NEWS & CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

The film, “Hiding,” which depicts the struggle North Korean refugees must endure to find freedom, will be shown Tuesday, March 1, at Tusculum College. The film will begin at 7 p.m. in Chalmers Conference Center in the Niswonger Commons. The film illustrates the struggles of North Korean refugees must go through in China to find freedom. It is being presented by LiNK and brought to Tusculum by the college’s Center for Global Studies, the Center for Civic Advancement and the Study Abroad and Global Awareness Club (SAGA).

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Thomas H. Stein has been named vice president of enrollment management at Tusculum College, officials announced today.

Stein has held a similar position for the past 18 years at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. He steps into the position previously held by Jacquelyn D. Elliott, who will soon be leaving the college in order to complete her doctoral work.

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of the college, commended the success of Ms. Elliott during her five-year tenure at Tusculum in the growth of the residential student population and wished her continued success in pursuit of her terminal degree at George Washington University.

With thirty-two years experience in higher education, Stein has experience in marketing, fundraising, strategic planning and working with students through the enrollment and financial aid processes. He will take over responsibilities at Tusculum College on April 18.

“We are very pleased that Thomas Stein will be joining us at Tusculum College,” said Moody. “His experience and success in enrollment management will support continuing success as the college builds upon current strategies to grow our adult programs.”

He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio Northern University, a master of science degree from the University of Dayton and a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Toledo.

At Otterbein University he was responsible for all enrollment oversight for traditional students and served as one of five members of the President’s Cabinet. Under his guidance, the Otterbein enrollment division increased full-time enrollment by 67 percent, from 1,500 students to more than 2,500 students during his tenure. In addition, he has worked with extensive marketing plans and with financial aid policies to enhance enrollment at the institution and meet institutional budgets.

Prior to joining Otterbein, Stein was Dean of Admissions at Wilmington College in Ohio, where he also served as a member of the President’s Council.

In Lewistown, Ohio, where he currently resides, Stein serves as president of the Indian Lake School Board. He is also a member of the Indian Lake Growth and Development Committee.

Stein is married to Kristine Stein and has two adult sons, Kyle and Carl.

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Dr. Cecil Mills, above, describes how difficult life was for African-Americans in the segregated South on Thursday evening at Tusculum College. Dr. Mills, assistant district attorney general in the state’s Third Judicial District and pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Greeneville, spoke prior to the showing of the film, “The Great Debaters,” an event co-sponsored by the Andrew Johnson Debate Society and the Black United Students campus organizations. Dr. Mills shared the history of “Jim Crow” laws and described how Jim Crow extended into an etiquette dictating how the races interacted. It was difficult for the debating team from the African-American college depicted in the film to face teams from white colleges, he said, because according to “Jim Crow” etiquette, African-Americans were not show a superior intellect or knowledge over whites. As a youth growing up in Greeneville, Dr. Mills said there were not “white only” signs to be seen, but prior to integration, he knew that something was not right because his school textbooks were not in good condition and he and his friends always had to sit in the balcony of the movie theater. The struggle for racial equality was worth it, he said, as evidenced by the group of students of both races gathered to see the film. He encouraged the students to look for small acts of courage and heroism depicted in the film that show how individuals took steps toward seeking racial equality.

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JohnDavid “J.D.” Howard, a senior accounting and economics major from Perry, Ga., has been named “Student of the Block” for the Fifth Block of the 2010-11 academic year at Tusculum College.

The Student of the Block Award is presented each block by the Office of Student Affairs to recognize students for academic achievement, leadership on campus and contributions to the college community. A plaque describing Howard’s accomplishments will join those describing past honorees prominently displayed in the Niswonger Commons and other campus buildings.

Howard has made an impact on the Tusculum College community, giving his best whether he is in the classroom, on the athletic field or serving in campus organizations.

“J.D. plays a vital role in the Tusculum community,” said Dr. Michelle Freeman, associate professor of business, in her nomination of Howard for the honor. “He represents the school so humbly and yet enthusiastically to those who visit through his dedication to the President’s Society. J.D. is a model accounting student as well. He is always prepared for class and participates in a lively and enjoyable manner, trying to keep it light under stressful times.

