MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University representatives recently appeared on WGNS Radio to discuss a new quantum research center, a milestone for the Engage curriculum program, and an upcoming “Joys of the Season” broadcast marathon showcasing MTSU’s arts.
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 podcast segments of the Dec. 15 program by clicking the links below at the end of each section.
Guests for the December program included:
• Dr. John Villanova, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and associate director of research in the QRISE Center, discussed the university taking its quantum research efforts to a new level.
MTSU announced the creation of a quantum center in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences earlier this fall that will be a world-class hub for advancing quantum discovery, innovation, education, workforce and economic development.
Called QRISE — Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education — the center is dedicated to driving breakthroughs, shaping the next generation of technology, and transforming how MTSU faculty and students understand and harness the quantum world.
Quantum Information Science is a rapidly growing field with enormous potential to transform various areas, including computing, national security, finance, energy research, new materials, health care and information technology. MTSU has already secured several million dollars in federal grants to promote its quantum research efforts.
• Lexy Denton, assistant director of the Engage program at MTSU, discussed the activities surrounding the 10thanniversary of the academic program this year.
The academic enhancement program has goals that include fostering a culture of engaged learning and integrative thinking, enhancing student satisfaction with their learning, and increasing retention and graduation rates.
Students may also improve their 1) integrative/reflective thinking, 2) personal and professional development, and 3) effective communication.
Engage also includes a senior recognition program (special graduation cords, recognition during commencement, transcript notation and digital badge) and ePortfolio, which is an electronic collection of evidence that shows a student’s learning journey over time. Engage ePortfolios also include critical reflections of the student’s learning.
• Dr. Leah Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Kristi Shamburger, associate professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, discussed this year’s “Joys of the Season” holiday arts showcase and its airing on multiple platforms.
The 30-minute broadcast premiered in early December on MTSU’s True Blue TV and YouTube channel. The holiday show is a special edition of the university’s monthly TV magazine show, “Out of the Blue.”
The program highlights the work and creativity of MTSU’s School of Music, Department of Art and Design and Department of Theatre and Dance. The holiday special was recorded at several locations across campus, including Hinton Hall inside the Wright Music Building, Tucker Theatre and the XR Stage inside the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
The 2025 “Joys of the Season” broadcast features a variety of musical, dance, and theatrical performances, as well as a demonstration showing viewers how to create unique holiday artwork using items already found around the house.
Listen to the segment, which begins at the 10:08 mark.
Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, senior director of MTSU News and Media Relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu.
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