Headlines
>>Top of Page
>>Top of Page
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Brrrrrrr! Students, staff return to classes 'invigorated'
by Randy Weiler
Students and faculty will return to campus in droves by Tuesday, Jan. 16, as MTSU spring semester classes get under way.
Enrollment could top 21,000, which would be a record for a spring semester, enrollment services officials said.
"Spring runs 5 to 7 percent below fall enrollment," said Dr. Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for enrollment services.
On Jan. 9 and after one purge for non-fee payment, 20,192 students had registered for classes, an increase of 844 from the Jan. 9, 2006, headcount of 19,348, Huddleston said.
"We'll have more students returning (from the fall semester) in the spring," she continued. "Attendance at CUSTOMS (Dec. 2) was slightly less than the previous year. Even though there were fewer people, perhaps others have done individual advising and registration, and we have more students being retained."
Prospective students still can register for classes through Wednesday, Jan. 17, and students can add classes through Friday, Jan. 19, Huddleston said, adding that students can drop any classes.
"We all expect that we will be reinvigorated during a break and will come to the new semester ready to make a wholehearted commitment to MTSU and its academic programs," said Dr. Kaylene Gebert, executive vice president and provost.
"The new year is a great time to make specific resolutions and commitments to visit the writing center, take a workshop in study skills, sign up for a library orientation workshop and schedule appointments with your spring faculty," Gebert said.
It's also an excellent time to discover or get reacquainted with various campus services offered to students.
"We'd love for faculty to be reminded that the Academic Support Center will help students connect to the academic resources on campus, and [it] will also help students who are considering changing their majors or who haven't declared one yet," said Dr. Deb Sells, associate vice provost for academic support services. The center's contact is Laurie Witherow at 615-898-2339.
"Student Support Services," added Sells, "is a federally funded TRiO program providing academic support to low-income, high-risk and first-generation students. The contact is Crickett Pimentel, director, at 615-898-5443.
"We expect to have some very promising academic progress on the part of our student-athletes to report," Sells said. "We've had amazing progress this year with the Student-Athlete Enhancement Center." The contact is Jim Rost, director, at 615-904-8492.
Another helpful avenue is Disabled Student Services, where the contact is director John Harris at 615-898-2783.
For students who have not decided on a career or major, a visit to the Career Center will be most profitable, Gebert said, adding that "our new EXL program and classes are under way, providing students with classes that have an extra experiential learning component.
"January is a good time to take stock of where you are in your career, your academic program and your life. If students have not been involved in extracurricular campus activities, there are many opportunities that will enrich your academic skills as well as your personal life."
Spring break will be March 5-10, April 25 will be the last day of classes, study day will be April 26, final exams will be April 27-May 3 and two commencements (times TBA) will be held Saturday, May 5, in Murphy Center.
Summer '07 priority registration on WebMT will be held March 19-23, with summer and fall registration unavailable March 24-April 8. Summer registration will resume April 9, and fall priority registration on the new RaiderNet system is set for April 9-20.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Resolve to follow no-smoking policy in campus facilities
While MTSU allows smoking in some areas on campus, university officials are kicking off the new semester by asking that faculty, staff, students and guests abide by the smoking policy to promote a healthy work and learning environment.
Tennessee law prohibits smoking in all buildings that are owned or operated by the state. That includes any MTSU-owned or leased buildings or vehicles, indoor facilities or athletic venues-hallways, classrooms, labs, meeting rooms, auditoriums, offices, restrooms and all other MTSU buildings and vehicles.
Outside MTSU buildings, smokers should remain at least 20 feet away from doorways, windows and ventilation systems, as well as from common walkways, entryways or gates.
Smokers also should dispose of smoking materials in appropriate containers.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Stay Up 'Til Dawn Jan. 26-27
by Randy Weiler
Since last May, a committee and what may be a record 71 teams have been working hard to raise $95,000 in MTSU's Up 'Til Dawn effort to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"Everybody's been very encouraging and very excited. We're very proud of the enthusiasm of all the teams in raising the money," said senior Meagan Flippin, an associate director of the 2007 Up 'Til Dawn, set from 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, until 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Campus Recreation Center.
"Every team's responsible for raising $600 minimum," she said.
Committee members attended a training session at St. Jude in Memphis, said Flippin, adding, "Since then, we've hit the ground running."
The annual Great Lick-A-Thon last fall, for example, generated $22,000 as of Dec. 20, Flippin said.
The finale, which will feature a beachy "lifesaver" theme, will include games, live entertainment and free food for teams and participants.
During the finale, participants also will have an opportunity to hear the stories of St. Jude patients and meet the children and families the teams and committee members have worked to help.
