The Record, June 14, 2010, V18.24


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$1.1M for FirstSTEP is boost for STEM

The National Science Foundation has awarded MTSU $1.1 million to implement a program to improve success rates for students in the science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines.

Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, said many incoming students arrive with a strong interest in STEM fields but leave for other majors because they are underprepared to pass early mathematics requirements.

The new FirstSTEP program, which Cheatham will coordinate, will launch later this summer with its first group of freshmen. It will place at-risk students in an intensive two-year academic and student-support program, beginning with a summer "bridge"; agenda and including mentoring and individualized lesson plans.

FirstSTEP will build on the success of other MTSU programs aimed at improving graduation rates within STEM fields.

"Math presents challenges to many incoming STEM students. It's the gatekeeper for STEM fields, and a lot of students change majors because they think they can't pass it,"; the dean said. "They need some help to succeed, and this project will make that possible. We have a great group of mathematics faculty leading the project, and we're excited to get started.";

Congressman Bart Gordon, chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, has been a leader in supporting STEM education in middle Tennessee and across the nation.

"When I was growing up in Murfreesboro, I knew I would have to compete with students from Nashville and Knoxville for jobs,"; Gordon said. "Today, students in Murfreesboro have to compete with students from India and China for high-paying, high-tech jobs. We need to arm our students with the science and math education they need to contend with a global marketplace.";

Congress passed the America COMPETES Act, Gordon's landmark STEM education and technology-development bill, in 2007, and the House voted last month for a reauthorization bill that revises and extends specific programs. Recognizing that today's students must compete for jobs in an increasingly high-tech global market, the COMPETES Act increases support for STEM education at all levels.

The law strengthens coordination of STEM programs across federal agencies and encourages more participation from female students and underrepresented groups, Gordon said. It also turns more attention toward identifying the challenges faced by rural school districts, which often have less access to high-speed Internet and lab resources.

"Tennessee has the potential to lead in high-tech industry and scientific research, but we need a well-trained local workforce to do it,"; said Gordon. "This funding will help MTSU ensure that its promising incoming students achieve their full potential in the science, engineering and technical fields.";


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2 new leaders named: Provost joining MTSU from Fort Lewis College

Dr. Brad Bartel, president at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., has been named the next provost at Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced.

Bartel, who has served as president of the public liberal arts college since 2004, is expected to assume his new post at MTSU on July 12.

With more than 35 years of experience in higher education, including more than 25 years of senior-level administrative leadership at four major public universities, Bartel will replace Dr. Kaylene Gebert. Gebert returned to full-time faculty status in fall 2009 as a professor in the Department of Speech and Theatre after serving as executive vice president and provost at MTSU for six years. Dr. L. Diane Miller served as interim provost while the nationwide search for Gebert's permanent replacement was under way.

"MTSU is extremely fortunate to attract someone with Dr. Bartel's extensive administrative and academic experience,"; McPhee said. "As a sitting president and former provost, he brings the kind of comprehensive view of institutional operations and the academic enterprise that is needed to help us in our efforts to position MTSU for the future.";

Prior to assuming the presidency at FLC, Bartel served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Florida Gulf Coast University (2000-04), dean of the graduate school and associate provost for research at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (1991-2000) and associate dean for the Division of Graduate Affairs and the Division of Research Affairs at San Diego State University (1983-91).

A highly published scholar in the field of anthropology, Bartel began his collegiate teaching career as an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at San Diego State, where he continued teaching until 1991, earning the rank of professor.

"I am honored that PresidentMcPhee has selected me to be the provost at Middle Tennessee State University,"; Bartel said."MTSU is a great university.

"I look forward to being part of theteam and am excited to begin working with its distinguished faculty and staff to help give studentseven greater learning opportunities. It will be a privilegeto be a part of the MTSU family and the Murfreesboro community.";

A native of New York City, Bartel and his wife, Laura, have two adult children, Kimberly and Jordan.


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2 new leaders named: ITD chief brings BGSU, Kent State tech know-how

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee has announced that Bruce M. Petryshak, who has served as chief information officer for Bowling Green (Ohio) State University since 2001, is the new vice president for information technology and CIO at MTSU.

Petryshak will replace Vice President and CIO Lucinda Lea, who began her career at MTSU in 1973 and served as vice president of the Information Technology Division for eight years. Lea retired April 30.

