MTSU faculty and staff appeared on WGNS Radio’s “Action Line” program recently to talk about the latest consumer outlook survey, a teacher training and recruitment program, and a broadcast-only holiday celebration and goals of the new alumni association president.

The live program with host Scott Walker was broadcast on FM 100.5, 101.9 and AM 1450 from the WGNS studio in downtown Murfreesboro. If you missed it, you can listen to a podcast of the Dec. 20 program here.

MTSU faculty and staff appeared on WGNS Radio’s Nov. 15 “Action Line” program with host Scott Walker. Guests included, from left in order of appearance, Dr. Tim Graeff, marketing professor and director of the Office of Consumer Research; Heather Green, coordinator, MTeach Program; and Matthew Hibdon, strategic communications manager in the College of Liberal Art and MTSU Alumni Association Board president. (MTSU photo illustration by Jimmy Hart)

Guests included:

• Dr. Tim Graeff, professor of marketing and director of the MTSU Office of Consumer Research, who discussed the latest Tennessee Consumer Outlook online survey.

Outlook among Tennessee consumers recovered slightly from an all-time low the previous quarter, but pessimism remains high this holiday season as inflation fears linger, according to the latest statewide survey by the Office of Consumer Research in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at MTSU. The Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index registered a score of -93 in December, up from an all-time low in September of –106 but still in negative territory.

• Heather Green, MTeach Program coordinator, who discussed the program, which works to increase the number and abilities of mathematics and science teachers across Tennessee and the nation.

MTSU is one of four Tennessee universities selected to replicate the successful UTeach program of the University of Texas at Austin. Designed to increase the quantity and quality of mathematics, science and agriculture teachers in our state and nation, MTeach begins with early field experiences for students and includes subject-specific pedagogical coursework; the program builds strong disciplinary and pedagogical foundations and culminates with ongoing professional development support of new teachers.

• Matthew Hibdon, strategic communications manager for the College of Liberal Arts, and MTSU Alumni Association board president, who discussed MTSU Arts’ “Joys of the Season” broadcast-only holiday celebration as well as his plans and goals as Alumni president.

The December edition of the “Out of the Blue” TV magazine show is a first: a presentation of the beloved “Joys of the Season,” the annual holiday-themed arts showcase of the College of Liberal Arts, that audiences can enjoy from home this year.

And as a proud alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Education, Hibdon took over as alumni board president over the summer. “My main goals are to: support the work of our Alumni Relations staff, continue the good work of the Board members who came before us, and to help prove that you do not have to live in Murfreesboro to be a champion for MTSU.”

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, director of news and media relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu.