Tusculum Python TEAM2 mathematics workshops conclude in December

The Tusculum Python TEAM2 project wrapped up in December, and Cosby High School mathematics teacher John Bell walked away with a new computer. Bell was eligible through his successful completion of the Python project workshops.

Tusculum Python TEAM2 is designed to enhance the content knowledge, pedagogical skills and pedagogical content knowledge of high school mathematics and computer science teachers in the high-needs school districts surrounding Tusculum’s home campus in Greene County and its instructional sites in Hamblen and Knox counties.

Participating educators benefited from five on-site days of professional development in Tusculum’s Meen Center for Science and Math along with a 10-month online credit-bearing course in the Python computer language. The content focus was on the use of Python computer programming to solve mathematical problems. The participants explored mathematical concepts, learned the Python programming language and developed programs to solve the kinds of problems they teach in their high school classrooms.

According to Dr. Tricia Hunsader, dean of the School of Education and professor of education, participants’ growth in content knowledge related to mathematics concepts, programming basics and the Python computer language was assessed via a pre-test and post-test. Participant surveys assessed teachers’ perceptions of the learning experiences and their growth in content knowledge, pedagogical skills and pedagogical content knowledge.

The program is a partnership among Tusculum’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science within the School of Arts and Sciences, Tusculum College’s School of Education and regional high-need school systems, which include Greene County, Greeneville City, Hamblen County, Hawkins County, Jefferson County, Knox County and Washington County school districts.

THEC administers this federal program, which was established to provide grants for colleges and universities to develop and implement workshops for K-12 teachers in the areas of mathematics, science and humanities. The purpose is to establish a collaborative planning partnership between higher education and K-12 education for teacher preparation and continuing professional development.

 

By Sydney McCallister, freshman English and history major from Greeneville

 

Dr. Trisha Hunsader, dean of the Tusculum School of Education, presents Cosby County High School teacher John Bell with a complimentary computer for successfully completing the Tusculum Python TEAM2 workshop.

 

John Wilkinson named vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Tusculum

John Wilkinson has been named vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Tusculum. He will begin his duties on Jan. 16.

Wilkinson comes to Tusculum from Mitchell Community College in Statesville, North Carolina, where he served as vice president for administration and as chief operating officer.

“Right now is an exciting time to join Tusculum. My family and I are excited about Dr. Hurley’s vision and were overcome with the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It feels like home,” said Wilkinson.

In his new role Wilkinson will be key member of the president’s executive leadership team, assuming a strategic role in the overall management and direction of the organization including day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities.

John Wilkinson

“John has extensive experience with financial management, operations management, governmental accounting, budgeting, risk management and contract management solutions, all of which requires deep understanding of critical business drivers,” said Dr. James Hurley, president of Tusculum. “We are extremely pleased to have him join our team.”

Wilkinson will supervise all activities related to accounting, finance, budget and forecasting, strategic planning, purchasing and contracting, audit program integrity, financial policy, directing the fiscal health and control, facilities, maintenance and physical plant operations, as well as maintaining key relationships with regulatory agencies, advocacy groups and trade associations.

Prior to joining Mitchell Community College, Wilkinson worked as a financial consultant and as assistant chief financial officer at Lakota Local School District in Liberty Township, Ohio.

He holds an MBA in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Miami University in Ohio. Wilkinson is currently working toward a doctorate in management at Walden University.

Dr. Mary Cooper named program director of Tusculum Honors Program

Dr. Mary Cooper has been named program director of the Honors Program at Tusculum.

Dr. Cooper joined Tusculum in 2016 as visiting assistant professor of political science in the School of Arts and Sciences.

A native of upstate New York, Dr. Cooper received a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Syracuse University. Her academic and professional experience has had both an international focus, and an interdisciplinary approach – at the intersection of politics and economics. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked for several years at Arthur Andersen’s Office of Federal Tax Services in Washington, D.C., performing economic analyses for multinational corporations in a variety of industries.

She also completed an internship at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, a U.S. government agency that provides financing and insurance to U.S. businesses investing overseas.  Her responsibilities included writing development impact profiles and home country impact reports to verify that OPIC supported projects had a beneficial impact on economic development in the host country, as well as net job creation for the U.S. economy.

