On the air Inside this edition: MTSU student is anchor ‘Dr. G’ set for April 12 lecture, page 3 for national sports show Grad student’s thesis honored, page 6 see page 8 New leader for Dyslexia Center, page 7 A pledge for Honors, page 3

a publication for the Middle Tennessee State University community www.mtsunews.com • March 28, 2011 • Vol. 19/No. 18

Scholars Professional training MTSU lends Week is a hand to April 4-8 Japanese neighbors by Randy Weiler [email protected] by Gina K. Logue [email protected] TSU’s growing research initiatives will be tout- rom the moment the M ed during the annual ground began to shift Scholars Week, which will be F beneath the Japanese peo- held Monday, April 4, through ple on March 11, the MTSU com- Friday, April 8, across campus. munity began reaching across the Oral and multimedia presen- Pacific in both directions. tations, posters, The temblor set in motion a performances, a deadly tripartite catastrophe—the kickoff lunch- quake itself, the massive tsunami eon, demonstra- created by the quake and radia- ONE CHANCE FOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS—MTSU School of Agribusiness and tions and spe- tion emissions following fires and cial speakers Agriscience students participate in the third annual Ag Career Day on March 16, start- ing with a Farm Credit Services-sponsored Career Fair Workshop and Etiquette explosions at a nuclear facility in will lead to the Fukushima. Rhonda Waller, direc- Universitywide Dinner at B. McNeel’s Restaurant in downtown Murfreesboro. Speakers from the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, MTSU Career Development Center and tor of MTSU Education Abroad Exposition from Jennings A. Jones College of Business covered topics from career-fair networking tips and Student Exchange, said she 12:40 until 2:45 to the importance of job-interview dining etiquette. Shown above at the restaurant are, went to her computer immediate- p.m. April 8 on clockwise from left, senior animal-science major Jenny Roth, Ashley Searles of event ly upon hearing the news. the track level sponsor Farm Credit Services, freshman nursing major Kristen Earnest, senior “I use Facebook, and it was of Murphy agribusiness majors Laura Harrington and Andriana Jones and senior animal-science remarkably effective in getting Center. major Kate Willoughby. Shown below are, clockwise from left, agribusiness major hold of students,” Waller said. Each of Chad Hardy, animal-science major Barron Russell, criminal-justice administration “Even if I didn’t have a one- MTSU’s col- major Noah Fitzpatrick and agribusiness major Heath Evans, who are all seniors; jun- to-one interaction with them, I leges will have ior geosciences major Josh Thigpen and senior agribusiness major Blake Warren. could go to their (Facebook) its own walls. And most of them, by the photos submitted Scholars Day of time I was looking, had posted a events during the week. The message saying, ‘Hey, this is Jennings A. Jones College of going out to my friends and fami- Business will celebrate on April 4, ly. Don’t worry about me. I’m while the Colleges of Basic and OK.’” Applied Sciences and Behavioral Waller said nine MTSU stu- and Health Sciences will be the dents were in Japan at the time of focus on April 5. The College of the quake. Most have been study- Liberal Arts Scholars Day is April ing at Kansai Gaidai University, 6, and the Colleges of Mass Nagoya Gakuin University, Communication and Education Saitama University and Seinan will share April 7 as Scholars Day. Gakuin University, MTSU’s insti- “Scholars Week is a celebra- tutional partners. Of those, tion of excellence at MTSU and is Saitama is closest to the quake’s designed to highlight the core epicenter. values of quality research by our MTSU, like education-abroad students and faculty,” said Dr. colleagues at other U.S. universi- Brad Bartel, provost and execu- ties, began urging its students on tive chair of the 15-member March 17 to make immediate Scholars Week Committee. “It is a plans to return to the United signature event for our institu- States. tion.” Students in MTSU’s Author and blogger Meghan Department of Foreign See ‘Scholars’ page 5 See ‘Japanese’ page 5

Distinguished Lecture Committee IN BRIEF wants to promote appearances by

PERMIT NO. 169 NO. PERMIT nationally and internationally

MURFREESBORO TN MURFREESBORO LECTURE FUND DEADLINE known speakers discussing

U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S. Submit applications to regional, national and global

