The Record, Feb. 14, 2011, V19.15



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$1M gift will support students, redo offices

by Tom Tozer

Ken Shipp, a 1947 MTSU graduate and longtime athletic coach who established the Ken Shipp Endowed Scholarship, has committed $1 million to his alma mater through the MTSU Foundation.

A formal presentation of the gift took place during halftime at the Feb. 5 MTSU-South Alabama basketball game.

A significant portion of the funds will enhance the endowed scholarship that Shipp established in 2009 to benefit MTSU students from Rutherford County. The remainder of the gift will renovate coaches' office space in Murphy Center for the Lady Raiders' basketball program.

Shipp, who just celebrated his 83rd birthday, said he had been thinking for a long time about making a pledge of this kind.

"I mainly wanted to help those who need the money to have the opportunity to go to MTSU,"; he said, adding, "I'm proud of the (MTSU women's basketball) team and the coach.";

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said Shipp's gift "reflects his longstanding support and devotion to both athletics and academic achievement.

"His generosity will make it possible for us to provide the finest athletic facilities for our coaches and also offer the opportunity of a college education to students here at home in Rutherford County,"; the president continued.

"When we can challenge our young people to pursue learning at an even higher level, our state and nation are the beneficiaries. We are grateful to Ken Shipp, whose success as a person and a professional will serve as an example to thousands of MTSU students in years to come.";

Shipp's endowed scholarship at MTSU has already opened the door to college for Rutherford County students, said Joe Bales, vice president for development and university relations.

"'Coach,' as everyone calls him, wanted to make sure that money was not the determining factor in whether students with promise and potential were able to go on to school,"; Bales noted. "He wanted to make sure that opportunity was available.

"Coach is also very fond of our Lady Raiders program and very excited about what has happened with the program over the last several years,"; Bales added. "He just wanted to help them have an office space that is reflective of the quality program they have.";

Chris Massaro, MTSU athletic director, praised Shipp's far-reaching influence.

"This gift will make a tremendous difference for our women's basketball program,"; Massaro said. "This is typical of Coach Shipp. During his whole career, he has always put the needs of others above his own, and this gift exemplifies that quality of his character. This will be an invaluable legacy for generations to come.";

The office renovations funded by Shipp's gift will begin after this basketball season, and the new space will be operational by next fall, Bales noted. An entire section of the ground floor of Murphy Center will be opened to accommodate a large office complex for the women's basketball coaches. The area will be transformed into an office suite "that will put our program on par with any coaching program in the country,"; Bales said. "When recruits come in, they will see really nice facilities for the players, and the coaches will be right next door ... all together instead of in separate offices.";

Shipp was born in 1928 in Old Hickory, Tenn., and played football for MTSU's legendary Charles "Bubber"; Murphy. He was an assistant coach in the National Football League and, during the 1975 season, was interim coach of the New York Jets, gaining attention for benching quarterback Joe Namath for violating team rules. During his stint with the New Orleans Saints, Archie Manning described Shipp as "a smart man and a good coach.";

Before working in the NFL, Shipp coached in several college programs, including Trinity, Florida State, Tulsa, South Carolina and Miami. In addition to earning his undergraduate degree in physical education at MTSU, Shipp received a master's degree from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College.

"Coach is an extremely generous person in a very quiet way,"; Bales said. "He's never asked for the limelight, which makes him the kind of person you like to recognize.";




SPECIAL GREETING--"Coach" Ken Shipp, left, grins while watching former player Archie Manning's video greeting on the Jumbotron at Murphy Center while MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, center, and Director of Athletics Chris Massaro look on. Manning, who quarterbacked for the New Orleans Saints while Shipp helped coach the NFL team, was part of a Feb. 5 halftime celebration honoring Shipp. The MTSU alumnus pledged $1 million to expand his endowed scholarship at the university and renovate the Lady Raiders basketball coaches' offices.

Photo by Bradley Lambert/MTSU Athletics




BIG MONEY, BIG HELP--MTSU administrators thank "Coach" Ken Shipp, an MTSU alumnus who pledged $1 million to expand his endowed scholarship at the university and renovate the Lady Raiders basketball coaches' offices, during a Feb. 5 halftime celebration at Murphy Center. From left are Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Shipp and Lady Raiders head coach Rick Insell.

Photo by Bradley Lambert/MTSU Athletics



SNEAK PEEK--This is an architect's concept of the new look for an office suite for the Lady Raiders basketball coaches' offices in Murphy Center. The renovations will be in place next fall, thanks to part of a $1 million gift from MTSU alumnus "Coach" Ken Shipp.

Drawing courtesy of Bauer Askew Architecture of Nashville




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New vice provost named

by Gina K. Logue

Dr. David A. Schmidt, former director of the Bechtel International Center and associate professor of Japanese at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., will fill the new position of vice provost for international affairs at MTSU effective April 1.

Schmidt will take over for Dr. John Omachonu, who has presided over international education since July 2010 as interim vice provost while MTSU searched for candidates.

Schmidt led Pacific's Bechtel Center for more than six years until October 2010. He also increased international student enrollment at Pacific by 104 percent annually during the past four years.

As of fall 2010, 400 international students from more than 60 countries attended MTSU. The new vice provost says MTSU students should have the chance to engage with people from everywhere in the world, both on campus and in study-abroad experiences.

