Record V19.14

Building bridges Inside this edition: Get on Foley’s Fulbright efforts Lectures on Sandburg, Jesus, page 2 the ice focus on Gulf, Asian links New education courses ahead, page 6 Feb. 19, page 3 see page 8 Plenty of Faculty/Staff Updates, page 8

a publication for the Middle Tennessee State University community www.mtsunews.com • Jan. 31, 2011 • Vol. 19/No. 14

Historic visit strikes sweet note for MTSU music major

by Gina K. Logue [email protected]

he week of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s official state visit T with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., provided a moment of bliss—and a chance to be an unofficial ambassador, of sorts—for MTSU graduate student Yifei Zhong. The Chinese Ministry of Education invited Yifei, 23, to attend a Jan. 19 reception for Hu on the South Lawn of the White House along with other students and professors from various locations. The violin-performance major says she doesn’t know why she was selected, but her reaction was sheer Studying 1st-generation families delight. “Wow! That’s a big thing!” Yifei recalls thinking upon receiving the e-mailed invitation. “I’ve got to go, by Gina K. Logue ers, it’s a very, very difficult transi- Surveys conducted in 1996 by no matter what!” [email protected] tion to go to school and to stay in the National Center for Education school, because your family can be Statistics—and bolstered by data See ‘Historic’ page 5 ntrigued by a documentary in quite antagonistic toward you,” says from follow-up surveys in 1998 and which a young woman was Perrin, who adds that she had her 2001—found that approximately 40 I ostracized by her parents for parents’ total support as a first- percent of all university freshmen two years for realizing her dream of generation college student. are the first in their families to Classes canceled? attending college, Tara attend college. Perrin set out to learn In performing her Check online, TV, how other first- qualitative research, generation college stu- Perrin is analyzing her radio, Rave alerts! dents handle the chal- interviews with stu- lenges of their educa- dents and comparing hen inclement weather tional lives. them to existing aca- threatens the area, MTSU Perrin is a 36-year- demic data. While closing information will be old MTSU sociology she’s found plenty of W available online at major and Tallahassee, quantitative research www.mtsu.edu and on Fla., native. She’s writ- with grade-point aver- local radio and TV sta- ing her master’s thesis ages and retention and tions, and the uni- on first-generation stu- graduation rates, versity also will send dents’ perceptions of Perrin finds little out an alert via the changing family rela- research is available on Rave system. tionships as a result of FAMILY TIES—MTSU grad student Tara Perrin, second from right, the family dynamics of Class cancellations will apply to higher education and poses with her father, Tony Johnston; her father’s girlfriend, Betty the first-generation all classes. MTSU offices will be open how those changes Farrish; her husband, Richard Perrin; and their dog, Daisy Mae. student’s experience. unless otherwise stated. Overnight Unlike some families in her master’s thesis research, Perrin says hers affect their college “Without really decisions will be announced by 6 a.m. careers. has supported her educational goals. Tara’s mother, the late Phyllis hearing qualitative sto- Johnston, passed away before Tara completed her bachelor’s degree. the next day. “For some people, ries about their Get winter-weather details any- it’s a really smooth time at http://bit.ly/MTWeather! transition, and for oth- photo submitted See ‘Studying’ page 5

Monday, Feb. 7. Award criteria IN BRIEF and a nomination form can be

PERMIT NO. 169 NO. PERMIT found at www.mtsu.edu/provost/

MURFREESBORO TN MURFREESBORO career_award.shtml. Forms should U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S. RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT! The Career Achievement be sent to The Career Achievement

ORGANIZATION Award Committee is seeking nom- Award, Office of University

NONPROFIT NONPROFIT inations for the 2010-11 MTSU Provost, Attention: Faye Johnson, Career Achievement Award by Cope Administration Building 111. www.mtsunews.com Lectures focus on Sandburg, ‘Misquoting Jesus’

from Staff Reports The lecture is planned for 3:30 p.m. in the State Farm Lecture Hall in the [email protected] BAS. Ehrman will sign copies of his books immediately following his lecture. Ehrman, the author of more than 20 books, including three New York Times cholars who study Carl Sandburg’s musical interests and the history of bestsellers (Jesus Interrupted, God’s Problem and Misquoting Jesus), is the James early Christianity will bring their expertise to MTSU in February as part A. Gray Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of S of the university’s ongoing Distinguished Lecture Series. North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a leading authority on the New On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Dr. Jhon C. Akers will interpret the works of poet Carl Testament and the history of early Christianity. His work has been featured in Sandburg on classical guitar in “Carl Sandburg and the Time, The New Yorker, The Washington Post Spanish Guitar,” a free public lecture slated for 7:30 p.m. in and other print media, and he has the State Farm Lecture Hall, Room S102, of the Business and appeared on NBC’s “Dateline,” “The Daily Aerospace Building. Show with Jon Stewart,” CNN and other Akers, an associate professor of modern languages at media outlets. Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., was the featured lec- The Ehrman lecture is part of the turer twice for the Sandburg Days Festival in Galesburg, Ill. annual Applied Philosophy Lyceum in Sandburg, a poet, historian and winner of three Pulitzer conjunction with MTSU’s Distinguished Prizes, also collected folk songs and wrote children’s litera- Lecture Committee. ture and had a lifelong love for the Spanish guitar. For more information on the Feb. 8 Akers And on Friday, Feb. 18, the Department of Philosophy at Ehrman Sandburg lecture, contact Dr. William MTSU is sponsoring a free public lecture, “Misquoting Jesus: Yelverton at 615-898-2004 or 615-898-5623. Scribes Who Changed the Bible and Readers Who May Never Know,” by Dr. For more information on the Feb. 18 Ehrman lecture, contact Connie Bart D. Ehrman. Huddleston at 615-494-7628.