“He serves the Tusculum College Business Club as treasurer as well and participates in almost every event it sponsors. Moreover, he is a baseball player for Tusculum College and meets all of these demands responsibly. I am very proud of what J.D. accomplishes and all with a smile on his face an in his heart. Tusculum is very lucky to have him!”

Howard, a relief pitcher for the Pioneer baseball team, made the decision to come to Tusculum after a recruiting trip for baseball. “Just looking at the field and how it was taken care of, I knew this place was serious about giving its students and athletes the best it had to offer,” he said.

Expressing appreciation for those who have helped and supported him at Tusculum, Howard said, “The Tusculum College baseball coaching staff taught me what it means to work hard, not just towards your own goals, but for the betterment of the unit. I learned what it really means to be dedicated, the value of perseverance and teamwork. These coaches are a daily reminder that it’s not always about you, but how you can use your own talents to help bring out the best in others.”

Howard also noted that Dr. Antonio Bos, professor of business, and Dr. Freeman have challenged him in the classroom, expecting students to work hard to earn their grades, but also willing to work with them. “They are remarkable teachers and are truly caring individuals,” he said.

Tusculum’s Admission Counselors are another group that have helped Howard in his role as a member of the President’s Society, an elite group of students who serve as ambassadors for the college. Howard said the counselors have helped him become more comfortable in meeting new people and taking a leadership role to make sure prospective students have all they need to make the best decisions for their future.

The son of Steve and Bridget Howard, he counts his parents as major role models in his life. “They do not have glamorous jobs by any means, but they work harder than any two people you will ever meet,” he said. “The fact that they would sacrifice some of their wants and dreams to make sure I have every opportunity to achieve mine says a lot. The world would be a lot better place if there were more parents out there that cared as much as mine.”

Howard’s plans to continue his education in graduate school after earning his bachelor’s degree and seek employment in the financial field once he obtains his graduate degree.

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I want to arrive early to the Lottery.  How soon can I get there?

Doors open for students to check into the Lottery process at 5 p.m. on February 23, 2011, in the Pioneer Arena.  We advise you come early so our staff can verify your Passport and you can enter into the fun with minimal waiting!  Senior selections begin at 6 p.m., Juniors at 7 p.m., and Sophomores at 8:30 p.m.  We recommend you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your start time.  You can follow the process of the Lottery live by following the Office of Student Affairs on Facebook.  If the line becomes long, we will give priority to the group whose turn it is to register (example: if Rising Sophomores show up to check-in at 5:45 p.m., Rising Seniors will be given priority check-in status).

What does it mean to “pull” someone?

A student with the better number can “pull” a roommate of their choice to live in a space with them in certain areas.  “Pulling” someone means that both of you select a space at the same time and the one of you with the higher Lottery number does not have to wait until their number is called, they select with the one of you with the lowest number.  Example:  John and Marcus plan to live together.  John is #14 in line to select rooms, while Marcus is #215.  When John chooses a room, Marcus will be “pulled up” to live in John’s space.  Students can pull to all spaces except the single bedrooms of the apartments.  Students can pull to double rooms in Katherine, Welty-Craig, COGs, and the “D” bedroom of the apartments.

There are already names showing on the Lottery Selection Projections?!?  What is that all about?

Resident Assistants do not get to choose their rooms, so they are placed in their space ahead of time in the Lottery.  However, Resident Assistants DO get to choose their roommate, so in every RA room you will see the roommate who has agreed to live with the RA.

What happens if I am not there when my number/name is called?

Throughout the Lottery, a up-to-the-minute list will be posted so you can see where your name is in relation to those who have already been called.  While you are enjoying the fun events that are taking place with the Lottery, you can keep track of where you are on the list.  When you are within 10 names of your own selection turn, you will be called to the “wait area” where you will have an up-close view of available spaces.   We will call your name three (3) times before we move on to the next name on the list.  If you arrive after your name has been called you will be placed in the next selection spot we are serving.

 What do I need to have completed in order to choose a room?

You must have your Passport completely stamped meaning you have no holds in the Business Office or Financial Aid, you do have a 2011-2012 class schedule entered by the Registrar, and you do have your immunization records complete with the College.  If you are missing any one of these three items, you will not be able to participate in the Lottery.

