Dr. Harry F. Hodge Jr., a former dean of the College of Education at MTSU, passed away May 9.
Hodge, 81, was a native of Nashville and son of the late Harry F. and Elizabeth Ford Hodge. He joined the MTSU family in July 1980 as education dean and served in that post until 1986, when he began teaching classes full-time as a professor. He retired from MTSU in May 1993.
A 1948 graduate of Hume-Fogg High School, Hodge served as a naval corpsman in the Marines. He attended Peabody College and was a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
After teaching in Oak Ridge, he earned his doctoral degree at Auburn University and taught at Memphis State and UT-Memphis before taking the deanship of the College of Education at Arkansas State University in 1967.
Hodge, who was instrumental in starting the Stones River Woodworkers Group in Murfreesboro, is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Campbell Hodge; his children, Deborah Nettles of Houston, Texas, Richard Hodge (Jocelyn) of Murfreesboro and Brandon Hodge (Emily) of Hendersonville; a sister, Ruth James (Wayne) of Tulsa, Okla.; and grandchildren Christopher Nettles (Kelley), Richard Nettles, David Hodge, Megan Hodge, Graham Hodge, Campbell Hodge and Hayden Hodge. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Sensabaugh, and a brother, George Edward Hodge.
Milking cattle, tasting wine, gazing at the stars and an array of other historic opportunities await those attending the fifth annual Alumni Summer College.
Open to alumni and friends of MTSU age 21 and older, Alumni Summer College will be held June 20-22 at on- and off-campus venues that extend to Nashville and Williamson County.
The deadline to register is Friday, June 1.
This year’s Alumni Summer College theme, “A Century in the Making,” commemorates the University’s Centennial and programs that are rooted in its history, as well as highlighting the unique careers of some MTSU alumni.
Alumni Summer College gives alumni and friends an opportunity o expand their knowledge of interesting subjects with an MTSU-focused curriculum that combines innovative classes and entertaining tours, said Rhonda King, assistant director in the Office of Alumni Relations.
“Alumni Summer College is a program that many will not miss,” King said. “There are sets of siblings who attend in order to spend time together. There are some attendees each year who return to campus for the first time in a decade or more. Even if you are familiar with MTSU, there will be something new you didn’t know was happening on campus.”
King said there’s such variety in the classes that participants will be able to land a plane in Memphis in the aerospace department’s 360-degree air traffic control simulator, learn about smartphone and tablet technology and tour the governor’s residence in Nashville, where alumna Casey Guimbellot Pash (’06) serves as executive residence manager. They also will dine in Conservation Hall, a 14,000-square-foot underground meeting facility located on the grounds.
All are welcome to attend, whether MTSU is your alma mater or you want to learn more about the MTSU community in which you live, King said.
“All who possess a curiosity to learn and a desire to have fun while doing so are welcome,” she said.
Tuition for the program is $225 per person. For class descriptions and to register, log onto www.mtalumni.com, or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 615-898-2922 800-533-6878.
– Randy Weiler ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Murfreesboro, TN - Rutherford County school officials unanimously voted Wednesday night to dismiss a tenured high school teacher who is under investigation by local law enforcement.
Richard Kimberly, a criminal justice teacher and soccer coach at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, was suspended without pay last month after the board said it was investigation his alleged inappropriate conduct with students.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's office has said it is investigating the allegations.
In documents submitted Wednesday to the Rutherford County School Board, Schools Director Dr. Harry Gill said he received a report on April 13 that Kimberly had restrained a student and tickled him while on a bus going to an away soccer game.
Click here for full article and video, courtesy of WKRN Nashville News 2
In partnership with First Bank and Corporate Flight Management, Murfreesboro Magazine is pleased to announce “The Art of Travel,” an event celebrating the travel art of local photographers. This fresh event held Thursday, May 17 from 5-7 pm, will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages in First Bank's serene courtyard setting.
During the event guests will enjoy a sidewalk art show featuring travel photography from the private collections of community members. Don’t miss the competition between local students’ art work from area schools including Oakland High School, Smyrna High School, and Eagleville High School. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the participating schools’ art programs.
One guest will be the lucky winner of a grand prize drawing to fly in style and comfort in a 2010 Embracer Phenom 100 to Destin, Florida and treated to an overnight stay at a four-star resort.
Only advanced ticket purchasers are eligible for this exciting opportunity. Smyrna-based Corporate Flight Management will announce the winner on the night of the event.
Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at murfreesboromag.com and First Bank at 615 Memorial Blvd.
