Tusculum student art exhibit featured at Tipton Gallery

“Just Another Roadside Attraction,” a rotating collection of Tusculum student artwork, will be the exhibition at the Tipton Gallery in Johnson City throughout the month of June. Opening receptions will be held on June 1 and 2, from 6-9 p.m.

The exhibit will feature additional Tusculum student art in subsequent weekends. There will be a closing reception on Wednesday, June 28, f\rom 6-9 p.m.

“Just Another Roadside Attraction” is a presentation of various art projects that Professor Bill Bledsoe and Tusculum students have put together over the past year. The Tipton Gallery is located on 126 Spring Street in Johnson City. The Thursday exhibit coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper.  A special body of work was created for this occasion, for which, the students assisted with developing.

The Friday opening coincides with Johnson City’s “First Friday” celebration and the Blue Plum Festival.  The closing reception will feature a finale of artwork that celebrates the history of East Tennessee.

“Just Another Roadside Attraction” is on loan to the Tipton Gallery as a Clem Allison Gallery/Shulman Exhibit. All events are open to the public

 

Members of Class of 1967 celebrate 50th reunion year at Spring Commencement

Members of the Class of 1967 and the bagpipers lead the procession of the morning Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 6.

Members of the Class of 1967 were celebrated with special events during the weekend of of Spring Commencement, May 5 and 6, as they reunited on campus to celebrate their 50th anniversary year.

Seven members of the Class of 1967 were able to return to campus for the Golden Pioneer events to mark their significant milestone.

During the afternoon of Friday, May 5, the newest Golden Pioneers were able to take tours of campus, led by current students, to see the changes that have taken place in recent years.

At a reception at the Allison Gallery at the Shulman Center, each class member was presented a commemorative medallion and pin by Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum.

Following the reception, class members gathered to share a fun evening of fellowship and reminiscing at Brumley’s Restaurant at the General Morgan Inn in downtown Greeneville.

The Golden Pioneers had an early start on Saturday, May 6, with a breakfast in the Pioneer Perk coffee house on campus prior to their preparation for the upcoming Commencement ceremony.

Following breakfast, class members donned gold robes and mortar boards along with their medallions and posed for a few photos with Dr. Moody before lining up in the hallway to lead the processional during the morning Commencement ceremony.

The Golden Pioneers led the graduating students into Pioneer Arena and sat in the front row in front of the stage. During the ceremony, Dr. Moody recognized each by name, and the group was applauded by the soon-to-be graduates and the audience. A presentation was also made to Dr. Moody during the ceremony of the combined class gift of $3,087 from the members of the Class of 1967 and the graduating seniors.

Following the ceremony, the Golden Pioneers returned to the Perk for lunch and more fellowship.

The Golden Pioneers pose for a photo with Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody prior to the Commencement Ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class of 1967 member George Coates is "pinned" by Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody during a reception for the newest Golden Pioneers at the Allison Gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory Heimall and Phyllis Boardman Heimall first became a happy couple at Tusculum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A gift of $3,087 from the Class of 1967 and the graduating seniors of 2017 was presented during the Commencement Ceremony. From left are Carrie Rose, who was president of the Student Government Association and chair of the group heading the senior class gift effort; Dr. Moody, and Ken Conner, representing the Class of 1967. Conner had served as president of the senior class in 1966-67.

 

Spring 2017 Dean’s List announced

The Tusculum College academic honors lists have been announced for the spring 2017 semester recognizing undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Tusculum recognizes its students for academic achievements through three academic honors lists – the Dean’s List, the President’s List and the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List.

The Dean’s List includes full-time students who have earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher during a semester. Students must complete 12 or more hours for the semester term to be included on the Dean’s List.

The President’s List includes those students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average during the semester while taking at least 12 or more hours for the term. These students are also included on the Dean’s List.

The Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List recognizes students who have been named to the Dean’s List for two or more consecutive semesters.

Below are the listings for the the spring 20-17 Dean’s List that includes both  the Traditional (residential) program and the Graduate and Professional Studies program for working adults. Students named to the President’s List are denoted with an *. Those who are listed on the Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List are noted with a +.

