Friday, April 30, 2010

[448] MTSU's Lea Retires with 'VP Emeritus' Status After 38-year IT Career

Release date: April 30, 2010
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu


MTSU’s Lea Retires with ‘VP Emeritus’
Status After 38-year IT Career


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – Lucinda Lea’s 38-year career in higher education administration ends today as she retires from MTSU.
Lea retires as vice president for the Information Technology Department and chief information officer, duties she has held since 2002 after being named to those posts by President Sidney A. McPhee.
Before retiring, Lea was named vice president emeritus by McPhee. MTSU has named Tom Wallace, who is associate vice president for ITD, as CIO until a permanent replacement is named.
“This is a tremendous honor,” Lea said of the emeritus status, which also was awarded to her husband, Dr. James W. Lea, when he retired in 2008 after being an MTSU mathematics professor for 38 years. “I could not be more honored.
“This is about so many things. It doesn’t happen very often. I am so appreciative of Dr. McPhee in naming me vice president emeritus. I have had a long, long association with the university and will continue to be associated with the university. This (emeritus) will be a special attachment.
The longtime MTSU employee began her career in 1973 as the faculty liaison for academic computer support, and climbed the IT promotional ladder in subsequent years.
Lea has been a part of or overseen many technology changes through parts or all of five decades.
Concluding a story she wrote for The Record, a biweekly publication for the MTSU community, Lea wrote, “As the second decade of the 21st century begins, MTSU has a student population of more than 25,000, and the MTSU leadership continues to recognize the increasingly critical role that information technology must play in providing an effective student-centered living and learning university. The complex, integrated multifaceted computing environment required today is a far cry from the two or three computers used to satisfy campus needs a half-century ago.”
In 2009, Lea served as chairwoman of the EDUCAUSE Board, a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. The organization is comprised of more than 2,200 colleges, universities and educational organizations, including 250 corporations.
Propelled by the efforts of Dr. Rebecca Calahan, professor in mathematical sciences, an endowment fund – the Jim and Lucinda Lea Mathematics Scholarship – was established with the MTSU Foundation in January 2005. A Foundation official said today the scholarship “looks to be fully invested ($10,000) by this summer.”
Lea said there’s a myriad of things – traveling, spending time with their grown children and their families, cooking, gardening, playing bridge, being in a book club and other potential hobbies – she hopes to try in retirement.
“Maybe I’ll audit some classes – like history, art appreciation or music – things I have not had time to do,” she said. “I like flower arranging. I hope to scrapbook. I’ve saved about every card I’ve ever received. I love to photograph. I’ll try the creative side of computing.”
A reception was held in Lea’s honor at the home of McPhee and his wife, Elizabeth, on April 27.
“It’s a bittersweet day,” Lea said earlier today. “I will miss all the people around here.”

###

Note: A high-resolution jpeg photo of Lucinda Lea is available. To request, contact Randy Weiler in MTSU News & Public Affairs by calling
615-898-5616.

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, April 29, 2010

[447] Norkunas Captures History One Person's Story At A Time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081, or WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800

NORKUNAS CAPTURES HISTORY ONE PERSON’S STORY AT A TIME
Historian of Women and Minority Voices and More on “MTSU on the Record”

(MURFREESBORO) – Dr. Martha Norkunas, professor of history at MTSU, will talk about her career as an oral historian at 8 a.m. this Sunday, May 2, on “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
In 1999, Norkunas began the Project in Interpreting the Texas Past (ITP to research, interpret and present the histories of women and minority communities. She has worked with museums, historic sites and nonprofits across the country on issues of memory, identity, gender and the representation of minority voices.
Norkunas also has been involved in a number of oral history projects on industrial and labor history, immigration, racial identity and gender.
To hear last week’s interview with Dr. Sean Foley on the Arab Gulf states, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2010.html and click on “April 25, 2010.” 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.

[446] QuarterFest Gallops into Murfreesboro April 30-May 2 with Opportunities for MTSU Horse-Science Students

Release date: April 29, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Horse Science contact: Anne Brzezicki, 615-904-8481 or abrzezic@mtsu.edu
QuarterFest contact: Kayla Randall, 866-424-7433

QuarterFest Gallops into Murfreesboro April 30-May 2
with Opportunities for MTSU Horse-Science Students


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – After serving as a volunteer for the first QuarterFest at Tennessee Miller Coliseum in 2009, senior Amanda Martin relishes the opportunity to participate in the second one.
“I would love to help out,” said Martin, a nursing major and equestrian- team member from Peachtree City, Ga. “A lot of my friends go to the clinics, and I’ll watch them. I got to be part of a clinic by (professional) Julie Goodnight. It was fabulous. Seeing them ask the horses to do so many things was neat.
“It was neat to see all the different disciplines here. QuarterFest did well with the rain, considering it rained all three days.”
The American Quarter Horse Association is bringing QuarterFest back to Murfreesboro Friday through Sunday, April 30 through May 2, at Miller Coliseum. It’s an event packed with clinics, shopping and fun, AQHA customer service representative Kayla Randall said.
Several clinicians, including Curt Pate, Bo Winslow, Tammy Pate, Stacy Westfall, Mike Major, Christy Landwehr and Ken McNabb, will join Goodnight at this year’s event.
MTSU Equestrian Team Coach Anne Brzezicki said horse-science students like Martin will assist in several areas, including participating in clinics, night watch, seating people and more.
“They can make a lot of connections,” Brzezicki said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to see a piece of the horse industry we normally don’t see. Recreational riding (on quarter horses) is not our focus, but many of our students will find jobs and careers in the recreational riding industry.”
“The industry pros are an example of who these kids could become,” added Dr. David Whitaker, director of the horse science program. “AQHA is the largest breed of horses in the world. The organization is huge with eight million quarter horses registered and 350,000 members around the world. There’s even an international breed.”
Brzezicki said, “(Horse) show people know about us—Dave’s judging teams, my (equestrian) teams and our goal-setting and goal-achieving. The rest of the horse industry can see our facilities and meet our students (at QuarterFest). Our horses are a part of this at all the teaching clinics, especially at the lower levels.”Brzezicki added that the event is conducted in conjunction with the Certified Horsemanship Association.
The event also includes a trade show featuring clothing, riding equipment, books and videos, horse feed and other nutritional and pharmaceutical needs, training videos, riding trips, jewelry, ironwork and leatherwork. Businesses like Tractor Supply Company, trailer and fencing companies and tractor manufacturers will be among the vendors.
Attendees can bring their own horses to participate in the clinics led by the professionals. Children ages 6 to 16 can have their first riding lesson for $15.Visit the AQHA Web site at www.aqha.com/quarterfest or call 866-424-7433 for more information.

###

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.

[445] Horst Is First Recipient Of New Aerospace Scholarship At MTSU

April 27, 2010
Contact: Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs at 615-898-2919

HORST IS FIRST RECIPIENT OF NEW AEROSPACE SCHOLARSHIP AT MTSU

The Department of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University has recently announced the endowment of a new scholarship, the Tiara Foundation Chair Award of Excellence, and named its first recipient, junior pro pilot major Kevin Horst, a native of Monterey, Tenn. in Overton County.The scholarship, endowed by an alum who wishes to remain anonymous, will be presented as an annual gift to one student from the aerospace program. The first award of $10,000 will be presented to Horst, 23, at the aerospace awards banquet in September.Horst, who works part time at the MTSU flight school, said he will use this scholarship to pay for his flight training. He has already completed the four required flight ratings for pro-pilot majors and plans on working towards complete certification as a flight instructor this summer."To get a job in the airline world or commercial aviation you have to have flight hours and experience," Horst said. "I hope to flight instruct part time and keep going to school full time. I'll build up enough hours as I'm going through school that I'll be able to go ahead and find an airline job shortly after I graduate."The recipient of The Tiara Foundation Chair Award of Excellence is selected from applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher based on an essay, in which students describe the attributes of an aerospace professional and how they strive to exemplify them. The Department of Aerospace offers over 20 scholarships, totaling more than $20,000 in aid for its students.Horst encourages aerospace students to take advantage of the financial aid available to them. "If you meet the criteria, take the time to apply. I had no idea I would get this award," he said. "Filling out the application and writing the essay doesn't take very long, so why not? You're not going to get it if you don't apply."Aerospace students interested in applying for financial aid may do so through the Department of Aerospace website at www.mtsu.edu/aerospace/scholarship.shtml.Horst attributes his success to Alpha Eta Rho, an international professional aviation fraternity of which he is the current chapter president. "I think that really helped; I got a lot of leadership experience from Alpha Eta Rho," Horst said. "I encourage aerospace majors to check us out. We're always looking for committed, hard-working people."Horst is scheduled to graduate in December 2011."My goal is to get a job here in the MTSU flight school as an instructor. I'm working towards that for now, and then I'll possibly get into the airlines after I'm done here."

