Dr. Jim Reid and Carolyn Gregg have been named as interim co-directors of the Warren W. Hobbie Center for the Civic Arts for the 2002-03 academic year at Tusculum College.

The Hobbie Center supports the development within the college of Tusculum's Civic Arts mission to produce educated citizens distinguished by academic excellence, public service and qualities of Judeo-Christian character. The center also articulates the progress toward that goal for audiences both within and external to the college.

Dr. Reid, professor of political science, has been an active proponent of Civic Arts activities since he joined the Tusculum faculty in 1997. He earned his doctorate in political science from the University of Missouri, a master's degree in the discipline from St. John's University, and his undergraduate degree from Iona College.

"Above all, I see this as an opportunity for Tusculum to develop activities which will help the communities we participate in gain a practical understanding of the Civic Arts," Dr. Reid said of the appointment. The announcement about the Hobbie Center positions was recently made by Dr. Jonathan Franz, provost and academic vice president of Tusculum.

Gregg, assistant professor of research, began teaching in 1989 in Tusculum's Professional Studies degree program for working adults. She became a full-time staff member of the college last year following her retirement from the Greeneville School System, having served as a well-respected teacher for many years at Tusculum View Elementary School.

"Part of my mission is to give the Professional Studies students an opportunity to feel connected to the Hobbie Center and the Civic Arts emphasis on campus," Gregg said. "These adult students have been participating in the competency programs to promote academic excellence, and many have been actively involved in service to their community. We hope to highlight these exemplary activities on campus as well as in the Professional Studies program."

As interim CO-directors, Dr. Reid and Gregg will be working together with an Advisory Council to help infuse the concept of the Civic Arts into all aspects of college life and to chart the future directions for the Hobbie Center. The Advisory Council will include members of the faculty, staff, student body and local community.

The Hobbie Center for the Civic Arts was established in the early 1990s, at the time Tusculum College reformed its curriculum in support of the college's Civic Arts mission.

The Civic Arts approach to education at Tusculum helps develop the skills, knowledge and abilities that will help students lead meaningful lives, both in their chosen life's work and as citizens of the community, nation and world. The Civic Arts embrace such things as active and empathetic listening, the ability to present one's thoughts clearly in speaking or writing, the ability to analyze situations carefully and solve problems creatively, consistent use of the virtues embodied in the traditions for personal and public decision making, and respect for one's own cultural heritage as well as those of others.