Tusculum University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tusculum University.
Congratulations to all the students who earned degrees today during the spring commencement ceremony.
Thanks also to all those families and friends who came out to celebrate with the Tusculum College community and for your patience and cooperation as we took measures to accommodate our larger than capacity crowd for the ceremony.
Below is a link to a printable version of the commencement program for those who may not have received one or may want to have multiple copies.
Community college students interested in continuing their education at a baccalaureate school will now be eligible for a transfer student scholarship program at Tusculum College.
Jose Guerrero of Knoxville, will be one of the first students benefiting from this program. Guerrero, who has completed a certificate of pre-allied health at Pellissippi State Community College, was awarded the scholarship and will begin the Bachelor of Science in nursing program at Tusculum College in the fall.
Guerrero, a first generation college student who is juggling his educational commitments with working full-time, said that the transfer scholarship helped him make his commitment to continue his education.
“I have known since high school that I wanted to work in health care. The scholarship helped relieve some of the financial worries about continuing my education,” he said. “It’s a huge deal for college students. Every dollar makes a difference.”
Currently an orderly at Park West Hospital, Guerrero said working with the nurses there and talking to them about their jobs and educational preparation led him to the decision that nursing is where he would like to focus his energies.
“I’m taking it a step at a time, but eventually I would like to get my master’s degree and work as a nurse anesthetist or as a physician’s assistant.”
Students who wish to pursue their bachelor’s degree at Tusculum College and are transferring from a qualifying community college may receive a one-time $500 scholarship. In addition to the opportunity to receive this one-time $500 transfer scholarship, students that are members of Phi Theta Kappa or a similar academic honors organization are eligible to receive an additional one-time $500 scholarship, totaling to a one-time $1,000.
“The Tusculum College scholarship for transfer students will help them to make an easier transition,” said Andrew Starnes, admission representative at Tusculum. “Our hope is that it will make the transition from the two-year program to the four-year program a smooth one.”
For more information on admission or to request an application for a transfer scholarship, contact the Tusculum College Office of Admissions at 1.800.729.0256 or email admission@tusculum.edu.
Among the students recognized during the Honors Convocation on April 30 were the students named to Tusculum’s three academic achievement honors lists for the fall 2014 semester.
Students are recognized for their achievements on 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.
The President’s List includes those students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. 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 fall2014 Dean’s List for the Residential (traditional) 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 +.
James Lee Abbott *+
Corrine Amelia Absher +
Cynthia Paige Adkins +
Erika L. Allison *
Jorge Alvarez
Thomas Cody Armstrong
Hannah Beth Arnett
Benjamin A. Arnold +
Cheyene Leigh Arnold *+
Nicole C. Arthur +
Kristen MacHel Atwell
Juan Avendano Granda +
Charles Tyler Bailey
Samuel Ray Baker
Sarah Ann Baker *+
Angela Nicole Ball +
Ryan Matthew Barker
Brandyn Christopher Bartlett
Justin Edward Baskette
Toni Lyn Bates +
Miranda Leeann Beeler
Elizabeth Ashley Bell +
Hannah Marie Berling +
Jonathan Blaylock *
Taylor R. Boone
Mercedes L. Boyd
Sabrina Nicole Bradley
Spencer Darris Brothers
Victoria Nicole Browder
Alison Mae Buck +
Megan Lorraine Buczek
Autumn Cheyenne Bunch
Blakeley E. Burleson +
Justin Burnworth +
Paige Naomi Burnworth +
Lawson Henry Burrow
Lindsay Ann Butler +
Alison Faith Camp
Deryn Elizabeth Candelaria
Jessie Leonard Carey *
Ethan Wayne Carpenter
Darius O’Neil Carter
Benjamin T Cash
Mitchell Frank Lewis Chapman +
Denise Nicole Coffey +
West Thomas Connor
Bridget Conte
Cynthia J Conte +
David W. Cooper *+
Jacob William Countiss +
Kelsie Elizabeth Cox
Emily Lynne Cross
Kelsey Layne Crow
Alec Cunningham +
Caleb Michael Cutshall *
Jacob Ryan Cutshall
Jennifer Leeann Dalton
Eliza Lucille Davis +
Samuel George Davis +
Derrian Danielle Debusk *+
Nicole Anna Deegan
Payton Alexandra Dehart
Tandon Gregory Dorn
Ashleigh Rose Dorrbecker *+
Samantha M Durham +
Samantha Elizabeth Eldridge +
Madilyn Joyce Elliott *+
Meagan Olivia Ellis
Joseph Elphingstone *+
Bryana Diane Thomas Ezell *
Kasey Blake Fawbush
Miranda Kate Ferguson
Hettige Joseph Michael Ruksha Fernando *+
Lia Theresa Fiore +
Karli Payten Fisher *
Nicholas Larry Forsberg +
Kelsey Lynae Freeman +
Zachary Hamby Freeman
Jennifer Michelle Frost +
Franziska Funke *
Kaela MacKenzie Gardner +
Rachel Eileen Garnett +
Travis Maxwell Gaubert
Haley Morgan Glenn
Elizabeth Dawn Gray +
Ashley Danielle Gregg *+
Shannon Mae Grimes
Allison Marie Hall +
Holly Brooke Hall
Macey Leann Hance +
Edward Oliver Moore Hancock +
Sierra Paige Hanson
Marius Skyrud Harsjoen *
Megan K Hasse +
Mamie Britt Hassell +
Bradley Daniel Hawkins
Dyer Keith Hendricks
James Owen Hensley *+
Rachael Bethany Hensley +
Kristina Victoria Hernandez *
Bradford Blaine Hinkle *
Mindy Lee Hirsch +
Andrew Colby Hollingshead
