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.
Nearly 200 students celebrate their graduation and excellent experiences during their studies at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Joy abounded in Pioneer Arena as Tusculum University’s newest graduates celebrated their academic, athletic and social achievements with a walk across the stage to make their entry into the next phase of their lives.
Tusculum held its spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, to recognize nearly 200 students who have completed their coursework or will finish their classes in August. This group has earned bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees and come from 11 countries and 20 states.
“We are extremely proud of this graduating class and know the active and experiential learning in a caring Christian environment has prepared them to be career-ready, civically engaged professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “With one-on-one attention from the professors and additional support from our staff, these students have become alumni with a greater understanding of their calling and purpose. We will be cheering for them and know they will represent Tusculum impressively as they progress in their lives.”
Community learns more about new initiative to invest in the spiritual development of Tusculum University students; local businessman memorialized for leading faith-filled life
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University shared its vision during the first-ever Christians in Business Dinner of a new multi-faceted program that will foster students’ ability to deepen their faith and increase discipleship on campus.
The dinner, which filled Chalmers Conference Center Thursday, May 8, gave community members further insight into the Christian Leadership Institute, which the university will launch at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
This initiative will initially provide for a Discipleship Living-Learning Center, where first- and second-year students who have been accepted into the program will live in small groups in university houses. They will participate in weekly Bible study and engage in other ministry activities that will further build their faith as they are mentored by older students who will serve as peer mentors. Multiple other longer-term programs and projects will help expand the outreach to Tusculum students and the community.
Four siblings strengthen their bond as Tusculum students and in campus activities together
GREENEVILLE – Visitors to Tusculum University are guaranteed to see a number of people on campus and have an excellent chance of meeting one with the last name of Silvers.
Tusculum has a quartet of students with that last name – senior Jessica and juniors Allison, Kenneth and Madison. As one might suspect, the four of them are brothers and sisters, with Madison and Allison being twins.