Celebrating Our Motlow Smyrna Faculty and Staff

By Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

      We created our Celebration event with the idea of showcasing the successes of our students outside of the classroom. Motlow Smyrna has a whole host of students who lead the charge in manning our clubs, acting as ambassadors and tutors, and are invited to our honor societies.

      However, it would be remiss to celebrate the achievements of our students without also honoring those who go more than that extra mile to create an environment of student success: our amazing faculty and staff members.

      At this year’s Celebration 2019, we had a lot to celebrate in terms of faculty and staff success this school year. Each year, Motlow State Community College gives the Faculty Excellence Award and Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. Nominees are submitted by the college community and a committee made up of Motlow State Foundation members, previous awardees, and our illustrious President of Motlow State, Dr. Michael Torrence, sorted through all the nominees to determine the list of finalists and ultimately the winners of both awards. This year, Motlow Smyrna definitely represented the idea of teaching excellence. The following Motlow Smyrna faculty members were finalists for the Faculty Excellence Award: Dr. Phyllis Adams, Professor Kate Benson, Professor Andrea Green, Professor Tamara Jones, and Professor Charles Whiting

      In addition to these amazing Faculty Excellence finalists, the 2019 Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award went to our own Professor Peter Dowd. This was a big step up for him because he won our award here at last year’s Celebration 2018 event.

      This year, TBR (the Tennessee Board of Regents) added the SOAR Awards (Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition) to honor what they called “The Volunteer State’s best and brightest.” And Motlow Smyrna showed our best and brightest in that as well as our own Tennessee Promise guru, Jonathan Graham, was one of the top three finalists.

      The hardest task given to the members of the Celebration 2019 Team was to choose the winners of our own faculty and staff awards. This was not because excellence was in short supply at Motlow Smyrna but rather from the fact that excellence abounds here! How do we choose the best of the best because each of the faculty and staff nominees represented nothing short of outstanding? But oh such a wonderful problem to have! Because of all of these amazing nominees, the word “success” definitely describes Motlow Smyrna.

      The 2019 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award went to Margaret McKinley, an adjunct in our Education department. According to one of the nominations for her, “Margaret McKinley absolutely goes above and beyond in her work for Motlow College. Margaret visits with early childhood provider groups to tell them about to tell them about the Early Childhood Education programs at MSCC. She works individually with students who are struggling in their coursework. She assists with extra-curricular events and activities. Margaret McKinley is definitely worthy of this award.”

        Our other nominees for the Outstanding Adjunct Award were Ben Jobe and Liala Syler. According to Ben’s nomination submission, “Ben is an invaluable member of the adjunct media, also teaching at other campuses across Middle Tennessee. He is the author of the book, Common Threads, which tells the story of his family, including his slave-owning ancestors and the family ties to an African-American coach who shares the Jobe name.” Liala’s nominator said this about her, “Liala has been someone who has gone above and beyond in everything she does at Motlow. In addition to the things that she has to do for her classes, she is always that smiling face in Student Success, guiding students down the right pathways. It is also nothing unusual for her to not only encourage but to also bring her students to things that are outside of the classroom. For example, she and her students have been major participants in the last two Trivia Nights held by the History Club. This helps with student engagement and involvement.”

      The Faculty and Staff Sparkplug Awards were designed to acknowledge the accomplishments of our new, first year faculty and staff members. This year’s Staff Sparkplug Award winner was our very own smiling face in the front office, Sarah Mankin. According to one of the submissions nominating her, “Sarah very quickly became a valuable member of the Smyrna family! When you walk into the front office, she is always quick to help or answer questions. This is a high stress/high volume position and she always seems to have a smile on her face. Whenever I have gone into the front office for any reason, I have noticed that she makes every person feel important- when it is your turn to be helped, you are all that matters. That sort of personal connection is invaluable when you are on the front lines! We are very lucky to have Sarah as a part of the Motlow Smyrna team!”

      It was definitely hard to choose a winner in this category because the other finalist for our Staff Sparkplug Award is also someone who has made an impact in his first year here, Officer Randy Morris. Randy’s nomination said this about him, “Randy always carries a positive attitude with him wherever he goes. He makes a positive impact of faculty, staff, and students alike. He not only keeps our campus safe, but he also interacts with and encourages our students. I believe that he is a great asset to our institution.”