I am missing one of the three required areas to complete the Lottery.  What happens to me?

If your issues can be resolved at the Lottery, then we want to do that.  Offices from across campus will be present at the Lottery to do everything we can to help you get cleared to participate in the Lottery.  If you cannot resolve your issues to participate in the Lottery, then you can complete your business after the Lottery.  Once you have resolved your issue with either the Financial Aid Office, Business Office (account holds), Registrar (class schedule), or Student Affairs (immunizations), then you can come by Student Affairs, and we will work with you to find a space for you for 2011-2012.

What types of things are going on to keep me entertained until my Lottery number is called?

We will have card games, board games, and other activities will be available so you can pass the time enjoyably while you wait.

Some of the areas are showing as unavailable; why can’t I choose them?

It is part of our programmatic philosophy to group our students in a manner which allows our upperclassmen to live together and our freshmen to live together, but not directly intermixed with one another by floor or wing.  This allows us to provide services targeted to those populations-for example, the developmental needs of freshmen students are far different from those of upperclassmen.  To facilitate this, we have pulled areas offline across campus for incoming freshmen.  We also pull some rooms offline to accommodate students with different needs.

I got the room I wanted, but now I have changed my mind.  What do I do?

We ask that students be certain of a space when they select it.  Trying to change spaces after your turn has passed slows down the Lottery process for other waiting students and creates confusion.  So, the bottom line is BE SURE WHEN YOU SELECT A SPACE.  However, if your room must be changed immediately please find a member of the Student Affairs professional staff at the Lottery and let us know.  We will talk with you about the nature of your room change and work with you.  We cannot guarantee all changes will be immediate; some changes will be easier to facilitate than others. For example, two people wanting to mutually switch places is an easier change to facilitate than three people wanting in one apartment together when there are only two spaces left.  It is always best if you come to us with a solution in mind where all affected students are in agreement with the solution, but we will try to work with you to fashion a workable solution.

I want a single room.  There has always been a waiting list for that, how does it work now?

Single rooms are up for selection as well. 

I didn’t get the space I wanted.  What happens now?

We will begin creating waiting lists for 2011-2012 Residential Spaces at the Lottery. In the Lottery administration area, there will be a table designated “waiting lists” where you can submit your name as you come up to select your room.

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Simon Holzapfel, a senior at Tusculum College majoring in sport science, had the opportunity recently to explore graduate assistantship opportunities at a recent regional convention.

Holzapfel, who is from Nuremberg, Germany, attended the 2011 Southern District American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)/ North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NCAAHERD) Joint Convention in Greensboro, N.C., Feb. 17-19. Also attending the convention was Dr. Kirpal Mahal, professor of physical education at Tusculum.

Conventions such as this one are “tremendous opportunities for the students to expand their knowledge of their chosen field,” Holzapfel said. “They can learn about the many jobs available in their field and establish contacts to attend graduate school. When students attend these conventions they learn about the scope of Sport Management, Sport Science, or Physical Education, and what they can do with it. I wish students would attend conventions like this one. They would benefit from the sessions and the professionals present at conventions.”

As an applicant for admission to master’s degree programs in Exercise Physiology, Holzapfel met several faculty members of exercise science- and sport management-related university departments of southern universities and colleges. Specifically, Holzapfel met Dr. Darlene Kluka, interim dean of the School of Human Performance and Leisure Science at Barry University and Dr. Jack Rutherford, chair of the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at the Eastern Kentucky University. Both professors encouraged him to apply for admission to their programs and graduate assistantship positions, and the meetings gave him encouragement about assistantship opportunities.

In addition, Holzapfel talked with several other faculty members from universities all over the country, which helped him gain deeper insight into graduate school programs and other opportunities. Sessions and presentations on several topics related to Physical Education, Exercise Science and Sport Management helped him broaden his knowledge and further his professional development.

Holzapfel also expressed appreciation for faculty members, such as Dr. Mahal, who concern themselves with the professional development of their students and work to make these valuable opportunities available.

