[157] In the News: Faculty experts weigh in on history, politics, healthy diets, music, more

Once again, the news media has relied on MTSU faculty experts to enhance their stories with their knowledge of numerous topics, including gangs, political campaign expenses, dancing, desserts and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

C-SPAN3 captured a class lecture by Dr. Ashley Riley Sousa, an assistant professor of history, about California Native Americans and early 1800s capitalism on April 25. That video may be viewed here.

Dr. John Vile, political scientist and University Honors College dean, made appearances on the live call-in program “Morning Line” on NewsChannel5+ on July 17 and Aug. 16. In July, Vile explored various local and national political topics. The August topic was historical monuments and the role they play in society. The July 17 video is here and the Aug. 16 video is here.

Kent Syler, an assistant professor of political science, gave analysis of the future race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Bob Corker at the end of his term was run Oct. 16 by WSMV-TV, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, CBS News and U.S. News. That story is available here.

WSMV-TV aired Syler’s comments on a bill by Rep. Jim Cooper to undo GOP legislation that hampered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of the opioid crisis Oct. 19. That story can be viewed here.

Dr. Murat Arik, director of the Business and Economic Research Center, commented on the best real estate markets in the nations for an Aug. 28 post at www.wallethub.com. His remarks can be read here.

Dr. Sandra Poirier, a professor of human sciences, was quoted in a Sept. 27 article about the most and least financially savvy states at www.wallethub.com. The story is available here.

C-SPAN aired Carter F. Smith’s appearance at the Southern Festival of Books on October 14. Smith, a lecturer in the Department of Criminal Justice, discussed his book “Gangs in the Military.” The video can be viewed here.

Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith, a professor of human sciences, advised diners to be mindful about portion size when eating in an Oct. 3 post at www.headspace.com. The article can be accessed here.

Greg Reich, director of the Center for Popular Music, speculated about whether Lynyrd Skynyrd would have had continued success had a plane crash 40 years ago not claimed the lives of three of its members. The Florida Times-Union ran the story Oct. 19, and it is available here.

Dr. Reed Thomas, director of bands and music professor, Dr. H. Stephen Smith, music professor, and the MTSU Wind Ensemble were mentioned in a review of their performance in “Music for Symphonic Wind Orchestra” by Nigel Clarke in the October 2017 edition of Music Web International. The review can be read here.

The art of Leslie Haines, an associate professor of journalism, was reviewed for an article titled “Beyond the C-Word” in the October 2017 edition of Nashville Arts magazine. That review can be accessed here.

Reporters seeking expertise from MTSU personnel, as well as members of the campus community with expertise for media, may contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Media Relations at 615-898-5081 or via email at gina.logue@mtsu.edu.