MTSU faculty continue to address important issues by sharing their expertise with the news media on a variety of topics, including the national economy, remote learning classes, local journalism, civil liberties and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on political decision-making.

Dr. Ron Aday

Dr. Meredith Dye

• Dr. Ron Aday, a professor of sociology, commented on the impact of the coronavirus on nursing home residents and society at large in the May 5 Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His comments can be read here.

Aday and Dr. Meredith Dye, a professor of sociology, assessed the impact of the soaring number of women in prison for a May 15 article in the AJC. Their views can be accessed here.

Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith

Cindy Ayers

• Dr. Lisa Sheehan-Smith, director of MTSU’s didactic program in dietetics, and Cindy Ayers, an instructor of nutrition and food science, shared some of their favorite recipes for Mother’s Day in the May 5 edition of Nashville Lifestyles. The recipes and their comments are available here.

Dr. Murat Arik

Dr. Don Morgan

• Dr. Murat Arik, director of the Business and Economic Research Center, addressed economic uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic for a May 6 article in Forbes Magazine. The story can be accessed here.

• Dr. Don Morgan, a professor of exercise science, promoted walking as a response to cabin fever resulting from social distancing for a May 6 article in Health Journal. His views are available here.

Dr. Ryan Korstange

Dr. Kate Pantelides

• Dr. Ryan Korstange, an assistant professor of university studies, and Dr. Kate Pantelides, an associate professor of English, contributed to a May 6 article about how professors can alter their classes for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic for Inside Higher Ed. The essay can be read here.

Dr. Debra Sells

• Dr. Debra Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for student enrollment, was interviewed for a May 7 report by WSMV-TV about a drop in completion of financial aid applications during the coronavirus pandemic. The video can be viewed here.

Beverly Keel

Dr. John Vile

• Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, wrote a tribute to her mother, Gloria Coles, which was published May 7 in StyleBlueprint. Her comments can be accessed here.

• Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and Constitutional scholar, addressed challenges to civil liberties posed during the COVID-19 pandemic for a May 7 article in the Murfreesboro Pulse. His comments can be read here.

Dr. Richard Barnet

Dr. Steven Sprick Schuster

• Rich Barnet, a professor of recording industry, posited that promoters can still stage outdoor concerts with social distancing in a May 8 article in Mashable. His views are available here.

• Dr. Steven Sprick Shuster, an assistant professor of economics, authored an opinion piece on how former Vice President Joe Biden could obtain progressive support by reestablishing the Postal Savings System for a May 8 post by The Fiscal Times. His comments can be accessed here.

Dr. Katie Foss

Dr. Sidney A. McPhee

• Dr. Katie Foss, a professor of media studies, discussed the societal ramifications of depicting rape in television dramas in a May 10 article in Entertainment Weekly. Her views can be read here.

• Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU president, talked about plans for returning to campus in the fall 2020 semester in a May 11 telephone interview with WKRN-TV in Nashville. The audio can be accessed here.

McPhee also did a May 13 interview on the same subject for WTVF-TV in Nashville. The video can be viewed here.

Stacy Merida

Kent Syler

• Dr. Stacy Merida, an assistant professor of recording industry, participated in an Amplify Music teleconference on the future of higher education in music that was posted May 11 on YouTube. The video is available here.

• Kent Syler, a professor of political science and international relations, commented on how the COVID-19 pandemic is making it difficult for politicians to make decisions in a May 12 article for USA Today. His views can be read here.

Ken Paulson

Dr. Cliff Welborn

• Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center, wrote a remembrance of his interview with rock music icon Little Richard that aired May 12 on WMOT-FM. The transcript and video of the interview can be accessed here.

Paulson also authored an opinion piece on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local journalism that was published in the May 13 edition of the East Aurora (New York) Bee. His views can be read here.

• Dr. Cliff Welborn, a professor of management, was interviewed by HealthLine for a May 12 article about what to do if there is a shortage of disinfectants. His comments are available 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 615-898-5081 or via email at gina.logue@mtsu.edu.