"(Study abroad) really isn't as expensive as some people might think, for the most part,"; Schmidt says. "If it's structured properly, university students can and should be able to go abroad for the same cost of what they're spending to attend MTSU, with the exception of air fare and perhaps a slight difference in the cost of living, depending on where they're going.";

Schmidt was born and reared in Japan. He speaks fluent Japanese and also is proficient in Korean. His wife, Yuchun, is from Taiwan.

Schmidt says he is very comfortable with the increasing worldwide interest in China, exemplified by the presence of MTSU's Confucius Institute.

"I'm a huge advocate of second-language learning, whether you're going to use it in future life or not,"; Schmidt says. "I'd like to see enrollments go up in Chinese-language learning and particularly in opportunities for students to go to China.";

His education-abroad experiences include stints at two institutions with which MTSU has formed partnerships, Yonsei University in South Korea and Kansai Gaidai University in Japan. In addition, he was a visiting faculty member at another of MTSU's international partners, Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, in 2006.

Schmidt earned his bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin, his master's degree in Japanese from The Ohio State University and his doctorate in higher-education administration from St. Louis University.



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WMOT adds classical to mix

WMOT, the 100,000-watt FM public radio station at MTSU, has changed its weekday programming format, adding classical music in the daytime and keeping jazz at night.

"Middle Tennessee Public Radio,"; located at 89.5 on the dial, also added new shows to its lineup on Feb. 7 and welcomed back an old friend: National Public Radio's "All Things Considered,"; now airing from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays.

"MTSU wants our radio station to grow its audience,"; said WMOT Station Manager Henri Pensis, who joined the staff last fall. "To do that, we're bringing back classical music, a format that's usually among the most popular in public radio.";

WMOT's weekday lineup changes include:

  • classical-music programming weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
  • "All Things Considered,"; the news-and-issues program that's been a staple of NPR's afternoon lineup since 1971, from 3 to 5 p.m;
  • a new arts interview show, "Q"; from Canada, which will air at 6 p.m., right after Public Radio International's "The World"; from 5 to 6 p.m.; and
  • jazz music starting at 7 p.m., hosted by Greg Lee, then switching over to Bob Parlocha at 9 p.m.

Jazz will run until 5 a.m., when "The Takeaway,"; a topical news-and-conversation show, airs until 7 a.m. "The Takeaway"; will repeat from 7 to 9 a.m.

"With the exception of 'All Things Considered,' it's a bit different from what you can get in Nashville,"; Pensis said.

Weekend programming on WMOT will remain mostly jazz with a notable new arrival: the addition of "Music City Roots: Live from the Loveless Café,"; which will air Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m.

WMOT, founded in 1969, is a listener-supported, educational and public service of MTSU. For more details on the programming changes and to listen live anytime and anywhere, visit www.wmot.org .



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Star Party plans for spring break

The March "First Friday Star Party"; will be held a week early—on Friday, Feb. 25—to accommodate MTSU's planned spring-break schedule.

Professor Jana Ruth Ford will lecture on "The Winter Triangle"; beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Room 102 of the Wiser-Patten Science Building, followed by telescope viewing at the MTSU Observatory if weather permits.

MTSU students will be on spring break March 7-11; the March star party normally would have been held March 4.

For more information about MTSU's First Friday Star Parties, contact 615-898-5946 or 898-2483 or visit http://bit.ly/MTStarPartiesS11 .



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In Brief: Chinese arts group Feb. 18

MTSU's Confucius Institute will welcome the Xiamen University Student Art Group for a free public musical and dance performance on Friday, Feb. 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Hinton Hall in the Wright Music Building. The troupe includes a choir, a dancing team and instrumentalists specializing in traditional Chinese music. Learn more about their visit at http://bit.ly/MTChineseArts .




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Gilman Scholarship sends students to Europe, Asia

by Gina K. Logue

Barbara Corley and Anna Yacovone are MTSU's spring 2011 recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships.

Corley is using her $5,000 stipend to study abroad in Romania, while Yacovone is using her $2,000 allocation to study in Thailand.

Corley, a 30-year-old philosophy major who grew up in Franklin, Tenn., and now lives in Nashville, says the folklore, music and dance of the Transylvanian region intrigue her. A professional dancer and dance teacher for seven years, her traveling experience includes dance trips to Brazil and Argentina.

Corley is attending Universitatea Babes-Bolyai in the city of Cluj-Napoca, where her class schedule includes Romanian, French, Eastern European history and policymaking. She's considering a variety of postgraduate options, including working for a museum, a library or a government agency involved with information collection.

"I'm not going to be a professional philosopher,"; she says. "I'm simply using those roots of thinking and writing and understanding the world as ways to filter everything I'll be learning—and the same with dance.";

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Yacovone is studying Thai culture and language at Thammasat University in Bangkok, living in an off-campus apartment and sending occasional dispatches to her hometown newspaper, The Mountain Press of Sevierville.

Yacovone says she had a difficult time deciding whether to go to Thailand or Estonia, the home country of her maternal great-aunt and grandfather. She settled on Thailand because it has a warmer climate and seems to offer more adventure, but she says she still intends to make it to Estonia one day.

Winning the Gilman Scholarship could not have been more fortuitous for Yacovone, who had to cobble together money from different sources to realize her goal.

"I worked two jobs this summer,"; Yacovone says. "Though it was backbreaking, it helped me save a little for cushion room just in case the Gilman didn't come through. Luckily, too, Thailand's very inexpensive, so you can get by with very little.";

In addition, Yacovone benefited from an MTSU study-abroad scholarship, an Honors College scholarship and contributions from a family friend. A senior majoring in global studies and organizational communication, Yacovone studied in Italy two summers ago.

