Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Today’s Response
Middle Tennessee State University

Don’t let her blow up her lips!

A couple of researchers with the Center for Non-proliferation Studies recently told the Washington Post that it is not very difficult to obtain Botox on the black market. They believe that botulinum toxin could be used as a biological weapon of mass destruction. Dr. Stephen Wright, biology, explains how the same substance that movie stars have injected into their faces to make them look younger could be deadly. “Botulinum toxin is listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a ‘Category A Bioterrorism Agent,’ he says. “This means, along with anthrax, smallpox and a few other disease-causing agents, botulinum toxin represents a most serious threat as a bioweapon. This toxin is the most potent naturally produced toxin known.”

Contact Wright at 615-898-2056.
smwright@mtsu.edu

It’s tough not to puff.

A study co-written by Dr. Martha Jo Edwards, holder of MTSU’s Adams Chair of Excellence in Health Care Services, reveals the outcomes of the Smart Mothers Are Resisting Tobacco (S.M.A.R.T.) project. S.M.A.R.T. targets primarily pregnant clients of the federal WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program in an effort to get them to stop smoking. As published in the fall 2009 issue of the Journal of Allied Health, the study concludes, “… even brief tobacco cessation counseling (5 to 15 min.), delivered by trained providers and coupled with pregnancy-specific self-help materials, can result in increased percentages of women who stop smoking during pregnancy. Further, when provided with adequate training and pregnancy-specific self-help materials, providers will more consistently counsel patients on smoking cessation during pregnancy.”

Contact Edwards at 615-494-8919.
mjedward@mtsu.edu

The color of money

Earl Graves Sr., founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, will speak at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, in the Tennessee Room of MTSU’s James Union Building. Graves is a nationally recognized authority on black business development. He also has served as a director of Aetna, DaimlerChrysler, Federated Department Stores and American Airlines. Graves’ appearance is in celebration of Black History Month at MTSU, which is based on the theme of “The History of Black Economic Empowerment.” This event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Black History Month Committee, the Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence, the Distinguished Lecture Fund, the School of Journalism, and the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs.

Contact Vincent Windrow at 615-898-2831.
vwindrow@mtsu.edu

TR EXTRA

TEA TIME--The Association of Faculty and Administrative Women (AFAW) and the June Anderson Women’s Center will honor MTSU Associate Athletic Director Diane Turnham with the 2010 King-Hampton Award at a high tea from 3-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the Hazlewood Dining Room of the James Union Building. The award, which was established in 1990, is named for Miss Jeannette Moore King, a member of the first Middle Tennessee Normal School faculty, and Miss Martha Hampton, the first woman administrator at MTSU. The award is presented to an individual from the MTSU community who has made an outstanding contribution to improve the status and equality of women on the campus. The cost for the reception is $7.00 for members of AFAW and $9.00 for non-members. Please register by Friday, Feb. 5. For more information, contact Christy Groves at cgroves@mtsu.edu.

APPLAUSE FOR THE PLEAS AWARD--Dr. Dwight E. Patterson, associate professor of chemistry at MTSU, has been named as the 2010 winner of the John Pleas Faculty Recognition Award as part of the university community’s celebration of Black History Month. A reception in honor of Patterson will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the Tom Jackson Building’s Cantrell Hall on the MTSU campus. Presented since 1996, the Pleas honor is given to a minority faculty member who has made significant contributions to the university and community. He or she must have excelled in research, instruction, publications and/or service to the university. The recipient also must have demonstrated a commitment to MTSU’s African-American students. Contact Dr. Adonijah Bakari, director of African-American Studies, at 615-898-2536 or abakari@mtsu.edu.

IN UNITY, THERE IS STRENGTH.--The annual Unity Luncheon, a traditional kickoff event for MTSU’s celebration of Black History Month, will be held tomorrow, Feb. 3, starting at 11 a.m. in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for MTSU students with university ID. The Unity Luncheon recognizes black citizens who have contributed their time and talent for the enrichment and welfare of the entire community and the state of Tennessee. This year’s honorees are Mary McKnight Wade, the first African-American woman to be elected to the Murfreesboro City School Board; Nora L. Clark Waters, a foster parent and member of the Rutherford County Foster Care Association for more than 20 years; and Eugene Ray, Bedford County Mayor. Contact Brenda Wunder at 615-898-2591 for tickets or information or bwunder@mtsu.edu.

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS.--“Ramblings and Dwellings,” a joint exhibit of work by husband-and-wife artists Ken and Libby Rowe, is on display in MTSU’s Todd Art Gallery now through Tuesday, Feb. 9. An award-winning figurative sculptor, Ken’s “Ramblings” feature small-scale ceramic sculptures with a narrative bend and a whimsical nature. “His sculptures rely on a strong sense of humor and are often viewed as sardonic and quirky,” says Eric Snyder, gallery curator. In “Dwellings,” Libby’s current photographic work, she explores the emotional state of dwelling through the construction and photographing of small sculptural houses. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Todd Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Call Snyder at 615-898-5653 or esnyder@mtsu.edu.

HOME IS WHERE THE VOLUNTEERS ARE.--MTSU students are building a second Habitat for Humanity home for a Rutherford County resident. Building dates will include Wednesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays. There will be two shifts per day—in the morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon and in the afternoon from noon until 4 p.m. The home dedication is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 25. The Office of Leadership and Service is rounding up volunteers from student organizations for this humanitarian effort. The future resident’s family also will be helping to build their home, and Central Middle School and Jason’s Deli are pitching in. Media welcomed. Good photo opportunities throughout the construction process. For more information, contact Jackie Victory at 615-898-5812 or mtleader@mtsu.edu.