2017 Spring Dean’s List

Kristopher Scott Adams+

Shawn Travis Adcox

Ashley Elizabeth Akins*

Caleb Alder+

Dax Aleman+

Brandon Lee Alexander*+

Jennifer Rene Alfter+

Makenzi Lynn Alley*+

Evan R. Altizer*+

Jorge Alvarez

Ivan Andabak+

Morgan Tara Anderson

Katja Sabina Elisabeth Andersson*+

Ashley Marie Andrukonis

Amy Lee Anthony

Alicia Renea Armstrong

Hannah Beth Arnett+

Jaime Lee Arnold*

Eleonora Surenovna Assadova+

Charles Tyler Bailey

Kyle Bailey

Sarah Ann Baker+

Caleb Chance Bales

Brandon L. Ball+

Kevin Ray Ball

Sonja Ballmert+

Crystal Annette Banken+

Mindy Michelle Barton+

Seth Stanley Batsel

Taylor Alexandria N. Battle+

McKenzie Beavers+

Cheyenne Nicole Beeler*+

Keegan Michael William Bell+

Timothy Christian Bell+

Bryant Benitez+

Brian James Bennett+

Evan Tyler Bjarnason

Sheila D. Blair+

Christina Michelle Blevins+

Crystal Susan Boatman

William Henry Boney

Wesley Lynn Book

Courtney Elaine Booth+

Matthew Tyler Booth

Cassandra Marie Born

Dalton Thomas Boslooper+

Sarah Lynn Bouley

Melvin Christopher Bowen

Jule Brass*+

Alexander Neil Briggs*+

Brittany Starr Bright+

Brittani Allyn Brooks+

Bobbi Jean Brown+

David Bryan Brown+

Kaitlin Brooke Brown+

Lindsey Celeste Brown

William Gary Brown+

Jonathan Wayne Bryant+

Melissa Bryant

Sarah Ruth Buel*

Timothy Adam Bumgarner+

Lara Gail Burchfield*+

Christina Angela Burton

Stephanie Lynn Burton

Judith Cahansa Butler+

Lindsay Ann Butler*+

Melissa Kay Callahan+

Camille Nicole Calloway

Brandi Leigh Campbell

Corey Robert Cantrell

Hunter Mason Cantrell

Bradley Mitchell Capps*

Gary Lee Capps+

Jessie Leonard Carey+

Erin Helene Carmody+

Cathryn Carol Carpenter+

Ethan Wayne Carpenter

Laura Kaye Carr+

Michelle Carver+

Callie S. Casteel+

Matthew Keith Church+

Savannah Hope Clabough+

Alyssa M. Clifton*+

Melinda Marie Clonce

Christopher Murray Cochrane

Stephanie Leanne Cockrum

Tiffany Rose Cockrum+

Denise Nicole Coffey*

Angel Marie Cogdill

Stacey Coggins*+

Brittanee Danyell Collins

Chelsea Breanne Collins+

Robert Earl Colquitt+

Chad Dewayne Colvin

Dustin Daniel Conway+

Jeremy Brent Cooper*+

Justin Ross Cornett*+

Molly Elizabeth Cowart+

Polly Louise Cowart*+

Paige Arnelle Cowden+

Chester Craig+

Christen Janay Craig*+

Hannah E. Crespo+

Joshua Chase Cress+

Emily Lynne Cross

Heather Renee Crouch+

Bailey Alexandria Culler+

Craig Matthew Cutler+

Jacob Ryan Cutshall+

Ricardo Alexandre Rodr Da Silva

Mariah Kilday Dalton*

Miranda Brooke Dalton+

Ryan Clark Dalton

Gabriel James Dando*+

Anna Nicole Daugherty+

Eliza Lucille Davis+

Emily K Davis+

Henry Reed Whitaker Davis+

Thomas Alexander Deacon

Melissa Dearstone

Jessica Susan Deaton+

Payton Alexandra Dehart+

Carter Andrew Delsorbo+

Kayli Ashton Dempster+

Gabriella Derrera

Drew Allen Devoti

Kyle Joseph Dickson

Ashley Mae Dingus

Stephanie Nicole Nikki Dirmeyer+

Jessica Angela Dockery

Abby Lee Ann Dohrman*+

Kelly Chase Donnelly*+

Mattison L Dorman

Kelly Breann Ducote+

Jennifer Duff*+

Deidra Michelle Dunlap+

John Eric Durr+

Janice Lyn Dutcher*+

Blaine Leroy Dykes+

Michael Jason Eggert+

Deidre Michelle Elkins+

Savannah Elliott+

Melissa Jeannette Emerson+

Joseph Hall Exum+

Lori Ann Farmer*

Kasey Blake Fawbush*+

Kristoffer Mykell Fernandez*+

Lia Theresa Fiore+

Elizabeth Cheyanne Fisher+

Karli Payten Fisher+

Scott Allan Fisher+

Erica C. Fletcher

Camilo Florez+

Harper Nicole Ford+

Richard Jay Forsythe+

Amber Brooke Fortner

Tesa Lashae Fox+

Macy Amanda French*+

Franziska Funke*+

Amanda Gardner

Rachel Eileen Garnett

Alexandra Nicole Garrett+

Zachary Joel Gass

Justin Lee Gilland*

Kimberly Kay Gipfert+

Emily Ann Gleason+

Hannah Marie Graham+

Heather Brooke Greene

Kevin Wesley Greene

Michelle Amber Greene

Ashley Elizabeth Greer+

Alexandria Lexus Gregg

Crystal Lashae Gregg

Kimberly Grace Gregg+

Kelsey Griffith*+

Delaney Paige Guerrero

Tyler Guffey

Nicole Diane Guinn

Mandy Michele Haga*

Kevin Michael Haggerty

James Travis Hale*

Holly Brooke Hall+

David Haney

Lisa Denise Hannah*+

Melanie Jeanne Hardy

Olivia Elaine Harrell

Jimmy Wayne Harrison

Kazuhiko Hashiyama+

Christie Michelle Hayes+

Jonathan Hayes+

Tanya Marie Hayes*+

Maelyn Jade Head

Sheryl Ann Heater

Tarah Ranae Helms

Amie Nicole Helton

Robert Edward Helton

Dyer Keith Hendricks

Peyton Drew Henley*

Rylee Alizabeth Henry

Jessica Marie Hensley

Rachael Bethany Hensley*+

Emily Elizabeth Hester+

Mason Bradley Hewitt+

Ruth Ann Hickman+

Gregory Ward Hilemon+

Kristina Marie Hill

Bradford Blaine Hinkle*

