Baileyton Middle School Students Visit Paul E. Hayden Educational Wetland

More than 30 sixth grade students from Baileyton Middle School visited the Paul E. Hayden Educational Wetland on the Tusculum College campus in September for a morning of hands-on activities led by Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance educators and volunteers.

Students rotated through five half hour sessions learning about several different aspects of wetlands. Several activities were taken from Project WET Wonders of Wetlands curriculum and all activities align with state and national science standards. Students learned about different types of wetlands, plants and animals that thrive in wetlands, how to test the pH and Dissolved Oxygen of water, how to determine energy needs of wetland animals and were introduced to the concept of bioaccumulation.

Thanks goes to the Tennessee Division of Forestry for providing additional tents for the students. Two more school groups are scheduled to visit the wetland next Spring. If you are interested in having a group to the wetland, please contact the Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance at mnwa.tn@gmail.com.

Students learn about wetland functions

Katie Tassell named senior enrollment representative at Tusculum College

Katie Tassell has been promoted to senior enrollment representative at Tusculum College. She will assume her new duties on Nov. 1.

Tassell joined Tusculum College in December 2015. Her office is located in Virginia Hall on the Greeneville campus and she oversees recruitment for the Upper East Tennessee area.

Katie Tassell

A 2010 graduate of Tusculum, Tassell is also the owner of KFit, LLC, located in Greeneville. KFit is an in-home personal training business. During her time at Tusculum, she was a member of the Tusculum College cross country team.

“We are excited to announce Katie as our senior enrollment representative,” said Lindsey Seal, director of GPS enrollment.

“Katie is a team player, goes above and beyond what is expected of her every time and truly believes in Tusculum’s mission. She is a great asset to Tusculum and is always at the ready to assist working adults who want to complete or begin their college undergraduate degree or those who are ready to begin their master’s degree program.”

For more information on Tusculum College enrollment and admissions, call 888-488-7285.

 

Tusculum celebrates families during weekend

Tusculum College celebrated parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives special to students during the 2016 Family Weekend.

More than 44 families attended this year’s activities and participated in more than a dozen events on campus. Activities included Zombie tag,  a cornhole tournament, tours of campus, lunch with students, athletic events, outdoor movies, and more.

 

Greg and Eli were the winners of this year's Family Weekend Cornhole Tournament and received a gift certificate to the Tusculum College Bookstore.

 

Parents and other family members of the Tusculum Marching Band and Color Guard enjoyed a picnic lunch in the Chalmers Conference Center.

Friendly competition was the theme of the day during the Cornhole Tournament as participants braved the unusually hot September morning.

Students and parents alike enjoyed the tournament.

Haints and Boogers – A Frightful Good Time!

Bats are fluttering in the windows and ghosts eerily float through the air. The Thomas J. Garland Library at Tusculum College is all decked out for the college’s annual “Haints and Boogers” program.

The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, and will explore the question, “Why do we tell ghost stories?” Beginning at 6 p.m., in the lobby of the library, the lights will dim upon costumed librarians and staff as they tell a wide selection of ghost stories from Tusculum’s campus and the surrounding areas.

“Haints and Boogers” is a fun, family-friendly event that should last approximately one hour. Refreshments will be served following the program. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kathy Hipps, library director, at khipps@tusculum.edu.

Dr. Jason Pierce named vice president of academic affairs

Dr. Jason Pierce has been named vice president of academic affairs for Tusculum College effective January 2, 2017.  Dr. Pierce replaces Dr. Ron May who announced his retirement in April.

Dr. Pierce comes to Tusculum from Mars Hill University, where he has served most recently as interim vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management.

“Dr. Pierce’s exemplary record of achievement as a teacher, a scholar, an academic administrator and advocate for higher education will ensure that Tusculum College realizes its full potential in the years ahead. I look forward to having Dr. Pierce join the Tusculum College Family,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College

Dr. Jason Pierce (Photo courtesy of Mars Hill University)

As chief academic officer, Dr. Pierce will be responsible for the academic integrity of the institution, for all programs and administrative offices related to the academic enterprise, and — in consultation with faculty, officers, and trustees — for long-range academic strategic planning, resource allocation and the implementation of new academic programs.