      A first-year faculty member walking into the door at the Smyrna Campus learns very quickly that there is a whole lot more than simply showing up for classes. Our faculty members are involved in essentially every nuance of student success and this year’s Faculty Sparkplug Award winner has definitely gone out of his way to help students reach that success level. This year’s Faculty Sparkplug Award went to Tom Cruz. “In Professor Cruz’s first year at Motlow, he has started an ESL program, taught Dual Enrollment classes, and has been an active participant in advising. Professor Cruz saw a need at Motlow for students who do not speak English and specifically created a curriculum to meet these student’s needs. As his officemate, I can say that he always comes to work with an appreciative attitude and presents his best self to his students. I believe that Professor Cruz is a perfect fit for the Spark Plug award!”

      Runner up for this award is another new faculty shining star who has made an impact in his first year -- Nathan Fisher. “Nathan has jumped in feet first in many areas. He is not only a fabulous instructor, he is now the Diversity Club advisor too. Nathan is also working on a transfer path program with MTSU in fermentation science. He has applied to teach as a summer abroad physical science instructor in Korea. And… yes there is more, he has obtained a summer undergraduate research opportunity at Vanderbilt for Motlow Chemistry students. Definitely a go getter!!”

      Outstanding is definitely a way to describe all the nominees for the 2019 Outstanding Staff Award, but it is safe to say that this year’s winning duo play a huge role in making sure everyone else’s projects and events shine. This year’s Outstanding Staff Award winners were Motlow Smyrna’s favorite all around Mr. Fix-Its: Stan Temple and George Ciprich.

      We received so many nominations for the both of them that is was hard to narrow down one blurb for this article, but this description shows exactly how caring and dedicated they both are: “George and Stan should be recognized for all the hard work they do for Motlow. They are more than maintenance mechanics; they are an invaluable part of the Smyrna family. They are a ubiquitous presence on campus, ready to assist students, staff, and faculty. For example, for the past three years, several staff members have been sharing offices. Tight quarters might make for difficult work environments, but George and Stan have helped make the office arrangements more comfortable. They’ve rearranged desks and added or removed bookshelves and filing cabinets. Moreover, the Smyrna campus is perpetually well-maintained. The grounds—from the parking lot to the pristinely mowed lawns—showcase a care and diligence that faculty and staff have come to associate with George and Stan. Personally, I enjoy passing these two in the hallway as they are always congenial, and they always ask if I need assistance. In fact, they have gone above and beyond for me. I suffer from migraines (which are triggered by fluorescent lights); when George and Stan found out about my sensitivity to light, they disconnected the bulb above my desk. Smyrna is blessed to have such caring and kind gentlemen working for Motlow. I can think of no two staff members more deserving of this award!”

      The rest of the staff nominees are no less worthy of recognition. These include the calming face of Student Success, Heidi Parker. “Heidi is the first face that students see in one of the busiest areas of this entire college. And that face is always wearing a smile! Thanks to Heidi, the folks who come into Student Success are guided to the help they need. I’m sure this is often a thankless job because with the volume of students who come in looking for help, it has to be easily overwhelming. Without Heidi as that gatekeeper, student, faculty, and staff frustrations would likely skyrocket and her calming influence and guidance is much appreciated.”

      Another nominee and one of the most in demand people at this campus is our own SOARing guy, Jonathan Graham. “Since the creation of the position in 2015, Jonathan Graham has gone above and beyond to provide service, awareness, and advocacy for Motlow’s Tennessee Promise student population. Just in taking on the role, Jonathan addressed and overcame the challenges of consistently pushing important communications and deadline reminders to this population of students. He successfully created reports and mechanisms for tracking this population, and measuring their success at Motlow. His methodologies have created opportunities for him to identify ways to improve communication and interaction with this population. I have personally witnessed him help dozens of students navigate the Promise process, work through decisions about dropping or remaining enrolled in classes for Promise eligibility, and assisting students with appeals to keep their Promise scholarship. I have watched these interactions grow into “success relationships” – as many of these students have returned to thank him for the help, and update him on what they are accomplishing in their classes – as well as seek additional advice and support. It is truly his spirit and the energy that he brings to the roll that have made him so successful in the position, and a true resource for students.

