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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Class of 2007: 'It's just begun'

by Lisa L. Rollins

A projected 940 degree candidates will graduate during the 96th annual summer commencement ceremony, MTSU officials announced.

The single-ceremony event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, in Murphy Center on the MTSU campus, with Dr. Tony Johnston, associate professor of agriscience and agribusiness and the current MTSU representative on the Tennessee Board of Regents' Faculty Subcouncil, delivering the commencement address.

Some 703 of this summer's degree candidates will be undergraduates, said Dr. Sherian Huddleston, director of records and assistant vice provost of enrollment services, with 237 students slated to graduate from the College of Graduate Studies. This total includes one graduate certificate recipient, 207 master's degrees, 24 specialist in education degrees and five doctoral-level degrees.

"Graduation marks the first day of the rest of a student's education," Johnston said of his planned message to degree candidates. "Just when we think we're 'finished' with education, we realize it's just begun."

Prior to joining the MTSU faculty in 1995, Johnston served as a full-time food quality and food assurance manager for national corporations, including Pilgrim's Pride, Tyson Foods and Ozark Salad Company, as well as a winemaker and consultant for land and business owners interested in establishing vineyards and wineries in Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia.

Born in Louisville, Ky., and reared in Texas, Johnston earned a bachelor's degree in geophysics and a Master of Science degree in food science before garnering a doctorate in food science/ enology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He also holds professional memberships in the Institute of Food Technologists, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and the Tennessee Viticultural and Oenological Society.

He has devoted professional service to a number of food science-related organizations, including serving as secretary for the Grape Research and Extension and Exchange Group in 2004-05 and 2006-07; chairman of the Southern Regional Sections of the Institute of Food Technologists in 2000-01; representative for the Institute of Food Technologists Career Guidance Committee to the National Science Teachers Association Conference in 1997; and service as a session moderator for the Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting in 2005, among other activities.

In addition to his 2006-07 tenure as president of MTSU's Faculty Senate, Johnston--whose academic research has garnered 10 education-related grants to date--has served on many university committees, including membership on the MTSU University Relations Committee (1997-99), MTSU Applied Science and Technology Partnership Taskforce (1999-2001), MTSU Democracy Project (2003-05) and MTSU Master Plan Committee (2006-07). He also is the current academic adviser for Alpha Gamma Rho, a professional/social fraternity, and Delta Tau Alpha, an agricultural honor society.
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An active member of the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1984, Johnston served as a configuration management officer in the Tactical Air and Battle Management Systems Office and test director for field-testing of a radar-modification program. He has served as an Air Force reservist since 1988 in the capacity of a logistics readiness officer, where he is a staff member of the Air Force Logistics Command Headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. He has been activated twice as a reservist since Sept. 11, 2001, and served an additional 28 months of full-time military service in the development and preparation of battle plans and war games for the command.

Dr. Jack Thomas, vice provost for academic affairs and chairman of the commencement committee, said he wanted to remind all degree candidates of the importance of appropriate dress, decorum and respect for the commencement ceremony.

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

Additionally, Thomas noted, members of the graduation committee emphasized that students who participate in commencement will be required to stay for the entire ceremony. The ceremony should last about two hours. Candidates who are planning celebration activities should be aware of this time commitment, he said.

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

At 8:30 a.m. Aug. 11, Murphy Center doors will open for the commencement ceremony. Candidates are expected to be in their assigned areas, dressed in their caps and gowns, no later than 9 a.m. Officials report that students who are not in their assigned gym 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.

Graduation information--including how to watch the graduation ceremony via streaming video the day of commencement, maps and driving directions to Murphy Center, cap-and-gown information and how to order a DVD ($10 each) of the summer ceremony--is available online at www.mtsunews.com by clicking on the "Graduation Information" button at the top center of the Web page.

For more information about receiving a degree in absentia, please visit the Records Office Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~records/grad.htm. Any additional questions about graduation may be directed to the Records Office at 615-898-2600.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

New alumni can celebrate at commencement reception

The MTSU National Alumni Association will host its second commencement reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, honoring the August 2007 graduating class.

