Students, faculty recognized during Honors Convocation

Student academic achievement and outstanding service by faculty and staff were recognized during Tusculum College's annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 24.

The President's Award was presented to Sarah Flanigan, an independent studies major from Athens, and the Bruce G. Batts Award was presented to Joshua Quillen of Afton, a senior psychology major. The two awards are the top honors presented to students.

Flanigan "exemplifies excellence in academic and campus leadership," said Tusculum President Dr. Dolphus E. Henry in presenting the award. "Her commitment to academic success is matched by the energy she devotes to her varied activities and leadership on campus."

The President's Award is given to a senior who has contributed the most to the college and who has been the most outstanding achiever in the combined areas of academic work, athletics, campus leadership, and personality during their entire career at Tusculum.

As a student at Tusculum, Flanigan has been consistently named to the Dean's List. A student leader, her activities on campus are numerous. She has served as the co-president of the Student Government Association for the 2002-03 academic year, and has served as vice president, secretary and freshman representative in the organization. She is currently president of Alpha Chi honor society and a member of the Psychology Club.

Flanigan is a scholar of the Tusculum Institute for Public Leadership and Policy, and she was an intern in the Governor's Office during the 2002 spring semester. Her service on campus extends to being a member of a number of campus committees. She was one of the student organizers of past "See You at the Pole" prayer events, and has served as a resident assistant and a Pioneer Host.

Quillen was recognized with an award named to perpetuate the memory of Bruce G. Batts, who was the founding director of the Warren W. Hobbie Center for the Civic Arts and was instrumental in the transformation of the college into a Civic Arts institution. Quillen embodies the traits that exemplify Batts and the Civic Arts — consistent civility in dealing with others, a high level of scholarship and careful thinking, and a strong pattern of service to others, said Provost and Academic Vice President Dr. Jonathan Franz in presenting the award.

Quillen's volunteerism extends from local high school athletics to a nursing home and a mental health center and he has also provided leadership in the Psychology Club, Franz noted.

"He is popular with his fellow students and his teachers, and is known for his natural leadership skills, hard work, and friendly manner," Dr. Franz said in presenting the award. "His advisor sums him up in one word: 'Outstanding.'"

Academic Honors
A number of academic honors were presented to students during the convocation.

Receiving the E.H. Sargent Award for accomplishment in the sciences was Patrick H. Taylor of Mosheim.

Holly L. Arrowood of Greeneville, was presented the Warren Lynn Drain Award, awarded to the graduating senior determined most outstanding in business and economics.

Marcia K. Harmon of Clinton was honored with the TAHPERD (Tennessee Association Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) Outstanding Major Award. The winner of the award is chosen by the Physical Education faculty.

Receiving the Pinnacle Award was Matthew C. Whitman of Elizabethton. The Pinnacle Award is given to the athletic training major who records the highest combine score on the annual comprehensive written and oral/practical examinations.

Steve R. Oakey, a 2002 graduate, was recognized with the Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Prize for winning the student creative writing competition.

Outstanding students in each of the Graduate and Professional Studies' degree programs were recognized during the convocation. Receiving the Dr. Shirley Beck Award for accomplishment in their Master of Arts in Education studies were Rhonda Brenizer of Dandridge (SE) and Michael Joy of Greeneville (NE). Recognized with the Master of Arts in Organizational Management Award were Brent Crabtree of Knoxville (SE) and John Linam of Jonesborough (NE). The David Behan Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management program, was awarded to Amy France of Newport (NE) and James Wilson of Maryville (SE). Pamela Neal of Knoxville (SE) and Angela R. Shelton of Greeneville (NE) were presented the Earl Hausle Award for students excelling in the Gateway program.

