Tusculum College

infobox University


name = Tusculum College
motto = "Sit Lux" (Latin)
("Let there be light")
established = 1794
endowment = US $12.9 million
type = Private
president = Russell "Rusty" Nichols
"(Interim President)"
staff = 206
faculty = 79
undergrad = 2,053
postgrad = 252
city = Tusculum
state = Tennessee
country = USA
campus = Rural, convert|140|acre|km2
athletics =NCAA Division II
South Atlantic Conference
14 sports teams
colors = Orange and Black

affiliations = Presbyterian Church (USA)
mascot = Pioneers
website = [http://www.tusculum.edu/ www.tusculum.edu]
|

Tusculum College is a coeducational private college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) with its main campus in Tusculum, Tennessee, a suburb of Greeneville. It is Tennessee’s oldest college, and the 23rd oldest operating college in the United States. [Rudolph, Frederick (1990). "The American College and University: A history". Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press. (ISBN 0820312843)]

In addition to its main campus, the institution maintains a regional center for Graduate and Professional Studies in Knoxville, and additional satellite campuses across East Tennessee.

History

In 1794, two years before Tennessee became a state, Presbyterian ministers Hezekiah Balch and Samuel Doak, both educated at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), were ministering to the pioneers of East Tennessee, which was then the southwestern frontier of the United States. [Ramsey, J. G. M. (1853). "Annals of Tennessee to the end of the eighteenth century" (p. 627). Charleston, SC: Walker & James Press.] They also strove to meet the educational needs of these Scots-Irish settlers. Doak and Balch were both visionaries who ultimately sought the same goals through their rival colleges. They wanted to educate settlers of the American frontier so that they would become better Presbyterians, and therefore, in their vision, better citizens. [Patrick, James (2007). "The beginning of collegiate education west of the Appalachians, 1795-1833: The achievement of Dr. Charles Coffin of Greeneville College and East Tennessee College". Lewiston, NY: E. Mellen Press. (ISBN 0773454470)]

Origin of name

Doak christened the institution "Tusculum" after the homestead of Princeton University’s then-president Dr. John Witherspoon, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. The original Tusculum was a city near Rome, Italy and home to Roman scholar and philosopher Cicero, who, along with others, identified the civic virtues that form the basis of civic republican tradition, which emphasizes citizens working together to form good societies that in turn foster individuals of good character. [Sexton, Jr., Donal J., & Smith, Jr., Myron J. (1994). "Glimpses of Tusculum: A pictorial history of Tusculum College". Marceline, MO: Walsworth Publishing.]

