Theatre-at-Tusculum holding tryouts for “Little Shop of Horrors”

Theatre-at-Tusculum has scheduled auditions for an upcoming production of “Little Shop of Horrors” on the Tusculum University campus.

The auditions will take place Tuesday, Nov. 27-Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Each day, registration begins at 6 p.m., and auditions start at 6:30 p.m.

Male and female roles are available for teenagers in at least ninth grade as well as for adults. Participants in the tryouts are not required to bring prepared audition pieces.

Brian Ricker will direct “Little Shop of Horrors,” with show dates set for March 1-3 and March 7-10 in the Behan Arena.

For more information, please contact TU Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or Ricker at baricker@tusculum.edu.

Tusculum alumnus Justin Phillip Reed wins National Book Award for poetry

Photo credit: The photo of Justin Phillip Reed was taken by Nicholas A. C. Nichols.

Photo credit: The photo of Justin Phillip Reed was taken by Nicholas A. C. Nichols.

A Tusculum University alumnus has achieved acclaim in the United States and has demonstrated the exceptional literary training available from the institution by winning the National Book Award for poetry.

Justin Phillip Reed, a 2013 graduate, earned the prestigious honor Wednesday, Nov. 14, for his collection Indecency. He had been one of five finalists to achieve this recognition and now he joins some of the best-known authors in the country’s history as recipients of a National Book Award.

“This is well-deserved recognition for outstanding work created by one of our youngest alums, who is already leaving an impressive mark on the literary world,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “We’re thrilled Justin has attained this stature so early in his career, and we’re extremely proud of our English faculty, who helped shape his immense skills and prepare him to reach these heights. This honor is a prime example of the quality of Tusculum University and the lengths to which our degrees can take you.”

The National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization that administers the awards, described Indecency this way:

“Questions of systemic hostility and the struggle against oppressive institutions live at the heart of Justin Phillip Reed’s Indecency, which seeks to intimately confront issues of masculinity, sexuality, racism, and more, working to both critique and lament a culture of exploitation.”

Previous National Book Awards winners include well-regarded writers as William Faulkner, Norman Mailer, Toni Morrison, Katherine Anne Porter and John Updike.

Reed earned a bachelor of arts degree in English, with a concentration in creative writing, from Tusculum. He then obtained his master of fine arts in poetry from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was junior writer-in-residence.

“I would emphasize that all of the classes I took in the writing program at Tusculum were really rigorous,” Reed said. “The program attempts to build an appreciation for and an ability to create using various genres and modes of writing and to develop a critical eye. That is not a common experience among my peers. All of my writing workshop classes at Tusculum continue to influence the way I write and read all kinds of poetry.”

He now lives in St. Louis, and his writings appear in publications such as African American Review, Best American Essay, Callaloo, the Kenyon Review and Obsidian. He was the inaugural St. Paul de Vence James Baldwin writer-in-residence and has received fellowships from the Cave Canem Foundation, the Conversation Literary Festival and the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis.

During the award ceremony, Reed discussed the importance of gratitude.

“Thank you endlessly,” he said. “Every day, I mean to be grateful until gratitude sometimes overwhelms me. I have known such patient and persistent teachers, and in this moment, I want to effloresce with thanks to all teachers – your teachers, my teachers.”

Reed returned to Tusculum in April to read from Indecency during the Old Oak Festival, and about 50 alumni came to listen to him. Wayne Thomas, dean of Tusculum’s College of Civic and Liberal Arts, was one of Reed’s teachers and introduced him at that event.

“He had an innate talent, he worked really hard and he was consistently thoughtful,” Thomas said of Reed during his Tusculum years. “I tell my students there are three important qualities to being an effective writer–show initiative, do what you’re asked when you’re asked and pay attention to detail. Justin had all of those attributes, and it has paid off for him nicely.

“In the English Department, we have talked for a long time about how he was destined for success. The fact that he won this award so early in his writing career is surprising, but the fact he received this award is not shocking for those of us who have known him for a long time.”

Reed’s career ambitions evolved during his time at Tusculum.

“Originally, I was a graphic design major, but when I had Wayne Thomas for a class, he brought me into the journalism program, where we worked on the student newspaper,” Reed said. “That gave me creative agency. He affirmed my voice and made me feel I had something to say that people would want to hear.”

Fast forward to later in Reed’s enrollment at Tusculum and Thomas encouraged him to pursue a creative writing curriculum. He initially thought his interest was in fiction writing, but when he took an intermediate creative writing class and began reading poets, that inspired him to move in that direction. Thomas introduced him to the works of poet Carl Phillips, who teaches at Washington University.

