THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN CAMPUS SCENE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

VOLUME LX WINTER/SPRING 2016

A business takes flight story on page 34 Chancellor’s Dr. Robert Smith, UT Martin Interim Chancellor CORNER

The University of Tennessee at Martin received verbal notice in December 2015 of the decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to place the university on probation for the next 12 months pending corrective actions they wish us to address. In summary, the Commission Board of Trustees determined that we have not finished the documentation necessary to address five recommendations from its last campus visit. In specific terms, the university has not “closed the loop” on learning assessment. We know students receive an outstanding education at UT Martin as evidenced by regional and national rankings, successful graduates and positive contributions to the region’s economy. But, we must be more effective in proving that these outcomes are happening. The plan is to fulfill the requirements specified by SACSCOC and submit a progress report in early fall 2016. We anticipate an on-campus visit by the commission in the fall with an expectation of a new decision in December 2016 or earlier. In the meantime, here are some important facts related to this announcement: • UT Martin is accredited and will remain accredited throughout this process. Current and future students are not at risk. Federal funding and student aid are not threatened. The quality of degrees granted has not changed. • In addition, all of our program-specific accreditations (business, communications, chemistry, dietetics, education, engineering, family and consumer sciences, music, nursing, social work and veterinary health technology) remain intact. • In all five recommendations, the issue is not with the quality of our education or degrees, but with our documentation of evidence of student and institutional outcomes and how we use this evidence to improve ourselves. This action results in a one-year opportunity for us to satisfy these concerns. We will use this time to both restore and enhance the quality of our academic programs – something we were doing anyway. • We understand and appreciate the investment students and families have in a UT Martin education, and we remain fully committed to maintaining the high value of our degrees. You can be assured we are giving this 100% of our attention. More than 200 faculty and staff members have already participated in daylong sessions working on our next report. Current and future generations of students will continue to proudly call UT Martin their alma mater.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert M. Smith FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

SCOTTIE NELL HUGHES: SCENE & HEARD 28 6 NOTEWORTHY News and views Thriving in the National Spotlight from on- and off-campus By Bud Grimes 20 ATHLETICS FROM THE ARCHIVES 26 UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT 28 32 Continuing Campus Improvements By Nathan Morgan 34 THE POWERS ALUMNI NEWS BROTHERS: 48 THE REAL DEAL 50 SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMS A Business Takes Flight 56 CLASS NOTES The who, what, when By Nathan Morgan and where 40 TENNESSEE’S FIRST 56 IN MEMORY CHARTER SCHOOL Redesigning Urban Memphis

By Erin Chesnut 44 CATHY WHITEHEAD 34 You are enough!

By Erin Chesnut

www.utm.edu • 731-881-7020 a twitter.com/utmartin bfacebook.com/utmartin x instagram.com/utmartin zutmartinphotography.tumblr.com Snapchat: DiscoverUTM www.issuu.com/ut_martin 40

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 303 Administration Building, Martin, TN 38238, (731) 881-3505 Office, (731) 881-4889 TTY, Hearing Impaired, (731) 881-3507 Fax, [email protected], http://www.utm.edu/departments/equalopp/. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act), UTM’s an- nual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on or around the campus and UTM’s emergency response and evacuation procedures. You can view the report at http://www.utm.edu/departments/ finadmin/publicsafety/ annualreport.php or you may obtain a paper copy of the report by contacting the Office of Public Safety, 215 Hurt Street, Martin, TN 38238 or calling (731) 881-7777. Data on intercollegiate athletics program participation rates and financial support may be found at http://www. utm.edu/webshare/consumer_docs/09-10%20DOE-EADA%20Report.pdf and printed copies may be obtained through the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics, 1022 Elam Center, Martin, TN 38238 or by calling (731) 881-7660. E05-0425-00-015-16

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 1 the picture

UT MARTIN REUNITES VANDERBILT FOSSIL COLLECTION, OWNS LARGEST IN TENNESSEE >>> UT Martin is the new owner of the Vanderbilt University fossil collection, which contains between a quarter and a half-million specimens collected as early as the 19th century. Scientists believe many of the fossils themselves to be nearly 500 million years old. The Vanderbilt University Department of Earth and Environmental Science is home to one of the oldest geology programs in Tennessee, but the collection was relocated in recent years due to space reallocation. Dr. Michael Gibson, professor of geology at UT Martin and associate curator with the Pink Palace family of museums in Memphis, originally split the specimens between the two institutions. However, the entire collection was reunited at UT Martin shortly before the start of the fall 2015 semester. Gibson (opposite page) is shown holding a plaster cast replica of an early crocodile relative made in the early 1900s. <<<

Published semiannually by The University of Tennessee at Martin Martin, Tenn. 38238

Dr. Joe DiPietro, President The University of Tennessee System

Dr. Robert M. Smith, Interim Chancellor The University of Tennessee at Martin

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT>>> Dr. Mahmoud Haddad Andy Wilson Professor of Finance Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Charley Deal Finance is not something many people study by accident. However, Dr. Mahmoud Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations Haddad, who has taught the subject for more than three decades, did just that. Born in Jerusalem, Haddad came to the United States at the age of 19 to continue Nathan Morgan Campus Scene Editor; Assistant Director of University his education. “I started as an engineer and then I took an accounting course for Relations and Coordinator of Photographic Services the fun of it,” he said. He ultimately changed his major and received associate, Editorial Contributions bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting before going to work with the Erin Chesnut (‘12); Charley Deal (‘92, ‘96); American Family Insurance Company in Minnesota. Bud Grimes (‘78); Nathan Morgan; Ryne Rickman; “After I worked for a couple of years, I found out [accounting] was not what I Barianne Taylor (‘16) wanted to do for the rest of my life. I found the closest to that area is finance, so I Design and Layout went and got my Ph.D. in finance and I like it,” he said. David Deaton (‘10) Haddad has spent time on five continents and in dozens of countries, and can Photo Contributions truly be called a world traveler. However, he and his family have called Martin home Bud Grimes; Nathan Morgan; Katie Long; John Sellers for the past 24 years. Copy Editors Haddad originally came to UT Martin on the suggestion of a friend, and has Erin Chesnut; Bud Grimes; Barianne Taylor since helped launch the prestigious Tennessee Valley Authority Financial Portfolio Original story ideas, photo ideas and manuscripts may be Management Competition for undergraduate students, which allows them to used at the editor’s discretion. Photos and submitted works manage real stock portfolios worth $500,000. cannot be returned. Some interviews are conducted via email and other electronic means. Unless otherwise Haddad’s experience teaching and designing graduate-level courses also played noted, all towns and cities mentioned are located in a key role in creating UT Martin’s MBA program, which is consistently recognized Tennessee. Campus Scene is not a news magazine. on a national scale. “What makes UT Martin continue to have a great MBA program Comments and feedback may be directed to Nathan Morgan, Campus Scene Editor, is the [number] of our students, the selection [of students] and the type of faculty [email protected], 304 Administration Building, who are honestly committed to making the program successful and to disseminating Martin, TN 38238, 731-881-7617. information to the best of our ability to the students and to our country,” he 37,700 copies printed by Courier Printing, Nashville, TN. explained. At the end of the day, however, when the stock markets have closed, there is one thing Haddad wants to make sure his students take away from the classroom. “Education is the most valuable gift anybody can ever give you. It will stay with you forever; nobody can take it away from you because it’s within your brain,” he said. Whatever his students’ goals may be, and whether they were set on purpose or stumbled upon by accident, Dr. Mahmoud Haddad wants to help provide the tools needed to make them reality.

4 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu NOTEWORTHY 6 ATHLETICS 20 UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT 26 Scene HEARD&

UT MARTIN DELEGATION SHOWS OFF AT 46TH TISL GENERAL ASSEMBLY PAGE 18

UT MARTIN DELEGATION TAKES THREE EXECUTIVE SEATS AT 46TH TISL GENERAL ASSEMBLY >>> Twenty-four UT Martin students traveled to the 46th general assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature on Nov. 12-15 and returned with three executive council seats secured. Pictured (l-r) are Marabeth Kennedy, a junior political science major from Franklin who was elected secretary of state; John Domanski, a senior political science major from Dickson who was elected to serve as the 2016 TISL governor; and Jordan Long, a freshman political science major from Martin who will serve as speaker pro tem of the senate. <<< SCENE & HEARD (noteworthy)>>> (noteworthy)>>>

UT Martin nursing students Rhiannon Forrester (left) and Taylor Swaim, both from Martin, are pictured working in the university’s hands-on nursing laboratory. UT Martin’s student nurses are required to complete three years of clinical training before graduation, which sets them apart in the career field.

NURSING PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL RANKING >>> “It is always an honor for our program to be recognized, and The UT Martin nursing program was named one of America’s Best this recognition highlights not only the integrity of our program, Nursing Schools for the Eastern Region for 2015 by Nursejournal. but also the value of public education,” said Dr. Mary Radford, org. The UT Martin program is ranked number 31, making it the associate professor and chair, Department of Nursing. “UT Martin second-highest ranked program in Tennessee just ahead of Austin nursing students are some of the most well-rounded, competent Peay State University at number 32 and the University of Memphis and adaptable graduates because of the variety of clinical at number 35. Middle Tennessee State University took the top experiences they obtain during our unique requirement of three Tennessee slot. years of clinical rotations.” Nursejournal.org is a social community website exclusively The UT Martin Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program for nurses and health-care professionals and aims to provide is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in educational resources for those interested in the career field. This is Nursing. The department also offers a basic baccalaureate degree the first year the website has released a rankings list. to registered nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma in According to the website, 1,189 nursing programs were nursing. This program option is open to anyone with a registered evaluated for the top-100 list. Each institution was scored in five nurse’s license who meets university and departmental entrance categories: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction and requirements. value. Items such as NCLEX pass rates, program accreditations, For more information on the nursing program, contact the graduation and retention rates, financial aid and total costs, and department at 731-881-7131 or by email at [email protected]. overall professor ratings were taken into account. <<<

6 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu community collegedegreetoafour-year UTMartindegree. will alloweligiblestudentstoseamlesslytransitionfromatwo-year president, signedadualadmissionpartnershipagreementSept.18that Dr. BobSmith,UTMartininterimchancellor, andDr. Bowyer, Karen DSCC utmforever.com the student.” high-quality academicprogramat UTMartinisagreatbenefitto Dyersburg StateCommunityCollege andthentransitioningtoa 2009 haverequiredafour-year degree,sohavingagoodstartat of allthegoodjobsthathaveoccurredsincerecession2008- said Dr. BobSmith,interimchancellor. knowthat96percent “We seamless transitionfortheaccomplishmentofafour-year degree,” hours. have transferredtoDSCCwithfewerthan15college-levelsemester Students musthaveeitherstartedtheircollegecareersatDSCCor baccalaureate programcantakeadvantageofthenewagreement. Martin andmajorinaneligibleTennessee Transfer Pathway curriculum planforearningbothdegrees.” degreeprogrambyprovidingone program toaUTbachelor’s seamless andguaranteedtransitionfromaDSCCassociatedegree admission partnershipagreementSept.18thatwill“providea UT MartinandDyersburgStateCommunityCollegesignedadual SIGN DUAL ADMISSION PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT UT MARTINANDDYERSBURG STATE COMMUNITYCOLLEGE “This isabenefittobothinstitutionsbecauseitprovides “This Students atDSCCwhomeetcurrentadmissioncriteriaUT >>> [email protected]. of UndergraduateAdmissions,at 731-881-3101or agreement, contactMattBorden, UTMartinOffice university-tennessee-martin. available atUTMartin,visitwww.tntransferpathway.org/campuses/ West Tennessee area. allstudentsinthe community collegesinthefuturetobetterserve we seereallymakesadifferenceinpersistence.” with theiradviser…thatwillhelpthemmakeconnection be guaranteedofthat,beingabletogooverUTMandsitdown and thatthey’regoingtobeableusetheircreditsatUTM the frontend,knowingtheyaretakingrightstepstotransfer “Havingthatconnectionon Fultz, DSCCdeanofstudentservices. and encouragespersistencetothefour-year school,”saidLarenda their four-year schoolincreasesthatopportunityandawareness fees. their firsttwoyearsatacommunitycollegewithlowertuitionand activities aswell. attend UTMartinsportingeventsandparticipateincampus Those whoelecttopayapplicablestudentfeeswillbeable computer labsandstudentaffairsofficesbeforefulladmission. degrees. to makesuretheyaremeetingfullrequirementscompleteboth will beassignedtobothDSCCandUTMartinacademicadvisers advantages forcommunitycollegestudents.Participating students this agreementwillhavetheirinitialapplicationfeeswaived. degreeprograms. Studentstransferringunder four-year bachelor’s be guaranteedadmissiontoUTMartinasjuniorscontinuetheir requirements uponcompletionofthetwo-yearDSCCprogramwill students willbeconsidered. Students neednotbeenteringfreshmentoapply;allcurrentDSCC for dualadmission,availablethrougheitherinstitution’swebsite. of UndergraduateAdmissionsormaycompleteanapplication For moreinformation onthedualadmissionpartnership For acompletelist ofTennessee Transfer Pathway programs UT Martinplanstocreatesimilaragreementswithother “Any timeyoucanconnectacommunitycollegestudentwith Participating DSCCstudentswillalsosavemoney bycompleting Students willalsohavefullaccesstotheUTMartinlibrary, The dualadmissionpartnershipalsoprovidesseveraladditional Participating studentswhomeetUTMartinadmission Eligible DSCCstudentswillbecontactedbytheUTMartinOffice <<< W inter /S pring 2016

7 SCENE & HEARD 8

(noteworthy) SCENE & HEARD woman toholdthispositioninShelby County. <<< then re-electedtoafulleight-year termin2014.Weirich isthefirst appointment.She was August 2012tofinishherpredecessor’s 2011,afterwhichshe wasofficiallyelectedin attorney inJanuary Prosecution Unitincriminalcourt. Narcotics ProsecutionUnitanddivisionleaderfortheSpecial aschiefprosecutoroftheGangand prosecutor andserved Cecil C.HumphreysSchoolofLawattheUniversityMemphis. from UTMartinandwentontocompletealawdegreethe Center. andTomcommencement exercisesDec.12intheKathleen Elam district attorney, addressedthefall2015graduatingclassduring COMMENCEMENT WEIRICH ADDRESSES GRADUATES AT FALL BellStatePark nearDickson. Montgomery of theTennessee andKentuckyCommunicationAssociationsat Year for2015.Theawardwaspresentedduringajointconference communications, theOutstandingCommunicationEducatorof Association namedDr. Teresa Collard,associateprofessorof EDUCATOR OFTHEYEAR NAMEDOUTSTANDINGCOLLARD COMMUNICATION president, whopresentedtheaward. Educator oftheYear for2015.SheispicturedwithRuthLivingston,TCA Dr. Teresa Collard(left)wasnamedtheOutstandingCommunication T Gov. BillHaslamappointedWeirich ShelbyCountydistrict She joinedthedistrictattorney’sofficein1991asacourtroom degree Weirich, aGermantown native,earnedherbachelor’s he U niversi t y of T >>>AmyWeirich (‘87),ShelbyCounty ennessee >>>TheTennessee Communication a t M ar >>> t in C a m p u s

S c ene education fromUnionUniversityinJackson. Ill. ShealsoholdsaDoctorofEducationinleadershiphigher communication fromEasternIllinoisUniversityinCharleston, degreeinspeech and speechcommunicationamaster’s Awardin2011. 2013 andtheTCA PresidentialService Alumni Association’sOutstandingTeacher Awardin2002and Women’s Center. ShereceivedtheUniversityofTennessee National of Women inCommunicationsandisdirectoroftheUTMartin communication inprofessionalenvironments. speaking, voiceanddiction,interpersonalcommunications at UTMartinin1993.Shecurrentlyteachescoursespublic activities. Collardhasbeenamembersinceshebeganteaching across Tennessee arewelcometojoinandparticipateinTCA president. are selectedbyanassociationcommitteeappointedtheTCA candidates arenominatedbyotherassociationmembers.Winners and The awardistypicallygiventoateachingmemberofTCA, communication educationinthestateofTennessee” eachyear. “an individualwhohasmadeasignificantcontributionto Collard holdsBachelorofArtsdegreesinbothpoliticalscience asfacultyadvisertotheUTMartinchapter She alsoserves Communication facultymembersfromuniversitiesandcolleges According totheTCA website,theassociationrecognizes <<< utm.edu utmforever.com Mercee Eubank,ofGreenfield,isacurrentstudentintheUTMartinROT military experience,skillsandtrainingintosuccessfulcareersafter military with employerstohelpstudentstranslate programs andservices Friendly® Schools aretrulyaligningtheirmilitary “Our Military veteran. MediaandaNavyReserve chief productofficerfor Victory members andspouses,”saidDanielNichols, transitioning service Friendly® Schoolawardhaveexceptionallystrongprogramsfor opportunities. educationandcareer data-driven ratingsaboutpost-military membersandtheirfamilieswithtransparent, provides service graduation. resources toensuretheirsuccessbothintheclassroomandafter studentsanddedicate are doingthemosttoembracemilitary Friendly® School.Thistitleisawardedtoinstitutions that Military Spouse”publications,designatedUTMartinasa2016 “Military Media,publisherofthe“G.I.Jobs” and SCHOOL >>>Victory UT MARTINDESIGNATED A2016MILITARY FRIENDLY® “Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military institutionsearning the2016Military “Post-secondary Now initsseventhyear, Friendly® designation theMilitary C Program. <<< the Hall-Moodydays,whichmakes thisevenmoremeaningful.” traininggoingbackto This institutionhasalonglegacy ofmilitary financial aidandparticipationin theSkyhawk Veterans Association. fromadmission andtransfercreditto one supportforeverything have atremendousgroupofstaffmemberswhoprovideone-on- the perspectivesourveteransbringtotheirclassrooms,andwe and vicechancellorforacademicaffairs.“Ourfacultyappreciate campus,”said as amilitary-friendly that ourcampushasbeenrecognizedbythisnationalorganization board. independent advisory by Ernst&Young basedonmethodologyestablishedbyan spousepolicies.Thedatawasindependentlytested and military support oncampus,graduationandemploymentoutcomes, of morethan100questionsin10categories,includingmilitary graduation.” “I amproud,particularlyhavingretiredfromtheAirForce myself, Institutions competed for thisdesignation by completing a survey Dr. JeraldOgg(‘76) W inter /S pring , provost 2016

9 SCENE & HEARD 10 could doafter(mychildren)went tobedorwhentheytooknaps Martin campus. Master ofBusinessAdministration degreeofferedthroughtheUT schedule alreadyimpactedthem.” Thenshelookedintotheonline on myschedulethatdidn’timpactkidsanymorethanwork two decades.“As aworkingmom,Ineededsomethingcoulddo degreeseemedlikeanimpossibilityforthebetterpartof a master’s Tennessean,”every sheexplained. the impactofUniversityTennessee isonthestateand campuses andinstitutesacrossthestatetoreallytalkaboutwhat and challenging. marketing fortheUTSystem,apositionshecallsbothrewarding away.” birth ofyourchildorgivecondolenceswhenmompassed surreal whenoneofthemwouldcallandcongratulateyouonthe people thatIreallygrewupadmiring,”shesaid.“Itwasvery Fulmer andPat HeadSummitt. relationships withVolunteer legends,includingheadcoachesPhillip the university’sathleticdepartmentandfoundherselfdeveloping alma materasassistantathleticdirectorforpublicrelationsin community,” sheadded. chance tofeellikeyouwereembeddingsomethinggreatinthe the aspectsofmarketingandpublicrelationstoreallyget presence inthearea.“Itwasagreatopportunitytoreallylearnall the newteaminNashvilleandplantseedsforathrivingNHL think thatresonatedwithsomefolks.”Carpenterhelpedestablish hockey –anon-traditionalsportintheSouth. toteachNashvilliansabout team inNashville.Sherecallstrying career inpublicrelationsbyhelpinglaunchthePredatorshockey alumna, crossedherfirstgraduationstagein1996andbegana programthatfitintoherlifeandfamilyatUTMartin. master’s or alreadyestablishedcareers.Tiffany Carpenter, however, founda school canbedifficult,especiallyforthosewhohavefamiliesand/ DEGREE AT UTMARTIN UT SYSTEMMARKETINGEXECUTIVECOMPLETESSECOND

( SCENE & HEARD T “The UTMartinprogramfitmyneeds. …It wassomethingI “The With suchahigh-stresscareerandtwochildrenathome,earning “In mypositionIgettheopportunitytoworkwithallofour asassistantvicepresidentfor Carpenter iscurrentlyserving “It wasahugeopportunityformetogetworkwithsome After leavingNashville,Carpenterbeganworkingwithher comparedittoNASCARonice,”shesaid,“andIreally “We Carpenter, aBristolnativeandUniversityofTennessee, Knoxville, he noteworthy U niversi t y of T ennessee >>> Thedecisiontogoback a t M ) ar t >>> in C a m p u s

S c ene <<< Television.at Jewelry They havetwodaughters,EmilyandAvery. on Dec.12.Herhusband,Allen, is vicepresidentofaccounting andTomcommencement exercisesintheKathleen ElamCenter with honors.” all ofthatbecauseit,”shesaid.“Iactuallyendedupgraduating Ilearnedwasthatactuallybetterat graduate school.“What degree andaskedherselfifshecouldreallyjugglework,family Carpenter hadsomenormalconcernsaboutstartingasecond it.” a hugeimpactandmakingmykidshusbandpayprice for accomplish somethingIhadalwayswantedtodowithoutmaking something thatIfeltlikecouldcheckitoffmybucketlistand on theweekendsorduringmylunchbreak,”shesaid.“Itwas Allen, anddaughters,EmilyAvery, beforetheceremony. commencement exercisesDec.12.Sheispicturedwithherhusband, degreeinbusinessadministrationduring System, receivedhermaster’s Tiffany Carpenter, assistant vicepresidentformarketingtheUT Carpenter turnedhertasselfora second timeduringUTMartin Having beenawayfromtheacademicscenefor20years, utm.edu University ofTennessee, Knoxville. associate directorforresidencelife atthe Adams,SEAHOpresident-electand Jerry (‘73) (right),ofMartin,ispicturedwith his contributionstothefield.Wright Wright withaproclamation honoring of HousingOfficersalsopresented of housing.TheSoutheasternAssociation honor ofthelongtimeUTMartindirector Wright toTACUHO Service Awardin awardtheEarl organization’s service Housing Officersrecentlyrenamedthe Association ofCollegeandUniversity NAMING WRIGHT HONOREDWITHAWARD received promotionsandawardsorgainedtenurestatusduringthecurrentcalendaryear utmforever.com associate professor;SarahMcCormick,professorandtenure;DianeShaw, professor. <<< professor andtenure;Dr. JohnGlass,associateprofessorandtenure;Dr. JeffLongacre,associateprofessorandtenure;Dr. JessieThoman, professor; Dr. Evans,professor;Dr. Kathy JenniferGreenwood,professor;Dr. MohammadObadat,professor;Dr. JohnCochran,associate professor; Dr. BillDavis,professor, andWilma SmithEndowment;Dr. Ray DonnaMassey, professor;Dr. BeckyCox,professor;Dr. BettyCox, Endowment; Dr. JamesSmart,professor;andDr. ScottCurrie,associateprofessor. RecognizedbutnotinattendancewereDr. ChrisBaxter, Dr. PhilipSmartt,professor, CunninghamOutstanding Teacher/Scholar Award;Dr. Joshua Guerin,assistantprofessor, andWilma Smith Ray Cunningham OutstandingTeacher/Scholar Award;Dr. DougOwens,associateprofessorandtenure;Dr. JasonDeVito, associateprofessor; Dr. MelvinHill,associateprofessorandtenure;Dr. KurtGorman,professor, andWilma SmithEndowment;Dr. Ray ArthurHunt,professorand Scott Parrott, associateprofessor, andWilma SmithEndowment;Dr. Ray Wes Totten, professor;JasonStout,associateprofessorandtenure; Desireé McCullough,professor;(standing,l-r)Dr. JasonRoberts,associateprofessor, tenureandCoffeyOutstandingTeaching Award;Dr. instructor, OutstandingAdvisorAward;Dr. JulieHill,professorandUTAA OutstandingTeacher Award;Dr. AngieMacKewn,professor;Dr. professor,Merwin, andWilma SmithEndowment;Dr. Ray LauraBrown,professorandUTAA OutstandingTeacher Award;AnnaClark, Lajuan Davis,associateprofessor;Dr. Tracy Rutledge,associateprofessor;Dr. SandyMehlhorn,associateprofessorandtenure;Dr. Michelle PROMOTIONS, AWARDS ANDTENURESTATUS >>> TheTennessee <<<

>>>UTMartinhostsadinnereachfallsemesterforfacultymemberswhohave . Picturedduringfall2015are(seated,l-r)Dr W inter /S pring . 2016

11 SCENE & HEARD 12 ( 2015 UTMARTINALUMNI AWARDS the practicebeganin1985. each exchangedmorethan30studentsandfacultymemberssince president ofHirosakiUniversityatthattime.Theinstitutionshave director ofinternationalprograms,incooperationwiththe in 1980,initiatedbythelateDr. JohnEisterhold,thenUTMartin and businessrepresentatives. finance andagricultureinteractingwithinternationaleducators spent theirvisitspeakingonmattersofimportanceinglobal visiting facultyNov. 9-13.AcademicDeansDickensandWinters Winters traveledtoHirosakiUniversityinJapanasdistinguished DISTINGUISHED FACULTY >>>Dr. RossDickensandDr. Todd DICKENS ANDWINTERSVISITHIROSAKIUNIVERSITYAS Landers receivedtheOutstanding Young AlumniAward. AwardforUniversity Service. Award. HillreceivedtheChancellor’s living intheSeattle,Wash., area,receivedtheOutstanding Alumni andnow festivities Oct.10.Campbell,originally fromSaulsbury (‘98)duringtheuniversity’shomecoming (‘77) andKent Landers (continuing fromleft)DuaneCampbell(‘81),ReginaldHill (left), interimchancellor, presentedUTMartinalumniawardsto SCENE & HEARD T UT MartinestablishedapartnershipwithHirosakiUniversity he noteworthy U niversi t y of T ennessee <<< a t M ) ar t >>> in

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S c ene <<< Network, [email protected]. STEM Hub,contactWes Hall, director, Tennessee STEMInnovation information aboutthenetwork,visit www.thetsin.org. Department ofEducationandBattelleEducation.For more leaders andisoperatedasapartnershipbetweentheTennessee helping Tennessee inspireand trainthenextgenerationof can helptheirstudentssucceedinthefuture.” they haveaccesstobothresourcesandcontactsinthearea excited tohavethisopportunityavailablelocalteacherssothat of mathematicsandUTMartinSTEMhubprojectdirector. “We’re they’ll receivethatday,” said Dr. CurtisKunkel,associateprofessor and STEMstudentambassadorswhilelearningaboutthekit come tocampusandmeetwithsomeofourexcellentSTEMfaculty STEM workshopsthisspringwherelocalareateacherswill professors andstudents.ThiswillbedoneviaaseriesofSaturday is toincreasecollaborationbetweenlocalteachersanduniversity career-ready upongraduationfromhighschool. programs intheregionandensureareastudentsarecollege stakeholders willworktogethertoacceleratetheimpactofSTEM andhighereducation,businesspartnerscommunity primary use inclassroomandafter-school activities.Localeducatorsinboth Master Teacher ofSTEM“toolkits”for Corpsandcreatealibrary development forNorthwestTennessee teachers,establishaSTEM opportunities,” saidDr. Bob Smith,interimchancellor. andmodernmanufacturing development ofhigh-techindustry UT MartinpromisestobeatrueboostforNorthwestTennessee’s Henry, Lake,Lauderdale,Obion,Tipton andWeakley counties. studentsinBenton,Carroll,Crockett,Decatur,serve Dyer, Gibson, One ofsevenregionalSTEMhubsacrossthestate,thiseffortwill joint effortbyUTMartinandDyersburgStateCommunityCollege. engineering andmathematics. enhance studentlearningintheareasofscience,technology, establish theNorthwestTennessee RegionalSTEM Huband Innovation NetworkawardedUTMartina$250,000grantto ESTABLISHED AT UTMARTIN NORTHWEST TENNESSEE REGIONALSTEMHUB For moreinformationontheNorthwestTennessee Regional The Tennessee STEMInnovationNetworkiscommittedto “One goal[oftheNorthwestTennessee RegionalSTEMHub] asaresourcetoprovideprofessional The regionalhubserves “Having thisSTEMhubbasedonthecoreacademicstrengthsof This newSTEMhub,whichbeganoperationinNovember, isa <<< >>>TheTennessee STEM utm.edu freshmen. asaPeer EnablingProgram leadertomentorincoming serving Pi sorority, takingleadershiprolesin studentgovernmentand she alsoimmersedherselfincollege life,pledgingAlphaOmicron my dad,’”sheremembered.Inadditiontoheracademicpursuits, couldn’t pickmeupfromschool,itwas‘gotothecourtroomwith grown upinmydad’slawoffice,andwhengrandmother Tennessee CollegeofLawandbecomingapracticingattorney. aims tofollowinherdad’sfootstepsbyattendingtheUniversityof “be onyourbestbehavior.” Caroline checksalltheboxesasshe else whowilllistento“notbesilly,” “makegooddecisions”and counties. Hissageadviceencourageshisdaughterandanyone 24th CircuitCourtforCarroll,Benton,Henry, DecaturandHardin often toCarolineandherfriends:“Don’tbegoofy.” traced, inpart,tofollowingapieceofadvicethatherfatherrepeats development programandearnherdegree.Hersuccesscanbe McWherterInstituteparticipanttocompletetheleadership Ray of schedule.Indoingso,shebecametheuniversity’sfirstNed science degreeDec.12fromUTMartin,graduatingayearahead her dreamofbecominganattorney. Shereceivedherpolitical Caroline Parish boastsquitearesumeasshemovescloserto INSTITUTE PARTICIPANT >>> TOCOMPLETEPROGRAM PARISHCAROLINE BECOMESFIRSTNEDRAY MCWHERTER utmforever.com development programandearnherdegree. Ray McWherterInstituteparticipanttocompletetheleadership first Ned before commencement exercises Dec. 12. Caroline became the university’s Caroline Parish (center)ispicturedwithherparents,CathyandDonald, In fall2013,anotherleadershipdevelopment opportunity “I thinkthemainreasonIchosepoliticalsciencewashave Donald Parish (’79)isinhissecondtermasjudgeofthe <<< opportunities andisexcitedtosee wherethenextstepslead. proven sheknowshowtobefirst inlinetoseizelife’snextgreat and leadershipfoundationestablished atUTMartin.She’salready the soundadviceofsupportiveparents andthefirmacademic back tothem,”shesaid. people whoarelessfortunatethanmeinmycommunitybygiving the streetthatneedyourhelp,andIbelievecanbenefitthose peoplerightdown andhelppeopleinthearea.“There’s service to returnhomefollowinglawschool,beinvolvedincommunity eventually wantstogivebackothers.Sheisalreadyplanning She knowsshehasbeengivenmanyopportunitiesinlifeand Huntingdon toawaittheoutcomeofherlawschoolapplication. she rejoinedherfatherandmother, Cathy, intheirhometown of communications andspecialeventsarenas.” strong organizationalskillsthatwereparticularlyhelpfulinthe issues facingtheuniversity,” Whitworthsaidinanemail.“Shehad communications toourinternalandexternalconstituenciesabout the workoflegislativecommitteesandworkingtohelpcraft workload byconductingresearch,trackingbills,monitoring during thebusylegislativesession. government relationsandadvocacy, welcomedParish’s assistance assistant toAnthonyHaynes(‘88) institute. CareyWhitworth,directorforadvocacyandspecial and AdvocacyinNashville,sponsoredbyWestStar andthe receive aninternshipwiththeUTOfficeofGovernmentRelations on Parish’s listof“firsts.” Her involvementintheNRMIalsoledtoanotheraccomplishment has investedinmyfuturewasthebiggestopportunityforme.” meeting himandbeingabletoshakehishandknowthathe an awesomeopportunityformetomeethim,”shesaid.“Ithink the firsttimewasahighlightofexperience.“Ithinkthat and class,”shesaid,addingthatmeetingClaytonMcWhorterfor connections, anditalsogavemearenewedsenseofmanners faculty mentors(McWhorterdiedJan.23,2016). programthatpairsparticipantswith progressive, interdisciplinary from thelatephilanthropistClaytonMcWhorter, isathree-year, McWherter Instituteclass.TheNRMI,madepossiblebyaleadgift Ray whenshewas chosentoparticipateinthefirstNed surfaced Caroline Parish ispreparedforwhatever liesahead,thanksto Life followinggraduationhasslowedabitforParish since “Caroline assistedourofficeinmanagingalargelegislative In spring2015,shebecamethefirstUTMartinstudentto “It (theinstitute)honedinmyleadershipskills,gavemestrong , UTvicepresidentfor W inter /S pring 2016

13 SCENE & HEARD 14

( SCENE & HEARD T he noteworthy U niversi j m f d c t y of T ennessee a t M ) ar t >>> in C a m p u Cemetery inMcKenzie. Cemetery pharmacist, untilhediedFeb. 4,1918.Heisburied alongsiderelativesintheMt.Olivet Martin. many yearsandstudiedengineeringattheUniversityofTennessee JuniorCollege,nowUT the firstCivil War lettertobekeptthere.Shannonresidedinthe Weakley Countyareafor Shannon (‘47). archives afterbeingdonatedbyNowlin’srelativeandformerGreenfield resident Union soldier. neverdrovethe enemyfromtheirbreastworks,”heconcludes. “They takenfromthebagsofa opposing side.Heevenwrotehisletteronapieceofstationary ammunition, aswellwagons,coffee,sugar, molassesandmedicinewhiskeyfromthe troops took7,000prisoners,60piecesofartillery, agreatmanysmallarmsandplentyof the nurses.”Hedescribesrelativelossesofeachside,boastingthatConfederate Army, whichincluded“dressingwounds,helpingtoamputatelimbs,[and]attend[ing] family knowtheeventsofthatfour-day battleandhispartinthem. Tennessee duringtheCivilWar, Infantry wasaGreenfieldresidentandwrotetolethis inthe31st inDecember1862.Nowlin,whoserved of StonesRivernearMurfreesboro came heretodriveusaway,“They buttheyfounditfardifferent.” DONATED TOUTMARTINARCHIVESMORETHAN150YEARSLATER >>> GREENFIELD RESIDENTWRITESHOMEFROMTHEBATTLEFIELD, LETTER s Thomas, localresidentsandrelativesofGeorgeNowlin’s. Pictured holdingtheCivilWar-era letterare(l-r)SharonandBillShannonTommy andPaula

S After thewar, NowlinreturnedtohishomeinGreenfieldand becameadruggist,or Shannon, great-grandnephewofNowlin’s,officiallydonatedthe letterNov This letter, inadvertentlydated Jan.4,1862,nowresidesintheUTMartinhistorical Nowlin’s first-handaccountdescribeshisworkasahospitalstewardintheConfederate So explainsaletterwrittenbyGeorgeW. NowlintohisbrotherWade aftertheBattle c ene <<< . 5,makingit Bill utm.edu SCENE & HEARD

Pictured with the local proclamations are WUTM Staff Members (front row, l-r) Sydney LaFreniere, of Oak Ridge, support and development director; Julia Ewoldt, of Savannah, business and traffic director; Tori Seng, of Union City, news director; (back row, l-r) Dr. Richard Robinson, Mayor Randy Brundige, city of Martin; Chuck Hammer, of Martin, program director; Ashley Shores, of Lebanon, administrative assistant; Ashleigh Burton, of South Fulton, production director; Kayla Harmon, of Lewisburg, sports director; and Dr. Bob Smith, interim chancellor. Not pictured is Toshya Leonard, of Jonesboro, Ark., digital media director. WUTM PARTICIPATES IN “WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY,” Conference in March 2015. The station has received this award five SERVES AS TENNESSEE HEADQUARTERS >>> The fourth times since 2007. annual World College Radio Day on Oct. 2 included “a unique 24 WUTM staff members Ashleigh Burton, production director; hours of college radio broadcasting, embracing different languages Chuck Hammer, program director; and Tori Seng, news director; and cultures around the globe.” The event had a West Tennessee began the day with an appearance on “Good Times in the connection thanks to WUTM 90.3 FM “The Hawk,” UT Martin’s Morning” on WCMT/Mix 101.3. Later that day, Dr. Bob Smith, student-run station. The station and staff participated in the interim chancellor, made a special appearance in the WUTM international programming and served as state headquarters for newsroom to deliver the hourly news report to the campus. World College Radio Day in Tennessee. For more information on World College Radio Day, visit Martin Mayor Randy Brundige and Weakley County Mayor Jake worldcollegeradioday.com. For information on WUTM or the Bynum issued proclamations recognizing the event within the local broadcasting concentration for communications majors, contact area and acknowledging the station’s many accomplishments. Dr. Richard Robinson, associate professor of communications and WUTM has been recognized with awards from regional, national WUTM faculty adviser, by email at [email protected] or at 731- and international judging bodies and is the current “Best College 881-7555. <<< Radio Station in the South,” as named by the Southeast Journalism

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 15 SCENE & HEARD (noteworthy)>>>

Forty-three cadets from UT Martin’s Skyhawk Battalion, which includes students from Bethel University in McKenzie; Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson; Jackson State Community College, Lane College and Union University in Jackson; and Murray State University in Murray, Ky., participated in a weekend of leadership development exercises at the Army National Guard training site in Lavinia. Pictured participating in a land navigation exercise are (l-r) Adam Connor, from Murray State; Grady Potts and Josh Young, both UT Martin students; and Jenna Salza, also from Murray State.

SKYHAWK BATTALION PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL GUARD from Mt. Pleasant. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE >>> Cadets from the The Murray State program was added to Skyhawk Battalion UT Martin Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, also known as Skyhawk in 2015 and this was the first opportunity the new, expanded Battalion, participated in a weekend of leadership development battalion has had to come together on a large scale. exercises at the Army National Guard training site in Lavinia. The “This weekend was a learning experience due to the fact that battalion also includes students from Bethel University in McKenzie; we were put together with another school,” said Murray State Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson; Jackson State Community student Tasha Norris. “So working with other cadets who you College, Lane College and Union University in Jackson; and Murray might not know so well was definitely a test of our people sills and State University in Murray, Ky. adaptability.” Forty-three cadets participated in the exercises, which included An ROTC unit was first established at UT Martin in 1952, practical instruction in military tactics, land navigation and first aid, followed by the start of a four-year ROTC program in 1964. The as well as some firearms training. The weekend trip, held each program has commissioned 671 cadets as second lieutenants in fall semester, is intended to help cadets enhance their leadership the regular Army, U.S. Army Reserve and Tennessee Army National abilities and military understanding to prepare for Cadet Leadership Guard since its beginnings. Camp and commissions as second lieutenants upon graduation. For more information on the UT Martin military science program “The [leadership development exercise] taught me a significant or the Skyhawk ROTC Battalion, contact the Department of Military amount about being an ROTC cadet and all the concepts and Science and Leadership at by email at [email protected] or 731- responsibilities that go with that. It was not only fun, but also very 881-7682. <<< beneficial,” said Houston Paul, a sophomore engineering major

16 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu SCENE & HEARD

UT MARTIN DECLARED AS AN OFFICIAL LEVEL I CERTIFIED celebration by performing the “Trees” poem by Oscar Rasbach. ARBORETUM >>> The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council Pelren, who also serves as adviser to the UT Martin Wildlife declared the UT Martin campus to be an official Level I Certified Society chapter, recognized the students’ work and also thanked Arboretum. The announcement was made during a ceremony Nov. the Tree Board of Martin, Inc., and tree board president Carmen 19 in the garden area between Brehm Hall and the Hall-Moody Pendergrass for their support. Administration Building. The city of Martin is certified by Tree City USA, a program Established arboretum sites educate the general public on types sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. UT Martin is also of trees and their names, uses and benefits to the environment and working toward certification by a similar program for colleges and the local community. Property owners and institutions must apply universities called Tree Campus USA. with the TUFC to be considered for arboretum status. A Level I Flint Perkins, a senior natural resources management major distinction indicates that a property has 30-60 different species of from Scotts Hill, was among the Wildlife Society chapter members trees identified and labeled for public viewing. who participated in the project. He and his fellow members The Level I certification will be active for the next five years. The “located, identified and tagged 32 species of trees” in the campus official Tennessee certified arboretum sign can be viewed in the quadrangle to fulfill certification requirements Perkins said in a garden area where the announcement ceremony was held. subsequent interview. Dr. Eric Pelren, wildlife biology professor in the Department of The locations of the trees were saved to GPS receivers and Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources, was joined by placed on a computer program known as Arc GIS. Dr. Sandy members of the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, UT Martin Mehlhorn, associate professor of agricultural engineering, helped Interim Chancellor Bob Smith, Martin Mayor Randy Brundige and the students geo-reference the locations onto a base map of others for a brief program to celebrate the achievement. Dr. Roberto Tennessee. “Doing this will greatly help future students when they Mancusi, associate professor of music, added a special touch to the >>> continued on next page

Members of the UT Martin student chapter of the Wildlife Society helped with the identification and mapping process that allowed the campus to qualify for arboretum status. More than 30 species of trees on the UT Martin main campus have been labeled and added to a mapping site so that interested visitors can easily locate and examine each type. Pictured around the certified arboretum sign are (standing, l-r) Colton Barber, Dalton Smith, Baylee West, Interim Chancellor Bob Smith, Brandon Weber, Andre Delcalzo, Madilyn Peay, Jocee Blanton, Austin Parsley, Brant Luker, Will Lindsey, Flint Perkins, Dylan Enochs, Jonas Cothren, Gunner Boucher, Dr. Eric Pelren, Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, (kneeling, l-r) Emmie Donaldson and Lauren Taylor.

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 17 18 (noteworthy)

tours aroundcampustolocatethetrees,”Perkins said. made tobeablefindeachtreesopeoplecanmakeself-guided trees. “After thislevel(LevelI),eachrequiresthatamapbe tagged eachtime.Thehighestcertification,LevelIV, requires120 requires 30additionalspeciesoftreestobeidentified,locatedand seek nextlevelsofarboretum(certification),” Perkins said. SCENE & HEARD was elected secretary ofstateandJordanLong,afreshmanpolitical was electedsecretary Commission. spent oneyearaschairmanofthe SupremeCourtNominating past fouryears,beenspeakerprotemofthesenatetwiceand asaUTMartinsenatorforthe general assemblyandhasserved Domanski wasnamedanoutstandingstatesenatoratthe2014 in 1974andhassincespentatotalof26yearsstateoffice. this position.Thefirstwas UT Martinstudentintwoyearsandthethirdevertofill asthe2016TISL governor.was electedtoserve Heisthesecond least oneseatonthestateexecutivecouncil. row, makingthisthefifthconsecutiveyearUTMartinhasheldat also holdthreeoftheninestateofficesforsecondyearina received theBestHouseDelegationAward.UTMartinstudents andalso Best OverallDelegationforthefirsttimeinTISLhistory Moot CourtCollegiateChallenge. legislators, lobbyistsandmembersofthemedia;Appellate is afour-day as mocklegislatureduringwhichstudentsserve There aretwopartstoeachmeeting:thegeneralassembly, which assembly, heldattheTennessee StateCapitolBuilding inNashville. seat. and threenewstateoffices,includingthe2016TISLgovernor’s defend. Theyreturnedwitharecord-breakingnumberofawards Intercollegiate StateLegislatureonNov. 12-15witha reputationto traveled tothe46thgeneralassemblyofTennessee ASSEMBLYGENERAL >>>Twenty-four UTMartinstudents UT MARTINDELEGATION SHOWSOFFAT 46THTISL <<< continuedfrompreviouspage <<< T Theeducationalvalueoftheworkisevident,butPerkins also AchievingthenextthreelevelsofArboretumcertification Marabeth Kennedy, ajuniorpoliticalsciencemajorfromFranklin, John Domanski,aseniorpoliticalsciencemajorfromDickson, The 2015UTMartinstudentdelegationwasrecognizedasthe The TISLdelegationmeetsyear-round topreparefortheannual he U niversi t y of T ennessee Roy Herron(‘75),whowontheseat a t M ar >>> t in C a m p u s