MTSU's Up 'Til Dawn organization is one of more than 135 college and university groups nationwide working to raise funds for St. Jude.
The student executive director is senior Jeanne Jodoin. Associate directors are Flippin and senior Sheila Umayam. Jackie Victory is adviser.
The public can attend from 7 p.m. until midnight for $5 per person, Flippin said. For more information, call 615-904-8270.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
In Brief:
PLANNING YOUR RETIREMENT? LEARN MORE AT JAN. 18 SEMINAR
MTSU staffers considering retirement are invited to a free pre-retirement seminar from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, at the North Boulevard Church of Christ, 1112 Rutherford Blvd. The Rutherford County Retired Teachers Association is once again sponsoring the seminar, and Graham Greeson, manager of research and information for the Tennessee Education Association, will be the featured speaker. TEA membership isn't required to participate, but you must be retiring under the State Retirement Plan. Cornerstone Financial Credit Union will provide refreshments from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required to ensure a seat and materials for each attendee. To save your place, call 615-907-9912 or e-mail lazyjranch@ blomond.net or apatterson@tea.nea.org by Monday, Jan. 15. You'll need to leave your name, college and phone number to make your reservation; if a spouse or guest will attend, please note that, too.
KEEPING FITNESS RESOLUTION IS EASIER WITH CAMPUS REC
Did your favorite teaching attire seem to shrink over the break? Are you dreading the three-flight trek to your Peck Hall office when classes begin? Let Campus Recreation help you regain your student-like energy levels and your wardrobe with the new Get Fit, Stay Fit program. Participants will receive a weight-room orientation, cardiovascular-room orientation, aerobics punch pass good for 26 fitness or water-exercise classes, a fitness assessment, wellness workshops and consultation with a coach/trainer. Cost is only $35 per person, and the program runs Jan. 16 through April. For more details, please visit www.mtsu.edu/~camprec or contact the Campus Rec staff at 615-898-2104.
2007 PCSW GRANT DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JAN. 19
The President's Commission on the Status of Women is accepting applications for three summer grants of $1,800 each to integrate experiences and perspectives of women into the curriculum. The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, Jan. 19. Contact Dr. Newtona "Tina" Johnson at 615-898-2705 or ntjohnso@mtsu.edu for more information.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
For the Record:
Prepare now for expanded Scholars Week April 2-6
by Dr. Andrienne Friedli
A significant amount of faculty time and effort is dedicated to scholarship, and tenure and promotion are tied to scholarship, instruction and public service. Many graduate and undergraduate students are pursuing research, innovation or other creative endeavors as part of or in addition to their curriculum requirements.
But how many of us, as students, faculty, staff and administrators, are aware of others' scholarly activity?
Scholars Week provides a chance to increase the awareness and appreciation of scholarship at MTSU. Annual Scholars Day celebrations have taken place since 2001, but new features of this year's festivities include:
- Student-centered theme: Graduate and undergraduate students, along with faculty, are encouraged to present their work. On-campus presentations are career-building learning experiences for students. For those not engaged in scholarship, Scholars Week is an introduction to the world of scholarly work and diverse presentation venues.
- Week's duration: For the first time, presentations and other activities will occur every day throughout Scholars Week. With a wide variety of events available, everyone should have a chance to participate.
- Discipline-specific organization: Organization of Scholars Week scheduling is centered on the college unit to better reflect the needs and traditions of the wide diversity of disciplines on campus.
The 2007 Scholars Week will be held April 2-6. Planned activities include talks, readings, performances, posters and multimedia performances, as well as invited speakers and luncheons.
Each college will have a designated day to showcase its scholarship, and the poster and multimedia exposition for graduate/faculty and undergraduate research will occur on the afternoon of Friday, April 6, in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.
Tentative dates featuring scholarship in each college are:
- Monday, April 2-College of Business, Hands-on Demonstrations & Scholars Week Kick-Off
- Tuesday, April 3- College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Posters
- Wednesday, April 4-College of Liberal Arts
- Thursday, April 5-Colleges of Mass Communication, Education and Behavioral Science, and Graduate Studies; Ethics Conversation Hour
- Friday, April 6-Posters and Multimedia Exposition
More details, including times and locations, may be found at www.mtsu.edu/ ~research/scholarsweek.html.
Online abstracts for poster and multimedia presentations may be submitted at http://mtsu32.mtsu.edu:11202/Scholars_Week/ScholarsForm.asp and are due Tuesday, Feb. 13. These abstracts will be reviewed and presenters notified by Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Besides presenting, how can you participate? Scholars Week is designed so that everyone on campus has an opportunity to participate in at least one event, and preferably more. All events are open to the community as well.
