National news agencies recently tapped into the expertise of MTSU faculty on compelling subjects ranging from prayers at governmental gatherings to society’s attitudes on the use of a racial slur.

Dr. Larry Burriss

Dr. Randy Johnson

Dr. Randy Johnson, an associate professor of aerospace, commented on Air New Zealand’s Dreamliner plane for the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. His quotes may be read here.

Dr. Larry Burriss, a professor of journalism, expressed his views on parodies as constitutionally protected speech in the Peoria Journal-Star. The story is available here.

Dr. Jennifer Woodward

Dr. John Vile

Dr. Jennifer Woodard, an assistant professor of journalism, provided perspective on the “N-word” for Raycom News Network. The story was run by Tucson News Now; WNEM-TV in Saginaw, Michigan; WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg/Laurel, Mississippi; WJHL-TV in Johnson City, Tennessee; and KVVU-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada. It can be accessed here.

Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and a constitutional law scholar, offered his opinion for Catholic News Service on a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the recitation of prayers before public meetings. The story also appeared in thedialog.org, archindy.org/criterion and The Catholic Herald. His analysis is available here.

Dr. Justin Gardner, an associate professor of agribusiness, commented on the nature of ownership of American farms for CNBC.com and NBCNews.com. The story is available here.

Bethany Hoppe

Lisa Schrader

Dr. Justin Gardner

Lisa Schrader, director of health promotion, discussed ways to discourage drinking while driving among college students for an editorial in the Orlando Sentinel. Her comments are available here.

Dr. Bethany Hoppe, a lecturer in the Department of Speech and Theatre, spoke at the TedXNashville conference March 22 in Nashville. Hoppe, who was born with spina bifida, offered her views on opportunities for women and girls with disabilities. You can watch a video of her address 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.