S c ene [email protected]. <<< Arboretum status,contactPelren at731-881-7263orbyemail gaining thecertification,”hesaid.“Itbringspridetoourcampus.” the grounds-keepingstaff, studentsandfacultyhaveputinto certification inanutshellisrecognitionforlotofhardworkthat the sees anotherreasontocelebratetheachievement.“Well, 7305 [email protected]. 7367 [email protected], orStarlingat731-881- to becomepartofthe2016delegation, contactBaxterat731-881- professor ofpoliticalscience.For moreinformationonTISLorhow professor ofpoliticalscience,andDr. AndersonStarling,assistant justice theyearbefore. asanassociate her termas2014-15chiefjusticeafterserving a juniorpoliticalsciencemajorfromSummertown,alsocompleted Department ofFamily Washburn, andConsumerSciences.Rachel ofstateandisnowagraduatestudentintheUTMartin secretary organization’s executivecouncil. and representativesreceivethisawardeachyearaschosenbythe named inhonorofTISL’s founder, Dr. DouglasCarlisle.Ten senators coveted CarlisleAward,TISL’s oldestandmost prestigious award a freshmancommunicationsmajorfromCamden,received were bothinductedintotheTISLBARAssociation.BreydonHorton, Leatherbarrow,and Ryan ajuniormanagementmajorfromSmyrna, chosen bythecollectivelobbyingassociations. from Wartrace, wasalsonamedthebestlobbyistof hisfirm,as afreshmanengineeringmajor Martin, aslobbyist.LoganRangel, which includedTanner Bell,asophomoreaccountingmajorfrom political sciencemajorfromDresden,ledtheBestLobbyingFirm, Brown,ajunior Ark., wontheBestPrintMediaAward;andKatelin tems havebeenfromUTMartin. senate. Threeofthelastfoursecretariesstateandspeakerpro asspeakerprotem ofthe science majorfromMartin,willserve For moreinformationaboutUTMartin’sLevelICertified The UTMartinTISLdelegationisco-advisedbyDr. ChrisBaxter, Elizabeth Sanders,ofSmithville,completedhertermas2014-15 Justin Morgan,aseniorpoliticalsciencemajorfromCookeville, Toshya Leonard,aseniorcommunicationsmajorfromJonesboro, <<< utm.edu various languages. readingsin andPhilosophytoprovidepoetry Department ofHistory Department ofEnglishandModern Foreign Languagesandthe campus departments.Onesuchprogram includesfacultyfromthe the pasttwoyears,includingseveral outreachprogramswithother regulations. with allFederal CommunicationsCommissionandcampus decisions; andhelpingtoensurethestationremainsincompliance announcements;makingpersonnelscheduling and publicservice all on-airandproductionstaff;reviewingselectingmusic aspect ofon-airprogrammingforthestation,includingsupervising Hawk”forthepasttwoyears.Heisresponsibleevery FM “The director oftheaward-winningcampusradiostationWUTM90.3 to theuniversity. workethicandcommitment employment. Itrecognizesexemplary of budgetingandpayroll,whowasastrongadvocatestudent recommended bytheircampussupervisors. this honoreachsemestertoastudentemployeewhohasbeen 2015 semesterduringapresentationNov. 9.UTMartinawards Outstanding UTMartinStudentEmployeeAwardforthefall >>> ChuckHammer, ofMartin,receivedtheBethMaloan UT MARTINSTUDENTEMPLOYEE AWARD FORFALL 2015 CHUCK HAMMERRECEIVESBETHMALOAN OUTSTANDING Colin Stroh(front). and Mike Maloan(left),JenniferStroh(right)andStroh’schildren,Kate Chuck Hammer(center)ispicturedwithBethMaloanfamilymembers utmforever.com He hasworkedtoproducevariedanddiverseprogrammingin Hammer, aseniorcommunicationsmajor, asprogram hasserved The awardisnamedforthelateBethMaloan,longtimedirector

Hammer planstograduateinMay 2016. City. Heandhis wife,Jade,areraisingtwins,ColbyandCalleigh. Martin, WCDZ-Star inUnion 95.1inDresden,andWQAKKYTN Northwest Tennessee radiostationsincludingWCMTAM-FMin time atThunderboltBroadcasting,thecompanythatownsfive undertakes.” singleendeavorhe The markofexcellenceisstampedontoevery He issmart,trustworthy, dependable,reliableanddedicated. over thepasttwoyears,hewasoneofmajorreasonsforit. can truthfullysaythatifthecampusstationhasbeensuccessful faculty advisorforWUTM,inapersonalrecommendationletter. “I Richard Robinson,associateprofessorofcommunicationsand commitment toexcellenceanddedicationduty,” wroteDr. Advisor Awardin2014and2015. Steinke BroadcastExcellenceAwardin2015andtheWUTMFaculty Broadcasting Scholarshipfor2014and2015,theWUTMDr. Gary been recognizedatUTMartinwiththeDukeDrummThunderbolt Tennessee AssociatedPressCollegiateCompetition.Hehasalso Intercollegiate BroadcastingSystem. Southeast JournalismConference,andaplatinumratingfromthe StationintheSouth”from Competition, “BestCollegeRadio of Show”fromtheTennessee AssociatedPressCollegiate tenureasprogramdirector,during Hammer’s including“Best around theworldoncampusstations. County, andcoordinatingaone-hoursimulcast,whichwasaired proclamations fromthemayorsofcityMartinandWeakley on WCMT’s“GoodTimes intheMorning”program,securing DayinOctober,Radio whichincludedstudentappearances In additiontohisdutieswithWUTM,Hammeralsoworkspart- “I haveneverworkedwithastudentwhohassuch Hammer himselftookhometwopersonalawardsfromthe WUTM anditsstaffhavereceivedseveralprestigiousawards Hammer wasalsoinvolvedinthecelebrationofWorld College commitment to excellence and a student whohassucha “I have never worked with dedication to duty.” <<< W inter /S pring 2016

19 SCENE & HEARD 20 (athletics) administrator atUTMartin,nominated theSkyhawkduofor andseniorwomen’s academics/student-athlete services representatives. OVC facultyathletics representativesastwooftheleague’sfinest UT Martinwomen’sbasketballprogramwereselectedbythe12 Schubert fromthe Reeves fromtheSkyhawkgolfteamandKatie UT Martinboastsapairofrecipientsontheprestigiouslist.Ben as campusleaders. academic accomplishmentsbuthavealsoestablishedthemselves (three female,threemale)whonotonlyboastidealathleticand Conference. Eachyear, theleagueidentifiesjustsixscholar-athletes Division Istudent-athletescompeteannuallyintheOhioValley ATEXAMPLE UTMARTIN OVC SCHOLAR-ATHLETES REEVES,SCHUBERTLEADINGBY Schubert,ofSpringboro,Ohio,isshown onthecourt. Katie SCENE & HEARD T Danelle Fabianich (‘98),assistantathleticsdirectorfor For thefirsttime sincethe1996-97academicschoolyear, he U niversi t y of T ennessee Approximately 3,600 NCAA >>>Approximately3,600NCAA >>> a t M ar t in C a m p u s

S c ene and thelessonsIhavelearnedthrough them.” I amwherenowbecauseof thelessonstheyhavetaughtme singleday.every Theyworksohardtoprovide forourfamily, and andIseethatinmyparents tooutwork everyone, for metotry havealwayspushedmeto domybestandemphasized said. “They unwavering support.” and harder. Iamsogratefulfortheirtremendous,consistentand difficult times,andtheyalsopushedmetokeepworkingharder athlete, buttheywerealwaystheretoencouragemeduring energy itwouldtaketosucceedwiththatwhilebeingastudent- alsoknewthetimeand to practicemedicine,”Reevessaid.“They at variouslocationsacrossthecountry. and Gigi)makingthelongdrivetocheerontheirfavoriteSkyhawk find Reeves’parents(Todd andConnie)Schubert’sparents(Joe the influenceoftheirparents.Nomattertimeyear, youcan the GammaBetaPhihonorsociety. theUTMartinAthleticsBoardand FCA, an activememberofSAAC, Kevin McMillan.Anengineeringmajorwitha3.86GPA, Schubertis championships inherfirstthreeseasonsplayingforheadcoach lead theSkyhawkstotwoOVC regularseasonandtournament the prestigiousaward.TheSpringboro,Ohio,nativehelped is onlythethirdUTMartinwomen’sbasketballplayertowin Collegiate Ministry. heavily involvedinFellowship ofChristianAthletesandtheBaptist Committeeandisalso the UTMartinStudent-AthleteAdvisory average whilemajoringinbiology. Hewaselectedpresidentof 13. Academically, Reevesisresponsiblefora3.90gradepoint Freshman oftheYear Carpenter in2012- underheadcoachJerry andwastheprogram’sfirst-ever OVC all-conference performer OVC Scholar-Athlete status.Onthecourse,heisatwo-time of thecrop.” rewarded themfortheiraccomplishments.Theyaretrulythecream a-kind student-athletes,andIwasthrilledthattheOVC committee areeachone-of- honorees fromthesameinstitution.BenandKatie student-athletes overtheyears,butitissoraretogettwo havenominatedseveraloutstanding athletics since1994.“We way onthatlist,”saidFabianich, whohasworkedinUTMartin award. “My parentsarethebestsupportersIcouldaskfor,” Schubert “Before Istartedcollege,myparentsknewthathadadesire The duoknowstheywouldn’tbewherearetodaywithout Schubert’s all-aroundresumeisjustasimpressive,she A Knoxvillenative,ReevesisthefirstSkyhawkgolfertoearn wouldfindtheir “Of course,IwashopingbothBenandKatie utm.edu utmforever.com their optionsopen.Reevesintends toattendmedicalschoolin academic year. 4.0GPAsand threeOVC Medals ofHonorforperfect overafull HonorRoll six-for-six appearances ontheOVC Commissioner’s seasons atUTMartin.Overall,ReevesandSchuberthaveaperfect duringallfourofSchubert’s with academicsupportservices Evans, amemberoftheSkyhawkcoachingstaffwhohasassisted of favoritecounselors,butpointsoutthathertopchoiceisStacie Sciences, ashisacademicmentors.Schubertalsohasaplethora Husmann andDr. JamesSmart fromtheDepartmentofBiological staff. ReevesidentifiesDr. MichaelKempf, Dr.Ray, Darrell Dr. Linda have relieduponseveralkeymembersoftheUTMartinfacultyand matter what’sthrownyourway–youmustpresson.” easy, butthatdoesnotgiveyouanexcusetolaydown.Itdoesn’t world byjustdoinggoodenough.Life’snotalwaysgoingtobe your bestandnotallowingyourselftofallintothetrapoftoday’s McMillan,” Schubertsaid.“I’dsaythemainonesarealwaysdoing bad thingabouthim.Iwillforeverbeindebtedtohim.” practices whathepreaches,andIhaveneverheardanyonesaya how toalwaysstayreliablethosearoundme.Heisamanwho Reeves said.“Coachhastaughtmehowtobealoyalpersonand coaches. of thepeopleandrelationshipstheyformedwiththeirhead Ivy Leagueopportunities,theyeachchoseUTMartinbecause competitive sportslover.” that notonlyinspiredmebutmadeintowhoIamtoday–a theydid.Ithink “I didmybesttokeepupwiththemineverything knit relationshipwithherolderbrotherBen. career whoalsocompetesinnationalgolfchampionships.” day bethemodern-dayBobbyJones–someonewithasuccessful up tohimsomuchforthat.Ithasalwaysbeenmydreamone – heplayedforthesimplepleasureofcompetition.Ialwayslooked attorney inAtlanta,”Reevessaid.“Heneverplayedgolfformoney (all fourmajorgolfchampionships)inthesamecalendaryear. towintheGrandSlam innovator whoistheonlygolferinhistory (athletics) Following graduation,bothReevesandSchubert arekeeping After arrivingoncampusaseagerSkyhawkfreshmen,thepair are somanylessonsIhavelearnedfromCoach “There “One day, Carpenteris,” IhopetobehalfthemanthatJerry While ReevesandSchubertentertainednumerousin-state “I alwaystaggedalongwithBenandhisfriends,”Schubertsaid. Schubert foundstrengthfromwithin,asshedevelopedaclose- uniquepartaboutMr.“The Jonesisthathewasalsoapracticing Growing up,ReevesdrewinspirationfromBobbyJones,thegolf >>> family andwillbeinmylifeforever.” <<< fun onthecourtwithpeopleIlove.Thearelike championships, butI’mgoingtorememberhavingsomuch formed,” Schubertsaid.“OfcourseIwillneverforgetthe Martin, mostlythepeopleandrelationshipsIhave to succeedandachievemydreams.” my professors.UTMartinhasalloftheresourcesIneeded had thepotentialtostandoutandgotpersonallyknow at abiginstitution–Ifeltlikesomebodywhileincollege, my experience,”Reevessaid.“Iwasn’tjustanothernumber be feltforyearsandtocome. their hand,thelastingimpactofReevesandSchubertwill Martin withameaningfuldegreein for apermanentjob. participate inaninternshipthissummerbeforesettling whileSchubertissetto medicine ororthopedicsurgery the fallof2016withhopestoonedayspecializeinsports Ben Reeves,ofKnoxville,setsanexample onandoffthegolfcourse. “I willtakeawaysomanyamazingmemoriesfromUT part of the mostmemorable are peopleatUTMartin “The Although theOVC Scholar-Athlete pairwillsoonleaveUT W inter /S pring 2016

21 SCENE & HEARD SCENE & HEARD (athletics)>>> as an undergraduate student, working toward degrees in office administration in 1976 and an MBA in 1981. She later earned a doctorate in finance from the University of Memphis in 1990. For 12 years (2000-12), she served as UT Martin’s FAR and was chair of the UT Martin Athletic Board. A Trenton native, Gullett is a two-time recipient of the UT National Alumni Association Outstanding Teaching Award (1994, 2005) and was named a UTNAA Distinguished Service Professor in both 2012 and 2013. In addition, she earned UT Martin’s Outstanding Advisor Award in 1997 and was the Cunningham Outstanding Teacher/ Scholar Award recipient in 2001. Gullett has written or co-written more than 15 journal publications and eight proceedings publications, and has given more than 20 presentations at professional meetings. Her current research interests include the impact of currency exchange rate volatility and common share prices, as well as pedagogical issues in teaching finance. Gullett will receive her award during the OVC Basketball Championships, held March 2-5 in Nashville. <<<

DACOTAH FAUGHT BEGINS PATH TO 2016 OLYMPICS WITH FIRST ROUND OF TRYOUTS >>> Dacotah Faught, a junior on the UT Martin rifle team, competed in the first round of the 2015 airgun Olympic trials held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., in December. DR. NELL GULLETT NAMED ONE OF TWO 2016 OVC Faught shot against more than 430 competitors hoping to earn THURSTON BANKS AWARD RECIPIENTS >>> Dr. Nell spots in men’s air rifle, women’s air rifle, men’s air pistol and Gullett has been recognized as one of two recipients of the 2016 women’s air pistol portion of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award for Distinguished Brazil. Academic Service. The Amenia, N.D., native ranked 23rd in the 10m women’s air The award, selected by the OVC Faculty Athletics rifle competition, finishing with a final score of 1231.3. She fired Representatives, was established in 2013 to recognize individuals a first round of 410.4, followed by a 409.9 in the second round (e.g. academic advisors, professors, tutors, etc.) with at least five before finishing strong with her best score of 411.0 in the third years of service at one or more OVC member institutions, for their round. outstanding contributions to OVC student-athletes’ academic The two-part Olympic trials consisted of three straight days of success, learning and development, as well as for his or her overall competition featuring three qualifying rounds and three separate commitment to the institution’s athletics program. finals. Each day’s qualifying scores and points from the event finals The award is named after Dr. Thurston Banks, who served the were added to each competitor’s score to get a cumulative total. Tennessee Technological Institute Department of Athletics for 31 The top 10 participants in each discipline then advanced to of his 34 years on the faculty and served as the FAR for 25 years the final stage of airgun team trials in June. No team spots were before stepping down in 2006. He was inducted into the OVC Hall secured during the first stage of these Olympic team trials. of Fame in 2007. Faught is two-time participant in the NCAA rifle championships, Gullett is currently a professor of finance at UT Martin, a including an eighth place finish her freshman season. Overall position she has held since 1998. She has been associated she owns five of the top six scores in UT Martin air rifle history, with the university for more than 40 years, including her time including a 597 at the NCAA qualifiers in 2014. <<<