Sarah Elizabeth Holly *+
Sayre Catherine Hopper *
Karalea Danielle Hord
Katherine Grace Hutchinson *+
Addison Lawrence Ingram
George F. Jackson
Tyler Lynn Jinks +
Jeffrey Tyler Johnson *+
Kenleigh A. Johnson
Patrick Cullen Jones
Devon Aliva Justice +
Tashique Kader
Briana Michelle Kaltenmark
Craig Richard Kastner
Jordan Hayley Keene
Torrey Elizabeth Klee
Toby De Klerk
Staci Nicole Knipp *+
Andrew D Kransberger
Kenneth Austin Kulp
Pablo Laguna *+
Kathryn Anne Lamons
John Landers *+
Zachary Aaron Lane +
Bailey Nicole Lawson +
Calley B. Lawson *+
Shane Allen Lawson
Guillermo Lazcano Carrera +
Lilian Briane Lesniewski
Lindsey Danielle Lewis +
Makenna Noel Lewis *
Mariah Lynn Lewis
Ryan Logan
Daniel Ray Lowery
Yared W. Mamo +
Miriah Elizabeth Martin +
Shawna Ann Martin
Kelli Lynn McCalla +
Joseph Bryson McCarter
Chad Logan McClanahan
Kiah B. McIsaac
Jacob Edward Mendenhall
Whitley Jane Miller
Erin Ashley Mills +
AAliyah Jada Montgomery *+
Tracy Regina Morris
Margaret Ann Moss
Selena Renee Mounger
Pauline Jebet Muiruri
Shannon Rose Murphy
Corey James Neece
Kylee Jordan Nolan
Paula Marcela Ortiz-Gomez
Robert Clayton Owens
Ross Gregory Parsons
Carly Jeannette Payne +
Brandon Mikel Peak
Loren Danielle Peeters
Shaveen Perera +
Jalesa Janae Perkins +
Matthew Ralph Pierce +
Roberto Pimentel +
Alisha Jean Pugh +
Matthew Ryne Ramsay
Erica K. Ramsey +
Leif B. Ratliff *+
Ciara Rattana
Matthew Amon Redic
Tiffany L. Rednour +
Chelsey Brooke Reed *+
Haylee Dean Reed
Treslyn Kelley Reese *
Jamie Rebecca Rhea
Anna Marie Louise Rice
Allyson Kathleen Rines +
Rachel Elizabeth Roberts
Carrie Leigh Rose
Ciara Leigh Ryan
Norman Cody Sauceman +
David Braswell Serodino
Roxanne Inez Shepard *+
David Felix Siegle
Melanie Renee Sigman +
Erin Janae Sims
Terrence Alexander Smith
Carey L. Sommers
Danielle Ilene Spencer
Jonathan Spicher *+
Danae K. Stauffer +
Robin Marie Stoner *
Kaytlin N. Stroinski +
Amanda Lynn Sumner *
Shannele Marjorie Sunderland *+
Meagan Elizabeth Talley *+
Carlie Amanda Thornber *
Darian Dale Tipton +
Jim Leonardo Tolle
Danielle Rosealee Tolley
Breanna Lynn Tolliver
Preston R Tucker
Stephanie Marie Turner *+
Cheyenne Upton
Azubeze Uchenna Uzoma
Kassandra Marie Voelker +
Samantha Jean Vogt +
Brooke Ellen Wallin +
Nicholas Alexander Wasylyk *+
Emily Christine Waters +
Devan Scott Watts
Victoria Kailand Weiss +
Amanda Marie Werder *
Brianna Michelle Werder
Nathaniel Gerome West
Bryce Butler Whaley
Carly Leeanne White +
Timothy Dwight Whitley
Kristen Faith Wiggins
Marissa J. Williams +
Zachary James Williams +
Jonas Burkhardt Siegfried Winkelmann
Lukas Eiko Winkelmann *+
Travis Steven Winnon
Erica Denise Worrell +
Rebecca Sue Wynne +
Dakota Lee Younce +
Natalia Acosta +
Cynthia Carol Adams
Scott Eugene Adams +
Shawn Travis Adcox
Kimberly Kay Anderson
Lisa Nachelle Anderson +
Robert Alexander Anderson +
Tiffany Headrick Andrews *
Kellie Marie Armstrong +
Rena Belle Arwood +
Mark James Attanasio
Steven Leighton Ayers *+
Tori Nicole Bacon +
Anthony Maurice Bagwell
Jason Baker
Kiersten Elise Baker
Ashley Diane Barger *+
Jacqueline Barnard
Christopher Barnett
Joshua Jay Barnett
Candace Angelique Baxter +
Leslie Deanna Ruth Beach *
Gregory Dale Belcher +
Shelly Louise Biddinger +
Maecie Blackburn
Aretha Paige Blizzard +
Kimberly Renee Boles
Matthew Tyler Booth
Matthew David Bosse +
Stacie Lynn Botts
Brittany Bowers
Bryan Allen Bowers
Elizabeth Anne Nicole Bowman *
William Scott Bowman +
Carrie Bradley *+
Casey Elizabeth Bradley
Mindy Dawn Bradley +
Ryan Christopher Brady
Ashton Brannon +
Morgan Maechelle Brewer
Daniel Clifford Britton
John Tyler Brock
Megan L. Brooks
Terry Dean Brooks +
Charles A. Brown +
David Bryan Brown +
Jennifer Jeanne Broyles +
Joshua Adam Broyles *+
Megan D. Bruce +
Janie Danielle Bryant
Keith Chrisopher Buch +
Lara Gail Burchfield +
Amber Nicole Burgner
Samuel Lee Burke +
Brandon Reid Burnett
Kristi Darlene Burnette
Robin Annette Burnette
James Allen Butler
Barbara Michelle Buxton +
Casey Preston Byrd
Amber Spring Campbell
Deanna Roshelle Campbell
Misty Davis Campbell +
Darla Louise Carr
Claire D. Carter
Ryan Matthew Cate
Kelsey Marie Chamberlain
Hannah Lynn Champlin
Yvonne Sue Champlin +
Brent Eugene Chapman +
Cynthia Michelle Chesney +
Floyd Alden Cheyne +
Seongja Song Chung +
Charlene Susie Clark +
Connie Jean Claxton
Katie Lee Clendenen +
Candace Lee Cody +
Dawn Trista Cody
Mandy LaChelle Colburn *+
Kelly Marie Coleman
Kody Elizabeth Collingsworth *+
April Dawn Collins *
Robert Earl Colquitt
Paula Renee Conley +
Mary Beth Connard +
Angela Nicole Conner +
Jessie Denise Cooke
Sarah Allison Cookenour +
Amber Lawson Cooper +
Gary Robert Cooper
Jeremy Brent Cooper
Heather Natasha Cope +
Robert Dewayne Cowden
Tresa Rae Cowell +
Colleen Joy Cox
Lacci Nicole Cox +
Olivia Cox +
Stephanie Lynn Cox *+
Stephanie Marie Cox
Tyler Robert Cox
Israel Paul Crawford
Joshua Chase Cress
April D. Cruey
Christy Lee Cruey
Casey Renea Cummings *+
Jamie Cunningham *
Mary M. Cupp
Melanie Ann Cusmano
Angela Ruth Daniels-Taylor +
Laura Elizabeth Davenport
Allison Roxie Davis
Aundrea Lashaye Davis
Heather D. Davis +
Kelly Frances Davis *+
Haylee Michelle Day
Kayla Gabrielle Dearstone +
Emily Marie Delacruz *
Alaina Christen Demay
Athena Dison +
Jessica Angela Dockery
Kelsey Danielle Dockery +
Patrick Edwin Douthat
Carolyn Sue Dudek +
Amber Christine Duke +
Brittney D. Dye +
Melanie Ann Edwards *
Jessica Lea Elkins
Tabitha B. Ellenburg
Melissa Jeannette Emerson +
Daniel Casey England
Stormi Heather Estep +
William Paul Evans
Donna Carol Ewing +
Joseph Hall Exum
Justin Dale Fain
Todd P Fairbanks
Maria Rose Farnham +
