The Record, June 14, 2010, V18.24
Click here to view the PDF version
$1.1M for FirstSTEP is boost for
STEM
The National Science Foundation has awarded MTSU $1.1 million to
implement a program to improve success rates for students in the
science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines.
Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied
Sciences, said many incoming students arrive with a strong interest
in STEM fields but leave for other majors because they are
underprepared to pass early mathematics requirements.
The new FirstSTEP program, which Cheatham will coordinate, will
launch later this summer with its first group of freshmen. It will
place at-risk students in an intensive two-year academic and
student-support program, beginning with a summer
"bridge"; agenda and including mentoring and
individualized lesson plans.
FirstSTEP will build on the success of other MTSU programs aimed at
improving graduation rates within STEM fields.
"Math presents challenges to many incoming STEM students.
It's the gatekeeper for STEM fields, and a lot of students
change majors because they think they can't pass it,";
the dean said. "They need some help to succeed, and this
project will make that possible. We have a great group of
mathematics faculty leading the project, and we're excited to
get started.";
Congressman Bart Gordon, chair of the House Committee on Science
and Technology, has been a leader in supporting STEM education in
middle Tennessee and across the nation.
"When I was growing up in Murfreesboro, I knew I would have
to compete with students from Nashville and Knoxville for
jobs,"; Gordon said. "Today, students in Murfreesboro
have to compete with students from India and China for high-paying,
high-tech jobs. We need to arm our students with the science and
math education they need to contend with a global
marketplace.";
Congress passed the America COMPETES Act, Gordon's landmark
STEM education and technology-development bill, in 2007, and the
House voted last month for a reauthorization bill that revises and
extends specific programs. Recognizing that today's students
must compete for jobs in an increasingly high-tech global market,
the COMPETES Act increases support for STEM education at all
levels.
The law strengthens coordination of STEM programs across federal
agencies and encourages more participation from female students and
underrepresented groups, Gordon said. It also turns more attention
toward identifying the challenges faced by rural school districts,
which often have less access to high-speed Internet and lab
resources.
"Tennessee has the potential to lead in high-tech industry
and scientific research, but we need a well-trained local workforce
to do it,"; said Gordon. "This funding will help MTSU
ensure that its promising incoming students achieve their full
potential in the science, engineering and technical fields.";
>>Top of Page
2 new leaders named: Provost
joining MTSU from Fort Lewis College
Dr. Brad Bartel, president at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.,
has been named the next provost at Middle Tennessee State
University, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced.
Bartel, who has served as president of the public liberal arts
college since 2004, is expected to assume his new post at MTSU on
July 12.

With more than 35 years of experience in higher education,
including more than 25 years of senior-level administrative
leadership at four major public universities, Bartel will replace
Dr. Kaylene Gebert. Gebert returned to full-time faculty status in
fall 2009 as a professor in the Department of Speech and Theatre
after serving as executive vice president and provost at MTSU for
six years. Dr. L. Diane Miller served as interim provost while the
nationwide search for Gebert's permanent replacement was
under way.
"MTSU is extremely fortunate to attract someone with Dr.
Bartel's extensive administrative and academic
experience,"; McPhee said. "As a sitting president and
former provost, he brings the kind of comprehensive view of
institutional operations and the academic enterprise that is needed
to help us in our efforts to position MTSU for the future.";
Prior to assuming the presidency at FLC, Bartel served as provost
and executive vice president for academic affairs at Florida Gulf
Coast University (2000-04), dean of the graduate school and
associate provost for research at the University of North Carolina
at Greensboro (1991-2000) and associate dean for the Division of
Graduate Affairs and the Division of Research Affairs at San Diego
State University (1983-91).
A highly published scholar in the field of anthropology, Bartel
began his collegiate teaching career as an assistant professor in
the Department of Anthropology at San Diego State, where he
continued teaching until 1991, earning the rank of professor.
"I am honored that PresidentMcPhee has selected me to
be the provost at Middle Tennessee State University,"; Bartel
said."MTSU is a great university.
"I look forward to being part of theteam and am excited
to begin working with its distinguished faculty and staff to help
give studentseven greater learning opportunities. It will be
a privilegeto be a part of the MTSU family and the
Murfreesboro community.";
A native of New York City, Bartel and his wife, Laura, have two
adult children, Kimberly and Jordan.
>>Top of Page
2 new leaders named: ITD
chief brings BGSU, Kent State tech know-how
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee has
announced that Bruce M. Petryshak, who has served as chief
information officer for Bowling Green (Ohio) State University since
2001, is the new vice president for information technology and CIO
at MTSU.
Petryshak will replace Vice President and CIO Lucinda Lea, who
began her career at MTSU in 1973 and served as vice president of
the Information Technology Division for eight years. Lea retired
April 30.
