College Town Talk: Recent Episodes
Tennessee Tech University
College Town Talk is a podcast from Tennessee Tech University in partnership with the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau. Each week, hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout introduce listeners to Tech faculty, staff and students – as well as successful Tech alumni, local business owners and civic leaders – who are making a difference and living Wings Up in their community.
This week on College Town Talk, we sit down with Dr. Amy Hill, lecturer in Tennessee Tech's College of Emerging and Integrative Studies, three-time Tech graduate and a 2022 recipient of the university's Outstanding Professional Award.Dr. Hill reflects on her more than 25-year journey at Tech, discusses a student service-learning project that transformed a bedroom at the Cookeville Rescue Mission and shares the inspiration behind a local nonprofit she founded to help individuals overcome difficult circumstances. She also offers her perspective on how AI is changing graphic design and desktop publishing, highlights a recent summer publishing workshop she led for local high school students, and looks back on the experiences that have shaped her career as an educator, artist and mentor.
This week on College Town Talk, we catch up with former Cookeville Mayor Matt Swallows, a Tennessee Tech alumnus, former Golden Eagle football player and the president and COO of Swallows Insurance Agency. Matt reflects on his years leading Tennessee's College Town, shares his perspective on local government and discusses the lessons he's learned from a lifetime of serving the Upper Cumberland.In our interview, Matt also looks back on his days as a Tech football student-athlete, discusses the transformation of Tucker Stadium and shares what it means to carry on his family's 70-year business legacy. Plus, Matt recalls some of his favorite moments as a former local radio host and reveals what Tennessee Tech has meant to him both personally and professionally.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Dr. Thomas Payne, dean of the Tennessee Tech College of Business. Since becoming dean in 2015, Dr. Payne has helped lead the college to its highest enrollment in a decade, overseen the addition of new, sought-after programs of study and presided over a renewed emphasis on experiential learning — with more than 90% of students in the college participating in résumé-building opportunities before graduation.In the interview, Dr. Payne discusses preparing students for the rapidly changing world of AI, the massive renovation underway at Johnson Hall and recent transformational gifts helping support student success in the College of Business. Plus, in our rapid-fire round, Dr. Payne shares his favorite Cookeville eateries, the career he might have pursued outside higher education and the Tech colleague most likely to make him laugh in the middle of a faculty meeting.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan welcome Jimmy Guadalupe, Tennessee Tech’s newly appointed student trustee and a rising senior majoring in business management and business information and technology.Jimmy reflects on being unanimously confirmed by the university’s Board of Trustees, discusses why supporting student mental health will be a priority during his one-year term and shares his experience navigating higher education as a first-generation college student. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his role as a Tech Trailblazer, which involves giving personalized campus tours to prospective students and their families, and shares a family memory that inspired his hopes to one day work for Coca-Cola.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Dr. Lauren Harding, associate professor of political science at Tennessee Tech. As our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, Dr. Harding shares insights from her research on trust in government and discusses how she and her family are experiencing the best of America through their mission to visit every U.S. National Park Site.Plus, Dr. Harding tells us about paid internship opportunities for students at the Tennessee General Assembly and recounts a recent study abroad trip she co-led to Spain and Portugal.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Margo Dirkson, department coordinator in Tennessee Tech’s Office of Access, Belonging and Community Outreach and a doctoral student in Tech’s new Ph.D. in higher education program.Margo shares why she chose to pursue a doctorate while balancing a full-time career and extensive volunteer service, what it means to help students find a sense of belonging on campus and how she intentionally built community after moving to Cookeville a decade ago. We also discuss her volunteerism with local organizations close to her heart, such as the Bryan Symphony Orchestra and Game On Accessible Tennis. Plus, in our rapid-fire round, Margo dishes on her favorite campus spots and the best part about living in the Upper Cumberland.
This week on College Town Talk, we sit down with Dr. Erin Hoover, associate professor of English at Tennessee Tech and the first-ever poet laureate for the City of Cookeville.In this episode, Dr. Hoover discusses how Tech’s English Department is thoughtfully incorporating AI into the classroom while helping students strengthen their writing skills, think critically and develop their own creative voices.She also shares her work mentoring students through The Iris Review, the university’s award-winning student-edited literary magazine, and reflects on the deeply personal experiences that inspired her 2023 poetry collection, No Spare People. Plus, she offers a preview of her next book, scheduled for publication in 2027.
In our interview, Dr. Martin reflects on what it means to serve his alma mater as a faculty member, discusses the lengthy process of writing and publishing a book and shares insights from a recent student and faculty trip he co-led to Los Angeles. Later, during our rapid-fire round, he reveals which colleague is most likely to make him laugh in the middle of a faculty meeting and the surprising career path he might have pursued if not for higher education.
This week on College Town Talk, guest co-host Jamie Fancher joins us for a conversation with Dr. Julie Baker, a three-time Tennessee Tech graduate who now serves as dean of the College of Graduate Studies and associate provost at Tech.As she approaches her 20th anniversary at Tech, Dr. Baker reflects on her early years as a high school teacher, shares favorite campus memories and gives us a glimpse into what it’s really like working alongside her brother. She also discusses how her rural East Tennessee roots shaped her belief in the transformative power of education — and how that conviction helped inspire a historic multi-year GEAR UP grant that will expand college readiness opportunities across the Upper Cumberland.Later, in our rapid-fire round, Dr. Baker reveals the career she might have pursued outside education and names the Tech colleague she’d call as her lifeline in a game of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Adam Poe, a 2011 Tennessee Tech graduate who now serves as vice president of the Highlands Economic Partnership.In our interview, Adam discusses Tech’s role in driving economic development across the region and reflects on the lasting impact of his involvement as a Tech student with Kappa Sigma fraternity—an experience that ultimately led him to serve as the organization’s global president.He also shares a personal story about how a friend’s illness inspired a major career change, and how a creative solution to improve sleep sparked an unexpected passion and talent for painting.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan introduce listeners to Callie Smith, a senior at Tennessee Tech and Morgan County native double majoring in communications and marketing. Callie is also a former Tech Trailblazer — Tech students who provide personalized campus tours for prospective students and their families — and the former sports editor for The Oracle, Tech’s student newspaper.While still a student, Callie has landed multiple internships with national radio and podcast networks, including K-LOVE Radio, and has a podcast of her own — thanks in part to skills she learned through a podcasting class in Tech’s Department of Communication and Media. In this interview, Callie shares about being a third generation Golden Eagle, the support she has received from faculty mentors like Dr. Teddy Burch, and recalls how a little determination helped her land a sought-after internship after initially facing multiple rejections.