####

NOTE: For a photo of Horst, please mail ttozer@mtsu.edu.

[443b] Gubernatorial Forum At MTSU To Be Available Online

April 28, 2010
Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919


GUBERNATORIAL FORUM AT MTSU TO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE

MURFREESBORO—Officials anticipate a good turnout for the gubernatorial forum tomorrow evening, Thursday, April 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. in MTSU’s Murphy Center. However, for the convenience of those who are homebound or otherwise unable to attend in person, the forum also will be available live online.

For information on watching the webcast, please go to visit http://www.mtsu.edu/, go to the first item under MTSU NEWS AND HEADLINES, and click on “this link” at the end of the first item with the headline “MTSU plans gubernatorial candidates’ April 29 forum.”

The link should go live 15 minutes before the start of the event at 7 p.m.

If you encounter any difficulty connecting to the webcast, call 904-8352.



####

[443] Adult Learners Celebrate Learning, Excelling At Picnic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Carol Ann Baily, 615-898-5989

ADULT LEARNERS CELEBRATE LEARNING, EXCELLING AT PICNIC
Scholarships, Honors for Nontraditional Students Mark Year-End Gathering

(MURFREESBORO) – Older Wiser Learners (OWLs), an organization for nontraditional students at MTSU, will hold its annual picnic, awards ceremony and Pinnacle initiation from 5:30-7:30 p.m. tomorrow, April 29, in Barfield Park in Murfreesboro.
Some students will be inducted into Pinnacle, MTSU’s chapter of the national nontraditional honor society for students over the age of 25. OWLs will present awards to family members, friends and professors who have been helpful to the nontraditional students throughout the year.
As well as the 3.0 GPA required for undergraduates (3.4 for graduate students), Pinnacle’s criteria for admission include previous community service, volunteer work and honors that students have earned in life.
Several nontraditional students will receive scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. These include Enrichment Scholarships to Christina Dawson of Murfreesboro and Shilo Rich-Johnson of Tullahoma.
Dawson, the mother of a young son, majors in Spanish with minors in sociology and secondary education. Rich-Johnson, the mother of three children, majors in microbiology and minors in chemistry and criminology.
Joni Maxwell, a nursing major from Murfreesboro, will receive the Jane Nickell Taylor Scholarship. Dana LeGeune will receive the Joan Nickell Bailey Scholarship. LeGeune, the mother of two children and a Tullahoma resident, majors in business and minors in education.
Ten OWLs Academic Service Scholarships will be awarded to:

· Lisa Almy, Murfreesboro, history major with two sons;
· Jesse Coe, Murfreesboro, global studies major;
· Leslie Dixon-Mackey, Woodbury, social work major with eight children;
· Terri Ellison, Murfreesboro, exercise science major with one son;
· Bethany Harris, Murfreesboro, media design major with one daughter;
· Herbert Wayne Newcomb Jr., Rockvale, computer engineering technology and nursing major and single father of one daughter;
· Elizabeth Silva, Antioch, English major and secondary education minor with one son;

--more--
OWLS
Add 1

· Virginia Soulia, La Vergne, business finance and administration major, three children;
· Laurence Tumpag, Murfreesboro, social work major and history minor; and,
· Kelly Williams, Christiana, elementary education major, four children.

Some awards that were presented at an April 25 celebration will be shared with students at the picnic. These include the Student Organization Co-sponsorship of an Event plaque won jointly by OWLs and Pinnacle for their Idea Mapping workshops; a plaque for Ridin’ Raiders, the organization of commuter students, who won an award for their website; and the Student Organization President award for the year won by Monique Denney of Murfreesboro, OWLs president from 2007-2009.
Any student, regardless of age, who has adult responsibilities in addition to college, may join OWLs. For more information, contact Dr. Carol Ann Baily, director of Off-Campus Student Services, at 615-898-5989 or cabaily@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.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

[442] Engineering Technology Celebrates Students' Work with April 29 Open House

Release date: April 28, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Engineering Technology contact: Dr. Walter Boles, 615-898-5009 or
wwboles@mtsu.edu

Engineering Technology Celebrates Students’ Work with April 29 Open House


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – The MTSU community and general public are invited to the fourth annual Engineering Technology Open House and Awards Ceremony.
The department will celebrate the 2009-10 work of its students Thursday, April 29, from 3 until 5 p.m. in the Tom H. Jackson Building’s Cantrell Hall.
There will be student poster presentations along with some of the student experimental vehicles and projects, including the Baja, Moon Buggy and Solar Boat, event organizers said. Awards will be presented at 3:30.
Refreshments and door prizes will be available for attendees.
For more information, call 615-898-5009.

###

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.

[440] Accounting Alumni Appreciation Day at MTSU Set For Thursday

Release date: April 28, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Accounting contact: Dr. G. Robert “Smitty” Smith, 615-898-2558 or
smitty@mtsu.edu

Accounting Alumni Appreciation Day at MTSU set for Thursday


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – Participants still have time to register to attend the 19th annual Accounting Alumni Appreciation Day at MTSU. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in the State Farm Lecture Hall (S102) in the Business and Aerospace Building.
The event is targeted to those interested in accounting, auditing, taxation and computer training, event organizers said. Attendees can register early Thursday morning, said Melanie Nichols of the MTSU Department of Accounting.
Participants will earn eight hours of Continuing Professional Education credit, and have the opportunity to visit with alumni and former professors and see how the campus is changing.
The fee will be $100 for MTSU alumni and $150 for all others. Lunch and breaks are provided. All profits from the event are for accounting scholarships.
Wynne Baker of KraftCPAs PLLC, Angie Hoke of Ernst and Young and Dennis Dycus of the state of Tennessee’s municipal audit staff will be among the guest presenters. Numerous MTSU accounting faculty members will lead breakout sessions.
To register, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/accounting. For more information, call Nichols at 615-898-5306.
###

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.

[439] MTSU's Spring Semester Nears End; Finals Set For April 30-May 6

Release date: April 28, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu


MTSU’s Spring Semester Nears End; Finals Set for April 30-May 6


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – Today marks the final day of classes for MTSU’s spring 2010 semester. Thursday, April 29, will be a study day with no classes held.
Final examinations are scheduled from April 30 through May 6.
Commencement ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. The 9 a.m. ceremony will be for degree candidates graduating from the College of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College of Business. The 1 p.m. ceremony will be for degree candidates from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Mass Communication and the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning.
Monday, May 10, is the deadline for final grades to be submitted by faculty.

###

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.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

[438b] Horst Is First Recipient of New Aerospace Scholarship at MTSU

April 27, 2010
Contact: Tom Tozer, News and Public Affairs at 615-898-2919

HORST IS FIRST RECIPIENT OF NEW AEROSPACE SCHOLARSHIP AT MTSU

The Department of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University has recently announced the endowment of a new scholarship, the Tiara Foundation Chair Award of Excellence, and named its first recipient, junior pro pilot major Kevin Horst, a native of Monterey, Tenn. in Overton County.
The scholarship, endowed by an alum who wishes to remain anonymous, will be presented as an annual gift to one student from the aerospace program. The first award of $10,000 will be presented to Horst, 23, at the aerospace awards banquet in September.
Horst, who works part time at the MTSU flight school, said he will use this scholarship to pay for his flight training. He has already completed the four required flight ratings for pro-pilot majors and plans on working towards complete certification as a flight instructor this summer.
"To get a job in the airline world or commercial aviation you have to have flight hours and experience," Horst said. "I hope to flight instruct part time and keep going to school full time. I'll build up enough hours as I'm going through school that I'll be able to go ahead and find an airline job shortly after I graduate.
"The recipient of The Tiara Foundation Chair Award of Excellence is selected from applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher based on an essay, in which students describe the attributes of an aerospace professional and how they strive to exemplify them. The Department of Aerospace offers over 20 scholarships, totaling more than $20,000 in aid for its students.
Horst encourages aerospace students to take advantage of the financial aid available to them. "If you meet the criteria, take the time to apply. I had no idea I would get this award," he said. "Filling out the application and writing the essay doesn't take very long, so why not? You're not going to get it if you don't apply."
Aerospace students interested in applying for financial aid may do so through the Department of Aerospace website at www.mtsu.edu/aerospace/scholarship.shtml.Horst attributes his success to Alpha Eta Rho, an international professional aviation fraternity of which he is the current chapter president. "I think that really helped; I got a lot of leadership experience from Alpha Eta Rho," Horst said. "I encourage aerospace majors to check us out. We're always looking for committed, hard-working people.
"Horst is scheduled to graduate in December 2011.
"My goal is to get a job here in the MTSU flight school as an instructor. I'm working towards that for now, and then I'll possibly get into the airlines after I'm done here."