In his career, Dr. Pierce has served in both academic and administrative roles at Mars Hill University, serving as assistant and associate vice president for academic affairs, chief information officer, SACSCOC accreditation liaison and as director of institutional effectiveness.  He has served as chair of the division of humanities, as chair of the department of English and as webmaster. He also taught English as an assistant and an associate professor.

Dr. Pierce earned his doctorate in English from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Maine and a Master of Letters in Scottish literature from the University of Saint Andrews, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maine.

He is widely published academically and has presented nationally on a variety of topics, including programs to support first-year student persistence and models for college Honors programs.

Dr. Pierce has been married to Dr. Joanna Tapp Pierce, a faculty member at Mars Hill, for seventeen years. They have two sons.

 

A note to parents from the President

 

 

 

What a wonderful weekend we just had! It was great seeing everyone during Family Weekend, and I applaud all those of you who were able to attend and support your student’s efforts towards achieving a higher degree. Your support makes a tremendous difference.

Since her inception in 1794, Tusculum College has developed into an important reflection of the greater region, where strides toward growth and excellence are balanced with a desire to remain deeply rooted in our community. In our mission to provide a liberal arts education in a Judeo-Christian and civic arts environment, with pathways for career preparation, personal development and civic engagement, we recognize that our work here affects our campus community, as well as our surrounding families, neighborhoods and businesses. We are intentionally conscious of and measured by the impact we make.

Tusculum College is committed to continuous improvement in creating a learning environment that allows her students to achieve academic excellence, as well as to grow strong in body, mind and spirit. Recently improvements were made to the Paul E. Hayden Educational Wetland that included vegetation removal and replacement, new signage and a walking tour brochure. More than 300 volunteers worked on removing cattails and reseeding the area with native plants. The cattails had become invasive and were actually preventing the wetlands from cleaning the moving stream as it was designed to do. Signage has been added to describe the habitat for those who visit the wetlands on their own. Additionally, the Tusculum College Board of Trustees was informed that a gift had been received by the college that would allow for a pavilion to be constructed as part of the wetlands project. The Paul E. Hayden Educational Wetland provides science students with an outdoor classroom and experiment center, while tending to the environment that supports campus life. Since its completion in 2014, more than 600 Greeneville and Greene County students have participated in educational programs at the wetlands.

Please continue to support Tusculum and your students in building a world-class faculty, staff, programs and learning communities that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

Best Regards,

Nancy B. Moody, PhD

President

Professional assistance in filling out FAFSA to be offered by Tusculum College 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 College 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.

In past years the FAFSA dates have been in January, however, this year the FAFSA may be completed beginning October 1. According to the Federal Student Aid website the reason for the change was to align application and college decision cycles with federal aid. This is to allow students and parents to have more time to evaluate colleges, explore options and apply for all potential financial aid before the national decision deadline of May 1. Sessions are scheduled at each of the local high schools in Greene County.

Professionals from Tusculum College’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:  Monday, Oct. 17 at Chuckey-Doak High School from 3-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 18 at North Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 24 at West Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 25 at South Greene High School from 3-6 p.m.; and Thursday, Oct. 27 at Greeneville High School from 5-7 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 at the college. “Tusculum College 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 2015 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 2017. 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 named to Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service for tenth time

Tusculum College has been honored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Education with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the tenth year in a row. This year, Tusculum received an additional recognition: Honor Roll with Distinction, for the first time since 2007.

The designation recognizes colleges and universities for exemplary service efforts and service to America’s communities.

Tusculum College was selected for the Honor Roll for its work in education, hunger, homelessness, environmental stewardship, economic empowerment and youth development in the East Tennessee region. Students have worked with Rural Resources, Greene County Habitat for Humanity, the Greeneville and Greene County school systems, the Boys and Girls Club, Opportunity House, the United Way of Greene County, the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park and many other groups.

“Since 1794 Tusculum College has desired to teach its students to serve their communities and to develop strong values that included service to humankind,” said Tusculum College President Nancy B. Moody.

According to Dr. Ronda Gentry, director of the Tusculum College Center for Civic Advancement, 172,301.5 hours were recorded by members of the Tusculum College community during 2015. This included community service through service learning courses, the Bonner Leader program, student athletes, Nettie McCormick Fowler Service Day, Upward Bound and many other groups associated with Tusculum College.