22 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu utmforever.com who wasinchargeofthedemolition. Wounded Warriors Foundation byWilber CampbellExcavating, bleachers. Thetwosmallerpress boxeswerethendonatedtothe smaller pressboxesoneachside –fromatopthewestendof cranes removedtheformermain pressbox–alongwithtwo play, theconstructionphaseofficiallybegan.InearlyDecember, with a7-4overallrecordand6-2markinOhioValley Conference well withinthe$6millionbidtarget. Contractor, Inc.fromUnionCityearnedthelowbid,whichwas to acceptsealedbidsinlateSeptember. AllenSearcyBuilder officials andrepresentativesfromapairofconstructioncompanies 2016 Skyhawkfootballseason. andremainonscheduletobecompletedbeforethe underway Hardy GrahamStadiumpressboxrenovationprojectarecurrently PROJECT INEARLY STAGES >>>Plansfortheupgraded STADIUMHARDY GRAHAM PRESS BOX RENOVATION Shortly aftertheSkyhawkswrappedupanotherwinningseason UT MartinofficialsconvenedwithUniversityof Tennessee OVC rivalTennessee Tech onSaturday, Sept.24. Following abyeweek,UTMartinwillhostitshome openeragainst than halfofwhattheformerpress boxallowed. working mediaareawillseatup to 25members,whichismore media, coachingstaffsandgamemanagementofficials.Thevast Box. Chancellor’s while intheclimate-controlledspace.Thislevelalsoincludes days, theluxuriousareawillofferauniqueperspectiveofgame asanacademicsupportarea. Applied Sciencesandwillalsoserve will alsofeaturealobbyareaandanelevator. room, aconcessionstandandothergamemanagementspace.It level willhousearenovatedvisitinglockerroom,referee finest inthe Football ChampionshipSubdivisionranks.The bottom The Skyhawksplaytheirfirsttwo gamesontheroadin2016. The fourthtierofthebuildingisastate-of-the-art facilityfor The clublevelislocatedonthethirdfloor. Onfootballgame The secondlevelwillbeusedbytheCollegeofAgricultureand The newfour-story pressboxstructureissettobeoneofthe W inter <<< /S pring 2016

23 SCENE & HEARD SCENE & HEARD (athletics)>>>

SKYHAWK FOOTBALL SENIORS WRAP UP ANOTHER SGT. series involving four OVC schools – to the park as part of the “In YORK TROPHY SEASON WITH SPECIAL VISIT TO TRAVELING the Footsteps of Sergeant York” exhibit. EXHIBIT >>> After going unbeaten to win its second The student-athletes observed more than 60 artifacts in the consecutive Sgt. York Trophy, members of the Skyhawk football traveling exhibit, along with an inside look at what life was like on team were given an opportunity to learn more about the man the front lines. That included a walk through a constructed trench behind the Ohio Valley Conference’s traveling trophy. seen across battlefields in Europe during the 1910s. Guided by UT Martin teamed up with Discovery Park of America, located Martin Kane of Discovery Park’s education center, the Skyhawk only 15 miles from campus in Union City, and offered the trophy seniors learned about York’s courageous actions of charging a to the park’s newest attraction featuring Alvin C. York, the noted German machine gun nest and capturing 132 prisoners in the World War I hero who hailed from Pall Mall. Seniors Marquis Battle of Meuse-Argonne. Clemons, Trent Garland, Jordan Murphy, Jarod Neal, Jackson The exhibit also featured photos of York, war support Redditt and Jackson Roberts were all on hand to present the trophy propaganda, artifacts recovered from the battlefield and clips from – awarded annually to the winner of the quadrangular football the 1941 film “Sergeant York” starring Gary Cooper. <<<

SKYHAWK BASEBALL ALUM ALEC MILLS NAMED THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS TOP PITCHING PROSPECT >>> Alec Mills, who was a key member of the UT Martin baseball program from 2010-12, has been recognized by MLBPipeline.com as the top pitching prospect for the defending world champion Kansas City Royals. MLBPipeline.com, an official branch of MLB.com, recently released its annual list of top hitting and pitching prospects from all 30 MLB teams. The list was compiled by MLB Network analyst Jonathan Mayo and includes candidates who were named to each The UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame added four new inductees as part of team’s “Top 30 Prospects” list, with a combination of performance its Class of 2015 during the annual ceremony on Homecoming weekend. and prospect status taken into account. The new inductees include (from left to right): former football player Mike Taylor (1984-87), former golfer Chris Jones (1997-2001), former athletics Mills compiled a 7-7 record with a 3.02 ERA in 21 games (all director Phil Dane (2000-13) and former soccer player Dani Myrick-Devore starts) in 2015 for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals’ Class (2002-05). A advanced affiliate. He registered 111 strikeouts (against just 14

24 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu SCENE & HEARD

walks) and allowed only three home runs over 113.1 innings. Mills’ season included an appearance in the Carolina League All- Star Game (0.2 innings, striking out both batters he faced) on June 23 and a start in Game 3 of the Carolina League Mills Cup Finals on Sept. 16. Taking the hill with Wilmington’s season on the line, Mills twirled six innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits while fanning six batters but did not factor into the decision. Before the Royals nabbed Mills in the 22nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft, the 6-4, 185-pound righty was an integral part of the Skyhawk pitching staff. Mills is still located in the program’s top-10 list in career appearances (67, sixth), strikeouts (165, sixth), wins (13, seventh) and innings pitched (192, 10th). <<<

KATIE WARRICK IDENTIFIED FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM ATHLETE POOL >>> The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and USA Softball has announced that UT Martin freshman Katie Warrick has been identified for the National Team athlete pool following her participation at the 2015 USA Softball Junior Olympic ANN ASIPAN SHATTERS SEVERAL SCHOOL RECORDS BEFORE (JO) Cup in Chino Hills, Calif. BECOMING UT MARTIN’S FIRST OVC INDIVIDUAL CROSS The inaugural event served as an identification opportunity for COUNTRY CHAMPION >>> Junior Ann Asipan shattered the athletes wishing to compete in front of members of the Women’s UT Martin 5K cross country record en route to winning the first National Team Selection Committee (WNTSC). individual OVC title in school history at the Ohio Valley Conference In total, 69 athletes were identified as either 2017 Junior Cross Country Championships located at Miller Memorial Golf Women’s National Team age-eligible or as Women’s National Team Course in Murray, Ky. age-eligible. These athletes will enter into the identification pool Making her OVC Championship debut, Asipan wasted no time with other athletes who have been previously identified at various getting used to the new course. The Iten, Kenya, native shattered ASA/USA events, the National Identification Program through her previous 5K school record by more than 41 seconds with a Softball Factory, recommendations from college coaches, high blistering time of 17:03.8, which ranks as the fastest winning school coaches and ASA/USA Junior Olympic (JO) Coaches. time at the OVC Championships since 2005 and the fifth-fastest A native of Chapel Hill, Warrick joined the Skyhawks after in OVC Championship history. Her performance made her the first earning All-American honors from MaxPreps after a stellar prep Skyhawk to win the OVC Championship and first top-10 finisher career. for the program since 2003, along with All-OVC and Athlete of the Warrick led Forrest High School to a TSSAA Class A state Championship honors. championship both on the rubber and inside the batter’s box. With her record-breaking time, Asipan qualified for the NCAA She paced the Lady Rockets in the circle with a 32-3 record while South Regional, hosted by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, maintaining a miniscule 1.81 earned run average, picking up four Ala. She capped off arguably the best season in Skyhawk cross wins in as many days en route to a state title. Offensively, she country history by finishing ninth in the field of 208 participants hit .594 with 14 home runs en route to being named District 9-1 with a time of 20:33.25 – just 16 seconds away from making Offensive Most Valuable Player as a senior. She launched 51 career the school’s first appearance in the NCAA Championships. For home runs at Forrest High School, shattering the school’s previous her efforts, she notched the program’s first All-Region accolades. mark. <<< <<<

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 25 SCENE & HEARD (advancement)>>>

The UT Martin main campus is constantly evolving to meet the Sorority Lodges academic and social needs of the student community. Four sorority lodges are being built on the south edge of campus This spring semester, UT Martin is seeing the construction of four to give a permanent home to the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha sorority lodges at the south edge of campus; significant changes to Omicron Pi, Chi Omega and Zeta Tau Alpha. These lodges began the layout of the Boling University Center, including the addition of with a total price tag of $500,000, a large portion of which has a new Welcome Center for prospective students; and a complete been donated by the alumnae of these organizations over the past renovation of Graham Stadium. three years. However, it has been four decades since a new academic building arrived on the main campus. UT Martin hopes to change Ned Ray McWherter Institute that with the addition of a state-of-the-art science and engineering The NRMI is a three-year interdisciplinary program in which 30 building to house STEM-focused areas of study. selected students – six from each of the five colleges – are able This building, along with funding current construction initiatives to participate in leadership development, travel opportunities and and the creation of scholarships and endowments, are some of the faculty-assisted research. The institute was founded and originally university’s top financial priorities for the coming years. funded by longtime UT supporter Clayton McWhorter, who passed away Jan. 23. Continued funding is necessary to provide these Science and Engineering Building opportunities to future scholars. This new project comes with a $48 million price tag, with 75 percent committed by the state of Tennessee. This leaves UT Scholarships and Endowments Martin with the task of raising the remaining $12 million to fund Ninety percent of UT Martin students accept some form construction. of financial aid. There is an increased need for undesignated The building itself will house the departments of engineering, scholarship funds to be used for recruitment, particularly of computer science, chemistry and physics, and mathematics and transfer students who are not eligible for many major UT Martin statistics in 120,000 square feet of high-tech instructional space. scholarships. The plans include classrooms and teaching laboratories, as well Endowed support is used to help recruit and retain high-quality as dedicated student laboratories and project work spaces designed faculty and to create student and faculty-enrichment opportunities, to encourage innovative, cross-disciplinary research and design. particularly in STEM-related disciplines, nursing and education. Educators, researchers and professionals in these areas are in Fine Arts Phase II – Performance Hall high demand in the region and beyond, and UT Martin’s ability The Fine Arts Building was recently renovated to enhance to produce capable graduates in these fields is essential to its classroom and practice space, but the new plans lack a dedicated continued success. performance hall. Phase II of this project will add a venue which stands to become Northwest Tennessee’s go-to place for live If you would like to contribute toward these or other projects, or entertainment. This project comes with a total cost of $10 million. would like to set up an endowment or scholarship fund, contact the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations at 731-881-7610 or by Graham Stadium Renovation email at [email protected] for more information. The old stadium building, located behind the home-side bleachers, was demolished shortly after the end of the 2015 Opposite page, from top: The four sorority lodges are underway; an football season and will be replaced with a 16,200-square-foot artist’s rendering of the proposed STEM building; a sketch of the Fine Arts building featuring classroom space, visiting team amenities, a club Building addition. suite level, media area and new press box. See the article on page 23 for additional details.

26 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 27 28 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu Media Spotlight “A Day at the Office” for Scottie Nell Hughes by Bud Grimes

Scottie Nell Hughes (‘02) was in her element as she waited Martin visit was a pleasure trip when compared to a hectic weekly for the television interview to begin. Once the cameras rolled, the schedule that often includes airplane commutes and multiple media director of the Tea Party News Network provided candid answers appearances. to thoughtful, well-planned questions. This wasn’t a TV studio Her rise in the media, chronicled at scottienellhughes.com, in New York City or Washington, D.C., however. The “For the tells of her start as executive producer of the “Steve Gill Show” in Record” interview was recorded in the UT Martin Department of Nashville. Additional roles followed for other nationally syndicated Communications’ TV studio on the second floor of Gooch Hall. talk shows, eventually leading to an on-camera opportunity and Communications students staffed the studio and cameras, while her current position with the Tea Party News Network. Along junior Tori Seng sat opposite Hughes and kept the conversation the way, she has traveled to the Middle East, reported from the moving. No matter the situation, Hughes brings her A-game in a Republican and Democratic national conventions and made business that measures success by the most recent social media numerous high-profile news show appearances. post or sound bite. Hughes’ visit to her alma mater recalled her college days and Hughes, a Middle Tennessee native and UT Martin offered personal perspective on her life’s journey. “You know, I communications and political science graduate, was invited to chose UT Martin because I remember someone told me, ‘You can campus in October during the university’s 2015 homecoming either be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond,’ week. In addition to campus television, she appeared on Mix and 10 years later when I come back here I am amazed to see 101.3’s “Good Times in the Morning,” hosted by Paul Tinkle professors still have stories, good and bad, about some of my (’76), Thunderbolt Broadcasting president and general manager, adventures here on campus,” she said. “And I think what people and Steve James, news director, and spoke to the Martin Rotary don’t realize, when you graduate from the University of Tennessee Club. Accompanied by her parents and two children, Hughes’ at Martin, you’re not just getting a piece of paper. You are getting >>> continued on next page

(above) A member of Mullican’s team works diligently to complete a wrap. Winter/Spring 2016 29 <<< continued from previous page the life experience that goes with it.” Those life experiences Tennessee keep me grounded. So the most challenging is trying prepared her for opportunities that professional communicators to sit there and have the time to cover and be involved in the relish. New York and the D.C. political and journalistic world, yet still stay Among her career highlights, which have allowed her to “tell grounded in Tennessee.” the story of the American people,” she traveled to Iraq in 2006 Hughes is known for her red-eye flights from Nashville to other to witness members of the American military working with the major cities. “I love going on bus tours with different candidates,” country’s children. She later appeared on CNN’s “Piers Morgan she said. “I love talking to both sides of the aisle.” Always on the Live” to discuss the Second Amendment, which became the move, she has drivers, hair and makeup assistance, and other program’s highest-rated show at the time. More recently, she support as she transitions from city to city. “I kinda live like the appeared on the Fox Business Network’s “Making Money with Hannah Montana lifestyle,” she jokes. “I get the best of both Charles Payne” and, for good measure, wrote and published her worlds. … But then I come home, and I’m washing the dogs and I first book. have ‘Mount St. Hughes’ of laundry.” In the end, it’s “just trying to “And so I get blessed that I can interact with all forms of media,” keep the balance and be able to keep both sides happy and keep she said, noting that she accepts media opportunities both large myself going for the next adventure.” and small. “I literally accept them all because they are all important. Sacrificing a degree of privacy is also a byproduct of her fame. And it’s all about if one person hears a story that makes their day “One of the things that I’ve tried to do is when you’re trying to better or makes them more informed in a conversation, then I know make yourself relatable, I admit when I have bad days. I admit that I have done my job, and I can sleep better at night.” when I have good days,” she said. “That’s how people bond Life-changing opportunities happen, and the Tea Party News with me. That’s how you build a brand these days, that loyalty.” Network provided them for Hughes. The online, conservative- However, her controversial positions on issues sometimes bring out leaning news site launched in 2012 with Hughes working the worst in people. off-camera in a support role. “That’s another thing that this school This, combined with her husband’s position in elected office, (UT Martin) teaches you is to be humble and be grateful for every make maintaining a level of privacy tricky. She doesn’t take chances opportunity you are given, because usually that means there’s with security and seeks legal intervention if she senses any threats another door that’ll open up,” she said. “And I literally was there to her family. “You get people that are scary,” she said. “But, at this supporting another host, filling in as a PR role. A guest didn’t show point I go, ‘It’s just faith.’ It’s faith that we’re going to be protected, up, and they said, ‘Can you come on just as a filler?’” we’re going to be safe, and God has a plan for us.” Once the interview ended, the news director approached her and Her packed schedule and related challenges aside, Hughes found asked, “Why are you not on air?” She explained she did not fit the time during the late summer and early fall of 2014 to expand her description of an on-air personality, but the news director persisted, body of work by writing and publishing her first book, “ROAR: The adding, “Everybody just stopped because you were relatable. … New Conservative Woman Speaks Out.” The book, written in six They could relate to you, … and we saw that.” Since that fateful weeks, builds upon Hughes’ ability to relate with an audience she day, life has done anything but slow down as she has transformed understands. “It’s really just encouraging, especially women, to be from a newsroom staffer to a familiar voice in national politics. able to talk politics. … They’ll share meat loaf recipes. They’ll share Becoming a recognizable media personality comes with its how to take care of kids,” she said. “But you mention politics and challenges, however. “I have to remain grounded, and to keep you’re demonized. So I really just wanted to encourage women and me grounded is my two children, ‘Chicken and Biscuit,’ and their PTO groups, their Sunday School classes and their walking my husband, and Tennessee,” Hughes said. “And the people of clubs, anything, to not be afraid to talk about politics.”

