Motlow Smyrna Offers Wide Range of Courses for Fall Semester

By Charles Whiting

Motlow Buzz Editor-in-Chief

         SMYRNA -- If you're an incoming student, no doubt you've been searching the online catalog to decide which courses to take. There are a lot of good ones, but they are filling up fast as hundreds of new students attend orientation sessions before classes begin on Aug. 27.

         Here are a few highlights:

         * Introduction to Art (ART 1035) -- A course designed to help you understand the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture and architecture) and to show how culture and art interact.

         * Media Writing (COMM 1020) -- If you've ever wanted to write stories, this is a good course for you. Students explore writing and editing for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, public relations and social media (and you'll get to write a story for our campus e-newspaper, The Motlow Buzz.)

         *  Introduction to Biology (BIOL 1010) -- You will examine basic biological principles and survey the kingdoms of living organisms. Specific topics include cell structure and function, cell processes and reproduction, inheritance, taxonomy, viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, animals, and ecology.

         * Introduction to Literature (ENGL 2045) -- There's nothing better than reading a good book. Enjoy reading and analyzing literature as forms of cultural and creative expression.

         * Personal Finance (BUSN 1300) -- You'll learn how to refine and reach your personal financial goals. Topics may include planning, budgeting, taxes, credit, housing, insurance, investing and retirement planning.

         * Early United States History (HIST 2010) -- Explore the history of the United States from the beginning of English settlement in North America through the Revolution, early national period, disruption of the Union, Civil War and Reconstruction periods. This course ends with the events of 1876.

         * Introduction to Music (MUS 1030) -- Develop your awareness of music from many historical style periods, music from diverse cultures, and the foundations of modern streams of musical thought.

         * American Government (POLS 1030) -- Have you ever considered running for public office? This course is a study of the basic features of American government with emphasis on constitutional principles and the structure and functions of the three branches of national government.

         * Introduction to Theatre (THEA 1030) -- This course provides an overview of theatre as an art form. Included in the course is the study of the development of drama, the theatre, and an appreciation and understanding of the theatrical process.

         To learn more about these courses and learn about others, visit http://catalog.mscc.edu/index.php?catoid=15.

CARE Team Holds Workshop for Faculty and Staff

By Kirsten Moss-Frye

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         SMYRNA -- Motlow's Crisis Assessment and Risk Evaluation Team hosted a special workshop on the Smyrna campus on June 14 to help faculty and staff members better handle student-related concerns.

         According to Dean of Students Kirsten Moss, Motlow's Behavioral Intervention Team is designed to respond not only as the college threat assessment team, but to connect students with emotional and/or behavioral concerns to appropriate resources before they become a crisis.

         The two-hour "CARE Team Foundations" workshop, which was facilitated by Moss and Director of Public Safety Ray Higginbotham, provided an overview of the team's role, the process for reporting student-related concerns, and what happens after a report is received by the CARE team. Attendees worked case scenarios in small groups.

         "All attendees thought the session was valuable, would recommend it to others, and reported feeling more confident responding to issues of student concern or crises after completing the training," Moss said. 

         The CARE team recommends the following policies and procedures.

Question: How can I identify a distressed student?

Answer: Has the student's personality or behavior changed? Are the student's basic needs not being met (food, shelter)? What kind of support does he or she have?

Question: When do I report a student concern?

Answer: Depending on your role, you could be the first one to identify that a student is in need of help to provide them with resources that will benefit them during a challenging time. Many students are identified through journal entries, papers or a shift in baseline behavior.

If a concern arises, we recommend your contacting the student, speaking privately and in person, if possible. If needed, refer them to an appropriate resource, such as the Dean of Students office; Title IX Coordinator Brian Stacey at (931) 393-1713 or bstacy@mscc.edu; Disability Services; our Licensed Therapist at Motlow; or the student's Completion Coach.

Please know that the CARE Team is available to help! If you feel a student's needs are beyond what you feel prepared to assist with, submit a Behavioral Referral Form. If you have any questions on whether a situation or student should be reported, you can contact the Dean of Students or Public Safety. If there is an immediate emergency, call 911.

For information on classroom behavior that may constitute reporting, read Examples of Disruptive vs. Dangerous Behaviors.

Question: Where do I report?

Answer: The Behavioral Referral Form is located in MyMotlow under the Employee Tab or Faculty Tab, and can be utilized by any Motlow employee.