“The vast majority of our service hours are contributed by our students,” said Dr. Gentry. “However, the idea of service and giving back to the community is prevalent among everyone associated with the college.”

Dr. Gentry added that the hours recorded for 2015 were contributed by 2,644 volunteers.

“We calculate the average value of an hour of service at $23.07 per hour, making our contribution in 2015 a total value to the community of $3,974,995.60.

Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

The Honor Roll is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is presented during the annual conference of the American Council on Education.

The complete list of schools recognized is at http://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/honor-roll.

 

Deadline approaching for Finish Strong tuition-paid scholarship competition at Tusculum College

 
The deadline to apply for a full tuition scholarship to Tusculum College is approaching. The Finish Strong Scholarship Giveaway closes on Friday, Sept. 30.

“We don’t want anyone to miss this great opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree through one of our Graduate and Professional Studies programs with a tuition-paid scholarship,” said Lindsey Seal, director of Graduate and Professional Studies enrollment at Tusculum College. “The Tusculum College Finish Strong Scholarship Giveaway recognizes the hard work and sacrifices our adult students put forth when returning to school to finish their degree.”

This is the second year Tusculum College has offered the competition. This year’s winner will be able to start their program Spring 2017. Advanced registration dates have been scheduled for November 10 in Greeneville, November 16 in Morristown and December 1 in Knoxville.

“Getting people back to school to finish their degrees is life changing,” said Seal. “Through this essay contest, we learn the individual stories of our students and are able to share them with others who wish to follow in their footsteps. The bonus is that one lucky participant will receive a full tuition scholarship as a prize.”

The winner of last year’s Finish Strong contest was Aimee Teffeteller of Maryville. Teffeteller is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and plans to major in education. “Winning the Finish Strong scholarship has been such a blessing,” said Teffeteller.  “It has enabled me to finish my degree without the financial burden that comes with continuing one’s education.  I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity.”

The Finish Strong Scholarship Giveaway is open to all legal U.S. residents age 18 or older with a valid Social Security number at the time of entry. The winner must submit the following:  an application for admission and be accepted to an undergraduate degree program at Tusculum College, an essay and official transcripts of all college level work from regionally accredited schools demonstrating a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average and the equivalent of 54 semester hours or an associate’s degree. Currently enrolled Tusculum College students are ineligible to win.

The required essay should describe how obtaining an undergraduate degree from Tusculum College will transform the entrant’s life.

There is no charge or fee to submit the essay or enter the contest. The essay submitted must contain between 250 and 500 words to be considered a valid entry. In addition to the required essay submission, entrants are encouraged to promote actively their participation in the Scholarship Contest via social media, using #finishstrong. Social media participation is not part of the criteria for eligibility or for judging the best essays.

One grand prize will be awarded. The grand prize package consists of a tuition-paid scholarship to one of Tusculum College’s undergraduate degree-completion programs which can be redeemed at any of the Knoxville, Morristown or Greeneville locations or used for an online program. The scholarship may be applied to pay all of the regular tuition charges for an undergraduate degree-completion program in business administration, management, interdisciplinary studies (education, K-5) and psychology,  behavioral health concentration.

Enrollment into one of the four undergraduate degree programs is subject to availability at the respective class location.  The winner is responsible for paying all other charges, fees and amounts payable by a student enrolled in the program and will not be eligible to receive any additional institutional-based scholarships.

The prize may be combined with other forms of financial aid available through Tusculum College.

To enter, the essay must be submitted in writing to the Tusculum College admissions office. Entrants may visit Tusculum College’s “Finish Strong Scholarship” website at www.tusculum.edu/finish to submit the online entry form.

The Finish Strong Scholarship Giveaway is provided by Tusculum College in partnership with Food City and WIVK-Radio. Both Food City and WIVK continue to promote the contest in the greater Knoxville area during the term of the event

A complete copy of the rules may be obtained at the Tusculum College Admissions Office, 60 Shiloh Road, P.O.  Box 5051, Greeneville, TN 37743, during normal operation hours, Monday through Friday, or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above address.

 

Homecoming 2016 coming in less than a month!

Homecoming 2016 is less than a month away, and many exciting events are planned to welcome alumni back to campus.  Make plans to attend today. A schedule for Homecoming weekend is below.

