{"id":29668,"date":"2025-01-16T09:52:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T14:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/?p=29668"},"modified":"2025-01-16T09:52:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T14:52:41","slug":"tusculum-university-to-honor-dr-scott-hummel-with-public-reception-as-he-celebrates-fifth-anniversary-as-president","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2025\/tusculum-university-to-honor-dr-scott-hummel-with-public-reception-as-he-celebrates-fifth-anniversary-as-president\/","title":{"rendered":"Tusculum University to honor Dr. Scott Hummel with public reception as he celebrates fifth anniversary as president"},"content":{"rendered":"

GREENEVILLE<\/strong> \u2013 Tusculum University<\/a> will honor its president, Dr. Scott Hummel, and recognize his many accomplishments as he prepares to celebrate his fifth anniversary leading Tennessee\u2019s first higher education institution.<\/h3>\n
\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel, left, congratulates Paulina Loretz after she walked the stage at graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel presents at a chapel session.<\/p><\/div>\n

The university will hold a reception Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Arena lobby. All alumni and community members are invited to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students as well as the university\u2019s Board of Trustees to congratulate Dr. Hummel and wish him continued success.<\/p>\n

The event will include remarks from Dr. Greg Nelson, board chair, and Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, at 5 p.m. Cake and punch will be served. This is a drop-in event, so guests are welcome to come at their leisure. No reservations are required.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Hummel has been an excellent and transformative president, successfully navigating Tusculum through unprecedented times during the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the holistic approach of a Tusculum education,\u201d Dr. Nelson said. \u201cOf particular note has been his focus on our caring Christian environment and providing students with increased opportunities to grow their faith. He is committed to the well-being of our students and equipping them to be career-ready professionals, rooted in civic engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fittingly, Dr. Hummel started at Tusculum Feb. 17, 2020 \u2013 Presidents\u2019 Day \u2013 as the next progression in a 30-year education career that saw him steadily climb from a professor to department chair to administrator at private higher education institutions. He is thankful for the opportunity to serve at Tusculum.<\/p>\n

\u201cTusculum has a rich history and a proud tradition of serving the community with distinction,\u201d Dr. Hummel said. \u201cI thoroughly enjoy spending time with our students and watching them develop academically, socially, spiritually and civically as they discover their purpose and their calling. It is a privilege to serve with tremendous faculty members, who are experts in their field and provide one-on-one support for our students. I am also pleased to partner with great staff members, who work behind the scenes to create a terrific atmosphere for academic and personal growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to continuing to build on the legacy of Tusculum\u2019s founders and everyone who has come before me as president to support our students and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel, third from the right, visits with students during the Midnight Breakfast event held during finals week.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel, left, congratulates graduate Zach Mitchell.<\/p><\/div>\n

A month into his presidency, the global coronavirus pandemic became front and center, causing Tusculum to pivot instruction methods as it protected everyone as much as possible. Dr. Hummel calmly led the university through the transition to online learning for the duration of the spring semester. He then collaborated with a task force he established to safely return the campus to in-person instruction that fall and enact appropriate measures to keep all Tusculum family members safe for the duration of the pandemic.<\/p>\n

Dr. Hummel\u2019s presidency has included multiple new academic programs, such as bachelor\u2019s degrees in communication<\/a>, with concentrations in theater and arts outreach administration, and sport science pre-athletic training<\/a>; multiple additional concentrations; and minors in African American studies, game design and wilderness experience. He has also elevated the importance of Tusculum\u2019s honors program. He considers himself a professor at heart and teaches an Old Testament honors course each fall.<\/p>\n

A first-generation<\/a> student, Dr. Hummel has a keen understanding of the needs of students whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor\u2019s degree. He also demonstrates a personal connection with the students as he supports them during their studies at Tusculum.<\/p>\n

Dr. Hummel has placed great emphasis on ensuring new students have a successful transition to collegiate life. He spearheaded the creation of Pioneer WOW<\/a>, a 10-day initiative beginning as soon as new students arrive on campus, to help them become fully acclimated to the university and develop bonds with their fellow Pioneers. The first three days are packed with fun activities and information that enable students to hit the ground running when fall classes begin.<\/p>\n

Another achievement of Dr. Hummel\u2019s presidency is the Dorm Refresh Campaign, which sought funds from donors to help complete updates to many of the university\u2019s residence halls. The campaign exceeded its goal, and Tusculum is still accepting donations at www.tusculum.edu\/giving<\/a> for many other needs in these buildings.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel speaks during his inauguration in 2021.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Tusculum