####

NOTE: For a photo of Horst, please mail ttozer@mtsu.edu.

[429] 2,100-Plus Graduates Set To Participate In 99th Spring Commencement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-898-2919

2,100-PLUS GRADUATES SET TO PARTICIPATE IN 99TH SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Secretary of State Tre Hargett, MTSU Alumnus James Free Speak at May 8 Ceremonies; MTSU Recognizes Four Distinguished Alums at Morning Commencement Event


(MURFREESBORO)—More than 2,100 degree candidates are expected to graduate during MTSU’s 99th spring commencement ceremonies, according to a report from Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for enrollment services.

MTSU will again feature dual ceremonies and dual speakers beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in Murphy Center. Of the 2,180 set to graduate during the event, 1,804 are undergraduates and 376 are graduate students, including 278 master’s candidates, 88 education-specialist recipients and 10 doctoral candidates.

Candidates from the College of Graduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, and College of Education will receive their degrees in the morning ceremony. That afternoon, degrees will be conferred on 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, said Dr. Diane Miller, interim executive vice president and provost and chairwoman of the commencement committee.

MTSU also will recognize four Distinguished Alumni during the 9 a.m. ceremony: Lauren Gillespie Agee (B.S., ‘01), winner of the 2009–10 Young Alumni Achievement Award; David B. Mitchell (B.S., ‘73), winner of the Professional Achievement Award; Tom D. Vance (B.B.A., ’76), winner of the Service to the Community Award; and George H. Frost (B.S., ‘56), winner of the Service to the University Award.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett will serve as the guest speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony.

Hargett became the 37th secretary of state in January 2009 after serving as chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. He also served 10 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives as the representative for the 97th District. During his service, his House Republican colleagues elected him twice as the Republican leader.

As a lawmaker, Hargett’s experience has included service on the following committees: Finance, Ways and Means, Health and Human Resources, Government Operations, State and Local Government, Ethics, The Tennessee Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, and TennCare Oversight.

In the House, he was a driving force behind legislation for more electronic disclosure of campaign contributions, as well as increasing the requirements of public officials’ public statements of interest. He also sponsored and co-sponsored numerous legislative items, including Senate Joint Resolution One, which allowed a statewide constitutional amendment permitting local governments to initiate property tax relief for senior citizens.

A native of Ripley, Tenn., Hargett graduated with honors from Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. He is married to the former Dawn Simbeck of Loretto, Tenn., and they reside in Hendersonville with their two sons. He is the son of Pat Vaughan of Wingo, Ky., and Gus Hargett Jr. of Murfreesboro.

• James C. Free, president and CEO of The Smith-Free Group, will be the featured speaker for the 1 p.m. commencement ceremony.

Before co-founding The Smith-Free Group, a business/governmental affairs firm, in 1995, Free served as vice chairman of Walker-Free Associates, a consulting firm he joined in 1981. At both firms, he has represented major American companies in areas such as energy, entertainment, communication, healthcare, banking and insurance.

A two-time graduate of MTSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and a master’s degree in public administration, Free went on to serve as assistant director of the Admissions Office and later as an assistant to MTSU’s vice president. His lifelong service to the university includes the establishment of a scholarship for students from Maury County and current service on MTSU’s President’s Council, as well as active involvement with the MTSU Foundation.

Active in the Democratic Party, Free has served on the House and Senate Democratic Campaign Committees and the Democratic National Committee’s Commission on Delegate Selection. He was the Southern Regional Coordinator for President Jimmy Carter’s 1976 campaign and his deputy campaign manager in 1980. In 1977, he took his legislative experience to Washington, D.C., to serve in the Carter White House as a special assistant to the president, where he was an advocate for Carter’s programs before Congress.

Free served as a campaign adviser for Albert Gore Jr.’s 1988 and 2000 presidential runs, in addition to serving on the Democratic National Committee’s Finance Council in 1992 and ’96, among numerous other accomplishments.

A native of Columbia, Tenn., Free and his wife, Ann Todd Free, currently reside in the District of Columbia.

During the upcoming commencement events, MTSU’s Miller noted, all degree candidates should keep in mind the importance of appropriate dress, decorum and respect.

“We believe this is a very important day in the lives of many people,” she said. “Commencement is a day that families always remember as special. It is difficult to give the ceremony the dignified atmosphere it deserves if people are using air horns or leaving before the completion of the ceremony.”

Graduation committee members also emphasized that students who participate in commencement will be required to stay for their entire scheduled ceremony. The ceremonies should last about two hours each, so graduation candidates planning celebration activities should be aware of this time commitment.

“To make this a special day, it requires cooperation from everyone in attendance,” Miller said. “We believe it should be a dignified ceremony, which adds to its enjoyment of all in attendance.”

On May 8, the doors to Murphy Center will open at 8 a.m. for the morning ceremony and candidates are expected to be in their assigned areas, dressed in their caps and gowns, no later than 8:30 a.m. For the afternoon ceremony, the doors will open at noon and candidates are expected to be in their assigned areas and ready at 12:30 p.m.

Students who are not in their assigned gyms at the proper times will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Because commencement rehearsals are no longer conducted, timely attendance is mandatory for students to receive important instructions.

For more information about commencement or receiving a degree in absentia, please visit the Records Office website at www.mtsu.edu/~records/grad.htm. Questions about graduation may be directed to the Records Office at 615-898-2600.

MTSU SPRING 2010 COMMENCEMENT AT A GLANCE

Who: Approximately 2,180 graduates* (1,804 undergraduates, 376 graduate students)
What: 2010 MTSU spring commencement
When: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8
Where: Murphy Center on the MTSU campus.

Commencement speakers:
• Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, 9 a.m. ceremony.
• James C Free, MTSU alumnus and president/CEO of The Smith-Free Group, 1 p.m. ceremony.

*— Approximate number as of April 21, 2010.

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.

Monday, April 26, 2010

[438] Spring Lecture Series Winds Down With Opening of WWII Exhibit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919, or lrollins@mtsu.edu

SPRING LECTURE SERIES WINDS DOWN WITH OPENING OF WWII EXHIBIT
Public Invited to Free April 29 Opening Reception for Student-Researched Exhibit

(MURFREESBORO)—The Spring 2010 Community Heritage Lecture Series will end its current season with the grand opening of its "Sowing the Seeds of Change: World War II Home Front in Rutherford County" exhibit on April 29.
Photographs, memorabilia, and information gathered through oral interviews of Rutherford County residents who fought in World War II or lived through what is known as the “Tennessee Maneuvers” is the theme of the display.
Research for the exhibit was conducted by MTSU public history students enrolled in Essentials in Museum Management, a course taught by Dr. Bren Martin, a member of MTSU's history faculty.
An opening reception for the exhibit will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, 225 West College St.
Located just off the square, the center is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays) and features local history exhibits and guided-walking tours of the town square on the hour. Group tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservations. Admission is free.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County is a joint venture between the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Main Street: Murfreesboro/ Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro and the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU. Additional support comes from the Rutherford County government and State Farm Insurance.
For more information on programs at the Heritage Center, including the lecture series and upcoming exhibits, please call 615-217-8013 or e-mail heritage@mtsu.edu.


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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.