Remember, faculty: Special-projects funding deadline is Feb. 11

TSU faculty, take note: The deadline for time faculty member. The grant is considered seed split the award, depending upon the projects sub- proposals for 2011 Special Projects Grants money for a project that will garner visibility and mitted. M is Friday, Feb. 11. acclaim for the university. For details on special-project grant funding Each year the MTSU Foundation grants up to The Special Projects Committee reviews all sub- applications, please visit www.mtsu.edu/development/ $20,000 to fund a special project pursued by a full- missions and selects the winning project and may special_projects.shtml. Researchers prep for Feb. 9 ‘Posters at the Capitol’ event by Randy Weiler of Franklin; Katrina A. Smith of Murfreesboro; by Zapping, Trapping and Stretching Red Blood [email protected] Lindsey Bailey of La Vergne; Samuel Mitchell of Cells Extracted from Normal Mice with Sickle Cell Nashville; collaborators Jessica Taylor of Disorder”; welve MTSU students will provide seven Manchester, Nikhil Reddy of Murfreesboro and • Smith with Dr. Ngee S. Chong, presentations being showcased Wednesday, Daniel Gouger of Chattanooga; Daniel Messick of “Characterization of Aminobiphenyl Isomers and T Feb. 9, during the sixth annual “Posters at Shelbyville; and collaborators Matt Cooley of Their Interactions with Calf Thymus DNA and the Capitol” in Nashville. Camden, Jason Pomeroy of Lascassas and Kyle Nucleotide Bases”; Along with their mentors, the MTSU student Wiseman of Murfreesboro. • Bailey with Dr. Scott Handy, “One Pot presenters will be joined by research peers from the Ian Hajizadeh of Nashville and George Carter Halogenations and Cross-Couplings in Ionic other Tennessee Board of Regents schools—Austin of Kingsport are alternate co-presenters. Liquids”; Peay, East Tennessee, Tennessee State, Tennessee The students expect to discuss their research • Mitchell with Friedli, “Porous Silica Films as Tech and University of Memphis—and those from with their respective state legislators. After lunch, a Reliable Medium for Sensing Protein-Antibody the University of Tennessee campuses at Knoxville, they will pose for photos with new Gov. Bill Binding Events”; Chattanooga and Martin. Haslam. • Taylor and Reddy with Dr. Norma Dunlap, An expected 61 poster presentations are sched- Dr. Andrienne Friedli, Undergraduate Research “Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Daniel Gouger, uled to begin around 10 a.m. in the Legislative Center director and professor of chemistry, and Peptidomimetics with Potential Anti-HIV and Plaza hallway. MTSU’s contingent will stay until Emily Born, coordinator of the Faculty Research Alzheimer’s Activity”; about 3 p.m. The public is welcome to view the and Creative Activity Grant and URC coordinator, • Messick with Dr. Nate Phillips, “The Effects posters and talk to the young researchers. are spearheading the MTSU students’ participation of Daminozide on Flower Production and Sex “It should be a great day for the students,” said at Posters on the Hill. Ratios in Hydroponic Greenhouse Cucumbers”; Dr. Tom Cheatham, College of Basic and Applied Assisting Cheatham with set-up preparations and Sciences dean. “Sen. (Bill) Ketron is helping us are academic advisers Jennifer Danylo, Travis • Cooley and Pomeroy with Dr. Mark Abolins, make arrangements this year. The only change for Tipton and Andrew Symonds and executive secre- “Movement of Groundwater Along Fold Hinges in us is that UT-Martin is joining the UT contingent tary Sheila Bleam. Central Rutherford County, Tennessee.” for the first time, and we have more posters than A listing of MTSU student presenters, their fac- The alternate poster presenters are mentored by ever.” ulty mentors and abstract titles includes: Erenso on “Efficacy of Gene Therapy in Sickle Cell The MTSU students include co-collaborators • Nichols and Chokuba with faculty mentor Mouse Model as Measured by the Red Blood Cells’ Ryan Nichols of Nashville and Catherine Chokuba Dr. Daniel Erenso, abstract title “Studying Elasticity Elastic Response.” page 2 The Record Jan. 31, 2011 Celebration launches Black History Month Campus, community unite for Feb. 3 luncheon

ampus and community will come together on Thursday, Feb. 3, to launch MTSU’s Black History C Month at the annual Unity Luncheon, honoring citi- zens for their service to others. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a keynote address from Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, the Kellner Family Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also is an award-winning researcher who focuses on the work of teachers who are successful with African-American students. Sponsored by the MTSU Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Center and the Black History Month Committee, the luncheon will be held in the Tennessee Room inside MTSU’s James Union Building. The 2011 honorees include: • Marshall County Director of Schools Roy D. Dukes; • entrepreneur Ernestine “Tene” Johnson of Murfreesboro; • community organizer Wordna McKnight of Murfreesboro; • community leader Carolyn Peebles of Smyrna; and • Pastor and NAACP Branch President Goldy L. Wade of Murfreesboro. Dukes, who earned his master’s degree in administration and supervision from MTSU, has been a teacher, coach, assis- tant principal, principal and supervisor. He is past president of the Housing Authority and Rotary Club in Lewisburg and also is a member of Phi Beta Sigma and the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Club International Award, as well as the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Service Award. Dukes received the 2004 NAACP George Turner Award of Excellence and in 2005 was inducted as a school administrator into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Johnson, who was the first African-American woman to own a business in downtown Murfreesboro and also one of the first African-American females on the design team when clothing manufacturer White Stag moved to town, is a past member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the board of the Rutherford County Guidance Center and was one of the first instructors at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center. She also taught Rutherford County adult classes and is active in Southeast Baptist Church as a member of the Women’s Bible Study and as a Bible teacher for several local churches. McKnight and her close friends have organized a commu- nity meal for many years on a designated Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to health issues, she has held the meal only once in the past three years and may not be able to continue the tradition. Murfreesboro City Councilman Ron Washington has worked with McKnight during the past 10 tured in The Daily News Journal as a “Person You Should Know” and is a Man years to help sponsor the community event and says she recruited many vol- of Valor in the Antioch Baptist Church and a past member of the Room in the unteers to help with the food and fellowship. Inn committee. He also serves as president of an amateur golf organization. Peebles is known as a tireless worker in her Living Truth Christian Center Wade currently is working with Dr. Linda Gilbert, director of Murfreesboro in Smyrna. She is a member of the Smyrna Rotary Club and has been active in City Schools, to organize pastors and associate pastors to help meet the needs that town for the last 20 years. She has run for a position on the Smyrna Town of area children through tutoring and serving as role models. Council twice, including a second campaign in fall 2010. The public is invited to join the luncheon and celebration. Tickets are $20 Wade, an ordained associate minister in the Walnut Grove Missionary for adults and $10 for students and can be obtained by contacting Brenda Baptist Church, received the Jerry Anderson Hero Award in 2009 for his ser- Wunder at 615-898-2591 or [email protected]. vice as president of the Murfreesboro Branch of the NAACP. He has been fea- Art department makes Join MT alumni, friends national call for exhibit to watch the Predators

