Erin Frizzell chosen as Tusculum’s University’s dean of students, bringing a range of experience in education and law
GREENEVILLE – A dynamic Tusculum University leader with experience in the law, teaching and academic advising has been promoted to dean of students.
Erin Frizzell, who is also a Tusculum alumna, will be responsible for student wellness and conduct, intramurals and student work-studies and will serve as the university’s Title IX coordinator.
She will work in the Office of Student Affairs and collaborate with fellow staff members and other stakeholders at Tusculum to ensure students receive the holistic support they need in a caring Christian environment so they become career-ready professionals.
Student Support Services’ grant to assist disadvantaged students at Tusculum University awarded for five years
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds will continue to have access to a vital program that helps them succeed in the classroom and envision a life beyond their expectations.
The federal government has awarded Tusculum a TRIO Student Support Services grant for the next five years. The grant is for $348,515 each year to cover a wide array of services and activities for traditional and online students. Tusculum has had an SSS program, which serves undergraduate students, since 1998. The program is funded to serve 200 students.
“This is thrilling news for our students,” said Rachael Barnett, SSS’ director. “Our program changes the trajectory of their lives and inspires them to elevate their aspirations and pursue their dreams. It is rewarding to watch our students embrace their opportunities and land in fulfilling careers that make a difference in their communities.”
Five Tusculum University faculty members earn promotions from the Board of Trustees; four rise to full professor
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University has promoted five faculty members who have distinguished themselves in their service to their students, the higher education institution and their profession.
The Board of Trustees has approved the change in rank for the following faculty members:
- Dr. Anne Acker – from associate professor of English to professor of English
- Angelo Botta – from assistant professor of physical education and sport science to associate professor of physical education and sport science
- Dr. Susan Monteleone – from associate professor of biology to professor of biology
- Dr. Kate Smith – from associate professor of psychology to professor of psychology
- Kelsey Trom – from associate professor of English to professor of English
“We are proud of the outstanding performance by these faculty members to equip our students to be career-ready professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “They are experts in their fields who work one-on-one with their students in a caring Christian environment and provide valuable mentorship. These promotions are well-earned, and we are excited these faculty members will continue to serve our students and represent the university.”
Tusculum student presents research at regional conference, is joined by fellow Pioneers for professional development
ATLANTA – A Tusculum University student recently shared research she and her classmates completed on anxiety as she interacted with peers and professionals across the Southeast at a conference geared for those who participate in a federal grant program that supports disadvantaged individuals.
Emme Foster, a rising junior, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communication, presented a poster at the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel SSS/McNair Scholars Research Conference. The topic was about the correlation of sleep quality and physical activity to anxiety.
The study, conducted with fellow members in her Psychology 201 class, began with a hypothesis that more sleep and physical activity would result in less anxiety. The research showed through 201 survey responses that sleep quality was a factor but that the connection with physical activity was insignificant.
Incoming Tusculum University students learn more about academics, campus life during Pioneer Quest
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.
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.
Greeneville Woman’s Club, North Greene High School FFA provide money and labor for Tusculum University’s arboretum
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University has received additional support for its Level I arboretum with a donation for signs from the Greeneville Woman’s Club and stakes to hold them from the North Greene High School FFA.
The club recently presented a check for $500 to Tusculum representatives in a get-together on campus that followed outreach from Kim Carter, science laboratory assistant, chemical hygiene officer and Environmental Protection Agency coordinator at the university. She also used her connection as a North Greene FFA Alumni member to receive assistance for the stakes from current students in that school’s agriculture program.
“We are proud of our arboretum and encourage the community to come to campus and enjoy all of the beautiful trees on our campus,” Carter said. “We are grateful for our partnerships with the Greeneville Woman’s Club, which has been a longtime friend, and the North Greene FFA. Their assistance enables us to provide additional detail about the trees and our commitment to a rich environmental setting for the Tusculum family and our guests to enjoy.”
Students participating in Summer Academy demonstrate their knowledge and skills with presentations of their work
GREENEVILLE – Knowledge, best practices and artistic expression skills attained during five weeks of active and experiential learning were on display during recent presentations by local high school students participating in the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Summer Academy.
