Rockin’ good - Middle Tennessee State University · during Rockin’ Raider Home-coming weekend,...

News for MTSU alumni and friends December 2009 Vol. 7 / No. 2

INSIDE . . .

Breaking ground, Page 2Campus construction, Page 2MTSU honors Womacks, Page 3Homecoming in photos, Page 4Class Notes, Page 6Enrollment passes 25K, Page 7

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By Rhonda Wright [email protected]

B lue Raiders took to the stageduring Rockin’ Raider Home-coming weekend, Oct. 23-24.

The class of 1959 had its reunionon Friday night. They enjoyed a cam-pus tour and social hour before beinginducted into the esteemed GoldenRaiders Society during a dinner cere-mony at the Tom H. Jackson Building.

Adrian Holt (’03) took top honors

at the Student Government Associa-tion’s annual Blue Raider Chili Cook-Off at Peck Hall Friday night.

The Alumni House was rockin’ asalumni and friends filled its frontlawn to watch the HomecomingParade at the fourth annual Mixer onMiddle. Publix Super Markets spon-sored breakfast and the NationalAlumni Association provided compli-mentary homecoming souvenir pho-

(See ‘Rockin’,’ Page 4)

Rockin’ good

Andy Heidt/MTSU Photographic Services



Centennial committee takes shapeBy Tonjanita L. Johnson [email protected]

A lthough Middle Tennessee StateUniversity’s 100th year anniversary cele-bration is still more than a year away,

excitement already is brewing, and planning forthis historic milestone officially has begun.

In an effort to formally organize the universi-ty’s planning efforts, MTSU President Sidney A.McPhee, in collaboration with Joe Bales, vice presi-dent for Development and University Relations,has appointed a Centennial Celebration PlanningCommittee.

MTSU Alumnus Bob Lamb (’69, ’77), a well-known Murfreesboro real estate professional, has

agreed to serve as chair of theCentennial Executive Committeeand oversee the 51-memberCentennial Planning Committee.These groups will be responsiblefor guiding the development ofall events and activities associat-ed with the Centennial.

“I am very humbled to havebeen asked to serve in a leader-ship role in the planning of thishistoric celebration,” said Lamb. “While there is alot of work to be done, our main task right now ismostly organizational. We look forward to receiv-ing input from our alumni and friends throughout

the country and around the world as to what theywould like to see in a Centennial Celebration.”

As a first step in the planning process, anExecutive Committee, made up of individuals fromthe larger Centennial Committee, was establishedto identify critical issues that the group shouldaddress as a whole.

Executive Committee members include Lamb;Jan Hayes (’67, ’73); John Hood (’54, ’74); Dr.Tonjanita Johnson; Ross Spielman (’55, ’66); HannaWitherspoon (’64); and Andy Womack (’70).

Bales and Kimberly Edgar, executive assistantto the president, will serve as ex officio members ofthe group.

(See ‘Centennial,’ Page 5)

Alumni Homecoming Queens and Kings welcome the newly crowned Queen Katie Phillips andKing Desmond Yates. They include (from left) Mary Katherine Gilbert Jordan (’97), Jennifer Secrest(’04), Emily Porter (’09), Michael Shirley (’06), Barbara Gibson McClain (’80), Meagan Flippin (’07),Marla Frisby (’95), Katherine Whitt (’01), Steven Disser (’08), Meredith Howell, Desmond Yates, KatiePhillips, Chassen Haynes (’08), Candice Haynes (’05), Steven Helton (’05), Carmen Jones Davis (’00),Carolyn Ball Harrison (’63), Patricia Duncan Green (’68) and Lashaun Turner Coleman (’91). Thomas Henry Sesler prepares to ride the winning entry of the

first Baby Raider Ride Contest in the Homecoming Parade. He iskept company by his father, Mark Sesler (’91), and his cousin,Matthew Farris, son of Will (’91) and Jean Forte (’91) Farris.

Grammy-nominated composer George S. Clinton (’69) leads the HomecomingParade as this year’s grand marshal.

Homecoming win wraps up fun weekend

Lamb

‘Humbled’ alumnus Lamb to help lead planning efforts for 51-member group

2 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com December 2009

New Student Union to arrive early ’12 By Randy Weiler [email protected]

M TSU officials held a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 6 forthe new $77.13 million, nearly

200,000 square foot Student Union.Afterward, President Sidney A.

McPhee told two Nashville televisionstations that “it will be an incrediblefacility for students and the campus,and it was not funded at taxpayers’expense. It’s a facility that’s badly need-ed on campus.”

“We’re all so excited to mark theceremonial groundbreaking of this newfacility, but clearly students alreadyhave seen the actual constructionalready under way, and they already have been apart of the planning and programming processes,”said Dr. Debra Sells, vice president for studentaffairs and vice provost for enrollment and aca-demic services.

“The groundbreaking is a wonderful time,however, for us all to take a minute to recognizethe farsightedness and commitment to the future ofthose students who paved the way by sponsoringthe SGA legislation which has made this facilitypossible,” Sells said.

The building is being funded through studentfees that stemmed from a Student GovernmentAssociation-led campaign in 2006.

The Student Union “is intended to primarilyserve as gathering space for students,” Sells said.

“This means progress,” said David Gregory,Tennessee Board of Regents vice chancellor foradministration and facilities development, whoattended MTSU in 1976 and ’77. “MTSU has con-tinued to become the premier institution for ourstate.

Designed by Street Dixon RickArchitecture and Thomas Millerand Partners, the building’s 197,180square feet will accommodate abookstore, copy center, game roomand food court (first floor); a ball-room, parliamentary room, videotheater, computer center, confer-ence and meeting rooms and stu-dent lounges (second floor); officesfor Student Involvement andLeadership, the SGA and StudentUnions and Programming (thirdfloor); and other features.