Lisa Josephine Feezell +
Tracy Lynn Feist
Elizabeth Jean Fletcher +
Nichole Marleah Fletcher +
Chrissy Camelle Florian
April Suzanne Floyd *+
Natalie Paige Foland
Christie D. Forbis
Amy Laurel Foreman
Amber Brooke Fortner
Tommy Jason Foster
Logan Brian Foust *+
Robert Shane French
Taylor Victoria Fritz
Katrina Melissa Garcia +
Roben Andrea Garland
Jamie L. Gass
Monica Jo Gibbs
Tiffany Marie Golden +
Stevie Nicole Gorrell
Trisha Lear Gossett +
Tyler J Govert +
Michael Anthony Graves +
Charlotte Arlene Gray
Jill Annette Grayson *+
Haley Green
Heather Elaine Greene +
Michelle Amber Greene
Emily Greenier *+
Debra Lynn Gregory
Tatum Elizabeth Gregory +
Brittany Danielle Grizzle
Christian Grumbach +
Adam Michael Guinn
Otis Ted Hackney
Jeremy Allen Hall +
Michael Harry Hall +
Audrey Heather Hammack
Lindsay Denise Harbin *
Tracy Hardiman
Charles Leffie Harmon
Matthew Joseph Harrell +
Ronda Kay Harrell +
Rachel Leigh Harris
Brittney Harrison
Dustin Tyler Hayes
Heather Denise Hayes *
Jonathan Hayes +
Tanya Marie Hayes
Amie Nicole Helton
Robert Edward Helton
Jureen Solano Hendrickson
Robin H. Herbert +
Lorie K. Hibbs
Brent Aaron Hickman +
Ruth Ann Hickman +
Jessica Hope Higdon
Timothy Andrew Hill +
Amy Marie Hodge
Emily Nicole Hodge +
Misty Dawn Hodge
Zoe Elizabeth Holcomb *+
Michael Scott Holtsclaw
Arnold Keith Hooper *
Todd Hopkins
Cathleen Marie Hopson
Joseph Timothy Houser *+
Ryan Wesley Hudson +
Diana Hundley *
Gregory Mitchell Hurd
Laura Elizabeth Hurley
Maleah Linda Huskey
Ashley Sherstine Huss
Andrea Lauren Hutchins *
Steven Jerry Hutson *+
Chanc Milton Jackson +
Charlotte Nicole Jackson *+
Emery Nichole Jackson
Micky Ray Jackson
Jessica Bermes Jemison
Beverly Norton Jenes
Angel M Jennings
Bertrane Jarvis Jennings +
Carol S. Jennings *
Jeffrey Adam Jennings
Denise Lee Johnson
Kiana Raelene Johnson +
Mattie Renee Johnson
Rebecca Leann Johnson *
Christopher David Jones *
Shawna Jones +
Tabbitha Mari Jones
Tammy Louise Jones +
Will Garrett Jones +
Iris Colleen Jordan
Wesley Justice +
Angela Marie Kagley
Derek Ryan Kee
Courtney Michelle Kelly *
Chad Cantrell Kennedy *+
Sarah Kenny *+
Justin Marc King
Frankie Lorine Kington +
Mitchell Elvis Kitts, II
Thomas Robert Kosidowski +
Christie Deanna Lamb +
Daniel Quentin Lane +
Elissa Ruth Lane *
Kendra Michelle Lane
Melissa June Lanzafame +
James Adam Large
Rori Leigh Lawrence
Brandy Rose Lawson
Heather Le Ann Lay
Crystal Annette Laymance
Jason Ledford +
Mary Carol Ledford
Lina Dawn Leonard
Tracy Marie Leonard +
Shyista Latoya Leslie
Olivia Lobertini
Rachel Hope Looney
Amy Patrice Lyon +
Alfred Emanuel Mahan
Brooke Danielle Maloney
Caleb Marlow
Marcy Lee Marriott
David Michael Mathis
Shawn Michael Mauer
David Carson Mays +
Brandi Michelle McAmis +
Kevin Ray McAmis +
Betsy Ann McClain
Sam McClanahan *+
Joshua Dylan McClure
Ryan Pete McCord *+
Keema Andrea McDowell
Josette McGaha +
Sven McGaha +
Amanda Rae McIntosh
Jada Lynn McKay
Nanette Louise McLain +
Sandra McMahan
Ashley Nicole McPeek
Matthew Edward Meese
Rebecca Lashea Melton +
Emily Ann Menner
Matthew Michael Midkiff
Alicia Rae Miller
Denna Lee Miller +
Jessica Mitchell *+
Evan Dewayne Monroe
Jason Randal Monroe
Benjamin Jason Moore
Kristen Leigh Morgan
David Wayne Morris
Michael Brett Morris
Alicia Nichole Morrison
Tia Moua +
Daisy Tamara Mullins
Christina Marie Murrell
Aaron Jon Mynatt
Tyler Pittman Neal +
Craig Newman *
Pamela Sue Nichols
Steven Shane Norman
Juana Iris Nunez-Morillo
Christy Danelle Nutter
Tiffany Nichole Ogle *+
Tracy Michelle Olson +
Orvil Johnathan Ownby +
Joel Ray Paden +
Laurence James Palais *+
Ashley Dawn Palmer +
Mindy Ann Palmer
Marisa Austin Parkes +
Tever Louise Parton +
Derrick Patterson +
Frances Melissa Patterson *+
Tonya Renae Patterson +
Christina Louise Paxton +
Christopher David Payne
Holly Marie Pearce
Candy Denise Pelham
Christopher Wayne Penley +
Heather Dawn Perry *
Randall Steven Pettiford +
Juliana Cecelia Pressley
Janet Louise Purcell +
Amber Brooke Pyle +
Cinnamon Elizabeth Rader
Jacqueline Nicole Rader
Macy Makenzie Raines
Roe B. Rainey +
Brenden Andrew Rapp +
Allison Gail Ray
Dakota Ryan Ray
Bethaney Reagan
Johnathan Hugh Reagan
Jennifer Renee Reaves *+
Justin Mark Reaves +
Annette Dione Reneau
April Danielle Renner *+
Abby Caitlin Reynolds +
Jeanna Edington Reynolds +
Kendra Irene Rickard +
Cortney Mercedes Ridenhour
Shalynn Wallace Rippetoe
William Scott Ritter
Rachael Elizabeth Roach
Ashley Brooke Roberts +
Sharon S. Roberts +
Stephanie Wave Robinson +
Lloyd Stephen Rose
Skyler E. Ross +
Sarah Elizabeth Rowland
Barbara Lynn Rowntree *+
Evan Joseph Rudd +
Tabitha Ann Rue
Jessica Lynne Ruppel +
Rodney Lynn Russell +
Stephen Paul Sabatino
Roger Grant Sams +
Mark Lee Sandburg
Heather Michelle Sanders +
Regina Starr Sandidge +
Audrey Lynn Sauls +
Kelly Schlitz
Jessica Nicole Seals *+
Chad William Seay +
Clinton D. Serman
Talor Elizabeth-Broo Shaddix
Deborah Rolen Sharp *+
William Robert Sharp +
Esther Manuela Shem
Kaliah Alexis Sheppard
Briley Nicole Shinlever
Christopher Lynn Silcox
David Grant Smith +
Deborah D Smith
Joshua Cori Smith +
Stacie Lorene Smith +
Rebecca Hildegard Smith-Gregg +
Lisa Jane Snowden +
Adam Tyler Solomon +
Candice N. Spradlin
Katherine Sprinkle *
Megan Nicole Starnes *+
Suzanne Michelle Starnes
Michaela Anne Stephens
Evelyn Rose Stone +
David Eric Stott +
Amanda Carroll Strange
Kendall John Strumpf
Christopher Randall Sutton +
Russell Talley
Lisa Gail Tankersley
Jason Tarbet +
Angela Marie Taylor +
Denise Lynn Taylor
Kenny Leon Taylor +
Michelle Leigh Templin
Elizabeth Thomas
Kristi Ann Thomas +
Miranda Lin Tobler *+
Kristin Nicole Townsend
Daniel Joseph Tremaine
