Tusculum College to hold Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Service

Tusculum College will host an Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Service as part of its new Individual Wellness through Community Engagement Initiative.

According to Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, the new initiative is a campus-wide program with the primary purpose of encouraging the Tusculum community—including students, faculty, staff and alumni—to lead and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

The prayer service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 8:30 p.m., at Pioneer Field. Plans for the service include seven religious leaders from six faith traditions, including Christianity (Protestants and Catholics), Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and those who are spiritual but not religious (Unitarian).

“This event promises to open our academic year on a powerful, thoughtful and communal note,” said Dr. Moody.

The general public is invited to attend.

The college will provide a candle to everyone as he enters the field. Dr. Moody added that there will be 1,000 points of light to symbolize the college’s commitment to our community, to one another and to efforts to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“Wellness is a lifelong pursuit and often requires peer encouragement,” said Wayne Thomas, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and one of the architects of the new program. “As such, our aim is to indoctrinate its importance and approaches on our campuses through continuous communal activities that reach our entire population and focus on social, physical, intellectual, emotional and/or spiritual (SPIES) health.

“Additionally, we recognize that people succeed better if every aspect of their lives is attended to, thus addressing our students’ wellness and satisfaction significantly improves retention. Each SPIES event will be campus-wide, and the planning for every event will have the needs of each entity of Tusculum’s community in mind.”

Rag-rug making, herbal workshops scheduled at Doak House Museum

The Doak House Museum will be hosting workshops in rag-rug making in August and herbs in September.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the staff of the museum on the Tusculum College campus will offer a class in rag-rug making. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Rag-rugging is a great beginning project for young people and adults who are new to crafting. Workshop participants will learn three simple techniques to make custom accessories for the home. Participants will learn how to make “toothbrush” rugs, hoop rugs, and a style of shag rug. The rugs are made using old t-shirts and woven fabric off-casts. Class fee is $10, and participants are asked to bring t-shirts, old sheets or fabric remnants to upcycle. All other needed tools will be provided.

An herbal class will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. This popular “Lotions and Potions” make-and-take workshop focuses on using essential oils derived from plants and herbs to make lip balms, lotion bar, and other products for personal use. This fun, interactive class is an introduction to the world of herbs and medicinal plants. The fee is $10 per person, and participants will get to take home several completed items and a cutting from the museum’s herb beds.

Space for each workshop is limited, Contact Dollie Boyd at 423-636-8554 or dboyd@tusculum.edu to reserve a spot.

The Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library are operated by the Department of Museum Program and Studies of Tusculum College. In addition to the museums, the department is responsible for the College Archives and offers one of the few undergraduate Museum Studies degree programs in the country. The two museums are also part of the National Historic District on the Tusculum College campus. Follow the museums on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest news and upcoming events or visit its Web site at www.tusculum.edu/museums to learn more about the variety of programs offered at the museums.

 

Student Support Services programs receive more than $2.5 million in grant funding

Tusculum College was recently notified by the United States Department of Education that its two Student Support Services programs earned renewed grant funding for five years. These two federal TRIO Programs will receive $2.5 million dollars over five years to provide first-generation college students with academic support to promote retention and graduation.

Dr. David Smith, director of Student Support Services, said the funds will be used for continuation of the Student Support Services programming at Tusculum College.

“Student Support Services provides foundational academic programming designed to enrich students’ experiences at all Tusculum College sites,” said Dr. Smith. “These programs are critical to promoting retention and graduation of the institution’s sizable first-generation student population. Gaining continued funding enables our staff to maintain services vital to student success, so we are pleased to be among the Student Support Services grant competition awardees.”

Student Support Services serves first-generation college students and/or low-income or disabled students who exhibit some type of academic need. These needs vary from academic assistance such as tutoring to promotion of enrollment in graduate school programs.

The college hosts two Student Support Services programs—one serves traditional students attending the main residential college in Greeneville, and the other serves adult students in the Graduate and Professional Studies program who attend classes at sites in Knoxville, Greeneville, Morristown and Kingsport. In addition to providing academic support programming, Student Support Services promotes student engagement through workshops designed to prepare and educate students regarding a variety of educational and career topics.