30 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu Hughes is anything but afraid to talk about politics, even with the people at the center of the national political conversation. She names GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump and senior U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), representing opposite ends of the political spectrum, among the most interesting people she has interviewed. “He’s changed my mind at looking at leadership,” Hughes said of Trump. As for Harry Reid, “He was very smooth. He was very calm. He was friendly. I actually liked him by the end of the interview, but I still asked him hard questions,” she said. Featuring opposing opinions is no problem for Hughes, who believes in her positions and enters tough interviews only after doing her homework. “If you’re grounded in what you believe in, and you really do know your facts inside and out and believe it, I can go on anybody and debate it. And that’s on the left as well,” she said, adding, “If you truly are convicted in what you are saying, there’s no media that you should avoid. It’s when people turn down the media. When politicians turn down the media, I say, ‘What are you hiding? Why are you afraid to go on them?’” Sometimes simply being relatable can open communication between political opposites. Hughes recalled attending the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., where fellow UT Martin alum, CNN news contributor and political activist Van Jones (’90) was in demand for interview time. She couldn’t get to him in the crush of media, so she called out, “The lips, the teeth, the tip of the tongue.” Jones turned to her and said, “Excuse me?” She replied, “UT Martin Skyhawk Dorotha Norton.” Having established common ground through the late communications faculty member’s oft-repeated public speaking instructions, she began asking questions and got the interview when no other online media could get to Jones. “That was Dorotha Norton the angel looking down on me on that one,” Hughes said. Among her many talents, Hughes clearly knows how to organize people and make things happen, thanks in part to her campus involvement while attending UT Martin. Her volunteer work helping to clean up Hendersonville following the 2010 Nashville flood earned her Citizen of the Year. “Oddly enough, the honors and the awards are not something that I really expect. … I get just as excited when I get a tweet or a message from somebody in the industry who I respect, or a senator, or someone who I’ve talked about that says, ‘You do a fantastic job.’ That right there is better than probably any plaque that I … can hang on my wall.” Back on the Gooch Hall television set, rising journalist Tori Seng takes a page from Hughes’ playbook and relies on her detailed show prep to ask specific questions about who might become the 2016 GOP presidential nominee. Hughes’ responses to similar questions resonate with audiences and thrust the UT Martin alum into the presidential campaign’s national spotlight. For Scottie Nell Hughes, it’s all about being relatable and seizing opportunities when the next door opens. <<< utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 31 FROM THE ARCHIVES DR. WILLIAM PAUL MEEK

n A painting of Meek hangs in the UT Martin Paul Meek Library. After a six-month cleaning, the painting was rededicated in August 2015.

THE NAME Paul Meek is synonymous with UT Martin. For 33 years (1934 -1967) Meek held leadership positions at UT Martin as executive officer, dean, UT vice president and chancellor. During that time he helped the university stabilize, develop and expand in size and stature. Today when you hear his name, you may think of the library, but Paul Meek was much more. “From the Archives” is a feature highlighting unique and interesting items from the Alliene and Jimmie S. Corbitt Special Collections. For more information or to make a donation, contact Special Collections and Archives at 731-881-7094 or [email protected]. <<<

32 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu n Metals won by Meek at the University of Tennessee field day, May 6, n Meek (right) 1916, for the leaving the high jump. Hall-Moody Administration building for the last time as Chancellor of the Martin Branch, 1967. Meek sits for a portrait in his office in 1960 (below).

n An early pair of Meek’s glasses.

n Headgear insignia (above) from one of Meek’s service caps. Both officers and enlisted soldiers wear insignia with the U.S. coat of arms.

n As a veteran of the First World War, Meek was a member of the Martin American Legion.

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 33 A business takes flight by Nathan Morgan

34 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu After a long morning hunt, (l-r) Kelley, Jon Ed and Tripp Powers cut through the water as they head back to shore in their jon boat. The three brothers are co- owners of Final Flight Outfitters Inc., a retail, mail-order and e-commerce company specializing in anything and everything outdoors.

Winter/Spring 2016 35 unting days begin before dawn. A convoy of pickup station owned and operated by J.R. (James Russell) Meek, Paul’s trucks weaves down a meandering farm road brother and the great grandfather of Jon Ed, Tripp and Kelley. somewhere in Obion County until headlights find a For the brothers though, the UT Martin connection runs deeper Hboat dock and a handmade sign: “Powers Landin’.” The than their relation to Paul Meek. All three graduated from UTM group abandons the pickups in favor of jon boats for the final leg of with degrees in agricultural business. the journey. In the summer, this field is dry farmland; today it looks The oldest, Jon Ed, began his career with an agricultural more like a lake. chemical company before graduation, a job he credits to The smell of coffee fills the air as sausage patties hiss on the connections made during his time in Martin. griddle. This is duck hunting in style. Complete with two shooting “UT Martin is a phenomenal school for getting your bachelor’s decks, a kitchen, electricity and satellite television, this floating degree and then going on from there,” said Jon Ed. “It is a huge ag fortress is home away from home for Jon Ed, Tripp and Kelley school … and it was founded that way, but a lot of folks that don’t Powers for the 60 days between Dec. 1 and Feb. 1. have an ag background, or are maybe not from here, they don’t “If we just had a little more space on this side we could fit a really realize that.” couple of recliners,” joked Kelley as the group waited for breakfast Tripp, the middle brother, spent his time after graduation doing to finish. everything he could to avoid the family business – farming. “All Hunting for the Powers brothers is not just pleasure – it’s through college I never wanted to farm,” said Tripp. But, after also business. Jon Ed (‘95), Tripp (‘97) and Kelley (‘02) are getting a taste of “the real world,” Tripp reevaluated his career co-owners of Final Flight Outfitters Inc., a retail, mail-order and choice and began farming after all. e-commerce company specializing in anything and everything The youngest, Kelley, was the last to cross UT Martin’s outdoors. Their 25,000-square-foot facility is located halfway commencement stage, and by that time Final Flight was already between Martin and Union City at the corner of state Route 431 beginning to take shape. and Meek Road. And yes, it’s that Meek. Dr. William Paul Meek, former executive officer, dean and A Business Takes Flight chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin, is their great While growing up, Jon Ed remembers visiting sporting goods great uncle. The Meek family once owned nearly 1,000 acres of stores every time the Powers family went on vacation. “That was land in the area, including the property where Final Flight sits like the highlight of the trip,” said Jon Ed. At the time, rural West- today. Tennessee didn’t have much to offer in the way of outdoor retailers. In fact, part of the existing building, now the main entrance of There was no Internet, and ordering items elsewhere wasn’t Final Flight, was once a convenience store, lunch room and service easy. Even as a kid, Jon Ed dreamed of one day owning a sporting

36 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu goods store – a dream his brother Kelley also shared. “When you name before I made that introduction. And then when I made the grow up around here, it’s kinda in your blood,” said Jon Ed about introduction, I would already be a leg up on somebody else,” he the outdoors and waterfowl hunting. said. During his time at UTM, Kelley began entering duck calling But, it wasn’t until 1999, when Kelley won the World competitions to become a better caller and hunter. “It’s a crazy Championship Goose Calling Contest in Easton, Md., that Jon Ed’s redneck hobby,” joked Kelley. Having never called competitively, dream began to get some traction. “That opened up a whole lot of Kelley didn’t know what to expect. But, he figured if he won doors and the possibility of starting a store,” said Jon Ed about his some big contests he may eventually be able to capitalize on the brother’s win. From there Kelley went on to win the World Goose winnings. Champion of Champions, the pinnacle of duck calling competitions. “This might be a way that I could get into the outdoor industry,” He is the youngest person to ever win the title. thought Kelley. It was far out there, but Kelley was motivated to Following his world championship wins, Kelley began to take make it work. “If I can win a big contest – maybe if I go and knock the contests, and the opportunities they provided, a little more on the door of a company CEO … he would already know my seriously. He realized that all the competitions he attended also continued on next page >>>

>>> continued on next page utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 37 <<< continued from previous page had outdoor retail events associated with them. This was the “We had talked about going to a golf course to catch frogs and opportunity he had been waiting for. having the game warden chase us on a golf cart,” said Tripp. In Kelley, with help from Jon Ed, began working with various the episode, Willie ditches his kids’ career day to go play golf with retailers and setting up displays at the events he attended. The pair his brother, Jase. Later that night, the Robertsons return to the would buy products from the vendors, most of which were mom- golf course to hunt prized bullfrogs they’d seen earlier in the day. and-pop operations, and resell them for a profit. Unfortunately for them, country club security is also there, and they “Fortunately for us, people trusted us. At the time we didn’t have are captured and detained. credit references, we didn’t have a whole lot of financial support, Although they occasionally still talk to the Robertsons, Jon Ed, but you know, people that knew of us in the industry already knew Kelley and Tripp have moved on. “They’re so busy, I hate to bother that we were ‘good folks,’” said Kelley. them,” said Tripp. Some of the vendors they worked with included Higdon Decoys, Final Approach, Avery Outdoors, Outlaw Decoys and Mossy Oak. From Humble Beginnings But perhaps the most interesting vendor they worked with was During the the early years, when the Powers would return from a company by the name of Duck Commander – the brand made an outdoor show, they would pack all their product into an old famous by A&E’s hit reality show, Duck Dynasty. florist trailer that had been parked on the family farm for as long as “They were one of the first vendors we worked with, and we they could remember. were friends with them. But, that was way before Duck Dynasty,” During hunting season, people would call and ask to meet them said Jon Ed. During that time, the entire Powers family became at the storage trailer. They would then go through the boxes, find close with Phil, Miss Kay and the rest of the Robertson crew. “They what they needed and make the sale. This continued for several were almost like an extended family to us,” said Jon Ed. years until the brothers began to outgrow the trailer’s confines. In fact, during one of the Robertson’s visits to Obion County, By chance, the convenience store that their great grandparents, Wille Robertson joked with Tripp about starting a reality show and eventually grandparents, once operated was still in the family. with him. Willie and Tripp even came up with some potential story The brothers took over the vacant building and moved all their ideas for the show, one of which was eventually featured in Duck product to the new store. Dynasty, season one, episode four – “Frog in One.” “Basically, the store became a bigger storage trailer,” said Jon Ed. For a while, they used the store primarily as a meeting place. Eventually, however, as business grew, they began having “seasonal” hours, working around duck season. They would open every year around the beginning of November and close in February. However, the hunting always came first. “From daylight to noon, we were duck hunting – that was just the way it was gonna be – we didn’t care,” said Kelley. The store would open after that. “At first, we didn’t see the big picture,” said Kelley. “The big picture for us was what’s the wind gonna be tomorrow and were ducks gonna fly,” he added.

38 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu “It was just kinda started as a hobby – ‘okay, we’ll see where Help from UTM this goes’ – I’d like to say we had grand plans of all this, – but we In addition to members of their family, the brothers also didn’t. If you had told us then we’d be what we are today, it would employ about 35-40 part-time employees – most of whom are have scared us off,” said Jon Ed. students from UT Martin. From there, sales began to increase, to the point that the “I’ve always said this – it seems like when first-time students brothers began opening the store year-round. They would expand – they drive to Martin, they move into the dorm, they register to make room for new product, and the rest, as they say, is history. for classes and then they come to Final Flight to put in an application. Well, to shop and to put in an application,” joked Brotherly Love Kelley. The Powers brothers have always known their places in the The brothers agree: the benefit UTM students provide to their business. It was not something they discussed or planned; it just business is invaluable. “Our business would not function without happened. UT Martin students,” said Kelley. “We really pride ourselves in “It’s funny with the three of us because the three of us kinda do picking employees who know the products. That’s helped boost different things, or have really different interests. Tripp is more of a our business,” said Jon Ed. ‘hands-on’ type of person and numbers and you know that kinda They also give their UTM employees a lot of responsibility, stuff … Kelley is the computer guy, and I guess with me being the which they say is a great learning tool. And in the end, they do older brother I’m kinda the 3,000 feet type of big picture guy,” said whatever they can to help their employees find full-time jobs– Jon Ed. whether at Final Flight or somewhere else. More specifically, Jon Ed oversees the operation, Tripp serves “I always say, ‘Hey, if you can put up with us for four or five as the accountant, inventory analyst and day-to-day operations years, then you can work for anybody’” said Kelley. <<< manager, and Kelley manages advertising, the catalog, website and print media. They’re not involved in each other’s business daily. “Now on big decisions, we, obviously, all consult. With all the other stuff, we just do the job that needs to be done,” said Kelley. However, working with your brothers is not always perfect. “It can be interesting,” said Jon Ed. “You hang around here a little bit, and you’d see some things. You’ll see some arguments and stuff, it’s not without that,” he added. “Obviously it can be challenging, and it can be fun too. There’s a trust factor, you know? You always know where everybody’s mind’s at,” said Kelley. “It just works,” said Jon Ed.

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 39 Tennessee’s First Charter School: Redesigning Urban Memphis by Erin Chesnut

While driving down Chelsea Avenue in Memphis, a visitor will pass a high school that, at first glance, seems like any other. A sign on the lawn proudly claims the brick buildings and courtyards that make up the campus, and a canopy proclaims the institution to be “changing lives, one mind at a time.” However, upon closer inspection, the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences is unlike any other school in the area and is helping change the face of education in Shelby County. MAHS, founded in 2003, is the first charter school established in the state of Tennessee. Sponsored by 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc., MAHS was created to provide an alternative for students enrolled in failing and unsatisfactory schools and to help close the achievement gap between high and low-performing students. MAHS, like all charter schools, is an “independent, accountable public school of choice” governed by an independent board that controls school curriculum, staffing, organization and finances. It is part of the Shelby County School System and is accountable to the local school board, but has greater autonomy than traditional public schools. Students are invited from all over Shelby County and must complete an extensive application process, including a resume and academic portfolio, to receive admission. Because of the competitive nature of admission, MAHS has been able to collect approximately 400 of the area’s best and brightest students in grades 9-12 and about 270 at its middle school branch. These students are able to attend at no additional cost and complete all the same academic standards as other graduating high school students, with a few distinct advantages. One of these is the direction of high school principal Reginald Williams. Williams (’85), a Memphis native, never intended to work in the education field. He came to UT Martin to major in geoscience and physics and received his Bachelor of Science degree in that field with plans to study meteorology. However, life did not go as expected, and after graduation Williams found himself teaching mathematics and science at his high school alma mater. Several additional degrees, multiple school appointments and nearly two decades later, Williams walks the halls at MAHS with a confidence that only nine years as a high school principal can bring. continued on next page >>>

(opposite page) Dr. Reginald Williams is pictured in a courtyard at MAHS, which is being converted into an outdoor art classroom.

