Dr. Kim Estep, Tusculum College provost and academic vice president, has announced the appointment of Dr. Troy Goodale, assistant professor of political science, as the new faculty sponsor of the Tusculum College chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society.
Dr. Goodale is an Oklahoma native who was raised in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area before moving to East Tennessee during his eighth grade school year. Living in the nation’s capitol began his interest in politics and government.
He received his bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of Tennessee in political science, with a minor in cultural studies that focused on Asian culture. He earned his master’s degree and doctorate in political science, also from the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Goodale’s dissertation is in the American politics sub-field, examining legislative term limits in state governments. He has published a book on legislative term limits and has run for public office on two occasions. In addition, he has worked in various political organizations and campaigns.
Dr. Goodale taught at the University of Tennessee for more than four years and at Tusculum part-time during 2006-2007, transitioning to a full-time position the following year. He is the department chair of the Political Science Department at Tusculum, as well as a pre-law advisor.
Ron McCallister, director of the School of Arts and Sciences, notes that “Dr. Goodale has played an integral role in a number of academically-centered student initiatives. I am excited about Dr. Goodale’s willingness to serve in a leadership role with Alpha Chi. As the oldest chapter of Alpha Chi in Tennessee, Dr. Goodale inherits leadership in an organization that has a long, rich heritage at our College.”
Alpha Chi is a nationwide honor society established in 1922 to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Some 300 chapters, located in almost every state and in Puerto Rico, induct more than 11,000 members annually. Being selected for membership is one of the highest academic honors that Tusculum College can offer a student.
To be eligible for membership in Alpha Chi, a student must have achieved junior or senior status and be ranked in the top ten percent of the students in their division.
Some benefits of Alpha Chi membership include recognition as distinguished scholars and members of one of the largest college honor societies in the world. Members may compete for Alpha Chi scholarships, and many employers offer members higher starting salaries after graduation.