For those interested in enrolling in a graduate school program, Student Support Services provides exposure to and assistance in applying to graduate school as well as referral for priority consideration for enrollment in East Tennessee State University’s Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Summer Internship.

Other components of the Student Support Services programs include exclusive “Lunch & Learn” seminars, local educational field trips to promote career awareness and a spring break graduate school excursion.

Museums of Tusculum College to participate in Eighth Annual History Fair in Knoxville on Saturday, Aug. 15

The Museums of Tusculum College will help bring history to life and share it with the public as one of the participants in the East Tennessee Historical Society’s Eighth Annual History Fair in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Featured in the family-oriented event are a living history timeline telling the story of the region from early settlement through the mid-20th century, live music, historic crafts demonstrations, historical and genealogical groups from across the region such as the Museums of Tusculum, children’s crafts and activities and a birthday party for Davy Crockett. All the activities are free and open to the public.

The History Fair will offer an opportunity to visit and learn about historic sites in the Knoxville area through walking tours of the city’s downtown, Civil War site bus tours, bus tours of historic homes and tours of underground Gay Street.

In addition, there will be a “History Hound” dog costume contest, free museum admission, a Smoky Mountain film festival at the Tennessee Theatre, vintage baseball games at World’s Fair Park, art exhibits, miniature battles, traditional foods, book sales, farmers market, and much more.

Activities will be focused around the East Tennessee Historical Society and Krutch Park on Gay Street in Knoxville as well as other sites in the surrounding downtown area.

The History Fair is a presented by the East Tennessee Historical Society and sponsored by the Seven Islands Foundation, Knoxville Central Business Improvement District, Arts & Heritage Fund, Clayton Bank & Trust, City of Knoxville, WUOT, WDVX, WBIR, Tomato Head, Food City, PetSafe, Comcast, Boyd’s Jig and Reel, Friends of the Knox County Public Library, and Knox County Public Library. For a detailed listing of events and times, visit www.easttnhistory.org/eastTNhistoryfair or call 865-215-8824.

The Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library are operated by the Department of Museum Program and Studies of Tusculum College. In addition to the museums, the department is responsible for the College Archives and offers one of the few undergraduate Museum Studies degree programs in the country. The two museums are also part of the National Historic District on the Tusculum College campus. Follow the museums on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest news and upcoming events or visit its Web site at www.tusculum.edu/museums to learn more about the variety of programs offered at the museums.

 

The Band Perry rehearses at Tusculum College

The Tusculum College community hosted some famous neighbors on the Greeneville campus in July when Grammy® Award-winning trio, The Band Perry utilized Tusculum facilities for rehearsal space.

According to David Martin, director of facilities, Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry and Neil Perry were all in their hometown the second week of July and performed at Fun Fest in Kingsport. While in town, they spent a good deal of time on the Tusculum campus, rehearsing for an upcoming live performance.

“There’s nothing like coming home to Greeneville, Tennessee and spending time with our family, friends and neighbors,” said The Band Perry. “Tusculum College always welcomes us with open arms and gives us a great place to work and rehearse while we’re in town, and we are grateful.”

While in town, The Band Perry rehearsed at the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, using the auditorium and other facilities there.

The trio has visited the college on several occasions, and they performed a free student concert during their formative pre-superstar years. The three were last on campus when they were recognized as Hometown Heroes by the Greeneville Astros rookie league baseball team, whose home field is on the Tusculum campus. The Perrys provided an on-campus, pre-game concert.

They also come home to recharge quite often. Kimberly’s wedding was held in Greeneville last year, and local support for the popular group was never more evident than when they performed in Downtown Greeneville in 2013 to a crowd of more than 25,000 enthusiastic fans. The college community was particularly ecstatic when the latest release from the band was announced to be titled, “Pioneer,” the mascot of the college.

“We are proud of our neighbors, The Band Perry, and they are such wonderful ambassadors for our community because of their genuine love for their hometown,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College. “They will always be welcome at Tusculum as friends and as part of our community. We were happy to be a part of their visit home, and the Pioneer nation wishes them the best in all they do.”

