GREENEVILLE – Excited incoming students and their families experienced Tusculum University firsthand during a recent orientation that enabled them to more completely understand the next step in their academic and personal lives.
New student Amya Parker, center, shares a photo with her family.
Incoming student Alex Goodwin, center, and his family pose for a photo.
Tusculum held Pioneer Quest Saturday, June 28, on its historic and scenic campus. The event enabled incoming students and their families to speak with Tusculum administrators and learn more about what they can expect in college and some of the finer details of campus life. Parents also had an opportunity to discover how they can support their child’s success in college.
Incoming students also met with the assistant deans and professors in the academic fields in which they are studying to discuss life in the classroom and review their course schedules. In addition, the university provided tours of a residence hall room. These students also heard about Student Support Services, a program at Tusculum that assists Pioneers whose parents or guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree. This free program, funded by a federal grant, also assists students who are income-eligible and have a disability.
“We are thrilled to have these incoming students join us on campus as they prepare to make Tusculum their home away from home,” said Zack Kassebaum, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid. “Tusculum will provide them with an outstanding education, filled with active and experiential learning that will prepare them to be career-ready professionals. They will also have abundant opportunities to grow socially and spiritually through a variety of programs that keep their holistic development in mind.”
Local students’ perspectives
Two students from nearby Johnson County, Noah Brown are coming to Tusculum after discovering Tusculum was an excellent fit for them.
Dr. Rhonda Fawbush speaks with incoming students who will be in the business administration program and their families.
A new student takes part in a photo with a family member.
“I chose it for the smaller atmosphere,” said Brown, who will pursue a degree in sport science pre-physical therapy/occupational therapy, with plans to become a physical therapist. “Where I come from, we have 500 students in our entire high school with 20 in a classroom, and it’s kind of the same atmosphere here. Of course, Tusculum is a Christian college, and I can follow my walk with God and grow closer to him here as well.”
Tusculum’s enrollment is about 1,100, and the university is taking the next step in helping people grow in their faith by establishing the Christian Leadership Institute. One of the key features in the early going will be for first-and second-year students to apply to reside in the Discipleship Living-Learning Center. Selected students will partake in weekly Bible study, including hearing from local pastors and other Christian leaders, and engage in other ministry activities that deepen their connection with the Lord.
There are other benefits for Brown to attend Tusculum. The university is close to home so he can return home on a weekend if he would like but far enough away to enjoy the collegiate experience. He has also been to Greeneville a lot.
“Greeneville’s a beautiful place, so that’s a big thing for me,” Brown said. “I’m a big fisherman. There are three major lakes around here, so that’s a key part of my choice, too.”
Dr. Chuck Pearson, right, speaks with Lindi Blaylock, an incoming student in the Tusculum cafeteria.
Danielle Dugger is also coming to Tusculum after graduating from Johnson County High School. She is going to pursue a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a special education endorsement. She plans to be an elementary school special education teacher. Like Brown, she liked Tusculum because of the smaller size, enabling her to focus better, and its status as a Christian university.
“I just feel like I’m fit to succeed here,” Dugger said. “I felt very drawn to this place.”
Dugger said she also knew of some students who are a few years older than she who came to Tusculum to study education as a career field. In addition, she knows she will be able to gain practical experience prior to graduation and stay in that field. She will be able to become connected to the local schools.
The smaller size and the historical features of Tusculum appealed to William Wheelock as well. He likes historical campuses, and Tusculum has a special education as the first higher education institution in Tennessee.
He comes from Knoxville and is entering the business administration program with a major in entrepreneurship. He chose that degree as a way to have a secure financial future for himself. Another reason for Tusculum was its proximity to home.
Out-of-state student’s viewpoint
It is not just Tusculum students who choose Tusculum. Paige Martin lives in the Cocoa Beach, Florida, area but has visited the Gatlinburg area in Tennessee. She said she told her dad about her interest to be around North Carolina or Tennessee, so he searched Google for universities. During spring break of her sophomore year of high school, she visited Tusculum and loved the campus and the people. She then came to a prospect and enjoyed Tusculum even more.
Jaileen Castro from the Office of Admission greets incoming students and their families.
Dr. Nick Davidson, right, reviews a class schedule with a new student.
Martin will study in the business administration program and play on the women’s lacrosse team. She said it was nice to meet the other lacrosse players and see their interactions with each other.
“Tusculum is very family-like because it is smaller,” she said. “Because of its size, everybody knows everyone. It’s good to know everyone around you instead of being in a big school and not really knowing many people. The ratio of students to professor was nice, knowing I’m not in a big classroom, so I am able to have a connection with the professor. That was very confirming.”
The next Pioneer Quest will take place Friday, July 18.
Students who want to apply to Tusculum can visit https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/. Space is still available for the fall semester. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.