Tusculum College receives more than $200,000 per year in grant funding for new Upward Bound Math and Science Program.

he Tusculum College TRIO program has been awarded a $263,938 grant for the first year of a new Upward Bound Math and Science program.

According to Dr. Jason Pierce, vice president of academic affairs, it is anticipated that the grant reach is for a total of five years. “This grant will allow Tusculum College to increase the services provided through the TRIO program to students in our region, and now across the State of Tennessee. It is at the heart of the Tusculum mission to work through education to improve the lives of all within our reach.”

The grant is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of 60 students in grades 9-12 in Greene County and the Tennessee Online Public School, said Jeanne Stokes, director of TRIO programs.

“The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue post-secondary degrees in math and science, said Stokes. “Ultimately we would like to see these students set their sights on careers in math and science fields.”

She added, “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to the students in our area. The program will be designed to enrich their education through highly interactive and creatively-designed classes and will include exposure to field experiences, internships and job shadowing opportunities.”

The Upward Bound Math and Science Program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The primary goal of the program is to help students develop their potential to excel in math and science and help them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science.

The Tusculum College TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Programs include Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, Talent Search and Student Support Services.

Participants in the Tusculum College TRIO programs are first-generation college students, low-income individuals, individuals who are at high risk for academic failure or those who have a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond high school.

The Upward Bound Math and Science program will include academic tutoring, advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection, preparation for college entrance exams and completing the college admission application process, information on federal student financial aid, and assistance completing financial aid applications.

 

 

Nicole Rader named to alumni position at Tusculum College

Nicole Rader has been named director of alumni engagement for Tusculum College.

Rader, a 2017 graduate of Tusculum College, began serving in this new capacity on Aug. 28. She comes to Tusculum having served as the resource development coordinator and webmaster for Holston United Methodist Home for Children, also in Greeneville. While at Holston Home, Rader managed fund development, alumni relations, special events and community relations as well as supported the organization’s website.

Additionally, Rader serves as auxiliary assistant chief of the Greeneville Police Department.

Nicole Rader

“We are thrilled to have Nicole join the advancement team, and in particular the alumni relations department at Tusculum College. Nicole will be working with all aspects of our alumni program and is already making a valuable contribution,” said Heather Patchett, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Tusculum College.

In her new role, Rader will be responsible for leading efforts to engage alumni in the life and work of Tusculum College through giving, volunteering and attending alumni events. She will provide leadership for increasing alumni participation in giving, for organizing reunions and will provide support for the Alumni Executive board.

“I am excited to be part of the success that is happening at Tusculum College,” said Rader. “It’s a good fit for my skills and provides an opportunity to serve the community that I call home.”

In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College, Rader holds an associate degree from Walters State Community College.

 

Tusculum College “Rocks the Vote”

As a Civic Arts institution, Tusculum College’s mission is to engage the community and to encourage students to become engaged citizens of the world. To support this mission, the Tusculum College Rock the Vote event will provide avenues for students and members of the community to register to vote.

The event will be held on September 18-21.

“The day after the 2016 election, I walked into a class full of freshmen students who were upset about the results,” said Dr. Michael Bodary, associate professor of English and one of the organizers of the event. “I asked for a show of hands for how many people had voted: only two out of sixteen students had bothered. You’ve got two options: you either get the government you voted for or you get the government you didn’t vote for.”

On Monday, Sept.18, there will be a showing of the movie “Recount” at 7 p.m. It will take place at the Behan Arena Theatre with a discussion about polling and statistics by Shannon Brewer, assistant professor of mathematics. There will be (all-American) apple pie. This will count as an arts and lecture credit event for residential students.

“Recount” is a film focusing on the 2000 United States Presidential election, specifically the Bush v. Gore case that took place over the controversial Florida recount. Starring Kevin Spacey, “Recount” explores the drama surrounding one of the most controversial presidential elections in U.S. history.

Students in Greeneville can register to vote Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.

Students in Morristown or Knoxville can register to vote at the Morristown or Knoxville sites on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8:15 p.m.

For international students, there will be a separate mock election where these students can cast their vote for a US candidate to understand the difference between the two groups as well as providing an international perspective.

Registered student voters can participate in a repeat of the 2016 election, voting between Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton or Gary Johnson.

 

 

By Sydney McCallister, freshman English and History major from Greeneville

 

Tusculum College nursing program officials pleased with accreditation visit

Three representatives of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education visited the Tusculum College campus on Monday, Sept. 11, to conduct an on-site visit of the graduate programs in nursing – the Master of Science in nursing and the post master’s degree certificate in nursing.

