New campus entrance signs unveiled; result of gift from senior class

At the unveiling ceremony were Senior Class Gift Committee members, from left, Tiffany Colbaugh, Sierra Sims, Marci Moore and Nikki Taylor, along with Tusculum College President Dr. Nancy B. Moody, in back.

Students, faculty and staff unveiled new entrances signs at both the Gilland Street and Shiloh Road entrances to the Greeneville campus on Friday, May 6. The updated signs were a gift from the Class of 2011.

The graduating Class of 2011, represented by the Senior Class Gift Committee, chose to leave their mark on the Tusculum campus by giving the entrance signs an updated look, according to Senior Class Gift Campaign Co-Chairs Marci Moore of Parrotsville and Nikki Taylor of New Tazewell.

The entrance signs which have greeted faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends of the College since 1968, has more than 40 years of exposure to the elements which has taken its toll on the signs. The campaign committee raised funds to update the lettering and give the sign a modern appearance.

The students presented a check for $500 to Tusculum College President Nancy B. Moody during the unveiling ceremony, attended by more than 30 people.

According to Cody Greene, coordinator of the Tusculum Fund, the 2011 Senior Class Gift Campaign provided a new way for students to participate in the senior gift.  Thanks to GreenBank, all participating seniors received a piggy bank in which to collect donations for the campaign.

The students collected change in their banks and returned them on several collection days throughout the spring semester.

Tusculum College Board of Trustees extends President Moody’s Contract

Dr. Nancy B. Moody

The Tusculum College Board of Trustees voted to extend the contract of current president, Dr. Nancy B. Moody, during its meeting on Saturday, May 21.

Dr. Moody is in the second year of a three-year contract. The contract extension is for three years.

“Tusculum College is at a very exciting time in its history. I am extremely pleased to have the support of the Board of Trustees as we move together toward long-term planning, the growth of our academic programs and continued and expanded success of our graduates,” said Dr. Moody.

Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Moody’s efforts in directing the college. “Dr. Moody has already made a significant positive impact on the college with her visionary leadership, and the Board is pleased that it was able to express its appreciation for those efforts with the contract extension.”

Since assuming the college presidency in April 2009 as the first female in Tusculum’s history to hold the position, Moody has faced several challenges. She led the college through a successful reaffirmation of accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)-Commission on Colleges (COC) and guided the college towards greater financial stability in a time of economic uncertainty.

Dr. Moody praised the efforts and support of Tusculum College faculty and staff noting that the key to success is having quality people working toward common goals who are constantly striving to improve.

Under Dr. Moody’s leadership, new academic programs have been offered to both students in the Residential College program and those in the Graduate and Professional Studies program for working adults. A new minor in theater arts has been established and the expansion of additional academic programs is underway.

Dr. Moody was a driving force in the beginning of the Pioneer Band and Music program which has grown to include a pep band, marching band, concert band, jazz band and handbell choir. The band programs now include more than 50 college and high school students as well as faculty, staff and members of the community.

In the Graduate and Professional Studies program, three new degree programs have been added, a bachelor of business administration degree, a bachelor of psychology degree with a concentration in behavioral health and a master of arts in teaching degree. In addition, two new degree concentrations have been created in applied information technology and financial management. The new concentrations are optional for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration or organizational management in the adult program.

Dr. Moody came to Tusculum from Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), where she served as president. She had begun her career in higher education at LMU where she served as an instructor of nursing. She subsequently served in several roles at LMU, culminating as the dean of the School of Professional Studies before joining the faculty of East Tennessee State University where she was tenured and served as department chair. She served as an associate professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville before returning to LMU to assume its presidency. In terms of leadership, Dr. Moody has served as executive director of the Tennessee Center of Nursing, which was funded initially through a grant that she co-authored.

She is a member of the NCAA Division II Presidents Council, the South Atlantic Conference, and an active participant on the boards of the Appalachian College Association and the Tennessee Center for Nursing, Inc. Dr. Moody is the past chair of the executive committee for the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association.

Cross-curricular group of Tusculum College students immerses in culture and natural diversity of Belize

Six students from Tusculum College recently explored the culture, natural diversity and educational system of Belize.

Four biology students and two education students traveled to the region around San Ignacio in Belize during March to immerse themselves in the diverse culture and natural environment of the Central American nation.

“Sometimes you go with a plan, but it doesn’t go that way and sometimes it is way better than you planned,” said Rebecca Hunley, one of the education students. “This trip was like that.”

Hunley, who is in the master’s degree program at Tusculum, worked at the Bullet Tree Primary School with teachers and administrators. “The school was in the middle of nowhere,” she recalled during a presentation about the trip. “There were no lights in the classroom.”

Students were packed into the classrooms and there was a lack of basic resources, she said, but the school had been able to create a small computer lab.

It was in the computer lab one day that she had an unexpected reminder of home. Going into the lab, she was surprised to see the teacher there instructing the students about low and high tides using her district’s website.

Hunley is a biology teacher in the Jefferson City School System. “Our district’s website is known nationally, but I did not know it was known internationally.”

During her presentation, Hunley noted that the educational system is very different in Belize than in the United States. Students must pay some fees to attend primary school for supplies, she explained. However, to attend school past the primary level, students must pay tuition of $1,500 a year, which many families cannot afford.

If a child cannot continue their education, they enter the workforce, she said.

As a biology teacher, Hunley said she received an additional benefit as she accompanied the biology students on some of their activities.

The four biology students, accompanied by Dr. Greg Church, associate professor of biology, explored a variety of habitats while in Belize.

The group also visited a Mayan temple ruin. “We were driving in the city,” said Morgan Baese, of Chattanooga, said, “and all of the sudden we turned onto a road that looked like we were entering a forest and it was right there.”