Faculty members are asked to use their influence in the classroom to encourage all students to take part in events during the week as observers and especially as presenters. Effective as part of classroom activities or for extra credit, Scholars Week events are good activities to include in course plans for spring. Leading by example, faculty can present scholarship in a way that students and peers outside the discipline can understand and appreciate. Faculty mentoring of students in scholarly endeavors and presentation skills is a career-building investment.
Students can visit relevant Scholars Week events and present their scholarly activities. Graduate students especially can benefit from presenting their work in an informal on-campus forum to receive feedback before presenting at trade meetings or defending theses or dissertations.
Through discussion with their peers about research, students can learn to critically assess the scholarship happening around them. Finally, they can bring colleagues, friends and even relatives to show off the projects they have been expending significant effort on.
Scholars Week is made possible through the leadership and financial support of Dr. Kaylene Gebert, executive vice president and provost.
The Scholars Week Committee is a hard-working and dynamic group with representatives from all colleges and strong support from the Office of Research and College of Graduate Studies. Please contact your college representatives or me (at afriedli@mtsu.edu) for more information or if you are willing to help.
Other committee members include Drs. Jill Austin (jaustin@mtsu.edu), Ken Blake (kblake@mtsu.edu), Robert Carlton (carlton@mtsu.edu), Pam Knox (pknox@ mtsu.edu), Will Langston (wlangsto@mtsu.edu), Diane Miller (dmiller@mtsu.edu), Robert Petersen (rpeterse@mtsu.edu), Suzanne Prevost (sprevost@mtsu.edu) and Maria Smith (massmith@mtsu.edu), and Chris Crowell (crowell@mtsu.edu), Ginger Rowell (rowell@mtsu.edu) and Norman Weatherby (weatherb@mtsu.edu).
Dr. Andrienne Friedli is professor of chemistry and assistant to the vice provost for research.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Mediation group nabs top honors
by Cristol Camacho
MTSU's Student Mediation Association will begin 2007 on a high note after its fall success at the National Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament at Drake Law School.
The team received more awards than any other participating school at nationals. They also took second place in an invitational tournament at Brenau University earlier in the fall semester.
"In our seven years of competition, MTSU has taken first place, second place three times, third place and seventh place," says Dr. Clyde Willis, professor and mediation coach. "Other schools recognize us when we are at a tournament."
Seven of the nine participants earned All-American honors as one of the top 10 mediators or attorney-client pairs. The seven are Andrea Borella, Brian Clifford, Robyn Diez, Ashley George, Jordan Sluder, Tessa Swartz and Marshall Weber.
Sluder was recognized as the top mediator in the regular competition. Clifford and Weber were awarded second place as an attorney-client pair in the championship round.
During intercollegiate events, judges rate individual members of teams. Then all individual scores are combined to decide overall university team standings. MTSU students consistently have received high recognition.
"Not only do we do well," says Willis with a chuckle, "but people like us because we are friendly and unassuming."
Student mediators study and practice the skills of helping people settle disputes in a non-confrontational manner out of court. They learn not only the overall procedure of mediation but also master the peacemaking skills of advocates for clients in mediation.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to teach students how to settle disputes in a peaceful and productive way," says Willis. "My immediate goal is to train as many students as possible and expose them to mediation."
Willis teaches Political Science 2120, an introductory course on mediation, along with advising weekly mediation association meetings.
Students learn skills in active listening, patience and negotiation along with practices such as reframing and alternate dispute resolution.
The student mediation association is sponsored by the Department of Political Science. Membership is open to all university students. For more information, contact Willis at 615-898-5457 or at cewillis@mtsu.edu.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Senior advertising major receives scholarship honoring Dr. Parente
from Staff Reports
Ann Marie Gowan, a senior advertising major, has been awarded the Parente Scholarship for 2006-2007.
Gowan, who will complete her degree in May 2007, received $750 toward tuition and fees.
The scholarship honors recently retired advertising professor Dr. Donald Parente and is funded in part by contributions from clients such as Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Shoney's, Captain D's Seafood, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, Murray Inc., Saturn Corporation, Star Transportation, Cavalry Banking, Nissan North America, Inc., Burger King Corporation, O'Charley's Inc., Fazoli's Restaurants, Mayfield Dairy, Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Captain D's and others.
Recipients must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 as well as a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in advertising courses.
They must also have provided service to the advertising program primarily through the student Ad Club and have at least two recommendations by advertising faculty.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Finds help verify York's WWI acts
by Lisa L. Rollins
A research team led by geographer Tom Nolan, a member of MTSU's geosciences faculty, and Dr. Michael Birdwell, an Alvin York scholar and member of Tennessee Tech University's history faculty, recently uncovered more than 1,400 artifacts in Ch‰tel-ChŽhŽry, France, at the site believed to be the precise location where Sgt. York earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in World War I.
