Tusculum College to host Veterans Day Ceremony

The Tusculum College Office of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Day Service at the Thomas J. Garland Library on Friday, Nov. 10, at 3:45 p.m. on Tusculum College’s Greeneville campus.

The event will include a brief history of Veterans Day, why Veterans Day is celebrated and a special guest speaker, retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jim Secrist, who has been awarded the Purple Heart twice for injuries received in combat.

Lt. Col. Secrist is an estate planning attorney and vice president for development at The Holston Home for Children in Greeneville. He has held similar positions in the past 15 years in various places around the country.

He is a retired U.S. Marine with 22 years of service as an infantry officer, a Marine Corps pilot and a Marine Corps attorney. He is a Vietnam War veteran, having served two combat tours as an infantry platoon commander and then as a Marine Corps pilot.

According to Dale Laney, director of Tusculum College’s Office of Veterans Services, “I think it is important to recognize those who served because they don’t ask to be recognized—but should be—and it helps those who did not serve to understand and appreciate what veterans have done for them.”

Retired LtCol Jim Secrist

The purpose of Veterans Day, according to the Veterans Administration, is “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

November 11 marked the end of World War I for the United States. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Veterans Day, like Memorial Day, pays tribute to all American veterans, living and deceased, but also gives thanks to veterans who served their country honorably both during war and times of peace.

Laney added that it is important to “recognize those who raised their hand when they didn’t have to or went when they were called and then served their country with honor and courage.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, contact Dale Laney, director of Veteran Services at dlaney@tusculum.edu or call 423.6367300. Ext. 5371.

 

By Taylor Rose, junior journalism and professional writing major from Clarksville

 

Tusculum versus Carson-Newman Blood Drive set for Oct. 24-26

Fans of the Tusculum Pioneers and Carson-Newman Eagles may support their team while contributing to the East Tennessee MEDIC Regional Blood Center in the 16th annual “Battle of Mossy Creek” blood drive competition.

There will be several opportunities to donate.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Tusculum students, faculty, staff and fans may donate on the Greeneville campus at the Niswonger Commons from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Blood donations may also be given during the week at the MEDIC Regional Blood Center at the Knoxville Regional Center (1601 Ailor Ave.) during the following hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Please let the screener know your donation should count towards Tusculum College.

The event is part of the festivities leading up to Saturday’s football game between the Pioneers and Eagles, which kicks off at 1 p.m. from Burke-Tarr Stadium in Jefferson City.

Tusculum has been the top donor in nine of the previous 14 drives, including seven of the last nine.

The winning school will be announced at halftime of the Tusculum/Carson-Newman football game at Pioneer Field. The Pioneers won the inaugural title in 2003 and again in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Carson-Newman has captured bragging rights five times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2015).

Donors should bring a valid driver’s license or other official photo ID in order to give blood. Medical prescreening and a free cholesterol test (no fasting necessary) will be provided at the sites. One donation a year exempts donors and their IRS dependents from paying blood supplier processing fees at any U.S. hospital.

Students who donate will receive a free copper tumbler complete with the Tusculum logo or a choice of a t-shirt, a coupon for a free Texas Roadhouse appetizer and a free ice cream from Dairy Queen. In addition, one lucky donor will win two tickets to the Country Cool Comedy Tour at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in January 2018.

In addition to the Mossy Creek Blood Drive, MEDIC Regional Blood Center is offering a $500 scholarship to any student who hosts a successful blood drive.

For more information, contact the MEDIC Regional Blood Center at (865) 524-3074 or at www.medicblood.org.

 

By Sydney McCallister, English and history major from Greeneville

 

 

More than 300 attend Tusculum College Homecoming activities

Groups of alumni could be seen walking around campus, reminiscing on their college life and exploring the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math and campus tours were held on Friday. Old and new joined together at the lunch with students, in which alumni could meet with student leaders currently attending Tusculum.

Alumni of all different ages met and talked. Old friends embraced each other, and young graduates learned the history of Tusculum from the older alumnus. While some may have graduated far before others, their reason for returning was similar. Ryan Barker, class of 2015, said that Tusculum was his home for four years, and homecoming is exactly that: coming home. When asked about their fondest memory, many gave the same answer; their fondest memory was meeting their spouse.

One alumnus, Jane Lavorne Morse ’77, recalled one time when her dormmates and she were lured into a water fight with one of the other dorms.