The students visited the Iguana Conservation Project, in which they were able to learn more about the species, handle some of the lizards and closely view some of the exotic bird species that live in Belize.

How close they were able to get to the animals was also surprising during the students visit to the Belize Zoo, said Ben Hale of Morristown. The animals were used to people and would come up to the fence of their enclosures, he said, adding that the students got to go into some of the bird habitats.

Visiting the Belize Botanical Gardens, the students explored the lush vegetation that grows in the country and also tried many of the different type of fruits that grow there.

The students spent two days caving, which included exploring the beautiful rock formations inside St. Herman’s Cave, which is part of the Blue Hole National Park, and learned about ecology of life along the river during a long kayaking trip.

In the evenings, the students immersed themselves in the culture of Belize. They attended a local fair, tried local cuisine and saw a performance of Garifuna drummers.

Tusculum’s Center for Global Studies is planning international study trips for the next academic year, which includes a possible trip by a service-learning class to Belize.

Student achievement recognized during annual Honors Convocation

Tusculum President Dr. Nancy B. Moody presents the President's Award to Simon Holzaphel

Student excellence in academics and service were recognized during Tusculum College’s annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 28.

The two top honors for students presented by the College are the President’s Award and the Bruce G. Batts Award. Simon Holzapfel, a native of Nuremberg, Germany, was presented the President’s Award and Amber Sharp, of Tazewell, Tenn., was presented the Bruce G. Batts Award.

President’s Award

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.

In presenting the award, Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody said that Holzapfel “has excelled in what he has endeavored, whether it is in the classroom, in athletic competition or involvement in campus life.”

Holzapfel has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout his time at Tusculum, earning him places on the college’s academic honors lists as well as various academic awards. His excellence in the classroom as a sport management major has also earned him the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year for Men’s Cross Country for the past two years, and he was named to the ESPN Academic All-American Team two years.

Holzapfel’s success athletically equals his success in the classroom. He is a two-time South Atlantic Conference Runner of the Year. He won 16 individual titles during his career, including six in a row last fall.  Holzapfel closed his career with a streak of 21 consecutive top-10 finishes, a run that spanned three seasons. He also holds the records for the top 11 8,000-meter running times in school history and 14 of the best 20 in school history.

Bringing attention to Tusculum statewide, Holzapfel was honored last November with the James E. Ward Outstanding Major award from the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, the first Tusculum student to receive the statewide award. Earlier this year, he was one of three college students selected nationwide to serve as delegates to the Alliance Assembly, the governing body of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

Active in life on campus, Holzapfel has been involved in the Student Government Association, President’s Society, Track and Field Club, Pioneer Green Team, Alpha Chi Honor Society and the Pioneer Student-Athlete Advisory Council. He has served as a peer tutor and a resident assistant.

During the Honors Convocation ceremony, Holzapfel also received the TAHPERD (Tennessee Association Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) Outstanding Major Award and the NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education) Award.

Batts Award

Amber Sharp received the Bruce G. Batts Award from Dr. Kimberly Estep, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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, senior Amber Sharp, has excelled academically in one of the most rigorous majors at Tusculum, athletic training. Sharp has balanced her many academic responsibilities with co-curricular activities, which include the Student Alumni Association, the Bonner Leader program, the President’s Society, the Athletic Training Student Society, Iota Tau Alpha, the National Athletic Training Association, the Southeastern Athletic Training Association and serving as a mentor for the Murdock Circle, a student living and learning community.

Sharp is serving as a co-president of the Bonner Leaders this year. As a Bonner Leader, she has coordinated successful fashion shows to benefit Greene County Habitat for Humanity. She was awarded a grant through the Bonner Foundation two years ago to create videos about Bonner activities on the Tusculum campus and in the community to promote the program.

Sharp also received the Bonner Leaders Program Award during the ceremony for her commitment and efforts with the organization.

Student-Chosen Awards

Dr. Brian Davis, assistant professor of mathematics, left, was presented the Outstanding Service to Students Award by Chuck Whitfield, chairman of the Greene County Partnership Board of Directors.

Also presented were faculty, staff and community awards whose recipients were selected by student vote. Receiving the Outstanding Service to Students Award, a faculty honor, was Dr. Brian Davis, assistant professor of mathematics.

In presenting the award, Chuck Whitfield, chairman of the board of the Greene County Partnership, said that Davis “has made a mark in a short time at Tusculum College, gaining the respect and affection from students in the Tusculum College math program. Dr. Davis is able to bring this conceptual field of study to life for the students.”

Bonnie Weston, student life coordinator for multicultural affairs, received the Staff Award from Erika Witt, president of the SGA

The Staff Award was presented to Bonnie Weston, student life coordinator for multicultural affairs. In presenting the award, Student Government Association (SGA) President Erika Witt commended Weston’s dedication to assisting students and expressed personal appreciation for the assistance Weston had given her in her SGA duties.

Heather Gomez, left, accepts the Community Award on behalf of her father, Cecil Mills, Jr., from Vinton Copeland, SGA Senator

Heather Gomez, left, accepts the Community Award on behalf of her father, Cecil Mills, Jr., from Vinton Copeland, SGA Senator

The Community Award for exemplary service to students was presented to Cecil Mills, Jr., assistant district general for the Third Judicial District and pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Greeneville. SGA Senator Vinton Copeland, who presented the award, described Mills as a mentor and said he found a local spiritual home at Friendship Baptist Church. Copeland also noted Mills’ professional accomplishments, his varied community involvement, his numerous honors and his ministerial service. Mills was unable to attend the ceremony and the award was accepted by his daughter, Heather Gomez.

