Tennessee State University Creates New VISION for Telescopes with $600,000 National Science Foundation Grant

Tennessee State University researchers are creating a revolution in astrophysics as they develop a next-generation science camera to view stars from a new perspective.

A $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded to the TSU Division of Research and Sponsored Programs will fund the research to be monitored at the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in Flagstaff, Ariz.

The Visible Imaging System for Interferometric Observations at NPOI (VISION) will be a powerful new camera for precision measurements with a spatial resolution 200 times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope, taking technological capabilities a step above current capacity, though only for bright objects.

Enabling the study of hierarchical triple star systems, VISION will serve as a versatile tool for high-resolution astronomical imaging, allowing stars to be imaged with several pixels directly across their structures. Dr. Matthew Muterspaugh, assistant professor in the TSU Center of Excellence in Information Systems and the Department of Mathematics and Physics, said the new technology will enhance the way we see stars in a multiple format.

“Most star systems are made up of more than one star and measuring the stars' orbits can be complicated to see. We have created the VISION system with the capabilities to see the orbit in full 3-D,” Muterspaugh said. “This will enable us to conduct new science by combining imaging techniques to get a full view of the objects and implement the latest generation of technology to see stars that have been well known for centuries in a newer and more precise way,” he explained.

The camera system will include advanced visible-wavelength detectors used featuring minimal to zero read-noise, allowing it to operate automatically without an external fringe tracking combiner or significant sensitivity loss.  

Advances made with this project will also impact to the long-standing research Dr. Francis Fekel from the Center of Excellence of Information Systems has contributed to the evolution of study of these star systems using spectroscopy as a member of TSU’s legendary Automated Astronomy Group.

Muterspaugh believes that the research is a significant development to be added to the many contributions the University has made in the field of astronomy. “This new camera system will contribute to the legacy of research and discovery pioneered by TSU. The research will ultimately offer a greater understanding of the Sun and its ultimate effects on the Earth’s climate change as a direct connection to the ability to better observe and study the stars,” he said.

With funds for the next three years provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, TSU will assign a new post-doctoral researcher and four undergraduate students to the project.

Our Time to Shine: 2010 Scholarship Celebration

TSU Career Development Center Gives Students the Big Picture

Corporate Executives and Alumni Entrepreneurs Offer Insight Into Job Market

Now more than ever, college students are seeking to gain a competitive edge over today’s crowded job market. The Tennessee State University Career Development Center will host its annual Student Motivation Task Force (SMTF) program, to provide students with a bit of insight from corporate executives and local business owners, scheduled for March 29 - 31. 

This year, the center will bring professionals from more than 20 companies to conduct class visits, resume critiques and mock interviews with the goal of priming students to chart their career plans far ahead of graduation.

“Encouraging students to focus on creating their career path versus simply getting a job is our mission for the Student Motivation Task Force this year. This is the perfect opportunity for corporate executives and TSU alumni to share their experiences and explain the expectations employers have for success in the workplace,” said Dr. William Gittens, executive director of the TSU Career Development Center.

Gittens explained that while a job is centered on a simple redundant task, a career is normally project-directed and requires more flexibility. Students should be willing to relocate, take on new assignments and work extended hours if needed.

“Often times, students have misconceptions about what employers want and look for as well as what the workplace is really like. In the economic downturn, they must be equipped with the skill sets needed to enter the job market and maintain their marketability as an employee,” he said.

Contrary to wavering opinions, Gittens said employers take note of high grade point averages by making the correlation between success in classroom and success in the workplace.

“Most students should understand that the value they place on their studies shows that they are making wise choices in how they spend both their time in the classroom and their money on tuition.  These natural examples of decision-making also tell an employer that students will value their company’s time and money in those same ways,” he explained.

An important component of the SMTF is exchanging information about available internship and employment opportunities available as well as the participants’ personal accounts of the challenges they have faced in their careers.

“Many of our task force participants are alumni of (TSU) who get to tell students first-hand what they did with their TSU education. Those type of interactions are invaluable to our students,” Gittens added.

Participants like UPS Area Human Resources Manager Tracy Pointer are among the TSU alumni who will share their experiences of transitioning a job into a career.  While attending TSU, she was hired through the Career Development Center as a UPS part-time employee and now handles workforce planning for the Fortune 100 company.

“I believe in the message the Career Center is trying to convey to students with the annual task force. It’s important for me as a professional to come back and share how to make transitions from college to corporate or to entrepreneurship.  This is an excellent opportunity that students should take advantage of on the onset,” Pointer said.  Christopher Coneway, an engineer with Raytheon Corporation and corporate chairperson, of this year’s task force is also a 2006 graduate of TSU.