Thursday, October 20

Hotel Crawl – College staff will be stopping by the local hotels to welcome alumni back to Greeneville.

Noon – General Morgan Inn

12:30 p.m. – Days Inn

1 p.m. – Econo Lodge

1:30 p.m. – Hampton Inn

2 p.m. – Quality Inn

2:30 p.m. – Knight’s Inn

*Be sure to let us know where you are staying.

4:30 p.m. – Creative writing reading featuring faculty – location to TBD

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 21

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Registration – Living Room of Niswonger Commons

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Memory Lane  – Living Room of Niswonger Commons – Take a walk down memory lane as the staff of the Museums of Tusculum display outfits, slide shows, pictures from Tusculum’s past, yearbooks and newspapers.

10 a.m. – Arboretum Tour – The tour will showcase trees across the campus of Tusculum.  The campus of Tusculum College is recognized as a level 1 arboretum.  Tour will depart from Niswonger Commons.

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

1 p.m. – 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 p.m. – Golf Tournament – $55 – Enjoy some friendly competition on the Link Hills Golf Course.  Scramble format will be used with handicap system for a net division and gross division.  Registration is at noon with shotgun start at 1 p.m.  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.  The cost for dinner will be $20 for those not participating in the tournament.  Reservations are required.

2 p.m. – Ice Cream Social and Tusculum College Alumni Travel Preview – no charge – Chalmers – Join alumni and friends as they learn about the exciting destinations that the Tusculum College Alumni Travel will be offering in the coming year. 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 p.m. – Dinner at Link Hills – $20 – Join us for a buffet dinner.  Reservations are required.

7 p.m. – Bonfire, Pep Rally, and Ghost Stories – Welty-Craig/Haynes Lawn – (Quad Area) Enjoy the annual Homecoming Bonfire with current students.

 

Saturday, October 22

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

8 a.m. – Memorial Service – Garland Library Lobby – Join us in remembering alumni who have passed away since Homecoming 2015.

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

9 a.m. –Sports Hall of Fame Induction – Chalmers – Come celebrate the newest Sports Hall of Fame award honorees.

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

Alumni Band – Join the current Tusculum College Marching Band in Homecoming performances.  The day will begin with a 10 a.m. rehearsal with events through the 2:30 p.m. football game.

11 a.m. – Class Photos – $10 – In front of Niswonger Commons

11 a.m. – 4th Annual Civil War Scrimmage (Lacrosse Alumni Game) – Indoor Practice Field – Current men’s lacrosse players and alumni will hold their 4th annual scrimmage game.

11:30 a.m. – 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 13th 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 p.m. – Tailgate – $10 – Enjoy a Tusculum College Pioneer Tailgate Party.

2:30 p.m. – Tusculum Pioneer Football vs. Limestone – Cheer on the Pioneers as they take on Limestone at Pioneer Field.  Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth preceding the game.

7 p.m. – Alumni Baseball Game – Pioneer Park – Current players and alumni.

Alumni Dinner and Dance – GMI

6 p.m. – Alumni and Friends Social Hour – General Morgan Inn

7 p.m. – Alumni and Friends Dinner – General Morgan Inn – $45 – Join us at the General Morgan Inn for dinner.  A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

8 p.m. – Alumni and Friends Music and Fellowship – $15 (no dinner)-  DJ will provide music

 

Sunday, October 23

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 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., the traditional service at 10:45 a.m.  Learn more at www.firstpresgreeneville.org.

1 p.m. – Tusculum Women’s Soccer hosts Catawba at Pioneer Field.

3:30 p.m. – Tusculum Men’s Soccer hosts Catawba at Pioneer Field.

 

 

Campus Hours

Tusculum College Bookstore Hours

Niswonger Commons

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, October 20

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, October 21

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, October 22

 

Thomas J. Garland Library

8 a.m. – Midnight Thursday, October 20

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, October 21

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, October 22

2 p.m. – Midnight Sunday, October 23

 

Allison Gallery

Rankin House behind Three Blind Mice

12 – 4 p.m. Friday, October 21

12 – 4 p.m. Saturday, October 22

12 – 4 p.m. Sunday, October 23

 

Doak House Museum

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, October 20

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, October 21

Tours are available all day Friday and by appointment on Saturday.