Sciences at Tennessee Tech.Dr. Luna was recently selected by NASA as a participating scientist on the first Artemis lunar surface science team — a small, elite group of researchers supporting the agency’s upcoming crewed mission to land astronauts near the moon’s South Pole.In the episode, Dr. Luna shares the unforgettable moment she received the call from NASA inviting her to join the team and reflects on what this milestone means for her, her research and her students.She also highlights the Department of Earth Sciences’ new planetary geology concentration and looks back on her service as faculty representative on Tech’s Board of Trustees from 2023 to 2025.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and guest co-host Susan Luna-Hazlewood are joined by Sam Brooks, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and president of the Tech Football Quarterback Club. Sam has been an educator in the Upper Cumberland for more than 30 years, ranging from his early days as a biology teacher at Cookeville High School and Upperman High School, to his role today as Upper Cumberland regional director for Volunteer State Community College.In our interview, Sam discusses his passion for Golden Eagle football and how fans can get involved and show support ahead of the upcoming season. He also shares about the importance of Tech’s strong working relationship with Vol State and recalls his memories in the classroom - including some humorous (and scary) moments teaching driver’s ed. Plus, Susan Luna-Hazlewood breaks news on the podcast by exclusively sharing the names of the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association’s 2026 Alumni Award winners!
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and guest co-host Susan Luna-Hazlewood are joined by Dr. Nancy Hamilton, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and chair-elect of Tech’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. Dr. Hamilton also serves as a Roane County commissioner and as program director for college success at Roane State Community College.In the interview, Dr. Hamilton reflects on her path to higher education leadership after first enrolling at Tech as a mechanical engineering major—and the unlikely journey that led her to elected office.She also shares how a milestone birthday inspired her service on Tech’s Alumni Board and recounts powerful stories of students she has personally supported in persisting toward their degrees—including a single mother of five who is now set to transfer to Tech this fall.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re joined by guest co-host Susan Luna-Hazlewood, executive director of Tennessee Tech’s Crawford Alumni Center, for a special conversation with Thomas Lynn—a two-time Tech graduate, member of Tech’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the board for First National Bank of Tennessee.Thomas is also a generous philanthropist who helped establish Mustard Seed Ranch, a home for children from difficult backgrounds to heal and grow. In 2004, he organized a concert with country music star Vince Gill to raise funds for the construction of Bell Hall, home of Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing.In this interview, Thomas shares how he first learned of his appointment to the Board of Trustees, the “why” behind his latest gift supporting the Professional Readiness and Leadership (PRL) Center in the College of Business, and the inspiration behind founding Mustard Seed Ranch in 2009. Plus, he offers practical advice for current Tech students—including how to plan and save for the future, and what he looks for when hiring new talent.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Rachel Smalling, a 2014 Tennessee Tech graduate and classically trained cellist who went on to become a successful local entrepreneur.Today, Rachel performs with the Orfeo String Quartet and owns two local hotels and a popular cocktail lounge. She is also helping protect and enhance Cookeville’s vibrant downtown as president of the Cookeville Downtown Development Group. In our interview, Rachel tells us about the similarities between being a performing musician and a small business owner, describes the “happy accident” that led to owning two hotels and pays tribute to the professor whom she calls “the number one reason I ended up at Tennessee Tech.”
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Dr. Colin Hill, director of the School of Music at Tennessee Tech. Dr. Hill is a sought-after percussionist who has presented concerts and events throughout the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia. Here in Cookeville, he is also a musician and board member with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra.In our interview, Dr. Hill tells us about the unique path that led him to Tennessee Tech—including a period of time when he commuted three and a half hours each way to campus—and reflects on the School of Music’s rapid growth over the last four years, including new degree programs in live audio engineering technology and musical theatre. Dr. Hill also discusses how Cookeville has become a welcoming home for him, his wife and their two children, saying, “Tech feels like our family.”
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Braxton Westbrook, a Tennessee Tech student pursuing a master’s degree in computer science after graduating magna cum laude in May 2024. Braxton also serves as the student trustee on Tech’s Board of Trustees, representing nearly 11,000 students on the university’s governing body. He shares insights from his experience working alongside fellow trustees — including retired NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore — discusses his passion for student government and reflects on the impact of Tech Honors, the university’s honors program, on his student journey.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Susan Miranda, executive director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra - the Upper Cumberland’s professional symphony, which is celebrating its 62nd season in partnership with the Tennessee Tech School of Music. Susan shares about her background as a renowned oboist, her recent move to Tennessee after many years in the Midwest, and her efforts to visit all of our national park sites across the country.Plus, she tells us about the Bryan Symphony Orchestra's upcoming concert on Feb. 15 and takes us behind the scenes of her journey to becoming the organization’s new leader.Learn more about the Bryan Symphony Orchestra and purchase tickets to upcoming concerts at www.bryansymphony.org. Learn more about Dr. Susan Miranda at www.susanmiranda.com.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re catching up with Ben Higgins, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate who now serves as a licensed professional counselor and mental health services provider in Tech’s Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness. Ben is also an accomplished musician and local worship leader whose songs can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other platforms.In our interview, Ben shares how he tends to his own mental health through music, bicycling and time in nature. He also reflects on the beginnings of his musical journey, which took shape during open mic nights at the Backdoor Playhouse while he was a Tech student.Ben offers helpful advice on navigating social media while protecting mental health, and in our rapid-fire round, he tells us about his dream duet partner (hint: she has an amusement park in Tennessee) and his favorite spot in Cookeville.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Bella Rigsby, a Tennessee Tech junior and elementary education major who serves as a Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) and as Panhellenic president - meaning that she helps oversee all of Tennessee Tech’s sororities across campus. Bella tells us about the value of Greek life to her student experience, her advice to prospective students and what most excites her about becoming a teacher.