Key institutional events

*1784 Samuel Doak establishes Martin's Academy (renamed Washington College Academy in 1795) [Merrium, Lucius Salisbury (1893). [http://books.google.com/books?id=VSoTAAAAIAAJ&printsec=titlepage| Higher education in Tennessee] . In Adams, Herbert Baxter (Ed.) "Contributions to American educational history" (Vol. 16, pp. 226-231). Washington, DC: Bureau of Education.]
*1794 Greeneville College, was chartered in by the General Assembly of the Territory South of the River Ohio, and established by Hezekiah Balch. [Brown, Leah M. (1988). "Rev. Hezekiah Balch, D.D. (1741-1810): A biography." Milwaukie, OR.]
*1808 Hugh Brown receives first academic degree from Tusculum's predecessor Greeneville College
*1816 Samuel Witherspoon Doak (son of Samuel Doak) founds Tusculum Academy, which operated in a log cabin adjacent to the present site of Tusculum College. [Wills, David (1873). In memoriam: Memorial discourse delivered on the occasion of the erection of a monument to the memory of Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak, D.D., at Greeneville, Tennessee. "Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2"(27), p. G3.]
*1844 Tusculum Academy renamed Tusculum College. ["Thirty-ninth annual report of the Board of Education of the Presbyterian Church" (1858, May; pp. 42-43). Philadelphia: C. Shermman & Sons.] Andrew Johnson, who later became the 17th President of the United States, was one of its trustees. Johnson often walked the five miles to and from Greeneville to participate in the debating activities at Tusculum. [Fuhrmann, Joseph T. (1986). "The life and times of Tusculum College". Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ASIN B000712RQ2]
*1860s During the Civil War, college buildings served as barracks for soldiers.
*1868 Greeneville College and Tusculum College merge to become Greeneville & Tusculum College
*1878 First female students admitted to Greeneville & Tusculum College. By the turn of the 20th century, more than half of its students were women.
*1878 Student editor/printer Landon C. Haynes publishes first student newspaper, "The Record", which later became "The Pioneer"; now known as "The Pioneer Frontier"
*1908 Merger of Washington College Academy and Tusculum College
*1912 Washington College Academy breaks away from the current Tusculum College
*1913 McCormick Day (a.k.a. “Nettie Day”) established, a day of service on campus and the local community. Through the philanthropy of Nettie Fowler McCormick — widow of Cyrus Hall McCormick, the inventor of a notable mechanized reaper — five major buildings were added on campus. [Wheeler, Frank T. (2000). "Tusculum College Tennessee: The college history series". Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. (ISBN 0738506117)]
*1917 First yearbook published, known as both "Tusculana" and "Opus"
*1927 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) formally accredits Tusculum for the first time
*1950s Lantern festival begins, honoring graduating seniors and soon-to-be seniors
*1984 Graduate and Professional Studies Program begins, extending learning opportunities to adult students. Originally titled Tusculum Adult Leaders Learning (TALL), the program opened satellite campuses locations throughout East Tennessee.
*1991 Civic Arts core program begins
*1991 Focused (block) calendar adopted

Presidents

*Greeneville College (1794-1860)
** Hezekiah Balch, D.D. 1794-1810
** Charles Coffin, D.D. 1810-1827
** Henry Hoss 1828-1836
** Alfred Hoss 1836-1838
** James McLin, B.A. 1838-1840
** Samuel Matthews 1843-1845
** Charles Van Vlech 1845-1846
** John Fleming 1846-1847
** William B. Rankin, D.D. 1854-1858
** John Lampson 1859-1860
*Tusculum Academy (1829-1868)
** Samuel Doak, D.D. 1818-1829
** Samuel Witherspoon Doak, D.D. 1829-1844
*Tusculum College (1844-1868)
** Samuel Witherspoon Doak, D.D. 1844-1864
** William Stephenson Doak, D.D. 1865-1868
*Tusculum and Greeneville College (1868-1912)
** William Stephenson Doak, D.D. (1868-1882)
** Alexander M. Doak (acting) 1882-1883
** Jeremiah Moore, D.D. 1883-1901
** Samuel A. Coile, D.D. 1901-1907
** Charles O. Gray, D.D. 1907-1912
*Tusculum College (1912-present)
** Charles O. Gray, D.D. 1912-1931
** Charles A. Anderson, D.D. 1931-1942
** John McSween, D.D. 1942-1944
** Jere A. Moore (acting) 1944-1946
** George K. Davies, Ph.D. 1946-1950
** Leslie K. Patton (acting) 1950-1951
** Raymond C. Rankin, D.D. 1951-1965
** Douglas C. Trout, Ph.D. 1965-1968
** Charles J. Ping (acting) 1968-1969
** Andrew N. Cothran, Ph.D. 1969-1972
** Thomas G. Voss, Ph.D. 1972-1978
** Earl R. Mezoff, Ed.D. 1978-1988
** Robert E. Knott, Ph.D. 1989-2000
** Thomas J. Garland (interim) 2000
** Dolphus E. Henry III, Ph.D. 2000-2007‡
** Russell L. Nichols, Ph.D. (interim) August 2007-present‡‡

