The event is a collaboration among the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the ������� College of Arts & Sciences and the ������� Turner Center for Rural Leadership. The program is also supported by the Dr. Charles D. and Tammy B. Haney Faculty Development Fund.

Through discussion and interactive exercises, participants will explore five central themes: the historical presence of incivility; how today’s environment differs from earlier periods; the causes of polarization and communication breakdown; strategies for communicating across disagreement; and ways to practice civility within communities and workplaces.

Two versions of the workshop will be offered on Monday, Oct. 5, in the Martin Hall Auditorium. Student sessions will be held at 8:00–8:50 a.m. and 9:00–9:50 a.m. A workshop designed for ������� faculty, staff and community members will be held from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The workshops will be led by William (Bill) Lyons and Andrew (Andy) Busch of the Baker School.

Bill Lyons serves as associate director for community outreach for the Institute of American Civics and director of policy partnerships at the Baker School. He is also professor emeritus of political science at UT Knoxville. Lyons retired from the university in 2011, following more than 35 years of teaching, administrative leadership and research.

Andy Busch is the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His teaching and research focus on American political institutions, elections, and public policy. He has authored, co-authored or edited more than two dozen books.

“Universities should be places where people learn not only how to develop and defend ideas, but also how to listen, disagree thoughtfully and remain in relationship with people who see the world differently,” said Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and student experience. “This collaboration amongst universities allows us to bring practical tools for civil discourse to our students and employees while modeling the kind of partnership and engagement we want to strengthen across our campus and communities.”

The event reflects �������’s commitment to creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, civic engagement and stronger communities through education and partnership.

������� the �������

The ������� provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, ������� offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.

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“These awards reflect the very best of what we value at �������: excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship and service and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom,” Chandler said. “Paul Cockson, Stanton Belford and Claire Paul each represent those values in distinct and important ways. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they continue to have on our students, our university and the communities we serve.”

Three bi-annual awards were presented during the address:

Rising Faculty Award: Paul Cockson, assistant professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member, whether tenure-track or non-tenure-track, in the first five years of building a strong record of teaching, scholarship, or creative activity and service, who demonstrates exceptional promise and momentum. Cockson combines student-centered research with experiential learning, including research on Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly traps), giving students opportunities to apply classroom concepts through hands-on scientific research.

External Impact Award: Stanton Belford, associate professor of biology

This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose work advances �������’s external presence through community partnership, public-facing impact and regional or professional engagement. Notably, Belford leads coral reef monitoring and conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago that bring together research, education and community outreach while engaging students in efforts to address environmental challenges.

Fred E. Ford Exemplary Educator Award: Claire Paul, assistant professor and special education program coordinator

This award recognizes a ������� full-time faculty member whose teaching demonstrates sustained excellence, student engagement and meaningful contribution to student learning and success during the academic year. Paul consistently supports �������’s Teacher Education and Grow Your Own programs, helping prepare future educators and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.

The recognition of Cockson, Belford and Paul highlights the breadth of contributions made by ������� faculty through teaching, scholarship, service and engagement. Their accomplishments reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success and the meaningful impact of faculty work across the university.

������� the �������
The ������� provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, ������� offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.

Media Contact
Kyley Wolf, kwolf@utsouthern.edu
931-424-2015 ext. 3078

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Dr. Rebecca Todd Garvin, Prof. Cochran Pruett and Prof. Nan Wakefield will present their proposal, “Before the Sign: Building the Linguistic Landscape Through Community Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Research.” The presentation highlights work from a ������� interdisciplinary team spanning the history, computer science and English departments.

The project, known as the Maplewood Project, brings together faculty, archaeologist Claiborne Sea and community leaders in Pulaski to examine how language, history and place intersect. The research focuses on documenting and interpreting the region’s linguistic landscape through collaborative, community-based approaches.

Garvin will also co-present a second paper, “(Dis)embodied LL Narratives of Post-Crisis,” with Dr. Stefania Tufi, head of the Italian linguistics program at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

That study explores post-crisis narratives in both Italy and the United States, analyzing how they are represented through printed materials, images, public signage and memorial landscapes. The research includes a focus on Italian cultural and historical expression following World War II.

The Linguistic Landscape Workshop is an international forum for scholars examining the role of language in public spaces, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to explore how language can shape identity, memory and community.