The CCNE representatives met with Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of the school of nursing, health sciences and human services; Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of the college; Steve Gehret, vice president of finance and CFO; Dr. Jason Pierce, vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Linda Garret, assistant dean of nursing, health sciences and human services and chair of the graduate program; the nursing faculty, and the advisory council for the MSN program. The group also met with several students currently in the graduate nursing program and visited clinical teaching sites.

The visit concluded with the reading of the group’s report which stated that Tusculum was found to be in compliance with all four standards upon which the programs were reviewed and the Tusculum program will be recommended for accreditation. Final accreditation will not be conferred until the report is reviewed by the CCNE Board. The college expects to be notified of the final decision in May 2018.

According to Dr. Ewen, the reviewers were extremely impressed with the physical facilities and complimentary of the resources allocated for the nursing program. They were also complimentary of the clinical sites and preceptors available for Tusculum student clinical experiences.

“Their meetings with students in the program went extremely well,” said Dr. Ewen, “including discussions with students in the post masters certification program.”

Dr. Ewen added, “I am also pleased to announce that this fall we have a total of 49 students in the Bachelor of Science in nursing program with a new class to be admitted in January. In the Master of Science in nursing program, we have eight continuing students who, assuming their success in coursework, will be in the first graduating class in December.”

In addition, there were 31 students admitted into the MSN program this fall.

 

Tusculum College’s Center for Civic Advancement and Tusculum View Elementary School form partnership

Providing resources, programs and support are the focus points of a partnership agreement signed by Tusculum College’s Center for Civic Advancement and Tusculum View Elementary School.

The partnership agreement became official on Friday, Sept. 15, at a signing ceremony at Tusculum View Elementary School.  The agreement was established for one year, after which time it will be evaluated and considered for renewal.

According to Dr. Lisa Johnson, associate vice president for student success and assistant professor of education, “This partnership is an example of how common goals can be met when schools and civic/community groups, school groups, or businesses collaborate, and it will provide wonderful opportunities for the students at Tusculum View.”

Objectives of the partnership are to support Tusculum View’s academic programs, Tiger Time and Extended School programs. The partnership will result in Tusculum College providing college students to assist, interact and provide programs that meet the needs of the students, faculty of Tusculum View as well as meet the mission of Tusculum College.

According to Tusculum View Principal Deanna Martin, Tusculum View Elementary School will provide Tusculum’s CCA staff areas of need that can be targeted through the partnership. Tusculum College representatives, which may include faculty, staff and students will provide additional enrichment to programming for the various programs offered by Tusculum View Elementary.

The mission of Tusculum’s Center for Civic Advancement is to engage the heart, mind, and soul of Tusculum through cultivating awareness of self and of others. The CCA aspires to do this through the establishment of meaningful relationships with our local, national, and global communities.

From left sitting, Dr. Ronda Gentry, Deanna Martin and Dr. Nancy B. Moody. Standing, from left, are Gabi Stayton, Simon Holt and Brin Ferguson

Tusculum’s Doak House Museum to host Fennel Harvest Party

Tusculum College’s Doak House Museum will be hosting a Fennel Harvest Party free to the community on Friday, Sept. 22.

Dollie Boyd, director of museums at Tusculum College, has an unusually large crop of fennel seeds that are currently ready for harvest. Because of this, a Fennel Harvest Party will be held on September 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Doak House Museum.

The herb bed where the fennel grows is managed by volunteers from the East Side Garden Club.

The party will include the making and serving of fennel tea and sample treats made with these savory little seeds, as well as an educational experience that allows potential herb lovers to learn the benefits of this easy-to-grow plant.

“People always ask me what can be done with fennel,” said Dollie Boyd, “this is your chance to not only find out, but have some fun while you’re at it.” The event is free to the community and participants will be welcome to take home recipes and seeds.

Guests are also invited to stay for Pickin’ at the Doaks, the monthly old-time music jam session beginning at 6 p.m. Call the Doak House Museum at 423-636-8554 for more information. You may also contact Dollie Boyd directly at dboyd@tusculum.edu.

 

 

 

By Sydney McCallister, freshman English and history major from Greeneville

More than 700 put in day of service as part of ‘Nettie Day’

Tusculum students paint the rails along a handicapped ramp at Calvary Baptist Church as part of the annual Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day. Students also painted interior hallways and rooms as well as update some of the landscaping around the church’s sign.

More than 700 students, faculty, staff and alumni of Tusculum College fanned out into the region on Wednesday to provide a day of service through helping others and improving the community.

