GREENEVILLE – Community members had a special opportunity to speak with and hear from Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University’s new president, during a meet-and-greet event Monday, March 2, at the higher education institution.
Jennifer Keller, left, vice president/community banker, and Michelle Huffman, client specialist, both from First Horizon Bank, pose at the meet-and-greet with Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University’s president.
Left to right, Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University’s president; Tom Wennogle, chairman of Tusculum’s Board of Trustees; and Greene County residents Christa and Carl DelSorbo gather at the meet-and-greet.
Seventy-two people from throughout the region attended the event, which Tusculum hosted in the Meen Center boardroom.
“Dr. Hummel has placed a high priority on developing connections with people throughout the region since he became our president, and that is producing positive results,” said Tom Wennogle, chairman of Tusculum’s Board of Trustees. “This meet-and-greet on our campus was another excellent opportunity for him and the university to further develop those relationships, which will be vital to our success as we move forward.”
Joining the Tusculum family Monday, Feb. 17, Dr. Hummel has attended a variety of functions in the region, with more to come, as he introduces himself to East Tennessee. He has also held gatherings with faculty and staff members, as well as students, at all three Tusculum locations. Dr. Hummel encourages people to introduce themselves to him and his wife Starr.
“The wonderful reception from everyone in the community and fellow members of the Tusculum family has been a blessing,” Dr. Hummel said. “I welcome the opportunity to grow these friendships, share how people can help us provide a high-quality education and learn how we can assist the region. We are thrilled to be part of 225 years of tremendous history and tradition at Tusculum and are excited to be Pioneers.”
He noted one can view Pioneers from a historical perspective, but he also looks at that word from the viewpoint of entrepreneurialism and advancement. He envisions Tusculum will continue to follow that path.
Left to right, Lana Moore, field representative for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander; Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University’s president; Tammy Kinser, director of tourism with the Greene County Partnership; and Daryl Brady, field representative for Congressman Phil Roe, share time at the meet-and-greet.
Left to right, David McLain, director of Greene County Schools; Kevin Morrison, Greene County mayor; and Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University’s president, enjoy time together at the meet-and-greet.
In introducing Dr. Hummel, Wennogle emphasized many strengths in the president’s 30-year education career. He highlighted Dr. Hummel’s 12 years at William Carey University, his most recent employer, where he not only taught religion courses but also was instrumental in helping the university recover from tornado damage, grow enrollment, add multiple academic programs and achieve fundraising success.
Wennogle said Dr. Hummel is an excellent fit for Tusculum to meet key elements of its mission statement, such as a civic engagement and provision of a comprehensive education in a Judeo-Christian environment. Dr. Hummel discussed the mission statement in his remarks.
“Whether it is in Rotary, United Way, the church or other ways, my wife and I are going to be heavily involved in the community,” he said. “We feel it is important for students to know that wherever you are in your life, you need to be engaged and involved in your community. One of the reasons why we came to Tusculum is we believe strongly in the value of civic engagement.”
For further information about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.