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NONPROFIT NONPROFIT Fund to bring fall 2011 speakers to online at www.mtsu.edu/nsfp/ campus by Friday, April 15. The speakerapp.shtml. www.mtsunews.com FOR THE RECORD President updates campus safety message by Dr. Sidney A. McPhee ing out for one another. for our campus officers. [email protected] For this reason, incidents that occur in adjacent And we have projects under way to signifi- neighborhoods off-campus are considered worthy cantly improve lighting across campus, particular- ver the past few weeks, we have witnessed of alert because of their proximity to MTSU. While ly in the parking lots, and add more and better two incidents that garnered attention and we do not want to unduly cause alarm, we would lights in highly travelled areas. O headlines: a Feb. 14 gun firing in front of rather err on the side of caution by alerting our We also benefit from longstanding ties with the Keathley University Center and a March 2 stab- community to a potentially dangerous situation local law enforcement. We are fortunate to have bing between roommates in an off-campus apart- than to stand by idly. These notification require- outstanding working relationships with both the ment. ments may have falsely led some to feel that crime Murfreesboro Police Department and the These recent events were not random acts of is on the rise on campus. Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, who violence; they were disagreements between people Advances in electronic media now make it pos- assist us in keeping our campus community safe. who knew each other that led to violent acts sible to utilize a number of platforms to deliver between them. Fortunately, the February incident these messages. The question has been asked: What Special attention to on-campus housing was quickly defused and resulted in a minor injury. is the difference between sending text messages, Sadly, however, one of our student athletes was lost emails and voice alerts (phone calls) and just send- More than 3,200 students, and, in some cases, in the off-campus stabbing in March. ing emails? their families, make their homes in our 21 residence The cumulative impact of these events, com- If University officials believe that there is a halls and apartments on campus. Obviously, we bined with our use of the emergency-alert system credible threat to the campus and the threat is have more influence over safety in these facilities to warn about recent matters of concern in nearby imminent, we will usually use three modes of com- than where students live away from campus. areas, has caused some to wonder whether inci- munication—text messages, emails and voice Every residential area has a 24-hours-a-day, dents such as these are common occurrences on our alerts—to expeditiously reach the members of our seven-days-a-week desk operation, where students campus. community with an immediate notification. can report suspicious behavior, voice concerns or It’s said that “perception is nine-tenths of reali- If, however, a threat is considered to represent speak with a staff member. Each of these areas also ty.” With regard to the question of student safety, a potential, but not necessarily imminent, threat to has a full-time, live-in, master’s-level area coordi- perception by some may have overshadowed the the campus, the University will nearly always use nator, who is supported by a live-in resident direc- fact that MTSU is a safe place to work, study and email alone to provide a timely warning to our stu- tor and a resident assistant staff. Each area also has visit. dents, staff and faculty. an assigned “Adopt-a-Cop.” Ironically, part of this perception has Residential facilities without a central- arisen from the very safeguards we have put ized lobby or 24-hour desk operation are in place to make our campus as safe as pos- locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week, sible. We have improved and increased the ‘MTSU is a safe place to and can only be opened by either a student- emergency-alert system use to keep our room key or using a special card-swipe community aware of incidents on our cam- work, study and live.’ reader. pus and the city neighborhoods that sur- Video cameras are strategically placed round us. These alerts, mandated by the fed- MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee in specific locations throughout the residen- eral Clery Act, are to keep you apprised of tial areas to record activity for later use if real or perceived safety concerns so that you needed. can make informed decisions. We are an open, 515-acre campus, without bor- ders and gates, connected to and surrounded by This is an important distinction: Immediate Maintaining a safe campus is a partnership the city of Murfreesboro. We partner with and rely notifications urge people to take a specific action to upon the efforts by local law enforcement to keep avoid or minimize a threat. Timely warnings We will continue to review our safety practices safe the neighborhoods that surround us. The City inform people of situations and encourage them to to make sure we are taking every possible precau- of Murfreesboro is working with area residents and be vigilant. All of these decisions must be made on tion. We ask that everyone on campus keep in mind property owners adjacent to the campus to address a case-by-case basis, and they are judgment calls our roles and responsibilities in making safe deci- recent safety issues. made by our law-enforcement and other University sions for own behavior. We all must understand Almost every major campus encounters similar officials. that we live in a complex world, and conflict can challenges with safety, and no university president happen without warning. Creating and maintain- or city mayor can guarantee a crime-free environ- Campus safety enhancements are in place ing a safe campus environment requires a partner- ment. With more than 30,000 students, faculty and ship between parents, students, faculty and staff. staff members, MTSU is the size of many towns MTSU also has its own police force, which is on I wish to thank Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy and communities in Tennessee. Our university duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This full- Bragg and Police Chief Glenn Chrisman for reach- community brings with it many of the same quali- service force provides patrol, investigations, crime- ing out to us and working on plans to increase ties found in the general population. prevention training and records management. My awareness and focus upon areas adjacent to cam- We should not allow these two senseless acts of wife and I live on campus, and when I drive pus. We at MTSU appreciate our collaboration and violence to distort our views about life and safety around the University, I have been pleased to see partnership with the city. at our University. We consider our role in creating our officers on patrol at all hours. Our police Our campus is a microcosm of our society. I and maintaining a safe campus environment to be department will continue to adjust and enhance strongly feel we must do a better job teaching peo- among our highest priorities. It requires constant patrol procedures and techniques as needed. ple how to resolve conflicts without violence. To attention, which we are providing and refining. In recent months, we have made many that end, I am forming a Universitywide committee We also see an opportunity in all of this to enhancements to improve campus safety: that will develop a series of programs on conflict develop ways to teach our community how to • We have increased the number of sworn resolution and mediation. This training will be resolve disagreements peacefully. I am pursuing a police officers to patrol the campus as well as the offered during CUSTOMS, our orientation process campuswide initiative to educate and train our stu- number of police vehicles to patrol the campus and for incoming freshmen and their parents, and as dents on conflict resolution and mediation. the number of investigators who follow up on part of a semester-long freshman-orientation actions and complaints. course. I will keep you posted on our progress. Our duty to keep you informed • We have strengthened our Campus Escort You can rest assured that whether you attend Program, which provides someone from our school, work here or have a son or daughter The federal Clery Act requires universities like Department of Public Safety to accompany students enrolled, our unfailing vigilance is for one purpose: MTSU to notify our campus communities if there is and staff to and from campus buildings at night. ensuring that the MTSU campus is not just a won- the possibility of danger stemming from incidents • We have strengthened the Adopt-a-Cop derful academic setting in which to pursue dreams, on or near campus. We want people to be informed Program, which assigns police officers to specific but also a safe place to study and work. so that they can make the best decisions about pro- on-campus areas for individualized service; and tecting themselves, remaining vigilant and watch- • We have increased and improved training

Get noticed in MTSU’s official publication! Check out (and bookmark!) The Record's 2011 deadline schedule at www.mtsu.edu/news/Record/deadlines.shtml.