Randall L. Hinton

Gina C Hobson*+

Ernest Tyler Hocket +

Amy Marie Hodge+

Caleb Jordan Hodnett+

Rachel Evelyn Holmes

Sayre Catherine Hopper+

Michelle Leigh Hoskins-Slaven+

Alec Robert Howard

Christian Deshawn Howard

Brittany K. Hoyle+

Tina Louise Hubbard*+

Ryan Wesley Hudson*+

Gregory Mitchell Hurd*+

Deanna Lynn Hutcheson+

Christopher Davis Hutson +

Blair Idol+

Emily Iorga*+

James Michael Malis Irwin+

Charlotte Nicole Jackson+

Dana Marshall Jackson*

Lindsay Erin Jackson+

Katie Elizabeth James+

Michael Gale Jarnagin*+

Kierney Lynn Jarvis

Rebecca Michelle Jenkins*+

Jeffrey Adam Jennings+

Katelyn Jasanna Jennings*+

Tracy Lynette Jett*+

J’Quen O. Johnson+

Morgan Deanne Jones

Rocky Deandre Jones

Tashique Kader+

Angela Marie Kagley+

Vithuran Karvannathasan

Stacey Caroline Keiser

Lindsey Ann Kelly*

Bailey Caroline Kennedy

Frankie Lorine Kington

Haylee Danielle Kirby+

Tyler James Klarner

Toby De Klerk+

Tomas Kmetko*

Kelsi Hayden-Flaire Knox

Andreas M. Kvam+

Christie Deanna Lamb

Kala Lashay Lamb

Kevin Brett Lane

Zachary Aaron Lane*+

Brandy Rose Lawson

Felicia Dawn Lawson+

Hannah Lawson

Mary Kristina Lawson*+

Matthew Travis Lawson*+

Taylor Rae Leatherman+

Macy Alexis Leatherwood+

Randall Steven Lee+

Jodi Marie Lister+

Toby Lee Livesay

Amber Lynn Loggains*

Chrysta Leigh Long+

Rachel Hope Looney*+

Preston Donald Loveless+

Brittany D. Lowery*+

Daniel Ray Lowery+

Benjamin Travis Lyle+

Emma Catherine MacDonald*+

Morgan Mahaffey*+

Katarina Majorova*+

Miriah Elizabeth Martin+

Shawna Ann Martin+

Hannah Danielle Mason

James David Massengill*

Kelli Lynn McCalla +

Joseph Bryson McCarter *+

Abraham McCauley*+

Tiaira Janay McCloud+

Kylie M. McCoy *

Emma E. McCuiston+

Annie Beth McCullough*+

Bethany N. McFall *

Kerrie Anne McGaha+

Sven McGaha+

Kiah B. McIsaac+

Madison Neil McKinney*+

Nanette Louise McLain+

Heather Nicole McMillan*

Nicole Sarah McMillen*+

Ragen Danielle McNair+

Matthew Edward Meese+

Rebecca Lashea Melton

Rocco Dante Menna

John J. Merritt*+

Hannah Elizabeth Metler+

Makayla J. Michaels*+

Tyler James Minchew

Patrick Neal Minton+

Brianna M. Mitchell

Vasco Miguel Monteiro

Kaitlyn M. Moore+

Kristen Leigh Morgan+

Robert Levi Morgan

Alycia Marjorie Morong+

Alexis Gray Morrow

Vanessa Morton*+

Margaret Ann Moss*

Brittany K. Motley+

Jason Mubarak*

Eduardo Granados Munoz+

Shannon Rose Murphy+

Tiffany Allyn Myers*

Loyd Benson Napier*

Tomi A. Nelson+

David Michael New+

Andrew Benjamin Newman+

Micah Brianne Nicley*+

Kellie Leeann Niles*+

Haley Marie Noe+

Kylee Jordan Nolan+

Amie Suzanne O’Brien*+

Kaitlyn Marie Odoms

Jacob Scott Owens

Fabian Paier*+

Ashley Dawn Palmer

Hannah Nicole Parton+

Kendall Patterson+

Loren Danielle Peeters*+

Pau Peiro’ Vila+

Lindsey Pennington+

Jalesa Janae Perkins

David Perry*+

Natasha D. Phillips

Zachary Sebastian Pike

Matthew Allen Piper+

Melissa Joy Preast*+

David Ray Presley+

Fabian Proesch+

Lyndsey Blake Pulliam+

Jasmine Ellesse Queen

Jacqueline Nicole Rader*+

Matthew Ryne Ramsay+

Tonya Marie Ratliff

Ciara Rattana+

Dakota Ryan Ray

Abigail Leigh Rea

Chelsey Brooke Reed*+

Michael Bryce Reed*

Tracy Reeder+

Treslyn Kelley Reese*+

Sunday Lynn Reeves*+

Jenna Marie Restivo

Jamie Rebecca Rhea

Daniel Dean Ricker+

Leslie Nicole Rimmer+

Allyson Kathleen Rines+

William Scott Ritter+

Rachael Elizabeth Roach*+

Kaara Heloise Roark+

Monica Sloan Roberts*+

Rachel Elizabeth Roberts+

Malinda Irene Rode+

Robin Roggeman

Kenneth Michael Romines*

Carrie Leigh Rose+

Christopher Scott Rose

Sarah Elizabeth Rowland+

Tabitha Ann Rue*+

Brittany M. Ruffner+

Amber Michaela Russell+

Kayla Marie Sager*+

Kathleen J. Samples

Kara Marie Santana

Bladimir Lenni Santiago Bautista+

Whitney Suzanne Scearce+

Sabrina L. Schleuger+

Brooke Morgan Schreder+

Blythe Elizabeth Scrivner

Kirsten Nicole Seals+

Shanda L. Seaton

Talia Seiber*+

Leon Seiz+

Anitra Leshae Selmon

Dennis Eugene Sharp+

Jeffery Alan Shelton

Kaliah Alexis Sheppard+

Saasha Noel Shirooni*+

Jaelyn Makelti Shoemaker+

David Felix Siegle+

Payton Dakota Silcox+

John Cody Simmons+

Christian Alexander Sisto

Kimberly A Slayton*+

Cilvolya Sligh*

John Rufus Conagher Smith+

Jordan Dianne Smith+

Kayla Brooke Smith

Michael Jason Smith

Lisa Jane Snowden+

Carey L. Sommers+

James Allen Southerland

Jonathan Spicher*+

Laura Lynn Standifer+

Clarissa Elaine Stanton

Sandra J. Stelter

Emily Anne Stoklosa+

Robin Marie Stoner*+

John Frederic Storaska*+

Jason Andrew Strange+

Teela Sullivan+