"Over the course of his professional career, Mr. Petryshak has worked his way through the ranks of information technology,"; McPhee said. "He comes to us very highly recommended and has the kind of professional background and experience that will allow us to continue the outstanding work started by Lucinda Lea in providing world-class IT services for our campus.";

According to McPhee, Petryshak has more than 30 years of experience in a variety of areas of information technology. In his current position at BGSU, he provides leadership for more than 140 professionals and 160 student employees.

Before joining Bowling Green State, Petryshak was employed at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, serving as executive director for information systems and telecommunications from 1997 until 2001; director of university information systems, 1994-97; associate director of computer services, 1990-94; assistant director for systems support from 1986 until 1990; and manager for administrative systems support, 1984-86.

Petryshak also gained considerable hands-on technical experience in the IT field between 1979 and 1984 as a computer operator, programmer analyst, software analyst and network administrator.

"I am impressed with MTSU's national reputation and with its ranking as the top public institution in Tennessee by Forbes magazine,"; Petryshak said. "I am looking forward to joining the executive team and working with President McPhee, the university community and the IT team to spur innovation and help ensure MTSU's continued presence among the top 100 universities in the United States.";

Petryshak, who holds both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Kent State, is expected to assume his new role at MTSU on Aug. 16.

Associate Vice President Tom Wallace will continue to provide interim leadership for the Information Technology Division until Petryshak arrives.

MTSU's IT department includes 75 staff members and 22 students.


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JAWC, OCSS merger on schedule for July 1
by Gina K. Logue

Summer might be a time of relaxation for most people, but the staff and volunteers of two of MTSU's busiest agencies are working even harder this summer. They are merging the June Anderson Women's Center and the Off-Campus Student Services Office into the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students.

By the target date of July 1, the new center will be housed in the current OCSS digs in Room 320 of the Keathley University Center with clerical support from the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership in KUC 326.

By September, Director Terri Johnson intends to have everything in readiness for an open house to help people familiarize themselves with the newly consolidated center.

"We're open to suggestions and comments,"; says Johnson. "I think a lot of the first year will include listening to students and assessing their needs. At the same time, we'll be doing important projects and reaching out to the community.";

Dr. Deb Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services, says the idea for the merger grew out of the President's Task Force for Positioning the University for the Future.

"It is clearly meant to be a cost-cutting measure,"; Sells says, "but it seems to be reasonable without creating gaps in services. There are a lot of commonalities the offices share.";

While specific details are still being arranged, a proposed mission statement says the center will offer "student-support services conducive to learning and personal development for both women students and for the adult students who generally work full-time, are married (and) have children and other adult responsibilities beyond their college experiences.";

Valerie Avent, assistant director of the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, will transfer to the new center to become assistant director there.

"I am elated to be a member of the JAC team,"; said Avent, a Shelbyville native who has been employed at MTSU for 14 years. "It is with great anticipation that I plan to help the new center.";

Avent earned her bachelor's degree in 1979, her master's degree in education in 1996 and her specialist's degree in education in 2005, all from MTSU.

"Having an assistant director on board will provide opportunities for both the center director and assistant director to take the lead on programs and services,"; Johnson says. "It will take some of the pressure off the director to be in all places at all times.";

In addition, Johnson says, student workers, scholarship students and volunteers will pitch in on a variety of projects, including National Women's History Month and Nontraditional Students Week.

Dr. Carol Ann Baily, current director of Off-Campus Student Services, will return to teaching in the fall, guiding classes in French and educational leadership.

She says she anticipates continuing her advisory role with Older Wiser Learners, Riding Raiders and Pinnacle, the honor society for nontraditional students.


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In Brief: Hike the Divide July 13-19!

Join Campus Recreation for the backpacking/camping trip of a lifetime along the Continental Divide! Participants will hike at 10,000 feet and average eight to 10 miles a day. The trip is July 13-19 and costs $425 for students, $450 for staff and $475 for non-MTSU participants (including round-trip airfare). A pre-trip meeting will be held Thursday, July 1. Call 615-904-8484 for more information.


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McNair Scholars 'blast off' into summer of research
by Randy Weiler

Twenty-four McNair Scholars received a resounding sendoff from University Honors College Dean John Vile to start their eight weeks of summer research.

Vile spoke during the McNair Scholars Program's annual Blast Off reception June 1 in the James Union Building's Hazlewood Dining Room.

From "persistence"; to "have fun,"; Vile sent them on their journey with five main points in his presentation that offered other wisdom as well.

In addition to being persistent and having fun, Vile urged them to "keep your mentors informed,"; to "set deadlines"; and to "think beyond this project.";

While the students will have a 37.5-hour commitment, Vile urged them to spend even more time on their research. "I would go beyond that (37.5 hours),"; he said. "What you put in this summer should go with you 30 or 40 years into the future.";

Vile shared that he and his wife, Linda, who is an elementary-school teacher, both carry work home with them because they have a passion for their careers.