All freshmen and first-year transfer students participated in Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day as part of the Tusculum Experience course. Many other students, faculty, staff and alumni also pitched in totaling 726 participants working at 36 locations, including volunteers from the Knoxville Regional Center and the Greeneville campus, according to Dr. Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement and coordinator of the event. This was the largest participation for a Nettie Service Day in more than a decade.

Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day is one of the longest-held traditions on the Tusculum campus and involves students spending time in service to others. Some of the projects that the students undertook included working with local non-profit organizations, cleaning public spaces and working with local schools.

“Today we celebrate what Tusculum does and what it means to be a Tusculum Pioneer,” said Dr. Gentry. “Nettie Day serves as an introduction to our new students and a reminder to our entire community of the importance and value of community involvement.”

In the morning kick-off session, Dr. Gentry told the group that what they would do today would impact tens of thousands of lives.

This year, Nettie Day participants helped numerous organizations, including Rural Resources, the Greeneville/Greene County Humane Society, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Greeneville Theatre Guild, the Oaks Retreat Center, local parks and several schools. Service activities were also conducted on the Tusculum campus.

Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day, which is conducted under the auspices of the Center for Civic Advancement, honors the memory and altruistic way of life of Nettie Fowler McCormick, widow of reaper inventor Cyrus McCormick, who was a 19th century supporter and advocate of Tusculum College. The McCormicks, staunch Presbyterians from Chicago, learned of Tusculum College through Tusculum graduates who attended their McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and became some of the most significant donors in the college’s history.

One of the most recognizable landmarks along Snapp Ferry Road in Greeneville was the focus of one of the service projects at the American Legion Post 64 by Tusculum College students as part of Nettie Day.

Nettie McCormick is recognized as the college’s first benefactor, a term that in Tusculum usage denotes a donor whose cumulative gifts total at least $1 million. Nettie McCormick funded construction of several of Tusculum’s historic structures, including Haynes Hall, Rankin Hall, Welty-Craig Hall, Virginia Hall and McCormick Hall, which is named after the McCormick family.

McCormick Day, now often informally called Nettie Day at the college, began as a day of cleaning the campus in reflection of Nettie McCormick’s insistence on clean living environments. The day has evolved to take on a more generalized community service emphasis.

 

 

 

 

 

rimming trees at Oak Grove Cemetery in downtown Greeneville was one of the projects for Tusculum’s annual service day.

 

 

 

 

 

Tusculum College grant available for high school dual enrollment program

Students who have already taken or who will complete two dual enrollment courses through Tusculum College are now eligible for additional financial assistance of up to $400 with the help of the Tusculum Access Grant offered through the college.

“Through the Tusculum Access Grant, high school students may take additional dual enrollment courses, earning college credit while in high school, with no out-of-pocket tuition expenses,” said Dr. Blair Henley, vice president of information systems at Tusculum College. “This program is open to any high school student in Tennessee.”

There are a wide variety of courses and course options available for high school students seeking to advance their academic careers or study specific topics. All courses in the dual enrollment program are offered online for the convenience of high school students’ schedules.

According to Dr. Henley, the TAG grant will help to cover the $400 gap in state funding and is available for students who are eligible. Eligibility for dual enrollment starts the summer before a student’s junior year in high school and forward. Individuals must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in their dual enrollment course work.

Through the dual enrollment program at Tusculum College, students can earn both high school and college credit in a variety of courses such as English, math, history, sociology, art history, computer science, religion, and speech.

While the Tusculum Access Grant is for students seeking to take their third or fourth dual enrollment course at Tusculum College, for others interested in the program there may be other financial assistance available. According to Dr. Henley, teHo-date, almost 400 students have received college credit through the Tusculum College dual enrollment program.

For more information about the new program or to apply, please visit http://web.tusculum.edu/dualenrollment. Individuals may also call 423-636-7349 or email bhenley@tusuclum.edu to learn more about the program.

 

By Sydney McCallister, freshaman history and English major from Greeneville, TN

 

Wind advisory in effect for Tusculum area

From the National Weather Service – A wind advisory remains in effect from 2 p.m. EDT on Monday, Sept. 11, through 11 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Expect north to northeasterly winds between 15 and 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph across East Tennessee and southwest Virginia. The windy conditions may down trees, branches and power lines.

A wind advisory means that winds of 26 to 39 mph and/or gusts of 40 to 57 mph are expected or occurring. Winds this strong can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles (vehicles with a high center of gravity.) Use extra caution and travel only if necessary. While on campus, avoid parking under trees if at all possible.

It is not expected at this time that there will be any changes to the Tusculum College schedule at any campus or site. However, please follow your Pioneer Alerts and Tusculum email for updates.

