Tusculum University students further develop skills in internships as they become career-ready professionals
GREENEVILLE – Putting their knowledge into practice, many Tusculum University students are expanding on the active and experiential learning that occurs in their coursework and further developing their skills as interns this summer.
Dozens of students in multiple disciplines across the university are participating in internships with organizations that align with their fields of study. They include students in academic programs such as biology, chemistry, computer science, psychology, sport management and sport science.
“Students’ classroom time is essentially the theory part of education, explaining how and why things are done the way they are,” said Dr. Brandon Hudson, assistant professor of sport management, who oversees that program’s interns. “It builds the foundation of knowledge for what they will see in their careers. But the experiential learning aspect of the internships is putting that theory into practice. It’s like a test drive of their prospective career.
Diverse graduating class of about 200 students leaves its mark at Tusculum University as it advances to the next stage in life
GREENEVILLE – Descending the stage as Tusculum University’s newest alumni, graduates left their imprint on the higher education institution in the classroom and through extracurricular activities and emerged from their studies as career-ready, civically engaged professionals.
Nearly 200 students from 25 states and territories and 10 countries moved their tassels from one side of the cap to the other during graduation Saturday, May 4, in Pioneer Arena. They earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers.
“A Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Our pioneering spirit also enables students to impact the campus and the community in other ways through the mentorship of our expert faculty and dedicated staff. We have been pleased to watch our graduates embrace this opportunity and make the most of their years at Tusculum.”
Gaming, esports and cosplay opportunities to abound at April Pioneer Con event at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Everyone who enjoys gaming, esports and cosplay will find a way to showcase their interests and skills during a daylong event coming to Tusculum University in April.
Tusculum’s gaming and esports clubs are hosting Pioneer Con Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at locations across campus. Everywhere attendees turn at Tusculum, they will see games and tournaments taking place and will be able to play and potentially win prizes. In addition, several gaming and esports vendors will be on hand with their products for people to purchase.
“This event will provide a terrific platform for those with a passion for gaming and esports to compete with others who have the same affinity,” said Dr. Harold Branstrator, an associate professor of management at Tusculum, who is one of the organizers. “Pioneer Con will cater to people at all skill levels and will support our guests’ pursuit of these leisure activities in a fun and inviting atmosphere.”
Tusculum University taps experienced professional Edward Breese to serve as marketing director
GREENEVILLE – Edward Breese, who offers extensive experience in multiple realms of marketing, has been named to lead those efforts at Tusculum University.
Breese serves as director of marketing, effective Monday, Nov. 27. He oversees the university’s website, social media presence, graphic design, digital marketing and advertising initiatives. He collaborates with stakeholders throughout the Christian higher education institution to support new student recruitment, philanthropic efforts and other projects at the university through high-quality marketing.
“We’re pleased to welcome Edward to Tusculum and look forward to utilizing his marketing expertise to assist us with our strategic growth,” said Dr. Jacob Fait, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid, who also oversees the Office of Marketing. “Edward brings an impressive track record of success and a diverse background that will benefit us considerably. His experience in the higher education space will also enable him to hit the ground running and have a positive impact on Tusculum.”
Tusculum’s esports team and gaming club invite the community to Madden 2023 tournament on campus
GREENEVILLE – If playing Madden NFL is one of your passions, Tusculum University is the place to be this weekend.
Tusculum University’s esports team and gaming club are hosting a Madden 2023 gaming tournament on campus Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at noon. The tournament will take place on the second floor of the Charles Oliver Gray North building, and participants will have an opportunity to participate in two-on-two or one-on-one matches. The tournament will have a bracket-style format.
“We are looking forward to having a great day of gaming on campus and welcome anyone from the Tusculum family or the community to participate,” said Dr. Harold Branstrator, associate professor of management and co-coach of the esports team. “This tournament is a great way for your competitive juices to flow in a fun way and enjoy a trip to our beautiful campus.”
Tusculum, Food City sign corporate sponsorship agreement, bringing education benefits and collaboration opportunities
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University and Food City, one of the region’s largest employers, have signed a corporate sponsorship agreement that will enable the company’s associates and their family members to receive tuition discounts for any of the higher education institution’s academic programs.
Misty Kern, Food City’s director of training, and Elizabeth Yanez, the company’s corporate recruiter, joined Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, for a signing ceremony on campus Monday, July 24. By signing this agreement, Food City becomes the latest organization to turn to the university for assistance with workforce development.
“Food City is an outstanding organization that has grown exponentially and supported the region impressively throughout its history,” Dr. Hummel said. “We are thrilled to help Food City associates and their families achieve their academic goals as they begin their careers or seek advancement within the company. Our expert professors and active and experiential education will enhance their knowledge and skills, and our students, faculty, and staff will benefit from opportunities to collaborate on multiple levels with the company.”
Nearly 250 students from diverse backgrounds walk the stage at Tusculum University’s spring commencement ceremony
GREENEVILLE – All the late nights and weekends dedicated to completing their studies have paid off for nearly 250 graduates at Tusculum University who have crossed the stage and are ready to pursue the next chapter in their lives.