Last year, task force participants visited 73 classes on campus, meeting with students in almost every academic discipline. Participating companies in this year’s initiative include Beard Property Maintenance, Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., Raytheon, Rolls-Royce Corporation, The Pepsi Bottling Group, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Verizon Wireless and Walgreens among others.              

                                                      

For information about the Student Motivation Task Force, contact Angela R. Davis, program coordinator and deputy executive director of the Tennessee State University Career Development Center at (615) 963-7534.  

TSU Holds Symposium On The Influence Of Media On Childhood And Adolescent Obesity

The Tennessee State University School of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences will convene a team of experts on April 8th to discuss The Influence of Media on Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. 

The symposium, which begins at 10:00 a.m., will consist of informal “roundtable” discussions and keynote address.  The interactive sessions will allow attendees and experts the opportunity to brainstorm solutions to issues related to obesity, such as chronic diseases, portion distortion, physical fitness and strategies for changing behaviors and overcoming barriers.  

“We hope to make our community and students more aware of the detrimental effects of childhood obesity and the multifaceted influences media plays in fostering this epidemic,” said Veronica Oates, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at Tennessee State University and chief organizer of the event. 

According to a report by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Tennessee has the 4th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, at 30.2 percent and the 5th highest of overweight youths (ages 10-17) at 36.5 percent. 

Dr. Oates hopes this program, which will include various visual examples of media advertisements designed to lure children and adolescents into unhealthy lifestyles, will help parents and concerned adults become more aware of the negative impact that hours spent watching television, surfing the internet and playing video games is having upon the youth.  

Jane M. Clary, Ph.D., who spearheads the Mississippi In Motion public campaign, will present on Social Media before the breakout sessions. Specialists from Tennessee State University as well as representatives from the Metropolitan ActionCommittee, Metro Health Department and Meharry Pediatric Department Children’s Healthy Lifestyle Center will lead the interactive sessions. Xylina D. Bean, M.D., Chairperson for the Department of Pediatrics and Distinguished W.K. Kellogg Professor of Pediatrics at Meharry Medical College, will give the keynote address.  

Handouts will be available for participants, and lunch will be provided by Whole Foods. The symposium will be held in Room 118 of the James E. Farrell-Fred E. Westbrook Agricultural Research and Extension Complex.  

The day of activities is part of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Week which will be observed at Tennessee State University April 5th -9th., 2010 For more information about the Influence of Media on Childhood and Adolescent Obesity symposium or Food, Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Week, please call (615) 963-1561 or visit www.tnstate.edu/agfacs .

Tennessee State University Student To Celebrate First Book With Book Signing In Campus Bookstore

Tennessee State University graduate student Martez Burks will meet and greet with students, faculty and the public at a book signing commemorating the release of his debut anthology, Memoirs of a Gentleman: The Unspoken Truth, in the campus bookstore, Tuesday, March 24.

In Memoirs of a Gentleman, Burks explores why men and women are completely misunderstood by one another, especially in relationships and dating. Comprised of scenarios centered on the male perspective, each memoir invites critical thinking questions that invite readers to consider the advantages to and challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship.

“I envisioned being able to come back to the University and benefit it in a positive way. This book signing is a dream come true for me. It all began as a thought and now it’s a reality. I’m blessed,” said Burks who is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Burks received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from TSU in Spring 2008.

Memoirs of a Gentleman is available online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Alibris.com. 

For more book order information visit www.outskirtspress.com/memoirsofag. 

4th annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner

Last night's Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner was one to remember as a group of distinguished women leaders were honored for their outstanding accomplishments in the community and in business.  


Highlights included energetic words of wisdom from keynote speaker and Lifetime Achievement awardee Ret. Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender and a surprise honor for Sharon Hurt, executive director of Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership, Inc. (JUMP), receiving the Woman of Strength, Courage and Commitment Award. 

President Melvin N. Johnson and First Lady Dr. Marcelite D. Johnson congratulate Attorney Rita S. Geier as one of the 2010 Women of Legend and Merit Awards. While serving as a TSU professor in the 1960's, Geier led a longstanding Civil Rights suit to address equality and diversity in Tennessee’s higher education resulting in the 2001 Geier Consent Decree which provided $77 million in state funds over six years to diversify student populations and faculty of all state higher education institutions.

