News agencies recently reached out to MTSU faculty and staff for their views on several topics, including American patriotism, social media, the Biden Administration’s infrastructure bill, vaccine clinics and floor signs, among other subjects.

Dr. Keonte Coleman

Dr. Richard Tarpey

• Dr. Keonte Coleman, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, commented on the idea of social media platforms requiring user verification in a July 26 article at www.marcomweekly.com. His remarks can be read here.

• Dr. Richard Tarpey, an assistant professor of management, said employees’ expectations of their jobs have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began in a July 28 story by www.associationsnow.com. His views are available here.

Tarpey said it is difficult to determine whether employees fired for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine will get unemployment benefits in an Aug. 9 story in USA Today. His comments can be read here.

Dr. Martha Norkunas

Amanda Marie Martinez

• Dr. Martha Norkunas, a professor of oral and public history, hosted an April 8 webinar titled “Diverse Histories for a Diverse Nation” under the auspices of www.historymemoryculture.org. The video, which was posted to YouTube July 29, can be accessed here.

• Amanda Marie Martinez, a lecturer in the Department of Recording Industry, commented on the presence of Latinos and Latinas in country music in a July 30 report by WTVF-TV in Nashville. The video and transcript can be seen here.

Ed Arning

Lynda Williams

• Ed Arning, director of marketing development, explained the growing demand for floor signs on campus in an Aug. 6 story at www.inplantimpressions.com. His remarks can be read here.

• Lynda Williams, a professor of criminal justice administration and former president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, condemned the use of qualified immunity to shield bad police officers in an Aug. 6 story at www.americanbar.org. Her views can be accessed here.

Coach Rick Stockstill

Dr. Katie Foss

• Rick Stockstill, head football coach, reflected on the passing of retired Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden, who died Aug. 8 at the age of 91. Stockstill’s remembrance was published Aug. 8 in The Tennessean and can be read here.

• Dr. Katie Foss, a professor of media studies, authored an article on the impacts of shutting down school vaccine clinics that was posted Aug. 9 at www.theconversation.org and numerous other outlets around the country. Her essay is available here.

Dr. John Vile

Dr. Perry Cotham

• Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and a political scientist, assessed the impact of COVID-19 on American patriotism in an Aug. 10 editorial published in the Clarksville (Tennessee) Leaf Chronicle and The Tennessean. His views can be accessed here.

• Dr. Perry Cotham, a retired professor in the Department of Communication Studies, criticized Fox News hosts for giving Capitol Hill police officers “acting awards” for their testimony before Congress about the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol building. The editorial was published Aug. 10 in The Tennessean and is available here.

Kent Syler

• Kent Syler, a professor of political science and international relations, emphasized the political importance of Congressional passage of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill in an article in USA Today and reprinted Aug. 11 by Wealth Creation Investing. His perspectives can be read here.

Reporters seeking expertise from MTSU personnel, as well as members of the campus community with expertise for media, may contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Media Relations at 615-631-8322 or via email at gina.logue@mtsu.edu.