first Women’s and Gender Studies certificate recipients.

Students who completed the program and will receive their degrees this Saturday will mark the occasion by wearing special purple, red and silver cords as part of their graduation regalia.

The 18-credit hour program, which was instituted in the spring 2011 semester as part of the University’s Centennial Celebration, is designed for individuals pursuing careers in which expertise in women’s and gender issues can help them advance professionally. These include careers in health care, education, legal and social services and in the nonprofit sector.

“MTSU’s Women’s and Gender Studies program stands alone on campus in providing students sustained examination and comprehensive knowledge of women and gender, and these cords are a visible acknowledgement of the academic achievements of Women’s and Gender Studies minors and graduate certificate recipients,” says Dr. Newtona (Tina) Johnson, director of the program.

Students received their cords at an April 18 ceremony on campus. They are: Kristina L. Bridges (Tullahoma); Alexander D. Gurley (Nashville); Whitney N. Lee (Lewisburg); Brenda Navarro (Nashville); Dormaeshia S. Robinson (Mount Pleasant); Jordan Leigh Rose (Murfreesboro); Allison C. Scott-Biggers (Spring Hill); Catherine A. Stiel (Franklin); Brandon L. Thomas (Murfreesboro); Kelsey N. Travis (Murfreesboro); and Elizabeth K. Warren (Jasper).

For more information, contact Women’s and Gender Studies at 615-898-5910 or womenstu@mtsu.edu.

                                                               --30—

PHOTO ATTACHED: L. to R., Dr. Newtona (Tina) Johnson, director of the MTSU Women’s and Gender Studies Program; Brandon L. Thomas; Catherine A. Stiel; Allison C. Scott-Biggers; Jordan Leigh Rose; and Whitney N. Lee.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary and faithful to its roots as a teachers' college, MTSU continues as a top producer of teachers in Tennessee. Pride, Tradition and Excellence are the cornerstones of "Tennessee’s Best"!

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