Trustees approve new academic programs, track and field

The Tusculum College Board of Trustees approved the addition of several new degree programs and a track and field program at its spring meeting, held May 13-14 on the Greeneville campus. With the addition of men’s and women’s track and field teams, the number of NCAA sports offered at Tusculum increases to 18.

The Board gave full approval to a Bachelor of Science in health care administration degree program. A Bachelor of Science in computer science, a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a Master of Accountancy were preliminarily approved pending development of the curriculum. Also approved was the development of a minor in web design.

The new programs will be initiated between now and 2019.

“As an institution it is important that we continue to be responsive to the students we serve as well as the communities around us,” said Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board and 1970 alumnus of the college. “Changing, and particularly adding degree programs, allows us to serve the needs of students today and into the future.”

The Board also received a report on the recent Mock Disaster Scenario conducted on campus in March. The simulation was a tornado which had collapsed Katherine Hall at approximately 2 a.m. during an academic day. Participants included: Greene County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Tusculum Volunteer Fire Department, Greeneville Police Department, Greeneville Fire Department, Greene County EMS, Greene County 911, Laughlin Memorial Hospital, and Takoma Regional Hospital. Tusculum College provided volunteers from employees and students to act as casualties.

The intent of the drill was to test Tusculum’s ability to initially respond to a natural disaster and communicate with local emergency responders in order to provide emergency care to the Tusculum community. Specifically, the college tested its ability to initially respond to a catastrophic emergency, its ability to handle a large number of casualties and displaced persons and its ability to perform long-term recovery operations and continue business operations.

The initial assessment immediately following the event from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency was that the Tusculum College initial response and Emergency Operations Center performance was “excellent.”

As a result of recent state legislation, the Board reviewed its policies on guns on campus. As a result, both the faculty and student handbooks will be amended to state that the “Board of Trustees of Tusculum College has determined that Tusculum College and all of its property is a weapon-free school,” as described in Tennessee Code Annotated. “No person, except a person who is a sworn peace officer, is allowed to carry a firearm on any property owned or operated by Tusculum College.”

According to Jon Gresham, director of campus safety for Tusculum College, while new wording was adopted, the intent and extent of the policy remains consistent with the policy that had been in operation prior to recent legislation.

The Board also recommended preliminary approval of the 2016-2017 operating budget. The next meeting of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees will be October 2016.

 

Jack Smith recognized during President’s Dinner for service to Tusculum

Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, left, and Board of Trustees Chair Kenneth Bowman, right, make the presentation to Myron J. "Jack" Smith during the President's Dinner.

Myron J. “Jack” Smith was recognized during the President’s Dinner on Friday, May 13, for his more than 20 years of service to Tusculum College as director of the library.

Smith was presented a framed copy of the resolution honoring his service to Tusculum and academia that had been approved by the Tusculum College Board of Trustees at its February meeting. Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum, and Dr. Kenneth Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees, made the presentation.

The Board of Trustees has also granted the honorary status of faculty emeritus to Smith.

The resolution reads:

“Whereas, Myron J. Smith, Jr. was awarded degrees from Ashland University, Western Michigan University, and Shippensburg University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Indiana-Purdue University, and The Ohio State University; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith began his career at the Detroit Public Library as a young adult services librarian; and

Whereas, while at Western Maryland College, he worked summers as a bibliographer at the Navy Department Library in Washington, DC where he was mentored on occasion by the noted historian Samuel Eliot Morison; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith worked as library director at the Huntington Public Library before returning to academic service at Salem College where he remained for fifteen years before coming to Tusculum; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith joined Tusculum College in 1990 where he served until 2015 retiring from the positions of library director and professor of library science and history; and

Whereas, he worked diligently to improve library resources and access opportunities for the Tusculum community and coordinated partnerships with local and regional libraries; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith is an internationally-known author and bibliographer on subjects ranging in topic from airline to Watergate and from baseball to the U.S. Civil War and has published eighty-eight books which have been sold in or acquired by libraries in forty-four countries and every state in the United States; and

Whereas, in 1993, he received the Nelson Ross Award from the Professional Football Writers Association, and he remains the only American to have received the Richard Franck Preis for historical bibliography from the German Government; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith was granted Faculty Emeritus status by the Board of Trustees;

Now Therefore, be it resolved, that the Tusculum College Board of Trustees, meeting in Greeneville, Tennessee, on February 20, 2016, does hereby acknowledge, commend, and honor Myron J. Smith, Jr for extraordinary service to Tusculum College and to the people of this state and nation and extends to Mr. Smith its best wishes for a rewarding and fulfilling retirement.”

Kramer named to Tusculum College Board of Trustees

Jo Ann Kramer

The Tusculum College Board of Trustees approved Jo Ann Soderquist Kramer as its newest board members in a meeting on Saturday, May 14.

“We are very excited to welcome Jo Ann and anticipate her experience and expertise will benefit the entire Tusculum community through her service,” said Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees and 1970 graduate of the college.

Kramer graduated with an aerospace engineering graduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1967, making her the first woman in UVA history to earn a degree in engineering. She holds an undergraduate degree in physics from Sweet Briar College, where she also served on the Sweet Briar College Board of Directors and as a leading fundraiser for the school in the midst of its recent restructuring.

Beginning her career as an aerospace engineer with Martin Marietta Corp. in Orlando, Fla., Kramer later served in the same capacity with Lockheed Martin Corp. in Burlington, Vt. She retired in 2011 from her position as director of air and naval defense system programs for General Dynamics Corp. in Burlington.

She is affiliated with Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, the National Defense Industrial Association and Women in Defense. She has worked on the Board of Directors of the North Country Federal Credit Union and on the Sweet Briar College Alumnae Association Board.

In addition, Kramer spoke at the spring 2015 commencement ceremony at Tusculum College, during which she advised graduates to be unafraid to step up and impact the fate of their organization through decisive action. She also encouraged students to promote environments that are open to opposing opinions. Kramer will bring these experiences and mindsets to her service on the Tusculum College Board of Trustees.

Kramer’s mother, Mabel F. Soderquist, is a 1937 graduate of Tusculum College. Kramer herself also took several courses at Tusculum College.

Dr. Morris Katz honored with Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Morris E. Katz '37, right, was presented the Distinguished Service Award in absentia during the President's Dinner on May 13. The photo above was made of Dr. Katz and Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody when she visited with him a few years ago in Florida.

Dr. Morris E. Katz, a 1937 graduate of Tusculum College and long-time friend of the college, was presented in absentia the Distinguished Service Award during the annual Tusculum College President’s Dinner on Friday, May 13.

Dr. Katz was recognized for his service and support of Tusculum College. The award was presented via video link. Dr. Katz accepted the award surrounded by friends and family. Dr. Katz is a native of Athol, Massachusetts, who now resides in Sarasota, Florida. Tusculum President Dr. Nancy B. Moody and Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees and 1970 alumnus of the college, presented the award.

The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or individuals who have a history of outstanding support of Tusculum College. The award is presented at the President’s Dinner, which honors the college’s major donors.