As for having fun in this research and beyond, Vile said, "Figure out something you want to do, and whatever your field, enjoy it.";

Vile said there are certain basic skills they will need, such as thinking, researching, writing, speaking, communicating with others and getting along with others. "Commitment, hard work, patience, persistence and integrity are virtues that complement those skills,"; he added.

"You're not just writing a research paper. You're establishing a relationship. Your mentor might be the one who writes a letter for you to go to graduate or law school.";

McNair Interim Director Steve Saunders welcomed the scholars, shared the recent program successes and introduced Vile.

Academic Coordinator Dr. Charles Apigian, a professor in computer information systems, had the participants introduce themselves and discussed scholar/mentor responsibilities.

The 2010 McNair Scholars and their majors and mentors include:

•Felicia Brown, sociology; Dr. Ida Fadzillah, sociology and anthropology
•Matt Foriest, history; Dr. Mary Evins, history
•Joshua Fryer, international relations; Dr. Karen Petersen, political science
•Lindsay Gates, history; Dr. Mark Doyle, history
•Johnathan Gilliam, history; Dr. Charles Apigian, computer information systems
•Amber Gray, aerospace; Dr. Charles Prather, aerospace
•Shaun Guffey, international relations; Dr. Karen Petersen
•Matt Hampton, economics; Dr. Stuart Fowler, economics and finance
•Denise Harris, journalism; Dr. Tommy Bynum, history
•Michael Harris, biochemistry; Dr. Mary Phillips, accounting
•Nick Mackie, international relations; Dr. Karen Petersen
•Janae Matikke, social work; Dr. Margaret Fontanesi-Seime, social work
•Lucy Miller, anthropology; Dr. Richard Pace, sociology and anthropology
•Petra Morkel, history; Dr. Marsha Barsky, speech and theatre
•Lydia Njoroge, psychology; Dr. Paul Foster, psychology
•Chelsea Norman, health education/global studies; Dr. Ida Fadzillah
•Eric Pegues, political science; Dr. Sekou Franklin, political science
•Angel Perrin, psychology; Dr. Monica Wallace, psychology
•Joseph Quarles, English; Dr. Martha Hixon, English
•Monique Richard, nutrition/dietetics; Dr. Gloria Hamilton, psychology
•Ana Valenzuela, history; Dr. Robert Hunt, history
•Melody Vaughn, studio art; Professor Erin Anfinson, art
•Kamryn Warren, sociology; Dr. Meredith Dye, sociology and anthropology
•Chris Young, international relations; Dr. Doug Heffington, history


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Pouring it on: Center for Environmental Ed teams with state agencies to create watershed guide
from Staff Reports

MTSU's Center for Environmental Education, along with several other state agencies, has helped to create and develop a new brochure to educate Tennesseans about watersheds and their impact on communities.

Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters, director for the center, recently announced the effort to MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; Dr. L. Diane Miller, interim executive vice president and provost; Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences; and Dr. George Murphy, chair of the biology department.

The brochures will be distributed across the state at 14 welcome centers and 19 rest areas, Smith-Walters said, as well as through the Tennessee Stormwater Association network and to schools, at public events and more.

In March 2008, Tennessee launched a program to increase public awareness of the state's 55 watersheds and their importance to water quality, recreation and the environment, she said.

Working with the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation erected 187 watershed-awareness signs at key entry points along Tennessee's highways.

The simple green-and-white logo identifying the approaching watershed and a friendly exhortation to "Help keep it clean"; encourages countless Tennessee residents and citizens to be aware of their local watershed and do their part to protect it every day, Smith-Walters added.

The state agencies, along with the MTSU Center for Environmental Education, developed the brochure, called "A Guide to Traveling Tennessee's Watersheds,"; as a companion to these signs found statewide, she said.

The guide provides maps and a brief description of each of Tennessee's distinctive watershed basins, including the Upper Tennessee, Cumberland, Lower Tennessee and Mississippi river basins.

Members of the Stones River Watershed will celebrate Boat Day in Murfreesboro and Smyrna on Saturday, June 26, said Cynthia Allen of the CEE. Organizers are enlisting volunteers to bring boats to the Manson Pike trailhead of the Murfreesboro Greenway and to the Stewart Creek Recreation Area in Smyrna.

For details about the brochure, please visit http://tn.gov/environment/watersheds/guide/ . For more information about the center, call 615-904-8575.


