Quizbowl competition at Tusculum attracts about 120 students, enables them to learn more about the university
GREENEVILLE – Pre-college students demonstrated their command of a wide array of subjects Saturday, Sept. 27, as readers peppered them with questions during the annual quizbowl competition at Tusculum University.
The Tusculum Earlybird, which has become a staple of the fall, returned to campus with 14 high schools, one homeschool cooperative and one Upward Bound program from Tennessee and Virginia. The event brought about 120 students to campus not just to vie for titles and prizes but also to imagine the potential of enrolling at Tusculum for their collegiate studies.
“Organizing and hosting this event brings us joy,” said Dr. Chuck Pearson, assistant dean of math and science at Tusculum, who leads the Tusculum Earlybird every year. “The quality of the competitors is excellent, and it is terrific to watch them showcase their knowledge and envision them growing further academically as a Tusculum student. We are pleased to support these young competitors who have embraced learning and information.”
Tusculum University students serve the community during the annual Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students reinforced the higher education institution’s connections with the community Friday, Sept. 26, with its annual service day in support of local churches, businesses and organizations.
Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day, which honors one of Tusculum’s earliest benefactors, continued its tradition of putting students into community settings. Students performed a variety of tasks at schools, homeless facilities, thrift stores, senior living facilities, churches and governmental entities as well as other locations in morning and afternoon shifts.
“Holding Nettie Day is one of the classic examples of the importance we place on civic engagement,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “When our students participate in Nettie Day, it reinforces to them that they are at Tusculum not just to earn a degree but also to understand the value of supporting the community where they live and work. We are grateful to the many community organizations that support this event and help our students learn positive lessons about service.”
Tusculum University holding ceremony to name Discipleship Living-Learning Center house after the late Chuck Bowlin
GREENEVILLE – The Christian Leadership Institute at Tusculum University will celebrate another major achievement with its Discipleship Living-Learning Center at an upcoming event by naming one of its houses on campus after a highly respected businessman who incorporated faith in all aspects of life.
Tusculum will formally celebrate the naming of The Bowlin House, which serves males in the Discipleship Living-Learning Center, in memory of Chuck Bowlin at a ceremony Friday, Oct. 3, at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place outside the house, located adjacent to the Meen Center and Ballad Health’s Center for Early Learning on the Tusculum campus. The community is invited to attend.
Bowlin was serving as president and CEO of Greeneville Energy Authority when he passed away April 4, 2024. He was a beloved business leader, an elder at First Christian Church and a supporter of community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Greeneville and Greene County and the Lions Club. Through fundraising and other sources, the university secured the needed finances to name the house after him.
Messages of peace reverberate around Tusculum University as Rotary International Peace Pole is dedicated on campus
GREENEVILLE – As children from Doak Elementary School sang and international students from Tusculum University spoke in their native languages, peace permeated the Scott M. Niswonger Commons during a ceremony unveiling a pole on campus promoting that principle.
The Rotary Club of Greeneville organized the placement of a peace pole at the commons, which the current club president, Brandon Farmer, and past president, Lucia Fillers, uncovered during the event Tuesday, Sept. 23. The pole, a project of Rotary International, contains the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages – English, Spanish, Mandarin, Swahili, Bengali, Ukrainian, Arabic and Hebrew.
“A peace pole is an internationally recognized symbol of hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing in vigil and silent prayer for peace on earth,” said club member Tony LaMarca, who led the initiative to install one at Tusculum. “The poles are intended to inspire unity among people of all backgrounds and cultures and to serve as a silent prayer for peace. Rotary peace poles are part of Rotary’s focus on peace-building and conflict resolution. Peace starts with each of us.”
Tusculum University student who overcame life challenges with help from God is baptized in the Nolichucky River
GREENEVILLE – One of the blessings of Tusculum University’s campus ministries program is access to a minister who can help students take their spiritual journey and connection with the Lord to the next level.
A case in point is student Dare Crusade, who recently met with the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, director of spiritual life and special projects at the university, and asked the minister to baptize him after giving his life to Christ. Swatsell, an ordained minister in the Church of God, was happy to oblige and recently baptized him in the Nolichucky River near David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Tusculum University, Rotary Club of Greeneville teaming to unveil peace pole on campus during upcoming ceremony
GREENEVILLE – Community members are invited to join Tusculum University faculty, staff and students for an upcoming dedication of a Rotary International Peace Pole on campus.
The ceremony will take place Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. in front of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons, where the peace pole will be installed. State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville; Alan Corley, the City of Tusculum’s mayor; members of the Rotary Club of Greeneville; and a group of children from Doak Elementary School will participate.
Four people with strong connections to Tusculum University to receive awards from the Alumni Association at Homecoming
GREENEVILLE –The Tusculum University Alumni Association will honor four people with strong ties to the higher education institution and highly accomplished careers during this year’s Homecoming.
