Watauga Orthopaedics, Tusculum University partner to open walk-in clinic for community on campus
GREENEVILLE – Community members will have access to high-quality and convenient orthopedic care with a new walk-in clinic Watauga Orthopaedics and Tusculum University have teamed to open on campus.
The clinic will open Monday, Aug. 5, at the entrance on the ground floor of Tusculum’s state-of-the-art Meen Center. Watauga Orthopaedics will operate the clinic, which will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and provide a vast array of services to the community as well as to Tusculum faculty, staff and students. Expanded hours might become available in the future.
Representatives of Watauga Orthopaedics and Tusculum, along with community leaders, celebrated the new clinic at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 1.
New Tusculum University students begin making connections and receive support from faculty and staff at Pioneer Quest
GREENEVILLE – During their studies, new Tusculum University students will receive one-on-one support and mentoring from their professors and staff members as they become career-ready professionals.
That collaboration between faculty and students was on display Friday, July 26, as these new Pioneers met with professors to review their course schedules, ask questions and learn more about Tusculum’s academic programs. Students were also able to spend time with leaders of the advising team to ensure they are on the right path toward graduation from the outset of their studies at Tusculum.
This hands-on support was part of Pioneer Quest. This event brings new students to campus so they can be well prepared when classes begin Monday, Aug. 26. In addition to meeting with faculty members and advisors, these students learned more about the various clubs, groups and programs they can join at Tusculum.
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.”
Tusculum University adding pre-athletic training degree to meet growing need for professionals in this field
GREENEVILLE – Building on success it has achieved in the sport science field, Tusculum University is adopting a new major that will help address the demand for additional athletic trainers.
Tusculum will begin offering the Bachelor of Science in sport science pre-athletic training during the fall semester. Students will earn the degree with the mentorship of the experienced sport science program faculty, who will equip them with the knowledge they need to advance to graduation and then pursue a master’s degree in the field.
“We are constantly staying in touch with professionals and following the trends in the industry to understand how we can support the workforce needs in this field,” said Dr. Suzanne Byrd, chair of Tusculum’s Sport Science Department. “Through our research, we have identified that our Bachelor of Science in pre-athletic training would help ensure the need for additional professionals in this field is satisfied. We are pleased to meet that demand and have developed an innovative degree, rich in active and experiential learning, that will prepare our students for the next step.”
Greene County high school students experience college life and learn during Old Oak Workshops at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Students from two Greene County schools experienced campus life and learned from Tusculum University faculty and staff members as well as students in a fun and inviting manner during the annual Old Oak Workshops Friday, April 5.
The Tusculum employees provided active and experiential learning for the 68 students from West Greene High School and South Greene High School who attended this traditional event. Students had an opportunity to discover more about poetry, voting, video games, the heart and many other subjects in three hourlong sessions. They were also able to eat in the Tusculum cafeteria.
“We relish the opportunity to bring these students to Tusculum for additional learning and fun,” said Vicky Johnson Bós, associate professor of English, who leads the event. “Civic engagement is an element of our mission, and the workshops provide us an opportunity to further develop our relationships with local schools and show why Tusculum would be an excellent place for students to continue their studies.”
Tusculum dean elected to board of directors for Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
GREENEVILLE — Dr. Miriam Stroder, dean of Tusculum University’s College of Education, has been elected for a three-year term on the board of directors of the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
Representing East Tennessee on the board, Dr. Stroder continues Tusculum’s longtime connections to that organization. Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, served as president from 2020-2022 and in other leadership posts during her time on that board.
“I am honored to represent Tusculum, our College of Education and the rest of East Tennessee as I serve on this important board,” Dr. Stroder said. “I am pleased to facilitate and participate in ongoing cooperative and collaborative discussions that influence policy, program and activity recommendations as TACTE proactively promotes careers in education and quality teacher preparation using all of the organization’s available research and resources. This work leads to an enhanced classroom experience for students.”
Jubilance and fun activities abound at the national premiere of “The College Tour” episode featuring Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – As students appeared on the screen to tell their story on “The College Tour” national show about what makes Tusculum University and East Tennessee special, the first few words in the segments were frequently inaudible because their fellow Pioneers were cheering for them.
Those moments were some of many examples showcasing the buoyant atmosphere at The Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville Thursday, Feb. 8, for the premiere of “The College Tour” episode featuring Tusculum. Students, faculty and staff as well as alumni and community members packed the facility to share in the excitement of seeing Tusculum’s strengths extolled for the rest of the country to see.
“This fantastic event and episode emphasized the value of a Tusculum education as well as the caliber of our students and the faculty and staff who support them,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “When prospective students across the country watch this episode and see how we will prepare them in a caring Christian environment to be career-ready professionals, they will conclude that Tusculum is the right fit for them.”
Pre-physical therapy major at Tusculum University earns statewide award for academics, service and healthy lifestyle
MURFREESBORO – A Tusculum University junior who will pursue a career as a physical therapist has earned a statewide honor for her excellence in service and leadership and for engaging in a healthy lifestyle.
Helena Walts recently received the James E. Ward Future Professional Honor Award from the Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance during the organization’s annual convention. Supported by Tusculum’s Sport Science Department faculty, Walts was selected from the field of candidates nominated by Tennessee higher education institutions that offer academic programs in the disciplines TAHPERD represents.
“We are extremely proud and thrilled for Helena and her phenomenal accomplishments as a Tusculum student,” said Dr. Miriam Stroder, dean of College of Education. “Through her various activities, Helena exemplifies the civic engagement and caring Christian environment principles of our mission and deserves this award. She is an outstanding representative of Tusculum, and we are confident she will emerge from her studies as a career-ready professional.”
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.”
Greene County students participate in special classes taught by Tusculum professors, administrators, staff and students
GREENEVILLE – About 60 high school students from Greene County recently spent the day at Tusculum University absorbing the collegiate atmosphere and expanding their knowledge in classes taught by professors, administrators and students from the higher education institution.
The university held the 2023 Old Oak Workshops Friday, April 14, in the state-of-the-art Meen Center. The participants, who came from Chuckey-Doak, West Greene and South Greene high schools, also had an opportunity to tour the campus and enjoy lunch in the Tusculum cafeteria.
“These workshops bring local high school students to campus so they get a feel for what it’s like to go to college at Tusculum,” said Vicky Johnson Bós, associate professor of English, who led the event. “They also showcase our fabulous professors. We have some of the most dedicated, intelligent creative people in the world to teach our students. We want more and more students to come from this area. I am an alumna who came from this area, and this is one of the ways that I really enjoy giving back.”
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.”