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Student group receives national HR recognition
by Lisa L. Rollins

MTSU's student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management recently won two national awards for excellence.

Dr. Patrick McCarthy, faculty adviser for MTSU's SHRM chapter, said its membership of 35 students received a Superior Merit Award for 2009-10. The criteria for this award require an extensive variety of quality professional programs and activities.

"Remarkably, our MTSU chapter has earned a national merit award in seven of the past nine years, in addition to several individual student awards, including two national Graduate Student of the Year (awards) over the past decade,"; said McCarthy, an associate professor of psychology.

MTSU's SHRM chapter also was named among the organization's National Top 10 Outstanding Student Chapters for 2010.

"That's an impressive achievement by our students, particularly the graduate students from MTSU's industrial/organizational psychology program who led these efforts as the chapter officers,"; McCarthy said.

Founded in 1948, SHRM is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management and represents more than 250,000 members in 140-plus countries. The society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests ofthe HRprofession. SHRMcurrently has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India.

For more information about MTSU's SHRM chapter, contact McCarthy, director of the university's Center for Organizational and Human Resource Effectiveness, at 615-898-2126 or at pmccarth@mtsu.edu.


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Memory garden

SAYING THANKS—Students in Dr. Tony Johnston's agricultural engineering class, shown below, work to update and expand the garden area at the Tennessee Veterans' Home on Compton Road in north Murfreesboro as part of a project combining civic engagement and practical application of their new knowledge. Clients, staff and visitors at the health care facility for military veterans and their spouses use the area for relaxation, breaks, small group meetings and the like. The project is featured in the June edition of "Middle Tennessee Record,"; MTSU's monthly video magazine.






Other program segments for June will allow viewers to learn about faculty efforts to exchange knowledge and teaching skills in "Faculty Learning Communities"; as well as student research and data-collection projects and, of course, the latest installment of "True Blue TV"; with Steven Mizell of the Admissions Office. Watch "Middle Tennessee Record"; daily at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Murfreesboro's Cable Channel 9 and at 1:30 p.m. Sundays on NewsChannel5+, or visit the News & Media Relations website, www.mtsunews.com , to find a listing of channels and airtimes on cable systems across the Midstate. There's also an archive of shows on YouTube via the link at www.mtsunews.com .

photos by News & Media Relations


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MT brings home SBC All-Sports Trophy for 6th year
from MT Athletic Communications

For the sixth time in 10 years since joining the Sun Belt Conference, Middle Tennessee's Athletic Department has won the Vic Bubas Cup as the top overall sports program in the league.

The award is given each year to the university that comes in first in the Sun Belt's all-sports standings.

The Blue Raiders, who scored a conference record 148.0 total points out of a possible 197, received their sixth trophy May 25 during the league meetings in Destin, Fla. Middle Tennessee easily won this year's prestigious trophy by a margin of 24.5 points over second-place Western Kentucky. North Texas was third.

Middle Tennessee won or shared five conference championships during the 2009-10 campaign to secure its second straight all-sports title and third over the last four years. The Blue Raiders also won the prestigious title in 2001, which was their first year in the SBC, and again in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Middle Tennessee is now the third school in Sun Belt history to win the award six times. No school has won the award more since the Blue Raiders joined the league in 2000-01.

"This trophy is a goal of ours at the start of every school year, and it's really a culmination of the hard work of the student athletes and their drive to compete for championships,"; said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "And, of course, we all know what a wonderful coaching staff that we have at Middle Tennessee. With all of the great programs in the Sun Belt Conference, this is indeed an honor to be recognized as the best overall.

"Everyone in our athletic department, the university and community should take great pride in this, because this was a total team effort, and that's the great thing about an All-Sports Championship.";

The Blue Raiders' All-Sports Championship was bolstered by regular season titles in men's and women's basketball and conference post-season championships in men's cross country, volleyball and women's basketball. Additionally, two Middle Tennessee coaches earned Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year honors: head Football Coach Rick Stockstill and Dean Hayes, men's cross country coach.

The Blue Raiders aided their cause by beginning the year with a record 47 points thanks to men's and women's cross country, soccer, volleyball and football. Middle Tennessee saw gains in seven sports from the previous season with football making the most substantial jump by 5.0 points followed closely by men's basketball with a 3.5-point increase.

Demonstrating tremendous balance, Middle Tennessee earned seven points or more in 14 of the 17 sports it sponsors and 10 or more points in nine sports. Points are awarded based on the number of schools sponsoring the sport. Institutions not sponsoring a sport do not receive points in that sport. Institutions tying for positions split the combined points of their positions.