 

President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, October 20

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, October 21

The new exhibit at Old College is “Prologue:  Andrew Johnson’s Political Career Before the Vice Presidency.”  At the same museum there is also an exhibit on the McCormick family and their legacy at the College, a Tusculum College History Gallery, and a gallery of Johnson collection pieces that will be re-designed this coming year.

 

 

 

Hotels in Greeneville:

Econo Lodge

www.econolodge.com

1790 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville · (423) 639-4185

 

Days Inn Greeneville

www.daysinn.com

935 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville · (423) 639-2156

 

Quality Inn

www.qualityinn.com

3160 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville · (423) 638-7511

 

General Morgan Inn

www.generalmorganinn.com

111 N Main St, Greeneville · (423) 787-1000

 

Knights Inn (previously Charray Inn)

www.charrayinn.com

121 Serral Dr, Greeneville · (423) 638-1331

 

Hampton Inn

www.hamptoninn.com

3130 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville · (423) 638-3735

Catch up with the latest alumni news

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

’50s

Dr. Ken Bowman '70, chair ofthe Tusculum Board of Trustees, had the opportunity recently to visit with Dr. Ed Kormondy '50 in a trip to California. Dr. Kormondy is a Life Trustee of his Alma Mater.

Dr. Ed Kormondy ’50 H’97 of Los Angeles, CA, celebrated his 90th birthday on June 10 with a surprise visit from family members.  As he had expected, his daughter, Lynn arrived from San Francisco the evening before his birthday and suggested that they go to their favorite Mexican restaurant for an early lunch the next day. The next day, when they arrived at the restaurant, his daughter suggested they dine on the patio since it was such a nice day.  There they found, to Dr. Kormondy’s great surprise, his two sons, Eric and Mark, and their wives, Janet and Susan, who were all wearing oversized glasses, bulbous noses and bushy eyebrows. Later, some close friends joined the family for dinner, complete with a piñata, which Dr. Kormondy “clubbed at blindfolded and missed!” A great time was had by all, and among Dr. Kormondy’s gifts was a cap bearing the words, “Made in 1926.” Dr. Kormondy, has had a long and distinguished career for which he says he is deeply indebted to his time at Tusculum, where he lived in Craig Hall and then in Rankin Hall for his senior year. A biology major at Tusculum, he went on to study at the University of Michigan, earning his master’s degree in 1950 and his doctorate in 1955 from the school. Dr. Kormondy taught at Michigan for two years before joining Oberlin College’s Biology Department, where he remained until 1968 when he moved to Washington D.C. to head a national organization promoting new approaches to the teaching of biology. In 1971, Dr. Kormondy joined The Evergreen State College in its opening year, serving as Dean of Natural Sciences in 1972-73 and as Provost from 1973-78. He spent 1978-79 in Washington, D.C. studying biomedical ethics and then served as Provost of the University of Southern Maine from 1979-82. He joined California State University of Los Angeles as Provost from 1982-86 after which he became Chancellor of the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo and the University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu, serving until 1993. Returning to Los Angeles, Dr. Kormondy served as President of the University of West Los Angeles from 1995-97, as Special Assistant to the President of Pacific Oaks College from 2000-05 and as Acting President of his Alma Mater in 2007. He served on the Board of Trustees at Tusculum and the University of West Los Angeles until two years ago. Dr. Kormondy, who received a honorary doctorate from Tusculum in 1997, a Distinguished Service Award in 2003 and a Civic Leadership Award in 2008, is a Life Trustee for his Alma Mater.  Dr. Kormondy has also been active and provided leadership for national professional organizations. He was president of the National Association of Biology Teachers in 1981, secretary of the Ecological Society of America from 1976-78 and served on the accrediting body, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges from 1987-96. Dr. Kormondy represented the U.S. Department of Education on missions to Hungary and Poland to examine environmental education, studied and published on higher education of China’s 55 minority nationalities and served as consultant in the life sciences to some 30 institutions, including the Universidad Simon Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela. He served three times as the lead consultant in the life sciences for the State of Florida. Dr. Kormondy is a member of MENSA, the author of more than 70 publications in ecology, biology and science education and some 20 books including “Concepts of Ecology” (1969,1976,1983,1995)in addition to serving as editor of 15 books on the relationship of the biological sciences and society. He is listed in such publications as “Who’s Who in America,” “Who’s Who in the World” and the “International Directory of Distinguished Leadership.”

