MORRISTOWN - For the fourth consecutive year, enrollment is up at Walters State Community College.

A record-setting 6,967 students are enrolled for the fall 2010 semester, which is a 1.5

percent increase over the fall 2009 semester. The college also experienced a 0.5 percent

increase in full-time equivalent students, with 4,816 students.

“With the economy still struggling to recover, individuals are turning to Walters State and

other community colleges in larger numbers than ever before to learn more marketable

skills and improve their position in the workforce,” said Dr. Wade B. McCamey,

president of Walters State.

Enrollment figures for each of Walters State’s satellite campuses is as follows:

Greeneville/Greene County Campus, 1,089; Sevier County Campus, 1,898; and Claiborne

County Campus, 419.

Half of Walters State’s students are enrolled in programs that prepare them for

employment immediately after graduating and half are university parallel students who

plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.

In addition to more individuals returning to college as a result of the economic recession,

McCamey says that enrollment at Walters State has trended upward over the last several

years because of programs and services that meet the specific needs of students.

“We continue to utilize technology via online and video-streaming courses as well as

offer classes at area high schools and during evenings and on weekends so that higher

education opportunities are more accessible to residents of our area,” McCamey said.

The college also offers numerous services, such as free tutoring, counseling and other

support services that help students succeed.

“The college’s job placement rate is 92 percent and our graduation rate is tied for first

among the state’s community colleges because our faculty and staff are committed to

helping our students achieve their educational and career goals,” McCamey also said.

MORRISTOWN - Author Amy Greene will present the original draft of her New York Times bestselling novel, "Bloodroot" at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010. The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. in the R. Jack Fishman Library on Walters State's Morristown campus. The manuscript will be preserved in the library's vault within the archive room.

The manuscript being presented is a rough draft, written in longhand. Greene will be speaking at the presentation and to an English class following the reception. Her second novel, "Long Man," is forthcoming from Alfred A. Knopf.

For information or directions, please contact Debra Williams, associate director of public information, at (423) 585-6822

MORRISTOWN - Walters State Community College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for,
according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Survey results, released today in The Chronicle’s third annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 42,000 employees at 277 colleges and universities.

In all, only 97 of the 277 institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition
for specific best practices and policies. Walters State was one of only 39 colleges or
universities that made the honor roll for being cited in the most categories. And it was
also one of only nine community colleges to be selected as a “Great College to Work
For.”

Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Walters State
included among the medium-sized institution with an enrollment of 3,000-9,999 students.
Enrollment at Walters State is 6,800 students.

Walters State won honors in eight categories:
• Collaborative Governance
• Professional/Career-Development Programs
• Teaching Environment
• Compensation and Benefits
• Facilities, Workspaces, and Security
• Confidence in Senior Leadership
• Respect and Appreciation
• Diversity
“While Walters State has developed well-defined policies and guidelines related to a
productive, supportive and respectful workplace, this recognition is really an affirmation
of the professionalism and quality of the college’s employees,” said Dr. Wade B.
McCamey.
“I believe the college received high marks in so many categories because Walters State
faculty and staff are committed to a shared purpose to improve the lives of individuals
through education.” McCamey said.
“The Great Colleges to Work For” designation represents the third time in which Walters
State has received national recognition in the past year. Walters State was also named
the eighth safest campus in the country by StateUniversity.com as well as the fourth
most technologically advanced community college of its size by the Center for Digital
Education and “Converge” magazine.
“The Great Colleges to Work For” survey results are based on a two-part assessment
process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from
each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional
support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition
was the employee feedback.
To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle worked with ModernThink
LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous “Best Places
to Work” programs, surveying hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.
Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most respected workplace-
recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all the results of
the survey, visit The Chronicle’s Web site at http://chronicle.com/academicworkplace.

SEVIERVILLE - A one-year program at Walters State Community College offers a convenient way
for health care majors to take required general education courses in a convenient and
quick format. College Express for Health Majors will begin its second cohort this fall, enabling
students to take courses required to enter respiratory care, nursing, health information
technician or physical therapist assistant programs.