"Over the course of his professional career, Mr. Petryshak
has worked his way through the ranks of information
technology,"; McPhee said. "He comes to us very highly
recommended and has the kind of professional background and
experience that will allow us to continue the outstanding work
started by Lucinda Lea in providing world-class IT services for our
campus.";

According to McPhee, Petryshak has more than 30 years of experience
in a variety of areas of information technology. In his current
position at BGSU, he provides leadership for more than 140
professionals and 160 student employees.
Before joining Bowling Green State, Petryshak was employed at Kent
State University in Kent, Ohio, serving as executive director for
information systems and telecommunications from 1997 until 2001;
director of university information systems, 1994-97; associate
director of computer services, 1990-94; assistant director for
systems support from 1986 until 1990; and manager for
administrative systems support, 1984-86.
Petryshak also gained considerable hands-on technical experience in
the IT field between 1979 and 1984 as a computer operator,
programmer analyst, software analyst and network administrator.
"I am impressed with MTSU's national reputation and
with its ranking as the top public institution in Tennessee by
Forbes magazine,"; Petryshak said. "I am looking forward
to joining the executive team and working with President McPhee,
the university community and the IT team to spur innovation and
help ensure MTSU's continued presence among the top 100
universities in the United States.";
Petryshak, who holds both his bachelor's and master's
degrees from Kent State, is expected to assume his new role at MTSU
on Aug. 16.
Associate Vice President Tom Wallace will continue to provide
interim leadership for the Information Technology Division until
Petryshak arrives.
MTSU's IT department includes 75 staff members and 22
students.
>>Top of Page
JAWC, OCSS merger on schedule
for July 1
by Gina K. Logue
Summer might be a time of relaxation for most people, but the staff
and volunteers of two of MTSU's busiest agencies are working
even harder this summer. They are merging the June Anderson
Women's Center and the Off-Campus Student Services Office
into the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional
Students.
By the target date of July 1, the new center will be housed in the
current OCSS digs in Room 320 of the Keathley University Center
with clerical support from the Center for Student Involvement and
Leadership in KUC 326.
By September, Director Terri Johnson intends to have everything in
readiness for an open house to help people familiarize themselves
with the newly consolidated center.

"We're open to suggestions and comments,"; says
Johnson. "I think a lot of the first year will include
listening to students and assessing their needs. At the same time,
we'll be doing important projects and reaching out to the
community.";
Dr. Deb Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost
for enrollment and academic services, says the idea for the merger
grew out of the President's Task Force for Positioning the
University for the Future.
"It is clearly meant to be a cost-cutting measure,";
Sells says, "but it seems to be reasonable without creating
gaps in services. There are a lot of commonalities the offices
share.";
While specific details are still being arranged, a proposed mission
statement says the center will offer "student-support
services conducive to learning and personal development for both
women students and for the adult students who generally work
full-time, are married (and) have children and other adult
responsibilities beyond their college experiences.";

Valerie Avent, assistant director of the Office of Intercultural
and Diversity Affairs, will transfer to the new center to become
assistant director there.
"I am elated to be a member of the JAC team,"; said
Avent, a Shelbyville native who has been employed at MTSU for 14
years. "It is with great anticipation that I plan to help the
new center.";
Avent earned her bachelor's degree in 1979, her
master's degree in education in 1996 and her
specialist's degree in education in 2005, all from MTSU.
"Having an assistant director on board will provide
opportunities for both the center director and assistant director
to take the lead on programs and services,"; Johnson says.
"It will take some of the pressure off the director to be in
all places at all times.";

In addition, Johnson says, student workers, scholarship students
and volunteers will pitch in on a variety of projects, including
National Women's History Month and Nontraditional Students
Week.
Dr. Carol Ann Baily, current director of Off-Campus Student
Services, will return to teaching in the fall, guiding classes in
French and educational leadership.
She says she anticipates continuing her advisory role with Older
Wiser Learners, Riding Raiders and Pinnacle, the honor society for
nontraditional students.
>>Top of Page
In Brief: Hike the Divide July
13-19!
Join Campus Recreation for the backpacking/camping trip of a
lifetime along the Continental Divide! Participants will hike at
10,000 feet and average eight to 10 miles a day. The trip is July
13-19 and costs $425 for students, $450 for staff and $475 for
non-MTSU participants (including round-trip airfare). A pre-trip
meeting will be held Thursday, July 1. Call 615-904-8484 for more
information.
>>Top of Page
McNair Scholars
'blast off' into summer of research
by Randy Weiler
Twenty-four McNair Scholars received a resounding sendoff from
University Honors College Dean John Vile to start their eight weeks
of summer research.
Vile spoke during the McNair Scholars Program's annual Blast
Off reception June 1 in the James Union Building's Hazlewood
Dining Room.
From "persistence"; to "have fun,"; Vile sent
them on their journey with five main points in his presentation
that offered other wisdom as well.