‡ The Tusculum board of trustees placed President Dolphus Henry on paid administrative leave on 22 May 2007, following a vote of no confidence by the faculty. [ [http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0,1406,KNS_347_5550160,00.html Tusculum College president on leave] , "Knoxville News Sentinel", May 23, 2007] . Two trustees with notable experience as university presidents (Drs. Edward J. Kormondy and Angelo Volpe) alternately shared leadership responsibilities until an interim president could take office. [ [http://www2.tusculum.edu/news/?p=80/ Trustees Volpe, Kormondy taking on transitional presidential leadership at Tusculum College] , Tusculum College press release, May 29, 2007.] Dr. Henry announced his resignation in July 2007. [ [http://www2.tusculum.edu/news/?p=94 Dolphus Henry resigns as president of Tusculum College] , Tusculum College press release, July 19, 2007.]
‡‡ Dr. Russell L. Nichols, president emeritus of Hanover College, assumed the duties of interim president on 1 August 2007. [ [http://www2.tusculum.edu/news/?p=95 Dr. Russell L. Nichols coming as interim president of Tusculum College] , Tusculum College press release, July 19, 2007.]

Academics

=Accreditation=

Tusculum is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees and the Master of Arts in education and the Master of Arts in organizational management.

It also maintains institutional memberships with the American Council on Education, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Council for Opportunity in Education [http://www.coenet.us] , the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association [http://www.ticua.org] , the [http://www.state.tn.us/sbe/ Tennessee State Board of Education] , the Appalachian College Association [http://www.acaweb.org/] , the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, the American Association of University Women, the American Medical Association, and the New York State Board of Regents.

Programs of study

Majors. Tusculum College offers these main fields of specialization to its undergraduate students: Athletic Training, Biology ("with concentrations in Medical Pre-Professional, Pre-Physical Therapy, Medical Technology, Organismal Biology, and Pre-Pharmacy"), Business Administration ("with concentrations in General Management, Management Accounting, and Economics"), English ("with concentrations in Literature and Writing"), Environmental science, Field Guide/Naturalist, History, Mass Media, Mathematics (with Computer Science concentration), Museum Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sports Management, Sports Science, and Visual Arts ("with concentrations in Fine Arts and Graphic Design").

Teacher licensure programs. Students seeking baccalaureate degrees in education select one of the following subfields to qualify for a state board granted license: Pre-Secondary Education ("Early Childhood Education PreK-3, Elementary Education K-6"), Secondary Education ("Biology 7-12, English 7-12, History 7-12, Mathematics 7-12, Psychology 9-12"), K-12 Education ("Physical Education K-12, Visual Arts K-12"), and Special Education ("Special Education Modified and Comprehensive K-12, Special Education Early Childhood").

Minors. In addition to their academic majors, students at Tusculum College can also study these secondary specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Coaching, Computer Information Systems, English, Environmental Science, History, Journalism, Film & Broadcasting, Mathematics, Management, Museum Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Visual Arts, and the following minors in Education: English, History, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education Modified & Comprehensive.

Other disciplines. Tusculum College also offers additional non-degree conferring courses in Geography, Music, Physics, Sociology, Spanish, and Theater.

Focused calendar

A semester at Tusculum College consists of four 18-day "blocks," during which students take one course per block. Students and faculty concentrate on a single course without the distraction of preparing for other classes. Because daily classes last an average of three hours, students and faculty interact a great deal more than a conventional 50-minute semi-weekly class. These extended periods are designed to allow deeper exchanges of ideas and more opportunities for each class member to participate. Faculty emphasize active engagement in their students, much in the tradition of the Socratic method.

Since no conflicts exist with other classes, faculty can arrange field trips, laboratory work, and other out-of-classroom experiences that would be impossible with the conventional format. For example, recent courses have included extended trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Europe, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C.. Dozens of other courses have included overnight or day trips as an integrated part of their curriculum.

The only three other colleges in the nation use this scheduling method are Colorado College, Cornell College, and The University of Montana - Western.

Buildings and facilities

:"an asterisk (*) denotes listing on the National Register of Historic Places"

*Byrd Fine Arts Center. Built in 1965 and named for Annie Hogan Byrd. This building also serves as the college chapel. Vicinity coord|36|10|28.5|N|82|45|32.2|W|scale:10000|name=Byrd Fine Arts Center.
*Charles Oliver Gray Complex. Built in 1969, the “COG” was named to honor Dr. Gray, Tusculum College president from 1907 to 1931. Renovated in 2000, it consists of three dormitories units and a classroom/office building. Each three-story dorm houses 35 students. Vicinity coord|36|10|21.4|N|82|45|42.7|W|scale:10000|name=Charles Oliver Gray Complex.
*Doak House Museum.* Reverend Samuel Witherspoon Doak built his Georgian influenced house circa 1830. A few years after the home’s construction its original balance and proportions were altered with the addition of an ell off the right side of the house. Samuel W. Doak and his father, Rev. Samuel Doak, started Tusculum Academy in 1818. The Tusculum Academy building was constructed later that year. Tusculum Academy moved up the hill in 1841 to what is now “Old College.” Tusculum Academy became Tusculum College in 1844. The existing Academy building is a replica of the original Academy. Vicinity coord|36|10|28.0|N|82|45|53.2|W|scale:10000|name=Doak House Museum.
*Haynes Hall.* Built in 1914 through the continued generosity of Mrs. Nettie Fowler McCormick, this building was named in honor of former Tusculum mathematics professor Landon Carter “Daddy” Haynes, who taught at the college for 65 years. This Colonial Revival building is similar to Rankin Hall in appearance, with many of the same architectural elements. Today, Haynes Hall serves as a men’s residence hall. [Haynes, Grace (1968). "The Daddy Haynes story: The life of professor Landon Carter Haynes". Morristown, TN: Carolina Ruling.] Vicinity coord|36|10|24.2|N|82|45|37.1|W|scale:10000|name=Haynes Hall.
*Katherine Hall. Built in 1962 renovated in 1999. The largest of six dormitories on campus, this three-story dormitory named for Katherine Rankin houses 140 students. Vicinity coord|36|10|24.6|N|82|45|31.5|W|scale:10000|name=Katherine Hall.
*Mastrapasqua Hall, et al. Built in 2002, these four three-story, apartment-style dormitories each house 48 students. Called “The Apartments” collectively, unit “A” was renamed Mastrapasqua Hall in 2003 in honor of trustee Frank Mastrapasqua. The remaining three units simply remain Apartments “B,” “C,” and “D.” Vicinity coord|36|10|20.1|N|82|45|47.2|W|scale:10000|name=Mastrapasqua Hall.
*McCormick Hall.* Named after Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the mechanical reaper, this building was constructed in 1887 using funds donated by Mrs. Nettie Fowler McCormick, Mr. McCormick’s widow. Many architectural features of the Romanesque period can be seen in this building, including arches, a bell tower, and hipped roof. McCormick Hall now houses Tusculum’s administrative offices and Tusculum’s historic bell which once rang proudly aboard the "U.S.S. Wyalusing", a Civil War fighting vessel, and continues to ring just as proudly to this day. Vicinity coord|36|10|26.5|N|82|45|38.9|W|scale:10000|name=McCormick Hall.
*Nichols Tennis Complex. Built in 1992 and named to honor Roger M. Nichols. Vicinity coord|36|10|19.8|N|82|45|33.4|W|scale:10000|name=Nichols Tennis Complex.
*Niswonger Commons. Built in 1999 and named for trustee and benefactor Scott M. Niswonger, this structure replaced the Simerly Union Building, which was erected in 1970. The new facility houses a full-service post office, a cafeteria operated by Sodexho, the bookstore, the "Pioneer Perk" student coffeehouse, the student radio station WTPL 610 AM, the student TV studio WTCV, a 24-hour computer laboratory, the campus safety office, classrooms, and various offices for faculty and staff. Additionally, the Commons features a gymnasium-swimming pool complex that incorporates the 2,000-seat "Alpine Arena" and a weight room/fitness center. Vicinity coord|36|10|20.4|N|82|45|38.0|W|name=Niswonger Commons.