      In addition to his work with the Tennessee Promise Program, Mr. Graham has also been instrumental in orchestrating the setup and implementation of the Mongoose Cadence texting services across Motlow. This additional method of communication has proved itself incredibly useful in keep students informed of deadlines, and in managing one-on-one conversations for Student Success and connecting with students who may have been placed on early alert.

      Jonathan’s work ethic and success already caused him to be nominated for and selected as the Middle Tennessee Finalist for the 2019 TBR S.O.A.R. awards. I can think of no better member of the Smyrna family to receive this recognition at the 2019 Celebration than Jonathan Graham.

      Our final staff award nominee is someone who is quite often behind the scenes but has a huge impact on the success we share in Smyrna (plus she’s the one who gets us the food trucks!!!) -- Michelle Griffith. “Michelle always goes above and beyond when helping others. When we had our tnAchieves Mentor Breakfast, our caterer mixed up the date and we were about to be without food for the breakfast. Michelle immediately ran to Panera to pick up coffee and bagels to save the day. She is always there to help with an incredibly positive attitude. She never asks whether or not it’s “her” job, but rather “how can I be of service.”

      Finally, student success centers on the classroom and spreads out from there. Our Outstanding Faculty Award winner and finalist both embody every facet of making success happen and the both deserve all the celebrating we can give them. The 2019 Outstanding Faculty Award went to Professor Heather Koller.

      “It’s difficult to put her largess into words, but suffice to say -- “Heather Koller” is synonymous with “Motlow Smyrna.” New and seasoned faculty members know that if they want an answer, Heather is the one to ask. She is as renowned for her magnanimity toward her fellow faculty members as she is for her excellence in teaching. She organizes the Faculty Brown Bag Lunch series, the end of the semester(s) picnics and lunches, and the various professional development series throughout the semester. Junior faculty should personally thank Heather for her “Tenure Workshops,” as they helped several nervous faculty members better understand the complex nature of the labyrinth that is tenure and promotion! While helping faculty, Heather simultaneously maintains leadership roles on countless committees and actively engages with her colleagues in myriad ways. It’s rare that a week passes when a Heather Koller treat isn’t waiting in faculty mailboxes! Moreover, I can personally attest to her teaching abilities as I was a student of Heather’s back in 2009. She was as engaging, funny, and wonderful as a teacher as she is as a colleague and a friend. Heather Koller deserves the 2019 Outstanding Faculty Award.”

      Andrea Green, our finalist for the Outstanding Faculty Award, is no less worthy. “Students always have wonderful things to say about Andrea Green and her class. A student that I work closely with took and failed her course, but he still wants her as an instructor when he takes this course again this year. This speaks to her fairness, but also to her ability to make good connections with students. She is a tnAchieves mentor and always reaches out to find out ways to best serve her TN Promise students. She has a very positive attitude and is well liked by her peers.”

      With Celebration 2019 in the books, it is time to start planning ahead for Celebration 2020! If you would like to help or have questions about the event, please contact Ramona Shelton at rshelton@mscc.edu .

Motlow Smyrna Students, Faculty and Administrators Partcipate in Autism Walk

     SMYRNA -- Students, faculty and administrators participated in an Autism Walk as part of Autism Awareness Month. Motlow Smyrna walkers included Librarian Paige Hendrickson, Disability and Testing Coordinator Yeulanda Pierce-Beverly, and students Amie Maymi, Alexis Player, and Charles Wilson. 