Joshua Daniel Trivette
Larry F Tyree *
David Anthony Underwood
Dolores Lynne Vance
Angela Diane Vaughn +
Joshua Scott Wallace +
Christina Kropff Wallen
Misty D. Wallen
Samantha Laynea Wallen
David George Walton *+
Kayla R Ward
Brian Glenn Watkins +
Miranda Brooke Watson
Joshua Aaron Weaver
Jordan Welch
Steven Welden
Jessica Renee Wells *+
Melissa Kim Whaley
Monica Pauline Whaley *+
Brendan Phillip Whelan +
Jennifer Nicole Whitlock
Martin Lewis Whorley *
Kathy Diane Wiles
Brooke Danielle Wilhoit +
Leslie Kaye Wilhoit
Leslie Camera Wilkerson
Taylor R. Williams
Mark Steven Williamson
Amanda Dorene Willis +
Darrin Christopher Willis +
Dylan Gabe Willis *+
Brandi Nichole Wilson
Erica Monique Wilson
Sheena Lachelle Wilson +
Jennifer Turner Winkle *
Susan Carol Winkler
Kimberly Ruth Wise *
Shaniqua Shauntae Woods
Amanda Leann Worley
Courtney Lynn Worthington
Travis James Wright *+
Shauna Jane Wrinkle
Heather Elizabeth Young
The Doak House Museum, located on the campus of Tusculum College, will be offering two exciting summer camps for area children, “Art Camp” and “History Camp.”
History Camp will be held June 8-12 and Art Camp will be held July 13-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6-12.
In History Camp, children will explore the Tusculum College campus and the Doak House Museum site through a variety of interactive games, crafts and activities. The camp will feature a new instructor with all new activities and curriculum.
Art camp will be a mixture of sculpture, drawing, color mixing and other fun activities. Campers can let their imaginations run wild and make fantastical figures out of paper mache or draw from nature at the beautiful five-acre Doak House site.
Tuition for each camp is $85 with all materials and a daily snack included. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Sibling and Tusculum College employee discounts are available. A deposit and registration are required. Reserve a spot by Friday, May 15, and receive the special discount rate of $75.
“We pride ourselves on having fun, engaging, affordable camps for the families in our community,” said Dollie Boyd, director of Museum Program and Studies at Tusculum College.
Space is limited. For more information, contact Boyd at dboyd@tusculum.edu or by phone at 423-636-8554.
The Tusculum College Museum Program and Studies department was the recipient of two awards at the recent Tennessee Association of Museums annual meeting, held in Jackson.
Students in the museum studies program won an Award of Excellence for their exhibit, “Reaper: Nettie Fowler McCormick and the Machine that Built Tusculum College,” and the program won an Award of Commendation for its Historic District Lantern Tour, which was offered during the 2014 Old Oak Festival.
“The great thing about this exhibit is that it challenges the visitors’ pre-conceived notions about how and why Nettie Fowler McCormick made Tusculum College a focus of her philanthropic efforts,” said Josh Helvey, a senior museum studies major from Blountville. “It provides new insight into what exactly made this generosity possible, namely her husband’s wealth generated by his company and the forces that made that company profitable in the first place. Given that we as a class only had three and a half weeks to build this exhibit, the Award of Excellence is an honor and point of pride we can all share.”
Tusculum’s undergraduate students competed in the same categories as professional exhibit designers from across the state.
Leah Walker, site and events manager of the Doak House Museum, and Dollie Boyd, director of the museum, also presented at the conference. Boyd’s session was titled “Out of the Kitchen, Into the Tour Script: Giving the Women’s Story at your Site Equal Time,” and Walker’s session was titled “Excellent TAM Awards of Excellence.”
The Tennessee Association of Museums was founded in 1960 and fosters communication and cooperation between museums, cultural societies and other members of common interests. The goal of the association is to inform the public on the importance of understanding and preserving Tennessee’s cultural, historical, and scientific heritage.
One of the two state awards won by the Tusculum College Museum Program and Studies department was for the exhibit “Reaper: Nettie Fowler McCormick and the Machine that Built Tusculum College,” which is still on display at the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library.
Steven Hollingshead was presented the "Student of the Block" and "Mr. TC Award" prior to the Pioneer baseball game on May 2.
Steven Hollingshead, a senior from Memphis, has been named “Student of the Block” for the eighth block at Tusculum College and is also the recipient of the inaugural “Mr. TC Award.”
Hollingshead, a double major in political science and business with concentrations in economics and international business, was presented both honors prior to the beginning of the May 2 Pioneer baseball game.
The “Student of the Block Award” is presented by the Tusculum Office of Student Affairs and was established to recognize individuals who excel in their academic endeavors, campus involvement and/or athletic performance. The award is selected from nominations made by faculty and staff members. Plaques telling about the honorees are displayed in the Niswonger Commons and other campus buildings. The new “Mr. TC Award” recognizes a student for overall contributions to the campus community and dedication to the betterment of the college as well as outstanding involvement, service and leadership inside and outside the classroom.