page 2 The Record March 28, 2011 Midgetts pledge 1st Honors Centennial gift by Tom Tozer [email protected]

family with an extensive and influential history with Middle Tennessee State University has made a commitment to establish the A Ralph and Elizabeth Gwaltney Centennial Scholarship for the University Honors College. Don and Carolyn Midgett of Tullahoma made the commitment to MTSU for the first Centennial Scholarship earmarked for the honors program. The scholarship is named for Carolyn Midgett’s late parents. “MTSU is coming up on its 100-year celebration, and our families have been part of MTSU for 80 of those years,” Don Midgett said. Ralph Gwaltney (B.S. ’39, M.S. ’54) and Elizabeth Travis Gwaltney (B.S. ’36) both graduated from Middle Tennessee State Teachers College, which was renamed Middle Tennessee State College in 1943. Their daughter Carolyn, Don’s wife, graduated from MTSC in 1964, just before it attained “university” status in 1965. “Mr. Gwaltney stayed back and worked on the farm, which is why he started college a few years later,” Don Midgett said, explaining the couple’s time difference in receiving their bachelor’s degrees. Ralph Gwaltney, originally from Hickman County, was an officer in his senior class and a member of the “T” Club, known today as the Varsity Club. He played basketball, baseball and tennis and later coached girls’ basketball PROUD TO HELP—MTSU administrators are shown with with Don and Carolyn at Walter Hill High School and worked for many years for the U.S. Midgett, left, and Louise Parker, second from right, during the first Centennial Department of Veterans Affairs in Murfreesboro. Scholarship in Honors Luncheon at MTSU. At center is MTSU President Sidney A. Elizabeth Travis Gwaltney was born and raised in Murfreesboro. As a col- McPhee and at right is Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College. The lege student she played in the band and was a member and officer of the Glee Midgetts have committed to endow the first Centennial Scholarship earmarked for the Club. She taught in the Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City school sys- honors program for Carolyn Midgett’s late parents, Ralph and Elizabeth Travis tems for 36 years and was a charter member of the Golden Raiders. Gwaltney. Parker is the younger sister of Elizabeth Gwaltney. “We are extremely grateful to Don and Carolyn Midgett for their generos- MTSU Photographic Services photo by Andy Heidt ity,” said Joe Bales, vice president for MTSU development and university rela- tions. “For many years, they have been quietly making an impact on our cam- pus with investments that make MTSU better. This latest gift of a Centennial Dr. John Vile, Honors College dean, said the college is “especially pleased Scholars Endowment continues their family legacy of supporting their alma to be associated with a family that has already played such an important part mater and assuring that the University, as well as our students and faculty, in the history of MTSU. have the resources they need to be successful.” “We’re hoping that this gift will inspire other donors to think about mak- Don Midgett said his strong connection to the Honors College goes back to ing donations for the support of honors students,” Vile continued. the close friendship between his father, E.W. “Wink” Midgett, and Paul Martin “Traditionally, these are the students most likely to stay in school and to grad- Sr., for whom the Honors Building is named. The MTSU Honors Program offi- uate in a timely fashion. cially became a college in 1998, and the Honors Building opened in 2003. Since “Don and Carolyn have stepped forward to set an example of support that then, their friendship has been sealed in brick and mortar: Inside the Paul W. is a tribute not only to them but to the university that has been inspiring stu- Martin Sr. Honors Building is the E.W. “Wink” Midgett Classroom. dents and alumni for 100 years.” “The Honors College seemed to be an appropriate area (for the scholar- Over the years, the Midgett family has established the E.W. “Wink” ship),” Don said, who also sits on the Board of Visitors for the college as well Midgett Accounting Scholarship and the Dan E. Midgett Memorial Golf as on the MTSU Foundation Board. Scholarship, the latter for Don’s late twin brother. The Midgett Business Wink Midgett served MTSU for 40 years, founding the Department of Building, which adjoins Kirksey Old Main, and a conference room in the Business and coaching football, basketball and golf. Kennon Sports Hall of Fame both are named in Wink Midgett’s honor. “We figure there are probably 200 or more people today doing what my Centennial Scholars at MTSU will have to maintain a 3.5 GPA to continue dad did by himself back then,” Don quipped. receiving the award, officials said.

New Saudi student group sets ‘Dr. G’ plans forensic-science JUB cultural-awareness event lecture in Murphy Center

TSU’s new Saudi Students graduate student currently working r. Jan Garavaglia, focus of was a medical examiner at the Bexar Association will serve as toward his master’s degree in busi- The Discovery Health County Forensic Science Center in M host for a special campus ness administration and a native of D Channel’s award-winning San Antonio, Texas. event, “Building Bridges,” on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who is co- “Dr. G: Medical Examiner” show Among her prominent criminal Friday, April 8, to encourage cultur- founder and president of the new and a renowned forensic pathologist, investigations are the “Morning al awareness. organization. will visit MTSU on Tuesday, April Glory Funeral Home” case in The free public gathering, set “The Saudi Students 12, as the featured speaker of the Jacksonville, Fla., where bodies were from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Association wants to help orient the William M. Bass Legends in Forensic improperly han- Tennessee Room of the James Union new Saudi students at Middle Science Lectureship. dled and buried at Building, features a keynote address Tennessee State University and at Sponsored by the Forensic a mortuary, and from Patrick Ryan, president of the the English Language School to Institute for Research and Education, the Caylee Tennessee World Affairs Council American culture. In addition, we the lecture series brings respected Anthony child- and past president of the Cookeville will serve the Murfreesboro com- lecturers in forensic science to MTSU homicide case. Breakfast Rotary Club, on Saudi munity. We also would like to open each fall and spring, said Dr. Hugh She’s also the Arabia’s history and the Saudi-U.S. our doors for communication and Berryman, FIRE director. author of How Not relationship. dialogue in order to have a better Garavaglia, more commonly to Die, which edu- Also included on the agenda understanding of each other. We known as “Dr. G” thanks to her cates readers to are a photography gallery; discus- hope our friends here in town will show’s popularity, will deliver her Garavaglia prevent avoidable sions on Saudi women, the nation’s help us to build the bridges and free public lecture, “Forensic death. tourism, economy and foreign find solid ground for a peaceful Pathology: Fact and Fiction,” at In addition to FIRE, Garavaglia’s investments; entertainment and tra- world.” 7 p.m. in Murphy Center. campus visit is sponsored by the ditional dancing; and an exhibit and The group is encouraging She is the chief medical examin- MTSU Distinguished Lectures demonstration of the art of henna MTSU faculty and staff members to er for the District Nine (Orange- Committee; the College of Liberal painting. attend the event and to bring their Osceola) Medical Examiner’s Office Arts; the College of Basic and “The purpose of this club is to students to learn more about Saudi in Florida. A graduate of the St. Applied Sciences; MTSU’s sociology organize, promote and support Arabia, Alkobraish said. Louis University School of Medicine, and anthropology, biology and activities that allow an exchange of For more information about the Garavaglia is a member of the criminal-justice departments; and cultural, social and sports activities event, contact Alkobraish at National Association of Medical Phillips Bookstore. between all its members, the cam- [email protected]. Examiners and the American For more information, contact pus and city communities,” said Academy of Forensic Sciences. the FIRE offices at 615-494-7713. Abdullah Alkobraish, an MTSU Before joining the Florida office, she The Record March 28, 2011 page 3 Campus Calendar March 28-April 10, 2011