 

Tusculum College sees record-breaking year with new students

Tusculum College reached a historic milestone with the entrance of its 2017-2018 residential student class, with 405 new students, an increase of 7.1 percent over the 2016-2017 academic year new student enrollment. This is also the highest number in recorded history for an entering class.

The registration total was announced by Dr. Paul Pinckley, vice president for marketing and enrollment management for Tusculum College, who said that the number includes 299 entering freshmen, 78 transfer students and 28 new international students.

“Tusculum College’s residential program continues to grow for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Pinckley. “We have implemented a focused, personal follow-up program by our strong admissions team. We have also added two athletics teams, track and field and STUNT, which have boosted enrollment, and we believe we have a strong marketing message directed at those students we identify to be a good fit at Tusculum College.”

Tusculum College, which has a tradition of reaching out to first-generation college students, did so again, with 140 of the fall entering class listed as first-generation college students.

Of the new students in this year’s entering class, 203 are from the State of Tennessee, and 174 are from outside the state. Thirty-four of the new students are from Greene County, which is about 10 percent of the entering class. According to Dr. Pinckley, the new students on average received $15,000 in institutional aid, which includes scholarships and grants specifically awarded by Tusculum College. Academic scholarships awarded by the college to students in this year’s entering class range from $500 to $12,000.

He added that the large entering class produced a residence halls occupancy rate which is slightly above 100 percent. While all students are now housed on campus, the first few weeks of school required off-campus housing for a few students. “Having at or over capacity housing is a good problem to have. It makes for lively student activities, full stands at athletic events and creates a better environment for students as more students are involved in campus activities,” he said.

He added that the college will continue to recruit new students and is still accepting applications and registrations for students who will be able to start classes in January, the beginning of the spring semester.

“We are reassured that students and their parents are realizing that even in difficult economic times, an education is a valuable investment, and we are pleased that so many of those families have chosen Tusculum College as a place where they feel confident their student can be successful,” said Dr. Pinckley.

Graduate and Professional Studies fall graduate enrollment is also up, with 99 students enrolled, up 37.5 percent over Fall 2016.

 

‘Breakneck Hamlet’ to bring a high energy version of Shakespeare’s classic play to the stage

Tim Mooney will bring his one-hour, high energy version of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays to the stage at Tusculum College with the presentation of “Breakneck Hamlet” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, in the Behan Arena Theatre on campus.

Tim Mooney will bring his one-hour, high energy version of Hamlet to the stage Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Tusculum College.

Mooney’s “Breakneck Hamlet” will be presented at 7 p.m. in the Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level (side entrance) of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The performance is part of the 2017-18 Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series, coordinated by Tusculum Arts Outreach.

Mooney has “recklessly sliced” his “Breakneck Hamlet” from Shakespeare’s original, cutting a four-hour play to a single hour with a single actor. This “breakneck” performance reveals Hamlet as a thrilling chameleon, with an immense intellectual capacity and a hilarious, wicked sense of humor. Rather than the melancholy Dane of more traditional interpretations of the play, Mooney’s Hamlet is a man of action with barely a second-long pause throughout.

The Chicago-based actor is a veteran of over 50 fringe festivals and 15 years of touring colleges and high schools across the US with popular one-man shows. “Breakneck Hamlet” is Mooney’s eighth (and he describes as best) one-man play, following, “Moliere than Thou,” “Lot o’ Shakespeare” (one monologue from each of Shakespeare’s plays), and “The Greatest Speech of All Time,” which included historical speeches ranging from Socrates to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mooney has adapted 17 of the plays of Molière and is the author of the acting textbook, “Acting at the Speed of Life; Conquering Theatrical Style.” Mooney’s skill at turning rhetorical complexity into theatrical power gets its greatest test with “Hamlet.” (He has, in fact, published his complete adaptation, along with a facing-page concordance including research and acting notes, as “The Breakneck Hamlet Companion,” available via Amazon.)

“I was inspired to bring substance and passion to the soliloquies and great speeches (while bridging the gaps of the ongoing action with a playful, snarky commentary that I can’t quite resist),” Mooney says of “Breakneck Hamlet.”

“The intent is to add by subtraction,” he continues. “By removing a dozen actors and three hours of melancholy, we surface the power that the original Elizabethan audience must have felt. It gives the modern audience access to what is generally considered the greatest play of all time. We are suddenly more aware of a delicate and dangerous political battle, between two equally powerful, and equally aware players fighting over who gets to be king.”

Admission to the play is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and over, and $5 for children 12 and under. Special discounts for adult or senior tickets are available for groups of 15 or more.

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.

To reserve tickets or for more information, contact Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.