 

 

’80s

Marie Trapp ’81 of Nashville, TN, has volunteer 2,500 hours in schools, churches and hospitals in her community since 2012. She is also officially in remission from cancer as of this past June.

 

’90s

Diane Ball ’96 has been promoted to vice president of information security for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.  She will be responsible for leading the Information Security program across the health insurer. Ball joined BlueCross last year after serving as chief information security officer and vice president of enterprise risk and security for Fujitsu America, Inc., in Durham, N.C. She has more than 20 years of security and privacy leadership experience at companies including BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Wachovia Bank, where she served as vice president and senior information security manager.

 

Edna “Leanne” Light Miller ’98 has joined the Oak Ridge School System as a teacher at Willow Brook Elementary School. She has worked 15 years as a special education teacher in Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana schools.

 

’00s

Andrew Merriman ’02 is now an assistant county manager in York County, SC. In his new position, Merriman oversees the Public Safety Communications, Emergency Management, Fire Safety, Ebenezer Park and Summer Feeding departments. He also assists in implementing policies as established by the County Council and assist other staff members in the preparation, review and monitoring of county operating and capital budgets. Merriman has 10 years of experience in local government. For the last four years, he’s served as the Assistant County Administrator for Aiken County, SC.

 

’10s

Keith Hickey ’12 has joined First Community Bank of East Tennessee as Vice President and Commercial Lender. With more than 22 years of banking experience, Hickey was previously employed at First Tennessee Bank as vice president and commercial lender for the East Tennessee market. He is also a member of the 2016-2017 Leadership Kingsport Class.

 

Phillip Justin Reed ’13 is now working at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation as public engagement coordinator in St. Louis, MO.

 

 

 

 

Chad David Ward ’07 and Joy Beth Franklin were married September 12, 2016. The couple is living in Atlanta, GA, and in Greeneville, TN. Chad is assistant manager at ReLogistics LLC’s reverse logistics center in Atlanta, and Joy is a student at Georgia State University.

 

 

 

 

Emily Hawk Moughon ’06 and her husband, Luke, of Indianapolis, IN, are celebrating the birth of a son, Gabriel Christopher, on August 30, 2016. He weighed 9 lbs and 5 oz., and was also welcomed by older siblings, Caleb and Karis.

 

Rustin and Casey (Westmoreland) Jones ’06 ’13 of Greeneville, TN, welcomed a son, Lincoln Howard, on September 8, 2016. He weighed 8 lbs and 1 ounce.

 

 

 

 

Maurice M. “Jimmy” Yates Jr. ’49 of Greeneville, TN, passed away September 12, 2016. Mr. Yates was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the European Theater of Operations. His signal battalion was attached to Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army during the Battle of the Bulge, and he was later assigned to France where his battalion was responsible for the communication lines used by General Eisenhower. Following the war, Mr. Yates was assigned to the French Alps for a six-month tour of duty where he served as the electronics specialist and wire chief. He received campaign ribbons for Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns, as well as the American Theater Ribbon, European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbons and World War II Victory Ribbon. Mr. Yates was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Following the war, he focused on his collegiate education and was a member of the first graduate accounting class in the history of the University of Tennessee. Mr. Yates served an internship in professional auditing and tax in the Atlanta office of Arthur Anderson & Co. He practiced as a certified public accountant in upper East Tennessee for 40 years with offices in Greeneville, Rogersville and Newport. Mr. Yates was a well-known speaker on taxation and lectured on opportunities in public accounting to advanced accounting students at East Tennessee State University for a period of years. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, for which he served as vice president and secretary. Mr. Yates was also a member of the Appalachian Chapter of the Tennessee Society of C.P.A.s, in which organization, he served as president, and the TriCities Estate Planning Council, in which organization he also served as president. He was a member of the Greeneville (Noon) Rotary Club for more than 50 years, Greeneville Lodge No. 3, F&AM, was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Kerbela Shrine Temple in Knoxville, the Greeneville Shrine Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Andrew Johnson Post No. 1990, and the East Tennessee Management Club. Mr. Yates was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church of Greeneville for many years.