Motlow College Foundation Recognizes Motlow Faculty for Excellence in Teaching

     LYNCHBURG – The Motlow College Foundation recently recognized Motlow State Community College faculty for excellence in teaching at an awards ceremony held on the College’s Moore County campus. Misty Griffith, assistant professor of biology, received the 2019 Faculty Excellence Award. Griffith was one of nine faculty members nominated. Peter Dowd, adjunct instructor of biology, received the 2019 Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. The nominating committee was made up of representatives from all academic disciplines and councils, as well as the student government association. Pictured, seated from left, are nominees Dayron Deaton-Owen, associate professor of psychology and sociology; Andrea Green, English instructor; Fran Marcum, vice chair Motlow College Foundation; Kate Benson, psychology instructor; and Dr. Phyllis Adams, communications professor. Standing, from left, are Christie Gillespie, speech instructor; Adjunct Faculty Excellence Awardee Peter Dowd; Dr. Michael Torrence, Motlow president; Faculty Excellence Awardee Misty Griffith; Tamara Jones, English instructor; and Charles Whiting, mass communications instructor.

Stones River National Battlefield Draws Civil War History Buffs

By Marshall Wingerter

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

     MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Thousands of Civil War history buffs visit the Stones River National Battlefield each year to explore landmarks and learn about the crucial battle whose outcome essentially became a turning point for the Union Army.

     Operated by the National Park Service, Stones River Battlefield features a museum and archives collection that contains nearly 100,000 artifacts and pages, as well as a short video, that tell the park’s history and the story of the Battle at Stones River. There is also a library at the visitor center that holds more than 3,500 items varying from books to copies of Civil War letters and diaries. 

     The Battlefield offers nearly seven miles of trails to hike throughout the park. Some of those trails take visitors right through the areas where the bloodiest part of the battle actually took place.

     The Battle at Stones River was technically one battle, but it was comprised of two separate attacks on two separate days. The first attack took place on Dec. 31, 1862, and the second attack occurred on Jan. 2, 1863. The battle was fought between the Confederate Army led by General Braxton Bragg and the Union Army led by Commander William Rosecrans.

     Although the Battle of Stones River did not have the largest overall number of casualties (including wounded and killed soldiers), the numbers for the two-day conflict remain haunting. Out of the combined 81,117 soldiers fighting for either side, 23,537 were casualties.

     “That means that every third per became a casualty,” National Park Ranger Ava Joiner said. “The importance of obtaining control of Murfreesboro for the Union Army was of utmost importance, because of the fertile farm land in the area and the access to old Nashville Highway.” 

     While visiting the museum, visitors learn that General Bragg served in the army for the entirety of the War (1861-1865) and played a big role in planning and winning the first attack at Stones River, as well as losing the second attack. Morale was high with the Confederates after victories in the Seven Days Battles and the Battle of Fredericksburg, but they had suffered some tough defeats that left their troop count low. The Confederates were beginning to doubt Bragg’s ability to lead them to victory.

     However, Rosecrans had just recently been promoted to general and was working hard to receive his army’s support. Following Bragg’s first attack, Rosecrans rallied his troops and held a defensive position long enough and strong enough to counter Bragg’s premature second offensive push. This resulted in the Confederate Army retreating to Tullahoma, and surrendering Murfreesboro.

     “Not only did troops seek possession of Old Nashville Highway, their goal was to capture the Nashville and Chattanooga Railway that ran directly through the center of Murfreesboro and the Stones River,” Joiner added. “Whoever controlled the railway would control what was transported and what news would get out.” 

     President Abraham Lincoln was coming up for re-election in 1864 and really needed to secure the Middle Tennessee area, as well as a Civil War victory if he was going to stand any chance against Democratic candidate George B. McClellan. On the day of the second attack at Stones River, Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, changing the status of African-Americans in designated areas of the South from slave to free. This tremendously helped out the Union Army in the final years of the war because it allowed African-American males the opportunity to join the military and fight as free men.

     The War officially ended on April 9, 1865 after Robert E. Lee’s surrender. Six days later, John Wilkes Booth killed President Lincoln, leaving Vice-President Andrew Johnson to succeed him.

     The War didn’t officially end until 16 months after Lee’s surrender in August of 1866. Since there were no telephones or radios at the time, it took a while to get the news of the surrender, so there were still battalions of soldiers fighting all across the Southeast. The president of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, ordered his commanders to continue fighting, but one by one they began to surrender until the Confederate Army had no more troops to fight for them.

