MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Representatives from Middle Tennessee State University recently appeared on WGNS radio to discuss new leadership at the Center for Historic Preservation, a Dale Carnegie program partnership milestone, and the upcoming “100 Miles of Hope” blood drive competition.

The live “Action Line” segment with WGNS host Scott Walker was broadcast on FM 100.5 and 101.9 and AM 1450 from the WGNS studio in downtown Murfreesboro. You can listen to the podcast from the Oct. 19 program by clicking the links at the end of each bulleted segment below.

Guests for the program, in order of appearance, included: 

• Dr. Tiffany Momon, new director of MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation, discusses her new role and plans for the center after taking over this year for longtime director Dr. Carroll Van West, who retired earlier this year.

Momon is returning to a role she once dreamed of and following in the footsteps of her mentor, West, who led the center for three decades before his retirement.

Momon graduated from Tennessee State University in 2007 with a degree in political science and dreams of going to Washington, D.C. But it was the start of what would become known as the “Great Recession,” and she ended up in corporate America, bored and unfulfilled. In her new role, Momon hopes to help students build the skills, relationships and professional networks they need for careers in preservation and museums. Listen to the segment.

• Kenneth George, lecturer in the Department of Marketing and the senior Dale Carnegie Trainer at MTSU, and Natalie Stepien, graduate assistant in the Management Department in the Jones College of Business, discussed the 10-year partnership between the Jones College of Business and the Dale Carnegie course.

The Dale Carnegie program is embedded in the Jones College curriculum and prepares students with the communication and leadership skills employers value. George notes that MTSU has a unique distinction as the “only university in the solar system that requires the Dale Carnegie course for its business graduates.” 

The program focuses on human relations and communication, with an emphasis on building confidence, strengthening relationships and understanding the perspectives of others. The partnership also allows students to practice those skills through an experiential approach rather than simply learning about them in a classroom.

The program’s intended outcomes include greater self-confidence, improved people skills, stronger communication and leadership abilities, and reduced stress. George said students can see those skills develop throughout the 12-week course through regular practice, feedback and recognition. Listen to the segment.

• Dr. Gloria Bonner, MTSU emeritus dean of education and Bleed Blue blood drive committee member, discussed her university service as well as the upcoming annual “100 Miles of Hope” blood drive against Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University.

The fall 2026 “100 Miles of Hope” competition is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2-4 in the MTSU Campus Recreation Center. Held annually ahead of the football season rivalry between the Blue Raiders and WKU Hilltoppers, the blood drive is a friendly competition to see which campus community can rally the most lifesaving donations. This marks the 10th win for MTSU since the competition began in 2010.

Last year, MTSU collected 301 units — close to 100 more than WKU’s 211 units of lifesaving blood — with over 150 first-time donors participating. Because this is a competition between MTSU and WKU, the American Red Cross can collect hundreds of blood units, potentially saving over 1,500 lives.

All participants will receive a free T-shirt and a $10 Amazon eGift card, PLUS earn 200 bonus points toward Blood Donor Rewards, PLUS free A1C testing, PLUS a free pizza meal and football tickets to the MTSU home game!) To schedule your appointment, log on to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code MTSU, scan the QR Code below, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Listen to the segment.

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, senior director of communications in the MTSU Office of News and Media Relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at [email protected].