Workforce Development. Tyler tells us about his passion for supporting Tennessee's job seekers and small businesses and shares about his experiences serving his alma mater on the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. Plus, Tyler discusses his involvement with CityScape, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Cookeville’s historic downtown, and explains how he turned a passion for woodworking into a successful side hustle.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Chelsea Dowell, lecturer of economics in Tennessee Tech’s College of Business. Dr. Dowell discusses her commitment to experiential learning - including hands-on projects with her students for Tech Athletics and the Center for Rural Innovation - and her work designing a free financial literacy course for members of the community.Plus, Dr. Dowell plays a game of rapid-fire questions and tells us her favorite off-campus hangout spot in Cookeville, what she’d be doing for a career if she wasn’t an economist, and name drops the colleague most likely to make her laugh during the middle of a faculty meeting.
College Town Talk kicks off 2026 with Jennifer Winningham, Tennessee Tech's director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer. Jennifer tells us about the significance of returning to work at Tech after graduating from the university more than 20 years ago and shares a deeply moving story about her decision to be a kidney donor for a longtime friend. Plus, she discusses the enduring legacy of her late father, former State Representative Les Winningham, and how his passion for public education inspired her family's decision to endow a scholarship at Tech in his memory. She also shares about Tech Athletics' historic season and what she's most looking forward to in 2026 with the teams' impending move to the Southern Conference.
This week on a special episode of College Town Talk, we’re joined by Tennessee Tech President Emeritus Bob Bell. In this wide-ranging conversation, President Emeritus Bell reflects on the decision to first join Tech as a faculty member in the College of Business nearly 50 years ago, offers little-known details of former First Lady Gloria Bell’s “super-secret” project devising the Tech flag that is still in use today, and recounts personal memories from the dedication of Robert and Gloria Bell Hall, home to Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing. Plus, he takes us behind the scenes of a historic day in 2012 when the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce brought him and former Tech presidents Volpe, Prescott and Roaden together on the same stage.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re joined by Ferran Kefauver, executive director of Cityscape, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Cookeville’s historic downtown. Ferran tells us about the ways CityScape works with business owners, the City of Cookeville, and partners like Tennessee Tech to keep our community a vibrant and beautiful place to visit, live, and explore. Plus, she gives us the details on this year’s CityScape award winners, newly obtained grants that will bring further improvements to our downtown, and her takeaways from a recent visit to Tech’s Foundry.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Barbara Reynolds, the former dean of the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing at Tennessee Tech. Dr. Reynolds shares about the journey that first brought her to Tech in 1991, the decision to stay in Cookeville following her retirement, and why she’s supporting the next generation of nurses through a generous scholarship endowment and the Barbara Reynolds Fund for Health Care Policy and Advocacy. Plus, she tells us her secret to maintaining an active and purposeful life at the age of 95!
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Chad McDonald, director of leisure services for the City of Cookeville. Chad reminisces about his more than 30 years of service to our community and tells us about the latest enhancements to Cookeville’s vibrant recreational scene - including new pickleball courts and the forthcoming expansion of Cane Creek Park. He also reflects on the more than 150 plays and musicals he oversaw during his years working at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center and recalls how his early years attending Tennessee Tech expanded his horizons and gave him a passion for Cookeville that continues today.
This week on College Town Talk, we’re joined by Jennifer Williams — proud two-time Tennessee Tech graduate, local actress, director and producer, former educator of 31 years, and owner of Father Tom’s Pub, a staple of Cookeville’s WestSide dining scene. Jennifer shares some of her favorite memories from her years as a high school science teacher, the behind-the-scenes work that went into opening her restaurant, and her perspective on the evolution of Cookeville’s WestSide. She also highlights a few of the local theatre productions she has acted in, produced, and directed. Plus, she offers a touching reflection on her late husband, Professor Emeritus Tom Furtsch, who served in Tech’s Department of Chemistry for 40 years.
This week on College Town Talk, we're joined by Kelly McCallister, dean of the Volpe Library at Tennessee Tech University. Dean McCallister tells us about making the transition to Tennessee last year from her previous home in North Carolina, her passion for animal rescue, her recent meeting with former Tech First Lady Jennette Volpe, and the quirky Tech history behind a famous cockroach that inspired a new campus event. Plus, she wades into the hotly debated question: does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Whitney Robinson, a junior at Tennessee Tech pursuing a degree in special education and one of the newest appointees to the Tennessee Tech Foundation Board of Directors. Whitney shares about the inspiration that first drew her to Tech's campus, the fulfillment she finds from serving as a Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) and participating in the student-led United Voices of Praise choir, and discusses the importance of her involvement with the local NAACP.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Joy McCaleb Poteet, a Tennessee Tech alumna, graduate student and adjunct instructor who is also a talented local actress and the former longtime theatre teacher at Upperman High School. Joy tells us about her best memories from her years in the classroom, her special friendship with the late Dr. Angelo Volpe and his wife, Jennette, the importance of Cookeville's vibrant performing arts scene, and her decision to pursue a fourth degree from Tennessee Tech at this stage in life.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Mark Cramer, associate professor of clarinet in the Tennessee Tech School of Music and principal clarinetist in the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Cramer shares how his music has turned up in unexpected places - such as television commercials, theme park attractions and video games - and discusses his involvement with music therapy, including performing free concerts and outreach events for hospital patients. Plus, Dr. Cramer explains the Bryan Symphony Orchestra's role in providing one-of-a-kind performance opportunities for select students, and talks about the School of Music's rapid enrollment growth.
