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.
Seniors pursuing degrees in the natural sciences at Tusculum University give detailed presentations to faculty and students
GREENEVILLE – Seniors in Tusculum University’s natural sciences program have taken another step forward in becoming career-ready professionals with special presentations made to faculty members and fellow students.
The biology, chemistry and environmental science programs held their senior seminar Friday, Dec. 6, in the state-of-the-art Meen Center. Fifteen students who will be graduating during this academic year presented their research on subjects and answered questions for 20 minutes apiece. Among the presentations were “Appalachian Nightlights: The Firefly Experience,” “The Potential Genetic Causes of Alzheimer’s,” “How Running Alters the Foot,” “How Can Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait Be Affected by Other Disorders?” and “The Formations and Patterns of Human Fingerprints.”
The presentations were the last stage in a two-course seminar series the students had taken to prepare them to share their knowledge on a topic in a way the average lay person would understand. Jordan Baker, assistant professor of biology, said the presentation method Tusculum students learn is one reason they have good placement rates in graduate and professional schools after graduation.
Tusculum University’s chemistry program publishes its research on developing anti-cancer drugs in prestigious journal
GREENEVILLE – Research by undergraduate chemistry and biology students at Tusculum University continues to impact the global fight against cancer with an article published in a prestigious professional journal.
The article for “Inorganic Chemistry” details the group’s ongoing research into potential new medications to treat cancer, a subject science students have examined now for five years. Already posted online, the article will be published in the next print edition. Four students and four alumni, along with Dr. Dennis Ashford, the professor overseeing the project, are the authors.
Agreement provides Tusculum University students seamless transition to Union University College of Pharmacy
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students now have an opportunity for direct admission into the Union University College of Pharmacy through an agreement signed recently by the two higher education institutions.
The agreement’s purpose is to recruit highly qualified Tusculum students to Union’s College of Pharmacy early in their studies. It is also designed to streamline the students’ admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Union.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with the Union University College of Pharmacy so our students can have a seamless transition to this outstanding professional program,” said Dr. Heather Henson-Ramsey, dean of Tusculum’s College of Science, Technology and Mathematics. “The rigor and caliber of our pre-pharmacy program and all of the academics in our Natural Sciences Department make them ideal candidates to advance after graduation. We are grateful to Union University’s College of Pharmacy for creating this pathway for our 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.”
Tusculum University Science Club members provide fun learning activities for students from local elementary school
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University Science Club members shared the excitement of many disciplines within that field with a morning of active and experiential learning activities with students from a local elementary school.
Second graders from nearby Doak Elementary School visited the Meen Center Friday, Jan. 26, to take part in five, 20-minute sessions led by Science Club members and Tusculum faculty. Fourteen Tusculum students helped about 100 second graders better understand science and mathematics and discover how a career in them can be fulfilling and fun.
“There can be a connotation that it is weird or not cool to be a science major,” said Skylar Georges, the club’s president and a sophomore majoring in biology, with a pre-medical, dental and veterinary concentration. “It was interesting to be able to expose these students to the different majors and show them through hands-on activities that science can be really neat to learn. It’s not just sitting and listening to lectures. It’s hands-on – things such as building, engineering and the body.”
Alumni Association honors four individuals with Tusculum University ties for their professional excellence
GREENEVILLE – The Tusculum University Alumni Association has honored four individuals from the higher education institution for their achievements and support.
During the Alumni Association meeting Saturday, Oct. 14, which occurred during Homecoming, the group presented these recipients the following awards:
- Erika Witt, a 2012 Tusculum graduate – Frontier Award
- Angelo Botta, an assistant professor of sport science at Tusculum and a 1975 graduate of the university – Pioneer Award
- Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum’s provost and vice president of academic affairs – Honorary Alumni Award
- Dennis Ashford, an associate professor of chemistry at Tusculum – National Living Faculty Award
“We congratulate these men and women for their outstanding performance and contributions to the university’s success and influence in the community,” said Bob Kleinertz, whose presidency of the Alumni Executive Board concluded at the end the Alumni Association meeting. “They represent Tusculum with distinction and are inspiring examples to alumni, today’s students and the community. This track record of great work assures me that we will learn about further success from these four well into the future.”
Research at Tusculum on drugs to treat cancer receives boost with fellowship from Appalachian College Association
GREENEVILLE – Research by undergraduate chemistry and biology students at Tusculum University into another method to treat cancer, one that would spare healthy parts of the body, will benefit from a new grant that will enable the professor guiding them to dedicate additional time to the initiative.
The Appalachian College Association has selected Dr. Dennis Ashford, associate professor of chemistry, for a fellowship during the 2023-24 academic year. As part of the fellowship, Tusculum will receive funds to pay another instructor to teach one of Dr. Ashford’s courses in the fall and spring semesters.
This fellowship will contribute to the ongoing success of the research project, which has been active for four years except for a period in the initial stages of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Successful businessman and community servant Walter Johnson earns honorary doctorate from Tusculum
GREENEVILLE – A Tusculum University alumnus who has achieved a highly successful business career, demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and remained intimately connected to his alma mater has earned an honorary doctorate from the institution.
Walter Johnson, a 1971 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, received an Honorary Doctor of Science during Tusculum’s fall commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 11. With the awarding of this honorary degree by Tusculum’s Board of Trustees Johnson will now have the title “Dr.” placed before his name in all references to him by the university.
Placing the doctoral hood on him was his daughter, Dr. Lisa Johnson-Neas, who serves as Tusculum’s associate vice president of student affairs and retention and dean of students.
Dr. Larry Brotherton, a Tusculum alumnus and businessman, named to state higher education organization hall of fame
NASHVILLE – Dr. Larry Brotherton, an alumnus, longtime benefactor and member of the Board of Trustees of Tusculum University, has been honored for his impressive career with his selection to the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Hall of Fame.
He is a member of the 2021 Hall of Fame class along with 23 others from member institutions across the state, including legendary singer Pat Boone. The recognition comes to a businessman who has achieved tremendous success in his professional, philanthropic and civic endeavors.
“We are thrilled Dr. Brotherton has received this well-deserved honor because it demonstrates not only his business acumen but also the way he graciously accepts the opportunity and responsibility to improve lives,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Dr. Brotherton has played a vital role in supporting initiatives at his alma mater that have helped our students attain their career aspirations. We are extremely proud that he has used his Tusculum degree to make his mark on the world and set a powerful example for our students.”
Research into cancer-fighting drugs receives more support with fellowship for Tusculum professor
GREENEVILLE – A fellowship provided by the Appalachian College Association will enable a Tusculum University professor to focus more attention on guiding undergraduate students who are conducting research into cancer.
In 2018, Dr. Dennis Ashford, an assistant professor of chemistry, helped launch a more formalized research program in his section of the Natural Sciences Department. The initiative has received four grants that have provided $64,250 to fund research by chemistry and biology students of anti-cancer drugs and renewable energy.
The students are looking into designing and making new drugs for chemotherapeutic applications and new materials for solar energy conversion.