Birdwell and Nolan formally announced the historic find during a joint press conference at MTSU's R.O. Fullerton Laboratory for Spatial Technology on Dec. 8 following their Nov. 12-26 expedition to France, where an international team of historians, archaeologists, geographers and interested parties joined them.
The group included French archaeologists Yves Desfosse and Olivier Brun; Belgian archaeologist Birger Stichelbaut; WWI historian Michael Kelly, a guide with Bartlett Battlefield Journeys in the United Kingdom; military artifact experts Eddie Browne and Ian Cobb of Great Britain; Frederic Castier, historian and official representative of the First Division Museum; the mayor of Ch‰tel-ChŽhŽry, Roland Destenay; the mayor of Fleville, Damien Georges, who also serves as the regional forester for the Argonne; and Jim Deppen of Nashville.
The November research expedition was the local researchers' second 2006 sojourn to France in search of the precise locale where York was credited with single-handedly capturing more than 100 German soldiers in one of the U.S. military's most storied exploits.
During the previous trip, the researchers returned with the news that they were "80 percent" certain they had located the site, but additional research and work were needed. However, their latest trip confirmed that Nolan and Birdwell were correct in their research.
"Discovery of a U.S. Army collar disk stamped '328 Infantry G,' Sgt. York's own company, added to a preponderance of evidence gathered by the team (that we had found) the location of the battle that occurred near Ch‰tel-ChŽhŽry on Oct. 8, 1918," Birdwell said.
In addition to the collar disk, the team recovered artifacts consistent with historic documents that described items discarded by German soldiers as they surrendered to York and the seven survivors of Company G. Among the items at the expedition site were German gas masks and filters, German bayonets, Mauser rifle bolts, fired German and U.S. rifle rounds and spent Colt .45 rounds.
In their efforts to locate the York battle site, the researchers called upon advanced mapping technology. Specifically, Nolan used a geographic information system, or GIS, to synthesize spatial information obtained from French and German battle maps and maps annotated by York's commanding officers, Col. G. Edward Buxton and Maj. E. C. B. Danforth, with written accounts by both German and American participants. The information was then superimposed upon the modern landscape to help the researchers focus their metal-detection fieldwork.
"While historic interpretation and surface archaeology were both important, it was geography and GIS that provided the means to interpret that information and relate it to the modern landscape," observed Nolan. "Without geography and GIS, we would not have been able to do what we did ... find the York battlefield site."
The researchers' first foray to the Argonne in March 2006 recovered enough material to indicate that the team was looking in the right place, but time constraints made it impossible to search any further.
Upon returning to Tennessee, Nolan and Birdwell continued to conduct historic and geographic research and seek expert advice from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee State Museum.
Aside from re-examining affidavits taken in 1919, as well as reviewing correspondence and significant documents from the National Archives in Washington, the researchers also discovered the burial records of the six Americans killed that fateful day-documents that played a role in refining the search area.
Additionally, Nolan said, reviewing 1929 correspondence between Buxton and Capt. Henry O. Swindler discussing the re-enactment of the battle proved crucial to locating the site.
"Although the discarded equipment, ammunition and expended cartridge cases we found have little individual historic value, their spatial relationships and patterns provide confirmation of the historic accounts of the engagement," noted Nolan, who used global positioning system technology to map the locations of the artifacts and display their relationship with other historic data.
The research team currently is identifying and cataloging the artifacts for museum placement. As a result of the team's find, French authorities intend to erect a historic marker at the location of the machine-gun nest overlooking the once-lost spot.
"They are planning to dedicate the marker next October at a ceremony to be attended by the research team and, hopefully, by representatives from the State of Tennessee and the presidents of Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee Technological University in October 2007," Birdwell said.
For more information, including research updates, please visit www.sergeantyorkproject.com.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Honors Lecture Series investigates 'Crime'
by Randy Weiler
Investigate this: "Crime-Causes, Detection, Punishment, Fact and Fiction" will be the theme for the Spring 2007 Honors Lecture Series in the University Honors College.
After honors students' study-abroad presentations Jan. 22, the lecture series will begin Monday, Jan. 29, in the amphitheater (Room 106) of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building. All lectures are scheduled from 3 p.m. until 3:55 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
"The spring lecture series represents a smorgasbord of topics with something for everyone," Dr. Phil Mathis, dean of the University Honors College, said. "Those who attend all scheduled lectures are likely to come away with a more complete understanding of the complex nature of crime as a subject, including many little-known costs to society.
"By beginning to understand the crime problem and by gaining some understanding of its causes, students and members of the Murfreesboro community will be better positioned to develop solutions to tomorrow's problems. More importantly, they will be more capable of formulating policies that will prevent many of today's problems altogether."