Media stays on top of changes in the media landscape to keep courses relevant and pays tribute to Dr. Graham Kash, a beloved professor who served at Tech for more than 60 years and passed away earlier this year.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Tanner Cox, a 2020 Tennessee Tech political science graduate now serving as field representative for U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. Tanner explains how Tech's expansive alumni and faculty network helped him land a fulfilling career serving his fellow Tennesseans and offers his advice to current Tech students eyeing a role in the political arena. Plus, Tanner explains how he and a close friend are using fantasy football to help raise funds for local nonprofits, and discusses some of his most interesting run-ins as a U.S. Senate aide.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan hear from Melissa Ellis, a Tennessee Tech alumna and professional musician of more than 30 years who serves as marketing and development director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra and music director for HIP Cookeville. Melissa shares what concertgoers can expect from the Bryan Symphony Orchestra's 62nd season, how her early years at Tennessee Tech as a music therapy major inform her work today, and tells us how HIP Cookeville helps foster community and connection for area locals and college students alike.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Amanda Juetten, a recent Tennessee Tech graduate and current master's student who serves as president of the Upper Cumberland chapter of the National Federation for the Blind. Amanda talks about pushing through obstacles to graduate from Tech magna cum laude and discusses the valuable assistance she and other students receive from Tech's Accessible Education Center. Plus, she shares about life with her trusted guide dog "Colonel," and recounts what it was like to be surprised with a special shout-out from President Oldham and her husband, Dan, at last spring's commencement ceremony.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Sherrie Cannon, associate director for professional development and adjunct instructor in Tennessee Tech's College of Business. Sherrie tells us about her passion for mentoring the next generation of business professionals, the importance of experiential learning and her heroic efforts recently saving the life of a colleague who went into cardiac arrest. Plus, Sherrie gives us the scoop on her award-winning culinary creations that will be on full display at "Heating Up the Quad," the university's upcoming chili, soup and dessert cook-off benefiting the Michelle Huddleston Memorial Food Pantry.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan hear from Ricky Shelton, the former mayor of Cookeville and a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus. Ricky tells us about helping organize Tech’s recent “College Town Kickoff” block party and concert, leading Cookeville through the March 2020 tornadoes and the early days of COVID-19, his years as a Golden Eagle baseball player and all about his latest venture: owning Trackside Food Truck Park in Cookeville’s WestSide.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Karen Lykins, vice president for enrollment and communication at Tennessee Tech. Karen shares the latest numbers on Tech's growing student population, looks back on favorite memories from her more than 25 years at the university and shares a personal story of why accessibility is important to her. She also helps us get to know her colleagues on President Oldham's cabinet with a game of "cabinet superlatives."
This week on College Town Talk, we're joined by Tennessee Tech's 2025-2026 Student Government Association (SGA) President Cheyenne Bare. Cheyenne tells us about the moment she learned she was elected class president and recounts the unconventional path that led her to enroll at Tennessee Tech sight unseen. She also discusses her passion for serving as a Tech "Trailblazer," her favorite local businesses in Cookeville and her future career aspirations.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are catching up with Melinda Mott Leftwich, a Tennessee Tech alumna with a passion for making sports accessible for all. Today, Melinda is the founder and executive director of Game On Accessible Tennis, a nonprofit offering free tennis programming to children and adults of all disabilities and skill levels. Melinda shares about discovering tennis for the first time in her forties, the inspiration behind her organization's mission, and how her early years as a child development major at Tennessee Tech helped shape her approach to accessible tennis today.
On the season three premiere of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Brad Sells, a Tennessee Tech alumnus and award-winning wood sculptor whose handiwork has been displayed in the Smithsonian and it multiple public art installations around town, including the beloved "Spokes" bicycle arch in Cookeville's WestSide. Brad recalls his early years as a student at Tech's Appalachian Center for Craft, offers words of wisdom for aspiring artists, and shares about the meaning and memories behind some of his best loved works.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Elizabeth Sofia, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and current doctoral student serving as a director of development in Tech's Division of University Advancement. As one of Cookeville's foremost animal advocates, Elizabeth also helped relaunch the region's local spay and neuter clinic and serves as a board member for "Carin' About the Strays" rescue.
This week on College Town Talk, we're catching up with Michele Niec, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate, current doctoral student and instructor of communication. Michele shares about the surprising path that brought her to Cookeville and her passion for supporting nontraditional students and lifelong learners like herself. Then, we're speaking to Brent Young, a 2002 Tech graduate recently named director of the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce. Brent shares about his hopes for his new role and recalls fond memories as a Tech student in Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji).
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan talk with Jeremy Crabtree, a Tennessee Tech alumnus who owns "Poet's Coffee," Cookeville's longest-running local coffee shop. Jeremy talks with us about the decision to become the owner of a beloved local hotspot and tells us all about the newest Poet's Coffee location inside the Volpe Library on Tech's campus. Then, we're chatting with Professor Kimberly Winkle, director of Tech's School of Art, Craft & Design and director of the Appalachian Center for Craft. Professor Winkle looks back on her more than 20 years at Tech, highlights the Appalachian Center for Craft's upcoming "Celebration of Craft" and takes us behind the scenes of her recent feature in Cookeville Lifestyle magazine.
This week, Jonathan and Shan talk to a living legend of Tennessee Tech and the Upper Cumberland, Marc Burnett. Marc is a three-time Tech graduate, TTU Sports Hall of Famer, and served the university for 36 years, including 28 as vice president for Student Affairs. Marc is also a Cookeville Lifestyle magazine 2024 "Most Influential People" honoree. Then, we're joined by Tennessee Tech MBA candidate and College of Business graduate assistant Emily Armstrong. Emily tells us about her experience as a credentialed photographer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France and shares why Tech's College of Business was the right fit for her.
To kick off 2025, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Dr. Katie Aikens, Tennessee Tech's dean of students and assistant vice president for strategic initiatives. Dr. Aikens shares about her path to working in higher education, the significance of becoming Tech's first female dean of students, and the fulfillment she finds through her involvement with a local nonprofit. Then, we're chatting with Dr. Stephen Canfield, professor of mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech. Dr. Canfield shares about the changes he's seen at Tech over his more than 25 years on campus and tells us about the inspiration behind his popular "Tech Engineering for Kids" program.