Students meet one night a week for most classes and take one class at a time.
(Science classes require an additional meeting each week for lab.) Under a traditional
schedule, these courses would take students longer than a year or would require students
attend full-time.

“Regardless of the specific major, health programs all require general education
courses that must be completed before entering the major. For example, students have to
take English composition and science courses,” said Connie Earls, coordinator of distance
education at Walters State. “With College Express for Health Majors, students take those
courses in one year without leaving their day jobs.”

Erika Carper is finishing up the final semester in last year’s program. She has
been accepted to Walters State’s nursing program and will start in the fall.
“I’ve been able to take all of these classes without taking time off work,” said
Carper, who decided to come back to school after working in banking for 10 years.
“I really like the set-up in that you only do one class at a time. I have been out of
school, so coming back with only one class at a time wasn’t as intimidating to me as
taking two or three classes all at the same time. This way is a good way to start back to
college.

The classes do move quickly, though, and Carper sites anatomy and physiology as
probably the toughest classes of the program. She worked very hard, though, at her
studies and her reward came in the mail a few weeks ago – an acceptance letter from
Walters State’s competitive nursing school.

“I was very excited to get the acceptance letter. I applied because I thought it
wouldn’t hurt. I thought I might have to wait and apply again in the fall because I’ve
heard from different people that it is very competitive.

“Now, it’s going to work out great. I will finish the Express Program in August
and then start nursing,” Carper said.

For more information about College Express for Nursing, call Connie Earls at
(423) 585-6899.

Walters State Community College student Erika Carper, left, and Connie
Earls discuss the classes Carper took in College Express for Health Majors. Carper
will complete the program next month and has been accepted into the college’s nursing
program. The program allows students interested in health care careers to take needed
prerequisites in a convenient and accelerated pace.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The sophomore duo of Dylan Pratt and Michael White powered the ninth-ranked Walters State Senators to a 6-4 victory in the opening game of a crucial three-game Tennessee Community College Athletic Association series at Cleveland State Friday afternoon at Cougar Field.

Pratt drove in five runs in the win, including a three-run homer in the fourth inning and an eventual game-winning two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning.

White was dominant on the mound once again for the Senators, as the right hander from Anderson County went the distance and recorded 12 strikeouts in the victory.

With the win, Walters State strengthens its hold on the top spot in the TCCAA standings, as they improve to 16-5 overall and 11-1 in league play.

The loss dropped the Cougars to 21-10 for the year and 9-4 in conference action.

Logan Bowers continued his shot streak at the plate for the Senators by recording a pair of hits and driving in the other run for the victors. Shaun Ball and Adam Guinn had the other hits for Walters State, and Ball scored two runs in the win.

Cody Hooper, Adam Hindman and Cody Ferrell each had a hit in the loss for Cleveland State, with Ferrell smacking a homer in the defeat.

White (4-0) allowed four runs – three earned – on just three hits while walking three and fanning 12 batters in nine innings to record the win.

Travis Tingle (5-2) took the loss after giving up six earned runs on eight hits while striking out five, walking three and hitting two batters in 8.2 innings of work.

The series will conclude Saturday afternoon when the two teams battle in a doubleheader. First pitch of the double dip is slated for noon.

SEVIERVILLE - Walters State Community College has been named one of the country’s Military Friendly Colleges and Universities as compiled by KMI Media Group, an independent publisher of targeted information about military information and technology.

“On behalf of everyone at “Military Advanced Education” and KMI Media Group, let me congratulate you and everyone at Walters State Community College for the inspired effort you put into making it easier for our men and women in uniform to advance their careers by enhancing their educations,” said Glenn R. Berlin, associate publisher for the group.

      The college was chosen based on a survey of services available for veterans and students on active duty or in reserve/national guard units. Currently, 149 Walters State students are attending the college through some sort of veteran’s affairs benefits, including the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

      “Walters State Community College has always strived to make educational opportunities accessible to our service members, their dependents and veterans at any stage of their life. Seeing this reflected through this national recognition is very rewarding,” said Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State. McCamey noted that technology now allows students to take advantage of educational opportunities anywhere.