Friday night, a pep rally was held in the quad. Students and friends played cornhole, roasted marshmallows, and listened to the band play songs. The bonfire continue to burn until late in the night, and everyone around enjoyed the companionship it brought with it.

Saturday morning, tempted by the smell of breakfast, alumni gathered in the Chalmers Conference Center. When the chatter had died down, the new alumni were inducted into the Tusculum Sports Hall of Fame: Eric Claridy ’95, Jasmine Gunn ’11, and Kyle Moore ’10.

Claridy accounted for the greatest football playing career by a Tusculum tailback and has held the program’s all-time rushing and scoring records for more than 20 years. Claridy holds seven career, season, and single-game school records. His 278 career points scored are the most by a pioneer, which included 110 points in 1994, the most by a non-kicker and second-best in a Tusculum College season.

Gunn produced one of the finest playing careers in the history of Tusculum women’s basketball. Gunn helped Tusculum to four 20-win campaigns, which included three South Atlantic Conference Championships, two SAC Tournament titles, and four trips to the NCAA Tournament. Gunn was also named Tusculum Female Athlete of the Year for both the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic seasons.

Moore accounted for the greatest scoring career during the NCAA Division II era of the Tusculum men’s basketball program. Moore holds the school record with his 447 made free throws. From 2007-2010, Moore poured more than 1,813 points, which are fourth in the Tusculum record book and eighth most in the South Atlantic Conference history. Following his career at Tusculum, Moore signed a contract to play professionally in Germany for the SOBA Dragons in the Pro A League.

The Alumni Awards followed the Hall of Fame inductions. The National Living Faculty Award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the Tusculum College Faculty. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the College’s academic programs.

This year’s award went to Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, health sciences and human services. Dr. Ewen joined Tusculum College in 2012. She earned her Ph.D. degree in curriculum and instruction with majors in adult education and measurement and statistics from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in nursing degree from Barry University. Her career in academics includes dean’s positions are at Tallahassee and Columbia State Community Colleges and faculty positions at Hillsborough, St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade Colleges.  She also has extensive experience in various nursing positions, including assistant director of nursing, director of education, and nurse manager.

Dr. Ewen teaches nursing classes where she engages and challenges students to develop their critical thinking and decision making skills.  Her research interests are primarily with enhancing critical thinking and indicators of success in nursing programs.

The Pioneer Award was established by the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association in 1962 and is presented each year to an outstanding alumnus or alumna, in recognition of outstanding or meritorious achievement in his or her chosen field; for distinguished service to church, community, country and humanity; and for continuing and loyal service to Tusculum College.

This year’s recipient, Beverly Roberts is a 1990 graduate of Tusculum College. When the University of Connecticut defeated Syracuse University, on Tuesday, April 5, during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game, a Tusculum College alumna was right in the middle of the action. Roberts was selected to serve as one of the game officials at this year’s Women’s Final Four, held in Indianapolis. Roberts was one of the three referees working the national title game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, shown on ESPN. Serving as referee in big games is not new for the Kingsport native.

She officiated the 2008 NCAA Final Four in Tampa, FL, and has worked in 10 consecutive NCAA tournaments. This was her first national championship game. Roberts officiates women’s games in the Big Ten, Big 12, Missouri Valley Conference, Southeastern Conference and Conference USA. Officiating runs in the family. Beverly’s father, Garry Roberts, is a basketball official in the South Atlantic Conference.

The Frontier Award was established by the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association in 1995 and is presented each year to an outstanding alumnus or alumna in recognition of outstanding or meritorious advancement in his or her career. Consideration will be given to former students who have been graduated from the College at least five years, but no more than fifteen years. Consideration for this award should include continuing and loyal service to Tusculum College.

This year’s recipient, Dr. Jessica Epley Burchette is a 2006 graduate of Tusculum College. She went on to be a proud 2010 graduate from the inaugural class at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Upon graduation, Dr. Burchette obtained further post graduate training with a Pharmacy Practice residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN followed by an internal medicine residency with a secondary focus in academia at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Burchette joined the faculty at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in August 2012 as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. She maintains practice sites at Johnson City Medical Center and Holston Valley Medical Center working with interdisciplinary inpatient family medicine teams. In addition to her practice, Dr. Burchette also coordinates and teaches several courses within the curriculum. She enjoys teaching students about pulmonary disorders and basic critical care concepts in the classroom.