Students spend most of their time in class; therefore, the CARE Team has put together a Classroom Response Flowchart to address various student concerns that might arise in the classroom. This is meant to be a helpful document to determine where to report specific circumstances.

Click on this link to see the flowchart: Classroom Response Flowchart related to Student Concerns/Crises

Question: How can I find out the status of my student?

Answer: You will receive a response to indicate your report was received and is being reviewed. The student will be given the support and assistance they need by the College and community resources. Please note that often times information can only be given out in general terms for confidentiality reasons, and therefore employees often do not hear the outcome of each case. However, since the majority of reports are from faculty with students in the classroom, it is always appropriate to contact the dean of students if the case is impacting the course or grades. Often times, there is a need for faculty to provide information to the CARE Team for the wellbeing of the student.

Question: How does the process for case determination work?

Answer: The CARE Team acts as the campus threat assessment team and Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT). The NaBITA Threat Assessment Tool is used to determine if there is a threat to self or others. Most cases do not pose a threat and require behavioral intervention by a member of the team. If the Student Code of Conduct has been violated, the case is handled by the dean of students.

See Policy 6:10:00:34: Crisis Assessment & Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team.

Together, we all work to create a healthy and safe environment for our students and campus community… Because Motlow Cares. 

Support Our Library!

         SMYRNA -- Have you ever enjoyed a free cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate at the Smyrna campus Library?

         Librarian Paige Hendrickson says supplies are running low, and she could use our help to keep the free beverages flowing. 

         Here's what the library needs:

         * Styrofoam cups

         * Sugar

         * Creamer (powder)

         * Stir sticks

         * Coffee

         * Tea

         * Hot chocolate

         If you would like to donate, you can bring items to AWJ 115 or directly to the library. There is a box/table outside of AWJ 115 for collection.

         (Instructors: This is a great opportunity to offer some bonus points to your students!)

         By the way, summer hours for the library are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday. The library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Op Ed: Dr. George Smith Led By Example

By Tennessee Rep. Mike Sparks

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

(Editor's note: Rep. Mike Sparks studied Communication on Motlow's Smyrna campus. He currently serves in the Tennessee State Legislature and hosts his own show, "Rutherford Issues," on radio station WGNS-AM/FM.)

 
         Legendary author/philosopher Edmund Burke once said, "Those who don't know history are destined to Repeat it."

         Rutherford County community leader Dr. George Smith, who died in March, knew his history, and he certainly didn't want others to repeat it. Dr. Smith had a love for Tennessee history and telling those old stories, but most importantly, he had a love for his fellow man. He was one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever met, with a "Christ-like Coolness" about him.

         Ironically, right after my efforts last year in the Tennessee General Assembly to recognize "Tennessee's Rich History" with a special resolution, I was invited by Historical Society President Frank Caperton to attend the African-American Heritage Society of Rutherford County event. The resolution created a stir of controversy. The media tried to paint me as a prejudiced Republican lawmaker. (The media never mentioned the fact that I was the only Republican in our state's history to stand alongside the black caucus after six Hobgood School children, ages 6 to 10, were handcuffed and arrested). The resolution mentioned the life of our state's first black lawmaker, Sampson Keeble, who lived in the Old Jefferson community just outside of Smyrna. It also mentioned the life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

         Being born and raised in Smyrna, I was never taught the story of Sampson Keeble. Nor had I heard about Forrest giving a remarkable speech near the end of his life when he was invited in 1875 to address a meeting of the Independent Order of Pole Bearers, an early black Civil Rights organization in Memphis. I then read where Forrest had more than 3,000 African-Americans attend his funeral. Needless to say, I was extremely intrigued by both men's stories and wanted others to know as well. My thoughts were that maybe our society would be better off if our community, both black and white, knew both of those men's stories.

         When Frank Caperton invited me to join the event, I was already scheduled to attend Middle Tennessee State University's graduation ceremony. Randy Boyd, who is running for governor, was the commencement address speaker that same Saturday. Oddly enough, I chose to attend the black history event. Needless to say, it was an odd feeling knowing that the media was giving me a hard time for simply trying to bring awareness to important elements of our state's history that are never spoken about. I arrived at Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, a beautiful historic church that reminded me of the small quaint church on "The Little House on the Prairie."