The target date for completionis early 2012, MTSU officials said.

The Student Union will not replaceKeathley University Center, which will continue tohouse Student Affairs-related offices, the MTSUPost Office and others.

Pinnacle Construction Partners of Nashvilleand national builder Messer Construction wereawarded the contract to build the new facility.

Campus, state and Rutherford County officials,alumni, MTSU students and others attended theceremony, which was held near the Paul W. MartinSr. Honors Building.

An architect’s rendering of the $77.13 million Student Union building.

An architect’s rendering of the front of the College of Education building.

New educationbuilding is partof master plan

By Tom Tozer [email protected]

I f all goes as scheduled, the 993 classroom seats and 87 facultyoffices in the new College of Education Building will be teemingwith eager students, faculty and staff by spring 2012.Some will make a beeline for a collaborative classroom or the

wet lab, while others will find a comfy seat in the 150-seat auditori-um, the seminar room or the observation lab.

As the result of a joint venture between Earl Swensson Assoc-iates and Centric Architecture with the support of local legislators inissuing bonds for the project, the new building, with more than87,300 gross square feet, will provide a dedicated facility for one ofthe largest colleges at MTSU. Until now, education programs andfaculty have been scattered across campus.

“The faculty are very excited,” said Dr. Terry Whiteside, interimeducation dean. “When you work together in the same space, youcan commiserate, share ideas and do cross-departmental projects. Itcreates energy when your peers are working in the same space.

“There has been a sense of disbelief from the old-timers,”Whiteside continued. “This isn’t going to happen, they would say.When they see it … this is big-time.”

“The new building will help in faculty recruitment and perhapsin attracting students to the teaching profession,” noted Dr. JimHuffman, chair of the Womack Family Educational LeadershipDepartment. “People will see that this is a classy operation, that itenhances the image of teacher education. Teacher education won’tbe all over campus; it will be in one location. … It will give us a lotmore flexibility. When we have a conference, we won't have to go tothe Foundation House or country club.”

Everyone, including clerical staff, had a hand in selecting thefurniture, Whiteside said. Secretaries helped determine the layout of

ChangesimprovecampusBy Tom Tozer [email protected]

W hile constructionmoves forward onboth the Education and

Student Union buildings (seerelated stories, this page) as theuniversity prepares for them toopen in early 2012 if all goes asplanned, other less celebrativeprojects were in progress in aneffort to reduce deferred-mainte-nance costs and improve creaturecomforts.

Mechanical, electrical andplumbing work is in progress inCorlew Hall, and the hope is tohave the residence hall back inaction for the fall 2010 semester. Anew addition to McCallieCafeteria (in Corlew) will increasecapacity by as many as 50 seats.The addition will be where thebrick patio currently is on thesouth side.

Anderson Piping is at workupgrading the heating and coolinginfrastructure in Cope Admin-istration Building computer serverroom.

A review meeting with cityofficials and engineers took placein early November regarding theproposed widening of MiddleTennessee Boulevard.

Bids were received Nov. 19 forthe renovation of Tucker Theatre.The project will consist of refur-bishing the seats, replacing thecarpet and lighting and improvingthe lobby area and restrooms. Italso will entail ADA and stageimprovements, mechanical andelectrical updates, and codeupgrades. Work will begin inJanuary 2010.

(See ‘Changes,’ Page 7) (See ‘New,’ Page 7)

ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFFGinger Corley Freeman, Director

Michelle Stepp, Associate DirectorMolly Cochran, Assistant Director

Paul Wydra, Assistant DirectorRhonda Wright, Assistant Director

Martha Jordan, Administrative AssistantKari Janetvilay, Secretary

MTSU Office of Alumni RelationsMTSU Box 104

Murfreesboro, TN 371321-800-533-MTSU (6878)

615-898-2922 Fax: 615-898-5746mtalumni.com

Published quarterly (Sept., Dec., March and June)

Sidney A. McPhee, PresidentJoe Bales, VP, Development and Univ. Relations

Tonja L. Johnson, Assoc. VP, Marketing and Comm. Tom Tozer, Director, News and Public Affairs

Randy Weiler, Editor ([email protected])

Contributors: Staff members from the offices of MTSUAlumni Relations and News and Public Affairs

Consultants: Suma Clark/Bill Fisher/ Mitzi Brandon,MTSU Publications and GraphicsSpecial assistance: Betsy Williams,

MTSU Advancement Services

Photographs: MTSU Photographic Services, except where noted

Printed by Franklin Web Printing Co., Franklin, Tenn.

Attention Postmaster: Change Service RequestedAddress changes and other correspondence

should be addressed to

Advancement ServicesMTSU P.O. Box 109

1301 E. Main St.Murfreesboro, TN 37132

MTSU, a Tennessee Board of Regents university, is an equalopportunity, nonracially identifiable, educational institution

that does not discriminate against individualswith disabilities.

URUR047-1109

December 2009 The Alumni Record/mtalumni.com 3

University honors Womack family

December3 MTSU Percussion Ensemble*

3-5 Fall Dance Concertby MTSU Dance Theatre**

6-7 Messiah*

8 MTSU Symphonic Band*

9 MTSU Commercial Music Ensemble*

10 MTSU Accounting CPE Day***

11-12 MPAC Show****

19 Fall Commencement (story, Page 5)

January, 2010

25 Lynn Rice-See faculty Piano Recital*

28-30 Ladybug by MTSUstudent Josh Ginsburg**

February1 Stones River Chamber Players*

4-6 Wind Band Conference*

4 Tennessee Valley Winds Concert*

5 MTSU Wind Ensemble concert*

6 Honor Bands Concert*

11 MTSU Jazz Artist Series,Steve Davis, Trombonist*

12-13 MTSU Opera performance*

15 MTSU Jazz Ensemble II*

18 MTSU Jazz Ensemble I*

25 MTSU Women’s Chorale*

28 MTSU Symphony Orchestra*

For more information, go to:*www.mtsumusic.com

**www.mtsu.edu/theatre

***www.mtsu.edu/accounting

****www.mtperformingarts.com

Note: All dates, times subject to change.