Heather Elouej, an associate professor of English at Tusculum, taught Reed and received her master of fine arts from Washington University as well. Together, she and Thomas helped guide Reed to pursue Washington University, where he could study under Phillips, as the next step in his growth as a writer.

Elouej was ecstatic to learn Reed won a National Book Award.

“This young man’s immense success is such a boon for Tusculum,” Elouej said. “The light of his talent shines on this institution and is a testament to the fine work the English faculty and programs here are doing to recruit, retain and cultivate student successes. He has returned to our campus several times to offer readings and talks and to spend time with the professors that believed in him, pushed him and celebrated him. Oh, what an honor for Tusculum his honor is.”

Another of Reed’s professors, Desirae Matherly, was similarly thrilled.

“He was a pleasure to teach, compassionate to everyone around him and a model for other students,” she said. “He just kept excelling, had an essay selected in Best American Essays a couple of years ago and has become successful more quickly than most writers his age. Some might achieve in one genre, but he has done so in two.”

To learn more about the author, please visit www.justinphillipreed.com. The National Book Awards ceremony can be viewed at https://www.nationalbook.org/watch-the-2018-national-book-awards-ceremony-live/, with Reed’s category starting at about the 2:08 mark.

Tusculum completes first phase of accreditation process for Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine

The Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine at Tusculum University has taken another step forward with a national oversight agency concluding the program has completed the first phase in the accreditation process.

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education has granted the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine the pre-accreditation classification of “Stage One Applicant.” That clears the way for Tusculum to advance to Stage Two, which consists of a self-study and other requirements. The university must complete three stages before the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine can recruit and enroll students.

“This is a significant achievement in our commitment to address ocular disease, which is a major issue in Appalachia,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “The Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine will be transformative not only for the university but also the region. We’re grateful to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education for advancing us to this stage and look forward to further conversations with this agency as we move forward with this necessary health care initiative.”

The university has identified fall 2020 as its start date, pending Accreditation Council on Optometric Education approval, for enrolling the first class of 70 students in the four-year program. When the Niswonger College Of Optometric Medicine begins classes, it will hold preliminary approval status for accreditation. The program cannot apply for full accreditation until it has graduated its inaugural class.

In determining Stage One applicant status, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education evaluated the Niswonger College Of Optometric Medicine’s proposal based on several criteria, including public need, resources available to the program and career opportunities for graduates.

“Tusculum University is extremely proud to have passed this first, very challenging and critical step in the process toward eventual accreditation,” said Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, an optometrist and founding dean of the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine. “Our creation of the College of Health Sciences has been a bold venture, and the university has shown its determination and ability for it to succeed by immediately starting a new college of optometric medicine.

“The Board of Trustees has chosen to marry our 225-year legacy of civic engagement to our desire to provide not only health care education but also health care accessibility to Northeast Tennessee, Appalachia and other parts of rural America.”

Dr. Buzzelli said Tusculum is diligently working on submission of the self-study to become a Stage Two applicant. This is a robust report that will address how Tusculum will meet a wide variety of standards applying to faculty, facilities, policies, processes, curriculum, resource availability and other matters to ensure the Niswonger College Of Optometric Medicine will be ready for students on the first day of classes.

“Dr. Hurley has full confidence in our ability to develop an innovative program that will equally serve the great profession of optometry, Tusculum’s exceptional civic arts learning environment and the outstanding residents of the communities our university serves,” Dr. Buzzelli said. “We have worked nonstop since we shared the exciting news that we are bringing a college of optometric medicine to Tusculum, and we will be thrilled to host our first white-coat ceremony on campus once we have secured the necessary approvals.”

Tusculum University, the first higher education institution in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation, provides a comprehensive education in a Judeo-Christian environment, grounded in a civic, liberal and medical arts curriculum with pathways for career preparation, personal development and civic engagement. About 1,800 students are enrolled on the main campus in Greeneville, at locations in Knoxville and Morristown and in online programs.

Information for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education is: Address: 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141—telephone: 314-991-4100.

Tusculum University celebrates Veterans Day with stories from local D-Day participant

Tusculum University President, Dr. James Hurley, Arthur Ricker and Tusculum student, Kyler Johnson

With patriotic flair, Tusculum University celebrated Veterans Day Friday, Nov. 9, and honored the military service of a Greene County man who had a front-row seat to key moments in World War II.

Dr. James Hurley, the university’s president, issued a proclamation declaring Friday as Arthur Ricker Day at Tusculum. The document recognized Ricker’s contributions to the military, which included landing on Utah Beach during D-Day and serving as part of the liberation forces at Dachau concentration camp.

Ricker, 97, a resident of the town of Tusculum, was the focus at the afternoon Veterans Day event, sharing stories about his experiences while serving his country as a member of the Army.