Please note: Monday, March 28 Friday, April 1 April 7 Spring Honors Lecture Series: Smith Studio April Fools’ Event dates, times and Dr. John R. Vile, “The Fourth Concert Thursday, April 7 locations may change after Amendment: The Search for 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Women’s and Gender Studies press time. Please verify Reasonableness” For information, visit Research Series: Dr. Nancy specifics when making plans. 3 p.m., Room 106, Honors www.mtsumusic.com. Rupprecht, “When Civil War Amphitheatre is Waged by Women” TV Schedule For information, visit April 2 3-4 p.m., Room 100, www.mtsu.edu/honors James Union Building or contact: 615-898-2152. Saturday, April 2 For information, contact: Clavierfest Final Concert [email protected]. March 29 7 p.m., Hinton Music Hall For information, visit Guest Piano Recital: “MTSU Out of the Blue” March 29-April 7 www.mtsumusic.com. Henning Vauth Cable Channel 9: Bachelor of Fine Arts 6 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 5 p.m. Candidates’ Exhibition: Studio 2 April 4 NewsChannel 5+ (Comcast 250): 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Todd Gallery Composers Recital of Sundays, 1:30 p.m. (opening reception 6:30- April 4-5 Electroacoustic and Acoustic Visit www.mtsunews.com for 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 28) American Association of Music: Stephen Gorbos other airtimes or For information, visit University Women Book Sale and Spencer Lambright www.youtube.com/user/MTSU www.mtsu.edu/art 11 a.m.–2 p.m., first floor, 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall OutoftheBlue for a complete or contact: 615-898-5653. Keathley University Center For information, visit show archive. For information, contact: www.mtsumusic.com. March 30 [email protected]. Radio Schedule April 10 March 30-April 2 and April 6-9 April 4-8 “MTSU On the Record” MTSU Theatre: “Rent” Scholars’ Week Sunday, April 10 8 a.m. Sundays, 7:30 nightly, Tucker Theatre For information, visit String Studio Extravaganza WMOT 89.5-FM Admission: $10 adults; http://bit.ly/MTScholarsWeek11. 3 and 5 p.m., Hinton Music Podcasts available $5 MTSU faculty, staff and Hall anytime at K-12 students; MTSU students Monday, April 4 www.mtsunews.com. admitted free with valid ID Spring Honors Lecture Series: Brass Chamber Ensembles For information, visit Dr. Phil Mathis, 7 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Sports @ Home www.mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre “From Empirical Science For information, visit or contact: 615-494-8810. to Poetry and Prose” www.mtsumusic.com. March 29-30: MTSU Softball 3 p.m., HONR 106 vs. Florida Atlantic Wednesday, March 30 For information, visit (4 p.m. and 1 p.m.) Guest and Faculty Recital: www.mtsu.edu/honors. March 31: Men’s Tennis Meredith Blecha, cello, Get noticed in The Record ! vs. DePaul, 2 p.m. and Arunesh Nadgir, piano Stones River Chamber Players April 1-3: MTSU Baseball 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Present “Happy Anniversary, vs. South Alabama For information, visit MTSU!” ubmit Campus (6, 4 and 1 p.m.) www.mtsumusic.com 7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Calendar items and April 2-3: Men’s Tennis or contact: 615-898-2493. For information, visit S other news to Sun Belt Shootout; www.mtsumusic.com. [email protected] by 3 p.m. MTSU Softball vs. South March 31 Wednesday, March 30, for Alabama (1 p.m. and noon) April 6 the April 11 edition of The April 3: Women’s Tennis Thursday, March 31 Record. Deadline to submit vs. University of Alabama- MTSU Jazz Combos Wednesday, April 6 items for the April 25 edition Birmingham, 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Off-Campus Housing Fair of The Record is 3 p.m. April 5: MTSU Softball For information, visit 11 a.m.–2 p.m., KUC Knoll Wednesday, April 13. For vs. Lipscomb, 5 p.m. www.mtsumusic.com. (rain site: KUC second floor) additional Record deadlines April 6: MTSU Baseball For information, contact: through the spring, please vs. Austin Peay, 6 p.m. April 1 615-898-5989. visit www.mtsu.edu/news/ For information, visit Record/deadlines.shtml. www.goblueraiders.com. Friday, April 1 Wednesday, April 6 First Friday Star Party: Scholars Week/SpringOUT March 28 Special Guest Charlie Warren, Keynote Speaker: “Astronomy Down Under” Meghan McCain Monday, March 28 6:30 p.m. lecture, Room 102, 7-8 p.m., Room 221, McWherter TIAA-CREF Employee Wiser-Patten Science Building; Learning Resources Center Financial Counseling Sessions followed by telescope viewing For information, visit To schedule an appointment, at the MTSU Observatory http://bit.ly/MTMeghanMcCain contact: 800-732-8353. For information, visit or contact: 615-898-5489. http://bit.ly/MTStarPartiesS11 or contact: 615-898-5946 or 898-2483.