     The museum brings the battle to life with exhibits including a large number of historic artifacts, interactive displays, and a brief video that explains what happened here. You can also find a few statues of soldiers and cannons placed in the battlefield where you would see them during the battle. The staff is incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and ready to assist with any questions one might have.

     The Stones River National Battlefield is open year round from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee to enter the park or use any of the amenities that it offers.

     To learn more about the Stones River National Battlefield, visit https://www.nps.gov/stri/planyourvisit/hours.htm .

Fifteen Artists to Perform at Motlow Smyrna Talent Show on April 24

        SMYRNA, Tenn. – The second annual “Motlow Smyrna Talent Show” will feature performances by 15 artists from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24 (Wednesday) in the Lobby of the MaryLou Apple Building.

        Students, as well as faculty, administrators and staff will present songs, instrumentals, poetry, comedy, and even a few magic tricks. Performers will include Nya Alexander, Megan Buzard, Damian Copeland, Robert Davenport, Bob Fitzgerald, Paige Hendrickson, Orlando McHenry, Robby Napier, Rachel Towle, Kolyn Vick, Montez Voorhies, and Charles Whiting.

        Elizabeth and Kevin Fitch will make a special opening appearance with a 15-minute instrumental performance at 11:30 a.m. Magician Brian Foley will entertain attendees with magic card tricks at a nearby table.

        The show will be emceed by English Professor/Comedian Nick Bush. Biff Kittii and Alara Bishop will handle sound.

        Members of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club have been planning the talent show since January, and they are excited to see it come to fruition. The show was created to give students and others the opportunity to share their talents with the Motlow Smyrna community.

SEAM Club President Alara Bishop expressed her excitement of having the opportunity to celebrate the organization’s becoming an official club at Motlow State Community College. The club also is a sponsor of the annual “Motlow Smyrna Holiday Show,” “Dance Across The Decades,” and the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” 

        “We hope the talent show will truly submerse us in the club community, and open the door for anyone interested in media, entertainment, etc.,” she said. “This is our chance to truly establish a prominent club for Mass Communications students and others who are interested in the arts.”

        SEAM is the club on Motlow’s Smyrna campus that is dedicated to discussing, exploring and consuming various types of entertainment, arts and media. To learn more, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.

How to Open Your Own Bakery

By Gheria King
Motlow Buzz Contributing Writing  

      Have you ever dreamed of opening your own bakery?

      Baking is my favorite hobby. It is relaxing, and I get the chance to show my creativity in decorating cakes and cupcakes. I have worked at a Walmart bakery for four years and Publix bakery for two years. One day I would like to have my own bakery. Baking is a career that I could see myself actually happy about doing. My advice working in a bakery is that it gets messy, it’s a fun environment, and you will have a lot of production to do especially on holidays.

      Following are some tips I've learned from my experience as a baker and future bakery owner. One day, I hope you'll drop by my bakery to explore my wide range of baked goods.

Where to begin:

     Before looking for space and hiring your associates, it is important for you to sit down and figure out what you would like to accomplish when opening up your own successful bakery. You will need to create a budget, the name of your bakery, decorating themes, menu, and hiring needs.

Business Plan:

The next thing you need to do is to come up with your business plan. According to Maria Rapetskaya, the creative director of Undefined Creative, “A business plan is a written description of your business’s future, a document that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it.” You can read the article at https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247574.

Come up with a list of the baked goods that you’d like to sell. Then you’ll need to look up rent prices in your area. Make sure that you are comfortable with the area you choose. You will also need to know the cost of equipment and ingredients.

It is very important to know your budget. Running a business will always cost a little bit more than you think. I have experience handling inventory costs. I’ve learned that one needs to make sure he or she orders enough product and essential items such as boxes, receipts and products.

Naming Your Bakery:

Third, choose the name of your bakery. Make sure the name stands out and is unique. Imagine your customers walking toward your bakery and seeing a name that stands out well. A good name will attract customers. Once you come up with a bakery name, find someone who can professionally build a website for you.

     For example, I plan to call my bakery Gheria's Baked Goods.

Use your creativity to create decorative displays. Imagine customers coming to your bakery for the first time and receiving a lasting impression.