On our last episode for 2024, Jonathan and Shan catch up with Chris Savage, a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus and co-owner of the iconic Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House in Cookeville. Then, we're chatting with Brittney Herman, the winner of the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association's 2024 Outstanding Young Alumna Award and founder of the nonprofit organization We Will, which is dedicated to sexual assault prevention and survivor empowerment.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Candyce Clifft, a proud Tennessee Tech alumna and former student body president. Today, Candyce is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and has been the morning anchor for WDRB News in Louisville, Ky. for more than 20 years. She shares with us the secret to her longevity in broadcasting, her advice for aspiring young journalists, and takes us behind the scenes of her daily routine - including her 2:45 AM wake-up call! Then, we're chatting with Tennessee FFA President and current Tennessee Tech freshman T. Wayne Williams. T. Wayne shares with us about his passion for agriculture and why Tennessee Tech was the right choice for him.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan speak with Tina Francis-Hodges, a four-time Tennessee Tech graduate and the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year for the State of Tennessee. Then, we're catching up with Matt McClanahan, a Tennessee Tech alumnus and adjunct instructor who also serves as executive director of the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts and won the American Farm Bureau 2024 "Discussion Meet" competition.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan talk with Jameson Wharton, a Tennessee Tech junior and defensive back for the Golden Eagle football team who founded the nonprofit "Football for the Cure" to raise money for cancer research. Then, we're joined by Rachel Wingo, cultural arts superintendent for the City of Cookeville and former executive director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Rachel is also an adjunct instructor of religious studies at Tennessee Tech.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan sit down with Trudy Harper, the chair of Tennessee Tech's Board of Trustees. Trudy is a two-time graduate of Tech's College of Engineering, a devoted philanthropist, and the former president of Tenaska Power Services Co., the power marketing affiliate of Tenaska - one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Then, we're joined by Randy Wilmore, the chief relationship officer for Farm Bureau Health Plans and recipient of the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association’s 2024 Outstanding Service Award. Randy also gives us an update on his cousin, NASA Astronaut and Tennessee Tech trustee Barry Wilmore, who is currently stationed at the International Space Station.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Maria Baltazar, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and former local elementary school teacher who now serves as the new recruitment specialist in Tech’s Office of Access, Belonging and Community Outreach. Maria shares about being a first-generation college graduate and the sacrifices that her immigrant parents made to equip her for success in life. Then, we’re joined by Damon “Dee” Prince, a Tennessee Tech alumnus and community leader who was named to Cookeville Lifestyle’s inaugural “Most Influential People” list. Dee tells us about the long road that led to his college degree, the importance of mentorship, and his heart for community service.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are sitting down with Sidonie Sansom, board president for the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, the Upper Cumberland's professional symphony that operates in partnership with Tennessee Tech's School of Music. Then, we hear from Kelly Chambers, a two-time Tennessee Tech graduate and the current assistant director for the university's Crawford Alumni Center.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Harry Ingle, Tennessee Tech's executive director for Student Affairs and head of the university's new Office of First-Generation Student Success. Then, we hear from Andrea Kruszka, assistant director of the Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation, a celebrated local artist and current Tennessee Tech graduate student.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by State Senator Paul Bailey, who represents the Tennessee Tech campus as part of his six-county region in the Tennessee General Assembly. Senator Bailey discusses the importance of Tech’s Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge, lessons he learned from an early campaign loss, future goals in the state legislature and the impact of Tennessee Tech on his district and his own life. Up first, we hear from Tennessee Tech 2024-2025 Student Government Association President Kelsey Hewitt who shares her passion for student government, her favorite parts of life in Cookeville, and how she hopes to put her education and foreign language majors to use in her future career.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by University Archivist Megan Atkinson. Megan discusses the history behind the upcoming centennial anniversary of Tech's identity as the Golden Eagles and shares about Tech's rich concert history, including performances on campus from Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond and others. Then, we hear from Tech alumnus and former assistant basketball coach Steve Taylor. Steve spent 27 years with the FBI and was named to Tech's all-century basketball team in 2022, but his proudest accomplishment is his family - including his daughter Maria Taylor, the host of "Football Night in America" on NBC.
In the season two premiere of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Amy New, a Tennessee Tech alumna, member of the Tennessee Tech Foundation Board, and the President and CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. Then, we hear from Tennessee Tech head football coach Bobby Wilder about his plans for the Golden Eagles' upcoming season.
On the season one finale of College Town Talk, we're joined by Kaitlin Salyer, a Tennessee Tech graduate and former staff member who now serves as talent development director for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and was this year's recipient of the Mandala Award at Tech's annual "Window on the World" festival. Later, we hear from J.R. Russell, a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus who now serves as administrator of the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program at the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville.Thanks for making College Town Talk part of your week and check back in fall 2024 for all new episodes!
This week on College Town Talk we're joined by Lela Gracy, the reigning Miss Tennessee Tech and a current senior majoring in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity and French. Then, we're joined by Tennessee Tech alumnus and award-winning sports writer Thomas Corhern. Thomas has served as Tech's sports information coordinator since 2016 and previously worked for a decade at the Herald-Citizen, Cookeville's local newspaper.
This week on College Town Talk we're chatting with Dr. Alma Núñez, associate professor of finance at Tennessee Tech’s College of Business. Dr. Núñez tells us about the college's events for Financial Literacy Week (April 1-5) made possible through a partnership with Wilson Bank & Trust. Later, we hear from Myron Douglas, MPH, a 2010 Tennessee Tech graduate who now works as a health communications specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Myron tells us about his passion for public health, his CDC deployments to faraway countries and the fraternity at Tennessee Tech that significantly impacted his life. (Programming note: Portions of this week's episode are recorded by phone due to power outages from a severe weather event at the time of our recording. As a result, the audio may sound slightly different from past weeks.)
This week on College Town Talk we're joined by Bob Luna, a longtime community leader, proud Tennessee Tech alumnus and the voice of the Golden Eagle Marching Band for more than 30 years. Then, we hear from Amelia Greer. Amelia is the morning anchor for WDEF News 12 in Chattanooga and a proud graduate of Tennessee Tech's class of 2023.
This week on College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are visited by Chelsea Dartez, founder and publisher of the popular local magazine Cookeville Lifestyle. Then, we hear from Dr. Helen Hunt, director of the Women's Center at Tennessee Tech University and associate professor of English. Find Cookeville Lifestyle on Facebook at @cookevillelifestyle and Instagram at @cookevillelifestyles. Find the Tennessee Tech Women's Center on Facebook and Instagram at @tntechwomenscenter.