Funded by Congress and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship program's website notes that it provides "grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad.";

Recipients are selected competitively for these grants, which are used for such expenses as program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.

To find out more about MTSU's study abroad opportunities, contact the MTSU Office of Education Abroad and Student Exchange at 615-898-5179 or mtabroad@mtsu.edu.

To learn more about the Gilman Scholarships, visit www.iie.org/gilman .



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Get healthier! Join Feb. 22 fair at Rec Center

On- and off-campus exhibitors will be participating in the third annual National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in MTSU's Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center gym.

Lisa Schrader, health promotion director, said the event is open to students, faculty and staff.

"We are trying to make it bigger and better every year,"; Schrader said. "It's a great way for people to pick up reliable health information and to learn strategies to improve their personal health.''

Health and fitness information and assessments will be available, including body-fat composition, blood-pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, nutritional and dietary information and chair massages.

Exhibitions and demonstrations will include martial arts and dance, a rock-climbing wall clinic, a dodge-ball tournament starting at noon and an Alpine Tower outdoor climb, if weather permits.

The list of campus exhibitors includes Counseling Services, the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, the Department of Health and Human Performance, the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, the Center for Health and Human Services, the Student Dietetic Association, Health Services, Campus Recreation and ARAMARK/MT Dining.

Community exhibitors planning to attend include dentists, medical practices, chiropractors and physical therapists. MTSU Health Promotion and Campus Recreation are sponsoring the fair.

For more information, call 615-494-8704 or visit www.mtsu.edu/healthpro online.



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Spring enrollment leaps 4.26% from 2010

by Randy Weiler

In terms of enrollment, it is another record-setting spring semester at MTSU.

A record 24,660 students are registered for classes this semester, officials said Feb. 2. That's 1,007 more students—and a 4.26 percent increase—from spring 2010, when 23,653 students were registered for classes.

"We are very pleased to see both our numbers of new students and our numbers of returning students increasing,"; said Dr. Deb Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services.

"We believe new students continue to be attracted to MTSU because of the high quality of the academic programs offered, coupled with the individual attention and support our students receive.";

Included in the final totals, which were frozen on Jan. 28 and submitted Feb. 1 to the Tennessee Board of Regents, are:

  • an 8.16 percent increase in the number of returning seniors;
  • a 4.28 percent increase in the total returning undergraduate population;
  • a 3.26 percent increase in total new u ndergraduates; and
  • a 56.14 percent increase in returning undergraduate special students, or high-school students taking college courses.

Enrollment Services' totals reveal 1,236 new undergraduates this spring, compared with 1,197 in 2010. The number of new transfer students rose from 926 in 2010 to 954 this year.

"We are particularly pleased with our increase in the number of returning students,"; Sells said. "Our ultimate goals for our students are that they are engaged in learning, making progress toward their degrees and that they reach graduation in a timely manner.

"As an institution, we will be judged by our ability to help students learn and successfully complete the requirements of their degree. Keeping students enrolled, engaged and involved with the campus are key to meeting those goals.";

MTSU has 6,838 returning seniors, which are 516 more than in 2010. There also are 800 more returning total undergraduates (19,496) than a year ago (18,696).

MTSU's data includes 178 returning high-school students registered for courses, compared to 114 last spring, an increase of 64 students.

Also in the summary of returnees, MTSU is experiencing

  • a 38.17 percent increase in graduate special students (those not seeking degrees) with 181 this semester compared to 131 in 2010;
  • a 57 percent increase in doctoral students with 190 compared to 121 last spring;
  • a 10.31 percent increase in total graduate students with 2,386 now and 2,163 in 2010; and
  • a 4.9 percent iffncrease in total returnees—21,882 vs. 20,859.




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Show some Love with an award nomination

Nominations are being sought now for the Harold Love Outstanding Community Involvement Award, which is presented each spring by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to five students and five faculty and/or staff members across the state.

The Harold Love Award honors the late state representative from Nashville, who was instrumental in passing legislation for community-service recognition programs for Tennessee higher-education students, faculty and staff. The annual awards include a $1,000 cash prize and are presented to volunteers in community work, public service, charitable service and service in leadership roles in community organizations.

MTSU produced two Love Award winners in 2009: then-senior Jasmine Gray and Dr. Linda Gilbert, then an associate professor in the Womack Family Educational Leadership Department. Gray is currently a graduate student at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, while Gilbert is now superintendent of the Murfreesboro City Schools.

The deadline to submit nominations is Tuesday, March 15. Forms and more information can be found at http://bit.ly/LoveAwardInfo .



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Snyder to direct Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

by Randy Weiler

Kyle Snyder has joined MTSU as director of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, Department of Aerospace officials said.

In this role, Snyder will be bringing in research through government grants or industry partnerships. His expertise also will be used to build the UAS footprint for MTSU, developing a curriculum for students to begin in this field.

"We are excited that Kyle is joining the aerospace department,"; said Dr. Wayne Dornan, aerospace chair. "There is a virtual tsunami of unmanned aerial vehicles about to enter the national airspace system, and I am confident that with Kyle on board, the MTSU aerospace department will play a major role in developing concepts on how this integration will occur.";

Snyder joins MTSU after serving two years as director of knowledge resources at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. AUVSI is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, advocating, educating and communicating about the unmanned systems industry, he said.