he Department of Art at efit the MTSU Department of Art elebrate MTSU Alumni and pregame reception from 5:30 to 7 MTSU has issued a national Scholarship program. Friends Night with the p.m. in the D-G Room of the arena’s T call for artists to submit 8-by- Tinney Contemporary will host C Nashville Predators on lower concourse. The gathering will 10-inch works on paper by Friday, the one-night exhibition on March 19 Saturday, Feb. 19, at include food, and March 11, for from 6 to 9 the nonalcoholic inclusion in p.m. at its Bridgestone drinks and a “80 Square,” a gallery at 237 Arena in cash bar will new scholar- Fifth Ave. N. Nashville! be available. ship-benefit in Nashville. The All reser- exhibition An artist pre- Preds will vations and and sale. view is planned from 5 to 6 p.m. at face the prepayments must be Drawings, paintings, photo- the gallery. Phoenix made by Friday, Feb. graphs, prints and mixed media will Artists can download full sub- Coyotes beginning 4. To reserve your be accepted. All work submitted will mission details at www.mtsu.edu/~art at 7 p.m. Tickets seat, please call the be included in the “80 Square” exhib- or contact Sisavanh Houghton at are $30 per person, Office of Alumni Relations it and sale on Saturday, March 19, [email protected] for more informa- which includes the at 800-533-6878 or e-mail and proceeds from all sales will ben- tion. game ticket and cost of a special [email protected].