CALENDARCampus-related events

By Tom Tozer [email protected]

T his family moves mountains. Because of the Womack family’s tremen-

dous love and support for MTSU for morethan 50 years and their considerable financial assis-tance that ultimately will provide more than a half-million dollars in faculty and scholarship supportfor the education program, the university hasrenamed the Department of Educational Leadershipin their honor.

The department is now known as the WomackFamily Educational Leadership Department.

From the time the doors of Middle TennesseeState Normal School opened in 1911, the Womackfamily has influenced the look, feel and heart of thecampus and provided leadership across the educa-tion spectrum in the state of Tennessee.

“We greatly appreciate the Womack family’stremendous commitment to our College ofEducation,” said Dr. Sidney A.McPhee, MTSU president. “TheWomack name has been syn-onymous with education inTennessee, from Dr. Bob’s longtenure in our educational lead-ership department to Andy’sservice in the state senate aschair of the education commit-tee. Few families have had asdeep and lasting a history onour campus. We are deeplyindebted to them for their gen-erosity and are proud to recog-nize their service and commit-ment with the naming of theeducational leadership depart-ment in their honor.”

“Dr. Bob, his four childrenand their families have made acommitment to the universityboth in outright contributionsand in their estate planning thatwill easily be the largest gift tothat program,” added Joe Bales,

MTSU vice president for Development andUniversity Relations. “This, coupled with the earlierannouncement of the construction of our new edu-cation building, signifies our commitment to main-taining our College of Education as Tennessee’s pre-eminent education program.”

Dr. Bob, as he is affectionately called by nearlyeveryone on campus, is starting his 53rd year ofteaching at the university that he says “feels just likehome.” As a student, he enrolled in 1941 in whatwas then the State Teachers College.

“My family before me had come here, so I grav-itated in this direction,” he recalled. “And my wifewas coming here, and that was another big factor.Then, of course, I had to take off a few years duringWorld War II.”

The Womacks, however, go back to the verybeginning. Dr. Bob’s older brother was a studentwhen Middle Tennessee State Normal Schoolopened in 1911 and later taught soldiers who were

returning from World War I. Another brother andtwo sisters followed.

“And then I came along,” Dr. Bob said. “I amvery proud of this family, and I am very proud ofthis contribution to the university.”

Andy Womack (’70) shares his father’s senti-ment.

“I take a great deal of pride in the generationbefore me,” he said, referring to his dad, five auntsand uncles. “And what I think is really unique inwhat we’re doing is that the money we are estab-lishing is going to an endowment to enhance thefaculty in the education department.

“We feel that oftentimes what is overlooked inthe quality of education is that you have to havequality faculty. In order to recruit and retain qualityfaculty, we felt like an endowment that generateddiscretionary funds for the leadership in educationto enhance the salaries and professional-develop-ment opportunities of the faculty was important.”

During Andy Womack’stenure as chair of the state SenateEducation Committee, the topog-raphy of the campus changed con-siderably.

“I was very proud of thefact that we were able to get themass communication building aswell as the infrastructure thatmade possible the new businessbuilding, the new library and therenovation of the Todd Library. …When we moved back here in1957, MTSU was just a small col-lege. Now it has become a majoruniversity, not only in Tennesseebut in the Southeast and thenation.

MTSU will hold a formalnaming ceremony in the future;the renaming of the departmenthas been approved by theTennessee Board of Regents,Bales said.

The Womack family (from left): Lynn Womack (’70, ’82), Lara Daniel (’79, ’91), Ricky Womack(’82), Cherry Womack (’68), Andy Womack (’70), Bob Womack (’48), David Womack (’99), CherylWomack (’98), Dana Womack (’00, ’03), Rob Sims (’03) and Marguerite Sims. Not pictured is SaraWomack (’07), daughter of Ricky Womack.

Submitted by the Womack family

mtalumni.com


tos. Partygoers were treated to MTSU agriculture-produced and processed chocolate milk, arguablythe best chocolate milk in the land.

Grammy-nominated composer George S.Clinton (’69) led the parade as Grand Marshal.Distinguished Alumni George Frost (’56) andDavid Mitchell (’73) and Young AlumniAchievement honoree Lauren Gillespie Agee (’01)represented alumni in the parade. Voice of the BlueRaiders Chip Walters (’85) and Aaron Solomon(’94), co-host of WSMV’s Channel 4 News Today,announced this year’s parade at Mixer on Middle.

The Office of Alumni Relations held its first-ever Baby Raider Ride Contest Saturday morning.Eighteen entries including strollers, wagons and

bikes were transformedinto spirited floats for theparade. “Lightning andT.H.,” ridden by ThomasHenry Sesler, son ofMark (’91) and BethSesler won first place.Elizabeth Riley Sims,

daughter of Rob (’03) and Marguerite Sims wasawarded second place. Kaitlyn and Wes Hardy,children of Edd (’03) and Lisa (’02) Hardy, rodethird-place entry“Rockin’ ABCs” with Jackson andHaiden Faulk, children of Erik and Becca (’02)Faulk.