"Unmanned aircraft systems are among the most exciting and dynamic growth areas in aviation today,"; said Snyder, adding that the "exploitation of these systems by the military, especially the U.S. Department of Defense, and the much-anticipated adoption into commercial and civilian markets is motivating the aerospace department to actively pursue this new arena.";

Dornan noted that MTSU's reputation for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, aircraft operations and management and a state-of-the-art air traffic control simulator are expected to leverage new UAS industry partnerships. The aerospace chair said those partnerships will provide additional research and internship opportunities for faculty and students.

The new UAS director has dedicated his career to technology transfer and product development in the aerospace industry, working at NASA, Lockheed Martin, Applied Systems Intelligence Inc. and Georgia Tech. With a master's in mathematics from the University of Tennessee Space Institute and an aerospace MBA from UT-Knoxville, Snyder said he is excited to return to Tennessee to help bring these new technologies and regional opportunities together.

"It's amazing when the stars line up,"; Snyder said. "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be selected to establish this position. The UAS industry is poised for a long future of growth. … With a national and international reputation, the aerospace department … can play a major role in developing students for future jobs in the industry while also performing research to shape that future.";

Aerospace department personnel associated with UAS operations, along with collaborators, say their research will examine the role of UAS in law enforcement, agriculture, homeland security, pilot training, national airspace integration and environmental monitoring.



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Renewing a partnership



SEALING THE DEAL—MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and Bill Shacklett, chairman of the board of directors for the Heart of Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross, shake hands after renewing an agreement between MTSU and the Red Cross to use the Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center on campus as an emergency shelter. The pact was first inked in October 2007 to expand needed shelter space in Rutherford County in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In September 2008, MTSU was activated as a Red Cross emergency shelter for the first time to serve almost 450 Hurricane Gustav evacuees.

MTSU Photographic Services photo by Andy Heidt



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Feb. 26 Science Olympiad awaits 400 competitors

by Randy Weiler

Dr. Pat Patterson calls Science Olympiad "the best STEM tournament in the nation,"; and the annual Regional Science Olympiad once again will bring 400 boys and girls and 100-plus volunteers to MTSU Saturday, Feb. 26.

The middle- and high-school competitors have been preparing for weeks and months for events like Awesome Aquafiers, Sounds of Music and many more.

"Even the president (Obama) is talking about STEM,"; said Patterson, an associate professor of chemistry and the Science Olympiad coordinating regional director, using the acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"This is such a wonderful opportunity. Some of the building events the students are working on are wonderful. They are doing science, not just memorizing.";

Rutherford County high schools planning to send teams include La Vergne, Siegel, Blackman, Eagleville and Riverdale, along with Central Magnet School.

Eleven middle-school teams will compete; Blackman, Spring Hill and Stewart's Creek plan to enter two squads each. Local middle schools also will include Cason Lane, Smyrna and St. Rose of Lima.

Numerous MTSU faculty are serving as coordinators for all 23 events in both divisions. Preservice teachers in Patterson's physical science classes (PSCI 4030), MTeach and other students will volunteer their time to assist through the day. Dr. Amy Phelps, an MTSU chemistry professor, has helped Patterson as associate director for years. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MTScienceOlympiad .



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Wu brings chemistry background to lecture

by Randy Weiler

Dr. Marinda Li Wu will be sharing some of her 30-plus years of experience in the chemical industry during a National Women's History Month presentation at MTSU.

Wu will speak on "A Personal and Professional Journey into the 21st Century"; during her lecture on Thursday, Feb. 24, starting at 7 p.m. in Room 102 of Wiser-Patten Science Hall. The MTSU community and general public are invited.

"I share my story of how destiny and determination affected where I am today,"; said Wu, who was born in Pasadena, Calif., to parents who fled China as a result of war.

"I once dreamed of becoming a scientist or ambassador. Today, as an American Chemical Society Board member, I am an 'ambassador' advocating for science and education. Challenges as an Asian-American woman strengthened my leadership skills.";

Before the talk, a reception will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Wu will be featured that same day during the weekly chemistry seminar, discussing "Successful Public Outreach Programs of the American Chemical Society"; at 11:30 a.m. in Davis Science Building Room 100.

The presentation, which is open to the public, will provide highlights of National Chemistry Week, the ACS Chemistry Ambassadors Program, Science Cafes, International Year of Chemistry 2011 and the ACS Network. Providing funding for Wu's visit are the National Women's History Month Committee, the Nashville Section of the American Chemical Society and the WISTEM Center.

For more information, call 615-904-8253.


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Setting the standard



'UNITY' IN 'COMMUNITY'—Honorees at the 2011 Unity Luncheon pause before the Feb. 3 event, which launches MTSU's Black History Month celebration each year. The 2011 honorees include, from left, entrepreneur Ernestine "Tene"; Johnson, community organizer Wordna McKnight and Pastor and NAACP Branch President Goldy L. Wade, all of Murfreesboro, and Marshall County Director of Schools Roy D. Dukes. Not pictured is honoree Carolyn Peebles, a community leader from Smyrna. The luncheon recognized the honorees for their service to their communities.

MTSU Photographic Services photo by Andy Heidt



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CMT team's project efforts earn national 2nd-place nod

by Randy Weiler

MTSU's Construction Management Technology team placed second out of 43 teams at the National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition in Orlando, Fla.

Team members include leader Kaitlyn Wright of Murfreesboro, Brandon Castle of Smyrna, Andrew Ethridge of Brentwood, Maverick Green of Shelbyville and Mike Sandman of Murfreesboro.