Middle Tennessee is the only football-playing member to win the Bubas Cup since football became a league-sponsored sport in 2001. The Blue Raiders do not field teams in men's and women's swimming and diving.

Middle Tennessee sponsors men's cross country, women's cross country, women's soccer, volleyball, football, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, men's tennis, women's tennis, softball, men's outdoor track and field, women's outdoor track and field, and baseball.


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Hazard grant meeting is June 16

MTSU applied for and received a Hazard-Mitigation Grant from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, which will provide funds for surveying buildings, identifying potential hazards and developing strategies to counter identified hazards.

The MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Plan will allow the university to apply for grant funds from both TEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for projects to implement the plan.

An essential component in the planning process is community involvement, so members of the MTSU campus and surrounding community are being invited to a public information session Wednesday, June 16, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, Room 106.

The MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Committee will be present and includes representatives from the university's Environmental Health and Safety Committee; Murfreesboro's fire, electric, and water and sewer departments; Rutherford County Emergency Management; Hastings Architecture; and MTSU Campus Planning.

For more information, contact Gerald Caudill at 615-898-2754.


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Get state vehicles tested on July 7

MTSU will conduct its annual on-site Emissions Testing Day on Wednesday, July 7, for state-owned vehicles. Departments may bring state vehicles to the Auto Shop beginning at 8 a.m. that day until all vehicles are tested.

The Auto Shop will be sending out emissions coupons to departments with state vehicles in the coming weeks.

If your department's vehicle is experiencing problems, such as exhaust issues or muffler noises, or if the vehicle needs a tune-up, contact Sherry York at 615-898-2415 to arrange for the vehicle to be scheduled for service.


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MTSU aerospace joins ITT's $1.4B NextGen team
by Randy Weiler

MTSU's aerospace department is one of 33 ITT team members involved in the Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System to modernize the U.S. national airspace system.

Specifically, MTSU aerospace will provide support in air traffic management systems, human-factor research, technology assessment and large-scale demonstrations.

ITT, Boeing and General Dynamics announced their receipt of FAA System Engineering 2020 contracts worth up to $4.4 billion on May 26. The contract for ITT, a White Plains, N.Y.-based high-technology engineering and manufacturing company, is $1.4 billion-plus.

"Being one of the ITT team members on this project will enable us to be involved in cutting-edge research and concept development that will be used to transform the national air transportation system,"; said Dr. Wayne Dornan, MTSU aerospace chair.

"We are very proud to be part of this team, which is considered the 'who's who' in the aviation industry.";

The department already had expansion plans under way before the contracts were awarded. A $3.4 million state-of-the-art air traffic control simulator will arrive in July and should be fully functioning by August in the university's Business and Aerospace Building.

Dornan said that once it's installed, this simulator will "surpass the capabilities of the ATC simulator at NASA Ames Research Center in California.";

Allen, Dornan, Dr. Andrienne Friedli and Gail Zlotky recently traveled to Washington, D.C., "to present the MTSU assets and capabilities to ITT,"; Allen said.

Friedli is a chemistry professor and interim director for special projects in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Zlotky is an aerospace associate professor who will serve as director of the ATC simulator training and testing.

Allen praised the efforts of John Cothern, senior vice president in the Division of Business and Finance; Joe Bales, vice president for Development and University Relations; and university President Sidney A. McPhee for their extensive efforts to secure funding for the new equipment.

ITT officials tentatively have agreed to come to Murfreesboro in September to view MTSU's facilities, Allen added.

Among other team members are Raytheon, United Airlines, Bell Helicopter and Northrop Grumman. Ohio University is the only other higher education-related team member.


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Institute of Leadership Excellence 'feels like a great life experience'
by Randy Weiler

Julianna Hackworth, Kipp Lawton and Troy Berry are three of 30 students who were part of the recent Institute of Leadership Excellence 2010.

The students, among the best at MTSU, heard some wisdom, insight, challenges and success stories from alumni Murray Martin, president of the MTSU Foundation; Kem Hinton, founding partner and design principal at Tuck-Hinton Architects; Louis Upkins, a marketing and branding entrepreneur; Murfreesboro internist Dr. Utpal Patel; Micheal Burt, former teacher and coach and now CEO of Maximum Success; and Christina Allen, president of Caliente Consulting, a multicultural marketing firm specializing for the Hispanic community and consumer.