In addition to being persistent and having fun, Vile urged them to
"keep your mentors informed,"; to "set
deadlines"; and to "think beyond this project.";
While the students will have a 37.5-hour commitment, Vile urged
them to spend even more time on their research. "I would go
beyond that (37.5 hours),"; he said. "What you put in
this summer should go with you 30 or 40 years into the
future.";
Vile shared that he and his wife, Linda, who is an
elementary-school teacher, both carry work home with them because
they have a passion for their careers.
As for having fun in this research and beyond, Vile said,
"Figure out something you want to do, and whatever your
field, enjoy it.";
Vile said there are certain basic skills they will need, such as
thinking, researching, writing, speaking, communicating with others
and getting along with others. "Commitment, hard work,
patience, persistence and integrity are virtues that complement
those skills,"; he added.
"You're not just writing a research paper. You're
establishing a relationship. Your mentor might be the one who
writes a letter for you to go to graduate or law school.";
McNair Interim Director Steve Saunders welcomed the scholars,
shared the recent program successes and introduced Vile.
Academic Coordinator Dr. Charles Apigian, a professor in computer
information systems, had the participants introduce themselves and
discussed scholar/mentor responsibilities.
The 2010 McNair Scholars and their majors and mentors include:
•Felicia Brown, sociology; Dr. Ida Fadzillah, sociology
and anthropology
•Matt Foriest, history; Dr. Mary Evins, history
•Joshua Fryer, international relations; Dr. Karen
Petersen, political science
•Lindsay Gates, history; Dr. Mark Doyle, history
•Johnathan Gilliam, history; Dr. Charles Apigian,
computer information systems
•Amber Gray, aerospace; Dr. Charles Prather, aerospace
•Shaun Guffey, international relations; Dr. Karen
Petersen
•Matt Hampton, economics; Dr. Stuart Fowler, economics
and finance
•Denise Harris, journalism; Dr. Tommy Bynum, history
•Michael Harris, biochemistry; Dr. Mary Phillips,
accounting
•Nick Mackie, international relations; Dr. Karen
Petersen
•Janae Matikke, social work; Dr. Margaret
Fontanesi-Seime, social work
•Lucy Miller, anthropology; Dr. Richard Pace, sociology
and anthropology
•Petra Morkel, history; Dr. Marsha Barsky, speech and
theatre
•Lydia Njoroge, psychology; Dr. Paul Foster, psychology
•Chelsea Norman, health education/global studies; Dr.
Ida Fadzillah
•Eric Pegues, political science; Dr. Sekou Franklin,
political science
•Angel Perrin, psychology; Dr. Monica Wallace,
psychology
•Joseph Quarles, English; Dr. Martha Hixon, English
•Monique Richard, nutrition/dietetics; Dr. Gloria
Hamilton, psychology
•Ana Valenzuela, history; Dr. Robert Hunt, history
•Melody Vaughn, studio art; Professor Erin Anfinson,
art
•Kamryn Warren, sociology; Dr. Meredith Dye, sociology
and anthropology
•Chris Young, international relations; Dr. Doug
Heffington, history
>>Top of Page
Pouring it on: Center
for Environmental Ed teams with state agencies to create watershed
guide
from Staff Reports
MTSU's Center for Environmental Education, along with several
other state agencies, has helped to create and develop a new
brochure to educate Tennesseans about watersheds and their impact
on communities.
Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters, director for the center, recently
announced the effort to MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; Dr. L.
Diane Miller, interim executive vice president and provost; Dr. Tom
Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences; and
Dr. George Murphy, chair of the biology department.
The brochures will be distributed across the state at 14 welcome
centers and 19 rest areas, Smith-Walters said, as well as through
the Tennessee Stormwater Association network and to schools, at
public events and more.
In March 2008, Tennessee launched a program to increase public
awareness of the state's 55 watersheds and their importance
to water quality, recreation and the environment, she said.
Working with the Department of Environment and Conservation, the
Tennessee Department of Transportation erected 187
watershed-awareness signs at key entry points along
Tennessee's highways.
The simple green-and-white logo identifying the approaching
watershed and a friendly exhortation to "Help keep it
clean"; encourages countless Tennessee residents and citizens
to be aware of their local watershed and do their part to protect
it every day, Smith-Walters added.
The state agencies, along with the MTSU Center for Environmental
Education, developed the brochure, called "A Guide to
Traveling Tennessee's Watersheds,"; as a companion to
these signs found statewide, she said.
The guide provides maps and a brief description of each of
Tennessee's distinctive watershed basins, including the Upper
Tennessee, Cumberland, Lower Tennessee and Mississippi river
basins.
Members of the Stones River Watershed will celebrate Boat Day in
Murfreesboro and Smyrna on Saturday, June 26, said Cynthia Allen of
the CEE. Organizers are enlisting volunteers to bring boats to the
Manson Pike trailhead of the Murfreesboro Greenway and to the
Stewart Creek Recreation Area in Smyrna.
For details about the brochure, please visit
http://tn.gov/environment/watersheds/guide/
. For more information about the center, call 615-904-8575.