He recalled his 11-day trip by boat to England, first to Liverpool before his transfer to the southern coast of that country. That put him close to water so he and his fellow servicemen could receive amphibious training, which he described as preparation for possibly the most dangerous combat one can face.

In 1944, he would join in one of the famous events of the war – D-Day.

“We were scheduled to land at Utah Beach on the fifth of June,” he said. “During the night, they had a bad storm in the North Atlantic, and Eisenhower postponed the invasion for another day to June 6. We landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, about 6:30 in the morning. It was just beginning to become daylight.

“We could see the paratroopers drop in at a distance. Most of these paratroopers dropped in water because the Germans had floodgates in the English Channel where they could flood this land at high or low tides. The paratroopers had chutes that were very difficult to get off, and they had approximately 90 pounds of weight on their backs. Many of them drowned because it took too long to get these chutes off.”

Ricker recollected the primary objective was to move through the English Channel and target a seaport the Germans held called Cherbourg. The Allies captured Cherbourg June 25, 1944.

Later, he was in southern France and crossed the Rhine River, went through a huge valley and entered a small village in Germany called Dachau.

“There was a very huge concentration camp, and I approached an inmate and tried to communicate with him. Of course, we had a language barrier. Off in the distance, I noticed something very unusual – it was furnaces. So I took it on my own to go off and explore this furnace. I looked at it. There were legs, arms and skulls.”

As he reflected on his service, he attributed his survival during the war to his mother’s prayers and thanked God that his life was spared. Taking a broad view, he said Americans live in a great country and should be proud of it, honor it, respect it and love it with all their mind.

Ricker’s talk impressed the audience, including Tusculum student Kyler Johnson, who served as the event’s emcee.

“Truly, Mr. Ricker, you do very well represent the Greatest Generation, and I only hope and pray that mine can even come close to serving this country in the manner that yours did,” Johnson said.

“One of the things that really resonated with me was that Arthur shared in his talk that he didn’t want recognition,” Hurley said. “The second thing that I learned in that lesson was you have to earn honor. I don’t know that I’ve learned more valuable lessons in my life than those two things.”

Congressman Phil Roe, R-1st, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, highlighted how all U.S. veterans cemeteries in this country and abroad are overseen by his committee. In May, he was asked to visit World War I and World War II cemeteries in Europe and said it was one of the most moving experiences of his life. He said he went to places such as Flanders Field and the Battle of Belleau Wood and said he cannot imagine what these servicemen experienced under the risk of potentially being shot.

“These are the shoulders this nation is built on,” Roe said. “These are the men that protect the constitution of the United States of America. These are the men that give us our freedoms. We could not be here if it were not for men like Mr. Ricker. I can’t thank him enough and the millions of men and women that allow me to live in a free country and to live and breathe in this great nation.

“So Mr. Ricker, I salute you, America salutes you and may God richly bless you.”

Veterans Day event to feature soldier who participated in D-Day

A World War II veteran who participated in D-Day and helped liberate a concentration camp will be guest speaker during Tusculum University’s Veterans Day celebration Friday, Nov. 9, at 4 p.m. at the Thomas J. Garland Library.

Arthur Ricker, who served in the Army, landed on Utah Beach during D-Day and later served as part of the liberation forces at Dachau concentration camp. He will share his stories about these elements of his service, providing an opportunity for the audience to hear a firsthand account about Ricker’s place in history.

“We are thrilled to have Arthur celebrate Veterans Day with us and are thankful we will have the opportunity to hear his stories,” said Dale Laney, Air Force chief master sergeant, retired, who serves as Tusculum’s director of veterans services. “The audience will benefit from listening to his experiences and taking to heart the lessons from this important period in history.”

During the event, Kyler Johnson, a Tusculum student and member of the Bonner Leader Program, will explain what Veterans Day is. Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president, will also deliver remarks.

Congressman Phil Roe, R-1st, is scheduled to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend. For more information, please contact Laney at 423-636-7371.

Career and Graduate Fair scheduled for November 7

Tusculum University is holding a career fair Wednesday, Nov. 7, for students and alumni seeking employment opportunities with businesses in the East Tennessee area.

The event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Chalmers Conference Center of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons, will also give students and alumni who are interested in pursuing graduate-level degrees the ability to discuss options with higher education institution representatives.

“This is an excellent way for our students and alumni who are exploring their next professional and academic steps to engage with members of these organizations to determine whether there might be a mutual fit,” said Robin Lay, Tusculum’s director of career services. “Our students and alumni bring a lot of talent to the table, and they will benefit from speaking with a large number of excellent organizations that could put them on the path to long-term success.”