She earned a Master of Arts in international relations and a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University. Her dissertation research is in the comparative politics sub-field, examining the politics of creating stock markets in the People’s Republic of China.  She also spent one year as a post-doctoral fellow at Stanford University’s Asia-Pacific Research Center.

Dr. Mary Cooper

Dr. Cooper currently teaches political science courses at Tusculum’s Greeneville and Knoxville campuses, including American government, comparative government, international relations, elections, and history of representative government. In 2018 she will collaborate with Tusculum’s Center for Civic Advancement and accompany a group of students on a spring break service learning trip to Costa Rica.

She previously taught as an instructor at Wesleyan University and Yale University. She also was an assistant professor at The Ohio State University, where she taught classes ranging from large lectures to small sections of honors courses and graduate seminars.

The Tusculum College Honors Program promotes a cross-discipline dialogue between students that includes three core seminar courses. These courses are taught across the semester, every semester, to provide students ample opportunities to participate. Honors students also work closely with a faculty advisor to create an individual plan of study focusing toward their own goals. Students may choose to concentrate on academic research, civic engagement, leadership, or global awareness. Tusculum’s Honors Program creates opportunities for students to challenge themselves, develop their potential, and make a difference in the world around them.

To qualify for the program, first-time students must have a composite score of at least 25 on the ACT or 1150 on the SAT, have a high school grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and rank in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class.

For more information, contact Dr. Cooper at mcooper@tusculum.edu.

 

Ashley Edens named director of Financial Aid at Tusculum

Ashley Edens has been named director of Financial Aid at Tusculum.

Edens has more than 10 years of financial aid experience, most recently as director of financial aid at Walters State Community College.

She previously worked as financial aid coordinator, direct loan coordinator and financial aid counselor at Tusculum.

Ashley Edens

In her new role, Edens will provide leadership, direction and coordination of the Office of Financial Aid. She will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive vision and strategy for financial aid operations.

She will provide leadership for on and off site locations, creating an environment of consistency, accuracy and customer service, as well as maintain compliance with internal policies and state and federal guidelines and laws.

Edens holds a master’s degree in education leadership from Tennessee State University, an MBA from Milligan College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Tennessee State University and an Associate of Science from Northeast State Community College.

 

Keima Talley named coordinator of academic support and tutoring at Tusculum

Keima Talley has been named coordinator of academic support and tutoring at Tusculum.

Talley, a 2012 and 2013 graduate of Tusculum, makes the transition from academic advisor with the Graduate and Professional Studies’ Student Support Services program to serving in this new role with the Tutoring Center.

“Ms. Talley is no stranger to tutoring services,” said David Smith, director of Student Support Services. “Ms. Talley’s primary goal is to expand Tutoring Center services at the main campus and sites in Morristown and Knoxville.”

Talley is certified through the National Tutoring Association as an academic coach and tutor trainer.

In her new role, Talley will coordinate all activities at the Tutoring Center, located in the Thomas J. Garland Library on the Greeneville campus and supervise the student tutoring staff. The Tutoring Center offers free tutoring services to any Tusculum student. Course-related tutoring is available for most freshman and sophomore level classes. One-on-one and group tutoring are both available.

 

Dr. Jacob I. Fait has been named dean of the School of Business and Technology at Tusculum.

Dr. Jacob I. Fait has been named dean of the School of Business and Technology at Tusculum.

Dr. Fait comes to Tusculum from Lincoln Memorial University where he serves as assistant dean of graduate and professional programs and Doctor of Business Administration director.

“Tusculum is exceptionally fortunate to welcome Dr. Fait to the School of Business and Technology,” said Dr. Jason Pierce, vice president for academic affairs. “The search committee was particularly impressed with his extensive experience reinvigorating business curricula, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and leading Accreditation Council for Business School Programs accreditation efforts, in addition to his creative and entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited to have him join the team in January.”

In his new role Dr. Fait will be responsible for the development, management, assessment, and improvement of programs, curricula, faculty, staff and resources for the School of Business and Technology.  He will work closely with other senior academic administrators to develop, implement and evaluate institution-wide academic policies and procedures.

Dr. Jacob I. Fait

As dean, he will lead department chairs, faculty members and support staff within the school to deliver all curricular programs, administer school resources, support student success and satisfaction, strengthen relationships with local and regional business communities, secure external funding and ensure the long-term sustainability of the school and the institution.