Graduating seniors and their families are invited to the MTSU Alumni House at 2259 Middle Tennessee Blvd. to be welcomed as new members of the alumni association. Students also will have the opportunity to introduce their families to their favorite professors, advisers and staff members before the next day's commencement ceremony.

No RSVP is required to attend the commencement reception, which also will include refreshments.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend and congratulate the newest graduates.

For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 1-800-533-6878 or visit the office online at www.mtalumni.com.
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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

BRAA's $2.54M beats record in fundraising

from MT Media Relations

It's well-documented that Middle Tennessee enjoyed a banner year in athletics, as evidenced by winning its fourth Sun Belt Conference All-Sports trophy in seven years.

The payoff is also being realized from an economic standpoint: the Blue Raider Athletic Association just turned in record fundraising numbers, the current football season ticket drive is ahead of last year's pace and the football and women's basketball programs are coming off record-setting attendance seasons.

"We are coming off one of our best years athletically and academically, and our fans and supporters are responding to this success," Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "We are building the foundation for future success and we plan to exceed last year's results in 2007-08."

One of the biggest areas of success last year was in the area of fundraising, where the BRAA raised $2.54 million compared to $1.59 million in 2005-06. It set a record in 2006-07 with $835,383 raised in unrestricted monies compared to $658,281 the previous year. Also during the year, a total of 500 new donors joined the BRAA. This is critical because the BRAA is the primary provider of scholarship funding for student-athletes, officials said.

"It was a great year for us in terms of raising additional money and bringing in several new members," Associate Athletic Director Alan Farley said. "I commend the efforts of our staff and committees for their hard work in helping make all of this possible. Our fans realize this is an important time in the growth of our program, and their giving helps fund scholarships as well as enable us to improve our facilities."

Success on the field is also carrying over into season-ticket sales for the upcoming 2007 football campaign. Middle Tennessee is feeling the effects of a conference championship and bowl appearance as football season-ticket sales are up nine percent over this time a year ago.

That's a good sign, too, Massaro said, because based on previous selling trends, Middle Tennessee's new season-ticket drive generally gains momentum in early August.

"If your retirement portfolio gains nine percent annually, you would probably be pleased, or if a business turns a nine percent increase, that would probably be considered a successful year," Massaro added. "We are encouraged by this current increase because trends would indicate the number should pick up as we get into early August and closer to football season."

Success within various programs also has driven record numbers at the ticket office. For instance, the Blue Raider football team drew a school-record 22,037 fans for home games in 2006 and set a single-game home attendance mark when 32,797 watched the Blue Raiders face nationally ranked Louisville in Nashville. The average attendance in 2006 was up almost 7,000 from 2005; in 2006, 110,185 fans went through the turnstiles for the Blue Raiders' five home contests.

"We were pleased and impressed with the support of Middle Tennessee fans last season," said head Football Coach Rick Stockstill. "Fan support is so crucial when you are trying to build a program, and our fans were a big reason for the team's success in 2006."

A similar correlation can be found in women's basketball, where the best season in program history translated into the nation's sixth-best attendance increase in that sport. The Blue Raiders averaged 4,157 fans per game and set a single-game mark when 10,010 saw Middle Tennessee take on top-ranked Maryland.

Attendance also has been on the rise in men's basketball and baseball. The Blue Raider men's basketball team has averaged more than 4,000 in consecutive seasons for the first time in 15 years, while the baseball program saw the third-highest single-season attendance average in school history during 2007.