“It gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to a son of Tusculum College, an excellent student and athlete; a man very dedicated to his family and also dedicated to improving the human condition and making the world a better place; to a very humble person who has loved and celebrated life for 101 years and is dedicated to providing others the opportunity for an education, the gift of a lifetime,” said Dr. Moody.

While a student at Tusculum, Dr. Katz excelled in the pre-med program and was a member of the Outing Club, as well as a member of the cross country and swimming teams. He also served as president of his senior class.

Following his time at Tusculum, Dr. Katz interned for a year at W.W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn.  Through the support of Tusculum College President, The Reverend Dr. Charles Anderson, Morris was admitted to and subsequently graduated from the University of the Oklahoma School of Medicine in 1941.

As a Major in the Medical Corps, Dr. Morris Katz began service as a Battalion Surgeon in the 28th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, seeing action in the European Theater in World War II.  Upon his discharge in 1945, Dr. Katz received additional training at Beth-Israel Hospital and the Boston City Hospital.  In July 1950, he opened a practice in Norwich, Connecticut, where his specialty was eye-ear-nose and throat.

Board certified in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, Dr. Katz served the community for approximately 46 years until his retirement in 1987.  His professional memberships included the New London County Medical Association, the Connecticut State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Dr. Katz retired to Florida where he served as a medical volunteer for the Senior Friendship Center until recently. In memory of his wife, Freda, Dr. Katz established The Morris E. and Freda Hillson Katz Endowed Scholarship Fund in 1996. Freda was born in 1914 in Malden, Massachusetts and passed away in 1994. With gifts and a generous planned gift by Dr. Katz, this scholarship seeks to support able and deserving pre-medical students and other science majors.

“With his commitment to education and health care in the community and at Tusculum College,” said Dr. Bowman, “Dr. Katz has made a significant impact. His legacy will continue to impact the lives of students for many, many years to come.”

Eagle Scout leads water testing project

On Saturday, April 30, Eagle Scout Samuel Van Amberg led four participants in water testing at Paint Creek as part of his service project with the Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance, supported by a Tennessee Valley Authority Community Outreach Support grant. Participants learned how to sample for macro-invertebrates and use what they found to determine the health of the creek.

Participants also learned how to perform basic water quality tests including dissolved oxygen, pH, and carbon dioxide. Levels in Paint Creek were ideal for fish and wildlife, and results will be sent to the U.S. Forest Service. Previously, Sam led two stream monitoring days at College Creek on the Tusculum College campus, pictured below.

He has worked primarily with high school and college-aged students.

Tusculum College Biology Students Practice Stream Monitoring at College Creek

Spring semester 2016 Dean’s List recognizes academic achievement

The Tusculum College academic honors lists have been announced for the spring 2016 semester recognizing students for their academic achievements.

Tusculum students are recognized for academic achievements through three academic honors lists.

The Dean’s List includes full-time students who have earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher during a semester.

The President’s List includes those students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. These students are also included on the Dean’s List.

The Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List recognizes students who have been named to the Dean’s List for two or more consecutive semesters.

Below are the listings for the the spring 2016 Dean’s List for the Traditional (residential) program and the Graduate and Professional Studies program for working adults. Students named to the President’s List are denoted with an *. Those who are listed on the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List are noted with a +.