Academic Honors

Recognized with Senior Honor Key Awards in teacher licensure programs were, left, Amber Willis in Human Growth and Learning, Elementary Education K-6; Josh Ellis in Mathematics Education, 7-12; Karnika Ervin in Human Growth and Learning, Early Childhood and PreK-3, and Marci Moore in Business Education, 7-12

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:

Art and Design – Tylan Adams of Greeneville, Tenn.;

Accounting – Luke Fullen of Greeneville, Tenn.;

Athletic Training – Jessica Figler of Merritt Island, Fla.;

Biology  – Cindy Barrett of Surgoinsville, Tenn.;

Business Administration – Kiarra Ervin of Chattanooga, Tenn.;

Business Education , 7-12 – Marci Moore of Parrottsville, Tenn.;

Environmental Science – Jessica Shipley of Greeneville, Tenn.;

History – Jillean Roberts of Greeneville, Tenn.;

Human Growth and Learning, Early Childhood PreK-3 – Karnika Ervin of Chattanooga, Tenn.;

Human Growth and Learning, Elementary Education K-6 – Amber Willis of Fall Branch, Tenn.;

Mathematics – Logan Goodin of Maryville, Tenn.;

Mathematics Education, 7-12 – Josh Ellis of Rockledge, Fla.;

Physical Education – Robert Troutman of Mt. Washington, Ky.;

Physical Education K-12 – Tyler Collins of Flowery Branch, Ga.;

Psychology – Dustin Collins of Bluff City, Tenn.;

Sport Management – Cory Pratt of Morristown, Tenn., and

Sports Science – Cody Stites of Festus, Mo.

Recognized as Honor Students for having the highest grade point average of their class (all have a 4.0 grade point average) were:

seniors – Simon Holzapfel and Derek Murrell of Bulls Gap;

junior –  Jennifer L. Grant;

sophomores – Addie M. Hancock of Mooresburg, Tenn.; Ashley N. Sarmiento of Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth A. Wright of Powell, Tenn., and Luis Zamora of Santiago, Chile, and

freshmen – Anjelica R. Bailey, Antonio J. Bujana, Ryan J. Byars, John Z. Conlon, Emma L. Fain and Billy W. Leach.

Senior members of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society were also recognized. Upperclassmen who are ranked in the top 10 academically of their classmates are invited to join the honor society. Recognized were:

Emily Broyles of Chuckey, Tenn.;

Kiarra Ervin of Chattanooga, Tenn.;

Brandon Gann of Newport, Tenn.;

Devona Hamm of Adamsville, Tenn.;

Simon Holzapfel of Nuremberg, Germany;

Elizabeth McDonnell of Memphis, Tenn.;

Marci Moore of Parrottsville, Tenn.;

David Roncskevitz of Franklin, Tenn.;

Jason Seaton of Midway, Tenn., and

Amber Willis of Fall Branch, Tenn.

The Alpha Chi Academic Excellence Award, which honors the highest academically ranked member of the junior class, was presented to Derek Murrell of Bulls Gap, Tenn.

The 2011 Curtis '28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize winners are, from left, David Roncskevitz - fiction, Elizabeth McDonnell - creative nonfiction, Ben Sneyd - poetry and Brittany Connolly - scriptwriting. Wayne Thomas, assistant professor of English, at right, presented the awards.

Students who were chosen for the Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prizes were honored. Students submit original, creative works in the annual writing competition, which were judged this year by award-winning poet John Hoppenthaler. The winners were: poetry – Ben Sneyd of Unicoi, Tenn.; fiction – David Roncskevitz of Franklin, Tenn.; creative non-fiction – Elizabeth McDonnell of Memphis, Tenn., and scriptwriting – Brittany Connolly of Greeneville, Tenn.,

The Dr. Shirley Beck Award for an outstanding Master of Arts in Education major was presented to CWO2 Clydie H. Shumate USN (Ret.) of Johnson City, Tenn. Shumate is a teacher at Cherokee High School in Hawkins County.

The Outstanding Education Student Award was presented to Melissa Church, a student in the bachelor’s degree program in Human Growth and Learning in the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

A new award was presented in memory of Jean Hixon, a long-time member of the Graduate and Professional Studies staff. The award was presented to Gary Glover for the Northeast Tennessee region and Bernice McClure for the Southeast Tennessee region. Hixon’s sister Anne Hall and her husband, James Hall, presented the award.

The E.H. Sargent Award in Science was presented to Derek Murrell of Bulls Gap, Tenn. In choosing the recipient, science faculty members consider overall grade point average, total hours in science and variety of areas covered in the sciences.

The Warren Lynn Drain Award was presented to Adriana Vizcarrondo,a native of Anaco, Venezuela.  A graduating senior determined most outstanding in Business and Economics is presented the award and GPA and achievement are the criteria for the choice of recipient.

The Theatre Award was given to Emily Paige Hudson of Hixson, Tenn., for her participation and dedication to the theater program at Tusculum College. Hudson has appeared onstage in Theatre-at-Tusculum productions as well as working backstage building sets.

The Pinnacle Award for highest scores on annual comprehensive examinations taken by athletic training education majors was presented to Chelsea Morris of Taylorsville, N.C.; and Jason Seaton of Midway, Tenn.

Service Awards

The Service-Learning Award was presented to Mara Rutherford of Morristown, Tenn. Rutherford was part of a service-learning course last fall that worked at Rural Resources. Robin Fife, assistant professor of social science, said that Rutherford was always willing to do whatever needed to be done and was instrumental in a project that resulted in the creation of a mobile handwashing unit for Rural Resources.

More than 260 receive degrees during spring commencement

There was much to celebrate on Saturday, May 7, for 262 individuals who received degrees during Tusculum College’s spring commencement ceremony.

Ninety-six students earned Bachelor of Science degrees in organizational management and 129 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. In addition 37 earned Master of Arts degrees.