In the fall of 2013 Dr. Burchette was honored to become a faculty advisor for Kappa Psi and the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Recently, she also became a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist. She holds memberships in ASHP, ACCP, AACP, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma, Kappa Psi, TPA and TSHP.

The National Alumni Recognition Award was established by the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association in 1996 and is presented each year to an outstanding member of the Tusculum College Community. The purpose of the National Alumni Recognition Award is to bestow recognition on those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the college.

This year’s recipient was Roxanna Jaynes, catering director for Sodexo, the food service provider for Tusculum College.

Jaynes has been a familiar face at Tusculum College since her arrival on campus in 2001, when she joined the staff of Sodexo as a card swiper and greeter in the cafeteria. Jaynes has become one of the most well-known and most-hugged people on campus as her job places her in contact with everyone involved with Tusculum College, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, Board members and special guests to the College.

Students she has tended to, long gone from campus and now alumni making their way in the world, stay in touch with Jaynes. She gets phone calls, texts and the occasional wedding announcement. Her relationships are strong, lasting, and she has shed many a tear on commencement days. Jaynes is the lady who takes care of everything and everyone at luncheons, celebrations, sports gatherings, meetings and just about anywhere on campus where food is served.

Shortly after, the “State of the College” began with an introduction by Kristopher Adams, the Student Government Association President. Newly-appointed college President James Hurley spoke on the State of the College. “We’re pioneers,” said Hurley, “Tusculum has been the pioneers for 224 years. Greeneville College was that pioneer and as we move forward, we have to think about what’s next.”

Alumni gathered outside to watch the parade, lining up from the Niswonger Commons to the football field. The Homecoming court drew loud cheers from the gathered crowd.  Members of the homecoming court of 2017 could be seen getting pictures with alumni, some of whom had won homecoming in their years at Tusculum.

Inside the slowly-filling stadium, people gathered their food and prepared for the game. Cheerleaders practiced and soon enough, the band played the national anthem and the game began. Homecoming itself was full of excitement as the homecoming court was introduced and rewarded.

The King and Queen of Homecoming 2017 were Jesse Harrell, a senior sports management major from Bulls Gap and Katie Odoms, a senior creative writing major from Bristol. The prince was Carlos Duarte, a junior criminal justice major from Cordova and the princess was De’Erica Garrett, a junior business major from Greeneville.

Homecoming 2018 has been set for October 11-13.

 

 

By Sydney McCallister, English and history major from Greeneville

Preview for Tusculum College Theologian-in-Residence lectures set for October 26

This year’s Tusculum College Theologian-in-Residence will preview the lecture series’ topic at a special event on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

This year is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation (1517-2017). It was five hundred years ago this week that Martin Luther wrote his famous “95 Theses,” the document that sparked the movement now called the Reformation.

To mark the occasion, Dr. Joel Van Amberg, professor of history at Tusculum College and this year’s Theologian-in-Residence will present a lecture, “Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses – A Reformation Document?” The event is free and open to the public.

The topic will preview Dr. Van Amberg’s upcoming February lecture series, “The Historical Luther,” which will trace the development of Martin Luther’s central Reformation views, as part of the 2017 Theologian-in-Residence lecture series at Tusculum College during the month of February. Dr. Van Amberg will lead the series, now in its 26th year. The series is sponsored by Tusculum College with funding from Ron Smith.

The February Theologian-in-Residence lectures will take place on each Tuesday of the month – Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Each lecture session will begin at 10 a.m. in the Chalmers Conference Center in the Niswonger Commons. The sessions typically end around noon, with lunch in the college’s cafeteria following the conclusion of the lecture. There is no admission fee to attend the lectures or the luncheon.

Dr. Van Amberg received a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Bowdoin College and a Master of Arts in church history from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He received his doctorate in European history in the division for late Medieval and Reformation studies at the University of Arizona.

His book, “A Real Presence:  Religious and Social Dynamics of the Eucharistic Controversies in Early Modern Augsburg 1520-1530” was published in 2012. It explores the factors that led to divisions within the early Reformation movement in southern Germany.

Dr. Van Amberg has been a faculty member at Tusculum College since 2005. He teaches the pre-modern European history courses, as well as courses on the Hebrew and Christian traditions and on the history of representative government in the West. He has also served as the chair of the department of history (later history and museum studies) since 2006.

He and his wife Deirdre have five children, Jane, Samuel, Rebekah, Peter and Susanna.