The Record Jan. 31, 2011 page 3 Campus Calendar Jan. 31-Feb. 13, 2011

Please note: Jan. 31 Thursday, Feb. 3 Feb. 8 Black History Month: Event dates, times and Monday, Jan. 31 Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Tuesday, Feb. 8 locations may change after Spring Honors Lecture Series: “Campus and Community Black History Month: press time. Please verify Dr. Brad Bartel, “The Mother- Collaboration” “QUESDay,” Omega Psi Phis specifics when making plans. Goddess Figurine Problem of 6 p.m., Tennessee Room, JUB in the Military Display the European Paleolithic” For information, contact: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., KUC second floor TV Schedule 3 p.m., Room 106, Honors 615-898-2831. For information, contact: Amphitheatre 615-898-2831. For information, visit Feb. 4 www.mtsu.edu/~honors Tornado Siren Test Date or contact: 615-898-2152. Friday, Feb. 4 (no action needed) First Friday Star Party: 12:20 p.m., campuswide “MTSU Out of the Blue” Stones River Chamber Players, Guest Speaker Santos Lopez, For information, contact: Cable Channel 9: “Happy Anniversary 2011!” “Debunking Apocalypse 2012” 615-898-2424. Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 5 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall 6:30 p.m. lecture, Room 102, NewsChannel 5+ (Comcast 250): For information, visit Wiser-Patten Science Building; Black History Month Step Off Sundays, 1:30 p.m. www.mtsumusic.com followed by telescope viewing 7 p.m., Tom Jackson Building Visit www.mtsunews.com or contact: 615-898-2493. at the MTSU Observatory For information, e-mail for other cable-outlet airtimes For information, contact: [email protected]. or www.youtube.com/mtsunews Feb. 1 615-898-5946 or 898-2483. for a complete show archive. Distinguished Lecture: Dr. Tuesday, Feb. 1 MTSU Wind Ensemble Jhon C. Akers, “Carl Sandburg Radio Schedule Black History Month: 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall and the Spanish Guitar” Campus Sing For information, visit 7:30 p.m., State Farm Lecture “MTSU On the Record” Noon, Keathley University www.mtsumusic.com. Hall (Room S102), Business and 8 a.m. Sundays, Center Theater Aerospace Building WMOT 89.5-FM For information, contact: Feb. 6 For information, contact: Podcasts available 615-898-2831. 615-898-2004 or 898-5623. anytime at Sunday, Feb. 6 www.mtsunews.com. Black History Month: Faculty Voice Recital: Feb. 10 Dr. Carter G. Woodson Amanda King Sports @ Home Display 7 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Thursday, Feb. 10 11 a.m.-1 p.m., KUC second For information, visit Retired Faculty/Staff Coffee Feb. 2: Women’s Basketball floor www.mtsumusic.com. 9:30 a.m., Foundation House vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m. For information, contact: For information, contact: Feb. 3: Mardi Gras Night— 615-898-2831. Feb. 7 615-898-2922. Men’s Basketball vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m. Black History Month: Monday, Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 5: Track and Cross Keith Craig Musical Medley TIAA-CREF Employee Country Middle Tennessee 5-6 p.m., Wright Music Hall Financial Counseling Sessions Friday, Feb. 11 Invitational; “Coaches vs. For information, contact: To schedule an appointment, Deadline for 2011 Special Cancer” South Alabama 615-898-2831. contact: 800-732-8353. Project Grant Applications Basketball Doubleheader— For information, visit Men, 3 p.m.; Women, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 Association of Secretarial and www.mtsu.edu/development/ Feb. 6: Women’s Tennis Clerical Employees Blood Drive special_projects.shtml. vs. UT-Martin, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m., KUC 322 (Nashboro Village) 38th Annual Groundhog Day To make an appointment, Feb. 12 Feb. 12: Track and Cross Luncheon for MTSU Baseball visit www.givelife.org. Country MT Valentine 11:30 a.m., Tennessee Room, Saturday, Feb. 12 Invitational, 11 a.m.; “Learning James Union Building Spring Honors Lecture Series: Faculty Quartet: Joseph Circle Honor Roll Day” FIU Tickets: $20 per person Dr. Saeed Foroudastan, Walker, piano; Jessica Basketball Doubleheader— For information, contact: “Experimental Vehicles: Dunnavant, flute; Amanda Men, 4:30 p.m.; Women, 7 p.m. 615-898-2103. Innovation and Creativity in King, soprano; Tanya Lawson, Feb. 13: MTSU Softball Engineering” clarinet vs. Murray State, 1 p.m. Feb. 3 3 p.m., HONR 106 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall For information, visit For information, visit For information, visit www.goblueraiders.com. Thursday, Feb. 3 www.mtsu.edu/~honors. www.mtsumusic.com. Black History Month: Through Feb. 10 Annual Unity Luncheon Guest Recital: Get noticed in The Record ! Keynote speaker: Dr. Gloria “Visions of America: Music of “12” X 12”: A National Juried Ladson-Billings Paul Osterfield” featuring ubmit Campus Calendar Exhibition of Small Scale 11 a.m., Tennessee Room, JUB Michael Jorgensen, violin, items and other news to Works of Art” Admission: $20 adults, and Caleb Harris, piano S gfann@ mtsu.edu by 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Todd Gallery $10 students 8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall Wednesday, Feb. 2, for the For information, contact: For information, contact: For information, visit Feb. 14 edition of The Record 615-898-5653. 615-898-2591. www.mtsumusic.com. and by Wednesday, Feb. 16, for the Feb. 28 Record. Thanks! page 4 The Record Jan. 31, 2011 Studying from page 1 struggles and how they deal with things and how can’t relate to what their children are doing,” says who come from families that have a fairly high these instances do come out, I feel the literature’s Steve Saunders, interim director of the McNair level of education,” Saunders says. really lacking in that regard,” Perrin says. Program, a federally funded Perrin says she thinks universities can play a Even if academia has little to say on the subject, endeavor that helps low-income, more supportive role by asking students on admis- personal anecdotes abound. Some recurring themes first-generation college students sions forms if they are the first in their families to include parents who say they are supportive but prepare for doctoral studies. go to college, allowing them to be counted and never ask their sons or daughters about their stud- “They have no point of refer- their progress documented. The information gath- ies or, worse yet, rebuke or dismiss children who ence.” ered might even become a marketing tool to pro- try to initiate a conversation about what they’re Saunders, himself a first-gen- mote the university to potential clientele, she adds. learning in college. eration college student, says edu- “People don’t come here with the goal of fail- In one of the few qualitative studies Perrin has cational groundbreakers in fami- ing,” Perrin says. “They want to be successful. found on the subject, a student was criticized by lies often have stressors that stu- Sometimes you have to give some students a little her parents for playing classical music in the home; dents from more educated fami- more support in order for that to happen, and I feel Saunders the parents resented what they perceived as an lies don’t understand. Those may like we need to know who those students are. attempt to try to make her family “better.” In include paying for food, rent and Quantifying first-generation status would be a another case, a parent was upset that a student utilities while trying to concentrate on their studies. good step toward figuring that out.” used unfamiliar language during an argument “I think what they (first-generation students) Perrin’s thesis is due in March. She plans to unrelated to school. see are hurdles that other students don’t see, earn her master’s degree in sociology in May 2011. “A lot of parents who have not been to college because they don’t exist for those other students,

Historic from page 1

Yifei says her professors have told her that they’re impressed with her lack of stage fright, and that poise and presence came in handy, even though she did not perform at the reception. “I was very, very excited at that moment,” Yifei says. “I got the chance to shake hands with both of them.” Obama impressed Yifei by saying “Ni hao,” or “Hello” in Chinese. Hu asked about Yifei’s hometown, which she told him is Hangzhou. Yifei attended Hangzhou Normal University, one of MTSU’s educational partners, until her senior year. That’s when she came to MTSU as an exchange student. She has studied here for two years and plans to graduate in May with a master’s degree. The trip was Yifei’s first time traveling by herself and her first trip to Washington. She’s not so certain where her next journey will take her; she says she’s still trying to decide whether to work for a year or two or pursue a doctorate. Regardless of which career path she chooses, though, Yifei says she’ll take fond memories of the day the leaders of her homeland and her adopted homeland met with her—and each other.