Tusculum has secured the presence of 46 organizations for the event. These include some of the larger companies in the region, such as Food City, Ballad Health, Covenant Health, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc., 21st Mortgage Corp. and SumiRiko Tennessee Inc., as well as K-12 school systems. Among the others on the roster are smaller organizations such as Holston Home for Children, Helen Ross McNabb Center, the Greeneville Reds, Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park and Youth Villages.

In addition to Tusculum, higher education institutions that will be present are Lincoln Memorial University, King University and Milligan College.

Students and alumni seeking a job or an internship in the next year should be prepared for a brief screening interview and should dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resume. Students in earlier years of study can use the fair as an opportunity to network with these employers and learn more about what skills they might need to secure a job or an internship. Those who are looking at graduate school options will be able to learn more about these institutions’ offerings through the fair.

For more information, please call Lay at 423-636-7447.

Theatre-at-Tusculum presents Disney’s “Tarzan” for seven performances

Theatre-at-Tusculum will present an entertaining and energetic stage production of Disney’s “Tarzan” for seven performances in November.

The musical is based on the 1999 animated film of the same name, which featured music and lyrics by legendary musician Phil Collins, and the book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. Performances will take place at the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Theater on the Tusculum University campus. Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11.

The musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International and is being directed by Tusculum’s artist-in-residence, Marilyn duBrisk. The production team includes familiar and new faces with Brian Ricker as assistant director, Kasie Shelnutt as musical director and Elizabeth Sparks as choreographer.

Erin Schultz, Tusculum’s Arts Outreach costume artist, whose work is supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission, designed the costumes. Trenda Berney oversaw makeup design. Frank Mengel led set design work, with lighting design provided by Beth Wilson-Schnura and sound effects curated by Dave Johnson. Stage managers are Jim Holt and Brian Ricker, with box office and house management led by Jennifer Hollowell.

The production features local theater veterans and many new faces to the Tusculum stage. Tusculum students Carter DelSorbo, Trevor Kahland and Colton Grindstaff will lead the cast of more than 70 as adult Tarzan, Kerchak the silver-back gorilla and the human villain Clayton, respectively.

The cast includes other Tusculum students and several members from the East Tennessee region. DelSorbo’s real life mother, Chirsta DelSorbo, will portray Tarzan’s ape mother, Kala. Local favorite Parker Bunch will play adult Tarzan’s ape friend, Terk, and Craig Robertson, a newcomer to the Tusculum stage, will portray Young Terk.

In addition to the jungle menagerie, human characters in the production include the lead roles of Jane, portrayed by Sarah Sanders, and Porter, Jane’s father, played by Josh Beddingfield. Snipes, Clayton’s second in command, is portrayed by Simon Johnson, who leads an expedition crew of Theatre-at-Tusculum veterans – River Donnelly, Michael Fillers, and Michael Willis.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and older, and $5 for children 12 and younger. They may be reserved by calling Tusculum University Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or by emailing jhollowell@tusculum.edu. People should include their name, a contact telephone number, the date, the number of tickets and the type of ticket. Seating is general admission.

Patrons can pick up and pay for tickets at the box office the day of the performance, or they can schedule a time to come to the Arts Outreach office. Payments are with cash or check only.

The box office is located in the lobby of the Annie Hogan Byrd, with the Tusculum Arts Outreach offices to the right of the lobby. The box office opens 90 minutes before each show. The theater will open 60 minutes before the start of the performance.

Theatre-at-Tusculum is under the auspices of Tusculum University Arts Outreach which is led by Artist-in-Residence Marilyn duBrisk, Assistant Director Brian Ricker, Coordinator Jennifer Hollowell; Technical Director Frank Mengel and Costume Director Erin Schultz. It is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Hearts for the Arts and many generous donors. For more information about Theatre-at-Tusculum or other Tusculum University Arts Outreach programs please call 423-798-1620, visit http://art.tusculum.edu, or connect via Facebook at Tusculum University Arts Outreach.

Tusculum, Northeast State reach agreement on dual admission program for students

Northeast State Community College President James D. King, center left, and Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum University’s president, center right, sign the agreement.

Students attending Northeast State Community College will have a seamless transition to Tusculum University after receipt of an associate’s degree through a new agreement reached between the two higher education institutions.

Leaders from Tusculum and Northeast State conducted a news conference Monday, Oct. 22, on the Northeast State campus to discuss the new dual admission program. The initiative, which is effective immediately, will provide another path for students to receive their undergraduate degree and save them and their families money.