The smiles on the faces of these alumni and the jubilation of their families were abundant at Tusculum’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 6. Whether they earned an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, these graduates will have the skills needed to achieve their personal and professional goals.
“We congratulate these graduates for embracing the opportunity to receive an outstanding education at Tusculum,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president. “Our traditional students are now career-ready professionals, whose lives have been enriched through active and experiential learning in a caring Christian environment. Students in our adult and online studies program have positioned themselves for promotions and perhaps a new direction in their careers with their expanded knowledge. We are proud of our graduates’ achievements and are eager to watch their future success unfold.”
Community members can learn more about Tusculum’s master’s degrees at After the Cap and Gown virtual event
GREENEVILLE – Individuals who want to accelerate their career path by obtaining an additional degree will benefit from a special event Tusculum University is holding about its master’s programs.
The university will hold After the Cap and Gown Tuesday, April 4, from 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. During this event, faculty, staff and alumni will discuss details of Tusculum’s master’s programs and the value they provide.
“We encourage the community to learn more about the many ways our master’s programs factor into the success of graduates during their careers,” said Dr. Miriam Stroder, dean of the College of Education, who is organizing the event. “We are blessed with faculty members who provide individualized attention to their students and provide them with the additional skills they need to succeed. Their well-designed courses and active and experiential learning approaches position our students to be highly effective in their jobs.”
Tusculum University celebrates the graduation of 139 students earning bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees
GREENEVILLE – With all remaining projects completed and final exams taken, 139 Tusculum University students moved into celebratory mode Saturday, Dec. 10, as graduates of Tennessee’s first higher education institution.
Tusculum held its fall commencement ceremony Saturday in Pioneer Arena, an occasion marked by joy as the graduates make the transition to the next phase of their lives. Their proud family members, faculty members who mentored them and university staff members who supported them beamed with satisfaction knowing these career-ready professionals will positively impact communities they serve.
“Many of us remember when our undergraduate students began their studies with us and have watched them develop academically, socially and personally,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “We know they will leave us more conscious of the importance of civic engagement as they put their degrees into practice. Our graduate students will be well positioned through their advanced studies to achieve even higher levels of success in their careers, grounded in principles taught by their professors and embedded in our mission.”
Dr. Tim Carter, a 23-year professor and successful entrepreneur, named dean of Tusculum’s innovative College of Business
GREENEVILLE – Dr. Tim Carter, a two-time Tusculum University graduate who has taught for 23 years in the collegiate classroom and served in ownership and other leadership roles in the private sector, has been promoted to dean of his alma mater’s College of Business.
An associate professor of marketing and management at Tusculum since 2014, Dr. Carter will oversee bachelor’s and master’s programs that have achieved national recognition in recent years. He seeks to highlight these accomplishments, tout the success of College of Business alumni and create additional opportunities for students to have active and experiential learning opportunities in the community. He will also partner with faculty members to ensure the College of Business’ academic programs remain on the cutting edge.
“We looked for many qualities in the next dean of the College of Business, and Dr. Carter quickly rose to the surface as the ideal candidate,” said Dr. Miriam Stroder, dean of the College of Education and chair of the search committee. “His connections to Tusculum are a definite plus, and his plans for continuous improvement and collaboration with the faculty will produce desirable results. The search committee was pleased to recommend him.”
Tusculum holding “After the Cap and Gown” online event to share information about the university’s master’s degrees
GREENEVILLE – Individuals who seek to expand their knowledge and enhance their marketability for high-paying jobs will benefit from an upcoming event that discusses the master’s degrees available from Tusculum University.
The higher education institution will hold “After the Cap and Gown” Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 6:30-8 p.m. via the Zoom platform. During the free event, attendees will learn more about the graduate programs in the College of Business and the College of Education at Tusculum.
Representatives from the two colleges will share details about the master’s degrees, and alumni will discuss their experiences with these programs. Members of the Office of Admission and the Office of Financial Aid will also be present with information about the application and payment processes.
Tusculum University produces a $58 million annual economic impact on Greene County and other parts of the region
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University, which has served the region and prepared students to be career-ready professionals for 228 years, provides an annual economic impact of more than $58 million to its home community of Greene County and other parts of East Tennessee.
From the pay and benefits it dispenses to faculty and staff members to the additional expenses it incurs for daily operations, Tusculum is helping churn the region’s economic engine significantly. The university also supports the financial well-being of communities through the spending by our students and visitors who come for games, tours and special ceremonies. And a Tusculum degree results in higher salaries for graduates that reverberate in the community with even greater impact.
“We are proud to be located in Greene County and drive economic activity throughout East Tennessee,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Our presence tremendously impacts the balance sheets of many businesses and budgets of various governments. Directly and indirectly, Tusculum University delivers great value to the region, producing outstanding graduates and stimulating the quality of life and financial stability of our region.”