page 4 The Record March 28, 2011 Japanese from page 1

Languages and Literature began collecting cash donations March 23 and 24around the Keathley University Center and Walker Library for the American Red Cross disaster-relief efforts in Japan. The fundraising effort, called “GENKI for Japan,” was scheduled to continue March 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the same locations. (“Genki” means “vigor and energy,” according to Dr. Priya Anath, one of the professors organizing the efforts.) Megan Erickson of Thompson’s Station, Tenn., a sophomore in MTSU’s Global Studies Program, was at Saitama when the quake occurred. “Almost all the international students … at Saitama … have independent- ly chosen to evacuate themselves from the area and move to the Kansai (western) region of Japan or fly out to their homelands,” she said in an email. Joe Plante, a junior international-relations major from La Vergne, was studying in Tokyo, where there was less damage. “People are still going to work and still doing their daily things,” he said. “There is a little apprehension about even the smallest of tremors now, though. Despite that, I don’t feel at all unsafe being here.” Another junior international-relations major, Nathan Ives of Franklin, has been studying at Nagoya Gakuin. “I, for one, am determined to weather the storm with the Japanese,” he wrote in an email. “If they deem it safe for them to continue, I must, as well. In Japanese, there is a phrase, ‘gamman suru.’ It basically means ‘to persist through hard times.’” Eight Japanese students are enrolled at MTSU, where they are keeping tabs on the calamity while trying to concentrate on their classes. HELPING HAND—A member of one of the first Japanese Red Cross Society teams to Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, who has been the catalyst for solidifying MTSU’s enter a town devastated by the March 11 tsunami radios for JRCS medical assistance. strong ties to Japan for the last 30 years, was at a conference in Tokyo when MTSU students are collecting donations in a fundraiser called “GENKI for Japan” to aid the shaking began. the American Red Cross disaster-relief efforts. “It was the biggest earthquake I had experienced in my life,” said Kawahito, professor emeritus of economics and finance and adviser to the Photo by Toshiharu Kato/Japanese Red Cross Society, via the American Red Cross president and provost for Asian affairs. He returned to the United States on March 14. Dr. David A. Schmidt, who will become MTSU’s vice provost for interna- “I walked more than one hour to get back to my hotel. All trains stopped tional affairs on April 1, was born and reared in Japan and is closely watching running immediately, and inspection by respective railway systems started. By the nation’s struggle. 9 p.m., some of the subway lines started running, partially.” “(Its) history is one of resilience and acceptance of natural calamities,” said Reporters on the scene continued to marvel at the relative absence of loot- Schmidt, who now lives in Stockton, Calif. “I am certain they will maintain ing and the relative calm that people in Japan are exhibiting under such their poise and dignity as they mourn during the aftermath and rebuild during extreme stress. the next few months and years.” “Japanese people are drilled frequently for earthquakes in schools and Erickson added, “As I passed by the president of Saitama University, we offices,” Kawahito offered as explanation. “They stayed cool, patient and bowed to each other in greeting, and, after making sure I was all right, he said cheerful … People helped each other. For example, hotels offered any available in English, ‘We are tough!’ I believe his words. Japan is a strong nation, even space for staying overnight on a cold and windy night.” after an earthquake brings it down. Japan will rise up once more.”

Adding up to success

A GREAT TEAM PLAYER—Tammie Dye, center, an information research technician in the Payroll Services Department of MTSU’s Human Resource Services, displays her plaque as the most recent Quarterly Secretarial/Clerical Award winner. Celebrating with Dye are, from left, Joyce Reed and Betty Smithson, members of the Employee Recognition Committee; Payroll Services Supervisor Lisa Jones; and Michelle Blackwell, Employee Recognition Committee chair. The ERC salutes staffers who make outstanding contributions and demonstrate excellence in their roles. Winners of the Employee of the Year Awards also receive cash awards from the MTSU Foundation. To learn more about nominating a co-worker for great job performance, go to www.mtsu.edu/hrs/relations/recog.shtml.

MTSU Photographic Services photo by J. Intintoli

Scholars from page 1

McCain, daughter of U.S. Sen. John Industry Management Program stu- • a report on the “Effect of Using and Dr. Saeed Foroudastan, mentor McCain and his wife, Cindy, will dents being mentored on industry Coping Skills and Exercise on and CBAS associate dean; and speak during the College of Liberal and academic part- Changes in Stress and Energy Among • a project by economics and Arts Day on Wednesday, April 6. nerships and from Police Officers” from Chris Dickson, a finance major Evan Totty and faculty “A Conversation with Meghan graduate student graduate student in the Department mentor Dr. Mark Owens, “Salary McCain” will start at 7 p.m. in Room Lauren Ingram and of Health and Human Performance, Caps and Competitive Balance in 241 of the Ned McWherter Learning human-sciences fac- psychology professor Dr. Thomas Professional Sports,” which looks at Resources Center. A book signing will ulty mentor Dr. Brinthaupt and HHP professor Dr. the issue in light of U.S. sports and follow her talk. Sandra Poirier on Mark Anshel; addresses whether Major League Examples of the many planned undergraduates’ • showcases of the Department of Baseball should adopt a salary cap, Scholars Week activities include: work with students Engineering Technology’s student too. • thematic project presentations in an after-school experimental vehicles on April 5 out- For a complete schedule of from interior-design classes and McCain program at side the Keathley University Center Scholars Week events, visit theatre-scene design classes; Patterson and on April 8 at Murphy Center, led http://bit.ly/MTScholarsWeek11. • presentations from Concrete Community Center in Murfreesboro; by ET grad student Bahir Alkadhimi