>>Top of Page
Student group receives
national HR recognition
by Lisa L. Rollins
MTSU's student chapter of the Society for Human Resource
Management recently won two national awards for excellence.
Dr. Patrick McCarthy, faculty adviser for MTSU's SHRM
chapter, said its membership of 35 students received a Superior
Merit Award for 2009-10. The criteria for this award require an
extensive variety of quality professional programs and activities.
"Remarkably, our MTSU chapter has earned a national merit
award in seven of the past nine years, in addition to several
individual student awards, including two national Graduate Student
of the Year (awards) over the past decade,"; said McCarthy, an
associate professor of psychology.
MTSU's SHRM chapter also was named among the
organization's National Top 10 Outstanding Student Chapters
for 2010.
"That's an impressive achievement by our students,
particularly the graduate students from MTSU's
industrial/organizational psychology program who led these efforts
as the chapter officers,"; McCarthy said.
Founded in 1948, SHRM is the world's largest association
devoted to human resource management and represents more than
250,000 members in 140-plus countries. The society serves the needs
of HR professionals and advances the interests ofthe
HRprofession. SHRMcurrently has more than 575
affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices
in China and India.
For more information about MTSU's SHRM chapter, contact
McCarthy, director of the university's Center for
Organizational and Human Resource Effectiveness, at 615-898-2126 or
at
pmccarth@mtsu.edu.
>>Top of Page
Memory garden
SAYING THANKS—Students in Dr. Tony Johnston's
agricultural engineering class, shown below, work to update and
expand the garden area at the Tennessee Veterans' Home on
Compton Road in north Murfreesboro as part of a project combining
civic engagement and practical application of their new knowledge.
Clients, staff and visitors at the health care facility for
military veterans and their spouses use the area for relaxation,
breaks, small group meetings and the like. The project is featured
in the June edition of "Middle Tennessee Record,";
MTSU's monthly video magazine.
Other program segments for June will allow viewers to learn about
faculty efforts to exchange knowledge and teaching skills in
"Faculty Learning Communities"; as well as student
research and data-collection projects and, of course, the latest
installment of "True Blue TV"; with Steven Mizell of the
Admissions Office. Watch "Middle Tennessee Record";
daily at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Murfreesboro's Cable Channel 9
and at 1:30 p.m. Sundays on NewsChannel5+, or visit the News and
Public Affairs website,
www.mtsunews.com
, to find a listing of channels and airtimes on cable systems
across the Midstate. There's also an archive of shows on
YouTube via the link at
www.mtsunews.com
.
photos by News and Public Affairs
>>Top of Page
MT brings home SBC
All-Sports Trophy for 6th year
from MT Athletic Communications
For the sixth time in 10 years since joining the Sun Belt
Conference, Middle Tennessee's Athletic Department has won
the Vic Bubas Cup as the top overall sports program in the league.
The award is given each year to the university that comes in first
in the Sun Belt's all-sports standings.
The Blue Raiders, who scored a conference record 148.0 total points
out of a possible 197, received their sixth trophy May 25 during
the league meetings in Destin, Fla. Middle Tennessee easily won
this year's prestigious trophy by a margin of 24.5 points
over second-place Western Kentucky. North Texas was third.
Middle Tennessee won or shared five conference championships during
the 2009-10 campaign to secure its second straight all-sports title
and third over the last four years. The Blue Raiders also won the
prestigious title in 2001, which was their first year in the SBC,
and again in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009.
Middle Tennessee is now the third school in Sun Belt history to win
the award six times. No school has won the award more since the
Blue Raiders joined the league in 2000-01.

"This trophy is a goal of ours at the start of every school
year, and it's really a culmination of the hard work of the
student athletes and their drive to compete for
championships,"; said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro.
"And, of course, we all know what a wonderful coaching staff
that we have at Middle Tennessee. With all of the great programs in
the Sun Belt Conference, this is indeed an honor to be recognized
as the best overall.
"Everyone in our athletic department, the university and
community should take great pride in this, because this was a total
team effort, and that's the great thing about an All-Sports
Championship.";
The Blue Raiders' All-Sports Championship was bolstered by
regular season titles in men's and women's basketball
and conference post-season championships in men's cross
country, volleyball and women's basketball. Additionally, two
Middle Tennessee coaches earned Sun Belt Conference Coach of the
Year honors: head Football Coach Rick Stockstill and Dean Hayes,
men's cross country coach.
The Blue Raiders aided their cause by beginning the year with a
record 47 points thanks to men's and women's cross
country, soccer, volleyball and football. Middle Tennessee saw
gains in seven sports from the previous season with football making
the most substantial jump by 5.0 points followed closely by
men's basketball with a 3.5-point increase.
Demonstrating tremendous balance, Middle Tennessee earned seven
points or more in 14 of the 17 sports it sponsors and 10 or more
points in nine sports. Points are awarded based on the number of
schools sponsoring the sport. Institutions not sponsoring a sport
do not receive points in that sport. Institutions tying for
positions split the combined points of their positions.