The 2010 Women of Legend and Merit honorees enjoy their time in spotlight after an evening of recognition for their diverse contributions to society. This year's event was held at Sheraton Music City Hotel. The honorees are joined here by President Melvin N. Johnson and First Lady Dr. Marcelite D. Johnson.

See more photos from the 4th annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards. 

Tennessee State University Leads Project to Support STEM Disciplines

With science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines on the rise, Tennessee State University has been designated for another year as lead institution for the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP).

Also, the program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation to increase access to underrepresented minorities, is entering the second phase of a grant totally $3,440,319. Dr. Lonnie Sharpe, TLSAMP executive director and TSU professor, explained the program would now more aggressively recruit and retain students, as well as prepare students for graduate studies.

“The goal of our first phase was to double the number of underrepresented minorities receiving STEM degrees and substantially increase the number of underrepresented STEM professionals to meet the needs of government, industry and academia by the end of the five-year grant period,” said Dr. Lonnie Sharpe, TLSAMP executive director and TSU professor.

Since 2008, Louis Stokes Minority Alliance Participation colleges and universities have benefitted from the partnership with the National Science Foundation and have enrolled approximately 3,000 underrepresented minorities annually in the STEM disciplines and related workforce.

“We feel confident in the second phase and will continue best practices. Basic principles of TLSAMP include personal attention, peer and faculty mentoring, hands-on experiences, bridges to the next level and continuous evaluation. We are preparing to carry out and further study these principles from the high school to the undergraduate level through completion of the doctorate,” Sharpe added.  

Institutions in the TLSAMP partnership include LeMoyne-Owen College, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Vanderbilt University. 

Tennessee State University Commercial Music Students Present Songwriters In The Round Showcase On Campus

WHO:      

The commercial music program in the Department of Music at Tennessee State University will host the second annual Songwriters in the Round, a showcase of student songwriters from the program. This year’s student performers include:

• Jonathan Boddie, a senior from Nashville, Tenn., who has played with the group, Stargunn featuring Shooter Jennings, son of country legend Waylon Jennings.
• Will Davenport, a junior from Atlanta, Ga., who has signed a major production deal.
• Kerry Frazier, a graduate student from Nashville, Tenn., who had one of his original songs pitched to actor/singer Jamie Foxx.
• Saaneah Jamision, a a senior Nashville, Tenn., who appeared on the season seven of American Idol.  
• Tish Spence, a junior from Nashville, Tenn. who has sung background for gospel artists.
• Charity Ward, a sophomore from Detroit, Mich., who recently won a campus talent show.

WHAT:    

Hosted by the Department of Music’s Commercial Music program, the event will feature each student performing two songs and playing their own instruments. They will also share their inspiration behind the creative process of writing songs. For more information, contact Mark Crawford, coordinator of the commercial music program, at 963-5210 or macrawford@tsntate.edu.

WHEN:    

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 7 p.m.

WHERE:  

Tennessee State University Performing Arts Center Recital Hall

Tennessee State University Responds to Findings of 2008-2009 Audit

The Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury released the 2008-2009 audit of Tennessee State University.  The university’s annual audit is an essential part of management accountability and transparency. 

The 2008-2009 audit reflected no impropriety or mismanagement of funds.  There was one audit finding related to various amounts not being entered correctly in the financial statements.  The individual items that comprised the audit finding were not considered material in and of themselves.  However, new auditing standards applied a lowered threshold and required that they be grouped together and classified as a finding.  Tennessee State University was not alone in receiving such a finding.

Rest assured that our dedicated accounting staff remains strongly committed to a zero-finding audit. 

Mr. Bob Hughes, Associate Vice President for Business and Finance, is available at rhughes@tnstate.edu, should you have questions.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE

From the TSU College of Health Sciences: The Health Sciences Herald

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Health Sciences Herald, a biannual publication of the College of Health Sciences at Tennessee State University. The Herald is one of the College’s means of communication to faculty, staff, and students in the institution, as well as local and professional communities. In this issue, the Department of Dental Hygiene takes center stage with the completion of its building renovation. 


Also in this issue:

·        Update: Coordinator of Academic Advisement
·        OT Faculty Featured in the Tennessean
·        Accreditation Updates: CRCS, OCCT, and PHTH
·        Graduate Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity
·        Students Attend Pediatric Dysphagia Course
·        College Faculty Honored: Blue and White Award in Teaching
·        Excellence – That’s How We Roll!
·        Call for Manuscripts and  Reviewers
·        Publications and Presentations
·        College Advisory Committee Information

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Recent reports, most notably an article published in The Tennessean on Thursday March 11, cite elements of preliminary correspondence between TSU and our regional accrediting body - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) - as indication of "problems." A message from both Tennessee State University President Melvin N. Johnson and SACS President Belle S. Wheelan has been issued in response to the article.