      “A few years ago, one of our students was enrolled in classes as his U.S. Navy ship sailed to the Middle East.”

      Jackie Stewart, the Student Government Association’s Sevier County Campus representative, is one of the veterans taking advantage of his educational benefits at Walters State. Stewart retired from the U.S. Army in 2002. A native of Newport, he enrolled in the Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts. He’s almost ready to graduate with an associate’s degree, but plans on continuing his education in business.

      “While I was in the Army, I fell in love with cooking, so this was a natural choice for me,” Stewart said.

      “I haven’t had any problems in getting my benefits or my classes. It’s very easy to make the transition to student as a veteran here,” Stewart said. He wasn’t surprised that the college had been named to the list.

      Like many veterans, Stewart’s first contact as a veteran was with Jim Wilder, dean of student records and the college’s veteran’s service officer. He also serves as an informal advisor to the college’s veterans.

      “We try to get veterans certified as soon as possible so they can enter college. I try to work their military training into the programs,” Wilder explained, adding that many veterans have already completed college courses while in the service.

      Wilder takes advantage of every opportunity he has to encourage veterans to take advantage of their benefits while they have them. A common misconception is that G.I. Bill benefits last forever. Wilder explains that for veterans who signed up under the Chapter 30 program, benefits expire ten years after their date of release from active duty. Benefits expire 15 years after that date for veterans covered under the Post 9/11 Program.

      Veterans who are interested in attending Walters State should contact Wilder at (423) 585-2683 or Jim.Wilder@ws.edu. 

Veteran Jackie Stewart, right, meets with Jim Wilder, dean of student records at Walters State. Stewart, who retired from the U.S. Army, has almost completed his associate of applied science degree in culinary arts. Wilder serves as an informal advisor to the college’s veterans. Walters State was recently named one of the country’s military friendly colleges and universities.

JACKSON — Jackson State’s gymnasium has been a house of horrors for the Walters State Senators and coach Bill Carlyle, but the Senators bucked the trend Saturday with a 72-66 victory over the Generals.

Walters State (7-2, 4-1 TCCAA) jumped out to a 47-30 halftime lead and held as much as a 27-point lead in the second half before Jackson State (2-7, 0-6) rallied late.

 

The Generals cut the lead to four in the final minute but got no closer.

 

The Senators shot 45.9 percent (28 of 61) from the field in the contest, and made 6 of 12 from long distance.

 

Fred Sturdivant led Walters State with 12 points in the game, while Marsallis Malone tallied 11 points and nine rebounds in the victory.

 

The Generals shot 40.9 percent (27 of 66) in the contest and made only 6 of 23 from three-point range.

 

Lavonte Henderson paced Jackson State with 17 points in the contest, while Malcolm Burton added 16 points and Ralph Strayhorn and George Woods each netted 10 in the defeat.

 

The Senators will return to action Friday night when they host Volunteer State on Pride Night. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m.

 

Walters State 72, Jackson State 66

Walters State                47        25      —  72

Jackson State               30        36      —  66

Walters State (72)

Fred Sturdivant 12, Marsallis Malone 11, Crisp 8, Flynn 8, Randolph 8, Smith 6, Wells 6, Holleman 5, Gienapp 2, Newbell 2, Twilley 2, Upton 2.

Jackson State (66)

Lavonte Henderson 17, Malcolm Burton 16, Ralph Strayhorn 10, George Woods 10, Kemp 4, Hodge 3.

3-Point Field Goals: WS (6) Crisp 2, Flynn 2, Randolph 2. JS (6) Burton 3, Woods 2, Hodge.

MORRISTOWN - Walters State Community College bestowed one of its highest honors on three retired professors today.  Dr. Anne C. Armstrong, Dr. Judith Hector and Dr. Samuel R. O’Dell each received the title of Professor Emeritus.