Middle Tennessee is the only football-playing member to win the
Bubas Cup since football became a league-sponsored sport in 2001.
The Blue Raiders do not field teams in men's and
women's swimming and diving.
Middle Tennessee sponsors men's cross country, women's
cross country, women's soccer, volleyball, football,
men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and
field, men's basketball, women's basketball,
men's golf, women's golf, men's tennis,
women's tennis, softball, men's outdoor track and
field, women's outdoor track and field, and baseball.
>>Top of Page
Hazard grant meeting is
June 16
MTSU applied for and received a Hazard-Mitigation Grant from
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, which will provide funds for
surveying buildings, identifying potential hazards and developing
strategies to counter identified hazards.
The MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Plan will allow the university to apply
for grant funds from both TEMA and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency for projects to implement the plan.
An essential component in the planning process is community
involvement, so members of the MTSU campus and surrounding
community are being invited to a public information session
Wednesday, June 16, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the Paul W. Martin
Sr. Honors Building, Room 106.
The MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Committee will be present and includes
representatives from the university's Environmental Health
and Safety Committee; Murfreesboro's fire, electric, and
water and sewer departments; Rutherford County Emergency
Management; Hastings Architecture; and MTSU Campus Planning.
For more information, contact Gerald Caudill at 615-898-2754.
>>Top of Page
Get state vehicles tested
on July 7
MTSU will conduct its annual on-site Emissions Testing Day on
Wednesday, July 7, for state-owned vehicles. Departments may bring
state vehicles to the Auto Shop beginning at 8 a.m. that day until
all vehicles are tested.
The Auto Shop will be sending out emissions coupons to departments
with state vehicles in the coming weeks.
If your department's vehicle is experiencing problems, such
as exhaust issues or muffler noises, or if the vehicle needs a
tune-up, contact Sherry York at 615-898-2415 to arrange for the
vehicle to be scheduled for service.
>>Top of Page
MTSU aerospace joins
ITT's $1.4B NextGen team
by Randy Weiler
MTSU's aerospace department is one of 33 ITT team members
involved in the Federal Aviation Administration's Next
Generation Air Transportation System to modernize the U.S. national
airspace system.
Specifically, MTSU aerospace will provide support in air traffic
management systems, human-factor research, technology assessment
and large-scale demonstrations.
ITT, Boeing and General Dynamics announced their receipt of FAA
System Engineering 2020 contracts worth up to $4.4 billion on May
26. The contract for ITT, a White Plains, N.Y.-based
high-technology engineering and manufacturing company, is $1.4
billion-plus.
"Being one of the ITT team members on this project will
enable us to be involved in cutting-edge research and concept
development that will be used to transform the national air
transportation system,"; said Dr. Wayne Dornan, MTSU aerospace
chair.
"We are very proud to be part of this team, which is
considered the 'who's who' in the aviation
industry.";
The department already had expansion plans under way before the
contracts were awarded. A $3.4 million state-of-the-art air traffic
control simulator will arrive in July and should be fully
functioning by August in the university's Business and
Aerospace Building.
Dornan said that once it's installed, this simulator will
"surpass the capabilities of the ATC simulator at NASA Ames
Research Center in California.";
Allen, Dornan, Dr. Andrienne Friedli and Gail Zlotky recently
traveled to Washington, D.C., "to present the MTSU assets and
capabilities to ITT,"; Allen said.
Friedli is a chemistry professor and interim director for special
projects in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Zlotky
is an aerospace associate professor who will serve as director of
the ATC simulator training and testing.
Allen praised the efforts of John Cothern, senior vice president in
the Division of Business and Finance; Joe Bales, vice president for
Development and University Relations; and university President
Sidney A. McPhee for their extensive efforts to secure funding for
the new equipment.
ITT officials tentatively have agreed to come to Murfreesboro in
September to view MTSU's facilities, Allen added.
Among other team members are Raytheon, United Airlines, Bell
Helicopter and Northrop Grumman. Ohio University is the only other
higher education-related team member.
>>Top of Page
Institute of
Leadership Excellence 'feels like a great life
experience'
by Randy Weiler
Julianna Hackworth, Kipp Lawton and Troy Berry are three of 30
students who were part of the recent Institute of Leadership
Excellence 2010.
The students, among the best at MTSU, heard some wisdom, insight,
challenges and success stories from alumni Murray Martin, president
of the MTSU Foundation; Kem Hinton, founding partner and design
principal at Tuck-Hinton Architects; Louis Upkins, a marketing and
branding entrepreneur; Murfreesboro internist Dr. Utpal Patel;
Micheal Burt, former teacher and coach and now CEO of Maximum
Success; and Christina Allen, president of Caliente Consulting, a
multicultural marketing firm specializing for the Hispanic
community and consumer.
From May 17 to 21, they also heard from on-campus experts like Dr.