This week on College Town Talk, we're joined by Tennessee Tech alumni Jay Albrecht and Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Jay owns the popular local restaurant "Seven Senses" and is a former newspaper publisher who was recently named chair of the board for the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Espinoza is a native of Peru and a proud graduate of Tech Honors. Today, she is an award-winning chemical biologist, National Geographic explorer, sought-after speaker and host, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional.
As Black History Month comes to a close, Jonathan and Shan are joined by two trailblazing Tennessee Tech alumni. First, we hear from Morris Irby who, in 1967, became the first Black baseball player recruited to Tennessee Tech. Morris is a Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame member and a past board leader for IMPACT Cookeville, WCTE-TV, the Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP, and other organizations. Later, we're joined by three-time Tennessee Tech graduate Lori Jackson Strode. Lori is a longtime local educator and past IMPACT Cookeville honoree of the year who recently directed and co-created the Cookeville Theatre Company's production of "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dream," a musical and spoken-word production honoring the struggles and triumphs of Black history.
On this special Presidents' Day episode of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by a bipartisan pair of Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles who previously served in presidential administrations. First, we hear from Penny Grace Judd, a Tech alumna and former SGA President who served under President George W. Bush. Then, we hear from Cheryl Montgomery, director of program development and engagement in Tech's College of Business, who worked on the Clinton-Gore 1992 presidential campaign and served in the Clinton administration for more than five years as an aide to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
This week on College Town Talk, we're catching up Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, a trailblazing athlete, coach, and university administrator. Dr. Murphy is a Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame member and the 2005 winner of the university's Distinguished Alumna Award. She is also the former athletic director at Columbia University and the University of Denver. Dr. Murphy now serves as a vice president with The PICTOR Group, an intercollegiate athletics consulting firm. Later on, we are joined by Luke Eldridge, the vice mayor of Cookeville and a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus from the class of 2010. Luke is also an executive director at Career TEAM, an organization dedicated to closing the opportunity divide, reducing unemployment and eradicating poverty.
On episode 20 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Monic Ductan, associate professor of English at Tennessee Tech and author of the new book, "Daughters of Muscadine." Then, we hear from Lee Gatts, a former Tennessee Tech SGA President and Derryberry Award winner who now serves as vice president of government affairs for the Water Sports Industry Association.
On episode 19 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Dr. Jennifer Shank, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Tennessee Tech, who gives us all the details about the college's upcoming "Arty Gras" celebration on March 2. Then, we hear from Larry Stone, the president and general manager of Stonecom Radio - the company behind many of your favorite Upper Cumberland radio stations.Be sure to get your Arty Gras tickets at www.tntech.edu/fine-arts/
On episode 18 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Claire Myers, a Tennessee Tech senior and current Student Government Association (SGA) vice president. Later in the program, we're joined by Lisa Uhrik, a Tennessee Tech alumna and the co-owner of Plenty Downtown Bookshop in Cookeville.
On episode 17 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan hear from Rev. Dr. W. Antoni Sinkfield, the winner of Tennessee Tech's 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Later in the program, we're joined by Jamie Lankford, the owner of Jamie's Eats & Sweets in Cookeville.
College Town Talk is kicking off 2024 with an appearance from country music sensation, Tennessee Tech alumnus, and winner of season 17 of The Voice, Jake Hoot. We also hear from Dr. Christina Mick, director of the Tennessee Tech University Counseling Center.
On episode 15 of College Town Talk, we're joined by the power couple of Hannah and Justin Davis - Tennessee Tech alumni who own Vertical Coffee Company in downtown Cookeville. Later in the program, we hear from Dr. Joseph Slater, dean of Tennessee Tech's College of Engineering.
On episode 14 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Brooke Mayo, a Tennessee Tech soccer alumna and officiant at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. We also hear from Dr. Catherine Godes, professor of piano in Tennessee Tech's School of Music. Dr. Godes shares a deeply personal story about her late husband's years in a Nazi concentration camp and how his memory inspires her work to combat antisemitism today.
On episode 13 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Tennessee Tech alumna Kirsten Cooper, the owner of The French Cookie of Cookeville. Later in the program, we hear from Dontrell Baines, a former Golden Eagles football player and the chair of the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors.
On episode 12 of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan are joined by Philip Gibbons, a Tennessee Tech alumnus who is a CMA Award and ACM Award-nominated radio personality for 94.7 The Country Giant. We also hear from Susan Luna-Hazlewood, a Tennessee Tech alumna and the newly appointed director of Tech's Crawford Alumni Center.
On a special episode of College Town Talk, Jonathan and Shan memorialize Michelle Huddleston, a longtime Tennessee Tech staff member and proud alumna who passed away on Oct. 21. Joining us to share tributes are Tennessee Tech Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Robert Owens, Tennessee Tech Dean of Students Dr. Katie Aikens, Tennessee Tech Vice President for Enrollment and Communication Karen Lykins, Tennessee Tech Assistant Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Wellbeing Sandra Bohannon, and Former Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton along with his wife, Shannon.As discussed in this episode, the Tennessee Tech Food Pantry was a passion of Michelle's and a hallmark of her legacy on campus. Please consider giving toward the fund to rename the food pantry in Michelle's memory at https://giving.tntech.edu/pages/food-pantry.
On episode 10 of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout speak with Chance Hale, a junior at Tennessee Tech and president of the Student Government Association. Later, we hear from Emma Crabtree, a Tennessee Tech alumna who owns Glass Tangerine, a plant shop and mercantile located in Cookeville's historic West Side.
On episode nine of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout speak with Dan Allcott, professor in Tennessee Tech's School of Music and the music director for the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. We also hear from Lindsay Pride, a Tennessee Tech alumna and award-winning journalist who serves as the editor of the local newspaper for Cookeville and surrounding areas, the Herald-Citizen.
On episode eight of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout speak with Addison Dorris, a Tennessee Tech senior and current student trustee on the university's Board of Trustees. Later in the program, we're joined by Dr. Sean Ochsenbein, a proud Tennessee Tech alumnus, 2018 Medal of Valor recipient, and chief medical officer with Ballad Health at several East Tennessee hospitals.