“I am pleased to bestow this status on three of the college’s most respected faculty members,” said Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State. “Each of these professors has dedicated much of their scholarly work and their community service to this institution. The college, their colleagues and, most of all, their students have benefited greatly from this dedication.”

Armstrong, now professor emerita of English, joined Walters State in 1970 and rose through the ranks of faculty to become professor of English. She served as head of the English Department from 1979-93.She retired in 2000.

      “Dr. Armstrong was not only committed to improving students’ understanding of and appreciation for good writing and literature, but she promoted students’ participation in cultural activities as well. She initiated the college’s first cultural events calendar that was appreciated by her colleagues as much as her students.

      “Her creative writing classes attracted many of our best students and nourished both their freedom and artistry of expression,” McCamey said.

      Hector, now professor emerita of mathematics, joined the faculty in 1973. She served as dean of mathematics from 1984-2004.

      “Dr. Hector served Walters State both by her outstanding instruction in the classroom and her accomplishments in both national and state educational organizations. Under her leadership, the mathematics division provided considerable outreach to teachers and students throughout our region. Her legacy of service to the community continues to be put into practice.

      “She consistently emphasized the need for a sound curriculum carried out by innovative, research-based instructional activities,” McCamey said.

      O’Dell, now professor emeritus of history, also joined Walters State in 1970. He also rose through the ranks to become professor of history and political science. From 1972-79, he served as division chair for social sciences.  He retired in 1999.

      “Dr. O’Dell’s scholarly approach to teaching and continued personal and professional development truly epitomized the college professor. He was known among his colleagues for his sense of humor, quick smile and ability to tell a good nonfiction or fiction story. Among his students, he was known fondly as a faculty member who could easily keep their attention while weaving through years of American history,” McCamey said.

      Walters State Community College has previously named only two individuals to receive this honor. Dr. James Ford, retired professor of astronomy, received the honor in 2006. He was also present at today’s ceremony. The late Dr. Darrell D. Simmons served as the college’s first dean of instruction and later became professor of technology and special assistant to the president. He retired in 1981.  

Walters State Community College honored four professors with the title professor emeritus during a special ceremony on Monday. Seated is Dr. Samuel R. O’Dell, professor emeritus of history. Standing are Dr. James Ford, professor emeritus of astronomy; Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State Community College; Dr. Judith Hector, professor emerita of mathematics; and Dr. Anne Armstrong, professor emerita of English.

MORRISTOWN - A new event for car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts is slated for this January at the Walters State Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center.

The inaugural Open Vehicle Extravaganza will be held Jan. 16-17 at the Expo Center in White Pine. The extravaganza is open to all cars, trucks, low riders and motorcycles.

           Advanced vehicle registration is $15; at-the-door vehicle registration is $20.  Spectator admission is $5.

           Show hours are 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Jan. 16 and from noon-6 p.m. on Jan. 17.

           The Expo Center will be open for vehicle staging on Jan. 15 from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Judging will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, with the awards presentation to begin at 4 p.m.

           Vendor space will be available in the concourse area of the Expo pavilion. To reserve vendor space, call (423) 318-2720 or (423) 674-6000.

           The extravaganza, which is sponsored by the Morristown Lions Club, is a fundraising event to benefit Walters State athletics.

           For more information or to register a vehicle, contact Gene Honeycutt at (423) 312-6972 or at Gene@morristowntnlionsclub.com.

MORRISTOWN - Area homeowners and businesses are invited to attend a weatherization seminar Thursday, Oct. 15, at Walters State Community College. A free dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and the seminar begins at 5:30 p.m.

Candyce Hitchcock, TVA regional manager, and Sherion Holmes, a senior stakeholder relationship tax consultant, will talk about weatherization procedures that make buildings more energy efficient and the tax incentives that are available to help offset the cost of changes.

      There is no charge to attend the workshop or the dinner, which is funded by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and administered by the Center for Workforce Education. 