WITNESSING HISTORY—MTSU graduate student Yifei Zhong, above, leaves the White House after a brief ceremony on the South Lawn to welcome Chinese President Hu Jintao Jan. 19 for an official state visit. U.S. President Barack Obama and Hu, at left, listen during the ceremony. The leaders are shown below left in the background of Yifei’s photo of the event, which also welcomed Chinese stu- dents from other U.S. universities. Yifei, who transferred from MTSU’s educational partner school Hangzhou Normal University two years ago, is working on her master’s degree at MTSU.

photos courtesy of Yifei Zhong

COMMAND PERFORMANCE—MTSU graduate student Yifei Zhong plays her violin inside Hinton Music Hall after returning from Washington, D.C., where Chinese students from several U.S. univer- sities met with U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

MTSU Photographic Services photo by Andy Heidt

The Record Jan. 31, 2011 page 5 New ed courses will ‘move Tennessee forward’ by Tom Tozer impacts student academic performance,” Seivers degree once they get through these classes,” he [email protected] said. “The College of Education at MTSU is pleased said. “Getting their graduate degree—that’s the to partner with them to enhance the skills of their objective.” ith the help of a $501 million “Race to the professional educators.” Tullahoma High School will continue to offer Top” grant from the U.S. Department of The dean added that MTSU received approval classes in the evenings and on weekends to make it W Education, disbursed over the next four from the state to engage in the Race to the Top ini- as convenient as possible for teachers, Hausler years, Tennessee schools will be responsible for tiative. pointed out. attaining higher standards in student performance “We look forward to establishing similar collab- “This is an on-the-ground program,” he and outcomes. orations,” Seivers said. emphasized. “Our faculty and adjunct faculty go When the Tullahoma City Schools received Approximately 100 teachers in the Tullahoma there. Once we get the cohort programs going, we $608,000 of those funds, officials system do not have a master’s or education special- may meet at Motlow (State Community College).” decided to use part of the money ist’s degree, according to partnership coordinator Tullahoma officials said in a statement that the for professional development and Dr. Joel Hausler, who is a professor in MTSU’s grant’s four-year lifespan requires them to “make helping teachers earn advanced Womack Family Educational Leadership sure that the dollars invested in the grant serve our degrees, all aimed at helping stu- Department. children, our professionals and our community dents in the classroom. “About 50 of them said they wanted to partici- well. … Our expectation is to expand our profes- School officials contacted Dr. pate in professional development,” Hausler said. sional capacity and to meet our needs today and in Lana Seivers, dean of the College “It’s a great thing for us to have that many folks our future.” of Education at MTSU, to pro- come back to MTSU. Many of them are already Hausler said he sees this new partnership as a pose developing coursework MTSU graduates.” prime example of how a school system can support allowing Tullahoma teachers to Seivers The courses that have been and are being its teachers, especially new ones, and how a univer- take up to four graduate classes developed by MTSU will benefit all 276 licensed sity can reach out to help. to meet newer state standards and implement best employees in the Tullahoma school system, Hausler “What we’re teaching them, they can learn over teaching practices. The classes also would count noted. Some will take classes to renew their licen- a weekend and put into practice in the next few toward license renewal and, ultimately, an sure. Those earning a graduate degree also will see weeks on the job,” he said. “That’s exciting. It’s advanced degree. an increase in their paychecks. just-in-time learning. The kids are the beneficiaries “The Tullahoma City School district recognizes “We’ll convert these programs into a cohort of all of it. The whole purpose is to move Tennessee that the quality of teachers and school leaders program where they will work on a master’s forward.”

Career Development Center to host 2 events this spring

from Staff Reports school districts from counties across the region recruit new teachers. Some are [email protected] offering on-site interviews. A free ticket is required for the event and can be obtained by visiting the he MTSU Career Development Center will play host to two career Career Development Center in Room 328 of the Keathley University Center. events during the spring semester, aiming at connecting students with On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Internships and Summer Jobs Fair will take T employers hiring for internships, summer job and full-time entry-level place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Murphy Center. Employers from various indus- opportunities. tries will be recruiting for both seasonal employment and professional intern- The MTSU Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 9, will feature corpo- ship opportunities. rate, educational and government employers seeking internship and full-time “Seventy-three percent of students work 11 or more hours a week, accord- entry-level candidates. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ing to the 2010 MTSU Graduating Senior Survey,” said Bill Fletcher, director of Williamson County Ag Expo Center. the Career Development Center. “The Internships and Summer Jobs Fair is an The fair is sponsored by a consortium of area universities and is held each excellent way for employers to tap into an eager workforce interested in part- spring for prospective graduates from each participating university. Employers time jobs and internships.” from business and government provide employment information and accept For additional information, please contact the Career Development Center resumes from candidates. at 615-898-2500 or visit www.mtsu.edu/~career. A side component of this fair is teacher recruitment. Representatives from