From May 17 to 21, they also heard from on-campus experts like Dr. Deana Raffo from MTSU Leadership Studies; Dr. William Respress, Human Resource Services training manager; and Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College, which hosted the Paul W. Martin Sr. Distinguished Program in the building that bears Martin's name.

Additionally, they had group brainstorming and discussions with case studies, various exercises and critiques of the speakers' points and were challenged by the ropes course at MTSU's Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center.

Hackworth and Lawton were most impressed by the institute's two leaders: director Dr. David Foote, associate professor of management and marketing, and Dr. Earl Thomas, professor of management and marketing.

"The two most influential people were Dr. Foote and Dr. Thomas,"; said Hackworth, a senior from Mt. Juliet, who is a horse science major and entrepreneurship minor. "They put the whole program together. They've taken the initiative to be interested in students—their careers and personal lives—and see the possibilities.";

"Dr. Foote and Dr. Thomas make the institute what it is, the dynamics between the two,"; added Lawton, a rising senior from Germantown and a radio/TV major. "It doesn't feel like a class. It feels like a great life experience.";

Berry, a junior from Murfreesboro who is an electronic media communication major, said he'll most remember "the guest speakers, the quality of people they (Foote and Thomas) brought in. This is something you would not get in a regular class.";

Berry observed the "different leadership styles and paths to success"; by the speakers. "There are a lot of different ways to do what you want to do in life,"; he said.

"This absolutely is the best thing Earl and I do all year,"; Foote said. "The students all are so deeply engaged in what's going on. They're passionate about what's going on, and they can't wait to get more.";

The students represented about 25 disciplines from all five of the colleges within the university.

'SEEING POSSIBILITIES'—Dr. David Foote, standing in the photo above left, reacts as students at the 2010 Institute of Leadership Excellence at MTSU's University Honors College solve a challenge involving a pencil. From left above are Paige Gober, Adam Emerson, Foote and Lee Reed. In the photo above right, ILE students team up for research in the computer lab. From left are Trent Brewer, Kyle Wishing, Kristen Sharpe and Ashley Williams.

photos by Georgia Dennis


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Men's, women's basketball add to coaching staffs: Fuller is former Insell standout

Middle Tennessee Head Coach Rick Insell has announced the addition of Alex Fuller to his staff as an assistant coach for the 2010-11 women's basketball campaign.

"What a great asset to our program,"; Insell said. "We have a variety of different young ladies at our post positions, which is exactly where Alex spent her career playing. She brings a unique attitude and work ethic to the team. I am very pleased to bring her on board and have her help continue the tradition we have set forth.";

Fuller, a 2008 Tennessee graduate and former player for Insell at Shelbyville Central High School, was a graduate student manager at Kansas last season under Bonnie Henrickson. The Jayhawks finished 17-16 and advanced to the third round of the Postseason WNIT.

Fuller completed her undergraduate work at Tennessee while lettering for four seasons for Head Coach Pat Summit. She was a part of NCAA Championship teams in 2007 and 2008. Playing under Insell at Shelbyville, she helped lead the Lady Eaglettes to a trio of state titles in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

"I am really excited about coming on board and reuniting with Coach Insell again,"; Fuller said. "I really like the direction he is taking this program and the steps it is taking from conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and wanting to lead it to the Final Four and a national championship.";


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Men's, women's basketball add to coaching staffs: Moxley aims for perimeter players

Rob Moxley joins the Blue Raider men's basketball coaching staff after a five-year stint as the associate head coach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, MTSU Head Coach Kermit Davis announced June 4.

"We are extremely excited to have Rob join the Middle Tennessee State University basketball program,"; Davis said. "Rob has enjoyed tremendous success at the NCAA level. He is an outstanding coach who will be working specifically with our perimeter players and is also one of the most respected recruiters in our business.";

Moxley is regularly listed among the nation's top assistant coaches in recruiting and coaching, Davis noted, adding that he will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Blue Raider staff. Moxley served as an assistant coach for the 49ers for seven years (1999-2005) before accepting an assistant coaching position at Maryland. Moxley then returned to Charlotte after one season with the Terrapins as the associate head coach.

"I have always respected Kermit Davis as a person and as a coach,"; Moxley said. "Kermit has done a great job of building MTSU into a top-tier Sun Belt program, and I look forward to helping him and his staff take the Blue Raiders to the NCAA Tournament.

"MTSU also has great leadership under Dr. (Sidney A.) McPhee and (Director of Athletics) Chris Massaro, and my family and I wanted to be a part of the program's future success.";

In 2008, Moxley was ranked 44th among the nation's top 100 assistant coaches by HoopScooponline.com.