“The value of earning an undergraduate degree cannot be overstated because of the long-term impact it has on a person’s career and earning potential,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “As first-generation college graduates, some of my cabinet members and I have seen firsthand how this experience has changed our lives. This partnership between Tusculum and Northeast State is an excellent way for our two academic institutions to help those students achieve that ultimate goal.”

Students who participate in this program first enroll at Northeast State and earn an associate of arts degree, an associate of science degree or an associate of science and teaching degree. They then enroll at Tusculum to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Northeast State students who fulfill the requirements of the dual enrollment program are guaranteed acceptance to Tusculum. However, some majors might carry additional application and program admission requirements.

“We are appreciative of this partnership with Tusculum University that provides a smooth path for Northeast State students to achieve a bachelor’s degree,” said Northeast State President James D. King. “This dual admission program is an excellent opportunity for our students to further their educational goals.”

To be eligible for the dual admission program, students must plan to pursue an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree and meet Northeast State’s current admission requirements. Those who are already enrolled at Northeast State can still apply for the program as long they have no more than 29 credit hours and meet threshold grade point average requirements.

Students who do not enroll for classes at Northeast State for more than a year have to reapply to the dual admission program. Anyone who does not complete all prerequisites for a degree at Tusculum while they attend Northeast State will have to take those courses at the university.

Celebrating the agreement’s signing are, left to right, Dr. Paul Pinckley, Tusculum’s vice president for enrollment management and financial aid; Dr. Sam Rowell, Northeast State’s vice president for academic affairs; Northeast State President James D. King; Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president; and Dr. Madison Sowell, Tusculum’s vice president of academic affairs and provost.

Northeast State will refer students to appropriate Tusculum campus contacts during their first semester enrolled in the program. Students will work jointly with contacts at both higher education institutions to determine the best course selection.

Tusculum officials said the dual enrollment agreement will be a good fit for the university because it gives them plenty of time to prepare for a student’s arrival and have the necessary academic and social structure in place to serve them. Representatives of the two institutions also said they would be able to collaborate on recruitment efforts with high school students.

“This is a win-win-win scenario because it not only benefits our institutions but also the students who are pursuing a degree,” said Dr. Paul Pinckley, Tusculum’s vice president of enrollment management and financial aid. “This agreement presents an organized method for everyone to plan a student’s academic path well in advance so students better understand the framework of their academic career. We’re excited about working with an excellent institution in Northeast State and will welcome these students with open arms on our campus.”

For more information about Tusculum, please visit www.tusculum.edu. To learn more about Northeast State, please visit www.northeaststate.edu.

Tusculum University, Emerald Youth Foundation partner to help urban students discern and fulfill calling

Tusculum Emerald partnership
Tusculum Emerald partnership

From left, Dr. James Hurley, president of Tusculum University; Steve Diggs, president and CEO of Emerald Youth Foundation; high school students Nicole Geller and Javell Swanson; and Tusculum student Kenderick Grant highlighted the partnership during a news conference Friday afternoon, Oct. 19.

Tusculum University and Emerald Youth Foundation are partnering to support Emerald Youth’s efforts to transform the future of urban youth toward long-term success and become Godly young adult leaders in the city.

The university has committed significant resources during the next three years for Emerald Youth’s Calling and Career Ministry, which helps high school students discern their post-graduation path. The Calling and Career Ministry centers are modeled after university learning and student success facilities. Tusculum’s financial and personnel contribution will assist with staffing, materials, technology and transportation costs associated with this innovative program.

Tusculum students will work alongside Emerald Youth employees and tutor and mentor program participants. In addition, the university will provide workshop speakers on topics such as the ACT and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA.

Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president, said the university is thrilled to engage with Emerald Youth and increase the likelihood its participants will continue their education after high school. Having a degree from a college or university dramatically increases earning potential and, ultimately, someone’s quality of life, he said.

“Emerald Youth Foundation has provided an admirable service that has made a profound difference in children’s lives for more than a quarter century,” Dr. Hurley said. “Tusculum University is grateful to develop a relationship with this faith-based organization and contribute to each child’s promise. We are committed to playing an active role in the community, and this collaboration with Emerald Youth Foundation aligns perfectly with our focus on civic engagement.”

Emerald Youth operates Calling and Career Ministry sites in the Oakwood-Lincoln Park and Mechanicsville neighborhoods and will open one soon in Lonsdale. Emerald Youth also hopes to open locations in East and South Knoxville in the coming years. The organization said the partnership with Tusculum will address Knoxville’s pervasive urban youth crisis. Consider these challenging statistics:

  • Half of the youth do not have a mentor such as a coach, tutor or youth worker.
  • Only 20 percent are known to participate in organized sports.
  • Just 15 percent are known to be active in developing their faith.
  • Urban youth are 50 percent behind their suburban peers academically, and the gap is widening.