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Established in 1966, the UTAA awards program honors outstanding faculty across the University of Tennessee System. ������� began participating in the program in 2023.

Faculty are nominated by students, with final selection determined by campus leadership. In nominations, students consistently highlighted Young’s dedication, accessibility and impact on their academic and professional development.

Students described Young as “kind, patient, respectful, resourceful” and credited her with providing consistent support throughout their academic careers. Several noted her guidance during Praxis exam preparation and clinical experiences, emphasizing her role in helping them build confidence as future educators.

Young reflected on the recognition and the impact of her work with students.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the ������� Teacher of the Year award,” Young said. “I am grateful to be part of such an incredible community of educators. Most importantly, I am thankful for my students as they are my ‘why.’ They inspire and challenge me every day to grow and do this work with purpose.”

“What truly sets her apart is her accessibility and compassion,” one student wrote. “She is consistently willing to go above and beyond to support her students, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unsupported.”

Young is a dedicated educator, having spent 29 years in K-12 education before joining ������� full-time in March 2023 as the Grow Your Own Coordinator. During her tenure in K-12, Young taught kindergarten, served in leadership roles in Giles and Fayetteville City Schools and led partnerships with local industry. Young has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Grissom School of Education since 2017.

Young will be recognized at the UTAA Board of Governors meeting in June in Knoxville. As part of the award, she will receive a $1,000 stipend, along with travel and event accommodations. The recognition reflects �������’s continued emphasis on high-quality instruction and student-centered learning.

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Biology faculty and students attended the Annual Association for Southeastern Biologists conference, held March 25-28 in Mobile, Alabama. During the conference, faculty contributed to the academic program through session leadership and research presentations, including a lightning talk focused on assessing stream health in Pleasant Run Creek using integrated biological and water quality metrics.

Students Denton Watkins, Leighanna Williams and Shanna D. Hanes presented research on fish community structure as an indicator of water quality in Pleasant Run Creek. Williams, Watkins and Hanes also presented a quantitative stream health assessment based on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Rebecka Roddy and Stanton Belford presented research on crayfish diversity in Giles County, while Olivia Cheplin and Samara Mattiello explored evolutionary drivers of mimicry in Papilio glaucus.

Faculty also supported the broader scientific community by moderating sessions and serving as judges for student research presentations, while students gained experience presenting their work in a professional setting.

At the same time, mathematics faculty attended the 105th Annual Conference of the Mathematical Association of America Southeast Section, held March 26-28. Dr. Sarah Eskew presented on mastery-based grading in a remedial math course, Dr. Jac Cole presented on a flipped-classroom approach to teaching statistics and Dr. Jennifer Aust presented on strategies for teaching logic and proof writing.

Chemistry student Drew Britton also presented research titled “From Solar System to Strata: Modeling the Atmospheric Heating of Cosmic Dust”, building on work developed through the SCUDEM Differential Equations Modeling Contest.

Eskew also contributed in her role on the section’s executive board, helping lead Project NExT sessions that support early-career mathematics faculty across the region.

These experiences reflect �������’s continued emphasis on experiential learning, faculty scholarship and opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world academic and professional settings.

The department will continue that work April 22 as ������� hosts its 11th Annual EarthFest Creek Cleanup, inviting campus and community members to participate in environmental stewardship efforts.

Kyley Wolf

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All sessions will be held in the Gault Fine Arts Recital Hall on the ������� campus (433 W. Madison Street, Pulaski). Finalist names and background information will be provided one day prior to each public forum and will be available on the .

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The forums will also be streamed live on the  for faculty, staff and students to view, and will also be archived and available for viewing by the general public at the conclusion of the final forum.  Opportunities to provide feedback will be available on the  when interviews begin.

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The ������� is inviting alumni, friends, and the local community to take part in FIRE Week, its annual celebration of philanthropy and school spirit, happening February 10–14, 2025. This special giving week is a time to rally support for ������� and its students, ensuring they continue to have access to the personalized, high-quality education that defines the university.

Throughout the week, ������� will host various events to engage both the campus and community, culminating in the university’s Official Giving Day on Thursday, February 13.

FIRE Week Events Open to the Community: · Tuesday, February 11 – A Taste of Common John (Info & Tickets Here)

· Wednesday, February 12 – Enjoy a Food Truck Lunch on The Green, then cheer on the Firehawks at The Curry during the home basketball game, featuring exciting giveaways and fan engagement.