40 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu by Erin Chesnut

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 41 (from top) The halls of MAHS are filled with student artwork; Angel Crawford speaks with a student during her English class; Cherri Branch Donaldson teaches at the middle school campus.

<<< continued from previous page Before accepting his current position at MAHS in November 2014, Williams spent eight years at the head of a difficult, dangerous high school across town. As the third principal in four years, Williams was not expected to last long at Kirby High School with its newsworthy record of violence. However, Williams was able to turn the school around, doubling enrollment in honors and AP courses and establishing a dual- enrollment program. The school’s overall enrollment increased by 400 students in a three-year span, the graduation rate improved and violent offenses declined. Kirby High School was ultimately recognized as a REWARD school by the state in 2014, received a bronze award in USA TODAY’s “Best High School in America” category in 2013 and received an EPIC Gold Award three years in a row. By the time Williams passed on his principal’s chair, the previously failing school ranked in the top five percent in the state. MAHS already had a proven track record of excellence when Williams moved into the principal’s office, but changes over the past 12 months under his direction have been equally promising. Williams attributes a large part of this success to his staff and their dedication to the school and its students. “It’s important that I hire good people and get out of the way, and that’s what I try to do,” he said. Rev. Corey D. Johnson (’93), who serves as executive director of MAHS middle and high schools and as governing board chairman, supports him in this philosophy. “My job (as executive director) is to stay in my lane, run the business, and let him (Williams) do the educating aspect of it. Help him find the right people, make sure there’s money to pay the folks and get out of the way and let them educate,” he said. Originally founded by four UT Martin alumni, Martin graduates still play a major role in the day-to-day aspects of MAHS. In addition to Williams and Johnson, Dr. James Alexander (’94), dean of curriculum and instruction, and several teachers also received UT Martin degrees. “The UT Martin connection is significant because we know what we’ve got, education-wise, professional-wise. We depend upon each other and have a proven track record,” Johnson said. Excellent teachers and a hands-off administrative approach have put MAHS among the top high schools in the state and the district with a 92 percent graduation rate. The school honor roll list has increased 23.5 percent since fall 2014 and now includes around 100 students. ACT scores among juniors and seniors are up 32 percent as well, compared to last year’s resuits, and Newsweek and US News & World Report recognized the school as one of the best high schools in America during the summer of 2015. Williams also gives credit to the students themselves for the

42 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu continuing improvements at MAHS and works to instill them with toward a health-science field. This not only provides students with a sense of pride and personal ownership of the institution they job-shadowing opportunities and access to individuals who can attend. help them make professional decisions, but also teaches them the “Any principal that gets up and says, ‘This is my school and this value of service itself. is my building,’ I tell them, ‘Don’t do that!’ This is our building; this “It’s important kids work in the community. It’s important that is our school. I like for our kids to have ownership,” he explained. they give back,” Williams said. “I think before you walk across One related development at MAHS is the recent creation of a that stage and get your diploma, you need to understand what student government association – an idea Williams, Johnson and community service is all about.” MAHS seeks to produce graduates Alexander took from their own days at UT Martin. who will make a positive difference in the world and in their Williams served as the first black president of the UT Martin communities, whether in Shelby County or elsewhere. Student Government Association during the 1983-84 and 1984-85 However, in the often rough-and-tumble world of urban academic years and was the first individual of any race to serve two Memphis, Williams has a general warning for all those who seek to consecutive terms. Johnson served as SGA secretary of minority walk the MAHS halls. “We reach out to everybody. Our doors are affairs in 1991-92, and Alexander was vice president in 1993-94 open, but when you come in, we want you to do the right thing. and helped to create the existing Student Activities Council. Our motto here is, ‘make good decisions, and make good choices.’ These experiences taught them a variety of life lessons, including … I say, ‘You show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.’ If public speaking and leadership skills, which they hope to pass you’re hanging around with bad folks, you ain’t gonna last long,” on to their MAHS students. The high school held its first student he said. elections in the fall of 2015, which allow the student body to help “We really emphasize a family-oriented environment where kids make decisions about the institution it calls home. can feel safe, and parents can feel comfortable leaving their kids Williams also focuses on training graduates who can attend with us,” said Alexander. “Our job is to prepare them for excellence universities, enter military service or enroll in trade schools to in education.” become marketable members of the workforce. Health sciences, The Memphis Academy of Health Sciences is a safe haven in an as implied by the schools’ name, are a core component of the area where talented students might otherwise find themselves lost MAHS curriculum. The school has developed relationships with in a storm. Student artwork adorns the walls, college acceptance local health science institutions, including Baptist College of Health letters fill the bulletin boards and students move from class to class Sciences, to give students increased experience in these fields. without fear of gang violence. “We don’t expect everybody to be a doctor or a nurse, but x-ray As the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover;” The same technicians … diagnostic testing, forensics, genetics, research and holds true for MAHS. Passersby may see a standard brick building various health-care professions,” he said. “That’s where the jobs and a crowd of typical teenagers, but the work being done here will be in the foreseeable future, and we want our kids to be well- and the lives that will be changed forever are far from ordinary. rounded.” <<< “We are preparing students to be successful at whatever they want to be successful at. … Schools generally try to focus on a number, but we try to focus on the person. What does that individual person want to do, and let’s provide a mechanism Teachers Cherri Branch Donaldson (’91), seventh grade English; to help them get to that point,” added Alexander. “There are Angel Crawford (’05), ninth grade English; and McKale Jones a thousand things that go into running a place. So each of our (’07), middle school keyboarding, are also university alumni. students can be in the health sciences, they just follow a track. Pick what you like doing and just do it in a hospital.” Williams is available for speaking engagements and has published An education at MAHS isn’t all about academics, however. a book titled “The 7 Keys to Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Students are also required to complete a community service Urban School Development,” available at drrwilliams.com. and research project in their junior and senior years to qualify for graduation. Community service hours are completed during Saturday Schools held throughout the year and must be directed

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 43 are You by Erin Chesnutenough! When Cathy Whitehead (’10, ’13) finished her master’s absolutely took off, and by the end of the year he had tested out of degree and went to work for the Chester County School System, special education services. He had the highest growth in math of she had a plan. She knew her first year as a fully-fledged third- any student in the third grade at our school,” said Whitehead. She grade teacher would be a difficult one, full of learning curves and attributes this change to one-on-one time, personal encouragement new challenges. Her second year, she hoped, would be a bit easier and Kevin’s increased ability to set and achieve his own goals. – she would have all the basics down and her classroom under Suddenly, Whitehead found she looked in the mirror and didn’t control with an arsenal of life-changing lessons at her side. Year dread going to school. She decided not to quit after all. three would be “the year it all came together,” she said. “That year was a big turning point in my journey,” she said. However, life did not follow the plan. “Teaching had not gotten easier; I had gotten better. … I look in “My career began as countless others have, but it took a big turn the mirror now and I know I’m enough.” around my third year,” she explained during a reception for soon- Whitehead was named the 2016 Tennessee Teacher of the Year to-be graduates of the UT Martin education program. “I had not this past summer and will represent Tennessee in the national accounted for reality in my plan. I had not accounted for students Teacher of the Year competition in April. She earned her Master and the changing nature of education.” of Science degree in curriculum and instruction and a reading Whitehead told the student teachers how she looked in the specialist endorsement from UT Martin in 2010 and 2013, mirror each morning and saw an exhausted woman staring back at respectively, and currently teaches third grade at West Chester her, a woman who said, “I am not enough. I cannot do this,” and Elementary School, where she received the Teacher of the Year quietly made plans to quit. Award for the 2014-15 school year. And then she met Kevin. She is also serving a two-year term on Gov. Bill Haslam’s Kevin came from a rough family background, was performing inaugural Governor’s Teacher Cabinet, which meets quarterly to significantly below grade level in reading and math, and had angry advise the governor on educational policy and discuss information outbursts which Whitehead described as “absolutely legendary.” from the classroom. He was receiving special support in several subjects but didn’t “If there is one thing I want you to remember tonight, it’s this,” seem to be improving. Whitehead decided this child was not going she told her audience, “There will come a time in your career when to be forgotten. you will be tired. … Teaching can break your heart like nothing She encouraged Kevin after small successes and gradually else can because the needs are so great and you can feel so small. noticed progress in his mathematics. As the school year continued, But I want you to know this: you are enough. You are enougher Kevin’s grades climbed even higher and he steadily rose to the top than enough. You are so enough I cannot even tell you how of the class. enough you are. You are enough.” “Once he got a taste of success, of true, authentic success, he

44 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu enough!

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 45 Congratulations to our newest alumni!

422 undergraduate students 45 graduate students

154 honors graduates 467 total graduates December 2016

46 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu Congratulations

422 undergraduate students 45 graduate students

154 honors graduates 467 total graduates December 2016

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 47 SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMS 50 CLASS NOTES 56 IN MEMORY 56 lumni A NEWS (the real deal)>>>

As many of you are aware, UT Martin faced some large hurdles during 2015. We will continue to meet those challenges head on, and we will become stronger because of our efforts. I have been writing this column for 12 years now, always promoting our university and alumni programs, and asking you to help your alma mater. Heck, I even wrote about the campus squirrels! Today, I ask for your help again. Our university must show the world we are going to be stronger because of the challenges we have faced. One way to accomplish this feat is to show strong alumni engagement. The best way to measure engagement is through annual giving percentages. Here are some ways you can help your alma mater: 1. Make a gift of any size. A $5 gift is just as important as a $5 million dollar gift. We need to increase our percentage of giving to show the world our alumni, like you, care about the direction of our university. 2. Purchase a lamp post in the quad in honor or in memory of someone. ALL FUNDS received from these donations will go toward the creation of landmark columns around campus, as seen in the photos. Each lamp post costs $1,000, which can be divided into equal payments of $83.33 each month for 12 months. Each column will cost approximately $10,000. 3. If you know a high school guidance counselor, reach out to that person and let them know UT Martin is a great place to send their students. Personal contact from friends can be a great persuader in many cases. Check out our university’s fact page at www.utm.edu/about/quickfacts.php; to see our latest accolades. SEE MORE ONLINE 4. Consider beginning a scholarship that will follow a student all four years he or she is attending UT For the most up-to-date Martin. This program provides a $2,000 per year scholarship award, given to a freshman, that will information, news and event schedules, check out follow that person through their collegiate career if they maintain good academic standing. You can the alumni website at read more about this program at www.utmforever.com/scholarships. www.utmforever.com. Now you can stay con- We often use #BeUTMProud on our social media postings, but I hope it means more than a few keystrokes nected, share news and to you. I am proud of what UTM has provided me by way of a great education, a foundation for leadership photos and network all through utmforever.com. and different career opportunities. By coming together as proud alumni of UT Martin, we can make 2016 a great year. #BeUTMProud

(‘92, ‘96)

48 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu (spotlight on alums)>>> GET INVOLVED!

As an alum of UT Martin, your continued engagement and involvement are critical to our success. Your personal commitment of time, talent and treasure will ensure our future growth and success. Visit our website to discover meaningful ways you can impact your university.

>Volunteer Opportunities >Reunions >Alumni Council >Development Council >Mentoring Program >Young Alumni Council >Speak Out for UT >Alumni in the Classroom

UTMFOREVER.COM

In addition to visiting the website, feel free to write, call or email the UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations for more information.

Office of Alumni Relations Dunagan Alumni Center 1900 Alumni Way Martin, TN 38238 (731) 881-7610 [email protected] utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 49 50 Gatwood; Dr. BobSmith,interimchancellor;andAndyWilson, vicechancellorforuniversityadvancement. professor ofmusicandinterimchair, DepartmentofMusic;Dr. DwightGatwood, professoremeritusofmusic;DianneGatwood;David the DwightGatwoodWorld Percussion Room are(l-r)Dr. Lynn Alexander, dean,CollegeofHumanitiesandFineArts; Methodist Church,apositionhehasheldsince1983.DwightandDianneGatwood’sson, totheuniversity,1986. Heretiredin2008after36yearsofdedicatedservice andiscurrentlydirectorofmusicatHuntingdonFirstUnited Fine ArtsBuilding.GatwoodbeganhisUTMartincareerin1972asanassistantprofessorofmusicandwaspromotedtofull in DWIGHT GATWOOD WORLDPERCUSSION ROOM professor emeritusofmusic,withadedicationceremonytoofficiallynametheDwightGatwoodW

(spotlight onalums) ALUMNI NEWS T he U niversi t y of T ennessee a t M ar t in C a m p u s

S c ene >>>DozenswereonhandSept.25asUTMartinhonoredDr. DwightGatwood, >>> Judge Epsilon chapterofAlphaPhiSigma, whopresentedtheaward. Jesse LukeRobinson,studentpresident oftheUTMartinKappa the UTMartinCriminalJusticeProgram. Williams ispictured with professional excellenceintheircareers andoutstandingsupportof alumni whodemonstrateleadershipinthecriminaljusticefield, a luncheonSept.29.Theawardisintendedtorecognizethose from theUTMartinDepartmentofBehavioralSciencesduring received thefirstDistinguishedCriminalJusticeAlumniAward John EverettWilliams(’77,right) David (‘99),isaUTMartinalum.Picturedin orld P ercussion Roomintheuniversity’s <<< , ofHuntingdon, Dr. JulieHill(‘94), utm.edu (spotlight onalums) of Jones’portraitareJoeHill, congressionaldistrictaid;Dr photographs fromPresidentsCarterandGeorgeH.W. BushandvariousawardsreceivedbyJones duringhislifetime.Picturedinfront 1989. MegKinnard,granddaughterofJones,recentlyaddedtothe university’sarchivecollectionbydonatingJones’signedgavel, Tennessee Tennessee’s JuniorCollege,nowUTMartin,in1932andserved 8thDistrictintheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesfrom1969- U.S. Rep.EdJones(D-Tenn.) onthemaincampus.Jones,anativeofYorkville, inthePaul MeekLibrary graduatedfromtheUniversity of Tennessee CommissionerofAgriculture; and Hardee,guest of the family; TerrySciences; AndyWilson, vicechancellorforuniversityadvancement; Kinnard; Geoffery Oliver (‘68), former REP. EDJONESREMEMBEREDAT UTMARTIN utmforever.com days in2004.Sheisalsothefirstwomanworldtotakean subspecies) inasingleseason,whichsheachievedonly16 first womanintheworldtotakeawildturkeyGrandSlam(four is alsoafive-timeworldchampionprofessionalarcher, andisthe programs.Bates families withtheoutdoorworldthrougharchery Outdoor Outreach,aprogramthatreconnectsyouth,womenand Joella Bates(’83)ofWaverly, isthefounderofOperation Dr. JimByford(‘66) >>>UTMartinmaintainsapermanentreplicaoftheYorkville officeofthelate >>> . T , deanemeritus,CollegeofAgriculture andAppliedSciences. odd Winters, professor anddean,CollegeofAgricultureApplied team. of Fame, inductedin1996forheraccomplishmentsontherifle University. SheisalsoamemberoftheUTMartinAthleticHall Master ofSciencedegreeinbiologyfromTennessee Technological degree innaturalresourcesmanagementfromUTMartinanda African capebuffalo withabow. BatesholdsaBachelorofScience W inter /S <<< pring 2016 51 ALUMNI NEWS 52 (spotlight onalums) at West Tennessee Inc.,andagraduateofthe LegalServices, and AshleyHolliday(’04),ofJackson,isamanagingattorney is CEOoftheObionCountyJointEconomicDevelopmentCouncil; Heating andAir, Inc.; (’02), ofJackson,isthecorporateoperationsofficeratMcCoy’s Tennessee’s Up-and-Comers,”publishedOct.18. in theJacksonSun’s2015editionof“Forty UnderForty: West SixUTMartinalumniandonecurrentemployeewereincluded the backrow, immediatelytotherightofbanner, andConnieissecondrow, secondfrombanner. Approximately 50peopleattended thisevent,about20ofwhomareUTMartingraduatesandKim’s formerstudents.Kendallispicturedin University hostedtocelebratethe publicationofKim’slatestbook,“ professor emeritus,onanonline course aboutKoreancultureandhistor wife, Connie,recentlyspentthree weeksinKoreawhereheworkedwithDr. Choong Kim,presidentofCyberUniversityandUTMartin UT MARTINALUMNI HONORFORMERPROFESSOR >>>Dr. KendallBlanchard,formerUTMartinchiefacademicofficer, andhis