The honorees and the awards they will receive at the Alumni Dinner and Dance Saturday, Nov. 1, at Hackler Hall Event Center in Greeneville, are:
- Dom Donnelly, associate athletic director for communications – Honorary Alumni Award
- Dr. Jane Morse, an alumna and member of the Board of Trustees – Pioneer Award
- Dr. Chuck Pearson, assistant dean of the Math and Science Division – National Living Faculty Award
- Justin Phillip Reed, an alumnus and national award-winning writer – Frontier Award
“We are thrilled to honor these four individuals, who have distinguished themselves in their careers and represented Tusculum exceptionally,” said Angelo Botta, president of the Alumni Executive Board and a 1975 graduate. “The excellence they have demonstrate is not only inspiring to the Alumni Association but also serves an example for our students to emulate. These awards are a major highlight of Homecoming.”
Tusculum University students in pre-athletic training program have new pathway to master’s degree at Bridgewater College
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in sport science pre-athletic training now have a designated pathway for enrollment in Bridgewater College’s Master of Science in athletic training program.
The two higher education institutions have signed an articulation agreement that will enable as many as two Tusculum students a year to be accepted into the master’s degree program. Tusculum students will be able apply for entry into the master’s program as early as their junior year.
“We are extremely excited to work with Bridgewater College to provide preferred opportunities for our sport science pre-athletic training majors,” said Dr. Suzanne Byrd, professor of sport science at Tusculum, who helped establish the pre-athletic training program. “My experiences working with the Bridgewater program and the institution’s leaders over the years has solidified my belief that the college has a great athletic training master’s program. Our program has outstanding students who will be assets to the profession and Bridgewater’s master’s degree class.”
Tusculum family members commemorate 9/11 with prayer, reflections on that tragic day in U.S. history
GREENEVILLE – As the nation paused to remember the tragic events of 9/11 Thursday, Tusculum University family members gathered to join in prayer and share their memories of that day.
A group of about 25 stood by the flagpole began the commemoration at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane struck the World Trade Center in New York in 2001. The bell atop McCormick Hall tolled then and at the other times throughout the morning to mark the moments when the remaining planes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington and crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The emotional ceremony lasted about 30 minutes. It began with a moment of silence, followed by a prayer from the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, Tusculum’s director of spiritual life and special projects and chaplain for the Greeneville Fire Department.
Archaeology professor from The Hebrew University returns to Tusculum University to deliver lecture about biblical kings
GREENEVILLE – An archaeology professor at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem will return to Tusculum University to deliver another public presentation, this one delving into biblical kings.
Dr. Yosef “Yossi” Garfinkel will deliver his lecture “Searching for the First Biblical Kings of Jerusalem: David, Solomon and Rehoboam” Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center. His talk comes three years since his last appearance at the university, when he discussed Lachish, one of the most famous Israeli sites with connections to all parts of the ancient near East and the biblical tradition.
“We are honored to host Dr. Garfinkel again and to learn about recent archaeological finds that inform our understanding of Israel during the biblical period,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president and a friend of the archaeologist. “Dr. Garfinkel delivered an insightful lecture during his first appearance, and his upcoming presentation will be just as informative and stimulating. People will come away with a greater appreciation and knowledge of ancient Israel and the Bible.”
Increased numbers on multiple fronts highlight strong start to the academic year at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Total enrollment at Tusculum University has risen this year compared to 2024 with significant increases among international, residential and new traditional students.
“Students are recognizing the opportunity to receive a high-quality education filled with active and experiential learning in a caring Christian environment that will prepare them to be career-ready professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “They also understand that Tusculum provides an excellent platform for them to pursue their extracurricular interests. These students will grow academically, socially and spiritually through one-on-one connections and mentoring as a member of the Tusculum family.”
The increase was particularly noticeable among new traditional students. Participating in Pioneer WOW were 358 traditional students, an increase of 104 – or 40.9% — from the year before. During Pioneer WOW, new students spend three full days before the start of classes engaged in enjoyable activities, such as the Pioneer Showdown, as well as learning more about campus life.
Tusculum University student seeking biology degree receives $1,500 scholarship from Rotary Club of Greeneville
GREENEVILLE – A Tusculum University biology major who has performed strongly in the classroom and demonstrated leadership qualities has earned a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Greeneville.
Lindy Carter, a senior from Greeneville, received the $1,500 scholarship from the club. She said the scholarship supported her educational goals and enabled her to address the financial challenges of pursuing a college degree. She was attracted to the scholarship because it matches her values of hard work, community and making a positive impact.
“I was honestly surprised and incredibly grateful,” Carter said. “It felt like it was a recognition of the hard work I have put in, but I also know there are so many deserving people out there. I just feel thankful for this opportunity. I am using this scholarship to reduce my tuition cost. This allows me to focus more fully on my academic goals, and for that, I am so grateful.”