In the Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: MLT Program Director Kim-Sue Tudor

          SMYRNA -- The Motlow State Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program cleared a significant hurdle last April when it earned full accreditation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). MLT Program Director Kim-Sue Tudor worked day and night to help build the program. Here is her story.

 

Question: How does it feel to have the Motlow State Medical Laboratory Technology program earn full accreditation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences? 

 

Answer: “I feel a sense of pride for Motlow State’s accomplishment.  An achievement of this magnitude is seldom the result of a single individual.  While I was the lead and coordinator of the accreditation, so many auspices of Motlow State contributed to this outcome—Academic Affairs, Business Office, Operations, Student Success, Admissions and Records, etc.”

 

Question: Provide a brief description of the program.

  

Answer: “The Medical Laboratory Technology Program provides education and training in clinical laboratory science.  It is a science-intensive curriculum that includes medical disciplines such as clinical chemistry, hematology, and clinical microbiology. The program consists of didactic (classroom) education and applied clinical education in six major disciplines of the clinical laboratory.  Students in the program learn the physiology of disease (i.e. pathophysiology) in each of these disciplines, and they are trained in performing and interpreting diagnostic tests in these areas. Graduates of the program traditionally go on to staff diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices.”

 

Question: How long did it take to develop the program, and what was involved?  

 

Answer: “Development of the MLT Program began before I joined Motlow State and involved such things as establishing a workforce need within the counties that Motlow State serves.  Following TBR and SACS approval, I was hired to establish the MLT Program.  Two main factors are involved in establishing an MLT Program.  The state of Tennessee’s Medical Laboratory Board must grant a Certificate to Operate, and the program must obtain national accreditation. Both processes involve the creation of administrative and academic policies governing how the program will function.  In addition, the program must establish a curriculum that guides the education and training of MLT students. The Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) have specific criteria that shape the policies and curriculum for MLT programs. Both organizations make site visits to Motlow State to evaluate the MLT program. The process to accreditation took 2-1/2 years to complete.”

 

Question: When did the program launch, and how many students does it have?

 

Answer: “The program accepted its first cohort in the fall of 2018, after a Certificate of Operation was granted by the state of Tennessee’s Medical Laboratory Board. The program graduated seven students from the inaugural cohort (Class of 2019). There were eight graduates in the Class of 2020. Currently, there are 12 students in the fall 2020 cohort (Class of 2021).”

 

Question: What courses are offered in the program? 

 

Answer: “There are 11 courses in the full-time curriculum divided between the didactic curriculum and the clinical experience.

 

* Didactic—clinical chemistry, hematology  & hemostasis, clinical microbiology, clinical immunology, immunohematology/blood bank, urinalysis and body fluids.

            

* Clinical experience—clinical practicum I, II, and III, seminar I and II.”

 

Question: Describe the college’s facilities and what happens during a typical session in the lab. 

 

Answer: Motlow State’s MLT laboratory is quite likely the most well-equipped scientific laboratory (applied or natural sciences) on any community college in the state. We have resources, equipment and instrumentation that parallel what one would find in a clinical laboratory in a hospital setting. During a typical laboratory session, students perform blood and body fluid tests routinely ordered by physicians. Students conduct all critical aspects of diagnostic testing including, specimen selection and identification, technical analysis, and results interpretation and reporting. Diagnostic level instrumentation in the areas of urinalysis, hematology and microbiology allow students to conduct testing in these areas in a nearly identical fashion to the testing in a hospital laboratory setting. Such simulation enhances the entry-level readiness for the workforce of Motlow State MLT Program graduates.”

 

Question: How does the program prepare students for real jobs in the field? 

 

Answer: “The combination of the didactic curriculum and the clinical experience prepares MLT students for real jobs in the field. These curricular aspects are designed to develop the entry-level competencies in cognitive (knowledge/theory), psychomotor (technical skills) and affective (communication, attitude, professionalism) domains of learning.  In addition, the didactic curriculum and the clinical experience provide the foundation for students to be successful at passing a national certification examination and obtaining Tennessee licensing as Medical Laboratory Technicians. Licensure is required for employment as a Medical Laboratory Technician in the state of Tennessee.”