Groundhog Day Luncheon set Blue Raider Leadership Summit schedules February conference on the MTSU campus. from MT Athletic Communications Space restrictions will limit the www.goblueraiders.com luncheon attendees to the first 500 he Blue Raider Leadership on campus. people who make reservations, Summit, an educational BRLS is for students who are he 38th Annual Groundhog organizers said. T opportunity for students to new to leadership positions or Day Luncheon to benefit Blue All tickets for this year’s event learn the principles and aspiring leaders. BRLS is spon- TRaider baseball has been set are $20, or attendees can techniques of effective sored by the Office of for Wednesday, reserve a table for 10 at leadership and to net- Leadership and Service Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. $250. Make reserva- work with other stu- and planned by B.O.L.T., The luncheon is tions by calling the dents, will offer a or Better Our Leaders for hosted by the Blue Middle Tennessee special overnight Tomorrow. Raider baseball ticket office at 615- conference Feb. 4-5. The early-bird dead- team and the Blue 898-2103 or 888-937-6878 During “The line is past, but attendees Raider Athletic or the BRAA office at 615- Leadership still can sign up through Association as an opening pitch 898-2210. Addiction: A Tuesday, Feb. 1, at a cost to the 2011 season. The event Baseball 2011 season tick- Prescription for of $30 per person. That will feature its traditional menu of ets are now on sale through the Effective Leadership,” registration fee includes ham hocks, white beans, tomato ticket office at Floyd Stadium. students can expect an transportation, lodging salad, green onions, corn bread, Ticket prices are $60 for a season etiquette dinner, “how and all meals and confer- chocolate cake and ice cream. family bleacher pass and $45 for a not to dress” fashion show ence materials. Due to scheduling conflicts season single bleacher pass. and numerous educational sessions For more information about the with Murphy Center, this year’s For questions about chairback with emerging leadership topics. An BRLS, visit www.mtsu.edu/leadand Groundhog Luncheon will take seating at Reese Smith Field, contact estimated 100 student leaders are serve. A BRLS application is under place at the James Union Building the BRAA at 615-898-2210. expected to attend the event, which the Leadership Conferences page. is the only student-led conference page 6 The Record Jan. 31, 2011 Faculty from page 8 was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Sarah McCanless Howell death by his parents, Lloyd Beryl and Presentations Hardin T. Burford. She is survived by (history), 80, passed away on Jan. 3. Lota Bernice Smith West of Borger, her brother, Alwin B. Burford, and his Dr. Howell was employed by MTSU Texas, and a sister, Myrna Belle Jones Dr. Don Hong (mathematical sci- wife, Joyce, of Bowling Green, Ky.; from September 1970 as a professor of of Carlsbad, N.M. He is survived by ences) presented colloquium talks in her sister, Seva Lee Burford of history until her retirement in July his wife, Linda Marlin Lynch West; December at Ningbo University, Murfreesboro; nephews Danny 1996. Preceded in death by her par- his brother, Bob (Helen) West of Hunan Normal University and North Burford and Kevin Burford and ents, Sarah Hardcastle McCanless and McKinney, Texas; his sons, Greg (Jan) China University of Technology. nieces Kim Clayton and Krista George Folsom McCanless, Dr. West of Midland, Texas, and Mark Staples. Dr. Burford was a member of Howell is survived by her brother, West of Murfreesboro, and stepson, Drs. Alanna L. Neely and Cliff North Boulevard Church of Christ. George F. McCanless Jr. (Christel), Eric (Michele) Lynch of Murfreesboro; Ricketts (agribusiness and agri- She also taught at Morehead State and her son, Philip Roberts Howell. and his grandchildren, Andy, Kate, science) presented “Dual Credit: University and Western Kentucky Dr. Howell, who was born in and Maddie West of Texas, Abby West Enhancing Image, Improving Post- before joining the MTSU family. Morristown, Tenn., attended Ward- of California and Chris Parker Lynch Secondary Transition and Coaching Belmont Preparatory School and of Missouri. Dr. West graduated from Students to Enter College Efficiently Dr. Price Edwin Harrison Jr. received a Bachelor of Arts degree Borger High School in 1949 and was and Effectively,” “The Relationship (health, physical education and recre- from Vanderbilt University, where she licensed to preach by the First Baptist Between Leadership Styles, ation), 77, passed away Jan. 4. He was was a member of Delta Delta Delta Church of Borger that fall. He gradu- Personality Types, Communication preceded in death by his parents, sorority. She received a Fulbright ated from West Texas A&M Style, Learning Style and Career Price Edwin Harrison Sr. and Ella scholarship for study in Strasbourg. University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Choices” and “Taking Agricultural McKnight Harrison. Dr. Harrison is After several years of teaching and a Science degree in history and Mechanics to Its Highest Level by survived by his brother, James T. period of residence in Atlanta, she obtained his master’s degrees in the- Incorporating Inquiry-Based Harrison (Peggy); two sons, Price returned to Vanderbilt, where she ology and divinity from Southwest Instruction to Teach Alternative Fuel Edwin Harrison III (Stacy Davis earned a doctorate in history. Dr. Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Research” at the National Association Harrison) and Mark Michael Howell taught for 26 years at MTSU, He pastored several churches in the of Agricultural Educators/Associa- Harrison, and a daughter, Hart specializing in American culture and Dallas/Fort Worth area before serving tion for Career and Technical Harrison, all of Nashville. Dr. intellectual history. She was an active as pastor of Highland Baptist Church Education Convention held Nov. 30- Harrison grew up in Murfreesboro member of St. David’s Episcopal in Arlington, Texas, from 1958 to 1968 Dec. 4 in Las Vegas. On Sept. 21 at the and as a young man spent summers Church and the Centennial Club, and and earning his Master of Education Ninth Annual Tennessee Educational in Alaska working on the railroad. He in retirement, she studied family his- and Doctor of Education degrees in LEADership Conference in Nashville, graduated from MTSU, continued his tory and contributed several articles psychology from North Texas State Neely and Dr. Warren Gill (ABAS) advanced studies at Rice University to the Tennessee Historical Quarterly. University. From 1969 to 2001, he presented “Incorporating College and attended Boston University, Donations in her memory may be served as the interim pastor for vari- Success Techniques into a Dual-Credit where he earned a doctorate in health made to St. David’s Episcopal Church ous churches in Middle Tennessee Course Curriculum: Coaching