Walking with this spring’s graduates were representatives of the Tusculum College Class of 1961 who are celebrating their 50th anniversary year. Representatives walked in the procession, clothed in golden caps and gowns and were recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College.

The new graduates were addressed by Moody, who recognized the commencement ceremony as “an occasion of celebration and completion.” Adding, “Each of you have made sacrifices, adjustments and also made tough decisions. This is a testament to your own efforts and also to your persistence. Today is your reward. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.”

Simon Holzapfel, a sports management major from Nuremburg, Germany, addressed the crowd as a representative of the Residential College program. Holzapfel has been accepted to the graduate program at Eastern Kentucky University.

He told the group, “I am deeply indebted to some of the faculty members. Each one of them has taught me valuable lessons, may it be through classroom lectures or outside of the classroom. Many have pushed me beyond my comfort zone and by doing so extended it.”

In particularly he singled out Dr. Kirpal Mahal, professor of physical education.

“He has taught me so much about the physical education and sports science professions, about people and about life in general that I don’t know anymore what I have learned from him. I have absorbed countless hours of conversation, mentoring, and counseling with him to the point where I cannot tell the difference anymore between what I already knew and what he has taught me,” said Holzapfel.

Robin Moore of Gatlinburg spoke on behalf of the college’s Graduate and Professional Studies education program. Moore talked about finishing her degree and the confidence it has instilled in her that was not there before.

“I know that, without this experience, I would still doubt myself. I would still see that academic misfit that just never quite could make it in school. Instead, I can look back upon my life’s experiences and know that they have made me the person I am today,” she said.

Amanda Bunch of Knoxville spoke on behalf of the Graduate and Professional Studies program in Organizational Management.

She told her fellow graduates, “I want you to look back on all of your hard work and dedication and use all these skills to tackle any challenges you may face in the future. You now know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

Clyde Shumate of Johnson City spoke on behalf of the master’s of education program. He spoke to his peers in the teaching profession, encouraging them to always do what’s best for their students.

“Doing what’s best requires teachers to plan, evaluate, teach and engage the students in the learning process. This takes hard work from both sides and many children will resist hard work, which is why we must motivate them. Every day teachers are in a battle to engage every child, to educate and graduate them as productive, responsible citizens. That’s the goal-that all will graduate and become successful.”

Representing the master’s program in Organizational Management for the Graduate and Professional Studies program was Belinda Kenny of Friendsville. Kenny talked about the difficulty of returning for her master’s degree 23 years after completing her bachelor’s degree.

“My family has endured a dirty house, uncooked dinners, limited time for family events, and even a little testiness as I attended class every Wednesday night in Morristown for one and a half years,” she said.

“Being an adult learner in a graduate program has taught me about commitment, faith and determination. It has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to do as long as I commit to doing my best and working hard…as long as I keep my eyes on my goal and not the pressures of the day…as long as I believed that the God who got me in this mess would get me out of it.”

Also speaking was Mark Stokes, director of religious life, church and community relations. Stokes presented a sermon titled, “Simple Words.” He encouraged the graduates to use thank you notes to express their thanks to everyone in their life that has made an impact.

“Especially on this day,” he said, “You know there have been many who have assisted you. Use simple words to express your thanks.”

In addition to the presentation of the undergraduate and graduate degrees, two faculty awards were presented.

Receiving the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the Residential College was Jane Sandusky, assistant professor of athletic training. Receiving the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program was Dr. Stella Schramm, professor of management.

Also on the program was a presentation by the graduating class from the Residential College. Marci Moore, a business education major from Parrotsville, presented a check for $500 to Dr. Moody on behalf of the Senior Class Gift Committee. The money was raised to pay for the new entrance signs at the Gilland and Shiloh road entrances to campus.

Below is a list of the May 2011 graduates by program:

Master of Arts in Education –
Curriculum and Instruction
Concentration
ME155-Knoxville
Amanda Marie Parrott

ME160-Gray
Melissa Clark Al-Salim, Honors
Karoline Sue Berg, Honors
Jeremy Allen Johnston*
Tracey Cloyd Shipley, Honors
Clydie Harold Shumate, High Honors
Whitney Jo Warner, High Honors

ME161-Morristown
Joshua Clay Hicks, High Honors
Logan Derek Hollingshead
Nicole Leigh Hurst
Leigh Anne Kickliter, High Honors
Janice Elizabeth Marshall, Honors*
Richard Todd Mounts, High Honors
Janet Lynn O’Lear, Honors
Jeannie Lee Pittman, Honors
Kimberly Shalain Price Smith
Robin Ullom, High Honors

Master of Arts in Education –
Organizational Training and
Education Concentration
MA028-Gray
Derrick Durrell Belton
Sharon Michele Lequieu Brockwell
Stefanie Ann Cruby
Jamie Rhudy Henson, High Honors
Stephen Lewis Hicks
Victor S. Quillen
Robin Erica Smith
Rebecca Reese Tankersley, High Honors

MA029-Knoxville
Melesia Gail Graham
LaKietha Nicole Jackson, High Honors*
Dorota Agnieszka Potter, High Honors*
Alva Smith, High Honors*

Master of Arts in Education –
Human  Resource Development
Concentration
MH014-Morristown
Davina Mae Bolinger, Honors*
Kellee Free Collins
Laurie Whitney Denney
Cathy Eslinger Dixon, Honors*
Leslie Grace Fox
Karen Marie Richardson, High Honors
Jamie Ray Spence

Master of Arts in Organizational Management
MM081-Morristown
Belinda Nadine Kenny