Dr. Jill Hague, professor of English and former interim associate dean for the honors college, and Mathis "selected the topic after vetting it through the Honors Council in the early part of 2006," he said.
"We chose the topic because perceived student interest in 'Cold Case,' 'CSI' and other TV programming that deals with crime seems to be high," Mathis said. "The topic is one with a broad impact on society, and we felt that the topic would have the potential to elicit vigorous debate, something that we always strive for in the Honors Lecture Series.
"Today, crime is an unwelcome growth industry: correction facilities, law enforcement officers, lawyers, detectives and crime laboratories continue to grow in number. Less obvious cost of crime includes the emotional impact on victims and families of victims."
The lecture series includes:
Jan. 29-"The Sociology of Crime and Punishment," presented by Dr. Andrew Austin, associate professor of social change and development chair of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay;
Feb. 5-"Sherlock Holmes: The First CSI," Dr. Bob Glenn, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services;
Feb. 12-"DNA and Crime Scene Evidence," Dr. Tammy Melton, chemistry;
Feb. 19-"The Death Penalty: If At First We Don't Succeed ...," Dr. Bill Shulman, criminal justice administration;
Feb. 26-"Crime in Film," Dr. Mark Byrnes, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts;
March 5-Spring Break (no lecture);
March 12-"Detective Fiction," Dr. Pete McCluskey, English;
March 19-"Talking to the Dead: A Forensic Anthropologist's Perspective," Dr. Hugh Berryman, sociology and anthropology;
March 26-"Causes of Crime," Dr. James Tate, psychology;
April 2-"Crime: Intervention and Prevention-What Works?", Dr. Gloria Hamilton, psychology;
April 9-"Crime and Punishment in 1940s Murfreesboro," Josh Alexander, Honors College alumnus.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Youth recording workshops sound like big success
by Gina K. Logue
If some of the students in the John Bragg Mass Communication Building look a little younger than usual this semester, they're probably enrollees in the Youth Culture and Arts Center's second slate of recording workshops.
The pilot project, which began last fall, was such a success that its creators decided to continue the program. Classes are taught by Ryan York, a 21-year-old MTSU student and teacher of guitar, bass and drums lessons at Chambers Guitars and Musical Instruments in Murfreesboro.
"A lot of the kids that know a lot about recording already are kinda self-taught, and so there's a lot of gaps that they've missed in their foundation," York says of his pupils.
For a fee of $125 per student, kids ages 12 to 17 were introduced last semester to cassette four-track recording on portable equipment in two classes each week. This semester, York plans to alternate cassette four-track instruction with digital eight-track, computer recording and electronic music. All proceeds will help pay for the equipment.
The Youth Culture and Arts Center is the brainchild of many of the same people behind the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp, which has been held on the MTSU campus for the past four years. Both the camp and the center are sponsored by Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!), a nonprofit organization. Though YCAC is a conceptual work in progress, a brick-and-mortar all-ages community-centered venue is the goal.
"Murfreesboro just has a complete void," York observes. "We've got four or five major high schools in the area, lots of kids that would like to go see their favorite bands play. There are hardly any places in Nashville, which is hard to drive up to anyway, especially if you're 15 and you're hoping Mom will take you."
In addition to shows and events, workshops in screen-printing, painting, drawing and other arts are in the planning stages.
Although none of these opportunities were available for York when he was in high school, he was lucky to be the son of two musicians who met while performing in a rock band. At age 12, York began playing music with his father. Even so, he's the first to admit that his college recording industry classes have filled a vital gap in his knowledge base.
"I see so many kids that want to get into the recording program but can't because they don't know anything about it," York says. "That's because there aren't many opportunities until you get to college to learn it."
The initial spring workshop, which is full already, will begin Jan. 18. Registration for the Feb. 15-Mar. 11 workshop will open Jan. 15 and continue through Feb. 9.
For more information, contact York at bororecording@gmail.com. To learn more about the YCAC, go to www.youthculturecenter.org. A workshop syllabus can be found by clicking on "Workshops" at the bottom of the page.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Ex-congressman teaching poli-sci
by Michelle Willard
Former Congressman Van Hilleary will teach a class in political science this spring at MTSU.
The class will be a special-topic lecture class on contemporary issues in American government, said Dr. John Vile, chairman of the university's political science department.
"I have always ... had an interest in teaching," Hilleary said. "I had several political science classes in college and have a lot to add to what is being taught with practical experience."
The Dayton, Tenn., native said he plans to blend academics, experience and timely examples to make the class enjoyable for students.
"The main thing," explained Hilleary, "is to take what the book says ... and add practical and current examples."