Hollingshead has immersed himself in college life since arriving on the Tusculum campus. As a freshman, he joined 22 student organizations and organized a Midnight Madness basketball tournament for students.
During his sophomore year, he became an orientation leader and a PAL (Peer Academic Leader), working with conditionally admitted students. As an upperclassman, he took on leadership roles in the Student Government Association (SGA), the Black Student Union and the Student Activities Board. He was elected president of the Student Government Association by his peers.
With his business studies, Hollingshead became an integral part of the “Help Me Help You” program, a student-led initiative that provides assistance to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and its outgrowth, the Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. The Bonner Leader student service organization and the Pioneer Dance Team have also benefitted from his commitment to helping others and service.
Hollingshead was the first Tusculum student to be awarded a Bonner Service Fellow internship. During his junior year, he worked with the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy in Memphis. He has also served an internship with Enterprise.
After graduating this spring, Hollingshead’s plans include attending graduate school and pursing his interests in business and law.
Student excellence in academics and service were recognized during Tusculum College’s annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 30.
The two top honors for students presented by the College are the President’s Award and the Bruce G. Batts Award. David Cooper of Chuckey was presented the President’s Award and Ryan Barker of Laurens, S.C., was presented the Bruce G. Batts Award.
Marcus Holland '05
The students were also addressed by Marcus Holland, a 2005 graduate from Tusculum, who encouraged the students to focus on preparation and planning for their future to make their dreams a reality. The manager at the Walgreens location on Asheville Highway in Greeneville, Holland said he uses skills he learned at Tusculum each day in his position. He has continued to learn and to add to his skill set and encouraged the students to do the same.
The Student Government Association officers for the upcoming 2015-16 academic year were also sworn in during the program. Michael Fernando, an international student from Sri Lanka, will be serving as student body president.
President’s Award
David Cooper receives the President's Award from Tusculum 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 Cooper who is majoring in biology and has a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. Cooper was named the 2014 Men’s Cross Country Scholar Athlete of the Year and is two-time Capital One Academic All-America® Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field Team selection, earning second team honors as a sophomore and a first team honors last year.
The Chuckey-Doak High School graduate is a member of the Tusculum Dean’s List, Tusculum President’s List and the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. He is the recipient of the Greene County Endowed Scholarship, the Llewelyn M. Fox ’16 Memorial Annual Scholarship and the Ray L. Bowman ’42 Endowed Scholarship.
On the course, Cooper is a three-time All-SAC selection earning first team honors in 2012. In 2011, he named to the SAC All-Freshman Team and is a four-year team captain. He has completed one of the finest running careers in Tusculum history. He owns 10 of the top-25 running times (8,000 meters) in program history, including two in the top-10. Cooper has been involved in numerous campus and community leadership roles, serving with the Nettie Day of Service, the Greene County YMCA, the Tusculum College Athletic Judicial Board and the Greene County Humane Society.
In addition, the E.H. Sargent Award in Science was presented to Cooper. In choosing the recipient, science faculty members consider overall grade point average, total hours in science and variety of areas covered in the sciences.
Cooper was also recognized as a graduating member of the Tusculum chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Only the top 10 percent of the junior and senior classes are invited to become a member of the honor society.
Batts Award
Ryan Barker
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, Ryan Barker of Lauren, S.C., has been fully engaged in the Tusculum College experience, enriching his academic and extracurricular success. Barker is a double major in history and English, creative writing concentration. An excellent student, he has earned spots on both the Dean’s List and the Charles Oliver Gray List.
Barker served as the 2013-2014 president of the Tusculum Student Government Association. He has presented three research papers at conferences, while also completing several internships. He has taken the initiative to study abroad with a class on Medieval Europe in 2013. In addition, Barker has had several articles printed in publications and one of his scripts was utilized for a Tusculum College Band concert.
He is a member the college’s Student Government Association and English Student Organization. He is co-president of the Students of Museums and Students of History organization, and has worked as a student editor on the College’s journal, “The Tusculum Review.” He has faithfully participated in numerous community service projects, including working as a part of the Northeast Tennessee District National History Day, the College’s Old Oak Festival and serving on Tusculum’s Community Standards Board.
The Senior Honor Key Awards in English, creative writing concentration, and history were also presented to Barker. These honors recognize students’ academic achievement, capacities, special abilities and aptitude in the major field. Barker was also recognized as a graduating member of Tusculum’s chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.
Student-Chosen Awards
Ken Brewer accepts the Outstanding Service to Students Award from Dr. Alan Corley, representing the Greene County Partnership.
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 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.
The Staff Award was presented to Daniel Green, senior student life coordinator. Student Government Association President Ash Dorrbecker presented the award and noted that while he has only been at Tusculum a short time, Green has made a significant positive impact on the lives of students.
SGA President Ash Dorrbecker presents the Staff Award to Daniel Green, senior student life coordinator.
The Community Award, which is presented to an individual, organization or business which has made a significant contribution to the Tusculum campus community, recognized Lynette Price, a co-owner of the Creamy Cup for her continued support of the college and its students. Price and her husband, Eric, a 2008 alumnus of the college, were among the participants in Help Me Help You program and have continued to be supportive of the program. They have also participated as vendors in the Old Oak Festival since its return to campus in 2012.
Lynette Price, co-owner of Creamy Cup, accepts the Community Award from Ash Dorrbecker, representing the student body which selected the recipient of the award.
Academic Honors
Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award recipient Treslyn Reese
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 the award recipients and their degree programs:
Accounting – Lief Ratliff of Fall Branch;
Athletic Training – James Owen Hensley of Nashville;
Art Education – Kassandra Voelker of Greeneville;
Art and Design, Studio Concentration – Ashley Gregg of Parrottsville;
Biology – Katherine Hutchinson of Calhoun, Ga.;
Michael Fernando accepts the Honors Olympian Award from Dr. Michelle Freeman, his faculty mentor in the program.
Criminal Justice – Bridget Conte of Chattanooga;
Digital Media – Corrine Absher of Kingsport;
Economics – Ash Dorrbecker of Montgomery, Ala.;
English, journalism and professional writing concentration – Alec Cunningham of Knoxville;
Environmental Science – Alison Buck of Guysville, Ohio;
Bailey Lawson accepts the Undergraduate Research Excellence in Psychology from Dr. Brian Pope, professor of psychology.