Deana Raffo from MTSU Leadership Studies; Dr. William Respress,
Human Resource Services training manager; and Dr. John Vile, dean
of the University Honors College, which hosted the Paul W. Martin
Sr. Distinguished Program in the building that bears Martin's
name.
Additionally, they had group brainstorming and discussions with
case studies, various exercises and critiques of the
speakers' points and were challenged by the ropes course at
MTSU's Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center.
Hackworth and Lawton were most impressed by the institute's
two leaders: director Dr. David Foote, associate professor of
management and marketing, and Dr. Earl Thomas, professor of
management and marketing.
"The two most influential people were Dr. Foote and Dr.
Thomas,"; said Hackworth, a senior from Mt. Juliet, who is a
horse science major and entrepreneurship minor. "They put the
whole program together. They've taken the initiative to be
interested in students—their careers and personal
lives—and see the possibilities.";

"Dr. Foote and Dr. Thomas make the institute what it is, the
dynamics between the two,"; added Lawton, a rising senior from
Germantown and a radio/TV major. "It doesn't feel like
a class. It feels like a great life experience.";
Berry, a junior from Murfreesboro who is an electronic media
communication major, said he'll most remember "the
guest speakers, the quality of people they (Foote and Thomas)
brought in. This is something you would not get in a regular
class.";
Berry observed the "different leadership styles and paths to
success"; by the speakers. "There are a lot of

different ways to do what you want to do in life,"; he said.
"This absolutely is the best thing Earl and I do all
year,"; Foote said. "The students all are so deeply
engaged in what's going on. They're passionate about
what's going on, and they can't wait to get
more.";
The students represented about 25 disciplines from all five of the
colleges within the university.
'SEEING POSSIBILITIES'—Dr. David Foote, standing
in the photo above left, reacts as students at the 2010 Institute
of Leadership Excellence at MTSU's University Honors College
solve a challenge involving a pencil. From left above are Paige
Gober, Adam Emerson, Foote and Lee Reed. In the photo above right,
ILE students team up for research in the computer lab. From left
are Trent Brewer, Kyle Wishing, Kristen Sharpe and Ashley Williams.
photos by Georgia Dennis
>>Top of Page
Men's,
women's basketball add to coaching staffs: Fuller is former
Insell standout
Middle Tennessee Head Coach Rick Insell has announced the addition
of Alex Fuller to his staff as an assistant coach for the 2010-11
women's basketball campaign.
"What a great asset to our program,"; Insell said.
"We have a variety of different young ladies at our post
positions, which is exactly where Alex spent her career playing.
She brings a unique attitude and work ethic to the team. I am very
pleased to bring her on board and have her help continue the
tradition we have set forth.";

Fuller, a 2008 Tennessee graduate and former player for Insell at
Shelbyville Central High School, was a graduate student manager at
Kansas last season under Bonnie Henrickson. The Jayhawks finished
17-16 and advanced to the third round of the Postseason WNIT.
Fuller completed her undergraduate work at Tennessee while
lettering for four seasons for Head Coach Pat Summit. She was a
part of NCAA Championship teams in 2007 and 2008. Playing under
Insell at Shelbyville, she helped lead the Lady Eaglettes to a trio
of state titles in 2001, 2003 and 2004.
"I am really excited about coming on board and reuniting with
Coach Insell again,"; Fuller said. "I really like the
direction he is taking this program and the steps it is taking from
conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and wanting
to lead it to the Final Four and a national championship.";
>>Top of Page
Men's,
women's basketball add to coaching staffs: Moxley aims for
perimeter players
Rob Moxley joins the Blue Raider men's basketball coaching
staff after a five-year stint as the associate head coach at the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, MTSU Head Coach Kermit
Davis announced June 4.

"We are extremely excited to have Rob join the Middle
Tennessee State University basketball program,"; Davis said.
"Rob has enjoyed tremendous success at the NCAA level. He is
an outstanding coach who will be working specifically with our
perimeter players and is also one of the most respected recruiters
in our business.";
Moxley is regularly listed among the nation's top assistant
coaches in recruiting and coaching, Davis noted, adding that he
will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Blue Raider staff. Moxley
served as an assistant coach for the 49ers for seven years
(1999-2005) before accepting an assistant coaching position at
Maryland. Moxley then returned to Charlotte after one season with
the Terrapins as the associate head coach.
"I have always respected Kermit Davis as a person and as a
coach,"; Moxley said. "Kermit has done a great job of
building MTSU into a top-tier Sun Belt program, and I look forward
to helping him and his staff take the Blue Raiders to the NCAA
Tournament.
"MTSU also has great leadership under Dr. (Sidney A.) McPhee
and (Director of Athletics) Chris Massaro, and my family and I
wanted to be a part of the program's future success.";
In 2008, Moxley was ranked 44th among the nation's top 100
assistant coaches by HoopScooponline.com.