Spring 2016 Dean’s List

Traditional program

Dennis Mensah Acquah

Cynthia Paige Adkins +

Antoinette Eva Allen

Makenzi Lynn Alley +

Evan R Altizer +

Jorge Alvarez +

Lori M Anderson +

Katja Sabina Elisabeth Andersson +

Ashley Marie Andrukonis +

Hannah Beth Arnett +

Benjamin A. Arnold +

Cheyene Leigh Arnold *+

Grace Ann Rose Arthur +

Ashlie Katelyn Ayres +

Charles Tyler Bailey +

Kyle Bailey +

Samuel Ray Baker +

Sarah Ann Baker +

Toni Lyn Bates +

Taylor Alexandria N. Battle +

McKenzie Beavers

Cheyenne Nicole Beeler *+

Miranda Leeann Beeler +

John Evan Bennett

Alexis Hope Berlin +

Hannah Marie Berling +

Emily Rae Bernin +

Emory Leigh Bibb +

Kyle Christopher Bittner +

John Russell Bivens +

Jonathan Blaylock +

Brandon Bolden

Eric Rufus Bowers

Benjamin Frederick Boyd

Sabrina Nichole Bradley

Jule Brass *+

Cheyenne Renee Bray +

Spencer Darris Brothers +

Victoria Nicole Browder

Kaitlin Brooke Brown +

Maggie Brown

Megan Lorraine Buczek *+

Lawson Henry Burrow *+

Lindsay Ann Butler *+

Brianna Elizabeth Byerley

Mason Ray Calhoun +

Shelbi Breanne Cameron +

Alison Faith Camp +

Amelia Ellen Cannon +

Michaelae Carden

Jessie Leonard Carey *+

Erin Helene Carmody +

Ethan Wayne Carpenter +

Laura Kaye Carr *+

Darius O’Neil Carter +

Benjamin T Cash +

Callie S. Casteel *+

Mitchell Frank Lewis Chapman +

Matthew Keith Church +

Lia Alexis Renae Clark

Christopher Murray Cochrane

Denise Nicole Coffey +

Matthew S. Cole +

Riley Edward Collins

Sarah D. Combs

West Thomas Connor

Dustin Daniel Conway +

Samuel Thomas Runion Cooley

Rebecca L. Cope +

Jacob William Countiss +

Christen Janay Craig

Emily Lynne Cross

Heather Renee Crouch +

Bailey Alexandria Culler +

Craig Matthew Cutler +

Samantha Czapik +

Jennifer Leeann Dalton +

Eliza Lucille Davis *+

Samuel George Davis *+

Zachary Robert Davis

Andre Alvaro Moreira De Giorgi

Melissa Dearstone

Payton Alexandra Dehart +

Rachel N Del Duca

Kayla Brooke Dodson +

Kelly Chase Donnelly

Tandon Gregory Dorn *+

Renee Amans Doyle +

Gary Joseph Dunlop +

John Eric Durr *+

Derrica Echols

Michael Jason Eggert +

Samantha Elizabeth Eldridge +

Madilyn Joyce Elliott *+

Savannah Elliott +

Micheal Harvey Emery

Kasey Blake Fawbush +

Hettige Joseph Michael Rukshan Fernando +

Todd Jamie Fidler

Zachary G Finchum

Sean Brenden Finucane +

Lia Theresa Fiore +

Karli Payten Fisher *+

Harper Nicole Ford +

Nicholas Larry Forsberg *+

Kelsey Lynae Freeman +

Macy Amanda French *+

Jennifer Michelle Frost +

Jordan D’Ann Fullerton *+

Franziska Funke *+

Rachel Eileen Garnett +

Cheyenne Garrison

Zachary Joel Gass +

Travis Maxwell Gaubert +

Alexus Breann Gibson *+

Haley Morgan Glenn

Hannah Marie Graham *

Eduardo Granados Munoz +

Shelby Anne Gray +

Ashley Skye Greene

Andrea Nichole Grooms

Guillem Giro Guil +

Courtney Danielle Hackney *

Brock Daniel Hakalmazian *

Allison Marie Hall *+

Holly Brooke Hall +

Tyler James Hall +

Macey Leann Hance *+

Edward Oliver Moore Hancock *+

Sierra Paige Hanson +

Olivia Elaine Harrell

Zachary Lee Hartle +

William Harrison Harvey +

Michala Katherine Hash *

Mamie Britt Hassell +

Bradley Daniel Hawkins +

Michael James Haycox

Kealee Heffner

Tarah Ranae Helms +

Dyer Keith Hendricks

Rachael Bethany Hensley +

Emily Elizabeth Hester +

James Cameron High

Benjamin Luke Hillis +

Bradford Blaine Hinkle *+

Sarah Elizabeth Holly *+

Ronnie James Holt +

Sayre Catherine Hopper +

Brittney Nicole Horton *+

Lynsey Brooke Hughes

Logan Tyler Hunter +

Cody Christopher Ingram

Katie Elizabeth James +

Kierney Lynn Jarvis

Jeffrey Tyler Johnson *+

Alexis Joiner +

Morgan Deanne Jones +

Tashique Kader *+

Briana Michelle Kaltenmark +

Adrienne Martine Kaye *+

Jordan Hayley Keene +

Seanmichael Gordon Kidder

Teresa Ann Kinley +

Tonya Michelle Kinley

Staci Nicole Knipp *+

Kelsi Hayden-Flaire Knox

Andrew D Kransberger +

Andreas M. Kvam +

Pablo Laguna *+

Taylor Kara Lambertsen *+

Taylor B. Lamons

Zachary Aaron Lane +

Bailey Elaine Laws

Calley B. Lawson *+

Shane Allen Lawson +

Guillermo Lazcano Carrera +

Hannah Irene Lefler +

Lilian Briane Lesniewski

Lindsey Danielle Lewis *+

MaKenna Noel Lewis +

Mariah Lynn Lewis +

Daniel Ray Lowery +

Emma Catherine MacDonald *+

Morgan Mahaffey *+

Yared W. Mamo +

Whitney Brianna Marshall +

Miriah Elizabeth Martin +

Shawna Ann Martin +

Miranda Danielle Mathews

James Wayne Mayes +

Mitchell Vance McCain +

Kelli Lynn McCalla +

Kassandra Lea McCamey

Joseph Bryson McCarter *+

Conor Patrick McKenna

Billi L. McKenzie *+

Nicole Sarah McMillen +

Kristen Renee McMillion

Ragen Danielle McNair +

Charles Richard Mills +

Erin Ashley Mills *+

Ashlyn Nicole Misischia +

Connor Grey Mitchell

James Curtis Moneyhun +

Vasco Miguel Monteiro *

AAliyah Jada Montgomery +

Brian Steve Montgomery

Dana Stacia Morong +

Pamela Kay Morong +

Margaret Ann Moss +

Yusuf Muhammed +

Shannon Rose Murphy +

Jordan Nicole Newby +

Mackenzie G. Newsome

Robert E. Nichols +

Micah Brianne Nicley +

Kylee Jordan Nolan +

Charla Deidre Odom +

Kaitlyn Marie Odoms

Erin Christian Osborne +

Fabian Paier *+

Breeanna Nicole Parker

Ross Gregory Parsons +

Callie Sierra Patterson

Kendall Patterson +

Carly Jeannette Payne *+

Shaveen Perera +

Jalesa Janae Perkins

Matthew Ralph Pierce +

Amanda Leigh Ann Pipes +

Christopher Edwin Pittman

Taylor Nicole Plemons

Diego C. Poore +

David Lee Quesenberry +

Christian Scholly Raasch

Heath Ratliff +

Ciara Rattana +

Zachary James Redden +

Tiffany L. Rednour *+

Chelsey Brooke Reed *+

Michael Bryce Reed +

Treslyn Kelley Reese +

Jenna Marie Restivo

Linda Joy Reyna

Jamie Rebecca Rhea +

Brooke A. Rhodes

Amie Elizabeth Rice

Cassi L. Ricker +

Allyson Kathleen Rines +

Kaara Heloise Roark

Rachel Elizabeth Roberts +

Malinda Irene Rode

Carrie Leigh Rose *+

Christopher John Ryan

Ciara Leigh Ryan

Kathleen J. Samples +

Donavon O’Neil Samuels

Brooke Ashley Sane

Sabrina L. Schleuger +

Brooke Morgan Schreder *+

Drew Henry Schreder

Leon Seiz +

Roxanne Inez Shepard *+

Sarah Rebecca Shipley

Madison Kate Shumaker +

David Felix Siegle *+

Payton Dakota Silcox +

Erin Janae Sims +

Zachariah William Slagle +

Garland Taylor Smith *+

Jacob Lee Smith

John Conagher Rufus Smith

John James Paul Smith +

Jordan Dianne Smith +

Tyler James Smith +

Tyrone Antonio Smith

Alexandra Marie Soldati +

Carey L. Sommers

James William Spears +

Jonathan Spicher *+

Danae K. Stauffer *+

Meagan Olivia Steelman *

Tim Stierle +

Robin Marie Stoner +

Teela Sullivan +

Amanda Lynn Sumner *+

Shannele Marjorie Sunderland *+

Joshua Taylor Suttles +

Kathy Lyne Swick

Carlie Amanda Thornber *+

Kayla B. Tipton *

Breanna Lynn Tolliver +

Elizabeth H. Tomassoni +

Katherine A. Tomassoni +

Donald James Townsend

Preston R Tucker +

Britney Nicole Turner *+

Stephanie Marie Turner +

Taylor Linea Tyree *+

Cheyenne Upton +

Samuel J. A. Van Amberg *+

Samantha Jean Vogt +

Rebekah Grace Voiles +

Brooke Elizabeth Wagner +

Brooke Ellen Wallin *

Nicholas Alexander Wasylyk *+

Emily Christine Waters +

Coneisha P. Waugh

Daniel D. Wedding +

Victoria Kailand Weiss

Amanda Marie Werder +

Jarett Jerell Wesley

Nathaniel Gerome West +

Savana Jeanette Wheeler

Carly Leeanne White +

Emily Marie White

Taylor Lindsey White +

Kristen Faith Wiggins +

Creighton Wilke

Donna Nicole Wilkerson +

Carolyn Elizabeth Williamson +

Sydney Nicole Wilson +

Johnathan Cole Wilt +

Jonas Burkhardt Siegfried Winkelmann +

Mark Lee Winningham

Rachel Marie Wisner +

Jennifer Renee Wolfenbarger

Christopher Devin William Woodson

Parker Katelyn Alisa Wright *+

 