As Neil Perry has often been quoted, “Anyone who knows us, knows how much we love our hometown.”

 

 

 

Kathy May named director of Tusculum College Community Chorus

Kathy May has been named director of the Tusculum College Community Chorus.

She will be replacing Dr. David Hendricksen, who is retiring this year after 19 years of directing.

The Chorus began with 35 singers in 1996, when Hendricksen founded the group. Over the years, more than 300 singers have performed with the chorus. Matthew Brickey will also being joining the group as their new accompanist.

“I really appreciate and respect Dr. David Hendricksen for his establishment of the Tusculum College Community Chorus and for his generous years of service and musical expertise as our conductor,” said May. “I feel honored to continue this choral tradition in our community and look forward to working with our seasoned chorus members and wish to invite new singers who are interested to join the chorus in September.”

Kathy May

May just completed her thirtieth year as the choral director and Advanced Placement Music Theory teacher at Greeneville High School. In her 35 years of teaching, she has taught in Johnson City, Greene County Schools and Greeneville City Schools.

She received her Bachelor of Science in music education and Master of Education Administration degrees from East Tennessee State University and was selected as the 1995 Alumna of the Year by the ETSU Music Faculty. In 1996, she was the Greeneville City Schools’ “Teacher of the Year” and the Smoky Mountains Music Teachers Association “Teacher of the Year.” In May, 2015, she was awarded the Dr. Ernest W. Martin Champion for Children Award at the Greeneville City School’s personnel breakfast.

Under May’s direction, Greeneville High School choirs have performed many places, notably the 1996, 2000, and 2006 American Choral Directors Southern Conventions, the 2000 SD-ACDA Women’s Choir Festival and the 2003 TN ACDA Convention. Her choirs have appeared on several Tennessee Music Educators Convention programs. In 2014, the Greeneville High School Chorus performed in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Recently, a choir of GHS students and alumni participated in a concert tour of Italy including a performance for Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Tusculum College alliance to increase opportunities for distance learning

Recent acceptance into a national organization for reciprocity agreements will make opportunities for distance learning across state lines more abundant at Tusculum College.

Tusculum College has been approved to join the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a nationwide initiative of states that will make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines, as well as making it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education.

The NC-SARA agreements are being implemented by the four regional higher education interstate compacts, the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, the New England Board of Higher Education, the Southern Regional Education Board and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. The effort is funded by a $2.3 million grant from Lumina Foundation.

“Tusculum College is hard at work expanding our distance learning programs and being accepted into NC-SARA will make implementation of the courses much less difficult in terms of making it available for persons outside of Tennessee to participate,” said Dr. Carl Larsen, assistant to the president for institutional planning and effectiveness.

Dr. Larsen said that with Tusculum College becoming part of NC-SARA, it will increase administrative efficiency and lower the costs of obtaining authorization to provide postsecondary distance education. This will allow Tusculum College to more widely distribute academic programs and accept enrollments from students in many other states.

As a member of NC-SARA, Tusculum will be able to seek approval for distance learning programs and courses through the State of Tennessee, regardless of what state enrolled students may be located and will not need to seek approval from each state in which they would like to offer students the opportunity to enroll.

Tusculum community mourns passing of beloved instructor

Ruth G. Thomas, a beloved member of the Tusculum College community for many years, passed away on July 19 after several years of declining health.

Mrs. Thomas was an integral part of the Tusculum Fine Arts Department for more than two decades with her husband, Dr. Arnold Thomas, and those decades were marked by the success of the well-respected choral program the couple established, which touched the lives of many. She was a mentor, role model and friend to a multitude of Tusculum students.

As a team, the Thomases directed the Tusculum College Singers, creating three choirs from a small group of singers: the mixed chorus, men’s chorus and women’s chorus. Mrs. Thomas accompanied the men’s and mixed choruses on piano and directed the women’s chorus. According to former students, Ruth was always calm and cheerful – a trait which was needed during last-minute rehearsals before choir tours.

