Talent Search event at Tusculum University prepares students for high school success with academic and life skills
GREENEVILLE – As eighth graders in the region prepare to take the next academic step by enrolling in high school, the Educational Talent Search program at Tusculum University is helping them make the change as seamless as possible.
Talent Search held its 8th Grade Future Ready Day in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center Friday, May 22. The day consisted of fun activities as well as several informative sessions that not only touched on academic items but also life skills that will serve these students well in their teenage years and throughout the rest of their life. Talent Search staff were available to answer students’ questions.
“This is an important time in these students’ lives as they become ready to transition to a higher level of education,” said Heather Tunnell, Talent Search’s director. “At the same time, they are continuing to develop as individuals and discover more about themselves. This time period will help influence their futures, so we want to provide them with valuable guidance that can help them maximize their high school years.”
Grief, loss and other subjects explored by Tusculum students and alumni in journal dedicated to Pioneer who passed away
GREENEVILLE – High-caliber writing that expounds on a variety of subjects, particularly grief and loss, along with multiple pieces of art fill the pages of the newest edition of a student-run journal at Tusculum University.
“Sit Lux,” an annual production of the Tusculum’s English program, was recently published, featuring mostly the work of Tusculum students but also encompassing items from alumni, a professor and the university’s president. A student team led the process of creating the publication with assistance from faculty in Tusculum’s English and art and design programs.
The students dedicated this issue to the late Payton Cook, a freshman in the business administration program and a member of the Tusculum Pioneers men’s lacrosse team, who passed away in December in a car accident near campus.
Pioneer Quest enables incoming students to learn more about Tusculum, make final preparations to begin classes
GREENEVILLE – Incoming students at Tusculum University learned more about what they can expect and what opportunities await them when they begin their studies during the first orientation event of the summer season.
Tusculum held Pioneer Quest in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons and the Meen Center Friday, May 22. The new group received greetings from the Tusculum administration and heard firsthand from current students and recent graduates about life as a Pioneer.
“We were thrilled to assist these students as they prepare for this exciting step in their personal and academic development,” said Zack Kassebaum, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid. “We will continue to walk with them through the remaining stages to ensure a smooth transition to the start of their coursework at Tusculum.”
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science to hold Summer Academy with classes and activities at Tusculum
GREENEVILLE – High school students from multiple communities in East Tennessee will enjoy the collegiate experience and engage in hands-on learning during the Summer Academy at Tusculum University.
The Summer Academy, which starts Tuesday, May 26, is a six-week program conducted by Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science at the university. Participants attend classes in the morning, work on specialized projects in the afternoon and engage in activities in the evening during the first five weeks. They will conclude the academy with an educational trip to Washington.
“This academy is an outstanding way to prepare high school students for college and expand their knowledge in multiple ways,” said Dr. David Smith, executive director of TRIO programs at Tusculum. “Students emerge from this experience with a much better understanding of the expectations and atmosphere of college. We particularly welcome the opportunity to take our students to the nation’s capital so they have a greater grasp of the workings of our government and the country’s history.”
Tusculum University celebrates graduates, who have made their mark on campus, balanced studies with work and life
GREENEVILLE – Graduation served as a stepping stone Saturday, May 9, for Tusculum University students who will now enter the job market as career-ready professionals or prepared to continue their academic studies at a higher level.
The commencement ceremony for about 175 students from 21 states and 13 countries produced the standard jubilant response from their family, friends, teammates and classmates and smiles from graduates. The event marked the end of this chapter of their lives, one filled with active and experiential learning in a caring Christian environment that has positioned them to make their mark on their communities.
“These graduates have received an outstanding education that has enabled them to grow as individuals and discover their calling and purpose,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “We are proud of these new alumni for seizing the opportunity to transform their lives by coming to Tusculum and then diligently working to complete the requirements and obtain their degree. Inevitably, these students experienced challenges along the way, but they persevered and developed the hard skills and soft skills that will serve them well.”
Tusculum University students present research and other projects at annual Academic Symposium on campus
GREENEVILLE – One of the hallmarks of a Tusculum University undergraduate education is the ability for students to perform research and display and explain their work to others.
Tusculum celebrates the development of that skill and provides the forum for students to share it during the annual Academic Symposium on campus. The university recently held that event, enabling students in multiple academic disciplines to showcase their knowledge to other members of the Tusculum family.