*President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library.* Completed in 1841 to accommodate growth in student enrollment and known affectionately as “Old College,” this was the first building built on Tusculum’s campus. Andrew Johnson, the nation’s 17th President, donated $20 towards its construction. Johnson practiced debate here early in his career and later served as a trustee of the college. Major renovations in 1993 restored the museum and library to its original appearance. Today, it houses the collection of President Johnson’s private and family papers, and family artifacts. The museum and library also holds the "Charles C. Coffin Rare Book Collection" [Treadway, Cleo C., & McDavid, Lee (1983). "Catalogue of the Charles Coffin Collection at Tusculum College, the original library of Greeneville College, 1794-1827. Greeneville, TN: Tusculum College Library.] — the original College library, the College’s Archives, and features rotating exhibits. Some recent exhibits have included 19th century furniture handcrafted in East Tennessee, portraits of George Washington, and architecture features of the historic buildings on campus. The building also serves as home to the Museum Studies Program. Vicinity coord|36|10|24.9|N|82|45|45.3|W|name=President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library.
*President's House. Built in 1909 across the street from campus. Vicinity coord|36|10|33.6|N|82|45|34.4|W|name=President's House.
*Rankin Hall.* Built in 1923, this was the last building constructed using funds donated by Mrs. McCormick. It was originally named Gordon Hall after Mrs. McCormick’s grandson, but was rededicated in the 1950s at the request of Cyrus McCormick II and renamed in honor of senior professor, Thomas S. Rankin. This Colonial Revival structure has many elements of Georgian architecture, including third story dormers, arched pediments over the windows, and dentil molding. Built as a men’s dormitory, today Rankin houses the Athletic Department, the Center for Civic Advancement, and classrooms. Vicinity coord|36|10|22.2|N|82|45|40.7|W|name=Rankin Hall.
*Shulman Center. Built in 1971 and named to honor Herbert L. Shulman. Constructed in an attractive circular design, the center primarily functions as studios and offices for the Art and Design program. Vicinity coord|36|10|27.0|N|82|45|21.1|W|name=Shulman Center.
*Garland Library.* Built in 1910, it was originally named "Carnegie Hall" for benefactor Andrew Carnegie to house the library and gymnasium. After the gymnasium was built in 1930, it was renamed the "Carnegie Library." In 1991, it was renamed in honor of Albert Columbus Tate, the 1894 Centennial class valedictorian. After extensive renovation and expansion, it was renamed on May 19, 2008 to honor former Tennessee senator Thomas J. Garland. [ [http://www2.tusculum.edu/news/?p=195 Tusculum College dedicates library and names it after government and education leader Thomas J. Garland] , Tusculum College press release, May 19, 2008.] Vicinity coord|36|10|27.9|N|82|45|41.5|W|name=Tate Library).
*The Arch.* Constructed in 1917 at Tusculum College’s traditional entrance by J. T. Ponder, one of Tennessee’s foremost rock masons, using stone from the college’s own quarry. The Girl’s Glee Clubs of 1914-15 and 1915-16 donated money for the project. The arch has come to symbolize Tusculum College and except for Old College, the Doak House, and the Shulman Center the form is present in the architecture of every building on campus. Vicinity coord|36|10|30.0|N|82|45|39.1|W|name=The Arch.
*Tredway Hall.* Constructed in 1930, this is the only Tusculum building to be used continually for the same purpose since its inception. Originally known as the Science Building, it was renamed in 1989 in honor of William L. Tredway, an alumnus and benefactor of the college. This Neoclassical building’s entryway is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, with large Greek Revival columns and pointed Gothic Revival arched windows integrated into an Adamesque fanlight. Vicinity coord|36|10|28.4|N|82|45|45.7|W|name=Tredway Hall.
*Virginia Hall.* Designed by renowned Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, Virginia Hall was completed in 1901. The heavy, massive feel of the building is typical of Sullivan’s work. It was Tusculum’s first modern building with baths, furnace heat, and fire escapes. Virginia Hall was named in honor of Mrs. McCormick’s daughter Virginia, who died at an early age. Today it houses administrative and faculty offices and classrooms. Vicinity coord|36|10|28.0|N|82|45|36.1|W|name=Virginia Hall.
*Welty-Craig Hall.* Originally known as Craig Hall, this building was completed in 1892 and served as a men’s dormitory. It was named for the Reverend William G. Craig, DD, Mrs. McCormick’s pastor. It was through Rev. Craig that Mrs. McCormick was introduced to Tusculum College. In 1998, the building was renamed Welty-Craig Hall in honor of Stanley R. Welty, ‘51, a Board of Trustees Chair and benefactor of Tusculum College. This dormitory houses 40 students. Vicinity coord|36|10|24.2|N|82|45|41.0|W|name=Welty-Craig Hall.