Bachelor of Arts
Tylan Marie Adams
Joseph Lemuel Albrittain
Elisa Andriano
Sabine Azemar
Cindy Lynn Barrett, Magna Cum Laude
Rolondo Wayne Bonner
Amber Lynn Bradley
Emily Marie Broyles, Magna Cum Laude**
Allison Brittany Card, Cum Laude
Haley Danielle Carr, Cum Laude
Katharine Elizabeth Carson
Dustin Alex Collins
Tyler Jared Collins
Eric Chandler Conley, Cum Laude
Sean Francis Cotten
Bradley Evan Cox
Caroline Folsom Crowe
Jillian Anne Cunha
Joshua Daniel Ellis, Cum Laude
Karnika KaVandra Ervin
Kiarra Monette Ervin, Magna Cum Laude**
Jessica Rose Figler
Mason Hunter Fowler
Brandon DeWayne Gann, Magna Cum Laude**
Jamie Lieren Garrett
Kelley Catherine Nicole Gentry
Lawson Gene George
Benjamin Holloway Hale
Devona Nicole Hamm, Cum Laude**
Rashaun Sentrel Harris
Simon Dietrich Holzapfel, Summa Cum Laude**
Dean Michael Hopewell
Payden Gene Houser, Cum Laude
Terrance Eugene Johnson
Thad Lee Kanupp, Cum Laude
Shanda Laine Kimbrough
Hannah Marie Laposky
Katrina Diane Larkin
Amanda Lynn Linville
Jonathan Derek Lyons, Cum Laude
Elizabeth Kathryn McDonnell, Magna Cum Laude**
Horton Daniel McKinney
Cassandra Ash Melnike
Marci Elizabeth Moore, Magna Cum Laude**
Chelsea McGrady Morris
Brittni Rachel Oliver
Emily Ann Palenkas
Jasmine Leigh Parker
Stacy Michelle Parks
Michael Christopher Peeler
Mardale Renaldo Petty
Cory Nathaniel Pratt, Cum Laude
Brandon Edward Priest
Allyson Leigh Ray
Joseph Slade Reed
David Andrew Roncskevitz, Cum Laude**
Hannibal Joel Ruiz
Erin Colleen Searcy
Jason Scott Seaton, Magna Cum Laude**
Amber LeAnn Sharp, Cum Laude
Leslie Sierra Shelton
Jessica Nichole Paige Shipley
Sierra Ashley Sims, Cum Laude
Oliver Thomas Smith
Marquise Lamar Snead-Johnson
William Brandon Steele
Cody William Stites, Magna Cum Laude
Westley Michael Taylor
Blake Laurel Thompson, Cum Laude
Daniel Scott Vick
Adriana Vizcarrondo, Cum Laude
Amber Renee Wagner, Cum Laude
Amber Michelle Willis, Magna Cum Laude**
Kristin Marie Wonderley

BA049-Knoxville
Kami Sue Pittman Emert
Tanya Neshae France
Regina Carolynn Harold, Magna Cum Laude
Lee Ann Gaddis Hedrick, Cum Laude*
Carla Marie Henry, Cum Laude*
Lora Coward Irwin, Magna Cum Laude*
Lisa Monette Paysinger
Kristie Lynn Pittman, Cum Laude
Erica Whitney Reynolds
Travis Stacy Vaughn

BA050-Morristown
Jennifer Ann Arnold
Melissa D. Church, Cum Laude
Randi Le Fast, Cum Laude
Sharon Ann Grooms, Cum Laude*
Tawny LaFae McCracken, Magna Cum Laude
Stephanie Lambdin McCune
David Wayne Overholt, Magna Cum Laude

BA051-Morristown
Angela Kay Burton, Cum Laude
Kimberly Kirsten Clark
Malena Jane Cloud
Brandi DeAnna Dellinger
Jamie Lynn Finchum, Magna Cum Laude*
Kristie Dawn Goins, Magna Cum  Laude*
Valerie Caroline Harrison
Robin Elizabeth Moore, Cum Laude*
Jennifer Lue Robison
Brittney Howell Romines
Joni Lynn Stimmell, Cum Laude*
Brandi Lynetta Taylor, Magna Cum Laude

BA052-Greeneville
Chloe LaBrina Baugh, Cum Laude*
Shannon Lee Haney, Magna Cum Laude
Billie Michelle Hernandez, Cum Laude*
Jenny Leanne Murvin
Elizabeth Earline Ricker
Amy Nicole Salyer, Magna Cum Laude

BA053-Knoxville
Rebekah Nan Chapman, Cum Laude*
Natalie Browning Conner
Madeline McCroskey Devlin
Jo Anne Funk, Magna Cum Laude*
Crystal Lynn Holden
Kimberly Ann Parton, Cum Laude*
Jennifer Beth Russell Walker, Magna Cum Laude
Stacey Nicole Welden, Magna Cum Laude

BA054-Knoxville
Michael Andrew Blevins
Terry Brian Blevins, Magna Cum Laude
Jessica Renee Dean
Ryan Stephen Drisgula, Cum Laude
Pamela Sue Fowler
Scott Moats
Matthew Alan Pickwell
Lindsay Brooke Robinson
Susan Elaine Romines
Mandy Lee Watters, Magna Cum Laude
Geralynne Potter Williams, Magna Cum Laude*
Angela Revee Wood, Magna Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science
In Organizational Management
BS545-Greeneville
Ronald David Ball, Cum Laude*
Ashlea Denise Baskette
Kimberly Farmer Dunbar
Angela Elizabeth Ferrell
Kandee Lynn Kimery
Martha Valerie Lee
Ricky Lynn Wisecarver

BS546-Knoxville
Amanda Jean Bunch, Cum Laude*
Jayme Nicole Campbell
Ashlee Suzanne Hackney
Tracey Michelle Hill
Jeanette McAlister, Cum Laude
Judi Louise Parris
Beverly Gardner Tubb