Graduate and Professional Studies program

Natalia Acosta

Scott Eugene Adams *+

Shawn Travis Adcox

Jennifer Rene’ Alfter *

Brandon Keith Allen +

Lisa Nachelle Anderson *+

Amy Lee Anthony

Jaime Lee Arnold *+

Angel Renee Arrington +

Eleonora Surenovna Assadova +

Amy Jeanette Atchley +

Christopher Franklin Baber

April Suzanne Bachman +

Anthony Maurice Bagwell +

Kevin Ray Ball *

Mindy Michelle Barton +

Ashley Marie Bates

Joshua V Batson

Candace Angelique Baxter +

Leslie Deanna Ruth Beach +

Chiarra Leann Beasley

Marcus Gabriel Blair +

Sheila D Blair +

Joseph Adam Boles

Matthew Tyler Booth +

Elizabeth Anne Nicole Bowman

William Scott Bowman

Mercedes L. Boyd +

Casey Elizabeth Bradley +

Mindy Dawn Bradley +

Kristi Michelle Breeden *+

Morgan Maechelle Brewer +

Alexander Neil Briggs

Terry Dean Brooks *+

David Bryan Brown +

Shannon Kay Brown *+

Joshua Adam Broyles *+

Janie Danielle Bryant +

Jeffrey Allen Bryant

Jonathan Wayne Bryant *

Melissa Bryant

Victoria Jacqueline Bryant +

Keith Christopher Buch +

Kevin W Buckner +

Sarah Ruth Buel

Adam Michael Burchfield +

Lara Gail Burchfield *+

Jessica Caroline Burgner +

Robin Annette Burnette +

Christina Angela Burton

Carrie Chae Cagle *+

Melissa Callahan *+

Camille Nicole Calloway *

Billy Carroll Calwell +

Bradley Mitchell Capps

Cathryn Carol Carpenter

Claire D. Carter +

Kirsten Dixie Carter +

Michelle Carver *

Daniel Cate +

Hannah Lynn Champlin +

Brent Eugene Chapman *+

Ann Marie Cheezum *+

Floyd Alden Cheyne *+

Brandon Anthony Chittum *+

Savannah Hope Clabough +

Debra Nicole Clack

Dawn Trista Cody

Mandy LaChelle Colburn +

Katie Lee Cole +

Linda Darlene Coleman +

April Dawn Collins *+

Brittany Leigh Colon

Robert Earl Colquitt +

Paula Renee Conley +

Tabitha Lydia Cook +

Amber Lawson Cooper +

Gary Robert Cooper

Jeremy Brent Cooper *+

Justin Ross Cornett +

Donna M. Costa-White *+

Charles Harvey Cottrell

Molly Elizabeth Cowart *

Polly Louise Cowart

Tyler Robert Cox +

Amy Denise Crawford +

Nathan Wayne Criswell

Jamie A. Cunningham +

Melanie Ann Cusmano +

Mariah Kilday Dalton *

Ryan Clark Dalton

Gabriel James Dando +

Angela Ruth Daniels-Taylor

Kira Lauren Dash +

Alexandra Nicole Davis *+

Allison Roxie Davis +

Heather D. Davis +

Rebecca Lee Davis *

William Zachary Davis +

Kayla Gabrielle Dearstone *+

Jessica Susan Deaton +

Mario Antonine Debro +

Emily Marie Delacruz +

Alaina Christen DeMay +

Gilbert Charles Downey +

Jessica L. Drinnon *

Jennifer Duff +

Amber Christine Duke *+

Deidra Michelle Dunlap +

Tabitha Ann Dyer +

Brittany Ann Eck

Jessica Lea Elkins *+

Melissa Jeannette Emerson *+

Brianna Fannon +

Lori Ann Farmer *+

Lisa Josephine Feezell +

Kristoffer Mykell Fernandez +

Scott Allan Fisher +

Natalie Paige Foland *+

Christie D. Forbis +

Justin Wayne Foster +

David Andrew Franklin

Taylor Victoria Fritz *+

Amanda Gardner

Jamie L. Gass +

Maura Gilbert +

Balinda Anne Gillis +

David Allen Glasscock +

Tiffany Marie Golden *+

Jill Edith Goodpasture *+

Mendy Lynn Goss +

Trisha Cox Gossett *+

Kinsley Rhea Graves *

Jessica Danielle Green

Kimberly Grace Gregg *+

Tatum Elizabeth Gregory

Kelsey Griffith *

Brittany Danielle Grizzle

Mandy Michele Haga +

James Travis Hale +

Justin Tyler Hamilton +

Lisa Denise Hannah *

David Sean-Lloyd Harding

Ronda Kay Harrell

Philip Michael Harris

Brittney Colonalyn Harrison +

Roben Andrea Hartsell +

Jonathan Hayes

Randi Jean Hayes *

Tanya Marie Hayes *+

Danielle Rae Henderson +

Brent Aaron Hickman *+

Ruth Ann Hickman *+

Crystal Lee Hicks +

Gregory Ward Hilemon +

Jenny Rebecca Hill +

Kristina Marie Hill

Amy Marie Hodge +

Zoe Elizabeth Holcomb

Kirsten Nicole Honeycutt *

Cathleen Marie Hopson +

Chilae Houston

Ryan Wesley Hudson +

Velvet Dawn Hughes +

Mark Anthony Hunley +

Maleah Linda Huskey +

Deanna Lynn Hutcheson

Andrea Lauren Hutchins +

Charlotte Nicole Jackson *+

Rebecca Michelle Jenkins *+

Bertrane Jarvis Jennings +

Jeffrey Adam Jennings *+

Katelyn Jasanna Jennings *+

Kiana Raelene Johnson *+

Rebecca Leann Johnson +

Sandra Rae Jones *

Stephanie Michelle Josey +

Wesley Justice +

Angela Marie Kagley +

Stacey Caroline Keiser

Courtney Michelle Kelly +

Bradley James Kidwell +

Elissa Ruth Lane +

Kendra Michelle Lane +

Kevin Brett Lane +

Melissa June Lanzafame *

James Adam Large +

Zachary Brown Lassiter *+

Brandy Rose Lawson

Mary Kristina Lawson +

Heather Le Ann Lay

Randall Steven Lee

Stephanie Nicole Lee

Hannah E. Linkous +

Allison Ray Lloyd +

Olivia Lobertini *+

Rachel Hope Looney +

Gregory Glenn Lynn +

Amy Patrice Lyon +

Hannah Danielle Mason

David Michael Mathis

Phil Every Mauk *+

Joshua Dylan McClure *+

Shawn Tommie McClure *

Heather June McConnell *+

Kylie M. McCoy +

Derek Channing McFall +

Patrick David McKenzie *

Nancy Anne McKinley +

Madison Neil McKinney +

Nanette Louise McLain +

Jessie Marie McPeters

Matthew Edward Meese +

Rebecca Lashea Melton +

Evan Peter Mendes *

Lauren Angeline Menefee +

Emily Ann Menner +

Daniel Joseph Miget *

Kara Michelle Mitchell

Ruth Ann Mitchell +

Evan Dewayne Monroe *+

Jason Randal Monroe

Sarah Jennifer Monroe +

Jennifer Marie Moore

Jonathan G. Moore *+

Charles Mark Morgan +

Kristen Leigh Morgan *

Alexis Gray Morrow +

Cortney Mercedes Mynatt +

Tomi A. Nelson +

Craig Lee Newman +

Whitnie Elaine Norman +

Amie Suzanne O’Brien +

Tiffany Nichole Ogle *+

Tracy Michelle Olson +

Sherry Lynn Ottem +

Shaunna Passmore +

Christina Louise Paxton *+

Christopher David Payne +

Lindsey Pennington *

David Perry *

Heather Dawn Perry +

Keith Calvin Phillips

Matthew Allen Piper +

Jacqueline Nicole Rader +

Rodney Scott Ramin +

Johnathan Hugh Reagan +

Rachel Renee Reed

Sunday Lynn Reeves +

Abby Caitlin Reynolds +

Rebecca Ann Richardson *

Mark C Riley *+

William Scott Ritter

Rachael Elizabeth Roach +

Matthew Garrett Roberts +

Sharon S. Roberts +

Jacqueline Anne Robinson +

Sarah Elizabeth Rowland

Tabitha Ann Rue *+

Roger Grant Sams +

Regina Starr Sandidge +

Kara Marie Santana

Audrey Lynn Sauls +

Whitney Suzanne Scearce *+

Cortnay Paige Scott +

Steven Douglas Scott +

Talia Seiber *

Christina Shackleford

Deborah Rolen Sharp *+

William Robert Sharp *+

Jeffery Alan Shelton +

Kaliah Alexis Sheppard +

Briley Nicole Shinlever

Saasha Noel Shirooni +

Jennifer Amanda Silcox