and physical education. Dr. Harrison or Second Harvest Food Bank. and in 2001 became the full-time pas- Students on How to Enter College then spent 20 years as a professor in tor for Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He Efficiently and Effectively from the MTSU’s Department of Health, Ms. Ruby Alice Knox-Brown retired in spring 2010 after serving as First Day.” Physical Education and Recreation (Facilities Services), 78, passed away a pastor for 61 years. In 1969, Dr. West (now Health and Human on Jan. 4. Ms. Knox-Brown was joined the MTSU family as a professor Dr. Dennis Walsh (mathematical Performance). He raised purebred employed by MTSU from July 1969 in the psychology department. sciences) presented a talk, “Tic-Tac- Angus cattle and founded Angus until her retirement in September During his tenure at MTSU, Dr. West Toe with Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe,” at News, a trade newspaper that he pub- 1999. She was a custodian in Facilities was named RBJ Campbell the Mathematics of Games and lished for 40 years. He was a devoted Services. Ms. Knox-Brown was pre- Distinguished Professor in 1986 and Puzzles session of the annual Joint member of Buckner’s Chapel United ceded in death by her parents, Willie received the Outstanding Public Mathematics Meetings in New Methodist in Smithville, Tenn. In lieu Frank and Zollie Martin Knox; her Service Award in 1980 and 1984. He Orleans on Jan. 6. of flowers, contributions can be made brother, George Martin, and two sis- founded the Black Student Union and to The MTSU Foundation in his ters, Dellie Irene Knox Word and Psi Chi/Psychology Club at MTSU Publications honor. Carlene Knox Smith. Ms. Knox-Brown (serving as the initial faculty sponsor was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary for each), helped to establish the Dr. Don Hong (mathematical sci- Baptist Church and later united with MTSU Multicultural Affairs ences) recently published two papers: Fulbright from page 8 Faith Chapel Original Church of God, Committee and, with others, wrote “Triangulation-based method for con- serving as a devoted member of the the initial grant that resulted in the structing molecular surfaces” with Studies at Aligarh University in Mothers Board. She was educated in creation of the MTSU Women’s Wenjun Huang and Huanwen Liu Aligarh, India. the Wilson County School System and Center. Dr. West also founded the (University of Guangxi Nationalities, “The seminar is India’s pre- was a hard and dedicated worker, Tennessee Association of Specialists in China) for the 2010 Second Interna- mier annual national conference retiring from MTSU after 30 years of Group Work and the Tennessee High tional Conference on Multimedia and on Middle East studies and service. She also worked for 30-plus School Teachers of Psychology Computational Intelligence in Wuhan, included the top scholars in the years for George and Nelda Pope. Ms. Association and was the voice of the China (Sept. 29-30, 2010, pp. 423-426) field,” Foley writes. “It was cov- Knox-Brown leaves a devoted family “Band of Blue” from 1970 to 1996. In and “Mathematical Tools and ered in India’s English- and to cherish her memories, including lieu of flowers, the family has asked Statistical Techniques for Proteomic Hindu-language newspapers … daughters Joan Ann Davis and Wilma that memorials be made to the W. Data Mining” with Shiyin Qin While at the conference, I also Jean Henderson, both of Beryl West Psychology Scholarship (Beihang University) and Fengqing chaired a panel on conflict and Murfreesboro, and grandchildren Fund of the MTSU Foundation. Zhang (Northwestern University) in peace resolution in South Asia. I Cheryl (Toney) Bigsby of the International Journal of Mathematics also built close ties to Indian fac- Murfreesboro, Dr. Howard (Josefine) Personnel Changes and Computer Science, 5 (2010), No. 2, ulty and graduate students.” Henderson II of Conroe, Texas, 123-140. As of fall 2010, 400 under- Kimberly (Chris) Hopkins, Quincy graduate and graduate students Richardson, Jeaneka Davis and Mitzi Brandon (Provost’s Office) Gina Logue (Office of News and from more than 60 countries LuQuinta Richardson, all of is the new curriculum specialist in the Media Relations) wrote “The Quest to were enrolled at MTSU, accord- Murfreesboro. She also leaves 12 Provost’s Office after serving MTSU Heal Others,” a profile of U.S. ing to the Office of Institutional great-grandchildren—Farrunti with distinction for many years in Military Academy cadet Alexandra Effectiveness, Planning and Newman, Jr., Demetrous Kirkendoll, various capacities, most recently in Rosenberg, for the Winter 2010 Research Fact Book. Daicori Sunders, Diamonique Bufors, the Office of Creative and Visual awards edition of Phi Kappa Phi “As we continue to build our Acoei Richardson, Toney Bigsby Jr., Services (formerly Publications and Forum. Ph.D. program in public history, Tammarion Bigsby, Sanaa Henderson, Graphics). Her new post will include we believe this will draw an Keymani Richardson, Ka’Leah catalog production, computer opera- Professor Shelley C. Moore international student body, as Richardson, Carrington Hopkins and tions, project management, curricu- (nursing) and Nancy J. Wells every country and region is inter- Daiton Davis—and two great-great- lum management and other areas. (Vanderbilt University) published ested in preserving and present- grandchildren, Farrunti Newman III “Staff Nurses Lead the Way for ing its history to a public audi- and De’Shawn Herrin. Ms. Knox- Shannon Hardebeck (mass com- Improvement to Shared Governance ence,” says Sayward. “We’re Brown also is survived by two loving munication) is the new executive aide Structure” in the Journal of Nursing already seeing our Ph.D. stu- sisters, Guther Lee Knox White and in the dean’s office in the College of Administration, November 2010, Vol. dents thinking about their own Hannah Frances Knox McHenry, and Mass Communication. She is a native 40, Iss. 11; pg. 477. research more broadly as we’ve a host of nieces, nephews, other rela- of middle Tennessee and studied had students from Iran and tives and friends. music business at Belmont University Dr. Jeffrey Walck (biology) Libya join the program this and psychology at the University of recently published a paper, year.” The Rev. Dr. W. Beryl West (psy- Tennessee-Knoxville. She’s been part “Understanding the germination of Foley’s itinerary includes chology), 79, passed away Jan. 5. Dr. of the MTSU family since 2008 and bulbils from an ecological perspective: trips to Singapore and Thailand. West was employed by MTSU from will officially begin her new job on a case study on Chinese yam He will return to New Delhi in September 1969 until his retirement in Feb. 5. (Dioscorea polystachya),” in the interna- April to deliver another lecture at July 2006 and was a Post-Retiree until tional journal Annals of Botany. Jawaharlal Nehru University. April 2009. Dr. West was preceded in