The opening session of the lecture series on Feb. 6 will be the first of two sessions that considers Luther’s struggle to define the nature of religious authority.

According to Dr. Van Amberg, “As Luther’s involvement in the church increased, first as friar, then priest, then doctor of theology, and finally as professor of sacred scripture and pastor, his engagement with the scriptures deepened.  In it he found not only a textual source of doctrinal authority, but also a living word that addressed his most pressing spiritual concerns.”

Although the series has no admission fee, reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation for the series, please call 423.636.7304 or email bsell@tusculum.edu.

 

Meen Center for Science and Mathematics officially dedicated with Tusculum College ceremony

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and many members of the community gathered on Thursday, Oct. 19, to dedicate the new Meen Center for Science and Mathematics on the Tusculum College campus.

Many in the Tusculum community have been watching excitedly as the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math reached completion. The building will meet strategic needs as the college continues to grow in enrollment and programming offerings.

The dedication included a tribute to the late Verna June Meen who asked that the building be named in honor of her late husband, Dr. Ronald June Meen. The dedication prayer was issued by Rev. Angus R. Shaw III, a life trustee of Tusculum College. Other speakers included Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Tusculum Board of Trustees, and Joe Woody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ground was broken on the facility in fall of 2013, and on Jan. 10, 2017, the first classes were held in the new center. The opening of the Meen Center for Science and Math has created a strong sense of excitement on campus, particularly for the students, faculty and staff who were the first to experience this state-of-the-art facility.

Interiors include wings for biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, environmental science, and two wings for nursing programs. There are laboratory spaces and research areas for both faculty and students. The ground floor features the environmental science wing with a loading dock, as well as large general classroom spaces and classrooms equipped for distance learning programs. A large lecture hall is included on the ground floor.

The facility was been made possible in part to the late Verna June Meen, whose $3.875 million gift towards funding the facility in memory of her husband, Dr. Ronald H. Meen, allowed the leadership of the college to move forward with plans for the facility. Additionally, the college just completed a $26 million capital campaign and was assisted by a $4.7 million low-interest loan from USDA. Much of the technology and equipment in the facility was purchased through a $381,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Meen Center will impact students in the areas of math, science, computer science, biology, chemistry, environmental science and nursing for generations. Verna June and Ron Meen’s legacy will live in perpetuity through the lives of the countless number of people who pass through these doors, graduate and serve communities throughout the United States and the world.

 


Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Scie

Homecoming 2017 – Oct. 20-22

Homecoming 2017 is coming very soon, and we have many exciting events planned for the weekend of October 19-22!

We invite all alumni to return to their Alma Mater to enjoy the many Homecoming activities.

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

10 am – 4 pm – Registration – Lobby of Annie Hogan Byrd

11:30 – Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Mathematics Building Dedication – Erwin Hwy entrance of building

12:00 – Meen Center Dedication Luncheon – The Board of Trustees invite you to join them as we celebrate the Meen Center.

Tours of the Meen Center to follow luncheon.

6 p.m. – 1960’s Alumni Party – Hosted by Ann ‘Butch’ Van Buskirk ’61 at her home.  For address and directions, please contact the Alumni Office at 423-636-7303.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

8 am – 4 pm – Registration – Lobby of Annie Hogan Byrd

Tours of the Meen Center throughout the day.

11:30 am – Lunch with students – Enjoy lunch with students on the terrace of the Thomas J. Garland Library – $10

1 pm – Campus Tours – Revisit and Rediscover. The tour will showcase our growing and changing campus, and offer you the chance to experience Tusculum with the President’s Society, a group of elite residential college students. Tours will depart from Garland Library Lobby.

1 pm – Golf Tournament – Enjoy some friendly competition on the Link Hills CC Golf Course. Registration is at noon pm with shotgun start at 1 pm. Alumni, spouses, faculty, staff and friends are invited to participate. Dinner will be provided for participants in the golf tournament as well as those who may want to join them following the tournament.

2 pm – Ice Cream Social and Tusculum College Alumni Travel Preview – Chalmers Conference Center – Join alumni and friends as they learn about the exciting destinations that the Tusculum College Alumni Travel will be offering in the coming year as well as Cicero’s Steps in 2019. Hear from those who traveled the Rhine in 2017. This event is open to all Tusculum College alumni and friends interested in travel. Visit with classmates, friends, and family you may have traveled with in the past and those you look to travel with in the future.

