Trustees receive updates on construction projects, dual enrollment

Site preparation is continuing for the residence hall to be constructed near existing apartments and behind Niswonger Commons and the Charles Oliver Gray Complex.

The Tusculum College Board of Trustees met Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9, to hear reports on several construction projects planned for the coming year as well as fund raising efforts, strategic plan goals and an expanded dual enrollment program for local high school students.

“The Board had the opportunity to hear reports on many of our key projects moving forward,” said Kenneth A. Bowman, a 1970 graduate of Tusculum College and chair of the Board of Trustees. “We have a lot of work to do, but it is such a pleasure to see the fruits of the labor of so many dedicated people who are committed to moving Tusculum College forward.”

The Board also approved three candidates for faculty emeritus status. Those candidates included Dr. Bob Davis, professor of biology; Dan Barnett, associate professor of chemistry, and Ron Conley, associate professor of mathematics.

Davis joined Tusculum College in 1970. During his tenure at Tusculum College, Dr. Davis has served in the capacities of faculty moderator and biology department chair. Dr. Davis has given his time and expertise by repairing a well house and building a split rail fence at the Doak House Museum.

Barnett, who has been with the college since 1985, has served in the capacities as faculty moderator, division director and chemical hygiene officer. Additionally, Barnett has served on numerous governance committees, search committees (including the presidential search), has been involved with the programming of the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science, the wetlands and the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarship.

Conley joined Tusculum College in 1983. Throughout his service to Tusculum College, Conley has taught in both the residential and Graduate and Professional Studies programs. He has served on numerous governance committees, search committees, task forces and as mathematics department chair.

In other business, Dr. Tom Stein, vice president for enrollment management, reported that new traditional student deposits are running well ahead of recent years. The enrollment staff is optimistic regarding reaching their goal of 400 new students. Additionally the GPS program saw the start of the second Master’s of Business Administration cohort. Stein added that GPS enrollment objectives were met for the fall semester for all sites and campuses.

The Board heard reports about several construction projects planned for the Greeneville campus over the next few years. Work has begun on two new apartment-style residence halls and plans are to break ground on the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math later this year. In related reports, fundraising goals for the institution are on target for the year, according to Heather Patchett, vice president for institutional advancement. According to Patchett, donors are up 11.7 percent over the past year. She also reported that in November the college received approval to offer gift annuities. Total dollars raised this fiscal year are $1.43 million, more than a million more than at this point last year, Patchett said.

 

The steel framework continues to take shape on the new residence hall being constructed between the existing apartment-stype residence halls and Old College.

Dr. Blair Henley, vice president for Information Systems and chief technology officer reported that since August 2011, 100 computer lab workstations have been replaced with Thin Client Technology. Additionally, all classroom work stations have been replaced at the Knoxville, Morristown and Greeneville locations.

Henley also reported that two pilot dual enrollment programs were implemented in January. College algebra and world literature are currently being offered as dual enrollment/dual credit courses for area high school juniors and seniors. Two other courses will be made available next fall.

The next meeting of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees is set for May 17-18, 2013.