Dr. George Lien will be one of our community members showcasing personal travel photography at the event and can be reached for interviews at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
About Murfreesboro Magazine: For over 12 years, Murfreesboro Magazine has been providing area residents with useful and entertaining information about the best the area has to offer. Our brand includes our beautiful full glossy magazine, a website to keep up with what is going on in Murfreesboro, and events that get you together with Murfreesboro's best.
Murfreesboro, TN - Upset over a fast food order, Murfreesboro police said two men threw a piece of concrete through the drive through window of a local McDonald's restaurant.
The incident happened early Sunday morning at the McDonald's on South Rutherford Boulevard.
Suspects Christopher Slate and Sean Mosey told police they were at the fast food eatery earlier in the night and received an order for two cheeseburgers that was incorrect.
Click here for full article, courtesy of WKRN Nashville News 2
Blue Raiders have won last two meetings
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - After posting victories in each of the past two meetings with SEC foe Tennessee, the Middle Tennessee baseball team will look to close out the 2012 non-conference slate in style on Tuesday evening when it welcomes the Volunteers back to Reese Smith Jr. Field.
The Blue Raiders are coming into the game with a 27-25 record this season, and despite his .263 average, Ryan Stephens will look to factor in helping MT to a 28th win. The sophomore outfielder, perhaps known more for his defensive prowess, has played a major role in each of the past two victories over the Vols, coming up with the 10th inning game-winning hit in February's 5-4 win in Knoxville and finishing a single shy of the cycle in last season's 12-3 rout in Murfreesboro.
MT will also be looking for offense from the trio of Justin Guidry, Trent Miller and Hank LaRue. The group has combined for .347 average with 107 runs scored and 104 batted in.
Paul Mittura will be making the start on the mound for the Blue and White, and it marks his first of the year. The sophomore carries a 2-1 record with a team-best 2.05 earned run average in 22 appearances. He's played in each of the past two games vs. UT, allowing an unearned run earlier this season and pitching a perfect ninth in last year's win.
MT is 10-25 vs. the Vols since head coach Steve Peterson took control of the baseball program in 1988. A win on Tuesday would mark the third consecutive against UT, a feat that has not been accomplished by MT since taking home four in a row from 1987-88.
UT enters the meeting with a 24-27 mark this year, and currently sit sixth in the SEC East with an 8-19 conference record.
First pitch is on Tuesday is set for 6 p.m.
Courtesy of Athletic Communications, GoBlueRaiders.com
Men finish third, women sixth
LAFAYETTE, La. -- The Middle Tennessee men’s track & field team captured a third-place finish while the Blue Raider women finished sixth at the 2012 Sun Belt Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The men came away with 108 total points while the women’s squad amassed 75. North Texas took the women’s team title while Western Kentucky won on the men’s side.
The Blue Raiders were led on Sunday by their relay teams as both the men and women claimed runner-up finishes in the 4x100-meter relays. In addition, Geoffrey Akena, Roscoe Payne, Steven Palmer and Noah Akwu guided the men to victory in the 4x400-meter relay, winning with a time of 3 minutes, 10.03 seconds.
Middle Tennessee had another nice day in the jumps events on Sunday. Senior Nyeisha Wright captured a runner-up finish in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 41 feet, 5 inches (12.62 meters). She was followed in third place by France Makabu who posted a measurement of 41-2.50 (12.56m). Euphemia Edem closed out the top five, jumping 40-6.25 (12.35).
On the men’s side, 2012 Sun Belt Indoor Triple Jump Champion Cordairo Golden also placed second. The sophomore recorded a leap of 50-6.25 (15.40m) to come away with the runner-up result.
Golden also placed fifth in the men’s high jump competition, successfully clearing the bar at 6-5.00 (1.96m). Cameron Zeman cleared the bar at the same measurement and came in sixth place as a result of the number of jumps.
Payne and Akwu led the Middle Tennessee men in the sprints events. Payne captured victory in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, crossing the finish line in 13.91 seconds. Fellow Blue Raider Junior Cadet finished sixth in the event in 14.77 seconds. Payne also placed third in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 50.76 seconds.
Meanwhile Akwu won the 200 meters in 20.74 seconds. He also led a trio of Blue Raiders in the 400 meters, clocking a time of 46.90 seconds to place fifth. Palmer and Rycine Ellison followed in fifth and sixth with times of 48.00 and 48.68 seconds.
In the men’s 100 meters, Kenneth Gilstrap placed fifth with a time of 10.54 seconds.
