MTSU faculty and staff continued sharing their expertise with local, national and international news agencies in the early summer on topics including nutrition education, racial tensions, the spread of COVID-19, Confederate statues and the American food supply.

Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith

Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith, a professor of nutrition and food science and director of the dietetics program in the Department of Human Sciences, discussed how to get children engaged in food preparation with graduate students Diana Romanach and Carmen Bell on Episode 10 of the “Kiddos in the Kitchen” podcast June 12. The audio can be heard here.

Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and political science professor, explained the history of Flag Day for a June 15 article in the (Idaho Falls, Idaho) Post Register. His comments can be read here.

Dr. John Vile

Kent Syler

Vile also analyzed current racial tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic and the November presidential election race on “MorningLine” June 17 on NewsChannel5+. The video is available here.

Vile and Kent Syler, a professor of political science and international relations, co-authored an editorial on the pros and cons of federalist approaches to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for the June 18 edition of The Tennessean. Their views can be read here.

Dr. Chuck Higgins

Dr. Marisa Richmond

Dr. Chuck Higgins, a professor of astronomy, spoke to ORION on the Radio JOVE Project and NASA citizen science in a June 17 broadcast. The video is available here.

Dr. Marisa Richmond, an adjunct professor of history, called for unity at a June 20 rally to support transgender rights, according to a June 20 article in The Tennessean. Her comments can be accessed here.

Dr. Crystal deGregory

Dr. Sekou Franklin

Dr. Crystal DeGregory, a research fellow at the Center for Historic Preservation, hailed the donation of $120 million by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, to the United Negro College Fund and Spelman and Morehouse colleges in a June 20 article at www.morningstar.com. Her views are available here.

Dr. Sekou Franklin, an associate professor of political science and international relations, recommended books for African Americans to read to gain a more comprehensive understanding of current civil rights events in a June 22 post at www.thegrio.com. His suggestions can be accessed here.

Franklin also voiced opposition to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s police reform plan in a July 3 report on WSMV-TV. The video and transcript can be accessed here.

Ken Paulson

Dr. Janet Colson

Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center, penned an editorial about bringing down Confederate statues by democratic process published June 24 in various newspapers nationwide through the USA Today Network. His comments can be read here.

Paulson also touted a series of advertisements featuring celebrities promoting the First Amendment freedoms in a June 25 story in The Tennessean. His views are available here.

Dr. Janet Colson, a professor of nutrition and food science, explained a project that provides high school students access to college-level nutrition courses in a June 24 story at www.scientia.global. Her remarks can be read here.

Dr. Ben Stickle

Dr. Jessica Carter

Dr. Ben Stickle, an associate professor of criminal justice administration, wrote an article about how to prevent porch piracy that was published June 24 by Loss Prevention magazine. The article can be accessed here.

Dr. Jessica Carter, director of the School of Agriculture and a professor of animal science, commented on the decline and comeback of the American food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic in a June 26 article in the Nashville Ledger. Her comments are available here.

Dr. Steven Livingston

Matthew Wade

Dr. Steven Livingston, associate director of the Business and Economic Research Center and a professor of political science, said the city of Mobile, Alabama, will have to continue complaining about tariffs to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office even after Donald Trump’s presidency ends in a June 27 article at www.al.com. His comments are available here.

Matthew Wade, director of MTSU’s Farm Laboratories, explained the milking operation at the MTSU Farm off Guy James Road for a June 29 report on WSMV-TV in Nashville. The video can be seen here.

Dr. Vincent Windrow

Dr. Louis Woods

Dr. Michelle Stevens

Dr. Vincent Windrow, associate vice provost for student success, participated in a broadcast about race and race relations June 30 on City TV with Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland. The video can be viewed here.

Dr. Louis Woods, an associate professor of history, and Dr. Michelle Stevens, a professor of educational leadership, discussed racism and COVID-19 on the June 30 edition of “The Road to Now,” a podcast co-hosted by Dr. Benjamin Sawyer, a senior instructor of history. The audio can be heard here.

Keith M. Huber

Dr. Ken Blake

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, explained how the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center helps veterans transition to civilian life in a July 4 report on WSMV-TV in Nashville. The video and transcript can be accessed here.

Dr. Ken Blake, a professor of data journalism, analyzed rising COVID-19 rates in Rutherford and Davidson counties for a July 5 report on WMOT-FM. His comments 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.