Thomas Bradley Sullivan+

Shannele Marjorie Sunderland+

Rachel Delaney Swatzell+

Kathy Lyne Swick+

Rebecca Tallent

Anna Leigh Tate

Cameron Taylor

Jaron Michael Taylor+

Mindy Lashea Taylor*+

Raymond Allen Thacker*+

Rachel Thomas

James Kenneth Thompson+

James Kenneth Thompson

Jennifer Rae Thompson*

Carlie Amanda Thornber*+

Darian Dale Tipton

Jason Michael Titlow

Brent Adam Tittsworth*+

Breanna Lynn Tolliver

Elizabeth H. Tomassoni*

Katherine A. Tomassoni

William Ryan Tommie

John Robert Topoleski+

Daniel Joseph Tremaine+

Karen Michelle Trent+

Preston R Tucker*+

Jessica Leanne Turner*

Joshua Ryan Turner+

Amy Elizabeth Turpin

Linda Upmale*+

Cheyenne Upton*+

Samuel C. Urban

Destiny Lashea Vanzant+

Samantha Jean Vogt+

Rebekah Grace Voiles+

Madelyn J. Vossen+

Brooke Elizabeth Wagner+

Bailey F. Walker+

James D. Walker

Misty D. Wallen+

Brian Curtis Ward

Anna M. Wardwell

Jason Isaiah Ware*

Benjamin Harden Warnick+

Emily Jo Waryck

Devan Scott Watts+

Joshua Aaron Weaver

Daniel D. Wedding*+

Trevor Warren Weeks*+

Laryssa Carolyn Welch

Patrick Shane Wells+

Amanda Marie Werder

David James Whinery

Emily Marie White

Sarah Caitlin White+

Taylor Lindsey White+

Jonathan Douglas Whited

Amanda Adkins Whitson*+

David Jacob Wiedenbeck*+

Bradley Thomas Wilke*

Donna Nicole Wilkerson+

Debbie Lee Williams+

Taylor R. Williams+

Carolyn Elizabeth Williamson*+

William Pearce Wilson+

Kimberly Ruth Wise*+

Sarah Elizabeth Wisecarver

Timothy Ryan Wisecarver

Rachel Marie Wisner+

Corey Shane Wright

Ashley Dawn York*+

Hunter Slay Yount

Angelique Louise Zimcosky*+

Matija Zver

 


 

New English degree and minor in gender studies approved at Tusculum College Board of Trustees meeting

The Tusculum College Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor in Arts in English education 6-12  and a minor in gender studies at their recent meeting held May 12-13 on the Greeneville campus.

Both programs will be enrolling for fall semester.

“As an institution it is important that we continue to be responsive to the students we serve as well as the communities around us,” said Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board and 1970 alumnus of the college. “Changing, and particularly adding degree programs, allows us to serve the needs of students today and into the future.”

The Board recommended preliminary approval of the 2017-2018 operating budget. Additionally a report was made on the ongoing presidential search, as Dr. Nancy B. Moody announced in February her intent to retire at the end of the year. A nationwide search for a new president of Tusculum is moving forward as a designated search committee begins accepting inquiries from potential candidates.

Board of Trustees Member Dr. Greg Nelson is chairing the search committee and a presidential search webpage has been created to keep the campus community informed and updated on progress of the search. The webpage contains the Presidential Profile and information about Tusculum for prospective candidates.

The Board also recognized the service and success of retiring Golf Coach Bob Dibble. Dibble, who announced his retirement in June, has been the golf coach at Tusculum College for the last 28 years.

Dibble has led the men’s team for all 28 years and has guided the women’s program for 20 years. His teams have won a combined 59 tournament titles, eight conference titles and two region championships. The men’s team played in five consecutive national tournaments from 1993-97. He was the invited guest and was recognized by the Board at their lunch meeting on Friday.

The next meeting of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees will be October 2017.

 

Bill and Debra Jones honored with Tusculum Distinguished Service Award

Bill and Debra Jones were presented the 2017 Distinguished Service Award during the spring Commencement exercises at Tusculum on Saturday, May 6.

The Jones’ were recognized for their service and support of Tusculum. The award was presented by Dr. Nancy B. Moody during the morning commencement service.

The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or individuals who have a history of outstanding support of Tusculum College. A video replay of the presentation was shown on Friday, May 12, at the President’s Dinner, which honors the college’s major donors.

Debra and Bill Jones, known better to hundreds of Tusculum students as “Mama and Papa Jones”, began the ministry now known as The SPOT (Student Praise On Thursday) at Tusculum Baptist Church in the spring of 2003.