After the parade, Walnut Grove was a popular

tailgating place. Several groups hosted reunionsbefore the game. Representatives from the univer-sity’s colleges shared the latest information duringlunch with alumni at the Alumni Tailgate Tent. Abig crowd cheered at Raider Walk as the Band ofBlue welcomed the football team on its way toFloyd Stadium for the big game against theWestern Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Alumni Homecoming Queens and Kingsjoined the newly crowned 2009 HomecomingQueen Katie Phillips and King Desmond Yates onthe field during the halftime ceremony.

The Blue Raiders did not disappoint thecrowd, beating WKU 62-24. The victory was a greatway to wrap up the fun-filled weekend.

Rockin’ from Page 1

President Sidney A. McPhee and First Lady Liz McPheewave to the crowd lining Middle Tennessee Boulevard towatch the annual Homecoming Parade.

Young Alumni Achievement Honoree Lauren Gillespie Agee (’01), and Distinguished Alumni TomVance (’76) , David Mitchell (’73), and George Frost (’56) are welcomed on the field by NationalAlumni Association Board President Jim Stubblefield (’83), President Sidney A. McPhee and FirstLady Liz McPhee during the Homecoming Game.

Class of 1959 Golden Raiders Curtis and Peggy Orr Mason show fellow GoldenRaider Faye Brandon (’49) their complimentary homecoming photo from the NationalAlumni Association at Mixer on Middle.

Alumni and friends Beth Carney, Mary Johnson, Jill McDaniel (’04), StephanieHolt (’93), and Kandal Intintoli (’97), at the Rockin’ Raider Homecoming Parade.

Young alumni enjoy reuniting at the Alumni House during Mixer on Middle. From left, they areKim Concialdi (’07), MacKenzie Emerson (’08), Tiffanie Winkler (’09), Rebecca Wilson (’08), SarahBrown, Kristi Gannon (’05) and Beth Beasley (’06).

Lightningfires upthe crowdat theRockin’RaiderHome-coming.The BlueRaidersrolled to aconvinc-ing 62-24victoryagainstWesternKentucky.

J. Intintoli/MTSU Photographic ServicesAndy Heidt/MTSU Photographic Services

J. Intintoli/MTSU Photographic Services



J. Intintoli/MTSUPhotographicServices


Alumni turn out for ‘Wicked’ in NashvilleMTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and wife Liz welcome 2005 alumni Paige and Jared Stiefel tothe alumni reception held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville before the perform-ance of the musical “Wicked.”

International alumni profile(Second in a series)Name: Takeshi NiizekiHometown: Tokyo, JapanInternational location: HitotsubashiUniversity in Tokyo

Additional information: Graduated fromFukushima University in Japan in 2004 andentered the master’s program in economics atMTSU in September 2004. Graduated fromMTSU in December 2005.

About his experience: “Thanks to Dr.(Kiyoshi) Kawahito (professor emeritus in economics and finance,and a faculty member from 1971 until 2007), I was awarded a grad-uate assistantship by the Department of Economics and Finance forone-and-a-half years. After receiving a master’s degree in econom-ics, I decided to go back to Japan and entered HitotsubashiUniversity in 2007. I passed the qualifying exam for the Ph..D. pro-gram in economics in 2009, and I am a first-year Ph.D. student atHitotsubashi University. I am working on the business cycle theory,especially its application to Japan’s long depression in the 1990s.”

Niizeki

Centennial from Page 1

MTSU Alumni Relations photo

Williams, Leifeld address gradsA lumnus and former state Rep. Mike

Williams and former Tennessean pub-lisher Ellen Leifeld will address grad-

uates at the Saturday, Dec. 19, commencementceremonies in Murphy Center, MTSU officialssaid.

Williams (’82), executive director of theTennessee Petroleum Council and a formerMTSU Associated Student Body president,will speak at the 9 a.m. commencement.

Degree candidates from the College ofGraduate Studies, Jennings A. Jones College ofBusiness, and College of Education andBehavioral Science will receive their degrees

in the morning ceremony.That afternoon at 1, degrees will be con-

ferred on candidates in the Colleges of Basicand Applied Sciences, Liberal Arts, MassCommunication, and Continuing Educationand Distance Learning.

Leifeld, who announced her retirementNov. 23, will be the afternoon speaker. Shebecame the newspaper’s second female pub-lisher in September 2005.

For more information about commence-ment, visit the Records Office Web site atwww.mtsu.edu/~records/grad.htm or call 615-898-2600.

Additionally, four working sub-committees have alsobeen established to address planning needs in specific areassuch as marketing (chaired by Womack), Web site develop-ment and communications (chaired by Johnson) history andtimeline (chaired by Dr. Jim Williams), and theme andscheduling (chaired by Dr. Derek Frisby, ’94).

Other committee members include: Cindy Adams (’81,’99), Dr. Gloria Bonner (’72, ’74, ’77), Dr. Chontel Bridgeman(’93, ’95, ’96), Dr. Ralph Bundage, Suma Clark (’70, ’77),Linda Cooper (’64, ’71), David Cullum (’55), Ed DeBoer (’87),Ginger Freeman (’89, ’92), Marla Frisby (’95), GeorgeGardner (’57), Allison Hatcher (’00), Lynette Ingram, DeanHayes, Tommy Haynes (’74), Dr. Barbara Hodges (’78, ’82),Robert Holman (’78, ’83), Faye Johnson (’65, ’69), MurrayMartin (’75), Dr. June McCash, Dr. John McDaniel, KathyMusselman, Charlie Myatt (’69), Mary Esther Reed (’92, ’94,’96), Dr. Liz Rhea (’55), Dr. Cliff Ricketts, Ronald Roberts(’84, ’91), Mary Scales (’67), Caroline Scarlett, Dr. Dan Scott(’50), Margaret Scott (’66, ’84), Meredith Crockett (’04), JudySmith (’60), Ken Strickland (’89), Susan Taylor (’83), DianeTurnham, Ron Washington (’81), Doug Williams (’74), Dr.Forrestine Williams, Vincent Windrow (’91, ’94) and KarlaWinfrey (’82).