Senior Honor Key Awards were presented to students who have earned a 3.25 grade point average or higher in their major, shown achievement and aptitude in the major, and possess strong character. Following are the award recipients and their degree programs:
Whitley D. Campbell of Powell — Athletic Training;
Jenifer L. Webb of Greeneville — Business Administration — General Management;
Pamela D. Griffey of Greeneville Business Administration — Management Accounting;
Elise M. Morales of Limestone — Early Childhood Education;
Ruth A. Byerly of Greeneville — Special Education Early Childhood;
Tabitha D. Earl of Greeneville — Special Education Modified Comprehensive;
Jason Knight and Samantha E. Beach, both of Greeneville — Elementary Education;
Terri Beth Miller of Mosheim — English;
Amber C. Schappacher of Afton — Mass Media;
Dennis D. Lingerfelt of Leicester, N.C. — Mathematics;
Liam MacCarron of Ontario, Canada — Physical Education;
Keddrain J. Bowen of Washington, N.C. — Sports Management;
Sarah A. Flanigan of Athens — Psychology;
and T. Craig Pritchett of Rossville, Ga. — Visual Arts.

Receiving the Alpha Chi Excellence Award for being the highest academically ranked members of the freshman class were Andrew Arp of Springfield, Ohio; Amanda Ausband of Greeneville; Nessie Brown of Chuckey; Wesley Dulaney of Jonesborough; and Jobria McCracken of Douglasville, Ga.

Recognized as Honor Students for having the highest grade point average in their class were seniors Jason Knight of Mosheim and Ryan Tolman of Greeneville; sophomores Nicholas Darnell of Greeneville; Denise Fliesser of Ontario, Canada; Tiffany Massengill of Jonesborough; and Julie Matthews of Morristown; and freshmen Rachel Combs of Whitesburg; and Andrew Arp, Amanda Ausband, Nessie Brown, Wesley Dulaney, and Jobria McCracken.

Students selected for inclusion in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" were also recognized. To be eligible for Who's Who honors, students had to be an upperclassman with a 3.25 GPA or higher and be nominated by a college faculty member. Who's Who students from the Residential College include Noah Grunzweig of Greeneville; Josh Helms of Snellville, Ga.; Suzanne Lewis of Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Heather Sellers of Cullman, Ala.; Levin Sudderth of Roan Mountain; Sarah Flanigan; Marcia Harmon; and T. Craig Pritchett. Professional Studies students receiving Who's Who recognition were Kimberly Ison-Landham Adkins of Bristol; Thomas Brown of Mosheim; John Deyton of Limestone; Amy Williams Franklin of Parrottsville; Angela Gentry of Newport ; Katrina Hunt of Maryville; Lavender Kelley of Knoxville; Landon Lane of LaFollette; Laurie Hatcher McPeak of Greenback; Denise O'Dell of Corryton; Karen Perkins of Jonesborough; and Sherrie Shuler of Knoxville.

Service Awards
Nicholas J. Baumann and Jennifer D. Wilcox, both of Greeneville, were presented Service-Learning Leadership Awards. This award is presented to students who demonstrate excellence in areas such as creativity, initiative and self-direction, practical judgment and problem-solving, collaboration with community members, respect for diversity and cultural difference, communication and listening skills, sound reasoning and reflection, and positive impact on the target community.

Terri Beth Miller received the Service-Learning Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in a service-learning class by demonstrating a positive attitude, respect for diversity, effective communication skills, sound reasoning skills, exceptional integration of service with academic expectations, creativity, initiative, and self-direction.

Jennifer Lewis of West Chester, Ohio, received the Walter T. Dette Jr. Memorial Athletic Spirit Award. This award gives formal recognition to a graduating senior who has excelled in several areas while attending Tusculum. Selection is based on the person's college athletic career or contribution to the athletic program, loyalty to Tusculum athletes, exhibited by leadership and academic achievement. Lewis was a member of the women's soccer team.

Sarah Flanigan received the Estel C. Hurley Student Service Award. This award is presented to the senior judged to have made the most positive impact on campus life.

Receiving the Outstanding Resident Assistant award was Melissa F. Gladwell of Greeneville.