The Record March 28, 2011 page 5 turned kid-lit author is conference’s big hitter by Gina K. Logue ies, and his interest in baseball fiction is a focus within his greater specializa- [email protected] tion in modern American literature. The topic of Andrews’ talk will be “Suicide Squeeze: Immigration and the Art of Stealing Home.” ormer major-league pitcher Jim Rooker, a member of the 1979 World The Baseball in Literature and Culture Conference was held at Indiana Series Champion Pirates, will be the luncheon speaker for the State University from 1995 to 2006, and MTSU has hosted the gathering since F 16th Baseball in Literature and Culture Conference on Friday, April 1, in 2006. In its five years on the Murfreesboro campus, the conference has attract- the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building. ed speakers such as Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Denny The lunch is slated to begin at 12:15 p.m. McLain, Orestes Destrade, Jim “Mudcat” Grant and Rooker’s address is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. and will Ferguson Jenkins. be followed by a book signing. Embracing scholarly efforts in all fields except Rooker, who also pitched for the statistical analysis, the conference attracts academics and in a career that spanned 12 who want to express perspectives on baseball’s sig- years from 1968 to 1980, was a member of the nificant cultural impact in numerous areas, including Pirates’ broadcast team from 1981 to 1993. He also history, journalism, creative writing, popular media, worked as a baseball analyst for ESPN for four years. drama, economics and, of course, literature. Always outspoken, Rooker was compelled to put Some of the session topics include “Press-Box his money where his mouth was following a game Populations and Paradigm Shifts: Practicing Media between the Pirates and the Phillies in Philadelphia Relations in a Culture of Media Change,” “Black on June 8, 1989. After Pittsburgh jumped out to a Baseball and the Respectability Project,” “Smokey Joe 10-0 lead in the first inning, Rooker said, on-air, “If Wood: The Legend That Wouldn’t Die” and we lose this game, I’ll walk home.” “Baseball, Ballet and Botox: An Inquiry into the Propelled by homers from and Steve GETTING PLENTY OF HITS—Former major- Ethics of Doping.” Jeltz and ’s two- single, the league pitcher Jim Rooker of the Members of the MTSU community who are slat- Phillies came back for a 15-11 victory. True to his displays the fruit of his second career: children’s ed to present papers include Drs. David Cicotello, word, Rooker conducted a 300-mile walk from book author. He’ll speak at MTSU’s Baseball in associate vice provost for admissions and enrollment Philadelphia to Pittsburgh at season’s end, raising Literature and Culture Conference April 1. services; Warren Tormey, assistant professor of more than $100,000 for charity. English; Crosby Hunt, professor of speech and the- photo submitted Beginning in 2008, Rooker turned his talents to atre; Phil Oliver, professor of philosophy; Professor writing children’s books. His three published vol- Steven Walker, instructor of English; Dr. Ron umes are Matt the Bat, Kitt the Mitt and Paul the Baseball. Bombardi, chair of the Department of Philosophy; and doctoral student “Baseball has been my passion since the time I started playing the game as Michael Pagel of Johnson City. a child, and it remains that way today, sixty-some years later,” Booker writes Rooker’s address and the conference sessions are free and open to the pub- on his website, www.jimrookerbooks.com. “I hope that the words contained in lic. Cost of the luncheon is $10 for MTSU students, faculty, staff, alumni and these books will encourage youngsters everywhere to love the game as I did.” visitors, but advance reservations are requested. The breakfast speaker for the conference will be Dr. Steven Andrews, asso- For information on registration and fees, contact Tormey, the conference ciate professor of English at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Andrews, who coordinator, at 615-904-8585 or [email protected], or visit the conference website is scheduled to speak at 8:30 a.m., is a distinguished scholar of American stud- at http://bit.ly/MTBaseballConf. Foster-care Grad student earns award for thesis work

struggles are by Tom Tozer lecture topic [email protected] engqing “Zoe” Zhang, an MTSU graduate student who is now pur- ontreat College professor suing her doctorate at Dr. Paul Owen will dis- F Northwestern University, recently cuss his book, The Long M received the Conference of Southern Winter: One Man’s Journey Through Graduate Schools 2011 Master’s Thesis the Darkness of Foster Care, on Award for work done for her Master of Monday, April 4, as part of MTSU’s Science degree in mathematics at MTSU. Distinguished Lecture Series. The CSGS grants only three Master’s Owen’s free public lecture is Thesis Awards each year. The award rec- scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. April 4 ognizes clarity of style and presentation, in Rooms 109/111 of the Cason- scholarship, research methodology, con- Kennedy Nursing Building. A tributions to the field and innovative use reception is planned in the CKNB of technology in the content presentation. lobby after the “Ms. Zhang’s thesis demonstrates presentation, and that she has excellent skills in both math- copies of Owen’s ematics and statistics,” Dr. Michael Allen, book will be dean of MTSU’s College of Graduate available. Studies, said in his nomination letter. Owen is a “She has made an important contribution professor of to the body of knowledge.” Greek and Bible Zhang’s thesis, “Multivariate studies at Analysis Methods for IMS (Imaging Mass Montreat, which Spectroscopy) Data Biomarker Selection Owen is located just and Classification,” received accolades by outside Asheville, reviewers, who called it “cutting-edge” N.C. His book details his journey as EFFORT PAYS OFF—Fengqing “Zoe” Zhang, left, and Dr. Peter Cunningham, because linking spectroscopy technology associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies at MTSU, display Zhang’s an orphan through seven foster and the applied- statistical method is rel- Master’s Thesis Award from the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools. homes across three states and atively new work. encourages resilience to overcome “This makes her thesis even more photo courtesy of Dr. Don Hong difficult challenges. impressive,” Dr. Peter Cunningham, The lecture is sponsored by associate dean of the College of Graduate MTSU’s Division of Student Affairs Studies, said of Zhang’s new honor. “It is ate student at Beihang University, which is listed as one and the MTSU Distinguished the type of thing you would expect from an advanced of China’s 15 best colleges and universities, she was Lecture Fund, the Adams Chair of doctoral student. Northwestern recognized that and ranked third among 92 graduates in her department. Excellence in Health Care Services, offered her a fellowship to go there to work on her “I am very impressed by her passion for mathemat- the Center for Health and Human Ph.D.” ics and statistics as well as her self-motivated learning, Services, the MTSU Department of In his endorsement letter to the CSGS awards com- study skills and hard-working attitude,” Hong noted. “I Social Work and the Tennessee mittee, Dr. Don Hong, professor of mathematical sci- believe she will do excellent work in both courses and Center for Child Welfare. ences at MTSU, noted that from more than a dozen research projects at Northwestern University. She has For more information, contact graduate students he’s supervised in the last five years, great potential.” 615-898-2905. “Zoe is the best student I ever had.” Hong added that when Zhang was an undergradu- page 6 The Record March 28, 2011 Team prepares for All-East livestock judging

by Randy Weiler [email protected]

ollowing its success at livestock-judging competitions earlier this semester, MTSU’s Livestock Judging Team will seek more honors at the F All-East Contest April 7-9 at Penn State University in State College, Pa. “You hope you improve in every contest,” Coach Jessica Carter said. “Having competed in Texas and Mississippi already helps us to prepare for the competition in Pennsylvania,” added team member Julie Ozburn, a junior majoring in agribusiness at MTSU. “There will be some new (contest) additions, like measuring their fat and how much muscle they have. It helps us to identify a more market-acceptable animal. “It also helps us to build our skills in public speaking—to speak confi- dently—and grow in our careers.” In February, Carter’s team—composed of sophomores Holly Baggett, Lindsey Hodge, Sarah Norman and Samantha Southard, senior Monica Wilmore and Ozburn—captured a first-place award in the horse division of the Southwestern Exposition National Livestock Judging Contest in Fort Worth, Texas. They also finished fifth overall in the Dixie National Beef Judging Contest in Jackson, Miss. “We were surprised we brought home the horse trophy,” Carter said. “We were up against some of the top teams in the United States. We often compete PICKING WINNERS—MTSU’s Livestock Judging Team poses with their recent against big land-grant schools. One of those schools, Texas Tech, frequently awards. From left are sophomore agribusiness major Lindsey Hodge, senior animal- has been national champion the last couple of years.” science major Monica Wilmore, sophomore animal-science major Sarah Norman, junior Carter said the national livestock judging contest will be held in agribusiness major Julie Ozburn, sophomore animal-science major Samantha Southard, November. and team coach Dr. Jessica Carter. Not pictured is sophomore agribusiness major Holly All of the team members are students majoring in the School of Baggett. The team competes in Pennsylvania next month. Agribusiness and Agriscience and also are members of the MTSU Block and Bridle Club. MTSU Photographic Services photo by J. Intintoli

Blue Raider Battalion golf event set April 14 in Franklin

from Staff Reports than 150 golfers participate in the USA,” said Leah Hulan, a Blue Golfers will receive gift bags and [email protected] tournament,” said MTSU Cadet Raider Battalion alumna and a for- an opportunity to participate in an Justin McQueen. “This is an oppor- mer Miss Tennessee who owns auction to be held throughout the TSU’s ROTC cadets and tunity for avid golfers to play at a Grumpy’s Bail Bonds, a main event tournament. Breakfast, lunch and an Department of Military top-100 course in the country at a sponsor with the National Guard. awards’ reception will be provided. M Science will serve as host very low price.” “This program develops the best Businesses and organizations for the Blue Raider Battalion Golf The entry fee for individual and brightest Americans who con- that sponsor the tournament will Fundraiser on Thursday, April 14, at golfers is $110 each. Entire four- tribute to the glorious tradition of receive advertisement as well as the Vanderbilt Legends Club in somes can play for $440. All pro- men and women in uniform, provid- many other benefits, depending on Franklin, Tenn. ceeds will benefit student scholar- ing security for this great land,” she sponsorship level, McQueen said. The event, a scramble tourna- ships for the Blue Raider Battalion. said. “We are committed to support- For more information, call 615- ment with four-member teams, will “The MTSU Blue Raider ing these young cadets and are giv- 898-2470 or visit the website at start at 8 a.m. Battalion is building solid citizens ing our all for them. We need you to www.mtsublueraiderbattaliongolf “We are hoping to have more and leaders for the future of the join us.” fundraiser.com.

New director takes Dyslexia Center helm Health Fair

by Tom Tozer versities,” Boulware-Gooden said. ten text, Boulware-Gooden pointed planned for [email protected] “Diane is known throughout the out. It doesn’t involve comprehen- country, and the center is well- sion; students with dyslexia can r. Regina Boulware-Gooden known and respected.” understand the spoken word but are KUC on April 7 is the new director of the The new director added that she unable to fully understand informa- D Tennessee Center for the had never been to Tennessee and tion from the printed page. he MTSU School of Nursing Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at decided to chart new territory by “They know they are not per- will host its annual MTSU MTSU. taking the helm at forming up to their peers, so they T Health Fair on all three floors of She replaces Dr. Diane J. Sawyer, the MTSU center. start getting frustrated,” she said. “It the Keathley University Center, on who retired in May 2010 after 20 Boulware- hurts their self-esteem. Teachers are Thursday, April 7. years of service to MTSU. Gooden explained becoming more aware of it and are The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event will Before coming to MTSU, that one of the identifying it earlier.” feature health-related giveaways and Boulware-Gooden served for eight center’s primary The center staff helps train free health screenings from a variety years as director of research at jobs is assessing MTSU’s school-psychology students of vendors, said Christina N. Moore, Neuhaus Education Center in students who may to identify dyslexia and trains grad- president of the MTSU Student Nurses Houston, Texas, where she estab- have dyslexia. She uate assistants to assist with the test- Association. The screenings will lished a Master’s Reading Specialist said research indi- ing in schools. include tests for hearing, speech and program and master’s programs cates that 20 to 25 Boulware- “We want to streamline the test- vision, blood pressure, body-mass with partnership with both Stephen percent of the stu- Gooden ing procedures and report-writing so index, blood glucose, bone marrow F. Austin State University and dents sitting in that we can get students through the and HIV, he added. Southern Methodist University. classrooms across the nation are center faster,” Boulware-Gooden The American Red Cross will hold During a three-year hiatus from dyslexic. said. “We certainly are identifying a blood drive that day in KUC 322. Neuhaus, she was director of the “A lot of kids are struggling,” [symptoms of dyslexia] more now.” Other resource providers include reading program at the University of she said. “They don’t know why, Boulware-Gooden says she also the Vanderbilt Student Community St. Thomas, a liberal-arts school in and their parents don’t know why. wants to sponsor more workshops Health Coalition, American Heart Houston. And a lot of teachers aren’t trained for teachers and parents, noting that Association, Nashville CARES, Eating “I met Diane Sawyer at some in identifying dyslexia.” parents need to ask questions, learn Disorders Coalition of Tennessee, The national meetings, and she asked me Dyslexia is a neurological disor- strategies and find the role they can Women’s Center and the Murfreesboro if I was interested in changing uni- der that affects the decoding of writ- play in helping their children. Police Department. The Record March 28, 2011 page 7 People Around Campus MTSU student anchors national sports program by Gina K. Logue [email protected]