[437] May 5 Book Signing Features Popular 'Images Of America' Authors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919, or lrollins@mtsu.edu

MAY 5 BOOK SIGNING FEATURES POPULAR ‘IMAGES OF AMERICA’ AUTHORS
Authors Devora Butler & Carla Jones to Visit Murfreesboro’s Heritage Center May 5

(MURFREESBORO)—Book lovers and local history buffs will have an opportunity to meet two authors of Middle Tennessee history in May at the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.
Devora E. Butler and Carla J. Jones have both published books in the popular Images of America series produced by Arcadia Publishing. Butler’s African Americans in Rutherford County debuted last October, while Jones’s African Americans of Giles County, which she co-authored with Tonya M. Hull, has just been released.
Beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, Jones and Butler will sign copies of their books, both of which will be for sale on site. Each title feature images of African Americans at school, at work and at leisure. African Americans in Rutherford County is divided into three sections: Education, the Military, and Faces and Places of Rutherford County. Among the highlights of African Americans of Giles County is its look at early farming, commerce and entrepreneurship.
“We are delighted to have both of these authors at the Heritage Center,” said Jennifer Butt, program assistant at the Heritage Center. “Their books are full of inspirational images and help round out the local history of two important Middle Tennessee counties.”
A native of Murfreesboro, Butler has an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduate degrees from the University of London, England, and Belmont University. She is an educator, political activist and mother of three daughters. Her family’s Rutherford County farm is one of just four African-American Century Farms in Tennessee.
Jones was born and reared in Indianapolis, Ind., but her family’s roots are in Giles County. She is the president of the Matt Gardner Homestead Museum, which is located in the Elkton community.
Matt Gardner, the author’s great-great-grandfather, was a former slave who became a landowner and community leader. Dr. Carroll Van West, director of MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation, nominated Gardner’s 1896 house for the National Register of Historic Places. (West also wrote the foreword to African Americans of Giles County.)
Located just off the square at 225 West College St., the center is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays) and features local history exhibits and guided walking tours of the town square on the hour. Group tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservations. Admission is free.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County is a joint venture between the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Main Street: Murfreesboro/ Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro and the CHP. Additional support comes from the Rutherford County government and State Farm Insurance.
For more information on programs at the Heritage Center, including the authors’ upcoming visit, please call 615-217-8013 or e-mail heritage@mtsu.edu.

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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.

[436] MTSU Faculty, Alumni Involved with Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildlife Festival April 30-May 1

Release date: April 26, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU/Cedar Glade contact: Dr. Kim C. Sadler, 615-904-8283 or ksadler@mtsu.edu

MTSU Faculty, Alumni Involved with Quarterman
Cedar Glade Wildlife Festival April 30-May 1


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – MTSU faculty and alumni will play vital roles in the 33rd annual Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildflower Festival April 30-May 1 at Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
Faculty members Kim Cleary Sadler, Jeff Walck, Kurt Blum and Thomas Hemmerly, and alumni Roy and Melissa Turrentine, Matt Niemiller, Wayne “Buddy” Ingram, Dwayne Estes, Marta Rolig and Danny Bryan are scheduled to be session and hike leaders, particularly with Saturday’s agenda.
Sadler, associate professor in biology and director of the MTSU Center for Cedar Glade Studies, will oversee the center’s fourth Research Roundtable from 1 until 5 p.m. Friday, April 30, in the park’s Assembly Hall.
Saturday’s events will include a bird walk starting at 7 a.m.; various “Talk and Walk” events throughout the entire day; morning and afternoon Cedar Glade flower hikes via motorcade; and nighttime Owl Prowl and Frog Frolic.
At 7 p.m. Friday and at a mid-day luncheon Saturday, much of the focus will be on Quarterman, 99, Vanderbilt professor emerita, who has studied the Cedar Glades for more than 60 years. Event organizers hope she is able to attend.
“She is an amazing scientist who has influenced a lot of people,” Sadler said of Quarterman. “She was a champion for conservation efforts in Tennessee, in terms of land purchase to protect habitat with rare plants. She didn’t retire or just stop. She continued to be active for years.”
To attend the luncheon honoring Quarterman, call Sadler at 615-904-8283.
All programs are free and will be held rain or shine, Sadler said.
For more information about Middle Tennessee Cedar Glades, visit the Center for Cedar Glades Web site at http://frank.mtsu.edu/~mtsucee/Cedar_Glades.htm.
For park information, contact Ingram (wayne.ingram@tn.gov), 328 Cedar Forest Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090, or call 615-444-4565 or 443-2769. The state park is about 18 miles north of Murfreesboro and six miles south of Lebanon, just off U.S. Hwy. 231.

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Media welcomed.


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.

[435] 'Sidelines' Team Captures 2010 Quiz Bowl Title

Release date: April 26, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Martin Chair of Insurance contact: Dr. Ken Hollman, 615-898-2673 or
khollman@mtsu.edu

‘Sidelines’ Team Captures 2010 Quiz Bowl Title


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – A four-member team from MTSU’s student newspaper, Sidelines, held off the challenge of two University Honors College teams to earn the first-place award in the Scotty Tucker Memorial Quiz Bowl April 6 in the Learning Resources Center television studio.
Rosalind Ruth, Dustin Evans, Michael Stone and Larry Sterling provided the winning spark for Sidelines, which earned $175 for first place.
Finishing second and winning $100 was the Buchanan Scholars team of Kaitlin Beck, Troy Berry, Lee Reed and Erica Cathey. Third place was earned by the Honors College quartet of Sam Mitchell, Shannon Murphy, Amy Goldstein and Tony Pritchard, who received $75.
The Omega Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, an honor fraternity for students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance and actuarial science, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society co-sponsored the Quiz Bowl, said Dr. Ken Hollman, holder of the Martin Chair of Insurance and Gama Iota Sigma adviser.
Megan Richardson is president of MTSU’s Gamma Iota Sigma chapter, while Dr. Bill Badley is president of the Phi Kappa Phi chapter.
This marks the 21st straight year Quiz Bowl has been held, Hollman said. He added that it was videotaped for later airing on MTTV Channel 10, the student-run TV station at MTSU.
The Quiz Bowl involved 12 four-person teams from across campus, Hollman said. Entry fees were $30.
The questions involved trivia from almost every discipline represented on the MTSU campus.

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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.


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

Friday, April 23, 2010

[434] Documentary On Old Time Fiddlers Set To Air On South Dakota Public TV

DOCUMENTARY ON OLD TIME FIDDLERS SET TO AIR ON SOUTH DAKOTA PUBLIC TV
Vermillion Native’s Project Gets Broadcast Premiere May 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie L. Taylor, 615-898-5979

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—The tales and tunes of the South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers move to television on Wednesday, May 5, when a fellow musician’s documentary on the group gets a broadcast premiere on South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
“South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers: Musical Heritage of the Great Plains,” was filmed in 2008 by Dr. Stephanie Lynch Taylor, now an assistant professor in the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and three of her students. It had its first public airing last October at the National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and is set to air beginning at 9:30 p.m. Central/8:30 p.m. Mountain on SDPB TV and SDPB1 (digital channels 2 and 2.1).
Taylor, a Vermillion native and longtime violinist and competitor in the South Dakota Old-Time Fiddle Contest in Yankton, created the 30-minute documentary from hours of interviews and performances to preserve the unique history of the men and women who keep old-time music alive.
“I grew up with all these people as ‘grandparents,’” Taylor recalls of talented teachers like Wilbur, Elizabeth and Jarle Foss and Chester Olsen. “I saw that if I didn’t capture their history and tell their story, no one would. I initially thought that ‘history’ meant analyzing their music, but I soon realized that it was all about the people.
“They started just to keep the music alive, and it’s become not so much about the ‘contest’ they have but going to nursing homes and county fairs and sharing the music with people.”
Taylor’s project was funded by a grant from MTSU’s Faculty Research and Creative Activity Committee and made use of equipment from the university’s Department of Electronic Media Communication. For more information, visit the SDPB website at www.sdpb.org/schedules/tv_schedule.aspx and jump to “Wednesday, May 5” on the pull-down menu.

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IN BRIEF: The tales and tunes of the South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers move to television on Wednesday, May 5, when a fellow musician’s documentary on the group gets a broadcast premiere on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. “South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers: Musical Heritage of the Great Plains,” was filmed in 2008 by Dr. Stephanie Lynch Taylor, now an assistant professor in the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and three of her students. It is set to air beginning at 9:30 p.m. Central/8:30 p.m. Mountain on SDPB TV and SDPB1 (digital channels 2 and 2.1).


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

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color JPEG of Dr. Stephanie Lynch Taylor and a B&W jpeg of one of the Old-Time Fiddlers events, please contact Gina E. Fann in the Office of News and Public Affairs via e-mail at gfann@mtsu.edu or by calling 615-898-5385.
Thanks!


With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, MTSU 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.