For football season tickets, please call the Middle Tennessee Ticket Office at 1-888-YES-MTSU or order online at www.goblueraiders.com.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Photo page 1

Keys to knowledge FUTURE EDUCATORS IN TRAINING--Dr. Padgett Kelly's biome analysis students await their return flight to Nashville at Miami International Airport after a week of studying marine biology in the Florida Keys. Clockwise from lower left, the education majors are senior Aaron Nuell, junior Molly Hamm, senior Lindsey Calton, sophomore Mary Eatherly and seniors Crystal Hughes, Sharese Richardson, Cara Burham, Emily Bowles, Lindsey Walker and Lance Crowell. For details on their trip, please see page 3. photo submitted

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

In Brief

NEW TRANSFER CHIEF NAMED

Michelle Blackwell, new director of transfer student services, comes to MTSU from the March of Dimes in Huntsville, Ala. She'll now be working with deans, chairs, faculty and staff to improve the transfer process, build positive relationships with community colleges, provide orientation and advising to transfer students and coordinate UNIV 2020 for transfers. She can be reached at 615-898-5728 or emblackw@mtsu.edu.

HELP SOLVE EQUIPMENT THEFT

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward up to $1,000 for information about the June 15-18 theft of copper wire, garage doors and shop lights from the Family Student Housing maintenance warehouse. Call 615-893-STOP 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Photo page 2

Recognizing excellence GREAT WORK!--Ben Jones, right, chairman of MTSU's Employee Recognition Committee, presents Linda Hall, executive secretary for the College of Education and Behavioral Science, with the latest Quarterly Secretarial/Clerical Award as Dean Gloria Bonner, left, looks on. The Employee Recognition Committee salutes staffers who make outstanding contributions and demonstrate excellence in their roles. To nominate an administrative, secretarial/clerical, classified or technical/service co-worker for the quarterly award program, download an employee recognition nomination form at hrs.web.mtsu.edu/forms/forms.html and submit it to Human Resource Services in Room 204 of the Ingram Building. Questions about the process may be directed to Trina Clinton at 615-898-5344 or any other ERC member. photo by Jack Ross

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

MT men's, women's basketball add 2 leaders:
Burg named new director of operations

from MT Media Relations

Middle Tennessee head basketball coach Kermit Davis has announced the addition of Brian Burg as director of basketball operations.

Burg begins his first season on Davis' staff after serving as an assistant coach at Western Texas College for the 2006-07 season.

"Brian is an outstanding addition to our staff, and he has already done a great job in upgrading our computer programs and taking over several other responsibilities," Davis said. "He brings a wide range of experience to this position, which has changed somewhat from what we have done in previous years."

The position was previously a graduate-assistant slot, and each of the four previous coaches who served in that capacity under Davis all landed full-time coaching jobs. Dan Weisse, who most recently held the position, accepted a job on the staff at North Dakota State.

The upgrade from graduate assistant to director of operations will allow Davis to add even more responsibilities to the post, he said.

"We've been so fortunate to have outstanding graduate assistants," Davis said. "This position will give us a chance to put more duties on one person, and it's a real good addition for us."

Burg said the opportunity to work for Davis and at the Division I level were factors for him, after working primarily at the junior college and Division III levels.

"Coaching at the Division I level has always been a goal, and this is a great opportunity to work under a highly respected coach in this profession in Coach Davis," Burg said. "I couldn't ask for a better situation. When I first came here I was amazed by the commitment Middle Tennessee has in not just the basketball program but all of its athletics. It's not often you see this kind of commitment to every sport, and I'm proud to be part of it."

A native of Houston, Texas, Burg primarily will be responsible for academics, video editing and the Blue Raiders' extensive community service programs, as well as the various tasks included in the day-to-day operation of the Middle Tennessee basketball program.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Former Shelbyville standout joins staff

Former Shelbyville standout joins staff

Middle Tennessee women's basketball coach Rick Insell has announced that former Shelbyville Central standout and University of Florida player Kim Dye will join this year's coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

Dye will be involved in all areas of the basketball program, including film exchange, on-court teaching and practice, and game preparation.

"I've really thought about getting into coaching, and I know this will be a great place to learn and get experience," Dye said. "I know what to expect having played for Coach Insell, and I know I'll be expected to work just as hard as the players and all of the other assistant coaches. That's what I want, so I can make an educated decision about whether I want to enter the coaching profession as a career."