6 pm – Dinner at Link Hills CC – Join us for a buffet dinner.

7 pm – Volleyball vs Lenoir-Rhyne – Pioneer Arena

7 pm – Bonfire and Pep Rally – Welty Craig/Haynes Lawn – Quad Area

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

8 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Registration – Living Room of Niswonger Commons

8 am – Memorial Service – Garland Library Lobby – Join us in remembering alumni who have passed away since Homecoming 2016.

8:30 am – Alumni Breakfast – Chalmers Conference Center – Come enjoy breakfast with alumni and friends. – $15

9:00 am –Sports Hall of Fame Induction – Chalmers Conference Center – Come celebrate the newest sports hall of fame award honorees.

9:30 am – Alumni Softball Game – Red Edmonds Field

10 am – Alumni Awards and Alumni Meeting – Chalmers Conference Center – Celebrate the newest alumni, learn the latest about the alumni association, and hear an update on the College.

10 am – Alumni Band – Join the current Tusculum College Marching Band for rehersal and event performances.

11 am – Class Photos – In front of Niswonger Commons – $10 each

10:30 am – Alumni Tennis Match – Roger M. Nichols Tennis Complex

11 am – 5th Annual Civil War Scrimmage (Lacrosse Alumni Game) – IPF – Current men’s lacrosse players and alumni will hold their 5th annual scrimmage game. (Coach Carrington, x5378)

11:30 am – Student Support Services Luncheon – Alumni who were in the Student Support Services program or ARCHES are invited to a BBQ cookout and other festivities at the Patton House (near Pioneer Park). Donations are optional, but welcome and can be made at the cookout.

Noon – Homecoming Parade – Watch the 14th Annual Homecoming Parade along the route between the Charles Oliver Gray Complex and Pioneer Park. The Golden Pioneers will serve as Grand Marshals.

12:30 pm – Volleyball vs Catawba – Pioneer Arena

12:30 pm – Tailgate – Enjoy a Tusculum College Pioneer Tailgate Party. – $10

2:30 – Tusculum Pioneer Football vs. Catawba – Cheer on the Pioneers as they take on Catawba at Pioneer Field.

Alumni Dinner and Dance – GMI

    • 6 pm – Alumni and Friends Social Hour – General Morgan Inn
    • 7 pm – Alumni and Friends Dinner – General Morgan Inn – Join us at the General Morgan Inn for dinner. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. – $45
    • 8 pm – Alumni and Friends Music and Fellowship – DJ Donnie Bunch will provide music. – $15 if not eating

7 pm – Alumni Baseball Game – Pioneer Park

6:00 pm – Orange and Black Game – Women’s Basketball inter-squad scrimmage – Pioneer Arena

7:30 pm – Orange and Black Game – Men’s Basketball inter-squad scrimmage – Pioneer Arena

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Attend the church of your choice.  First Presbyterian Church of Greeneville (110 N. Main Street) is the mother church of the College.  Early service at 8:30 am, Sunday School at 9:30 am, the traditional service at 10:45 am.  Learn more at www.firstpresgreeneville.org.

 

 

Kagan teachers’ conference coming to Tusculum College

Tusculum College, through the School of Education, will host a Kagan one-day, higher-level thinking skills workshop for educators on Tusculum College’s Greeneville campus on Thursday, Oct. 26.

According to Dr. Peggy Goodson-Rochelle, assistant professor of education, Kagan is a nationally-recognized publisher and professional development company focused on providing teachers of all ages with the opportunity to learn the art of student engagement and the development of higher-level thinking skills.

“It’s not just about knowledge comprehension. This workshop helps to enhance skills that emphasize student engagement and higher order thinking,” said Dr. Goodson-Rochelle.

She added that classroom teachers tend to score lowest on evaluations in the area of using strategies to elicit high order thinking, developing students’ problem solving skills and asking higher order questions. The School of Education uses the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model to assess and evaluate teacher candidates during clinical field experiences and student-teaching, which is the same model used in the majority of school systems across the State of Tennessee.

“We, too, have identified this as an area of improvement for teacher preparation,” she said. There is a need for further development of higher-level thinking skills in the State of Tennessee, and this workshop provides both novice and experienced teachers the opportunity to improve their teaching skills in this area.