[433] MTSU Student Receives Full Year Funding For Study In India

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU STUDENT RECEIVES FULL YEAR FUNDING FOR STUDY IN INDIA
Murfreesboro Resident Prepares for Intense Immersion in Urdu Language, Culture

(MURFREESBORO) – After living in Thailand for nine months, in Morocco for four months and in India all last summer, you might think Aaron Shew would want to stay home for awhile. You would be wrong.
The MTSU junior from Murfreesboro will depart for Turkey around May 14 for study experiences that will enhance not only his education but his prestige and his portfolio. Shew, a double major in plant and soil science and international-relations, will join students from other institutions in a conflict resolution course in Cyprus and Turkey at his own expense. Through June 9, Shew will question government diplomats on best practices for negotiating solutions to thorny issues between countries.
From there, Shew will head back to Lucknow, India, where he studied in the summer of 2009 under a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) from the U.S. Department of State, for extensive instruction in the Urdu language. His summer studies will be funded with another CLS. The 2010-2011 academic year is covered under a fully endowed fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS). Lucknow is a city of about three million people situated in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most impoverished and illiterate regions of India, says Shew.
“They were the first people of India to rise up against British colonialism in 1857, and you get this real air in the city that they’re very proud of that,” notes Shew. During his stay in Lucknow last summer, he noticed that parts of the city were very traditional and other parts were very progressive. “You can walk down the street and see veiled women, and you can walk down the street and see sleeveless shirts,” Shew says. Shew says he would prefer to live with an Indian family during the summer and transfer to an off-campus apartment for the academic year. Last summer, Shew lived in an apartment with two other American students, one of Indian descent and the other of Pakistani descent. “We had a lot of good discussions because we’re all from very different backgrounds,” says Shew. “It’s funny because the Indian was a Shiite Muslim; the Pakistani was a Sunni Muslim; and I come from a Southern Baptist background.”


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Shew says his summer 2009 classes were the equivalent of one year of university study. By the time he finishes the next academic year, he will have completed the equivalent of four years’ worth of instruction in Urdu, which Shew describes as sort of a combination of Arabic and Hindi.
“It’s about 20 hours in class every week and another 15-25 hours of homework a week,” says Shew. “So it’s a full-time job.”
Headquartered at the University of Chicago, AIIS “is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about India and the promotion of intellectual engagement with India in American colleges and universities,” according to www.indiastudies.org. AIIS allocates approximately 35 AIIS fellowships each year with funding from various agencies.
Shew says he will stay in contact with his family and friends during the long separation through e-mail and Skype. However, he says he’s inclined to live overseas continually after graduate school, whether he ultimately chooses a career in development, intelligence or diplomacy. “My overall goal, I would say, is to serve humanity, whether I’m advising policy or I’m doing agricultural development or something of the sort,” Shew says. “I’d like to become a utilitarian in the sense that I’d like to achieve the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people.”

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For color jpegs of Aaron Shew in India, contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@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.

[432] Writing Center To Have New Home In James E. Walker Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

WRITING CENTER TO HAVE NEW HOME IN JAMES E. WALKER LIBRARY
Help with Writing Process Conveniently at Hand Starting with Fall 2010 Semester

(MURFREESBORO) – Beginning in the fall 2010 semester, students who want assistance with their term papers, essays or short stories will be able to get help only steps away from the research materials they might need. The Margaret H. Ordoubadian University Writing Center at MTSU is moving this summer from its two locations in Peck Hall 325 and Ezell Hall 119 to one location in Room 362 of the James E. Walker Library. The new center will be across the mezzanine from the newly relocated Learning,
Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center, where faculty members learn how to integrate creative educational methods and instruments into their teaching. The Writing Center also offers assistance to professors with their writing needs, including grants and proposals. The mission statement of the Writing Center reads, in part, “We want to cultivate the importance of writing as a process. We want to help UWC users become independent writers, capable of recognizing and capitalizing on their strengths as well as identifying and correcting their weaknesses.” Dr. Wesley Houp, assistant professor of English and Writing Center director, says, “With our upcoming relocation to the James E. Walker Library, our primary goal is to advance our core service—one-to-one tutoring in writing. As director, I believe the UWC and the library are entering into a new, mutually reinforcing relationship—a logical and extremely practical collaboration that will enhance both our services.”
This semester, 17 graduate students and five undergraduates served as tutors at the Writing Center. Dr. Stacia Watkins, assistant coordinator, says she should know by August how many tutors will be available in the fall. Watkins says the new facility will provide five computers for student use and one large space for tutoring with eight to 10 tutoring tables, enabling more hands-on, on-site guidance. In addition, the interactive SMART board that had been at Ezell will be housed in a larger space and will be available by appointment to help students who are slated to “stand and deliver” in class.
“Students will be able to practice giving a presentation, and we’ll have cameras that can [record] them,” says Watkins. “They’ll actually be able to watch it on the SMART board, and we’ll be able to tutor their presentation style.” --more--

WRITING
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The proximity of the Peck Hall center to the third-floor offices of English professors left some students with the mistaken impression that the center is only for people who need help with English courses.
“I think the Writing Center will finally be seen as a University Writing Center rather than an English department writing center,” says Watkins of the relocation.
She emphasizes that tutors can help students concerned with any discipline with any stage of the writing process, including formatting for MLA, APA, AP, Turabian, American Sociological Association and other styles.
Another issue students bring to the Writing Center is that of proper citation. Watkins says Internet issues are on the wane, but plagiarism, however unintentional, is still a problem.
“Most students are at least aware of the fact that if they take something off the Internet that they need to clarify that it’s not theirs,” says Watkins. “They just don’t necessarily know how to do that.”
At present, the Writing Center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday in Peck 325 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday in Ezell 119. Watkins says she hopes the new center will remain open until 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday with Saturday hours and possibly occasional Sunday workshops. However, the new hours won’t be finalized until the number of graduate tutors is determined.
For more information, call the center at 615-904-8237 or 615-494-9516, or send an e-mail to uwcenter@mtsu.edu.


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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.

[431] April 27 Meeting Set At MTEC For New Elementary Education Program

APRIL 27 MEETING SET AT MTEC FOR NEW ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM
‘New Pathway’ Offers Option for Students Pursuing Careers in Teaching

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: David Foster, 615-898-5033 or dfoster@mtsu.edu

(SHELBYVILLE)—A special meeting is set for Tuesday, April 27, at the Middle Tennessee Education Center for students interested in teaching to discuss the new 2+2 in Elementary Education program developed by MTSU and Motlow State Community College through the MTEC partnership.
The meeting is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at MTEC, located in the former Medical Arts Building at 841 Union Street in Shelbyville.
“This program will allow us to reach a group of students who have not had the opportunity to pursue a career in education,” said Charle Coffey, director of education at Motlow. “This will create a new pathway so that students don’t have to rearrange their lives to go to school.”
A 2+2 program allows a student to complete the first two years of the program at Motlow State by earning an Associate of Science in Teaching degree and then complete a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies at MTSU. The AST at Motlow provides a seamless transition to the BSIS at MTSU.
“It is important that those interested in the program either come to the interest meeting or contact us at MTEC to talk to us about scheduling preferences,” said Molly Culbreath, the MTEC adviser for MTSU students. “This program provides a flexible and affordable way to become an elementary school teacher allowing students to continue to work and care for their families while they pursue new career opportunities in education.”
The AST is a 60-hour program of prescribed courses directly related to the Tennessee Teacher Licensure Standards that will prepare the student to enter MTSU’s BSIS program. The BSIS degree prepares students to teach elementary school or special education.
Many of the course requirements for the BSIS degree are available online or as day or evening classes at MTEC or the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. The program is designed to give the student as much flexibility in scheduling as possible.
For more information, please call MTEC at 931-685-4444.
Middle Tennessee Education Center is an educational partnership between MTSU, Motlow State and Bedford County to provide more higher-education opportunities to the citizens of southern middle Tennessee.
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IN BRIEF: A special meeting is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, at the Middle Tennessee Education Center for students interested in teaching to discuss the new 2+2 in Elementary Education program developed by MTSU and Motlow State Community College through the MTEC partnership. A 2+2 program allows a student to complete the first two years of the program at Motlow State by earning an Associate of Science in Teaching degree and then complete a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies at MTSU. The AST at Motlow provides a seamless transition to the BSIS at MTSU. For more information, please call MTEC at 931-685-4444.

For MTSU news and information, visit www.mtsunews.com.
—30—
With three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and former faculty, MTSU 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.