Dye played for Insell at Shelbyville for three seasons, winning a pair of AAA state titles and garnering All-District honors as a junior and senior. The Golden Eaglettes won state championships in 2001 and 2003, compiling a 37-1 mark in 2003 and finishing the year ranked 10th in the USA Today Super 25 Girls rankings.

Dye was named the best defensive player at Shelbyville her final two years and served as team captain as a senior. The Fayetteville, Tenn., native played in the 2003 Tennessee East-West All-Star game before earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Florida.

Dye played for Coach Carolyn Peck the last four years at Florida. The Gators made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament from 2004-06, making the second round of the 64-team field in 2004.

"Kim played for me at Shelbyville and was a team player there and went on to be a big team player for four years at Florida," Insell said. "When she and Coach Peck inquired about Kim coming to Middle Tennessee, I was ecstatic. She has a lot she can share and add to our program."

During her playing career at Florida, the Gators defeated fifth-ranked Tennessee, winning the program's first-ever game over the Lady Vols and becoming the first unranked team to ever win at Thompson-Boling Arena.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Students investigate ecology of the Keys

by Randy Weiler

Ten MTSU students gained a glimpse of the current status of the Florida Keys' ecological system when they traveled there with Dr. Padgett Kelly in June.

Kelly said the weeklong biome analysis class activities included:

• kayaking through the Key Largo mangrove runs;

• snorkeling in Key Largo, Key West and the Dry Tortugas 75 miles west of Key West;

• seeing endangered key deer at Big Pine Key and No Name Key;

• feeding tarpon at Robby's Marina in Islamaroda;

• viewing injured turtles being rehabilitated at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon; and

• seeing other interesting sites and history of the Keys.

"They learned about the role of the mangroves, turtle grasses and ecology of the Keys," Kelly, professor of biology and co-director for the Center for Environmental Education, said. "They snorkeled on patch (Key Largo) and barrier (Key Largo, Key West and the Dry Tortugas) reefs. ... It was an enthusiastic group. They learned quite a bit in a short amount of time."

All 10 students will become educators when they graduate, Kelly said.

"This was the first time I had ever snorkeled. I saw sharks and stingrays that I had only seen on television. It was my kind of trip," said Crystal Hughes, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Franklin and mother of two children.

"Taking a trip like that shows you how small the world is, what we have in common and broadens your perspective," said Hughes, who added that she "will be enthusiastic" about carrying her knowledge-and lots of picturesâto the classroom.

For Lance Crowell, senior interdisciplinary studies major from Hohenwald, the trip "was a lifetime experience for me. I probably would've never been able to see that part of Florida had it not been for this class."

"I never thought I would learn as much science in a week," he added. "There's something I learned every day that can be a science lesson as well as a history lesson (when I begin to teach). It was beautiful: the coral reefs, fish, the mangroves, the sunset cruises-all of it. What I enjoyed most was the snorkeling. The snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas at Fort Jefferson was fantastic."

Molly Hamm, a junior special-education major from Lebanon, said the Keys experience will enable her to "make it come to life" when she becomes a teacher one day.

"When I teach, I'll have a visual aid and hands-on experience," said Hamm, who is teaching this summer at Northfield Elementary School in Murfreesboro.

"It's amazing all that Dr. Kelly knows. We would pass by something and he'd point out five or six things we couldn't see."

Kelly said he was "very appreciative of the administration for helping us out and making this trip possible."

He will take another group to the Keys in June 2008.

Photo page 3

YEOWCH!--Emily Bowles, a senior majoring in elementary and special education, feeds a tarpon at Robby's Marina at Islamorada, Fla., as classmate Aaron Nuell, kneeling, tries to zoom in for a photo. (Both Bowles and the fish escaped serious injury.) In the second photo, MTSU biome analysis students view turtles being rehabilitated at the turtle hospital in Key Largo. photos submitted

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Guiding young math, science whizzes can earn course credit

from Staff Reports

There is a new service-learning class available through the Experiential Learning department for fall 2007. MTSU students can earn one hour pass/fail credit by serving as group leaders with middle-school girls with the Expanding Your Horizons, or EYH, conference in the EXL 2010 or 3010 Group Leaders class.