The full Centennial Planning Committee is expected tomeet again in mid-December to discuss the latest develop-ments related to the theme of the celebration as well as keyscheduling and event issues. Marketing and communica-tions strategies as well as Web site development also will beaddressed.

While the planning efforts of most of the subcommitteesare still in development, the History and TimelineSubcommittee has put out a call for MTSU artifacts andmemorabilia. Anyone who is interested in donating or loan-ing unique items that reflect the history of the university cancontact Jim Williams at 615-898-2633 for more information.

Additional updates related to Centennial Celebrationplanning will be provided in future issues of The AlumniRecord and on the Centennial Web site once it becomes avail-able.

‘... We look forward to receiving input from our alumni and from throughout the country and around the world as to what they would like to see in a Centennial Celebration.’

— Bob Lamb (’69, ’77),Centennial Executive Committee chairman

Did you know?• Mike McDonald (’79) was the first African-American

president of the Associated Student Body(serving 1978-79).• MTSU’s second (and unofficial) mascot was “Ole

Blue,” a cartoon blue tick hound.Source: MTSU Miscellany: Trivia and Facts About Middle Tennessee State

University, 1911-2001.

CLASS NOTES1 9 6 0 s

1 9 7 0 s

Judith Kahn Churchwell (’68),Americus, Ga., published her book,“Tales From the Hotel: Memories of JudyKahn Churchwell.”

Dr. Ronald Coleman (’65, ’69),Hendersonville, Tenn., retired as dean ofAllied Health at Volunteer StateCommunity College and is teaching atthe college and serving as a consultant onthe college’s Perkins grant CTE activities.

Jim Gaines (’69), La Jolla, Calif., isserving his fourth year on the Board ofPatient Services at the John MooresCancer Center.

Alice C. Hudson (’69), New York,N.Y., recently retired after 39 years aschief of the Lionel Pincus and PrincessFiryal map division of the New YorkPublic Library.

Priscilla Hunt (’66), Perry, Fla., retiredfrom 32 years of teaching family and con-sumer sciences in the state of Florida in2003.

Dr. Walter C. Chitwood Jr. (’78),Murfreesboro, was the recipient of the SigGruenwald Humanitarian Service Awardat the annual meeting of TennesseeAcademy of General Dentistry.

Sharon Hamrick (’79), Signal Mtn.,Tenn., has been awarded the CertifiedFraud Examiner credential by theAssociation of Certified Fraud Examiners.She is a forensic accountant at JosephDecosimo and Company PLLC.

Joyce A. McCullough (’76, ’85),Manchester, Tenn., was named CoffeeCounty Central High School Teacher ofthe Year 2008-09.

Dr. Milton Smith (’73), Sylacauga,Ala., received his doctor of ministrydegree from Gardner-Webb University.He is a leadership development coach forMake Way Partners.

2 0 0 0 s

1 9 9 0 s

Alison Bogue (’04), Memphis, Tenn., isa seventh-grade teacher for ShelbyCounty Schools.

Capt. Anthony DeFurio (’04), Yuma,Ariz., is an AV-8 Harrier pilot fromMarine Attack Squadron 513 and MarineAviation Logistics Squadron 13, currentlydeployed in support of the 31st MarineExpeditionary Unit based in Japan.

Chris Felker (’07), Smyrna, Tenn., is anaccountant for HCA Physician Services.

Wesley Fort (’09), Nashville, Tenn., is astaff accountant on the audit team in theNashville office of Carr, Riggs & IngramLLC.

Jay Grugett (’00, ’01), Spring Hill,Tenn., is senior manager for the audit andenterpride risk services practice ofDeloitte and Touche LLP.

Casie Wilkins (’01), Nashville, Tenn.,is the program adviser for the public rela-tions management program in the Officeof Adult Learning at Belmont University.

1 9 8 0 sKelly Dodson (’88, ’95), Ashland City,

Tenn., was honored as a TennesseeEducation Association DistinguishedClassroom Teacher May 1, 2009.

Bobbi McMasters (’88), Pulaski, Tenn.,is supervisor of curriculum and instruc-tion for the Giles County School System.

Thomas Norris Jr. (’82), Nashville,Tenn., recently co-authored a book, ATennessee General Sessions Handbook 2009.

Sandra Small (’81), Glen Allen, Va., isteaching exceptional education in HenricoCounty.

Baby Raiders


MTSU and the Office of Alumni Relations extend deepest sympathy to the families andfriends of alumni who have passed away.

1930sSamuel Tilford Hollandsworth (’35), Russellville, Ky., passed away May 29, 2008

1940sBurns Phillips Jr. (’48), Murfreesboro, passed away Sept. 10, 2009.

1950sBrig. Gen. Edward N. Fletcher (’55), Marietta, Ga., passed away May 3, 2009.

1960sWilliam Eisele (’61), Fairview Heights, Ill., passed away Oct. 6, 2008.

1970sPatricia Lodholz (’78), Florissant, Mo., passed away Aug. 27, 2009.

Jerry Lowery (’71), Murfreesboro, passed away Aug. 17, 2009.

1980sMaria Craigue (’83), Houma, La., passed away July 1, 2009.

1990sJames Bell Jr. (’99), Columbia, Tenn., passed away July 5, 2009.

Christopher Price (’95), Lebanon, Tenn., passed away Aug. 6, 2009.

