Tusculum University junior who performs strongly in class, athletics and community service wins statewide award
MURFREESBORO – A Tusculum University junior who is excelling in the classroom and on the athletic field while leading a healthy lifestyle recently earned a statewide honor for her achievements.
Natalie Spaitis, a sport science major and softball player, was named 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. Spaitis was nominated by the faculty in Tusculum’s sport science program – Dr. Suzanne Byrd, Dr. David Bow and Angelo Botta.
“I am honored to receive the TAHPERD award and to be able to represent Tusculum University and the sport science program at the state level,” Spaitis said. “I appreciate all of the support that I received from Dr. Bow, Dr. Byrd, and Coach Botta throughout the application process.”
Tusculum University’s master’s degree programs that support teaching earn No. 2 ranking in Tennessee from online resource
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University’s master’s programs for the teaching profession, which provide a convenient pathway for individuals to become certified or advance their skills, have earned an excellent ranking from an online resource.
MastersinEducation.org recently chose these graduate programs No. 2 in a list of the best ones in the state. The ranking applies to the university’s Master of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Teaching at multiple grade levels as well as special education. This online website based its results on factors such as quality, affordability and outcomes.
“We are pleased to see this external validation of these outstanding master’s programs,” said Dr. Miriam Stroder, assistant dean of Tusculum’s Education Division. “Our master’s programs are well-designed and strengthen the caliber of teaching in school districts and the skill sets of instructors in multiple subject areas. The knowledge our students gain through our degree programs enables them to achieve their calling and purpose and make a difference in the profession.”
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.”
Love story takes another turn with creation of endowment to support students studying special education at Tusculum
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students seeking financial assistance to obtain a degree focused on special education will benefit from an endowed scholarship created by an alumnus in memory of his beloved wife, who also graduated from the higher education institution.
The June Ann Gieselberg Nyholm ’62 Endowed Scholarship Fund will serve as a powerful reminder of her 32-year career to serving as an elementary school special education teacher. Her husband, David, who established the endowment, taught fifth grade for two years before he pivoted to a career in insurance claims.
“I’m glad to be able to create this endowment to help students interested in the special education field achieve their degree with some financial assistance,” David Nyholm said. “I hope we attract even more students to that realm of teaching because it is an honorable part of the profession. I am also delighted to be able to pay tribute to my wife. Two individuals truly became one during our marriage.”
Tusculum University students meet with organizations that might provide them with internships and employment
BRISTOL – Tusculum University students recently showcased their networking skills and highlighted their abilities as they explored internship and other career opportunities with dozens of potential employers at a collegiate-focused event at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“Breaking into Sport” was held at this premier sports venue, famous for its NASCAR races, and attracted students from several colleges and universities and dozens of businesses, including the Charlotte Hornets, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN and Appalachian League baseball teams. Tusculum students who attended connected with representatives of these businesses and made first impressions that could lead to internships and jobs.
“This was an outstanding event that gave our students a flavor of the many possible career options that are available in the market,” said Dr. Brandon Hudson, assistant professor of sport management, who organized the trip for Tusculum. “Coming here will help them communicate with peer groups, talk to people within the sport management industry and learn by observing. It was an outstanding active and experiential learning experience that supplemented the networking, interviewing and other professional development skills we teach in the classroom.”
New agreement provides Tusculum students and alumni in many academic fields a guaranteed interview for multiple Emory & Henry graduate programs
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. and EMORY, Va. – Tusculum University students who are on a path for a bachelor’s degree in multiple fields will receive a guaranteed interview to be accepted into a select number of graduate programs at Emory & Henry University through a new agreement.
The two higher education institutions recently signed an articulation agreement to open this avenue for Tusculum students. Specifically, undergraduate Tusculum students in the biology, chemistry, psychology and sport science programs will be eligible for an interview with Emory & Henry’s School of Health Sciences. That interview could lead to admittance in Emory & Henry’s graduate programs in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies and physical therapy.
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.”