“Thus began an amazing stream of love and support for the students of Tusculum College. SPOT ministries began with around ten Tusculum students gathering at the church for food and devotions on Thursday nights,” said Dr. Moody.

Following the presentation on Saturday, a few students stood, then all of the students were standing and then the entire auditorium was on its feet in recognition of the good works of Debra and Bill Jones. On Saturday, 47 of the graduates were participants of the SPOT Program.

The SPOT is now in its fifteenth year and hosts around 100 students each Thursday. “Mama and Papa Jones” provide parental-like support, encouragement and wisdom which so many students seek in the formative college years. Debra cooks homemade meals and leads the prayer request time, while Bill leads the Bible study and devotionals along with Tusculum Baptist’s Pastor, David Smith. The Jones’ have also, on occasion, served as a host family for students needing a place to live during a transitional time.

The SPOT has hosted approximately 365 gatherings in the past 15 years and they have served an estimated 22,600 meals. The Jones’ have also, on occasion, served as a host family for students needing a place to live during a transitional time. Bill Jones was born in Greeneville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of East Tennessee State University. He served as a teacher and then principal in the Greene County School System for 30 years. He retired from Doak Elementary School in 2000 and accepted the position of principal of Towering Oaks Christian School in 2001 where he served until 2008. Debra Jones was born in Albertville, Alabama, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. She moved to Greeneville in 1977 to accept the position of dietitian at Laughlin Hospital.

Bill and Debra were married in 1979. In 1986 she accepted a position with Abbott Laboratories as a pharmaceutical sales representative and worked for the company until her retirement in 2012. The couple has one daughter, Molly.  They are active members of Tusculum Baptist Church.

“Debra and Bill are truly feeding the stomachs, hearts and souls of Tusculum students,” said Dr. Moody. “With this commitment to love and support of the students in the Tusculum community, Debra and Bill Jones have made a significant impact. Their legacy will continue to impact the lives of students for many, many years to come.”

 

 

Bill and Debra Jones accept the Distinguished Service Award from Dr. Nancy B. Moody at the spring Commencement ceremony.

 

Highland Elementary student tour Tusculum’s Paul E. Hayden Wetland

On Wednesday, May 10, Tusculum hosted 32 fourth graders from Highland Elementary School for a tour the Tusculum College Paul E. Hayden Wetland.

The student participants toured the Wetland while identifying a variety of plant species and learning how wetlands are beneficial to the environment and water quality.

They also learned how contaminates can spread downstream, and they were able to talk about muskrats and how they are one of many mammals that surround the wetland.

Students also were able to test water quality and see the difference between the Wetland water quality and the stream’s water quality it empties into. The Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance and volunteers partnered with Tusculum to make this tour a success.

Tusculum College announces Master of Education program with a concentration in special education

Tusculum College has announced a new Master of Education program with a concentration in special education: interventionist K-8/comprehensive K-12, beginning August 2017.

This program is particularly important due to recent changes made by the Tennessee Department of Education, according to Dr. Tricia Hunsader, dean of the School of Education and professor of education. “Beginning in the 2017-18 school year, special educator emergency permits and waivers will no longer be accepted. This means that all special educators (new and current) must hold a full, valid license with a special education endorsement. The department will not approve any permits or waivers for the 2017-18 school year.”

According to a letter received from Commissioner of Education Candice McQueen, Tusculum College has been asked to collaborate with the state in order to provide a way for teachers to earn the special education endorsement and meet the new requirements.

“This program allows educators to do just that,” said Dr. Hunsader.

Candidates for the graduate-level advanced-degree program who are seeking interventionist K-8 and comprehensive K-12 endorsement must have completed an initial licensure program at an approved institution and currently hold licensure in either the elementary or middle school grade range.

According to Dr. Hunsader, all courses in this program are K-12 and prepare candidates to instruct students across the developmental spectrum. Candidates will tailor their course assignments to the grade range for which they are seeking interventionist endorsement.

She added that the addition of this program is especially timely given the state’s recent change to the special educator credential requirement. Teachers who complete this program and pass the national Praxis exam will meet all state requirements for full licensure in special education.

In addition to this new graduate program, Tusculum has also announced that the special education: interventionist K-8/comprehensive K-12 coursework will be offered to non-degree seeking students as a concentration of six courses and a practicum experience. Completion of the non-degree coursework will also satisfy the state’s new requirements.

For more information or to enroll in the program contact Katie Tassell at 888-488-7285 or visit https://web.tusculum.edu/admission/prof_application.php.

 

Students and faculty recognized for achievements during 2017 Honors Convocation

Alex Wiedemann, a 2013 alumnus of Tusculum, was guest speaker for the Honors Convocation.

Student excellence in academics and service were recognized during Tusculum’s annual Honors Convocation Wednesday, April 26.

The two top honors for students presented by the College are the President’s Award and the Bruce G. Batts Award. Jonathan Spicher of Cologne, Germany, was presented the President’s Award and Denise Coffey of Reagan was presented the Bruce G. Batts Award.

The students were also addressed by Alex Wiedemann, a 2013 graduate of Tusculum, who pursuing a doctorate in mathematics at the University of South Carolina. Wiedemann encouraged the students to take an active role in making a difference in their world.

The Student Government Association officers for the upcoming 2017-18 academic year were also sworn in during the program. Kristopher Adams of Rogersville will be serving as student body president; Donald Townsend of Greeneville as vice president, Savana Wheeler of Crossville as treasurer and Jazmyn Bishop of Rogersville as secretary.