 

Dale M. Quillen ’50 of Nashville, TN, passed away August 13, 2016. Mr. Quillen practiced law for some 60 years.  A veteran, he was most proud of his association with the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Quillen enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and fought with the Third Division on Guam and Iwo Jima. He maintained contact with his Marine buddies throughout his life. Part of his ashes will be spread over the graves of his parents and sister in Baileyton, TN, and part of his ashes will be spread over the beaches on Guam and Iwo Jima.

 

William Guy Justis Jr. ’53 of Bulls Gap, TN, passed away on September 10, 2016.  Mr. Justis was retired as superintendent of the Hawkins County School System. He was also the former three-time mayor of Bulls Gap and was serving on the governing board of the Rural Health Consortium at the time of his passing. Mr. Justis was a former director of the Upper East Tennessee Regional Health Agency, served on the Tennessee Soil Conservation board, and was appointed Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee, The Order of the Eastern Star in 1996. He was a delegate of the Democratic Party during the President Carter years, served on the Hawkins County Court and served as chairman on the Hawkins County Election Commission. Mr. Justis was a veteran of the 5th Ranger Battalion serving from 1944-46.  He was a 33rd degree Mason, Shriner of the Jericho Temple, a charter member of Bulls Gap Lodge No. 764, F&M and Bulls Gap Chapter No. 471, The Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Justis was appointed to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and was a charter member of Bulls Gap Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 9683. He was the Wesley Class Sunday School class teacher of Bulls Gap First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 58 years and Tusculum alumna, Ima Smith Justis ’81.

 

Betty Crabtree Drain ’69 of Chuckey, TN, passed away September 3, 2016. Mrs. Drain taught music in elementary schools in the Greene County School System. An accomplished violinist, she continued her passion for teaching, playing and enjoying music throughout her life. Mrs. Drain was also an award-winning activities director at Life Care Center of Greeneville for many years and enjoyed sharing the arts with all ages.

 

Jeremiah Luke Fullen ’11 of Greeneville, TN, passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2016. Mr. Fullen was an outstanding member of the Pioneer men’s golf team from 2009-2011. His 74.71 career scoring average is fourth in the Tusculum record book. Mr. Fullen was also an outstanding student and was named a two-time Golf Coaches Association of America All-American Scholar. After earning an accounting degree, he remained faithful to his Alma Mater and was a regular attendee at the Pioneers’ home golf tournaments every year. Mr. Fullen worked for Carrier Construction and was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

 

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to “Rock the Vote” with Tusculum College on Wednesday, Sept. 28

Helping students and the community get registered to vote is the goal of Tusculum College’s Rock the Vote event, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28 in the Pioneer Arena in Niswonger Commons. The event will feature keynote speaker Tre Hargett, Tennessee Secretary of State.

The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Secretary Hargett will also be available to answer questions about voter registration and Tusculum College will provide an opportunity for voter registration on site. Also during the event a mock vote will be held and plans are also to have interactive games on the democratic system.

Hargett was elected by the Tennessee General Assembly to serve as Tennessee’s 37th secretary of state in 2009 and reelected in 2013. He is the chief executive officer of the Department of State with oversight of more than 300 employees.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

In order to help increase voter registration, turnout and awareness across Tennessee, Secretary Hargett launched the GoVoteTN campaign. Through this program, during the month of September, which is National Voter Registration Month, Tennesseans should have someone take a picture of them holding an “I’m registered to vote. Are you?” sign, then post it using the hashtag #GoVoteTN.

A flurry of posts is expected on Tuesday, Sept. 27 to celebrate National Voter Registration Day.

“This is a great educational opportunity for our students and our community,” said Courtney Washburn, program coordinator for the Center for Civic Advancement at Tusculum College. “We want to educate and also get people registered to vote, and this is an open, fun way to reach those goals.”

The Rock the Vote event is a project in support of Constitution Day and is supported by the Center for Civic Advancement, the Bonner Leader Program and Tusculum’s Service Learning program. Additionally, it is part of the S.P.I.E.S. initiative, a campus-wide Individual Wellness through Community Engagement initiative.

For more information, contact Courtney Washburn, program coordinator for the Center for Civic Advancement, at cwashburn@tusculum.edu.