Field Guide Naturalist – Kayla Gillispie of Newport;
History Education – Chris Weems of Dickson;
Information Technology – Josh Tyler of Duluth, Ga.;
Interdisciplinary Studies K-6 – Paige Burnworth of Greeneville;
Interdisciplinary Studies 4-8 – Marissa Williams of Canton, Mich.;
Management – Coleman Glick of Columbus, Ind.;
Museum Studies – Erika Allison of Alpharetta, Ga.;
Whitney Idell accepts the Dr. Shirley Beck Award for the outstanding graduate level education student from Dr. Quincy Rose, assistant professor of education.
Nursing – Tracy Morris of Greeneville;
Political Science –John Landers of Lithonia, Ga.;
Psychology – Chelsea Masters of Jonesborough;
Sport Management – Adam Kulbat of Sydney, Australia, and
Sports Science – Alisha Pugh of Bedfordshire, England.
Recognized as Honor Students for having the highest grade point average of their class were:
seniors – Nicholas Wasylyk of Ontario, Canada; Staci Knipp of Greeneville; David Cooper of Chuckey; Ash Dorrbecker of Montgomery, Ala.; Lukas Winkelman of Boblingen, Germany; Leif Ratliff of Fall Branch; Carrie Bradley of Bulls Gap; Ryan McCord of Maryville; Madilyn Elliott of Hampton; Sarah Holly of Johnson City, and Calley Lawson of Gaithersburg, Md.
Megan Starnes accepts the Outstanding Education Student Award from Dr. Rose.
juniors – Samuel Davis of Harriman; Jaime Arnold of Fall Branch; Joseph McCarter of Sevierville; Treslyn Reese of Auburn, Ala.; Amber Duke of Oak Ridge; Cheyenne Arnold of Morristown, and Miranda Tobler of Oak Ridge.
sophomores –Chelsey Reed of Morristown; Jonathan Spicher of Lindlar, Germany; Sheila Blair of Jonesborough; Caleb Cutshall of Fall Branch; Karli Fisher of Sparta; Daniel Lowery of Greeneville, and Bryana Ezell of Sevierville.
freshman – Sayre Hopper of Bessemer City, N.C.; Carlie Thornber of Oshawa, Ontario; Amanda Werder of New Market, Ala.; Jennifer Dalton of Tazewell; Bradford Hinkle of Mosheim; Franziska Funke of Bochum, Germany; Leslie Beach of Russellville and Larry Tyree of Chuckey.
Nicole Seals was the Northeast region recipient of the Jean Hixon Memorial Award from Anne Hall.
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 Derrian DeBusk of Knoxville; Joseph Elphingstone of Calhoun, Ga.; Ashley Gregg of Parrottsville; Megan Hasse of Nashville; James Owen Hensley of Nashville; Katherine Hutchinson of Calhoun, Ga.; John Landers of Lithonia, Ga.; Leif Ratliff of Fall Branch; Marissa Williams of Canton, Mich., and Lukas Winkelmann of Boblingen, Germany.
Kelly Davis receives the Jean Hixon Memorial Award for the Southeast region from Hall.
The Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award, which honors the highest academically ranked member of the junior class, was presented to Treslyn Reese of Auburn, Ala.
Michael Fernando, an international student from Sri Lanka, was presented the Honors Olympian Award, which is presented to the student who best exemplifies the ideals of the Tusculum College Honors Program through academic success, civic engagement and service to the community. The award recognizes the student in the Honors Program who has been most active on campus and in the community.
Tandon Dorn accepts the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarship from Dr. Richard Thompson, assistant professor of chemistry.
Eleven students inducted in the Tusculum College chapter of the Psi Chi psychology honor society during the past year were recognized. The fall 2014 inductees included Ashley Barger of Knoxville, Carrie Bradley of Bulls Gap, Tammy Johnson of Strawberry Plains and Stephanie Cox and Jamie DePriest of Morristown. The spring 2015 inductees include Rena Arwood of Pigeon Forge, Chelsea Masters of Jonesborough, and Lisa Feezell, Trisha Gossett, Heather Hayes and Christina Paxton of Greeneville.
Ash Dorrbecker, recipient of the Walter R. Johnson Award
The Undergraduate Research Excellence in Psychology award was presented to Bailey Lawson of Max Meadows, Va. This award recognizes a student who has completed a research project and presented it in a public forum.
Members of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society were also recognized. In order to become a member of this newest honor society on campus, students must have taken at least 15 hours of history courses, have an overall 3.0 GPA and a 3.1 GPA in history. The inaugural members of the honor society are Erika Allison of Alpharetta, Ga.; Ryan Barker of Laurens, S.C.; Emily Bernin of Seymour; Emily Cross of Russellville; Billi McKenzie of Allegan, Mich.; Matthew Moyer of Gray; Robert Owens of Afton; Melanie Sigman of Covington, Ga., and Chris Weems of Dickson.
Terri Hooper accepts the Nursing Student of the Year award for the senior class from Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Human Services
Students who were chosen for the 2015 Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prizes were honored. Students submit original, creative works in the annual writing competition. Jennifer Frost of Friendsville received honors in both the poetry and scriptwriting categories. Cynthia Conte of Chattanooga was the honoree in the nonfiction category and William Carnes White of Pike Road, Ala., was recognized in the fiction category.
The Dr. Shirley Beck Award for an outstanding Master of Arts in Education major was presented to Whitney Idell of Greeneville, who is a teacher at Doak Elementary School.
The Outstanding Education Student Award was presented to Megan Starnes of Morristown.
Adrienne Kaye is presented the Nursing Student of the Year award for the junior class from Dr. Ewen.
Nicole Seals of Morristown and Kelly Davis of Knoxville were presented the Jean Hixon Memorial Award, named in honor of a long-time member of the Graduate and Professional Studies staff. Hixon’s sister Anne Hall and her husband, James Hall, presented the award. The award recipients are chosen by Tusculum faculty as students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a GPA of 3.50 or better and dedicated community service.
The Barnett, Conley and Davis Award in Natural Sciences and Mathematics was presented to Joseph Elphingstone of Calhoun, Ga. The award recognizes a graduating senior outstanding in the combined fields of natural sciences and mathematics. The award is based on overall GPA, science and math GPA, depth of interest in science and math and academic service to the college such as tutoring and/or research.
Karalea Hord accepts the Theatre Award from Marilyn duBrisk, artist-in-residence and director of Tusculum Arts Outreach.
Tandon Dorn of Filley, Neb., was the recipient of the Doug Ratledge Environmental Science Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in environmental science or the field guide naturalist program.
Ash Dorrbecker of Montgomery, Ala., was presented the Walter R. Johnson Award, which recognizes the graduating senior determined most outstanding in business and economics.
Terri Hooper of Midway was presented the Nursing Student of the Year award for the senior class and Adrienne Kaye of Egg Harbor City, N.J., 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.
Ashley Brooks receives the David Behan Award for her contributions to the theatre program from duBrisk.