President’s Award

Jonathan Spicier, a senior accounting major, was presented the President's Award by President Nancy B. Moody.

The President’s Award is presented to the graduating senior who has contributed the most to the college and who has been the most outstanding achiever in the combined areas of academic work, athletics, campus leadership and personality. The selection is made on the basis of the student’s total four-year record at Tusculum.

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of the college presented the award to Spicher, noting both his academic achievements, his service to others and his athletic accomplishments. An accounting major, Spicher has a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. He was named the Men’s Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2016 by the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America team for a two consecutive years. Spicher was also named as the inaugural recipient of the SAC Men’s Soccer Elite 18 Award for having the highest GPA at the final site of the 2016 Men’s Soccer Championship.

Spicher is a member of the Tusculum College President’s Society where he serves as an ambassador for the college in giving campus tours and assisting with alumni events.  He has served with Knoxville Pays It Forward as an accounting assistant with small businesses in the Knoxville area. A two-year member of the Pioneer Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he helped the group lead the league with over $3,500 dollars raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

On the soccer pitch, in his 62 career games, which include 40 starts, Spicher posted 15 goals and four assists, with five of his goals being match-winners including one this past season that gave the Pioneers the victory over sixth-ranked and defending NCAA II national champion Pfeiffer University.

In addition, Spicher received the Senior Honor Key Award in accounting. Senior Honor Key Awards recognize students with exceptional capacities, abilities, achievements and aptitude in their major field, as was as their personality or personal characteristics.

Batts Award

Denise Coffey was presented the Bruce Batts Award to senior Denise Coffey, who has served as multi-cultural intern for the past year and a half.

Presented in memory of a beloved educator at Tusculum who helped define the college’s civic arts curricular focus, the Bruce G. Batts Award is presented to a student who clearly demonstrates the qualities that reflect the civic arts ideals.

This year’s recipient, Denise Coffey has been fully engaged in the Tusculum College experience and has seized many opportunities to serve and make others’ lives better.

Coffey has served as multicultural intern for the past year and a half, and has organized numerous activities and events to increase students’ awareness and appreciation of other cultures and differences. These include “community conversation” events regarding topics such as women’s issue, TED Talks screenings and a drum circle at the Old Oak Festival.

She is a member of the President’s Society, serving as an ambassador for Tusculum with such groups as prospective students and alumni. Coffey has also been committed to serving others in the community. She was recognized in 2015 with the Newman Civic Fellows Award, a honor given by National Campus Compact, recognizing her efforts as a volunteer for ASafeHarborHome, a local agency that serves victims of domestic violence.

Coffee also received the Senior Honor Key Award for the art and graphic design major. This award recognize students’ academic achievement, capacities, special abilities and aptitude in their major field.

Student-Chosen Awards

Dr. Ken Brewer

Presented during the convocation were faculty, staff and community awards whose recipients were selected by student vote. Receiving the Outstanding Service to Students Award, a faculty honor, was Dr. Ken Brewer, assistant professor of psychology.

In presenting the award on behalf of the Greene County Partnership, Dr. Alan Corley said that Brewer has earned the respect and praise of his students for his teaching style and his availability and willingness to help students. This is the third year that Brewer has received the honor, selected through a vote of the students.

The Staff Award was presented to Terra Graham, office coordinator. In presenting the award, Student Government Association President Carrie Rose said students quickly discover Graham has a heart for serving others and has been a caring friend and mentor to numerous students.

The Community Award, which is presented to an individual, organization or business which has made a significant contribution to the Tusculum campus community, recognized Eric and Lynette Price, owners of the Creamy Cup, for the business’ continued support of the college and its students. The business actively promotes and support campus events and activities and provides employment opportunities to students.

Academic Honors

Morgan Mahaffey receives the Alpha Chi Award from Dr. Troy Goodale, faculty sponsor for the Tusculum chapter of the honor society.

Senior Honor Key Awards were presented to students who have earned a 3.25 grade point average or higher in their major, shown achievement and aptitude in the major and possess strong character.  The following are award recipients and their degree programs:

Athletic Training – Miriah Martin of Roanoke, Virginia;

Biology  – Samantha Vogt of Maryville;

Criminal Justice – Morgan Jones of Winston, Georgia;

Economics – Eliza Davis of Lexington, North Carolina;

English, Creative Writing concentration – Macy French of Kingsport;

English, Literature concentration – Kiah McIsaac of Memphis;

Environmental Science – Jake McCracken of Bristol, Tennessee;

History – Zachary Lane of Fayetteville, Georgia;

Interdisciplinary Studies K-6 – Saasha Shirooni of Knoxville;

Management – Preston Tucker of Knoxville;

David Breeden, recipient of the Dr. Shirley Beck Award

Mathematics – Darian Tipton of Shelbyville;

Museum Studies – Hannah Arnett of Butler;

Nursing – Rachel Garnett of Middletown, Ohio;

Physical Education – Carolyn Williamson of Knoxville;

Political Science –Tiaira McCloud of Columbus, Ohio;

Psychology – Chelsey Reed of Morristown;

Special Education, Early Childhood – Rachael Hensley of Etowah;

Sport Management – Lindsay Butler of Milan, Ohio, and

Sports Science – Robin Stoner of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Rachael Hensley receives the Outstanding Education Student Award from Dr. Betsy Loveday, associate professor of education.