         The event started with a walk to the newly completed fieldstone sign. Other than Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and Frank Caperton, I was one of only a few white folks at the event. As we were walking, we sang a few hymns, ending with one of my favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace." After we sang the old hymn, Dr. Smith spoke a few words, then looked over at me with his kind smile and asked, "Rep. Mike Sparks, will you say a few words." I was pleasantly surprised, thinking that he may be upset with me believing the false narrative that the media had portrayed about my efforts. I mentioned to the crowd that history was very important to us all and that the old hymn we had just sung was written by John Newton, a former slave ship captain who influenced a British lawmaker named William Wilberforce to end slavery. I had shared that Newton had a redemptive story, and how God used him to help abolish slavery in Great Britain.

         Later that day, the society's president, Mary Watkins, said, "Thank you Rep. Sparks for bringing awareness to the life of Sampson Keeble. Maybe if young people today knew their history, we wouldn't have the problems we have today."

         Our county sadly has lost a great man with the death of Dr. George Smith. My hope is that many young people will see the life and character of Dr. Smith and his efforts to preserve history as a template for our own lives. Our community may have lost a great compassionate leader, but Heaven gained another angel.

Motlow Smyrna Staff Members Estelle Davis and Michelle Griffith Graduate With Honors

By Brenda Cannon

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

                  LYNCHBURG – Estelle Davis and Michelle Griffith have a lot in common, including being Motlow State employees. The Motlow connection became even stronger when both recently became Motlow graduates.

                  When Motlow President Michael Torrence conferred degrees at the 48^th Annual Commencement Ceremony in May that recognized the Smyrna campus students, Davis and Griffith were among the 300 students who received degrees. In his opening remarks, Dr. Torrence paid special recognition to the Motlow duo.

Proud Motlow Smyrna staff member graduates Estelle Davis and Michelle Griffith

                  “It is my honor to recognize two graduates who are also members of the Motlow family,” Torrence said. “Today they have achieved a goal they have worked for over the years. Please join me in recognizing and congratulating our peers, Ms. Estelle Davis and Ms. Michelle Griffith. Please stand.”

                  Both are secretaries. Davis is the secretary to the Smyrna campus dean, while Griffith is the secretary to the vice president for student affairs, whose office is based on the Smyrna campus.  Both are non-traditional students who graduated Summa Cum Laude, having earned the highest academic honor, as well as members of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. Davis was earlier recognized as a Presidential Scholar for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average through her Motlow career. Griffith was not far behind, graduating with a 3.9 grade point average.

                  Although alike in many respects, their motivation to return to college was different. Davis needed to complete what she began years earlier.

                  “I did this for me, and me only,” said Davis. “It was my turn.”

                  Griffith experienced a major life change at the death of her husband. Having stayed at home for years, and seeing her children graduate college, she decided it was her time to graduate as well.

                 

                  Both are thankful that Motlow gave them new opportunities, and a new lease on life. For both, Commencement is only the beginning.

Construction Update: Watch Our New Building Grow!

By Charles Whiting

Motlow Buzz Editor-in-Chief

          SMYRNA -- If you've been off campus this summer, then you've missed seeing the rapid progress for Motlow Smyrna's new building and parking lot.

* The property was still a parking lot on March 21, 2018:

* The first tractor showed up the next day on March 22, 2018:

* By May 11, 2018, things were starting to happen:

* Here's how things looked on July 10, 2018:

 

* The new parking lot is taking shape, too:

 

Second Annual Blue Jeans and BBQ Event Raises $30,000 for New Building

By Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

            SMYRNA -- Blue jeans… barbecue… blue grass music. What does all of that add up to? Why the third Smyrna building of course!

            On June 16, the Motlow College Foundation hosted the Second Annual Blue Jeans, BBQ & Bluegrass fundraiser for the upcoming Smyrna building at the Smyrna Event Center. Members of the Motlow family and the Smyrna community came together to enjoy a fun evening that helps the Smyrna Center grow.

            This year’s “Country Fair” theme started at the front door with corn hole and strong man games to enjoy before venturing into the main event. Once inside, guests had the opportunity to participate in this year’s silent auction. The BBQ bounty was evident in the brisket, pulled pork, veggies, and desserts devoured by the crowds come dinner time. 