      “This is an introduction to what’s happening in weatherization and how available tax credits can be utilized for energy efficient projects. Ms. Hitchcock will specifically talk about some of the new programs TVA has to offer,” said Dr. Nancy Brown, dean of workforce development at Walters State Community College.

      Reservations are requested and can be made by contacting Connie O’Vercum, interim director of the Walters State Center for Workforce Education, at (423) 318-2341 or Connie.Overcum@ws.edu.

SEVIERVILLE - Area businesses and industry will have a chance to learn about how emerging clean energy technology could improve their operations at a workshop offered by Walters State Community College’s Center for Workforce Development.

The workshop begins at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 in the Duggins Foundation Room on the Morristown campus. Breakfast will be provided.

      The workshop is offered at no cost and is funded through an allocation from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The funds will enable the college to develop new training programs to meet the workforce requirements for clean energy installation and maintenance.

      “This workshop will provide information on what types of new energy systems are available. Participants who attend will be able to make decisions on future purchases and plans based on the information given,” he said.

      The workshop will cover the use of solar energy, geothermal fuels and biodiesel fuels as well as technology. Skills that will be needed for future systems will also be discussed.

      “This information applies to basically any business and industry from a very small business to a major corporation. Regardless of the size, every company’s energy usage will be impacted in the future by clean energy technology or regulations,” he explained.

      Sewell is hoping the workshop also gives him a gather feedback on what type of clean energy technology appeals most to business and industry officials in this area. Information gathered may be used in designing future programs.

      Sewell added that the technology will save money for most businesses, but he plans to discuss how to calculate a return-on-investment regarding clean energy purchases. Materials will also be available for attendees to take back to their offices. While the workshop is designed for business and industry, it is open to anyone interested in clean energy technology.

      For more information or to make reservations, contact Connie O’Vercum, interim director of the Center for Workforce Education, at (423) 318-2341. 
 

Walters State Community College staff members Dr. Nancy Brown, dean of workforce development; Connie O’Vercum, interim director of the Center for Workforce Education and Thomas Sewell, dean of the Technical Education Division, go over plans for next week’s Clean Energy Technology Workshop. The workshop is free and is going to be held on the Morristown campus.

MORRISTOWN - More students than ever are enrolled at Walters State Community College.

A total of 6,862 students are attending Walters State for the fall 2009 semester. This figure breaks the college’s previous enrollment record by 648 students, which was set in 2003 when 6,214 enrolled.

      Compared to last year, the fall 2009 enrollment represents a 15.9 percent increase in headcount, or 943 more students.

      Enrollment for full-time equivalent (FTE) students is also up significantly, at 4,794. This represents a 17.4 percent increase over fall 2008.

      Enrollment at all satellite campus sites is up. The college’s Claiborne County Center for Higher Education experienced the largest percentage increase, with 30.6 percent more students this fall. A total of 396 students are attending the Claiborne County Center. A total of 1,590 students enrolled at the Sevier County Campus, which is up 17 percent over last year. And the Greeneville/Greene County Center for Higher Education is up 11.1 percent, with 1,132 students enrolled. Enrollment numbers will not be finalized until next week and could change slightly. 

      The dramatic increase in enrollment is partially a consequence of the economic recession. Historically, enrollment at community colleges goes up during periods of economic downturn, according to college officials.

      “When unemployment levels increase, individuals who have lost their jobs turn to community colleges as one of the quickest ways in which to learn skills that prepare them for new career opportunities,” said Dr. Wade B. McCamey, president of Walters State.

      McCamey said that the increase in enrollment also underscores the fact that community colleges such as Walters State are in the best position from which to make programmatic changes that correspond with the current needs of the local workforce.

      “We are continuously assessing the needs of the local workforce to ensure that we are providing programs that lead to a competitive workforce,” he said.

      Walters State has developed several programs and services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of dislocated workers.

      “The college’s Center for Workforce Development works with individuals who have lost their jobs, providing career guidance and other employment-related services,” said McCamey.

      Walters State also provides services such as counseling, job placement and free tutoring that are designed to help such students choose a career and succeed academically.