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Students, at right, browse through the tables of information about study abroad opportunities during the Study Abroad Fair Tuesday at Tusculum College. Held in the Living Room of the Niswonger Commons, the fair provided students the opportunity to meet with representatives from Academic Programs International, American Institute for Foreign Study, International Studies Abroad, Knowledge Exchange Institute, Semester at Sea and Veritas Study Abroad. In addition, information from 10 well-known study abroad companies who offer study abroad travel experiences to more than 50 different countries were available. Students also had the opportunity to learn about Tusculum’s London study abroad program from program director Dr. John Paulling, professor of mathematics; about the College’s Study Abroad and Global Awareness (SAGA) Club and about financing a studying abroad experience.  The event was sponsored by the Center for Global Studies, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the SAGA Club.

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Students from seven schools in Greene and Hawkins had the opportunity to show what they have learned about the past and take part in a Civil War re-enactment recruiting camp as part of Northeast Tennessee Regional History Day on Feb. 2 at Tusculum College.

While the regional event has grown steadily, this year’s event saw a doubling in both in the number of students and schools represented with more than 120 students participating from seven schools in Greene County and one in Hawkins County. Schools represented included Baileyton Elementary School, Chuckey-Doak High School, Chuckey-Doak Middle School, Greeneville Middle School, McDonald Elementary School, Mosheim Middle School and Rogersville Middle School.

Students illustrated what they had learned about their selected topic through the creation of exhibits, documentaries, websites and plays. A part of the National History Day program, students created projects related to this year’s national theme for the program, “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences” to meet the requirements of the national program.

The Regional National History Day event also gave the students the chance to learn about the Civil War in an interactive way. The students participated in a Civil War recruitment camp, conducted by re-enactors Mack Cothran, Wes Jester, Artie O’Neal and Lewis Whaley in an effort coordinated by local re-enactor Carlos Whaley. The new troops were then visited by President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed in first person by Chris Small of The Lincoln Project) for a review.

The Andrew Johnson Heritage Association funds the National History Day program in the region with support from the Tusculum College Department of Museum Studies.  Volunteer George Collins is the regional coordinator for National History Day events. Darlene McCleish, National History Day resource coordinator, worked with the students and teachers at each of the school throughout the academic year to create their projects. McCleish’s position was created with funds from the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association and the Niswonger Foundation,

The top two places in each category advance to the East Tennessee District event to be held at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville on March 4.

Projects advancing to the district event are (by category):

Documentary: individual - first place, “The Monkey Trial” by Jonathan Nicholson, a student at Mosheim Middle School, and second place, “Time to Reform: Too Many Birthdays Spent in Foster Care” by Macie Heck of Mosheim; group - first place, “Revoking Honor, Purge of 1917″ by Meghan Lamb and Erica Reynolds of Mosheim, and second place, “Operation Eagle Claw” by Chace Carter and Alex Reed of Baileyton Elementary School.

Exhibits, individual:  sixth grade - first place, “Highway to the World, A Highway Robbery” by Jada Hensley of Mosheim; second, “Lincoln-Douglas Debates” by Eric Roberts from Chuckey-Doak Middle School, and third place, “Building Tellico Dam: The Debate of the Snail Darter” by Mason Price of Chuckey-Doak Middle.

Seventh grade - first place, “President Johnson vs. Congress” by Sandi Inscore of Mosheim; second place, “Holocaust, Auschwitz Concentration Camp” by Dawson Russell of Baileyton, and third place, “Animal Rights: It’s Not Black and White” by Amee Hankins of Chuckey-Doak Middle.

Eighth grade - first place, “The Place Where They Cried” by Amelia Schroeder of Chuckey-Doak Middle; second place, “The Lincoln and Douglas Debates” by Taylor Cooper of Chuckey-Doak, and third place, “Japan’s Doomsday Weapon Against North America” by Christian Smallwood of Rogersville Middle School.

Exhibits, group: sixth grade - first place, “From Tennessee Divided to Bridge Burning at Pottertown” by Kristen Dixon and Emily Kirk of Chuckey-Doak Middle; second place, “Iran Hostage Crisis” by Caroline Beals and Reeve Han of Chuckey-Doak, and third place, “The Atomic Bomb by Sara Davis and Hayley Willet of Mosheim.