BS547-Morristown
Kelley Dyann Farthing
Kimberly Kay Grace, Magna Cum Laude*
Melissa Ann Hutchins
Bradley Wayne Jones
Darla Lynn Pfenninger
Matthew Edward Underwood

BS548-Knoxville
Kristen Julie Addington
Kelly Ann Baker
Autumn Lynneah Cobble, Cum Laude
Jody Darren Freeman, Cum Laude
Stephanie Michelle Jeffreys
Annessia Marché Mathis, Cum Laude*
Jonathon David Miller
Christopher William Rolen
Amos Joshua VanHall

BS549-Knoxville
John Hollis Ashley
Kelly Allison Bacon
Christopher Michael Clendenen
Daniel Stephen Conner
Cynthia Judith DeFrancisco
Brandon Taylor Ellis
Michael James Farner, Magna Cum Laude
Jonathan Richard Hampton
Sarah Katherine Kelso
Lloyd W. Loveday Jr., Magna Cum Laude
Michael John Mohr
Thomas Cody Southard
Amy Maria Stover
Savannah Jade Tosh
Daniel Wayne Whitson, Cum Laude*

BS550-Greeneville
Bradley Dale Brothers, Cum Laude
Casey J. Colyer
Jason Floyd Oliver
Jessie Lynne Pauley
Michael Edward Pomroff, Cum Laude*
Wendy Danielle Robertson
David Roy Woolsey

BS551-Knoxville
Sheila Lynn Baker, Cum Laude
Scott Matthew Berry
Megan Breanne Boruff
Teresa Braden Boshears, Cum Laude*
LeVon Burton, Magna Cum Laude
Cory Lee Crawford, Summa Cum Laude*
Adam Blake Curl
Ahnna Alice Estes, Cum Laude*
Cassandra Michelle Gale, Magna Cum Laude*
Stephanie Giger
Brandy Nicole Jones
Amanda Leigh Kington
Amy M. Loposser
Sherri G. Madison
Tina Beeler Moody
Genna Lee Morris
Catharine Ellena Phillips-Baker
Benjamin Robert Saul
Amy Elizabeth Seiber
Christopher Joseph Stocksett, Magna Cum Laude

BS-Others
Tina Martin Ard
David Anthony Christopher Birchfield, Cum Laude*
Simetra D. Bogan, Cum Laude
Adrian Leigh Bowman, Cum Laude
David Lyn Buckner
Jessica Nikole Buckner
Jennifer Amanda Calfee
Jason Lynn Carroll
Amy E. Crespo
Kimberly Evans-Russell
Adriena Daynenne Hux, Cum Laude
Donna Hope Lance
Jeremie Ryan Lindsey
Malyndia Marsh Long
Catina Ann Gilbert Marshall
Daphne Eve Mathes
Melody Lyn Murray
Patricia Diane Ottinger
Jenny Rebecca Petted
Lisa Michelle Ray
Jeff Van Shaver
Olivia Miller Smith
Eva Aiken Spence
Amanda Maness Sweat
Jonathan Richard Taylor
Mellissa Tolley

*Omicron Psi National Honor Society member

**Alpha Chi National Honor Society member

Salzburg trip proves to be life-changing experience for three Tusculum students

Tusculum students, from left, Altoine Wilson, Sam Underwood and Mitchell Taylor attended the Salzburg Global Seminar in January. The trio stopped for a photo at the event’s closing banquet.

Experiencing a different culture, interacting with other college students from a variety of backgrounds and discussing global issues helped make traveling to Salzburg, Austria, a life-changing trip for three Tusculum College students.

Mitchell Taylor, Sam Underwood and Altoine Wilson attended the Salzburg Global Seminar as representatives of Tusculum in January. All three students, who were selected for the seminar based on nominations from faculty, are sophomores. Taylor, from Kodak, Tenn., and Sam Underwood, from Muncie, Ind., are business majors. Wilson, who is from Covington, Ga., is a film and broadcasting major. The session that the Tusculum students attended was the “Mellon Fellow Community Initiative Student Seminar on Global Citizenship: America and the World.”

In a presentation about their trip on Monday, March 28, Underwood encouraged her fellow students to travel internationally if they get the opportunity. “After this trip, we were truly changed people,” she said. “It changes your mindset.”

While the seminar is designed to introduce a variety of viewpoints to its participants and broaden their perspectives, Underwood noted international travel for pleasure can also have a changing affect in immersing individuals into different cultures.

Altoine Wilson stands in one of three memorial chapels at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.

Wilson said the three “didn’t really know what to expect. I thought it would be a chance of a lifetime and it was.” It was the first time for travel outside of the country for Wilson and Underwood. Taylor had taken an earlier trip to South America.

The trip was focused on learning, Wilson said, and the participants addressed many controversial subjects, as well as how Americans view the rest of the world and how the rest of the world views the United States. The students described one activity in which they acted out Plato’s allegory of a cave to illustrate how people sometimes live in a bubble and how painful it can be to be forced out of that comfort zone to look at what is happening in the world.

Taylor said that one of the most important opportunities of the trip was getting to know and make friends with the other seminar participants who came from a variety of backgrounds. Participants came from a number of Appalachian region colleges as well as universities across the nation.

“I was impressed by others’ passion for various issues and their desire to make a difference in the world,” he said.

The Salzburg Global Seminars feature faculty from academia, civil service and the professions, many of whom also attended the Salzburg seminars as students. Above, Sam Underwood stands with Jochen Fried, the director of education for the Salzburg Global Seminar.

The Salzburg Global Seminars are held at the Schloss Leopoldskron, a regal, 18th century castle surrounded by immaculate grounds with breathtaking views of the adjoining lake and the Alps.