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Summer enrollment showing solid increase so far
from Staff Reports

Early projections for 2010 enrollment totals for MTSU's six summer terms show a 6.9 percent increase from the same time in 2009, an official in the Office of Enrollment Services said.

The June 1 data provided by the Office of Records showed 9,040 students registered for classes, said Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for enrollment services. This is an increase of 580 students from the same date a year ago when 8,456 were registered, she added.

"The significant increase is at the undergraduate level,"; Huddleston said, adding that the increase appears to be due to the extended availability of the Pell Grant.

"This is the first summer that the Pell Grant has been available,"; she said. "In the past, students received Pell Grants in the fall and spring (semesters). Those enrolled this past fall—almost 2,000 students—are eligible for a summer Pell award.";

Huddleston said Pell funds are a federal grant awarded to students according to an eligibility index. The money, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.

She added that for Pell Grants or other financial-aid questions or assistance, students should visit the Financial Aid Office's website.

Final summer enrollment totals will not be known until after the census is taken at the end of July, she said.

Last year, 8,603 students took regular and online classes during the summer terms, Huddleston said.

Following the first fall 2010 CUSTOMS orientation session in late May, Records Office data showed a 5.59 percent increase in expected enrollment for the fall semester. The fall enrollment comparison—16,459 vs. 15,589 in 2009—is a head count increase of 870. The fall enrollment will increase with each CUSTOMS session and as returning students register for classes.

Last fall, MTSU reported a record 25,188 enrolled when its census information was submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents.



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Conference room named for renowned coach: A big 'Wink' for one of the greats
from MT Athletic Communications

Former professor, author, historian and head coach E.W. "Wink"; Midgett has been recognized by MTSU for his role in Blue Raider athletics in the years surrounding World War II by the naming the conference room in the Rose and Emmett Kennon Hall of Fame in his honor.

A generous donation from Midgett's son, Don Midgett, has provided financing for a major upgrade in the conference room. It includes state-of-the-art chairs and a conference table with hidden computer outlets and controls for videos and televisions in the room.

"On behalf of the Midgett family, I am happy to honor my father and his many coaching accomplishments at Middle Tennessee State University,"; Don Midgett said.

Wink Midgett, who coached football and basketball at Middle Tennessee before and after World War II, began his coaching career in 1939 when he took the reins of the men's basketball program. In 1940, he began coaching the Blue Raider football team, bringing them up to a 4-4 record (which included a 6-0 win over rival Tennessee Tech) after two previous seasons that had netted a total of just three wins.

Midgett's teams posted winning records of 4-3-1 in 1941 and 4-2-1 in 1942, despite losing many players to WWII, and he concluded his football coaching career in 1946 with a 5-3-1 mark. Football was suspended during 1943 through 1945 because of the war.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, at least in terms of long-range success, came in 1939 when he formed and coached the very first Middle Tennessee golf team. Members of that team included Blue Raider Hall of Famers John Bragg, Jimmy Jackson, E.K. Patty and Gene McIntire.

Success in the Blue Raider golf program included a national championship in 1965 and multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances. Midgett's son Dan, who has since passed away, was a member of that winning 1965 team.

"We want to thank Don and Carolyn Midgett for their generous donation to the Middle Tennessee athletic program on behalf of Don's father, Coach E.W. 'Wink' Midgett,"; said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "Coach Midgett was a very successful coach in a very trying time for our university.

"This donation will allow us to upgrade what is already one of the finest facilities on our campus, the Rose and Emmett Kennon Blue Raider Hall of Fame.";

After his coaching career, Wink Midgett taught in the business department at MTSU, again excelling in his area of expertise. He taught accounting for many years, wrote the definitive textbook on the subject and has an annual scholarship given in his name in accounting. Midgett also has had a classroom building named for him as well as a room in the University Honors College.

Midgett also was the author of Corkus, a collection of anecdotes, mostly sports, from the middle Tennessee area. He and his wife, Nell, were among the co-founders of the Stones River Country Club following World War II.

A FITTING HONOR—Members of the Don Midgett family join Director of Athletics Chris Massaro and MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee at the dedication of the E.W. "Wink"; Midgett Conference Room in the Emmett and Rose Kennon Blue Raider Hall of Fame. Don Midgett's donation in his late father's honor financed a major upgrade of the conference room. From left are Jenifer Midgett Gregory, Massaro, Carolyn Gwaltney Midgett, Don Midgett, McPhee and Jennette Midgett Sockwell.

photo by MT Athletic Communications


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Faculty/Staff Update

Appointments

Dr. Don Nelson (mathematical sciences) has been appointed permanent chair in the Department of Mathematical Sciences after a national search. He had been serving as interim chair. An MTSU faculty member since 1986, Nelson was assistant chair from 1992 to 1998 and a math professor at Louisiana College from 1974 to 1986.