Create Your Menu:

Fourth, create a menu that includes a wide range of cakes, flavors, icings and pastries. Think about what flavors are popular in your city. According to Alice Jackson, a business consultant, “this helps customers make purchases more easily.” Learn more at https://www.designhill.com/design-blog/top-10-tips-for-starting-your-own-bakery-business/ .

 For example, my bakery will feature homemade cupcakes, pastries and cakes.

 Make sure to test your goods before selling them, ask your family and friends to try your baked goods. When coming up with prices, think about how you would like your cakes to be packaged. Options include bags and containers.

Gather Your Information:

Lastly, you will need a contract for your associates to sign. This is very important because an associate could copy your recipes and start his or her own business. You also need associates to agree on a salary and work schedule.

     If baking is your passion, then go for it. Do what you enjoy doing. You never know where following your baking dreams will take you. All it takes is flour, sugar and determination.

Where to Shop for Books in Middle Tennessee

By Delores Elliott

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

     Are you looking for the perfect bookstore? Murfreesboro is home to many different book shops. Some are large, others are small, and some are simply more online than anything.

     People have hundreds of thousands of options for book buying, but what happens when they want a specific type of book and simply have no idea where to find it? What should they do when faced with the hundreds of options, and do the religious bookstores even count? Well, of course they do – in fact, they all count!

Where My Book Appreciation Began:

     Throughout school, I was a part of at least two book clubs. I enjoyed reading more than anything, and I definitely knew the best places to read. I learned to read well at a young age and excelled in my English classes. In fact, until my early high school years, I could not stand learning English, but later decided to major in English when I entered college.

     When I started school, my mother decided that homeschool was the best option at my age. Despite the idea that it was only temporary, she continued to home-school me and my younger siblings through high school. I grew up in a household where we bought our own curriculums from a Christian homeschool company called Sonlight. However, as we aged, my mother discovered cheaper ways to collect the books we needed and began to invest in more used books. Places like McKay’s Books in Nashville quickly won our hearts, and I continued to research the best book deals.

Local Bookstores and What They Offer:

     On the topic of bookstores, a few of the local bookstores include The Grumpy Bookpeddler, Barnes & Noble, Christian Publishers Outlet, Books-A-Million, Z’s Comic Lair, Parnassus Books, Follett, Textbook Brokers, and even McKay’s in Nashville! All of these bookstores have different purposes and spotlight a specific type of book.

     For example, Z’s Comic Lair implies comics, while Textbook Brokers offers textbooks, and Christian Publishers Outlet is a Christian company that supplies Christian books. Some bookstores even carry things like bookmarks and book lamps for those who totally enjoy reading.

     In fact, when it comes to what a bookstore might offer, many local businesses offer new books by local authors. Just as your local Publix grocery store carries “Alley Cat Tea” for your consumption, places like The Grumpy Bookpeddler carry a few books by local authors. To learn more about this, visit thegrumpybookpeddler.com or visit their Murfreesboro location.

     Barnes & Noble has also been a proud sponsor of local authors across the years. Not only does Barnes & Noble shelf books by local authors, it also hosts events and signings for those authors to help them become better known and appreciated. Events like these might include snacks, free coffee or tea, free merchandise supporting the author, signed copies of their books, an on-site meeting with the author, or even a chance to get in contact with the author and boost your own career! For more information, visit www.barnesandnoble.com.

     So where can the better books be found? Where can a person find old books, cool books, or even signed books? A few bookstores around Murfreesboro have set up displays for their rare books, and while it can be hard to get a hand on them, some offer those books for sale at a high price! While some might offer one rare copy of a book, others provide their shoppers and collectors with a few, limited copies. For example, your local bookstore might offer a limited supply of collectible books.

Where to Find Local Bookstores:

     A lot of the bookstores mentioned earlier can be found throughout the state, although some might be specific to certain cities or areas. Textbook Brokers can be found in or around colleges, and it has a location in Nashville and Murfreesboro. Follett can also be found in or around colleges, as it offers college textbooks and other college supplies. For a list of local bookstores, check out https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=bookstores&find_loc=Murfreesboro%2C+TN. 