“Our living conditions were really nice,” Taylor said. “The whole place was very beautiful.” The students’ living quarters were at the Meierhof, about 200 yards from Schloss Leopoldskron. There, students had access to a computer library, where they could stay in touch with their families, and a lounge area where seminar participants could relax at the end of the day.

The students took many photos of the palace’s ornate architectural features and the gardens and sculptures surrounding the palace. After the seminar sessions, students would gather for continuing discussion of issues raised in various rooms in the palace, Taylor said.

The Austrian cuisine served at the Schloss Leopoldskron reflected the surroundings. “There was amazing food at the Schloss,” Underwood said. “We were fed like royalty.”

The Salzburg Global Seminars are held at the Schloss Leopoldskron Palace. Tusculum student Mitchell Taylor, above, stands at one of the most well-known spots on the palace grounds. The gate and snow-covered lake in the background are features in scenes from the film version of “The Sound of Music.”

Austrian food was similar to German cuisine, she continued, and all their meals featured quality meats and fresh vegetables. “All of the food seemed healthier and tasted better.”

Although most of the students’ time was spent at the seminar, the participants took a day trip to the Dachau Concentration Camp in southern Germany, touring what remains of the camp and visiting the museum and memorial at the site. “I can’t describe in words what it felt like,” Underwood said.

Seminar participants also had a couple days to explore Salzburg. In the older part of the town, “there was a ton of beautiful Gothic architecture,” Taylor said. “We also saw lots of street performers, but they weren’t like the guitarists you see on streets here. They were playing the harp and violin.”

Tusculum is currently planning international trips for the upcoming 2011-12 academic year. The current academic year has been the best for the college for international study as more students have participated in short-term study abroad trips than ever before, said Dr. Geir Bergvin, director of the Tusculum’s Center for Global Studies. Students have recently returned from trips to Central America and Europe.

Tusculum College names Dr. Nancy Moody as 27th President

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Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., has been named the new president for Tusculum College effective June 1. The announcement was made during a called Tusculum College Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday, February 28. Dr. Moody will be the first female president at Tennessee’s oldest college.

“Dr. Moody is a strong advocate of our civic arts curriculum and is well-known and respected in our region. We feel fortunate to have attracted someone of her caliber, and we are truly optimistic about the future of Tusculum College under her leadership,” said Ken Bowman, chairman of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees and of the selection committee. “Dr. Moody is a proven, successful college president with an especially impressive record of preparing students to be active citizens and successful in the careers they choose.”

He added that Dr. Moody’s has demonstrated a commitment to Tusculum College’s mission of providing a strong civic arts curriculum for all graduates and to continuing to grow the College in that tradition for both residential and Graduate and Professional Studies students.

Dr. Moody has been president of Lincoln Memorial University since 2002, and in that time LMU’s enrollment increased by 90 percent. Under her leadership the university initiated the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, expanded the Caylor School of Nursing to include a master of science in nursing degree program with family nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia concentrations, developed the proposed physician assistant program, School of Law, doctorate of education degree program, undergraduate programs including criminal justice and music and opened five new extended site learning centers.

The Railsplitter athletic department also moved from the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference to the South Atlantic Conference. With Dr. Moody at the helm, LMU experienced seven years of positive fiscal management which allowed the university to invest $12 million into institutional priorities. Additionally, she oversaw nearly $25 million in fundraising initiatives. During this time LMU completed four large-scale renovation projects, the construction of five new apartment-style residence halls, the conversion of an off-campus hotel to graduate student apartments, the construction of a 105,000 square foot medical school building and a 30,000 square foot educational building.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve Tusculum College. I am extremely impressed with the people of Tusculum – the students, faculty, staff, administrative personnel and members of the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Moody. “Without exception, there is a sense of enthusiasm and pride for the mission of the College, which has a wonderful legacy as the oldest institution of higher education in the state of Tennessee. I look forward to becoming a part of that legacy and to experiencing that enthusiasm as we work, learn and grow together in our efforts to enhance academic excellence, public service and the qualities of Judeo-Christian character.”

She added, “As a first-generation college graduate, I have always valued all levels of education with a particular interest in the higher education of traditional aged college students and adults of all ages. Achieving the knowledge and skills necessary to function in society through a college education is one of the best ways to stimulate the local economy and positively impact local communities and the lives of others.

Dr. Moody received associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s of science in nursing from Texas Woman’s University and a doctorate of science in nursing from the University of Alabama’s School of Nursing at Birmingham. Her professional career in higher education began at LMU as an instructor of nursing.

She subsequently served in several roles at LMU, culminating in her appointment as the dean of LMU’s School of Professional Studies before joining the faculty at East Tennessee State University where she was tenured and served as department chair. She would go on to become an associate professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, while also serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Center of Nursing.

Dr. Moody currently chairs the executive committee for the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association and serves on the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation Board of Directors. She is a member of the NCAA Division II President’s Council and an active participant on the boards of the Appalachian Colleges Association and the Tennessee Center for Nursing, Inc. She is married to Tom Moody, a self-employed public accountant in Knoxville. She and Tom are proud parents of grown children, daughter, Mykel, and son, Adam.

Office of Student Affairs introduces the new Student Activities Center

Please join us in welcoming our new Student Activities Center now open in the Pioneer Gym!

The Student Activities Center houses the offices of Ms. Stephanie Rhea, Senior Student Life Coordinator and Mr. Mark Persaud, Student Life Coordinator, who manage the programs of Student Activities, Recreational Sports and Residence Life.

In addition to the two staff offices, the Student Activities Center offers an area for students to work on upcoming events using craft resources available. We encourage you to stop by anytime!

The Student Activities Center will be hosting an Open House February 11 at 4 p.m. where you will be able to make your own Valentine. We hope to see you there! More information.