      “Our goal is not only to provide academic instruction of the highest quality but to help students achieve their academic and career goals by offering support services that increase their chances for success,” McCamey said.

      The significant enrollment increase at Walters State has presented many challenges for the college, McCamey also said. However, the college has been able to accommodate the additional 943 students through innovative class scheduling and the use of adjunct faculty.

      A new student services building is currently under construction at the Morristown campus, which will provide for some much-needed space when it opens in December 2010. The college is also in the process of securing a larger facility for its Claiborne County Center and has begun renovations at its Greeneville/Greene County Center.

MORRISTOWN - One of the world’s leading communications experts will talk about the effects of technology on world affairs on Sept. 29 at Walters State Community College. Irene S. Wu, director of research for the international bureau of the Federal Communications Commission, will speak on “The Internet and International Politics” at 10 a.m. in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex. Wu is the author of  “From Iron Fist to Invisible Hand,” which examines China’s efforts to control communication as it has grown into an economic and political superpower.

Her appearance is part of the college’s International Festival.

      “The Internet is such a big change because it allows anyone to create and share content,” Wu said. A big challenge now facing society is learning how to use so much information, she added.

      Contrary to popular myth, Wu said modern communications technology like cell phones and the Internet is widely available in non-democratic countries like China and Iran.

      “The technology is very accessible in the sense that there are more phones and more computers available to the ordinary person. For political activists who really want to organize and communicate, they can get around technical restrictions. Ordinary people would rather not risk living their ordinary, peaceful lives to communicate about political happenings,” Wu said.

      “For those people who really want to communicate, they cannot be stopped. For ordinary people, though, the efforts of the Chinese government make expressing opinions too costly.”

      Wu is a former Yahoo! Research Fellow at Georgetown University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor. 

      Wu watched with interest the political unrest in Iran over the summer. There, election protests were squelched by the government but not before film footage reached an international audience though the use of Twitter and YouTube.

      “It’s always interesting to see how available the technology is and how many people access it. In many aspects what happened in Iran would have happened anyway, but the technology allowed the rest of the world to be aware of it.”

      Wu said technology influences political affairs and the governing process as it becomes easier.

      “During the Tiananmen Square (protests of 1989), the big breakthrough was the fax machine. Faxing made it much easier to send messages in Chinese, a character-based language.  The fax machine was the Twitter of their time,” Wu explained.

      Wu’s appearance is sponsored by the college’s International Club and the international fee committee. The event is free.

MORRISTOWN - Walters State Community College will hold auditions for the fall production of “The King and I” from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 8. Auditions will be held in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex on the Morristown campus. The production is planned in conjunction with the Morristown Theatre Guild.

      Director Jerry Maloy said that the play has many roles, including singing roles for 12 children. Twelve adult male roles, including speaking and non-speaking roles, will be cast and 25 adult female roles. Twelve of the female roles are for dancers. Many of the roles do require singing.

      Dancers should come to the auditions dressed in loose clothing that allows for movement. Others should prepare 16 measures of a Rodgers and Hammerstein song or an operatic aria. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions will be on an individual basis.

      “The King and I” will be performed the first two weekends in November. For more information, contact Maloy at (423) 585-6958 or at Gerald.Maloy@ws.edu. 

MORRISTOWN - Walters State Community College has announced the appointment of new faculty members and professional staff with the start of the 2009-10 academic year.

Connie Crooks of Greeneville has been named assistant professor of respiratory care. She holds an A.S. from the University of Kansas; a B.S. from Friends University and a M.S. from Pittsburg State University. She was previously employed as director of respiratory care at Labette Community College in Parsons, Kan. 

      Mark Dunaway of Whitesburg has been named an instructor of biology. He holds an A.A.S. from Southwest Virginia Community College; a B.S. from East Tennessee State University and a M.S. from East Tennessee State University. He was previously employed as an adjunct faculty member at Walters State.