EYH conferences are designed to nurture middle-school girls' interest in science and math courses and to encourage them to consider science- and math-based career options such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science and physical science.

MTSU students are needed to serve as group leaders to supervise, escort and encourage girls in the various math and science workshops. This service-learning class is for MTSU students in basic and applied science fields but also for those in the helping fields like education, human sciences and social work.

There is a section of this service-learning class for freshmen, as well as a section for upperclassmen.

This one hour service-learning class will provide students with:

• One hour service-learning college credit (a wonderful resume item);

• the opportunity to learn why girls are less likely to enter math and science careers;

• the opportunity to serve as a role model and leader to the middle-school girls;

• the chance to assist with professional workshops led by scientists, mathematicians and engineers;

• experience for helping majors like education, social work and human science, as well as those interested in math and science careers.

Students can go to www.mtsu.edu/~lclippar to download an EYH volunteer application or get more information.

Admission to EXL 2010 or 3010 is only by permission of the instructor. It typically takes one to three days for the student background check.

Please e-mail lclippar@mtsu.edu if you have additional questions.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Photo page 4

A little fatherly advice CUSTOM CARE--Murfreesboro homebuilder Sam Anderson, left, takes a break with his son, Zeke, a Siegel High graduate and incoming MTSU freshman who plans to major in business administration, on the steps of the James Union Building as they continue on the CUSTOMS path for new undergraduates. The final two-day CUSTOMS session for summer 2007, open to majors from all colleges, is set for Monday and Tuesday, July 30 and 31, campuswide. For more information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~customs. photo by News and Public Affairs

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Health programs await final funding OK from Congress

from Staff Reports

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved funding that will allow MTSU to address two pressing national health care needs by boosting nursing education and developing new programs to reduce childhood obesity, according to U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.

"MTSU is working to eliminate two critical health care problems in Tennessee-our nursing shortage and child obesity," said Gordon, an MTSU alumnus.

"We are facing a critical nursing shortage in this country. With this funding, MTSU will be able to graduate additional well-trained nurses to end that shortage and meet the healthcare needs of our growing population."

The Department of Health and Human Services predicts the nation will face a shortage of more than 1 million nurses by 2020.

On July 19, the House approved $200,000 for MTSU's School of Nursing in a funding bill for the Department of Health and Human Services. The Senate now must consider the measure and both houses of Congress sign off on it before the federal fiscal year ends Sept. 30.

The funds will be used for equipment to enhance the education of nursing students.

"We will be able to use this funding to purchase equipment for labs that are needed to provide students with the hands-on experience they will need in their profession," said Joe Bales, vice president for development and university relations at MTSU.

The bill also included $300,000 to enable MTSU to establish a Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth, which will develop programs to address childhood obesity in Middle Tennessee.

"Childhood obesity is a problem that has been gaining attention in recent years as it becomes more prevalent," said Gordon. "Children who are overweight are more likely to develop health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes."

According to Bales, the multidisciplinary center aims to help schools and community agencies enhance their understanding of childhood obesity, increase physical activity among youth and encourage young people to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The center will operate through the Department of Health and Human Performance within MTSU's College of Education and Behavioral Science.

"Childhood obesity is a national problem, and this center will help MTSU address an important health issue," said Bales. "We want to develop strong partnerships between the university and communities to target the problem from a multidisciplinary perspective."