 

Question: What other accolades has the program or participants received since its launch?

 

Answer: “The national certification rate for the 2019 graduates was 100%. The 2020 Graduates show a similar trend, with two graduates still scheduled to take a national certification exam.

 

Question: Do you have a student club? If so, how can students get involved?

 

Answer: “No, currently there is no student club for MLT students. The possibility does exist for a club to form if there is student interest.”

 

Question: Provide a list of instructors for the program.

 

Answer: 

 

Kim-Sue Tudor, Ph.D., MT (ASCP)

Daniel Guevara (new faculty), MT (AAB)

 

Adjuncts:

Jennifer Gidcomb, MS, MLS (ASCP) 

Robin Ward, MLS (ASCP)

 

Question: Do you want to acknowledge individuals or companies for their support?

 

Answer: “There are so many individuals to acknowledge for their contributions to the MLT Program. I truly wish I could remember all of them to list here. There can be no doubt, however, this program would not exist and have the outstanding resources that it does without the efforts and support of EVP Hilda Tunstill, AVP Melody Edmonds, and Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Pat Hendrix.”

In the Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Jonathan Graham

By Charles Whiting

Motlow Buzz Faculty Editor

          Tennessee Promise Director Jonathan Graham quietly goes about his work on a daily basis, helping to fulfill the educational aspirations of hundreds of Motlow students. His excellent work at the college earned a nomination for Tennessee Board of Regents Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award for Staff Excellence. In this issue of The Buzz, Jonathan steps into the Motlow Smyrna spotlight to provide insights about the fast-growing Tennessee Promise program.

Motlow State Community College Tennessee Promise Director Jonathan Graham (photo recently published in the Motlow Newsroom at https://news.mscc.edu/news/motlow-tennessee-promise-director-jonathan-graham-nominated-for-tbr-excellence-award.)

QUESTION: Briefly describe your role with tnAchieves.

ANSWER: “I work very closely with tnAchieves to serve Tennessee Promise students. First, I attend mandatory meetings at local high schools hosted by tnAchieves in order to provide high school seniors information about the Tennessee Promise Scholarship as well as information regarding the enrollment/financial aid process here at Motlow State Community College. Second, I work closely with tnAchieves staff to help students who are facing specific obstacles. For example, a student may have trouble submitting their community service hours in which case I will reach out to tnAchieves on the student’s behalf to find a resolution to the problem. Conversely, a student may be having trouble signing up for a new student orientation or understanding their financial aid requirements, in which case tnAchieves may reach out to me on a student’s behalf to find a resolution. So, we work together in order to make sure that students are successful and complete the requirements that they need to in order to successfully enroll and maintain their Tennessee Promise eligibility.”

QUESTION: How many Motlow Smyrna students are participating in the program this fall, and how will it benefit them?

ANSWER: “This Fall 2019, we have 639 eligible Tennessee Promise students registered at the Smyrna Campus who are a part of the new Fall 2019 cohort. In sum, we have a total of 939 eligible Tennessee Promise students from all TN Promise cohorts at the Smyrna Campus who are currently registered for the Fall 2019 term. Roughly 60% of all eligible Tennessee Promise students registered at the Smyrna Campus are receiving some Tennessee Promise funding, so this scholarship is benefiting these students greatly.”

QUESTION: What are the next two or three deadlines on students’ timelines?

ANSWER: “The deadline to complete the Tennessee Promise application is Nov. 1, 2019 for current high school seniors graduating in 2020.

 

The next community service deadline for currently enrolled Tennessee Promise students is Dec. 2, 2019.

The 2020-2021 FAFSA opened on Oct. 1. The deadline for all Tennessee Promise students to complete this FAFSA is Feb. 1, 2020.”

QUESTION: What are some of the community service opportunities for students in the program?

ANSWER: “Broadly speaking, students can volunteer at a state park, a food bank, a school, or library to earn their community service hours. There are more specific opportunities that arise throughout the school year, and many of these volunteer opportunities can be found by going to https://tnachieves.org/community-service/middle-tennessee/. Students can select their county to find local community service opportunities in their area.”