[430] Gubernatorial Forum At MTSU To Be Available Online

April 21, 2010
Contact: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919


GUBERNATORIAL FORUM AT MTSU TO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE

MURFREESBORO—Officials anticipate a good turnout for the gubernatorial forum on Thursday, April 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. in MTSU’s Murphy Center. However, for the convenience of those who are homebound or otherwise unable to attend in person, the forum also will be available live online.
For information on watching the webcast, please visit www.mtsu.edu and click on the “Gubernatorial forum to be webcast” link at the top of the “MTSU News and Headlines” section. The free public event is being underwritten, in part, by Farmers Insurance Group. Forum moderator will be John Seigenthaler, chairman emeritus of The Tennessean and holder of MTSU’s Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies. For those attending in person, the doors will open at 6 p.m.
Tickets are free to the event and may be picked up at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, the Rutherford County Election Commission office at 1 South Side Square, all MidSouth Bank offices and all Farmers Insurance locations throughout middle Tennessee.
While tickets are free, all guests will be required to have a ticket to be admitted. For ticket information, call 1-888-YES-MTSU (1-888-937-6878).
Ample parking for Murphy Center will be available in the Greenland Drive lot.
Tennessee’s gubernatorial primary will be held on Thursday, Aug. 5; the general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 2.

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[428] Professor Offers Different View On Six Arab Gulf Countries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081, or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800

PROFESSOR OFFERS DIFFERENT VIEW ON SIX ARAB GULF COUNTRIES
Dr. Sean Foley Discusses Arab Gulf States on “MTSU on the Record”

(MURFREESBORO) – The Arab Gulf States: Beyond Oil and Islam, a new book dispelling several misconceptions about six countries in the Middle East, is the subject of “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 8 a.m. this Sunday, April 25, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org). Dr. Sean Foley, assistant professor of history at MTSU, is the book’s author. He posits that the six nations—Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—are more culturally and economically diverse and tolerant than the West thinks they are. Foley believes a societal sea change is taking place due to technological advances in communication and the emerging role of women, among other factors.
To hear last week’s program on the history of the anti-death penalty movement in Tennessee, go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2010.html and click on “April 18, 2010.” 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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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.

[427] Students Burning Midnight Oil Past Midnight As Exams Loom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

STUDENTS BURNING MIDNIGHT OIL PAST MIDNIGHT AS EXAMS LOOMJames E. Walker Library and Starbucks Café Open Later to Help Studying Students

(MURFREESBORO) – In response to a Student Government Association resolution, MTSU’s James E. Walker Library will observe later hours on Study Day and exam days during the spring 2010 semester to serve the campus community.
The extended schedule is as follows:

· Thursday, April 29 (Study Day) -- 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
· Friday, April 30 -- 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
· Saturday, May 1 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
· Sunday, May 2 – 1 p.m.-3 a.m.
· Monday, May 3 – 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
· Tuesday, May 4 – 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
· Wednesday, May 5 – 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
· Thursday, May 6 – 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
· Friday, May 7 – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
· Saturday, May 8 – closed for graduation

The SGA resolution (8-10-S) called for the library to be open 24 hours a day
during the end-of-semester studying period. However, library officials say, in the absence of sufficient personnel to provide around-the-clock service, they believe the extended schedule will be helpful. In addition, the Starbucks café inside Walker Library will observe longer hours, closing one hour before the library’s closing time each night of the extended schedule. For more information, call the library at 615-898-2772.

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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.

Monday, April 19, 2010

[425] State Math Contest Tuesday at MTSU Features 36 Regional Schools

Release date: April 19, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu


State Math Contest Tuesday at MTSU Features 36 Regional Schools


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – Between 300 and 400 students representing 36 schools from across the region will be heading to MTSU on Tuesday, April 20, for the 54th annual Statewide High School Mathematics Contest.
The MTSU Department of Mathematical Sciences once again will be a regional host for the state event, which will begin at 9 a.m. in the James Union Building’s Tennessee Room. Other state math contests are held at other regional sites.
Drs. Jacob Klerlein and Jinjia Li, math department assistant professors, will be the test center chairs. Those invited will include groups from public elementary, middle and high schools and private schools, Klerlein said. He added that participants may compete in only one of six test divisions: algebra I, geometry, algebra II, statistics, precalculus, calculus and advanced topics.
Invited schools include Barfield Elementary; Blackman High and Middle Schools; Buchanan Elementary; Cannon County High; Cedar Hall School; Central Middle School; Christiana Elementary; Coffee County Central High; Eagleville High School; East and West Middle schools in Tullahoma; Harris Middle School in Shelbyville; Holloway High School; Kittrell Elementary School; Lascassas Elementary School; La Vergne High and Middle schools; McFadden School of Excellence; Oakland and Riverdale High schools; Rock Springs Middle School; Rockvale Elementary School; Roy Waldron School; St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Tullahoma; Shelbyville Central High School; Siegel High and Middle schools; Smyrna High and Middle schools; Stewart’s Creek Middle School; Thurman Francis Arts Academy; Tullahoma and Watertown High schools; The Webb School in Bell Buckle; and Westwood Junior High in Manchester.
For more information about the contest, please call 615-898-2669.

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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.


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

[423] 'Princely' Pledge Kicks Off New Centennial Scholars Program at MTSU

April 19, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

‘Princely’ Pledge Kicks Off New Centennial Scholars Program at MTSU

MURFREESBORO—Little did Gale and Jonelle Prince know when they expressed an interest in giving back to MTSU that their name would be attached to the university’s first Centennial Scholarship.
With a pledge of $100,000, the Gale and Jonelle Prince Centennial Scholarship Endowment not only foreshadows the university’s 100th anniversary, it will also usher in a long succession of Centennial Scholars who will be able to fulfill their college education, graduate and become productive citizens.
“Joe Bales asked me if I had hacked into his computer when I first talked to him about doing something,” said Gale Prince (B.S. ’57). “He pulled out a piece of paper that he had just printed out setting up this Centennial Scholarship program. So I talked to my wife, and we decided to go that route.”
“We’re absolutely delighted at the Prince’s generosity,” Bales, MTSU vice president for development and university relations, said. “Gale is a distinguished alumnus winner, and both Gale and Jonelle have been very active on campus and in the community. It’s a great opportunity for our alumni and friends who want to do something, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for our students. What we envision over the next few years is to establish 100 of these endowed scholarships.”
Each $100,000 endowment will provide a competitive award, renewable for a maximum of five years, while the student pursues his or her degree and remains academically eligible. One unique feature of the award is that recipients may use funds to pursue an international experience related to their degree program.
“Being a five-year award, if you stagger them properly, 20 new students can start every year as a Centennial Scholar,” Bales added. “You’ll have 20 students in a cohort—they will be recognized together and almost be a class within a class. The Princes love the university, and for them to do this is extremely exciting and is a testament to their belief in our students and their future.”
Gale Prince, a native of Shelbyville, Tenn., earned a degree from MTSU in industrial arts. He received his commission to second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served for 21 years as his military duty took him to France, Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1978 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Jonelle Prince, originally from Russellville, Ky., worked for Rutherford County for 32 years and retired in 2000 as the county’s chief deputy assessor of property. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, the Lions Club and the Discovery Center, among others.
“We’re so very proud to be associated with MTSU,” Jonelle said. “We think the school is very progressive. I have a granddaughter going here now and had a grandson who went here. … With nine grandchildren, we feel like this is one way to help the youth—and, hopefully, our own will be interested in furthering their education.”
“I worked every day when I went to school,” Gale joined in, “which was one reason my grades were not that good. We want to see students have the opportunity to be able to study more because they have the scholarship and won’t have to go out and work every night.”
Students who are selected as Centennial Scholars will represent the upper 10 to 15 percent of their high-school graduating class and will have achieved a minimum ACT score of 29 or 1,300 on the SAT. Criteria will include academic performance, leadership, athletic or extracurricular activities. and recommendations from teachers, faculty and community leaders. An MTSU Centennial Scholar must maintain a 3.5 GPA to continue receiving the award each year.
“As soon as we have a fully funded endowment, we’ll begin making awards,” Bales said, “so we’re looking at the fall of 2012. We’re seeing a lot of people who really understand the importance of education and want to help the next generation of students. This award will truly make a difference.
“Our current economy really brings into focus the importance of a college degree. We are truly indebted to Gale and Jonelle for kicking off what I believe will be an incredible program that will open the doors of higher education to many young people and inspire them to achieve their potential.”