Hilleary taught a similar class at a Washington, D.C., college when he was in Congress and will bring his previous political experience into the classroom, Vile explained.
Hilleary's insight and experience come from representing Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District from 1995 to 2003. Since he left his congressional seat, he has made bids for two of Tennessee's top political jobs-the 2002 governor's race and the 2006 Republican U.S. Senate nomination.
Since 2004, Hilleary has split his time between living in Murfreesboro and working in Washington, D.C., lobbying for various political groups.
Students seem to be looking to the class for Hilleary's experience more than anything else.
"As a political science major who is hoping for a career in politics, I felt that taking a class taught by someone who has recent experience in the field would be beneficial to me," said MTSU senior Zack Marshall.
Marshall, 27, a self-identified Democrat, said he cares less about Hilleary's politics than his recent professional experience and insight into the current political landscape.
"We don't care about whether he's a Democrat or a Republican," Vile said of the new professor. "We're just looking for a good class."
Michelle Willard is a senior mass communication major.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Martin golf tourney planned April 17
by Randy Weiler
The Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance Golf Tournament will be held April 17 at Champions Run Golf Course in Rockvale, MTSU Chairholder Dr. Ken Hollman said recently.
Hollman told the 25-member Insurance Liaison Committee of the finalized date for the tournament, which is sponsored by the committee, when members met at Stones River Country Club.
"It (the tournament) is a lot of work in my office, but the reward is great and the pressure on our budget is greatly relieved," Hollman said. "It gives me a little bit of wiggle room on our scholarship program and other initiatives.
"We made $33,000 on the golf tournament last year, but we left some dollars on the table. We could have done better. I hope that we get more hole sponsors, which is our best hope for more revenue."
The longtime Martin chair told the executives, "We have a lot going for us. Because of this committee, the tournament is well- known and people look forward to playing in it. Also, the insurance community in Middle Tennessee is highly supportive of insurance education in general and this tournament in particular.
"It is helpful that more graduates of the program now work in insurance. Further, we play at a good venue, where the playing conditions are ideal and where we have a friend (Champions Run pro Steve Graham) and where we are wanted. We get a good deal."
Hollman said the program "will end up with 55 to 60 scholarship winners this year and pay out $45,000 to $50,000 in scholarship money."
For information about the tournament, call 615-898-2673.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
'Performing Gender' is Women's Studies conference focus
from Staff Reports
The 2007 Interdisciplinary Conference in Women's Studies, with "Performing Gender" as its embedded theme, is set Feb. 22-24 in the James Union Building and will feature noted speakers, a film series, performances and presentations of scholarly papers.
Jill Dolan, author of Presence and Desire: Essays on Gender, Sexuality, and Performance, and Utopia in Performance: Finding Hope at the Theater, will be the biennial gathering's keynote speaker.
Marissa Richmond, historian and president of the Tennessee Transgender Action Committee, will explore the permutations of "Performing Gender" by discussing transgender history, highlighting contributions of transgender leaders and organizations.
A special feature of the conference will be playwright and performance artist Deb Margolin's new full-length work. Margolin is a founding member of Split Britches Theater Company and has received an OBIE Award.
Conference registration will be $75 ($85 on-site) for nonstudents and $30 ($35 on-site) for students, unemployed and underemployed individuals. MTSU students, faculty and staff will be admitted free.
For more information, visit womenstu.web.mtsu.edu/ and click on "Women's Studies Conference."
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Martin golf tourney planned April 17
by Randy Weiler
The Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance Golf Tournament will be held April 17 at Champions Run Golf Course in Rockvale, MTSU Chairholder Dr. Ken Hollman said recently.
Hollman told the 25-member Insurance Liaison Committee of the finalized date for the tournament, which is sponsored by the committee, when members met at Stones River Country Club.
"It (the tournament) is a lot of work in my office, but the reward is great and the pressure on our budget is greatly relieved," Hollman said. "It gives me a little bit of wiggle room on our scholarship program and other initiatives.
"We made $33,000 on the golf tournament last year, but we left some dollars on the table. We could have done better. I hope that we get more hole sponsors, which is our best hope for more revenue."
The longtime Martin chair told the executives, "We have a lot going for us. Because of this committee, the tournament is well- known and people look forward to playing in it. Also, the insurance community in Middle Tennessee is highly supportive of insurance education in general and this tournament in particular.
"It is helpful that more graduates of the program now work in insurance. Further, we play at a good venue, where the playing conditions are ideal and where we have a friend (Champions Run pro Steve Graham) and where we are wanted. We get a good deal."
Hollman said the program "will end up with 55 to 60 scholarship winners this year and pay out $45,000 to $50,000 in scholarship money."
