MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University representatives appeared on WGNS Radio recently to share information about a journalism professor’s new book on COVID in the digital media era, the university’s National Women’s History Month events, and a new professional selling course through the Executive Education Program.
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 podcasts of the three featured guest segments from the Feb. 17 program by clicking the appropriate links below.
Guests for the February program included:
• Dr. Katie Foss, director, MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media and media studies professor discussed her new book titled “Capturing COVID: Media @the Pandemic in the Digital Era.”
When health authorities quarantined guests aboard the Diamond Princess on Feb. 5, 2020, the cruise ship abruptly shifted from a dream vacation vessel to a public health nightmare. Over the next three weeks, 712 passengers tested positive for coronavirus, with 14 deaths, and the ship outbreak quickly became the largest cluster of cases outside of China.
Guests began to routinely share quarantine updates on social media, ranging from the quality of the ship’s food to their sense of imprisonment. These Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts became a key source of information for news outlets like the Associated Press, and they helped to set the tone for how the media would cover and frame the pandemic for the next several years.
• Dr. Maigan Wipfli, director of the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, discussed upcoming events for the university’s celebration of National Women’s History Month in March.
Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance sets the theme for each National Women’s History Month. The MTSU National Women’s History Month Committee uses or aligns its theme with that set for the country.
For 2025, the National Women’s History Month Committee proudly presents NWHA’s theme of: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present.
• Thom Coats, professor of practice, a sales expert and director for the MTSU Center for Professional Selling in the Jones College of Business, discussed an upcoming course he’s teaching titled “Mastering the Art of Professional Selling” through MTSU’s Executive Education Program geared toward working professionals.
In the wake of recent layoffs across our region, many professionals are looking for new career opportunities — and one sector continues to show strong demand: sales. Right now, over 1,000 sales positions are posted on LinkedIn in the Murfreesboro area alone.
For job seekers considering a career shift or professionals looking to sharpen their skills, Mastering the Art of Professional Selling, a course from MTSU Executive Education, could be a game-changer.
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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