Photo page 6

FILLING UP FAST--MTSU'S School of Nursing, housed in the Cason-Kennedy Nursing building (its new 23,717-square-foot addition is shown above) will benefit from federal funding proposed for nursing education equipment. Federal dollars also may establish a center to combat childhood obesity. file photo by J. Intintoli

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

New exhibit traces history of Macon festival:
CHP's expertise helps promote old-time music

By Lisa L. Rollins

With a focus on paying tribute to the beloved old-time music festival known as Uncle Dave Macon Days, the staff of The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County recently unveiled an exhibit, "Uncle Dave Macon Days: Celebrating Old-Time Music in Rutherford County."

Melissa A. Zimmerman, programming specialist for MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation, said the two-panel display offers viewers a bit of history, photographs and quotes from the earliest years of the festival to the present day.

Zimmerman said Dr. Stacey Graham, research professor for the CHP, was the project's curator. In this role, Graham researched and located the images used in the Macon exhibit and developed the accompanying text.

On display now through the end of August, the "Uncle Dave Macon Days: Celebrating Old Time Music in Rutherford County" exhibit was created to honor Macon's music legacy and Murfreesboro's historic past, including the now 30-year-old music festival.

"In the words of Uncle Dave, 'A man who can't enjoy music has no heart and very little soul,'" Zimmerman said.

Exhibit creator Graham, a native of Murfreesboro, said, "This exhibit provides some information about Uncle Dave Macon Days that will hopefully be new to many people. More importantly, it honors the old-time musical tradition of Rutherford County and the festival's role in the preservation of that tradition."

In addition to the timely Uncle Dave Macon exhibit and "Entering the Modern Era: Murfreesboro's Jazz Age," the Heritage Center currently features two other exhibits, "The Occupied City From the Nation's Capital to Neighborhood Classrooms: Rutherford County Women, Past and Present" and "Community Building Blocks: Downtown Murfreesboro's Historic Architecture."

Located at 225 W. College St., the center is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is always free. Staff members also offer guided walking tours of Murfreesboro's Public Square on the hour, with group tours available Monday through Saturday by advance reservation.

For more information on these exhibits, as well as visitors' information on area sites and cultural events, programming or tours, please contact The Heritage Center directly at 615-217-8013.

Photo page 6

PLENTY OF SOUL--Uncle Dave Macon is shown in this undated publicity photo. photo courtesy of Shacklett's Photography

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Labor-Management Conference celebrates 20 years

from Staff Reports

Labor and management is celebrating "20 years of listening, learning and leading in collaboration" this year at the Tennessee Labor-Management Conference, Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 15-17.

The conference will take place at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike in Nashville, and is expected to draw more than 500 attendees.

Professionals in labor relations, human resources and organized labor, as well as attorneys, mediators and arbitrators and those in academia may register online at www.tnlabormgmt.org or call 615-895-4166. A special conference rate for interested college students also is available.

The conference will kick off with the traditional prayer brunch led by the Rev. Becca Stephens. Program highlights will include a discussion of trends in National Labor Relations Board decisions, moderated by Harold J. Datz, senior attorney, and a peek into the future with futurist Ed Barlow.

"Labor-management participants at the August conference will have the opportunity to discuss possible solutions to problems in the health-care, pension and other workplace areas," said Dr. Barbara Haskew, director of the MTSU-headquartered Tennessee Center for Labor-Management Relations and professor of economics at MTSU. "The focus on joint problem-solving and working together makes this labor-management conference unique and generates excitement about the outcomes that such collaborations can produce."

Concurrent workshops from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. will address advanced negotiations, developing talent pools, how to prevent violence in the workplace and the legal matrix of the injured workers.

After a short break, workshops from 3:55 to 5:10 p.m. will include safety in the workplace (mediated by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Association), apprenticeship programs and innovation at work.

During the TLMC banquet, which starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, winners of the $2,000 Tennessee Labor-Management Scholarships will be announced, followed by a scholarship auction at 8:30 p.m. The scholarships encourage college students who are legal residents of Tennessee to remain in the state following their graduation and to continue pursuing a career in labor relations.