In Memoriam

Joseph Balzer (’91), Sevierville, Tenn.,is a pilot for American Airlines and haswritten the book, Flying Drunk: The Storyof a Northwest Airlines Flight, Three DrunkPilots, and One Man’s Fight for Redemption.

Ken Davies (’93), Gautier, Miss., wonthe $1,000 first prize in the 2009 EasternTrombone Workshop CompositionCompetition.

Shannon Barnes Lankford (’93),Primm Springs, Tenn., is the EMT clinicalcoordinator for the EMS EducationDepartment at Volunteer StateCommunity College.

Leola McClure (’95, ’98), Oceanside,Calif., is a faculty member in theCommunication Studies Department atMiraCosta College.

Matthew Redd (’98), Brentwood,Tenn., is the director of commencementfor Vanderbilt University.

Christopher Wilkins (’98), Nashville,Tenn., is director of graphic design for theNashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jacob Bryan Anderson, born May 24,

2009, to Lauren Flanders (’07) and Bryan

Anderson of Antioch, Tenn.

Lyllian Grace Bogue, born July 29,

2009, to Alison (’04) and Tim Bogue of

Memphis, Tenn.

Tanner Noah Brackin, born May 4,

2009, to Amy (’04, ’05) and Bobby

Brackin (’03) of Knoxville, Tenn.

Sarah Cate Butler, born June 29, 2009,

to Kelley (’06) and Chad Butler (’01) of

Murfreesboro.

Carter Ray Coble, born Feb. 28, 2009,

to Ashley Rae (’07) and Nick Coble (’03)

of Murfreesboro.

Elizabeth “Ellie” Callaway Donald,

born Jan. 6, 2009, to Jaime (’01) and Ryan

Donald (’09) of Murfreesboro.

Geneva Parkes Gaston, born March

24, 2009, to Lara (’99, ’02) and Bryan

Gaston (’01) of Edmond, Okla.

Ashleigh Corinne Reeves, born March

19, 2009, to Kim (’99) and Jonathan

Reeves (’97) of Memphis, Tenn.

Caleb Austin Shaver, born July 16,

2009, to Brittany Sewell (’06) and Austin

Shaver of Lenoir City, Tenn.

Reagan Ruth Turner, born July 28,

2009, to Kimberly Stipp (’93) and Blake

Turner of Marietta, Ga.

Maloree Taylor Walthaw, born July 16,

2009, to Aimee (’03) and Cedric Walthaw

(’00) of Greensboro, N.C.

Cruz Christian Wilkins, born July 8,

2009, to Casie (’01) and Christopher

Wilkins (’98) of Nashville, Tenn.

Distinguishedalum Kennon dies

E mmett Noel Kennon (’38) ofNashville, Tenn., a 2002 MTSUDistinguished Alumnus and

for whom, with his wife, Rose, theMTSU Sports Hall of Fame is named,died Oct. 16. He was 94.

Mr. Kennon lettered in footballand baseball and wrote for the schoolnewspaper while attending MiddleTennessee State Teachers College(now MTSU).

He worked for Neuhoff PackingCompany, served in World War IIwith the U.S. Army and foundedKennon Construction in 1949. Thecompany continued in operation untilhis death.

Survivors include his wife, RoseS. Kennon; a son, James E. Kennon Sr.(Alice); grandson, James E. KennonJr.; great-grandsons Drakeford B.Kennon and Noel J. Kennon; brother,James C. Kennon; and nieces,nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A floral wreathstands in the plazanear monuments andbricks in tribute toMTSU alumni andothers. Ceremoniescommemorating theopening of the newMTSU VeteransMemorial were heldNov. 14 outside theTom H. JacksonBuilding. Names onthe memorial wallare members of theMTSU communitywho perished inmilitary conflicts.

Honoring‘ThoseWho HaveFallen’

Submitted photo

Your gifts are investing in the future

Enrollment bursts past 25K barrier

I f you’re like me, you’ve probably come todread going to your mailbox. Every day there’smore and more junk mail, a few bills and the

inevitable request for money from some localcause. At times it seems overwhelming and annoy-ing. But a couple of weeks ago, I received an unex-pected piece of mail that really changed my per-spective.

The letter I received was from a young ladywho is just starting her freshman year at MTSU.She had written to thank me for the AlumniScholarship she had received. In her letter, she toldme a little about herself and about how badly shewanted to be a nurse. She assured me that she wascommitted to her studies — wanting to keep thebest grades to give her the chance to be acceptedinto the School of Nursing program — and that shewould do her best to make our alumni proud.

She ended her letter by telling me that the onlyway this was possible was because of the financialsupport she had received from the university andour Alumni Scholarship program. Because of herfamily situation, without these funds she wouldnot have been able to afford a college educationand wouldn’t be able to become a nurse. This wastruly a dream come true for her.

Reading her letter reminded me that the contri-butions we each make to the MTSU Found- ationdo have an impact — often it’s an impact we don’t

get to see, but it’s real. Our giftdollars are really an investmentin the future — the young menand women who soon will taketheir place as leaders in our com-munity. But it’s not just theirfuture, it’s ours. These soon-to-be alumni will be the doctorsand nurses who take care of us,the teachers that educate andnurture our children, the busi-

nessmen and women who will help drive a pros-perous economy. I’m not sure, particularly in thecurrent economic environment, that you could finda more important return on your money thaninvesting in the students and faculty at MTSU.

Our university is growing — in fact, it’s thriv-ing! Recently, Forbes magazine named MTSU the57th best public institution in and the 47th “bestbuy” in America. Not bad for a school that used tobe called “Little Middle” by those outside ourMTSU community. But in order for our institutionto continue to prosper, it needs, no, it deserves our

support. The gifts each of us make not only helpmake MTSU a better place but also help students,like the young lady who wrote me, achieve some-thing that may have seemed almost impossible.

