Academic Resource Center Changes Teaching Landscape at Motlow State Community College

(Note: Associate Professor of History Ramona Shelton serves Motlow as director of the newly established Academic Resource Center. She provides details about the ARC’s purpose and goals in the following interview.) 

Ramona Shelton, Associate Professor of History and
Director of the newly established Academic Resource Center

Question: Describe the newly opened Academic Resource Center. 

Answer: The Academic Resource Center is a hub for faculty members to find support. The goal of the ARC is to provide training and professional development for Motlow’s full- and part-time faculty members. Faculty are all subject matter experts in their fields, but it can sometimes be challenging to know how to do all the extra “classroom” stuff or to learn new techniques and collaborate with others so the ARC strives to bridge that gap. All of the ARC coordinators are faculty members, so who better to help and support their colleagues?!? Currently, the ARC is completely virtual, but the plan is to not only expand our offerings as we move into Phase Two and Three, but also to ultimately have brick-and-mortar locations at all of our campuses. 

 

Question: What are High Impact Practices? 

Answer: High Impact Practices, or HIPs, were officially given that name in 2010 by George Kuh, an academic researcher, but these are things that faculty have been doing in our classrooms for years. HIPs are practices that add another layer to the subject that is being taught in a particular class, often giving students the chance to learn life or job skills that will help them long after they have graduated from Motlow. HIPs take many forms and new ones have been added as new ideas become important. HIPs designated courses do not include more work but rather specifically tailored work that further ties the course to that particular HIP.

Motlow currently offers several different HIPs in our courses. Some are “catalog level” HIPs, which mean that every section of that particular course, regardless of the professor or modality, has the practices embedded into the course. These include Certifications, First Year Experience, Honors Education, Learning Communities, Study Abroad, and Work-Based Learning.

“Section level" HIPs are more instructor-driven. These include Global Cultural Awareness, Service Learning, Technology Enhanced Learning, and Undergraduate Research. Faculty members submit applications to the Academic Resource Center to get their courses designated for these HIPs. In doing this, the faculty members show how they have crafted assignments and coursework that meets the minimum definition for their chosen HIPs. Because instructors apply for this designation, you won’t see these HIPs across the board in all courses. For example, one history instructor may have been approved for their section(s) to be classified for Global Cultural Awareness while others may not. 

Question: Explain the HIP course-badging process at Motlow State Community College.   

Answer: As stated above, HIPs that are considered catalog level are already built into many of our courses. For example, Motlow’s Honors program is built of courses that have met the rigorous standards of the program coordinator, so that HIP is inherent to the Honors courses. The same can be said of Motlow’s MSCC 1300 First Year Experience Courses. 

However, faculty members may do different activities for the section-level HIPs that are tied to their particular disciplines. Since this is unique to that particular professor, he/she goes through the application process, explaining not only how their courses meet the minimum definition for the HIP, but also describe the assignments within their courses that give students the opportunity to master the HIP. For example, one of our history instructors has a course coded for Undergraduate Research where his students will complete a research project for the class and will also have the opportunity to present their findings at our Fall 2022 Undergraduate Research Symposium. This gives students the opportunity to hone their research, writing, and presentation skills- things that will come in handy with most jobs and upper level college courses.

 

Question: How do students benefit from HIP-directed teaching? 

Answer: HIPs designated courses have extra layers that are specific to that HIP. These all give students the opportunity to add to their experiences and skill sets. Students in a Service Learning HIPs course have the chance to work on projects and events that are beneficial to the community. Study Abroad courses really do broaden a student’s horizon because they give him/her the chance to immerse themselves in a completely different country’s culture… while earning college credit! Students in any Motlow course are going to get an outstanding learning experience, but the HIPs designated courses give students the chance to go above and beyond. 

 

Question: How can HIP-focused courses enhance career opportunities for students? 

Answer: Most Motlow courses give students the opportunity to build those “soft skills” that employers are looking for, but HIPs-coded courses definitely expand on that. In addition to all the extras that I mentioned above, there are several other things that are career specific. For example, many of our Certifications-coded courses give students the opportunity to earn a certification or micro-credential that may give them a +1 when potential employers look at their resumes. 