QUESTION: What is the biggest challenge Tennessee Promise students face, and how can we (faculty, administrators and staff) help solve them?

ANSWER: “The biggest challenge that Tennessee Promise students face is often keeping up with the many deadlines that they must meet in order to remain eligible for the scholarship. Faculty and staff can help students by simply asking them if they have completed their upcoming Tennessee Promise requirements. When meeting with students, faculty and staff can simply ask if they are a Tennessee Promise student and, if so, if they have completed their community service requirement/FAFSA/and financial aid requirements. Faculty and staff can also encourage students to stay in touch with the financial aid office to ensure that all of their financial aid requirements are complete as well.”

QUESTION: Would you like to share a student success story? (How has the program made an impact on students’ lives?)

ANSWER: “We had a Tennessee Promise student a couple of years ago who came to Motlow to pursue an AAS Degree in Mechatronics. He and his family were not going to be able to afford him going to college had it not been for the Tennessee Promise program. The student did exceptionally well in the Mechatronics Program and was hired by Bridgestone Firestone directly after graduating from college and is making a very good living. I hosted a campus cleanup day while he was still taking classes at Motlow State, and I remember talking to the student about his goals as we were picking up trash in our ditches on campus. At that point in time, he was just hoping that going to school would pay off and that he would be able to get a good paying job after he graduated. He went on to do just that and has become very successful since graduating from Motlow.

QUESTION: What’s the most interesting or funniest experience you’ve had with Tennessee Promise students?

ANSWER: “Some of the funniest experiences that I have had with Tennessee Promise students are when I attend trash pickup opportunities with them and they get to see what kinds of things people throw away/litter. Once, a student found a stand-up dummy punching bag in a ditch and had a pretty good time with that find. These kinds of opportunities allow for students to see how much people litter and how much trash we produce as a society. It allows them to have conversations about the environment and it’s funny to listen to their reactions as we come across ‘unique’ litter finds.”

QUESTION: What is the best way for participants to contact you for advice?

ANSWER: I can be reached by phone at (615) 220-7839, by email at jgraham@mscc.edu, or by text at (615) 258-6262.

Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Student Leader Lucas Lanius

(Editor's note: This issue, The Motlow Buzz spotlights student leader Lucas Lanius, who serves as president of the History Club on the Smyrna campus of Motlow State Community College.)

Interview by Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

QUESTION: Why did you choose Motlow Smyrna?

ANSWER:  “I chose Motlow Smyrna because it’s been very success-oriented towards students. I see staff and professors alike everywhere doing everything in their power to see their students prevail in the work that they give. Motlow has also been a great choice for teaching me something they don’t directly have a class for: responsibility. Motlow State Smyrna has taught me to take initiative for everything that I do and aspire to be. I’m very thankful for the opportunities they have given me to mature.”

QUESTION: What do you like best about being a Motlow Smyrna student?

ANSWER: “What I enjoy the most is how interactive Motlow Smyrna is. They may be a smaller campus, but they use it very well to their advantage. Staff and professors get to know their students better face-to-face, and students get to chat, hang out, and bond with each other. It’s only my second semester as a freshman, and I’ve made more friends at Motlow than I can count. I’m certain that even with expansions arriving in the future, Motlow Smyrna will continue to hold on to that mentality of reaching a caring and friendly hand out to everyone who comes to campus.”

QUESTION: What advice would you give to a new freshman coming to Motlow Smyrna for the first time?

ANSWER: “The advice I would give to a freshman getting to experience Motlow State Smyrna for the first time is to explore. Talk to people; get to know the backbone of the college you’re attending. I made the mistake of just being shy and trying to blend in and that’s not how Motlow Smyrna works. It celebrates different talents, styles, characters and so much more, and your personality is just what Motlow needs. Don’t be afraid to be out of the norm. You might find that it opens up just the right doors for you.”

QUESTION: You are the president of the History Club. Tell us what the club is all about? Why should Motlow Smyrna students get involved in the History Club?