T ALUMNI NEWS he U niversi t y of T Lindsay Frilling (’01,’02),ofUnionCity, ennessee a t M ar t in C a m p u s Dr. StephenL.Mansfield(MBA’86) system inNorthTexas.” itsemployeesasabestplacetoworkandpatientstophealth-care will longserve presentation eventattheDallasMuseumofArt.“IamdedicatedtoensuringMethodist the supportofleadershipteamandBoardDirectors,”Mansfieldsaidduringa Association ofBusiness.IamproudMethodist’sachievementsandappreciate “It isanhonortobenamedDistinguishedBusinessLeaderoftheyearbyTexas “Outstanding Volunteer bytheMarchofDimesin2009. Fundraiser” by Ernst&Young2012, hewasawarded“EntrepreneuroftheYear” andwasselectedas and includedasa“Top NewsmakertoWatch for2013”byDallasBusinessJournal.In Chamber, andwasrecognizedbyDMagazineasHealthcareExecutiveoftheYear in2014 and addingthousandsofjobs.Heistheimmediatepast-chairmanDallasRegional overseen tremendousgrowth,providingcriticalhealth-careoptionstoNorthTexas families Business –DallasChapter. SincejoiningMethodistHealthSystemin2006,Mansfieldhas named DistinguishedBusinessLeaderoftheYear inOctoberbytheTexas Associationof

Lanier English Lanier S c ene >>> T ravels ThroughTime: Tales ofaYoung ScholarofKoreainthe1960s.” y . Theyattendedabook-signingparty andbanquetthatCyber Parsons Center. the UTMartinfamilyin2012andisdirectorof development atBethelUniversity. Kelli, ofLexington,joined Deere Healthcare; andAmyThompson(’05) the organizationalcommunicationsmanagerwithWest Tennessee Farmers andMerchantsBank; Medina, isexecutivevicepresidentandchiefoperatingofficerat WestStar LeadershipProgram. , MethodistHealthSystempresidentandCEO, was <<< Beth Parnell (’04),ofJackson,is Whitney McCullar(’08),of , ofMcKenzie,isdirector utm.edu Roger AmosPage (’75), as acircuitcourtjudgeforthe26th JudicialDistrict,whichincludes appointment byHaslaminDecember 2011.Hepreviouslyserved been ajudgeontheTennessee CourtofCriminalAppealssincehis the Tennessee GeneralAssembly. Page, aHendersonnative,has in September2015.Hisappointment issubjecttoconfirmationby Gov. R.Wade, BillHaslam.HereplacedJusticeGary whoretired to theTennessee 2016byTennessee Supreme Court inJanuary utmforever.com ofMadisonCounty, was appointed (’84). Pharmacy (’78)andalawdegreefromtheUniversityofMemphis degree inpharmacyfromtheUniversityofTennessee Collegeof Chester, HendersonandMadisoncounties.Heholdsabachelor’s Columbia.<<< clinical nutritionandinformatics at Palmetto HealthRichland in specialist insportsdietetics;and Childers isthemanagerof Nutrition For inCharlestonandaboard-certified LifePerformance Office onAging;Caperton-Kilburnistheownerof Governor’s government agencies.ShavoisanutritionistfortheLieutenant dayinlate2014whenSCANDofficers were visiting a regulatory ‘87) andAnnChilders,(UTMBS‘77,MS‘79) UTK MS‘96),CharlotteCaperton-Kilburn,M.S.(UTMBS Carolina home.(ltor) Academy ofNutritionandDietetics,theyeachcallSouth they areregistereddieticians,they’reactiveintheSouthCarolina Three UTMartinalumnihaveseveralimportantthingsincommon: REGISTERED DIETICIANSDISCOVER COMMONBOND>>> has alsoofficiatedatthehighestlevelsofcollegefootball. were outstandinghighschoolandUTMartinathletes.MikeTaylor be inductedintotheTennessee SportsHallofFame onJune17.All Haywood CountySportsHallofFame onDec.17,2015.Taylor will McClure wereinductedintotheBrownsvilleStates-Graphic’s fame recognitionfortheirathleticsaccomplishments.Eakinand Taylor (‘88),football/footballofficial,haveeachearnedhallof Warren McClure(’94,MS’97),basketball/tennis;and >>>Leah Taylor Eakin(’13,MBA‘14),softball; UT MARTINALUMS HONOREDFORATHLETICS SUCCESS Katherine GattisShavo(UTMBS‘88, Katherine W inter gatheredduring /S Gina pring Mike <<< 2016

ALUMNI NEWS 53 54 non-UT Martinalumgraduatedfrom UTKnoxville.Family tiesarenotedontheoppositepageascompiledby academic trackasabiologymajor fromAugust2008untilhisdeathinOctober2009. University. Thefamily’ssonandbrother, JamesLandrum“Jimmy” Croom,attendedUTMartinandpursuedthehealthscience pre-professional (‘15) andCalliearefeaturedinthecurrenteditionofpublication. graduates andtheirchildrenwhoarecurrentlyattendingUTM. LANDRUM FAMILYLANDRUM TIESRUNDEEPAT UTMARTIN ALUMNI NEWS T Family headsCecilandAnnieLandrumhavenine grandchildren,includingJimCroom.Allbutonegraduatedfrom UTMartin,andtheone Callie isasenioragriculturemajorwithconcentrationinagricultural business,andLauraisafirst-yearveterinar he U niversi t y of T ennessee a t M ar t in C a m p u s

S c ene >>>UTMartin’s“InformationforFamilies” brochureannuallyfeaturesuniversity Laura Jim (’83)andDiane(’84)Croom,ofGreenfield,theirdaughters Laura Joe Croom(’73,’81). y studentatAuburn utm.edu ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI

(we want to know)>>>

Grandchildren (and their Please fill out the information below and mail it to us, or go to utmforever.com and let us families) of Cecil and Annie know what you have been up to or update your address if it has changed. Landrum with UT degrees Full Name (include maiden name, if applicable):______• Janet Landrum (UTM ’69); husband, Years Attended: ______through ______School/College of:______Wayne Fanning (UTK ’71). Degree(s): ______Major: ______• Jerry Landrum (UTM ’77); wife, Jenny Home Address:______City/State/Zip:______Landrum (UTM ’76, ’77); daughter, Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______Meg Landrum Payne (UTM ’03); Occupation: ______Business Name or Employer:______son-in-law, Matt Payne (UTM ’03); Business Address: ______City/State/Zip:______son, Doug Landrum (UTM ’07); Your Email Address: ______and daughter-in-law, Ashley Myatt Would you like your Email address published in Campus Scene? Yes q No q Landrum (UTM ’09). Full Name of Spouse: ______• Joan Landrum Howell (UTM ’80); son, Did your spouse attend UT Martin? Yes q No q Jerod Howell (UTM ’07); daughter- Years Attended: ______through ______School/College of: ______in-law, Lindsey Latham Howell (UTM Degree(s): ______Major: ______’09); son, Jordan Howell (UTM ’10). Occupation: ______Business Name of Employer: ______• Paula Marie Williams (UTK ’69); Business Address: ______City/State/Zip:______husband, John Pharis Bell (UTK ’68, Spouse’s Email Address: ______DDS UTHSC ’75). Names and Ages of Children:______• Linda Judy Chute (UTM ’71); son, ______David Light (UTM ’91); stepson, Allan ______Deigan (senior UTM student). Additional News (honors, promotions, etc.): ______• Brenda Judy Whitehead (UTM ’67, ______UTK ’85); husband, James Whitehead ______(UTM ’67, UTK ’74). ______• Ronald Wayne Croom (UTM ’70); ______wife, Brenda Croom (UTM ’72). List your current hobbies: ______• Allen B. (Joe) Croom (UTM ’73, Mac ______(’81); son, Allen B. (Joey) Croom II Would you consider taking an active leadership role in UT Martin alumni activities? Yes q No q (UTM ’05); daughter, Wendy Croom Would you like this information published in Campus Scene? Yes q No q Freeman (UTM ’97, MS ’99); stepson, If you know anyone who may be interested in UT Martin and is a high school junior or senior, please give Justin Lattus (UTM ’99). us his or her name and address. • James Lee (Jimmy) Croom (UTM ’83); ______wife, Diane Croom (UTM ’84); son, ______James Landrum Croom (attended UTM, 2008-09); daughter, Laura Enclose a recent color headshot photo, if possible. No low-resolution digital photos, please! Photographs cannot be returned to you. Every effort will be made to use all color headshots submitted. However, space considerations and/or Croom (UTM ’14); daughter, Callie photo quality may prevent us from using submitted photos in some instances. Email photos to [email protected]. Croom (senior UTM student). <<< Fill out, clip and return this form to: UT Alumni Association – Martin Office Dunagan Alumni Center 1900 Alumni Way Martin, TN 38238

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 55 (class notes)>>>

1944 counselor at Reflections Counseling and Warren W. Webb (’44) is a professor resides in Nunnelly. She serves as secretary .(in memory)>>> emeritus of psychology at Vanderbilt for the Hickman Humane Society and is University School of Medicine. He is retired a member of the Hickman County Health Billy Frank Cate, of Martin, passed away and living in Brentwood. Council and the Hickman County Suicide Sept. 7, 2015. Awareness and Prevention Task Force. Brian “Bub” Hicks, of Spring Hill, passed 1960 away Jan. 17, 2016. Charles Gregory (’60) is now retired. 1984 Paul James Jenkins, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., He and his wife, Amy, have five grown Nasser Bayram (’84) was an interna- passed away Nov. 16, 2015. children. Email: Charlesgregory@ardmore. tional student from Lebanon who earned a George Macintyre, of Nashville, passed net computer science degree. He now resides away Jan. 5, 2016 (former head UT Martin in Saudi Arabia, where he is director of football coach). 1972 Zahid Tractor. Carolyn Allen Milton, of Williamsburg, Va., passed away Aug. 2, 2015. 2001 Jay W. Morris, of the Zion Community in Scott Caldwell (’01) is a civil engineer Maury County, passed away Dec. 21, 2015 with Berry Engineers, LLC, in Cleveland. He (UT Junior College). is a full-time civil site designer and is work- Dr. Robert J. (Bob) Muncy, of Nashville, ing on obtaining his master’s degree in passed away in October 2015 (retired engineering management online from the faculty). University of Louisville. He and his wife, Christopher Daniel Owen, of Paris, Amy, have three children: Elijah, Evan and passed away Nov. 30, 2015 (current UT Emory. Email: [email protected] Martin student). Carl P. Savage, of Martin, passed away 2009 Nov. 5, 2015 (retired UT Martin faculty). Carol Williams Shanklin (’72, above Mary Euin Smith, of Somerville, passed right) is the dean of graduate schools at away Sept. 19, 2015 (retired UT Martin Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. staff). She received an award from the Academy James E. Spears, of West Memphis, Ark., of Nutrition and Dietetics for excellence passed away Oct. 23, 2015 (former UT in research practices in 2015. Email: Martin faculty member). [email protected] Dr. Jack Clements Stripling, of Lexing- ton, passed away Oct. 25, 2015. 1974 Ed Isaac Taylor Jr., of Jacksonville, Fla., Dr. P. J. Scott (’74) is the transitional passed away Nov. 25, 2015. pastor at New Harmony Baptist Church Daniel Burke (’09) is president of Burke Thel Ward Taylor, of Union City, passed in Paris. He and his wife, Betty, have one Financial Group in Nashville. His wife, away Dec. 30, 2015 (retired UT Martin daughter, Dr. Norma Scott Gerrell, who Elizabeth Hudson Burke (’10), re- faculty). became interim chair of the UT Martin De- ceived her Master of Science in Nursing Ira Nicholas Walker, of Jackson, passed partment of Educational Studies in August degree in 2013 and Doctor of Nursing away Sept. 19, 2015 (UT Martin Jackson 2015. Email: [email protected] Practice in 2015, both from Vanderbilt Center instructor). University School of Nursing. Daniel email: Dr. Crystal Whitlow, of McKenzie, 1975 [email protected]; Elizabeth email: passed away Sept. 5, 2015 (retired UT Dr. Charlotte Maricia Staggs (’75) is a [email protected] Martin faculty).

56 The University of Tennessee at Martin Campus Scene utm.edu <<< (one last thought)

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT >>> Stephen McBride, Agriculture Business, Beechgrove

My UT Martin advantage is the family atmosphere >>> There have been 13 national agriculture and explore the country, while by completing a term as Tennessee FFA Future Farmers of America officers from also learning from some of the industry’s Association state president. His father, Tennessee, but only one from UT Martin. greatest leaders. Mark, held the same position in 1980- Stephen McBride, a senior agriculture McBride’s year as the Southern Region 81, later followed by McBride’s brother, business major from Beechgrove, was Vice President secured his direction and Matthew, who served in the same role in elected in 2014 to serve one year as the passion for the future. “I know that my 2006-07. Both are also UT Martin alumni. FFA Southern Region Vice President. strengths are in communicating with McBride returned to UT Martin for the After his national election, McBride people and just really pouring into their spring 2016 semester and will complete his took a leave of absence from UT Martin lives,” he said. “I know that I want to have agriculture business degree this December. to spend the following year training, a career in the agriculture business world, “Who knows where I’ll be a year from traveling more than 100,000 national where I’m just kind of helping people with now, but I know that my experience at UT and international miles to conventions some daily need that they have, while also Martin has been a very good one, and I’m and chapter visits, visiting some of the kind of teaching them a little bit about the excited to finish out my degree,” he said. country’s greatest landmarks and serving importance of agriculture to their lives.” <<< 10 days in Japan with his national team. Before taking the position as a national He was able to fuel his passion for officer, McBride continued his family legacy

utmforever.com Winter/Spring 2016 57 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA UT Alumni Association – Martin Office PERMIT NO. Dunagan Alumni Center 1900 Alumni Way Martin, TN 38238

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