For information about the tournament, call 615-898-2673.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Radio program now free subscription on iTunes
MTSU On the Record' available every week with just a click
"MTSU On the Record," the 30-minute news program hosted by News and Public Affairs' Gina K. Logue for the last six years, airs each Sunday at 7 a.m. on WMOT-FM 89.5.
Until last January, you had to be up early every Sunday to hear it.
For nearly a year now, OTR also has been available for downloading from the Internet, something that Logue says makes it much easier for people who want to keep up with current events at MTSU.
Now, it's even easier to listen to OTR when and where you want. In December, the program became one of the many podcasts available through iTunes.
Listeners now can subscribe to the free weekly program and have it automatically downloaded to their computers. Then they can listen on a computer or transfer the program to an iPod or other MP3 player.
The OTR MP3 files may be found by opening iTunes, going to the iTunes Store, depicted at left, and searching for "Middle Tennessee State University."
They also may be accessed directly by going to www.mtsunews.com and clicking on the OTR icon on the right side of the page.
Logue also posts MTSU audio clips on the Web. These are sound bites designed primarily for downloading by radio stations, but they also may be accessed by going to the News and Public Affairs Web site, www.mtsunews.com, and clicking on the "MTSU Audio Clips" link.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
CKNB addition helps nursing school grow
by Randy Weiler
School of Nursing students may miss a class or two Friday, Jan. 19, with excused absences.
They'll be part of the dedication of the addition to the Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building, with the celebration to begin at 10 a.m. The two-story, 23,717-square foot addition is connected to the original CKNB and sits across from Tucker Theatre near the intersection of Blue Raider and Faulkinberry drives.
The campus community and general public are invited, said university President Sidney A. McPhee and Dr. Lynn Parsons, School of Nursing director.
"Students will be there," Parsons said. "It's (the addition) for the students. Suzanne Prevost (National HealthCare Chair of Excellence in Nursing), Pam Roesler (assistant professor in nursing) and I were in on the planning and design. The whole idea behind the building was that it needed to be a student-centered environment. We needed more space for them."
Added Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, "We're very excited to have the potential space to allow us to expand the program.
"Two issues that have to be dealt with are the physical space to hold larger classes and serve more students and to increase the number of nursing faculty, which is something over the next few years we can address."
Nursing, which could accommodate 36 students when Parsons joined the faculty in 1995, will grow to 64 students in the generic program plus two discretionary military slots, Parsons said. It will admit 50 students each semester beginning this fall in an accelerated program for licensed practical nurses to earn their bachelor of science degrees in nursing.
The second floor includes 12 faculty offices and a secretary/reception suite, 30-seat clinical consultation room, state-of-the-art 20-bed clinical lab with two storage areas, two informal student seating areas, a faculty lounge with a kitchen and two data-storage rooms, and restrooms.
The first floor features a 60-seat Dell computer lab classroom, a 78-seat master classroom, a classroom to accommodate 60 to 120 people, a small kitchen area, a student seminar room holding up to 18 people, and restrooms.
All of the classrooms and the clinical lab have multimedia capabilities, Cheatham said.
Community partner Christy-Houston Foundation donated more than $2 million for the building expansion and built the first CKNB that opened in 1994, Parsons said. A $736,548 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant enabled MTSU to continue construction in fall 2005. This was in addition to a $1 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2004.
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
People Around Campus: New grad's mix of music, politics aims for change
by Gina K. Logue
The slogan "Politics + Music = Love" is posted on Helen Caddes' MySpace Web site, and the song posted there by Reactor Charge, "Before It's Too Late," explains that philosophy.
"You're leading us down/A road straight to hell/With nuclear dreams/ And hints of Orwell," Caddes sings in a sly, "I-know-what-you're-up-to" tone.
This is not to say that Caddes has the impending apocalypse on her mind 24/7. Anytime she starts to take herself too seriously, all she has to do is remind herself of her first big composing credit-a catchy little number titled "My Blankie," written at the age of three.
However, this December 2006 graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science comes by her combustible combination of music and politics honestly. Her parents were Southern California English teachers and novelists who paid frequent visits to their neighbor down the street, David Lindley, a guitarist and electric violinist with Jackson Browne's band.
"My parents would go over there and the adults would go in the back area of the house," Caddes recalls.
"I would sit up in the front with the kids. There was a stand-up piano in there. I was three years old, and I would climb up on the bench."
Lindley had jammed with Browne and Linda Ronstadt on that piano, but Caddes spent so much time pounding on it that the veteran rocker gave it to her. Although Mom eventually had to sell the piano for rent money, Grandma helped Caddes continue her interest in music by giving her a guitar.