ANSWER: “The History Club here at Motlow Smyrna can be summed up in three words: fun, interactive education. The History Club doesn’t want you to only learn about history. We want you to learn it while enjoying it with people of alike minds. Again, it’s another perfect way to introduce yourself to Motlow Smyrna, allowing you to laugh and relish the company that the History Club embraces you with. In just one semester, we’ve gone to an art museum, a former President’s home, and so many other places to expand a student’s knowledge of the history that surrounds them, all while being in the presence of awesome friends.”

QUESTION: What are your plans for after you graduate from Motlow?

ANSWER: “My personal plans after I finish my Spring 2020 semester is to go to Middle Tennessee State University. I want to major in video production and minor in journalism. My goal is to be either a videographer or journalist (or both) for any company in the automotive business. I have a special place in my heart for cars, and if I could get a job even remotely similar to Jeremy Clarkson, James May, or Richard Hammond on The Grand Tour, then I’ll be the happiest man on Earth.”

QUESTION: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

ANSWER: “Hmmmmm… good question. I think a lot of people don’t know that I really enjoy making reviews. I’m trying to get a small YouTube channel started where I take mobile tech and give an overview of it. I think it’s a great way for me to hone in my videography skills while doing something I enjoy and see others who I look up to doing it as well. Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll be the best tech reviewer out there, but I’m still a long way off from people like LinusTechTips, MKBHD, and Mr. Mobile.”

Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Dr. William (Bill) Kraus

By Emma Sagor

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         (Born in Cleveland, Ohio... husband to wife Barbara... father to three adult children... grandfather to four grandchildren and one grand dog. I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. William (Bill) Kraus, one of Motlow’s most dedicated professors and advocate for student success. His big heart can be clearly seen, even from first meeting him! Dr. Kraus received his masters and doctorate from the University of Southern California, and a second masters from Occidental College in Los Angeles. Using his learned knowledge, Dr. Kraus teaches here at Motlow State, going above and beyond to not only provide us with the best learning experience and education, but also he goes as far as to give back to his students, even though nothing is owed. With such a heart of gold, I am honored to have been able to take his class last semester and gotten to know and have him as a friend! I am ecstatic to be able to share a glimpse with you into who the wonderful man Bill Kraus truly is!)

Question: Tell me a little about yourself, so our readers can get to know you and what you do here at Motlow?

Answer: “I have been here 13 years as an adjunct professor in political science, as well as teaching First Year Experience. I have also been associated with the Writing Center since 2015, as well as an embed tutor in several English classes. I currently serve on the President’s Leadership Council and was very humbled to receive Adjacent Faculty Member of the Year in 2017. (Out of 400 faculty members across the four campuses, Dr. Kraus received the award in this field.) I also serve as one of two advisors to student government here at the Smyrna campus.”

Question: What made you want to teach in the political science field and in the areas of state and local government?

Answer: “I have been involved in all aspects of government and politics for most of my professional life, including serving as city manager for six California and Tennessee city governments ranging in size from 5,000 to 100,000 citizens; managing a wide range of health, community and professional nonprofit associations on a national state and local basis, which required significant political advocacy on behalf of my occasions; and teaching both on a part-time and full-time basis at a number of colleges and universities since 1974. Having more than 22,000 student subjects, to ‘quote the Kraus humor.’” (If you look at Dr. Kraus' personal email address, you will note he is referred to as “Wild Willy,” a title he earned in his early life as the top rock 'n' roll disk jockey in the state of Hawaii.

Question: What do you like about Motlow?

Answer: “I have been with Motlow State since the time our student body at Smyrna numbered in the hundreds. We did not have a campus, but met in several classrooms at the Tennessee Army National Guard facilities. Throughout this period, I’ve been extraordinary impressed and excited about the overall abilities, dedication and excellence of our students. I have the opportunity to compare them with those men and woman in other colleges that I teach at or have taught at in the past, and I will say without reservation that Motlow students are indeed second to none.”

Question: I heard you say Hawaii. How did you end up all the way over there?

Answer: “I enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves, and my active duty placed me as the public information officer of a naval air station there. I had been in radio as a news director and an announcer throughout my undergrad years, and shortly after arriving in Hawaii, I went to the first radio station in Honolulu listed in the telephone book and asked if they needed any part-time help. After determining that I had the appropriate certification, I was told that I would be on the air in 15 minutes… My new name would be Wild Willy and that I would be working for the top rock station in the state.”