      Dr. Whitney Locke Jarnagin of Russellville joins the college as an assistant professor of psychology. She holds a B.S. from East Tennessee State University, an M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. She was previously a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Tennessee.

      Dr. Abigail Marie Mabe of Powell is an instructor of biology and anatomy. She holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in biology from East Tennessee State University. She was previously a postdoctoral intramural research training associate at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md., and an adjunct professor for Walters State.

      Susan Roberts of Morristown joins the faculty as an assistant professor of art. She holds a B.S. from Jacksonville State and two M.S. degrees and a M.F.A. degree from the University of Alabama. She previously served as an Artist-in-Residence at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

      Ann Harrill Rogers of Dandridge joins the college as a reference librarian. She holds a B.S. and an M.S. from the University of Tennessee. She previously served as a temporary part-time librarian at Walters State.

      Brian Massey of Kodak joins the college as an internet systems analyst/webmaster. He holds a B.S. from Tennessee Technological University and previously worked as a software support engineer for G.E. Healthcare.

SEVIERVILLE - Two continuing education courses on social networking are planned at the Walters State Community College’s Sevier County Campus.

The Level 1 Social Networking for Business is a three-hour course that covers the initial set-up of FaceBook and Twitter Accounts. The class also explores the basics of how these Web-based tools can be used to market and develop businesses. The class is being offered at two times: 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 8 or 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Oct. 6. The fee is $65.

      The Social Networking for Business Level 2 will teach participants how to better use FaceBook and Twitter accounts to market a business or organization. This fast-paced workshop includes a live demonstration and covers special events, promo blasts and FaceBook statistics. Students will also learn how to link accounts. Those attending this workshop must already have a FaceBook or Twitter account established. This class is also being offered at two different times: 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 and 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. The fee for this class is $45.

      Both classes have limited seating. Those taking the class may bring laptops with wireless Internet cards or use one of the college’s computers at no extra charge. Kim Bridges, director of marketing for Wilderness Resorts, will be teaching the classes.

      Register online by visiting www.ws.edu/ceed or contact Kris Galitza at (865) 774-5851 or Kristine.Galitza@ws.edu. 

SEVIERVILLE - Walters State Community College’s Continuing Education and Economic Development Office is offering non-credit courses at the college’s Sevier County Campus in September 2009. To register or for more information on the courses, please call Walters State’s Continuing Education and Economic Development office at (865) 774-5852 or e-mail Kristine.Galitza@ws.edu. Excel - 2007 Quick Course 2: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15. Fee $179. Nurse Aide Training: 5-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, begins Sept. 8. Fee $499. Parents, Children & Divorce: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24. Fee $40. Principles of Banking: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, begins Sept. 10. Fee $235. SHRM Learning System - PHR/SPHR: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, begins Sept. 10. Fee $950. Wedding Coordinator/Consultant: 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, begins Sept. 10. Fee $475.

MORRISTOWN - A Walters State Community College professor has been honored with a prestigious award for work appearing in “Appalachian Heritage.”

[caption id="attachment_8231" align="alignnone" width="199" caption="Viki Rouse"][/caption]

Viki Rouse, assistant professor of English, has received the Denny C. Plattner Award given each year to recognize the best fiction work appearing in the literary journal. Rouse accepted the award for a previously unpublished short story, “The Spot on the Sofa” written by the late Mildred Haun of Hamblen County. Rouse researched and found the story in Haun’s archives.

 

      Haun is best known for her collection of short stories, “The Hawk’s Done Gone.”

      “Although I am extremely honored to receive the Plattner Award, all accolades really go to Mildred Haun,” Rouse said.

      “Serving as guest editor for the Mildred Haun issue of ‘Appalachian Heritage,’ I was fortunate enough to find this previously unpublished story in Haun’s collection. This recognition underscores the need for us as a region to claim and embrace our own.”

Rouse added that she planned to use the last phrase as a theme for a 2011 celebration of Appalachian literature and culture coinciding with what would have been Haun’s 100^th birthday.