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Friday, April 16, 2010

[422] O'Connor-led Sheep Shearing School Returns to Tennessee Livestock Center April 30-May 1

Release date: April 16, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Ag contact: Dr. Warren Gill, 615-898-2523 or wgill@mtsu.edu

O’Conner-led Sheep Shearing School Returns
to Tennessee Livestock Center April 30-May 1

(MURFREESBORO, TN) – The 2010 Tennessee Sheep Shearing School, which will be held April 30 and May 1 at the Tennessee Livestock Center, 1720 Greenland Dr., in Murfreesboro, is still taking applications for participants, said Dr. Warren Gill, one of the event instructors.
Headline instructor for the school is Bill O’Conner, who will offer his refined basic technique to any student with some sheep-handling experience, Gill said. In addition to Gill, who is director of the MTSU Agribusiness and Agriscience Department, also assisting O’Conner will be Mark Powell of the Wilson Farmer’s Co-op.
The sheep shearing school is limited to the first 20 applicants who pay the $50 registration fee. The Tennessee Sheep Producers Association encourages participation by senior 4-H (high-school level) members, and scholarship assistance is available.
The school is designed for either beginner or experienced shearers who want to improve their skills. Knowledge of sheep handling is useful.
In addition to the MTSU ag department and Tennessee Sheep Producers Association, other sponsors include the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and University of Tennessee Extension Serviced.
For more information, call Gill at 615-898-2523.

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Media welcomed.
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.

[421] MTSU Health Promotion to Collect Old Cell Phones, Accessories Next Week for HopeLine Program

Release date: April 16, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Health Promotion contact: Lisa Schrader, 615-494-8704 or thomason@mtsu.edu


MTSU Health Promotion to Collect Old Cell Phones,
Accessories Next Week for HopeLine Program


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – MTSU Health Promotion will be collecting no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories for the HopeLine Program at various times during the week of April 19-23, Lisa Schrader, health promotion director, said.
In joining the June Anderson Women’s Center in its observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Health Promotion will have a donation box on the Keathley University Center Knoll with the Clothesline Project from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, she said. Items also can be brought to the Health Promotion office any time from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. the entire week. The office is located in the Health Wellness and Recreation Center.
Donated cell phones and accessories can be from any wireless service provider, Schrader said.
HopeLine provides wireless phones to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

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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.


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

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

[417] EPA's Carr Brings Expertise in Oil, Environment to MTSU

Release date: April 14, 2010


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
WISE/Barbara Carr contact: Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, 615-904-8253 or
jiriarte@mtsu.edu

EPA’s Carr Brings Expertise in Oil, Environment to MTSU


(MURFREESBORO, TN) – “Moon: Cheese or Not” was the title of Dr. Barbara Carr’s first science project in the seventh grade.
“After that, I was hooked on science, and even more so after my sophomore biology class where I got to use a microscope,” said Carr, who will appear Wednesday and Thursday, April 14-15, speaking to MTSU’s Women in Science and Engineering group and one chemistry class.
Carr, who is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 5 spill prevention, control and countermeasures coordinator, will be talking to WISE at 6 p.m. April 14 in Monohan Hall.
At 11:20 a.m. April 15, Carr will present “Oil, Pollution and Prevention” during an environmental chemistry class in Room 115 of Alumni Memorial Gym.
“I am going to talk about oil and why it is toxic to aquatic life and environments,” said Carr.
Carr added that her talk will include “kinds of oils, facilities and industries that use or store oils, a general history of the oil-pollution prevention regulation, photos of oil-storage facilities big and little, photos from one of the worst oil-spill disasters in decades (the Ashland Oil spill), the regulatory process and how it is influenced by industries and green groups, the financial impacts of a spill, and regulatory agencies that may deal with a spill, like the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. EPA Criminal Investigations Division, etc.”
Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, the MTSU chemistry professor who is coordinating Carr’s visit, said Carr is a “friend of a student from last semester, and when she heard about WISE, she asked her boss to send her to Murfreesboro to encourage more women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers.”
For more information, call Iriarte-Gross at 615-904-8253 or e-mail jiriarte@mtsu.edu.

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Media welcomed.


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.

[416] Confucius Institute Grand Opening Features Music, Dancing MTSU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. Guanping Zheng, 615-904-8365, or Yvonne Elliott, 615- 494-8696

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE GRAND OPENING FEATURES MUSIC, DANCING MTSU, Hangzhou Normal University Partnership Facilitates Educational Exchange

(MURFREESBORO) – Middle Tennessee State University will celebrate the grand opening of the Confucius Institute (CIMTSU) on campus by welcoming a delegation from the People’s Republic of China and a performance by traditional Chinese entertainers on Wednesday, April 21.
MTSU cemented a relationship with Hangzhou Normal University on Dec. 1, 2009, when President Sidney A. McPhee and Hangzhou’s president, Dr. Ye Gaoxiang, signed a partnership agreement at the Institute’s MTSU office in Peck Hall. In addition, Dr. Diane Miller, Executive Vice President and Provost, accompanied Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen on a trade mission to China in October 2009.
The pact covers the development of Chinese language classes, student and faculty exchanges, cultural exchanges, outreach programs to area K-12 schools, the training of educators to teach Chinese as a foreign language and research about contemporary China, among other mutual interests.
Among the dignitaries slated to be in the visiting delegation are Mr. Cui Pengfei, chairman of Hangzhou Normal’s university council; Mr. Chen Xiaoping, Vice Mayor of Hangzhou City; and Dr. You Shaozhong, Minister Counselor for Education Affairs, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America.
“The grand opening of our Confucius Institute is something that we have all been looking forward to since last fall,” says MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee. “The official opening of this Institute is yet another step toward demonstrating MTSU’s commitment to enhancing the international programs on our campus and developing the kind of academic environment that speaks to our appreciation of other cultures as well as the diversity of our University community.”
The dignitaries will be treated to a tour of the MTSU campus prior to a meeting of the Confucius Institute Board of Directors. At 5:30 p.m., McPhee, Miller and other local officials will dine with the delegation at an invitation-only banquet in the Tom H. Jackson Hall. At 7:30 p.m., faculty and students from Hangzhou Normal will perform “An Oriental Monsoon” in MTSU’s Wright Music Hall. This event is free and open to the public, but early attendance is advised due to limited seating.
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The concert will include “Spring Outing,” a classic Chinese dance incorporating postures found in sculptural reliefs on bricks of the Han Dynasty; “Mulberry Trees,” an instrumental solo inspired by Li Bai, the most famous poet in Chinese literature; “The Drunken Beauty,” an aria from a renowned Beijing opera; “Spin, Spin and Spin,” a prize-winning folk dance in the tradition of the Xinjiang region; and much more.
“After several months of preparation, CIMTSU is now ready to offer services to the community,” says Dr. Guanping Zheng, institute director and associate professor of electronic media communication. “The future for the institute is exciting. Through the work of the institute, I hope to facilitate collaborations for exchange and collaboration between communities in Tennessee and in China. CIMTSU will also help our campus to expand its opportunities in China.”
The Confucius Institute at MTSU is made possible with a five-year, $500,000 grant from the nonprofit organization of the same name. According to its Web site, www.confuciusinstitute.net, “As of Oct. 2009, 396 Confucius Institutes and classroom have been established in 87 different countries and regions. Each Confucius Institute takes advantage of its unique character to develop rich and diverse educational and cultural activities.” For more information, contact Zheng at 615-904-8365 or gzheng@mtsu.edu, or Yvonne Elliott in the Confucius Institute at 615-494-8696 or elliott@mtsu.edu.


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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For color jpeg photos of the performers of “An Oriental Monsoon,” contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@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.