>>Top of Page
Summer enrollment
showing solid increase so far
from Staff Reports
Early projections for 2010 enrollment totals for MTSU's six
summer terms show a 6.9 percent increase from the same time in
2009, an official in the Office of Enrollment Services said.
The June 1 data provided by the Office of Records showed 9,040
students registered for classes, said Sherian Huddleston, associate
vice provost for enrollment services. This is an increase of 580
students from the same date a year ago when 8,456 were registered,
she added.
"The significant increase is at the undergraduate
level,"; Huddleston said, adding that the increase appears to
be due to the extended availability of the Pell Grant.
"This is the first summer that the Pell Grant has been
available,"; she said. "In the past, students received
Pell Grants in the fall and spring (semesters). Those enrolled this
past fall—almost 2,000 students—are eligible for a
summer Pell award.";
Huddleston said Pell funds are a federal grant awarded to students
according to an eligibility index. The money, unlike a loan, does
not have to be repaid.
She added that for Pell Grants or other financial-aid questions or
assistance, students should visit the Financial Aid Office's
website,
www.mtsuedu/financialaid
.
Final summer enrollment totals will not be known until after the
census is taken at the end of July, she said.
Last year, 8,603 students took regular and online classes during
the summer terms, Huddleston said.
Following the first fall 2010 CUSTOMS orientation session in late
May, Records Office data showed a 5.59 percent increase in expected
enrollment for the fall semester. The fall enrollment
comparison—16,459 vs. 15,589 in 2009—is a head count
increase of 870. The fall enrollment will increase with each
CUSTOMS session and as returning students register for classes.
Last fall, MTSU reported a record 25,188 enrolled when its census
information was submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents.
>>Top of Page
Conference
room named for renowned coach: A big 'Wink' for one of
the greats
from MT Athletic Communications
Former professor, author, historian and head coach E.W.
"Wink"; Midgett has been recognized by MTSU for his role
in Blue Raider athletics in the years surrounding World War II by
the naming the conference room in the Rose and Emmett Kennon Hall
of Fame in his honor.
A generous donation from Midgett's son, Don Midgett, has
provided financing for a major upgrade in the conference room. It
includes state-of-the-art chairs and a conference table with hidden
computer outlets and controls for videos and televisions in the
room.
"On behalf of the Midgett family, I am happy to honor my
father and his many coaching accomplishments at Middle Tennessee
State University,"; Don Midgett said.
Wink Midgett, who coached football and basketball at Middle
Tennessee before and after World War II, began his coaching career
in 1939 when he took the reins of the men's basketball
program. In 1940, he began coaching the Blue Raider football team,
bringing them up to a 4-4 record (which included a 6-0 win over
rival Tennessee Tech) after two previous seasons that had netted a
total of just three wins.
Midgett's teams posted winning records of 4-3-1 in 1941 and
4-2-1 in 1942, despite losing many players to WWII, and he
concluded his football coaching career in 1946 with a 5-3-1 mark.
Football was suspended during 1943 through 1945 because of the war.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, at least in terms of
long-range success, came in 1939 when he formed and coached the
very first Middle Tennessee golf team. Members of that team
included Blue Raider Hall of Famers John Bragg, Jimmy Jackson, E.K.
Patty and Gene McIntire.
Success in the Blue Raider golf program included a national
championship in 1965 and multiple conference titles and NCAA
tournament appearances. Midgett's son Dan, who has since
passed away, was a member of that winning 1965 team.
"We want to thank Don and Carolyn Midgett for their generous
donation to the Middle Tennessee athletic program on behalf of
Don's father, Coach E.W. 'Wink' Midgett,";
said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Coach Midgett was
a very successful coach in a very trying time for our university.
"This donation will allow us to upgrade what is already one
of the finest facilities on our campus, the Rose and Emmett Kennon
Blue Raider Hall of Fame.";
After his coaching career, Wink Midgett taught in the business
department at MTSU, again excelling in his area of expertise. He
taught accounting for many years, wrote the definitive textbook on
the subject and has an annual scholarship given in his name in
accounting. Midgett also has had a classroom building named for him
as well as a room in the University Honors College.
Midgett also was the author of Corkus, a collection of anecdotes,
mostly sports, from the middle Tennessee area. He and his wife,
Nell, were among the co-founders of the Stones River Country Club
following World War II.

A FITTING HONOR—Members of the Don Midgett family join
Director of Athletics Chris Massaro and MTSU President Dr. Sidney
A. McPhee at the dedication of the E.W. "Wink"; Midgett
Conference Room in the Emmett and Rose Kennon Blue Raider Hall of
Fame. Don Midgett's donation in his late father's honor
financed a major upgrade of the conference room. From left are
Jenifer Midgett Gregory, Massaro, Carolyn Gwaltney Midgett, Don
Midgett, McPhee and Jennette Midgett Sockwell.
photo by MT Athletic Communications
>>Top of Page
Faculty/Staff
Update
Appointments
Dr. Don Nelson (mathematical sciences) has been
appointed permanent chair in the Department of Mathematical
Sciences after a national search. He had been serving as interim
chair. An MTSU faculty member since 1986, Nelson was assistant
chair from 1992 to 1998 and a math professor at Louisiana College
from 1974 to 1986.