Dr. Goodson-Rochelle said the School of Education at Tusculum College is excited to have the opportunity to host this workshop. This is the first time that a Kagan event has been hosted in the area, and Tusculum’s campus is centrally located to many of the college’s school system partners. Tusculum’s School of Education and its school system partners work together throughout the year to provide quality clinical experiences, including practicum and student teaching, for education majors. In return, these opportunities allow Tusculum to support the needs of school system partners.

Dr. Rochelle said, “It is a cycle. We want to prepare new teachers who have a positive impact on K-12 education. School Systems or K-12 education wants to graduate students who are job or college ready for us.”

Hosting this event and opening it up to teachers all across the region only tightens the bond between Tusculum and its surrounding community, she said.

For more information about the event, contact Goodson-Rochelle at prochelle@tusculum.edu or call 423.636.7300.

By Taylor Rose, junior journalism and professional writing major from Clarksville

Appalachian food author Fred Sauceman to give lecture at Tusculum College

Appalachian food author and Greene County native Fred Sauceman will present a lecture “Dip Dogs, Dr. Enuf, and Beans All the Way:  A Gathering around the Appalachian Table” on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Tusculum College.

The lecture is free and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Chalmers Conference Center in Niswonger Common on the Greeneville campus of Tusculum College.

Sauceman’s lecture will focus on Appalachian food, its history, origin and traditions, as well as tell the stories of the people behind the food.

Fred Sauceman

Authors and food historians Matt and Ted Lee of Charleston have called Sauceman one of “the most insightful anthropologists of Appalachian folkways.”  Food writer Ronni Lundy adds that Fred “has patiently, thoughtfully, and thoroughly recorded the genuine history of a region and its people.”

Greeneville native Sauceman holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. He and his wife, Jill, write regularly for “Blue Ridge Country,” and he is a regular contributor to “Smoky Mountain Living” magazine.  He writes a monthly column called “Potluck” for the “Johnson City Press” and appears monthly on WJHL-TV in a segment called “Food with Fred.”

He will debut a new weekly segment on Public Radio called “Potluck Radio.” in November. Sauceman has been named editor of a new book series called “Food and the American South” by Mercer University Press in Macon, Georgia. He has written and edited seven food-related books and has produced seven food-related documentary films. His latest book is “The Proffitts of Ridgewood:  An Appalachian Family’s Life in Barbecue.”

Sauceman will have copies of his books for sale and signing. The event is part of the Humanities Lecture Series sponsored by the Tusculum College English Department.

 

Tusculum professor receives DAISY Award for nursing

Greta Robinette, assistant professor of nursing at Tusculum, has been awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The DAISY Award is given to nurses’ whose clinical skills and compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that is seen as a role model for others.

To receive the award, DAISY nurses must have made a significant difference in the life of a patient or the patient’s family, form a sense of family, always display a caring attitude and must develop key relationship. DAISY Nurses may be nominated by patients, visitors, nurses, physicians or team members.

Greta Robinette

“Greta is a compassionate nurse who strives to provide the best possible care to her patients,” said Dr. Lois Ewen, the dean of nursing. “Her strong clinical skills and her desire to assist individuals are an asset to the nursing programs. Students have commented about her enthusiasm for nursing and her willingness to assist students outside of the classroom.”

Robinette joined Tusculum in 2013 and holds a master’s degree in nursing from King University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She earned her bachelor’s degree from King University as well, in the RN to BSN program.

She has taught pathophysiology, nursing foundations, leadership, nursing in adult care and nursing ethics, and has worked as an RN, Level II at Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, and as a senior primary RN at Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center, also in Kingsport.

By Sydney McCallister, freshman English and history major from Greeneville

Blue Plate Special to be featured at Improv Night at Tusculum

The stage in the Behan Arena Theatre at Tusculum will come to life again with an evening of improvisation. Blue Plate Special’s “Improv Night in the BAT!” is set for Wednesday, Oct. 11, as the popular group visits campus for an evening of fun and the unexpected.

The show features 90 minutes of standup, improv and sketch comedy from the Tri-Cities’ premier comedy group. Blue Plate Special is a group of 10 comedians who perform regularly around the area, including a recent appearance at the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Greeneville.

“Audiences can expect endless possibilities,” said Erin Schultz, a member of the troupe and Arts Outreach costume director at Tusculum College. Schultz added that the show is very interactive and depends heavily on the energy and involvement of the audience. “What we do is short-form improv that includes a series of improv games,” she said, adding that it is similar to the popular television series “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”

The show begins at 7 p.m. in the Behan Arena Theatre, located in the lower level of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. Admission is $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors 60 and over.