Recognized as Honor Students for having the highest grade point average of their class were:

Seniors – Jaime Arnold of Fall Branch; Kaitlin Brown of Chuckey; Jeremy Cooper of Knoxville; Karli Fisher of Greeneville; Rebecca Jenkins of Philadelphia; Katelyn Jennings of Greeneville; Joseph McCarter of Sevierville; Daniel Miget of Kingston; Chelsey Reed of Morristown; Jonathan Spicher of Cologne, Germany; Mark Taylor of Strawberry Plains, and Carlie Thornber of Oshawa, Ontario;

Juniors –  Makenzi Alley of Cincinnati, Ohio; Jule Brass of Duisburg, Germany; Franziska Funke of Bochum, Germany; Gregory Hilemon of Jonesborough; Bradford Hinkle of Mosheim; Gina Hobson of Knoxville; Morgan Mahaffey of Belmont, North Carolina; Brooke Schreder of Cosby, and Jordan Smith of Talbott;

Sophomores –Katja Andersson of Enstaberga, Sweden; Laura Carr of Surgoinsville; Elizabeth Fisher of Greeneville; Hannah Graham of Chapin, South Carolina; Emma MacDonald of Whitby, Ontario; Fabian Paier of Feldbach, Austria; Kayla Sager of McEwen; Samuel VanAmberg of Greeneville, and Parker Wright of Knoxville;

Freshmen – Kevin Ball of Greeneville; Brittani Brooks of Allen, Texas; Alyssa Clifton of Chuckey; Kayli Dempster of Floyds Knob, Indiana; Emily Iorga of Greeneville; Vithuran Karvannathasan of Brampton, Ontario; Alyssa Kolb of Gray; Katarina Majorova of Martin, Slovakia; Annie McCullough, of Belfast, Northern Ireland; Dewey Pendley of Bristol, Tennessee; Katie Potter of Bristol, Tennessee; Lyndsey Pulliam of Suwanee, Georgia; Bladimir Santiago Bautista of Graysville, and Mindy Taylor of Morristown.

Allen Thacker, left, and Sunday Reeves were presented the Jean Hixon Memorial Award by Dr. Jason Pierce, vice president of academic affairs.

Senior members of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society were also recognized. Upperclassmen ranked in the top 10 percent academically of their classmates are invited to join the honor society. Those recognized included Sarah Baker of Marietta, Georgia; Eliza Davis of Lexington, North Carolina; Rachael Hensley of Etowah; Zachary Lane of Fayetteville, Georgia; Treslyn Reese of Auburn, Alabama; Shannele Sunderland of Georgetown, Texas; Preston Tucker of Knoxville, and Samantha Vogt of Maryville.

The Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award, which honors the highest academically ranked member of the junior class, was presented to Morgan Mahaffey of Belmont, North Carolina.

Five students inducted in the Tusculum College chapter of the Psi Chi psychology honor society during the past year were recognized. The fall 2016 inductees included Kendra Lane of Knoxville, Samantha Vogt of Maryville and Brooke Wagner of Snellville, Georgia. The spring 2017 inductees include Tabitha Dyer and Hannah Parton, both of Knoxville.

The Outstanding Achievement in Psychology, Behavioral Health Award was presented to Gregory Hurd of Rogersville. This honor recognizes a student who has earned a 3.25 GPA or higher in the major and emphasizes the student’s achievements and aptitude in the major as well as his leadership in and out of the classroom and personal characteristics.

Bryson McCarter was presented the Walter Johnson Award, recognizing an outstanding business and economics student, by Walter Johnson, center, and Dr. Antonio Bos, professor of business administration.

Members of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society were also recognized. In order to become a member of this honor society, students must have taken at least 15 hours of history courses, have an overall 3.0 GPA and a 3.1 GPA in history. Inducted this past year were Laura Carr of Surgoinsville; Andrew Kransberger of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chuck Morgan of Chuckey; Jonathan Nicholson of Mosheim, and Kristen Wiggins of Johnson City.

Students who were chosen for the 2017 Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prizes were honored. Students submit original, creative works in the annual writing competition. Emily Warcyck of New Concord, Ohio, was the recipient in the poetry, nonfiction and fiction categories. Macy French of Kingsport was the recipient in the scriptwriting category.

The Dr. Shirley Beck Award for an outstanding Master of Arts in Education major was presented to David Breeden of Morristown.

Tara Willoughby of Knoxville was recognized with the Outstanding Human Resource Development Major Award, which is presented to a graduate student in the major who demonstrates excellence in academics, work ethic and character.

The Outstanding Master of Arts in Teaching Major Award was presented to Chesnea Hamilton of Talbott. The award recognizes a student in the major who demonstrates excellence in academics, work ethics, character and student teaching.

Eric Bowers, left, and Calyn Kelly were presented Nursing Student of the Year awards, for the junior and senior class, respectively. from Dr. Lois Even, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and professor of nursing.

The Outstanding Education Student Award, recognizing overall achievement and aptitude in the major, was presented to Rachael Hensley of Etowah.

Sunday Reeves of Morristown and Allen Thacker of Harriman were presented the Jean Hixon Memorial Award, named in honor of a long-time member of the Graduate and Professional Studies staff. The award recipients, one from the Northeast region and one from the Southeast region, are chosen by Tusculum faculty as students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a GPA of 3.50 or better and dedicated community service.

Joseph “Bryson” McCarter of Sevierville was presented the Walter R. Johnson Award, which recognizes the graduating senior determined most outstanding in business and economics, with grade point average and achievement part of the criteria for the award.

