GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University rolled out the welcome mat for its new students and enriched their lives with engaging activities for three days, all designed to acclimate them to college and build bonds with each other.
Saniah Atchison, left, and Zy’Moria Woodmore show some of the landscaping work they completed during Freshman Day of Service.
A new student, left, tries to keep the egg on his spoon during the Pioneer Showdown.
From Thursday, Aug. 14-Saturday, Aug. 16, new students participated in Pioneer WOW, which enabled to light their competitive fire in the Pioneer Showdown of games, enjoy a float, make tie dye shirts and watch a movie outdoors. They also began to connect with the university’s mission, in particularly the element about civic engagement, with two hours of service work. In addition, they learned about their opportunity to excel individually and as a team.
These students discovered more about campus life and the various resources available to them. The spiritual component was on display with remarks from Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, and the first cohorts of male and female students moving into houses designated for the new Discipleship Living-Learning Center.
“We are thrilled to watch all our new students embrace this special opportunity in their lives and discover their purpose and calling,” Dr. Hummel said. “They will be blessed to receive an active and experiential education in a caring Christian environment that will prepare them to be career-ready professionals. Our faculty and staff are focused on working one-on-one with our new students and mentoring them as we do with the returning students who also call Tusculum home.”
Classes start Monday, Aug. 18. That will launch the second phase of Pioneer WOW, which will incorporate all Tusculum students. This phase will last through Friday, Aug. 22, and include Worship Night, featuring Sons of Thunder, a contemporary Christian band; a bonfire; and glow volleyball.
Perspectives from new students
New students Cedric Stewart and Aaron Templeton met at Pioneer WOW and have developed a friendship. Stewart, who is from Atlanta, is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with plans to become a forensic investigator. He will be a member of the track and field team as well. Templeton is from McMinnville, Tennessee, and is seeking his bachelor’s in sport science pre-physical therapy/occupational therapy to prepare for a career in physical therapy. He will also be a student-athlete, playing basketball for the Pioneers.
Bridey Winterfield participates in the jump rope during the Pioneer Showdown.
Cedric Stewart, left, and Aaron Templeton stand on campus after one of the Pioneer WOW sessions.
Stewart was attracted to Tusculum because of Robert Williams, head track and field coach, and the atmosphere on campus.
“Coach Rob is a very nice person and was very welcoming whenever I came in,” Stewart said. “Other than that, I really like the campus. I enjoy that it is small and is community-based and God-centered.”
Templeton has similar thoughts about the campus, highlighting that it is not overly large and describing it as easy to navigate. He also found Tusculum appealing because it was more financially workable.
Pioneer WOW proved to be a beneficial experience for both students.
“I came here and didn’t really know anybody,” Templeton said. “Being placed in a group provides you with the opportunity to hang out with people and talk with them. That has made it easier to connect with others around me.”
All of the new students were broken into 14 groups led by a Pioneer Peer, who is a returning student, and faculty and staff members. Stewart enjoyed having Celina Roberts as his Peer, saying she made the Pioneer WOW fun. As an example, after completing their service work on Saturday, Roberts encouraged everyone to throw water balloons at each other. He also liked playing Kahoot! online games conducted by members of the Student Support Services staff.
Discipleship Living-Learning Center
Immediately before the start of Pioneer WOW was the time for new students who will live on campus to move into their residence hall. This served as the beginning for the new Discipleship Living-learning Center, which is part of Tusculum’s Christian Leadership Institute.
Many of the students who are residing in the Discipleship Living-Learning Center pose together after moving in to their respective houses. Standing on the right is the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, director of spiritual life and special projects.
Ana Kotynski, right, and Danielle Dugger enjoy a moment after moving into the women’s house of the Discipleship Living-Learning Center.
This center enables first- and second-year students to live in the university houses – one for males and another for females. They grow in their faith through Bible studies, including learning from local pastors and other Christian leaders, and participate in a variety of ministry activities. To assist with their studies, participating students receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Older students also live in the houses, hold weekly discipleship sessions with the younger students, assist with operation of the Bible studies and help students with any other spiritual resources. Rio Little is serving as the mentor for male students, and Kieley Smith is serving in that role for females. The two are juniors.
Ana Kotynski, a Greeneville resident, is one of the students in the center. She is pursuing general studies but wants her career to tie into the physical therapy or anatomy arena.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet new people – grow in the Lord and make sure I have a good Christian community,” she said. “My faith is very important to me. I’m really interested in how the Bible studies will go. I want to grow in my knowledge of the Bible and be able to encourage other people using my faith in a better way and just grow in that.”
Another student residing in the center is Elijah Ramos, who comes from Sneedville, Tennessee, He is majoring in sport science. He wanted to live in the center to improve the way he leads his life and reside in a community with others who are focused on the same goals.
“I think it will be good because it’s like-minded people from my age group that are going through the same things I am but do not want to choose the things that people shouldn’t find comforting,” Ramos said. “We can grow together.”
Encouragement from Tusculum’s president and the student president
During the Pioneer Ceremony on Thursday, senior Janelle Zirger, who is seeking a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology and is Student Government Association president, encouraged the new students to share their ideas with her or others in the SGA. She also noted she was once in their shoes.
Three new students perform service work during Freshman Day of Service.
Two students team in a contest during the Pioneer Showdown.
“I know this can be a nerve-wracking and even a scary time for some of you,” Zirger said. “For some, this is your first time out of the state or even out of the country. Or you’re the first person in your family to attend college. Maybe you didn’t think you’d even make it this far. I can speak from experience. I never thought I’d be where I am right now four years ago when I was in your shoes. I never imagined myself standing up on any type of stage or speaking to a crowd of people. However, I stand here now and look at the future class of 2029.”
One of Dr. Hummel’s frequent refrains is to highlight not only access to college but also to graduation. He said Tusculum places great emphasis on students’ achieving graduation. He said Tusculum students should have graduation in mind when they begin their studies and already be thinking how they will be transformed by their experience at the university.
Dr. Hummel discussed Tusculum’s theme for the year – “Excelling in Faith, in Knowledge and Love” from 2 Corinthians 8:7. He focused considerable attention on excelling.
“In many ways, what it takes to excel is an attitude to be determined to excel,” Dr. Hummel told students. “There are weaknesses in our lives, but with determination and commitment, we can excel. Colossians 3:23 reminds us that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord. When it comes to your classes, when it comes to your relationships, when it comes to different things that you’re preparing for, work at it with all your heart. When you work at with all of your heart, you will excel.”
Dr. Hummel also said students will excel at Tusculum because of the support network available at the university.
“Whether it is with teammates, an advisor, faculty, a tutor, a counselor or other students, we will excel together. I’m reminded in Ecclesiastes 4:9 that two are better than one because they have a good return for their work.”
To become a Tusculum student, please visit https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.