The Theatre Award was given to Karalea Hord of Culleoka for her participation and dedication to the theater program at Tusculum College.
Ashley Brooks of Greeneville was the recipient of the David Behan Award for her contributions to the theater program.
The Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Outstanding Major Award is selected by the physical education faculty and was awarded to Nick Forsberg of Staples, Minn.
Nick Forsberg receives the Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Award from Suzanne Byrd, assistant professor of physical education.
The Pinnacle Award for highest scores on annual comprehensive examinations taken by athletic training education majors was presented to Grace Arthur of Maryville.
Service Awards
The Service-Learning Award was presented to Josh Suttles of Seymour. In presenting the award, Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement, Global and Mission Studies, recalled that Suttles came to her with an idea for a service-learning internship at the Davy Crockett State Park, which he has instituted and also involved other students in the project.
Amy Brooks, right, assistant professor of athletic training, presents the Pinnacle Award to Grace Arthur.
The Bonner Leaders Program Award was presented to Kelsey Freeman of Johnson City. 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.
Denise Coffey of Reagan was recognized with the Newman Civic Fellows Award, a honor given by National Campus Compact. Student recipients are nominated by their campuses. Award recipients must demonstrate a deep commitment to service to both their school and local community, having given at least 300 hours of community service, and also show a commitment to social change. Coffey has donated about 500 hours of her time in the past year volunteering at ASafeHarborHome, a local agency that serves victims of domestic violence.
Josh Suttles, recipient of the Service-Learning Award
Kelsey Freeman accepts the Bonner Leaders Program Award from Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement, Global and Mission Studies
Denise Coffey, left, receives the Newman Civic Fellows Award, an honor bestowed by the National Campus Compact organization, from Gentry.
Two Tusculum College students recently attended the Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Conference at the University of Virginia at Wise, as guests of the conference keynote speakers, Dr. Harry Wong and Dr. Rosemary Wong.
Dr. Harry Wong requested Amanda Silvers and Rick Rogers attend the conference after Dr. DiAnn Casteel, professor of education, shared with him samples of their work.
“He was so impressed that he requested permission to use their work in his future publications,” said Dr. Casteel.
Dr. Harry Wong is well-known internationally and has published several books on the topic of classroom management. According to Dr. Casteel, teachers in the Greeneville and Greene County school systems utilize his materials extensively for classroom management.
Silvers is completing her undergraduate degree in teacher education. Rogers is completing his Master of Arts in education degree and has been accepted into the University of Tennessee’s doctoral program for mathematics. Dr. Casteel and Dr. Kathryn Crumm, assistant professor of education, also attended the conference.
While taking a classroom management book with Dr. Casteel, utilizing Dr. Wong’s book, Silvers said the book, “The Classroom Management Book,” is essentially a handbook for both new and seasoned teachers. “It gives explicit suggestions on establishing classroom procedures and rules,” said Silvers, “The book recommends steps to take to help you, as an educator, create an effective learning environment for your students.”
Assignments during the course included setting up an imaginary class and completing various assignments that required the students to set classroom rules and procedures, as well as the preparation a script which that could be used to keep pace throughout each day as routines are established.
It was these projects, completed by Silvers and Rogers, that Dr. Casteel shared with Dr. Harry Wong.
“Hearing Dr. Wong and his wife speak makes me so excited to get into my own classroom, and to put all of this information to use,” said Silvers. “I am certain that the information I learned in Dr. Casteel’s class, and the works of Dr. Harry Wong, will help me to be an organized, effective teacher.”
Rogers said attending the conference reinforced everything that he had learned in the MAT program at Tusculum.
“The presentation allowed me to meet the authors of our classroom management class textbook. They turned a subject that can be very dry into a presentation that was fun, motivational, educational and applicable,” he said.
From left are Dr. Harry Wong, students Amanda Silvers and Rick Rogers, and Dr. Rosemary Wong. Silvers and Rogers were guests of the Wongs, who were keynote speakers at the Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Conference at the University of Virginia at Wise.
With a $60,000 goal, Tusculum College officially kicked off the 2015-16 Pioneer Club campaign with a motivational breakfast held at the Greeneville campus on Tuesday, May 5.
“Tusculum College appreciates all that you do to support Tusculum College athletics,” said Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, who welcomed the campaign volunteers. “What you do truly makes a difference with our students.”
Chairman of the Pioneer Club Campaign this year is Larry Coughlin, in his seventh year serving as leader of this effort. Coughlin announced the campaign goal, and the time frame of this year’s campaign, which will be four weeks, ending on June 2.
Coughlin has been actively involved with Tusculum College and its student-athletes and is respected in the Greeneville community as a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Foundation Board of the Greeneville Exchange Club. He is a member of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation Board and on the Consumer Credit Union Board of Directors.
He and his wife, Donna, have for many years been dedicated to supporting Tusculum College student-athletes and their programs. In 2010, Coughlin was recognized with the Sports Benefactor Award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions toward the Pioneer athletic programs.
Coughlin also announced team captains for this year’s efforts. Team captains include friends of the college Bland Justis and Dr. Craig Shepherd, as well as alumni Doug DeBusk, Justin Jeffers. Angelo Botta and Curtis Morrison.
The Pioneer Club is the college’s vehicle to provide athletic scholarships and program support to all athletic programs. The program began in 1991, and with the help and support of alumni and friends of the college, each year the goals have been met in both membership and dollars raised.
Athletics at Tusculum College are a big part of campus life; nearly 50 percent of the students are student-athletes.
Tusculum Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Frankie DeBusk was on hand at the kick-off event to encourage and thank the volunteers.
“Thank you for all you do. The money you raise helps every single one of our sports teams through scholarships and help for our budgets,” said DeBusk. “I truly believe we have a special place here, and your efforts go directly to support our student-athletes.”
Coughlin said volunteers will be making contacts in the community over the next four weeks to solicit support for Tusculum College athletics, and he is expecting the community to be receptive.
“What an exciting program to be a part of, and as a Pioneer Club member, you can help student-athletes enjoy the unique Tusculum College experience,” Coughlin added.
For more information on the Pioneer Club or to become a member, contact Tusculum College’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303.
Leadership for this year’s Tusculum College Pioneer Club Campaign includes from left, Angelo Botta, Chairman Larry Coughlin, Justin Jeffers, Curtis Morrison, Bland Justis and Dr. Craig Shepherd. Not pictured is Doug DeBusk.
Heritage Home Scholars will host a regional home-school conference at Tusculum College on Monday, May 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The goal of the day is to promote college readiness and provide valuable information to current and prospective homeschoolers. There will be a variety of home-school related vendors, including education materials and textbooks.