“We are committed to changing the trajectory for Knoxville’s young people, and our partnership with Tusculum University is an important step to make such change possible,” said Steve Diggs, Emerald Youth’s president and CEO. “Tusculum’s support will further advance our Calling and Career Ministry with high school students in the heart of the city, helping prepare them for college and future gainful employment.”

For children to succeed in their lives and careers, Emerald Youth understands a holistic approach of engaging a child in faith, learning and health is needed from early childhood to young adult, and this includes learning to thrive in high school. To accomplish this goal, the organization provides abundant services and encourages students to think deeply about their futures by participating in job shadowing programs and college campus visits.

“The Calling and Career Ministry is for high school students and their parents,” said Dr. Shara Shoup, Emerald Youth’s chief operating officer. “Students can come in to access free Wi-Fi, have a quiet place to do their homework, get paired with a tutor, and take a college/career readiness workshop. There are also workshops for parents to help them support their children as they transition into post-secondary training and after high school, students are paired with life coaches to help with this transition as well.”

Tusculum’s involvement dovetails with the Calling and Career Ministry program because the university adheres to principles that emphasize the need to be civic-minded community leaders and lifelong learners.

The agreement also represents further investment in Knoxville by Tusculum, which has operated a campus in the city for about 15 years.

“We’re ecstatic to see this partnership with Emerald Youth come to fruition because it demonstrates our long history of serving students who might need some assistance along the way,” said Dr. Gregory Nelson, chairman of Tusculum’s Board of Trustees. “We have an outstanding university with first-rate students and faculty, and Emerald Youth has developed an exceptional program. This combination will enable these boys and girls we are serving to achieve their full potential.”

The Calling and Career Ministry is open to students Monday-Thursday afternoons.

For more information about Emerald Youth and its programs, please visit www.emeraldyouth.org.

President’s Gala builds partnerships between Tusculum University and the community

Presidents Gala

With a recent name change and the inauguration of its 28th president, Tusculum University is blazing a new trail that will firmly establish this educational institution as a pioneer in the region.

Presidents Gala

Kindall Hurley, first lady of Tusculum University, left, is joined on the back row by Crystal Jessee. On the front row are, left to right, are Helga Hull, Debbie Corey, Linda Kelly and Linda Ayers.

The university is moving the needle on multiple fronts as it becomes a first-choice destination for students in the Appalachian region. To accomplish its goals and aspirations, Tusculum will rely heavily on the faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees collaborating with the community to provide the best possible educational and social experience for students.

This partnership was on full display Friday, Oct. 12, when Tusculum held the President’s Gala for the first time. Members of the Tusculum family joined philanthropists from the community to celebrate the university’s achievements and positive direction.

About 400 people filled Pioneer Arena for a special evening of dinner, dancing and fellowship, all designed to showcase Tusculum as a leading university in the region.

“For us to remain successful and continue to advance, a partnership between all sectors of our university and our local and national supporters will be essential,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “All of us are committed to moving Tusculum forward, and the unified atmosphere at the gala demonstrated our university’s best days remain ahead of us. We’re extremely excited and look to the future with conviction.”

The gala provided an opportunity for personnel throughout Tusculum and the community to pose for photos and enjoy themselves on the dance floor. It started with a reception under a tent outside the Scott M. Niswonger Commons and continued inside a gorgeously decorated arena, which featured attractive orange lighting reflecting off black drapes. Use of the university’s official colors illustrated the pride permeating the occasion.

Ladies attended clothed in their finest dresses and gowns, and gentlemen came to the dinner sporting tuxedos or other fine evening wear. Once inside, they dined and participated in toasts to Dr. Hurley that were conducted by Dr. Ken Bowman, a Tusculum board member, and Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, executive vice president of the College of Health Sciences and founding dean of the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine.

It was appropriate for Dr. Buzzelli to contribute to the evening’s success because he oversees a college that will play a key role in Tusculum’s continued transformation. The optometry college is seeking accreditation so it can begin accepting students for fall 2020. That same year, the College of Health Sciences plans to welcome the first class of students into the proposed physician assistant program.

“Our gala was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many people who diligently serve Tusculum University,” said Dr. Gregory W. Nelson, the board’s chairman. “We have an outstanding university with first-class faculty and staff, and our excellent student body will make a positive imprint on the world. The board supports their efforts and views Tusculum’s future with confidence.”

The energy at the gala celebrated a university focused on pursuing new frontiers. Some of those ventures will be made possible through the Tusculum 225 – University Rising capital campaign that will infuse new dollars to increase student scholarships, further assist faculty and staff and enhance Tusculum’s infrastructure.

