MTSU faculty and staff recently provided reporters with perspectives on a variety of subjects, including critical race theory, porch piracy, credit cards, the American flag, the national anthem and black-owned media, among other topics.

Dr. John Vile

Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and a political scientist, explained the many facets of The Star-Spangled Banner in a June 30 article in the Murfreesboro Pulse. His insights can be read here.

Vile expressed disdain for the politicization of the American flag in a July 3 article in The New York Times. His views are available here.

Vile also commented on the use of American symbols for political division in a speech to the Rotary Club of McMinnville, Tennessee, that was reported July 4 by the Southern Standard. His remarks can be accessed here.

Dr. Keonte Coleman

Dr. Richard Tarpey

Dr. Keonte Coleman, an assistant professor of journalism, assessed the recent rise in advertising spending with black-owned media in a July 1 story by Zenger News. His comments can be read here.

Dr. Richard Tarpey, an assistant professor of management, said it will be difficult to match business demands and employee needs in a post-pandemic environment in a July 6 article at www.techtarget.com. His views are available here.

Dr. Emily Zietz

Dr. Ben Stickle

Dr. Emily Zietz, a professor of economics and finance, answered questions about applying for credit cards in a July 7 article by Credit Card Insider. Her opinions can be read here.

Dr. Ben Stickle, an associate professor of criminal justice administration, said he doubted that new Georgia laws will deter porch piracy in a July 8 report by Georgia Public Broadcasting. His remarks can be accessed here.

Susan Lyons

Sandra Campbell

Sandra Campbell, executive secretary for the University Honors College, and Susan Lyons, coordinator for the University Honors College, explained the “Little Free Libraries” project in a July 13 story in the Murfreesboro (Tennessee) Post. Their comments can be read here.

Dr. Catherine Ariail

Dr. Andrei Korobkov

Dr. Cat Ariail, a lecturer in the Department of History, said some Olympic Games policies have racist and sexist implications in the way they are enforced in a July 13 story by Business Insider. Her perspective can be accessed here.

Dr. Andrei Korobkov, a professor of political science and international relations, participated in a July 13 conversation about the relationship between the United States and Russia following the summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Video of the conversation, which took place under the auspices of the Tennessee World Affairs Council, can be seen 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.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)