John Cody Simmons +

Robert Renoel Sitterson +

Adam Michael Smith

David Grant Smith +

Michael Jason Smith +

Wendy Marie Smothers +

Elexis Sloan Snyder

James Allen Southerland

Candice N. Spradlin +

Lindsey Nicole Stair +

Suzanne Michelle Starnes +

Christie Michelle Steele

Ashley Catherine Mae Steinhorst

Sandra J. Stelter

Jason Andrew Strange

Travis Carl Stuart +

Jason Matthew Tarbet +

Rockne Von Taylor +

Sara Kapileo Techur +

Raymond Allen Thacker +

James Kenneth Thompson *

Shannon Edward Thompson +

Joshua Thorn *

Jason Michael Titlow *

Brent Adam Tittsworth

Miranda Lin Tobler *+

Kenneth R. Tucker +

Kristene Martha Turner

Remola Wanavee Turner +

Matthew David Urnick +

Angela Diane Vaughn *+

Bailey F. Walker *+

Misty D. Wallen +

Samantha Laynea Wallen *+

Kayla Renee Ward +

Benjamin Harden Warnick +

Jada Lynn Watts +

Joshua Aaron Weaver +

Mitzi Michele Weese *+

Melissa Kim Whaley +

Courtney Ann Whittington +

Martin Lewis Whorley +

Leslie Camera Wilkerson +

Marti L. Willen *+

Debbie Lee Williams

Jennifer Williams *

Rosa Dawn Williams +

Calandra Livesay Williamson +

Misty Dawn Wilson

Kimberly Ruth Wise +

Kristin Alexis Woods +

Angela Dawn Young +

Genevive Zaide

Angelique Louise Zimcosky *+

 

 

 

Students recognized for academics, service during Honors Convocation

Student excellence in academics and service were recognized during Tusculum College’s annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 28.

The two top honors for students presented by the College are the President’s Award and the Bruce G. Batts Award. Nick Forsberg from Staples, Minn., was presented the President’s Award and Carly Payne of Greeneville, was presented the Bruce G. Batts Award.

Brian Click

The students were also addressed by Brian Click, a 1999 graduate from Tusculum, who spoke about the difference earning a degree at Tusculum has made in his life. The co-owner of Cornerstone Wealth Management Group encouraged the students to use their college education as a foundation for success and to take steps to plan their future if they had not.

The Student Government Association officers for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year were also sworn in during the program. Sworn in were Carrie Rose of Knoxville as president; Oliver Hancock of Mooresburg, TN, as vice president; Julie Bielowski of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., as treasurer, and De’Erica Garrett of Greeneville as secretary.

President’s Award

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College, presents the President's Award to Nick Forsberg.

The President’s Award is presented to the graduating senior who has contributed the most to the college and who has been the most outstanding achiever in the combined areas of academic work, athletics, campus leadership and personality. The selection is made on the basis of the student’s total four-year record at Tusculum.

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of the college, presented the award to Forsberg, a sport management major, who has excelled in both the classroom and on the links as a member of the Pioneer Men’s Golf Team. Throughout his time at Tusculum, he has been listed on the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Commissioner’s Honor roll, the Tusculum Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, the Tusculum College Dean’s List and the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List. He was named the SAC Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year for both 2015 and 2016 and has received Capital One Academic All-District first team and Golf Coaches Association of America All America Scholar honors. In 2015, he received the top academic award presented to students in the physical education, sport management and sports science majors.

Forsberg has also earned numerous athletic honors including being named the 2015 SAC Tournament Most Valuable Player Award and chosen for the 2014 and 2015 SAC All-Tournament Teams. He was also a member of the 2015 SAC Tournament Championship team that was also the first in school history to advance as a team to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

With a packed academic and athletic schedule, Forsberg has also committed himself to being an active member of the Tusculum College community and giving back. He has served for the past two years as the president of the Pioneer Student Athlete Advisory Council. He is a volunteer for the Greene County Food Bank and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has served as a volunteer for junior golf camps at a golf course in Minnesota.

Batts Award

Presented in memory of a beloved educator at Tusculum who helped define the college’s civic arts curricular focus, the Bruce G. Batts Award is presented to a student who clearly demonstrates the qualities that reflect the civic arts ideals.

Carly Payne receives the Bruce Batts Award from the Rev. Dr. Ronda Gentry.

This year’s recipient, Carly Payne of Greeneville, has demonstrated her commitment to excellence and serving others at Tusculum. She is currently president of the Tusculum Student Nurses Association and is a member of the National Student Nurses Association.

Payne has led the Tusculum organization through a variety of service and fundraising projects. For example during this past year, the organization has conducted a bake sale fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, sponsored a “Dress Down Day” to raise funds to help provide nutritious meals for children through the Feeding America summer program, collecting donations and boxes for Operation Christmas Child and promoting blood donation during the American Red Cross blood drive on campus.

Exemplifying the importance of serving others, Payne is a volunteer member of the East Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps and volunteer trainer for the Tennessee READY’s program.

In her nursing studies, Payne has achieved a high level of scholarship and uses critical thinking skills to carefully plan individualized care for all of her assigned patients, noted the Reverend Dr. Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement, in presenting the award. “Carly consistently exhibits those characteristics that most define individuals we call ‘nurses’ – compassion, respect, civility, humility and kindness,” Gentry said.