Calyn Kelly of Ellenwood, Georgia, was presented the Nursing Student of the Year award for the senior class and Eric Bowers of Greeneville was presented the honor for the junior class. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates high moral values, communicates and acts with integrity, provides safe and effective nursing care, promotes and practices life-long learning, demonstrates a commitment and passion for the practice of nursing, demonstrates high professional standards of conduct and has demonstrated academic excellence.

Zach Gass receives a Theatre Award from Marilyn duBrisk, director of Tusculum's Arts Outreach program.

Theatre Awards were presented for Zach Gass of Greeneville and Micheal Emery of Bean Station for their participation and dedication to the theater program at Tusculum.

Carrie Rose of Knoxville was the recipient of the David Behan Award for her contributions to the theater program. Rose has appeared on stage in productions and also worked backstage in a variety of roles, including as lighting director for the production of “My Son Pinocchio, Jr.” this past spring.

The Pinnacle Award for highest scores on annual comprehensive examinations taken by athletic training education majors was presented to Allyson Rines of Jefferson City.

Presented the James E. Ward Future Professionals Award for her achievement in the physical education major was Christina Blevins of Jonesborough.

Service Awards

The Service-Learning Award was presented to Alex Rolison of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Rolison went above and beyond in his volunteer activities at a non-profit organization in Jonesborough as part of his Service-Learning Class and now has an internship at the organization, said Courtney Washburn, coordinator of the Center for Civic Advancement and the Bonner Leader program, in presenting the award.

Micheal Emery received the Theatre Award from Marilyn duBrisk.

The Bonner Leaders Program Award was presented to Morgan Jones of Winston, Georgia. The award is presented to a student within the Bonner Leaders Program, who has exhibited exemplary long-term dedication to the six keys of the program – community building, civic engagement, diversity, international perspective, social justice and spiritual exploration.

The David Behan Award was presented to Carrie Rose for her support of the Theatre program by duBrisk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allyson Rines was presented the Pinnacle Award by Amy Brooks, assistant professor of athletic training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christina Blevins received the James E. Ward Future Professionals Award from Dr. Suzanne Byrd, assistant professor of physical education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Jones received the Bonner Leaders Progam award from Courtney Washburn, coordinator of the Center for Civic Advancement and Bonner Leader Program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Rolison receives the Service-Learning Award from Washburn.

Former Library Director Smith publishes 89th book

Tusculum College Professor Emeritus Myron J. “Jack” Smith, Jr., has authored a new book, “Joseph Brown and His Civil War Ironclads: The USS Chillicothe, Indianola and Tuscumbia.” This is the 89th volume published by the Newmansville-area resident who was director of Thomas J. Garland Library from 1990-2015.

A Scottish immigrant to Illinois, Joseph Brown made his pre–Civil War fortune as a miller and steamboat captain who dabbled in riverboat design and the politics of small towns. When war erupted, he used his connections (including a friendship with Abraham Lincoln) to obtain contracts to build three ironclad gunboats for the U.S. War Department—the Chillicothe, Indianola and Tuscumbia. Often described as failures, these vessels were active in some of the most ferocious river fighting of the 1863 Vicksburg campaign, including the Yazoo Pass Expedition of March and the passage of the citadel’s batteries and the Battle of Grand Gulf in April.

Despite the spotty combat records of his ironclads, Brown was also able to obtain a near monopoly at Cincinnati on the modification at of small sternwheel steamboats into light draught gunboats, handling 55 of the 66 “tinclads” acquired by the USN. “Captain Joe” returned to Missouri and in 1866 was commodore of the steamboat fleet that conveyed President Andrew Johnson from Alton, Illinois, to St. Louis during the western phase of the “swing around the circle.”

Brown was not one of those Civil War participants who just faded away, but, instead, took an active role in the commercial, civic, economic, and social life of his community, gathering even further laurels as a businessman, politician and raconteur.  A mayor of a small town before the great conflict, he served two terms as mayor of the country’s fourth largest city in the early 1870s and his administration was regarded as both colorful and successful.

Brown supported public health and education, opening a special woman’s health facility and  what became the St. Louis Public Library, and, as a fanatical opera fan, gloried in the arts. During the Panic of 1873, he used his own fortune to personally guarantee script issued by the city (“Brownbacks”) and organized a soup kitchen that fed 1,200 destitute people every day in cold weather.

He also pushed construction of the famous Eads Bridge over the Mississippi, opened in 1874. Today, one of the most successful Civil War contractors and Reconstruction-era mayors is unknown  and, like his brother George T., the man who served Johnson his impeachment notice from Congress,  no photograph of him exists. This book covers his life and career, as well as the construction and operational histories of his controversial trio of large warships.

The historian’s latest volume is the eighth in a series of related works from the same publisher and his ninth Civil War title overall. It is available from McFarland & Company, which is located in Jefferson, N.C. and publishes more than 400 books a year on all subjects. It may also be purchased from Amazon or the Tusculum College bookstore.

Smith is currently penning “Civil War Ironclad Captains: A Biographical Directory.” Modeled on his award-winning 2015 title “Civil War Biographies from the Western Waters,” the work will profile 150 of the commissioned and volunteer naval officers who skippered monitors and other ironclads warships on the coasts and inland waterways during the conflict.

Prior to his retirement, Smith was a professional librarian for 50 years. In 1993, he received pro football’s Nelson Ross Award and in 2006, was the first Greene Countian to publish an e-book. He is the only American to have received the Richard Franck Preis for historical bibliography from the German Government.