On Thursday, Aug. 16, at 1:30 p.m., following a morning golf outing, futurist Barlow will present a dynamic approach to anticipating and preparing for what's ahead. The popular arbitrators panel at 3:15 p.m. will be moderated by Haskew and will address new directions in arbitration.

The 2007 conference officers will be installed Friday morning.

Early-bird registration for individuals will be available at considerable savings until Friday, Aug. 10. Early registration for parties of five people or more will be accepted up to Wednesday, Aug. 1. For hotel and registration information, visit the conference Web site.

The statewide conference is sponsored by the nonprofit corporation, the Tennessee Labor-Management Conference, co-sponsored by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, and facilitated by the TCLMR.

The TNCLMR is a consortium of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, MTSU and the Tennessee Board of Regents. It was enacted by legislation in 1977 and is associated with MTSU through a contractual agreement. Its primary purpose is to develop and deliver educational services to labor and management throughout Tennessee.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Heritage groups create acclaimed publication;
collection's focus is freedmen's contracts in Williamson County

by Lisa L. Rollins

Members of MTSU's Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area recently partnered with Rick Warwick of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County to produce what has become an award-winning historical book.

"Freedom and Work in the Reconstruction Era: The Freedmen's Bureau Labor Contracts of Williamson County, Tennessee" is the title of the newly completed book that "is an invaluable collection of the very first labor contracts signed by former slaves as they made the transition to becoming free workers after the Civil War," said Dr. Antoinette G. van Zelm, an interpretive specialist with the Center for Historic Preservation.

The publication contains 476 labor contracts, two interpretive essays, photographs, a map, annotations, suggested readings and a comprehensive proper name index, noted van Zelm, who worked for more than a year with Warwick and CHP preservation specialist Michael Gavin to complete the book.

"The contracts bring to life the experiences of African Americans in the days following a war of unimaginable bloodshed and unparalleled social upheaval," van Zelm said of the 233-page title. "The contracts contain rich information about agricultural practices, family life, material culture, race relations and new opportunities for education."

Designed by the Office of Publications and Graphics at MTSU, "Freedom and Work in the Reconstruction Era" is one of several local cooperative efforts to collect and interpret Williamson County's black history and also fulfills the local heritage organization's mission to tell the whole story of the Civil War and Reconstruction, explained van Zelm, who was the project's coordinator and one of its co-editors.

Copies of "Freedom and Work in the Reconstruction Era: The Freedmen's Bureau Labor Contracts of Williamson County, Tennessee" are now available at a cost of $20 each from the Heritage Foundation at Five Points Post Office, 510 Columbia Ave., in Franklin.

Representatives from the Tennessee-based heritage organizations recently learned that their historic book will be honored with an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History's Leadership in History Awards program during its September ceremony.

A nonprofit professional organization headquartered in Nashville, the association has administered the Leadership in History Awards for 62 years and its awards are considered the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history, van Zelm said. Additionally, event organizers have announced that winners of the 2007 awards represent 72 organizations and individuals from throughout the United States.

"The labor-contract book was a great partnership opportunity for the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County," MTSU's Laura Holder, manager of the TCWNHA, said. "This project enabled us to bring to light powerful stories about the Freedmen's Bureau in Tennessee, and the way society was transformed after the war. The book's publication allows us to advance our mission of telling the whole story of the Civil War, including the impact of emancipation and Reconstruction across the state. We're very proud that the AASLH recognized this project with an Award of Merit."

The TCWNHA is a partnership unit of the National Park Service and is administered by the CHP at MTSU. The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is a grass-roots preservation organization committed to protecting the architectural, geographical and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County.

For more information about the publication, please contact Holder at 615-898-2947 or via e-mail at lholder@mtsu.edu.

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The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03

Events Around Campus:
Fire-alarm inspections scheduled over next 3 weeks

from Staff Reports

Don't be alarmed, just be aware! MTSU's fire-alarm inspection schedule is getting under way over the next three weeks to ensure that all safety systems are working properly before students return to classes Aug. 27.