Athletics

A member of the South Atlantic Conference, Tusculum fields 14 varsity teams in NCAA Division II competition. Across the board, the college places a priority on the academic success of its student-athletes. Tusculum has a tradition of excellence in intercollegiate athletics, with particularly strong programs in baseball, basketball, football, golf, and men’s and women’s soccer.

In 2004, Ricardo Colclough, a defensive back and kick returner, became the first Tusculum Pioneers football player to be drafted by the National Football League when he was selected in the second draft round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colclough, the only Tusculum player to appear in an NFL game, played for the Carolina Panthers. He was dismissed from the team in August 2008 after a DWI arrest. [ [http://www.greenevillesun.com/story/297526 Colclough Cut From Panthers Following Drunk Driving Arrest] , The Greeneville Sun, September 1, 2008.]

Key events in athletic program

*1900 Baseball team forms, becoming Tusculum Pioneers' first sports team
*1902 First women's athletic team (tennis) forms
*1903 Intercollegiate athletics play begins
*1903 Football team forms
*1906 Basketball team forms
*1912 First professional athletic coaches hired
*1924 First women's basketball team formed
*1925 Institution joins Smoky Mountain Athletic Association
*1930s Intramural sports program begins, including Lady Pioneer softball team
*1970 Soccer team forms

ports facilities

Tusculum’s sports facilities include lighted football, baseball, soccer and softball fields, an intramural field, and six lighted tennis courts that support a variety of outdoor activities as well as physical education instruction.

A new, modern athletics complex was dedicated in October 2003 in honor of business and community leader Scott M. Niswonger, a member of Tusculum College’s Board of Trustees, whose donations made the new facility possible. Its major features include a field house located behind the west end zone of Pioneer Field, with large locker area facilities that can be divided into four locker rooms. An indoor practice and soccer facility with interior space of about 44,400 square feet features FieldTurf, an artificial playing surface used by major college and NFL teams.

With improvements made through the athletics complex development project, Pioneer Field's seating capacity is now at 3,500. New parking facilities were added through the project. New and improved pedestrian ways, fencing, and lighting in the athletics complex area were developed in a style to match that already on the campus. A modern press box facility, built to blend with the architectural style of the campus’s most historic facilities, is also part of the athletics complex project.

A baseball stadium, "Pioneer Park", was added to the complex in 2004. The stadium, used by both the Tusculum Pioneers baseball team and the Greeneville Astros, the Minor League Baseball team of the Houston Astros, has a seating capacity of 2,500 and features a covered seating area.

References

Further reading

*Allen, Ortha B. (1970). "The philosophy of the library-college and its applications to Tusculum College" (thesis). Johnson City, TN: East Tennessee State University. (OCLC 25212791)
*Bailey, Gilbert L. (1965). "A history of Tusculum College, 1944-1964" (thesis). Johnson City, TN: East Tennessee State University.
*Hearn, Steven B. (1983). "Survival strategies for Tusculum College: An ethnographic evaluation of enrollment, student recruitment, and school image" (thesis). Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee – Knoxville. (OCLC 9939082)
*Patrick, James (2007). "The beginning of collegiate education west of the Appalachians, 1795-1833: The achievement of Dr. Charles Coffin of Greeneville College and East Tennessee College". Lewiston, NY: E. Mellen Press. (ISBN 0773454470)
*Ragan, Allen E. (1945). "A history of Tusculum College, 1794-1944". Greeneville, TN: The Tusculum Sesquicentennial Committee. (LCC 46018213)
*Treadway, Cleo C. (1974). "Reclassification: The Tusculum way". Greeneville, TN: Tusculum College Press. (OCLC 6922139)

External links

* [http://www.tusculum.edu/ Tusculum College website]