"I could not be more proud to be associated with the members of this team and everyone who helped us,"; said Wright, the first female team leader of one of MTSU's CMT squads and the third female to participate. "The win was a great reward for a lot of hard work and will help keep our program recognized as one of the top programs in the country.";

MTSU finished runner-up to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, while perennial power Brigham Young University placed third. MTSU won the competition in 2007 and finished second in 2009 and has finished in the top 10 in nine out of the last 11 years of its national competitions.

The NAHB's student competition is one of the highlights of the annual International Builders' Show, which was attended by 47,000-plus builders and associates from around the world.

The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a project management proposal, said Dr. David Hatfield, Construction Management Programs director.

MTSU's comprehensive proposal was submitted to the competition chairman two weeks before the event, Hatfield said. During the convention, students presented the proposal to five executives who acted as judges. Those judges then asked specific questions on the proposal before an audience.

The 143-page project manual proposal included market analysis, demographics, scheduling, estimating, infrastructure, plans, cash flow and a management approach for the project, Hatfield said. Each team member spent more than 300 hours developing the proposal for Sedgewick Homes in North Carolina.

MTSU's Construction Management Programs are affiliated with the Rutherford County Home Builders Association, the Home Builders Association of Tennessee and the National Home Builders Student Association.

"Our construction-management students once again have earned our respect and pride in their accomplishments,"; said Dr. Walter Boles, chair of the Department of Engineering Technology. "Their second-place performance is a great example of teamwork not only within the student team but with our industry advisers and faculty as well.";



BUILDING ON A WIN—Members of MTSU's Construction Management Technology team are shown after their second-place win at the National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition in Orlando, Fla. From left are Maverick Green, Brandon Castle, Kaitlyn Wright, Andrew Ethridge and Mike Sandman.

photo submitted



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Scholars Week abstract submissions due March 1

Faculty and students who are preparing for the fifth annual Scholars Week 2011 must submit their abstracts by midnight on Tuesday, March 1, event organizers said.

Abstracts should be submitted online.

Scholars Week will be held April 4-8 at venues across campus. Events will include a week of department/ college activities in discipline-specific venues to present graduate, undergraduate and faculty scholarship.

Planned activities will include talks, readings, performances, posters and multimedia performances as well as invited speakers and a kick-off luncheon for faculty presenters and mentors.

The celebration will end in a campuswide showcase of posters, multimedia and performance on Friday, April 8, starting at 12:40 p.m. in Murphy Center.



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Celebrate Presidents' Day with open house at Honors College

from Staff Reports

MTSU faculty and staff are invited to bring their high-school-age children, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends to the second University Honors College Open House on Presidents' Day, Monday, Feb. 21.

The open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building.

University advisers from all the colleges, financial-aid office personnel, housing staff, the study-abroad office and Honors College staff and students will be available to assist visitors.

The Honors College features small classes, dedicated faculty, unique curricular and extracurricular experiences, an award-winning arts and literary magazine, an honors credit for study abroad, the Governor's School for the Arts and advanced-placement and International Baccalaureate credits. High-school students must have a 25 ACT score and a minimum 3.5 GPA to be qualified.

Attendees can drop in and meet the Honors College staff, visit the information booths, receive answers to financial-aid and scholarship questions, take a campus tour at 1:30 p.m., tour the Lyon Hall living and learning center for honors students and attend the 3 p.m. Honors Lecture Series.

For more information, call 615-898-5464 or click on the flier above.





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'MTSU After Dark' series offers free spring events for students

MTSU students can enjoy free bowling and bumper cars Thursday, Feb. 17, starting at 10 p.m. at the Lanes, Trains and Automobiles Entertainment Depot at 450 Butler Drive in Murfreesboro, said Lisa Schrader, director of MTSU Health Promotion.

The event will last until 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18.

"It is the first event in a new program series called 'MTSU After Dark,'"; Schrader said, adding that Student Programming, Campus Recreation and Health Promotion are sponsoring the series.

"It reflects these departments' commitments to providing fun and safe social environments in time frames that fit students' schedules.";

Also on this spring's schedule of events in Murfreesboro are free laser tag at Phazer Kraze, 252 River Rock Blvd., on Thursday, March 17, and free putt-putt golf and go-karts at GO USA Funpark, 2270 Armory Drive, on Thursday, April 21.

All events will be held from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and participants must bring their MTSU IDs.

For more information, call 615-494-8704.

Information about MTSU Health Promotion is available online at both www.mtsu.edu/healthpro and www.facebook.com/mthealthpromotion .



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Recruiters take aim at Feb. 22 insurance career fair in KUC

The annual Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance/Gamma Iota Sigma Career Fair will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Keathley University Center Rooms 322 and 316.

Space is limited to 30 outside recruiting teams, said Dr. Ken Hollman, chairholder of the program, who added that "there seems to be an unusually high interest in the event this year.";

Recruiting applicants will be accepted on a first-reserved, first-served basis. Insurance recruiters have received a PDF with the resumes of December 2010 MTSU graduates and others who are or soon will be looking for employment, Hollman said.

"Recruiters who come to the Career Fair will see a representative group of students who are interested in positions in all of the functional areas of insurance,"; Hollman said.

About 100 students have declared the insurance program as their major or minor this semester, Hollman said. Sixty students are on scholarship, he added, and approximately $75,000 in scholarships has been awarded in the 2010-11 academic year.