· Thursday, February 13 – Official Giving Day – Join Us in Making an Impact! Community members, businesses, and alumni can show their support by making a gift. Every contribution helps expand opportunities, enrich student experiences, and strengthen �������’s as a pillar of education in the region.

FIRE Week is a time for our community to come together in support of our students and the future of �������. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on student success. For more information about FIRE Week, visit /event/fire-week/.

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Most recently, Blumenthal served as Executive Vice President of Administration & Finance at Portland Community College (PCC), Oregon’s largest community college. During his tenure, he oversaw a $1.5 billion biennial budget, directed financial operations across multiple divisions, and led major initiatives, including bond programs that achieved significant taxpayer savings and the implementation of the Workday ERP system. He also developed PCC’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to his role at PCC, Blumenthal held leadership positions at the University of Western States, Portland State University, and other institutions, consistently driving financial improvements, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing institutional growth. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Oregon Presidents Council’s Cam Preus Award for extraordinary commitment to community colleges and the Portland Business Journal CFO of the Year honor.

Blumenthal holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Boston College, graduating cum laude. An active community leader, he has served on boards such as NAMI Clackamas and as a peer evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

“Eric’s extensive expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing �������’s financial and administrative priorities,” said Linda C. Martin, Chancellor, �������. “We are excited to welcome him to our campus during this pivotal time.”

Blumenthal’s appointment reflects �������’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and financial stewardship as the university continues to grow and serve the region.

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Dr. Jones has held diverse leadership roles across Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and SACSCOC accreditation review teams at both private and public institutions. He has consistently focused on a student-first approach, prioritizing process improvements, building strong community partnerships, and empowering staff to excel. Dr. Jones holds an A.S. in Education from Young Harris College, a B.S. in Sociology from Berry College, an M.A. in Student Personnel Administration from Ball State University, and an Ed.D. from the University of Georgia.

His career began at Berry College, where he spent 14 years in various leadership roles, helping to set multiple enrollment records. Dr. Jones then served for 15 years at Georgia Highlands College as Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Dean. During his tenure, he led efforts to reverse a trend of declining enrollment, achieving a remarkable 60% increase that positioned GHC as the second-largest state college within the University System of Georgia. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was named Administrator of the Year in 2019.

Most recently, Dr. Jones served at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, where his strategic leadership led to a 12% increase in enrollment following a five-year decline. His extensive experience and dedication to student success make him an ideal fit for �������.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Dr. Jones’ caliber join our team,” said Dr. Brent Wren, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. “His deep understanding of enrollment dynamics and his commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging student experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as an institution.”

Dr. Jones will be working closely with the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing to develop and implement strategies that align with �������’s mission and vision for the future. He will also collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to enhance the admissions process and ensure it remains student-centered.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jones and his wife, Charlotte, to Pulaski.

For more information about the ������� and its programs, visit .

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Dr. McBride comes to us from Purdue University, where he served as the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Success for the College of Engineering. At Purdue, he was instrumental in the academic and professional development of more than 5,000 graduate students, leading initiatives that included workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs focused on career planning, academic achievement, and networking.

During his time at Purdue, Dr. McBride collaborated with faculty, staff, and external partners to develop initiatives that enhanced the quality and impact of graduate education. His work was instrumental in creating a supportive environment for students, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

Dr. McBride holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication from Purdue University. His dissertation research delved into the factors influencing the retention and embeddedness of Black agribusiness professionals. He has also conducted research on high school students’ readiness and adaptability to agricultural technologies, exploring the barriers that may hinder their participation in School-Based Agricultural Education.

Before his tenure at Purdue, Dr. McBride was an insurance agent for Farm Bureau Insurance in Franklin County, Tennessee, specializing in auto, home, and life insurance. He earned his master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business: Farm & Ranch Management from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Dr. McBride’s deep commitment to the agricultural industry and career development aligns perfectly with our university’s mission. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make in advancing both fields at �������.

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To stay updated on the latest developments and support the Firehawks, follow ������� Athletics on  (@UTS_Firehawks),  (@UTSouthern_Firehawks), and  (@UTSouthernFirehawks).

������� The �������

The �������, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, ������� offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers. 

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