“I am both honored and thrilled to join Tusculum College as Dean of the School of Business and Technology,” said Dr. Fait. “I look forward to serving the Tusculum community under the leadership of President James Hurley and Vice President Pierce, as well as embracing the tremendous opportunities this position offers. Not only am I humbled to lead the distinguished faculty of the School of Business and Technology, but also anticipate enormous success in working together to grow our school in the markets we serve. I look forward to the new year with Tusculum College and am proud to be a part of the Pioneer legacy.”

Dr. Fait previously served as department chair of small business management and entrepreneurship and as assistant professor at LMU. He has also worked as resort revenue manager for Scott Enterprises in Erie, Pennsylvania.

He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Gannon University with a focus on employee motivation and engagement. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in international business and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Duquesne University.

 

Tusculum’s Doak House Museum to host Holiday Open House, Dec. 9

Celebrate the holidays 19th century style at the Doak House Museum Saturday, Dec. 9, during its annual Christmas open house.

The museum on the Tusculum campus (690 Erwin Hwy.) will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features free tours, refreshments, gift shop discounts and fun for adults and children. Guests may paint their own handcrafted wooden ornament to take as a keepsake, 2 for $5.

The museum, which was the early 19th century home of Tusculum College co-founder Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak, will be decorated for the holidays as it would have been during the 1800s.

Crafts and games for children will be featured during the open house along with a few surprises. Refreshments will be available.

Visitors will be able to explore the Doak House Gift Shop and browse through holiday goodies, period toys and other gift ideas. Special discounts will be given during the open house. Proceeds from sales in the gift shop support the museum’s events and programs.

For more information, call 423-636-8554 or email lwalker@tusculum.edu.

 

Dr. Andrew Buzzelli named executive vice president of College of Health Sciences at Tusculum

Dr. James Hurley, president of Tusculum College, has appointed Dr. Andrew Buzzelli as executive vice president of the newly-created College of Health Sciences. He will assume his role on January 1.

“We are proud to welcome such a highly-respected leader in health science to our community and campus as we embark on this bold new vision to improve access to quality health care in Central Appalachia,” said Dr. James Hurley. “Dr. Buzzelli is a tireless advocate for both health care and education, and as such, is the ideal leader to propel our new College of Health Sciences forward. This is an exciting day for our institution, our students and our future.”

In his new role Dr. Buzzelli will lead the efforts to begin several new programs that are currently in the feasibility study stage and will fall under the new College of Health Sciences, including a School of Optometry, a physician assistant studies program, as well as occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.

Recognized as an authority in the field of binocular vision and visual perception, Dr. Buzzelli has taught programs in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired brain injury, pediatric optometry and binocular vision, as well as child abuse and intimate partner violence. He is one of 36 optometrists in the world recognized as a diplomat in binocular vision and perception for the American Academy of Optometry.

In his new role, Dr. Buzzelli will work with Tusculum leadership to establish several new programs under the College of Health Sciences, including a School of Optometry of which he will serve as founding dean. He will administer the preparation of materials and documentation required for accreditation of the school by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He will also ensure that the academic and patient care missions of the college are accomplished.

In his role, he will also provide leadership for recruiting and retaining highly-qualified faculty, staff and students.

Previously, Dr. Buzzelli served as founding dean of the School of Optometry at the University of Pikeville and prior to that served as dean and professor of the Rosenberg School of Optometry at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Buzzelli received his doctorate in optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He holds a Master of Science degree in child development and visual perception from the State University of New York. He has practiced in the private health care sector as a specialist in dysfunctions of binocular vision and visual information processing disorders. Academic appointments include the State University of New York, Salus University, where he was also appointed to the board of trustees, and Georgian Court University.

A noted international lecturer, Dr. Buzzelli served as a consultant to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the medical protocols currently utilized on the International Space Station. The author of more than 25 articles in both optometric and military publications and a recognized expert in the field of chemical and biological weapons, Dr. Buzzelli authored the first-ever ophthalmic textbook series for the treatment and management of injuries resultant from terrorist attack.

Dr. Andrew Buzzelli

“Like all who come to the treasured halls of Tusculum, I have come for multiple reasons. Chief among those are legacy. My wife Debbie’s Uncle Leon and Aunt Nancy Leslie were Tusculum supporters in all of their years,” said Dr. Buzzelli. “Our family all knew Tusculum through his election to the Football Hall of Fame and the Board of Trustees. Tusculum DNA is part of our family’s heritage. I will walk daily past the plaques commemorating the dormitory spaces, classrooms and special programs they have donated over the years.