In addition, students have access to an expanded digital transcript, referred to as their Comprehensive Learner Record. Not only does this list all of the courses they have successfully completed during their tenure at Motlow, but it also includes a listing of the HIPs the student earned with descriptions of what was part of this process. Prospective employers will be able to see this information, which will show that Motlow’s students have both the education and the skills that make them excellent employee material!

 

Question: Provide an example of a course that has incorporated HIPs activities for hands-on learning. 

Answer: I can give you an example from my courses. My Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Early World History and Modern World History courses were designated for the Technology Enhanced Learning HIP. We have a tendency to think that history and technology don’t get along well with each other, but Motlow has invested in VR/XR technology that is available through our Motlow Library. For one of their assignments, my students visited one of our library branches and used the technology to “experience” history. Some of the options in the library XR catalog include exploring a Medieval castle and visiting Anne Frank’s house. As much as I love telling stories in my classes, I think that this gives our students the opportunity for an enhanced learning experience that takes things to the next level. 

This is only one of many opportunities that students have in HIPs-designated courses! Different instructors have crafted all sorts of projects and learning experiences tailored to their courses and their chosen HIPs. The Academic Resource Center is working to build a repository of these activities so that we can grow and expand as we add more and more HIPs designated courses each semester.

 

Question: How can students sign up for HIPs-designated courses? 

Answer: Each semester, students register for courses in My Motlow. Courses that are coded for HIPs have the practice title listed as part of the information listed for that course. Not every course is HIPs designated, but we have some that have up to three HIPs opportunities available. 

 

Question: Can students earn HIPs outside of the classroom? 

Answer: Yes! There are two practices that do not show up in MyMotlow during registration because they are student specific. These are Peer Mentor and Student Employment. Motlow has an excellent group of student workers in areas like our Library and Writing Center. Students who serve as peer mentors work with their colleagues throughout the college experience, starting with our campus visits and orientations. 

 

Question: Who should faculty, students, administrators and staff contact for more information?  

Answer: Students who are interested in registering for HIPs designated courses should consult with their faculty advisors or completion coaches. HIPs designations are visible in the course schedule in My Motlow. Faculty who are interested in having their courses designated for HIPs should contact Ramona Shelton at rshelton@mscc.edu and should attend ARC workshops throughout the semester to help facilitate the process. 

BUZZ ALERT! Performers Sought for ‘Holiday Traditions Show’

SMYRNA — Artists of all kinds are invited to take the stage for the 2022 edition of the “Motlow Smyrna Holiday Traditions Show.”

The event, which will occur from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 1 (Thursday), will celebrate all holiday traditions with performances by dancers, singers, songwriters, poets, storytellers, visual artists, and others. The show is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club with support from the Student Government Association and the Dean of Students.

Individuals who are interested in performing are encouraged to contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu or SEAM Club President Kate Kim at kkim0803@mscc.edu. The deadline to express interest is Nov. 28 (Monday). 

“Our annual ‘Holiday Traditions Show’ is a wonderful way to share the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other celebrations,” said Whiting. “We’ll be featuring dance at the event for the first time.”

The show will occur in the Big Room on the first floor of the HSC Building, with food and beverage provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donated item for Motlow’s food bank. More details will be provided soon. 

Brent Backhus to Give Hollywood Filmmaking and Recording Talk at Motlow Smyrna on Nov. 17

SMYRNA, Tenn. -- Hollywood Filmmaker, Producer and Sound Engineer Brent Backhus has worked with entertainers ranging from Reese Witherspoon and Farrah Fawcett to William Shatner, Mick Jagger, and Sheryl Crow, receiving more than 100 movie credits on the IMDb movie database.

Students, faculty and others will learn the ins and outs of moviemaking and audio production (with a few surprising stories, too) during a special talk from 2-3 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 17) in HSC 323 on the Smyrna campus. The artist’s presentation, “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood,” is part of the fall 2022 “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.”

Brent Backhus, filmmaker, producer and sound engineer

“I started my career in Los Angeles as a guitarist, gigging with whomever would let me,” said Backhus, who commutes between Nashville and California. “Once the recording bug hit me, I became fascinated with sound engineering and production.”