In addition to the Bruce Batts Award, Payne also received the Nursing Student of the Year Award for the senior class. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates high moral values, communicates and acts with integrity, provides safe and effective nursing care, promotes and practices life-long learning, demonstrates a commitment and passion for the practice of nursing and has demonstrated academic excellence.

Student-Chosen Awards

Dr. Ken Brewer was presented the Outstanding Service to Students Award by Dr. Alan Corley, representing the Greene County Partnership.

Presented during the convocation were faculty, staff and community awards whose recipients were selected by student vote. Receiving the Outstanding Service to Students Award, a faculty honor, was Dr. Ken Brewer, assistant professor of psychology.

In presenting the award on behalf of the Greene County Partnership, Dr. Alan Corley said that Brewer has earned the respect and praise of his students for his teaching style and his availability and willingness to help students. This is the second year that Brewer has been honored with the award.

The Staff Award was presented to Tiffany Dearstone, senior student life coordinator. In presenting the award, Student Government Association President Michael Fernando noted that while Dearstone has held a variety of positions in the Office of Student Affairs, her first priority has always been the students and making sure their campus life experience is the best it can be.

Tiffany Dearstone, senior student life coordinator, receives the Staff Award from SGA President Michael Fernando.

Well known and respected local musician John Brown was the recipient of the Community Award, which is presented to an individual, organization or business that has made a significant contribution to the Tusculum campus community. In presenting the award, Fernando noted that Brown decided several years ago to find ways to give back to the community, including organizing the Dogwood Park summer concert series in Greeneville. Brown has provided support to the College’s Band Program and has been instrumental in the return of the Old Oak Festival to campus, serving as coordinator of the musical performers that appear at the festival.

Academic Honors

Senior Honor Key Awards were presented to students who have earned a 3.25 grade point average or higher in their major, shown achievement and aptitude in the major and possess strong character.  The following are the award recipients and their degree programs:

Accounting – Samuel Davis of Harriman;

Athletic Training – Grace Arthur of Maryville;

Art Education K-12 – Lindsey Lewis of Luttrell;

Art and Design, Graphic Design Concentration – MaKenna Lewis of Sevierville;

Biology  – Ben Arnold of LaFollette;

Criminal Justice – Lawson Burrow of Greeneville;

Economics and International Business – Erin Mills of Duluth, Ga.;

English, creative writing concentration – Sarah Holly of Jonesborough, TN;

English, journalism and professional writing concentration – Stephanie Turner of Shelbyville;

Environmental Science – Jonathan Blaylock of Chuckey;

Field Guide Naturalist – Shane Lawson of Talbott;

History – Billi McKenzie of Allegan, Mich.;

Interdisciplinary Studies K-6 – Cheyene Arnold of Morristown;

Interdisciplinary Studies K-6/Math 7-12 – Staci Knipp of Greeneville;

Management – Jonas Winkelmann of Boeblingen, Germany;

Museum Studies – Alexis Joiner of Wesley Chapel, Fla.;

Nursing – Cynthia Adkins of Bristol, Va.;

Political Science –Jeffrey Johnson of Greeneville;

Psychology – Hannah Lefler of Chapel Hill;

Special Education Early Childhood – Calley Lawson of Gaithersburg, Md.;

Special Education Modified and Comprehensive – Megan Buczek of Chattanooga;

Sport Management – Curtis Moneyhun of Kingsport, and

Sports Science – Drew Schreder of Cosby.

Senior members of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society were also recognized. Upperclassmen ranked in the top 10 percent academically of their classmates are invited to join the honor society. Those recognized included Grace Arthur of Maryville; Samuel Davis of Harriman; Madilyn Elliott of Hampton; Michael Fernando of Ragama, Sri Lanka; Sarah Holly of Jonesborough; Brittney Horton of Afton; Adrienne Kaye of Egg Harbor City, N.J.; Staci Knipp of Greeneville; Erin Mills of Duluth, Ga.; Tiffany Rednour of Mohawk; Britney Turner of Morristown. and Nicholas Wasylyk of Ontario, Canada.

Jonathan Spicher received the Alpha Chi Excellence Award from Dr. Troy Goodale.

The Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award, which honors the highest academically ranked members of the junior class, was presented to Kaitlin Brown of Chuckey and Jonathan Spicher of Lindlar, Germany.

Eight students inducted in the Tusculum College chapter of the Psi Chi psychology honor society during the past year were recognized. The 2015-16 inductees include Amber Duke of Oak Ridge, Roben Hartsell of Seymour, Oliver Hancock of Mooresburg, Katelyn Jennings of Greeneville, Juliana Pressley of Morristown, Chelsey Reed of Morristown, Kathleen Samples of Greeneville and Carly White of Sevierville.

The Undergraduate Research Excellence in Psychology award was presented to Kelsey Freeman of Johnson City. This award recognizes a student who has completed a research project and presented it in a public forum.

Kelsey Freeman was presented the Psychology Research Award by Dr. Jennifer Harper.

The Outstanding Achievement in Psychology, Behavioral Health Award was presented to Zoe Holcomb of Knoxville. This award recognizes academic excellence, achievements and aptitude in the major, as well as personal characteristics and leadership in and out of the classroom.

Members of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society were also recognized. In order to become a member of this honor society, students must have taken at least 15 hours of history courses, have an overall 3.0 GPA and a 3.1 GPA in history. Inducted during this past year were Mamie Hassell of Hermitage; Victoria Hawk of White House; Zachary Lane of Fayatteville, Ga.; Aaliyah Montgomery of Memphis, and Allison Woody of Newport.

Recognized with the Billie and Curtis Owens Literary Award were Jennie Frost and Sarah Holly. Presenting the award was Wayne Thomas. Not present for the photo was Emily Waryck.

Students who were chosen for the 2016 Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prizes were honored. Students submit original, creative works in the annual writing competition. Jennie Frost of Friendsville earned top honors in the fiction category; Sarah Holly of Jonesborough in the non-fiction category, and Emily Waryck of New Concord, Ohio, in poetry.

The Dr. Shirley Beck Award for an outstanding Master of Arts in Education major was presented to William Scott Kilgore of Kingsport.

The Outstanding Education Student Award was presented to Jaime Arnold of Fall Branch.

William Scott Kilgore was presented the Dr. Shirley Beck Award by Dr. Raymond Hatfield.

Trisha Gossett of Greeneville and Roben Hartsell of Seymour were presented the Jean Hixon Memorial Award, named in honor of a long-time member of the Graduate and Professional Studies staff. Hixon’s sister Anne Hall and her husband, James Hall, presented the award. The award recipients are chosen by Tusculum faculty and staff and are students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a GPA of 3.50 or better and dedication to community service.