Conferences
Dr. Jacob Klerlein (math) attended the Research
Pre-Session of the annual meeting of the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics April 15-21 in San Diego.
Passages
Professor David G. LeDoux (art), 83, passed away May 25.
A professor emeritus in the Department of Art, Professor LeDoux was
employed by MTSU from September 1956 through his retirement in May
1994. He was a native of Church Point, La., and the son of the late
Edmund and Lillie Merritt LeDoux and was a graduate of Louisiana
College and Louisiana State University and did doctoral work at The
Ohio State University. He was a painter who came to Murfreesboro in
1956 to teach drawing and painting at MTSU and also was a naval
aviator and a veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife,
Pat McClain Denton LeDoux; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Paul and
Ann LeDoux of Murfreesboro; daughter, Patricia LeDoux Crichton of
Murfreesboro, daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne LeDoux Altstatt and
Marvin Altstatt of Smyrna; two stepdaughters, Leilani Denton
Spigolon of Atlanta and Jennifer Denton Wilson of Kazahkstan;
former wife, Edna Watkins LeDoux; and nine grandchildren, Russell
Crichton, David LeDoux, Dylan LeDoux, Weston LeDoux, Mary LeDoux,
Anna LeDoux, Kate Spigolon, Scott Spigolon and Abby Wilson.
Publications
Drs. Tom Brinthaupt (psychology),
Minsoo Kang and
Mark Anshel (health and human performance)
published their research article, "A delivery model for
overcoming psycho-behavioral barriers to exercise,"; in the
journal
Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2010, Vol. 11, pp.
259-266).
Dr. Michael Linton (music) wrote an article,
"Music City USA keeps on the sunny side as it dries
out,"; in the May 8 edition of
The Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Amy L. Sayward (history) has co-edited a book,
Tennessee's New Abolitionists: The Fight to End the Death
Penalty in the Volunteer State (The University of Tennessee
Press), with UT faculty member Dr. Margaret Vandiver. The book
focuses on Tennessee's death-penalty system and those who
oppose it through firsthand essays.
Public Service
Dr. Robert B. Blair (business communication and
entrepreneurship) coached the Mt. Juliet High School Health
Occupations Student Association Parliamentary Procedure Team from
December 2009 to March 2010. The Mt. Juliet team placed first in
the state-level competition on April 6 in Nashville and will
compete later this month at the HOSA national convention in
Orlando, Fla., to represent Tennessee. Blair is a professional
registered parliamentarian.
Get noticed in
The Record!
Submit your Faculty/Staff Update items and other news tips to
gfann@mtsu.edu by 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, for the June
28
Record or 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, for the July 12
Record.
>>Top of Page
Campus Calendar June 14-27,
2010
Please note: Event dates, times and locations may change after
press time. Please verify specifics when making plans.
TV Schedule: "Middle Tennessee Record";
Cable Channel 9: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+: Sundays, 1:30 p.m.
Visit
www.mtsunews.com
for other cable-outlet airtimes or
www.youtube.com/mtsunews
for a complete show archive.
Radio Schedule: "MTSU On the Record";
8 a.m. Sundays, WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcasts available anytime at
www.mtsunews.com
.
Through June 24
Photo Exhibit: "MTSU Photography 2010 Student
Show";
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday
Baldwin Photo Gallery, Learning Resources Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2085.
Through July 2
Governor's School for the Arts
Campuswide
For information, visit
www.gsfta.com
or contact: 615-898-2223.
June 14-16
4-H Walking Horse Camp
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit
www.mtsu.edu/~horsesci
or contact: 615-898-2832.
June 15-16
CUSTOMS Orientation
Business, liberal arts, mass comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit
www.mtsu.edu/customs
or contact: 615-898-2454.
Wednesday, June 16
MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Planning Public Meeting
1:30-3:30 p.m., Room 106, Honors Building
For information, contact: 615-898-2754.
June 18-19
CUSTOMS Orientation
Basic and applied sciences, education and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit
www.mtsu.edu/customs
or contact: 615-898-2454.
June 18-19
Tennessee Valley Lineman's Rodeo
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit
www.tnrodeo.com
.
June 19-27
American Ranch Horse World Championships
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit
www.americanranchhorse.net
or contact: 615-898-2832.
June 23-24
CUSTOMS Orientation
Business, liberal arts, mass comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit
www.mtsu.edu/customs
or contact: 615-898-2454.
Get noticed in
The Record !
Submit your Campus Calendar items and other news tips to
gfann@mtsu.edu by 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, for the June
28 edition of
The Record or 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, for the July 12
Record. Bookmark
The Record's 2010 deadline schedule at
www.mtsu.edu/news/Record/deadlines.shtml
.
>>Top of Page