            Music for the evening was provided by The Loaded Dogs, and that set the backdrop for the night’s highlight-line dancing lessons! The dance floor might have been packed, but the crowds definitely enjoyed watching the moves displayed by Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence and Smyrna’s own Academic Dean Elizabeth Fitch. 

Phyllis Daniel cuts up with Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence

            In addition to the silent auction, the night also included a live auction with many unique items up for bid. One of the items that got a lot of attention from the crowd was a fiddle signed by the great Charlie Daniels himself (no word on whether this particular fiddle was the one that actually ran the Devil out of Georgia though!).

            By the end of the night, more than $30,000 was in the kitty for the new building, a boost of 20 percent over last year’s event! If you are interested in making a donation for the new Smyrna building, please contact Motlow College Foundation Director Lane Yoder at lyoder@mscc.edu or (931) 393-1692.

2018 Orientation Has Begun!!!

By Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

            SMYRNA -- With Motlow being one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country and with so much of that growth being at the Smyrna Center, making sure our new students have the best possible preparation for the upcoming fall semester is priority number one for the Orientation Team.

            Motlow’s Orientation Team is made up of faculty, staff, alumni and community members who go through an intense set of training sessions to learn the most up-to-date information to help guide incoming freshmen to success. All new first-time freshmen go through the orientation process to make sure they are ready to walk into day one of classes.

            According to Gary Winton, assistant director of recruitment and new student services, orientations are designed to not only introduce new students to Motlow but also give them the opportunity to finalize any outstanding requirements before classes officially start. 

Future Motlow Smyrna students attend a recent orientation (Photo by Ramona Shelton)

            Students check in at the welcome table just inside the front door where they are given name tags and a student planner. Quite often, students who have never met each other before bond before even reaching the next part of the day. At orientation on a recent Friday, several students who used the wait time before their group started became so connected that they requested to stick together as a unit for the rest of the day!

            After checking in, the new students get to meet someone who will be one of their biggest cheerleaders all the way through their Motlow experience -- their completion coach. Between the completion coaches and the faculty advisors (as well as the rest of the Motlow crew!), Motlow students have a support system from the first day they walk through the door all the way until they walk across that stage at graduation.

            New students also get introduced to the technology they will be using at Motlow. Orientees have the chance to access their Motlow email accounts and their MyMotlow accounts, two things they will be very proficient at using by the time they get to graduation. For these students, the technology presentation also gives them the first look at D2L, Motlow’s online campus system. D2L isn’t just for fully online classes; many professors have web enhanced classes that utilize D2L for testing, communication and file sharing.

            The next steps at orientation are advising and registration. This is the meat and potatoes of “what classes am I going to take.” Orientation team advisors walk through orientees’ chosen programs and help them plan their first steps in coursework. At registration, orientees get to work with the advisors to sign up for their first semester’s classes. Any students interested in the Motlow Honors Program also have the opportunity to meet with an Honors advisor to help them start down that path if they qualify for Honors.

            Finally, new students hit the check-out process. This is their final opportunity of the day to tackle any financial aid, Tennessee Promise, or Tennessee Reconnect questions. In addition to receiving a parting gift, orientees have the opportunity to take care of some practical things as well, getting their IDs and parking passes in a place in which they will spend a lot of time during their Motlow tenure -- the Smyrna Campus Library.

Gary Winton Prepares for an orientation session on the Motlow Smyrna campus (photo by Ramona Shelton)

            While at orientation, new students get to meet so many people who understand their Motlow journey. Spring 2018 graduate (and Motlow Buzz contributing writer) Emma Sagor is a new part of the Orientation Team this summer. Emma loves being able to share her Motlow experiences with our new students. Another new member of the team is speech professor Debbie Stockdale, who says that she is so glad she chose to be a part of this group. Being a part of the Orientation Team has added a new dimension to her experience as an instructor. Guiding new students through the advising and course selection process has increased the satisfaction she has as a teacher. It has also allowed her to meet and work with so many members of the Motlow Smyrna family!

            Motlow Smyrna is most definitely growing! During the Summer 2018 orientation sessions, the team saw 920 new students. At the session on July 13, nearly 140 orientees were welcomed to Motlow Smyrna! A low estimate is that there will be another 600 who go through the process before classes start in August.

            If you are interested in the Orientation Team, the orientation process, or have a friend who would enjoy being at Motlow, please contact Gary Winton at gwinton@mscc.edu.