As they wrapped up their studies for this year’s academy, held at Tusculum University, students in the math, science and humanities areas showed their research posters and answered questions about their array of topics. Students who were part of the art program showed their creations in a variety of media, and other academy participants who were in the theater track performed improvisational comedy and performed monologues.
The presentations were held Wednesday, June 25, in the Brotherton Boardroom of the Meen Center, the lobby of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre.
Tusculum University selects 21-year security officer in higher education settings to serve as campus safety chief
GREENEVILLE – A security officer with 21 years of experience in higher education has been named campus safety chief at Tusculum University.
Michael Mannings, who has served at Tusculum since 2023, was recently promoted to lead the 24/7 campus safety operation at the university. He had served as a sergeant since March and was tapped as chief after Tusculum conducted a national search.
“We are delighted to elevate Michael to this position after watching him perform exceptionally in his service to Tusculum for the last two years,” said Carrie Maggert, vice president of operations. “With his strong communication skills and caring demeanor, Michael will continue to connect well with our students, faculty, staff and guests as he provides a safe environment for everyone. He will be an excellent chief, and we look forward to seeing his leadership in action.”
Japanese high school representatives visit Tusculum to develop program to bring students to campus
GREENEVILLE – Japanese students could be a part of everyday campus life at Tusculum University, as plans are underway starting with the development of an annual three-week study program designed to improve Japanese high school English skills as well as well gain an understanding of the collegiate experience as potential future undergraduate students.
Daryoosh Matsudaira, the principal, and Shinichiro Yamamoto, the director of the English course, at Kanto International Senior High School in Tokyo, Japan, recently visited the campus to learn more about Tusculum and to finalize the program.
“We were delighted to host Shinichiro and Daryoosh on our historic and beautiful campus,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “We are excited about the partnership enriching the lives of Japanese students as well as our own students by helping them to learn more about each other, our region and our nations. This partnership will provide an excellent active and experiential learning opportunity.”
Educational Talent Search at Tusculum University holds event to prepare program participants to enter high school
GREENEVILLE – As they prepare to enter high school, some local students received valuable guidance about what to expect and ways to succeed through a program at Tusculum University.
Educational Talent Search, which serves students in middle school and high school whose parents or guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree or who are income-eligible, recently held “Next Step: High School Experience” on campus. Students learned about navigating the transition to high school, making good choices in life, following meal etiquette and utilizing everyday life skills.
“We want our students to have an educational, fun and safe experience in high school,” said Heather Tunnell, Talent Search’s project director. “Going to high school is a major change for students, so this event was designed to give them practical information and tips they can use not only in the classroom but in all aspects of their lives.”
Summer academy at Tusculum University to enable high school students to experience college life
GREENEVILLE – Local high school students will experience campus life like a college student when they participate in the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Summer Academy starting after Memorial Day at Tusculum University.
The Summer Academy, a staple of late spring and early summer at Tusculum, is a six-week program that provides active and experiential learning through classes during the day and engaging activities in the evening. The students’ time on campus culminates with artistic and scientific presentations that highlight what they learned in classes throughout their time on campus.
“We are thrilled every year to host our Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science students on campus for an extended period so they can better understand the benefits of college,” said Dr. David Smith, executive director of TRIO programs at Tusculum. “These students will learn from college professors and others from the community on a wide variety of topics that will enrich their lives. The Summer Academy plays an integral role in helping these students recognize the world of potential careers that could be in their future.”
Knoxville student earns diploma from Gibbs High School, college degree from Tusculum University a week apart
KNOXVILLE – Students typically earn their high school diploma and college degree in that sequence and a few years apart, but one local student chose a different path.
Mary Anne Cooper graduated from Tusculum University Saturday, May 10, with an Associate of Arts in general studies. Then she walked the stage at Gibbs High School in Knoxville Friday, May 16, to receive her diploma from that institution. She was also the valedictorian at her high school graduation.
She accomplished this feat as a dual enrollment student, taking online classes that qualified for credit at Gibbs and Tusculum at the same time. She impressed at Tusculum, collecting the associate degree summa cum laude. With a bunch of college credits already behind her, Cooper is on a path to have a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2 ½ years.