On episode seven of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout talk with Andrew Buckner, a Tennessee Tech alumnus and local musician who also serves as editor-in-chief of Cookeville Lifestyle. Later in the program, we're joined by Terri Ritter, the president of the Cookeville Art Studio & CAS Gallery.
On episode six of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Dr. Cynthia Polk-Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs at Tennessee Tech.
On episode five of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by Dr. Lori Mann Bruce, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tennessee Tech, and Biskie Duncan, a Tennessee Tech alumna now serving as morning news anchor for KSLA News 12 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
On episode four of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by State Representative Ryan Williams and Charria Campbell, the director of student engagement and Intercultural Affairs at Tennessee Tech.
On episode three of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by Becky Magura, a Tennessee Tech alumna and the President and CEO of Nashville Public Television (NPT), as well as Dr. Michael Aikens, the director of the Center for Rural Innovation at Tennessee Tech and the administrative chair of the Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge.
On episode two of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by Mark Wilson, director of athletics for Tennessee Tech, and Anna Dunn, a Tennessee Tech alumna and the owner of Soul Craft Coffee.
On the series premiere of College Town Talk, co-hosts Jonathan Frank and Shan Stout are joined by Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton and Tennessee Tech Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Robert Owens.
This week on Tennessee Tech Today, we talk to Dr. Holly Anthony, Professor in the department of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education about her work and winning the university’s Caplenor Award, the university’s highest faculty honor. We will also hear from David Johnson, a Tennessee Tech almunus who is moving up the ranks of Nissan’s corporate structure and currently serving as senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management.
In this week’s episode of Tennessee Tech Today, we talk to newly-elected Student Government President and junior business major Addison Dorris. We also chat with Chemical Engineering Professor Pedro Arce, winner of the university’s Scholar-Mentor Award.
This week on Tennessee Tech today, we talk to student winners of this year’s Eagle Works competition to hear about their innovative and award-winning business ideas. Another display of student ingenuity is set to take place April 21st with the 17th Annual Research and Creative Inquiry Day on Tech’s campus. We will talk to event organizer Amy Hill and some of the students presenting their work.
In this week's episode of Tennessee Tech Today, we celebrate cultural diversity, and harmony with an event held on Tech's campus! We will hear from a Tech alumna about why she has a passion for teaching. And WTTU, Tech's radio station, is celebrating 50 years of achievements and success.
In this program, for only the second time in school history, a student has earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship; one of the most coveted and highly sought after scholarships in the nation. We’ll visit with the winner and those who actually encouraged him to apply when he was reluctant to do so. And this coming week is one of the most popular in the sporting world, the Masters. A director of career development at Tech has a special connection with the tournament. We’ll learn about his ties to a tournament that is a tradition unlike any other.
In this episode, Tennessee Tech has three different professors that have received National Science Foundation career awards this year. The Golden Eagle women’s basketball team advanced to the second round of the women’s National Invitation Tournament. Coach Kim Rosamond reflects on the season and what’s ahead.
In this program, from rising gas prices to increased interest rates, Tennessee Tech’s dean of the college of business says it’s the most volatile time for the economy in recent U.S. history. The college of business is also hosting a women’s leadership conference at the end of March, celebrating achievements of women and discussing working in the post pandemic world.
In this program, the spring engineering job fair took place this past week. More than 150 companies from across the southeast made their way to the Hooper Eblen Center to interview Tech’s best and brightest.
A significant number of the representatives of the companies attending the job fair were very familiar with Tennessee Tech. We will visit with some alumni that once were engineering students, and now are back at the job fair recruiting for companies.
Tennessee Tech has earned high honors from an organization that focuses on service to the military and veterans. Tech has been rated a military friendly school with additional honors, recognizing the university’s support and commitment to active military members, veterans and their families.
In this program, the war between Russia and Ukraine has escalated quickly. We will hear the perspective of a Tennessee Tech political science professor on what has become a full-scale war in less than two weeks.
On a brighter topic, it’s never to early to start thinking about summer camp. The Elinor Ross Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School, which is sponsored by Tech’s college of education, has an amazing six week summer program for disadvantaged children and families that is accepting applications now.
And we’ll learn more about an initiative to help reduce costs for Tech students. This year the program saved almost 1,000 Tech students a total of almost 150-thousand dollars.
In this program, Tennessee Tech faculty are finding ways to reduce the financial burdens on students, using open educational resources to utilize free online textbooks and more. A small group of faculty helped save students almost 150-thousand dollars this semester. The landscape keeps changing in collegiate athletics. The Ohio Valley Conference and the Big South have announced an agreement to combine their two conferences for football starting in 2023. Tennessee Tech president Phil Oldham explains what that means for Tech, as well as what the future might hold.
In this episode, one of the world’s biggest current headlines is the potential invasion of the Ukraine by Russia. A Tennessee Tech political science professor helps us understand what’s going on and what’s at stake. The man who led the Tennessee Tech University marching bands and all its musical ensembles for almost 30 years is now enshrined into the National Band Association hall of fame, along with legends the likes of John Philip Sousa. And Engineers Week is coming on campus. We’ll learn about the schedule of events, competitions and challenges where engineering students battle to decide which major is the best.
In this program, Tech hosts and manages a website that is really a one stop shop for those interested in giving their time to organizations through volunteerism or service, or for those that need assistance. And it’s not just for students or staff. Anyone can take advantage and get involved. The national signing day for college football took place recently. Tech head football coach Dewayne Alexander signed 13 players to become Golden Eagles. The coach will talk about how the landscape of recruiting has undergone a drastic change, with the addition of subjects like Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal, as well as the impact of Covid.
In this edition, Tech president Phil Oldham discusses his recent meeting as a member of the NCAA Board of Governors overseeing collegiate athletics. He also touches on local issues including the renovation of Tucker Stadium and the prospect of new interstate gateway signage. The Oakley STEM center not only provides teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to college students, but also provides events for young children that haven’t even started school yet.
In this edition, Tech celebrates the 50th anniversary of its women’s basketball program. Head coach Kim Rosamond reflects on a memorable get together to celebrate the anniversary. A Tech cybersecurity team of students has earned a top three finish in an international competition.