Teaching such classes as music theory and history, she also found time to teach piano in a studio at Tusculum. Her students found she had high expectations and helped them achieve results that they had not thought possible. Her attention to detail in playing music was not just valuable in regards to piano, but also one that benefited her students later in life.

She retired as a faculty member in 1988, but continued to teach students privately. She became a member of the Tusculum College Community Chorus after it was formed in the 1990s and continued until just a few years ago when her health began to decline.

In 2003, she and her husband were honored by the Tusculum Alumni Association with the National Faculty Award for their contributions to the College. Several former students returned to campus to take part of the celebration, joining members of the Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church Choir to sing in the Thomas’ honor. Although in failing health, Mr. Thomas was able to attend the celebration held during Homecoming. He passed away in 2008.

In 2012, Mrs. Thomas was presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor presented by the Tusculum College Board of Trustees, in recognition of what she has meant to the College over the years.

Dr. Kenneth Bowman '70, chair of the Tusculum Board of Trustees, left, and Dr. Nancy B. Moody, right, Tusculum's president, presented Distingyuished Service Awards to Dr. David Hendricksen, second from left, and Ruth Thomas, second from right, and Jim Winfree at the 2012 President's Dinner. Winfree was unable to attend due to a prior engagement.

Her love of music began early in life. Mrs. Thomas was born in Alton, Ill., just outside St. Louis, on June 21, 1920, to (ordained Presbyterian) Rev. Dr. Edward L. and Anna Catherine Gibson. The family, including Ruth’s younger brother, Bill, moved to Storm Lake in northwest Iowa. There she played violin in the orchestra in her teens and did “a lot of piano accompanying” before attending Buena Vista College in Storm Lake for two years. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1941 with a bachelor of music degree in piano. One of her teachers was Donald Swarthout. She credited her passion for music to her junior high orchestra director and her high school piano teacher.

After graduating, she taught music in grades 1-12 in Southerland, Iowa, and in Wisconsin for three years. She moved to New York City and worked as a file clerk during World War II. She was briefly married to a naval officer.

Following the war, she resumed her studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., just north of downtown Chicago, and studied with Louis Crowder. There she met fellow masters student and WWII Army officer veteran, Arnold Thomas, and the two of them hit it off as they finished their degrees. Mr. Thomas was hired by Lake Forest College in nearby Lake Forest into the music department and he later brought Ruth into the department where they remained for 16 years, marrying in 1951. Ruth directed a madrigal group from which she took great joy. Mr. Thomas completed his doctorate in music history in 1962, at Columbia University.

Weary of northern Illinois’ ice and snow (among other things), Dr. Thomas accepted a position in the music department at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles. After a near-fatal auto accident on the move to California in August of 1962, the family, now with three sons, Jerry, Arnie, Jr., and Bill continued to their new home and remained for two happy years. Mrs. Thomas was a stay-at-home mom in 1962-63. During their second year in California, Mrs. Thomas became organist at Pacoima Presbyterian Church, where her husband served as the choir director. The family enjoyed California, traveling to San Francisco, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks, where they camped at 7,000 feet and shared their food (involuntarily) with a large bear although the family was afraid Mrs. Thomas was about to tackle the bear singlehandedly,  she was so enraged. (She didn’t).
Concerned about his aging parents back in Indiana and turned off by the rat race of southern California freeways, Dr. Thomas reached out in 1964 and accepted the music department chairmanship at Tusculum College. He was soon promoted to Dean of the College in 1965, which he held for a year (turning down a push to become college president) during a period of much transition at the school. In those days, the “department” was located in the basement of the old college library. By 1965, the newly constructed Annie Hogan Byrd fine arts building was finished and the music, history, art and drama departments occupied the brand new facility, where Dr. Thomas was elevated to Chairman of the Fine Arts Department. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Thomas was a member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church.

A lover of madrigal singing groups, in 1969, Mrs. Thomas organized the Greater Greeneville Choral with around 20 members. Starting with Tusculum students, she branched out into the community as well. The group presented Christmas and spring concerts for 26 years until 1995.

Her greatest joy was directing madrigal singers or community choral groups. For years, the Greeneville group would follow her home after the Christmas concert to a wonderful supper catered by the late Ann Gaut.