     Stores like Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble are bigger stores and are more often located by malls or shopping outlets, while others depend more on location. Barnes & Noble has a few specific locations around Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, while Books-A-Million is more limited to Alabama and Tennessee. These two share common interests when it comes to wares. You might find spotlighted books, children’s books, adult books, games and collector’s items, and recently published books.

     Other bookstores like Christian Publisher’s Outlet and Z’s Comic Lair in Murfreesboro, or Parnassus Books and McKay’s in Nashville are specific to the state of Tennessee. Many travel to the state just to visit these stores!

     To conclude, there are many different bookstores around Middle Tennessee. In fact, there is a bookstore for everyone – even those who do not enjoy reading. All it takes to find the perfect bookstore is a little research and adventure!

Soccer Team Presents 'Motlow in Belize'

     Coach Andy Lyon and the Motlow Soccer Team in cooperation with Dr. Lucy Craig, director of International Education and Study Abroad Program, presented the event "Motlow in Belize" on all four campuses. The Motlow Soccer Team recently returned from Belize, sharing their stories with students, faculty, administrators and staff in Smyrna.  

Authors Dr. Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton and Jada Scott to Speak at Motlow Smyrna on April 15

         SMYRNA -- Authors Dr. Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton and Jada Scott will provide insights on how to self-publish a book during a talk from 9:30-10:30 a.m. April 15 (Monday) in Room 201 of the MaryLou Apple Building.

         Harriet, who serves as an associate professor for Tennessee State University, spent several years writing her book, "Daddy's Scrapbook: Henry Kimbro of the Negro Baseball League, A Daughter's Perspective." Her heartfelt family tribute honors her late father, a legendary outfielder once dubbed the "Black Ty Cobb" of the NBL.

TSU Associate Professor Dr. Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton, author of the book "Daddy's Scrapbook: Henry Kimbro of the Negro Baseball League, A Daughter's Perspective"

         Harriet's niece, Jada, is a fifth-grade student at Homer Pittard Campus School in Murfreesboro who recently released her first book, "Talking Planets: The Night Problem." The talented author and visual artist, who plans to be a rocket ship designer/engineer when she grows up, takes readers on an adventurous journey through the solar system aboard her red, white and purple rocket. She brings the sun, nearby planets, moon, and even a black hole to life with insightful facts and original artwork.

Fifth-grade Homer Pittard student Jada Scott (right) with legendary astronaut Dr. Rhea Seddon

         Admission is free and open to students, faculty members, administrators and staff members with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Their talk will conclude the spring edition of the "Famous Communicator Speakers Series." Other professionals who visited the Smyrna campus to speak this winter/spring were Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks and Grammy-winning songwriter and record producer Dennis Scott.

         For more information about the "Famous Communicator Speakers Series" or to recommend future speakers, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.

Students and Faculty 'Dance Across The Decades' at Motlow Smyrna

     SMYRNA -- The lobby of the MaryLou Apple Building became a dance floor on March 22 for the first annual "Dance Across The Decades" event. 

      A guest DJ (Professor Robert Davenport) presented recordings from the 1920s till today with attendees dancing everything from the Charleston to the Twist (and a few creative moves of their own). The event was sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, with support from the SGA. 

      Following are some photos from the event taken by Motlow Buzz Editor-in-Chief Charles Whiting.

Rachel Towle and Benji Barnard (top row), Emma Sagor (lower left), Jejuan Henderson (middle), Christian Young (lower right), and Jasper Emerton (bottom)

Christian Young takes over the dance floor.

Danielle McInturff (left) and Megan Williams dance the night away.

Jasper Emerton (left) and Christian Young show their dance moves.

Alara Bishop (left), Megan Williams (center), and William Levi Sellers take a break between dance numbers

Jasper Emerton and Rachel Towle swing during the Charleston

The event's DJ, Professor Robert Davenport handles the grooves and giveways.

A group of students dances.

One of the many prize winners.

Professor Debbie Stockdale (right) enjoys pizza and salad with her husband.

SEAM Club President Alara Bishop prepares tickets for prize drawings.

SEAM Club Vice-President Rachel Towle celebrates after the event.