Theologian-in-Residence lecture series at Tusculum College to examine ‘Ecumenical (And? Or?) Evangelical?’

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The 2009 Theologian-in-Lecture series at Tusculum College will bring a distinguished speaker to the region to discuss the differences between Christian ecumenism and evangelism and how the two can be reconciled.

Dr. Marian McClure, associate director and North America representative of “Edinburgh 2010: Witnessing to Christ Today,” will be the featured speaker for the annual series, co-sponsored by Holston Presbytery and Tusculum College. “Edinburgh 2010: Witnessing to Christ Today,” is the centenary celebration of a pivotal world mission conference that challenged Christians to greater ecumenical and evangelistic collaboration.

In her leadership of the 2009 Theologian-in-Residence lecture, Dr. McClure will explore the reasons for the particular history of Christian divisiveness between the ecumenical and evangelical camps and provide a challenge to continue the work of bridging and reconciling between the two.

In the four sessions of “Ecumenical (And? Or?) Evangelical,” she will explore how the chasm between ecumenical and evangelical formed, what bridges have been built between the two, what divisions still need to be healed and how a reconciliation of the two could make life different in East Tennessee.

Prior to her present position, Dr. McClure directed the Worldwide Ministries of the Presbyterian Church USA. At the beginning of her decade of service, she was introduced as “both evangelical and ecumenical.” As she learned why people wanted to hear both of those adjectives, she found herself serving as a bridging person between two wagon-circling camps.

Currently, Dr. McClure is also on the board of the Overseas Ministries Study Center in New Haven, Conn., serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Ministry program at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and chairs the Evangelism Committee of the congregation she attends.

Her earned doctorate is in political science from Harvard University, where her Fulbright-funded dissertation research explored the role of the Catholic Church in Haiti during the Duvalier dictatorship years. She then worked for the Ford Foundation more than five years as a grant-making officer living in Mexico and serving both Mexico and Central America. It was then that she responded to God’s call to seminary education and then to ordination to the church work of participation in world mission.

In demand as a lecturer, preacher and facilitator of mission-focused group retreats, Dr. McClure is also a mezzo-soprano church soloist and member of the Louisville Choral Arts Society.

The series takes place on each of the four Tuesdays in February, the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. Sessions will be held in the Chalmers Conference Center inside the Niswonger Commons on the Tusculum College campus and will begin at 10 a.m. The series is open to public. There is no admission fee and lunch is provided for participants. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Angie Shipley at 423-636-7319 or 1-800-729-0256 ext. 5319, or e-mailing ashipley@tusculum.edu.

Tusculum Board member honored by heritage group for his contributions to higher education

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The Rev. Lester Lattany, a member of Tusculum College’s Board of Trustees, was recognized Saturday (Jan. 17) for his contributions to higher education by a regional heritage group.

Rev. Lattany, who is also an alumnus of Tusculum College, was one of five honorees recognized during the seventh annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Langston Heritage Group at Wesley United Methodist Church in Johnson City. The historical organization is committed to documenting the history of African-Americans in the Northeast Tennessee region.

“There are not enough good things to say about Lester Lattany,” said Mary Alexander, director of the Langston Heritage Group, in presenting the award. Rev. Lattany came to the area from Brunswick, Ga., and “the sky has been the limit for him,” she added.

Rev. Lattany and the other honorees were recognized because of the type of people they are – men who have worked hard and prepared themselves for leadership as well as being men of strong character, Alexander noted.

The president and chief executive officer of the Johnson City Area United Way, Rev. Lattany is pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kingsport. An active community leader, his service to others includes membership on the boards of the United Way of America and Tennessee, the board of Washington County Court Services, and the board of Tri-Cities Christian School.

Rev. Lattany joined the Tusculum Board of Trustees last year. He also serves on the College’s Johnson City President’s Advisory Council. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tusculum in 1987 and a master’s degree in 1991.

Also recognized by the Langston Heritage Group were Robert L. White who serves on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission; Paul Montgomery who serves on the Tennessee Board of Regents; Dr. Paul Stanton, president of East Tennessee State University; and the Rev. C. Danny Johnson, a member of the Board of Trustees of Milligan College.

Changes to benefit students made within the Tusculum College School of Education

Several organizational and staffing changes have been made within the Department of Education at Tusculum College, according to Dr. Lisa Johnson, director of the School of Education and director of Graduate and Professional Studies at the College.

“Efforts to keep the curriculum in both the residential and Graduate and Professional Studies education programs parallel required several changes in our organizational structure. These changes allow us to work towards more unity in all our teacher education programs,” Dr. Johnson said.

Among the changes include a move for Polly Johnson who was the director of student teaching and is now the director of field experience for both student teaching in both residential and GPS programs and field experience for GPS students. In addition, the practicum supervisors are now field experience coordinators and include Michelle Clupper in the northeast region and Stephanie Kirby in the southeast region.

According to Dr. Johnson, these changes allow the College to not only increase the rigor of the program that will result in better teachers, but also provide a greater level of support to all students.

The changes were initiated in order to address the difficulty that GPS students were having finding good placements that could tie in to their classes. “With the new structure, the College is better able to provide excellent and relevant opportunities for all the students we serve through the GPS program,” she said.

In addition, the GPS coordinators are also responsible for making sure the programs meet all state requirements and keeping the program up-to-date with new regulations and requirements. Colleen Everett, who served as the program coordinator for the Northeast Region of GPS, will coordinate these efforts as program and compliance director, and Janie Perry will continue in her role as southeast coordinator.

Dr. Diane Robinette, associate professor of special education, is currently on sabbatical in Puerto Rico where she is helping to establish schools for the deaf and will return in May.