MTSU's Gamma Iota Sigma is in its 27th year as a fraternal organization for students in the risk-management, insurance and actuarial-science fields.

For information, call 615-898-2673.



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Safety video set Feb. 21-24

If you received a text message or email that read, "shots fired on campus,"; would you know what to do or how to help colleagues and students?

The University Police Department will be showing a video, "Shots Fired,"; in the Keathley University Center Theater twice daily Monday through Thursday, Feb. 21-24. Times are 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., and a question-and-answer session will follow each video.

All faculty and staff are urged to attend.


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S ubmit project applications for Clean Energy Fee funding

MTSU's Clean Energy Committee is once again accepting applications for campus projects and proposals to use funds from the money generated by the $8 Clean Energy Fee that students pay each semester.

Projects and proposals should focus primarily on renewable energy, energy conservation/efficiency, alternative fuels and/or sustainable design, said Dr. Danny Kelley, associate dean of student life at MTSU.

To submit a Clean Energy Fee funding proposal, visit the Student Government Association website at www.mtsu.edu/sga . Click on the "Clean Energy Fee"; link on the right side of the page.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, Feb. 25.



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Stay 'Up 'til Dawn' on Feb. 18!

The Up 'til Dawn Executive Committee is extending a campuswide invitation to join the fun on Friday, Feb. 18, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at MTSU's Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center.

The event will celebrate the organizations and students who devoted their time and energy to raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

The celebration will include the spirit dance, a speech from a St. Jude patient and performances by several student bands and "MT Idol"; participants, along with blow-up games, karaoke and much more.

For more information, please contact Up 'til Dawn organizers at uptldawn@mtsu.edu.


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Promotions give MT 2 of youngest coordinators in U.S.

from MT Athletic Communications

Middle Tennessee football head coach Rick Stockstill has elevated Steve Ellis and Willie Simmons to coordinator roles for the Blue Raiders.

Ellis will take over as the program's defensive coordinator, while Simmons will be Stockstill's new offensive coordinator.

"Both Steve and Willie have everything I am looking for in the coordinator positions,"; said Stockstill. "They possess great knowledge of what we want to run at Middle Tennessee, are highly organized and coach with unmatched passion and enthusiasm. Our players will feed off their energy level.

"I am totally confident in both Steve and Willie and know they will do an outstanding job in preparing our players, both offensively and defensively.";

Ellis, who just completed his second season with the Blue Raiders as cornerbacks and special teams coach, was the defensive coordinator at Nicholls State from 2006 to 2008. In 2006, his unit ranked 19th nationally in total defense; the 2007 squad ranked 33rd.

The 30-year old Stringer, Miss., native produced first team all-conference selections in Rod Issac, Alan Gendreau and Josh Davis. In 2009, Ellis' cornerbacks had 152 tackles, nine interceptions, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 21 pass breakups on their way to leading the Sun Belt Conference in pass defense and interceptions. Seniors Marcus Udell and Alex Suber were tabbed as first team all-conference along with Gendreau.

"I am very excited about the opportunity and can't wait to get started,"; said Ellis, who also will remain cornerbacks coach. "We will play with a lot of confidence and a sense of urgency. Our mentality will be when the ball is kicked, here we come.

"We lost a lot of guys on defense, but that will not be an excuse. We will get guys ready to play, go fast and swarm to the football.";

Simmons, 30, has been the Blue Raiders' running-backs coach the past four years and will be handling coordinator duties for the first time in his career. Simmons also will continue coaching running backs as part of his duties.

"Personally, I am excited about the opportunity for me as a young coach in the profession,"; said Simmons. "It says a lot about Rick Stockstill and his belief in me, and I am grateful for the chance.";

A native of Quincy, Fla., Simmons had his deepest group of backs in 2010, including all-conference pick Phillip Tanner. Also under Simmons' watch, Tanner earned National Player of the Week honors in 2008 after setting a Sun Belt Conference and Blue Raider scoring record with six touchdowns in a win over North Texas.

"We have a lot of guys coming back who are eager to take another step in the development of this program,"; Simmons added. "We have a veteran offensive line, two good quarterbacks and productive skill players, so the pieces are in place. The job now is to work on our fundamentals and limit the turnovers.

"We want to be as balanced as possible, maximize our strengths and put the best players on the field. Our tempo will be a major focus. We need to improve on what we have built in the past and try to be the fastest team in the country between snaps.";



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Tennis, volleyball announce summer camps

from MT Athletic Communications

The Middle Tennessee tennis program will be offering a number of camp options this summer for players ages six to 18, said men's coach Jimmy Borendame and women's coach Melissa Schaub.

The Blue Raider volleyball program also will offer summer camps on positions and skills for athletes entering fifth through 12th grades.

Three four-day tennis day camps will be offered beginning Monday, June 13, through Thursday, June 30. The tennis camps will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. and will include a variety of skill drills, games and group activities. The camps also include a half-day option that begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon.

Middle Tennessee volleyball head coach Matt Peck, who also is 2010 Sun Belt Coach of the Year, will direct the volleyball camps. The Blue Raiders are coming off a season that saw the women earn both the Sun Belt regular season and tournament titles and go to their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

Volleyball camps are slated to begin with the all-skills and passing and defense camp, which will run July 11-13. Hitters and setters camps will take place July 19-20.

Middle Tennessee will also have a pair of volleyball team camps; one runs July 17-19, and the other is planned July 21-23.

