GREENEVILLE – Effects from recent storms have resulted in some operational changes at Tusculum University and produced an outpouring of support for the students.
Members of the City of Tusculum Police Department stand by a pallet of water. Chief Danny Greene, left, arranged for the delivery of seven pallets of water to the university Sunday.
Due to the loss of the traditional water supply in Greene County, Tusculum has converted to online learning through Tuesday, Oct. 15, and given students the option to return home. Out of about 600 residential students, about 25 of them remained on campus as of Tuesday, Oct. 1. Many individuals and organizations have stepped forward to assist them in addition to the services the university continues to provide.
“We are extremely grateful to fellow higher education institutions, community members and others who are making a positive difference for our students at this time,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Their generosity and compassionate hearts are making this interim period until water is restored more manageable and sending an important message to our students about how much people value them.”
Dr. Hummel said the university extends its best wishes and love to all of the people in the region who have lost their homes and businesses in the storms or are otherwise feeling the effects from Hurricane Helene. When students return to campus, Tusculum plans to hold a second Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day to help people in the community who have been affected by the hurricane.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, just as the community’s water supply was about to end, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department delivered seven pallets of bottled water to the university. Danny Greene, chief of the City of Tusculum’s Police Department, had arranged for the bottled water to reach the university. Other examples of support include:
- Arrowhead Church Morristown bringing two pallets of bottled water
- A couple from Knoxville supplying snacks and several cases of water
- Another couple providing water, snacks, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and trash bags
- A concerned resident from Kingsport delivering water and snacks
In addition to having access to a place to stay on campus, students are still able to enjoy healthy meals in the Tusculum cafeteria. Tusculum has also been blessed with support from fellow universities in the same athletic conference. Carson-Newman University is housing about 100 Tusculum students, and Lincoln Memorial University is housing about 30 students. In addition, many families in Morristown and Knoxville have agreed to take some Tusculum students.
Danny Greene, right, chief of the City of Tusculum Police Department, stands by the pallets of water he arranged to be brought to the university. The Greene County Sheriff’s Department delivered the water. Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president, is talking to Greene.
“The humanitarian approach of these educational institutions and community members and organizations is inspiring,” Dr. Hummel said. “This situation and this assistance are another reminder that we are all children of God and called to serve each other. We are thankful to be the recipient of this kindness and will provide support to others who need help in the future.”
While Tusculum and others are backing students in many ways, those enrolled at the university might still have additional needs that can become exacerbated during unexpected circumstances. To assist these Pioneers, Tusculum has established a Student Emergency Fund and invites community members to donate to it.
Anyone who is interested can visit www.tusculum.edu and click the “Give” button at the top of the page and then choose “Student Emergency Fund” from the drop-down menu. Donors can also pick “Tusculum Fund,” which serves the areas of greatest need, in the same drop-down menu.
“Pioneers are always willing to help others during a time of need, but sometimes even the most resilient Pioneer could benefit from a hand up,” said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement at Tusculum. “Tusculum is focused on the safety and well-being of our students, and gifts to this fund supply the support some students need in a meaningful way.”
Dr. Hummel commended the Tusculum family for the way it has pulled together in the aftermath of the storms. Some employees have lost their residences, and the university is working to assist them with their housing.
These are items that came from a Knoxville couple.
Faculty members performed outstanding work switching to online teaching in just a few days and are still delivering a high-quality education in this two-week period, Dr. Hummel said. He also commended the many staff members who have assisted students during the transition and helped faculty with the infrastructure needed to move completely online for two weeks.
In addition, Dr. Hummel praised the students for handling the circumstances brought so quickly by Hurricane Helene.
“Tusculum is proud to offer a caring Christian environment, and that has been evident again in the last several days,” he said. “We are definitely praying for our students, faculty and staff as well as all of our neighbors in the region who have been severely impacted by the hurricane’s impact. We are comforted by the biblical passage that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.