[415] Anti-Death Penalty Movement Topic Of "MTSU On The Record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081, or WMOT-FM, 615-898-2800

ANTI-DEATH PENALTY MOVEMENT TOPIC OF "MTSU ON THE RECORD"
Publication Documents Attempts to Outlaw Capital Punishment in Tennessee
(MURFREESBORO) – Tennessee’s New Abolitionists, a book chronicling the history of anti-death penalty activism in Tennessee, is the subject of “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 8 a.m. this Sunday, April 18, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).
Logue’s guests are Dr. Amy Sayward, chair of the MTSU Department of History and co-editor of the book, and Rev. Stacy Rector, executive director of Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Slated for release in May from the University of Tennessee Press, Abolitionists contains entries on numerous topics, including the execution of the mentally ill, legal representation in death penalty cases, judicial independence in capital cases, news media coverage of capital punishment, and perspectives from corrections officials, spiritual counselors, and relatives of the inmates and the victims.
Dr. Sekou M. Franklin, political science, penned one of the entries in the book, “The New South’s Abolitionist Governor: Frank G. Clement’s Attempt to Abolish the Death Penalty.”
To hear last week’s program on the debut of Dr. Bob Pondillo’s award-winning independent film “The New, True Charlie Wu,” go to go to http://frank.mtsu.edu/~proffice/podcast2010.html and click on “April 11, 2010.” 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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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, April 13, 2010

[414] Forum Open to The Public, Free Tickets Available At Several Locations

April 13, 2010
Contact: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

FORUM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

MURFREESBORO—Middle Tennessee State University, in cooperation with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, will play host to a gubernatorial forum Thursday, April 29. The program, moderated by John Seigenthaler, will begin promptly at 7 p.m. in the university’s Murphy Center.
The free public event is being underwritten, in part, by Farmers Insurance Group. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
MTSU students, faculty and staff may pick up tickets at the MTSU Ticket Office at Floyd Stadium Gate 1A and the Student Life Office in Room 326S of Keathley University Center. Off-campus locations for tickets include the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, the Rutherford County Election Commission office at 1 South Side Square, all MidSouth Bank offices and all Farmers Insurance locations throughout middle Tennessee.
While tickets are free, all guests will be required to have a ticket to be admitted. For ticket information, call 1-888-YES-MTSU (1-888-937-6878).
Ample parking will be available in the Greenland Drive lot. Farmers Insurance Group will have its special “Cat Bus” parked outside in the Greenland lot area for tours prior to the event.
Tennessee’s gubernatorial primary will be held on Thursday, Aug. 5; the general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 2.

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[413] MTSU Coach Rick Stockstill Inducted Into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

April 13, 2010
Contact: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919


MTSU Coach Rick Stockstill Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society


MURFREESBORO—Rick Stockstill, head football coach at Middle Tennessee State University, rubbed shoulders with vice presidents and deans when he was recently inducted as an honorary member into Phi Kappa Phi, a prestigious academic honor society that has chapters throughout the world.
The spring ceremony took place on April 6, during which 62 MTSU students in all disciplines were inducted as lifelong members. Senior undergraduate inductees must be in the top 10 percent of their college, juniors in the top 7.5 percent and graduate students must have completed 24 hours of study and be in the top 10 percent of the graduate college. All candidates must be of sound character and exemplify service and excellence.
In introducing Stockstill, Dr. Lucy Langworthy, PKP past president, reminded the gathering that Stockstill recently turned down a head coaching job of the East Carolina Pirates along with a $700,000 pay raise.
“While his players would say there are many examples of his character, none shows this better than that decision,” Langworthy said, adding that in his four years at MTSU, Stockstill’s teams have captured a league title, won the New Orleans Bowl, played in two bowl games and produced six of the top 10 crowds in Floyd Stadium history.
“When Stockstill came to MTSU,” she continued, “the football program’s academic progress rate was 812, the lowest in the country. Today it is 990, the largest increase in the nation. For 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, his team won the Sun Belt Conference Academic Award. In the spring of 2009, 39 football players had a GPA of more than 3.0 and 12 made the dean’s list. Coach Stockstill is someone who has made a difference at MTSU.”
Stockstill told the audience that while he was never in the top 7.5 percent of any class and could in no way measure up to the academic prowess of the student inductees, he was nonetheless honored to be among their company. In his brief remarks, he shared five key words upon which he bases his personal and professional life.
Be enthusiastic, he told his listeners. “You can’t be successful without it.” He added persistence, discipline, passion and integrity. “Don’t give up and don’t make excuses. Fifty percent of people don’t care about your problems—50 percent are glad you got ‘em. … Do the right thing. What you do when no one is watching is the real test of high character. … And treat people like you want to be treated,” he concluded.
Phi Kappa Phi members include members of the United States Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners, inventors, business and industry moguls and at least one university head football coach.

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Media: For a photo of Stockstill, contact ttozer@mtsu.edu.

[412] MTSU Blue Turns Red As Equity Pay Day Observed On Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2010EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

MTSU BLUE TURNS RED AS EQUITY PAY DAY OBSERVED ON CAMPUS
American Women and Minorities Still Struggle for Equal Pay for Equal Work

(MURFREESBORO) – Red will be the color of the day at MTSU on Tuesday, April 20, as the June Anderson Women’s Center, the American Association of University Women, the Women’s Studies Program and the President’s Commission on the Status of Women observe Equity Pay Day.
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., volunteers on the Keathley University Center knoll will pass out Payday candy bars and informational literature to enlighten the public about the pay equity issue. Information tables will be covered in red cloth and workers will wear red. Members of the campus community also are encouraged to wear red to symbolize how far women and minorities are “in the red.”
“Achieving equity in the workplace is fair, and everybody should have a fair chance to succeed in life,” says Terri Johnson, director of the Women’s Center. “I feel that one of the cruelest things we can do to people is place them at a disadvantage and them blame them for their own inequity.”
In 2008, the median annual earnings of year-round, full-time male workers in the United States were $46,367, compared with $35,745 for women, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That means each woman earned only 77 cents for every dollar a man earned. Median earnings for African-American women were $31,489 per year, or 67.9 cents on the dollar, and median earnings for Latinas were $26,846 per year, or 58 cents on the dollar compared to men’s earnings. Asian-American women’s median annual earnings were $42,215, or 91 cents for each dollar of men’s earnings.
“Equal pay will make the workplace more competitive and attract the very best employees,” says Johnson. “Setting high standards for employees will help employers become more successful overall. This is especially crucial now in a struggling economy because, in the end, the company will save money.”
In addition, the student groups “Women in Action” and “Women’s Studies Student Organization” will conduct “Inequity Bake Sales.” For more information, contact the Women’s Center at 615-898-2193 or jawc@mtsu.edu.

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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

[411] Deloris E. Jordan Keynote Speaker At Take Back The Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2010
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

DELORIS E. JORDAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
Michael Jordan’s Sister Tells Story of Abuse, Courage, Perseverance

(MURFREESBORO) –Businesswoman Deloris E. Jordan will deliver the keynote address for MTSU’s annual observance of “Take Back the Night” at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, in the Keathley University Center (KUC) Theatre with a reception and book signing to follow. The sister of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan, Ms. Jordan is the author of In My Family’s Shadow (2003), her story of how she was sexually molested from ages 8 to 16. Her new book, From Pain to Purpose, is slated for release this summer. Her Web site, www.delorisejordan.org, states, “Denied the freedom to address her personal devastation prior to Michael’s phenomenal fame and public accolades, there was no way she could address them once public scrutiny came creating problems for herself and her family as a whole.” A mother of three and grandmother of three, Ms. Jordan is a successful Pennsylvania-based realtor and inspirational speaker. She is the founder and CEO of Jordan Signature Publishing and a board member of The Association of Independent Growth, a not-for-profit organization that supports people with disabilities, and BEBASHI, an agency that helps low-income African-Americans with HIV/AIDS. Deloris Jordan also will address the “Take Back the Night” rally, which is slated for 6-9 p.m. that same evening on the KUC knoll. The purpose of the rally, as well as the candlelight vigil and march to follow, is to raise awareness about violence against women. An open microphone will be available for anyone to express views on sexual assault. “This year, we are looking for a more diverse crowd,” says Terri Johnson, director of the June Anderson Women’s Center. “Therefore, we’re reaching out to the greater community as well as the MTSU community to make a dynamic stand for safety awareness.”
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All males are invited to take part in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” during Take Back the Night. A feature initiated last year, “Walk a Mile” encourages men to take part in the march wearing high-heeled shoes to give them an idea of how women make themselves uncomfortable in order to present an attractive image. For more information, contact the Women’s Center at 615-898-2193 or jawc@mtsu.edu.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For a color jpeg photo of Deloris E. Jordan, contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@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.

Monday, April 12, 2010

[410] Media Alert: MTSU Tornado Siren Test Tomorrow

MEDIA ALERT: MTSU TORNADO SIREN TEST TOMORROW


There will be a test of the tornado siren on the MTSU campus tomorrow, Tuesday, April 13, at 12:20 p.m. This will be only a test of the system, and no action will be required. MTSU is pleased to inform the surrounding neighborhood when this kind of test takes place to allay any concerns.

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