Through church choir, music camp and vocal training, Caddes mastered her style on guitar, keyboards, bass, synthesizer and voice. Along the way, her influences changed considerably. Not surprisingly, they include John Lennon, Patti Smith and former Dead Kennedys lead singer Jello Biafra.
"My favorite thing is to take what I know and take it into a new realm," Caddes says. "It's very hard to get something together that's really from the heart and not contrived ... I've never really tried to sound like anyone else."
While some say that formal musical training causes artists to lose touch with their style, Caddes insists that the only music class she took at MTSU taught her patience, confidence and dedication to the art. She credits adjunct professor Roger Hudson with showing her the way.
"Roger Hudson takes his students to a new level of understanding about music, music theory, notation, and just how to play guitar," Caddes says.
To those who just want to pick up their instruments and hit the road straight out of high school, Caddes warns that trying to sing about life before actually experiencing it can lead to quick sellouts.
"If you look at Avril Lavigne's little pre-fab pseudo-career, you've got a girl who is trying to be a rebel through corporatism," Caddes says.
"How do you do that? You can't do that! What rock was about originally was learning the conventions so you can break them!"
Since the need to pay the bills remains a reality, Caddes runs a Web design business. Even so, her worldview remains a fundamental part of her work.
"To be able to give people a place to showcase themselves and their work is always exciting," Caddes says.
"I would say the most thrilling thing is being able to work with independent businesses -not on a corporate scale, but on a person-to-person level."
She also keeps a watchful eye on the Nevada case of Kirstin Blaise Lobato, a woman appealing her conviction for the 2001 murder of a homeless man.
Lobato's advocates point to a lack of physical evidence from the crime scene and an alibi that places her 160 miles from the scene at the time of the killing. Caddes has written a song, "For Blaise," in support of Lobato.
In the meantime, she prides herself on playing benefits for groups like Special Kids and Planned Parenthood.
But can today's artists really make a widespread political difference as they did in the 1960s? Caddes says the potential to strike out in one's own way and make it mean something still exists.
"When you remember what an influence it had before music was corporatized, you see new possibilities and new potential for it in the now," Caddes says.
"The way that you get popular these days is underground because there is no 'aboveground' anymore. There's no way to break into the music business other than by going at it yourself independently."
The Record, January 15, 2007, V15.12
Campus Calendar
>>Top of Page
TV Schedule
"Middle Tennessee Record"
Cable Channel 9
Monday-Sunday-5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+
Saturdays-1 p.m.
Every Monday night
MTSU Guys & Dolls Swing Dance Club
Free dance lessons 6-7 p.m., open dancing 7-9 p.m.
Murphy Center Dance Studio A
For information, e-mail: lindyfiend@gmail.com.
Monday, Jan. 15
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
University offices closed
4-H State Hog Show
Noon, Tenn. Livestock Center
For information, contact: 865-974-7238.
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Spring 2007 classes begin
Wednesday, Jan. 17
MTSU Dames Club Meeting
Guest speaker: Debbie Bauder of Project HELP
3-4:30 p.m., Foundation House
For information, contact: 615-898-5396.
Men's Basketball vs. Arkansas State
7 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Thursday, Jan. 18
Women's Basketball vs. Arkansas State
7 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Jan. 19-21
Volunteer Nationals AMB BMX Race
Tennessee Miller Coliseum
For information, visit www.ababmx.com.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Monday, Jan. 22
Presidential Concert Series: Boston Brass
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, contact: 615-898-2493.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m.-4 p.m., KUC 322
For information, contact: 615-893-4272.
Faculty Guitar Recital: William Yelverton
8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, contact: 615-898-2493.
Jan. 26-28
Eastern Barrel Futurity Association
Tennessee Miller Coliseum
For information, visit http://ibra.us/index.shtml.
Friday, Jan. 26
Women's Tennis vs. Tennessee Tech
Noon, Bouldin Tennis Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Up 'Til Dawn
7 p.m. Friday-7 a.m. Saturday Campus Recreation Center
Public admission: $5
For information, contact: 615-904-8270.
Saturday, Jan. 27
MTSU Flute Festival
8 a.m., Wright Music Building
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~drhahn/flutefest.html.
Women's Tennis vs. UT-Martin
10 a.m., Bouldin Tennis Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Men's Basketball vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
7 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Men's Tennis vs. Western Michigan
10 a.m., Bouldin Tennis Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Women's Basketball vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
2 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Men's Tennis vs. East Tennessee
6 p.m., Bouldin Tennis Center
For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com
or contact: 615-898-2103.
Calendar Items Welcomed
Submit your campus event calendar items (at least three weeks in advance of the event, please) to gfann@mtsu.edu or via fax to 615-898-5714.
>>Top of Page
|