Tusculum Presidents Gala

Representatives of the community joined members of the Tusculum University family for the President’s Gala.

“We will build off the legacy for which Tusculum is well-known and take the next steps to drive the quality of our university to the next level,” said Jill Salyers, vice president of institutional advancement and marketing & communications.

“Tusculum’s base of support is impressive, but we are continuing to seek ways to expand community interest in the university. Our first gala is a major example how people are recognizing the value of our Judeo-Christian heritage and excellent academic offerings and are seeking to grow resources to serve students for another 225 years.”

Tusculum is already preparing for the second annual President’s Gala.

To obtain more information or to express interest in supporting this event, please contact the Institutional Advancement office at 423-636-7303.

Doak House Museum offers special glimpse into 19th Century life at Autumn Harvest Day

The Doak House Museum will provide guests with an opportunity to experience life in the 19th century firsthand with a series of fun activities at the annual Autumn Harvest Day.

The event is free and will be held at the museum Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Among the activities will be making ink with walnuts, writing with quill pens, creating corn husk dolls and playing 19th century pub games. Attendees will also be able to explore the scientific developments behind optical illusion toys that led to a revolution in film and animation. These hands-on learning stations will feature interactive elements and items people can take home.

This family-friendly event will also include house tours.

Students in Dr. Katherine Everhart’s service learning class at Tusculum University helped plan and implement Autumn Harvest Day.

“It’s a treat to work with enthusiastic, energetic students to host this event for the public,” said Dollie Boyd, the museum’s director. “It will be a fun day for the community as they learn more about the Doak House and understand the way people spent their lives long ago.”

The nonprofit museum was established in 1975. Its mission is to collect interpret, research, preserve and exhibit the original Doak House, college-related artifacts since 1794, Doak family artifacts from 1830-1860, educational and religious materials and documents from Northeast Tennessee.

For more information, please call the museum at 423-636-8554 or email dboyd@tusculum.edu.

Dr. James Hurley inaugurated as Tusculum University’s President, presents bold agenda to advance institution to the next level

Dr. James Hurley, left, Tusculum University’s president, greets U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, center, and Dr. Claude O. Pressnell Jr., president of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association.

With a touch of reverence and an injection of humor, Tusculum University inaugurated Dr. James Hurley Friday, Oct. 12, as its 28th president and formally launched a dynamic future for the 225-year-old higher education institution.

The celebration in Pioneer Arena attracted about 1,000 people to watch U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and Dr. Gregory W. Nelson, chairman of Tusculum’s Board of Trustees, conduct the investiture and Dr. Hurley take the oath of office. Dr. Hurley, who has served as president since October 2017, delivered a stirring inaugural address that highlighted how Tusculum is advancing to the next level of excellence.

“I believe our future at Tusculum University is bright,” Dr. Hurley said. “Our best days lie ahead as we forge the way of access, equality and opportunity. We must not fear failing forward. We must be bold and take strategic risks. We must embrace change and disruption. And we must strive to become a first-choice destination for students in the Appalachian region.”

In the audience were Tusculum students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees, who have experienced Dr. Hurley’s transformative leadership firsthand. They were joined by Dr. Hurley’s family as well as dignitaries from Congress, regional leaders and delegates from colleges and universities throughout the Southeast.

On a cool but sunny day, Tusculum celebrated the inauguration with activities that aligned with its Judeo-Christian environment. Hailey Sanders, Student Government Association junior class chancellor, read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem “Father, We Thank Thee.” And Ashton Watson, chairman of the campus’ Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, read Mark 12:30-31, which commands individuals to love God with all their hearts, minds, souls and strength and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

The audience listened to Dr. Hurley describe exciting initiatives already under way and new advancements on the horizon at Tusculum.

One of the most impactful is the proposed college of optometry, which will address the ocular health needs of Appalachia and increased demand for optometrists. Tusculum is engaged with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Educational Board to secure accreditation and projects to have its first class enrolled in 2020.

“We’re working to build the very best college of optometric medicine in the country,” Dr. Hurley said. “It will be a college of inclusion and opportunity, one that focuses on meeting the ocular needs of the young and old, the rich and poor and the people who have been denied access for far too long. Ocular disease is rapidly growing out of control across Appalachia, and we have to stop it.”

In his speech, Dr. Hurley shared significant news about the optometry school that will contribute to its long-term success.

“Today, I have the honor of announcing that our college of optometry will henceforth be called the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine in honor of Dr. Scott Niswonger’s commitment to our newest college and his unwavering support of Tusculum University for the past 30 years,” Dr. Hurley said. “Dr. Niswonger has given nearly $70 million during his tenure and service to this institution, and his commitment can be found in nearly every town and city across East Tennessee.”