But a DVD production stint involving actors Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd (“Overnight Delivery”) led to his transition from audio to movie production. Other film projects have included The Bangles (“Live at The House of Blues” on DVD); “Chasing Farrah: Starring Farrah Fawcett” for TV Land; “William Shatner In Concert” with Ben Folds and Joe Jackson for TV Land; the documentary film “On The Brink” (co-directed); the “Solomon Burke Tribute” with Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq, performed Live at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards (archival footage); and “Sheryl Crow: Live at the Capitol Theatre” (Winner Best Music/Performance Blu-ray).

“But if playing with the greats and near greats was fun, recording was even more fun,” said Backhus, referring to the musical part of his career journey. 

He has served as a sound engineer and producer for artists such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors), The Whispers, Deacon Jones, William Clarke, Charlie Musselwhite, John Lee Hooker, and The Blind Boys of Alabama: “Spirit of the Century” (Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album).

Brent Backhus’s “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood” talk is free to all students, faculty members, administrators and staff. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in HSC 323 from 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Thursday). For more information, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter/Visual Artist Laura Powers to Speak on Oct. 27

  SMYRNA -- Award-winning singer/songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers will kick off the fall installment of the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” with a talk at Motlow Smyrna from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 27 (Thursday).

  Powers’ presentation, “Journey into the Arts and Beyond,” will provide insight on how creativity of any kind can spur one’s opportunities for personal growth and success. Her session, which will occur in HSC 323, will feature original music and fine art, as well as stories from the artist’s career journey. Please contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu if you are interested in attending. 

Laura Powers

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned and continue to learn the skills needed for the creation of music, artwork, promotional videos, and websites,” the artist said. “I enjoy collaborating with other musicians, filmmakers and marketing professionals in Nashville and other parts of the world. I hope my presentation will inspire students to believe that any dream is possible.” 

Powers grew up in a military family, spending much of her youth in Europe. She studied abroad and began singing professionally in college. The artist later landed a record deal with Carrere Records in Paris, with successful singles and international appearances on radio and television. Her songs have been covered by numerous recording artists, and she has received awards in the television, music and advertising industries. Powers has released six albums of original Celtic-infused music.

The Nashvillian also has a background in visual art (oil painting). She has taught classes and created some of the artwork for her music CDs. Her collection of original paintings “Golden Muses,” which honored female songwriters, was spotlighted in a nationally aired segment on TNN: The Nashville Network. Her landscape paintings have been chosen for several high-profile, juried art shows.  

She continues to perform with The L.A. Party Dolls, an all-female show band that belts out classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s. The trio has entertained audiences in cities such as Las Vegas; Reno, Nevada; and Palm Springs, California.

Powers also has experience with the development and marketing of a retail product. She patented a unique jewelry item and launched an Indiegogo and social media campaign for international exposure.

She has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including an Emmy nomination for a Public Television spot on “Television Worth Watching” that promoted PBS programming and membership; a regional ADDY Award for “Best Television Ad Campaign” on “Television Worth Watching”; and finalist for New Age Vocal Album of the Year (“Legends of the Goddess”) by New Age Voice magazine.   

“These projects all need marketing and promotion, which can be a time challenge when one’s passion is creating music or artwork,” Powers said. 

The “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” will continue on Nov. 17 with a talk by filmmaker Brent Backhus. Admission is free to Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff. To learn more, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Opinion: Students Need to Vote in November

By Joan Edens

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

(Joan Edens is a student at Motlow State Community College.)

SMYRNA -- Tennessee saw a disappointing voter turnout in this year's midterm primaries, and that needs to change in the next election (especially among young people). 

According to a recent article in Tennessee Lookout by Lucas Brooks, only 17% of registered voters cast a ballot. That means 3.7 million voters let 0.5 million decide several issues for the state.

It's been widely reported that Motlow State Community College's major demographic of 18 to 24 years of age has a higher rate of voting. However, less than half (33%) voted in the last presidential election. In contrast, young people can be seen in force protesting, volunteering and speaking out about topics that they care about on social media. 

If every young person who expressed their opinion on TikTok or Snapchat would also show up at the polls, they might gain leverage with the politicians who have the power to affect the issues that they care about. Politicians pander to their voter base to get into and stay in office. The way one becomes part of the voter base is by voting. 