TSU College of Business welcomes Lexmark Executive for Supply Chain Leadership Lecture

Tennessee State University's College of Business welcomes Linda Hollembaek, vice president of global supply chain at Lexmark, as a speaker in the Supply Chain Executive Leadership Lecture Series, Thursday, March 25,  at 5:15 p.m. in the Avon Williams Campus Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. 

For more information, contact Lisa Smith, director or the TSU Supply Chain Program at 615.963.7137.

Tennessee State University Prepares For SACS Reaffirmation On-site Review

Tennessee State University’s accreditation reaffirmation officials will welcome an on-site review from a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges committee this month. This on-campus visit marks the fourth step of an extensive process of reaffirming the University’s accreditation, as regulated by SACS. 

On March 23-25, delegates from the SACS Commission on Colleges will evaluate the institution’s compliance with preliminary observations made by a SACS Off-Site committee, as well as the acceptability of the institution’s Quality Enhancement Plan, W.R.I.T.E. (Write•Reflect•Integrate•Transfer•Excel), a comprehensive approach to writing within the upper level disciplines. 

TSU’s W.R.I.T.E. program combines existing resources like the First-Year Writing Program with faculty development, student support and e-portfolio technology. It also outlines a foundation for building long-term institutional support for a more ambitious and integrated general education core at the University. 

Dr. Timothy Quain, the University’s accreditation liaison officer, has overseen a task force comprised of faculty and administrators that has guided the reaffirmation process from addressing the observations of the off-site review to developing the quality enhancement program, preparing a focused report in response to issues raised in the preliminary review and notifying the campus of the upcoming visit.

“It is our expectation that TSU's accreditation will be reaffirmed. The reaffirmation process is a part of a unified system of assessment for the University. This is the first of many steps to create a system of ongoing research-based planning and assessment,” said Quain, who has worked on SACS reaffirmation committees for the last 22 years.

Following the on-site visit, the SACS committee will then provide a written analysis of its findings, including any formal recommendations of non-compliance with specific accreditation standards. The report of the committee will be forwarded back to the University for its response and to the Compliance and Reports Committee of the Commission on Colleges for its review. The Commission on Colleges will then make its decision on TSU’s reaffirmation in December.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Announced 11th Annual Community Leadership Award Honorees

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) honored four distinguished leaders of the Nashville education and political community for their professional and civic excellence on Monday, March 8, at Tennessee State University. The Community Leadership Awards are presented annually to an individual or organization whose efforts carry on Justice Thurgood Marshall’s legacy and equality. Recipients were selected for promoting the mission of public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by exemplifying professional and civic excellence in their respective communities. Emmy-Award winning Meteorologist, Lelan A. Statom of Storm 5HD Weather/Talk of the Town, News Channel 5 Network served as Master of Ceremonies. 

N. Joyce Payne, founder of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund presented the Presidential Leadership Award to President Melvin N. Johnson joined by first lady Dr. Marcelite D. Johnson.

John Marshall, son of Justice Thurgood Marshall, presented the Community Leadership Award to Patricia P. Stokes, president and CEO of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee.

Dr. William U. Latham, associate director of leadership studies, corporate development and service learning of the Tennessee State University Honors Program, also received the Community Leadership Award from Marshall on behalf of TMCF.

Dr. Robert Elliott, head of the TSU Deparment of Music, was honored with the Community Leadership Award from CMDR. Michael Neuser of the U.S. Navy on behalf of TMCF.

Representative Brenda Gilmore of the Tennessee General Assembly/District 54 (center) received the Alumni Leadership Award presented by Hardy Dorsey, National Alumni Council and TMCF Board member (far left) and Michelle Viera, TSU assistant vice president of alumni relations and annual giving.

Students from the TSU Honors Program earned second place in the TMCF Case Study Competition seen along with TMCF's John Marshall, TSU's Drs. Sandra Holt and William Latham and President Melvin N. Johnson.

Dr. Eve M. Hall, TMCF senior vice president of program innovation and research, and Candice Staples, TMCF director of programs, recognized TSU Vice President of Technology and Administrative Services Dr. Dennis Gendron.

Hall and Staples also recognized Dr. Sandra Holt, director of the Tennessee State University Honors Program, on behalf of TMCF.

2010 Women of Legend and Merit Awards

Tennessee State University’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner will honor eight women leaders on Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Ret. Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender will serve as the dinner's keynote speaker.