For those of you who already support MTSU,my heartfelt thanks! To those who haven't support-ed our alma mater, this is a personal invitation toinvest in the future. Who knows, your gift justmight help support the next Nobel Prize winnerfrom MTSU.

MTSU National Alumni Association President JimStubblefield received his B.S. in 1983. He has served as an aideto Congressman Bart Gordon for 25 years. He and his wife,Nancy (’88), live in Murfreesboro along with their two daugh-ters, Katherine and Margaret.

Stubblefield


By Randy Weiler [email protected]

M TSU administrators anticipated enroll-ment surpassing 24,000 for the fallsemester. They never dreamed the com-

bined undergraduate and graduate headcountwould break the 25,000 barrier — and then some.

Enrollment Services officials submitted arecord 25,188 total to the Tennessee Board ofRegents earlier this fall.

In 2008, MTSU's then-record enrollment was23,872 students. MTSU has 1,316 additional stu-dents registered for classes this fall — a 5.5 percentincrease — compared to fall ’08.

“Certainly, unemployment and the economyare driving many people back into the classroomfor retraining and to gain the education needed fora change in employment,” said Dr. Deb Sells, vicepresident for student affairs and vice provost forenrollment and academic services.

“Our headcount rose by more than 1,300 stu-dents,” Sells added. “Memphis's headcountincreased by a few more than 1,200 students. Theremaining four-year schools grew by somewherebetween approximately 60 and 800 students. Thequality of the academic programs at MTSU, cou-

pled with the personal atten-tion and exceptional studentservice provided, continue tomake MTSU the most fre-quent choice for new stu-dents in Tennessee.”

From information col-lected by the records officefor enrollment services, thereare 22,299 undergraduatestudents and 2,889 graduatestudents registered. Theseare increases of 1,047 under-grads (4.9 percent increase)and 269 graduate students(10.3 percent increase).

There are 3,596 first-timefreshmen (140 more than’08), and 2,137 new transfers(202 more than ’08). MTSU has 16,946 returningstudents, an increase of 764 from a year ago.

Soaring past 24K to 25K “means that MTSUcontinues to do an exceptional job of focusing pri-marily on quality academic programs and qualitystudent learning experiences,” Sells said. “We aredriven by the pursuit of quality in the types of stu-

dents we enroll, the academic programs that weoffer and in the kind of experiences students haveas a part of this academic community.

“Growth is an outcome of demand to be a partof this high-quality institution. I think that MTSUunderstands that if we do the right things to createa first-rate learning environment, then reasonablegrowth will be a natural by product.”

Sells said MTSU administrators “continue tosee a payoff to our focus on increasing retentionand successful graduation of our students.” “Ourincrease in our number of returning students wasmore than double the number of new transfer andnew freshmen students combined.

“The entire university has made a priority ofimproving the academic advising process andincreasing academic support services for students,”Sells said. “Again, it’s an example of how focusingon the quality of the student experience naturallyinfluences enrollment. As terrific as it is to be thenumber one choice of so many new students, noth-ing makes me happier than seeing this evidence ofhow we are improving the experience and the suc-cess of our already-enrolled students.”

MTSU enrollment this decade

2009 — 25,1882008 — 23,8722007 — 23,2462006 — 22,8632005 — 22,5542004 — 22,3222003 — 21,7442002 — 21,1632001 — 20,0732000 — 19,121Source: MTSUEnrollment Services

Completed projects includethe Veterans Memorial Wall justsouth of the Tom H. JacksonBuilding; the dedication of thewall took place on Nov. 14.

Other improvements andenhancements include theROTC parking lot, the Stark Agelevator and fire-alarm system,the Walker Library sewer-linereplacement, underground elec-trical work in various areas ofcampus and the remodeling ofthe Grill in KUC.

their offices, and faculty had input in thedesign of the building.

“In today’s classroom, all the technologyis around the room, so faculty are out in theopen,” said Dr. Watson Harris, director ofacademic technology planning, adding thatthe new education building will be wired forlearning.

“In the collaborative rooms, the roundtables go up to a flat panel. Students bring alaptop to the table; they log in to TeamSpot,and they can communicate by sliding a doc-ument with their mouse onto a commonscreen. TeamSpot is ideal for collaborativeresearch where students can share docu-ments, data, links and other information.”

Using ClassSpot, another collaborativesoftware tool, instructors can communicatewith students and decide how much of thepublic screens they want students to access,Harris explained. The instructor can lock outall students and control the three screens,allow students to access one or more screensor turn over the entire display to a single

student. There will be five aptly named “col-laborative classrooms” on the first floor ofthe building.

Whiteside and Huffman agreed that thenew facility opens possibilities to promotethe Teaching Quality Initiative, especially inthe areas of math and science. In 2008-09,MTSU was one of two Tennessee Board ofRegents schools that piloted TQI, whichredesigns instructional modules to betterprepare students for the teaching profession.

The new building also will be the firston campus to be built according to the newsustainability guidelines for capital construc-tion in Tennessee, and it will stand as amodel of good sustainable design and con-struction practices. Capital projects inTennessee are subscribing to newer stan-dards in the areas of erosion impact, land-scape design for native planting andreduced irrigation, storm-water manage-ment, exterior lighting, energy efficiency,recyclable materials, indoor air quality andconstruction innovation.

Changesfrom Page 2

New from Page 2

Campus officials hope thatwork on Corlew Hall will becompleted in time for thefall 2010 semester. An addi-tion to McCallie Dining Hallon the back side of Corlewwill add about 50 seats.