Races on the Nov. 8 ballot in Tennessee include the U.S. House, Tennessee Governor, State Senate and House, State Supreme and Appellate courts, School boards, and Municipal positions. Readers can check to see what is on the ballot in specific voting districts by visiting  www.BallotPedia.org. 

These positions have the power to change day-to-day lives in Tennessee. Most are for state-level positions that can impact issues such as

 + Climate change - water pollution, clean energy sources, recycling.

+ Reproductive rights - including health care and education.

+ Emergency response - Covid, disasters, police and firefighters.

+ Education - charters, banned materials, and school lunches.

+ Health care and drugs - insurance, mental health services, and marijuana.

+ Camping/homelessness - where one can camp without being charged with a felony.

+ Law Enforcement - penalties including death, adult/minor exceptions.

In the past few years, Tennessee has enacted laws regarding many of these issues while answering to a slim percentage of the state's population. When campaign contributors make up the largest voice available to guide representatives, the state loses. Motlow students have the power this fall to help increase the influence of the people, and most especially the young vote. All they need do is show up and vote to support or deny currently proposed candidates and legislation. 

Voting might take a little more effort than filling out a social media poll, but the payoff makes up for it. To have your preferences count, register by Oct. 11 and vote, either in early voting or on election day, Nov. 8. To learn more, visit https://ovr.govote.tn.gov. 

Motlow Smyrna Schedules Host of Events to Kick Off First Week of Fall Semester 2022

 Welcome Week: School’s Back ‘from’ Summer…

 

            SMYRNA -- Nothing feels better than beginning a new life adventure. There’s excitement in the air as hundreds of students return and/or arrive for the first time to Motlow’s Smyrna campus. There are a host of activities scheduled this week to get everyone all revved up for Fall 2022.

 

            This is only a small sampling of all the fun students can expect to have this fall here in Smyrna. 

 

            * Go-To-Crews will be on hand to welcome and answer any questions students have from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

 

            * Check out our Ice Cream Social from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday.

 

            *  Game Day will occur from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. 

 

            * Enjoy Donuts with our Deans and Faculty members from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

 

            * Visit the HSC Lobby from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday and/or 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday for our Club and Resource Days. Tables will be laden with club information. Get involved! It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow in one's academic area of interest.

 

            * Motlow Smyrna’s big Cookout will occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.

 

            Be sure to mark your calendar. Have fun and the take the opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, administrators and staff. See you soon!

 

            For more information, contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@mscc.edu . 

 

 

Music Industry Professionals Nancy Moran and Fett to Speak on March 30

SMYRNA -- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Development Coach Nancy Moran and Producer/Recording Engineer Fett will provide insight on the Nashville music industry during a Zoom session from 12:30-1:30 p.m. March 30 (Wednesday) at Motlow State Community College.

Moran’s and Fett’s presentation, “The Ins and Outs of a Music Industry Career,” is part of Motlow’s “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” The talk is open to all students, faculty, administrators and staff. 

Moran and Fett, who represent Azalea Music Group, are leading educators, entertainers, and decision-makers in Music City. 

“We will discuss our roles in the music industry and what students should do to prepare for full-time careers,” said Fett, who oversees a state-of-the-art recording studio in Brentwood, Tennessee. 

To access their Nashville music industry talk on Zoom, visit https://mscc.zoom.us/j/92500036184?pwd=T1BGSW44c1llNUl2MnZuRlFvNlNIUT09 Meeting ID: 925 0003 6184 Passcode: 707290 Attendees will be placed in the waiting room until the presentation begins.

Nancy Moran is an independent, folk-rock/Americana singer-songwriter who has been singing and performing professionally for more than 25 years at notable folk clubs, performing arts centers, house concerts, and festivals across the nation. With four solo albums to her credit, The Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch called her “a [modern-day] Joni Mitchell,” as well as “a major force to be reckoned with.” 

From 2005-2012, Moran also toured as a member of The Four Bitchin’ Babes, an all-female group nationally renowned for their four-part vocal harmonies and highly entertaining and comedic performances. 

As co-founder of Azalea Music Group, she teaches musicians, singer-songwriters, indie artists, and other music-moguls-in-training how to get out of their own way so they can get their music out of their basement and into the world at large where it can make a difference. She specializes in working with the not-quite-mainstream and those “second-timers” coming back to music after a long hiatus. But she’s also been known to work with actors, writers, storytellers and other creatives because the principles of pursuing a creative life are often the same regardless of the medium. Learn more by visiting her website at musicmogulcoaching.com .