“The critical part of the Tusculum legacy I come to fulfill is one that since 1794 resides in every home where a diploma from Tusculum rests – responsibility. This has existed as one of our core values since the great arch was constructed. Our new College of Health Sciences will produce the future health care providers for many of the health services still lacking in parts of our great state of Tennessee, Appalachia and other parts of the rural Southeast. I come to work with Dr. James Hurley and the Tusculum community to design, create and prosper the College of Health Sciences, which will fulfill our well-known commitment to civic engagement through health care for those who depend on our success.”

A retired colonel in the United States Air Force, Buzzelli has held command positions as the chief of optometry for the 105th Military Airlift Wing and commander of the 105th Medical Group. He served as the assistant to the command surgeon for Air Force Material Command and was selected as the chief advisor to the Air Force Surgeon General on matters of policy, operations and utilization of the entire 107,000 membership of the Air National Guard.

“There are no words to express the amount of enthusiasm I have for this program to come to Tusculum, said student Katherine Lewis. “When President Hurley announced his interest in starting a college of optometry at Tusculum, I jumped at the chance to reach out to him and emailed him right away. When I heard it was confirmed, my heart stopped, tears came to my eyes, and all I could do was smile and laugh with excitement. This changed my plans for everything. Tusculum starting this program allows me to stay close to my hometown, and study in a community I have grown to love. Tusculum will be the 23rd school in the country to be adding this program, and I look forward to being a part of the foundation.”

 

Tusculum Community Chorus to present its Christmas concert on Monday, Dec. 4

“Pergolesi Magnificat,” a small masterwork in Latin with strings will be featured in the annual holiday performance of the Tusculum Community Chorus on Monday, Dec. 4.

The annual Christmas concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building, and there is no admission charge for the program. The Tusculum Community Chorus is under the direction of Kathryn May and the accompanist is Karen Miller.

The program will open with three pieces, including “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “The Work of Christmas.”

This trio will lead into the performance of “Magnificat in Bb.” Sections include “Magnificat,” “Et Misericordia,” “Deposuit,” “Suscepit Israel,” “Sicut Locutus Est” and “Sicut Erat in Principio.”

The concert will conclude with a series of holiday songs including “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Deck the Hall,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “O Come, Little Children,” “Patapan,” “Winter Wonderland” and “The Very Best Time of the  Year.”

Community Chorus members include Max Amoss, Sally Anderson, Alaina Arwood, Andrew Arwood, Stephen Athon, Hannah Bitner, Betty Black, Gary Brooks, Karen Brooks, Beth Casteel, Trisha Chesnut, Carolyn Claiborne, Bobbie Clarkston, Christine Dinwiddie, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Ervin, Caroline Fike, Maria Grimm, Emalee Gross, Glen Heins, Karen Hensley, Anne Higgins, Kathy Hoard, Doug Holcombe, Abby Hudson, Jason Hudson, Jo Knabel, Courteney Lane, Tom Lane, Jamie Lively, John Maddux, Katherine Manuel, Beverly Mersino, Bob Miller, Nathaniel Morgan, Beth Morrell, Ruth Moss, Eileen Musbach, Matthew Neas, Aimee Place, Beth Schnura, Ellen Shuck, Jessica Smith, Victoria Spendel, Amy Thomas, Phil Thwing, Caroline Tvardy, Leslie Vaughan, Martha Wiley, Dale Witt and Savannah Witt.

The Community Chorus was founded in the spring of 1996 with 35 singers as an avenue for people in the community and the college to come together to enjoy a shared love of vocal performance.  Over the years, more than 300 different singers have participated in the group. The concert is part of Tusculum College Arts Outreach’s Acts, Arts, Academia 2017-18 performance and lecture series.

 

Two-show exhibit planned for Tusculum’s Clem Allison Gallery in December

A two-show exhibit is planned at Tusculum’s Clem Allison Gallery on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. on the Greeneville campus.

The exhibit focuses on two shows:  Steve Haselroth’s “Pensive Allurements,” an exhibition of drawings, and “Mondays,” an exhibition of paintings by various amateur artists.