Question: How long did you serve?

Answer: “I served in the reserve for six years, in which two were of active duty, all in the beautiful area of ‘pineapple, sugar cane and surfing.’”

Question: What made you decide to leave the sand and surf and come here to Tennessee?

Answer: “Originally I spent most of my life in California. It was about 15 years ago that we moved to Tennessee, for our daughter (Jennifer Kraus), who has been a news anchor and reporter for Channel 5 for nearly 25 years. Jennifer was having a growing family, and when her second child was born, shortly after he went into a coma and was in critical condition at Vanderbilt. After a long four days and a miracle drug, he came out of the coma and has been fine the rest of the years. However after this traumatic time, Jennifer suggested to my wife and myself that we should live closer as a family and that the house next door to her was coming on the market. To please her, we went to check out the house, and 15 minutes later said we will buy it. The rest is history!”

Question: What brought you here to us at Motlow?

Answer: “Prior to coming to Tennessee and not knowing what I would be doing once we came to the Volunteer State, I sent out resumes and letters of interest to many colleges and universities in the area. I was immediately hired by Vanderbilt University, as well as Austin State, while assuming the position as city manger of Oak Hill (in Davidson County). It was two years later that I got a call from Motlow State replying to my earlier interest… and here I am.”

Question: What advice would you give on being successful in life or in a particular area?

Answer: “Very simply, always be optimistic… happy… look for the best in people and opportunities, and always have a plan B!”

Question: What would you say is your favorite quote?

Answer: (I love how Dr. Kraus put the following... his Writing Center background really shows through with his answer!) “I like to paraphrase Henry Ford’s quote: Coming together is a beginning, working together is progress, and achieving together is success!”

Question: So you mentioned being very active in the political field. How does English tie into that and your work here at the Writing Center?

Answer: “Writing and verbal communications are the book ends of life’s success. If you can verbalize well, and write well, you will be two steps ahead of most. In the Writing Center, I don’t only look for language structure and appropriate grammar, I want to encourage everyone to be creative and share more than just what they read or what they quote.”

(When I asked Dr. Kraus if there was anything else he would like to add, he told me this: “Future... I live day to day, moment to moment and look back at the end of each day and ask myself, did I make the lives of others a little brighter and a little better... most hopefully I can achieve.” I think we could all learn something from these wise words.)

Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Heather Koller

By Emma Sagor

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         Associate Professor of History Heather Koller is a beloved educator who has made invaluable contributions to Motlow Smyrna. She currently serves as a faculty-at-large representative for Faculty Council. Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer Emma Sagor recently conducted this insightful interview.

     QUESTION: Tell me a little something about yourself, so our readers can get to know who you are and what you do here at Motlow.

     ANSWER: "First and foremost, I am a teacher, and I teach history. Teaching history is the most joyful part of my job! I am also the faculty at large representative, which means I work with the faculty as well."

     QUESTION: What made you want to teach in the field that you are teaching in?

     ANSWER: "I have always loved history. I remember while in graduate school reading all the History books I could get my hands on. There is nothing I ever wanted to do more than major in History."

     QUESTION: Do you have a favorite Historical Character?

     ANSWER: "Theodore Roosevelt! Really the whole Roosevelt family, Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor. They are my favorites. They were always optimistic, and they believed that if we work together that we can make things better. They were also strongly committed to justice."

     QUESTION: How long have you been teaching?

     ANSWER: "I have been teaching 12 years full time, but originally I started as an adjunct part time when the Motlow Smyrna site was in the armory."

     QUESTION: Did you teach anywhere prior to teaching here at Motlow?

     ANSWER: "Before teaching here in Tennessee, I taught in North Carolina."

     QUESTION: Are you originally from the Smyrna area?

     ANSWER: "No, I was born in Illinois, and I grew up there."

     QUESTION: What brought you to Tennessee?

     ANSWER: "We usually followed my husband when new job opportunities arose. We currently have been living here in Tennessee for about 20 years now." 

     QUESTION: What brought you here to Motlow?