The annual celebration will salute dynamic women leaders in business and the community for a variety of fields and seeks to expose the university’s female student population to positive role models, networking opportunities and resources to assist in their academic, personal and professional growth as women.

            

Hosted each year by the University during March, Women’s History Month, the Women of Legend and Merit Awards brings awareness and raises funds in support of the TSU Women’s Center. This year’s honorees include:

• Athletics: Edith McGuire Duvall, olympian and entrepreneur;
• Business: Cordia Harrington, founder and CEO of Tennessee Bun Company;
• Community Service: Joyce Espy Searcy, director of community relations, Belmont University;
• Education: Rita S. Geier, Esq., associate to the Chancellor, Senior Fellow, Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, University of Tennessee-Knoxville;
• Government/Politics:  Lois DeBerry, speaker pro tempore, Tennessee General Assembly;
• Legal: Angelita Blackshear Dalton, Esq., Judge of Division III of the Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee General Sessions Court;
• Media: Anne Holt, news anchor, WKRN-TV, News 2; 
• Science/Medicine: Kelli Turner Molette, DDS, Dentist.

Tickets to the event are currently available at $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter or by calling 615-963-5481.

Distinguished Lecture Series Presents Retired Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender

Tennessee State University students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Nashville community are invited to hear from Ret. Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender, a woman who has broken barriers and opened doors for women in the military and health care fields. Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has referred to Adams-Ender as a “dynamic leader and a superb motivational speaker.”

WHO: Ret. Brigadier General Clara L. Adams-Ender
WHAT: Distinguished Lecture Series
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010
1 p.m.
WHERE: Floyd-Payne Campus Center (Main Campus)
The Forum

For more information about Adams-Ender's lecture and a short biography, click here.

House Recognizes Founder of the Southern Heritage Classic

On Thursday, the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate recognized Fred Jones Jr., founder of the Southern Heritage Classic, for his extraordinary efforts. With Jones having touched the lives of thousands, he was recognized as a distinguished and remarkable leader in the community.

"Mr. Jones had a vision twenty years ago to do something for the city of Memphis, and while that vision took an unimaginable amount of time and energy, it brought people together and created an economic engine for this state," said State Representative Karen Camper (D-Memphis). "It's an honor for me to stand here today to recognize such a great Tennessean who has done so much to bring different, diverse groups together and make Tennessee a better place to live," she said.

Jones recognized the power of having of two well-matched southern football teams, Jackson State University and Tennessee State University square off in an annual grudge match realizing the possibilities that reached beyond the game itself. His vision was to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the region for a weekend of exciting sports. The success of the Southern Heritage Classic Celebration has grown to become a staple of Memphis.

The head football coach of Tennessee State University Rod Reed, Athletic Director Teresa Phillips and others accompanied Jones.

The resolution passed overwhelmingly in the House by a vote of  94 - Ayes.

For more information, please contact Representative Karen Camper at (615) 741-1898 or online at  rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov

TSU President Melvin N. Johnson Among Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Community Leadership Awards Honorees

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) will honor four distinguished leaders of the Nashville education and political community for their professional and civic excellence on Monday, March 8, at Tennessee State University.

The Community Leadership Awards are presented annually to an individual or organization whose efforts carry on Justice Thurgood Marshall’s legacy and equality. Recipients have promoted the mission of public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by exemplifying professional and civic excellence in their respective communities.  The 11th Annual CLA Honorees - are:

• Presidential Leadership Award: Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, President, Tennessee State University
• Community Leadership Award: Patricia P. Stokes, President & CEO, Urban League of Middle Tennessee and William U. Latham, Ph.D., Associate Director Leadership Studies, Corporate Development/Service, Tennessee State University
• Alumni Leadership Award: Representative Brenda Gilmore, Tennessee General Assembly/District 54

"The honorees have made enormous advances in higher education and politics, dedicating their lives to public service,” said Dr. N. Joyce Payne, founder of  theThurgood Marshall College Fund. “Their work expands beyond the walls of their local communities and inspires youth that attend the 47-public Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation by serving as role models for these young men and women to reach their true potential.”

Emmy-Award winning Meteorologist, Lelan A. Statom of Storm 5HD Weather/Talk of the Town, News Channel 5 Network will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

(Pictured below: TSU President Melvin N. Johnson, Representative Brenda Gilmore, TSU Honors Program Associate Director William Latham,  Urban League of Middle Tennessee President Patricia P. Stokes)

Auditions for "So You Think You Can Dance?" in Nashville

http://www.fox.com/dance