In this episode, Martin Luther King, Junior events at Tennessee Tech revolve around more than just one day, with service as the theme. A cybersecurity team of students from Tech recently placed third in an international competition, and had to find a way to do it remotely. An assistant professor of mechanical engineering is involved in research hoping to create a car that drives itself.
In this episode, more than 800 degrees were awarded during Tennessee Tech’s fall commencement. One went to a registered nurse on the Tech campus who overcame hardship and abuse in her early years to build a wonderful life and family, and now holds a master’s degree. And we’ll get some helpful tips from a Tech cybersecurity expert on how to avoid being scammed during the holiday season.
Mechanical engineering students at Tennessee Tech have been designing and constructing special projects for special needs students in the upper Cumberland region for years. We’ll join a group of students on the delivery of one of their projects. The department chair of the school of mechanical engineering is passionate about engineering, but he’s also passionate about meditation, and what it can do for you.
The holiday season can be extremely stressful for students dealing with impending exams. We will get some tips on things to do and not to do in studying to prepare. With the COVID pandemic and the stress of holidays, the Tech counseling center is there to serve all who need help. Allison Clark knows very well what her players are going through during the holidays. The assistant basketball coach was a Tech student athlete a couple of decades ago.
The holiday can be a joyous time for many, but for some it can be stressful and depressing. We’ll get tips on what to look for in yourself and in others to help combat depression. Tech mechanical engineering students have been providing special gifts for special needs children in the upper Cumberland for years. That tradition continues this holiday season. Tech president Phil Oldham revisits the Wings Up Way.
In this program, mechanical engineering students at Tennessee Tech combine practical classroom experience with designing and creating equipment to help special needs children in the upper Cumberland region. Tech president Phil Oldham lays out plans for a significant upgrade of the university’s football facilities, a new Football Operations Center and a renovation of Tucker Stadium. Advice from Tech’s school of human ecology on dealing with the challenges of all the food that goes with Thanksgiving.
Homecoming weekend means induction of the new classes of the Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Frank Harrell has been a part of the Tech community for 40 years. The annual Alumni Awards are handed out, and include a member of the Tech Board of Trustees who was surprised to be selected as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus. Tech’s Director of the School of Art, Craft and Design Kimberly Winkle describes the current faculty exhibition on display in the Derryberry Art Gallery. Matt Bragga led the Tech baseball team to unprecedented success in 2018. After three years away, he’s back as coach of the Golden Eagles.
In this program, the Marc Burnett Student Recreation and Fitness Center is one of the most popular buildings on the Tech campus. Coordinator of intramural sports Les Fralix details how the building has garnered national awards. Ken Moore is a Tech graduate whose career has taken him from success as an orthopedic surgeon to the mayor of one of the most popular cities in middle Tennessee. November 11th is Veteran’s Day. Ben Iles is one of a large number of Tech students who currently or previously served in the United States military.
Tech director of admissions Steve Keller describes the on-campus and off-campus initiatives to recruit new students. Professor of theater Mark Creter is the artistic director for the Backdoor Playhouse, which opens its 67th year of performances on campus this coming week. Men’s golfer Nick Sutton is a tournament champion, winning the Battle at Black Creek in Chattanooga to claim Ohio Valley Conference men’s golfer of the week honors.
hristina Mick, interim director of the Tech Counseling Center, talks about the joy of helping students, and dealing with life during the pandemic Director of Greek Life Alyssa Robinson discusses what fraternity and sorority life are like on the Tech campus, and how rewarding Greek life can be Men’s basketball coach John Pelphrey previews the upcoming season, and remembers his own battle with COVID.
In this episode, Tech assistant professor of physics Adam Holley talks about new research about the development of the universe that has landed in a national publication. Director of the College of Business Cheryl Montgomery shares details on the annual Fall Celebration, featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. Tech women’s basketball coach Kim Rosamond shares the excitement and expectations for a run at a championship season.
Capt. Barry Wilmore, member of the TN Tech Board of Trustees, on waiting for his next NASA spaceflight. A visit with six members of the Tech class of 2025 that are National Merit Finalists. Pingen Chen, assistant professor for mechanical engineering, on what the proposed new Ford manufacturing and battery plant in west Tennessee means for Tech and for its students.
Brandon Johnson, vice president for enrollment management and career placement, discusses the new Presidential Scholars program, with more scholarships and more money for more students. Tech president Phil Oldham talks about his appointment to a board overseeing collegiate athletics. Steve Keller, director of admissions, provides a preview of the annual Preview Day on campus coming up Saturday, October 2nd.
Guests are Russ Coughenour, director of career development at Tennessee Tech, on the upcoming Engineering/STEM career fair at the Hooper Eblen Center and how it can be a life changing event for Tech students, Mark Wilson, director of athletics at Tennessee Tech, on the football game at Tennessee, the philosophy of scheduling games like this, what it means to Tech financially and otherwise, and how games like this may become more difficult to schedule in the future.
Guests are Dr. Joe Slater, dean of the College of Engineering, on the groundbreaking for the new Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, Lieutenant Colonel James Bryant, professor of Military Science, on staff of Tennessee Tech University ROTC, on the stair run at Tucker Stadium to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Polk Brown, head coach of the Tennessee Tech men’s golf team, on the start of the season and his new role of no longer being the head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams.
Guests are Don Sowers, adjunct professor for the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, who helped coordinate volunteers for the clean up efforts in the massive flooding in Waverly Dr. Jeremy Wendt, chair and professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education, on Tech having the first licensed program completer in the state of Tennessee in the new K-12 Computer Science Education program. Courtney Brehm, assistant director for New Student & Family Programs, discussing the upcoming family weekend at Tennessee Tech.
Guests are Cynthia Polk-Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs, on her new role at Tech, the appeal of the university and of Cookeville and putting students first; Dewayne Alexander, head football coach of the Golden Eagles, on entering the new season with the opener Thursday, September 2nd.
The guest is Tennessee Tech University president Dr. Phil Oldham. Topics covered include beginning a new year on campus, dealing with the COVID pandemic past and present, building and growth on campus, relationships with the local government and community, research opportunities for students and vision for the future.