The Haselroth exhibit is a collection of eight drawings and watercolors of portraits.  Mr. Haselroth’s work “reflects a particular emotion and a story to tell behind a face,” according to Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of visual communications and design and chair of the Fine Arts Department at Tusculum.

Haselroth received a degree in art education from the University of Missouri and a second degree in healthcare administration from the University of Oklahoma.  He served in the medical field for the United States Navy. Following his retirement, he rekindled his passion for drawing and painting, working with youth in the Greeneville area, helping to develop their interest in art.

“Moment of Reflection” by Steve Haselroth

“Haselroth’s work is an excellent visual study in the development and content of portraiture as well as the classical and foundational approach to drawing which is the premise to all great art,” said Bledsoe.

“Mondays” is a collection of oil paintings by independent students who participated in a Monday night course at the McKinney Arts Center in Jonesborough. The class was taught by Bledsoe.

Bledsoe implemented a custom curriculum for beginning painters. The range of ages in the class were sixth grade to senior citizens. The entire group followed the same class plan and concluded with each student creating an accomplished work based on college standards.

This approach is encouraged by Bledsoe, who has taught this curriculum for 25 years to his college seniors majoring in art. Many of these graduates are considering obtaining a Master of Arts in teaching at Tusculum, which would qualify a graduate to teach art for grades K-12.  According to Bledsoe, learning this instructional process would increase their advantage to not only be hired in a public school system, but also to excel in their capacity to teach art at a high level to all students, regardless of their aptitude in the area of art.

 

Kristopher Adams wins Sodexo” Power Up” sweepstakes

A Tusculum College student was one of 23 winners nationwide in a recent Power Up promotion, conducted by Sodexo, the college’s food service vendor.

More than 600 colleges and universities nationwide participated in the event.

Kristopher Adams, a sophomore from Rogersville, was selected as one of 23 winners in Sodexo’s Power Up “Retro Renegade” National Prize Sweepstakes. He will receive one of 10 grand prizes, a Microsoft Xbox One S, two video game packs and a $200 Best Buy gift card as part of the Retro Renegade prize.

Power Up is part of an ongoing resident dining promotion series sponsored by Sodexo. The promotion was designed to feature today’s gaming culture among college students, while also spotlighting the importance of delicious foods that help students power through their busy days.

 

Tusculum named to Top Military-Friendly School List

For the eighth year in a row, Tusculum has been named to the Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2018 list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and dependents and to ensure their academic success. Schools on the list earn the right to use the Military Friendly School logo.

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

“Tusculum strives to help our veterans find the right program and format to best suit them in completing their college degree in both our residential and Graduate and Professional Studies programs,” said Dr. Paul Pinckley, vice president for enrollment management, marketing and financial aid.

He added, “It is a priority of Tusculum to provide access to any veteran who is seeking higher education opportunities and to make that access as simple and affordable as possible. We are pleased with the number of veterans who choose Tusculum because of the personalized program that helps them every step along the path to graduation.”

The Military Friendly Schools list is a key resource in letting veterans know which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience. Dr. Pinckley added that this is especially important now with so many schools competing for military students.

Tusculum College started participating in the Yellow Ribbon program in August 2009. Under the program, the school matches dollars put in by the Veterans Administration so veterans or their spouse or dependents can work toward their advanced degree, as well as qualify for money to help with housing. There are more than 60 students enrolled in Tusculum degree programs who are eligible to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits.

“Through the Yellow Ribbon program the college acknowledges the commitment of those who have served our country by providing them with financial support to complete their education,” said Tusculum College President James Hurley. “With the variety of locations, programs, majors, degrees and scheduling options offered at Tusculum, we are uniquely suited to serve those whose educational path was interrupted or who are considering beginning or continuing their higher education.”

The Yellow Ribbon program is applicable towards all Tusculum College degree programs, which include traditional undergraduate programs, as well as the Graduate and Professional Studies programs. Tuition benefits under the program are also available to both full and part-time students.

In addition, Tusculum College has a long standing relationship with the United States Navy through its partnership with the U.S.S. Greeneville submarine. Since its christening, Tusculum College has partnered with the crew members, offering an annual scholarship to crewmen and/or members of their family.

Tusculum College has long offered assistance to veterans returning to higher education, and Veteran Services Director Dale Laney is available to specifically support veterans with their admissions and financial aid questions. For more information on the Yellow Ribbon program or other assistance provided by the college, contact Laney at 423-636-7300.

Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.