She also joined Mr. Thomas at Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the late 60s, where he directed the Chancel Choir and she accompanied and sang in the choir for over 30 years. She also in the Handbell Choir at the church and became organist for some 14 years.

Mrs. Thomas joined the Psi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society in the fall of 1969 and remained an active, viable member for a number of years. She was always willing to play the piano for the group on a minute’s notice, serve on committees, and assist her sisters in every way possible.

She served as president of the Tennessee Music Teacher’s Association from 1981-1983. She served as State Auditions Chairman for 25 years and held many positions within the state. She was a charter member of state Appalachian Music Association in Johnson City, which was formed in 1972. From this, the Smokey Mountain Music Association was formed in Greeneville. Despite her busy schedule, Mrs. Thomas also found time to participate in Greeneville’s Little Theatre production of “The Sound of Music”.

In 2010, she was presented with the Tennessee Music Teachers Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

Mrs. Thomas and her husband loved to travel, whether to Indiana to visit family or to the beach in South Carolina. In 1982, the couple took a on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, and later traveled to Canada, New York, Texas and Colorado.

She was known as a consummately kind person who held her tongue with criticism – and yet fearlessly spoke up when she felt strongly about an issue. She was a compassionate mother to her sons, one of whom was lost in 1972 to cancer, an adoring wife, generous with compliments when deserved, the best listener, and a supremely thoughtful individual.

Survivors include: two sons, Jerry and Bill Thomas; daughter in law: Walker Thomas; and Bill and Walker’s daughters: Georgia and Tessa of Berryville, Virginia; a sister-in-law: Judy Gibson of Ithaca, New York; special nieces and nephews and their spouses: Anna Gibson, Deborah and Ron Jaworski, Steven Gibson, and Don and Linda Goffinet; Wesley Thomas, Larry Thomas, Pam and Bill Crowe; a special great neice: Julie Crowe; a special great nephew: Tom Crowe; and special cousins: Jack and Jim Haddan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Tusculum College endowment fund, initiated by two of Arnie and Ruth Thomas’ former students. Ann and Bill Westervelt ’71’69 have established the Ruth and Arnold Thomas Endowed Music Fund. The Westervelts have generously agreed to match gifts to the endowment until fully endowed. The corpus will remain intact, with the earnings going to support the Tusculum Community Chorus or to a future Tusculum College choral group. Memorials to this endowment fund should be made to Tusculum College with the memo line indicating it is for the Ruth and Arnold Thomas Endowed Music Fund. Send contributions to Tusculum College, Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 5040, Greeneville, TN 37743.

Memorials may be made to the Tennessee Music Teachers Association Endowment Scholarship Fund in memory of Ruth G. Thomas, c/o Deane Gray, deanegray@gmail.com.

 

Two named department chairs at Tusculum College

Two new department chairs have been named in the School of Arts and Sciences for the 2015-16 academic year at Tusculum College. Dr. Deborah Bryan has been appointed chair of the department of fine arts, and Dr. Melissa Keller has been appointed chair of the department of natural sciences.

Dr. Bryan has been with Tusculum College since 2007, first as a visiting assistant professor, then assistant professor and finally associate professor in the department of fine arts. From 2012 to 2015, she served as the art and design concentration program coordinator.

“Dr. Bryan has been, for years, the person most instrumental for many of the successes in art and design,” said Wayne Thomas, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, “But she’s done so primarily from behind-the-scenes. I’m grateful Dr. Bryan has agreed to serve as the leader of those programs. She works hard for her students, and they revere her.”

Dr. Deborah Bryan

She has been elected to membership in the Society of American Graphic Artists, the American Color Print Society and the Boston Printmakers. Her work has been exhibited in dozens of juried national and international art exhibitions, and while at Tusculum, she has completed four solo exhibitions of prints, photographs, drawings and artist’s books in the Allison Gallery on the Greeneville campus. She also has completed several solo exhibitions in various national settings.