For more information on Blue Raider tennis camps, email mttennis@mtsu.edu or mschaub@mtsu.edu, call 615-898-2957 or see the printable camp brochure at www.goblueraiders.com/content.cfm/id/49775 .

For more information on the 2011 Middle Tennessee Volleyball Camps, call the volleyball office at 615-898-2230 or view the printable camp brochure at www.goblueraiders.com/content.cfm/id/50580 .



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Join book drive to help replenish schools' libraries

MTSU's Margaret H. Ordoubadian University Writing Center is holding a book drive for Murfreesboro City Schools through Monday, Feb. 28.

Organizers are requesting new or gently used children's books for students in pre-kindergarten through middle school. Donations may be dropped off in the Writing Center in the James E. Walker Library, Room 362, or in the lobby collection box.

For more information, contact Jenny Rowan at 615-494-8932 or jrowan@mtsu.edu.



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People Around Campus: After 19 years, kids still getting inventive

by Tom Tozer

The spirit of invention will once more lead area grade-schoolers to brainstorm and create in honor of this year's Invention Convention, which will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, in MTSU's Murphy Center.

Now in its 19th year under the direction of event founder Dr. Tracey Ring, professor of elementary and special education at MTSU, the invention-filled activity can trace its roots back to Ring's own mom.

"My mother did this when she taught fifth grade at a private school,"; Ring said, referring to the impetus for child-centered endeavor. "(And) after she retired, I decided to do it on a bigger scale.";

Today, the Invention Convention, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, draws more than 300 young participants from schools across middle Tennessee, Ring said. The conference is open to area students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades from public and private schools and local home schools.

Young inventors compete against others in their grade levels in two contest categories—"Games"; and "Something to Make Life Easier";—and division winners are given awards for first through third place. In addition to those trophies, judges give credence to student projects with special significance, Ring said.

"We give a Judge's Favorite award to a kid with a really unusual project who didn't get a trophy in his or her category,"; she explained. "We also give an award for the best presentation.";

Participants must create presentations as well as working models of their inventions. Ring said the pressure to develop functioning models pushes children to stretch their creativity and makes their feat more impressive.

"You find that most kids make games, usually ones that help them learn what they're studying in school,"; she noted. "Also, in recent years, I've seen a shift to more technological inventions.";

Special guest speaker for the event will be Norm McVicker, the son of Play-Doh inventor Noah McVicker.

"Each year, I pick an everyday object of interest (in addition to the inventions) and feature it,"; Ring said. "We make a poster about it, so people can learn about its background. This year, we're focusing on—what else?—Play-Doh.";

For more information on the Invention Convention, please contact Ring at 615-898-5500 or via email at tring@mtsu.edu.






SHEDDING LIGHT—Invention Convention participant Cristian Thomas, shown in this 2006 file photo above, demonstrates "Night Rider,"; a helmet with front and rear lights for bicycling or skateboarding at night. He won the Middle Tennessee Christian School's sixth-grade "Making Life Easier"; project category that year, earning him a spot at MTSU's regional competition.

MTSU Photographic Services file photo by Ken Robinson



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Faculty/Staff Update

Certifications

Professor Pam Taylor (nursing) has been recertified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an informatics nurse for another five-year period. Taylor is one of only 500 nurses in the world to hold this certification.

Kathleen Franz (speech and theatre) recently received her designation as a Certified Professional Secretary.

Media

Dr. Ryan Otter (biology) discussed his book, How to Win at the Game of College: Practical Advice from a College Professor, on "The Plus Side of Nashville"; on NewsChannel5+ on Feb. 5. Additional air dates for the program are Feb. 16, 19, 20 and 21.

Vincent Windrow (Intercultural and Diversity Affairs) discussed MTSU's observance of Black History Month on "Urban Outlook"; on NewsChannel5+ on Feb. 3. Additional air dates are Feb. 17, 19, 20 and 21.

Passages

Mrs. Sarah Dean Cook Daniel (accounting services), 72, died Feb. 5. Mrs. Daniel, a native of DeKalb County, lived in Woodbury and was employed by MTSU from November 1983 until her retirement in June 2010 as an account clerk in the MTSU Business Office. Her parents were the late Dell and Gladys Robinson Cook, and her husband was the late William Robert Daniel. "Miss Dean"; is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Rayburn Hibdon of McMinnville; her nieces, Kirsten (Mike) Hicks of Murfreesboro and Rebekah (Mark) Warmbrod of Belvidere; her three great-nieces, Taylor and Hannah Warmbrod and Chloe Hicks; and her precious dog, Peyton. Mrs. Daniel was a member of the Carney Branch Baptist Church in Morrison and a member of the Mid-State Iris Association.

Professor Calvin Hall Duggin (industrial studies), 85, passed away on Jan. 20. A native of Cannon County, he was the son of the late Dillard Hall and Minnie Mears Duggin. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Bratcher Duggin. Professor Duggin is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Truman Hall and Deborah Duggin of Sumter, S.C.; a daughter, Stella Anita Brewer of Murfreesboro; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Professor Duggin was a member of the Baptist Church and a World War II Army veteran and was employed by MTSU from September 1959 until his retirement in May 1986 as an associate professor of industrial studies.

Publications

Dr. Jwa K. Kim (psychology and literacy studies) published an article, "Patterns of Interactions and Behaviors: Physical Education in Korean Elementary, Middle and High Schools"; in the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance's ICHPER-SD Journal of Research, 5(1), 32-38 with Dr. Jong-Hoon Yu (Canisius College).

