Monday, June 26, 2006

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU by the numbers

MTSU is expected to pass the 23,000 mark for student enrollment when final totals go to the Tennessee Board of Regents the week of Sept. 11. Dr. Bob Glenn, vice provost for enrollment management, says, “We will be very close to 23,200. … Percentage-wise, we are right at 3 percent over the previous year.” According to the fall enrollment forecast by Dr. David Penn, director, Business and Economic Research Center, “The number of first-time freshmen is expected to increase to 3,481, a gain of 273 from fall ’05.”

Contact Glenn at 615-898-2440
rglenn@mtsu.edu
or Dr. Sherian Huddleston, assistant vice provost, enrollment services.
shuddles@mtsu.edu

Learn from the pros

This FRIDAY is the deadline for open registration for the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp July 31 through Aug. 5 at MTSU. This year, girls ages 10-18 will learn from professional performers such as The Clutters, a Nashville-based band described by camp founder Kelley Anderson as providing “really upbeat garage rock;” jazz vocalist Rachel Pearl, who founded a songwriters association at MTSU; Hi-Tone Hokum, a blues-folk twosome who perform on everything from banjo and mandolin to washboard and kazoo; and Murfreesboro-based independent rock band The Velcro Stars.

Contact Anderson, Anna Fitzgerald or Courtney Sharpe at sgrrc05@gmail.com or call 615-294-3216.

Getting your kicks

The redesigned soccer ball being used at the FIFA World Cup in Germany should be more lively in play, says Allen B. Reeves, physics and astronomy. “This is because this (new) design should be more elastically dynamic between players and the use of the bodies to boot and pass the ball about, providing for a much more athletically challenging and entertaining game for the fans,” Reeves says. The new design has fewer panels and fewer ridges, and it is rounder than prior balls. “I am a very loyal fan of soccer since I had two sons who actively played this game while we lived in Maryland. I believe that this new design will prove a nice improvement to the game at all levels.”

Contact Reeves at 615-494-8894.
areeves@mtsu.edu


TR EXTRA

SAVE THOSE TICKETS!—Due to illness, “Fresh Air” radio show host Terry Gross was notable to fulfill her previously scheduled commitments at MTSU. Her appearance has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19. Marc J. Barr, electronic media communication, says new tickets will not be printed. Therefore, people with the original April 17 tickets are encouraged to keep them for the September event. For more information, contact Barr at 615-898-5118 or at mjbarr@mtsu.edu.

TEACHING ANDREW JACKSON--MTSU and The Hermitage are collaborating in a “Landmarks of American History Teacher Workshop” funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. “The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson, and “America 1801-1861” will be offered through June 30 and July 10-14 at The Hermitage. These workshops will enable K-12 educators to intensify their study and increase their knowledge of important historical topics through direct on-site experiences. Topics to be explored include “Growing Democracy,” “Cotton Economy and Slavery,” “Indians and Westward Expansion,” “Reform and Religion,” “Women’s Lives in a Changing America,” and “Developing a Distinct American Material Culture.” Contact Dr. Janice Leone, history, at 615-898-5580 or jmleone@mtsu.edu.

GET ACCUSTOMED TO IT--Nine sessions of orientation for new students, called CUSTOMS, will be offered in July for freshmen and transfers on a first-come, first-served basis. Students pursuing majors in the colleges of Basic and Applied Science and Mass Communications and undeclared majors will have CUSTOMS July 11-12 and July 24-25. Students pursuing majors in the colleges of Education and Behavioral Science, Liberal Arts and Business and undeclared majors will be held July 6-7 and July 20-21. Transfers may complete CUSTOMS online and be cleared by their advisers to register for fall classes. For more information, call the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 615-898-5533 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/~customs.

HEAD FOR THE MOUNTAINS!--Some 16 MTSU alumni and several faculty members have contributed to the newly published “Encyclopedia of Appalachia.” The title has more than 2,000 entries which provides ready reference to information about the people, culture and history of Appalachia. MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation was contacted by scholars at East Tennessee State University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Services about collaborating on the project. CHP Director Dr. Carroll Van West says he agreed to participate because of his interest in southern architecture and because the Applachian region suffers from stereotyping. Contact the Center for Historic Preservation at 615-898-2947.

STAR-SPANGLED PARTY—INDEPENDENCE DAY--Once again, MTSU will host “Celebration Under the Stars.” The party will start at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, on the intramural field. There will be games and activities for the youngsters from 5-8 p.m. There will be prizes and promotional giveaways. Wal-Mart will donate the “Celebration Under the Stars” birthday cakes. At 8 p.m., the Murfreesboro Fire Department’s color guard will present the colors. The Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic tunes, Sousa marches and inspirational classics. Capping off the evening’s entertainment will be the traditional fireworks display at 9 p.m. Contact Marlane Sewell, steering committee chair, at 615-896-6710. Tune in to WGNS-AM 1450 on July 4 starting at 3 p.m. for any changes in the day’s schedule of activities.