Conferences

Dr. Jacob Klerlein (math) attended the Research Pre-Session of the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics April 15-21 in San Diego.

Passages

Professor David G. LeDoux (art), 83, passed away May 25. A professor emeritus in the Department of Art, Professor LeDoux was employed by MTSU from September 1956 through his retirement in May 1994. He was a native of Church Point, La., and the son of the late Edmund and Lillie Merritt LeDoux and was a graduate of Louisiana College and Louisiana State University and did doctoral work at The Ohio State University. He was a painter who came to Murfreesboro in 1956 to teach drawing and painting at MTSU and also was a naval aviator and a veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Pat McClain Denton LeDoux; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Paul and Ann LeDoux of Murfreesboro; daughter, Patricia LeDoux Crichton of Murfreesboro, daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne LeDoux Altstatt and Marvin Altstatt of Smyrna; two stepdaughters, Leilani Denton Spigolon of Atlanta and Jennifer Denton Wilson of Kazahkstan; former wife, Edna Watkins LeDoux; and nine grandchildren, Russell Crichton, David LeDoux, Dylan LeDoux, Weston LeDoux, Mary LeDoux, Anna LeDoux, Kate Spigolon, Scott Spigolon and Abby Wilson.

Publications

Drs. Tom Brinthaupt (psychology), Minsoo Kang and Mark Anshel (health and human performance) published their research article, "A delivery model for overcoming psycho-behavioral barriers to exercise,"; in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2010, Vol. 11, pp. 259-266).

Dr. Michael Linton (music) wrote an article, "Music City USA keeps on the sunny side as it dries out,"; in the May 8 edition of The Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Amy L. Sayward (history) has co-edited a book, Tennessee's New Abolitionists: The Fight to End the Death Penalty in the Volunteer State (The University of Tennessee Press), with UT faculty member Dr. Margaret Vandiver. The book focuses on Tennessee's death-penalty system and those who oppose it through firsthand essays.

Public Service

Dr. Robert B. Blair (business communication and entrepreneurship) coached the Mt. Juliet High School Health Occupations Student Association Parliamentary Procedure Team from December 2009 to March 2010. The Mt. Juliet team placed first in the state-level competition on April 6 in Nashville and will compete later this month at the HOSA national convention in Orlando, Fla., to represent Tennessee. Blair is a professional registered parliamentarian.

Get noticed in The Record!

Submit your Faculty/Staff Update items and other news tips to gfann@mtsu.edu by 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, for the June 28 Record or 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, for the July 12 Record.


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Campus Calendar June 14-27, 2010

Please note: Event dates, times and locations may change after press time. Please verify specifics when making plans.

TV Schedule: "Middle Tennessee Record";
Cable Channel 9: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+: Sundays, 1:30 p.m.
Visit www.mtsunews.com for other cable-outlet airtimes or www.youtube.com/mtsunews for a complete show archive.

Radio Schedule: "MTSU On the Record";
8 a.m. Sundays, WMOT 89.5-FM
Podcasts available anytime at www.mtsunews.com .

Through June 24
Photo Exhibit: "MTSU Photography 2010 Student Show";
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday
Baldwin Photo Gallery, Learning Resources Center
For information, contact: 615-898-2085.

Through July 2
Governor's School for the Arts
Campuswide
For information, visit www.gsfta.com or contact: 615-898-2223.

June 14-16
4-H Walking Horse Camp
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/~horsesci or contact: 615-898-2832.

June 15-16
CUSTOMS Orientation
Business, liberal arts, mass comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs or contact: 615-898-2454.

Wednesday, June 16
MTSU Hazard-Mitigation Planning Public Meeting
1:30-3:30 p.m., Room 106, Honors Building
For information, contact: 615-898-2754.

June 18-19
CUSTOMS Orientation
Basic and applied sciences, education and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs or contact: 615-898-2454.

June 18-19
Tennessee Valley Lineman's Rodeo
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit www.tnrodeo.com .

June 19-27
American Ranch Horse World Championships
Miller Coliseum
For information, visit www.americanranchhorse.net or contact: 615-898-2832.

June 23-24
CUSTOMS Orientation
Business, liberal arts, mass comm and undeclared majors
7:30 a.m., campuswide
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs or contact: 615-898-2454.


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