The Barnett, Conley and Davis Award in Natural Sciences and Mathematics was presented to Nicholas Wasylyk of Ontario, Canada. The award recognizes a graduating senior outstanding in the combined fields of natural sciences and mathematics. The award is based on overall GPA, science and math GPA, depth of interest in science and math and academic service to the college such as tutoring and/or research.

Jaime Arnold received the Outstanding Student in Education Award.

Josh Suttles of Seymour was the recipient of the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in environmental science or the field guide naturalist program.

Michael Fernando of Sri Lanka was presented the Walter R. Johnson Award, which recognizes the graduating senior determined most outstanding in business and economics.

Rachel Garnet of Middletown, Ohio, was presented Nursing Student of the Year award for the junior class. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates high moral values, communicates and acts with integrity, provides safe and effective nursing care, promotes and practices life-long learning, demonstrates a commitment and passion for the practice of nursing, demonstrates high professional standards of conduct and has demonstrated academic excellence.

Receiving the Jean Hixon Memorial Award were Trisha Gossett, left, and Roben Hartsell, right. The award was presented by from Hixon's sister and brother-in-law Anne and James Hall, center.

The Theatre Award was given to Alexis Joiner from Wesley Chapel, Fla., for her participation and dedication to the theater program at Tusculum College.

Toni Bates of Chuckey of Greeneville was the recipient of the David Behan Award for her contributions to the theater program both onstage as an actress and part of the backstage technical crew.

The James E. Ward Future Professionals Award is selected by the physical education faculty to recognize an outstanding major in the field and was awarded to Shannele Sunderland of Georgetown, Texas.

 

Service Awards

Nicholas Wasylyk was presented the Barnett, Conley and Davis Award by Dr. Debra McGinn.

The Service-Learning Award was presented to Robert Nichols of Dresden. Nichols was recognized for his many hours of volunteering in various capacities at the Paul E. Hayden Wetlands on campus.

The Bonner Leaders Program Award was presented to Megan Buczek of Chattanooga. The award is presented to a student within the Bonner Leaders Program, who has exhibited exemplary long-term dedication to the six keys of the program – community building, civic engagement, diversity, international perspective, social justice and spiritual exploration.

Josh Suttles receives the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarships from Dr. Melissa Keller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Fernando was presented the Walter Johnson Award by tho honor's namesake, a 1971 alumnus of the College.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Garnet and Carly Payne receive Nursing Student of the Year Awards for the junior and senior classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toni Bates is presented the David Behan Award by Marilyn duBrisk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shannele Sunderland was the recipient of the James E. Ward Future Professionals Award, presented by Suzanne Byrd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Gentry presented the Service Learning Award to Robert Nichols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megan Buczek receives the Bonner Leaders Program Award from Dr. Gentry.

Tusculum tradition continues as students celebrate Lantern Festival

The soon-to-be graduates sign the tops of their lanterns prior to the passage of the lanterns.

On April 27, one of the longest traditions at Tusculum College continued as students soon-to-be graduates passed their legacy of leadership to underclassmen as part of the Lantern Festival.

The Lantern Festival began in the 1950s and continued until the late 1970s. The custom involved seniors, garbed in academic regalia and carrying lanterns, walking in procession to an outdoor stage on the evening before commencement. The seniors shared what Tusculum had meant to each of them. The event closed with the seniors passing their robes on to members of the junior class.

The rebirth of the tradition came in Tusculum’s Bicentennial year of 1994. Since then, the Lantern Festival has been celebrated a week or two prior to graduation and has become a celebration of the close relationships nurtured at the College.

The Lantern Festival continues to include a procession with lanterns and the passing of robes to underclassmen. The lanterns are not only symbolic of the light of leadership of the soon-to-be graduates, but also the the difference they have made in the lives others while also being positively impacted by others themselves.  Many of the lantern bearers carry the lantern “willed” to them by a previously graduating senior and inscribed with both of their names.

This year, 12 graduating seniors passed their lanterns to underclassmen. Stories about how bonds were formed between the students in the classroom, in the residence halls and in student activities were shared as the students passed lanterns and robes.

In recent years, the Lantern Festival has evolved to also allow students to recognize faculty and staff members who have made a positive impact in their lives at Tusculum. More than 20 students presented Golden Lantern Pins to faculty and staff members with some students choosing to recognize more than one faculty and staff member.

The lantern has been a central icon in the traditions of Tusculum. The terms “Sit Lux” and depiction of a lamp or lantern appears on the Tusculum College seal. “Sit Lux” is the motto of the College, and the Latin words translate as “Let There Be Light.” The phrase is consistent with Tusculum’s tradition of sending students forth to be a light in the world through their character and good works.  By the close of the Lantern Festival, it was apparent to those in attendance that that tradition remains strong as well.

The students participating in the Lantern Festival gather for a group following on the terrace of the Chalmers Conference Center.

Nearly 300 receive degrees Saturday at Tusculum College

Graduating from Tusculum College during spring commencement were 295 individuals in two ceremonies held on Saturday, May. 7.

On Saturday 102 students earned Bachelor of Science degrees and 134 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. In addition 41 graduates earned Master of Arts degrees and 18 received Master of Business Administration degrees.

Walking with this spring’s graduates were 17 representatives of the Tusculum College Class of 1966 who are celebrating their 50th anniversary year. Representatives walked in the procession, clothed in golden caps and gowns and were recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Moody.

The new graduates were addressed by Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, who recognized the hard work of the path to graduation, saying “Commencement is an occasion of celebration and completion. It is a culmination event for the graduates.” Adding, “Today is a testament to your efforts, to your persistence. Each of you made sacrifices, made adjustments and made some tough decisions along the way.”

She told the group, that while there was no doubt they were thinking about the many people in their lives who have stood by them on this journey, that graduation day was a moment to celebrate the completion of a goal they had worked hard to attain. “Relish the victory that you claim today.”

The Golden Pioneers, represented by Bruce C. Howell, of  Hackettstown, N.J. and the Class of 2016, represented Michael Fernando, a business major from Sri Lanka, presented a check to Dr. Moody for $50,818 as a gift to the college to be used to endow the Tusculum First Scholarship.

Commencement speakers David Baker, at left, and Nicholas Wasylyk

The new graduates were addressed by Dr. David Baker, senior vice president of field services for the DIRECTV Group, Inc. and a member of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees. Dr. Baker shared with the graduates in both ceremonies things he has learned in the more than three decades of his career.

Among his advice, he told graduates to never pass up a chance to help someone or to say something nice. Adding, that this is the base level for building relationships, which are critical throughout life in all capacities.  He also told the audience to always be positive, and when in doubt to smile. “It is easy to go negative,” he said, “Be openly and visibly positive.”

Afternoon Commencement Speaker John Shaw, Jr.

He stressed the importance of communication skills and creative thinking, which he said are skills that grow in value as one progresses in his career.

“One of the best things you can take into a career is a strong set of personal values. With that, you can work your way through some very difficult and complex situations.”

Speaking at the morning ceremony was Nicholas Wasylyk, a pre-med major from Ontario, Canada. Wasylyk has been a member of the Pioneer Football team and president of the Science Club. He has been a member of the President’s Society and Alpha Chi Honor Society and spent countless hours helping other students as a Tusculum College tutor.

