MTSU faculty and staff members appeared on WGNS Radio recently to talk about business and economic research, the MT Engage Quality Enhancement Program and upcoming Black History Month events in early 2023.

They appeared on the live “Action Line” program with host Scott Walker 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. 19 program.

Guests included:

• Dr. Murat Arik, director of the MTSU Business and Economic Research Center and holder of the Jones Chair of Excellence in Regional and Urban Planning, who discussed BERC’s research activities, a recent national award for its website, and the Jones Chair of Excellence’s new advisory committee on urban planning.

Founded in 1970, the Business and Economic Research Center functions as a public service by researching the regional economy and operates on a contract basis for clients in the local community.

Established in 1997, the Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning seeks to promote applied research and service focused on regional and urban planning, provide a forum to generate discussion and solutions, and support the on-campus development of curriculum materials and faculty more conversant with the issues of the region. 

• Dr. Julie Myatt, director of Middle Tennessee State University’s MT Engage program, who discussed the university’s recent decision that made the MT Engage Quality Enhancement Plan a permanent part of the curriculum.

Launched in 2016 as part of the university’s second Quality Enhancement Plan, MT Engage is designed to support students’ academic engagement in their courses through investing in faculty development and promoting high-impact teaching practices to better support students from all backgrounds.

MT Engage courses include active learning practices, such as assignments that are problem-based, collaborative, or involve undergraduate research, and help students reflect on their learning by documenting their ongoing growth in an ePortfolio. Currently, 336 courses are certified. 

• Danielle Rochelle, director of the MTSU Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, who discussed her new role and upcoming IDA programs.

Rochelle assumed her new role in the fall after serving in the MT One Stop where among other responsibilities she managed the Student Food Pantry. As IDA director, Rochelle leads the office’s mission to promote cultural awareness, understanding and a sense of belonging for all students at MTSU. Quickly approaching is the office’s coordination of MTSU’s annual Black History Month observance, which features several special events as well as guest speakers, panels and a variety of student-centered events.

The Unity Luncheon will again honor several “unsung hero” members from the Midstate community. This year, at least five honorees age 50 or older who have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for 20 years or more and who have made outstanding contributions to their community. Honorees will be recognized and receive their awards at the Unity Luncheon, which will be held on Feb. 8, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

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.