Kiara Henry closed out her Middle Tennessee career with a great day on Sunday. She claimed a runner-up finish in the women’s 200 meters with a time of 24.11 seconds while also placing third in the 100-meter dash, recording a time of 11.62 seconds.
The women meanwhile were led in the 400-meter hurdles by Christal Wilson. The freshman notched a runner-up finish as she completed the competition in 1:00.24.
Justus David once again led the way for the Blue Raider distance runners as he logged a time of 3:50.96 to post a second-place finish in the men’s 1,500 meters. Meanwhile in the 800 meters, Robinson Simatei placed eighth while running a 1:59.19. Autumn Gipson and Stephanie Smith paced the women’s distance runners, placing 10th and 11th in the women’s 1,500-meter run on Sunday.
Fans are encouraged to continue follow the teams on Twitter @MTTrackField and on Facebook at the MT Track & Field page as photos will be posted as the teams make their way back home on Monday.
A number of Blue Raiders will head to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete in the NCAA Regionals which take place May 24-26. Please stay posted to the teams' Facebook and Twitter pages as well as GoBlueRaiders.com as the competitors are made known.
Also, stay up-to-date on the teams on the new Track & Field Notebook, which can be found here as well as linked on the Track & Field page on GoBlueRaiders.com.
Courtesy of Athletic Communications, GoBlueRaiders.com
A HUGE thank you to WKRN Nashville News 2 for donating a pair of CMA Tickets for this weeks giveaway!!
To register simply...
1) Fill out the form below
2) Comment "Thank You" on WKRN's Facebook Page
Anna Yacovone, currently employed as a post-graduate adviser in the MTSU Office of Education Abroad, is the recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Scholarship to Laos.
Yacovone, who graduated from MTSU in December 2011 with degrees in global studies and organizational communication, will start her year-long adventure in late June and will teach English in the capital city of Vientiane, working mostly at the National University of Laos.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds the Fulbright Program, one of the world’s most prestigious international educational exchange programs. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic or professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.
This is the third successive year in which two MTSU students have received Fulbright scholarships. The other 2012 recipient is Whiteside, Tenn., native Daniel Gouger, who will be conducting research in Spain.
“Fulbright is a program to promote good will among different countries,” says Laura Clippard, who heads MTSU’s undergraduate fellowships office. “Students serve as ambassadors and represent the United States in a positive light.”
A veteran of study-abroad experiences and a Sevierville, Tenn., native, Yacovone was an education-abroad peer adviser in 2007 and studied abroad in Italy in 2009.
In spring 2011, Yacovone received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study native language and culture at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand. While living in Thailand, she took a brief detour with several other cultural-exchange students to a remote village in central Laos, where they taught English for a couple of days.
“It was the first time for many of the people in that village to even see a Westerner,” recalls Yacovone.
Educators at both the University Honors College and the Office of Global Studies say Yacovone is a role model for future study-abroad students and Fulbright recipients.
“Anna is very typical of the students we have in global studies,” says Dr. Doug Heffington, the program’s director. “These are very bright students. They’re very driven. They’re very forward-thinking, but they’re also very engaged students.”
For more information, contact Clippard at 615-898-5464 or Heffington at 615-494-7744.
– Gina K. Logue ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Incoming MTSU freshmen and their parents or guardians soon will be coming to campus to attend the annual CUSTOMS orientation program.
CUSTOMS helps new students become acquainted with what will be their academic and social home for the next four years. The program helps ease the transition of entering college and decreases students’ anxiety before they return in August for the 2012-13 academic year.
Eleven CUSTOMS sessions will be held this summer, starting with a Wednesday and Thursday, May 23-24, session for major scholarship recipients from all of the colleges within the University.
The final CUSTOMS session will be Tuesday and Wednesday, July 31-Aug. 1, and is open to entering freshmen from all colleges.
While CUSTOMS is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to attend the entire orientation to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings and establish their fall class schedules with advisers.
Reservations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so students should register as early as possible.
During each two-day program, students will be shown the campus and local environment while also being taught the policies, procedures, requirements and programs of MTSU.
Representatives from admissions, financial aid, housing and residential life and other campus departments are involved in CUSTOMS.
Students attending CUSTOMS will be accommodated with on-campus housing in an MTSU residence halls.
Organizers strongly encourage families to attend the session with their students, and the University offers a separate program to answer families’ questions and familiarize them with their students’ new environment.
CUSTOMS is just one of the areas of New Student and Family Programs.
For more information and for the 2012 CUSTOMS schedule, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs online or call 615-898-5533.
– Randy Weiler ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