The brief inspections won't require employees or students to leave their work areas as they would in a fire drill, organizers say; they'll just have to bear with a little noise for a moment.

"We want people to be confident in how they should respond to alarms and alerts on campus," said Chief Buddy Peaster of MTSU's Department of Public Safety. "Part of that confidence is being able to predict what they'll do when a fire alarm sounds."

The alarm inspections offer a good opportunity to take a few moments to mentally "do the drill" by reminding occupants to make sure they know at least two safety exits out of their buildings and what personal items they'd want to grab for a real emergency.

When it's an actual emergency or a true fire drill, however, staff and students will be alerted and guided to safety by their appointed building runners.

The fire-alarm inspection schedule is as follows:

• Monday, July 30: Parking Services, Wood-Stegall Center, Fairview Building, Alumni House and Office;

• Tuesday, July 31: Greek Row;

• Wednesday, Aug. 1: Lyon, Mary, McHenry, Rutledge, Cummings and Corlew Halls;

• Friday, Aug. 3: Ezell, Abernathy, Nicks, Deere and Peck Halls and McFarland Health Services;

• Monday, Aug. 6: James E. Walker Library and Felder, Wood, Clement and Gore Halls;

• Tuesday, Aug. 7: Gracy, Beasley, Smith, Sims and Judd Halls;

• Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 8-10: Monohan, Schardt and Reynolds Halls;

• Monday, Aug. 13: Co-generation Plant, Floyd Stadium;

• Tuesday, Aug. 14: Foundation House, Miller Coliseum, Horse Science;

• Wednesday, Aug. 15: Sports Hall of Fame, Student Recreation Center; and

• Thursday, Aug. 16: Extra day, if needed.

For more information about fire-alarm safety and preparedness, visit www.mtsu.news/alert4u and click on the "fire" link, or go to www.mtsunews.com and click on the bright orange and red "Do the Drill" button. You also may call 615-898-2424 with questions.

The Record, July 30, 2007, V16.03
Campus Calendar

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Campus Calendar July30 - August 13

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.

TV Schedule
"Middle Tennessee Record"
Cable Channel 9: Monday-Sunday-5 p.m.
Visit www.mtsu.edu/~proffice/ MTR.html for airtimes on 12 other cable outlets.

Through Sept. 14
Order August 2007 Commencement DVDs
For information, visit www.phillipsbookstore.com or contact: 615-898-2700.

July 30-31
CUSTOMS Orientation
All colleges and majors
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~customs or contact: 615-898-5533.

Tuesday, July 31
Eighth Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tom H. Jackson Building
For information, contact: 615-904-8462.

Thursday, Aug. 2
Blue Raider Blast: Smyrna
5:30-7:30 p.m., 135 Sugar Creek Lane in Smyrna
Free and open to the public; barbecue, $5 per plate
For information, contact: 615-898-2210.

Saturday, Aug. 4
Back to School Kick-Off Celebration for K-12 students and families
2-6 p.m., Murphy Center
Free and open to the public
For information, visit www.newschoolyear.com or contact: 615-907-9664.

Thursday, Aug. 9
Final Exams: Summer Sessions III & IV
Classes meeting M-Th

Retired Faculty/Staff Coffee
9:30-11:30 a.m., Foundation House
For information, contact: 615-898-5756.

Blue Raider Blast: Woodbury
5:30-7:30 p.m., Public Square
Free and open to the public; barbecue, $5 per plate
For information, contact: 615-898-2210.

Friday, Aug. 10
Final Exams: Summer Sessions III & IV
Classes meeting M-F

Summer 2007 AROTC Commissioning Ceremony
10 a.m., KUC Theater
For information, contact: 615-898-2470.

Commencement Reception for the August graduating class
4-6 p.m., Alumni House
For information, visit www.mtalumni.com or contact: 1-800-533-6878.

Saturday, Aug. 11
Summer 2007 Commencement
10 a.m., Murphy Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2919.

Tell us about it!
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.

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