“We are sponsoring this conference to provide support and resources for home-schooling families in the Greene County region. This free conference is open to all home-schoolers and prospective home-school families,” said Ramona Taylor, coordinator for the conference. She added that there will also be vendors on site with used home-school curricula, as well as speakers on various home-school related topics.
Informational sessions will be provided on topics such as financial aid information related to Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, how to prepare for college and navigate the application process and home schooling through high school, which will be presented by Taylor. Special guests from HomeLife Academy will be in attendance and available to answer questions regarding home schooling in Tennessee. They will also be presenting sessions on “Tennessee Home-school Law: Category What? Option Who?” and “Sports and Home Schooling in Tennessee.” There will also be a “Home Schooling 101” session for those just getting started.
Other topics of discussion will be the Hope Scholarship, preparation for high school, what high school credits can be received, graduation requirements, college admission requirements, duel enrollment, testing, beginning a resume, Eta Sigma Alpha National Homeschool Society, the different extracurricular activities available, as well as athletics, beneficial items and driving courses. Visit Heritage Home Scholar’s website at www.heritagehomescholars.org for a schedule of speakers.
Tusculum College, which is hosting and supporting the event, will have a table set-up at this event, as will Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University.
Heritage Home Scholars is a non-profit corporation formed in 2014 in Greeneville, Tenn. HHS is a home-school support group that operates a co-op that meets on Mondays from August through April, with more than 120 families participating.
The purpose of HHS is to serve and support Christian home-schooling families. This includes families who are anticipating home schooling, families who are currently home schooling one or more children, and families who may no longer be home schooling, but are still interested in ministering to home-schooling families. For more information contact the HHS by email at heritagehomescholars@gmail.com.
The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee has awarded a $17,650 grant to Tusculum College for a first generation college student mentoring program.
The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee will provide funding for the proposed program’s guest speakers and honorariums, Tusculum College student participants, interview wardrobe, supplies, meals, cultural events and transportation expenses of $10,650.
The grant will provide for 18 female high school students, who come from low income families and would be their family’s first generation to attend college, to participate in a five-day residential, mentored institute at Tusculum College. Students from Carter, Cocke, Greene and Unicoi counties will be eligible. The new program, which began in 2014, is called the Women’s Search for Success and Self-Sufficiency.
Tusculum College is working with its Talent Search program to expand the Women’s Search for Success and Self-Sufficiency program. The Talent Search program seeks to empower underrepresented participants with the tools to achieve academic and personal success. The program accomplishes this goal through interventions to assist low-income and first-generation participants to finish high school, enter and complete a program of post-secondary education.
The goal of the Women’s Search for Success and Self-Sufficiency program is to help girls in East Tennessee learn various life, education and work-related skills. Various workshops are implemented to instruct participants in areas such as financial literacy, basic social skills, cognitive skills, job- and college-searching, basic employment skills and employment transitions.
Talent Search professional staff, Tusculum College’s Financial Aid and Career Services staff, area financial advisors, etiquette coaches, hair and make-up specialists, health department officials and police department officials will conduct the workshops, training and activities.
“Tusculum College has a long history of serving first generation college students and that commitment is stronger than ever with the establishment of our summer institute,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College.
According to Dr. Moody, 75 percent of Tusculum College students call Appalachia home, and approximately 35 percent of Tusculum’s students are first-generation with parents who have no college experience.
“These students need the mentoring and support a small college like Tusculum can provide,” said Moody.
Jeanne Stokes, director of the TRIO programs who will coordinate the new program said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce our students to different career options, teambuilding activities and cultural enrichment. We plan for the students to leave with a sense of self- sufficiency that will enable them to be successful as they complete high school and enter and complete college.”
Because of the partnership with the Talent Search program, participants in the Women’s Search for Success and Self-Sufficiency will continue to be mentored, monitored and guided throughout high school and college by professional staff and identified mentors. Skill attainments will be measured utilizing pre- and post-tests. A pre-test will be administered at the beginning of the summer institute and a post-test and the end of the week-long institute. Items on the test will cover topics including personal appearance and hygiene, personal safety, leadership, communication, critical thinking skills and financial literacy.
For more information or to donate to the Women’s Fund, visit www.womensfundetn.org or call 865-524-1223.
Michael Fernando, a junior from Colombo, Sri Lanka, majoring in accounting, international business and economics, was named the Honors Program Olympian and presented his award during the Tusculum College Honors Convocation program on Thursday, April 30.
“It is with great honor that I get to present the Honors Olympian award today,” said Dr. Michelle Freeman, professor of business administration at Tusculum College.
The Honors Olympian Award is presented to the Honors Program student who best exemplifies the ideals of the Tusculum College Honors Program through academia success, civic engagement and service to the community, according to Dr. Tom Harlow, associate professor of psychology and director of the Tusculum College Honors Program.
The award goes to the student in the Honors Program who has been the most active on campus and in the community as evidenced by the following criteria: participation in multiple student organizations, serving as an officer in an organization, serving in the Bonner Leaders Program, community service, serving as a residents’ assistant, participation on a college sport team, membership in the President’s Society, performance in the arts and academic scholarship. In instances of ties, the recipient is determined by cumulative grade point average.
“Michael had his very first block one class with me in Accounting I,” said Dr. Freeman. “If that is not amazing enough, after only one block, I knew he was more than ready to take on an internship. I had never recommended a freshman for an internship before, much less a block one freshman.”
Fernando has made an impact on the Tusculum campus. He is an active member of the Student Government Association, its Budgets and Organization Committee, the Study Abroad and Global Awareness organization, Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and Business Club.
Fernando provides mentoring and guidance to his fellow students as a resident assistant in one of the resident halls on campus that predominantly houses freshman students. He has also been involved in Theatre-at-Tusculum, including a memorable role as “The Ghost of Christmas Past” in the 2013 production of “The Christmas Carol.”
An excellent student, he has been named to the President’s and Dean’s List during his time at Tusculum. His excellence as a freshman in an accounting course typically taken by upperclassmen led to an internship position at Plus Mark. Fernando is now serving an internship at the accounting firm of Blackburn Childers and Steagall.
Michael Fernando, left, receives Honors Olympian Award from Dr. Tom Harlow.
Our unique Civic Arts focus takes the liberal arts a step further in a nationally recognized approach to educating individuals of integrity and ideals.
Tusculum provides a unique service for entering transfer students called an Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP). It will list all the courses that are needed in order to graduate from Tusculum, while giving you an idea of the courses you will be taking each semester.
Our uniquely focused and practical program has enabled thousands of men and women to obtain the degrees they need to succeed professionally and personally.
Our graduate programs offer flexible scheduling, convenient locations, reasonable tuition and quality programs that truly help our students meet their goals.