Among the projects funded at Tusculum by Dr. Niswonger are the Scott M. Niswonger Commons and the sports complex that includes the football, baseball and soccer fields. He is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees,

Regionally, he is well-known for establishing the Niswonger Foundation, which funds college scholarships and supports schools at all levels, and was the lead donor for construction of Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City.

Dr. Hurley said Tusculum will explore other new programs that will meet the health care needs of Central Appalachia. He said the university will begin with the establishment of the physician assistant program in 2020 and possibly create new programs in nursing, behavioral health as well as occupational and physical therapy.

Tusculum transitioned to university status July 1, and that elevated its stature and empowered it to reorganize the institution into six colleges. Besides the Niswonger College of Optometric Medicine, the university has added the College of Science, Technology and Math and the College of Health Sciences since Dr. Hurley came to the university. The others, which were already in existence, are the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Civic and Liberal Arts.

Dr. Hurley also noted other progress, such as an investment of more than $1.5 million to improve the campus dining experience through a new partnership with Chartwells and the opening of a full-service Chick-fil-A restaurant on campus.

Like most leaders, Dr. Hurley is preparing for the future. He identified many projects that will further demonstrate the comprehensive education Tusculum provides. They include:

  • A $4.8 million investment to renovate Tredway Hall so it can serve as the new home for the College of Business and College of Education.
  • Renovation of aging residence halls, starting with Katherine Hall in the summer
  • A new wellness center for students, faculty and staff

Another important aspiration is the initiation of the Tusculum 225 – University Rising capital campaign.

“Our focus is to increase philanthropic support that will expand our 225-year heritage by increasing scholarship support to reduce student debt, increase faculty and staff support to retain and attract excellent talent and enhance infrastructure to keep our beautiful campus vibrant and attractive,” Dr. Hurley said.

He expressed gratitude to all sectors of the audience, including his wife, Kindall, and their three children. But he paid special attention to the students.

“Our world will be a better place because of the impact each of you will make,” Dr. Hurley said. “You challenge us daily, you keep our spirits young, you demand excellence, you display true love and compassion, you give us hope that tomorrow will be better than today and you have made our family feel very welcomed and made us feel a part of your student body family.”

In providing his charge to Hurley, Alexander touted Tusculum’s roots, which include the university opening two years before Tennessee became a state. He also commended Tusculum for teaching students the importance of giving back, citing the creation of Nettie Day during which they perform community service projects to honor Nettie Fowler McCormick, a Chicago resident who bestowed gifts to Tusculum most of her life.

But he also emphasized the talent Dr. Hurley brings to Tusculum.

“First, Dr. Hurley knows the territory,” Alexander said. “He grew up in the coalfields of Kentucky. Second, he has a passion for education. He was inspired by his fifth grade teacher to himself become a teacher. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, and then he became president of the university that he graduated from.

“We know he thinks big. He’s only been president for a year, but we have an idea of what the future may hold – continuing the tradition of education, leading the expansion of bold opportunities, transforming from a college to a university, creating a college of optometry and a school of behavioral health that can address the region’s needs, such as the opioids crisis.”

Six individuals, most with ties to Tusculum, provided greetings to Dr. Hurley and extolled his virtues, including Dr. Nelson, who added some humor to the occasion.

“I can honestly say it feels a bit strange to be here doing this when you started to work last October,” Dr. Nelson said. “Some rumors are floating around that maybe the Board of Trustees was giving you a trial run. If things didn’t work out, we just wouldn’t have this inauguration. I’m not going to confirm or deny any of those rumors that are going around, but if I were to give you an honest opinion, you passed your first year with flying colors. We’re glad to have you here.”

Turning serious, Dr. Nelson recalled the goals Dr. Hurley identified during the application process, all of which have been accomplished or are nearing that stage. He said the board was impressed with Dr. Hurley’s credentials, track record and direct approach and said Dr. Hurley convinced the search committee of his capability, energy and passion. A year later, Dr. Nelson said, the board has full confidence in Dr. Hurley.

Dr. Nelson reminded Dr. Hurley that the president stands on the tall shoulders of his predecessors, donors, present and former faculty members, the Board of Trustees and Tusculum alumni. Nelson said these visionaries will inspire him to meet the university’s mission.

“Why must you succeed in the charge we give you today?” Nelson asked. “We need you to fuel our students’ hopes, dreams, knowledge, capability and love for engaging in communities so that they can be successful for our world. Tusculum students have been that success in the past, and they will be in the future.”

The video of Dr. Hurley’s inauguration is available on Tusculum’s YouTube channel.