Dr. Dennis Walsh (mathematical sciences) published a new description for integer sequence A094587 of The On-line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences ( www.oeis.org ) on Jan. 24. The contribution included a comment, example and link to his associated preprint, "A note on permutations with cyclic constraints.";

Dr. Debra Rose Wilson and Professor Mariesa Severson (nursing) published a review of Doula's Guide to Birthing Your Way by J. S. Mallak and Teresa F. Bailey in the International Journal of Childbirth Education, 26(1), 17.

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Campus Calendar Feb. 14-27, 2011

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

TV Schedule: "MTSU Out of the Blue";
Cable Channel 9: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 5 p.m.
NewsChannel 5+ (Comcast 250): 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

Sports @ Home
Feb. 18: Women's Tennis vs. Murray State, 1 p.m. (Nashboro Village)
Feb. 18-20: MTSU Baseball vs. Portland
Feb. 25-27: MTSU Baseball vs. Jacksonville State
Feb. 26: Men's Basketball vs. Western Kentucky, 7 p.m.
Feb. 27: Women's Basketball vs. Western Kentucky, 3 p.m.
For more details, visit www.goblueraiders.com .

Monday, Feb. 14
Spring Honors Lecture Series: Dr. Nancy Goldberg, "Franco-Peruvian Writer and Diplomat Ventura Garcia Calderón";
3 p.m., Room 106, Honors Amphitheatre
For information, contact: 615-898-2152.

Faculty Senate Meeting
4:30 p.m., Room 100, James Union Building
For information, visit the Faculty Senate website or contact: 615-898-2582.

Feb. 15-March 3
Art Exhibit: "Foundations/ Survey Exhibition";
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Todd Gallery
(opening reception Tuesday, Feb. 15, 6-8 p.m.)
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/art or contact: 615-898-5653.

Tuesday, Feb. 15
MTSU Jazz Ensemble II
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com or contact: 615-898-2493.

Wednesday, Feb. 16
Composition Studio Recital: Paul Osterfield
8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com .

Thursday, Feb. 17
Black History Month: "Evolution of Black Music";
6-8 p.m., Tom Jackson Building
For information, email mmcdaniel@mtsu.edu.

MTSU Jazz Ensemble I
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com .

Friday, Feb. 18
Philosophy Lyceum: Dr. Bart D. Ehrman, "Misquoting Jesus: Scribes Who Changed the Bible and Readers Who May Never Know";
3:30 p.m., State Farm Lecture Hall (Room S102), Business and Aerospace Building
For information, contact: 615-494-7628.

"Up 'til Dawn"; Celebration
7 p.m.-1 a.m., Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center
For information, email uptldawn@mtsu.edu.

Xiamen University Student Art Group: Music and Dance
7:30 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
No admission charge
For information, contact: 615-494-8696.

Sunday, Feb. 20
MTSU Concert Chorale and Middle Tennessee Choral Society: "La Boheme";
3 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
Admission: $10 at the door

Chinese Music Night
featuring student performances on piano and Erhu
7 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com .

Feb. 21-24
"Shots Fired"; Safety Video
9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. daily, Keathley University Center Theater (Question-and-answer session follows each presentation)
For information, contact: 615-898-2424 or 898-2919.

Monday, Feb. 21
University Honors College: President's Day Open House
Noon, Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building
For information, email lclippar@mtsu.edu or contact: 615-898-5464.

Spring Honors Lecture Series: Dr. Felicia Miyakawa, "Reconstructing the Story of an American Song's Journey";
3 p.m., HONR 106
For information, visit the Honors College website.

Piano Studio Recital: Arunesh Nadgir
8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com .

Tuesday, Feb. 22
National Recreational Sports, Fitness and Wellness Day Health Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Health, Recreation and Wellness Center
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/healthpro or contact: 615-494-8704.

Black History Month: Dr. H. Richard Milner IV, "Brown Bag Tenure Lecture";
9 a.m.-2 p.m., JUB 100
For information, email omachonu@mtsu.edu.

Feb. 23-26
MTSU Theatre: "Medea";
7:30 nightly, Tucker Theatre
Tickets: $10 adults; $5 MTSU faculty and staff and K-12 students; MTSU students free
For information,visit the Tucker Theatre website or contact: 615-494-8810.

Feb. 23-24
TIAA-CREF Employee Financial Counseling Sessions
To schedule an appointment, contact: 800-732-8353.

Wednesday, Feb. 23
Black History Month: Black History Mobile Museum
9 a.m.-5 p.m., KUC Knoll
For information, email vwindrow@mtsu.edu.

I nternships and Summer Jobs Fair
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Murphy Center
For information, visit www.mtsu.edu/career .

Black History Month: Dr. Quito Swan's "Black Power in Bermuda"; and Beyond
3-4 p.m., KUC Theater
For information, contact: 615-898-2831.

Dr. Ryan Otter, "Exploit the Expected and Unexpected Tools";
6 p.m., BAS S102
For information, visit www.thecollegegameproject.org or contact: 615-898-2063.

Guest Piano Recital: Chih-Long Hu
8 p.m., Hinton Music Hall
For information, visit www.mtsumusic.com .

Thursday, Feb. 24
Student Government Association Blood Drive
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tennessee Room, JUB
To make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org .

Black History Month: "Black Girls Rock!";
6 p.m., Tom Jackson Building
For information, email mmcdaniel@mtsu.edu.

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