Fett is an independent music producer and engineer, author, music career coach, co-founder of the Azalea Music Group in Nashville, and recording/mixing engineer for the 2015 Australian number one album, Jason Owen’s “Friday Night.” He is the author of the popular book “Fett’s Mixing Roadmap: A Step-by-step Guide To Mixing Music In The Studio,” host of www.EmpoweringWomenInAudio.com, and teacher of hands-on recording and production clinics for women. 

Fett is the former technology editor for Performing Songwriter magazine, and occasional journalist for CMA Close Up, Drum!, and Keyboard magazines. His diverse list of clients includes Davy Jones of The Monkees, Grammy-winning songwriter Don Henry, and international guitar virtuosos Tommy Emmanuel and Muriel Anderson.

The “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” is sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment Arts and Media Club and the Mass Communications program at Motlow State Community College. Upcoming speakers include Appalachian Photographer/Author Clark Wheeler on April 13 (Wednesday). To learn more about this event, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.  

Motlow to Stage First-Ever ‘Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest’

SMYRNA -- The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities program are teaming up to stage the first-ever “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest” in April 2022.

The contest, which is named in honor of Professor Emeritus Debbie Zimmerman, is open to students from all four campuses who have already completed the COMM 2025 Fundamentals of Communication course, including dual-enrollment students. The registration deadline is April 1 (Friday).

Students who wish to participate in this activity will be asked to prepare and deliver a 10 to 15-minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choosing. Presentations may revolve around societal issues, medical topics, political topics, or topics dealing with other important issues or concepts. The participants will be eligible to receive award certificates and prizes. The overall contest winner will receive an engraved trophy.

Students can enter the contest by e-mailing Professor Robert Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu or by calling his office at (615) 220-7963 between now and April 1. They should provide their name, the Motlow campus where they attend, and the semester and year they completed the speech course (COMM 2025). Speech requirements will be e-mailed to students promptly after their contest registration is confirmed.

“Debbie Zimmerman was a longtime Motlow communication professor who was instrumental in building the speech curriculum at the College,” said Davenport, event coordinator and assistant professor of speech. “She is thrilled to have her name placed on the title of this contest and honored to be involved with this opportunity for students.”

The speech contest will feature one semifinal round on the Moore County campus on April 11 (for Moore County and Fayetteville students) and another semifinal round on the Smyrna campus on April 12 (for Smyrna and McMinnville students). The top five speakers from the semifinal rounds will advance to the final round on the Smyrna campus on April 18. 

The Dean of Students Office will help promote the event with flyers and announcements in their shell on D2L. Feel free to submit any questions or comments to Professor Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu. 

“This will be a great opportunity for Motlow students to gain more public speaking experience,” Davenport continued. “It is something they can include on resumes and applications for college and potential jobs.”

Davenport added that the plan is to make the “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorial Contest” an annual event for Motlow students. The SEAM Club and Humanities program are encouraging students to help Motlow make history by supporting this historic event. 

Celebrating Black History Month: 'African-American Read-In' to Occur Virtually All Day Feb. 28

             SMYRNA, Tenn. -- A host of students, faculty members, administrators and staff members will celebrate the contributions of African-Americans during the day-long “African-American Read-In” on Feb. 28 (Monday). 

 

            According to Event Coordinator and Professor Dr. Phyllis Adams, the event will occur virtually on Zoom from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with spoken and visual presentations lasting up to 15 minutes each. A few presenter slots remained available on Friday. Registration for the event will close at 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration is required to attend. 

 

            “I want to thank those who have already confirmed their interest in presenting this year,” Adams said. “With the virtual ‘Read-In,’ individuals will have the flexibility to move in and out of the space throughout the day. Thank you for your continued support, presence and participation.”

 

            Adams, who serves Motlow as Professor of Speech and Theatre, and Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, created the event for Black History Month. According to the History Channel, President Gerald Ford officially recognized BHM in 1976, asking Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” 

 

            For more information about the “African-American Read-In,” contact Professor Adams at padams@mscc.edu. To register, visit https://forms.gle/hQhh98kRmMHHuoky8.