Wasylyk told the group to cherish the wonderful memories made with friends, faculty and family. “It is an honor to receive a degree from Tusculum College. We are all now staring at an open door, and all we have to do is run head-first through it. We have the key to our future – knowledge.”

Speaking during the afternoon ceremony was John Shaw, Jr., who received his Master in Business Administration. John also received his undergraduate degree at Tusculum in 1997. He is a project manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge. John has been married to his wife, Brenda, for 33 years and they have two daughters, Shanna and Aleia.

His advice to graduates was to find new opportunities to put new skills and knowledge to work. “The important thing is finding your passion,” he said.  “In life, control is an illusion. Treasure and relish each moment.”

Beth Brimer, at left, accepted the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the traditional program for her late husband, Bill Brimer. At right is Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business, who received the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

Also during the ceremony, members of the Tusculum College faculty were recognized. Receiving the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the Residential College was the late Bill Brimer, accepted on his behalf by his wife, Beth. Receiving the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program was Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business.

 

After receiving their degrees, students at Tusculum College “walk the gauntlet,” receiving congratulations from the faculty.

Left front, Dr. Nancy B. Moody welcomes back former Tusculum College President Douglas Trout, right front, along with members of the graduating class of 1967. Celebrating their 50th reunion year, the Golden Pioneers walked with the graduates at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

 

Members of the Golden Pioneers pose with Dr. Moody and Dr. Trout.

Tusculum College announces nurse practitioner program

Tusculum College has  received final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer the Master of Science in nursing degree with a concentration in family nurse practitioner in August. The college received approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing in February to move forward in planning the new degree program and hopes to receive final approval in June.

The family nurse practitioner program is a graduate level Master of Science degree designed to address the need for more primary healthcare providers in the community. It will be led by Dr. Linda Garrett, assistant dean of nursing, health sciences and human services and chair of graduate nursing.

“In East Tennessee, there is a gap between the number of people who need healthcare and the number of healthcare providers,” said Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, health sciences and human services. “The nurse practitioner program will help fill that gap in our community,” she added.

“Nurse practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan to people of all ages with simple to complex illnesses. We provide care for patients that have comorbidities. We have the same privileges that family physicians have, such as prescribing medications,” said Dr. Garrett.

Applications for enrollment in the program will be available in late spring.  The first class is tentatively set to graduate in fall 2017.

“One of the things that is very special about this program, especially in this part of the country, is that we plan to develop an RN to MSN program, which will allow nurses with associate degrees to obtain their master’s degree in six semesters,” said Dr. Garrett.

With this bridge component, Dr. Ewen hopes to serve more nurses in the area and serve the community with quality advanced practice nurses. The nurse practitioner program will be housed in the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science, where the students will have access to state-of-the-art equipment specialized for their degree.

“The Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science will provide students with a lab separate from the lab for the undergraduate program,” said Dr. Garrett. “The undergraduate lab is styled like a hospital, the nurse practitioner labs will be designed much like a typical medical office with high technological recording capabilities.”

Dr. Garrett hopes to work with the theater program at Tusculum and have people trained as “standardized patients.” These standardized patients would act as real patients through scenarios developed by the nursing faculty in order to assist nurse practitioner students in patient interaction and diagnosis.

“My vision is to provide the community with primary care providers–this is an area of need—to provide the folks in this community access to good quality care and to get the nurse practitioner program going and graduating students.”

Individuals with interest in attending the family nurse practitioner program should contact the nursing department at nursing@tusculum.edu or 423-636-7430 for more information.  Tusculum College is now accepting applications for admission into the college.

 

Tusculum Commencement ceremony to feature Dr. David Baker

Dr. David Baker, senior vice president of field services for the DIRECTV Group, Inc. and a member of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees, will be the speaker at Tusculum College’s spring commencement exercises.

Dr. Baker will deliver the address to students at both ceremonies on Saturday, May 7, in the Pioneer Arena in Niswonger Commons on the Greeneville campus. The morning ceremony will be graduates of the college’s residential program and will begin at 10 a.m. An afternoon ceremony, which will begin at 2 p.m., will be held for graduates of the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

Dr. David Baker

“Dr. David Baker joined the Tusculum College Board of Trustees in October 2009 and has been an active participant in Board and institutional events,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College. “He initiated an effort for Tusculum College to use a process called “Kill the Company” in an effort for institutional representatives to identify and alleviate or ‘kill’ antiquated policies and procedures directed primarily at removing barriers to student admission, progression and graduation.”

Dr. Baker oversees DIRECTV Group’s national network of installation and service providers and is charged with improving the quality of the customer experience at the point of installation and service. Additionally, he is responsible for DIRECTV Home Services, which is DIRECTV’s owned and operated field services operation. He is currently based in DIRECTV’s Denver offices.

Dr. Baker’s career includes more than 20 years with The DIRECTV Group and its former parent company. Between 1998 and 2006, he held leadership positions with DIRECTV Latin America and DIRECTV Japan, as well as several senior-level financial and operational roles.

Most recently Baker was executive vice president and chief operating officer for On Command Corporation, where he led the integration of On Command into its new parent company, LodgeNet. Also, as a managing director at Nightingale and Associates, LLP, Baker restructured a $350 million construction company to return it to profitability.

Prior to DIRECTV, Baker was at Weyerhaeuser Company as an engineer in raw materials and research and development in Federal Way, WA, and then worked as an operations research analyst for Getty Oil Company in Los Angeles, Calif.

Dr. Baker holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering from West Virginia University and earned his doctorate in mineral economics at the Colorado School of Mines.

Dr. Baker and wife, Nancy, reside in Parker, CO, and have one daughter who is nearing graduation from West Virginia University.

For the morning ceremony, practice begins at 8:45 a.m. For the afternoon ceremony, practice begins at 12:45 p.m. The Pioneer Arena will open for guest seating after completion of each rehearsal. Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. For those who are unable to attend the ceremonies and would like to view live online, they may send an email requesting instructions to bhenley@tusculum.edu.

No tickets are required for graduation.

 

Doak House Museum to host history camp

The Doak House Museum, located on the campus of Tusculum College, will be offering a history camp for area children this summer.

History Camp will be held June 13-17 and is designed for children ages 6-12.

In History Camp, children will explore the Tusculum College campus and the Doak House Museum site through a variety of interactive games, crafts and activities. The camp will feature a new instructor with all new activities and curriculum.

Tuition for each camp is $85 with all materials and a daily snack included. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Sibling and Tusculum College employee discounts are available. A deposit and registration are required.

“We pride ourselves on having fun, engaging, affordable camps for the families in our community,” said Dollie Boyd, director of Museum Program and Studies at Tusculum College.

Space is limited. For more information, contact Boyd at dboyd@tusculum.edu or by phone at 423-636-8554.

Students learn through fun during the Doak House Museum’s History Camp on the Tusculum College campus.