     ANSWER: "When I was an adjunct, I choose to teach classes at Motlow over other schools because I thought it had a better atmosphere. The way people treated each other with a lot of kindness and thoughtfulness is one reason that stood out about Motlow to me."

     QUESTION: What advice would you give for success - whether in life in general or success in a particular area?

     ANSWER: "Keep going even when it feels like it isn’t working! Be thoughtful and be good to others. Always be professional, and even when life knocks you down, get back up! It may sound a little cliché, but it is one of my philosophies. Another piece of advice I would give anyone is to always stand up for what you know is right."

     QUESTION: Ms. Ramona Shelton and Mr. Charles Whiting both mentioned you as one of the top people they looked up to -- who inspired them. Who is someone that you look/looked up to?

     ANSWER: "I had a mentor in grad school named Dr. Portwood, and she was always extremely patient with me and kind to me. She believed in me. She definitely made me feel like I could succeed. One thing that has inspired me since I started my career in Smyrna was when Motlow first was in Smyrna. It only used to consist of the small building. We were once shoved in that small building, so we all worked together, and it made me want to do my best with the people I worked with, to be my best. It also made me realize that we have to take care of each other."

     QUESTION: What is your favorite quote?

     ANSWER: "Let’s see… I’ll give you a history quote by William Faulkner. 'The past is never dead; it’s not even past.'"

In the Motlow Smyrna Spotlight: Ally Elliott

Interview By Ramona Shelton

Motlow Buzz Managing Editor

         Ally Elliott is president of the Criminal Justice Club, a charter member of the History Club, and a summer 2018 graduate of Motlow State Community College.

Question: Why did you choose Motlow Smyrna?

Answer: "I knew that I would be eligible for Tennessee Promise, but even before that, I already knew that I wanted to come here to Smyrna. Since I went to Smyrna High School, I had heard about Motlow and knew the classes would be smaller and that Motlow offered a ton of classes that I wanted to take."

Question: What advice would you give to a new freshman coming to Motlow Smyrna for the first time?

Answer: "I feel like there is a common misconception that community college isn’t real college. That if you go to community college it isn’t the same thing as going to university, but what people need to realize it that it is better. Being at Motlow gave me the chance to be a part of a family atmosphere. I have had the chance to make a ton of close friends and to get involved in so many things that I doubt I would have been able to at any university."

Question: You are the first president of the newly created Criminal Justice Club. Tell us what the club is all about?

Answer: "Our members have a huge appreciation for everything that our law enforcement community does to keep us safe and this is our chance to connect with them, to learn more about what they do. Last semester, club members participated in a 5K race sponsored by some of the police groups here in Middle Tennessee so that gave us a chance to connect with people in the field but not necessarily in a true “law enforcement” capacity. We’ve had booths at Club Days to get new members. In the future we hope to do some K-9 demos and maybe work with Habitat for Humanity."

Question: What are your plans for after you graduate from Motlow?

Answer: "When I was younger I imagined that I would just go to Florida and California bum around on the beach for a while before coming back here and buying a house to settle down. Now I have changed that and my plan is to take a little break but then go to MTSU to finish my Criminal Justice degree. My other option is to become a production assistant. I have always been interested in the production side of Hollywood, and I have some family connections there so that is always an option. But I definitely decided that education came first!"

Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Answer: "I was lucky enough to travel to Europe several times over the last year. My family lives in Scotland and England, and we had several family weddings that I got to attend. My stepdad and I are both into creepy, adventurous things. During one of our wedding trips, we were wading in one of the waterways and noticed a very old convent that had once been a school. The building was a ruin, large holes in the walls and everything. But since the water was low, we discovered an old staircase that went from the water into the building." (Editor's note- that is something that sounds like a scene from a Nancy Drew mystery!)

"I have never had a job that didn’t connect to celebrities somehow. I have held several positions at celebrity 'meet-and-greets' including helping with crowd control. I learned that crowds don’t mind waiting to meet their favorite celebrities if you make them laugh while they are waiting in line. Thanks to these jobs, I have gotten to hang out with people like Ian Somerhalder and Norman Reedus."