ach time Sarah Fryar takes to the airwaves, she reaffirms the value of hands-on experience by students preparing for challenging, fast-paced E careers. The senior from McMinnville is the anchor for “Athlon Sports Weekly Update,” which is recorded at MTSU. The short recap of the week’s top sports stories was launched in October in conjunction with the debut of Athlon Sports inserts, which are now featured in nearly 500 newspapers across the country. Nashville-based Athlon is best known for its seasonal preview magazines of professional and major college sports. The company’s game plan for “Weekly Update” is to offer the video to the newspapers that carry Athlon Sports, enabling local publications to have a stronger multimedia presence on their websites. “One minute, I had no idea what my next thing was going to be, and the next minute, I had an internship and a very promising future with the compa- ny,” Fryar says of her unique part-time job. Journalism is in Fryar’s DNA. Her father, Ron Fryar, is the publisher of The Murfreesboro Post and owner/publisher of Woodbury’s local newspaper, MAKING NEWS—”Athlon Sports Weekly Update” anchor Sarah Fryar, a senior the Cannon Courier. But the younger Fryar says her nose for news always led majoring in electronic media communication, works on a show in MTSU’s TV studio. her toward sports journalism, a field that is still trying to play catch-up in its acceptance of women. photo courtesy of Athlon Sports An admirer of ESPN’s , Fryar says she also respects that net- work’s Rachel Nichols, along with Pam Oliver of Fox and Tracy Wolfson of CBS. She is equally critical, however, of stations and networks that hire female record another program. sports reporters more for their “hotness quotient” than their knowledge and “My parents always told me, ‘When you get your license, you’re going to professionalism. learn to drive a stick shift before you drive an automatic,’” Fryar says. “I have “I am prepared each and every day to meet some guy that … tells me I’m that exact same opinion about broadcasting. You need to know how to do ‘just a girl’ and I don’t know what I’m doing,” Fryar says. “And I say, ‘Fine! everything behind the scenes before you go in front of the camera so you know Watch me!’” how everything works.” Jerry Lyles, Athlon’s senior vice president of newspaper relations, says the Lyles says the partnership between Athlon and MTSU allows his company company’s goal is to hire Fryar full-time when she graduates. to avoid costly production expenses while providing future broadcasters with “She’s very conscientious, “ Lyles says. “ She does not need a lot of guid- a preview of their profession. ance. She’s competent, creative and a good writer. It’s amazing, because you “I was surprised with the quality of the product the students put out, and don’t expect to get the complete package from a 21-year-old still in college.” the level of quality has increased,” says Lyles. “We would like to continue to Fryar writes her own scripts, and she also has experience behind the work with MTSU to help them get some good career experience that will help scenes. She says that gives her a necessary insight that results in great respect them down the road. Hopefully, some of them will be with us when they grad- for producer Kurt Mullen, a senior majoring in electronic media communica- uate.” tion, and the other MTSU students who gather at 9:30 p.m. each Monday to

Faculty/Staff Update

Tom Tozer Director, News and Media Relations Editor: Gina E. Fann, [email protected] Awards Publications

Contributors: Gina K. Logue, Paula Morton, Dr. Hugh Berryman (sociology Dr. Sonja Hedgepeth (foreign Randy Weiler, Sydney Hester, Lindsey and anthropology, Forensic Institute languages and literature), co-editor of Austin, Sydney Warneke, Kelly Ford and for Research and Education) recently Sexual Violence Against Jewish Women Susan Nogues. learned that he will receive the 2012 During the Holocaust (University Press T. Dale Stewart Award for lifetime of New England/Brandeis University Photos: MTSU Photographic Services, achievement in physical anthropolo- Press), has been on a book tour that except where noted. gy from the American Academy for included stops in New York City at Forensic Sciences. The T. Dale Stewart the Anne Frank Center, The Elizabeth Printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. Award, given annually to a single A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at Phone: 615-898-2919 recipient, is the highest honor the Brooklyn Museum and the CUNY Website: www.mtsunews.com bestowed upon a forensic anthropolo- Graduate Center. She was a panelist gist in the United States. The formal at the Sackler Center on March 20 for award presentation will be made at “Sexual Violence During the MTSU’s Office of News and Media Relations publishes The Record the AAFS annual meeting next Holocaust and Other Genocides,” a every two weeks and distributes February in Atlanta. discussion moderated by Gloria 3,500 copies free to faculty, staff, Steinem, and she participated in a friends and media outlets. Elections March 21 seminar at the CUNY Graduate Center that featured co-editor Dr. Rochelle G. Saidel, Address all correspondence to: Dr. Marisa Richmond (history) acclaimed Israeli novelist Nava Semel and Professor Gracie Porter (elemen- and Dr. Eva Fogelman, a psychologist The Record tary and special education) were and author of one of the book chap- Office of News and Media Relations elected as at-large directors on the ters. Tom H. Jackson Building 2011 board of Davidson County MTSU P.O. Box 72 Democratic Women. Dr. Jeffrey Walck (biology), 1301 E. Main St. along with his Japanese colleagues, Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37132 Media recently published a paper in The American Journal of Botany on “Seed MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution, is an equal opportunity, Dr. Arunesh Nadgir (music) was dormancy in Trillium camschatcense non-racially identifiable, educational a featured performer in a live video (Melanthiaceae) and the possible institution that does not discriminate webcast, “A Global Piano and roles of light and temperature against individuals with disabilities. Literary Salon: Beyond Bollywood,” requirements for seed germination in on WNYC’s “The Greene Space” on forests.” Feb. 24.

UR055-0311 page 8 The Record March 28, 2011