Seventh Grade - first place, “Cuban Missile Crisis by Corben Bernard and Billy Stevens of Baileyton; second place, “Debating the Tennessee Valley Authority Then and Now” by Justin McCravey and Maddux Southerland of Mosheim, and third place, “To Secede or Not to Secede” by Caleb Moon and Kori Smith of Chuckey-Doak Middle.

Eighth grade - first place, “Debate Over Women’s Suffrage” by Caitlin Gosnell, Kendra Quillen and Andrea Vasquez of Chuckey-Doak Middle; second place, “Debated Diplomacy: The Cuban Missile Crisis” by Erika Hammers and Devan Johnson of McDonald Elementary School, and third place, “Nine Soldiers” by Katie Hale and Makayla Lynch of Baileyton.

Performance - individual - first place, “Rebecca Nurse: A Dramatic View of the Debate Over the Trial of Rebecca Nurse” by Ariel Davis of Chuckey-Doak Middle, and second place, “The Debate of the Emancipation Proclamation” by Taylor Dean of Chuckey-Doak, and group, first place, “Revolution Birth of a Nation” by Daniel Beddingfield, Austin Fillers, Parker McCrary and Kelly Russ of Chuckey-Doak Middle, and second place, “Woman’s Rights” by Hana Aucterlonie, Brittany Everhart, Tyler Puffenbarger and Brodie West of Mosheim.

Web site - first place,  “Woman’s Suffrage” by Alexis Gibson and Michaela Myers of Chuckey-Doak Middle; second place, “Segregation in Baseball” by Danè Adams and Kenny Ball, Chuckey Doak, and third place, “Camp David Accord” by Dylan Carter, Luke Keasling, Caitlyn Powers and Noah Wagner of Mosheim.

The middle school students compete in the junior level of the National History Day event. High school students compete in the senior level.

Advancing to the district competition to compete on the senior level is Matt Hensley, a student at Chuckey-Doak High School, which his exhibit, “3 - 2 -1 Wait a Minute.”

Hensley was also presented a special award for his use of primary sources in his project.

Also receiving this award for the best use of primary sources were the group that placed first in the group performance category - Daniel Beddingfield, Austin Fillers, Parker McCrary and Kelly Russ of Chuckey-Doak Middle.

A monetary award was presented to these students, sponsored by the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association.

Judges for the event included Debra Jo Boles from the Greene County School System, Amy Collins from East Tennessee State University, Jennifer Pierce from the National Park Service, retired teachers Carolyn Gregg and Lynn Hartman, volunteer Connie Whaley and from Tusculum College, Dollie Boyd, Joyce Doughty, Marilyn duBrisk, Eugenia Estes, Dr. Paul Fox, Davis Smith, Jean Stokes, Mark Stokes and Heather Tunnell. Doughty also serves as president of the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association.

Students placing in the top of the district competition will advance to the state competition to be held in Nashville on April 2.

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The Pioneer Green Team is hosting its annual Inter-campus Recycling Competition. All residence halls are encouraged to compete with other residence halls to be named hall champs. The hall that collects the most recyclable materials (aluminum cans and plastic bottles) this week will win a trophy to be displayed in the Niswonger Commons Living Room, Rocky’s Pizza and more! 

Cans and bottles are worth 5 points each. And remember, trash is negative 10 points!

 Collect. Recycle. WIN.

Teams include the following:

Apartments A&B

Apartments C&D

TC Houses

Welty-Craig

Haynes

Katherine

COG/East

COG/West

COG/South

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The first-ever Study Abroad Fair will take place Tuesday, February 22, from 11 a.m. to  2 p.m. in the Niswonger Commons Living Room.  

Representatives from Academic Programs International, American Institute for Foreign Study, International Studies Abroad, Knowledge Exchange Institute, Semester at Sea and Veritas Study Abroad will be on hand to discuss their programs. In addition, information from 10 well-known study abroad companies who offer study abroad travel experiences to more than 50 different countries will be available.

The Study Abroad Fair will also include information about Tusculum College’s London study abroad program from program director Dr. John Paulling, professor of mathematics; information about the College’s Study Abroad and Global Awareness (SAGA) Club and information on financing the studying abroad experience.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Global Studies and the SAGA Club. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Dr. Geir Bergvin, director of the Center for Global Studies, at (423) 636-7300 or email gbergvin@tusculum.edu.

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