Tusculum students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as community leaders participate in the ribbon cutting for The Pioneer Perk. Dr. Scott Hummel is fourth from the right.<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Hummel also enhanced the student recreational experience by opening the Pioneer Perk<\/a> in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. The Perk is a popular hangout for students to study; relax; or play billiards, table tennis and air hockey. In addition, Tusculum opened the Wellness Center<\/a> for all Tusculum family members and a new athletic weight training area to enhance fitness and strength and constructed new beach volleyball<\/a> courts adjacent to the softball<\/a> field.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents know Dr. Hummel\u2019s large commitment and involvement around campus,\u201d said BriAnna Higgins, the Student Government Association\u2019s president. \u201cDr. Hummel is very active in student activities, such as chapel, attending games and academic presentations. Many student-athletes and clubs have also been invited to his home for dinner, which is always a highlight of the year. We appreciate his commitment and support of Tusculum and students. Congratulations to Dr. Hummel for his milestone anniversary as president.”<\/p>\n

Tusculum family members have multiple additional avenues to deepen their faith<\/a> during their studies and employment at Tusculum. The university holds weekly chapel sessions, and several ministries are active on campus to give students, faculty and staff an outlet to draw even closer to God. Students have also traveled to Israel with Dr. Hummel and been able to participate in an excavation at Tel Lachish, a site in that country that has biblical connections.<\/p>\n

Through Dr. Hummel\u2019s efforts, local churches adopt each of Tusculum\u2019s athletic<\/a> teams, which involves not only inviting the student-athletes to attend services but also providing meals for them and coming to the players\u2019 games. Churches also play an integral role in welcoming new students by preparing a delicious lunch on campus on move-in day. Representatives of many congregations come to campus at other times as well.<\/p>\n

Tusculum is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) but encourages all denominations to be present at the university. In 2023, Bible Keepers, a Christian website, ranked Tusculum No. 1 in a listing of the best Christian colleges in the state.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel, third from the right, participates in the ribbon cutting for the Watauga Orthopaedics clinic on campus.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Left

Left to right are Dr. Hummel, Kevin Watson, Eirik Dahlgren, Hughston Burnheimer, Amy Dall and Caleb Brown in front of the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Dahlgren was a recent Tusculum graduate, and the others were students in this 2023 photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Hummel has developed extensive relationships with local faith leaders and is currently serving as interim pastor of Tusculum Baptist Church. He has also created close ties with many others in the community. He serves on the board of directors of the Greene County Partnership and has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Greeneville, which meets on campus. In addition, Dr. Hummel has fostered strong relationships with the municipal and county governments in Greene County.<\/p>\n

His presidency has produced an updated agreement with Pellissippi State Community College and an agreement with Walters State Community College to support the seamless transfer of students to Tusculum. The university also adopted an updated covenant with the Holston Presbytery. Tusculum worked with Watauga Orthopaedics to open a clinic in the Meen Center, Ballad Health to open a Center for Early Learning in the Shulman Center and Ionic Water Technologies to operate in the Meen Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe board is grateful Dr. Hummel chose to come to Tusculum to serve our outstanding university.\u201d Dr. Nelson said. \u201cHe has performed exceptionally well and has surrounded himself with a highly skilled team that enables him to take the university to the next level of success. We look forward to watching his mission-driven leadership as we continue to make a positive difference with our students and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Hummel is married to Starr Hummel, a science teacher at South Greene Middle School. The Hummels have three grown daughters.<\/p>\n

More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GREENEVILLE<\/strong> \u2013 Tusculum University<\/a> will honor its president, Dr. Scott Hummel, and recognize his many accomplishments as he prepares to celebrate his fifth anniversary leading Tennessee\u2019s first higher education institution.<\/h3>\n

The university will hold a reception Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Arena lobby. All alumni and community members are invited to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students as well as the university\u2019s Board of Trustees to congratulate Dr. Hummel and wish him continued success.<\/p>\n

The event will include remarks from Dr. Greg Nelson, board chair, and Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, at 5 p.m. Cake and punch will be served. This is a drop-in event, so guests are welcome to come at their leisure. No reservations are required.<\/p>\n

Read the full article…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[131,91,19,169,146,1,6,148,147,149,172],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nTusculum University to honor Dr. Scott Hummel with public reception as he celebrates fifth anniversary as president :: Tusculum University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2025\/tusculum-university-to-honor-dr-scott-hummel-with-public-reception-as-he-celebrates-fifth-anniversary-as-president\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tusculum University to honor Dr. Scott Hummel with public reception as he celebrates fifth anniversary as president :: Tusculum University\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"GREENEVILLE \u2013 Tusculum University will honor its president, Dr. Scott Hummel, and recognize his many accomplishments as he prepares to celebrate his fifth anniversary leading Tennessee\u2019s first higher education institution. The university will hold a reception Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Arena lobby. All alumni and community members are invited to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students as well as the university\u2019s Board of Trustees to congratulate Dr. Hummel and wish him continued success. The event will include remarks from Dr. Greg Nelson, board chair, and Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, at 5 p.m. Cake and punch will be served. This is a drop-in event, so guests are welcome to come at their leisure. No reservations are required. 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