      Rouse teaches Appalachian literature each fall at Walters State. This year, she plans to focus on the present and past of the region’s literature. The class will look at James Still’s “River of Earth,” Wilma Dykeman’s “The Tall Woman” and Ron Eller’s “Uneven Ground.” The class includes projects and field trips. Those interested in Appalachian literature who do not want college credit may audit the class. The class is also open to senior citizens at a substantial discount. 

      For more information, contact Rouse at (423) 585-6963 or Viki.Rouse@ws.edu. 

GREENVILLE - As a high school junior, Jamie Kilgore dove into Walters State’s dual enrollment program. The Greeneville student graduated high school with 53 college credit hours – and, according to mom Amanda, saved over $20,000 in college tuition.

 “We thought it was a good opportunity to get a head start on college,” Amanda Kilgore explained. “When we realized that our (home school) satellite school would also give him high school credit, there wasn’t a down side to it.”

      Dual enrollment courses give high school students the chance to take college courses on campus, online and, many times, at their schools. Students earn both high school and college credit for the courses. The program is available in all ten counties served by the college. About 600 students enroll each semester.

      Walters State counselor Rodney Freeman said the number of courses taken is left up to the individual student. While young Kilgore is an exception, most dual enrollment students have at least a semester or two behind them by the time they enter college as freshman.

      “Juniors often take American history and psychology. Seniors may take English composition, probability and statistics and a computer course,” Freeman said.

      Freeman feels that the credits aren’t the biggest benefit.

      “Dual enrollment makes for an easier transition to college. Even though the courses are college classes and may be more difficult than high school classes, it’s in a small class and in a place familiar to students. Students gain confidence and it helps them succeed in college, whether they choose to attend Walters State or another institution,” Freeman said.

      Kilgore has been accepted at  Nashville’s Belmont College as a music production major. All of his credits transferred, meeting general education requirements and music electives. He also auditioned and was accepted into the college’s acclaimed vocal performance program and may pursue a minor in that area.

      “When I first started dual enrollment, I planned on taking a couple of classes. I didn’t know you could take so many classes. I knew it would be hard because it was college, but with a lot of hard work, anyone can do it,” Kilgore said.

      His mother felt a little more apprehensive.

      “I was worried that he might be overwhelmed,” she said.

      “Our attitude was ‘we’ll try it.’ He made friends very quickly and studied with them. His professors were always willing to meet with him and listen to his concerns,” she added.

      Kilgore has already recorded his first CD, “Jamie Kilgore Part 1.” His father, Dr. James Kilgore, is the executive director of Free Will Baptist Ministries in Greeneville.

      To enter the program, students must have B average and meet ACT scores requirements for English and math courses. The Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship may pay part of the tuition for one class a semester. For more information, contact Connie Earls, coordinator of distance education at (423) 585-6983 or Connie.Earls@ws.edu. 

Jamie Kilgore, right, is one of the youngest members of Walters State’s Alumni Association. He earned 53 hours of college credit while completing high school through the college’s dual enrollment classes. From left are Drucilla Miller, dean of the Walters State Greeneville/Greene County Center for Higher Education, and Amanda Kilgore, Jamie’s mother.

MORRISTOWN - Walters State Community College invites new students to attend one of three final orientations before classes begin. Orientations may also be completed online at any time by visiting www.ws.edu/Admissions/orientation. Fall semester begins Aug. 29.

Orientation on the Morristown campus will be Tuesday, Aug. 25, with sessions from 2-4:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Students who have not decided on a major should attend the later session.

      Orientation at the Walters State Greeneville/Greene County Center for Higher Education is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.

      Students are required to complete an admissions application prior to attending orientation. Applications are available online at www.ws.edu or at any Walters State campus.

      During orientation, students have the opportunity to meet with faculty advisors from various departments and representatives from financial aid and admissions. Students also register for fall semester during orientation. Students may also pay tuition and purchase books at orientation.

      There is no cost to attend orientation, but registration is required. Students may register at www.ws.edu/Admissions/orientation or by calling (800) 225-4770, ext. 4.