The Record Jan. 31, 2011 page 7 People Around the World Fulbright professor building partnerships in Asia by Gina K. Logue [email protected]

r. Sean Foley is put- ting his third D Fulbright Fellowship to use in a relatively unex- plored but highly relevant area of scholarship as he con- tinues to investigate religious connections between the Arab Gulf States and Southeast Asia. Foley, an assistant pro- fessor of history at MTSU, is working and studying most- ly in Malaysia, under the auspices of the International Islamic University Malaysia, with a stipend from the Fulbright Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. His experiences in other countries in the region, however, are yielding future benefits for academia in general and for MTSU specifically. INTERNATIONAL TIES—Dr. Sean Foley, at right, MTSU history professor and three-time Fulbright On Foley’s visit to India last month, the historian built ties Fellowship winner, addresses the Indian National Seminar on Dec. 21 at the Centre for West Asian Studies with both Muslim and non-Muslim universities on the sub- at Aligarh (India) University. In the inset photo, Foley poses at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. continent, including Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. photos courtesy of Dr. Sean Foley “My trip will lay the foundation for future classes on Indian history, Islam generally and Islam in South Asia, ‘Middle Tennessee State University’ throughout the region,” says Dr. Amy including India and Pakistan,” Foley writes via e-mail. “This trip will also Sayward, chair of the MTSU Department of History. “We hope that Sean’s con- cement ties between MTSU and its history department with universities in tacts today will lead to a more international graduate-student body in our India to facilitate the work of department scholars who are interested in work department and on our campus in the years to come.” on India.” Foley delivered a lecture on the Arab Gulf States at the Indian-Arab Building partnerships with institutions of higher learning around the globe Cultural Center at Jamia Milia University in New Delhi on Dec. 20 and on Dec. and facilitating international exchange and study-abroad opportunities for 21 at the Indian National Seminar, which was held at the Centre for West Asian both faculty and students are high-priority goals at MTSU. “Sean’s travel and research presentations in India will highlight the name See ‘Fulbright’ page 7

Faculty/Staff Update

Tom Tozer Director, News and Media Relations sets and covered cups through Feb. Editor: Gina E. Fann, [email protected] Appointments Certifications 20 in “Magic Dirt,” a national juried Contributors: Gina K. Logue, Paula Morton, Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross (chem- Kim Bland (Health Services) is ceramics exhibition at the Baron and Randy Weiler, Sydney Hester, Lindsey istry) has received a special one-year now certified by the American Ellin Gordon Art Gallery at Old Austin, Kelly Ford and Susan Nogues. appointment to the Association for Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Women in Science board of directors. Pathology to perform colposcopy Photos: MTSU Photographic Services, Iriarte-Gross will serve as secretary of exams, enabling Health Services to Media except where noted. the national board after Dr. Susan M. offer the service to students who Fitzpatrick moved from secretary into receive an abnormal pap exam. Dr. William Ford (Weatherford Chair Printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. a new role as president-elect. of Finance) was interviewed by Phone: 615-898-2919 Lisa Schrader (Health Services) is Lawrence Kudlow Jan. 11 on “The Website: www.mtsunews.com Awards one of the first health educators to Kudlow Report” on CNBC. earn the designation of Master MTSU’s Office of News and Media Certified Health Education Specialist, Professor Doug Tatum (Wright Relations publishes The Record Dr. Don Hong (mathematical sci- effective April 1. The designation is Chair of Entrepreneurship) was inter- every two weeks and distributes 3,500 copies free to faculty, staff, ences) received the State Farm awarded to those with advanced viewed by Jim Blasingame of The friends and media outlets. Excellence Award in December for his knowledge and skills and a high level Small Business Advocate on Jan. 3. outstanding support of MTSU’s actu- of practical field experience in health Tatum also was quoted in “Would arial science program. education. You Pay $170,000 for a Consultant?” Address all correspondence to: in the Jan. 12 edition of The New York Fengqing “Zoe” Zhang’s mas- Events Times. The Record ter’s thesis, supervised by Dr. Don Office of News and Media Relations Hong (mathematical sciences) has Dr. Dennis Walsh (mathematical Passages Tom H. Jackson Building won the Conference of Southern sciences) completed a professional- MTSU P.O. Box 72 Graduate Schools’ 2011 award for development program, “Teaching Dr. Anna M. Burford (business 1301 E. Main St. Innovative Application of Technology Introductory Statistics Following education, marketing education and Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37132 in a Master’s Thesis. The award will GAISE and the Common Core,” on office management), 83, passed away be presented at a special ceremony Jan. 5 from the Mathematical on Jan. 5. Dr. Burford was employed MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents during the 40th Annual CSGS Association of America/Consortium by MTSU from August 1981 until her Institution, is an equal opportunity, Meeting Feb. 24-27 at the Westin for the Advancement of retirement in July 2000. She was a non-racially identifiable, educational professor in the Department of institution that does not discriminate Huntsville (Ala.). Zhang earned her Undergraduate Statistics in New against individuals with disabilities. Master of Science from MTSU in May Orleans on Jan. 5. Business Education, Marketing 2010 and is currently working toward Education and Office Management. a doctorate in the Department of Exhibitions Dr. Burford was a native of Glasgow, Statistics at Northwestern University. Ky., and the daughter of the late Ollis Professor Marc J. Barr (electronic and Pearlie Quinn Burford. She also media communication) is exhibiting UR036-0111 some of his computer-designed tea See ‘Faculty’ page 7 page 8 The Record Jan. 31, 2011