In addition to their shows in Greeneville and Tusculum, Blue Plate Special will be performing at the Gatlinburg Comedy Festival this spring.

The Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series is supported by Tusculum Arts Outreach, Hearts for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the late Dr. Sam Miller in memory of Agnes Ault Miller and generous donors and volunteers.

For more information, contact Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.

 

Professional assistance in filling out FAFSA to be offered by Tusculum in sessions at local high schools in October

Filling out the necessary financial forms for college can be challenging, and sessions are planned this month to provide assistance to high school students and their parents with this important step in preparing for higher education.

A series of “FAFSA Frenzy” programs have been scheduled by Tusculum to help families find answers to their questions about the financial aid process as well as receive assistance with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms that are required as a first step in the process to receive financial aid, including the Tennessee Promise program.

This year the FAFSA may be completed beginning October 1. Sessions are scheduled at each of the local high schools in Greene County.

Personnel from Tusculum’s Financial Aid staff will provide their professional assistance at each of these “FAFSA Frenzy” events as a community service. The events are open to all high school students, not only those who may be interested in attending Tusculum.

Sessions will be held at all five high schools in Greene County:  Thursday, Oct. 5 at South Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 17 at North Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 20 at Greeneville High School from 4-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 24 at West Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; and Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Chuckey-Doak High School from 3-6 p.m.

The events will have a “drop in” format, and students and their families are welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled period to receive assistance.

“Students and parents who are not familiar with the process can find the FAFSA and other financial forms puzzling, and we are looking forward to offering our assistance to these families,” said Melissa Ripley, executive director of enrollment management operations and traditional admission. “Tusculum is pleased to be able to provide this service to our community and share our expertise with students and their parents as they prepare for this important step in their lives no matter what school they choose to attend”.

Students and parents are asked to bring their 2016 tax returns if available to the event.

FAFSA forms are used to determine eligibility for federal and state funds such as Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans work-study programs and the Tennessee Promise program, and must be completed each academic year for which a student wishes to seek aid.

Students and parents are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible. The deadline for the Tennessee Student Assistance Award is March 1 for 2018. Tusculum’s Financial Aid Office recommends that students apply as quickly as possible to assure that their applications will be considered for aid types that typically become limited or exhausted long before school begins in August.

For more information about FAFSA Frenzy, please contact Ripley at 636-7374 or mripley@tusculum.edu or contact one of the Financial Aid counselors at 636-7377 or financialaid@tusculum.edu.

 

Tusculum College names new Chief Financial Officer

Tusculum President Dr. James Hurley has named Dr. David Collins as Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Tusculum College, effective Monday, Oct. 2.

“I am excited that Dr. Collins has joined the Tusculum family and look forward to working with him.  To have someone with Dr. Collins’ financial acumen and business leadership is a significant step forward for the college,” said President Hurley.

In this position he will oversee the college’s business and finance, facilities, bookstore, campus post office and food services operations.

Dr. David Collins

Dr. Collins retired from East Tennessee State University in May after 35 years with the institution. While at ETSU, he served as vice president for finance and administration, vice president for business and finance, associate vice president for business and finance, assistant vice president for finance and administration, comptroller, assistant comptroller and director of internal audit. Prior to ETSU, Dr. Collins worked as a state auditor in North Carolina and as a supervisor of Non-State Funds for the Controller’s Office at Western Carolina University.

“I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with Dr. Hurley and the Board of Trustees at Tusculum College,” said Dr. Collins. “I wasn’t expecting something to draw me out of retirement, but this was an opportunity that I’m excited to begin.”

While at ETSU, Dr. Collins helped lead the university through a major reduction in state appropriations exceeding 33 percent over a three-year period. He implemented a risk assessment system, as well as an e-procurement system for the institution. He also oversaw the implementation of several Continuous Improvement Teams that led to increased productivity and cost savings in various areas of the university.

Dr. Collins holds a Doctor of Education from ETSU, as well as an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Western Carolina University.

He has served on a variety of ETSU and Tennessee Board of Regents committees and is currently teaching a doctoral course in the Education Leadership Program. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Dr. Collins replaces Steve Gehret who joined the college in Tusculum in 2007.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the faculty, staff and students at Tusculum College, we appreciate Mr. Gehret’s hard work, dedication and financial expertise in addressing the needs of Tusculum. We wish him well with his future endeavors,” said Dr. Hurley.