Kelly M. Malone of Versailles, Ky., was presented the Pioneer Host Award, honoring a student determined to be the most outstanding and dedicated Pioneer Host.

Faculty, Staff Awards

Shannon Salyer, assistant professor of psychology, received the Greene County Partnership's "Kay W. Leonard Outstanding Service to Students Award." From left are Tusculum President Dr. Dolphus E. Henry; Kay Leonard, former chairman of the Greeneville School Board for whom the award is named; Salyer; and GCP President Bryan Quinsey.

Shannon Salyer, assistant professor of psychology, was presented the Greene County Partnership's "Kay W. Leonard Outstanding Service to Students Award."

"She has already proven herself to be an educator of enterprise, energy, and innovation," GCP President Bryan Quinsey said of Salyer in presenting the award. "In the classroom she's becoming known for finding unusual and interesting ways to teach."

"Outside the classroom, she is a great friend of students, and an involved advisor for the Psychology Club," Quinsey continued. "She's helped club members raise funds for two out-of-state trips to conferences of the Southeastern Psychological Association, and made those trips with them."

Receiving the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award was Mary Barkley-Ballard, assistant professor of English. This award is given to a member of the full-time teaching faculty who, in the opinion of his or her peers, has demonstrated outstanding teaching excellence and campus leadership.

"This year's recipient exemplifies what an engaged scholar/teacher should be," said Dr. Franz in presenting the award. "Ask her peers about her and they'll tell you of her energy, involvement, and devotion to students. Whether she's helping a student sharpen his writing skills or working with a runner to build her endurance and speed, this educator gives everything she can to the task at hand. Her office door is always open to students, and she's known for her ability to challenge students not only to become better communicators, but better thinkers."

Presented the Dean's Award in the Professional Studies program was Dr. Rhonda Fawbush, chair of undergraduate and graduate programs and assistant professor of management.


Receiving the Staff Award was Scott Mashburn, dean of students. This award is given for outstanding service to the college and is selected by students only. Presenting the award was Dr. Henry and Sarah Flanigan.


Dr. Antonio Bos, assistant professor of management, presented a special award recognizing Dick Eddy for his years of teaching service to Tusculum. Eddy, who taught accounting, retired from teaching last spring.

Dr. Henry also presented longevity awards to a dozen faculty and staff members in recognition of their years of service to the college.


Carroll Wilhoit, a member of the facilities management, was recognized for 30 years of service, first with Tusculum and with Lawler-Wood, the contracted agency that now cares for the college's grounds and facilities.

Wilhoit's "skill level at so many things is remarkable," said Dr. Henry in presenting Wilhoit a Tusculum College watch and a plaque. "But his strongest attributes are his good attitude and strong work ethic. Carroll is self-motivated and works to do his job right the first time. His pleasant, easy-going demeanor makes the job easier for all those who work around him. His contribution to maintaining the campus at Tusculum College is immeasurable, and we appreciate it deeply."


Recognized with a plaque for 25 years of service was Nancy Kilday, coordinator of admission activities. "There are certain people on this campus who you just can't imagine not being here. It just wouldn't be Tusculum College without them. Nancy Kilday is one of those," Dr. Henry said.

Deborah Bible, Diane Hensley, and Sara Price were given framed certificates in honor of their 15 years of service to the college. Bible is assistant director for Upward Bound; Hensley is the campus nurse; and Price works in food services.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Jane Allen, supervisor of student records for Graduate and Professional Studies; Kim Cutshaw, science laboratory assistant; Bob Dibble, golf coach; Susie Jones, administrative assistant to the vice president for administration; Richard Kirk of facilities management; Corinne Nicolas, assistant professor of English; and Pat Simons, coordinator of student information for Professional Studies.

Volunteers of the Andrew Johnson Presidential Museum and Library, the Doak House Museum, and the Tate Library were also recognized during the convocation.