Submitted photo mtalumni.com


Former classmates from the class of 1957 and longtime friends Jim Dunlap, left, TommyWilson, Jerry Kemp and Charles Wallace return every year for the Homecoming GolfTournament, which is now the Alumni Legacy Golf Classic.

Golfers tee off for scholarships that benefit children of alumni

Lasting ‘legacy’ for future generations

From MTSU Alumni Relations

A lumni and friends gatheredat Indian Hills Golf Coursefor the second Alumni

Legacy Golf Classic. Formerly the Homecoming Golf

Tournament, this four-person scram-ble now serves as an official fund-raising event for the newly estab-lished Alumni Legacy Scholarshipbenefiting children of alumni. Thescholarship is awarded to childrenof alumni only and is a continuingaward given only to those returningto MTSU for their sophomore, junioror senior years.

Because of the generosity of

players and sponsors of this year’sgolf classic, the MTSU AlumniAssociation is thrilled to be award-ing two scholarships for the fall of2010. Applications are being accept-ed through Feb. 1, 2010, and the cri-teria and applications are download-able from the alumni Web site atmtalumni.com.

The Alumni Association alreadyis preparing for next year’s golf clas-sic and welcomes volunteers andsponsors! For more information onhow you or your business can getinvolved in this worthwhile event,please contact Michelle Stepp at1-800-533-6878 or [email protected].

Tom Clark and Steve Richardson (’76, ’78), in the photo at left, enjoy abeautiful night with 400 alumni and friends at Marymont Mansion,host for this year’s Pigskin Pre-Game in August. Almost $7,000 wasraised for the Rutherford County Scholarship Fund, which benefitsincoming MTSU freshman students from Rutherford County. The fundawarded $20,000 in scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year.

Pigskin Pre-Game raises nearly $7K

Date Opponent Game time (CT)Dec. 2 at Ala.-Birmingham 7 p.m. Dec. 8 Belmont 7 p.m. Dec. 11 Tennessee^ 6 p.m. Dec. 13 SIU-Edwardsville 4 p.m. Dec. 22 Howard University 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at New Orleans* 4 p.m. Jan. 2 La.-Lafayette* 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Vanderbilt 8 p.m. Jan. 7 at Arkansas State* 7:05 p.m. Jan. 9 at Ark.-Little Rock* 7 p.m.Jan. 14 Fla. International* 7 p.m.Jan. 16 Florida Atlantic* 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Western Kentucky* 7 p.m.Jan. 21 at La.-Monroe* 7 p.m.Jan. 23 at W. Kentucky* NoonJan. 28 New Orleans* 7 p.m. Jan. 30 North Texas* 7 p.m.Feb. 4 Troy 7:05 p.m. Feb. 6 at South Alabama 1 p.m. Feb. 11 Denver 7 p.m. Feb. 13 Houston Baptist 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Troy* 7 p.m. Feb. 20 South Alabama 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Fla. International* 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Florida Atlantic* 6 p.m. Mar. 6-9 Sun Belt tourn. Hot Springs, AR^ — Sommet Center, Nashville, TN* — Sun Belt Conference gameHome games in bold. Visit goblueraiders.com for November results.

Blue Raiders 2009-10 basketball schedule

Date Opponent Game time (CT)Dec. 3 at Xavier 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Louisville 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at South Dakota State Noon Dec. 20 Western Kentucky* 2 p.m. Dec. 28 Kentucky 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at New Orleans* 7 p.m. Jan. 3 Louisiana-Lafayette* 2 p.m. Jan. 6 at Arkansas State* 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Ark.-Little Rock* 4:30 p.m. Jan. 13 Fla. International* 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Florida Atlantic* 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at Louisiana-Monroe* 7 p.m.Jan. 24 at Western Kentucky* 2 p.m. Jan. 27 New Orleans* 7 p.m.Jan. 30 North Texas* 2 p.m. Feb. 3 Troy* 7 p.m.Feb. 6 at South Alabama* 3:30 p.m.Feb. 10 Denver* 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Troy* 7 p.m. Feb. 21 South Alabama 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Fla. International 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at Florida Atlantic 11 a.m. Mar. 6-9 Sun Belt tourn. Hot Springs, ARMar. 20-23 NCAA Tourn.1st/2nd Rds. TBAMar. 27-30 NCAA Sweet 16/Elite 8 TBAApril 4-6 NCAA Final 4, San Antonio, TXHome games in bold. Visit goblueraiders.com for November results.

Lady Raiders 2009-10basketball schedule

CAMPUS BRIEFSNew grad cohort program offered

MTSU is offering a new cohort pro-gram in Bedford County leading to aMaster of Education degree in curriculumand instruction with an endorsement inreading.

The program will provide licensedclassroom teachers in kindergarten througheighth grade with additional specializedskills in literacy.

A cohort is a program of study in

which the participants begin and remaintogether as a group for the duration of theprogram.

The program begins Jan. 14, 2010, andwill be completed in fall 2011. It is designedto serve the professional educators ofMarshall, White, Bedford, Lincoln, Moore,Franklin, Coffee and Rutherford counties.

For more information regarding thecohort program, please contact Dr.Kathleen Burriss at 615-898-2323 or [email protected].

WMOT becomes flagship for athletics

Officials in the Depart-ment of Athletics and campusradio station WMOT-Jazz 89FM signed a one-year agree-ment for the station to be aflagship for Blue Raider foot-ball, men’s and women’s bas-ketball and baseball.

Under the agreement,WMOT will air all footballand men’s and women’s bas-ketball games; 18 baseballgames; and the RickStockstill, Kermit Davis andRick Insell coaches’ shows.

College of MassCommunication Dean RoyMoore helped orchestrate theagreement.

Games also can be heardon www.wmot.org.



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