“The symposium is an outstanding event and one of the highlights of the year for all of us,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Studying at Tusculum means engaging in active and experiential learning, where students apply what they learned in the classroom to real-world situations. This type of education prepares them to be career-ready professionals and to be highly successful in advanced degree programs. The symposium is a key part of their development.”
Tusculum raises double the funds for the Discipleship Living-Learning Center, celebrates the program’s success at event
GREENEVILLE – With generous community support, Tusculum University has doubled what it received in 2025 to support scholarships for its Discipleship Living-Learning Center.
Tusculum collected $75,000 in pre-event ticket sales and on-site donations during the Christian Leadership Dinner Thursday, May 7. The funds will provide $2,000 scholarships for students who reside in the center and who serve as dorm chaplains in three traditional residence halls in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The possibility remains for the total raised to climb further with donations from others who wanted more time to consider making a gift. Those who are still interested in contributing can visit www.tusculum.edu/giving and select the Christian Leadership Institute from the drop-down menu.
Alumna overcomes obstacles to achieve master’s degree from Tusculum, praises university for the support she received
GREENEVILLE – When Elizabeth Tarlton walks across the stage Saturday, May 9, to receive her Master of Business Administration from Tusculum University, it will be a major achievement not just because of her additional knowledge but also due to her perseverance through a major health issue.
“I was dealing with severe health complications, including leaky gut syndrome and a neurological condition that left me paralyzed for over a year,” she said. “During that time, I was wheelchair-bound and completely dependent on others for things I had always taken for granted. It changed every part of my life. Physically, it was exhausting. Mentally and emotionally, it pushed me to places I had never been before.”
Tarlton had days filled with uncertainty, pain and questions about her future.
Tusculum University Community Band to perform symphonic music during concert at Niswonger Performing Arts Center
GREENEVILLE – Savor symphonic music from the Tusculum University Community Band as the group performs its spring concert Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
The band will play “A Symphonic Spring,” a collection of seven songs that will be recognizable by the title or the piece’s melody. One of the songs will feature a clarinet solo by Sabrina Nelson, the 2025 Dr. Phil A Thompson scholarship recipient. Chris Chambers, the band’s director and conductor, will also share the name of this year’s scholarship winner.
The concert is free, but donations are welcome. No tickets are required, and seating is general admission.
Honors Convocation recognizes excellence in students, faculty and staff as academic year nears conclusion
GREENEVILLE – With the end of the academic year approaching, Tusculum University recognized the accomplishments of its students as they become career-ready professionals and of the faculty and staff for their one-on-one work with these Pioneers.
Tusculum held its annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 23, to spotlight academic achievement and other important elements of the university experience, such as civic engagement and school spirit. The event highlights the pioneering spirit that reverberates around the university and the focus on preparing student to lead successful lives following graduation.
“The Honors Convocation is an excellent way to conclude the academic year because it causes us to reflect on what has taken place in the classroom and extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “When we stop for a moment and contemplate what our students, faculty and staff have achieved, we see excellence in so many facets. We are proud that the Tusculum family is making its mark on campus and in the community and are pleased to see everyone excelling in faith, knowledge and love.”
Christian Leadership Dinner at Tusculum to raise scholarship funds for students’ faith development, honor couple that have served the God and enhanced the community’s quality of life
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students who are growing in their relationship with God by living in housing that fosters discipleship will benefit through scholarship funds raised at an upcoming dinner held on campus.
The Christian Leadership Dinner, which will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in Pioneer Arena, will also honor Jeff and Lisa Idell, two Greene County residents whose dedication to serving the Lord and loving their family have served as a model for others to follow.
Jeff Idell has also been an exceptional Christian businessman, making positive contributions to the community’s quality of life as a second-generation leader of the family company, Idell Construction. Lisa Idell has been a valuable partner and a significant contributor to the growth of young people’s faith.
Four Tusculum University students honored for exceptional writing in annual competition judged by award-winning author
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students have been honored for excellence in writing by an award-winning author who was impressed by the caliber of the entries she judged.
The English program held the Curtis ’28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize ceremony Thursday, April 16, in Behan Arena Theatre. The competition for the awards was open to all students regardless of their major. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, who served as the judge, picked the following recipients for prizes in four genres:
- Drama – “The One with the Custody Agreement” by Kiersten Paxton
- Fiction – “The Winners” by Austin Reed
- Nonfiction – “Holy Ground” by Paxton
- Poetry – “One Weekend a Month” by BriAnna Higgins
In addition, JP Campione was selected as a runner-up in the nonfiction category for “Go Find Your Own Mom.”