In 2012, she received the National Living Faculty Award from Tusculum College. She has served on the Assessment Committee, the Admissions and Standards Committee, the Commons Advisory Committee and the Honors Advisory Committee, in addition to her responsibilities for advising students and for teaching drawing, painting, printmaking, book arts, art history, service learning in the arts, introduction to art and basic design courses.

Professor Bryan received her doctorate in clinical psychology in 1989 from Kent State University and a Master of Fine Arts in studio art in 2000 from East Tennessee State University. Her work may be viewed at www.deborahbryanprints.com.

Dr. Keller joined Tusculum College in Fall 2013 as an assistant professor of biology. Dr. Keller holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Roanoke College and a doctorate in plant pathology from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

While in graduate school, Dr. Keller said she fell in love with teaching biology laboratory courses to freshman and chose to complete an education certification. Her graduate research focus was in agriculture, and she continued this research as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University. She returned to education and to Tennessee, where she works with the students and faculty of Tusculum College.

“Dr. Keller is an impressive scholar, academic and teacher,” said Thomas. “In her short tenure at Tusculum, she has already tackled major initiatives and carved out tremendous successes. She’s a popular teacher amongst the students and admired by her colleagues. I’ve no doubt that she’ll be tremendously successful as the new Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.”

Dr. Keller continues to publish in agriculture journals and her most recent articles include “Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Biological Control of Plum Curculio,” “Aerobiology of Fusarium graminearum,” and “Aerobiological sampling efficiency of Petri plates for use in lower atmosphere spore collection.”

Dr. Melissa Keller

She is currently collaborating with Dr. Richard Thompson and eight students on a $20,000 Appalachian College Association grant for the collection of fungal specimens in Rocky Fork State Park to be analyzed for possible bioactive compounds. While at Tusculum College Dr. Keller has served on various committees, overseen the ASafeHarborHome, Inc. Meditation Garden and is currently assisting with the installation of the arboretum on the Greeneville campus.

“Dr. Bryan and Dr. Keller are both phenomenal leaders at the college and in the community,” said Thomas. “I anticipate both of the programs thriving under their leadership for the betterment of our students, school and the East Tennessee region.”

Wayne Thomas named Dean of Arts and Sciences at Tusculum College

Wayne Thomas has been named dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Tusculum College.

Thomas has served as interim dean since July 2014, and formerly as chair of the Department of Fine Arts and as associate professor of English. He also served as the chair of the English Department. He joined Tusculum College in 2005 and not only continuously worked to serve his students and grow his departments but also built several strong arts and humanities programs that have become part of the college’s culture.

“Under the leadership of Mr. Thomas, many students have successfully published, graduated and been admitted to graduate programs,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College. “Through the guidance of Mr. Thomas and other faculty members, many Tusculum students have received scholarships and built relationships to pursue advanced degrees at a wide array of colleges and universities, including Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, California Arts Institute, Chicago Institute of Art and the University of Central Florida.”

After being named the college’s first chair of the Fine Arts Department, Thomas was instrumental in the resurrection of the tradition of the Old Oak Festival, working to bring it back with a focus on fine arts, music, theater and writing.

Wayne Thomas

During his time with the English Department, Thomas coordinated the annual Humanities Lecture Series, bringing guest authors to campus not only to share their works but also to meet with students and share their professional experiences through small panel sessions. He has previously served as editor of “The Tusculum Review,” overseeing the student-driven production of the college’s literary journal.

“I’m honored to serve our institution and President Moody in this capacity. Tusculum is a place you go to for community, individual growth and civic engagement,” said Thomas. “It’s these things that remind us of how one small college in the northeast Tennessee foothills plays such important roles in a world that needs more empathy, commitment to good and diversity of thought.”

Thomas’ essays, stories and plays have been seen in several literary journals and anthologies, including “Sudden Stories: The Mammoth Book of Miniscule Fiction” and “River Teeth.” In addition, he co-edited an anthology of Appalachian literature, “Red Holler.”

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre history and literary criticism from Georgia College, a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing/scriptwriting from Georgia College and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing/fiction and nonfiction from West Virginia University.

Thomas is the 2012 recipient of Tusculum College’s Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award. He also received the alumni-presented National Living Faculty Award for dedicated service to students in 2013.